(A/N: I was going to post this closer toward Valentine's Day, but I can never get anything out on time properly anymore. xD Since its been some time since I last wrote a yandere story, I figured why not. While I can see multiple characters in Genshin going yandere, I was mainly debating between Childe, Wanderer, Albedo, and Xiao. And as you can see, Xiao won out. Mainly thanks to the new Lantern Rite where we get to see Xiao being super protective over the Traveler once again. I just decided to use an oc instead of Lumine or Aether.

I apologize if Xiao isn't perfectly in character. He might be my second fave after Kazuha (who I couldn't picture going all crazy because he just seems like too much of a sweetheart), but Xiao's a tricky character to write for. There was also the fact that I didn't want to turn Xiao into a complete psychopath. Even if he does have the demeanor to become the overly protective type, he doesn't strike me as the type that would kill people just because they associated with his love interest. Now if they hurt the person he cared about, that's another story...

But maybe that's just my head canon. xP This might not be one of my best, considering the ending is rather underwhelming, but I hope whoever decided to check out my random little piece enjoys.)

"Yet again you insist on taking her somewhere dangerous?"

"You know I won't let anything happen to her, Xiao. And Aurora's sword play has improved, thanks in a large part to you," Aether acknowledged with a small smile. The Traveler unleashed a sudden laugh and rubbed at the top of his head. "Aurora was pretty insistent about wanting to help, it was hard to argue with her. She could almost beat out Paimon when it came to stubbornness."

The small floating female let out a huff and turned her head to the side in annoyance. "Hey! Paimon resents that remark!"

While ignoring Aether and Paimon when they resorted to their usual playful banter, the frown, that was already on the pale skinned Yaksha's face, deepened. He had only taught the Traveler's friend and companion how to fight so she might better protect herself whenever Xiao, and he supposed the other 'capable' warriors the two associated with, weren't present.

Normally Xiao preferred to keep his distance from the mortals, yet in what felt like a very short span of time, he had come to start relaxing more around numerous humans thanks mainly in part to Aurora and Aether; even allowing himself to become more involved in events he had once deemed meaningless. And through reasons he couldn't wrap his head around, he found that when the human female was in his presence he felt oddly content...

When was the last time he had felt so at peace, he wondered?

It wasn't like she was any different from the other countless human's he had watched throughout his many long, and often times lonely years of life...There were plenty of kind, selfless human's that tended to wear their heart on their sleeves and put others lives before their own.

Yet perhaps it was how warm her smiles were when she talked directly to him or how she didn't show any fear when learning about his past and Xiao's rather ominous title: The Conqueror of Demons...The way she would always seek him out during the various events that happened in Liyue and would try to get him to partake in the food and games with her despite constantly informing Aurora he had no interest in such things. How she'd always insist on tending his wounds whenever he suffered injury.

Or maybe, it was because Aurora had cried and embraced him when she believed he had sacrificed himself in the Chasm...He could still recall the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes were Aurora's own light purple eyes-that shone like luminous stars in a pitch black night-staring down into his own amber ones. Despite the tears within them, his breath had caught from just how beautiful she had looked in that moment...Truthfully, he had disliked the fact that he had been the one to upset her. And then, deep down, there was a feeling of-dare he even think it-warmth that she was showing that much concern for someone tainted like him.

A being who didn't deserve sympathy...yet here this human woman was giving it to him. Even when she knew he was a demon...

"I'm sorry for taking so long! Xiangling wanted to make sure we had a lot of tasty dishes in case we need a pick me up on the road."

Paimon did a little dance in the air at this. "Remind Paimon to thank Xiangling later!"

Laughing at their preestablished guide, the black and purple tinted wavy haired female turned to Xiao with a smile. "Oh, hello, Xiao. Did you come to send Aether and me off?"

"I think you should reconsider going. These aren't mere treasure hoarders you're dealing with," Xiao stated bluntly, crossing his arms. "These are the Fatui. They are far more dangerous and conniving than simple greedy bandits."

"I know...But Ganyu says they've established a base near one of the smaller villages close by the mountains. If they're up to something, they could put the villagers in danger," Aurora voiced with concern. "And even you admitted I've gotten better at defending myself."

Xiao's expression grew more stern. "The only reason I agreed to those lessons was so you would be able to defend yourself if the need arose. If I recall correctly, you also told me you never much cared for violence,"

When Xiao had decided to tell her about his past, Aurora had opened up about her own. She wasn't from the same world as Aether and his missing sister. During their travels, they had rescued her. The world Aurora had come from was strife with war, and her parents had been killed during a raid on their village. Aurora knew she would have been too, if Aether and Lumine hadn't rushed in to protect her. She had chosen to stay with them after that, having no where else to go, and they had been together ever since.

Lumine and Aether had even started to see Aurora as another sibling, something Xiao found himself being thankful for. He didn't like the bitterness that had festered within him when believing there was something more to Aurora's close bond with the long blond haired male...

More than that, he remembered how Aurora had admitted it was heart-wrenching to see that it wasn't just her world where it seemed like fighting was a common occurrence. Senseless violence seemed to happen everywhere, and she wished that people could handle things more peacefully...Yet here she was about to rush out into that very thing she claimed to despise.

"Well, yes. That's true..." Aurora got out a tad meekly, playing with the little butterfly hair clip she wore.

"Oh, stop being such a worrywart, Xiao! Aurora will be fine!" Paimon interjected. "Aurora's had to deal with plenty of baddies, and she's only come out with a bruise or two! 'Cept that one time she did get a black eye from a hilichurl hitting her in the face with its club."

Aether almost felt tempted to bonk Paimon on top of her head seeing Xiao's expression actually darken. "You're not helping, Paimon...We should get going before it gets too late. And don't worry, Xiao. I'll make sure Aurora stays back if things become too serious. You have my word."

"We'll be back soon. I'm sure Paimon will still be hungry even with what Xiangling gave us, so how about we all stop by the Wangshuu Inn later?" Aurora suggested, beaming at the dark and teal haired male. "I know you told me that my cooking was terrible before...but I'm sure I can make the almond tofu you like much better this time!"

"...Very well. I will see you then." Xiao voiced with a small sigh. His gaze never left Aurora's figure as he watched the three companions head off; his nails digging into his still crossed arms and leaving small marks.

Perhaps I should have gone with them...but that area is dangerous for me if I were to linger there for too long. I wouldn't want to place Aurora in further danger...No. It should be fine. The Traveler is a capable fighter...I'm sure I have nothing to be concerned with...

It was almost as if time had slipped by him. Xiao had been stretched out on the balcony's railing of the inn that had become like a real home to him, staring off into the distance. The sun was beginning to set, and he saw no sign of the three traveling companions making their way down the path that would bring them to the warm and neighborly establishment.

"They should have been back by now..." Xiao muttered to himself. It wasn't uncommon for the Traveler to become preoccupied helping those who needed it on his journey, but something didn't seem right...He could sense it. Something was wrong. Very wrong indeed...

Vanishing from where he was stretched out, Xiao appeared directly in the center of the bustling city of Liyue. His plan was to visit one of Aurora and Aether's many friends. Perhaps they had heard some word from them that he had not. Spotting some of the familiar figures he had in mind up ahead, Xiao's body immediately froze on the spot from the current conversation that they were engaged in.

"Please, try and calm down, Paimon. Take a deep breath and start from the beginning," Ganyu told the rather fairy like creature in a firm, yet still gentle tone.

"Okay, okay...Thing's were going great. We managed to sneak into the Fatui's secret base...but then, we were ambushed! The Traveler and Aurora were doing awesome! They were kicking so much Fatui butt! Paimon was so proud!" Tears suddenly formed in Paimon's dark purple eyes, her high pitched tone becoming more dramatic. "B-but! Those no good Fatui had a trap set! They led the Traveler and Aurora to a certain spot, and they pulled a lever that caused them to fall into this really scary hole! It closed up, and Paimon couldn't reach them!"

Keqing's face broke out into a concerned frown. "I see...so you flew here the moment you realized there was no way to get to either of them. This is concerning...Who knows what fate befell either of them..."

"K-Keqing! You shouldn't phrase it like that! You're upsetting Paimon even more!" Ganyu scolded her friend seeing Paimon crying even harder than before.

"O-oh! My apologies! I didn't mean to speak out of turn!" Keqing apologized, her pink eyes filling with clear guilt. "I'm certain they're fine, Paimon. I'll inform Ningguang right away. She'll want to know about this...You have my word, Paimon. We'll save them."

Aether...Aurora...May the Geo Archon watch over you both Ganyu prayed, clasping her hands together. Finding herself glancing over at a shop, for she swore she felt a presence there for a moment, the light blue haired female tilted her head. She was certain that rather nasty indention hadn't been in the foundation before...

"How are you holding up?" Aether questioned, blade in hand as he made sure the several enemies that surrounded them stayed in his range.

"I just twisted my ankle. I'll be all right, but...I'm just making things more difficult for you..." Aurora trailed off, ashamed that she had become a burden to her friend.

Aether shook his head, a calm look on his fair features despite his own scuffed up form. "You have nothing to apologize for. I should have reacted better and used my glider to stop us from falling," They had tumbled down a great distance. He felt that luck was on their side when the only injuries they suffered were being sore and battered. It could have been a lot worse with nothing but hard ground beneath them.

"You shouldn't try to act so brave. You're at a clear disadvantage down here, kid," a Fatui pyro agent cackled out. "We were told to capture you alive, but were also given free reign to deal with you by any means necessary to make sure you came quietly."

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint you, then!" Aether shouted out angrily, charging at the pyro agent where his sword met with the male's knife.

"Aether! Watch out!" Aurora shouted when a Fatui cicin mage tried to hit him with a charge of electricity on his blind spot.

Sighing in relief when her friend managed to avoid the attack, Aurora suddenly tensed up when feeling something cold and sharp pressing against her throat. She hadn't even realized one of the agents had managed to sneak up behind her, and she was usually good at picking up on such things. Unfortunately, while Aurora couldn't use elements like Aether...she could normally sense a person's intentions; especially when they were filled with malice.

Her father had called her an empath. He said she was incredibly lucky to be so sensitive when it came to the emotions of those around her. Aurora, on the other hand, wasn't too certain...While it could come in handy, when so many people were around at times, especially displaying the same chaotic nature, it could be rather overwhelming to the point where she often got headaches just from the intensity of it all...

"Now be a good girl and keep that mouth of yours shut, or I'm going to start leaving marks all over that pretty face of yours," the agent threatened.

"Funny...a cruel man said similar words to my mother. And even when she did everything he asked of her, he still slaughtered her in the end..." Aurora said coolly, her eyes hardening instead of showing fear. She even managed to hold back from flinching when her skin was nicked. She wouldn't give this villain the satisfaction of seeing her cry or whimper like she knew he was hoping.

"You've got quite a mouth on you. Let's see how well your boyfriend fights while he's watching you get-"

Aurora slowly turned around hearing the Fatui agent choking over his own words. This was because blood had pooled in his mouth, no doubt because a spear had pierced straight through his chest from behind...

"Xiao...?" Aurora got out in a softer voice. She had never seen such hatred and rage behind his golden irises before. He didn't even speak or acknowledge her. Slinging the blood from his weapon after the Fatui agent fell dead to the ground, Xiao placed a hand on his face.

"Be severed karmic binds..." Xiao uttered out, the coldness in his eyes reaching his voice as he donned his mask that was similar to that of a face of a demon.

He noticed that Aether had only incapacitated his foes. The Traveler was far too soft. These people deserved far worse punishment. Xiao had slaughtered for eons; he already had countless blood upon his hands...What was a few more bodies to add to that pile? And these, they actually deserved it...The Conqueror of Demon's would feel no remorse for them.

And he could sense it. They were afraid of him. If he was one to smile, he would have. At least the Fatui knew they had earned an Adepti's wrath. There was no going back now.

Spinning his jade spear, with a dark aura surrounding his form, it was almost like watching a ghost as he sliced through his opponents. He would reappear and disappear before they could react; their pained cries and screams being the only sounds that escaped their forms before they were cut down.

"Xiao! Xiao! You have to stop!" Aurora tried to shout out, hoping her voice would reach the Yaksha. Sometimes, it was unavoidable killing the enemy...This...this was overkill. Even those who tried to run away weren't shown mercy, and her hand went to cover her mouth when he sliced one of the female Fatui in half.

Even Aether couldn't reason with him. Xiao had knocked the teen to the side, making him crash painfully against the cave wall when he tried to intercept one of the Adepti's attacks...The Traveler had been knocked out; possibly a good thing so he wouldn't have to continue to witness the carnage around him.

Aurora couldn't bring herself to glance away, even with her eyes trembling. It was like she was back in her village once again...Watching people being cut down like mere animals...Feeling that helplessness that she couldn't do anything to stop it...

The cave soon grew eerily quiet. Only the sounds of Xiao's ragged breathing could be heard...He had removed his mask when approaching Aurora, and while she tried to remind herself that Xiao was still her friend, she couldn't help but shiver a little seeing his clothes and skin stained with blood.

"You were hurt...I'll take you somewhere safe."

Aurora was soon being gently lifted up in Xiao's strong arms despite his lean frame. He was being careful not to touch her swollen ankle as he carried her a few steps before easily leaping out of the hole they had fallen through. She realized he must have managed to open it back up when realizing they were underground.

She couldn't find her voice to say anything to him. Not until she realized they had reached the Wangshu Inn, and she was being carried into what must have been Xiao's room. She had never entered it before, and now, she was being placed down on his bed.

"Rest. I'll go get something that will help reduce the swelling," His long fingers reached out, just barely brushing the small cut on Aurora's neck. "You'll need something for that as well."

"I'll...I'll be fine, Xiao...It's Aether I'm worried about...He...he's unconscious and there might be something dangerous down there..."

"I eliminated the threat. Ganyu and the others should be there soon. He'll be fine,"

"Please..."

Despite the annoyance growing on his features, Xiao let out a resigned sigh. He didn't want anything to happen to the Traveler either, though he couldn't deny his vexation with the male for putting Aurora in that situation in the first place...

"All right. Don't move from that spot."

Aurora realized she must have dozed off while waiting on Xiao to return. Her eyes opened to the sun peeking in through the window. She must have been more exhausted than she realized.

Noticing the figure sitting at the edge of the bed, Aurora slowly sat up.

"Xiao...How's Aether?"

"In one of the inn's in Liyue resting. Morax carried him there himself."

This caught Aurora by surprise. "Zhongli came to check up on us...?"

"Yes. Apparently, he was worried about the two of you as well. Half your friends came to that location." Xiao replied, his brow furrowed. He didn't want to confess that the Geo Archon had been more concerned about him. Especially when he discovered the blood bath down in the lower part of the cavern.

He had only told Rex Lapis it had been necessary before disappearing. He might have great respect for the Archon, but he wasn't in the mood to discuss his moral actions at the moment.

"I see," Aurora voiced with a small smile. She started to remove the blanket that had been pulled over her form. "I should go see them."

"No!" Seeing the girl's surprise at his harsh tone, Xiao took a deep breath before saying more calmly, "You need to stay off that leg and not put pressure on it. For at least two or three weeks."

Her ankle had been wrapped and she noticed the pain was less intense. Xiao must have tended to it while she slept.

"Thanks to you doctoring me, I feel fine. I want to see everyone and thank them for worrying about us," Aurora tried to reason, reaching out her hand to take Xiao's. "Paimon must have really been scared. She hardly leaves Aether's side since he fished her out of that lake."

It was rare when Xiao gripped her hand back. This time he did, and his hold was one that said he didn't want to let go.

She could tell his emotions were erratic. Normally, the Adepti came off as calm and hard to read. She had sensed a great loneliness from the male as well. One of the reasons she had tried to get him to open up to her more. He seemed like someone who needed a friend; something she could understand. Before meeting Lumine and Aether, she hadn't had many people close to her.

Loneliness could be one of the worst emotions a person had to experience, and she didn't like witnessing others having to go through that...

"I'd feel better if you remained here. After today, I...I don't want to see you in a situation like that ever again," Xiao admitted quietly. His hand reached out to touch Aurora's soft cheek, and he felt a sensation of satisfaction when he noticed the girl's tan cheeks grow pink because of him. "You'll recover faster if you stay here under my watch."

"All right...I'll do as you say, Xiao." Aurora said with a smile more on the timid side. His actions earlier had unnerved her, but she reminded herself she could still trust him. He had only allowed his emotions to get the better of him when seeing that Aether was struggling and she couldn't fight.

He wasn't an actual demon in the end.

"Good. I'll have something prepared for you to eat." Xiao spoke, his features relaxing. A part of him was worried he might have to argue further with her.

For now, she seemed content. Even grabbing a nearby book he had on his end table to read.

How long would Aurora be fine with him telling her she couldn't leave his side, he wondered? If Xiao managed to say those three words that came to mortals so easily when they deeply cared about someone, would that make her realize she was safer with him than running around with Aether on his endless journey?

But he wasn't good with expressing himself. Simple gestures came easier than words for him...

Would lavishing her in gifts work? If he gave the woman everything she desired, she would see no reason to leave this room, would she?

Although, Aurora had been well off before she lost everything. She admitted she had no use for materialistic things any longer...

A sudden, almost sly, gleam shone in his eyes. While he didn't like the idea of putting her at risk, if Aurora found herself in serious situations, where only he arrived in time to protect her, she'd soon come to understand that her best chance to survive in this dangerous world would be to never leave him.

She'd be too afraid to ever leave this room again. He'd make certain of it.