Chapter Text
Your fist was clenched, your heart was beating rapidly. Xiao had his arms crossed as he looked at you with a serious yet soft look.
You opened your mouth slowly, “Xiao, to be honest, I’m-”
“Oh Adeptus Xiao!” A small voice shouted. Both of you recognized this voice and you panicked. Hearing the footsteps get closer, Xiao grabbed your wrist and in a blink, you were on the roof of Wangshu Inn. Xiao felt something warm in his hand and realized his hand was still in your hands. He quickly released his hand and turned away flustered. You hold your breath and you look to see Aether and Paimon looking around the balcony. “Where is that guy?” Paimon huffed.
“He’s probably out doing his duty. It’s best if we don’t disturb him anymore.” Aether said, looking at Paimon. “We should get going.”
“Alright, alright.” Paimon slumped her back and floated alongside Aether as they left the balcony and down the stairs. You held your breath for a little more before hearing Xiao sigh. You huffed out a small breath in relief. Xiao realized his hand was holding yours and released it.
“Right, what was it that you wanted to tell me?” Xiao asked, sitting on the roof tiles and looking out. You also adjust your position and stretch your legs in the process before looking at him and then towards the moon.
“Are you… seeing some sort of blonde-haired girl in my dreams?” You answered, now listening to the crickets.
“Ah.” Xiao paused for a bit before responding. “Indeed.” You lowered your head and sighed.
“Please let me explain.” Your hand hovered over to the side of your chest. “I’ll keep it short though.” You fiddled with your fingers. “As you know, I’m an adeptus. Guizhong, who has already long passed, created me before coming into this world.”
You continued telling him about how you weren’t from this world but left out detailed parts so it was easy to take in the information you were suddenly giving him.
“Lately, I’ve been having dreams of Aether’s twin sister, Lumine. That blonde-haired girl I mentioned earlier was her.”
“That would make sense since they look alike.” Xiao responded, still looking at you. “I can’t really hear anything in nightmares; it’ll only show as faint images.”
“Yes, well…” You hesitated a bit before continuing, “She was suggesting if I would go with her.”
“Go with her ? As in, the Abyss?” Xiao leaned in a bit as you nodded.
“The dreams have been getting more frequent and I’m afraid I might have another one soon.” You added, rubbing your forehead. “Moreover, I’m afraid I’ll leave you without warning.”
“Are you that concerned for me?” Xiao asked, a small chuckle leaving his lips.
“You can say that.” You responded. “There was also something I wanted to take off my chest.”
“What is it?” Xiao asked.
You kept quiet for a few minutes. You were thinking if you should take it back after telling him about yourself. Has his feelings changed about you?
“Tell me anything.” Xiao suddenly said, you turn your head towards him.
“Xiao…” You pursued your lips before looking directly at him, your heart pounding in your chest, “I think I like you.”
<<X>>
You two became quiet and listened to the night wind and crickets. The faint noise of dishes clattering and occasional barking from the dogs. You swore your heart was going to beat out of your chest but between the two of you, you could only hear the steady breath of Xiao’s and yours. Xiao’s eyes never left yours and he hesitated to do something.
The next thing you know, Xiao leaned in, his lips pressing against yours. You felt your flinch but turned your head to kiss him back as your arms slither around his neck and his arms wrap around your waist.
The cold breeze which you and Xiao sat in before kissing was cold but now that his lips were together with yours, it felt like nothing. Your eyes were lidded before closing them again as you felt his tongue slowly enter into your mouth and you rustled around to find a good position.
The kiss was clumsy from the inexperience you and Xiao had but you two ignored that and only focused on each other at that moment. Once you pull from Xiao, the two of you softly pant.
“I’ll accept your feelings and I hope you do too with mine.” Xiao responded, placing his hand on the side of your cheek and caressing it with his thumb. You smiled as you held him in your arms and his arms awkwardly wrapped around you once more.
<<X>>
The next day was gloomy with stormy weather and heavy rain. It was a shame that you couldn’t go out and were stuck inside Wangshu Inn for the time being. You trace your lips with your finger and smile softly before hearing footsteps, retracting your finger from your lips.
The rain continued to pour but it was calming to your ears. You lay your head on your lover’s shoulder and slowly close your eyes.
Just then, you felt a sudden shake in your body which you opened your eyes to. You blink several times before seeing where you were. There was stone, a bunch of stone. Then, at the corner of your eye, you spot Lumine sitting in a chair.
“You’re finally awake.” Lumine smiled and got up, walking to you. “Welcome back.”
“As much as your acting is incredible, please get to the point.” You said, folding your arms with a small frown.
“The end is upon us.” Lumine continued, “We must act now for our homelands. The Abyss has been tracking your movements and it seems that we’ve delayed our meetings far too long.”
“Far too long?” You questioned, “I’m sure you were in my dreams a few days ago.”
“Let’s just say you aren’t where we last met and you aren’t in Teyvat as of right now.” Lumine added, a cold tone leaving her.
“If we’re not in Teyvat, then we’re in…”
“Khaneri’ah.” Lumine responded immediately. “I’m surprised you can handle this much force applied to your body.”
“Khaenri’ah…” The word left your mouth and you look back at Lumine. “This can’t be…”
“You can say that but you can explore it for yourself.” Lumine turned around and walked out of the room, the door slamming shut. You panicked for a bit but calmed yourself. You got yourself together and headed for the door. The door, the door… As you opened the door you assumed it would lead outside, your eyes widened. Stone buildings which were torn apart and oozing lava from the ground that slowly moved.
The smell was excruciating and you covered your nose as you looked around more. You looked at the building behind you and saw it was massive. The clock was close to where you were. The sight which was once home to many was destroyed.
The Abyss, people of Khaneri’ah who were turned into what you knew now and will forevermore suffer through the indescribable pain of immortality until they meet their end. And who knows when they’ll fall apart from this curse?