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Winters in Liyue were usually quiet, with the light sounds of snowflakes fluttering to the blankets of snow across the Jueyan Karst, whilst the Harbor and Guili Plains were cold but the white powder that surrounded the Adepti’s domains was sparse and only came on especially frigid mornings. The bitter chill on Xiao’s skin was something that he did not endeavor, as the changing of the seasons signaled for him that soon he’d be at his duties for longer, both day and night.
Lantern Rite was around the corner, a month or two away, and although any mortal would see this time frame and be eager for time to move faster, for an adeptus like himself, Xiao dreaded the moment he’d have to exorcize demons and monsters throughout the festivities. The pain of his karma would heighten, his body would be exhausted, and yet…Xiao knew he couldn’t abandon his post. He wouldn’t. It was a duty that he had held in high regard. One that couldn’t be taken away from him so easily. And yet…
And yet, for the past few years…it has been different. Ever since she came into his life.
It was no secret that Lumine would try everything in her power to get Xiao to at least try and enjoy himself during the holiday season, making lanterns and even keeping him steady during a dinner in which the Anemo and Geo Archons themselves attended. And because of these occurrences, Xiao almost could feel a semblance of…anticipation for that time to come. If only for her to return to wherever she was…from another nation in her attempt to find her brother, and continue her journey elsewhere.
Will she come to seek me out again…? Or shall she remain in Fontaine…?
Either way, it would probably be some time before Lumine would return to Liyue. Ever since she had gone to Inazuma, after her business in Liyue was done, Lumine’s visits were few and far between. However, regardless of her reasoning of appearing in the Land of Geo, she always resided at Wangshu Inn, and she always made time for him . Eating with him. Speaking with him. Being there for him. Caring for him.
All of this for him…for Xiao…
He had no idea what was with her fixation on him of all people. Lumine had met many enlightened people on her journey to find her brother. She was there with almond tofu, with tales of her exploits in places beyond his reach. He was tethered to Liyue, and yet listening to her, he felt as though his wings had caught the air currents of Teyvat as he watched her travel the expanse of the world, living vicariously through her.
Xiao sighed deeply; just the thought of Lumine had his mind racing as a cool wind bristled against him taking him away from his musings. His teal tresses flowing around the sharp features of his face, closing his eyes as his footsteps echoed off of the wood flooring of Wangshu’s in top most balcony. Blinking his eyes open, he looked upon the familiar sight of the land under his protection. Even though there was a lack of snow, the air’s chill stung against his skin. How he craved the warmth of her familiar aura, and the reprieve it brought to his soul.
Lantern Rite shall soon arrive…I shouldn’t be so restless about this…
Xiao’s shoulders slumped, as his gloved hand rested on the handrail of the balcony, feeling his heartbeat wilder against his chest. His remaining hand clenched at his silk shirt, as his mind and heart battled against each other. It was becoming increasingly evident that Lumine had meant more to him than an ally, friend, or even a trusted colleague. No…it was stronger than that…it was more than that. And it frightened him. Whatever this emotion was…it was hard to admit and relent to himself that the connection he shared with the Traveler could ever be reciprocated. He knew that to even indulge in such fantasies would be a cruel joke to even himself.
“Xiao? Are you there?” As if by some cruel irony, Xiao could’ve sworn he heard Lumine’s voice behind him, as his eyes remained locked onto the horizon. It wasn’t until he felt her touch, her loving and warm fingers caressing his bare shoulder. Had it not been for Lumine’s careful and gentle demeanor ripping down his walls one by one, Xiao would feel compelled to rip the hand that had even dared to touch him. But no…with her touch, he melted against her. Xiao was utterly bewitched by Lumine, and even though he was shocked to see her again, his countenance was not betrayed by the thoughts rattling in his brain, as he softly turned to face Lumine, his eyes widening in surprise. Lumine smiled up at Xiao, her aura just as bright and warm as before, as she held a small wrapped box with a bright white ribbon tied on the top. Her happiness was intoxicating…and to see it again, Xiao felt as though he had to count his blessings.
“You’ve returned…I had not expected you to do so,” Xiao’s face turned to a smile, so light and small that most people would have missed it. But not Lumine; she reached out to cup his face, stroking his cheekbone tenderly with a hum.
“I always come back here when I arrive back in Liyue,” Lumine giggled, retracting her hand motioning with a jerk of her head for Xiao to join her on the floor of the balcony, seeing that before he had spun on his heel to see her, she had already set down a blanket and a couple of cushions for her and himself respectively. I never even noticed it…has her presence been so comforting that I hardly recognize it as a threat? Hmm…an interesting development…
Kneeling on the ground with her, Xiao watched as she handed him a plate of her specially made Almond Tofu, that akin to a ‘Sweet Dream’. Xiao quietly gave his thanks as he dug into the dish with a silent fervor, his mouth subtly watering as he devoured the sweets with a spoon that Lumine had handed him. I’ve missed this…longed for this…longed for her…
He fell into a comfortable silence, listening like he always did as she spun tales of her exploits in Fontaine. Xiao could feel the rushing waters, the humid air, and the smell of oil on the Gardameks as Lumine described them in full detail. She had even explained the workings of the court system in Fontaine, although from the way she elaborated on them, Xiao was certain that it was something he never wanted to see. So many dramatics, only to judge the sins of mortals…
It was a few moments later, after Xiao’s plate was laid aside from them, and Lumine’s eyes looked up to the moon and stars shining above them that she sighed, smiling softly to herself, that she finally moved on to her next topic, “You know, regardless of where I go…the stars at night are always the most beautiful sight.”
“You’re referring to the different worlds you’ve visited?” Xiao asked, scooting a bit closer to Lumine, as he admired the reflection of the stars in her eyes, warming his soul as he did so.
“Yes, it doesn’t matter where I go, they seem to be the center of everyone’s universe,” Lumine smiled up at Xiao, causing his heart to flutter at the sight, “And during winter there are so many celebrations that happen on other worlds.”
“What kinds of celebrations?”
“Many different ones,” Lumine giggled, reminiscing on her past exploits, “Some that involve large feasts, others with parades and people at festivals reveling in the changing of the seasons,” Lumine turned to her left side, picking up the silk wrapped box before handing it to Xiao, “And the most special one, in my mind, is the celebration of those we care about, by giving them gifts to show that they’re cherished.”
Xiao’s eyes widened in shock as Lumine urged him to take the gift, “I…it’s not necessary, I need not any gifts from others.”
Lumine shook her head, “You must, it’s rude to not accept a gift that’s been given to you.”
“Is that a custom from the world you visited?”
Lumine nodded up at Xiao, as she placed the box on Xiao’s lap, “Yes, and I will not rest until you’ve opened it.”
Xiao rolled his eyes, carefully untying the fabric of the box, before opening it up to a most peculiar sight. A…necklace? No…it’s a locket. Xiao thought as his gloved hand touched the golden box attached to a gold chain. Touching it, the box glowed with a soft light, one that was reminiscent of a firefly’s luminescent body. Picking the locket up, he opened it to the sight of Lumine’s photograph on one side and an illustration of his mask on the other. His duty and his heart all placed in one object, given to him by the one he cared the most for.
Xiao could feel an unfamiliar sting behind his eyes, as he felt the familiar pull of Lumine’s hands on his cheeks, as her forehead and eyes met his, “I hope this at least keeps me close to you, even when I’m far away. Is it…too much?” Lumine slightly pulled away, as a rare glimpse of her being self conscious over her own feelings was seen with the flush appearing on her face.
Xiao had long known that the connection between them was always more than friendly, but it was too hard to say that it was anything otherwise. However, to see Lumine, quite frankly, place her feelings on display without even saying a word, it made the stinging behind his eyes grow, as a stream of wet tears silently fell. She truly is a wonder…I do not deserve a being such as her…
Seeing his tears, Lumine’s own eyes shined with her tears as she leaned forward and kissed Xiao’s cheeks, erasing whatever pain he may have, and replacing it with her own love and affection. “I…don’t want to just be a memory to you. I want to have more days like this…” She spoke softly.
Xiao hummed in approval, as he cupped her face and gazed into her eyes, “Then let us start with this one…on the 25th of day of this month, we shall exchange gifts…and not allow each other to just be memories.” Xiao sighed, looking down at Lumine’s plush pink lips, “My gift to you may not be tangible but…may I?” He brushed his thumb against the pink flesh of her mouth before she nodded and fluttered her eyes closed…
…Lumine would leave the following morning, to continue her journey through Teyvat…but with that night, Xiao wouldn’t just let her be a fading memory in his mind…from here on out, they’d be one, even if they were apart….