"I see. Human's stupidity is infinite in its randomness." Is the first thing Xiao said upon meeting Lumine. "But it is of no consequence to me."
Lumine lets out an awkward smile. "I thought it was a good idea."
"I believe I have told you I can't be near crowds of people."
"I have no plan to go to town. Here is fine."

She took a seat at the fallen trunk and watched the lively city from afar. The sound of wind bustling between them takes over the silence. Though it can't be said the same for Xiao. His eyes on her, watching the little human with much disinterest, yet inside is completely the opposite.

"Child, I can hear you." His gaze is piercing her. "If it is how you feel, I believe you need a better companion."

She shook her head. Albeit her lips are forming a thin smile, her eyes couldn't hide the deep sorrow she has been hiding from anyone. Her frustration, her desperation, is all coming to him like a big wave, impossible to be ignored even for someone like him. The sadness buried deep inside her makes her appear too fragile in his eyes.

He is used to human's struggle, to watch most of them lose their purpose and fall to disgrace, over and over. Lumine is no different in his eyes, the little one who is trying her best not to falter on the ground even as her defensive walls crumble apart. One can only hold out that much. Soon enough, the dam will break and let loose.

"Go to the town and have some fresh air."
"But--"
"I will be here waiting for you."

Her eyes widened. She lowers her head then stands, her expression slightly better when she looks back at him before leaving with Paimon. The sight of her disappearing back somehow reminds him of his past memory. He takes it easier because he was born from unimaginable hurdles. As for her...

That night, the full moon can be seen clearly from Mount Tianheng where he has been spending his days. Lumine's footsteps from the distance getting closer, brought by the gentle breeze of Spring. His eyes are on the city below, as usual, sitting on the trunk in silence, not moving an inch even when Lumine took the seat next to him.

Xiao can feel the change in her, the shift in her heart. Compared to hours ago before he dismissed her, she is in better condition. Albeit the differences are barely noticeable.

"Will it be raining tonight?" She tries to start a conversation.
"I don't think so."

They both stare at the moon. The beauty of nature is presented right in front of their eyes, yet both seeing it in a completely different light. Xiao's indifference feels a little comforting because her longing often destroys the happiness she wants to grasp. Right here, alone in an unknown world without Aether by her side, no amount of festival can make up the hole gaping in her heart.

She feels something on her head. The warm hand is softly rustling her hair. Lumine turns her head around. Xiao still has his attention in the city even though his hand hasn't stopped caressing her hair. He obviously is not trying to sound any kind of console, Lumine knows he is a man of few words. The gesture alone speaks more than thousands of words can. It comforts her better than sweet nothings she often heard.

"Thank you..." Her fists clenched on her lap. "It's been so long, I have lost count." Her words just flow from her mouth even though she doesn't mean to speak. "My brother... I still have no clue where he is, whether he's safe or not. The only assurance I have is that he's still alive. Then again, it's nothing but empty assurance."
"It is not empty. Whatever keeps you moving forward, hang onto it. Don't let go."
"...What if--"
"I understand what you feel, at least I can assure you that much. Despite the difference between the things that happened to us." He points at the city using his chin. "It's starting."

As soon as he said that, the Divine Deer arrived. It moves, lights up the lanterns on its way up the dark city. Hundreds of lanterns are released, slowly flying to the sky. The glows are like giant fireflies, reaching higher and higher to the starry sky.

Lumine watches in awe. Her sadness once again fills her heart, wishing for Aether's existence by her side to see this beautiful sight. The light in her eyes almost dimmed, but the hand holding hers is stopping her from succumbing to her sorrow.

"Look up."

Lumine raises her head again. The Divine Deer is far ahead, disappearing into the dark night then follows by fireworks shot from its tail. Her breath stops briefly, amazed by the beauty. Smile slowly formed on her face, bit by bit accepting that even though she feels lonely, she is not by herself in this foreign land.

"Xiao-sama--"

The gratitude about leaving her mouth stopped by Xiao's kiss on her lips.

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