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"You shouldn't stay here." Xiao was facing away from you, staring down at the fading wisps of the physical karmic buildup he just vanquished. "It's dangerous," he warned.
You were just on your way to Wangshu inn to take a break from your journey; having been accosted by a group of two mitachurls, a samachurl and a handful of hilichurls as well as having just barely ran away from a particularly stubborn ruin guard in one day, you could say that you were pretty beat. You were just crossing one of the far bridges when those karmic creatures practically materialized in front of you, as if you weren't already spent of your fighting energy. Even vision bearers have limits, regardless if you had one or not.
That's not to say you weren't surprised when Xiao teleported in front of you and the fighting became a literal blur, but you were definitely thankful as you probably would've passed out if you had to fight one more enemy. He could probably sense how tired you are without even having to look at you.
Ah, wait, speaking of...
"I didn't even say your name," you mumbled, just loud enough for him to hear but not really wanting to exert your voice. The grip on his spear tightens, just by a fraction — but you were always one to look closely at people you like. Even the way his head moves just slightly to the side, as if regarding your words with hesitation.
"I could see them from the inn. You wouldn't have needed to call me." He answers, dismissing his spear as it shatters into thousands of golden flecks. He finally turns to face you, expression set in his typical frown. It was almost a pout, honestly. You could never help but find it just the slightest bit cute, even with the eyes that look like they could slice with just a glare.
"You're heading to Wangshu," Xiao states again, although there was a hint of uncertainty behind it. "It's getting late. I'll escort you, but only this once." You knew he was partially lying. He had a soft spot for you, despite being a mortal. It's a whole story, something for another time. "You look like you're about to collapse where you stand." How sweet. You send him a tired frown and glare, but there's no malice behind it.
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The two of you silently made it all the way to the front of the inn, to where Xiao gave you a curt nod and unceremoniously vanished to thin air. It's fine, he's probably off fighting more demons. You silently wish him strength and booked your room.
Despite after doing so, you first set out to the kitchen rather than your room, being careful not to surprise Smilely Yanxiao. He seemed busy, anyway.
"Hey Yanxiao," you greet him warmly, already placing a small pouch of mora on the middle table. "If Xiao drops by, use this as payment for his almond tofu." You smile as the man just gave a quick thumbs up as acknowledgement that he even heard you, hardly stopping as he continued cutting up several vegetables for a large broth. You let him be and returned to your room to get some well deserved rest.
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Xiao, meanwhile, emerged from his little hiding spot at the roof of the building after several minutes of silence and contemplating. Whether or not he heard the conversation wasn't his concern, but he made further note of your unyeilding kindness as he quietly ate at his tofu. A small part of him still ached to be near you, but his resolve to keep you away from his torment, the risk of you being harmed because of his karma, continued to hold him at bay.
Maybe one day he'll tell you how he feels. Maybe.