Chapter Text
“We need one more player for our DnD campaign. Do you want to join?”
Aether looked up from his latte, a hum escaping his as he snapped his laptop shut. His stare tried to dissect his companion’s face, who only returned a deadpanned frown at him from behind an untouched bowl of instant ramen. “DnD? Like Dungeons and Dragons?”
“The Tabletop RPG, yes.” Xiao snapped the plastic chopsticks in half and began to dig in.
“I never knew you were into those kinds of games.” Aether spat before he could catch himself.
It didn’t look like Xiao was offended. It was as though the raven-haired sophomore expected that maybe the lonesome wolf of the entire campus wasn’t supposed to play a game meant for at least six other people, no?
“I wasn’t. Until roommates happened.” Ah that made sense. “Qiu bought the Player’s Handbook – uh, the guidebooks –“ he added when Aether cocked his head. “Then Venti got interested and the two were determined that we have an ‘obligatory hangout every week to ensure that our friendships stay intact’ or…something.”
Aether muffled a chuckle behind his hand. Of course, it was in no way out of mockery. Quite frankly, he found it so endearing that despite Xiao’s cold exterior, he and his flatmates would go out of their way to spend some quality time together. A little ritual of some sorts to show how dedicated they were to their friendship.
That really was something.
“So, we’ve been playing for half a year every Saturday night. We’ve finished Storm King’s Thunder, Where Can She Be, Against the Giants and-“ Xiao caught himself, a light pink dusting his ears. “Sorry. I’m rambling.”
Lunch with Xiao was always colorful, and the more he sat with the mysterious and brooding Psychology major, Aether felt as though he was learning a bit more about him every day. Today’s meal led the two to a nearby inn known as Wangshu Bed and Breakfast, and since Xiao offered that he knew the owners, Aether wasn’t against a place his friend trusted.
For his current lesson on Xiao-ology, he saw just how enthusiastic this individual can be if he is invested in an activity, despite coming off aloof at times.
Heh – it wasn’t like he never thought of Xiao as caring in the first place.
“Don’t laugh.”
Ah, his smile dropped apologetically. “Sorry. It’s just that I think it’s nice that you guys take time off for each other, you know. Especially since it’s so busy…”
Being a fresh Media and Communications Major was taking its toll on him, and though he can remember a time that he practically begged his sister to let him shift courses, the workload was still not something to laugh at.
What with commissions to be done, graphics to be designed, articles to be written, people to talk to, and project—
“Aether.”
Oh. Was he spacing out?
He watched Xiao bring the bowl to his lips before taking a long slurp. With a soft sigh, the black-haired boy reassured him. “You don’t have to say yes if you don’t want to.”
“No! I want to!” That came off a bit too enthusiastic. But Aether was nothing if not honest. “I think it’s a great breath of fresh air! I never really got time to play something that needed so much…dedication to, so I think I’ll have to readjust my schedule but…”
He sunk back into the sofa, fingers laced around the latte poking small holes into the beverage with his toothpick. “I’ve never played Dungeons and Dragons, and I don’t really want to impose since I know that game takes a lot of preparation.”
“Xingqiu’s the Dungeon Master for these sessions, and we’re just starting since it’s a new campaign. I can teach you about the game if you want. Are you free tomorrow after Calculus?” Xiao set his food down and fiddled with his phone.
Tomorrow?
Ah. Hmm.
Well, since his classes ended earlier than Xiao’s on Tuesdays, and Lumine, Amber, and Ajax don’t come home until seven, then he supposed that he’s got time to kill before it’s back to homework.
He flashed Xiao a bright smile. “Yeah, I am. And I guess if it is you, I’ll be in good hands, right?”
His friend coughed, pressing his phone on his lips.
“Something wrong?”
Xiao held a free hand to his mouth and turned the phone towards Aether. “Venti wants milk.”
Without another word, the blond grabbed the phone with a wide smirk, much to the horrified screams of his companion.
“Give it back!” Xiao lunged over the table, careful not to knock over any books or cups as he swung his hands around Aether’s neck, shaking the cackling freshman.
However, Aether was just a bit too stubborn and was not about to let some twink’s grip end his mischief – no matter how strong said twink actually is, which was very.
Xiao heard a series of ‘clicks’ from behind his seething and with a light laugh, Aether hit send.
The other stopped, a predatorial glare locked on the blond who only slid the android across the table. “What did you do?”
Before Aether could answer, the phone buzzed.
[Venti]
[1:37 PM] AETHERERASFSAEEER!!! uwu Yes I will, your cat is well fed
Xiao furled his brows. He looks at Aether. Back at the Phone. Back at Aether. “What cat?”
Aether shrugged; eyes narrowed as he calmly took the last sip of his latte. “My cat.”
“You have a cat that Venti watches?”
His question was only met with a chuckle.
“Answer me. And why the fuck did you grab my phone like that?”
“No thanks.” Aether glanced at his watch and his mischievous smile collapsed. “I need to go. I have Chemistry today with Lisa. I’m free tomorrow, so come at around four so my roommates aren’t home yet, okay! I’ll consider it as our little study date! Snacks aren’t on me though, so anyways – see you tomorrow!”
Xiao unfurled. “Wait! I’m not done with y-!“
Too late. The blond already grabbed his bag and bolted out the front door.
----
BONUS:
[Venti]
[1:31 PM] milk
[1:32 PM] out of milk
[1:33 PM] send help
[Xiao]
[1:35 PM] soy?
[DELETED] [1:35 PM] Hi venti <3 It’s aether ! Love you :D Take care of my cat for me and make sure you feed him almond tofu okay?
[Venti]
[1:37 PM] AETHERERASFSAEEER!!! uwu Yes I will, your cat is well fed
[Xiao]
[1:40 PM] what cat
[Venti]
[1:41PM] !!!
[1:41PM] Roll persuasion
[Xiao]
[1:42PM] 20.
[Venti]
[1:45PM] Too low! Guess you’ll never know. 😊
[Venti]
[3:40 PM] WAIT WAIT WATI SOY SOYY SOYOSYOYY
[Xiao]
[3:41 PM] u didn’t reply. I got half n half
[Venti]
[3:45 PM] Milk is milk !
[3:46 PM] wait
[3: 47 PM] HGIJL;ASFLK;FAKAFSL;FAS; DID HE SEE YOUR BG
[3:50 PM] XIAO ?
[4:01 PM] OH SHIT XIAO ARE YOU OK
[4:02 PM] DON’T DIE ON US WHERE ARE YOU
[6 Missed Calls from Albedo]