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Aether didn't know how he ended up in this situation.
Xiao's hand trailed upward. He'd changed into something more comfortable, a loose t-shirt easily making way for the Yakasha's gentle hand. His hand stopped, fingers brushing against a scar just below his rib. He didn't need to ask the question, his golden eyes looking up at Aether's in a silent question. He took in a shuddering breath.
"A betrayal." He said, scar aching with the memory. "Some people had found out we weren't from their planet, and convinced themselves we were some sort of Gods." A deep breath. "There was this one man, in particular, who made a lot of... requests. I was happy to help, at first. It was small things, chores that he wanted help with. One day, he asked me if I could cure his daughter, since she was sick. I told him I couldn't, and he... well. Tried killing me. He was aiming for my heart, but missed."
"I see." Xiao said. Carefully, he pressed a gentle kiss against the scar. Aether's breath stopped for a minute, and he covered his face with an arm, feeling embarrassed at the gentle treatment.
The hand left the scar, and he felt as that hand trailed down the arm not covering his face. Gentle hands pried open his clenched fist, revealing another scar. Aether removed his arm, peeking down at Xiao, who was looking at him. His thumbs were pressed into his palm, right where the scar was. Aether untensed.
"A training accident..." a pause. "I think. It was a really long time ago, back when me and Lumine weren't separated." He let out a little deprecating laugh, and Xiao's hands squeezed his in encouragement. "We realized pretty early on that each world we landed on wouldn't be sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes we'd arrive in the midst of a war, or people saw two shooting stars become people and were convinced we were some sort of curse. So we began to train ourselves. This was before we had someone to teach us, so we could only learn based off of what we saw. I was pretty clumsy, still trying to figure out which weapon suited me best, and ended up cutting myself with a knife." He laughed a little. "I think I cried. Lumine scolded me, but I could tell she was worried. Her brow always twitches when she's trying to hide her worry."
"She sounds like a nice person." Xiao said, kissing the scar on the inside of his palm. Aether let out a shaky breath.
"...Yeah."
Xiao let go of his hand, and Aether sucked in a breath as feather light touches trailed up his arm, stopping at his shoulder. Despite the lightning striking his back, it'd still managed to snake its way up to his shoulders. They weren't as obvious as the ones on his back, but still visible nonetheless.
"Raiden Shogun." He breathed out, tense. "She struck me with lightning while we were fighting." Xiao's eyes narrowed, a dark look in his eyes. Aether could feel the murderous aura surrounding him. "...Xiao. Do not try to fight the Shogun. Why are you getting so worked up?"
"She's in this world. She hurt you. I can go take revenge." His golden eyes were intense, and Aether felt a little weak in the knees at the look. He smiled, hand softly rubbing the Yakasha's head.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but really, it's fine. We're on good terms now." Xiao relaxed, humming.
"May I see the full scar?" He asked, voice uncommanding. Aether grimaced.
"...Are you sure?" He asked in a near whisper. Xiao nodded.
He sat himself up, causing Xiao to sit up as well. Slowly, he removed his t-shirt, back facing the Yakasha. Despite knowing the Adepti wouldn't judge him, a part of him still worried. Worried that this was something too hideous.
He flinched as a hand traced the lines on his back, heart thumping wildly. For a moment it felt like his heart had stopped. The hand splayed across his back, soft touches making him shiver. The hand stopped at his shoulder blade, and Aether knew that he was no longer touching the lightning scar.
"I used to have wings," he explained. "When me and my sister tried to leave, that Unknown God sealed away our powers and took away our wings." A kiss was pressed against the scar, and Aether felt the tension leave his body.
He shifted around so that he was facing the other, feeling embarrassed at the expression on Xiao's face. The Yakasha leaned forward, cupping Aether's face in his hands. "You're beautiful." Aether felt so warm.
"Thank you." He said. He was thanking Xiao for a lot of things, really. The look on Xiao's face told Aether he understood. Aether slumped forward, wrapping the man in a hug. Xiao's embrace was warm, and felt just like home.
"Anything for you, Aether."