Vendetta (Xiao x Male Reader)

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor

The Adeptus have always watched over Liyue..but from afar. Actually being there and surrounded by people however, was a different feeling. Xiao stood closely behind you as you two made your way to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had ties with the Fatui.

At least that is what Childe has told you. Contrary to what the public believes in, they do not conduct shady backroom deals like assassination— the Wangshen Funeral Parlor at least. Along with burying the dead, they also perform funeral rites for the Adepti. Xiao remembered the day the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was built and founded after the Archon War. Since then, it has existed for almost 80 generations.

"Why are we here?"

"Why? Do you want to leave already? We just got here." You snickered at your own teasing, "Relax. I'm just here to meet someone."

"And who could that be-"

"(Y/n)!! I've been dying to meet you again!"

You hugged the girl's waist and slightly lifted her up, "Director Hutao, it's nice to finally meet you properly!"

Jealousy was written all over Xiao's face. Seeing the scene in front of him unfold helped him come to terms with what he really wanted from you and how badly he wanted it. Your attention. For you to be that comfortable with him. But he knew he had to be patient.

Then he remembered that this was your first time in Liyue. How were you so close with this girl?

"Xiao. I'm sure you've seen and even conversed with the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor." You placed the girl down, "Ever since I found out that I will be staying at Liyue Harbor for a mission, I decided to get into contact with Director Hutao, current owner of the parlor, before coming here. She told me many stories and even suggested that I should stay at Wangshu Inn."

You wrapped your arms around the Director's shoulder, "It's been almost a week since I've stayed here, it would have been rude of me to not drop by and say hi."

"It's nice to finally meet you again, Lord (Y/n)!"

"How did you two..." Xiao's nose wrinkled at a sudden realization.

Both you and Hutao got along like two peas in a pod. Your playful personalities were almost identical. The thought of having two Hutao's in one room petrified him, having two (Y/n)'s on the other hand was a different story. Xiao immediately got rid of the thought and stared at the other two who would not stop talking.

"Now that you two have met and greeted each other, can we go back-"

"About what you said yesterday.." You interrupted the other male, knowing what he was going to say. You fiddled with your fingers, "It was kind of boring..you know, at Wangshu Inn..So I wanted to take you away, enjoy yourself for once."

"Oh my! Someone from the Fatui who has a heart! Lord (Y/n) you're amazing!"

You flicked the Director's forehead, telling her to shut up. Xiao's heart skipped a beat at the thought of you doing something so nice, to him out of all people.

"You have come at the best time, Lord (Y/n)! In a few months we'll be celebrating the Lantern Rite!"

The Lantern Rite.

Xiao's eyes widened at the sudden upbringing. He completely forgot how close the Lantern Rite was, the Liyue Qixing and many others must be preparing for this event. The festival that celebrates his very being. The Adepti. It happens only once a year, but Xiao couldn't help but feel anxious about this year's celebration.

"The Lantern Rite? What is that?"

"A festival that celebrates your dear friend here," Hutao gestured at Xiao, "This year is also very special! It will be the Lantern Rite's five hundred year anniversary!"

"Is that so?"

"Courtesy on Xiao's behalf."

You raised your eyebrow at the man who has not said a word about the Lantern Rite since you two have brought it up. He seemed to be deep in thought causing you to nudged his elbow.

"Is this true?"

"Yes, it's true. I approved the invention of the Lantern Rite five hundred years ago."

"I forget that you're old." You whispered to Hutao as the Director snickered.

"What did you say?-"

Hutao cooed at the soft side the Adeptus has briefly shown before insisting the two to come inside. She guided them towards a room, its interior being similar to that of Wangshu Inn.

You awkwardly chuckled, looking around the room's layout, "Director Hutao, we're gonna need more than one be-"

"Don't trouble the Director with another bed. I shall sleep on the floor."

You put a hand on Xiao's shoulder, "Nonsense, we'll just share the bed then."

"Wait what-"

You quickly silenced Xiao's attempt to ponder over your previous statement and dragged Hutao along with yourself out of the room, "We'll start your vacation tomorrow, Xiao! I'll catch up with the Director for today. What ever you do, you can not work."

"Work? For your information, I don't really have a job-"

"I did some research on the Adepti.." You didn't. You just asked Hutao who they were prior to your arrival with Xiao today, "No conquering demons! Understood!"

"..Understood."

You threw an arm over the Director's shoulder and decided to enjoy a lovely dinner with her, the sun was close to setting anyway. Tomorrow, you'll enjoy the day with Xiao. It was a good plan. You wanted the Adeptus to catch a break.

How long has he've been an Adeptus? Oh yeah, well over 500 years..He definitely needs a break.

Right when you and Hutao left, Xiao released a shaky breath. Hearing you say "conquering demons" was exhilarating but it was also odd to hear you say it. It's been quite a while since he has heard anyone, besides the other Adepti, call him by that name. Lost in his thoughts, the sun has fully set and then a knock on his door began. Xiao opened the door revealing a tall, mysterious looking male.

"I am a Consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. My name is Zhongli."

"Hello Morax."

"...So you know."

Xiao looked at the vessel up and down. To other mortals, yes, he would look like a normal civilian. But the uncanny appearance he holds to that of his real body as the Geo Archon wasn't new. Xiao could tell from a mile away.

"I would like to have a word with you. In a secluded location preferably."

"When you said secluded location, I thought you meant a different room..." Thanks to his ability to teleport, Xiao was able to reach the desired designation.

On a cliff that towers over Liyue and its people.

"I suppose it's a bit tedious to bring you all the way up here..but I assume you know what I came here to talk to you about.."

"Beleth..him, right?"

"..Yes him." Zhongli stared at the busy streets of Liyue, "The time has come. Beleth will once again roam the streets of Liyue..but this time..."

Xiao hasn't heard anyone, not even you, say your true name in a long time.

"It's permanent."

Xiao's heart skipped a beat once more. It never fails to amaze him how only you can manage to make him feel something. Even after all these years, just the sound of your name brings him the slightest bit of joy. And knowing the main events at hand is fast approaching, he just couldn't wait to see you again.

Thank you for reading!