Disclaimer: I do not own Genshin Impact nor its characters.

Xiao had it all perfectly planned from start to finish.

Day and night, he had been practicing the lyre non-stop in anticipation of Venti's return once he was done handling some affairs back in Mondstadt. He wanted to surprise him, welcome him back with a melody of his own. And so, he spent almost every day of his free time to craft a tune of his own; something serene, something relaxing—something reassuring, because he knew how tough it could get for him, even if he had long retired as an Archon.

More than anything, he wanted it to convey the infinite appreciation that he held for the bard, who had liberated him of so much. Crossing paths with him had already been a miracle, befriending him had been a privileged. Because how could someone so carefree, so cheerful like him willingly tolerate someone as burdened and miserable as Xiao was? Much less be so inclined to establish ties with him on a more informal basis where their titles didn't matter.

And how Venti had fallen for him too had been a huge mystery that Xiao still couldn't comprehend till today. Neither could Zhongli, though he had no qualms about it when Venti told him the news on one drunkard occasion.

I wonder how he is…or how long more till he comes back… Xiao couldn't help but think, lyre in one hand as he trekked around Mt. Hulao, wandering as freely as his mind did. He did say it was something urgent and all…

He found himself settling himself down against a large tree at one of the mountain tops, its branches and leaves stretching out to the vast sky, the shadows bestowing the yaksha a cooling shade to rest beneath in; except that it had already been night, so it didn't matter to him as much as long as the countless twinkling stars and glistening crescent moon above were still visible to his gaze.

He strummed the lyre carefully, recounting the tune he had formed in his head—it required the utmost gentleness and detail on his part; the last thing he wanted was to play the wrong note during his live performance, or break a string on this lyre that didn't even belong to him; Venti had lent it to him before his departure, telling him to take good and careful care of it in his place.

"Why are you pulling on the strings so hard? You're going to break it!" Xiao remembered the frown forming on Venti's face back then when he first tried playing the lyre. It was one of disappointment, and he couldn't blame him given that he had been advising him multiple times beforehand to be careful.

Of course, it wasn't that Xiao was being stubborn and had chosen to not heed his advice. It was just, all this time he had been using his bare hands to kill and slaughter in his thousands of years of living more than anything. Old habits certainly die hard, for he had found so much difficulty to play one note on the instrument without risking having the lyre's string snap, again.

If not for Venti's rescue, he was sure he'd have given up on picking up the stringed instrument then and there, with the excuse that it was just his curse; that it was just not meant to be.

Quickly materializing a lyre of his own, Venti decided a physical demonstrate may be more fitted for him. "Pluck it, gently. Like this." He explained, playing a simple-enough tune for a beginner like him to mimic.

"…Maybe I shouldn't." He murmured, shoulders slumping in bitter defeat. "I'm… not meant to do things like this, Barba—"

"First of all, it's Venti." He sighed, placing his lyre aside as he walked over to the troubled yaksha who tore his gaze away; for one reason or another, he couldn't bring himself to face him. "Second of all… yes you can. You're one of the most gentlest, kindest people I know. You're just going about this wrongly."

"You're lying." He replied, gripping onto the lyre tightly. "I am not k—wait, what are you—"

"Relax, relax… gee, your shoulders are all tensed. And for what? Am I that intimidating?" Venti chuckled as he positioned himself behind the yaksha, his hands holding onto Xiao's reassuringly, guiding them cautiously. "Take a deep breath and just…" With his hand over Xiao's, he reached out to pluck one of the strings, releasing a tune that reverberated in the air. "See? Sounds less strangled, doesn't it?"

Xiao wasn't sure why his nerves started to dissipate the longer Venti held him, or why he felt like he was close to melting during that time, because what he did know of himself was that he was not a touchy-feely person, right? He didn't deserve such warmth or affection.

But Venti gave it to him anyway.

"Now, you try."

.

.

.

For reasons that Xiao chose to keep in his heart, memories like that and all alike never ceased to bring a smile to his lips. It was astounding, really, how years ago he could never have imagined a reality of himself being this happy, this free—without a single worry about his Karmic Debt that Venti whisked away.

It's all because of you, that I want to live. Xiao couldn't help but think as he continued to pluck the strings accordingly, letting the melody be carried by the wind, where he hoped it'd reach him, wherever he is. It's all because of you that I…

A chilly breeze sways past the peak of Mt. Hulao, whirling past Xiao who suppressed a shiver from running down his spine. "I didn't expect it to be so cold…" He grumbled, heaving a heavy sigh as an even colder wind brushed past him. If it weren't for the sudden green cape that sheltered his back from the attacks of the breeze, he'd have started to ponder if the cold winds had been a message relayed from Venti.

"Winter is coming after all, dummy. Even immortals like us can feel cold too, you know?"

Ah, that voice. Even if it sounded weaker than his usual chirpiness, Xiao recognized it in a heartbeat. He turned around, eyes locking with his same beautiful blue hues which sparkled underneath the moonlight rays that had shone through the holes between each leaf and branch. Archons, how could he be so easily mesmerized?

And why did he look so tired?

"V-Venti…" Xiao stuttered out, his hands instinctively hiding the lyre behind his back in a futile attempt to save the surprise from being exposed. "You're back… early?"

"You don't sound too happy about it." Venti joked, a chuckle following after as he sat himself down next to him, resting against him. "So now tell me, why do you feel the need to hide my own lyre behind your back?" He asked, perhaps a little too slyly.

"Ah…" Xiao sighed, already finding himself surrendering. There was no point in lying to him, not when he had the sharp eyes of an eagle; nothing escaped him, at least when he was with him. "It… was meant to be a surprise…"

"Surprise?" Venti asked, his head lifting itself up to face him, his eyes revealing nothing but a growing excitement that swallowed any lethargy he had felt thus far. "What sort of surprise? Oh, wait, let me guess… did you try to decorate my lyre with Cecilias or Qingxins or something? Did you give it a makeover?" He guessed, feeling his enthusiasm grow even if nothing had been revealed.

It had always been like this. The moment he caught wind of anything the slightest bit cute or romantic Xiao attempted to do for him, he would start to glow with delight—like how he was now. If it weren't for the eyebags forming beneath, he'd have looked so radiant.

"Wait… why do you look so tired?" Xiao asked, concern starting to engulf him. He hadn't seen Venti look this drained since… or rather, at all. "Did—"

"It's nothing, it's nothing! I've just been fighting some bad guys, you know? Oh, and I did stay up a little too late at Dawn Winery before heading over here… the mixture of caffeine and alcohol certainly wasn't the best thing to indulge in! What a scam…" Venti huffed, straightening his back before nodding towards Xiao with much anticipation. "Come on, don't leave me hanging! What's the surprise?"

"… I wanted to play a tune for you when you came back… I came up with one on my own…" Xiao explained half-heartedly, finding himself more focused on his search for any hints of lies that Venti sprouted. He had a gut-feeling that that wasn't what happened back in Mondstadt that left him so… fatigued; as if almost all the life and soul had dispersed from his body. It wasn't until he heard about the surprise did some of that life come surging back in his body—but even so, Xiao couldn't dismiss it so simpy.

"Venti… if there's something you need to tell me—"

"Ehhh? A tune of your own? Composed by you? For me?" Venti gasped, hands clasped together elatedly. "Let me hear it, then we can continue the chit-chat. I can't believe you'd do this for me—"

"Venti." Xiao interrupted, sounding a little more serious the more he started to see through the little façade Venti had put on for the sake of him. "What… happened in Mondstadt? Or… did you even go to Mondstadt?"

It was only then did that mask of his all came crumbling down; albeit his smile remained, looking wearier now that Xiao had caught him red-handed. "Always so sharp and persistent, Xiao." Venti noted, a sigh following after. "I just… can I just hear you play first, please? I… don't really want to… think about it. We can… talk about it after."

And it was the plea in his eyes that had gotten a hold of Xiao's heart, because it didn't take him long to give in—he knew how much power music had when it came to freeing people of their troubles, for he was once too, saved by the beautiful, resurrecting melody of the Dihua flute.

"…Fine." He resigned, standing up with the lyre in hand. "But… it's not that good. I didn't think you'd be back this early."

"As long as you don't claw out the strings, I'm sure anything you play would be beautiful, Xiao." Venti teased playfully before giving him a nod of encouragement. "What is this little piece of yours called, anyway?"

"… I haven't thought of that." Xiao confessed, a little flustered. He had been too focused with his composing to have even thought about giving it a name. There was only one person in his mind the entire time he had been crafting and practicing this; though he was sure it'd be too embarrassing to name it after—

"How about… 'Welcome Home'?" He suggested, "It's a nice gift to come home to, after all. Oh, unless you want a more complicated name!"

Xiao's brows furrowed at Venti's comment about it being a nice gift. "You haven't even heard it yet."

"Who cares about the minor details? It's the thought that counts!" He giggled, before motioning for him to start. "Now don't mind me, let's hear it shall we?"

"…Alright then." Xiao relented, leaving the tree's shade, standing an acceptable amount of distance away from Venti that just so happened to be directly under the moonlight. He's so radiant. Venti thought, heart fluttering as he watched him pluck a few strings to test its tone. To think he'd do this for me…

And the playing commenced. It started out smooth, and it sounded so mellow, and Venti found himself instantly drawn to the message laced in his tune.

Home is wherever you are, Venti.

Welcome back.

You mean so much to me.

I love you.

I will never forget you, or the things you've done for me, the freedom you've given me.

Thank you, for everything.

Music was undoubtedly a powerful thing, if played with an immense amount of emotion concentrated into it, the message hidden in it would reach anyone's ears—the wind would make sure of it.

In this case, it did. Xiao's playing revealed all. Right now, he was so vulnerable; he let the music expose himself. It was for Venti after all. Why shouldn't he not let his guard down in front of the person he loved?

Venti noticed how his lips started to curve the more he played, the more he let the lyre speak for him and his emotions. He watched as his hair flows freely against the wind that blows past them, a little softer, a little less cold despite the expected arrival of winter anytime soon. He watched how Xiao sways along the wind currents, in a timid attempt to dance with them. He watched how…

He looks so free. Venti concludes, finding tears welling in his eyes because that fact alone meant so much to him. It weighed so heavily in his heart, more than Xiao or anyone could ever imagine. Ah, right… he is free…

.

.

.

"Barbatos, Dvalin and I have cautioned you time and time again, yet you've continuedly subjected yourself to this?" Andrius barked, disgruntled at Venti's poor life choices. "Do you expect pity?"

"A little… comfort would be nice." Venti choked out, as he limped towards the wolf. "And… I'm not—" If it weren't for the fact that Andrius still had a heart that had a place for him, he would've collapsed on the ground by now had the wolf not rush over to support him.

"You are still Barbatos. Whether you have completely rejected that name or the title of yourself being an Archon, it is still a part of your past, and hence identity." Andrius remarked as Venti clung onto him for support, for he wasn't sure how much longer his trembling legs could stand on their own. "And because you are Barbatos, the Anemo Archon who holds the title of being the God of Freedom, I fail to understand why you've placed this burden unto yourself. Especially when all this time, you've always enjoyed avoiding any sort of hardships."

"…You talk too much." Venti scoffed, before carefully sliding himself down, sitting on the stone-cold ground when the act of standing was too much for his feeble legs despite the support offered. He winced, holding back a yelp when he felt the chaos that had been erupting in both his mind and soul intensify. "It's... something like 'Lupical', wouldn't you do anything for your kind?"

"But that yaksha is not your kind." Andrius retorted. "So why did you take on all his Karmic Debt? Do you not understand the consequence of your choice? You may be an Archon, you may be an immortal, but if you think Celestia is kind enough to—"

"Andriu—" Venti had initially wanted to silence him, but his yell was cut short when blood started to splutter out from his lips, finding himself slowly losing his grip on reality. "Just… please be quiet… let me rest… I've emerged from worse…"

"…Understand this," Andrius said, much softer this time in consideration of Venti's current state. "It's not that I wish to chide you this harshly. But have you ever considered that you may not emerge back from this? You've essentially taken on thousands of years of Karmic Debt accumulated in that yaksha. You've suffered, you've felt pain before—that, I know and acknowledge. But this is different. The spirits that had died by his spear are much more vengeful and ruthless than you think, and even more so when they rather harm the soul they once had in their grasp until you intercepted. They will break you more than they've broken him, not because you're an Archon, not because you're close to him, but because they want to break you whole, to escape and return back to his body in order to inflict more pain."

"…But he's free." Venti, through his excruciation managed to smile as he started to reason. "He laughs more. He smiles more. He's more expressive… his eyes are less clouded with grim and gloom, and are as bright as any golden-eyed individual would be. He's free."

"And what about you then?" A new voice emerged from the dark; a shadowy figure making their way into Andrius's den in such a secretive and invisible manner that the wolf hadn't noticed until they spoke. Now on high alert, Andrius growled menacingly at this newfound intruder, readying himself to attack if necessary. That was, until the intruder had revealed himself. "What about your freedom?"

"Mor—… Zhongli." Venti greeted, trying his best to sit up and suppress the insidious darkness that awaited to consume him whole, but to no avail. "How are you… why are you…"

"I advise you listen to Andrius more, Venti." Zhongli commented as he made his way towards the fallen Archon. "Is Xiao even aware of this?"

Venti's averting gaze said enough.

"Of course he doesn't…" Zhongli shook his head. "What you're doing for him is admirable, Venti. But I don't wish for it to be at the cost of your life."

"So you expect me to sit there and watch him suffer, be trapped for the rest of his life?"

"… There could've been other solutions, Venti. But history has shown that you rush into things too hastily because you can't sit still and wait." Zhongli said, kneeling down before him as he took out a small medicine bottle. "This was what I've been administering to Xiao to lessen his pain and effects; I've enhanced them to better suit yourself." He explained, pouring around two or three pills onto the palm of his hand, dropping them into his open mouth when Venti took the hint.

"Are you… going to tell him? Venti queried after he swallowed the two or three pills down.

"Not unless your situation gets worse." Zhongli replied quietly, standing up as he brushed off the dust on his clothes. "Otherwise, I won't intervene so much. This is between you and him after all… all I will be doing for you and had been doing for Xiao would be to find an appropriate cure where no one party suffers."

"… It would've been too late by then, if I had waited any longer." Venti mumbled, in an attempt to justify his actions. When he had felt some of his strength coming back, he forced himself to stand as the conversation with Zhongli continued; though, he still used Andrius as a support.

"How would you have known?"

"I didn't wish to find out." Venti answered, pausing momentarily in his speech as he thought about his next few words very carefully. Because the last thing he knew to show to Zhongli after everything he had done was any sort of frustration that wasn't necessarily caused by him. "But thank you, Zhongli. I… appreciate it. Everything that you've done." He said; and he truly, sincerely meant it.

"… Take better care of yourself." was the only appropriate response Zhongli could think off before turning his back, seeing himself to the exit. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."

.

.

.

"Venti? Why are you crying?" Xiao panicked, rushing back towards him. "Are you sick? Or… Does it have to do with—"

What Xiao was cut off by this time wasn't Venti's words that sought to divert his attention away from the question of his journey to Mondstadt, but a kiss.

Venti held him so closely as if he were grasping for his dear life, as if at any moment he were to disappear. He deepened the kiss, more and more. Further and further, pulling away before Xiao even had the chance to reciprocate the effort, much less process the swiftness in Venti's abrupt affection.

"W-W-Wha—"

"Ehe, sorry, your performance was just too emotional! You just looked so… free and happy, you know?" Venti laughed lightly, wiping away some of the tears that streamed down his cheeks. "I loved it and I love you. Best surprise gift ever!"

That kiss was more of a surprise than anything… Xiao thought, unable to hide the pink that overwhelmed his cheeks that Venti took amusement in. Why did he… and so… rushed and desperate…? Is that the word?

"Next time," Venti said, and Xiao's eyes flickered back and refocused their attention back to him inquisitively, wondering what he was about to say next. "Next time… when we're both free, let's play a tune together, shall we? I haven't heard a collaboration between the Dihua flute and the lyre in my entire lifetime!"

'Next time when we're both free'? —Xiao didn't think much of his words, innocently assuming he meant when they both weren't busy with their respective duties and other separate commitments. So, his eyes merely lit up at his suggestion, nodding in agreement. "That would be nice."

Author's Notes:

MAN. I did not plan for this one-shot to be somewhat angsty regarding Venti deciding to take on Xiao's karmic debt but hey… oh well.

This is my first time writing XV, or anything genshin related at all so I hope I didn't make the characters too OOC haha. I really wanted to be more descriptive with this, or continue the concept of Venti taking on all of Xiao's karmaic debt (and how it's literally destroying/corrupting him-) but due to a lack of time in my life I don't think I could commit to it completely ;-;, though I hope you all enjoyed it regardless.

Thank you for reading! Please Leave a Review. Constructive Criticism is appreciated :).