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He had initially protested when you asked to cuddle. You’d said he looked tense, grumpy, and lonely when he’d returned from patrolling just as the first stars had begun to show in the sky. Xiao had scoffed, wrinkled his nose, and rolled his eyes at you. He’s an Adeptus, a protector of Liyue, not some silly affection-craving mortal .
And besides, he was used to being alone. Before he’d found you, the Yaksha had lived a life of solitude. He’d been fine with that. Though your presence warded off the loneliness Xiao was so hesitant to admit he’d felt—and he was eternally grateful to you, really—there were certain human things he still refused to indulge in.
His sharp objections were effectively dulled as soon as you took him in your arms.
“Comfortable?” He gives you something akin to a growl in response. At least he didn’t snap at you this time. That’s a good sign.
Xiao’s far from relaxed, but he’s still letting you hold him. Baby steps, you suppose. You’re seated on his bed, slightly reclined into the pillows you’ve piled at the headboard. His arms are circled tightly around your torso, and he’s practically draped himself across your lap. One of your hands rests on his lower back; your other arm is curled around Xiao’s shoulder, your hand gently stroking the top of his head, running through his hair. You’re lucky he can’t see your soft smile—he’d surely yell at you for it—his face buried into the crook of your neck.
You sigh, your eyes slipping shut as your hand stills atop his head. A few heartbeats pass before a quiet growl reaches your ears.
A hand grabs your wrist, hold firm, but loose enough to not actually hurt. You feel more than hear the mumbled “don’t” against your neck, and that’s when you realize one of Xiao’s arms is no longer wrapped around you. Your smile widens, and without opening your eyes, you resume your previous petting motion. Seemingly satisfied, the Adeptus releases you, his arm returning to its former spot as he releases a content breath.
So he does like this.
His stubbornness to admit it is cute, honestly. You make a note in your mind to do this more often.
It takes you by surprise when finally Xiao relaxes. You can feel it, the way his full weight rests against you, his arms around your waist loosening. He tips his head further down, so he’s more laying against your chest, his cheek rubbing across your shoulder in the process.
Opening your eyes, you see his own amber ones have closed. He’s still wearing his signature glare, but it’s softened—a discovery that has you struggling not to laugh. Xiao’s allowing himself to be vulnerable for once, and the last thing you want to do is spoil the moment.
He stays like that for a while, letting you hold him and protect him for once. Unfortunately, when you lean down to press a kiss to his hair, his eyes snap open. His piercing gaze finds yours immediately, but he doesn’t otherwise move and his expression doesn’t change. Blinking, you sheepishly smile down at him.
Xiao doesn’t say anything, but he does unwind an arm from your torso. He takes your hand in his again—this time stopping your motions—and with his eyes averted, pulls it to his face so he can brush a light kiss over your wrist. Even after he’s done, his face exploding in color as he refuses to look at you, he doesn’t let go.
You squeeze his hand, your smile growing at his actions.
“I love you, Xiao,” you whisper, quiet even in the silence that surrounds you two.
He hums in response.