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When Zhongli showed up at the front door of yours and Ganyu’s shared home, it was safe to say you were worried. Especially since after he greeted you, he stated there was a situation that required your help quite urgently. Gold eyes looked down at you apologetically as he explained that something had happened to Xiao as a result of the traveller and him upsetting some old mage in Bishui Plains. Eyes wide with curiosity and mind running wild with the possibilities of what might have happened to your fellow Adeptus, you quickly followed Zhongli and the traveller to Wangshu Inn, ready to summon your weapon and fight. Above all, you were afraid that Xiao may have lost his fight to the demons and voices that roared and screamed in his head. Both you and Ganyu had seen first hand what karmic debt did to the strongest of Yakshas. Each step closer was another stab of worry that ran through your blood. You and Xiao were not the best of friends, more like good acquaintances. And yet, you found yourself in the company of the brooding Vigilant Yaksha when you did not want to seek out the Adepti in Jueyun Karst and your sister was busy. Though he was aloof and preferred the peace and quiet of Wangshu Inn, he made no complaints when you sought out his company on lonely nights. You knew, that deep down, the depths of your old heart, you had fallen for the Adeptus thousands of years ago.
“I must warn you, Xiao is not—” Zhongli began as the three of you stood on the balcony, your eyes darting around trying to catch sight of the Adeptus.
“Hello darling.” A gust of wind blew from behind and you whirled around, nearly screaming in shock at how close Xiao was standing to you. Your hands raised to press to his chest to push him away when you stopped short. Your hands were on his chest.
His bare chest.
You shoved him away with wide eyes and it was then that you finally got a look at him. Zhongli was right, something did happen to Xiao and your eyes were wide with shock. He looked so different compared to his typical wear, and yet there was something that seemed so familiar about it, yet you couldn’t put your finger on it just yet. His traditional purple wear was exchanged for a regal crimson red colour, the diamond on his head was red, even the teal streaks in his hair shared the same hue. His eyes, now a shade of misty teal bore into you, no hint of those golden orbs that seemed to glow in the dark. Two braided red cords hung across the top part of his chest with a necklace of three sharp fangs replacing the tight tunic and blunt arrowhead that he used to wear. His top—if it could even be considered a top—left most of his chest exposed and that was when it hit you.
This was the Xiao from thousands of years ago. The Xiao before he took on the burden of being the last Guardian Yaksha, before he began suffering from eons of karmic debt and watched as his companions lost themself to madness. This was the Xiao that had so easily flirted with you at every opportunity, a smile painted on his face every time he saw you. You took a step back, hyper aware of the way Zhongli and Aether were staring at you. With furrowed eyebrows you watched as a smirk came to Xiao’s lips and he moved forward as you moved backwards until you were leaning against the railing, his hands coming around to grip the sides, trapping you in. You shot Zhongli a pleading look, but the Archon only looked amused at your predicament, as if he knew something that you didn’t.
“Where’s the mage that did this?” You stumbled over your words, “Can then undo this?”
“I’m hurt, you don’t like this?” Xiao’s voice dropped an octave lower and you were sure that your cheeks were burning from how he leaned down, nose almost brushing your neck.
You cleared your throat, “It’s not that… It’s just, this is very… unlike you” You moved your hands to push him away by his chest, muscles flexing beneath your touch. You swore that he was doing this on purpose and all of it was throwing you off. After thousands of years of watching as Xiao suffered from karmic debt and let it shape him into the cold and seemingly uncaring person that he was today, seeing him suddenly changed into a flirtatious man sent your mind reeling. While one part of you swooned at seeing the Xiao who was once so carefree and gentle, you knew that it didn’t feel right. This wasn’t the Xiao you knew today, and it simply didn’t feel right. It also didn’t help the feelings that exploded at his teasing words and actions as you desperately tried to keep yourself from hugging him and flat out admitting your feelings.
“About that…” Aether trailed off and your eyes narrowed at him, “We accidentally killed the mage.” It was silent for a beat before your jaw dropped.
“You killed her?! Before she could undo this!” You threw your arms out, exasperated.
“She suffered the wrath of the rock.” Zhongli stated simply and you glared at him. If he wasn’t the Geo Archon, and you weren’t one of his adepti, you would’ve launched forward and tackled him to the ground. The entire situation had caught you off guard and there was nothing that could have prepared you for facing this.
“Then how are we going to fix this?” You looked between them, eyes wide and fists begging to be thrown at the Archon and traveller. Xiao hummed and you were about to turn around to say something when his arms wrapped around your waist, chin resting on your shoulder. You straightened up, eyes wide but unable to move as the Yaksha murmured something. Your heart skipped a beat and you hoped that he couldn’t feel how your heart was nearly about to burst.
“You’re friends with the exorcist, Chongyun. We were hoping you might be able to convince him to help us.” Aether explained and you rolled your eyes.
“Chongyun doesn’t like Xiao.”
“But he likes you.” Aether’s quick rebuttal made Xiao tighten his arms around you and you swore you heard something like a hiss escape his mouth. Concerned, you twisted in his arms to look at him curiously, but he was glaring at Aether.
“Fine.” You relented and your shoulders dropped in defeat, “But once this is over, I’m sending you all to an early grave.”
“Even me, love?” Xiao’s mouth was right by your ear and you jumped, scrambling out of his grasp with wide eyes as you took in his expression of faux hurt. If this continued, your heart wouldn’t survive another day. And so you made up your mind; it was time to find Chongyun.
———
“It’ll fade away one day after it was first cast.” The exorcist’s words rang in your head as you glared at Xiao with arms crossed over his chest, half watching as he ate a bowl of almond tofu in silence. Zhongli and Aether had left the two of you at Wangshu Inn, the former saying he would alert your sister that you would not be returning home that night. Not being able to deny the request of your Archon, you reluctantly stayed to watch over Xiao. It felt so odd being alone with him when he wasn’t the same. There were instances where you felt the urge to flat out admit that this was messing with your feelings, but you were also afraid that Xiao might remember this when he woke up and cause a whole disaster of emotions for you the next time you saw him. So you held your tongue, lost in thought as you stared out at Dihua Marsh. In the distance, you could see the flickering lights of Liyue Harbour and you could only imagine what your sister was doing at the moment. Chances are, work was heavy and she would be getting as much done as she could, despite Ningguang and Keqing urging her to rest. That was something you had always respected Ganyu for; her work ethic was unrivalled and sometimes you wished that you too, could lose yourself in work and not have to be in this current situation.
“You’re thinking too much.” A low voice pulled you from your thoughts and you flinched, two hands coming around your sides to trap you against the balcony. Xiao’s chest pressed against your back and you could feel his breathing on your shoulder as he joined you in watching the sun set in Liyue. You met his eyes and you could see some gold mixing with the teal, the Xiao today, no doubt starting to make his return.
“Three thousand years and you never seem to be able to stay focused, it’s adorable.” He droned on, humming a tune as he shifted behind you. Yet the words that you wanted to say couldn’t leave your mouth, just resting on the tip of your tongue as you frowned, memories of running through Jueyun Karst, and playful spars in Dihua Marsh flashed through your mind.
“One day… if you ever remember this, I hope you know how much I care for you. And that today was just a reminder of how much I will always love you, no matter who you become.” You breathed out, shoulders dropping just as the sun dipped just beyond the horizon. Xiao didn’t respond and you scoffed softly. Of course he wouldn’t know what to say. Despite his actions throughout the day, his lack of words and reaction only drove the knife that had been plunged into your heart, deeper. Though Xiao was flirtatious all day and seemed to tease you just as he did thousands of years ago, that didn’t mean the same feelings you harboured for him were reciprocated. This was the Xiao from thousands of years ago, the same Xiao who messed around with Ganyu and with Menogias, before he shut off his feelings to everyone. When Xiao didn’t say anything after minutes of silence you sighed and turned around, gently pushing him away from you, a sad smile forced upon your face as you wished him good night.
A harsh gust of wind made you stumble forward and you nearly tripped over your own feet, had a figure not gripped your arms tightly, eyes boring into yours with such fierceness it was almost unnerving. Xiao stared at you with narrowed eyes and you could see hints of teal returning to his hair.
“Why are you so selfish.” His voice was low, as if daring you to speak again. But you stared at him with wide eyes, clutching his forearms as if he would disappear in an instant. “You think that after all this time, I would let you walk away just like that?” You didn’t know how to respond, only blinking at him owlishly as he let out a huff and helped you stand straight. He didn’t say a word, only moving to tug you in the direction of his room, your heart thundering with every step as you nervously awaited what he would say next.
“Three thousand years and one would think you would pick up on things.” He tugged you towards his bed and you stopped. You were not going to sleep with him. Not like this. Xiao seemed to understand your hesitation and he quickly dismissed your worries, claiming that it would be in your best interest to just rest now. Yet his words were so cryptic and you were afraid that he was easing you into a harsh rejection the next morning. But as if you were stuck in a trance, you let him pull you onto the mattress, your hands gripping his as if you were holding onto the last few moments with him.
One last night, you promised yourself. One last selfish night and you would continue living your life with your sister in Liyue Harbour, and you never had to come back to Wangshu Inn. You stared at Xiao blankly, trying to memorize the features of his face, taking no mind of what he was saying to you. One more night.
Eyes closed, you felt yourself stirring awake , the warmth of the sunlight basking upon your face. You let out a sigh through your nose and shifted, not wanting to open your eyes when you felt something in front of you and heard someone grunt. Your eyes snapped open and you let out a yelp, scrambling back and nearly falling off the bed as you came face to face with a groggy Xiao. His eyes fluttered open, revealing familiar golden orbs and as he groaned and pushed himself up, you could see his clothes were back to normal.
“Why are you staring at me.” He demanded, voice low and gruff, still laced with sleep. You didn’t remember the last time you saw Xiao sleeping, in fact, as long as you can remember, he had been awake for so long seen as Adepti did not require sleep.
“I’m sorry!” You squeaked and scrambled to throw yourself out of his bed when his hand shot out to wrap around your wrist. Eyes wide you watched as he tugged you back towards him, his other hand rubbing his eye as if he were a cat.
“Stay.” He grumbled and you froze. Had Xiao actually returned to normal? “Stop staring and get back here. I don’t have time for your foolish games.” He continued and your jaw dropped. Yet you didn’t have the chance to say anything else as he almost forcefully yanked you towards him, your face crashing into his pillow with a muffled sound of protest. You felt muscled arms wrap around you and a gentle kiss brushed against your forehead.
“I have three thousand years to make up for, let me start now.”