The Will to Live - Xiao x Reader

Part 27 - Xiao

"I'll be back," Y/N's words rang in the back of my head. Where are you?

I stood up to walk out of the room. They're not coming... Are they, I told myself as I slowed walked out of the Inn. As I picked up my pace to get to Liyue Harbour a hand grabbed mine and the person strung their fingers through mine. I flinched and tried to pull away from the stranger yet when I turned around...

"Sorry I'm late," Y/N smiled and - unfortunately - let go of my hand.

They wore their usual clothing however, Y/N's hair was styled differently. I grabbed Y/N's hand gently and pulled them along with me to Liyue Harbour.

***

The harbour was crowded with people and I found myself letting go of Y/N's hand. Their eyes glowed in the light. They're so beautiful/handsome, I admired Y/N in so many ways. We walked past a few stalls and Y/N stopped to talk with Zhongli, it felt rude to listen in but...

"I apologise for giving up the Gnosis," Zhongli spoke quietly. "I didn't know what to do and I didn't want to anger you."

Giving up the Gnosis? I wondered, Is Zhongli..?

"I would've preferred if you just told me but," Y/N looked over at me for a second. "I retrieved it not too long ago."

"Mr Zhongli," I couldn't contain my curiosity. "Are you perhaps," I lowered my voice to a whisper. "Rex Lapis?"

Zhongli choked on his Osmanthus Wine and spat it at Y/N.

"Gross," They complained while using Hydro energy to remove the liquid. 

I didn't even know it was possible to use Hydro to control liquids other than pure water. I looked at Y/N with confusion but quickly looked away when I saw the look on their face. Let's just say they didn't seem amused.

Zhongli looked me dead in the eyes and nodded slightly before pardoning himself to get more wine. 

A few drunk people bumped into Y/N, startling them.

"Aren't you a pretty boy/girl?" One of them mocked and Y/N slowly walked backwards, "Oh come on, let's have some fun~."

I stepped between Y/N and the drunkard, "Leave them alone."

"You wanna fight kid?" One of the taller guys walked up to me. "Or are you too scared?~"

Y/N drew both their swords and held them at the guy's throats, causing everyone around to back away. "Watch your mouth, peasant."

Y/N grabbed my hand and flew over to one of the mountains overlooking Liyue. I sat down and looked at the view but the silence was hard to bear. 

"I've never heard you speak like that..." I shivered, The way Y/N had called them 'peasants'... Do they really think of other people like that?

Y/N crawled up into a ball next to me and placed their head in between their legs and chest. I wrapped one of my arms around them to find Y/N was shaking...

"Y/N?" I try to lift their head up, "What's wrong?"

"I hate alcohol," Y/N shivered and crawled into my arms.

***

Lanterns rose into the sky and Y/N gasped. And another year passes, I tell myself. Maybe this year will be different...

"They're so pretty!" Y/N said looking into the sky, their eyes glowed from both the light and their excitement.

I laughed at how cute their reaction was, "Have you never been to Liyue's Lantern Rite before?"

Y/N shook their head. "It's never been something I've needed to attend so I never did," They turned their head and smiled before looking back at the lanterns.

"Hey Y/N..." I hesitate and feel my heart tense, What if they say no? "I... I love you."

"I know," Y/N kissed my cheek. "I love you too."

"Would you..." I take a deep breath, "Would you like to be my lover?"

Y/N's eyes widen and they turn bright red, they almost glowed brighter than the lanterns.

"I..." Y/N covered their face with their hand, "I would."

I pulled Y/N's hand off their face and pulled them into a hug. "I love you," I spoke in their ear.

Y/N cupped my face and pulled me in for a kiss. The feeling of their lips on mine was like a drug; I needed more. Y/N pulled away but I clawed at the back of their head and pulled them back. I looked at the reflection of the lanterns in Y/N's eyes before kissing them again.

"More," I moaned.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Ik the is a short chapter but like... My brain said no and I liked this cliffhanger. Anyway, thank you so much for the support! I don't know when I'll finish this but yeah...

Take care!