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The adeptus walked slowly towards the small town where she lived. He was not sure if she was there - or even awake for that matter - and although he would not admit it, he was hopeful. As he walked, he grasped the small pouch containing the ten crystalflies he had caught before dawn.
I wonder if she’ll like it. Xiao thought to himself, a brief smile appearing on his face. He had only known her for a few months, and considering the eternity he’d spent wandering the land bound by his contract, it felt like a split second.
He was unsure why he had grown fond of her. He had never really cared much for mortals and their ways, but there was something about her that intrigued him. He was used to keeping to himself, and in the rare moments where he’d be in the presence of mortals, he was treated as something to be feared. Rightfully so, in his mind. His purpose was simple. To protect the lands of Liyue and take on hardship so others wouldn’t suffer. Just a tool to be used, nothing more.
But she... she was different. She didn’t treat him any different than how she’d treat any other person. With her, he wasn’t the Vigilant Yaksha. With her, he was just Xiao. With her, he felt… warmth.
It was early morning. The sun was barely over the horizon, the sky a soft pink color that reminded him of an adeptal realm. As he walked, the wind grazed his skin and the sounds of birds chirping filled the air. The town seemed deserted at this hour, there was no chatter, no laughter, no children playing.
She would love how peaceful it is. He thought to himself, catching a glimpse of his destination at the end of the town road. The house seemed as empty as the others around him. If she was home, she’d most likely be laying in her bed, dreaming of something peaceful.
The adeptus made his way up to her doorstep and pondered what he should do. He hadn’t really thought this far ahead, he admitted. Holding up the gift he’d prepared, he glanced over to the window as if he was waiting for something to happen. After a moment, he sighed and chuckled quietly at himself.
How childish. He thought. Never in his eternity had he ever found himself waiting outside a mortal’s home, hoping they would come out to greet him. And yet, here he was.
A soft smile appeared on his face, and he kneeled in front of the door, placing the pouch of crystalflies neatly to the side. From his pocket, he pulled a note he had written before coming here and laid it on top of the pouch. At least she would know it was from him. He turned to walk away, but hesitated without knowing why. Oh, how he wished he could see her face.
Y/N woke up to a rustling noise just outside her window. Stretching her arms out, she yawned before rubbing her eyes as she sat up on her bed. She wondered what was that she heard, and gently turned to the window, peeking out through the curtains. She only caught a glimpse of the familiar figure before it disappeared down the hill.
Was that...? It must have been. She quickly got on her feet, slipping on her shoes and tying her robe around her before strutting to the front door. The fresh air tickled her face the moment she opened the door and stepped outside. Birdsong filled her ears, and she gazed up on the almost lilac colored sky that gave her a sense of serenity that she did not experience too often.
Closing the door behind her, she made her way to where she last saw the familiar figure. Nothing. There was no sign of anything except her and the chirping birds. He was gone.
Pouting, she turned back the way she came. I wonder what he was doing here. Xiao usually did not pay her a visit without a reason, and usually his visits were more so an escort service initiated by her inability to make it home before nightfall.
As she reached out her hand to the doorknob, she noticed the pouch at the corner of her eye. Her face lit up, a knot forming in her stomach. Could it…? Pushing aside her thoughts, she picked up the neatly folded note that laid on top of the pouch. The words were written in an almost childish writing but it was obvious they had been carefully noted down.
“There was nothing for me to do today. So I decided I would find a Crystalfly for you - to put in your hair. I thought that… it would look nice. The next thing I knew, I had caught several more than I intended. I hope you do not mind.
If you wish to meet me, speak my name.
Xiao.”
As she read each word, she could feel blood rushing to her cheeks, turning them pink. She hadn’t noticed, but a joyful smile was plastered on her face. She reached out her hand and cupped her face, unable to stop smiling.
“Xiao...” a whisper snuck through her lips, she could barely hear it herself. Looking up at the now bright blue sky, she thought to herself.
Thank you.
“You called.” She heard a soft voice behind her. It almost sounded like it came from above. Taken by surprise, she frantically looked behind her, but there was nothing but the front door of her house. “Y/N,” the voice chuckled, and her eyes travelled up to the roof of the house.
There he was. He was sitting on the edge of the roof, one foot dangling off of it while the other was bent with his arm wrapped around the knee. Their eyes met, and she could have sworn his eyes lit up, just a little bit. Mine most certainly did. she thought to herself, embarrassed.
As always, he looked like some ethereal being. His eyes were glistening gold, his skin soft and pale, while the morning sun seemingly caused the green strands of his hair to glow. She found herself frozen under his gaze, until the adeptus pushed himself off the roof, landing on two feet in front of her.
She felt his hand carefully but urgently grabbing her left shoulder, his face moving closer to hers. “Are you okay?” he asked in a serious tone, his eyes not leaving hers for even a split second.
It was like she was snapped back to reality. She lifted her hand and placed it over his own, which was still grabbing her shoulder. “I’m fine, Xiao” she smiled reassuringly. Without a pause, she let out a laugh.
“What?” he pouted, clearly irritated.
She wiped away a tear and sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m just happy you came.” she smiled shyly, her hand still on his.
“You called. Of course I came.” he replied, still in his serious tone, but slightly softer than how he sounded a moment ago. The grip on her shoulder softened before he pulled his hand away, brushing her fingers.
They stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity, although a few seconds at most had passed. “Oh!” Y/N exclaimed, suddenly remembering the pouch she was holding. “These are beautiful, Xiao. Thank you.” she said cheerfully. Before he could answer, she took a step closer to him, throwing her hands around his neck and burying her face in his chest.
The adeptus felt like his heart had stopped. He didn’t think he had ever exchanged a hug with anyone before. He moved his hands awkwardly and placed them around Y/N’s waist, slowly bowing his head so his face was buried in the girl’s soft hair. He took a deeper breath than he had intended to, and his senses were filled with the smell of violetgrass.
Without thinking, his hand began to stroke her lower back, while the other moved up the back of her neck so that his fingertips were barely touching the roots of her hair. As he breathed out, his arms were already tightening around her torso, a feeling of serenity washing over him. He never wanted to let her go.
Y/N lifted her head slowly and turned to face him. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck, and before he could loosen his arms and move away, she reached up to the adeptus face and pressed her lips against his right cheek.
His skin was warm and soft, and she could feel butterflies in her stomach. She slowly moved away, and turned her gaze to meet his. His golden eyes stared deep into her own, his expression a mix of confusion and excitement.
“Happy birthday, Xiao” she hummed, smiling as she noticed the pink rush to his cheeks.
“How did you...” he muttered, the excitement on his face slowly drifting. A proud expression appeared on Y/N’s face and she moved her arms back to her side.
“I might’ve asked Verr a thing or two about you.” she teased.
Xiao clicked his tongue in disapprovement. “I do not care much for birthdays and celebrations, and I do not wish to be around large groups of people.” he said dully. He followed her suit and let go of her, folding his arms and closing his eyes calmly. Y/N opened her mouth to say something when his eyes opened and stared right into hers, his face softening.
“To be able to spend some time with you is enough.”
Y/N grinned, examining the adeptus’ face. “Well, you’re in luck then,” she laughed and reached out and took his hand, locking her fingers with his. “I’m all yours.”