Chapter Text
You stare out at the setting sun from atop the balcony of Wangshu Inn, listening to the hustle and bustle of the guests of the inn as they go about their daily life, ignoring the highest floor where you leaned against the railing.
– It’s a long day. I don’t want to do anything else…
You hear the sound of shoes slowly approaching you, and you lift your head to see the only other person who would come up here unannounced. Your mouth forms a small smile, unbeknownst to you, and you raise a hand to wave hello.
– Where were you the whole day? I couldn’t find you.
~ Why should I tell you?
You lift a hand to your chin playfully, your smile only growing, and pretend to think.
– Hmm. Because I asked nicely?
~ …
– Hehe. So, how was your day?
Xiao leans on the railing next to you, watching as the sky faded from vibrant shades of yellow to a duller red.
~ The usual.
– That doesn’t tell me a lot.
~ Hmph. Maybe you shouldn’t concern yourself with what I’ve been doing and turn that curiosity towards yourself.
– Fine…
You watch the sun as it gives the two of you one last wave before dipping down, plunging Liyue into darkness as day gives way to night.
– So. Same as usual?
~ …Unfortunately.
– You know, you can take a break. Rex Lapis said it would be fine.
~ As long as there are still monsters…
His voice trembled slightly, his amber eyes growing dark as he stared out at the landscape. You could tell that he was trying to search for wild monsters roaming about, threatening the safety of Liyue.
– I know, but there will always be monsters. No one’s forcing you to keep doing this without taking a break every once in a while. Besides, if you keep doing this without end, you’ll only end up burning yourself out eventually, and then what? You’ll be tied down for at least a week. Imagine how long that’ll be. So, for the sake of your health and Liyue as a whole, take a break, just today.
~ Adepti have no need for rest. You’re just arguing a lost case, (y/n).
You sigh, unwilling to give up so easily. You want him to take a break at least once, and you knew he wouldn’t be receptive to the idea, but you didn’t want him to tire himself out so quickly. The last time he did… Well, you didn’t want to remember that.
– For me, then? Please? It’s just for tonight, you can get back to it tomorrow.
~ …
– Please, Xiao. I’m worried.
~ …Alright, then. Just for tonight.
The piercing, golden eyes turn towards you, seeming to almost glow in the moonlight. You smile, thankful that he gave in, though the fact that he did so easily made you wonder exactly what was it that convinced him.
You notice the tension slowly drain away from his shoulders, and you tap him on the hand, gesturing for him to follow you as you turn back into the inn, having an inkling of what you wanted to do with him. An uncertain pause later, you hear the sound of footsteps following behind you.
You enter his room, one that he rarely uses. You sit on the bed, watching as he stares at you, and you wonder what’s on his mind.
– Xiao?
~ (y/n), what’s wrong?
– Nothing…
You watch as he sits on the edge of the bed as well, maintaining a small distance between you and him.
– Why so cold?
~ …No reason.
– Ah, alright, then.
You gaze at his face, a slight blush growing on his cheeks. His eyes averted your direction and looked away. Could he be… shy?
– Xiao?
~ Mmm…
His eyes closed, seeming to relax. Almost unconsciously, he leaned against you, oblivious to your reaction as he smiled, arms crossed. Your eyes widened at the proximity, or lack of it, and after a short, shocked moment, you hesitantly put a hand on his shoulder, watching as he melted into your soft touch.
Though you’ve known him for a long time, centuries even, this was the first time you saw him let himself be vulnerable in another’s presence. Your heart warmed at the knowledge that he trusted you, even let his guard down near you, and you smiled at him, something he would never see through his closed eyelids.
You decided to let him rest, knowing that he hadn’t taken a break in a long time.
When Xiao finally woke up, startled, you gave him a small smile and whispered softly to him, the sun rising on a new day.
– Good morning, Xiao.
~ …Good morning, (y/n).
– Hehe, you were out like a light.
~ How long was I… asleep?
– Mmm. The whole night, probably. It’s fine though, you seemed like you needed it.
~ …Sorry for wasting your time like that.
– Ah, it’s fine! You were hardly wasting it anyway.
~ You could have been doing other things.
– Hmm… I could, but I’d much rather spend my time with you. Besides, my contract with Rex Lapis is already fulfilled, so I don’t really have that much to do other than stay here or roam about. And that’s all boring when compared to being with you, so I hardly consider it as a loss.
~ …
– Ah, sorry, did I talk too much?
~ No, I don’t mind.
~ I like it when you talk.
– …Oh.
Embarrassed, you duck your head to hide the pink spreading rapidly across your face. Xiao stares at you quizzically with folded arms, as if waiting for you to say something. Your heart flutters under his sharp yet soft gaze.
– A-anyways…
– What are you going to do today?
~ …Why do you ask?
– Maybe because I want to join you?
~ …
– I mean, if you don’t want me to, I can leave-!
~ No, it’s fine. I don’t… I don’t mind if you stay.
– …
– Well, I guess I’ll just follow you wherever you want to go…
Xiao nodded, the lighter parts of his hair glinting in the sunlight cast through the window.
By the time you two finish slaying monsters, the sun had long since set. Xiao extends a hand out to you as you pull your spirit from the dead bodies of hillichurls, their bodies cleansed of the Abyss’s mark from your power. You accept his hand gratefully, giving the creatures one final glance before Xiao warps you both away.
– That was tiring.
~ …You let your guard down too easily back there. Those monsters could have killed you if you weren’t careful.
– Ah, sorry about that. You were there though, I knew I’d be fine.
~ Do not be so careless. If I hadn’t gotten there on time, you would have been slain.
– Alright, alright, I’m sorry, Vigilant Yaksha.
~ …
~ Are you alright?
– I’m fine, don’t worry about me. You should worry more about yourself, with the number of cuts you got on you.
~ They will heal.
– I know, I know, adeptal powers and stuff, but still, it’s better to not get hurt at all. You should be more careful, you know.
~ …If you wish.
Your heart warmed at his words, knowing that he would do almost anything for you.