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Zhongli just returned home. He entered through the front door of his mansion as quietly as he could, making sure not to wake the other Adepti’s who would surely hear him with their special abilities if he even made a creak.
He wiped the blood off his gold spear before putting it away as it turned into glowing particles and disappeared. On his way back, he fought a couple of Abyss creatures and monsters that lurked around the Harbor. He’d spent the entire day going through meeting after meeting. Some with business people, some with leaders from other nations, and some that made him want to rip the person’s head off. Who knew humans could be so irritating at times?
But he kept his composure. Of course he did. He’s practiced staying calm for six thousand years, so it’s nothing to him. Even though the constant meetings were tiring, he was glad that his schedule was now cleared for at least a week since he got everything done today. He can finally spend some more quality time with his Adepti family- and more importantly, his son; Xiao. Just the thought of it made the corner of his mouth tug upwards a bit. Oh, how happy that boy made him and the hold he has on the Geo Archon’s heart.
He silently walked through the dark entrance and put a few shopping bags down that were in his hands (he picked up a few errands for Cloud Retainer on the way back as well).
’Might as well get everything done today,’ he thought to himself.
While putting the bags down, something caught his eye. His quick instincts (developed over six thousand years of living, yes) immediately went to one of the hallways nearby to see what it was, only to pause at the sight.
Around the corner of the hallway, a head peeked out. Too dark to fully see the person’s face, but their amber eyes shone through the darkness of the night (technically morning) and stared back at him.
If it were any other person, they probably would’ve screamed or froze out of fear at whatever creature was staring at them from the hallway. But Zhongli reacted with a slightly confused look as he recognized his son’s eyes.
”Xiao?” Why are you still up? he didn’t add.
The young Yaksha blinked back at him, stepping out slightly so now Zhongli could see half of his body, revealing the comfy night clothes he had on. Despite the lingering question in his mind, Zhongli still found it adorable that his Yaksha had possibly waited all night just to see him.
With a warm smile, he spoke quietly. “Come here, my dear. But be quiet.”
A small sparkle went through Xiao’s eyes as he somewhat jogged over to Zhongli, his socks padding against the floor softly. Throwing his arms around his father’s torso, Xiao closed his eyes and relished in the warmth of the contact, finally being able to hug his dad after being gone for the entire day and now returning at 1 in the morning.
Zhongli hugged Xiao back, gently holding his face and peppering it with featherlight kisses. When he was done, Xiao looked over at the grocery bags.
”..What’s in there?”
Zhongli quietly shushed him in response. “The others are still sleeping. Not everyone likes staying up until 1 AM, you know.” He said while lightly tapping Xiao’s nose. Xiao smiled back and hugged him again.
“Do you still have work to do?”
Zhongli shook his head lightly. “No, I’m finished. We can go to sleep now.”
Right on cue, Xiao let out a soft yawn. Zhongli chuckled lowly before scooping up the boy, carrying him in the crook of his arm.
”Let’s get you back to bed before you fall asleep on your feet.”
Xiao wrapped his arms around Zhongli’s neck as he was whisked way and carried off to bed. Once they arrived and after Zhongli was comfortable, they cuddled up in his large bed, with Xiao curled up in his side and his head on the man’s chest. Silence passed as Zhongli soothingly scratched Xiao’s head, bringing a soft sigh from the younger. His father’s touch always made him want to fall asleep no matter where he was. The warmth and love of it always brought Xiao a sense of security, as if he was being held by the mountains of Liyue itself (which wouldn’t be too far off from the Lord of Geo). Sturdy and strong.
“What were you even doing up so late?” Zhongli’s gentle voice brought Xiao out of his thoughts, mumbling a reply. “..Waiting for you…”
Zhongli hummed with a small smile. “Is that so… how sweet of you.”
The silence went on for a while longer. Then Zhongli pressed a loving kiss to the crown of Xiao’s head.
”Sweet dreams, my little angel.”
Xiao felt a smile cross his lips before falling into a dreamless sleep. It was about 2 AM now, but he didn’t care, and he doubted his father did either. He doesn’t have any work in the morning, so they can sleep for as long as they like.