Remembering The Glaze Lilies | Ganqing {DISCONTINUED}

Chapter 5 - Anemo Archon

"Coming, Chef!" she shouts, before disappearing. "Who's that?" asks Venti, intrigued. "Ah, Xiangling's apprentice, Yaoyao. She came here to learn under Xiangling, but of course Xiangling has to finish her education, so she works here and Xiangling makes sure to give extra advice whenever she's back here in break," replies Chef Mao. He leads the two to a table, which had a little vase full of Violetgrass and the two take a seat, Venti making idle chatter as they wait patiently for their food.

About 30 minutes later, Yaoyao comes over to them, balancing two places of food, and places them on the table before bowing respectfully and running off.

"She's adorable," chuckles Venti, as his eyes linger over the food. "What are you waiting for? Go ahead," says Xiao, already starting on his tofu. "Alright then! Thanks for having me~" he says, before digging into the stew. An expression of delight appears on his face and he puts a hand to his cheek, before speaking. "Holy fucking shit, Xiao. This is so different compared to imported Liyuean cuisine. I knew it'd be good, but not this good!" he exclaims, devouring the Black - Back Perch Stew, as Xiao finishes his Almond Tofu, and orders one more.

"Damn, you really like that don't you?" snickers Venti. "I do. It's my comfort food, and Chef Mao makes it exceptionally well," replies Xiao, a serene expression on his face, and Venti pauses mid - bite to glance at Xiao.

Long, shoulder length jade - black hair with bits of teal frame his face, alongside his glorious eyes: golden and brilliant, accompanied with red eyeshadow on the edges.

For Archons' sake, who allowed him to be this pretty?!

"Um... is there something on my face, Venti?"

Xiao's voice makes him realize he had just been staring, and hastily waves his hands in response, embarassed he was caught staring, and blushes fiercely. To make the situation a little less awkward, Venti decides to initiate a bit of skinship.

"Boop! Hehehe," he chuckles.

Xiao, surprised, turns away quickly.

Oh fuck, why does he have to be this cute?!

Xiao turns, but not quick enough for Venti, who notices his ears which are crimson. "Xiaoooo, are you cold? How come your ears are so red?" he playfully asks. "Uh-Uhm, yeah... I'm cold," he mutters, his face flushing too.

Venti grins at this.

He's flustered? How adorable!

"So... Xiao, I never really asked but are you dating anyone?" asks Venti.

Xiao's breath hitches mid - air.

Seeing his reaction, Venti quickly responds. "Oh- If it's a sensitive topic for you, you don't need to reply!" he exclaims. "No, it's fine. I guess I'm just a bit embarassed about the whole topic," replies Xiao. "I'm confused, don't you have a whole slew of girls and boys after you?" asks Venti. "... Not exactly how I'd phrase it, but I suppose that's true. I mean, you know I'm gay, and I've gone on a couple dates with the boys who were after me, but to be completely honest... they were pretty fucking boring?" mutters Xiao.

Venti absolutely loses it once Xiao utters those words and nearly chokes on his food. "Venti! Venti, are you okay?! Was it something I said?" he exclaims. "Of course it was something you said, Xiao! I can't believe all the boys were boring, pfft, what in the name of the Archons' is your luck?!" he wheezes, slamming his fist on the table repeatedly.

"Not my fault, hmph," pouts Xiao. "Aww, is Xiao annoyed?" asks Venti, pinching his cheek and giggling at him, causing Xiao to go red yet again, before he gets up and heads to the counter. "No need, any friend of Xiangling's is mine," says Chef Mao, refusing the Mora that Xiao hands him. Xiao thanks him for his kindness and beckons Venti as they leave and wave goodbye to Chef Mao.

"Where to next?" asks Venti, curious. "I want to take you to Wangshu Inn. I need to show you something," says Xiao, as he leads them into a corner of Liyue where there are barely any crowds. "Ooh, what are you gonna do to take us there-" starts Venti, before Xiao dons his Yaksha Mask and shouts, "Lament!" before clutching Venti and leaping into the night with his polearm.

The two soar into the sky, Venti holding on for dear life, leaving streaks of Anemo in the sky as he dashes forward, before removing his mask and opening his glider, as the two glide. "HOLY FUCKING SHIT, XIAO!" shouts Venti. "Pfft, what is it?" chuckles Xiao. "For Archons' Sake, you said you were a Yaksha, but I never realized it was true. I thought you were just messing around! That was fucking incredible," rambles Venti.

"Thank you," replies Xiao, gratefully, as they glide and reach the top of Wangshu Inn. Venti looks around, basking in the moonlight as it illuminates his face. He twirls around, his braids dancing with him. "Xiao, I'm so happy to have met you. I had so much fun with you today!" he exclaims, giggling, before Xiao takes his hand.

"This place has been known as Verr Goldet the owner phrases it, 'a haven for lovers' midnight rendezvous,' and it's pretty obvious why," he continues.

Venti's heart starts to beat faster as he speaks.

"Venti... I've never been more happy with someone than I have with you. I think... I like you. Of course, you don't have to reciprocate-" starts Xiao, before he feels soft lips connecting with his own. Venti retreats, leaving Xiao wanting more. "I-I like you too. Today really felt like a date, and I'm glad you like me too. Wanna be my boyfriend?" he asks. "Of course," affirms Xiao, as they hug and share another kiss under the twinkling light of the stars. Suddenly, Venti starts to float and his braids glow as Xiao clutches on, surprised.

"Also, did you know I'm the Anemo Archon?"

"What the fuck, Venti."

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