Chapter Text
The tickets are a gift from Shaozu in return for numerous requests for Zhongli's expertise over the last few months. Following his appraisal of Cloud Retainer's wares, the man was rather adamant about procuring Zhongli's opinion on a number of occasions afterwards.
While originally contracted for his knowledge in adeptal funeral rites, the harbor's residents do view Wangsheng's resident consultant as an on-staff expert of all manner of antiques. Regardless, Zhongli's schedule at the parlor is slow as of late and he has little else to attend to. There's no reason to deny the man. The walk is also short, hardly a detour in his daily stroll.
After a thorough evaluation of the man's latest slew of acquisitions, Shaozu fishes out the slips of paper and offers them with effusive gratitude.
Zhongli does not immediately take them; services such as these are billed to the funeral parlor, usually without incident nor question. "Is there a problem with our usual method of payment? I assure you, the parlor has no issue bearing the cost."
"Oh, no, I insist, Mr. Zhongli!" Shaozu holds the tickets out a little further. The paper flutters gently in the man's quaking grasp. "You see, you'd actually be doing me a favor by taking these off my hands."
"Is that so?" Zhongli folds his arms and gives them a more considerate once-over.
Upon reading the lettering in full, Zhongli discovers they are a far finer boon than he realized: private seats for the next performance of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe's tour. It is scheduled to take place in Yilong Wharf several days from today—ample time to arrive for the show, and to enjoy the sights of Chenyu Vale on the way.
"Yes, some affairs came up, and as much as I'd like to go, I simply can't make the show." Laughing a little, Shaozu continues to keep the tickets aloft, now clearly waving them to entice. When Zhongli finally lifts a hand to take them, he looks relieved. "I can think of no other individual that would appreciate their value as much as you would."
To reject such a generous gift at this point would be foolish at best and insulting at worst. "Very well. If you think me most deserving of them, then I'll gladly accept them. Thank you."
What follows after that is muted, with Shaozu going on in the background about his planned visit to the Northland Bank before the night is through. Normally, Zhongli might offer advice on avoiding anything that required any further commitment with that establishment, but his mind is now occupied with more pressing thoughts.
With this unexpected windfall, Zhongli is now left with a problem that requires a solution: whom to give the second ticket to?
The first to come to mind is that old friend who, if indirectly, is responsible for his good luck in the first place.
It is still early enough in the day, so Zhongli visits Xianyun immediately after leaving Shaozu to his future financial conundrums. He finds her, along with her young charge, having tea in the little balcony tucked behind their home.
"Yilong Wharf?" Xianyun stares at Zhongli, wide-eyed as her glasses slide down her nose by a millimeter. She pushes them back up in an affronted, graceful manner only she is capable of. "Ahem. Mr. Zhongli, one simply cannot go frolicking as far as that at a moment's notice. Shuyu's teachings are of utmost importance and to allow any lapse would be reprehensible."
Shuyu breaks away from frowning into her teacup to blink owlishly at Xianyun. "I thought we were going to visit Shenhe at work today?"
"Oh?" Zhongli warmly smiles at the young lady. "Did you have lunch planned at Wanmin then?"
Xianyun clears her throat loudly. She sets her teacup down quite firmly, though without any clatter, and crosses her arms. "As a reward, naturally, for how quickly her studies are progressing. Unfortunately, there will be little for anything else in the days to come. So, as lovely as an evening of opera sounds, one must decline."
"Hm. A shame, but I fully understand your commitment to Ms. Shuyu."
"Have you no one else to invite?" Xianyun cups her chin thoughtfully, eyes closing in thought. “For as long as you've resided in the harbor now, one would think you would have no shortage of acquaintances at your beck and call."
In that moment, little Shuyu takes the opportunity to down her tea as quickly as possible, grimacing, and then swallowing with a childish look of distaste. She looks over at Zhongli nervously, and he sends her a smile, wordlessly promising to keep her secret. Shuyu covers her responding grin but her shoulders shake in clear amusement.
The girl impressively returns to the very picture of discipline before Xianyun's eyes open again. "Why not the fine lady that employs you?"
Zhongli hums. "Should I exhaust all other options, I suppose she is as good an invitee as any. I was, however, hoping to make it a time to catch up with a less frequent face."
"You could always take one of those old relics." Xianyun folds her arms with a huff and a pitying shake of her head. "Having to leave one behind, however, may cause a bit of upset."
"Perhaps," Zhongli laughs. "I have plenty of time to make the offer to a handful of people yet. I only hope that I don't end up making the trek on my own. A visit that deep into Chenyu Vale is best spent with a companion, after all."
"Indeed." Xianyun reaches for a third, clean teacup, and sets it in the middle of the table. "Now, Mr. Zhongli, one always receives one's guests, no matter how brief, with full hospitality. Shuyu, take note. Shall you join us for a cup of tea before you set off on your task?"
One by one, all candidates apologize for their inability to join him, though they do express their most heartfelt flattery for being considered. Zhongli understands. It is short notice, and not many have the same luxury of time he regularly enjoys. He assures the most apologetic of them that there is no worry for causing him offense.
Still, Zhongli is a little disheartened, even morose by the time he returns to the parlor to close out some paperwork. The windows are all dark, and it is uncharacteristically quiet without the director to greet him. Ferrylady herself is nowhere to be seen, a rare absence even this late at night. Zhongli heads to the office, tucked away in the back, undoing the clasps on his jacket along the way.
Light fills the room with the few lamps Zhongli lights in the room. The largest and brightest of them sits in the window, which he opens up to air the room out while he's there. He hangs his overcoat up in the small closet he shares with the director. Zhongli sets the tickets on his desk, sits down, and removes his gloves. Those are laid to the side, out of the way of some half-finished documents.
Zhongli drums his fingers on his desk and thinks.
The trip itself is quite the trek, and would necessitate an overnight stay in Qiaoying Village. For the final leg, it would be remiss to not take in the fantastic sight that surrounded the Jademouth from the waters. The bamboo raft ride to the wharf was the most sensible way to reach Yilong Wharf, song and scenery guaranteed to delight any heart.
A breeze wafts in through the window, as if to taunt him; there are notes of qingxin in the air, as clear and fragrant as those that hide away in the peaks of Qingyun.
Zhongli leans back in his chair with a sigh.
"Perhaps a visit to them is best." Zhongli taps his index finger a few more times on the solid cedar wood. He could allow them to choose who would go, to avoid causing any slight or implications of favoritism. Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver were more than capable of making level-headed decisions like this.
Satisfied with his plan, Zhongli nods to himself—just when there's a quick knock at the front door.
"Ah." Zhongli's eyes dart to the lantern in the window. Though Ferrylady was absent that evening, the glow did give the impression they were still receiving customers.
A second, softer knock. Both Ferrylady and the director are still out and there was no way to gauge when they would be back. Zhongli rises from his chair and heads to the main door. The director would needle him for days if he dared to ignore a potential customer.
Zhongli opens the door. His eyes go wide.
Standing with one fist raised, and with his body already half-turned to retreat, Xiao stares up at Zhongli with his mouth hanging open.
Xiao lowers his fist and swallows hard. "Um. Hello. Zhongli."
Zhongli's surprise quickly gives way to utter joy. "Good evening. What brings the venerated Vigilant Yaksha to our humble parlor?"
"There is no need to..." Xiao's mouth twists into something resembling a pout. He doesn't finish what he was first saying. "I thought I would take your advice and pay a visit."
Warmth further floods Zhongli's chest, a pleasant mix of thrill and fondness. "That's right, we discussed as much in our last meeting."
"If this is an acceptable time, of course," Xiao replies. His lips tremble as he speaks. "I thought now was best to avoid as many people as possible."
"It is a perfect time." Stepping back from the doorway, Zhongli gestures for Xiao to come in. "I believe I can safely speak in our director's stead when I say you are welcome at any hour, Xiao."
The lingering hesitance in Xiao's eyes dissipates by the slightest amount. Xiao bows promptly, and Zhongli restrains the urge to chastise him for such unnecessary formalities. His friend succeeded in surmounting what was surely a most trying hurdle: Xiao was here, and the last thing Zhongli needed to do was scare him off.
When Xiao doesn't yet lift his face, Zhongli decides to take the initiative and prompt him. "Did you merely mean to make a social call, or was there something else you had in mind when coming here?"
Xiao remains engrossed in his staring contest with the floor. Hands wringing to the point that Zhongli fears for the integrity of his gloves, Zhongli gives Xiao the chance to come to his own. It was clear that Xiao has something more to share. Regardless of the severity, his last yaksha deserved every ounce of his attention and patience.
"I wondered if I could…" Xiao bites his lip again, effectively muting whatever he means to say. The line of his shoulders goes slack with glum resignation rather than ease. Whatever ails Xiao to the point of lacking words, it seems painful to get it out.
Zhongli reaches down, slowly enough to avoid spooking Xiao, and lays his hand atop Xiao's clenched ones. Gently, Zhongli unthreads one of Xiao's hands from the cat's cradle he's weaving with his own fingers, and grasps it. Zhongli tugs a little.
"Why don't you come inside?" Zhongli suggests just loud enough over the dim, distant whispers of the harbor's late-night.
"Thank you," Xiao murmurs, and once he's inside, Zhongli shuts the door behind him.
Xiao doesn't know how he would like his tea; it's the type of mundane preference that Zhongli hopes, one day, Xiao will find the leisure to discover on his own. For now, the jar of sunglo they keep for guests is suitable for the occasion, its refreshing, clean flavor a safe bet. Zhongli pairs it with a small plate of hawthorn berry cakes found in the lobby. They're most likely leftovers from the director's lunch set aside for Zhongli to find.
After an initial, uncertain nibble at the corner of one cake, Xiao's eyes go shiny and wide. He promptly finishes his first cake, and then looks up at Zhongli, not reaching for a second just yet. Zhongli smiles and pushes the plate towards him.
Zhongli waits until Xiao downs another one before speaking. "Well, I do admit it's a surprise to see you come to the harbor of your own accord."
Mid-reach towards another cake, Xiao pauses and lifts his eyes. His mouth slows to a careful chew.
"Ah." Zhongli quickly clarifies, "A lovely surprise, to be clear. I had hoped you'd accept the invitation when you found the time to do so."
"Yesh," is Xiao's cake-muffled response. He flushes when Zhongli smiles in amusement, and quickly swallows what's in his mouth. "Yes. The marsh was calmer today, so I thought to use the chance."
"Was it?" A glance down confirms Xiao's teacup is half-empty. Zhongli tops it off for him. "That is good to hear. I often wonder how you are faring, given how difficult it can be to catch a glimpse of you."
Xiao nearly drops the cake in his hand, barely closing his fingers around it to save it from a fall. "You came by the inn? If I knew, I would have waited for you."
Zhongli shakes his head. "There's no need to adjust your schedule on my behalf, Xiao. I was only passing by and hoped to offer some words of encouragement or comfort—whatever you might need most."
Xiao stares down at his hands, quiet, mulling.
"I am trying to ease the time I dedicate to my duties alone. At your suggestion, I thought this might have been a good first attempt at something more…" Xiao pauses. "...relaxing?"
"Is there anything else you've tried?" Zhongli asks, careful to keep his tone neutral.
"Well…" Pink reappears in Xiao's cheeks, and he lowers his eyes, his focus on everything and anything but the person in front of him.
Zhongli cannot hold back a short laugh. "If it's too embarrassing to share, do not feel as if you must."
"No, it's not…" Xiao sighs and shifts in his seat. The column of his throat bobs when he swallows. "The kite. Your kite. I used it a few days ago."
"Did you now?" Zhongli's eyes brighten. At Xiao's furtive nod, he smiles at him approvingly. "Wonderful. Does that mean you managed to find someone to fly it with?"
"Ah, no," Xiao admits, the corners of his mouth turning down, as though he's failed some self-imposed test. "I did not wish to trouble anyone that came to mind. I went to Mt. Aocang, where it was empty save for the birds. I didn't think I would bother anyone there if I messed up."
"Yes, our dear Cloud Retainer is favoring the harbor as of late, given the new charge she's taken on…" Zhongli perks up. "That being said, I have something to show you."
Zhongli sets his fingers atop his briefly forgotten gift and pushes them towards the space between them. The sound of paper sliding across the desk is enough to draw Xiao's attention.
"Would you like to try something else in your efforts to pull yourself away from your duties?" Zhongli pulls his hand back to allow Xiao to see the pair of tickets. "It just so happens that I have a reason to take an extended leave from the harbor."
"You're going away?" Xiao's eyes widen. "For how long?"
"A few days at most." Zhongli gives Xiao a small smile. "More importantly, these are tickets for two, and I find myself in need of a companion to share them with."
A long beat of silence hangs between them. Xiao's eyes flit back down to his lap, and he murmurs, "I'm sure you can find someone to go with."
"Everyone I've asked so far is busy with other responsibilities, from everything between their work and child care." Zhongli tilts his head at Xiao. "I know you are often busy, but if you can spare a few days, would you like to join me?"
"Ah." Xiao stares back, his lips part on a hesitant, halting breath. "That is…"
He waits for Xiao to ponder over it. The more Zhongli thinks about it, this might be the perfect outing for Xiao to begin working out of the realm of comfort. He might even appreciate the opera itself. It was an activity that did not necessitate social interaction and the private seats would allow for distance from the crowd, both of which Zhongli knew tended to overwhelm Xiao.
Perhaps he could take Xiao for a tea tasting, too, while they were there, and—well, he was getting ahead of himself. But the idea felt more appropriate than Heyu Tea House. While the smaller establishment was more casual, shows were likely to be interrupted by a row of those debating the latest tale.
Yes, a trip to the vale sounded right for Xiao at this moment.
"Based on your preference to avoid the business of the harbor, I think a trip of this nature may be more suited to your tastes. I've made it myself in the past and it is quite relaxing."
Xiao's eyes trail over the ticket, following the embossed script, and then up at Zhongli, brow furrowed. "What exactly are they for?"
"The Yun-Han Opera is on tour right now." Zhongli sits back in his seat, and crosses his arms. "The show itself has been long sold out, and tickets are rather difficult, if not impossible, to come by."
"Then they are quite valuable, aren't they?" Xiao eyes them cautiously.
"Indeed," Zhongli agrees. He leans and heads off the self-deprecatory recusal before Xiao can voice it. "I would very much like it if I could give you one of these, if you would like it."
The disbelief in Xiao's voice is painfully clear. "To me."
"Yes. I do feel it necessary to inform you that it will be in Yilong Wharf." Zhongli taps his fingers on the table, and when Xiao meets his eyes, he gently continues. "It will require a trip through Chenyu Vale. Is that a trip you see yourself capable of taking with me? We'll be on our own for some time there, without much else to distract us."
Xiao goes quiet. Zhongli can see the way his lips press together, anxiously firm. Though Zhongli cannot see it, he knows Xiao's fingers are probably working whorls into the fabric of his trousers.
Xiao lowers his gaze. "I am willing to accompany you."
Zhongli hums. "That is not what I asked you."
"You..." Xiao's eyes grow a little distant, just a flicker, and then it's gone. "I am more than capable of handling the trip, if you truly think I would make a good choice."
Zhongli pauses, and when Xiao meets his eyes again, he smiles. "I don't think it's an exaggeration to say you would make a splendid one."
It does the trick. The dullness in Xiao's eyes clears and pink dusts his cheeks. "You are… very gracious to think such a thing of me."
"I have nothing but the utmost confidence in you, Xiao." Zhongli nods at the last hawthorne cake on the plate, and waits until Xiao skittishly takes it. "We all must start somewhere, and your visit today was a resounding first step. Perhaps the opera can be your second."
Xiao pauses, mid-nibble, and raises the subject neither thought to broach yet. "My karma…"
"Ah." Zhongli presses a hand to his chin. "Well, as luck would have it, these are private seats. I think that should give us ample distance, but I will take the necessary precautions. How is your supply of medicine?"
Xiao looks down sheepishly. Fond exasperation fills Zhongli's heart and he sighs. Not exactly a surprise, but it is concerning how long Xiao will attempt to stretch out a supply by denying himself the reprieve of those painkillers. He makes a mental note to have a discussion at length with the proprietor of Bubu Pharmacy. A better formula might be needed, more potent without adverse effect, to ensure Xiao is taken care of.
"Well, you'll have to refill that before our trip." Zhongli smiles when Xiao' flush grows, spreading to the tips of his ears once he hears the word our. It's flattering that Xiao is looking forward to this as much as he is. "If your schedule permits it, why don't we go now? I'll serve you a last cup of tea to go with your cake and we can set out. Ah, haha, no need to rush, Xiao—I am in no hurry at all."
Preparing for a trip always brings excitement, but this time Zhongli finds himself exceptionally eager. It's far from the first excursion Zhongli's taken since adopting a mortal life, but it will be the first, extended time he spends with Xiao alone. In the long-gone past, they did not enjoy private moments of respite, and their present interactions are limited to the odd meet-up when Xiao asks for Zhongli's approval or input on important matters.
Zhongli is careful to not overstep or to delegate on the latter. Liyue is now a land not governed by the gods, least of all himself, and Xiao is part of that new future. Xiao is certainly better now, less willing to take his word as pure gospel, but he still has the habit of hanging on Zhongli's every syllable like they are the rule of the world.
This trip offers the chance to push a little more in remote, yet familiar, territory—but delicately so. Though he cannot claim to know all of Xiao's comings and goings, Zhongli imagines the yaksha has not crossed into Chenyu Vale on his own since coming into his service. Retreading old paths, while occasionally good for the heart, always bore the risk of stirring up worn wounds.
Xiao knows where they are headed but Zhongli is well aware that his invitation was taken with a degree of obligation. Time has yet to rid Xiao fully of his steadfast and unrelenting dedication, one Xiao holds to degrees that Zhongli, even millenia later, does not entirely fathom. Or perhaps, this is Xiao's intent to heal, with one he trusted?
The struggle on how to best handle this plagues Zhongli up until the day of departure. Even the director takes note of his meandering mind, humming at Zhongli as he stands from his desk.
"Dreaming of your sweet time off?" Hu Tao leans over her desk, hands steepled under her chin, a decidedly mischievous glint in her eyes. "Mr. Zhongli, I don't think I can remember the last time I saw you this preoccupied over the opera."
"Less the opera, and more my company." Stepping away from the desk, Zhongli heads to the small closet kept in their shared office to collect his coat.
"You never did tell me who the lucky one was," Hu Tao reminds him, her mouth curling downwards in disappointment.
Coat fastened, Zhongli only stops a last time to collect a wrapped package from his desk. "Did I not?"
"Ahhh, there you go again, being all tall, dark, and mysterious." Hu Tao sighs and leans back in her chair, pushing far enough to rock it to a teeter on its back feet. "Whoever it was, I hope they have a lovely time listening to every thesis you've got prepared. Oh, and remember to bring some more sunglo back with you? I think we're almost out."
"I'll make sure to bring back enough to adequately replenish our stock," Zhongli promises. "If you need nothing more from me…"
"Get going, you'll miss the boarding if you linger here any more!" Hu Tao waves at him jauntily. "We will do our best to survive without our trusty, dusty consultant."
Zhongli leaves the funeral parlor and makes his way down the main thoroughfare that will lead to the docks. The harbor is still a bit slow this early in the morning. Clumps of workers and loaders are already hard at work, but most of the wood stalls remain barren of goods and their owners. A light mist lingers in the air, with sunlight creeping across the surface of the water.
At the end of the steps, still a ways from the loading area, Zhongli steps to the side of one stone pillar and calls: "Xiao."
Xiao answers his summons, as subtly as one can manage in broad daylight. Wisps of teal manifest before Xiao appears just barely hidden by the height and width of the pillar. Clearly by habit, Xiao begins to lean over in the start of a bow, but then flushes and thinks better of it.
If it is due to being in public or attempting to forgo formalities, it is still progress. Zhongli cannot help but warmly smile at him. "Good morning, Xiao."
"Good morning." Xiao pauses and eyes the wrapped bundle held in Zhongli's arms. "Did we require provisions for this trip? If I was supposed to bring something along, I can still leave to get whatever you might need."
"Ah, no. I thought to purchase you something practical, and to commemorate the occasion." Zhongli hands the packet over.
Xiao stays stock-still, rather admirably mimicking the pillar they are standing by. "I—for me?"
"For you." Zhongli smiles, waiting. Reaching out at a snail's pace, Xiao eventually takes the package like it would crumble at his touch. "It's nothing spectacular, but it seemed suitable for our trip."
"Oh." Xiao fingers press a little into the parcel. The soft package yields under his touch. "May I open it?"
"Of course," Zhongli says, holding a hand out to prompt him. "I admit, I'm eager to know if you like it."
Xiao's gapes as if he is affronted by the very notion. "I am certain whatever you saw fit to give me is perfect."
"You should open it first before deciding that," Zhongli laughs, nodding his head at Xiao to proceed.
Red blooms in Xiao's cheeks and he stares at his present. Slowly, he opens up the wrappings. He blinks at the cloth within the crinkled paper. "This is—clothing?"
"Sleepwear, to be precise." Zhongli waits for Xiao to lift up the shirt to inspect it. A practical shirt and pants for bed, the fabric a soft combination of silk flower and cotton. "I thought you might not have any of your own, I thought it might be useful if you had some for the trip."
Xiao's brow furrows in a most endearing manner. "What would I need sleepwear for?"
Zhongli folds his arms matter-of-factly. "For the first stop on our trip, I booked a room at Qiaoying Village for us in advance."
Xiao's face abruptly pales. "What… what room?"
"A room to spend the night there. Making the trip from Qiaoying to the wharf in a single day, while not exactly taxing for either of us, would hardly allow us the time to enjoy the sights or what Qiaoying has to offer. A night's stay seemed most sensible so we need not rush."
"I…" Xiao's eyes flit back down to the clothing, back up to Zhongli, then to somewhere to the side. "I suppose you are right."
Zhongli pauses. After some thought, he raises one hand and carefully sets in on Xiao's shoulder. Unsurprisingly, the line of Xiao's shoulders hunch up, as if in defense. Zhongli takes no offense; in his eagerness to spend time with Xiao, he evidently took action too hastily.
"If it makes you uncomfortable, whether the stay or the item, you are free to reject both," Zhongli says, firm enough to make it clear he does not expect Xiao to take the suggestion without protest.
Xiao shakes his head. Drawing the clothing close to his chest, Xiao lifts his head up again, and it's a relief to see that though Xiao's voice is soft, there isn't a trace of uncertainty in his eyes. Just the typical nervous, if earnest, stare Zhongli often, gladly, finds himself on the end of.
"It's alright. I… thank you." Xiao hugs them a little closer, the wrappings crinkling softly as they're flattened against his chest. "It's true that I don't own anything of this quality for sleep."
Zhongli kindly does not share his suspicion that Xiao owned nothing in the way of sleepwear at all before this. He is, after all, well-aware of the rumored sightings of adepti that perfected the art of sleeping while standing.
With the air a bit lighter between them now, Zhongli smiles at him. "Perhaps that is something we can correct on this trip. There are plenty of skilled weavers and artisans in the village. well-suited for you can be found."
Xiao's blush makes a return, this time spreading as far as the tips of his ears. "This is more than plenty, especially when I barely—that is, I don't need—"
Xiao's fluster draws out a warm laugh from Zhongli, the sound of which only serves to worsen the blush to a fevered spread all over Xiao's face. Rather than tease the adeptus further to a faint, Zhongli lets it go for now. There is ample time, after all, to take advantage and spoil Xiao to ensure his enjoyment on this trip.
Setting a gentle hand against Xiao's back, Zhongli guides him towards the direction of the loading area. "If there's anything you think we need for our travel, do not keep it to yourself. We should both be comfortable on this journey, should we not?"
Xiao mutely nods. Zhongli sighs but does not push him for a reply, allowing the question to remain in the air. The idea, at least, is out there for Xiao to keep in mind. Zhongli knows Xiao deserves this, needs this, more than anyone he knows.
People are trickling into the area, workers and visitors alike, and the docks begin to stir with business and bustle. With the way Xiao's shoulders hunch up, the atmosphere is beginning to push the limits of his tolerance. Zhongli steers him clear of the densest parts of it all, hanging back with Xiao while the ship is loaded with presumably exports for Qiaoying. They can board last.
Just as the last of the crates are situated and passengers are signaled to board, there's a pull at one sleeve of Zhongli's jacket. It's so brief and hesitant, that he nearly misses it entirely. Zhongli shifts his focus to Xiao at his side. Xiao almost looks ashamed, like he's been caught doing something untoward and already regrets it.
One of the sailor's calls for passengers for a second, louder time while stragglers arrive breathless behind them. Zhongli does not look away from Xiao at all.
"Yes?" Zhongli tilts his head. "What is it, Xiao?"
When Xiao first tries to speak, a small, helpless sound falls from his lips. He tries again, though it's just barely audible over the voices gathering around them. "Before we go, I wanted to…"
This is obviously of utmost importance. Around them, the increasing clamor is rather distracting, enough so that it may be throwing Xiao off-kilter and making his efforts even harder than they need be. Zhongli guides them away from being so close to the chaos. It's empty by one of the stalls not open for business, and Zhongli pulls Xiao in that direction.
Once they are a decent way away from the fray, Zhongli sets his hands on Xiao's shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. Xiao looks up at him, but is still in a struggle for words.
"Take your time," Zhongli says softly. He rubs his thumb at the curve of Xiao's shoulder. "There is no need to rush whatever you need to say. I am not going anywhere."
What more can he do to ease Xiao's anxiety, enough so that the tension leaves his form, and he can speak freely? Though some stiffness leaves Xiao's form, either grateful for Zhongli's patience or the space to allow his nerves to settle, his shoulders slump under Zhongli's hold. It is not out of relief, but rather, with resignation.
"I…" Xiao lowers his eyes to the ground. "I wanted to thank you for inviting me."
Zhongli frowns. "Is that truly all?"
"Yes." Xiao nods, turning back to the milling crowd. The sailor announces his final call. "Perhaps we should head back. It looks like they won't wait much longer."
To push this any further might invite a change of mood Xiao does not need right now. This is to be a calming excursion, and Zhongli is determined to ensure that it remains that way. Doing so means Xiao will dictate how it all should proceed.
"Hm. You are right, it's best we make our way over before we are left behind." Zhongli lets the matter drop. With a last, comforting grip on Xiao's shoulder, he leads Xiao back to board the ship that will take them on the start of their journey.
Zhongli only hopes that Xiao will have the willingness to broach the subject again, whatever it might be.