Work Text:
Zhongli was sitting at his large polished mahogany desk in his office at the parlor, doing the regular paper work and going over tge preparation lists made by customers. It was a normal day, nothing special was to happen.
This was the life the ex archon had hoped for. To every regular mortal, this would be unfathomable. Why would someone wish to live like this? Getting up in the morning every single day just to go to an office to do paper work. This was the life most people tried to escape, and yet, here he was enjoying it.
As a being who has shed far to much blood, lost far to many friends and has experienced more than what he would like, the normalcy of getting up, working, and retiring for the night was quite welcoming.
But it seemed today would not be so normal afterall.
A knock at his open office door made him look up from the pile of paper work infront of him
''Mr Zhongli?'' The young lady working at the reception of the parlor stood by the door, she was new here, having only worked at the parlor for a few weeks.
''A child is asking to see you, they said their name was Xiao, do you know them?''
Xiao? Did something happen?
''I do, please let them in '' He said calmy, in his usual warm tone.
''Of couse.'' She quickly left to get the 'child' and a minute later she was back, but this time the short green haired boy was beside her.
She told him to go inside, gave a short bow to Mr Zhongli, who mouthed a thank you at her, then quietly left to go back to her work station.
''Xiao, how lovely to see you here.'' Zhongli said, getting up to close his office door for some privacy.
Xiso was still standing beside the door, were the lady had left him, fiddling nervously with his gloves. He mumbled a greeting, not really looking at Zhongli.
Hm, strange. He looks extremely nervous, and does not seem to be able to keep eye contact.
''You look a little unwell, did something happen?''
''N-no, everything is fine, I-I just...thought I should pay you a visit.''
Zhongli grew concerned, his smile turning into a frown. His behavior was so unlike him.
''That is very thoughtful of you,'' He led them both to the seating area, made up of two brown lether couches opposite of each other, as well as a couch table with a plate of cookies and a tea set in the middle.
''But I do not think that is the true reason for your visit. Or am I wrong?''
Xiao didn't answer, only shrinking in on himslef further. They sat opposite of each other, this way Zhongli could look directly at him. He studied Xiao's body language and expressions, and it was very clear thst something was going on with him.
''Xiao'' He called Softly, meeting the boys gaze. ''What is burdening you?''
''N-nothing!'' Xiao himself looked surprised by the sudden answer. ''I mean there is-there- nothing is burdening me.'' Xiao tried looking away, suddenly finding the corner of his office very interesting. His cheeks started to turn a soft pink.
Zhongli didn't say anything, simply giving Xiao the time he needed to open up.
It was silent now, the only sound in the room being the sound of Xiao fidgeting with his gloves.
The boy bit his lips, and swallowed thickly, but stayted quite.
Zhongli waited s few more minutes, before letting out a sigh. He got up from the couch, the sudden unexpected move made Xiao flinch. He walked over to the other couch, and sat beside Xiao, who was now looking at him, wide eyed, scared.
Zhongli's heart throbbed at the site. What could possibly have his little adeptus scared?
He took Xiao's habd in his, sqeezing it once,
''Xiao, my little bird, whatever may be troubling you, you can tell me, I am here for you no matter what.'' Xiao finnaly looked him in the eye, lips trembling at his archons words.
He quickly looked away, down at his lap.
His mouth opened and closed a few times, but no words came out.
''I-it's s-stupid, I shouldn't be b-bothering you with it'' he said quietly, barely above wisper. At that Zhongli sqeezed his hand again, taking Xiao's other hand in his as well, forcing Xiao to trun to him, even if just slightly.
''Nothing could ever be stupid, not if it is upsetting you this much,'' Zhongli murmured, his voice calm and steady.
''It's...It's just that.....I...'' He started, trying to put his thoughts into words. In reality he had no idea why he even here. It was stupid really. So stupid. He wished he could just teleport away and forget this ever happened, but....he shouldn't. Zhongli was clearly worried now, and with the way he was looking at him.....no, he can't leave now, he has to finish what he started, wven if by the end of this, Zhongli will probably think him to be childish.
Xiao took a deep breath, and started again.
''I had a nightmare. I was alone.....everyone was gone- you were gone. And-I just...I just don't want- don't think I can be alone right now.....'' He held his breath, waiting for Zhongli's reaction. He did not dare to look up, fearing the unpleasant look Zhongli must be giving him now.
''I-I'm sorry, I-I shouldn't have- this is so stupid-''
''Xiao'' Zhongli quickly interrupted him, and Xiao was surprised to find that his voice was filled with warmth, instead of the cold disgust he had expected
The archon let go of his hands, instead cupping Xiao face, making the adeptus look up at him. He smiled at Xiao, not mockingly, but rather with a warmth and love he would not expect to ever be directed at him.
''That is in no way stupid, my Xiao. You cannot believe how proud I am of you right now, proud that you were able to open up to me. I know how hard it is for you every single day, and I also know that you tend to burry all your emotions deep inside of you, instead of letting others help you.
So for you to open up to me today, that shows me how strong you are, my Xiao.''
Proud? Zhongli was...proud of him...?
''You are proud of me?'' Xiso asked, in the smalled voice Zhongli has ever heard from him.
''Very '' Zhongli slowly wrapped his arms around Xiao's small frame, hugging him close. ''You can stay with me today if you would like'' he murmured, and felt Xiao give a littl nod from were he was pressed against his chest. ''Yes please'' he added quietly.
''Good,'' kissed the crown on Xiao's head, ''Though I still have to stay in my office for a few more hours, I can get you comfortable and you can just stay here with me while I do my work, alright?''
Xiao gave another nod at that.
''Hmm,'' Zhongli looked around the room, figuring put hoe to get Xiao comfortable.
He could push the couch closer to his desk, add some pillows and blankets, and make some more tea. Yes, that should work.
He gave Xiao a gentle sqeeze, ''I am going to push the couch closer to my desk, that way, you can rest while still being close to me.''
Xiao looked up at him all of the sudden, ''rest?'' He seemd scared at the notion sleeping, but it made sense, considering his reason for even being here.
''You don't have to sleep, I mearly meant for you to relax, maybe read a book. But if you do decide you would like some sleep, rest assured, I will make sure your next dream will be a sweet one.''
Xiao visibly relaxed at Zhongli's words, but said nothing in relpy. It seemed hid lack of sleep wa taking a greater toll on him than he thought, or let on.
Zhongli pulled away fromt the embrace, getting up to rearrange to the room set up. He pushed the couch Xiao was currently still on over to his desk, earning a surprised yelp from the adeptus.
He chuckled softly, ''my apologies, I should have warned you'' He could see Xiao's face turn pink at the undignified sound he let out just now. Adorable.
After confirming that the placement of the couch was alright, he strode over to a wooden box in the corner of the room, containing more couch pillows and blankets. He took all of them and placed them on the couch, letting Xiso arrange them to hid liking.
He also pulled the small couch table over, positioning it at the end of the couch close to Xiao’s head. This way it would be in arms reach.
He poured some of the still hot tea into othe the cups, one for him and one for Xiao. He placed his own on his desk, and left the other on the table.
''Would you like to read a book? I have a few options''
Xiao though for a while, then nodded his head. He was getting less and less verbal, a clear sign of exhaustion.....
''Alright, let me see....'' he looked over the book shelve, taking out books and placing them back if they did not seem good enough. ''Would prefer a story book, or a book on liyuen history?'' Zhongli asked, still looking through the shelve.
''Umm....story book...?'' Xiao answered shyly.
''Ah, then I have just the right book for you.''
He took out a thick, dark red book with yellowed pages. It was clearly very old, maybe part of Zhongli's personal collection?
''Here, it had multiple stories, most of them are liyuen tales, but some of them also originate from sumeru and mondstadt. The book was given to me a long time ago by a dear friend of mine.''
Xiao took it after a moment of hesitation. Was this alright? Was he allowed to read a book meant for children? But if someone gave it to Zhongli, it must be alright.
Seeing as Zhongli was now going back to his desk to finish his work, he got comfortable on the couch, pulling the blankets over and around himself and used the pillows as extra cushions.
Another knock sounded at the door, this time it was Hutao voice which called for him.
''Zhongli, could we have a little talk?''
She called from the other side. He could tell from her voice that she was up to no good.
''I will come outside, one moment please.''
He called back. He knew Xao would be uncomfortable with anyone seeing him this vulnerable right now.
''Don't worry I will be right back'' he assured before he stepped outside.
''What can I do for you ms Hu?''
''Ayaa, always so formal Mr Zhongli~''
She had that grin plastered on her face, Zhongli just hoped this would be quick.
''There is a lot of work to be done, so I must get back to it soon, if you would allow.'' Zhongli spoke, careful to keep the building annoyance out if his tone.
''Of couse, of course! Though I do know that it's not work that makes you want to leave me so quickly,'' She said in a playful voice, clasping her hands behind her back
''I know the conqueror of demons is with you, and as your boss, I just wanted to make sure everything was in order, ya know? Also, he has been in there for quite a long time, I hope you weren't discussing future clients without my presence.''
''Though I canot disclose any information on what we hsve been doing, I can assure you we were not doing anything business related.''
''Not business related? Huh...then it must be personal. Well whatever, wince you won't tell me, I will just have to fimd something else to occupy myself with.''
And with that she left. Zhongl let out a long sigh. At least this was quick.
He steped back into his office, Xiao looked up at Zhongli, glancing behind him to make sure noone else was coming in.
''She just left, no need to worry.''
He walked back to his desk and gave Xiso a pat on the head when he passed him.
''How are you feeling? Would you like to try and get some sleep?''
Xiao quickly shook his head, still scared the nightmare would reoccur.
Zhongli frowned. Xiao looked tired, he already had dark circles under his eyes....
''Come now, I told you I will make sure you have pleasant dreams. Your body needs rest.'' He tried, but Xiao was still hesitant.
''But I'm not tired..'' as if on cue, he let out a big yawn.
''Haha, I see, not tited at all.'' Zhongli chuckled, and Xiso flushed red, covering his mouth.
''I will be here the whole time, and I promise you will feel much better after a long nap.'' He tried again to convince him, but this time it sounded more final.
''Fine'' Xiao grumbled, not at all pleased.
He closed the book and placed it on the table, then plopped his head down on one of the pillows.
Zhongli leaned over from were he was sitting on his chair and tucked the blanked around Xiao.
And not a minute later, his little yaksha was fast asleep, letting out soft snores every now and then.
He would be done with work in about two hours, but he couldn't just send Xiao back to the inn. No, that wouldn't be right, his little yaksha still needed him. He would just take him home, were Xiao can continue sleeping. Come morning, they will decide what to do next. But for now, Xiao is staying with him.