Corrupted Love| XIAOVEN

Chapter 11: Why did you kiss him?

Dear Zhongli,

I know, it has been a while, but please read this urgent letter as soon as possible. Listen, I know we have not seen each other for some time, but really, I hope to come back to Liyue soon. There is just a lot to do in Snezhnaya right now. 

Frankly, I do not care anymore because no matter how many times we have let each other down, my idiotic self still worries. So, trust me and hear this warning to you: get out of Mondstadt, right now! The mighty Tsaritsa has caught on to this slight problem of the anemo archon and knowing you, you've gotten there already looking for your friend. 

Damn, I don't even blame you, but two Harbingers are in town with you right now and it's best you stay away from them. Trust me, I say this for your and Liyue's good, as you must not start a war under any circumstances, please. Although the names probably don't ring a bell for you, Columbina and Pantalone have been sent on a mission to deal with your friend. 

And they know what they are doing. I should not be telling you all this, I know, but you're the stupid one when it comes to friendships and that weird stuff. So please take care of yourself. Also, this letter must not fall into the wrong hands, otherwise, we will both be in big trouble, and I will certainly be locked away for treason. 

Do what you want with my words but take this letter as a concerned worry. It is about to get extremely dangerous in Mondstadt and for your sake, I'm risking my neck, so at least do me the favor and stay the hell unharmed and safe. If not, I will gladly unleash another god on your city...

 that is a promise.

-sincerely
C.

Zhongli and Venti were sitting together under the big tree in Windrise. Xiao was giving Ganyu a training session for her adepti powers on the lawn in front of them. 

While he did not seem particularly excited about it, like a good teacher he had patience for his student. Several times, however, the yaksha was almost stabbed by a shard of ice, and Ganyu apologized each time in a panic. 

The summer wind blew gently through their hair and clothes. By now, the two had adapted their style of dress more to Mondstadt. 

Ganyu wore short black pants and long white socks that went above her knees. She had put on a loose white blouse over which she wore a tight black corset and over her hands, thin transparent cloth gloves could be seen. 

She had chestnut brown leather boots and all over her clothing the marks of the Knights of Favonias were sewn. In golden delicate lines, they ran through her clothes. 

She wore a sky-blue short cloak that danced slowly in the wind. As did her hair, which was braided in two pigtails. 

Xiao wore long black ouji lolita pants tight around his waist. Six buttons were designed there, but more for decoration than real usage, and tucked into his pants was a white shirt. He wore half gloves in black, as well as a large bow tied around his collar. 

He hated these clothes because they would be harder to fight in. However, Zhongli insisted that they wear the clothes donated by the Knights of Favonius. With this fresh style of clothing, they would be less conspicuous. 

At least that was what Zhongli hoped. 

After the letter he received this morning, he realized that his time was running out. He would have to act quickly before the situation became too complicated.

 Venti sat peacefully beside him on the grass, enjoying the light summer breeze. He had been acting completely normal again for the past two days. Too normal. 

He was back to being the happy boy Zhongli had known for so long. While he was grateful to see that side of Venti again now, he too knew that whatever was bothering the archon could not suddenly be cured. 

In the warm grass, he swayed back and forth, humming as he watched the two adepti. Xiao had just knocked Ganyu off her feet, who was now kneeling on the soft ground in surprise. 

Zhongli also watched the two for a while, who were too far enough away to hear what they were talking about, but Xiao currently pointed sternly at his student's feet. 

Zhongli slowly turned to his old friend. A warm breeze passed through the area and the leaves above them rustled.

"Hey Barbatos..." murmured Zhongli softly and Venti turned to face him. His brown eyes eyed his counterpart, but he looked the same as always. With a questioning gaze, Venti looked over at his friend.

 "That night..." Zhongli was silent for a while, 

"you kissed Xiao. No matter how I look at it, I cannot understand why. Do not get me wrong, I do not blame you and if your heart desires him I do not want to stand in the way. I am sure you know as well as I do about the problems that would come with such love, but I am sure it would be good for this young Yaksha. When did you- ", 

"I didn't mean to." Venti interrupted and Zhongli looked at him in surprise.

 Then he laughed softly, "Excuse me? It didn't look like that." Venti was silent and only now did Zhongli see the pain on his friend's face. Rarely had he seen him so hurt.

 Venti still did not say anything, and Zhongli gently put his hand on the other's shoulder. Venti's body trembled, but he could not say a word. 

"It's not important." Zhongli then murmured. 

"Yes, it is," Venti sobbed. 

Zhongli took his hand away and watched the two Adepti training. He stood up, picked one of the Windweelasters nearby, and sat down again.

 He held it out to the little Archon, who had stopped crying again. Venti looked at the flower for a while and then at Zhongli. 

"I don't know what's wrong with me, Morax. Please help." He whispered, hurt.