Work Text:
you returned to wangshu inn one day to find the lonesome adeptus on the verge of tears. fortunately, for him, you were experienced in dealing with emotional outbursts.
bit of xiao angst i think cus this man just needs a hug and a good cry
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the night had grew dim, the beautiful aura of wangshu inn lighting up the atmosphere. it was beautiful at night; quiet, calm, and made you feel comforted just by walking up those stairs to the inn. the whole area was one of bliss.
making your way up the previously rebuilt stairs, you reached the main inn and walked to the boss, verr goldet. she was still awake, in fact, despite the gloomy hours, and she looked active as ever.
"ah, welcome back! here to check in i assume?"
"yes, thank you."
you checked into the large inn, which was becoming a daily task recently. your visits only grew more and more frequent as you spent more time with that adeptus. were you complaining? absolutely not. the sights and smells were one to cherish, and to experience them every day was just a delight.
you thanked her once more, turning on your heels as you made your way up the wooden staircase. it was awfully quiet, like no one had visited this night.
before you returned to your own room, you decided to make a final stop to the balcony. you wanted to take in the beautiful view of liyue before heading off, and what better way than to do it in the calm and dim atmosphere.
your hands reached for the rather cold railing, overlooking the terrain. you could spot flowing rivers, rustling trees and high mountain tops. liyue in itself was perfect, and at night it only became more peaceful. late evening walks all over liyue were your favourite.
taking only two minutes to admire the view, you finally made your way to your...most likely deserted room. you did often share the space with the adeptus, so returning to find him situated in the room wasnt a surprise.
placing your key inside the lock and twisting, you opened the doorknob with your other hand and made your way inside the moonlit room. it was dark, almost pitch black if it werent for the light of the moon shining through the open window. as you lifted your head to take in the area, you spotted a figure anxiously sitting on the edge of your bed. his delicate face was turned to the window, body ever so still as he slowly blinked. his left hand gently resting on the bed as the other was placed on his chest, grip firm with his tight shirt. its position was situated atop his heart.
you furrowed your brows as you turned on a small lamp, revealing the figure to be none other than xiao himself.
the light mysteriously being turned on caught xiaos attention, turning his head but facing the other direction almost immediately. like he was hiding something.
"...y/n. youre back."
"xiao...? are you alright?"
ah, those words that he so rarely hears. its almost as if the sentence alone flipped a switch inside of him, body and mind weakening as his shoulders slumped. still, he only responded with a nod of his head.
however, you knew when the adeptus was lying, and right now it was oh so evident.
"did something happen?" you asked as you made your way beside xiao, carefully sitting beside his form and trying to meet his eyes. he refused still, head never turning to meet your eyes. "please, talk to me."
his body softened.
"its nothing. you neednt worry."
"is that why youre refusing to look at me?"
he could only stay silent, head lowering ever so slightly. he couldnt lie anymore, and even if he tried to it would prove no use. you were too smart for your own good.
"please, look at me xiao. whats wrong?"
he sighed, finally turning his gaze to meet yours. what you were met with nearly broke your heart into tiny pieces.
xiaos expression was one of upset, brows furrowed and cheeks slightly puffy. he looked like he was fighting back so so many tears, and not very well. it seemed like he could break any second now, and he would have no control over it.
"oh, xiao...what happened to you?"
he took a few breaths before even attempting to reply. and even then, would it be so difficult to form even a basic sentence.
"i...i dont know whats happening...my throat..."
his fingers pointed to his slightly exposed throat. he soon regretted speaking at all, as it just made the fight more difficult to hold back. his mouth curved into a frown, and yet he still refused to look at you.
this was so heartbreaking. you knew what was happening, and in the back of your mind you also knew that this experience must be his first. he was one to hold back his emotions, but what now managed to finally break him?
you cupped his face, which was warm to touch. his cheeks wore a light rose, and his eyes grew oh so glossy. looking at you only made it worse, tears finally falling from his eyes. he could only close them, hands meeting your own as he silently sobbed in your grasp. seeing him in this state was a surprise, but you knew that everyone shows emotions at some point. even an almighty adeptus, who was afraid of nothing.
"oh, my darling...it's okay to cry." you comforted as your thumbs met his tears, wiping them away just as quickly as they fell. you pushed his head gently against your shoulder, and he reacted by burying his head deeper, but leaving his arms by his side. he hasnt grasped the idea of hugging just yet, but that was completely fine. instead, you wrapped your arms around his shaking form, whispering quiet comfort into his ear. he could only weep harder as the words processed, sobs growing louder as he finally accepted the fact he was breaking down.
his hands slowly reached your back, grasping ever so tightly as his body only shook more and more. you held him tight, and never let go. it was what he needed in that moment.
he tried choking out words between sobs, but it was hard for you to understand. you didnt pry though.
"i just-i feel so...pathetic..."
you quietly hushed him, tears upon tears staining your shoulder as he showed no sign of stopping. what hurt him must have been great, and it was clear it impacted him massively.
"you are not pathetic xiao, okay? letting it all out is absolutely not a bad thing. this is good, alright? it's going to be okay, now."
he could only slightly nod, arms loosening slightly as he accepted your words.
nothing in particular had happened recently. though, perhaps it was the centuries of pain and isolation that brought him to this moment, replaying past events that overwhelmed him to the point of tears. this had never happened to him...though, why does he feel better?
his sobs grew quiet, and his body softened by each passing second. perhaps it was the fact he was in your arms, and the comforting words falling from your mouth that put him into a calmer state of mind. his head grew more fatigued from his hyperventilation, but all was calmed as you held him tighter and pressed your hand against his neck to pull him closer.
"you'll be okay xiao, i promise you. everything will be alright. im here, and i wont let anything happen to you."
his rapid breathing stopped, and he lifted his head to meet your eyes. his eyes still filled with tears, though the feeling had grew less and less overwhelming thanks to you. you simply being there to comfort him put his mind at ease, and you alone was all he needed at this moment.
"you are so beautiful, xiao. so so beautiful. you will be okay."
you pressed your forehead against his, hand supporting the back of his neck. he closed his eyes and sniffed, taking in the moment. your words were like silk.
starting to breathe in a steady rhythm, you lifted his chin and wiped the sole remaining tears from his eyes once more and kissed his forehead.
"you should rest. come on, get comfortable."
"i...i dont want to leave you. even in slumber..."
you smiled softly at his words, holding his hand tight.
"oh my love, i will never leave your side. even in your dreams i will stay with you, for eternity."
xiao let a small smile break free, both of you getting comfortable in the rather large bed. he was pressed up against you, head buried in your neck as his soft hair brushed against your skin. you held him close, never letting go of his form.
"goodnight, my love. you will be okay."
♡