A Street Dancer with a Black Bandana (Xiaoven)

Eighteen: Paparazzi.

October 4th, 3.15 pm.

The news of Xiao and his father spread like wildfires in California. Everyone knew immediately. People were talking about it, Xiao couldn't leave the apartment without being bombarded by newspapers and cameras flashing in his face.

And today was another one of those days.

He and Venti were at the store buying food for the week, when a flash flickers, making Xiao sigh. "Do you have any kind of decency?" Venti asks, putting his arm around Xiao's shoulder, his arm covering his face. The girl squeaks out, before smiling, "Sorry, gotta get in the scoop. Alatus, what can-" The cameras knocked to the ground, and Venti pushes it away with his foot, "Get the fuck away from us. He is not some sort of toy you get to pass around. Get away before I call the police." He says, and grabs what they needed from the shelf, walking away.

Xiao's eyes were narrow, and dark eyebags under them. He hasn't been able to sleep much. Neither really have. Venti was drinking more monsters and energy drinks to stay awake. He had the outfits to finish, work for the next week, and then the court date that's coming up, and the dance choreography, just, everything was stressing him out. He needed a break.

As they're paying Xiao has his head tucked into Venti's shoulder, basically hiding his face from view.

He puts the bags back into the cart, and pushes it back to the car. The car makes a beep noise as it unlocks, Venti holding the passenger side door open.

~

The ride back was somewhat silent, music playing softly, "We have a week till the court. We can go up to Liyue for a few days. I was thinking about it recently. You said you missed going. And that it's been awhile. So.." Xiao looks at Venti, and nods, "I'd love that. Would we drive there?" Venti shrugs, "We could. But, itd take too long to drive back. Wed only be there for maybe two-three days at most. So probably fly there."

Xiao nods, "Mhm, maybe. It would be nice to go again. It's been awhile."
Venti smiles, pulling into a parking spot. "I gotta grab a friend some things. Do you wanna stay in the car ?" He asks, and Xiao shrugs, "uhm I'll go in."

The two get outta the car, walking into the store. Venti walks into the womans products section, Xiao tilting his head as Venti looks through the blue, purple, and multiple variations of packages.

He checks his phone, reaching for a blue one. Xiao's eyes scan over it, reading it. "Oh." He hums, "Pads. For a friend. He couldn't leave the house right now so. And I'll have to take em to him after we get home." He tucks the package under his arm, walking to another section. He picks through candies, grabbing a bag of chocolate m&ms, and reese's cups.

~

Xiao trails behind Venti as they leave the store, going to open his door, Venti stopping him. "Why do you insist on opening my door?" He says, looking up at Venti, and he shrugs, opening the passenger door.
He sets the stuff in the back seat, and closes the back door.

Xiao watches as Venti sits in the seat, leaning his head against the steering wheel, sighing. "Tired?" He asks, and Venti nods.

"Well, I can drive if you want."

"You dont know how to." Xiao leans over, "I- well- best time to learn!" He says, and Venti shakes his head, "Yeah, best way to LEARN HOW TO DIE." He teases, and Xiao laughs softly, "Okay." Venti starts the car, putting a hand on Xiao's thigh, turning to look over the seat.

~

They pull into an unfamiliar parking lot, Venti unbuckles his seatbelt, opening the door. Xiao repeated his action, climbing out.

Venti grabs the bags, taking Xiao's hand as they walk to an apartment, and then up some stairs. It's a red door with a doorbell, but Venti uses his Keys unlocking it. "Benny!" He yells, and someone groans from a room, and Venti tugs his shoes off, setting them off the rug. A small boy walks from the room, an oversized tshirt on with sweats. "Hey." He plops onto the couch.
"Hey, i got you your stuff." He sits it on the table. The boy smiles, "Who is this?" He points at Xiao, "My boyfriend." He smiles, sitting next to him.
"The one from the news?" He says, and Xiao nods, "Uhm, I'm Xiao." He offers his hand, "Bennett." He shakes his hand.

"Nice to meet you." He nods.

COMFORT FOR ME WOOO!! HI YALL *Drops to the floor and sobs into a pillow*