"murder", he says | xiaoven x reader

chapter twenty one

xiao and yourself have finally gotten home now, backs hitting bed and deep sighs shared, you close your eyes. xiao sits up.

"I want to talk about something." he says, looking at your resting face as a smile spreads across it. he feels his heart pull.

"that's rare, now- what could possibly interest the vigilant yaksha?" you says, eyes fluttering open to look at him.

"I'm serious... I want you to do something for me" he's quiet, voice just above a whisper. you sit up and crawl over to his side.

"what's wrong?" you ask

"I'm heading to the chasm- and you know you cant change my mind. but you can't come with, either. I beg of you to wait for my return above the ground whilst I complete what I need to do." he says, he knows youll have plenty to say after, no way its that simple.

"you cannot expect me to agree! what could possibly require me to stay?! dont say my safety. i can do just fine."

"its for my protection." he says, truthfully. "something is happening there- i need you outside to help me if i need- besides, this is something personal to me." he continues.

you cant tell if hes bullshitting you or not, but he sounds sincere. you bite your lip and frown.

"how long will you be?"

"no longer than a week, but its very dependent."

"xiao, I..."

"please, this is important to me."

it's silent for a moment, before you nod and xiao let's out a breath, standing.

"I must go, now. I've already spoke to morax, travel with me. we can talk then." he stands, summoning his polearm and adjusting his many pieces of clothing. you sigh out your nose, standing and taking your room keys into your hand, fiddling with them.

"what's on your mind?" he asks

"you promise you won't do that thing where you try to help someone by needlessly sacrificing yourself, right? and you'll call for me if you need help?" you ask, quiet.

"thats not a consistent thing i do-" he starts, you raise your eyebrow and he grunts, crossing his arms. "i will- call for your help, i mean." you nod, smiling.

as you and xiao travel to the chasm on foot, you talk- well, xiao talks and you pile up questions in your mind as he goes, waiting till hes finished. he explained how hes searching for Bosacias, and why. You had to trust him, its all you could do. when you both stop at the top of the chasm, xiao turns to you.

"we must part here. please, wait for me. I will return." he says- you frown, nod and pull him close in your arms.

"see you later. don't make me wait too long."

he nods, then dissapears. never that good at partings, you suppose.

you sigh, sinking to the ground before you adjust your pose to a kneel , bow and pray. you whisper for his protection before kissing the ground and lifting your head.

in the distance, you notice a familiar flare of blonde hair and teleport next to him, scaring the shit out of his companion, Paimon.

"what the heck?! you scared the paimon out of paimon!" She yells, having hidden behind aethers back, who greets you with a wave.

"sorry, paimon- what are you both doing here?" you ask, stepping back to give them space.

"commission from the adventures guild- but since you're here, it doesn't look like it's going to be that simple." aether sighs, desperate for a misson that was as easy as it sounds.

you hum. "I've no business here myself, I assure you. simply support. ' no idea what you could be served down there." you say, relaxing your shoulders and crossing your arms.

"are you sure there's no old, vague myth attached to here from the archon war?" paimon asks.

"well, of course- many died on these grounds, but that's nothing new. blood has shed every corner of teyvat and khaenri'ha. I'm not aware to anything that would put you in danger- but I advise not to fall too deep." aether nods in understanding.

"if you see xiao down there, ask him for details if you so wish, there are connections here but its not my place to speak. safe travels, aether." you bid farewell then turn to leave- aether interrupts.

"I meant to ask- in Inazuma you mentioned not remembering information on my sister. do you remember anything?" he asks.

"I didn't, I'm sorry- but I have information about why I don't remember. I have a gap in my memory- but it feels as if I had it erased willingly. I'm sorry, aether- it seems I went through a great deal to keep this from you. for that I am most regretful. but I must have had a good reason, I promise you that." you explain, voice soft. aether frowns deeply.

"venti and zhongli, they're hiding things too. I can't be mad at them- or you. lumine must have gave them good reason." he says, clearly more upset than he's letting on.

"there's a reason for all of this... i know it... I wish I could give you anything you want- but I know all you want is to see your sister again." you say, trying to give any comfort you can offer. you wish you could hug the boy.

"thank you. we should head off now, bye y/n! we'll tell xiao we met you!" he says, perked up and already jogging off to his next job.

"take care of him paimon, stay safe" you say. she nods and follows after aether. you leave a prayer for them with the gods, too.

After an hour or two, you've set up a small camp and went back quickly to collect medical supplies and a few ritualistic pieces- just in case. you wish there was something to do to help, somewhat reluctant to do nothing but sit, feels like such a waste. but there's nothing you can do- all that can be done is trust xiao. you hope he knows that he will be smothered as soon as he returns. when he returns. you're confident he will- no "if" involved here. plus, you feel that even considering the fact will drive you crazy.

sorry Its short this was a transitional chapter I needed to write to get onto the part I actually wanted to so I really couldn't be assed 😟😟😟 hope you enjoy it either way lov u all