The Will to Live - Xiao x Reader

Part 33 - Xiao

"You're the one who left entirely," Y/N mumbled softly. Their voice was sharp and hurtful yet... They didn't seem threatening, nor did they seem mad. "You can't just leave... And expect me to act the same." Y/N continued to avoid eye contact. I've never felt so distant... So far away. My hand reached out for the one I loved, but the damage was already done. I wish I didn't leave. I wish I didn't burden Y/N with every inch of me. I wish... My doubts, regrets and hatred for myself surfaced, I started to agree with Cloud Retainer... I wasn't good enough for Y/N. 

"I'm scared, Xiao..." Y/N hesitated but, finally looked me in the eyes. "Terrified of losing you again but..." 

My eyes widened. I couldn't face them. What do I do? I repeated to myself. Y/N's hurt... Because of me. A spiral of thoughts - shame - filled my heart with knives, every thought increase my self-hatred. I can't... I don't deserve them. I sat in silence, hoping for Y/N to say something. Begging silently for their calming words, they only hid their face in their hands and cried softly.

"You're right," I spoke aloud. Cloud retainer... Is right. "Let me earn you back." I offered Y/N my hand. Please... Forgive me.

Y/N's smile quite literally lit up the sky. Even though it was just a small beam of light... The rain stopped and the clouds began to clear. "Alright," They laced their fingers around mine and pulled me closer to them. I wish time would freeze, I snuggled into Y/N's chest. I want to be in their arms... Forever. To feel their warm embrace. That would truly be... Paradice. 

Y/N suddenly pulled my hair forcing my head off their chest.

"Oww," I complained even though it didn't really hurt. Y/N laughed and cupped my face with their hands before squishing my cheeks. They puffed my cheeks up and then stretched them out like they were playing with a child. Y/N's face smiled as they played with mine.

"Y/N," I complained. "I'm not a little ki-"

Y/N placed their index finger on my lips. "Do you not like it?" They teased playfully.

My face turned bright red. "I like it," I quietly admitted. The warmth of Y/N's lips instantaneously met mine.

"I love you," Y/N's breathing was heavy and their heartbeat fastened.

"I love you too," I mumbled. Y/N's weight shifted a little further onto me and I noticed a small rose bloom from the floor. The petal's colours were a glorious gradient and the deep green vines curled up around Y/N's foot. That's when I noticed it.

"Y/N!" An inch of terror filled my throat. Their curse was worse. Y/N's blood was seeping through the bandages under their clothing and I couldn't help but wonder, Is that where the flower came from? 

"Mm?" Y/N's voice was sleepy. I'd never heard Y/N's voice like this before, Sh*t it's cute. Panic fort for a place in my lungs but Y/N placed their hand on my head. "What's wrong?" They questioned. It was like they weren't even aware that they were bleeding.

"Y/N your..." I trailed off when they looked at the flower curled around their foot. They carefully plucked the thorns from the stem and caressed one of the petals gently before plucking it. Y/N lifted the flower up and triggered a dim glow. Using their other hand Y/N gestured the light towards me. A warmth spread through my body as the glow disappeared inside me. It wasn't painful. Just comforting. A blessing perhaps? I wondered.

"I should clean myself off," Y/N's legs wobbled as they tried to stand.

"Should you really be showering in the condition?" I stood up and let Y/N lean on me.

They sighed, "No... But I-"

"Is there any way I can help?" I cut them off, arguing with Y/N never left me as the victor and I didn't expect it to now. "I'll do whatever you want," I pulled Y/N closer to me. They turned vibrant red and their heartbeat rose rapidly.

"I..." Y/N stuttered, "There is one way but..." Y/N turned pinker, "You'd have to shower with me."

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A/N: Take away my access to cliffhangers. Thank you so much for 3.4k views, I was not expecting this much attention. This is currently #61 on Genshin Impact (how tf) out of 17.8k stories. I love you all and am so fucking grateful!

Take care!