𝙰 𝚆𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝙱𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙻𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚄𝚗𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍 - 𝚇𝚒𝚊𝚘 𝚡 𝙵𝚎𝚖!𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜 𝚃𝚘 𝙺𝚎𝚎𝚙 ~ 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟸𝟾

Xiao's POV

I'm not in the mood to interact or speak with anyone. I'm completely on edge after everything that just went down. If it was a different person summoning meprescence, I would not have any problem declining their request, but Ms. Goldet has been the closest thing to a family for me. For that, I am forever in debt to her.

Her golden locks sway as I stand before her. "You wished to talk to me?" The blandness in my voice doesn't appear to bother her at all. "Yes, yes I did so I thank you for obliging Xiao."

I nod and she shifts her feet as she usually does before saying something. "We both know that you are hasty to make judgments or not allow a person to give a reason for her actions." I stiffen, now aware of what this conversation is about. "Y/n has never kissed anyone Xiao nor has she ever wept over one as she has for you." 

My silence seems similar to a queue for her to continue. "Childe was using her, playing her almost. Tonight was a game of fetch with her Gnosis for him. He attempted to kiss Y/n but she stopped him."

Now we are both quiet in thought as I take in everything she said. I can't help but feel guilty for what I said to Y/n after hearing the full side of her story. I want to do something to make this right. No- I have to do something to make this right. 

Perhaps she saw the determination or spark of sudden courage in my eyes, but she smiles either way in acknowledgment. "In that case, I guess I can count on you to set things straight then."

I thank her, leaving immediately, and head to the streets of Liyue. I have a plan even though it may not be my favourite one, I'm sure that it'll work. Standing inside of the Wansheng Funeral Parlor, I begin to search for the ghost-loving girl or Zhongli. After peeking through several rooms, I let out an annoyed groan as I cannot find either of them. I'm ready to resort to my last plan until I feel a tap on my shoulder, turning me around. "Xiao, what brings you here?"

Zhongli.

"I need your help," I state blatantly which causes him to raise an eyebrow. 

Childe's POV

Should I feel even the slightest remorse for betraying Y/n like that? Yeah, I probably should. 

But do I?

No. Not even a little. I twirl the Gnosis between my fingers as I stroll towards the Funeral Parlor. Zhongli mentioned that he had to discuss an important matter with me immediately. I'm curious as to what it could be. I don't recall doing anything that could've upset him but then again, he is the God of contracts and all so I wouldn't be surprised if it's some nit-picky problem. 

I creak the Parlor's front door open to be greeted by Hu Tao. "Hello there Childeeee~" she sing-songs, placing the tips of her fingers on both hands together. "Hu Tao," I greet while bowing my head slightly. I rarely receive a visit from the Parlor's 77th Director herself, but when I do, I'm able to recognize the oddities of her behavior more distinctly than ever. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it just closes most leeway for any conversation with her I find. 

"Do you happen to know where Zhongli is?"

She pauses, places her pointer finger over her lips in thought, and looks upwards; occasionally tapping the finger. "Do I? Why that is certainly is the question I see. I may know but sometimes I don't believe I do. What do you think, Childe?"

I'm silent, more confused than ever. 

She smiles cheekily, the corners of her lips becoming taut enough to nearly touch her ears. "Honesty is always the first step to acquiring a solution or answer. Wouldn't you agree, Tartaglia?"

Her grinning and ghoulish friend peeks over Hu Tao's shoulder as they share a smile, brimming with unspoken words. "Or would Ajax be better? I'm sure whichever you chose for Y/n would be proper. Unless that's another lie we should adorn to your collection personally gifted to sweet and now contorted Y/n-"

"That's quite enough Hu Tao." I quietly thank the Archons. How she knew about Y/n, I have no idea and I truly don't want to ask. The girl nods before walking away as if nothing ever happened, playing a hand game with her ghost. 

"How have you been Childe?" Zhongli asks me. "Rather well, thanks. You?"

He dips his head and responds. "Fine as well. Would you please join me in the lounge for some tea? We will discuss the matter then and there." 

"Of course!" I follow him as he slides a bamboo screen open, displaying a minimal but still elegant room. Two cream leather couches surround a wooden table now topped with a tea set. The drinks are visibly steaming and placed on either side of the cushioned chairs. 

"Please," he gestures to one couch, "have a seat." 

I do as he says, sitting down directly across from him. I pick up the tea when he does and take a few long sips. The whole time, he's maintaining eye contact with me which is odd but I try not to make much of it. "Now, as you know, most affairs I conduct or take part in, tend to be driven by more duty than emotion." He places his cup down, pausing. "This principle of my own does not alter in any way at all as Zhongli or Rex Lapis. Therefore, when I am faced with an obstacle or obstruction that may complicate matters further, I will do what is necessary to eliminate said risk and problem from the equation. You understand that, don't you?"

"...Yeah, I guess..." What on Teyvat and the Seven Seas is he talking about? 

"Then I'm sure you won't take any of this personally."

"Wha-" I squint as a wave of sleepiness overtakes my head, darkening my vision and senses. The next sounds and thoughts are foggy causing them to come in shattered bits. 

"..Dam...it...you.." I feel my body drop onto the cold bamboo flooring. Heaving myself up with any control I have left, I become aware of Xiao in front of me and Hu Tao in the doorway. "Spiked your tea? Correct you are." He reaches around my neck, then my jacket pockets until retrieving Y/n's Gnosis. "I should make you suffer for hurting Y/n as you have, betraying her so coldly but I have more significant problems to deal with."

And my head drops with an aching thud.