"murder", he says | xiaoven x reader

chapter thirty five

what xiao didn't expect, was how long venti was going to continue his poetry. there was a lot of it- a few hours, in fact.

and he loved every second.

the way his fingers strummed the notes- the pauses that kept him intrigued and his oh so beautiful voice that was the most distracting- only because it made him want to kiss them with the way the words left his lips. he was sure his eyes never left ventis fingers or mouth the whole time. he was much too shy to admit that, in fact, xiao could also play the lyre- the flute, too. he was sure venti would ask for a performance from him and he is very much not ready to do so. he'd mess up terribly from the pressure of both his lovers and a talented player watching him. he will happily practice alone.

venti truly is a talented bard, xiao thinks. he should have much more praise than the grumpy bartender and drunk patrons give him during his time at angels share.

you chuckle at the way xiaos eyes lit up everytime venti made a new pretty little noise come from his instrument. you sit on the floral patterned love seat and pull up your stockings. strange, venti knew your exact size, it seems. based on the way the stockings hug your thighs or how the dress pinches in at your waist perfectly- it's almost as if he had you there to measure each millimetre of your form. you shake off the idea and pull on your other sock, standing to adjust the dress. you'll have to ask one of them to lace the back up where it mimicked a corset.

the fabric was soft- much softer than you expected. though it was highly similar to silk or satin, based on the elemental magic, you think it was made through ventis power instead. plus, feeling it made you feel all fuzzy inside- so it was definitely ventis power.

you walk over to the two and xiao looks up, face flushing and a small vocal gasp leaving his mouth. venti looks up after, mouth falling open with a few stutters of thinking what to say. you blink, turning your back to them and presenting the lacing of the dress.

"do you mind?" you ask peering over your shoulder.

venti nudges a staring xiao who clears his throat and stands. reaching out and grabbing the ribbons of the corset, he pulls. you stumble back into his form from the force of the pull and yelp slightly.

"wow, so strong ♡" you giggle and he doesn't reply, pulling again and you fall closer into his body. he tentatively ties it in a neat bow once it fits your torso.

"done" he says, hands resting on your waist.

"thank you"

"..."

"...is there something else?" you ask, xiao still holding onto you.

"no" he confirms.

you hear a creak from the bed and assume venti has stood. suddenly, the most surprising sound leaves xiaos mouth- a laugh, nay, a cackle.

his hands leave your form and he falls to his knees, you turn to find venti tickling the hell out of xiao who's cheeks and pointed ears were now bright red- tears pricking at the corners of his eyes and mouth open wide as he laughs in between breaths of air. you cover your mouth gently in shock at the sight before you- I mean it crossed your mind but you never had the balls to do it.

"un- unhand me! AHAHA- STOP- GASP- RELEASE ME FROM YOUR GRASP- AHAHA-" xiao rolls about trying to escape ventis hold- he wishes he could teleport but with venti hands assaulting his waist he's unable. he could easily kick him off but he'd hate to hurt them. so, he wriggles around more. when venti decides he's had enough he leans back on his heels, chuckling at the sight of xiao who lay panting on the floor.

"hm, I've never done that before but I know a method that gets him in the same state." you chuckle, bending down to gently lay your cool hands on his heated face. he shoots up and glares at venti, crossing his arms and turning his back to him.