The Will to Live - Xiao x Reader

Part 22 - Y/N

2 more days and the Lantern Rite. What after?

***

"Y/N," Xiao called, "Is there anything you want to do?"

You smiled, Xiao's become very comfortable around me. "I'm assuming there's something you want to do?" You accused. Xiao nodded and turned red. "So, what are we doing?"

"Well uh," Xiao mumbled. "I know you're injured but... I was wondering if you wanted to spar. Like, without elemental energy."

"You think you can beat me?" You laugh, "I'll go easy on you then."

Xiao turned red, "I can fight!" He declared, "I..."

You look Xiao in the eyes and smile. "You've trained your whole life?" You guess his words, "Well that makes two of us."

"I think I've made a mistake..." Xiao slowly backed away from you.

"So," You start. "I'll take that as your backing out?" Xiao nods and you laugh a little, "Calm down, I won't hurt you." 

You sit down on the edge of the bed and laugh to yourself, Xiao has changed a lot. I'm sure a week ago he would've taken the beating. He looked very uncomfortable on the other side of the room.

"Why don't we go see if Verr needs anything?" You suggest.

"Shouldn't you rest?" Xiao walks towards you slowly.

You shake your head, "If I'm being honest, I'm only here for you." You turn red but you look up at Xiao and smile.

Xiao turned away, clearly flustered. "How can you say that so easily?" He mumbled.

You stand up and hug him from behind. "Because I love you," You whisper in his ear. 

Xiao stayed silent, What was he thinking? Is there something he wants to tell me but can't? You start to overthink. "How can you say that so easily?" I was just being honest.

"Where will you go tomorrow?" Xiao suddenly asked, "Can you stay until the Lantern Rite?"

"Xiao," You sigh. "I have things I need to do but... I promise to be there for the Lantern Rite, okay?"

"So you're leaving?" Xiao's voice cracked and you felt a drop of water fall on your hand.

"Not entirely." You tighten your hug, "I have to take care of the large amounts of karma that have formed so I'll be travelling around a lot. Remember you can always call me if you need anything."

Xiao stayed silent and rubbed his eyes. You let go of him and turn him to face you, Xiao's eyes were puffy and red.

"I'm sorry," You wiped his tears. "I will never be free from my duties but... I will visit you whenever I have time."

"Let me fight with you," he kneeled at your feet. "Let me serve you." 

You stood in complete confusion. Why is he kneeling? I can't put him in danger... You crouch down and lift his face. 

"Please," Xiao begged.

"I can't," You stroked his hair. 

"Why?" Xiao raised his voice, "Y/N I want to be with you! I don't care what consequence I face."

You stand up and walk over to the window, "You're free, Xiao." You hesitate, "I refuse to let you serve me because... I won't allow someone I love to be endangered further because of me."

"But..."

"No." You cut him off, "I can't... Please understand that." You turn to face Xiao, "I'm sorry."

You walk back over to sit next to Xiao, who was still on the floor. He flinched at your touch as you wiped his tears again. 

"I just want to be with you," Xiao muttered.

You pulled Xiao into your arms and he let his head flop into your chest. You stroked Xiao's hair slowly as he started to calm down. Xiao lifted his head and placed it on your shoulder as he wrapped his arms around your waist.

"I love you," Xiao tightened his hug. "I don't want to be alone anymore."

"I love you too," You kissed his cheek.

***

"Y/N! Adeptus Xiao!" Verr called, "Would you mind securing the area? There's been an increase in the Hillichurl camps since the news of Rex Lapis's passing spread."

"I don't mind," You state. "Xiao?"

"Whatever," Xiao sighed. "Just don't get yourself hurt alright?"

You smile, "Says you."

Xiao keeps a straight face, "Let's go."

You nod and pursue him. Xiao's acting differently. Is it because... There're other people around? You laugh, So I get special treatment. 

"What's funny?" Xiao slowed down and looked around.

"You," You flick the back of his head. "I'm so special," You tease.

"Y/N!" He turns to face you, "I have a reputation to keep."

His face was bright red and his eyes dashed left to right, checking if people were watching.

You sigh, "I don't see how peoples opinions would affect you but... I'll stop if it's that important to you."

You continue to search the area for Hillichurls. You'd already cleaned up several camps surrounding Wungshu Inn when you came across a group of Geovishap Hatchlings. 

Xiao led two Hatchlings away from the three you were dealing with. You released an icy cloud before releasing a large blue flame, killing two Hatchlings while one hid underground. The smell of blood flooded the air and you turn your head to look for Xiao but the Hatchling popped up behind you. Letting out a purple flame you took the remaining life from the Geovishap.

"Xiao!" You yell trying to locate him.

After no response, you follow the smell of blood. That idiot better not have gotten hurt, You hoped. When your eyes found Xiao he was in between a Geovishap Hatchling and a small child. He was leaning on his spear only lifting it to strike. The Hatchling jumped to attack, aiming for the child but Xiao uses his Anemo energy to move the kid out of immediate danger. 

You morph your sword into a bow and send several electric arrows to distract the Hatchling. It hid underground and you rushed over to Xiao.

"Get the kid out of danger," He demanded.

"And leave you here? No way," You unleashed a shock wave behind you as the Hatchling emerged.

I have to keep using Electro, for the time being. You tell yourself, I don't need extra trouble from this kid. The Hatchling spiralled around until rolling towards Xiao, he releases his Anemo attack and the Geovishap fell to the floor; so did Xiao.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: I swear the total views went from 300 to 1k overnight, Tysm! I didn't expect this much attention for my first book ngl. Anyway, I will try to post daily again but I'm going back to school soon (wish me luck). I love you all and thank you for the support!

Take care!