A Street Dancer with a Black Bandana (Xiaoven)

Twelve: A nice breakfast.

September 27th, 10:30 am.

When the three arrived at the I-Hop it wasnt busy, rather quiet, comforting even. They're led to a table, menus being handed to them all.

They sit there for a bit, taking time to relax, get comfortable.

Xiao has his head on Venti's shoulder, looking at Venti's menu instead of his own, pointing at stuff that looked nice.

After they order Xiao and Yanfei are talking while Venti listens, fondly watching his friends. He always got attached, close, affectionate. It wasnt the best thing to do but he couldnt help it. It was just something he did.

He grew up with no mother, father was distant his whole life, rarely ever there for him. So he grew up alone. Never having anyone. So when he met his current friends...He got attached. Some back when he was younger had left him. Called him too attached, a baby. He tried not to, but it always happened.

He smiles as Xiao makes a gesture with his hands, trying to explain the plot of this movie he watched. Venti had no clue what the hell it was but still nodded. "We should see a movie! Like a double date!" Yanfei gasps, "I can bring Hu-Tao and we can go see a movie! Get dinner!!" She says, excited about her idea, and Xiao looked at Venti nervously, as if asking if it was okay. He nods, "Yeah, thatd be nice. When?"

"Whenever you two are up for it! All my cases are closed, and I'm free till my next case." She speaks, and both boys nod, "Alright, cool! I'll tell Hu-Tao later and we can set things up!"

After five minutes or so their food is brought over to their table. Xiao got chocolate chip waffles with a hot chocolate, Venti got french toast with bacon with a cold coffee, and Yanfei got this breakfast cheese steak sandwich with hashbrowns. They all tried eachothers food, having a piece or taking a bite, laughing with eachother. Every time Xiao laughed Venti noticed his habit of covering his mouth when he did with his hand. It made Venti wonder if he did it on purpose or not..He likes seeing Xiao's smile, the way he'll throw his head back a little when he laughs too hard. It made him happy to see his friend laugh. Him happy. Venti looks at Xiao's bandaged hands, biting his lip softly.

After they ate they leave the I-Hop, and they go to a park nearby, sitting at the benches. Venti was playing with a stray cat while Yanfei and Xiao spoke.

"How long?" She asks him, and he shrugs,

"It started when I was...Seven I think. It progressed till I was..Well seventeen or eighteen I think.
Alot of the times it wasnt as bad..But sometimes..It was so bad I was locked away for weeks for it to heal. Sometimes my sister would have to wait till he was asleep to see me. Get me food and stuff. For awhile I had..an e@t/ng disorder because of it. Due to not being fed much, Ganyu did her best. But, sometimes..I couldnt eat due to..I just..I couldnt. Alot of the times I'd sit in the corner of my room. And I'd just cry. Sometimes there wasnt a reason. I just did. I was depressed..I-I still am..Just not..severely." He whispers, looking at his hands, "It sucked..I know, that its not normal. but I grew up thinking it was. Xingqiu told me it wasnt one day. He climbed into my window and I was just..Laying on the ground in a ball. If I take him down..Several people have proof of the injuries. Anytime it happened Ganyu would take the photos. Xingqiu took some. I even had Morax. A few people know. But I told them not to report it..I was stupid. I thought hitting was..a form of love. That's what hed tell me. But he never hit Ganyu." Yanfei just listened, writing things down, "Xiao, have you tried to move out?"

He nods, "I tried. Didnt let me. Said I had to stay. Made a big fuss over it." He leans back, making eye contact with Venti as hes sitting crisscrossed infront of them. "My dad..Did the same." He mutters, looking up, "But he was always drunk..So.."

"Still doesnt make it okay, Ven." The taller shrugs, "I love him. Maybe I shouldn't. But, hes my dad..All I've got." He smiles sadly, "Never said he was a good one, but he has his moments." He chuckles, a sad feeling to it.

Xiao nods, "My dad..He had moments where it seemed like a safe place. But it always went downhill." He sighs, and Venti hums, checking his phone, scrunching up his nose, "Dammit I forgot we were performing today." He rubs his face, and Xiao hums, "You can go. ill..I dont know. I dont exactly wanna go home." "Yanfei can take you back to my place, or you can come with me and we can get lunch or something after we finish."

Xiao smiles softly, "Why do you care so much about me?" He asks, and Yanfei looks at Venti, and he just smiles, "I just..Care. You're my friend. So, I'm gonna care for you. Cant stop me." Xiao nods, "I think I'll go with you. Are you going, Yanfei?" And she nods, "Yeah, I may join in." She teases Venti, and he smiles, "C'mon." He helps Xiao stand, and the two walk infront of him, his hand behind Xiao's back.

YEAH TWO POSTS GOOD NIGHT NOW -bennett