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Walking into her shared bedroom within Wangshu Inn, Minli was in such a good mood that it took her adoptive parents by the surprise of how gentle and serene their daughter is currently, to the point makes them reconsider that she's not a ruthless killer once thrown in combat. Usually, around this time, the brunette would join her lover in patrols to clear out monsters near the inn. However, Minli needs to help her parents as today was a fairly busy day as expecting merchants and influential people are on the way, meaning the more staff in the facility to ensure the business is well. Throughout the day, after the wave of people are waited and given keys to their rooms, with the leftover spare time that Minli has, it gives her the excuse to prepare the gift for someone's special day.
'It has been two months since we declared our feelings with one another. And yet, it felt like we're a married couple. I guess that's what happens when you know each other for so long throughout the years.'
Minli wandered, lost in thought as now she has considered the idea of it, never once throughout her eleven short years since she first met him until now currently at the age of 20, that they never truly celebrated his birthday.
'Well... when you think about it... Xiao has lived such a long life. After all, he was there when Rex Lapis signed the first contract when he founded Liyue Harbor. More than 3,700 years since then... and even now, I never expected that Xiao and I are lovers.'
It's only a time where Minli recalled the memory of the two of them confessed their feelings to one another. Two months ago, it was around the time where Lumine, Paimon, and Minli were hanging out with their travel companions, Tartaglia and Zhongli. In which all were discussing their next venture to the ruins nearby.
"How about we continue exploring the further depths of Dunyu Ruins? Last time, I feel like we can solve the cases behind the mysterious mechanisms. We need to find a way to drain the water first." Minli suggested.
"That's true, plus Childe can find a way to convince the Futui in the form of fighting with them, giving it worked last time when Teucer was here," Paimon noted with a slight teasing edge with her tone.
"You guys..." Tartaglia said with an exasperated sigh, not wanting to recall the embarrassing moment he had to pose himself a toyseller to save the image of his little brother as a respectable 'businessman' instead of a bloodthirsty Harbinger.
"Hm... I'm considering if we can get started on a commission regarding the monsters in Tianqiu Valley. Still, we do need to pinpoint the treasure for a commissioner that is currently ongoing." Lumine commented, troubled by the decision.
"I would recommend that we should take one step a time and finish the ongoing commission first. As if I recall, there are combat-oriented commissioners on their way to Tianqiu Valley to help fend off the monsters over there." Zhongli suggested.
"I'd agree. The sooner we grab the treasure, we can try to take a look at the monster incident later if there are no updates in the future."
"Sounds like our little prefect made the final call on the decision, girlie!" The ginger-haired male said with a grin, pleased with his 'close' friend's tough decision.
"Don't act like we're close, Futui," Minli said with a snarl.
"Aw, don't be like that! Back in the Academy, you would often train with me. Sometimes we'll grab some food on the go after nice little spar as well-"
"That's because you kept pestering me in the first place!"
"Wait a second. You lived in Snezhnaya before?" Lumine asked with a slightly surprised gasp.
"Sigh... Yes. And that's to gather info in a certain Academy suited for combat. They're also known to separate in classrooms based on combat performance through entrance exams. Out of all of the classes, Childe and I are one of the 'students' there graduated with top marks hence that troublesome prefect name comes from."
"What she's not including was the fact we were classmates."
"...That's not irrelevant. Although by now, The Futui has already known about my methods and an accidental mistake that caused my cover to be blown, and so I escaped the icy nation. However, by now, they placed a high bounty on my head that should I step back into Snezhnaya, I highly expect others would track me down by either capturing or killing me."
"Geez. That sounds terrible!" Paimon commented with sympathy.
"At least, you escaped and fulfilled the request. The people of Liyue would thank you for your services on taking on this dangerous commission." Zhongli reassures the brunette in which she lets out a small smile.
"Wouldn't have done without you and Xiao's help to relay the message to prepare the upcoming info."
"I figured you had your reasons but never thought you would plan to the point where you were the one who leaked out parts of the Futui's plans and destroyed a military facility on top of that. I wasn't aware at the time as I was working on the ranks within the military. But I have heard of the incident. It was a big deal in Snezhnaya, and yet I understand when it comes to your job you take the conditions of it seriously, though even I would recommend being on your good side."
"Well, we are allies now. In normal circumstances, you and I would have to fight under a thin line of survival. Luckily, you are not given orders to try and capture me first. It would be a shame if we fought to the death right now." Minli stated with suppressed sadness, as even though Childe did annoy her, she can acknowledge that life in Snezhnaya wouldn't be as tolerable hadn't been for Harbinger.
"I have to admit. You're probably right." The Harbinger said with a weary grin.
As they continued back to the conversation for the plans on exploration, little did Lumine's group noticed; glowing golden eyes were observing the dialogue between the Harbinger and the veteran adventurer, causing some unfamiliar feelings to stir within him.
Soon the calm, warming rays of sunshine turned dark with a cool breeze of the evening where the need to call it a day for the adventurers. Everyone retired to their rooms while Minli decided to head to the balcony to have a nightly chat with her dear friend. Expecting an acknowledgment of a response from Xiao, Minli calls his name only to receive an unreadable expression from him, which made the brunette worried as she has never seen him act like this before.
"Xiao? Is everything alright?"
Xiao didn't react or acknowledge Minli's response at first before letting out a quiet sigh, deciding the best to explain these strange feelings that he had never accumulated nor experienced before in such a long time, ever since Sitri's passing, Minli's previous incarnation.
"I end up seeing that you were in company with the Futui earlier. He was saying something that both of you known each other in Snezhnaya. Understanding the nature of your work, you were providing info for both adepti and the Qixing, as the latter was causing trouble years ago due to suspicious activity to deem a threat.
Seeing you with him makes me enraged to where I want to be there and take you away myself."
"Xiao..."
"You sparked these feelings within me. ...I do not expect that these strange feelings would go this far. Therefore, I hope you understand the meaning behind it."
It took two and two together before Min realized that the Yaksha is confessing his love for her, causing her to blush before finally gaining the courage to return her feelings for him.
"...I feel the same way about you. In fact, for a long time. I thought I would never see the light of day until now. I love you, Xiao."
As she says those very words, the once calm expression the Yaksha held warmth and an illusion of happiness.
"Min..."
For the first time today, Xiao and pulled her into an embrace, placing his lips on her forehead.
"Thank you."
Since that very day, that was a checkpoint where they started a brand new chapter in their lives, to the point where Minli had sworn that Xiao would never be alone again, which is the determination that leads to celebrating his birthday together in peace.
"Ah right... I did tell Xiao to meet me in Mt.Tienheng around dusk. I should get going while the roads are still safe from danger. I sincerely don't want to fight unless I have no other option."
Minli then packed her special Almond Tofu in her backpack and carefully wrapped her gift, she hurried to Mt. Tianheng as somehow, by miracle, there are no monsters on the way. As she marched her way to the area, there was the lovely scenery of Liyue within the time where the memories of the Lantern Rite Festival with her beloved. Around the place, Minli recognized a figure who she loved and treasured dearly.
"Xiao!"
Hearing his lover's call, he raised his hand and waved in her direction, in which she rushed to him with a bright smile.
As Minli gently hugged Xiao, she realized how much she missed him so dearly. Once breaking out of the embrace, the brunette noticed that Xiao had some blood on his cheek, knowing it does not belong to him. Taking out her handkerchief, Min wiped the blood in which Xiao relaxed under her gaze, seeing how much he feels at ease with her. As they settled down on their usual spot, Xiao immediately gave some crystal fly cores in which it sparkled with a soft, radiant glow in the moonlight.
"I just thought it looked nice on you as for you to put in your hair. The next thing I knew, I caught more than intended, so I hope you do not mind."
"These are beautiful, Xiao. Thank you." Minli smiled in which cause the adeptus to turn his head away, as every time she smiles, he felt the same warm-like feeling in his chest.
Every day he discovered more and more about these new emotions and regaining a sense of his old self.
And to think it all started all because he helped her out of a forest when she was younger and now to adulthood, Minli is his lifelong bride-to-be.
As she tries to hide the gifts at first when taking them out from her bag, only for the adeptus to catch on to the act.
"...What are you hiding behind your back? He said with a hint of a teasing tone.
"Well, since I can't be discrete. Here's your gift, Xiao."
Minli then handed the wrapped presents to him, leading for him to open in which he never thought the amount of thought and consideration that the gifts were laid carefully upon him. Inside was a bouquet of Qingxin flowers and heart-shaped Almond Tofu, two of his favorite things.
"I know you can't handle most mortal food save for a few. So... I made your favorite food but instead of the usual Almond Tofu. I made it with different toppings, this time from the usual recipe from Sweet Dreams. And so, Happy Birthday, Xiao!"
The adeptus went quiet for a moment, astonished at how much work and effort the brunette has done for him as it took some time to recollect his words before voicing out his appreciation to her.
"...I don't usually care for birthdays or celebrations. But thank you, Minli, just being here with you is enough."
For once, Minli blinked and witnessed a sight that she couldn't forget. Xiao was smiling brightly and allowed himself to be happy. She then decides to join with her lover by going to him and sitting next to Xiao, eventually interlacing his hand with hers. He returned the gesture by giving an assuring yet protective squeeze with her warm and gentle grasp. As if finally in peace, the couple gaze at the landscape up ahead, watching over Liyue Harbor as the soft lights of the buildings and lanterns flickered anew.
A new beginning of their new lives together.