[^] Another side to you [^] Xiaother Highschool AU [^]

Christmas Wishes (Special)

Credit to EloiseParry for the idea!

Xiao's Pov:

Early morning birds chittered as my eyes flutter open. Sitting up slowly, I run a hand through my hair, blearily gazing around my bedroom.

What's happening today?

...

"MERRY CHRISTMAS~~~" Tartaglia swings my door open, he looks ridiculous, wearing a Santa hat.

"Merry Christmas." I yawn, stretching, I've always loved Christmas, so there's no point in being rude to Tartaglia.

I swing my legs out of bed, pulling a loose t-shirt over my head. I don't bother making my bed and begin walking downstairs, where a sparkling, decorated tree sits, neatly wrapped presents await underneath, and I can't help but smile.

A large, gentle hand lands gently upon my head, and Zhongli ruffles my hair. "Merry Christmas, Xiao."

"Will we do presents?" Tartaglia asks, wrapping his arms around Zhongli's waist.

Zhongli nods, and gestures to sit on the couch as he takes a sip of tea.

I'm given my present first, a box with a card on top with my name. I open the card first.

Dear Xiao.

Merry Christmas, I hope this present is useful. Sorry I can't be here, but trust me, Fontaine is wonderful!

- Love, Aunt Shenhe.

I smile, Aunt Shenhe has always been so kind, I place the card down before unwrapping the present.

A fanny pack, I smile greatfully, I've actually needed one of these pretty bad.

As Tartaglia is given his present, a text buzzes from my phone beside me.

I've actually got quite a few, but the one that makes my heart skip is from Aether.

Aether<3

[MERRY CHRISTMAS XIAOOOOOO ^ >U< ^]

[Would you like to come over for lunch at 1? Zhongli and Childe are invited, too. :D]

An invitation for Christmas lunch?

"Aether's invited us for Lunch at 1pm." I say abruptly.

Tartaglia turns to Zhongli and they exchange a kind look, before they both nod.

"Sure" Zhongli smiles.

I text Aether saying they said yes, and ask if we need to bring anything.

Xiao:

[Do we need to bring anything? Food, presents etc?]

Aether <3:

[Errrr]

[Nah, just bring yourself.]

Xiao:

[Ok, see you there then 💙]

Aether:

[Cant wait! <33333]

-

I smile, then pause, checking the time.

11AM.

...

I don't have a present for Aether.

I swear loudly to myself, maybe I just make a card and hope for the best.