a Lesson of Lumine

Chapter Twelve: The Cost of it All

They pulled into the driveway before Zhongli said under his breath, "Meet me at the dining table." If this was about his curfew, which Xiao thought it was, it wasn't even 9:30 when they walked in the door. Xiao, Childe and Zhongli at the circular table where they had ate the previous night. Zhongli looked right into his sons eyes and was silent. "If you're going to yell at me, please get it over with."
"Don't take that tone with me. I saw what you were out doing."
"...Walking around the park?"
"It didn't seem like you were walking...unless that is slang for going out."
"I don't know what you mean."
"You didn't tell me you would be leaving so late and not coming home until the cut-off of your curfew. Yes, you didn't stay out past the time. Though you seemed to have disappeared without a trace. Do you have any idea how stupid you're being?!"
"Again, I don't know what you mean. I was planning on getting home anyway."
"Don't you dare smart off," Zhongli glared, nearly slamming his fist on the table, "For all I know, you could have been killed. That is extreme, but I've taught you to expect the unexpected. Do you have anything wise to say?" Xiao was silent. He didn't want to be though what could he do? "I can handle myself. I just went out to meet with Lumine."
"I know that you like to be all emotionless but you could have told either me or Childe. What does it take to knock some sense into you!? I know you miss your siblings, but you could at least try to move on."
"Don't bring them into this. This whole argument is stupid. I'm home now, you know where I was, end of story," Xiao angrily began to stand up and make his way upstairs. "It's far from the end. Sit back down young man!" Zhongli yelled. It wasn't often he got angry - yes he would get frustrated, but he wouldn't yell. This was common knowledge to both Childe and Xiao; Perhaps it was the only thing they had in common. The table was silent as Xiao looked down. Zhongli was clearly regretful but said nothing as well. This was Childe's chance to shine. "I don't mean to interrupt but perhaps it would do you both some good to go get some rest? Xiao made a mistake but he is now safe. Zhongli was worried, but now it's all passed. Is that okay with you both?"
"...Yes. That'll do. Xiao, just get some rest."
"Yes sir- erm....yes fath- yes dad." Zhongli nodded as he gave the green light for Xiao to get some rest. He swiftly disappeared upstairs and to his room.

Xiao lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He didn't want to be alone with his thoughts, so he put soft music on. He loved classical music. No vocals, just the instruments working together to create a beautiful melody. He didn't seem like the type to enjoy it either - everyone thought he preferred hard rock; Metallica, Nirvana, CCR, all of those. Xiao just liked classical music. It was calm, serene, and was like a fairytale. There were so many interpretations of each song for everyone. There was no right or no wrong - just music. It wasn't long before there was a light knock on the door and Zhongli entered. "Still awake?" He asked, leaning against the door.
"No, I'm fast asleep. Have you come to yell at me more?"
Zhongli breathily chuckled and sat down on Xiao's bed at his feet. "I didn't mean to frustrate you earlier."
"Neither did I."
"Childe is quite worried about you. We both are," he sighed. Xiao sat up and just rested his head on Zhongli's leg. He was tired but didn't really like showing it. "I was just worried about you. This is going to sound selfish, but I don't think I can loose you."
"Dad, you sound like a 2017 Gatcha Life 'sad story'."
"What's that?...Anyway, I'm being honest. And while I'm being honest, I'm glad you finally went on your first date. You're a little late to the scene y'know."
Xiao laughed before responding with, "It wasn't a date - we just hung out at the park."
"She gave you a kiss, right?"
"Just on the cheek - it's not a big deal."
"I saw you blushing. Childe was ready to pull out the binoculars and start hollering."
"...Really!?"
"I'm the one that stopped him if it comes into any play."
Xiao continued to laugh until Zhongli eventually got up. They were both silent for a hot minute before they said the classic good nights. "Would you want Childe to stop in?" He joked.
"Nah, I'm good...if I don't wake up early enough, he can wake me up."
"YES!" A small cheer from the kitchen echoed upstairs. They continued to say their goodnights before Xiao finally went to sleep.

The next morning came along and Xiao (of course) slept in. This was Childe's time to shine. He snuck into Xiao's room and threw a pillow at him. "WAKEY WAKEY SLEEPY HEAD!" He laughed. In response, he simply flipped over and glared. Without saying anything the pillow flew through the air once more and landed in Childe's face. Xiao finally got up and got ready. Last night had been unforgettable - for better and for worse. After getting dressed he went downstairs and was met by Zhongli. "Good morning. Did you sleep okay?"
"It was fine. You?"
"Fairly well. Your breakfast is on the table already," he smiled. Every Friday, regardless of the schedule, Zhongli would hand-cooked food for everyone. He wasn't capable of being a world renowned chef but that hadn't stopped him. His cooking always was always made with love...and sometimes a little char. After finishing his meal, Xiao threw his bag together and met Zhongli in the car. They drove off to school as they always did - but this time Xiao couldn't stop thinking about Lumine. Last night had been more arguing than bliss. Everything had been shut off until today. Would she be happy to see him? Reluctant? What would Aether think? We've already established he was slightly overprotective. Xiao eventually walked in and was greeted by nobody other than our beloved Hu Tao.