to love to be loved ( Xiao x Lumine )

Chapter 3: Xiao, where are you?

Lumine ran up and down the hills, moving in circles calling for Xiao. She suddenly felt so anxious thinking if something bad has happened to him. She is aware that he's strong and that he can protect himself but somehow the anxiety of hers isn't going away.

Soon after, the sky starts to darken. She ran towards any nearby caves she could find as it began to downpour. Finally, with her soaked clothes, she enters a rather suspicious-looking cave. It looks as if someone's been here. The rain became heavier than before as the cold breeze starts to wander. Lumine went deeper into the cave and saw some torches that have been lighted up. She gulps hoping it isn't some treasure hoarders or any monsters.

To her surprised, she saw a man sitting down leaning on the wall. He has bloodstains everywhere on his clothes. The cave was dim and shadowy hence her poor sight.

"... —XIAO!" She shouted his name when she realized it was him all along. She ran to him, kneeled, and begin to check his breath. "Oh, I am so glad that you're alive." She felt relieved. Not even a few seconds, Xiao woke up, took his polearm, and threatens to attack Lumine. "Don't touch me!" He fumed.

Lumine backs off. "I– I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"Don't stay close to me. All that awaits you is regret—" Blood spluttered out from his mouth just after he finishes uttering his words.

Xiao kept coughing non-stop. He didn't let go of his polearm, holding it even tighter to threaten Lumine to go. It's getting worse as time passes. Lumine couldn't hold it much longer and decided to pursue him even if she were to be stabbed. She rushes out and hugged him tightly. Observing the way he is, she assumes that he's forcing himself into doing something he doesn't want to. Hence, the reason why his body is in so much pain. She thought hugging could most likely cool him down.

"let go! I'll stab you!" He tried pushing Lumine away.

"It's fine!" She cries out while hugging him even tighter.

That came into Xiao's realization that he lost. After a moment of hesitation, he let go of his polearm and dropped his body weight to the wall. His hands were on the ground as his legs were stretched out.

"... I'm sorry..." Xiao muttered softly.

Xiao gave in to his fatigue and pain as he allows Lumine to wrapped him up with her warmth. As much as he hates touch and being cared for, he was already in too much pain. Also, he will never agree to anyone dying just to save him. That thought alone made Xiao vulnerable.  

It got silent after a while as the heavy rain is still ongoing hitting trees. "you can let go of me now. I'm fine." He spoke in a very soft tone.

Lumine let go of him. Her eyes were glued to his. She felt so anxious, so scared but also relieved that he's right there in front of her. "I'm... used to this pain.....This is my karma." Xiao begins to explain to her in summary about his tragic past and how he's living in suffocation in this era. "Please refrain from being sad." He frowns.

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"... mortals... they can get sick from rain. Won't a feeble mortal like you get sick?" He asked out of concern.

"Like you, I'm used to it, Adeptus Xiao." Lumine feeling a little annoyed being called a feeble mortal.

He scoffs.

"Why did you come here. I was searching for you."
Lumine changes the topic.

".... why would I expect a mere mortal like you to care for an Adeptus like me, the Conqueror of Demons........The next time, stay away from me. See me as a weapon and nothing more. You will just end up in regrets."

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