to love to be loved ( Xiao x Lumine )

Chapter 5: Night Breeze

It has been a couple of days since Lumine was last awake. Paimon spent most of her time in Xiao's room looking after Lumine. Tears flow down from time to time feeling immensely anxious. For that time being, Xiao went to look for answers regarding Lumine's condition. Verr Goldet on the other hand was taking care of other customers. In her free time, she would help cleanse Lumine up.

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Xiao's POV ~
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It's been two days... why hasn't she woken up? *Growls* Karma huh.. not only do I have to suffer about the past... but the present too? Why her? Why now? I said I was willing to protect her as it was my duty as an Adeptus... but not in this way...

What am I even saying, it's my fault this happens. So much hatred for one self.

I've been asking people about these symptoms that she's facing but they just responded with "Very High Fever." What am I supposed to do with that information? Verr Goldet has tried several medications down her throat and even showers her— what is missing?

I also brought Qiqi to come over to heal and examine her. Thankfully, her body temperature went back to normal, but that does not change the fact that she hasn't woke up, and that itself worries me. Who would have thought humans these days could be this fragile?

Fortunately, Qiqi said that she's breathing normally now and that she probably just needs a long rest. That eases my heart. 

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The third night at Wangshu Inn.

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Paimon fell into a deep sleep due to exhaustion after crying endless times. It is also currently very late at night; both Verr Goldet and her husband took a rest as today has been a rather long day for them. Meanwhile, Xiao is at its balcony area, listening to the sound of the wind. He was in deep thought.

Suddenly, he heard a slight sound of footsteps from the back. He turns around instantly with his mask on his face, "who's there!" He shouted, holding his polearm in defense. All he could see is a large shadowy figure coming in a distance. He was in preparation to strike the enemy when he saw pale hands pressing against the wall. His mask disappears as his stance became more relaxed.

He looked closer, it was Lumine. She was wearing a long white sleeping gown with long sleeves. Her gown goes all the way down to her toes.

"...X..Xiao..." she said in a very soft weak tone.

Xiao was shocked. He didn't know how to react since nothing good ever happens when one fell ill. They all died.

Xiao stood there in silence. Lumine gave him a weak smile as she slowly walks towards him.
Tears suddenly came running down his eyes. Her eyes widened. After realizing it, Xiao immediately looked away, trying to wipe his tears but it keeps on pouring. He felt pain in his chest, he felt so relieved that it's hurting him. All of a sudden, he felt her hands touching his back. It was warmth. He didn't want to look back at her as he didn't want her to see him in a very vulnerable state.

"Xiao...It's okay. I'm here.." Her hands began to wrap around his waist as her body leans onto his back.

" *giggles* I didn't know that Adeptus Xiao would be worried for me. "

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Both of them listen to the howling wind while letting the breeze gets to the best of them. It felt odd to Xiao. It felt comfortable yet he thought to himself if this is what he deserves. He isn't sure if Lumine being here is a blessing for him or another karma to come soon. All he can do now is to take care of the present.

Soon after, his tears began to dry up. He's properly breathing now. He slowly turns around as he held on to both her hands. He looked directly into her eyes with his puffy eyelids. She's alive. She's in front of me. He took a deep breath, trying to utter some words. However, nothing came out. Lumine could tell that he has been wanting to say something but he couldn't as she knows, it's hard to speak up when you have a lump on your throat. She let out another weak smile.

Seeing Xiao this way hurts her. She lets go of her hands and proceed to wrap them around his body, hugging him. Xiao's hands slowly rise as he began to wrap around her too. He pulls her even closer, resting his chin on her shoulders. He hugged her rather tightly. All these years and this finally happened. That confuses him but he felt appreciative towards it.

"...Lu..Lumine.." he utters her name.

"yes, Xiao...?" He finally said my name.

"...I'm sorry...for everything..." his voice cracks.

"... it's understandable...
Thank you, for worrying about me." She brings herself even closer to his body.

and

He smiled.