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As a wanderer, the end of Kazuha's temporary stay in Liyue was inevitable. This was established early on. Yet, Xiao still took it as a surprise when the samurai came to him with the news.
"So you're leaving in a week?" Xiao repeated this new information. Kazuha stood next to him on the balcony, slightly leaning on the adeptus as they both took in the sights of Liyue. A small sigh left him.
"It seems so, my love. Beidou is already preparing the Crux, ready to set sail. I think she feels almost sorry for our departure, so has called for a slight delay." Xiao grunted.
"And you're going with her?"
There was a moment of silence before Kazuha replied with a small, "Yes." He could feel the cat-like eyes staring at him as he continued to observe the land of geo, spread out far and wide, all around him.
"Why don't you stay?" was asked after a few more moments of silence. "With me.." came the smaller follow-up. Kazuha couldn't help but let out a small, regretful chuckle, feeling almost guilty for knowing what needs to be done.
"Xiao, you know I love you, do you not?" When there was no response, Kazuha continued, "Well, I do. But I'm afraid I belong out in the open, with nature, following the wind."
Xiao was silent, prompting Kazuha to turn his head slightly, pressing a small kiss on his beloved's cheek. "I wish I could stay with you, loving you unconditionally until my end. But I'm afraid my journey has not yet reached it's own end."
Kazuha couldn't help but notice how his love seemed to be deep in thought, as if he was only half paying attention to what he had to say. "Xiao?"
Giving away nothing, Xiao also turned slightly to fully face Kazuha. He stared for a few moments before also leaning forward to give a small kiss to Kazuha's cheek. "I understand.."
"Are you sure?" the wanderer instantly asked, taking Xiao's hands in his own. "You don't seem entirely conscious here." The adeptus could only stare once again before gently squeezing Kazuha's hands and nodding.
"Just thinking.." he muttered.
The next week and last days of Kazuha's stay seemed to pass all too quickly for Xiao.
Each day, they'd try to dedicate their time to things they'd been putting off, wanting to savour their time together before a separation neither knew the length of. From making lanterns to exploring the depths of Liyue, and even going as far as to finally indulge in their previously unspoken fantasies. They made sure to make memories they could lovingly look back on.
Everything was perfect for them. So why was Kazuha still leaving?
Xiao had been contemplating this question each day. They loved each other so dearly, did they not? And yet, he was still so persistent to leave the adeptus alone in Liyue.
His old friend was long dead and the masterless vision obviously had no hope of being rekindled. When would the samurai simply give up and agree to stay with him?
He never had answers to any of these questions.
So, as the sun began to loom above him, warning him that the last day was finally upon them, Xiao decided it was time to take the matter into his own hands. His mind made up, he set off to find one of the few Adepti still residing in Liyue's harbour.
Slowly climbing up the stairs of Wangshu Inn, Kazuha was at somewhat of a loss for words. His last day with Xiao had come quicker than he'd liked, and while he'd appreciated the extra week, he wished he could stay for longer.
So what was he supposed to say now that the time of his departure was steadily approaching? He was all too aware of the Yaksha's losses, so was unsure if he could really just say goodbye and leave. It seemed too harsh to do that.
"Xiao left a while ago," a voice cut suddenly through his thoughts. Kazuha turned to the source of this info to see Verr Goldet carefully watching him.
"Left?" Kazuha repeated. The Boss nodded.
"And no, I don't know where he went off to," she interrupted before he could even ask the question he opened his mouth for. He blinked in response before gently nodding and continuing up the stairs leading to Xiao's balcony. He would simply await the Adeptus' return.
He didn't know how long he waited for but he started to grow concerned after what must've been at least an hour. The day was wasting away, and Beidou would be planning to set sail soon. Yet there was still no sign of Xiao.
Kazuha had considered calling his name but thought it better to continue to wait. He was in no imminent danger so didn't want to panic his love with use of his name.
He could only sit and wait, hoping he returned in time.
His patience finally payed off when Xiao appeared at what Kazuha guessed to be roughly half an hour later.
"You're already here?" Xiao asked upon arrival, only half-masking his apparent suprise.
"Of course," Kazuha replied with a smile, standing up and approaching the Adeptus. "It's our last day, is it not? Why would I not want to dedicate it to you?"
Xiao gave a small, almost relieved, smile in response, but Kazuha could see that the act didn't truly reach his eyes.
"I wanted to ask you.. One more time..." Xiao began, before being swiftly cut off by a finger, gently placed over his lips. A gentle shushing noise accompanied the action.
"I know what you will ask, you've asked every day, and I'm afraid my answer is still the same. Don't bear yourself a goodbye and ask again. Don't ask a last time," Kazuha advised, a mild urge in his tone as he removed his finger. Xiao sighed, looking away.
So many emotions flickered through the Adeptus' eyes and the closer Kazuha watched, the more he could see fear. A mild panic seemed to almost radiate from Xiao. So many unspoken worries.
Guilt seeped into Kazuha's very being as he watched the inner turmoil eating away at the Yaksha in front of him. Was it.. Right to leave?
"Then.." Xiao began before faltering. Words failed him as instead he raised his hands, cupping them in front of him. Kazuha watched intently, his expression becoming one of awe as the shape of a teapot began to form in the Adeptus' hands.
"Fascinating..." Kazuha whispered, gently poking at the now solid teapot. Xiao seemed reluctant to even look at the thing, instead redirecting his attention back to the wanderer.
"I was wondering if you'd take this with you? As a.. Reminder of me," Xiao asked, gently holding out the teapot towards Kazuha.
"It's a Serenitea Pot, created and maintained through Adepti Arts. Though.. Mine may be in a state of disrepair.." the Adeptus explained, watching as Kazuha slowly took the Teapot from him, staring at it in wonder.
"Can you do anything with these Adepti Arts?" the samurai asked, looking back up at Xiao in curiosity. He couldn't help but notice there was still a faint panic lingering in the Yaksha's eyes.
"Yes," Xiao answered with a nod. "You can enter and stay in the teapot." He glanced up at Kazuha, "Would you like to see it before you.." he faltered, "Leave?"
Kazuha hesitated before nodding, curious as to what he'd be taking with him. If it was made and owned by a being as powerful as Xiao, it was sure to be something to treasure. With a signal from the Adeptus, he gave a nod and willed himself inside, assuming Xiao would follow him in.
The inside of the teapot was something Kazuha would barely see, even in his wildest dreams. In the middle of the seemingly floating island sat a cozy, large house, a mixture of traditional Liyue and Inazuma. Surrounding it was trees, oh, so many trees. He could see a dominance of maple trees and sakura trees, the purple and orange of their leaves mixing together.
The atmosphere was so peaceful, Kazuha felt right at home immediately, and he hadn't even been near the actual house. It was beautiful, such a dream, and Xiao had even said it may've been in a state of disrepair. He could see no fault with the scenery surrounding him.
"Is it to your liking?" A voice asked behind him, Xiao eventually walking forward to stand beside the samurai, taking in the sights too. "I didn't realise the fantasy would take form as soon as you entered. Though, it does look pretty-"
The adeptus was cut off as Kazuha spun around, quickly embracing him and holding on for dear life. "It's so very beautiful, my love, I never imagined such a place to live could exist."
Xiao seemed to hesitate for a second too long before he also wrapped his arms around Kazuha. "I- I'm glad it's to your liking," he murmured.
They parted after what was a very long few minutes, neither wanting to let go as they knew what was coming very soon. Alas, they also knew it was inevitable, and trying to prolong Kazuha's departure would in no way help.
"Well, I must thank you for this gift, Xiao. I never would have thought I would be bestowed a gift so magnificent as this one." The samurai smiled. He gave Xiao one of his most gentlest kisses yet before stepping back and willing himself out of the teapot.
"Uhm, Xiao.." he quickly looked around, surveying his surroundings for anything amiss. "Why.. Can't I leave?" When his eyes landed on the Adeptus once again, Kazuha could see the guilt, the turmoil, the agony in his eyes. He said nothing.
"Xiao..?" There came a strained sigh, the Yaksha starting to tremble slightly.
"Only Adepti can leave," he whispered. There was silence as the words sank in. Kazuha couldn't feel the wind here.
"So.. You've trapped me here," Kazuha asked, sounding more like a statement. Xiao could no longer meet his crimson eyes, gritting his teeth and looking away. "Why?"
A fog of silence settled around them. Kazuha couldn't hear birds nor feel wind. The place felt eerie. Unnatural. Though, if he listened carefully, he could hear Xiao, breathing heavy and ragged.
Perhaps his karmic debt had finally acted up, paining the Adeptus in response to his actions. By the way he still stood strong, Kazuha assumed he was trying to fend them off.
"I didn't want you to go," Xiao finally responded, inner turmoil paining his words, as if he was struggling to speak. "Couldn't bare to part when I knew you'd be out there and there was something I could've done."
Kazuha understood him exactly. Knew this pain. He wanted to reassure Xiao, "I would've returned-"
"You can't promise that," Xiao hissed back. "You could never promise that."
He let out a heavy sigh, the fight leaving him, "You're safe here, and that's what matters most.
Xiao looked like he had so much more to say to the samurai in front of him while Kazuha had nothing. Ironic, how the tables had turned.
When the Adeptus realised the now no longer a wanderer had nothing more to say, he was gone. Free from the teapot that now confined Kazuha.
He stood in his spot for a few moments before approaching the house that he assumed to be his home for the time being. There was what looked to be a representation of a finch hovering just outside it.
"Hello," it spoke as Kazuha came up to it. "My name is Tubby, I'm the Teapot Spirit. We keep the serenity in here maintained for the adepti." Kazuha blinked.
"I'm Kazuha," he smiled at Tubby, realising he at least had company. "It's nice to meet you Tubby. I hope we get along, it looks like we may be spending a lot of time together."