Don't leave me || Xiaoven ff

Chapter 11

The sun had already disappeared behind the horizon, Xiao and Venti were still sitting at the cliff.
After a while Venti got tired and leaned against Xiaos shoulder. The Yaksha sighed.
This boy...
Without knowing why, he felt so comfortable around the Anemo Archon lately.

Venti fell asleep pretty quickly, leaving a flustered and a little helpless Xiao awake. Venti was still leaned against him, his head on the Yakshas shoulder.
He was scared to wake the other boy and didn't move.
"How can you be so annoying yet so cute...?" he murmured. Venti didn't hear a thing.
What is this feeling? I've never felt that way before- is it good? Am i getting sick?
He didn't bother speculating any further as he too was getting tired.

Xiao somehow managed to lay down in the grass, Venti beside him, without waking the other boy.
He thought about setting up a camp but he was too tired and used to sleeping outside anyways. So he just closed his eyes and fell asleep in the grass next to the bard.

——

Venti woke up from the morning sun on his face. He didn't open his eyes and just enjoyed the light breeze and the fresh air until he noticed something soft laying beside him.

He practically jumped up, only to see a sleeping Xiao. The bard calmed down as he looked at the boy.
Hah... he looks so peaceful. Completely different to the time we met on that mountain.
Venti felt a weird sensation inside of his stomach and he wasn't sure what it was. Though it felt warm and calming, it made him slightly nervous.
Should i wake him?
He thought for a moment before deciding to just let him sleep.

Venti looked at the Yaksha. His hair was a bit messy with loose flowers all over it, his eyes were shut and he didn't frown.

Xiao slowly woke up from the movement beside him. As he opened his eyes, he noticed Venti sitting beside him with a dreamy look on his face.
Without meaning to, Xiao smiled again. There wasn't an actual reason, he was just glad to be in the bard's company.
Is this how liking someone feels? Just how much do i like him? How much should i like him?
His face got red and he turned away to hide it.

"Oh, Xiaoxiao. You're awake?"
Xiaoxiao?
"Just woke up."
"Alright then, sorry for falling asleep just like that yesterday."
"Don't mind it"

The bard stood up, stretching his arms in the air.
"Venti?"
"Mhm?"
"I have to get back to Liyue. I can't stay away just like that, someone has to take care of the hilichurls."
Xiao didn't actually want to leave, he hadn't felt so good for years- even though this weird feeling in his stomach wouldn't stop.
"Oh, of course. I can take you back if you want t-"
"No need" the Yaksha interrupted him. He felt sorry for cutting him off but he wanted to sort out his thoughts before further interacting with the bard.

"Thanks again... the apples were really good" Xiao continued before looking up at the smiling Venti.
"I'm glad you liked it. Well then, see you soon i guess ehe~"

The blushing Xiao turned around and started walking down Starsnatch cliff.

——

The way back was much faster than the way there, thanks to Xiao being able to walk as fast as he wanted. He was back at the mountains near Liyue harbor before noon.
Should i go fight some monsters?
Surprisingly, he was well rested but not really in the mood for fighting, which was pretty unusual.
So he decided to go visit the city. Maybe ask Ganyu about these weird feelings he had.

On his way, he tried not to think about Morax but the closer he came to the city, the more he remembered the old Geo Archon.

A few times, some hilichurls crossed his path and were bold enough to attack the Yaksha. Even though it didn't really bother him, he was distracted and couldn't concentrate on his opponents, making it quite hard to dodge all the attacks.

Already pretty tired, he arrived in Liyue in the early afternoon.
Huh, where should i go look for her?
A little helpless, he walked through the streets, ignoring the people staring at him. It had been quite a while since he last visited Ganyu and he didn't know where to look for the girl.
In the end, Xiao simply decided to ask Lady Ningguang at the Jade Chamber.

Without further ado, the boy walked beneath the floating mansion and teleported all the way up. One of the guards in front of the building raised his weapon and looked at him in confusion before realizing who exactly was standing there.
"A-adeptus Xiao! What are you doing here sir?"
Sir...
"I need to talk to Lady Ningguang" the Yaksha replied straight to the point.
"Of course, do as you please." the other guard said, stepping away from the door and opening it for Xiao. Without saying anything more the boy walked in, leaving two confused guards behind.

Ningguang was standing at her desk, looking at a lot of papers. As she saw Xiao entering the room, she was visibly suprised but said calmly "Conquerer of demons. I didn't expect to see you here, to what do i owe the visit?"
"I wanted to know where to find Ganyu" he answered her question. Ningguang thought for a moment before replying "As far as i know, she should be somewhere around the harbor. She was working on a case concerning a certain Snezhnayan trader. I'm sure you will be able to find her there."

Just like that, Xiao teleported back down and started walking towards the shore.
He was glad to be out of there, he got nervous every time talking to Ningguang. Though slowly figuring out how human society worked, still he wasn't quite sure what to do or say in some situations. Especially when talking to one of the Qixing.

Walking towards the harbor, Xiao could already hear the waves and the ships, people talking in the background, the busy everyday life in Liyue.
He hated crowds. He hated them so much. But needing to find Ganyu, he didn't have much of a choice. So Xiao started making his way through the mass of people in front of him.

————
Phew, 1065 words. Longest chapter at the moment.