our story

continuation to the first ‘our story’ - thank you for the inspiration and man do I love all of these characters so much BUT why does Xiao hurt meeee

Warning -> fluff, small sample of alcohol, argument (slight angst with xiao)

Character x GN reader | Anthology 

Includes: Zhongli, Childe, Xiao (Pt 1 Diluc, Kaeya, Albedo) 

Zhongli

• You were running errands and desperately trying to get them done on time when a gust of wind knocked you back and a quiet, reserved man helped you collect them - that’s when you first noticed him
• He was taking a stroll down the harbor and watched as you spiritedly ran in front of him, your scent striking and your expression rememberable - that’s when he first noticed you 

“Ah!” You exclaim as the papers in your hands fluttered into the wind. Even as you clasped all the documents between your hands and against your chest, some still managed to make their escape. You chased after them in a fever knowing if you didn’t get them all back there would be trouble. One had wedged itself up between some beams and you weren’t tall enough to reach it.  

“May I?” The deep voice questioned and, when you looked up at the arm reaching out toward the paper, turning to its owner you held in a gasp. “I hope it isn’t too damaged.” He held out the paper to you, his concerned expression soft and elegant. 

“Thank you…” you took it from him and held them all tightly to your chest as another gust of wind pushed against you. 

“The spirits must be in good humor today, no?” He looked down at you with a smile and you just stood there staring at him.

• You were sitting in front of one of the storytellers, listening to their oration of a story you had heard many times before and, as he sat next to you, he pointed out all the errors - that’s when you found enjoyment in his company 
• He had received your attention on several occasions, from visiting him after your work or joining him on meanderings through the city - that’s when he found enjoyment in your company 

“Hello again, Zhongli.” You ducked your head out in front of him as he passed by on one of his many walks through the city. 

“Y/N, pleasant seeing you here. Are you also out for a walk?” 

“I had some things to do down here and saw you headed this way. It’s about noon, have you eaten yet?” 

His hands rested behind him and he looked down at you with a smile, “A quick meal sounds nice. I have a few places in mind.” 

“Sounds great. Lead the way.” You came into line next to him and listened as he shared some of the places he wished to take you. 

• You told him about your favorite things, from books and stories all the way to food and drinks and everything in between. He always asked for more - Here is where you held him in great regard
• He invited you on adventures to visit the shrines which speckled Liyue. He watched as you paid great respect to the current and long gone spirits there - Here is where he held you in great regard

“A great many things have come to pass over these lands since the dawn of time. Now, we can merely thank the spirits for their continuous endeavors at protecting the people.” He cupped his hand underneath the hanging incense burner as he lit the long scented stick. The way his frame stretched to reach the height, and the elegant way he blew out the flame, all enhanced the ceremony he had invited you to participate in. 

“We return on these days to pay respects to their work and ask for them to bless the lands in the coming days.” He clasped his hands together and bowed his head in reverence before taking a step back from the shrine. “Do you have any wishes to ask of them?” He asked, looking at you. 

“Is that okay? I am not the best speaker.” 

“The spirits do not mind the formality of the speaker; they listen to all who come to see them.” He grabbed your hand and helped you up the steps. Following the action he had just completed, you lit one of the long sticks from the small fire which burned near the altar and held it there until smoke began to drift upwards.

You cleared your throat, lighting one of the incense sticks closer to your height and began. “May your memories live on in all those who come to see you and in all those who come to know your works and your sacrifices.” You placed the stick onto the metal plate, placed your hands together and dipped your head. “This world is filled with so many wonderful things, and I pray that you will help the people continue to experience the wonders it has to offer.” 

The sound of water splashing came right as you finished your prayer, and you turned toward the water but didn’t see any signs of a disturbance at the surface. 

“I believe you’ve been heard.” You glanced back to his face and saw such a warm expression in his golden eyes, almost as if they were filled with a vision that only the gods could possess. 

• Finally, when you met him on the balcony which he often found himself, the sun dipping below the sea and setting the city gold - you knew you loved him 
• Finally, when brought him a gift from years long forgotten and offered it to him in the place where he last stood as an archon - he knew he loved you 

You walked up to him and rested your elbows on the stone railing. “This is my favorite view.” 

“As it is mine.” It had become a staple of his, standing with his hands against his back, cupped ever so neatly into one another. You wondered what his hands would feel like wrapped around your own. “What brings you here today?” He asked, curious. 

“Oh, I have something for you.” You lean up and offer him a tall, thin bag. He lifts an eyebrow before reaching into the bag and pulling out a bottle of wine. His eyes grow as he looks over the label, his thumb rubbing against it in slow, repetitive movements. 

“Osmanthus wine.” He runs his fingers over the stem and you watch as they pry open the cork. Lifting the bottle to his face he smells the insides and a smile spreads from his lips up to his eyes, a smile you didn’t know he was able to make. “It smells just like I remember.” 

“You always mention how good it tastes, and I thought, maybe If I could find some you’d be willing to have a drink with me?” He looked down at the two small glasses you held in your hands. 

“How did you even acquire this?” 

“I did some searching and got really lucky. Here, take a drink.” You hold out the cup and watch as he pours the vibrant liquid into the cup. When it’s full he takes it from you and tastes it for the first time in years. 

“Exquisite.” He examines the drink before offering it to you, “Here.” 

“Are you sure?” This was the first time he had offered you something after already drinking from the cup, and the gesture felt extremely intimate. Carefully, you took the glass from his hands and tasted the sweet liquid. It was warm and lively, and it heated your throat as you swallowed it. “That tastes like nothing I’ve ever had before.” 

“Thank you, Y/N, for bringing me such a wonderful gift.” 

“You’re welcome.” 

“What can I get you in return?” He asks, placing the cork back in the bottle before returning it to the bag. 

“Oh.” You put your hands out in front of your face. “Nothing. I just wanted to do something for you because I love y…” The word falls from your mouth. You didn’t mean to let it slip, his question just caught you off guard and you wanted to let him know … ah, what did you want to let him know. 

He placed the bag on the ground and took a step closer to you. “Because you love?” 

“Ah. What I meant was … I mean. No, I didn’t mean .. uh.” You were so embarrassed. Someone like Zhongli could never return your affections, it just wasn’t possible. How much of a mistake did you just make. 

You felt his hands wrap around yours and the feeling stalled all the gears in your brain. You looked at him and melted under his gaze. 

“Has someone or something captured your affections, well that won’t do.” His fingers wrapped around your wrists and you felt drawn into him, your feet moving on their own and your heart taking over instead of your worthless brain. “It seems my time is running through the hourglass.” 

“Zhongli?” He lifted your chin and forced you to look at him. His golden eyes pierced and, as they usually did, made it hard to breathe. 

“I must make my own affections clear before it’s too late it seems.” He placed his hand against your back and pulled you to him. He leaned close to your face and, honestly, it was all so much. Your chest hurt with how quickly you were breathing and your heart was erratic, you wondered if that’s why you were starting to feel light headed. He kissed you and the feeling of his lips connecting with yours felt better than anything you’d ever experienced. Fireworks exploded in your head, in your chest, the tips of your fingers. His lips were everything and they tasted like sweet wine. 

He pulled away from you but kept his face close, “I hope my message came through clearly.” You nodded your head, wrapped your hands around his neck and pulled him back for another kiss. 

Childe

• You found him exhausted on the side of the road, cuts and bruises covering his body and the sound of his labored breathing imprinted on your mind - he came into your life 
• The softness of your touch and the soothing way you spoke to him as you cleaned his wounds sunk into his skin like water sinks into dry land - you came into his life 

He felt something pulling and tugging on his clothes. When he brushed it off and it kept coming back he started to get angry. 

“Hold still.” He heard the voice and felt more tugging. 

“If you think you can steal something from me, you’ve made a grave mistake.” 

“I’m not trying to steal from you, I’m trying to help you. Now, just stay still.” He opened his eyes and saw your face, it was fuzzy, but he could make out bits and pieces. 

“What’s your name?” He asked, coughing and wincing at your touch. 

“Y/N.” 

“Cool, well y/n, I’m going to pass out now.” He heard you shout before drifting off into the darkness. 

• He presented you with gifts, in fact many gifts. Some toys, some general, some lavish, and each time he had a proud smirk on his face - you had gained a friend 
• You teased him back, laughed with him and didn’t give him an inch. There was no pushing you over, unless, that is, with excessive force - he had gained a friend 

“Hey, what are you doing tonight?” He leaned against the counter and looked at the other side at all the nicknacks lining the shelves. 

“Hanging out with cool people.” You continued to look at the itemized list in front of you. It was time to assess what was still here and what needed to be restocked and Childe always seemed to find you when you were this busy. 

“Ah, perfect. So when are you expecting me?” 

“I don’t remember saying you were cool.” You teased, looking up and sticking your tongue out at him. He laughed a hearty laugh and rested his head on the counter. “If you keep hanging around here I’m not going to be able to sell anything.” You tapped your pen on his head. 

“Oh, well then what are you selling.” You gestured at the wall of items behind you with an open palm. “Hmm, well then, let me see those.” He pointed at the display of earrings and with a sigh you pulled them down. 

“Which ones speak to you, customer?” 

“These. I’ll take them.” You pulled the earrings from their holding and placed them in a small paper box. Once the transaction was completed you slid them toward him and gave him your sale’s person smile. 

“Thank you for your purchase, please come again.”  

“Thanks, I’m going to give these to my friend.”

“I’m sure they will love them.” You said, putting the display back on the shelf before returning to the counter. 

“I know they will. Here.” He took your hand and placed the box in your palm before backing away. Shocked, you stared at him and watched as he saluted you before spinning on his heels and running away. 

“Childe! Wait!” 

• The two of you sat on the docks and talked about nothing. When three children ran up to him and begged him to be the pirate again, and he happily agreed - there was a tightness in your chest
• You listened to the stories of his family and how desperately he missed them, and the day you presented him a letter to send to his siblings - there was a tightness in his chest 

“Hey, I remember you said you often send letters to your family back home, and I was having a hard time sleeping last night and …” He was confused by your demeanor. Normally, you were so sure of yourself, but right now you were hesitant and he could have sworn you were embarrassed. “… uh, what I want to say is I wrote a letter to your family.” You pushed the letter into his hands and he looked at it with great care. 

“You wrote them a letter? Why?” 

“I don’t know. You always talk about them and … you mentioned you’ve told them about me and I wanted to make sure they knew the real me, now whatever you shared.” You ran your hands through your hair and covered your face. “Anyway, don’t you dare read that.” Stomping away from him he glances down at the letter in his hand. He covers his mouth and looks back at your fading figure. 

• He stood in front of your door, dripping from the rain and a smile on his face. In his hands were nothing but the eagerness to see your face - he made you fall 
• You called his name, but different than you had ever done before. You welcomed him with open arms and took him into your safe space - you made him fall 

“Childe?” You opened the door and he stood on the stoop, the rain providing him a fitting background to the state of his being. “What are you doing here? You’re soaked!” 

“I’m not really sure.” He chuckled and ran his hand through his wet hair, pulled at his clothes that were clinging to his frame. 

“Let me get a towel, please come in.” You turned to head back into the house when you were suddenly yanked into the outside air. The smell of rain filled your nose, the sound of it hitting the buildings and windows loud, and the feeling of Childe’s lips against yours hot. 

His hands cupped your face and he leaned deep into the kiss, bending your back and forcing you to push against him in order to stay standing. He didn’t stop at one, he released your lips and returned to them before you had a chance to question or protest against his actions. Your clothes were soaking in the wetness from his own and set goosebumps over your skin. 

When he finally pulled away the two of you were breathing heavily, the blood in your veins pulsating quickly through every inch of your body. 

“Chi…” 

“I love you.” His words caught your own thoughts in your throat. He was looking at you with such sincerity, a rarity for him. The sound of the rain went silent even as it cascaded around the awning.

“What.” That wasn’t really what you wanted to say, but nothing made sense right now and you just needed to fill the silence. 

“I love you, I have for a while now. I wasn’t sure at first, but now …” He looked down at you and kissed you again. This time softer and kinder. “I love you.” He whispered against your lips. He searched your eyes before asking you the question he was so afraid to ask, “Do you feel the same?” 

You look at him and can’t stop the smile spreading across your face. It fills your entire being and the answer spills from your mouth. “Yes. I love you, so so much I lov…” 

Childe picks you up, his arms wrapping under your own and pulling you close. He carries you out into the pouring rain and the warm water encapsulates the both of you, it drowns out your laughter but doesn’t falter the smiles on your faces. 

Xiao

• The wind blew across your body and brought your attention to the corner of the balcony, there stood someone, their arms crossed and eyes like daggers at you - that’s when you met him 
• You stood at the top of Wangshu inn and looked out over the landscape, it was quiet and you began to sing some song you’d heard when you were young - that’s when he met you

Your voice was quiet, even as you sang. The sound of your melodies floating on the wind and played with the sounds of laughing patrons below. There was a small gust of wind behind you and it drew your attention, your singing dying down as you turned your head. 

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know anyone was up here.” You stood and brushed yourself off. “I’ll get going…” Pointing toward the steps you began to walk that way when the person spoke. 

“What were you singing?” His tone was rough, even with how softly he spoke. 

“Ah, just something my mother used to sing to me.” You stepped back and looked at the man leaning against the wall of the inn, his arms crossed, leg perched against the wall and cold eyes staring back at you. “Have you heard it before?” 

“No.” 

“Oh.” You weren’t sure what to say. The conversation wasn’t very stimulating and you got the impression he didn’t want you to be there anymore. “Anyway …” 

“Can you sing it again?” His eyes gazing out over the plains. 

“Sure, if you’d like.” He nodded his head and you walked back to the railing. You started to sing, feeling a bit embarrassed as he stared at you. 

• He was always so prickly, his tone and words sharp and quick, but he never pushed you away, he let you come and go as you pleased even if he huffed at your presence - how cute 
• You came to visit him regularly, leaving offerings on the small table and a little notes which he didn’t know what to do with - how annoying 

“You’re here again.” He said walking past you and sitting on the railing. 

“Yeah, I was around. I brought you something.” You pulled out a small bag and unraveled it. He watched as you let the contents spill into your palm, and was confused when he saw you unwrap one and pop it into your mouth. “They are lemon candies. I know you like sweet things and wanted to bring you some. Here.” 

You offered the candy to him but he didn’t take it. It didn’t bother you though, he wasn’t the most friendly person you’d ever met. 

“I’ll leave these here and you can try them if you’d like.” You placed the items back into the bag and rested it on the small table next to the bonsai. “See you next time, Xiao.” 

“Hmph.” After you left, he fussed with the bag and sampled one of the treats. The tangy, sharp flavor lasted only for a moment before being replaced by sweet honey. 

• There was a feeling of eyes always watching you, and every time you looked in the trees or on the cliffs you spotted him looking down at you, his leg dangling below him - you enjoyed those eyes 
• He always found himself near you, it didn’t matter where and somehow, even when he thought he couldn’t be seem you always knew exactly where he was, your eyes looking through him to the center of his being - he enjoyed those eyes 

You had been walking down the path for a while and swore you felt something watching you. However, every time you looked behind you there wasn’t anything there. Still, you couldn’t shake the feeling there were eyes on your back. 

It had become quite commonplace, this feeling. At first it was unsettling, but after you realized where the sensation was coming from, it became comforting. 

“Why don’t you come down instead of being a stalker?” You shouted, your hand cupping around your mouth to enhance the sound. “It’s a lovely day. I wouldn’t mind the company.” Of course, there wasn’t a response, there was never a response.

“It’s a good thing I can handle myself; those no-good spirits are never around when you need them.” There was a huge gust of wind that pushed you, it made you stumble from the path and knocked you off balance. You could have sworn you heard Xiao’s voice in the wind, but without seeing him you weren’t sure. Instead, you laughed, threw up your hands and continued walking down the path. 

• He told you to call him if there was ever an issue, and when you did, no matter how big or small he would help you. He constantly reminded you to, ‘be careful’ - he found you 
• You fussed over his wounds and bandaged him even as he tried to shake you off. You’re resolve was strong and no matter how hard he pushed back, you never left - you found him 

You sat with your legs crossed and cleaned his arm with warm water. The cuts weren’t too deep but they were many. 

“What did you even get yourself into?” You shake your head as you rinse the rag in clean water. 

“It’s nothing I couldn’t handle.” 

“Well, that may be true, but you’re all cut up.” 

“I told you, you don’t need to fuss over this. I’m not human so I can heal faster than you.” He tried to pull his arm aways but you held it in place. 

“It doesn’t matter. I’m sure these are painful, and at least I can make you more comfortable.” 

“Whatever.” He turned his head and rested it in the palm of his hand. The dejected look he always had on his face was something you had grown warm to. He let you clean the rest of his wounds and bandage them without any fuss. You were appreciative of his willingness to let you do this to him. It was the least you could do, and it was a way for you to show just how much you cared for him. 

Your feelings for Xiao had started to change months ago, and while you enjoyed being around him it was painful. You knew what he was and how he had lived for thousands of years before you and how he’d live a thousand years after you. It didn’t seem fair to leave him alone, but you couldn’t pull away no matter how hard you tried. 

“All done.” Packing away all the equipment back into the case you stood and stretched your body, extending your arms above your head and shaking out the numbness of your feet. You placed the box back where you got it and made a mental note you needed to refill some of the items. 

You turned and found him looking at his arms and poking at the bandages you’d just worked so hard at placing. “Hey, don’t fuss with those, they’ll come off.” He stood and walked to the balcony. You followed after him and rested your back against the railing. 

“Xiao.” 

“Hmm.” 

“I’m going to be gone for a while.” His body went stiff and he turned his head to you. 

“Where are you going?” 

“I have some things to attend to back home. I’ll be gone for a few weeks.” You fussed with your hair. Out of the corner of your eyes you caught his and you felt the sting in your heart. The two of you had been near each other for so long that the feeling of being a part hurt, but you knew it was one-sided. 

“When do you leave.” He looked back over the landscape. 

“In two days.” The silence was oppressive. Your heart pounded in your chest and you felt the tug of heartbreak at the back of your throat. This could be the end of the relationship you had built with him. Honestly, there wasn’t any real reason for you to stay in Liyue - except for him. 

“I’ll see you when you come back.” His statement hurt. You knew he didn’t grasp human emotions, but it still hurt to feel so ignored. 

“Yeah, maybe.” The words escaped your lips as you were lost in thought and they forced a sudden reaction from the stoic Xiao. 

“What? What does that mean?” 

You were shocked and not sure how to respond. Did you tell him the truth or did you play it off. Damn emotions getting the better of you. “I mean. I don’t know if there is a real reason to come back.” You picked at the hem of your sleeve and avoided his gaze. There was no way you could handle his eyes right now. 

“Don’t you live here?”

“Yes, but I could live anywhere. I could go home and find that It’s better for me to stay, I don’t know.” 

“Do you want to do that?” His tone turned angry, more angry than it normally was. 

“I’m not sure. I don’t …” 

“Don’t what?” He stood in front of you with his arms crossed. 

“I don’t really have anything here.” Your emotions were twisting what you really wanted to say, but you just weren’t brave enough to come out and say it. Maybe this was for the best, rip the bandaid off and move on. 

He scoffed at your statement, “Nothing. You don’t have anything here.” He took a few steps away from you before raising his voice and gesturing to the stairs. “Then leave.” 

“Xiao …” You could feel the tears well up in your eyes and it hurt to swallow. “That’s not wh…” 

“If that’s how you feel, then leave.” 

You stood up from the railing and walked toward him, but he pushed you away. You’d never seen him so irrational, why was he so mad at you, you didn’t understand. 

“I’m sorry. Please, I didn’t mean it.” You tried to grab onto his arms, your fingers slipping and running over his clenched fists. “You’re the only thing here for me … I didn’t mean …” 

You were cut off by his lips. His hand against your ear, pulling at your hair and his other wrapped around your wrist. He smothered you with his desperate kiss and the sensation broke you. Your kiss ended and you felt warm tears fall down your face. 

“You’ll come back?” 

“I’ll come back.” He kissed you again and you did your best to stifle the joy which fell from your eyes.