Confirmations

by puffles 44

Now, on the highest roof of Wangshu Inn, Xiao makes a wish. He brings his clenched hand close to his mouth, opens his hands and blows. He watches on with a hint of amazement as the Dandelion Seeds disperse and begin dancing in the wind. "Huh? You asked for… confidence? You're cocky enough as it is; this doesn't make sense! Or what, are you confessing your love to someone today?"

3. Chapter 3

A/N: Hello, there! Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm sorry for not updating for so long. Tbh... I didn't get to update here as much because of my trouble with formatting and pictures... I'm not even sure if anyone pieces together the links I try to provide. ^^;

So I'll just update with just the words bit. I'm sorry that I can't provide the full experience here vs another site (so really, try out the AO3 ver under 'thelurkingredpanda' for the links and pics~)

I'll go upload the others shortly as well.

I hope you enjoy~

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Continuation/Extra 3 - Revisions

Venti does eventually catch up to the fleeing Yaksha. He honestly thought that he wouldn't need to give chase to the flustered Adeptus by the time he reached the ore mine inside Mt. Aocang, but he's proven wrong upon seeing a barren cave—save for the bodies of defeated Geovishap kin—with no Xiao in sight.

He might be known as lazy, but he is also known to be child-like. Tag with a mix of hide 'n seek is right up his alley, especially with the target being the elusive Guardian Yaksha himself.

But alas, all good things come to an end.

Fun excursions, games of tag, heart-to-hearts, all of these and more are not exempt to that rule.

The sun has set, night has descended, and as it deepens, it is as cold as it can get!

By the time they have gone back to the Inn, the receptionist's desk is empty—save for that black and white hellion on the counter. The kitchen lights have dimmed, the utensils tucked away, but surely the chef wouldn't mind them helping themselves along the way~

A chilled share of Almond Tofu and an equally chilled salad shouldn't be too much of a loss for the Inn. Mr. Self-conscious Yaksha wouldn't believe that those portions were left out for him by good ol' Smiley! The chilled maroon-skinned apple was left there for a certain bard, of course~

"Alright, let's see… Empty food containers?—check."

Before he settles in for the night, Venti lays a spread of items down on the writing desk [2]; can't have the old man kicking up more of a fuss than what is expected.

He picks up the first few items on his checklist and tosses them into the void—that handy-dandy pocket dimension of a storage he uses.

Really, Lumine's travel bag simply could not compare. It doesn't matter if he places items there with more care. They all blend into one indiscernible mess of edible—apple supply and a few wine bottles—and inedible—clothes and various curiosities—items at the end. The vastness of the space compensates for its lack of organization. The fun part is, no matter how disorganized it can get, no item can be too lost in there, so there is never a need to fret.

"Basket of Violetgrass?—check. The collection of Xiao's handpicked ores?—check." Both listed items happily tumble down into the chaos within. "Picnic essentials?—check."

The bard hums, tapping his chin. What else could he be missing?

"Oh, the flute!" He sticks his whole arm into the pocket and starts sifting and patting around. He grabs onto the first item that felt like a flute in his hand and yanks it out. The force of the action makes him stumble backwards.

An abrupt snort, followed by a half-concealed huff, comes from the room's owner.

"Oh? Did a certain someone find that stunt amusing?" Venti regains his balance, twirling the instrument in between his fingers. "Say, Xiao, do you think that old—"

The bard turns his attention towards the bed. His good mood falters. The Yaksha is nowhere near it.

"Hm?" comes the reply and Venti looks up, finding the window opposite the bed.

Xiao sits, perched not-so precariously (given his great sense of balance) onto the window frame. Venti's lips make a thin line.

In lieu of having Xiao answer, he one-sidedly decides that yes, Morax will indeed enjoy a bottle of good wine, and that he will have to unearth that bottle of a fine vintage he had hidden somewhere in Mt. Tianheng [3]. He figures that Xiao wouldn't exactly have helpful thoughts on the matter.

Speaking of matters:

"And where do you think you're off to this late at night?"

A pause.

"Guili Plains, the hilichurls might be re-establishing camp." Xiao takes his eyes away from the foggy Marsh, and trains them to the sight of the closing portal. It is nothing new, he has seen it several times now—the concept similar to how the Adepti construct a reality of their own—and yet the manner with which it rips through the fabric of space only to patch it up still holds the Adeptus' attention to this day. "Then to Mingyun Village, and—"

Ever the workaholic, Xiao is… Hm, now that he thinks about it, the Adepti seem to be the type to pour their entire being into their work.

Morax had been like that up until the idea of retirement tickled his mind. Cloud Retainer is still lost in her inventions. The halflings, Ganyu and Yanfei seem to be working at their own pace [4] in the Harbor. Granny continues to look over the mortals she has grown so incredibly fond of. And, well, he hasn't exactly caught wind of Mountain Shaper's and Moon Carver's latest pursuits, but he's sure it's still the same old things—patrolling the Karsts and focusing on hermitry, respectively.

Ah, he's going off track.

It is common knowledge that it is not only the body that grows weary upon constant exertion and strain. Common knowledge that Xiao is blatantly ignoring in his presence.

Truly, exterminating two whole nests of corrupted Geovishaps, one after the other, is no easy feat, and by all means tiring in itself. That is even discounting the Hilichurl killing spree around Nantianmen!

Not to mention… that rather historic heart-to-heart session they had earlier. The poor thing must be beyond exhausted!

Venti knows that there is a wellspring of wisdom and insight that the Adeptus has kept well hidden—choosing his words to keep everything brief and forthright. Yet... the bard could not not be taken aback when it all comes flowing out in the open. The sincerity... the rawness, and intensity of it all... and even that hint of desperation.

There is no way in the Abyss is Xiao fit to continue this charade.

"Is that right?"

Xiao looks up to his unimpressed aqua eyes. Did he finally catch onto his own slip just now?

Yes, up. Venti has taken it upon himself to loom over him—misusing his free control over Anemo to lift himself a few extra inches off the ground. He has to at least appear serious, if he doesn't look it already.

"Here, I can't believe you've forgotten about this." Venti grabs one of Xiao's hands and sets the Dihua flute onto its owner's hands. "How careless of the Vigilant Yaksha to misplace a precious item of his."

Venti releases his hold on the young Adeptus.

He has been careful in not being too meddlesome of 'the ways of the Adepti' (as Xiao had put it) in their excursions—simply asking for a break every now and then, and getting some food in the Yaksha's system. But he figures that, if they're taking a step forward into the direction he thinks they are, Xiao needs to learn how to 'rest' and its importance, even when he's not around to impose it on him.

Xiao tucks the flute back into its rightful place. He takes a look at him before training his eyes back to the Marsh, still stubbornly keeping an eye out for any disturbances. "You have accustomed yourself to human sleeping habits, have you not?" The Yaksha spares him a glance, their eyes locking for a meaningful moment. "Then, stay... and rest here."

"Awww, does this big, strong, scary guardian of Liyue want to ensure a humble bard's safety himself?" Venti wedges his head in, blocking Xiao's view. "What an honor!"

The young Adeptus visibly stiffens under his gaze, quickly regaining his cool countenance as he turns away. Venti chuckles, knowing fully well that the rosy pink tint on the Yaksha's face does not only live in his musings. If only Xiao wasn't so stingy and just let him take a quick peek of his face!

The bard doesn't push and instead, retreats to the bed. Seeing this bashful side of the Adeptus is a treat on its own; having him withdraw is the last thing he wants to do.

"Come up here with me for a sec?" He pats the space beside him. The bedding is nice and soft. It truly is a shame that Xiao seldom uses the amenities presented to him.

"Wangshu is a haven for non-humans." Xiao stands. "I don't want a deadweight bard slowing me down."

Venti openly frowns and raises a hand in the air.

"Argh, Venti!" Xiao calls as he is swept off his feet before he could jump off the window frame. No amount of flailing would help him get back on his feet. He is stuck there, suspended in mid-air.

How rude, he's no deadweight! Not anymore...at least.

"Put me down!"

Ignoring the Adeptus' protests, Venti whispers to himself. "Steady~ Steady now…"

The Wind does not disappoint and brings the flailing Xiao closer to the bed before lowering him safely into his now fluffy prison.

Wasting no time, Venti tackles the Yaksha, pinning him into place. The action knocks the breath out of the Adeptus. Serves him right.

"No running away!"

Xiao's as slippery as he is when it comes to making a run for it (whether it be from the Wrath of the Rock, or when presented a bill he clearly does not have the resources for). Xiao has that trick where he disappears in entangling, wispy strands of black and teal, leaving no traces behind—as if he wasn't real.

Adepti, although possessing stamina and a constitution leagues better than a human's, still need to rest. They may not necessarily need sleep, but they are also not some well-oiled machines. Even machines bog down and would need to be repaired to continue its functionality. Since he is here... It would be very irresponsible of him to let the Yaksha continuously wear himself down when he could provide him some time to heal.

"Who is it that you're calling 'deadweight', huh?" Venti crawls upward with his elbows and gives cheeky Adeptus' cheeks the attention it deserves—an intense series of pokes. "Excuse you, I can pull my own weight! Let me remind you who—"

"And, who was the willful Anemo Sprite who nodded off long before it was deep into the night?"

Venti's eyebrows twitch. That sass... he thought he missed it, that and Xiao not fighting against him, but it should not at the cost of his honor! Xiao's definition of 'deep into the night' is not valid. Plus, that incident was so long ago! His stamina has grown more robust and—

"Oh, that rhymed." His annoyance diffuses in an instant. A smirk replaces his pout. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're rubbing off of me."

He receives a scoff and a flick on the forehead. It makes him loosen his grip on pinch-abused cheeks.

"And besides..." Venti's hands fall to the side; there is no joking around in that tone. "I don't want you pushing yourself for my sake."

The bard couldn't believe his ears. He blinks owlishly.

Him? The one accused of indulging in a life of indolence and intoxication by Morax? Pushing himself hard for...

Venti's stupid cheeks catch fire. He tries to douse it, imagining that stupid piece of rock Morax hurls towards his enemies so that it wouldn't spread anywhere else.

Ahhh, he should've known better by now. He shouldn't be making Xiao say something cutely embarrassing like that. It's unfair how his words don't affect him as much as it does the bard!

In a way, that does make them even. He shrugs.

"Is it really for your sake when I'm just doing as I pleased?"

"No?" comes the hesitant reply when he withdraws. It is even accompanied by a candid tilt of the head to a side. Honestly, he might be the one dying of diabetes.

Sensing that the Yaksha isn't up for anymore struggling, he leans down close enough to bop his nose to Xiao's, giggling all the while.

"When I said 'let's head back to the Inn to rest already!', I also meant that you do some resting too, silly!"

He knows he has to take it slow—just introduce the idea. He needs to ease Xiao into it, and hopefully, it'll stick to him as part of a routine, just like how a stray Dendro slime continues to stalk their target and suddenly pounce before repeating the cycle again. "So, it's for both of our sakes."

Xiao huffs at his very well thought out conclusion.

"I'm not asking you to waste the night away." Venti says, sitting up. He wouldn't be able to play his lyre if he continued laying atop of the Yaksha. "Just stay and listen to one song, what'd you say?"

Xiao turns his head away, but the bard knows his request is being considered. Venti takes the longest lock of hair and plays with it－brushing it against his fingers tips. He expects a hand to swat his away, and yet the swatting never comes. Smiling to himself, he continues.

"Artisans lay down their tools for the night and inspect them－looking for signs of wear and tear, discerning whether it is in need of repair－come morning before another hard days' worth of toiling." Venti rambles, feeling the need to present a compelling argument to this thick-headed warrior. The silence and unchanging expression on the other's face encourages him. "Does that not apply to you and your spear as well? Do you not check its condition before you hack away at your enemies?"

Xiao does; he has seen it for himself.

It's not that Xiao doesn't take a moment to pause and rest. He does exactly that, pause for a minute or two, and does so infrequently—five times over the course of the day, at most. And three out of those five times is for cleaning that green spear of his until it gleams under the sunlight—so radiant it becomes that Xiao could make it into a secret blinding technique, if he ever thought about it.

... ...

There may have been a few times when he tailed Mr. Workaholic Yaksha without his express permission—just out of curiosity.

So, Venti could be considered an authority on the topic. He knows what he is talking about.

Apparently, so does Xiao—given the number of times the Adeptus had looked over his shoulder during those times. It doesn't matter; his objectives remain the same and there is nothing to hide.

The point is, this is his routine when nothing significant is going on. And with a pesky little stalker guardian sprite keeping tabs. What happens on days when his episodes strike? Or, when a monumental event has taken place?

He could only imagine how wretched it must be to put on a façade, faced with the bearers of bad news. But really, how did Xiao take the news of that old blockhead's fake death? How did he manage afterwards?

"If weapons and tools used in trade are cared for in that manner, then how much more of a living, breathing person?"

A weapon... This is how Xiao sees himself, doesn't he? He is a weapon that is made to execute Rex Lapis' will and a means to fulfil a contract—to protect Liyue and rid it of monsters.

Venti hates the idea, even if it's the truth. He has to remind Xiao that he's more than just a weapon, doesn't he?

Venti is brought out of his trace once he finally catches other's intent gaze on him. He couldn't help smiling as he lets go of the lock of hair he has been toying with. It seems that he has won the other over with his well-crafted arguments. Xiao reclines onto the pillows below and closes his eyes. He scoots closer.

"And? What will the Mondstadt-renowned Venti the bard have me do?"

"Make that Teyvat-renowned! Not an inch of this world has been forsaken by my music!" Venti corrects as he quickly shields the Yaksha's eyes with a hand, just as the other is about to crack an eye open. "Just like that, keep your eyes closed."

Ah, how obedient. The bard need not repeat himself.

"Since my reluctant audience has given me a fraction of his golden time, it is only fair for him to choose, for denying is but a heinous crime."

"Sing to me about Mondstadt."

Venti did not expect for Xiao to have an immediate response. Thank the Sevens, Xiao's eyes were closed; he didn't witness him struggle keeping in a gasp.

"My, a legitimate request..." Venti brushes a few stray strands of hair away from the resting Adeptus' face. "And here I thought you'd make it harder for me by giving a 'sing as you please' out of spite."

He can see the Yaksha's displeasure by the scowl on his face. The only thing missing would be an eye roll.

"Did we not establish that human tendencies do not apply to me?"

Of course! How daft is he to doubt an Illuminated Beast? Especially one who transcends all human perversity and has the heart to literally forgive just about anything?! (give or take a thousand years, that is.)

"What use would it have to act on such pettiness?" He adds, [short of a pout]. "I'm just curious."

The display of cuteness makes Venti hum. "So, you want to know more, huh?"

This Adeptus who only has his contract with Rex Lapis and his dedication to Liyue in his mind has found interest in his beloved land—for him to (more openly) yearn for that which extends beyond the land of contract's boundaries...

Now, isn't that gratifying?

"Ehe, maybe I shouldn't be surprised, you're that ancient walking-encyclopedia's token son after all."

"Venti!" Xiao hisses.

Venti's amusement comes in bright peals of laughter. It ends with a yelp as something painful latches onto his face.

Xiao's fingers have honed in on his cheek with pinpoint accuracy even when he has his eyes closed! Nothing less from this highly skilled warrior!

"Did-didn't that come off as something endearing?" The bard enunciates the best he could with his cheek being abused in an iron grip, prying the feisty thing off and pushing it back down onto the bed.

"Coming from you," Xiao ridicules. "It sounds rather insulting."

Venti pauses, his struggle with the hand pausing with him. A chuckle comes stumbling out and he's quick to raise a fist to prevent the others from following suit. All the while, deft fingers grips onto reddened skin—not that it has the power to squeeze an undeserved apology out of him.

"Your apology."

'Ah, he didn't notice.' Venti keeps the knowledge to himself. He clears his throat, composing himself.

"There is no need for one~" The bard says with a lilt, his hand removing the Adeptus' own away from his cheek. "It was meant to be a sincere compliment, and there is nothing ever wrong with compliments, is there?"

Xiao withdraws his hand.

"Good, good, now let's get you settled!" The bard gets on his knees and fusses over the young Adeptus—rearranging the pillows under his head, and removing some of the heavier accessories weighing the other down. "If you wish to sate your curiosity on Mondstadt..."

Once the bard is satisfied, he scoots close to his charge, who has up 'til now kept his eyes closed. Xiao's eyelashes are long and thick. He doesn't have blemishes on his face too—no signs of sunspots at all! How does he maintain their care when he does not seem to have the time, nor will, to uphold a beauty routine? As his eyes trail lower, a small voice in his head whispers a little suggestion.

"Better?" He presses his back against the headboard instead after receiving a nod. Right time, right place. He couldn't afford to scare him off a second time.

The fake vision on his hip glows before fading and rematerializing in its master's hands as Der Frühling.

"Ah! What better place to begin, but from the very start?"

Venti gives the lyre a few strums, picking out each note to see if it is in tune. He, too, closes his eyes and lets the imagery take over. He lets his fingers translate it as they will.

"In Old Mondstadt transpired a story to be told. Where a tyrant ruled, there was a boy, not that old."

This is a story of freedom, and so he must retell it within the manner that reflects it.

"The lyre he played, and for a song he sought. But storm-walls blocked blue sky—he was sincerely distraught."

Venti sang on. He sang of the boy's simple dream, of the people's united resolve, and the aftermath of what came down. He sang of bittersweet victory, of rebuilding, and starting afresh with new lands to discover and cultivate. He sang of an inexperienced guide—ruler, humans would call him—as he watched them establish a culture; he sang of the fates of the liberating heroes; he sang of the new friends who have dedicated themselves to this new Mondstadt.

He does not sing of the events that transpired leading to Vanessa's—tales he was not there to witness himself. He will leave it for another day.

"Now, how does my honored patron like tonight's tales?" Venti whispers, leaning over to inspect his charge. The last notes fade into the stillness of the night. He regards Xiao's inability to reply, the even and shallow breathing, and the laxness in his form as medals for his efforts.

He wills the lyre back into a trinket.

He knows fully well that the cold is nothing to the Adeptus, yet he still takes the folded blanket from the side and tucks the other in. This should be enough. He... shouldn't overstay his welcome.

"Best I take my leave, and try to enjoy this reprieve?"

Xiao's hand shoots up from under the covers, grabbing the bard's wrist on his way up from the bed. Venti gives his trapped wrist a shake and it does not budge.

"What's this, what's this?" A cheeky grin creeps up the bard's face. "I should have known something was amiss."

Silly him, of course, Xiao is still awake. He didn't quite finish the performance with the young Adeptus' favorite lullaby after all. He may not offer him words, but the bard has a good idea what's on the Yaksha's mind.

"If you insist that I stay, would you do the same? Instead of toiling until something gives way."

A tug on his wrist makes Venti relent. He sits by the feet of his stubborn charge's side.

"I can't promise that."

Another, a slightly harder, tug catches him off guard. He finds himself draping over the other's chest.

"Hey, no fair." Venti uses his free hand to grab his loosened beret and support himself upright. "You could've just—"

Just one glance at Xiao's face and he unwittingly swallows the rest of his complaint. He mumbles his resignation as he plops back down to where he fell, turning his face to the side in hopes that the Yaksha has not seen it.

Just how could he say no to those shining, expectant gold eyes, huh?

"Just for a moment..."

That's it. That's the nail on his coffin. He's gone. [5]

Yet, he couldn't just leave Xiao hanging there, so he nuzzles the blanket in place of a nod.

Carefully, Xiao wraps his arms around the bard—one hand lay on the back of Venti's head, and the other on the small of his back—repositioning them both to lay on their sides.

"I don't mind staying like this for the rest of the night, you know." Venti closes his eyes as Xiao wordlessly urges him to relax. Xiao is cool to the touch, the constant, steady beat of his heart almost lulls him to sleep.

This won't do at aaaallll. He's the one who's supposed to put Xiao to sleep!

"Do you really need to go?"

Venti knows he does. A little selfishness wouldn't hurt once in a while, would it?

—○ ● ○ ◇◇◇ ○ ● ○ —

"Do you really need to go?"

Xiao's hand stills, paused over the mop of fluff under his chin.

"I have a duty to perform," he answers.

He hasn't heard that question for a long, long time now. It's...

"Is something the matter?"

Venti squirms free from his hold. Those bright, searching aqua eyes of his emerge, only to peer into the depths of his soul. He wants to look away, the genuine concern in them feels like a scolding.

He lets him. He doesn't look away and allows him to reach in as deep as he could go.

Between the two of them, Xiao doesn't know who needed that comforting touch anymore.

Heavy... constricting... and loss...

His chest aches—unlike those experiences from the karma he shoulders; close but not quite to the experience from earlier in the Karst Mountains.

Perhaps accepting the bard's offer is the best course of action.

"It's okay."

Venti's voice brings him back. Softened eyes leads to a smile. Then it twists into a grin. It radiated confidence.

"There's no need to fear, when good old Venti is here!"

Just what...

He sighs. Just what did this imp see to have him puffing his chest like this?

"You don't have to hesitate. Do what you need to do." The gentleness in his tone returns. "I'll still be here when you come back. Promise."

Xiao takes off the blanket and sits up.

"I won't take long." Xiao looks over to the window where the moon sits high above the night sky. He wonders if it truly is a witness to all deeds under its purview. "I just need some air, to feel the wind against my cheek."

His explanation is met with unexpected silence.

"I won't go as—"

A hand touches his cheek. Up and down, in gentle strokes, it caresses the Adeptus' cheek. It doesn't take long for him to respond to it.

A series of giggles soon follow. He trains his eyes on the bard still lying on the bed.

"Does this count?"

Huh?

Xiao frees himself from Venti's hold.

"Count? What counts?"

Much to his frustration, the bard chooses to smile, withholding the words he's so adept at manipulating. It takes a few seconds for something to click in his mind.

The Wind.

He'd ask the Wind to caress his cheeks.

Mortifying. He closes his eyes, refusing to look flustered, even when he knows that Venti will not live it down so easily. Not after a few weeks.

Venti chuckles this time. A flick on his forehead follows after.

He grumbles, and stops when he takes in the bard's lack of respect in his personal space.

"Silly, silly Yaksha. All you need is ask!" Venti gives him another flick before withdrawing. The bard drags him out of the bed and steers him toward the nearest window.

"A-ah, wait. Venti—"

"It's fine. It's fine. No need for excuses." Venti stops manhandling him when they get there. "We've wasted enough moonlight. Do your Yaksha duties and have the Wind play with your face with no worries."

Venti gives him one more push.

"I'll stay."

Xiao nods and climbs out of the window. He doesn't need to be told thrice.

The glide down to the Marsh has the wind blowing on his face, just as he wished. The cold night air brings alertness back to him.

And yet, Venti's hand on his cheek had felt more reassuring than the misty air of Dihua that he has known so well over the past millennia.

—○ ● ○ ◇◇◇ ○ ● ○ —

Venti hops out of the window as if to chase after the Yaksha, but stops.

Tempting as it may, he chooses to behave.

He, instead, sits by the balcony railing, a hand on each side and his feet dangling and kicking at nothing but air. He watches on as Xiao's figure grew smaller and smaller, growing more and more indistinct with each passing second. It doesn't take long for him to blend into the misty landscape below.

The bard's eyes flutter close as he breathed in the cool Liyuen air and let it out as a drawn out sigh.

He wouldn't be as bold as to claim that he is above being as dense as a rock, but he has thought that his clear grasp on sensitivity and perceptiveness would not fail him in times like this! He should have picked up on Xiao's cues... his use of politeness...

That's right, the Yaksha had wanted to be alone—to gather his thoughts, without the scrutiny of another's gaze. Adeptus or not, Xiao is the type to keep to himself. He should have let him be the first time.

He lets out one last sigh, and with it, his frustrations at himself. There isn't much point in beating himself over it; he'll just have to do better. He is asked to stay, despite how odd and unprecedented it may sound.

He climbs back down from the railing and retreats into the room.

There is not much to go through in the space. He has snooped around before, and as to be expected, Xiao did not keep any personal effects. There are only spares of the items he uses in his trade. All that is left is to wait by the foot of the bed and entertain the first thought to pop in his head.

Somehow, the events make him reminisce of the time when Xiao was still wary of him and had asked him of his intentions. Back then, he had sworn that he would whittle away at that harsh exterior.

And he has… hasn't he?

•○●○• ◇ •○●○•

The sun shone high over their heads, to the west. At two in the afternoon, Venti thought a short break would be for the best.

And what luck! Xiao agreed to his suggestion and led them straight to Luhua Pool!

Ah... He would never tire of its crystal clear waters, gentle slopes, and permeating sense of tranquility.

They took shelter under a twisting Maple tree. Its shade was ample, and its trunk provided plenty of room for two people to occupy it.

Xiao refused to sit beside him.

He had claimed to have only been accompanying the bard on his—not Xiao's—break.

Said bard thought the opposite. Someone was still unhappy with how he had treated his... ehem, kind.

It wasn't his fault that the stone Adepti parked themselves there, or that they were particularly useful in achieving his goals! [6]

Well, Venti couldn't find fault in these stone Adepti's reasoning.

The spot they chose was one of the best in the area. The spot offered a panoramic view of Liyue's proud mountains—trees, vegetation, and wildlife thriving on austere verticals. The pool's cool water provided relief to those who waded in it. Lush Maple leaves filtered out the harshness of the sun just enough to bring soft light to those blessed by its shade.

He chuckled upon hearing Xiao grumble about his circumstances—to accompany a defeated Archon who has no respect for the Adepti.

Indeed, blessed were those who took shelter under this Maple Tree. Venti's eyes wandered at just the right moment when the soft light hit Xiao's face, just as a faintest of smiles made its appearance.

His mouth hung ajar, having lost its grip.

Yes... truly, a sight to behold.

Gold eyes turned to him, and the crease on the Yaksha's forehead returned.

Venti shook his head. The heat really must have gotten to him!

Instead of appreciating the way the pools mirrored the clouds or watched the herd of cranes nearby taking turns in spreading out their wings, he took interest at the happenings at ground level.

There were frogs hopping about. They didn't mind their presence; the display was rather cute. It was all good, as long as the frogs didn't mistake the food containers as one of the smaller ponds to relax in.

By the time he looked back, Xiao had his eyes closed and his arms crossed.

The bard sat on the bend of the trunk, and on his lap sat an accursed item.

"There's no harm in giving in, you know~"

"Silence, you instigating bard. Tre—" Xiao cleared his throat. "Rewards lose their value when given out so... haphazardly."

The Almond Tofu sat right there, taunting the Yaksha.

"Nonsense! You have gone long enough, unrewarded." Vent planted his fists to his sides and raised his nose up in the air, an eye keeping tabs on the other's reaction. "You keep saying that you have a 'thankless job' and yet here I am thanking you, and you refuse my kindness!"

"Wha..." Venti had managed to shake that cool demeanour for a second, and Xiao scratched the side of one cheek, silent as he eyed the pouting bard. The Yaksha straightened himself and stalked over to him. "What do you want from me?"

To the cranes nearby, or any other person who was witnessing this, it'd look like Xiao was using an intimidation tactic on him, what with the way he gripped Venti's wrist and loomed over him, asking such a question.

"Hmmm, I believe you already know my reason for coming—an errand for a friend," Venti replied, unruffled, thrusting his captured hand—which was conveniently holding a spoon—to the unsuspecting mouth in front of him. He waited for the actual victim of his assault to clamp down and swallow the treat, grinning all the while. "Good?"

"Didn't you accomplish that already?" Xiao evaded, releasing Venti to bring out the bottle of medication. It was still two-thirds full—a sight that brought unbridled satisfaction to the bard.

And it showed.

"I did, I did. You acted quite the self-important brat, if I do say so myself!" Venti giggled as Xiao's cheeks began to take on a bright shade of red. "He also requested that I check up on you from time to time."

"Your friend..." The young Adeptus turned away as the bard began his merciless poking. "He seems to be overly invested in the likes of me."

"True, he values you a lot."

'And tack on the word 'cowardly', would you? Putting off meeting you in person himself.' Venti grumbled as he scooped some of the 'rejected' Almond Tofu into his mouth. His eyes sparkled as it melted in his mouth. What a luxurious texture this was!

A glance towards the Vigilant Yaksha, and thought, perhaps he shouldn't be jumping to conclusions. Just look at that longing gaze! "Perhaps, you could say that it's not only him."

Venti dipped the spoon back into the delicate treat and held it out for Xiao to swoop in.

He doesn't. He looked quite frozen.

It took about half a minute for the other to thaw and gingerly accept what was being fed to him. Though not without some grumbling and an attempt at resistance.

"Patience!" He scolds, moving the container and utensil away from grubby hands.

Xiao shoots a glare in his direction. "I can feed myself, Venti."

"I gave you a chance, and you squandered it. Live with the consequences that follow it."

Seeing Xiao deflate for a moment and let it go with a huff gave him a buzz. It was exciting, really, how his words affected the Yaksha now. They all used to be classified as hogwash before.

Scratch that, Xiao wasn't won over by his words just yet. It seems that his genuine interest wasn't enough on its own.

"You look like the kind of person who needs someone to teach you how to crack open a wide smile and be filled with overflowing laughter—to take delight in what the world has to offer!" Again, Venti thrust the spoon towards a more welcoming mouth. "I'm a bard by profession, I think I'm quite suited for the job."

Xiao raised an eyebrow.

"And why would I need instruction on that?"

"Just because I said so."

If Xiao didn't look affronted before, he looked it now. Venti chuckled and used his free hand to ruffle the other's hair.

"Silly, it's just as before—just go along with the whims of this willful bard, won't you?"

Xiao swatted his offending hand away and chose to look at the horizon far away. He didn't address the issue any further other than by breathing a 'For Rex Lapis' under his breath.

Venti could live with that for now.

He counted it as a win. He wasn't shut down, and he accomplished what he was set out to do. The treat Rex Lapis himself had prepared was conquered and decimated into nothingness by its intended. Not even the syrup was safe. [7]

Oh, but Venti isn't thoroughly satisfied just yet. He'll get this proud Adeptus softened up, just he waits.

"So how was it?" The bard closed the container and chucked it to the void.

"The syrup is too strong and it's grown too warm."

Stifling his chuckling, Venti replied. "Duly noted."

•○●○• ◇ •○●○•

It has grown rather chilly.

Venti has the urge to make himself at home on the Yaksha's bed—to stake claim onto it until the rightful owner comes to kick him out himself. Technically, he does have permission to do just that. Xiao himself offered the bed for him to rest in, after all!

Without wasting another second, he dives right in, belly down, and laughs as the springy bed bounces him off before letting him settle down. He lies spread-eagle, hoarding the bed to himself before he rolls around, encasing himself inside the blanket.

Ah, how nice! He's melting. The world is so soft and warm...

Too bad the blanket doesn't smell like Xiao since—

The bard's thought screeches to a halt and his body freezes as though it was a block of ice. He throws his face onto a pillow—as if it could be used to contain his (silent) screaming. Just where in Teyvat are his thoughts going?!

He couldn't decide whether he struck gold or found himself in a more mortifying position.

The smell of Qingxin has clung onto the pillow.

He doesn't bother getting up and resigns to the fact that he will be smote by the Yaksha's father in the morning, so he might as well relish the simple joys that come with being in this predicament.

He closes his eyes and takes a long whiff of that pillow. Qingxin does not have a strong scent, unlike its neighbor, Violetgrass. It's subtle—delicate even—gentle on the nose, and most importantly, unforgettable once encountered. His shoulders sag and the rest of the tension in his body soon follows as he lets go of his breath.

Yes, the scent lingers, and will present itself to whoever seeks it.

A series of giggles spill over as he rolls to the left, and then to the right.

'How fitting.' A smile sneaks its way onto his lips as his hand traces unending spirals onto the fabric once he settles back in the center of the bed.

Rather than thinking of how much of a crime it is for Xiao not to luxuriate in this sublime piece of furniture and these covers, he lets another thought swallow him instead.

Yes, he had initially come because of a request, by that blockhead who is enjoying his retirement as a human too much. Curiosity had set in after the first meeting, which led him to accepting the next request... and the unmentioned visits in between.

'Why does Xiao continue as though nothing has changed when freedom stares him square in the face and is within hand's reach?'

The answer is simple: He binds himself to his duty and doesn't know how to use that freedom in his hands.

Xiao is content to continue fulfilling a voided contract because the work gave him purpose, and it has become something that he takes pride in.

There is nothing wrong with that.

He must have grown a sense of awareness on what he is doing—to have done so for thousands of years.

Alatus, The Conqueror of Demons, the last of ilk who has evaded death's maws again and again must know what he's doing!

Venti is sure about it. He simply knows that this silly Yaksha would not last long with the pace he is maintaining, and that... this is all intentional. As meddlesome as it was, Venti couldn't leave him alone. His curiosity continues to linger; it takes on other forms.

'Would Xiao like this song? How would he react to these tales? He didn't mind when I poked him last time, would he be more amenable to me petting his head this time?'

Once the 'Liyue Tour Guide' excuse started to wear thin, Venti formulated different justifications for his visits, something they could both accept—including the one he fed the Xiao that time at Luhua Pool.

Those justifications aren't mere excuses. They are real, and he wonders about those goals that he set... Is he close to accomplishing any of them? Could he really teach Xiao to smile, to laugh? [8] Could he really show him what's beyond his duty and that all these opportunities are within his grasp and that he doesn't need to leave behind his duty to experience them?

Venti is pulled away from his thoughts when he hears a clatter of feet and the light creaking of the floorboards from the balcony. He tears his face away from the pillow and, with much haste, frees himself from the cocoon of his own making.

Greetings are a must.

"Welcome home!" The bard chirps as he pops into view.

He hums as he gives Xiao a once over as he strikes a thinking pose. Small, dark-hued splatters dot Xiao's clothes, some smeared across his cheeks.

"I guess, I shouldn't doubt a Yaksha's intuition! I see that the Hilichurls regrouped without permission."

He chuckles before looking up to have a proper look at Xiao's face. His eyes widen, and his throat goes dry. Compelled, he walks closer to the Yaksha and thumbs away the now-red hued smear.

Venti has never felt the strain of keeping a smile in place once it has faltered as much as he has at that moment. It is incredibly difficult when he has no clue regarding the nature of this heaviness.

"That Morax." He shuts his mouth. He hates how the weight in his chest impedes with the delivery. He tries again: light, airy! "Has he not taught you any manners?"

Xiao blinks, slapping a hand to his face. The weight has lifted somewhat. Venti could feel he could breathe again and chuckles at the young Adeptus' apparent bewilderment.

"How do you respond when someone welcomes you back home, hmmm?"

Venti uses his fingers to aid in removal of those pesky tears blocking Xiao's vision. They dampen the effect of the victory upon seeing the beginnings of a crooked smile. They have no right to be there.

... Do they?

"I-I-I'm..." Xiao stammers, an automatic response when asked a question. He pauses. Venti watches as his shoulders loosen and his eyes glisten once more under moonlight as he utters the last word. "Home."

"Yeah, that's right." Venti's smile falters once more and this time, forms a thin line as he patted the other's shoulder. "So he did teach you some manners after all, ehe~"

It's a simple turn of phrase. Exchanging "I'm home-s" and "Welcome back-s" is as mundane as it gets. Sure, he may have used it in teasing, but the outcome is not within his expectations. Goodness! With the sass earlier, he expected a retort!

Something like: 'You don't live here' or 'Who are you, my mother?'

This... He has no context to work with. How could he make things better without it? And Xiao doesn't look like he's in the state to talk about it.

"Hey now, aren't people supposed to feel better after a walk?"

Venti may not know what to do, or what to say to help, but by Celestia, he's going to put in the effort—even if it means fumbling through it!

"It's your room." He takes Xiao's hand and guides him inside. "There's no use just standing around in the cold!"

Xiao allows him to help him hop up the window and into the bedroom. He directs the pliant Adeptus to the stool to have a seat.

It's not the time for it, but he'd rather avoid the regret of staining nice sheets with Hilichurl blood.

"Ah, you must be chilled to the bone!" Venti hammers a fist into his hand. "Stay put while I go downstairs to heat—"

Just as the bard is about to move towards the window, Xiao grabs his sleeve to tug it. Venti sighs and gets on his knees to level himself with his silent companion. Earnest eyes bore through him, searching for something. Their intensity and the sight of tear-stained cheeks prompts him to look away, scratching his cheek.

"Could it..." He pauses and breathes in. "Could it be my fault?"

He finds it in him to face the Adeptus. Guilt and self-frustration gnaw at him; what stupid, clumsy thing has he done this time?

Xiao places both hands on his shoulders, grounding him and making him gulp. Those earnest eyes disappear from view as the other shakes his head from left to right. Before relief could flood his system, he is pulled into a surprisingly fierce hug. Xiao just buries his face into his shoulder. Quiet sobs and hiccups soon follow.

"There, there... I suppose leaving will make it all the more worse?" Xiao's grip on him tightens. Venti chuckles out of instinct. He regains sense in his raised arms and wraps them around the Adeptus, easing into the hug. "Ah, I thought so."

Is this how much their confrontation has shaken Xiao? Or is it something else entirely? He couldn't wash his hands and pretend he has no involvement in the creation of those tears, even if the young Adeptus denies it.

When he peered into those precious golden orbs before the Yaksha left, he didn't know what to make of what he saw. He's still just as perplexed. Both contentedness and longing swirl in warmth and... affection?

He tangles his fingers into Xiao's hair, combing it. The other runs his hand over Xiao's back in broad, calming strokes.

Venti wonders if he is truly allowed to be here, to witness this side of the normally proud and stoic Adeptus. He has seen more than what a casual observer would have witnessed. He had witnessed Xiao fight off hordes of monsters, sometimes those who are far greater than he is in size. He had witnessed him fight with himself as waves of foreign ideas, foreign memories and foreign emotion come at him in waves.

Those events pale in comparison to what he is experiencing with that very same brave and strong knight right now.

Xiao in baby mode, who would've thunk?

Kidding aside, Venti couldn't help but feel a little special having to witness this. It is some sort of new type of battle Xiao is fighting, isn't it? He's honored to be given a chance to see it unfold for himself.

Not long after, Venti's brave warrior settles down, untucks his face from its hiding place, and places his cheek on where his eyes used to rest.

"Xiao, dear, do you want to tell me what's the matter?"

Xiao shakes his head without a second thought—as expected.

"How about we get you cleaned up for bed, is that okay?"

Venti receives a nod, and gets to work. He re-positions Xiao's arms to circle around his neck before he scoops him up. There is no yelping, but the Yaksha's legs wrap around him as he stands straight. The bard laughs and noses into Xiao's hair.

He settles for changing the Yaksha out of his dirtied garments and heads over to where Xiao keeps his spare clothes. It's the least he could do, as he may need to forego the idea of cleaning him up with a damp towel if the reaction from earlier is anything to go by.

The bard coaxes Xiao to let go. They need to remove all of his paraphernalia before dressing him in a fresh set. Pliant in this state, Xiao doesn't fuss, even when Venti helps him in tasks he is capable of doing on his own.

Venti takes off his own accessories and corset before climbing onto the bed first.

He should look away; he knows he should. It's the decent thing to do, yet he couldn't help worrying.

(And definitely not because Xiao fumbling with his clothes just like a toddler is the cutest and most innocent thing he saw the usually clever Yaksha do.)

He could tell that the Adeptus has regained some of his bearings. Xiao spares him a glance to which he responds with a wave and outstretched his arms.

Ah, that may have been a little too much to bear. From where he sat, he could make out the redness of Xiao's ears, even if he refuses to show his face.

"Shy now, are we?" Venti chuckles, putting down his arms. He pats the bed just loud enough to give the blushing maiden Adeptus a cue to look his way. "It's fine, there's no cause for alarm. This won't bring your reputation any harm."

Xiao throws him a furtive glance. He looks like he wants to say something, but holds back, preferring to climb onto the bed with him without breaking his silence.

Venti sits up, his arms opening once more to welcome his charge. He refrains from big and sudden movements such as the tackling from earlier, but does draw Xiao close when the other freezes. He cradles Xiao's head in his arms and hums a melody. The young Adeptus goes lax in his arms, loosening up enough that they both sink into the bed without much resistance.

There is no way to tell the passage of time in that room except for the moon.

The bard wonders if he could come up with a verse that encapsulates this moment of invaluable softness and trust. He could feel his eyelids being weighed down by the fatigue he has been fighting off, and will continue to fight for the time being.

"I'm glad that you're here."

Xiao's voice stirs him into wakefulness. It shouldn't have been long but it felt like an eternity since he last heard him speak. He grins, roughly tousling dark, silky hair. Seriously, how does Xiao keep it tidy enough?

"Barbatos, Xiao's Savior Number Two, at your service!"

His statement must have been ridiculous enough to make Xiao snort, but not enough to push him away. He resumes petting his dark, silky hair when he realizes that neither of them is going anywhere else any time soon.

•○●○• ◇ •○●○•

This... this is too comfortable.

The warmth emanating from Venti... the gentle strokes on his back and hair...the fragrance of Cecilia blossoms, and the sweetness of his voice...

The endearment used on him still rings in his ears.

It doesn't feel real. He couldn't be deserving of all this, could he?

"Is it really okay?"

"Hm?"

Xiao raises his head, staring straight onto glimmering aqua pools, full of affection. It catches him off-guard, making him flinch. "Is it okay for you to be here right now?"

The Yaksha wants to accept Venti's kindness without question. He followed Rex Lapis without questions whatsoever in the past, and his generosity towards him is at the price of loyalty and servitude.

"Of course."

Yet the Anemo Archon Venti... he doesn't require anything of him—nothing too concrete or substantial, that is. All he has asked is for his time, and his companionship.

He receives a flick to his forehead.

"Your thoughts may be jumbled now, and your heart may be full of weight that you cannot place," Venti goes on as he soothes the spot he flicked with his fingers. His eyes don't contradict what comes out of his mouth—genuine concern. He begrudgingly admits to himself how it is not only his forehead that is soothed. "That's perfectly fine. Take your time and choose which ones you could face."

Venti's hand reaches behind his head to pull him back down onto his chest.

"I still don't understand." Xiao hates the aggravation in his voice, and the unsteadiness that follows. "Why do you stay?"

Why do you keep coming back? You have seen the ugliness—the filth—within, so why do you persist?

... Why would you entrust yourself to me?

The rumbling from below brings him back. The bard chuckles as though he shared a joke.

"Xiao, didn't we go through this before?"

"We did—some nonsense about making me smile and laugh." Xiao bites his lip, internalizing how ignominious he sounds for assuming a different answer will come from it. He is grateful for the imp sparing him from further humiliation by keeping his silence.

Instead of the teasing he steeled himself for, the hair-stroking resumes. Venti's touch is light. A few strokes in, and his shackles are lowered, his eyelids threaten to droop close. It is almost insulting how this bard has no regard for his defences, eroding them with a simple touch.

"Do I really have to find a proper reason to spend time with you?" The bard pauses and hums in thought. "I may have run out, save for maybe one or two."

Xiao mulls it over and deems it nonsensical—too outlandish to be true.

The former Anemo Archon… makes up excuses to spend time with him.

It could be another iteration of 'on a whim', but somehow... he is inclined to believe that this is not the case. He shuts his eyes as he wills the heat on his face to disappear.

"I don't see how my activities do well to humour you."

"Curiosity for curiosity's sake, and you're pretty fun to hang out with, you know. I'll give you a chance to dissuade me."

"All I do is kill." Venti's hand on his head stills. "Scouring Liyue to hunt down impurities. My world revolves only on de—"

"Shhh." Akin to lightning, he is silenced with a finger. "I didn't mean it in that sense."

Xiao removes himself from the bard's hold and sits opposite to him. He doesn't understand the urgency... the disappointment in his voice. Was he not merely doing what was asked of him? Wasn't that the truth?

Stern aqua eyes chastise him. They hold him captive once more as they are compelling—no, asking for—him to listen.

"I know that the method may not look or sound pretty, but what you do can't be oversimplified to 'killing'. You 'protect', Xiao." Venti reaches out to cup his cheek. It serves both to comfort and keep him in place. "You protect Liyue and its inhabitants—a noble, valiant deed. I won't let you run yourself down with that kind of talk."

Xiao releases the breath he didn't know he was holding. So, it all comes to... word choice? What of it? He accomplishes one by doing the other, is there much difference if stuck to the latter?

Of course Venti would nitpick. Words are a bard's instruments in making a living, just as he uses his spear to fulfil his objectives. How ironic, to be lectured on this by a tactless bard.

"You don't enjoy taking the lives—"

"I'm not who you think I am." Xiao's tone turns severe and tears away his gaze. He could taste bitterness in his mouth as Venti's hand falls back onto his lap.

He silently rebukes himself for his harshness. Venti may not be a role model in tact and has rather strong opinions despite his ignorance, but he could tell that it comes from a good place.

"You are." Venti declares without an ounce of doubt. It seems to have sparked something in him. "You are stern, impartially honest and are in possession of the kindest of souls. You are highly disciplined, strong—in every sense of the word—and extremely loyal to that glorified block-headed Geo Archon you extol!

"This isn't the time for rhyming, bard," Xiao grits out in warning. He receives a smirk in return and a threat.

"Oh, I could ramble on and on—a whole litany, if you will!—but you wouldn't want that, would you?"

Xiao turns his back at him, grunting. He wonders why he puts up with this imp sometimes. Referring to Lord Rex Lapis in this manner is unforgivable, and yet Venti does it often enough that it makes chastising him futile—a waste of energy.

"I kid, I kid, you are one of my most cherished audience members! I wouldn't want you to get bored!" Venti proceeds to repeatedly clap his back with excessive cheer. Once he senses that the bard's enthusiasm has simmered down, he turns back and sees him smiling that unfathomable smile of his. "One last point, and the most important of all: you are alive, well, and free. Don't you ever forget that."

Venti taps on his nose to get his point across.

It does... to an embarrassing degree.

This has nothing to do with Venti's profession as a bard. It is not even the fact that Venti finds his company enjoyable in some odd way. Is it not mortifying how the God of Freedom had come to offer him extensive and highly personalized lessons on freedom himself?

Surely, not everyone is entitled to this service.

"I'll need to have a word about those ancient text writers who wrote your lore," Venti grumbles with a huff. "Their written word is doing you no favours at all!"

Xiao snorts inelegantly, and covers his mouth before he starts cackling.

"Fan Literati has never been a concern for me."

Venti tuts, bringing his finger out in the air. "That is where you are mistaken. It affects people's perception of you. Including yours."

Xiao shrugs. Outsiders' perception of him is irrelevant; it does not affect his directives.

"If you say so~" Venti shrugs too, yet his tone and demeanor say otherwise.

There is a twinkle in clear, aqua eyes that confirms his suspicions. He bristles, fingers twitching.

Why, that imp...

Where does Venti's confidence come from—speaking as if he knows Xiao better than he knows himself?

He sighs, letting his hands fall to the side, and with it, his urge to retaliate.

Venti purposefully turning a blind eye to his internal struggles only serves to add insult to injury.

And yet... that is the case, isn't it?

Venti knows him. They have interacted enough times over the past few months for the bard to get a grasp of his character. He is appalled at the thought that Venti would have provided a whole litany, if he let him. The bard has seen up close what he is used to keeping to himself and those things that spectators intentionally shy away from. Yet he is also unaware of the full extent of the Yaksha's past. He is neither an outsider, nor is he an insider.

Venti... is caught in the middle, a convenient spot for the both of them.

"I did enjoy it." Xiao finds himself saying.

No, that isn't so.

There are times that Venti ventures from that middle ground and slinks into places he shouldn't be—places shut off to everyone including Xiao himself—and yet... and yet, the Adeptus finds it within himself to just let him in.

Against better judgement, he gives the willful imp access. He lets him see.

Venti keeps his silence and his eyes bore holes through him. It is difficult to deny his curious gaze.

He grunts. With the number of times he has given into his imploring eyes, perhaps, Venti does know him better than himself.

"To have power over someone..." Xiao continues, his hand clenching as the memories wash over him. "To have a firm grip on their lives. I'm no different from the gods I've cut down or the monsters that I now seek to eliminate."

No. It can't be that simple.

He refuses to believe it. He wants—needs—to test it himself. Venti said it himself, didn't he? 'Curiosity for curiosity's sake.'

Just how much does the bard know?

"No. You're not." Venti shakes his head, and takes his hands in his.

"That monster existed, and one day, I'll—"

"Shhh," Venti's finger finds its place on his lips once more. Xiao didn't notice they were trembling until now. "You're not not fooling anyone with that kind of talk—not you, and definitely not me, ehe~"

... ...

Had Venti caught on?

"You—" Venti's soft, warm smile as he shakes his head with a giggle makes the Yaksha's traitorous heart skip a beat. "We aren't going to let that happen again."

The bard gives Xiao's hands a firm squeeze. "You're not alone, at least not anymore."

Again, where does this imp's confidence come from?

"But my fate, the karma that—"

"I said hush!" Venti pinches Xiao's arm this time—hard enough for the pain to register. The Yaksha feels the sting, but keeps his face free from any emotion. This decision results to a pouty Venti. "Yes, yes. I've heard it hundreds of times before, but I still want you listen."

Venti turns Xiao's palms face up and soothes the places he pinched.

"Even if it's a burden that you must shoulder on your own, it doesn't mean that you need to live life all alone."

A ball of air materializes in between his hands.

"You have Zhongli now."

Xiao's is wide-eyed in surprise as the wispy apparition takes on the image of the mysterious mortal with Cor Lapis eyes. He turns his attention to Venti who coaxes his right pinky finger to fold, a poorly hidden self-satisfied smile on his lips. "You have Ganyu and the other Adepti."

The wisp expands and reshapes itself into the image of the Ganyu, Madame Ping, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, and even the late Pervases. The rest of the fingers on his right hand were coaxed to close into a fist, and so did the pink on his left hand.

"You have the Traveler and Emergency Food."

The next two fingers on his left hand are given the same treatment. Xiao bites the inside of his cheek upon seeing the mist present an image of a content Lumine stirring a pot full of Paimon over an open fire.

"You know what? Even if you haven't properly met him yet, let's throw him into the mix!" Xiao's bad feeling proves true as the wisp condenses a bit and takes on the visage of the Fatui bastard. He sighs. "I'm sure your master's beloved rascal would have your back if you let him."

"Next," he barks.

Venti looks up at him in mild surprise. He scratches his cheek as an awkward sounding laugh escapes him. "Well, if they aren't enough…"

The bard coaxes the final digit close and tugs him forward. The unexpected force and swiftness of the action makes Xiao blank out for a quick second. When he regains some of his senses, the comforting warmth from earlier envelopes him once more, seeping in. His face is buried in the ruffles of the bard's shirt and his arms cling onto his back.

"You have me, if that's any consolation," Venti whispers in his ear.

Xiao's face grows slightly warmer than the rest of his body.

"Hm, no good?"

Xiao's face resurfaces and looks at him in askance. "I said, 'what consolation? Aren't you supposed to be a grand prize? You're an Archon.'"

Right there and then, Xiao regains control of all of his faculties, only to lose them shortly right after.

Just what in Teyvat just came spilling out of his mouth?!

Even the bard is speechless! He's not blinking either.

He attempts to speak, but all that accomplishes is soundless opening and closing of his mouth.

There is a lump in his throat that prevents him from even sputtering. His thoughts were jumbling and clumping in his mind. He thought he would never feel this kind of warring heat and cold ravaging through his body after that first meeting over half a year ago. He couldn't be more mistaken as cold dread and embarrassment raze him to the ground.

Another player makes itself known in the moment—his heart. It beats erratically and swells each time. It swells so much that it feels constricted inside his rib cage. The emotions it holds threaten to spill over.

And spill over it does.

He surges upwards to meet Venti's parted lips to kiss him.

This isn't like earlier in the day where he had a clear goal—the thoughts lining up, words gushing out and performing actions purposefully. This is different—an all-consuming need to kiss the man in front of him.

Is this what human emotions feel like?

Human emotions have always been difficult to comprehend, and now that he is experiencing them, he understands more how taxing it is to be in touch with (especially, acting on) them on a regular basis.

The process of transcribing emotions into words—fully grasping their weight and implications—vexes him. He is humbled by how Venti manages both with ease in his day-to-day life.

To let these unknown emotions wash over him may be a mistake, but he feels the need to express himself in some form. He wonders if he could reach Venti this way.

•○●○• ◇ •○●○•

Xiao's eyes are so bright and innocent. Whoever said that Xiao's innocence was stripped away from him had it all wrong [9]. It may have dimmed, but it never left.

They're... they're just like amber.

The surface may be rough, may have gone dull through years of weathering and erosion, but given a little polish, and its true nature comes to light. Deep, dark shades of honey, hardened by time and experience, would encase a piece of wonder—a core, a truth that will never ever change.

Venti would try to polish those amber stones little by little. Carefully making them shine like never before, and in return, he hopes to understand the story within the core has been glimpsing all this time.

As much as the story-seeker within him is giddy to learn of his secrets, Xiao is precious; therefore, he wouldn't dare use force in prying it from him.

Those striking, honest eyes. They never fail to unnerve Venti.

As though they aren't enough to immobilize him, Xiao proceeds to fry his brain. He goes on asking the most candid of questions—assigning him as a 'grand prize'. Of what, you may ask, but he cares not.

Not when the Adeptus boldly captures his lips.

Venti's mind is as blank as a slate now, and starts filling with the sensations his body is feeling—starting with Xiao's actions.

Gold eyes are nowhere in sight. Xiao takes small breaths in between kisses. Experimental kisses are made to the corner of his lips, trailing down the side of his jaw. Hands fly up to cup his face fully.

Part by part, Venti regains more of his body's functionality. He starts by using his hands to explore Xiao's hair and back. Then, he responds to the kiss—carefully, chastely—conveying that he's here in the moment and that this is okay.

Xiao is communicating something.

Words aren't the only medium of expression after all, and he prides himself in being well-versed in all forms of communication. And so, he takes on the challenge of decoding the messages being sent to him.

He recognizes the joy in the small smiles in between kisses. He could read affection in each gentle brush of hair away from his face. As flashes of gold enter his view, he could see gratitude written all over them.

Not all is as well as it seems.

He also recognizes the confusion as Xiao's grip on him tightens, and underneath the gratitude, he could pick up pieces of that resounding ache somewhere deep inside the Yaksha as they lock eyes at the end.

Regrettably, this ache is one that he couldn't properly help with right now.

"Thank you," Xiao breathes when withdraws and turns his shoulder into a makeshift pillow.

How could he forget? His warrior is beyond exhausted. The poor thing needs a break.

"Oh, this silly Yaksha... I didn't do anything."

Venti strokes his hair once as he replies. "Thank me when you've started to have more faith in yourself!"

Just as before, if he couldn't take away the pain, then he could, at least, lighten things up. After a while, he takes the courage to get the ball rolling.

"Say," he says, licking his lips. He could tell that Xiao has improved a bit. "Since you have no problem kissing me now, how about we redo that first kiss of yours?"

This suggestion may be in bad taste, but things like that are the best kind of distractions, right?

"I played dirty last time and—"

Xiao takes the bait. Very eagerly, if he may add.

The Yaksha withdraws, repositioning his knee in between his legs. The Yaksha lowers himself down, caging him in the process. Xiao stops when he's close enough to feel the other's breath on his cheeks.

He could only imagine how much faster Xiao's heart must be beating at the moment. Ah, he would gladly drown in those pools of honey for eternity.

Venti opens his mouth in anticipation, as Xiao drops in to kiss him again.

"Yeah... just like that." Venti's hands find their way to cup the young Adeptus' face. It's undeniably adorable how he's asking for praise validation without even opening his mouth. Putting on his brightest smile, he giggles. "I'll take that as a 'yes' then."

Venti presses his lips back and nibbles on Xiao's lower lip. The Yaksha doesn't flinch back in surprise; a favorable reaction indeed.

"Sooo, how many times do you think we'll reach 'til we get it right?"

Xiao manages to draw a gasp out of him as the Yaksha's cold hand slips under his dress shirt before untucking them out of his shorts.

"It doesn't matter."

Venti shrugs and tugs the Adeptus toward him by the shirt. Xiao discards it the very next second. Cheshire as smiles go, he responds by unbuttoning his own.

"Fair enough."

—○ ● ○ ◇◇◇ ○ ● ○ —

Venti wakes up with a start.

When did he drift off? He had just been singing to Xiao to ensure that he falls asleep and is treated with sweet dreams.

His This warrior deserves a good night's rest. He mustn't be plagued by pesky night terrors and harassment from opportunistic gods of old. As far as he could tell, his singing keeps them at bay, and so comes the decision to sing even as night turns into day.

Well, so much for that endeavor; he might not have even lasted a couple of hours.

He looks to his right and sees that his efforts may not be as much of a waste as he first thought. He finds a peacefully sleeping Xiao cuddled next to him.

"I should be thanking you, silly Yaksha." He presses his forehead to Xiao's before playing with his bangs. "For letting me stay."

Venti will never undermine the strength and courage the Yaksha exemplified throughout the course of this day. He couldn't help admiring this fierce warrior even more, and yet his heart sinks.

He just feels... gutted with the way Xiao sees himself—how he believes that the enslaved, blood-thirsty puppet he used to be is his true self.

The way he sees it, Xiao's young mind was consumed with the effects of whatever cruel deeds that wretched old god forced on him, and that the Alatus only did what was best for his state of mind—to let go of himself.

A small smile creeps back onto his face. Xiao used the word 'did'. He recognizes that this is not the way he is now.

Changing Xiao's perception would not be a walk in the park, but it's not impossible. He'll just have to be patient and keep at it.

"Venti..." Xiao mumbles something incomprehensible as he turns onto his other side.

So cute. If Xiao knew he were sleeping-talking—not to mention, calling out to someone, he'll probably never live it down and refuse Venti's future invitations to sleep.

Well, no one has to know.

Hand on his cheek, he savors the visage for as long as he could. Come a few hours and he may never have the opportunity to see it once more. Would that funeral parlor consultant be so gracious as to at least make it swift? He shudders.

Forgetting to close off some of the windows was a really bad move.

Venti draws up the blanket over the sleeping Adeptus, tucking him in and keeping the cold away. He slides out of the bed, careful not to wake his charge. He dresses up and puts on his cape as he heads for the window overlooking the Marsh.

The Wind greets him in passing, and its breeze is enough to slap him awake (half-figuratively). He closes some windows shut, leaving only two. The early morning air is refreshing, but the chill it brings with it leaves much to be desired.

He finds himself chipper, optimistic. His doubts had melted away.

It is not a matter of ability, but one of duty. The fire within him is re-lit—his resolve to teach this young Adeptus about all of the things he's missing out on with his new-found freedom intensifies.

Someone has to keep reminding this silly Yaksha of the good within him! He couldn't believe it himself, but he's more than happy to step up.

He glances behind him to make sure that Xiao is truly out cold—practically dead to the world, before checking out the frantic pacing on the guest balcony below the room. Xiao is normally a light sleeper, and this will surely wake him eventually.

There stands a familiar Sumerian scholar. Parchment, both crumpled and uncrumpled, pool at her feet. He stealthily descends and takes a seat at the table where the rest of the documents lay. He reads whatever legible handwriting is available to him.

The topic of the paper seems to be about an old friend... ah, how nostalgic.

Venti clears his throat. "Calm yourself. You're going to rouse my charge."

"Huh?" The scholar whips her head around and jumps, her hand steadying her heart. "Ack! Bard, you've scared me!"

"It's nothing~"

She cups her chin, studying him as he swings his feet, putting on his most winning smile. It is a bit unnerving, almost comparable to Morax's scrutiny of relics.

"By the way, I've been meaning to ask... Are all writing in the Academia so bland?"

Soraya blinks and eyes the piece of parchment the bard was waving around.

"Don't take it the wrong way. I'm not attacking you or anyone in particular. Just..." She raises an eyebrow, and her scrutiny is unnerving. "Okay, okay, that's a lie. Just, please, stop looking at me like that!"

"Ah, my apologies. A habit picked up in the Academia." She heads over to the table and scribbles down some... notes? "It's curious how the breeze doesn't tousle your hair as much as it should."

He loudly clears his throat.

"As I was saying," he emphasizes each word, hoping the scholar would get the hint. "The truth is, I have a bone to pick with the one in charge of writing that piece about the Yakshas. Reading it left a bad taste in my mouth, eurgh."

"That is what you'd call 'writing with objectivity'," Soraya explains as she puts down her pen. "Given your occupation, it is quite alright if it is beyond your understanding-considering a liberal use of freedom of speech and employing artistic licenses in your work. Academic writing requires a certain degree of formality and professionalism."

"Even so! The writing was as stiff as a board! The repetitions did not add whatever sense of reverence or regality the author was going for, hmph." Venti pauses upon realizing how his sneer-like rant isn't exactly winning the academic over. Sheepishly, he adds: "Any chance I could have a chat with them over some wine?"

"The record that you have complaints on is titled 'Yakshas: The Guardian Deity' written by Masudi, yes?"

"Yep, that's the one." Ho, Lady Luck must be smiling upon him today!

"The author you seek has long left this plane of existence. Regrettably, he wouldn't be able to receive your invitation," Soraya relays the information calmly. "As for the veracity of the work, I could vouch for it. All publications from the Sumeru Academia have gone under much more scrutiny than whatever works are being distributed in Yae Publishing House before they could see the light of day."

Venti flinches, remembering the poor soul whose thesis topic keeps on changing as tragedy strikes her again and again. He and Lumine have encountered her a few months back, inside a Treasure Hoarder jail cell, no less.

"All that are left are his works and the research materials he had gathered—none of which are set up for revisions or updates in the near future," Soraya continues, adjusting her spectacles. "And no, I... don't think anyone in my social circle would be able to gain authorization for a copy of the gathered materials or the manuscripts."

Venti lets a long sigh escape him, and slumps over the table, holding up a half-written page.

"Shame, I would've introduced to him some fine vintages in hopes getting him to loosen up and apply that to his writing, ehe~"

Soraya stares at him once more.

"Don't mind me, it was nothing!" Venti bounces to his feet, and cups his own chin. "If it's not up for revisions..."

The bard hums in contemplation. "Do you know anyone else interested in picking it up then?"

•○●○• ◇ •○●○•

Soraya does not know much about Venti the Bard. She knows that he is a friend of the Traveler, and that he does live performances for Wangshu Inn from time to time. It is the first time she has encountered quite the anomaly from being around the bard's presence... Could it be the effects of wind resistance? The bard seems to be an Anemo Vision Holder.

She could discuss this with Alrani, who has tackled the subject of Visions before, at a later date.

Mysterious or not, one thing is for sure: his smile and energy are infectious.

She could probably stave off the drowsiness for a while longer.

"Your topic of interest is on the Guardian Yakshas, correct?"

Venti nods with much enthusiasm, fanning the embers that have died out prior. No matter how curious it is for a bard, who she has heard to claim to hail from Mondstadt, to have quite the attachment and strong opinions on Liyuen folklore, she'll let that train of thought pass by her for tonight. She checks her tea reservoir and shrugs.

Who is she to judge anyone who seeks knowledge?

"I believe that the author by the name Wuyuan is researching the topic herself for the next volume of her book 'Records of Jueyun'. I'll inform you of her progress and whereabouts when I've gotten in touch with them."

Venti takes both of her hands and shakes them.

"Thank you kindly, Miss Soraya!" The bard lets go and skips his way to the other end of the balcony. "I knew Lumine's acquaintance would be a great help!"

So infectious is his glee that it makes a sleep-deprived academic like herself smile. He turns around suddenly, as if remembering something of great importance.

"How rude of me not to give back in turn. A word of advice, since you seem to have hit a wall in your paper on the Lord of Dust, you may want to visit a bridge that has long since burned. I heard she was fond of feeding the Koi along the shores of the Marsh—helped lower the stress levels and rekindles the imagination. After a recharge, she'd be up to her nose with her inventions!" He holds up a finger to his lips and winks. "If you go now, you'll get a glimpse of what she once saw."

"You speak as though you've met her in person."

"Would you believe me if I say I had?" His challenging tone makes him rather convincing. "Kidding, kidding. Oh you know about us travelling bards, we meet all sorts of folk! We hear things, some grains of truth, some gibberish, from anyone willing to have a talk. There's no harm in trying, is there? Beats stay stuck in the middle of nowhere, I'd say."

Soraya looks at waters below and gauges the time left until the moon completely disappears from sight. The dissertation wouldn't write itself, especially with the deadline looming over her head, but the bard may be right. A stroll along the shore, or near the broken bridge may get her writing juices stocked up.

Just as she is about to give her agreement, the bard has been long gone. The papers she has left scattered about are now grouped into neat piles.

Oddly enough, an apple also stands atop unwritten parchment.

—○ ● ○ ◇◇◇ ○ ● ○ —

FOOTNOTES:

[2] The presence of a writing desk in this particular room of Wangshu Inn puzzled Venti at first. Xiao did not seem to be the type to write letters, and the furniture in the room is sparse to begin with—given that the Yaksha uses the room sparsely and is more often spotted on the balcony or the roof overhead.

Sparse in the sense that there is only a bed, a rack for boots and his weapon, a small drawer for a change of clothes and spare bed sheets, a night stand, and the writing desk in question.

Well, no matter. It is only natural for a renowned inn to provide for all of its guests wants and needs.

The bard is making good use of it now.

[3] In fact, there is a marker for it. A living, moving marker, nonetheless. But, he'll need to time the vintage's retrieval when the said marker is away.

(Think of the Millelith guard chilling by the stairs going to Mt. Tianheng)

[4] Yanfei looks like she's in a carnival, jumping from one case to another with the energy similar to that as a rabit kit!—all at her leisure. Ganyu is a more worrying case, if Lumine's stories are anything to be believed.

Come on! Having the Tianquan's three secretaries near death's door after handling the half-Qilin's workload for an, arguably, short period of time is nothing short of a tall tale!

[5] Just a few months ago, he jokingly thought that the headline for the next day's newspapers [5.1] would be pathetic: "Former Anemo Archon Passes Away from Asphyxiation due to Choking (on soup)". The new headline for tomorrow's Liyuen Newsprints would top even that: "Anemo Archon Dies from Diabetes—Innocently Starred Down to Death by the Pretty Golden-Eyed Adeptus of Guili Plains"

[5.1] (Ruin Guards are so Hard to Photograph! ch3)

"He's bad at this, huh?" Venti catches his friend's attention by clicking the two ends of his chopsticks together repeatedly. "Yes, yes he is," Zhongli replies coolly. "I have gifted him dragon-and-phoenix patterned chopsticks for him to practice on." Venti nods and sips on his soup bowl when he nearly gags. He brings down the soup bowl to the table, as he hacks violently. Zhongli offers him a conveniently present wash towel and pats his back, while giving words of encouragement. Having cleared whatever it was that went into the wrong pipe, he slumps against the soft padding of the cushion. What an incredibly ironic way to die; imagine the headlines: 'Former Anemo Archon Passes Away from Asphyxiation due to Choking (on soup)'. "Morax, let's not talk about how I almost died, but why I almost did."

[back]

[6]

Definitely not caught using a stone Adeptus as a stepping stone. [back]

[7] (The experience gave a whole new meaning to 'Bane of the Soft'.)

[8] There is that instance when Xiao burst into laughter after seeing his blackhole attack using compressed wind cyclones... Does that count?

[9] So, so wrong, that Venti himself will be glad to write a song about him, free of charge. He'll skew all the facts and let it be known to all the nations in Teyvat. That should teach him a lesson!

(And if anything, Venti himself might be the cause of having that innocence stripped away, as he'll soon find out.)

—○ ● ○ ◇◇◇ ○ ● ○ —

Some fic-related notes & ramblings

1) Looking at Xiao's Lore relating to his weakness, it looked vague… so I went ahead and assumed that it isn't a physical/innate weakness, but someone else. (Then, apply this knowledge on what you've read here, ehe)

2) No, they didn't go all the way here. That's for later, in between 'Of Exclamations…" and "Paying Debts".

3) I don't know if the new Bird Xiao plush is a blessing or not because I've been cultivating an HC about his bird form for a few months now. Hahaha

The model for his plushie's bird form looks like a finch… and it's adorable as heck. But at the same time, I imagine him more of a Roller Bird (the Indian/Lilac-breasted variety) for this original form then a more phoenix version when he "ascends" after being given a name by Zhongli…

(Yeah, that'll come into play later)

4) Past self didn't know this would fall on the Moonchase Festival, but I also give my past self a pat on the back because it fits. So expect to see a reference to it in the "Don't Water the Plant" extra. I have a couple of short stories that would poke at this detail, but I'll upload them separately (when I get to them someday).

5) I'm not actually sure if Masudi is alive or not... but, let's see if he'll disprove what I've written here in the same way that Arlani single-handedly made "Paying Debts" non-canon compliant. hahaha (JK, wrote that chapter before Inazuma release, so who would've thunk? Plus, this prolly has been non-canon compliant since I've made the footnote with Venti visiting when Guizhong was still alive, which I've stuck with, at any rate)

5.1) Update (01/07/22): Upon encountering the new World Quest, it's noted that Wang Ping'an is also working on a book about the Vigilant Yaksha. So, worry not, he'll be part of the "Create a New Book on the Yakshas (just Xiao really) Team" from here on out. ?

6) I'm a bit late when I saw Venti's EN VA do her own cover of "Soldier, Poet, King", but imagine if he does this sort of tune for the after Decabrian events of his song in this fic. Wouldn't it be cute? Then again, it's not so sleep-inducing... hahaha

(Edit: Again, I'm late, but ahhhh, I found a song/tune that suits the scene more! And it's been sung by Venti's CN VA to boot!)