to love to be loved ( Xiao x Lumine )

Chapter 4: Fever

Back at Wangshu Inn

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It was still pouring heavily when Xiao reached Wangshu Inn. He tries to avoid anyone he knows there as he didn't want to be questioned about Lumine. It's not his fault she's weak, he thought.

Going back to his room, he came across Paimon who was staring into space. The sound of his steps woke Paimon up.

"— Xiao! You're back! Where is she? Isn't she supposed to be with you?" Paimon asked worriedly.

Xiao stays silent.

"...did you not see her anywhere? She was looking all over for you!"

"... she's... in a cave. Don't worry she's safe—"

"SAFE? How is she safe in any dark cave—especially when it's way darker because it's raining! There's probably no monsters since you were there but she's all alone in her thoughts—"

"Thoughts..?"

"She's probably having nightmares right now!
There was once where she was sucked into endless darkness....and then having to separate with her brother...*sigh*
She always acts so strong but when she's alone..." Said Paimon in a sad tone.

Xiao lowers his head. "nightmares.." he muttered to himself.

"... I'll go to her.." and he disappeared.

"W—wait for me!.... oh."

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Xiao reaches the entrance of the cave when he heard the sounds of Hilichurls. They were stomping their feet and laughing. He wondered why they're even there but thinking about it now doesn't do anything at that moment thus ignoring it.

Xiao ran in. It appears that they were surrounding Lumine while she is sitting down. She doesn't seem to be awake. Xiao growls at them, the Hilichurls charged towards him and some were about to throw explosive slimes. Luckily, Xiao was able to quickly finish them off or Lumine will wake up in shock.
He then picks them up one by one and throws them off the cliff.

Walking back to Lumine, Xiao checks again his surroundings to see if there are any more suspicious traces left behind. He stopped and looks down at Lumine. He lower himself to check if she's still breathing. He sighed in relief.

Xiao made himself comfortable with sitting next to her. He didn't know what to do. He sits there awkwardly observing the area and then looking at her. He then took off his gloves, reached out to her arm, and in his shock, she was cold as ice.

"...hey....hey you... wake up" he tried shaking her off.

Lumine's form broke off as her hands fall and her head dropped to his shoulders. He looks at the opposite side feeling rather flustered. He tries to stay calm. He turns back and he instantly scented a flower-like fragrance from her hair. His heart was beating fast not sure what he was doing.

Xiao took his right hand and lift Lumine's bangs. He brought his forehead closer and leaned against hers.

"... her body is cold but her forehead is hot.. does that mean she's sick..?" He thought to himself.

Using his left hand, pushing her body up and then lifting her legs so that he can carry her. —He then teleports back to Wangshu Inn.

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At Wangshu Inn.

———-

He was looking for Paimon but Paimon wasn't there. Hence, he carried her to his room. He lay her down on his bed and went to find Verr Goldet and tell her of the situation. Xiao leaves the room while Verr Goldet helps with undressing Lumine as she was drenched beforehand. She also calls for Paimon for help to wash Lumine up with warm towels.

15 minutes pass, Verr Goldet went out of his room down to where Xiao always eats his food, told him that she's in a better and comfortable condition.

"Thank you." He told her.

"Paimon is also currently lying next to her. Just letting you know." Said Verr Goldet.

"Thank you... again."

Xiao heads up to his room.
He opens his door and proceed to enter. He observed down at Lumine who's lying down on his bed, covered with his blanket. She looks as if she's in pain yet peaceful. His heart felt heavy. This is one of those times he would rather be alone somewhere in the far distance. However, seeing Lumine in a poor state made him incredibly frustrated in himself.

"...Do you think she will be alright..?" He asked Paimon.

"... I don't know... she's not waking up..." Paimon said as she tries to not cry.

"....I apologize... I should have stayed with her."

"...." Paimon didn't respond to him.

Walking closer to where they are, he went to sit on the chair right beside his bed. He reaches out for her hand and held on to it. He felt guilty and regretful. Regret..? You staying by my side...? It was me all along who will regret in the end. I should have protected you like I've sworn before... what is wrong with me... He closes his eyes as he lays his head on the top rail of the chair.