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Xiao was pissed.
Mondstadt had been the only place he could think of that was as relatively untouched by all the chaos as Inazuma was, and both locations had secluded areas where Venti or someone Venti knew already had a place of their own.
They'd spent a month in Liyue and that was a nightmare. Xiao swore he'd never return to home again until after all this crap was over. Liyue had to be one of the worst areas right now.
Even in the small house in the middle of the city where Venti was currently sleeping away the afternoon like the cat he must have secretly been, Xiao knew it would only be a matter of time before shit went down again.
As much as it was to strangely fall in love with the same kind of monster that had plagued his nightmares and hunted most of his days, Venti wasn't like that. Venti wasn't the kind of vampire that hurt or killed people, even when the guy wanted to. Even when he needed to.
They'd run into danger of both the human and vampire sort and Xiao had had to deal with it.
But that wasn't Venti's fault… He was… tired. And sick. He'd never recovered from his run in with Diluc and, even though Xiao knew that Venti didn't blame him, he still felt some of that burden for the two of them running into each other so often.
Diluc hated Venti, and he knew it. Xiao should have been there, should have kept him safe.
But he hadn't.
And now Venti slept half the day away, more than any person should, and he couldn't feed like a normal vampire - couldn't hunt - couldn't use his powers freely…
"You're thinking too much."
Xiao hadn't noticed him wake. Venti was staring at him from where he was rolled over on the bed they shared, smiling gently. "You do that when you think I'm not watching."
"There's a lot to be worried about. You're still keeping tabs on that 'peace' group online that Kazuha made. I don't need you to admit it, I know it. Albedo and the others said they'd deal with that. I know we're the only ones in Mondstadt right now but… you need a break."
Venti wouldn't admit it but Xiao knew it was true. Venti needed rest. He needed to recover. Even if he couldn't, even if they only had so much time left because vampires were not immortal beings, Venti shouldn't be using his energy fighting foes that weren't his.
"This is a break. We haven't been doing anything this week except watching TV and ordering take out. I know you're afraid to go anywhere with me, what with the businesses around the world randomly checking for vampires and the police no help but… I don't want to be locked away either."
"This fucking sucks."
"Starting to see it from my side?" Venti's smile grew. "It's always been like this. The vampire has to hide and the humans are the monsters. I never wanted to hurt anyone and it's harder now than it ever was to keep myself hidden… So many have died." Venti's eyes grew dim.
It was the truth. Since the vampires became known, a lot had died. There were many that were locked away in places that no one except those in the government knew. What Natlan had been doing became common practice instead of being stopped…
"We can't fix the world."
"No," Venti agreed. "And every time we've tried it's only made it worse. But that doesn't mean we should stop trying. There are a lot in hiding and a lot of people being subjected to… I can only imagine. It's a horrible thought. I want to help, Xiao."
"I know that!" Xiao rubbed his eyes hard. "I just… I just don't know what more we can do. We can help other vampires, we can help humans, we can put out announcements. Venti, there's only so much we can do!"
"And thank you, for staying with me through all that." Venti got up and grabbed his wrists lightly, placing a kiss on his lips like a whispered prayer. "I know it's hard on you."
"You can't go around saying that when it's harder on you." Xiao leaned forward so they're foreheads rested against one another. "And I love you — and that's still embarrassing to say out-loud. Whatever you want I can try. If I was really against something, you'd hear me say it."
"You are very vocal," Venti agreed almost too quickly, chuckling while Xiao blushed.
"Get your mind out of the gutter."
"I think it's cute."
"And don't call me cute."
"But you are." Venti released him, sliding past his ear to hug him. The embrace was feather soft, like the vampire was afraid of putting any strength into it or risk hurting him. Venti never had before. Maybe it was because he never wanted him to feel trapped.
And it was nice. Xiao could tell how much he cared about him. And feeling loved was still a shock to this day.
Why did it have to be a vampire? Why did it have to be Venti?
But… if Venti wasn't a vampire, he never would have met him. So…
"I love you," Xiao admitted again, without restraint. This time it was easy to say. He loved this idiot of a vampire so much and in so many way. He couldn't place when it had started but he did know why. Friendship only went so far. Venti meant more. Venti had reached out to him when no one else had, had watched his back, had taken his word without question when they were supposed to be enemies.
It took seeing those other idiots fall in love so badly and messy for Xiao to realize he could love a vampire.
"I know it sounds selfish to wish for a peaceful world, there's enough issues as it is already with social diversity, sexuality inequality, and so much more — that adding vampires into the mix is so much for so many nations. But it would be nice, one day, if we could help make a future where it's at least not a death sentence."
Xiao held him tighter. That would be nice but he didn't see it happening. It took a lot for him to accept vampires into his life.
For most, they were the demons that lived in story books, come to life now to ruin their way of living — kill them in the night, take away their families, turn them into monsters…
"I hope it's a future you can see. I'll do my best to help you with it while I'm here."
"Xiao, you know that I'm—"
"Shhh." Yes, Xiao knew Venti was old. He knew the vampire didn't have much time. He knew people were killing anyone they found who was a vampire without question. But… there was a chance. "We never know when that day comes, either of us. So we keep trying, right?"
"Right." Venti sounded more hopeful as he snuggled into his arms.
Vampires were the monsters?
No.
But humans weren't either.
Both sides were just scared of the other and they were clashing. Lashing out at one another was only making the situation worse. Those that wanted peace like the two of them, like Kazuha and Heizou, like the group that they were drawn into — they were in hiding, doing what they could to help each other.
The ones on the streets were the police forces of the nation. Every day people armed with stray bottles of holy water and other religious artifacts that made it hard for any vampire to come near them. Any that were found were mobbed and killed…
And there were vampire groups out there resisting.
They were the opposite of the group Xiao had found himself in. These were vampires like Heizou's master that Xiao had never spoken to for more than a short time. They wanted more than equality. They wanted to be known. They wanted power. They wanted to take it by force if they had to.
And… with how the humans were reacting, it wasn't hard to see why it was so easy to fall into a group like that if one were vampire. They were being oppressed, killed.
If Venti had been any different Xiao might have found himself siding with one of the rebellion groups, fighting the humans even now, just to stay by his side.
And he wouldn't have minded.
Venti wasn't a bad person. As much as Xiao had told himself that the vampire was, that was all untrue. Venti could be selfish, as any human could, but that showed him all the more that the only difference in their hearts was the fear. Vampires had strength humans didn't, some could turn them.
No matter how many videos they put out online, explaining the truth about vampires and about those humans like himself that had powers, there were double the amount online, telling lies and spreading fear.
Because of their position in this, Xiao knew he and Venti were well known because of their online presence. All he could do to keep him alive was stay indoors, under a false name, and wear something if they ever did go out so they couldn't be recognized.
"Are you angry?"
Xiao was knocked out of his thoughts. He shook his head. "No, not angry. Just tired and not sure what else I can do right now. Do you want to go out? We can walk in the park or something."
"That sounds nice but after a nap." Venti yawned in his ear. It tickled.
Looking out the window, it was early still. They'd be leaving around noon if Venti slept for another hour or two. That was a good time to be out. He could see anyone trying to come after them that way.
Vampires had better eyesight at night but that didn't mean he did. And Venti's eyesight wasn't the best.
"I'll make a lunch and leave it in the fridge while you get some sleep." Xiao helped him back to bed and Venti curled up like a child, not letting him cover him up. It was a warm day. It was fine.
Making a few sandwiches and sealing up some juice in the coffee mugs (since he had no other containers that could be carried) Xiao finished prepping the meal in under half an hour. Once he was done, he rest his back against the door to the house, sliding until he was sitting in front of it.
Like a watchdog, he'd taken to sleeping there whenever he would rest. It was best to be safe. Venti was by the window and would hear anything from there.
Though he'd been scolded for sleeping on the floor before, Xiao found himself doing it whenever his fears got the best of him.
Closing his eyes, he rested as well.
Last night had been a welcomed full night of rest, but that didn't mean he didn't appreciate letting his mind stop it's constant cycle of worrying.
When Venti stirred a few hours later, Xiao opened his eyes. He got up before he could be noticed, going over to the bed and noticing how messy Venti's had had gotten from sleeping so funny.
"You look like a hedgehog."
"You look like that every day!" Venti stuck his tongue at at him before chuckling and getting up, going to the bathroom for his hairbrush. "Who cut your hair like that? None of it is even."
Xiao ran his fingers through his hair, blushing. He cut his hair himself. Most of time he didn't bother to use a mirror. He only snipped off what strands were starting to tickle his neck or face too much. "Me."
"Huh. You know, if you want, I can cut it next time," came the voice from the bathroom. "Unless you want to keep doing it. I like your hair looking like you were just fluffed."
Xiao blushed. "There is another meaning for most of your words, you know."
"There is?"
One of the downsides of being with a vampire. Venti knew a lot of terms and phrases that he picked up from walking around town. But others, ones that a child would grow up hearing or a teen, never reached his ears.
"It's fine. I'd rather you not know them anyway."
"Aw, come on. What did I say? Was it funny?"
Xiao blushed more and went to join him instead of shouting across the house. "Venti, it's really not that important. Also, why aren't you braiding your hair?" He was so used to seeing Venti with braids that, when faced with him and the blue strands hanging down over the pale face, the blue contacts in his eyes shining off the mirror's light, he almost didn't recognize him.
"This makes it easier to go out, though my hair won't stop curling." Venti laughed, running some water and wetting his fingers to try and stop the curling the braids had created. "I was thinking I could dye my hair after another video too, so that we can go out freely for a few months without needing to worry about it. Tying up the front of my hair and putting it in a hat works too but it likes to fall out and it looks funny."
"Stop bothering with it so much." Xiao grabbed some conditioner, rubbing it into his fingers, before massaging it into the longer strands of bluish dyed hair. "Here. Let me help. Also, I'm not changing my look that much so if you do, I have to as well… And I like you the way you are. I mean your hair! I like your hair. And you."
Xiao was blushing again. He let go of Venti's hair and rinsed off his fingers. "Lean forward and get the conditioner out in a minute. I'm not sure how much it will help but it's better than water alone."
"Thanks." Venti stared at the both of them through the reflection. He smiled like a kid. It was cute…
Xiao shrugged and watched him back, thinking.
If things could stay like this, he would be happy. He was…. in love. And that was nice. They were safe here. A few times they'd fight over stupid things but what couple didn't?
Risking their lives for others when Venti was sick… when Xiao had scars as well, broken bones, the fear of losing someone he loved… It was hard to want to help.
Venti soaked his hair, turning around and kissing him. Xiao wasn't ready and it wasn't as feather-light as his earlier one.
After their lips met, Venti pressed on for a few more before backing off, leaving the front of Xiao's shirt wet because he hadn't cared to wring out his hair.
"Venti…"
"You're thinking too much again. You remind me of Heizou when you do that." Venti pointed to his head. "You don't want to give yourself brain damage, do you? Relax. Nothing his happening right now and I know you're worried about me. I can… I can't take care of myself completely but I can do what I need to. You trust me, right?"
"Of course." Xiao spoke immediately.
"Then relax. I know life is frightening right now. It's not just scary for you or for me. I'm… scared too, I am. I know I don't show it much but I don't want to die. And there are other vampires that feel that way too. If I were to get involved in something, again," Venti tilted his head, rolling his eyes a little. They had been involved with at least six incidents since leaving Itto's house a year ago. Xiao had a new scar across his forearm to show for it from a rather aggressive vampire. "I don't want either of us in danger. I'll make sure to weigh in what can and can't be done. I'm not an idiot."
"I know you're not." Xiao let out a breath. Venti was old, yes, and he was learned. And he survived all this time without someone looking after him. Xiao had to let go of some of his worry and let the vampire do what he did best. Protect those around him. "Sorry. It just… happens."
"I know. I worry about you too. It's natural." Venti's teeth shown when he grinned, just shot of exposing where his fangs were missing. "It'll be better next year. Or the year after that. Or even the year after that. One of these years will be better. For now, you're going to give yourself a heart attack if you don't relax a little."
Xiao let out a heavy breath. It felt good. "Okay."
"We could meditate."
He laughed. No, he wasn't one for meditation. "Sorry. I don't think I could stay focused on that long without my mind wondering."
Venti placed a hand finger to his chin, thinking. Within a few seconds he smiled. "What about music then? You can play something, right?"
He could but he didn't know Venti knew that. This was a subject they didn't touch on much. "I'm very out of practice. I haven't touched an instrument since high school."
"Then you know how to read sheet music. A little refresher should bring back the memories. Want to learn how to play the flute?"
The way Venti raised an eyebrow and the new sparkle in his eye at the idea was enough to make Xiao melt.
"Sure."
"Great! We can buy two in the city and then go to the park to practice!"
Going the to city was like walking into a war zone with a vampire. Why did he always give into Venti?
Because—
He loved him.
Time to make some music.