venti supremancy

"You saved my life", he finally gasped out. 

 "Hehe."

Liyue has been quiet those days — like nobody has been there for years. Xiao, due to the silence, was feeling like he was the only person in the world. That feeling made him very melancholic and brought back some memories — if he was to be the last human, nothing would have change. Because he has always been alone.

Xiao couldn't fit it with any people. They were leaving him, every time— death or fear — they were all gone.

Nothing was immortal for Xiao, except his own feelings and associations. Flowers were rotten, animals were dying, people were dying and only the sky was still blue. It has never been and never will it be different. Even if he tries to beg Rex Lapis to return his life, he was stuck with his polearm, watching Liyue and taking care of all mortals.

And he was good with that. If he was to keep his memories of a flute melody, he could do his work for eternity.

How many years have passed since he last heard that sound?

Xiao missed that night and he only ever slept in order to return specifically to that scene. For green bard with two braids.

Liyue was quiet these days and he couldn’t repair that. Only things that he could do was getting rid of any danger to protect the people. He could not sing nor play flute to calm any person down. His bloodstained hands couldn’t create anything beautiful, like he did.

At night, nothing was changing — Liyue was still silent. At least, he killed a few monsters and took bath in the adepti lake to finally get some rest. He must distract himself from his thoughts. The need to hear that melody again was too strong for him — all because of this calm day. The silence took him to remember that night, when negative karma took over his body for his endless slaughter. It was quiet then and nobody was there.

To be honest, Xiao thought he was just about to face the death. Like his comrades did.

He couldn't accept that — he couldn't die that fast, he still had a contract to fulfill, for Rex Lapis. Then Xiao screamed agonisingly, punching the ground with his fist. Maybe Rex Lapis could hear it? Maybe he was already on his way to help him, the last yaksha.

Yet it wasn’t Rex Lapis who heard his screams. Barbatos did.

Then, he heard a flute . A pleasant sound with melancholic and cold breeze. His whole body got relaxed and the mask disappeared. Xiao could finally breathe again with ease, his eyes stopped flooding from the huge pain he had just been in. Negative karma was all gone so fast as if it had never been there.

The archon of wind was gone too before the Yaksha could thank him. Xiao remembered the song and sighed, closing his eyes. That  always made him feel safe and sound. But why was that feeling so real? Did he remember it so well? No, this couldn’t be true...

He open his eyes extremely fast, when he realized that melody was playing right there, in that exact moment. He couldn't believe that. He looked up to the sky and saw a bard sitting one the hill, looking at the full moon and playing the same tune, just like years ago. He sounded longing which was what made the song more than magnifincent.

Barbatos was there, in front of him.

That couldn’t be his imagination or just a dream. Xiao was recalling seeing the archon of wind right there and couldn't believe this. Has he heard Xiao’s pathetic prayers? For many years, he prayed for him to meet again, as all he wanted wanted was to his ballads yet one more time.

Xiao really felt guilty while praying to Barbatos. The threat of Rex Lapis hearing him, being disappointed or angry scared him to the bone. After all, Archon of Geo named him and gave him life, gave him a chance, so why was he to feel closer with lord Barbatos? Could that be due to him once saving Xiao’s life? Rex Lapis also did save him, pulling him out of the Mad God’s trap.

So why was his feelings so deep? Was it because he has never forgotten that one night?

Xiao knew. It was his only chance to met lord Barbatos in a while, maybe in years or even millennials. For himself, for so many years of waiting for that moment. He might regret it, if he doesn't do it. Rex Lapis... forgive me, he thought. He felt like he commiting a crime, a betrayal to his lord. Yet, he couldn't help himself.

Xiao used his anemo vision to teleport to lord Barbatos on the hill. From this distance the melody was clearer and even more gorgerous than before. He felt hypnotised and couldn’t push himself to take a step, just as if he has got in a trap. He was in a trance, a wonderful trance which he could be stuck in forever.

Then, Lord Barbatos stop playing his flute. World had stopped for a while for Xiao, when the bard turned around, feeling someone's presence. But he didn't look scared — just composed.

Xiao has never thought he would be that charming. Wind caressed his face and then he started breathing again. He felt a familiar scent of Mondstandt flowers when Barbatos smiled, looking at him very gentle and satisfied.

"I remember you", he said.

Xiao blinked, when he heard his voice. He was so solicitous and just... delicate, as if he was talking to a close friend. Nobody had ever been like that to him, except for praying people from Wangshu Inn. They knew and trusted him, so it wasn't unusual. But Barbatos was the archon, he shouldn’t  be compassionate to him. Xiao didn't deserve this treatment. He never helped, he had never even made a sacrifice for him, only a quiet prayer said a few times.

He was devoted to Rex Lapis, except for his moment of weakness.

"You saved my life", he finally gasped out.

"Hehe."

Xiao frowned. Did he just... laugh at him? Xiao felt how his fingers tremble, when he clenched his fist on his polearm. His stomach cramped and his throat hurting. Xiao felt so stressed and uncomfy, but still very felicitous.

"I-I mean... thank you, lord Barbatos, you—"

"Call me Venti!", he overtook him. "No need for any thanks! I would do it again with pleasure, adepti Xiao." he said with sweet smile.

He knew my name, Xiao thought. He was in shook, he didn't expect their meeting would be... anything like that. As if it was only a few days that had passed. But the most important thing was Venti always remember that unfortunate night. He had to ask him to get the most significant answer of his life.

Xiao took a deep breath, looking at him very embarrassed.

"Lord Barbatos, why did you help me that night?" he whispered, abashed. Venti narrowed his eyes. Xiao felt like his heart was going explode, when he just threw up his arms.

"I don't really remember." he just said and then grinned widely. "Hey, adepti Xiao, can I ask you for a little favor?", Venti asked just like that.

"Of course, lord Barbatos', Xiao muttered, still shocked with his answer. He just... don't remember? He waited for his reply for several dozens of years just to hear that? He didn't sleep at nights, missing his melody and thinking about their possible reunion, yet he wasn't disappointed? Was it because he could just be with him right now?

"Buy me some alcohol, please", he said imploringly. "You look older than me".

"What?".

Xiao thought that if they were to meet again, Lord Barbatos would give him the most bloody and difficult mission in his life.

But then, he just asked him to bought him alcohol. That’s it. Without any hook. Without any contract. As if they were friends long time friends and Xiao owed him a favor.

"Alcohol, please. Maybe a beer? Or Liyue wine? I don't know, what is most popular liquor in Liyue. Can you show me, Xiao?" he smiled again, as he hid his flute in his bag.

"Of course, Lord Barbatos. I'll show you the finest alcohol in the most luxurious place", he said very seriously. If he have to do anything for him, he have to do the best he could.

"I told you. Call me Venti."

"Yeah... Venti." Xiao bit his lips. "But... Why are you in Liyue, if you don’t mind me asking?".

"Just going to meet my old friend and share some new gossips with him", he smirked and walked past him. Xiao shuddered, but didn’t say anything. He was constantly unsettled, feeling like it was a stupid dream. But Venti's touch on his arm; warm and delicate was real and brought him back to earth.

"Everything okay?", he asked gently, looking in his eyes. Xiao felt warmth covering his cheeks.

"Yeah, please hold on to me, Lord Barbatos".

Venti nodded as he tightly grasped Xiao’s foream and hand. Then, everything became dark and blurry.

"Yahoo, Liyue Harbor!", Venti said, when they had landed on the balcony of Wangshu Inn. Xiao let go of bard’s hands and sighed, looking at him.

"Is not a Liyue Harbor. We are in Wangshu Inn".

"Ohh... Why?".

"Because it is the only place where I can buy you any alcohol, lord Barbatos", Xiao answered him. "I'll take you to Liyue Harbor tommorow. First, you have to get some rest".

"Thank you for taking care of me, adepti Xiao", Venti smirked. "I'll put in a good word for you with Morax".

Xiao lightly blushed and quietly coughed.

"Thank you, lord Barbatos, but please don’t bother.. Actually, Rex Lapis hasn’t contacted me in years".

"I'll beat him up for that, don't worry!", Venti laughed, but then realized, that Xiao look turned a little dark when he mentioned the Archon of Geo. He quickly changed subject. "So, shall we have a drink?".

"Can I?", Xiao asked, startled.

Venti narrowed his eyebrows. He knew that Liyue’s culture is a little more respectful than in Mondstandt, but little did he know it was that much of politeness. He sighed and licked his lips.

"Of course you can, Xiao", he smiled. "It's like a date".

Xiao looked at him, he seemed so uncertain, that Venti felt like he didn't get his jokes, not making him laugh at all. Zhongli, you really don't care about your protégés, Venti though.

Venti knew that Xiao was a lonely spirit who didn’t have many friends, It was as clear as day, even at the first glance. He felt a little anger boiling inside him, when he realized the Geo of Archon didn't really pay attention to his adeptis, his prayers and guardians. Maybe he did that several years ago, but definitelly not now. It’s like he left them alone.

Venti used to always take care about Vennessa, as he is doing now with the knights and guardians of Mondstandt. He tried to make his people feel happy and safe. He of course knew that Zhongli had some specific methods, but didn’t he notice how badly he ruined the last yaksha? It's certainly not his bussiness and country, but Xiao... was very different. Venti didn't help him for no reason, but it wasn’t for Xiao to know, at least yet.

"Let's take a sit", Venti finally said. Xiao nodded and took him to his favorite place on the balcony. The scenery is really amazing, Venti thought, as he now remembered how impressive Liyue looks at night.

"I'll go to the chef".

Venti sighed, when Xiao headed inside. Maybe he shouldn't have asked an adepti for help like that. Although, Morax wouldn't mind. If the adeptis decided to choose their own path, he surely wouldn’t have anything against it. At this point, Venti was lucky that he met Xiao. It was relieving to meet him healthy after all these years.

Venti wanted to stay in Liyue a while—Mondstandt was really safe and independent those times, so he could take a small break. But had his priorities, he needed to try Liyue local alcohol first. He looked at Xiao, who was back from the kitchen. He sat in front of him and Venti saw that he took off his sleeve and the rest of his armor.

"Where is the rest of your clothing?", he asked.

"In my room. Should I go and put those back on, Lord Barbatos?".

"No! I was just... asking.", Venti laughed nervously. "I'm glad to know you feel safe around me".

"Of course I do," Xiao murmured, "You saved my life".

"It's not a big deal, trust me", he smiled. "I just like playing flute. If you want, I can play something for you later".

Xiao looked at him and Venti could to God (to himself?) that he seemed like a small puppy. Maybe he's a powerful and immortal adepti, but he's also a human. Even if he denied it, he still had weaknesses and things that he enjoyed. Venti was glad that he noticed it and smiled to him.

Xiao didn't answer, as a staff member of Wangshu Inn came with the order. Venti choked on the air, seeing it.

"Is something wrong?" Xiao asked calmly.

"It is too much!", Venti answered. "I just asked for alcohol, like one beer or a bottle of wine. Not every position on the alcohol card", he gasped, yet his eyes glowing with admiration.

Xiao raised his eyebrow.

"I didn't know what you like, so I asked for all of this".

"That’s not good. We can’t drink all of this". Venti said. "As much as I want to, the outcome might kill me".

"Wait. Alcohol can kill Archons?".

"... You’ve never drunk alcohol before, right?".

"That's for humans. I don't care about any of that".

Venti burst out with laughter.

"Let me show you what you missed", Venti said with a twinkle in his eye. He picked up a bottle of vodka and put it away. "That's not for us. It's Snezhnayan speciality, it could kill us both. First, you can try some beer".

Xiao sighed and took a glass of berry beer, looking at it with disgust.

"Okay".

Venti poured himself some wine made from lotus heads. It’s going to be a long night, he thought, when he noticed the aversion on Xiao’s face caused by sipping his drink.

Two glasses of beer and one bottle of wine later, Venti started regretting the fact that he invited Xiao to drink with him.

"I must protect Liyue", he hiccupped.

"I know, but first you need to go to sleep", Venti stated, holding on his slim waist tightly, not wanting him to fall on his face.

"Where is my polearm?", he asked.

Venti groaned, leading him to the room. Xiao had a smaller capacity than Venti thought, but on the other hand it was obvious. After all, he never drank before.

"Where is your room?".

Xiao looked at him tired eyes. For the first time Barbatos felt guilty for inviting someone for a drink. It always ended up funny, but Xiao was the guardian of Liyue. He didn't care about humans and things like liquor or meals. However, Venti still though that Xiao is more human than him. He was just hiding it very well.

"Here", he whispered, pointing at the nearest door on the right side. Venti nodded and tightened his grip on adepti’s waist. Finally, he led him to his room and looked around. What he saw was a very simple bedroom, as simple as it can be, with dark curtains and some antic decorations. Surprisingly, Xiao had many books and lectures. He felt a familiar scent, which made him blush.

He really keep it, Venti thought with a little smile. He looked at barely conscious adepti, who seemed very innocent in that state.

"Venti," Xiao suddenly spoke up, when Venti seated him to bed. "Can I try to play on your flute, please?".

"It is a bit unexpected, but sure", he smirked, stroking his head. He pulled out the flute, looking at Xiao.

He didn't seem like he could play any instrumment, but he could certainly try. Xiao had small and slim hands, a bit rough, but it didn't bother him at all. Actually, it was an advantage.

Venti sighed, playing a simple melody to show him what to do. Then, he just gave the flute to him, looking at him with cheering smile.

"Here you go. Just try it".

Xiao did the same thing like Venti, putting flute onto his lips. His fingers moved on the holes, creating a very clumsy, but cute song. Venti laughed, then started helping him with the holes. After that, it sounded a bit better. Venti smiled, enjoying the sound and looking gently at Xiao.

Then, he realized something.

"It's like an indirect kiss, don’t you think?", he asked him with spark in his eyes.

Xiao stopped playing, sighing. His cheeks blushed a little bit, giving flute back to Venti.

"It's like a date, after all.", he whispered.

Venti was speechless, his cheeks turned soft pink like silk flowers. He had not expected this, his heart started beating faster.

"You’re cute when you’re drunk", Venti laughed, pretending he didn't get shy. He got up from the bed, but Xiao suddenly grasped his hand. Venti startled, his face was still blushing, looking kindly at the adepti. For a moment, it was silent.

"I'm sorry, Venti", He looked at him with pure trust, having a very sleepy look on his face. "Can you play me a lullaby before you leave, please? I won’t ask you for anything else".

He was surprised by the question, but he immediately nodded and smiled to him. Venti was not able to deny him hanything, when he looked like that. "Of course, Alatus".

Venti reached out for his flute again and sayt on bed. Sheets smelled like Xiao, like the flowers that grow on top of the Liyue mountains. He didn't remember what they were called, as they wasn’t common in Mondstandt. Venti inhaled slightly and started playing.

It wasn't a ballad from that night. It was a new song, that he created specifically for the Guardian of Liyue. Venti made it that moment, thinking about Xiao and his ethereal eyes.

The same eyes, different color, but the same determination, had his old friend. An old friend, who helped Mondstandt gain freedom, but never saw it. When Venti missed him badly, he was playing that song, the one that helped Xiao that night.

And he did that, because Xiao reminded him of that person. They both were just as willing to sacrifice themselves, even If it was going to kill them.

When Venti stopped playing, he noticed Xiao long gone into the dreamland. He sighed and headed back to the balcony to drink some more. His head ached, when he took a long sip. Why were people dying so fast? Why couldn’t he stop the world? Even if Xiao was not affected by the passage of time, he could still die.

This is why Venti did not come near him for several years to visit, knowing that his feelings could kill him.

Xiao didn't say a word to Venti, when he woke up the next day. He wouldn’t admit to his head hurting and throat burning so bad. His hair was messed up, eyes looking very sleepy.

"You have a hangover", Venti laughed, looking at him. They were sitting on the same balcony as the day before. "Drink some water, you will feel better".

"I don't have hangover. I'm not a human", he said resentful, even though Venti was right.

"Then you don't want my water?".

"...I do".

"Here you go, my Xiao".

Xiao grasped on his glass of water, chugging it all down. When he finished, he looked at him with a little embarrassed look on his face. Venti smirked at him, shrugging his shoulders, as if nothing happened.

"I've got experience".

"I see", Xiao sighed, feeling much better. He refused to admit to not remember a single thing. "I hope you enjoyed the last night".

"Of course I did! I played you a lullaby", Venti chuckled.

And we kissed indirectly, but it was still a kiss, he thought, smilling. Xiao looked at him, surprised. He regretted that he couldn't hear that again, because he didn't really remember anything. He had fell asleep just like that, lulled by his sad ballad.

For the second time in his life.

What a shame.

"I see. Thank you, Lord Barbatos".

How could he agree to get drunk with an archon? Xiao felt disgrace. Although, if he refused, he would actually feel the same, because refusal to an archon was just ill-mannered. In addition to that, he was an adepti. He just hated human’s creations like alcohol and any stimulants, which bogged down minds. Xiao knew that this drinking session was the first and the last in his life.

Though, if Venti asked him again... No. Certainly no.

Xiao just hoped that he would never be in that position again.

"I told you. Call me Venti. Just Venti", he said, rolling his eyes. "After breakfast, are we going to Liyue Harbor?".

Xiao broke out of his thoughts and nodded, sighing. Venti grinned at him. "I cannot wait to see Morax", Venti stretched out his arms, looking very happy on his face. "We are best friends".

"I never heard about it".

Venti looked at him gloomily. His eyes turned dark, but he still smilling. He was looking literally sadistic. Xiao shivered, frowning his eyebrows. Maybe he shouldn't have said that, looking at his scary reaction.

"Long story short", Venti sighed, his aura was deadly and cold. "He used to be a villain to me. He once said he didn't like my music. So I brought tornados to Liyue. Then, we became best friends!".

Xiao’s eyelid twitched, when Venti came back to his charming version. He was looking like he enjoyed that old memory, even if he had almost turned Liyue to dust.

The adepti has never truly understood archons, so why did this one’s joke made him want to laugh? Xiao snorted and turned his head with his cheeks slightly blushed.

Xiao spoke up, a bit uncertain.

"Pack your bags, lord... Venti", he looked at the mountains from viewpoint. He made a decision. "We're leaving".

Archon of Wind smirked at him and left him to gather his luggage. Among with other things, was a collection of wine, which he assembled. Xiao rolled his eyes, but then, he unconsciously smiled at him.

He hadn't had so much fun in ages.

When Venti came back, he looked at him with his typical smile and took his hand, waiting for the strange feeling of teleporting.

"Let's go, adepti Xiao", he grabbed his waist as if it wasn’t the first time. The scent of the flowers hit Xiao's nostrils again, he blinked and took a deep breath. "Yahoo!".

Liyue Harbor was the same like he remember. A place full of happy people and cats to which he was allergic.

"Achoo!", Venti sneezed, hiding behind Xiao.

"I didn’t know archons can be allergic".

"You don't know a lot of things yet", Venti smirked, holding his arms. Xiao shuttered. "You must be allergic to humans, I suppose".

After those words, he released him and looked around. They weren’t in the center of the town yet,, but Venti could have already felt the aura of Morax. He sighed when he saw a bridge to the city full of guardians and slowly looked at Xiao. He was looking as if he didn’t want to be there.

"Won’t you go with me?”

"I must escort you safely. Go, Lord Barbatos. I'll be right behind to you". Venti rolled his eyes. Why Xiao was so stubborn?

"Don't be overdramatic and come with me. NEXT to me", he demanded, crossing arms on his chest. Xiao sighed, his eyelid trembled when he went to stand next to Barbatos. Whenever he stood by him, he could smell that delicate scent of Mondstandt flowers.

One time Qiqi gave him a couple of cecilias, claiming them to be a gift from an unknown traveller. That person asked her to pass these flowers to an adepti with amber eyes. Unfortunately, they had withered before she found him. But still these flowers smelled so pretty and Qiqi suggested him to dessicate them. Xiao did it and put the dried flowers in a pillowcase — magnificent smell helped him fallasleep, although he rarely slept. But thanks to them, he had only serene dreams.

The unknown traveler never came to Xiao’s mind, not bothering his head at all. He always thought that had been some stupid human, who tried to thank him for help or anything like that. For sure, that couldn't be Venti.

"Here we go!", Venti hummed, taking in Xiao’s arms.

The scent of flowers was almost suffocating, yet his silky touch was very calming. Xiao, looking at happy Venti, realized that, in fact, he too had blood on his pretty, yet harsh due to instruments playing hands. They were similiar on this aspect, but neither of them would admit it.

"Liyue is so biiiiig", Venti groaned. "I hate being here".

Xiao sighed, not knowing what to say.

"Me too".

Venti wanted to say something, but then he noticed the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor on their way. He let go of Xiao’s hand and ran up to the door, knocking on it with all of his might. When nobody was opening for a while, he just kicked door open and bursted inside, to Xiao's dismay. He didn't know if he was to go enter as well, but it was a better idea than standing in street full of people. Before he could go inside, Venti caught him by his clothes and pulled him in. Then, just closed door.

That was fast, Xiao thought.

"Morax!", he said with excitement, saw him sitting on the table while calmly drinking tea. Zhongli didn't look moved by their presence. "I missed you. Your valiant, lovable and charming yaksha escorted me to you. He deserves a reward".

"Xiao?", Zhongli said, startled. Then, he just sighed. "First, please sit down". Venti, smilling, took his seat and looked at Xiao. He was looking very awkward so Venti pulled him into a chair. Zhongli raised an eyebrow, looking little suprised.

"How did i earn this pleasant meeting?", he asked, looking at Venti. "Do you want anything to drink?".

"A wine, please. Just not lotus head one. I drinked that one yesterday", Venti smirked at confused Xiao. A moment later, Zhongli took the liquor and poured some of it into an elegant glass.

Zhongli looked at Archon of Wind expectantly.

"I have news from Inazuma", Venti suddenly said, drinking his alcohol. He didn't looked at anybody. "Baal got tricked and had her gnosis stolen by the fatui. Now, traveler is going to Sumeru".

The atmosphere tighten, became grim and significant. Zhongli clenched his hand of his cup, his eyes looked angry, which was rare. Even the Xiao felt uncomfortable, bitting his lips.

"Xiao, leave", Archon of Geo said. "Now'.

When Venti came back out, he was already drunk.

"Take care of him, Xiao", Zhongli asked, sighing. "He need to get back to Mondstandt. Unfortunely, I cannot escort him. Can I rely on you?'.

Xiao blinked, when Venti rested on his arm, gibbering. He gently grabbed his waist, holding him firmly. He expected that their meeting wasn’t calm at all, looking at Zhongli with slight worry.

"Always, Rex Lapis", he said, nodding.

"Thank you. You’ve done a good job,", Zhongli added. "You need to take break, I suppose".

Zhongli looked at him. It was they first meeting in a few years, he not changed anything about his character or apparence. And still he was so overprotective towards him.

Xiao felt as he was still a child when he was with the Archon of Geo.

"I'm an adepti. I never get tired," Xiao answered him, looking into his eyes. "But thank you, Rex Lapis".

Zhongli fell silent, looking at him, worried.

"Xiao. I'm never going to be mad at you, you know that. You are my adepti, I trust you with everything", he suddenly confessed. He looked at Venti, his old and the only friend. "You can fall in love and you can sacrifice your feelings to any other Archon, if you are still going to protect Liyue for me". Xiao choked on air, almost letting Venti from his arms. He grabbed him violently, blushing badly and looking at Morax, quite embarrassed.

"No, i'm not a human. I'm never gonna fall into...".

Venti hiccuped and Zhongli smirked. It was a very funny and enjoyable view, that was warming up his petrified heart.

"I understand. You don't need to explain that to me. I just wanted to say that, because I heard your prayer for forgiveness", He crossed his arms.

"You had never have to do that, because you have never dissapointed me, Alatus. Remember that".

Xiao felt a cold wind of his face, when Venti embraced his neck. He definitely craved attention right now.

"Of course, Rex Lapis", he said calmly with relief.

To be honest, Xiao always thought that Zhongli never heard his prayers. That confession made him feel safe and serene — after so many years of doubt. He had no grudge against him, Morax was always his lord, even if he got lost.

He looked at him for the last time, with trust in his gold eyes, then he jumped and teleported himself and Venti to Wangshu Inn, to his room.

Those days in Liyue, that he called silent, they weren't like that at all. They were the loudest ones in his entire life — he finally met Barbatos and Rex Lapis for the first time in years, fulfilling his biggest wish. It took the weight off his shoulders, even if he didn't know everything.

Xiao was just cheerful and a light smile was on his face, when he started putting Venti to his bed. As he was jumping into teleports, Venti asleep on his arm, drooling over him, but Xiao wasn't angry at all. Actually, he could never be angry at Venti.

In the morning, he'll have a hangover, Xiao thought, undressing him from uncomfy garderobe like his jacket and the hat. Venti in his sleeping state looked like a normal young man. So innocent and pure, overall — he wasn’t dreaming nightmares, just smilling and snoring softly. Xiao wanted to lay down next to him, just so he could observe the touching sight.

"For the first time in my life, can I pretend we’re just humans?", Xiao whispered to himself, laying hesitantly next to Venti.

He gave himself up to his own desire, trying to stop his fast beating heart and the feeling of warmth, when he was looking at the sleeping bard.

"Of course you can. You’re still a human in your heart, Alatus", Venti suddenly said, opening his eyes and looking gently at startled Xiao. He wanted to get up from the bed, but Venti caught his wrist. "I'll sing a song if you stay with me".

Xiao blushed and nodded, adjusting himself to feel more comfortable. Venti smirked at him, stroking his hand. He looked worried, bitting his lips. Then, he looked at Xiao eyes with sorrow.

"I lied to you".

There was silence, and beating of Xiao's heart sudden sped up.

"I saved you, because you resembled a certain gallant human to me. I heard you praying, so I came and played the flute which belonged to my dearest friend,", he said with melancholy in his green eyes. "And the worst of all, it is not the end of my confession".

Xiao closed his eyes, concetrating on his soothing voice. He was too scared to hear the rest of his words, still unable to realize the previous ones.

"I gave you the anemo vision".

"What?", Xiao opened his eyes widely, his fingers tightened on Venti hand.

"I'm was always sure that Rex Lapis gave me my vision".

Venti chuckled, closing his eyes.

"When the unknown God enslaved you, I heard your agony", he whispered. "I wanted to reduce your torture, so I gave you a vision. I couldn't do anything more for you, I'm so sorry".

Xiaoe was silent for a moment, analyzed those words in his head.

"So you didn't save my life once. You... were always with me and have always protected me", Xiao said, his hands shakes. Did Morax lied to him too? "And I always thought it was Morax".

"No, it is not like that", Venti interrupted him. "Morax took care of you, he saved you from the unknown God and named you. He did all things I couldn't do myself".

Xiao calmed down, his eyes got weirdly wet. After so many years, he got the answers to all of his questions that he was always too scared to asked. He thought that everything was already behind him, but he was wrong all this time.

"And now, you are the last yaksha, the strongest adepti in Liyue. You are a hero to so many people, even If they don’t know your name. Also, you’re still a human if you can cry", he said with smile, wiping the tears from his cheeks. Xiao didn't even knew when he started crying. He felt so weak. "I'm so proud of you, Alatus".

Venti hugged him kindly, trapping him tightly within his warm arms. For Xiao, it was a strange feeling, so he didn't hug Venti back. Just tighten his fingers on the white chemise, like he was to left soon. Xiao wanted to be with him as long as possible.

Then, Venti started singing a song, without any instrument, just only using his lyrical voice — Xiao could swear that he was in Celestia at that moment. He closed his eyes, feeling safe in his arms and forgetting about the rest of the world. The only thing that mattered was that he knew everything.

Xiao wanted to fall asleep in his embrace, but then he heard the silent snore. He opened his eyes, looking at Venti with amusement. "He was still drunk", Xiao realized, hitting his forehead with embarrased. But then, he just smiled and hugged him, inhaling the scent of cecilias and closing his eyes.

Dear Xiao, I'm sorry for I didn't said goodbye to you, but you were sleeping so sweet, so I didn't want to wake you up. Thank you for taking care of me and letting me make lovely memories with you. I'm never gonna forgive that and I have hope you won’t either. You showed me the best liquor in Liyue, that’s a honorary act for me! I'll visit you in future. I have to wait in Mondstandt till the world affairs end. I'm gonna miss you and our drinking so badly... Anyways, I left you a small gift. I have hope that you like it. With love, Your Venti

When Xiao woke up and sat up on bed, all that was remaining of Venti was his charming scent. On cupboard next to his bed was lying a letter which he took and opened slowly. He smiled after reading it as he saw a few of fresh cecillias, that fell out of the page.

"I knew that it was you", Xiao said, sniffing the flowers. He put them back into the envelope and sighed. Then, he opened his eyes widely, when he realized on the table was lying something else.

It was a flute.

"No way" he swallowed.

Xiao looked at it from all sides, before he put it slowly up to his mouth. It was like an indirect kiss and he knew it well. He blushed softly, hugging flute to his heart.

"Thank you, Venti", he looked at flying birds on the sky. "I'll be waiting for you. But I swear to Rex Lapis, i'm never gonna drink with you again".

He stared at the letter lying on the cupboard with longing.  He frowned, when he saw that in the corner was a small note.