The Will to Live - Xiao x Reader

Part 41 - Y/N

"Isn't Yoimiya's firework display today?" You asked with a dry throat.

"Mhm!" Paimon sparkled, "We should head to Inazuma City, Paimon wants to try all the food we missed last year!"

"Could you be any louder?" Xiao's irritated voice echoed through the room. He lazily got up and kissed your forehead, "Morning."

You felt a red wave wash over you as you remember that Aether and Paimon were still present. Xiao had never shown any affection in front of others before, in fact, he would normally avoid it. You couldn't help but wonder if he was doing it specifically because Aether was watching.

Paimon cleared her throat, "Hurry up love birds!" She impatiently floated away, dragging Aether along with her.

Xiao went to follow them out but you stopped him. "Your hair's a mess," you teased while gently fixing his part. He leaned heavily into your shoulder and kissed your neck, sending butterflies throughout your bones.

"We should catch up before they leave us behind," He mumbled yet wouldn't let go of you.

***

Strolling down the Inazuma streets felt suffocating. The road was crowded with people, officials and samurai wandering through the maze of stalls and shops. There were food stalls, souvenirs and even people handing out fliers.

"Would you like a dango?" A salesman aggressively approached you and Xiao. He didn't think twice about sticking a piece of paper in your face.

"No thanks," You tried to steady yourself. Where on Teyvat has Aether-

Paimon answered your question before you even finished thinking it. She was begging Aether to buy her another dango even though she had 3 and 4 other dishes stuffed under her arms. Xiao was hesitant to walk up to him however, it seemed that he'd gotten used to being around Aether... Or he was just trying to piss him off. Either way, it made your life easier.

"Y/N!" Aether beamed at the sight of you and completely ignored Xiao. "Please tell Paimon she doesn't need more food!" He hid behind you with his wallet held tight.

"Well if it isn't the two- no four ex-criminals, up to more mischief are you?" Kujou Sara approached your group with a prideful stride. Although her words seemed threatening, she didn't show any signs of hostility. More like teasingly friendly, the last thing you expected from her.

Xiao pulled you behind him, "We're just here for the festival."

Sara laughed before walking off, "Then enjoy!" 

The air was still tense. you didn't speak. You didn't move. However, everyone else moved along with no care in the world. You watched the children run in circles and stuff food into their mouths, young couples enjoyed the blossoms and the stalls and shops were lined up to their max. It couldn't have been more different from the Liyue festivals.

"So..." You broke the silence and turned to Paimon, "What do you recommend trying?"

Paimon thought for a moment, "The dango from the guy over there is the best so far! I can't get enough of it but Aether refuses to buy me more," She babbled on. "Or! Or! That guy over there sells random combinations with milk! You can get some very gross things though, Or!.."

Paimon pulled you around to several different stalls over the course of 3 hours. "Can we... Stop for a bit?" Aether was out of breath and could barely manage one sentence. He leaned on your arm while trying to calm his breathing and Paimon finally stopped dashing around.

You looked back at Xiao who also seemed exhausted. You felt a spike of worry as his face was slightly pale, most likely from the aftermath of his injury. "Paimon, why don't we take a break? preferably somewhere quiet." With a bit of convincing, Paimon followed you from Inazuma City halfway along the road to Konta Village.

You sat under a softly shaded tree and Aether slumped against the trunk. Quietly, he whispered a few words, "Paimon... I think that's enough food for today."

***

While you were still under the tree, a couple of Electro butterflies fluttered up to you, one landed on your hand and the other on your nose. They started to glow brighter, drawing power from you rather than their connection to the Electro archon. You gently brushed them off, blinking profusely from the bright strain on your eyes but as they tried to fly off, a net came flying over to capture them. 

You stared blankly at the net, wondering what to do with it and where it came from, but a child walked harmlessly up to you and took the net. "I've never seen butterflies glow like that!" She exclaimed as she gently moved them from the net to a clear box, "They'll be great for my collection!" The strange child turned slowly as she noticed you. "Oh, I'm sorry!" She bowed respectfully before explaining. "I didn't mean to disturb you! I'm Yuiko, by the way. Please enjoy the festival!" Yuiko raced off. 

"Why did the butterflies glow like that?" Paimon stopped stuffing her face for a short moment. "Actually, never mind, the fireworks are about to start!"

***

"So, how'd you enjoy the fireworks?" Yoimiya exclaimed. "Up to your expectations?"

You nod in agreement, "They were beautiful!.." Your expression of amazement quickly turns to worry. "What's that noise?"

"What noise?" Xiao asks.

"The- There's a whistling sound..." You explain, "Like... Arrows... EVERYONE GET DOWN!"

Hundreds of arrows came hurling down. You quickly scan the area for injured citizens. It seemed the bombard of arrows was aimed at a place with little to no people around, Was it luck? Or on purpose..? You wondered. Upon taking a closer look at the arrows you found that they all had a small piece of folded paper attached to them. 

You speak carefully as you finish reading the letter, "it's a message... From the Fatui."

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A/N: I'm back (along with my annoying cliffhangers) from my extremely long procrastination and OMFG ILYSM! I was gone for what, a few months and now all of the sudden there are 10k views?! I'm sorry for not updating whatsoever and I'll do my best to post more </3. I've tried to respond to all comments but I've most likely missed a few.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you've seen my spoiler post on TikTok you may have an idea of where this is going ;). Thank you all for the support, your comments are hilarious and so encouraging <333

As always, take care!