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Xiao approaches Windrise and the Anemo Archon Statue under it, how many years has it been? He thought to himself. Xiao was immortal, he’s spent plenty of years, millenia even, alone. Though nothing had felt so lonely then when Venti was asleep.
“Happy birthday.” He mutters as he places a butterfly, crafted together from leaves, at the base of the statue.
“Didn’t keep you waiting did I?” Venti giggled as he leaped down from the branch of the tree above the statue. He walked towards Xiao and cupped his face in his hands. Xiao pulled away.
“Xiao?” Venti’s voice broke a little, “I thought you’d be happy.” Xiao’s glare pierced at him, there were already streams of tears falling down his face.
“Happy?” Xiao started, he stopped himself and wiped away his tears, “This is foolish, I have work to do.” He turned around, as he started to walk away Venti grabbed his wrist.
“What do you want?” Xiao’s voice was aloof.
“Why aren’t you happy?” Venti pleaded, “I’m back…” His voice trailed off.
“Why don’t you ever stay.” Xiao forced Venti’s hand off his wrist, he didn’t look at him, he kept his eyes forward.
“I’m sorry.” Venti held himself, still looking at Xiao waiting for him to look back.
There was silence for what felt like forever. Xiao finally turned back, once again tears dripping from his eyes, though you can tell he was holding so much back.
“I needed you here…” he managed to choke out.
“That’s not true! You don’t need me, why would you ever need someone like me,” he covered his mouth as tears swelled in his eyes. “You are so strong on your own Xiao, I’m not someone you need.”
“How could you say something so idiotic when you saved my life.” Xiao broke, he felt his legs buckle and he fell to the ground. He sobbed, holding his face in his hands.
“You did that yourself, you’re strong, your life has been saved many times by your own hands.” He bent down and started reaching for Xiao.
Xiao grabbed Venti and pulled him into an embrace, burying his face in his chest. The warmth of Xiao in his arms made Venti’s tears come down relentlessly.
“I never miss anyone, but I always miss you.” Xiao squeezes Venti closer to him.
Venti gently guides Xiao’s face to look up at him. Holding his face in his hands feels like holding the whole world in his palm. He looks softly at Xiao.
“I’m staying Xiao, I promise, I’m not going anywhere.” He sniffled and smiled, reassuringly telling Xiao his words were true. “Who needs to sleep anyways, when my heart is restless for you.” He chuckles to himself, sickeningly sweet from the words coming from his lips.
“Loving you is freedom.” Xiao smiles, Venti had never seen him smile so greatly. It was almost ethereal.
“You are my freedom.” Venti pulls Xiao’s face closer to his, and Xiao follows, moving closer in. A breeze passes by them and Venti’s braids glowing slightly. As their lips meet winds twirl around them. It rustles the leaves of the great tree above, flower petals and leaves catch a ride on the breeze and mix in with the magic of their kiss.
“Best birthday ever!” Venti teases as he tugs Xiao in once more to kiss.