"murder", he says | xiaoven x reader

chapter seven

short chapter to show that "I" haven't "accidentally" dropped a "toaster" in my "bath".

"it was nice spending time with you venti- make sure to stop by more often, and I will too" you hold ventis hands, standing in the doorway of your newly purchased mondstadt apartment, it seems. you insisted venti kept it safe.

"of course!" he moves both your hands up and down. "we can bring zhongli, too!" they cheer.

you nod and smile, kissing his cheek softly before bidding farewell and teleporting. back to xiao!

"xiao! my beautiful husband, my plump-cheeked little man, my silly meow meow-" you open the door to your room, noticing xiao not there, you frown.

"...are there new flowers..?" it takes you a minute, but when you realise, you cover your mouth.

"he sent traveller to get flowers he can grow! that's so cute ♡♡♡ just for me, maybe? he even cleaned how lovely! how much spare time did xiao have?"

you gush over your shared apartment as xiao appears behind you, placing a hand on your shoulder and turning away as you look at him.

"...Good to see you back." he grumbles, yelping ad his feet leave the ground.

you pick him up around the hips and squeeze him tight. "xiao! you grew such pretty flowers! you even grew my favourite ♡♡♡ you're so cute, soso cute!-"

"down. down!" he wriggles in your arms, unwilling to breakout as not to injure you and unable to teleport out given you're making contact.

you're still mumbling flowery nonsense as xiao squirms and eventually drops out your arms, panting.

you calm down and smile at him sincerely. "thank you, alatus."

there is his true name again- he's still unfamiliar to hearing it in such a sugary tone- with no malice or manipulation behind it like it used to. yet everytime you speak he can't shake the sense of melancholy.

"...it was no problem."

over the week apart, xiao got to pondering (a perilous task, indeed) and decided that- he was most definitely endlessly in love with you. but there was no way he is saying that outside of my narration! that would be way too crazy for a guy like him.

so what would he do? he acts completely the same and only dreams of a romantic relationship, settling for a platonic one! right?

absolutely right! he must not forget to dodge any and all interactions that may progress your relationship.

"xiao's guide to dating" would most definitely be a utterly unhelpful and counterproductive read.

"are you listening?" you ask, making xiao look at you.

"no."

"...fair enough- I was asking if your week went well- any injuries?"

"my week was fine and I'm fine"

"do you want a bath?"

"...yeah, whatever"

youre sure that translated to: 'ouhhh yes please! yes yes yes I would looove a bubbly bath that I can be naked in with you ♡♡♡ we can wash each others backs and suck each others boo-'

or something like that.