Genshin Impact - 【Oneshots】

Memories of A Melody [Venti x Xiao]

The faint sound of the flute could be heard in the wind. Xiao stood with a polearm in his hand – the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear – which gave off a faint green glow upon his skin. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face as he looked down at the dozens of abyss monsters lying around him. They faded into white dust as the wind blew them away from his sight. Even though the monsters were now gone, a mellow sound of the flute remained in his ears. He turned his head towards the direction of the melody; his amber eyes flooding with memories.

Slowly, he weaved his way through the tall bamboo forest; the playing of the flute become louder with each step he took. He could feel his heart beating rapidly – as if it could escape through his ribcage at any given moment – in anticipation for the person behind such sweet melodies.

Ancient memories swirled into the adeptus' mind, as the familiar song surged through the wind, rustling the bamboo leaves in its wake. The same notes that calmed his rage and pain, many eons ago. The breeze blew at his hair, tossing its strands, making them dance with the melody.

Soon, he came to an opening – the player of the flute before his eyes. Under the full moon in the dark cloudy night sky, sat on the ragged edge of a rock was a young boy in green – the wind blowing at his cape as it bellowed like wings behind him. His eyes were closed and the ends of his braids glowed a faint bluish-green, framing his small face as he played the flute. A familiar scene. Fireflies swarmed peacefully around the boy their light causing shifts in the shadow upon his youthful face. The soft tunes intermingled with the gentle flow of the stream that ran around the rock.

Xiao walked across the stream as quietly as he could; climbed upon the rock and stopped right behind the person. The two lone figures stayed just like that under the moon-lit night. The song then came to an end.

"It's nice to see you doing well."

"Venti..."

The other giggled and turned towards Xiao. The glow of his braids still remained and it lit up the smile upon his face.

"Miss me?" the bard asked in a playful tone.

Xiao could feel the heat rushing up his cheeks, colouring them red as he abruptly turned his head away in embarrassment. From the corner of his eye, he saw Venti rise and walk towards him. Then, he felt the sudden warmth of Venti's hand upon his face. He became alert and immediately turned his head around. He was about to speak but was stopped by Venti cupping his face with both hands.

"Hold still, there's blood on your cheek." Venti calmly spoke as he wiped the stain away Xiao's right cheek.

Xiao shivered as the bard swiped his thumb across the stain. He felt a small gust of wind merely kissing his cheek but it was gone as soon as it came.

"Thanks." Xiao mumbled as he rested his own hand on Venti's arm.

The bard gave a smile as he continued holding onto Xiao's face. He slowly inched closer to the adeptus, his hands travelling down to his waist. Xiao looked at him with shiny amber eyes that swirled with unspoken emotions. Venti rested his head upon the adeptus' toned shoulder as he embraced him – listening to the rhythmic breathing of the other.

"I've missed you..." Venti whispered as he closed his eyes.

Xiao was hesitant but he eventually held onto Venti's head – running his gloved fingers through the bard's soft hair. He was still holding onto the polearm with his other hand. After Venti had finished placing little pecks all over his face and neck – with Xiao returning a few – they eventually sat down at the ledge of the rock.

They looked out at the scenic landscape that Liyue had to offer them. Venti took out his flute once more and started playing a soft mellow tune. Xiao felt tired – as if the music was lulling him to sleep. His soul felt at peace. The lids of his eyes started to feel heavy as the melody flowed through his ears, dancing with the wind and trees.

When Venti had put down his flute, Xiao was already fast asleep on his shoulder. Venti looked into the distance as he heard someone approaching from behind.

"So, it is you..." a deep yet gentle voice spoke.

"Long time no see, Morax." Venti said in a light tone and turned his head slightly – his own emerald orbs staring back at a pair of striking golden eyes, that was jaded by gentle lashes.

"Or, should I call you Zhongli?"

"Call me whatever you like." The tall slender male spoke calmly.

"How did you know I was here?" Venti asked as he turned his head back to the scene before him.

"I heard your sound in the wind."

A little hum escaped Venti's lips before saying, "Xiao seems to be doing better..."

"Indeed." A pause. "Thank you for taking care of him."

Venti giggled and joked, "You owe me some Osmanthus Wine then!"

He could sense the former Geo Archon smile behind him. He looked upon Xiao's sleeping figure with one himself.

"I'll see you later then."

With that, Zhongli was gone and Venti was alone again with Xiao. Under the eyes of heaven, Venti softly placed a kiss upon the sleeping adeptus' forehead.

"Sweet dreams, my warrior."