The Will to Live - Xiao x Reader

Part 34 - Y/N

"I..." You stuttered, "There is one way but..."

"Uh... Xiao?" The memory of Xiao's reaction flooded your thoughts.

"I'm so sorry!" He closed his eyes. "I... I was worried."

Xiao was so flustered back then he wouldn't open his eyes. Not even to find the door. He was respectful but... I don't know how he would react.

Xiao stared into your eyes, eager to help...

"You'd have to shower with me." Heat rushed to your face and you hid your face in your hands, but through the gaps between your fingers, you dared peek at Xiao. It took almost all your strength to stand without leaning on something but Xiao's reaction had your attention. He stepped further away and was glowing rosy red. His eyes rushed around the room, looking at anything but you but his balance faltered and he slipped towards the wall. He was being clumsy for once.

"Xiao..." You spoke softly, "You don't have t-"

"I will," He cut you off and regained his balance. You wanted to protest since Xiao made it obvious he was uncomfortable with the idea but yet, your heart pounced at the chance. You wanted to... But you didn't. You watched Xiao slowly inch towards you, his heart was beating so loud you were amazed you couldn't see it beat through his chest.

"Xiao, you-" He pulled you gently by the wrists and dragged you towards the door. Your injured body flailed behind him like a stuffed toy but he was still... Gentle. Your breathing tightened as Xiao shut the door and a dash of anxiety filled your throat.

"Can I..?" He looked away in pure embarrassment. You nod and he takes a deep breath before closing his eyes.

"Xiao," You laughed, releasing the strain from the air. "You're not going to manage much with your eyes shut."

Xiao was hesitant. "I don't want to vio-" Your knees started to shake and you grabbed the closest wall. "Y/N?" Xiao's voice cracked before he sighed, "I..."

You struggled but kissed his lips and mumbled, "You have my consent."

Xiao pulled you off the wall and onto his chest. He exposed your bandages and then your skin, the warmth his hands comforted you. Xiao placed you down so that he could take his shirt off but he caught eyes with you. He stood staring into your eyes until you noticed he looked down and turned red. Xiao hid his face with his shirt for a while, before removing it entirely. His bare skin was a ghostly white yet his face was bright red.

Xiao walked over to the shower, "What temperature do you like?" He asked.

"Any," You mumbled. What's wrong with me? You asked yourself, It's not like it's my first time showering with someone... Why am I nervous now? Xiao reached out and grasped your shoulder with his fingers, pulling you into an embrace. The steamy water flowed over your body as Xiao slowly calmed himself down.

"Xiao-"

"Don't," Xiao interrupted you. "I want to help. Now sit down," He spoke sternly.

Xiao started to massage a small amount of soap into your back gently. He avoided the curse marks as his soft fingers ran down your body. His hands crept to your front as he hugged you from behind.

"Do you like it?" He gently squeezed your waist.

"Mhm," You hummed.

Xiao stroked his fingers through your hair a few times before reaching for something behind him. He gently combed through your hair making sure not to pull your hair.

Your curse slowly started to slip away, losing its grip slightly and Xiao turned off the water. You turn to face him, "Thank..." His hair was curling around his flustered face as water slowly dripped down his body. Xiao looked at you with his amber eyes, studying you carefully.

"Uh," You turned red and looked down. "Thank you, Xiao."

He offered his hand with a smile, "I love you."

He wrapped a towel around your exposed body before covering himself. You gently dried yourself off, doing your best to keep your balance. Xiao had put his clothes back on but left his hair dripping wet, making you laugh.

"Here," You grabbed his towel and ruffled his hair. Xiao kissed you gently on the cheek before leaving you to get dressed.

***

"The vision hunt decree has lasted for longer than a year now," Thoma sighed. "On top of that, the closed borders have caused a lot of trouble for traders. We're all struggling to pay the increasing taxes and find ways to make our own money..."

"Y/n, I believe you can help the people of Inazuma..." Aether's voice overlapped Thoma's

"Only the balance..."

"Help the people of Inazuma..."

"Your only concern..."

Your eyes frantically flutter open.

"Y/N?" Xiao's voice sent a stream of calm over your body and you relaxed. "Is something bothering you?" He pulled you into his arms and stroked your hair.

You nod, "I need to... I'm going to travel teyvat." I need to check on the Archons... And the people.

"Then..." Xiao hesitated and clenched his fists, "Do you plan to travel with Aether?" Though it had never crossed your mind, joining Aether on his travels would be... Beneficial. 

"I'll check if it's okay with him but," Xiao tensed causing you to flinch slightly. He stayed silent for a moment. You knew Xiao didn't like Aether but... Is he really this jealous?

"I'll go with you," He declared. "I'm no longer bound to Liyue after all," Xiao's heartbeat rose. He pulled you tighter and whispered in your ear, "Plus, I want to spend more time with you."

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A/N: Yuh uhm sorry... My brain is dying slowly :D. Anyway, I have ideas now so I will post more! I'm planning to skip details on Enkanomiya since ik absolutely NOTHING abt it and am going to make up random shit abt the other places. I hope you've enjoyed my story (and I've bragged to my classmates abt u guys :P). I love you all <3

Take care!