Don't leave me || Xiaoven ff

Chapter 15

Venti was flying towards Liyue on Dvalins back. The second he heard about the incident in the city, he got up and called for his old friend to take him there.

The giant dragon dropped him off on a mountain near the city and the bard hurried towards it.

"Thanks Dvalin, I'll repay you somehow! Eventually..." he shouted. The dragon just responded with an amused snort.

Outside the city, he could already see the chaos caused by the sudden appearance Osials. There weren't many destroyed buildings though the rising water had done some damage.

Well doesn't look too bad- I don't think there are many injured.
The worries about the Yaksha faded as he saw Ganyu discussing something probably important with some of the other secretaries. If she wasn't hurt then Xiao wasn't either for sure.

"Hey Ganyu!" Venti hurried in her direction as he yelled her name. The Adeptus turned around and seemed almost a bit irritated to meet the Anemo Archon right here in the City.

"Bar- Venti. Uhm what are you doing here?" She tried staying casual. The bard came closer and asked quietly, "Have you seen Xiao? I'm searching for him."
She looked surprised. "I think I saw him leave the city shortly after the fight was over- he may be at Wangshu but I am not certain."

As she finished, Venti had already run off, only looking back at her to yell a quick "Thank you!" and leaving three confused secretaries behind.

The bard hurried towards Wangshu Inn. He had tried to hide his relief that Xiao was alright in front of Ganyu but now he let out a sight. Finally, his heartbeat went back to normal speed.

Climbing up the stairs to the roof terrace, Venti noticed that Xiao wasn't there.
Now that's unusual.
He wasn't anywhere to be seen in the surrounding area either.

Hmm maybe he left for the mountains?
As his last hope of finding out where Xiao went, Venti ran down the stairs to the reception. Verr was doing some paperwork and looked up at the bard as he stepped in front of her.

"May I help you?" she asked, a kind tone in her voice. "Actually yes. I am looking for a certain Yaksha, do you happen to know where he went?"
She thought for a moment before replying,"I guess you mean Xiao, yes. I saw him passing by earlier and taking the road towards Mondstadt. I hope that'll help."
Venti smiled. "That's a great help, thanks!" he yelled before running off again.

Mondstadt eh?
He hurried down the stairs again and continued on the road.
This really is a struggle! If only there was a device to communicate with people over long distances.

Venti thought about calling Dvalin again but there was no way he wouldn't be seen out here in the open so that option was off the table.
I guess I'll just have to walk there then.

——

A few hours later, Venti was already near the city. Though he didn't know exactly where Xiao went. "Down the road to Mondstadt" could mean literally everywhere around here.
I'm pretty sure he didn't go to the city... great. One possibility less.

Venti thought about it. Xiao hadn't been here often and he probably wouldn't go somewhere he didn't know.

So nowhere around Brightcrown mountains or Galesong hill- probably not in the Stormbearer mountains either.
Then it hit him.

Starsnatch cliff!

Since the two of them had been there before, it seemed like a possibility to Venti and he made his way across Windrise towards the great cliff.

Walking through the high grass, Venti stopped to pick some Cecilias. In his opinion, they were the most beautiful flowers in all of Teyvat.
The closer he came to the top, the stronger became the wind, to the point where some of the Cecilias flew away. He looked after them and noticed someone sitting at the edge of the cliff.

Xiao.

Slowly, Venti approached the Yaksha. His heart almost jumped as Xiao turned around and looked him in the eyes.

"Venti" he said, almost too quietly to understand.

The bard stood there for a second before launching forward right into Xiaos arms. The Yakshas body tensed for a moment but relaxed after a few seconds.
"I was so worried," Venti whined.

Xiao sighed. "I'm okay, don't worry."
Letting go of the other boy, Venti saw Xiaos face. It was a bit red and he looked tired. Still, his face was just as beautiful as the first time he had seen it.
He chuckled. "Are you blushing?" he asked.
Xiao turned away, replying "W-what?"
Venti smiled. He was so glad Xiao was alright and that he seemed happier than before, though pretty exhausted too.

"Xiao?"
"Mhm?"
"I like you."

He just said out loud what he thought.
At first there was no answer from Xiao, as if he was processing what Venti meant.

There was a silence. "You shouldn't."
"Why not?" Venti whined.
"Because I am a ticking time bomb. My karmic dept could affect you too, I can't let that happen."

"Well deal with it! I'm not going to stop liking you and let you go back to living sadly in Wangsu Inn, doing nothing but eating almond Tofu all day just because of your hero complex!"

Silence again. "You don't have to do everything by yourself, you know?"

"Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me Xiaoxiao" Venti said smiling.
Xiao moved his hand closer to Ventis. The bards smile widened and he took the Yakshas hand in his.

"Venti?"
"Yes Xiaoxiao?"
"... Don't leave me. Ever. Please..."
Venti leaned against Xiao. "I won't. I will not leave you," he said, closing his eyes and feeling the wind ruffle through his hair.
Xiao rested his head on Ventis.

"I think... i like you too."

————
Here you go, one of my favorite chapters so far :]