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There’s a few things Xiao has begun to notice regarding Ganyu. They aren’t bad things, of course - because really, there can never be anything truly “bad” about her.
She’s never said anything to him, never seemed to acknowledge the way she will pace for hours at a time, mumbling various phrases to herself while jotting down notes in a crazed frenzy. The way her work causes her to spend the entirety of the day worrying about things Xiao himself does not fully understand.
Why does she need to know so many dates? Who are all these people she takes orders from? Have mortals always been this needy?
He doesn’t want to mention anything, his reluctance coming from the basis that it’s really none of his business.
So he does what he can, easing her stress during their spare moments, holding her when he notices the pent up form of her brow or the strain in her stance.
Because the fact of the matter is, Ganyu places far too much upon herself.
And today it seems, is only a testament to that fact.
It’s a Friday, the afternoon sun is beginning to lower and the birds are singing sweetly through the open windows of Ganyu’s breezy apartment.
Xiao sits perched against the wooden bedframe of her massive bed, surrounded by heaps of fluffy pillows and blankets - all of which no doubt belong to her - and struggling not to fall asleep.
He runs his hands over one of the blankets nearest to him, enjoying the way the soft fabric feels against his bare hand.
As he sits there, enjoying the confines of her cozy bed whilst listening to the wind chimes jingling from outside the window, Ganyu bursts through the door, dropping her bag to the ground in a flourish.
She immediately goes to her desk, pulling out various drawers as she rummages through its contents.
Xiao watches her through narrowed eyes, studying her behavior, picking up on the subtle notes of panic as she brushes the hair from her face and releasing a low groan of frustration, all the while ransacking her belongings.
He almost gets up and crosses the large span of her bedroom, almost runs up to her and grabs her by the shoulders, urging her to sit down and take a rest.
But he holds himself back, not wanting to startle her further.
“Ganyu?” He calls out.
“Hm?” She replies absentmindedly, her mind clearly elsewhere as she continues her search.
“Would you mind coming over here, please?”
His comment seems to catch her attention and she turns to look at him from across the room, her brows furrowed, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“Come here, please,” Xiao repeats, making a gentle gesture with his hand.
She pauses for a moment before a look of recognition flashes over her and she grins at him, the meaning in his request becoming clear.
“Ah, alright.”
And Ganyu crosses the room to where he’s sitting, jumping into his arms without a breadth of hesitation. Xiao shifts to accommodate her, placing a hand behind her back and allowing her to nestle into his lap.
A faint odor of jasmine fills his nostrils and Xiao pulls her closer, savoring the feel of her soft chest against his own.
“What’s wrong,” He murmurs once she has made herself comfortable, his fingers brushing the bangs from her face.
“Ah,” Ganyu sighs, sagging her shoulders. “Is it that noticeable?”
“Mm, just a little.”
Noticing the tension seeping from her stance, Xiao moves his hand to the back of her neck, applying a soft pressure to the muscle. She sighs aloud from his touch - a kind of breathy moan that sends a red heat flaring across his cheeks.
“You should stretch during the day,” He says quietly, masking his reaction with a raised eyebrow. “It’s not healthy to be this pent up.”
“You know...that might not be a bad idea - hey, why did you stop?”
Xiao smiles, his hand still against her, “I’m waiting for you to answer my question.”
“Ah right,” Ganyu bites her lip, shifting her position slightly, “I’m in a bit of a situation.”
His fingers resume rubbing along the soft skin of her nape, “Go on.”
“Every year, the Qixing hosts an annual dinner held specifically for the people working under them. Everyone from the secretaries, to the main council and even the Lady Ningguang herself will be attending.”
Xiao stays silent, giving her the chance to finish partly because he has no idea where Ganyu intends to go with this story.
“For the last fifteen years or so, I have refrained from attending due to...ah, various reasons. ”
Ganyu sighs loudly, leaning her body against him, “However, this year Lady Ningguang has made it adamantly clear that I must attend this year’s function and she will not take no for an answer. Meaning, I have no way of getting out of it.”
She buries her face into his chest, her voice slightly muffled, “And that’s not even the worst part. The dinner begins in approximately four hours and twenty three minutes and I have not prepared in the slightest - not that I’m keeping count or anything.”
The first feeling to enter Xiao’s mind after hearing her explanation is surprise - he hadn’t expected a mortal gathering to be the root cause of her stress.
But then he finds himself wondering how he would feel if someone forced him into attending a social meeting (and a dinner party at that) surrounded by people he doesn’t know in an environment that calls for fake empathy and smiles.
In all honesty, he really cannot blame Ganyu for her reluctance. He knows all too well what it feels like to worry over things with little or no control over.
“What are you going to do?” He asks cautiously.
“Well, I have no other option but to go…that’s why I’ve been pacing like a fool, stressing over what - ”
And then she startles, her eyes jerking up to meet his.
“You’re going to ask me something, aren’t you?” He points out, recognizing a very familiar look blazing in her eyes.
She gives him a sad smile, “Ah...maybe I am. But it’s just that I have suddenly remembered something very important.”
Her hand fiddles with his necklace as she speaks, “I can’t believe I am just now remembering this… but Lady Ningguang has given me permission to bring a guest.”
Xiao blinks once, then twice.
“Do you have somebody in mind?”
She taps her fingers against his chest, “Now that I think about it, I do.”
Xiao shakes his head. He has a faint idea as to what she’s implying, deciding right then and there to save her the trouble (and burden) of asking him.
With a grunt, he grasps her hip with one hand, the other looping underneath her legs as he sets her against the bed - her back colliding with the mountain of blankets and the bell around her neck jingling from the sudden movement.
“Well…” Xiao murmurs in a low voice, his fingers brushing along her cheek from where he lays propped beside her. “I suppose if you can stand an evening of human company, then so can I.”
Her eyes grow as wide as saucers, “Xiao...are you sure?”
He moves another strand of hair from her face, his eyes focusing on the stark contrast of her purple locks amongst the pure white linen.
The thought of Ganyu leaving alone - allowing her to face the company of people whom she feels an outcast towards, sends his stomach churning in discomfort. Xiao would rather stab himself through than abandon her.
Nobody should have to face their fears alone, especially when he knows of her prolonged struggle with fitting in amongst humans.
“I’m sure,” He says.
Ganyu shakes her head vehemently, “No, I take it back - I can go alone. The crowds, I don’t want to put you in a position that gives your karma the upperhand.”
“My karma lost its foothold the moment you appeared in my life.”
She grabs his hand, “But Xiao…”
“There is nothing to fear regarding my wellbeing,” He chuckles under his breath, peering up at her fearful expression. “Besides, chances are I will never again come into contact with these people; you are the only person I’m really going for.”
Xiao watches her entire face light up at his words, any previous trace of stress wiped away entirely. Seeing her smile because of him - Xiao finds himself wanting to smile along with her at her sudden joyfulness.
And to think they will both be subjected to social anxiety in a few hours...
“Oh, Xiao! I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am!”
“Good,” He rests his head atop her stomach, feeling the afternoon drowsiness slowly overtaking him. “Maybe together we can survive the evening...maybe even make it tolerable.”
She laughs, her stomach vibrating beneath him. “Every second spent with you is more than tolerable.”
Ganyu reaches behind her, grabbing a smaller blanket from the bundle and draping it across his shoulders.
He casts a drowsy glance at her, “Are you trying to make me fall asleep?”
“Perhaps, but I’d hate for you to sit here waiting for hours while I get ready.”
“Get ready?”
“Yes, for the dinner, I mean. You don’t think I’d attend a formal Qixing gathering dressed like this, do you?” She teases.
Xiao shrugs, finding that he doesn’t quite understand the preparation she speaks of, “I think you look beautiful the way you are now.”
Ganyu gasps, her cheeks flushing red. “Oh, you really think so?”
He gives her another one sleepy look that reminds himself all too much of Ganyu’s own tired features. So maybe her habit of practically falling asleep anywhere in Teyvat is rubbing off on him.
“I know so.”
She beams, reaching a hand to tuck the edges of the blanket around him.
“You’re too kind, Xiao.”
Xiao mutters something in response, his eyes closing on their own behalf as the soft sounds of the windchimes and the feeling of Ganyu’s hand in his hair lulls him to sleep.
He thinks Ganyu might have said something else, but he’s not sure because the next moment his body finally succumbs to the luring afternoon nap.
Ganyu stares forlornly up at the Qixing building, taking in the lanterns hanging from the eaves and the lights glowing from every open window. The courtyard is bustling with more people than she expected to see, her stomach churning in anticipation as she and Xiao step closer to the building.
She sneaks a quick peek at him from the corner of her eye, hoping he is faring better than she.
Save for his usual attire, Xiao only wears a simple black coat over his shirt - differing greatly in comparison to the extravagantly dressed members.
His gaze is directed toward a group standing to the side of one of the koi ponds, some of whom she recognizes as high seating members.
“What are the odds of someone recognizing me?” He asks quietly, yellow eyes trained towards a certain group of whom Ganyu recognizes as high ranking members. “Not that it matters, of course; the era of the Adepti is long over.”
“The only ones who have seen you are Keqing, the Yuheng of the Qixing, and the Lady Ningguang - both of whom I doubt will say anything.”
He turns to look at her, nodding his head once, “That’s what I thought as well.”
“Are you ready?” She asks him.
“As ready as I’ll ever be. How are you feeling?”
Ganyu smiles, “I’m in a much better shape, all thanks to you being here.”
Xiao offers her his arm, a smile threatening to show on his normally composed features, “Well, let’s get this over with then, shall we?”
“Agreed,” She says, accepting Xiao’s arm and ascending the steps to the entrance together.
Two gentlemen adorned in bright red robes swing the doors open as they reach the top of the stairs, gesturing in a polite greeting.
As the doors part, Xiao and Ganyu simultaneously suck in a breath as they are met with a scene resembling that from a fairy tale.
They both pause at the doorway, the extremities of the decor capturing their attention, a drift of pleasant music floating from the room.
The main foyer, normally pressed with relics and bookcases all depicting the history of Liyue, have been removed in place of several - no, hundreds of grandiose tables lined with gleaming tableware. Surrounding the tables and the sides of the room are cushioned benches, the upholstery a pale yellow.
To complete the look, the walls have been draped with gold lanterns, the foil matching the comfy glow of the chandeliers hanging above.
“Ahem.” One of the men at the door coughs, motioning for the couple to continue inside.
“My apologies,” Ganyu squeaks as she hurries inside, dragging Xiao along with her.
“When was the last time you attended one of these dinners?” Xiao asks, no doubt noticing her stunned expression mirroring his own.
“A long time ago,” Ganyu presses herself closer to him. “I don’t remember them putting in this much effort though.”
Xiao snorts under his breath, his unamused gaze sweeping over the heads of people, “Perhaps they knew you would be attending, hence the overflow of decorations.”
“Maybe they did, who knows?” She says slyly, enjoying the way Xiao holds back another smile.
They continue to walk further into the foyer, searching for a suitable spot to relax and watch the crowds.
A few coworkers acknowledge her with a gentle nod to which Ganyu returns politely.
Luckily, Xiao does not seem to be drawing nearly as much attention as she thought; what with his exotic appearance sticking out like a sore thumb among the faces of the Qixing associates.
“Ooh, how about over there!” Ganyu points to a bench underneath a massive painted window, an adjacent wall offering some protection from the public.
Xiao squeezes her arm in response and together, they make their way to the selected location.
Then suddenly, a feminine voice calls out, piercing the peaceful air, “Miss Ganyu! What in Archon’s name are you doing here?”
Ganyu jumps, turning around to see a young woman with short, cropped hair and a distrustful demeanor. Her heart sinks as she realizes who the woman is.
Really, of all the people to run into.
Putting on her most friendly smile, Ganyu introduces her fellow coworker to Xiao.
“Xiao, this is Lui Licai. She works in the agricultural department of the Qixing and has been a trusted employee for almost twenty years. Licai, this is...a very good friend of mine, Xiao- xiansheng .”
Licai tips her head, her lips curling into a sneer, “A pleasure to meet you... Xiao . Are you aware that your name originated from the famous xiao lantern?”
Xiao, to his credit, does not rise to the bait.
“Yes,” He says flatly.
“I see. And from what province are you from?”
Ganyu feels Xiao shift ever so slightly beside her - a movement so small, any normal person might have missed it.
She, however, does not.
“I apologize, my friend is not allowed to disclose that information,” She tells the other woman, her voice steady.
Licai halts her shameless staring towards Xiao and directs her gaze to the other adeptus.
“Ganyu, I have not seen you attend the annual dinner in over fifteen years, how can it be that you are really here?”
Ganyu shrugs lightly, “I simply decided it was time for a change of events. Fifteen years is a long time, would you not agree?”
“Oh yes, it is,” Licai smiles sardonically, the gears moving in her head.
“Hey, Gaimon, Huang, come and see who it is!” She calls more loudly than necessary. “It’s Ganyu and her strange-looking friend!”
And then, in perfect unison (or maybe it’s just her anxiety) Ganyu watches every individual head in the foyer turn towards the sound. She can feel her cheeks burning in shame as the conversations begin to hush, all eyes directed towards her.
It doesn’t take a genius to understand the quiet nature of Ganyu.
What a cruel, cruel woman Licai is.
But before the embarrassment can engulf her further, a soft hand moves against her back as Xiao tugs her flush to his side. He is suddenly very, very close.
He drags his lips across her ear, whispering in a voice only she can hear, “Don’t mind her. This woman is jealous of you - it’s written all over her face.”
The room sweeps out of sight as Ganyu can only be aware of his lips tickling the sensitive skin, his breath against her cheek.
“Watch,” He tells her. “Everyone is staring at us now. Only, they’ll be too busy wondering who the beautiful girl with the horns is, and the weird-looking guy beside her.”
Ganyu can’t help herself, she laughs aloud at his chiding comment. “Xiao-”
“I hope I am not disturbing anything,” A regal voice interjects. “And Licai, inside voices, please .”
At the sound of Ningguang’s voice, the pair immediately part, Ganyu’s cheeks still a bright red from the earlier scene.
“Yes-yes of course. My apologies, Lady Ningguang,” Licai sputters, her back angling into an awkward bow.
“If you would be so kind as to allow me to speak to my secretary in private, Licai,” Ningguang says.
The woman nods, practically scrambling away as the room begins to fill with conversation once more, the attention drawn back to the present.
Xiao addresses The Tianquan with a regal tilt of his head, “Lady Nigguang.”
Ganyu hurriedly wipes her cheeks with the back of her hand, doing her best to mask the flustered expression off her face.
Ningguang raises an eyebrow, a small smile tugging on the corners of her mouth, “You look absolutely lovely tonight, Ganyu. I am glad to see both you and your guest.”
“Ah, I apologize for my rudeness,” Ganyu squeaks. “Lady Ningguang, this is Adeptus Xiao. I believe you may have become acquainted during the events after the Rite of Parting.”
Ningguang offers him a smile, “Yes, I believe you are right. Adeptus Xiao, thank you for gracing us with your company, even though nobody apart from you and I know of your service to Liyue.”
“Thank you for allowing me to accompany Ganyu,” He replies smoothly.
Ningguang opens her mouth to say something but stops abruptly, tilting her head towards the entrance behind her as if sensing someone.
Ganyu follows her gaze, her own eyes widening at the sight of a very tall, very formally dressed young man step through the door, his amber eyes scanning the foyer.
“Ah, if you will excuse me,” Ningguang says. “There is somebody I would like you to meet, Ganyu. I will only be a moment as I go fetch him.”
She watches as The Tianquan glides swiftly through the crowd, her pristine skirts rustling behind her.
Ganyu’s curiosity begins to get the best of her and she turns to Xiao, asking, “Who do you think that is? I’ve never seen her with another man - perhaps he is a suitor.”
Xiao remains silent, those yellow eyes shooting daggers at the stranger. If she didn’t know any better, Ganyu would have assumed they were acquainted - which was an impossible notion to jump to.
She places a hand on his shoulder, “Xiao? Are you alright?”
He shakes his head as if breaking from a trance, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I was wondering if my boss has finally settled down. She’s not getting any younger you know.”
Xiao laughs, “Well, we will most likely find our answer after meeting him.”
The pair watch with curious eyes as the young man places a kiss on Ningguang's hand, giving her a very dignified bow that makes Licai’s look like child’s play.
Ganyu chuckles under her breath, “Oh, he’s a suitor alright.”
She’s about to make another comment when the music begins to fade, the guests quieting down.
“Good evening ladies and gentleman,” Keqing’s voice floats over the heads of the crowd. “It is my pleasure as the Yuheng of the Qixing to commemorate the opening of our gathering.”
A round of applause ensues.
Keqing’s voice takes a serious note, “As you well know, the responsibilities of the Qixing have only multiplied since the recent passing of Rex Lapis.”
The tone in the room begins to shift as murmurs fill the room. Despite the loss occurring months ago, the people of Liyue still hold their god close to their hearts, his memory preserved through years of tradition.
“I can see the look of fear in your eyes - fear at the prospect of being abandoned in the tide of a turning age.”
Xiao tugs on Ganyu’s hand, directing her to the bench they fought tooth and nail for. She settles down beside him, pressing her shoulder to his as Keqing continues her speech.
“She is the Yuheng of the Qixing?” Xiao whispers to Ganyu.
Ganyu nods, “She is.”
“Does she always give speeches like this? The way she addressed Rex Lapis...shameful.”
“Well...” Ganyu gives Xiao a knowing look. “Let’s just say she has some ideas as to how things should be run.”
Xiao shudders, “Good grief.”
Keqing walks down the edge of the makeshift stage, her fierce eyes holding the gaze of the entire crowd.
“But I am here to tell you that despite the loss of an ancient being, there is still hope,” Keqing pauses dramatically. “Hope in the Qixing, hope in the goodwill of the people of Liyue, hope for the future.”
She smiles at the crowd, “This is why we hold an annual dinner. This is why we celebrate you, the blood and sweat of the Qixing. It is on your shoulders that the nation now rests upon. Thank you.”
A steady round of applause fills the room as the music begins to play sweetly, directing a change in motion.
The side doors of the foyer burst open and numerous carts are rolled out, all of them containing plates of fresh food perfect for a casual evening dinner. If her stomach was not already in knots, Ganyu might have taken a cart all for herself.
Xiao nudges her shoulder, “The Tianquan is approaching.”
And indeed, Ningguang, accompanied with her suitor on her arm, strides through the crowd - the pair a spitting image of a royal couple in their matching gold attire.
Ganyu and Xiao rise to greet them, both bowing their heads in respect.
“Hello!” Ganyu beams, her excitement to meet the stranger overshadowing any obligations of an introduction.
Ningguang turns to her partner, “Zhongli- xiansheng , this is Adeptus Ganyu, my secretary and one of the hardest working people I have been graced to work alongside. If it were not for her, the Qixing affairs would be in a much less organized state.”
“How do you do?” Ganyu asks, breaking into a smile as the young man gives her a regal bow.
Xiao simply stares at him through narrowed eyes.
Ningguang smiles, “I’d also like for you to meet Adeptus Xiao, who has guarded Liyue for over three thousand years - a true testament to his loyalty towards Liyue and its people.”
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Adeptus Xiao and Ganyu,” Zhongli says, his smooth voice enunciating every syllable in a poised manner. “The tales of your sacrifice during the Archon War are not gone unnoticed.”
Xiao crosses his arms over his chest, “Funny, how you speak of sacrifice.”
Ganyu blinks, a bewildered expression taking over as she observes the two men staring wordlessly at one another, yellow eyes cutting against amber.
Do they know each other?
Ningguang clears her throat, “Ganyu? It would delight me very much if you would take a turn around the room with me, it will not take more than ten minutes.”
“O-oh, of course!”
“I will be here waiting for you, I promise," Xiao says, his eyes softening as he turns to address her.
With her heart hammering in her chest at the prospect of speaking to people, Ganyu follows Ningguang’s lead, casting a last glance behind her shoulder to which Xiao responds with a small wave.
“Do not worry,” Ningguang consoles in a low voice. “I will cover most of the talking.”
Somehow, Ganyu gets the feeling this will not be the case despite Ningguang’s best intentions.
Regardless, she puts on her best smile and moves forward, matching The Tianquan’s long stride as they approach the first group of people.
“You know I do not agree with your actions. So why do you still ask for my opinion when you know well the response I will give you.”
Zhongli hums under his breath, “Because your opinion matters to me, Xiao. I am well aware of your feelings towards me.”
Xiao snorts, “Are you?”
“I did what I had to do, I weighed each and every consequence.”
“You allowed a dastardly organization to maintain a foothold in Liyue, an ancient god was raised from the dead and you call that an ideal plan?”
“It was the only one guaranteed to achieve my motives - but I did not come here to argue with you, Xiao. Rather, I am curious about something.”
Zhongli flexes his gloved hand, his gaze focused on the leather stitches. “How did you know it was me?”
Xiao snorts again, but this time with less vehement. “You saved me from a life of misery, gave me a second chance. How could I not recognize my own master after thousands of years fighting alongside you, after learning your habits.”
Xiao’s voice softens, “You have not changed at all, Morax .”
“I see. Perhaps I should be more careful with how I act around others.”
“I don’t think associating yourself with the Tianquan is the appropriate step in the direction of caution.”
“Oh?” Zhongli raises an eyebrow. “I am not the only one, it seems, to be throwing caution out the window. I see the way you look at Ganyu.”
“What of it?” Xiao shrugs.
“You are happy. Your stance is light, your eyes a brighter shade of yellow. Funny, how I did not expect either of you to find solace in the other,” The older man replies quietly.
Xiao shifts uncomfortably, lowering his head to hide the way his cheeks burn. He is happier, happier than he’s been in his whole lifetime.
“She has helped me in more ways than I can explain...” He furrows his eyebrows, a sudden realization coming to him. “That was your voice I heard at the inn, wasn’t it.”
Zhongli closes his eyes, “You may not realize this, but it pains me to see you suffer - Ganyu as well. I only wish for you to be happy, to be free from your burdens.”
Xiao remains silent, his mind grasping for a possible response because in truth, it was that single, clear voice that gave him the strength to continue - to take something for himself.
“Thank you,” Xiao says at last.
Zhongli blinks, shock flashing over his features, “I-”
But then, a haughty voice interrupts the pair - shattering the gentle atmosphere.
Keqing waltzes up to the two men, “Zhongli- xiansheng ?”
“Yes?” Zhongli replies, turning to address none other than the Yuheng of the Qixing.
Xiao internally bristles, wondering what reason Keqing could have for seeking a conversation with two men she hardly knows. However, it seems she does know Zhongli after all.
“I wanted to compliment your work with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The underseeing of the Rite of Parting was excellent.”
Zhongli bows gracefully, “The work was carried out fit for a god, as it should be.”
“Indeed,” Keqing smiles, taking a step closer. “It was remarkable to see someone as young as yourself understand the task of severity. Tell me, how did you master it?”
“It is the tradition passed down from generation to generation. I simply followed the rules.”
Keqing takes another step closer, now standing directly in front of Zhongli.
She places a gloved hand on his arm, “Surely you jest. The rite was handled far better than your suggestion implies.”
Xiao watches the interaction transpire awkwardly, having no idea if he should leave or stay. The Yuheng certainly has no qualms with openly flirting with Zhongli; she must have no idea of his origins then.
Oh, but he promised Ganyu he would be here waiting for her. Well, that settles that.
Zhongli coughs into his hand, “Ahem, may I introduce to you my... friend , Xiao.”
Keqing’s gaze flickers over to Xiao as if she is just now seeing him standing there for the first time.
Xiao nods his head for what feels like the hundredth time that night.
“Hello,” Is all he can manage to say.
“Ah, my apologies, Adeptus Xiao. I should have recognized you earlier.”
His eyes widen and she laughs - a sharp laughter unlike the soft spoken voice of Ganyu. He winces internally.
“We fought Osial together, followed by legions of Fatui agents - it would be silly of me not to recognize you.”
Xiao gives her a tight smile.
“Say,” She continues. “Who did you come here with? I don’t mean to be rude, but I do not remember seeing your name on the list.”
“I came with Ganyu to escort her.”
Now it’s Keqing’s turn for her eyes to widen, “Huh? You came with Ganyu?”
“No, how silly of me.” She waves her hand, stepping backwards. “You are both Adepti after all. I suppose it makes sense.”
Xiao and Zhongli share a dazed look, both men unsure how to proceed with the conversation at hand.
He desperately wishes for Ganyu to return, missing her quiet company amongst the chatter of strange voices. Surely it has been ten minutes by now.
Suddenly, Xiao’s prayers are answered as Ningguang and Ganyu appear from a throng of people; he can make out the Tianquang chatting amiably the closer they get.
To anyone but Xiao, it would appear that Ganyu is comfortable. She returns Ningguang’s smile with her own, even offering a comment or two. But Xiao knows otherwise - he sees behind the fake smiles and laughter she tosses to the mortals like breadcrumbs.
Ganyu catches his eye, a look of concealed terror on her face. She’s shaking, her left hand curled tightly at her side.
He waits until Ningguang is close enough to excuse himself, offering a rushed explanation before practically running to Ganyu. He’ll speak with Morax at a later time.
Xiao grabs her hand, drawing her closer to him.
“Is there somewhere more private we can go?” He asks her.
Ganyu nods, “Follow me.”
And she leads him across the foyer and through the doors from where the food carts were carried out.
It’s much quieter in the hallway. Xiao can hear the sounds of laughter echoing from outside and he breathes a sigh of relief at finally being away from prying eyes.
“It’s in here,” She tells him, dragging him into a brightly lit kitchen completely vacant of people.
They sink to the floor in one single motion, resting their backs against a large stone furnace.
Xiao wraps an arm around her shoulder and she buries her face into the crook of his neck.
“Are you okay?”
“Mhm,” She murmurs into his skin. “Talking to so many people...watching them stare at me as if I’m an alien...I’m just glad to be away.”
He places a kiss to her forehead, “Me too.”
“Thank you for coming, Xiao.”
He kisses her forehead again, inhaling the scent of jasmine and qixing flowers that can only belong to Ganyu. They sit like that for a few minutes, Ganyu recollecting her bearings and Xiao enjoying the feel of her in his arms.
Their moment of peace doesn’t last long, however.
The doors to the kitchen burst open and a small, older gentleman with a hunched position steps into the room.
“Oh!” Ganyu jumps upright, “I’m sorry, I didn’t think anyone was using this kitchen.”
The old man gasps, his eyes widening, “Miss Ganyu!”
“Meng- xiansheng ? Is that you?” Ganyu squeezes Xiao’s shoulder as she eases herself to her feet. “It’s been so long, how have you been? How are your little ones?”
Xiao reluctantly rises as well, standing protectively behind her - not that Ganyu needs his help, but just in case.
The man, Mr. Meng, smiles at Ganyu’s words. “Ah! Little Lu is now twelve, and her brother has just started school!”
He tears up, brushing a hand across his eye, “They grow up so fast, while you look like you haven’t aged a day!”
Ganyu laughs, “You’re too kind, but I would like to introduce someone very important to me.”
She grasps Xiao’s hand, “This is my partner, Xiao.”
He blinks once, then twice.
Ganyu called him her partner. Her partner - not a friend, but a partner. His stomach erupts in butterflies from the weight of her words.
He’s not sure why, but the idea of belonging to someone in that way...Xiao makes a mental note to speak to her about it later.
But for now, he stands there, grinning like a damn fool.
“Nice to meet you,” He says, the first genuine smile of the night showing on his face.
“What a handsome young man!” Mr. Meng gushes. “But I only came in here to grab an extra serving spoon. Please, is there anything I can fetch you? Something to eat perhaps?”
Ganyu claps her hands, “Oh would you? I am awfully hungry…”
The older man chuckles, turning to address Xiao. “I will never forget the first time I ran into this young lady. I caught her eating the qixing flowers right from a plate of food about to be carried out!”
Xiao shakes his head, finding the image of Ganyu plundering flowers from a food tray not that unsurprising.
“I can’t believe you still remember that!” She laughs again. “But if you would be so kind, Mr. Meng, I wouldn’t mind a plate of almond tofu and another of universal peace.”
“But of course! We are serving those dishes after all, I will be right back!”
Mr. Meng shuffles away, a metal serving spoon in his hand.
Ganyu beams at Xiao, “At least now we won’t go hungry.”
“This is true.” Xiao opens his mouth, intending to bring up that comment when the kitchen doors burst open once more.
Truly, can he find no peace and quiet?
“Ah, I thought I might find you two in here,” Ningguang says, a plate of almond tofu in one hand and a universal peace in the other. “I come bearing gifts.”
“Did you run into Meng- xiansheng in the hallway?” Ganyu asks, accepting the plates happily and handing the almond tofu to Xiao.
“I did indeed, I also wanted to inform you that your obligation in attending has been fulfilled. You may leave whenever you wish.”
Neither Ganyu nor Xiao say anything, blinking their eyes in the realization that they no longer have to go back out into the foyer.
Ningguang purses her lips, “You two look like I have just given you a million Mora."
“You might as well have.” Xiao remarks truthfully, and Ganyu elbows him lightly in the chest, her sweet laughter ringing off the walls.
Ganyu collapses onto the bed face first, her body sinking into the mattress.
“I have never been happier to see my room,” She groans into the layers of blankets.
The bed sinks as Xiao lies beside her, his shoulder brushing her arm.
“Needless to say, I have done enough socializing to cover for the next thousand years. To think you must do this every day…”
She cranes her head to look at him, “Ah, it’s not so bad most of the time.”
Xiao gives her an expression that suggests otherwise.
“Hm?” She asks playfully. “What’s with that look?”
Xiao gazes up at the ceiling, tracing the lines of the plaster with his eyes. He internally debates if he should tell her, not wanting to cause any more stress than necessary now that their very eventful night is finally behind them.
“Well...sometimes, when I see how hard you work and the stress that comes with the job...seeing you anxious pains me, that’s all.”
Ganyu’s heart stops beating then. So he notices her stress? Who is she kidding, this is Xiao she’s speaking of; the man is more perceptive than he appears.
She’s about to apologize when he turns on his side, poking her nose with his finger.
“But this is a topic for another day,” He murmurs. “There is something else I wish to tell you.”
Ganyu flips over on her back, eyeing him curiously, “What is it?”
“I wanted to tell you how absolutely gorgeous you look tonight - more so than usual.”
If his previous words startled her, this next comment sends her world shattering. Xiao has called her beautiful three times in the course of a few hours - not that he doesn’t normally, but this many compliments from him are rare.
Ganyu can feel her cheeks burning and she buries her face in her hands, laughing quietly.
“Xiao, you're too kind, more kind than I deserve.”
“I only speak the truth. I’d take a picture of you if I could, you look like a goddess tonight, Ganyu.” He says matter of factly.
She startles, meeting his gaze with excited eyes, “I can’t believe I forgot!”
And she leaps from the bed, bounding over to the other side of the room where a futon and a few chairs sit facing a window.
Xiao sits up, watching her rummage through a small pack hanging from one of the chairs.
“Found it!” She calls triumphantly.
Returning to where he sits, Ganyu presses a small brown object into his hands.
He stares at the Kamera in disbelief, “How do you have one of these?”
She shrugs, “A passing merchant asked to take my picture and I agreed on the condition that I could keep the Kamera and a roll of film.”
“Well,” Xiao chuckles. “I won’t deny that the merchant has good tastes. May I take your picture, Miss Ganyu?”
“Yes, but only if you are in it too.”
Xiao hesitates for a brief second before relenting, standing to his feet. “As if I could say no.”
She claps her hands giddily, taking his arm and dragging him to where her vanity sits tucked in another corner of the room. Beside the vanity, a full body mirror sits propped against the wall, allowing for a perfect view of the pair.
“Let’s take it here,” Ganyu says, adjusting the levers on the device.
She raises the Kamera to the correct angle, “Say cheese!”
Xiao shakes his head, wrapping an arm around her neck so that they stand pressed together.
The device clicks and a second later, a piece of thick paper rolls out from the bottom.
“Huh,” She traces the lines of the photo with her finger.
In the picture, they look utterly at peace with the world, Ganyu’s smile tugs at the corners of her mouth and Xiao’s eyes glow a bright yellow.
With the anxiety of attending the dinner, she had not allowed herself to really pay attention to her appearance.
Her dress, a traditional Cheongsam , features a creamy white front with gold stitches outlining the ends, the colors creating a glittery effect.
Instead of a more conservative appearance, the dress opens at her mid-thigh while her cleavage shows through a small slit just below the neckline. Gold beads hang from her hair, the waves no longer constricted in her usual ponytail but rather resting comfortably along her back.
So this is what she must have looked like tonight.
“An absolute goddess…” Xiao’s hand moves to her waist and she places both the Kamera and the photo on the vanity, turning to face him.
“Xiao, I wanted to say thank you again for-” He silences her by placing an open mouthed kiss to the soft skin of her inner wrist.
“You don’t need to thank me, I was only doing what a good... partner would do.”
She shifts uncomfortably, “...Are you upset that I called you that?”
Xiao looks up, surprise etched on his features. “What? Why would I be upset?”
“Oh, well, I guess - uhm.”
Ganyu never gets to finish her train of thought as before she can even blink, Xiao’s lips are suddenly pressed against her own.
He pulls back, “How can I possibly be upset? I’d be a fool to throw you away.”
She stands there, swaying on her toes, her mind completely dazed.
“You can call me whatever you wish, Ganyu,” Xiao continues, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
Ganyu breaks into a smile, her free arm reaching up to mess with his sweater. “I’ve been waiting for this moment.”
“What moment is that?” His mouth finds her neck and she can feel his teeth grazing the skin.
She shudders from the sensation. “The moment when you decided to kiss me for yourself - for your own pleasure.”
“Hmm,” He hums against her. “Is that so?”
“Yup.” Ganyu wraps her arms around his neck as she catches another glimpse of those burning yellow eyes, their lips connecting once more.
They both sigh into the kiss and Xiao’s hands skim nimbly down her chest.
And then he’s lifting her up into the air, her legs wrapping around his waist.
They don’t stop kissing, not when Xiao’s sweater is torn off nor when his hand slides up her dress, revealing her flowery panties.
He reaches up to undo her dress clasp. “You deserve to be cared for, to be loved with every fiber of my being.”
Ganyu places a firm hand against his chest, her eyes burning with desire, “There couldn’t be anyone better suited than you for the job.”
“Then let me show you,” Xiao grins, just as her dress slips away and Ganyu finds she is inclined to agree.