Book of One-Sh!ts

[Kazuha x Xiao] Where the Wind Takes

"Who dares to trespass on holy ground?" 

"Forgive me, I am but a traveler. My name is Kaedehara Kazuha. There was a sweet scent in this direction so I followed it. I mean no disrespect." 

"A traveler?" Xiao crossed his arms. "I suppose I cannot fault you for your ignorance. These are adepti lands. It would behoove you to avoid them. Adepti cannot interact with humans." 

"Is that so?" Kazuha placed his hand on his chin and closed his eyes. He allowed the wind to fill in the gaps. "I see. I apologize, I shall try to avoid you in the future, adeptus." 

Xiao's eyes widened ever so slightly but he nodded and crossed his arms. "Good." 

...

Kazuha rested on a warm rock at the top of a mountain he'd climbed. He laid down and allowed the sun to warm him. A familiar scent rested on his nose. Were these also holy grounds? He didn't open his eyes and drifted off but the smell was still there once he awoke. Eyes fluttering open, he saw the figure of the adeptus he'd met before. 

"It is dangerous to fall asleep here, traveler," Xiao stated, not looking down at him. His arms were crossed and he stared out at the mountain's viewpoint. "Geovishaps enjoy this location." 

"Were you here to watch over me as I slept?" Kazuha sat up and brushed off the dirt on his shoulder. "Very kind of you." 

"I did no such thing," Xiao replied, turning to leave. Kazuha simply blinked and Xiao disappeared into the wind. 

"I wonder if he will tell me his name one of these days." 

...

Kazuha sipped tea as he listened to the buzzing around him. 

"One of the yaksha lives at this inn. Isn't that a bit terrifying?" 

"Don't disrespect him! He watches over and protects the people of Liyue!" 

"It's still scary..." the stranger looked up at the top of the inn. 

"I heard he likes almond tofu, perhaps you should offer him some or he will take his revenge on what you've said!" the other stranger slapped the first one on the back of the head. 

"Hm, almond tofu?" Kazuha drank the rest of his tea and climbed the winding path to the top of the inn. The tree laced with that familiar scent. "I suppose this must be his..." Kazuha muttered, leaning up against the railing. He stared out at the plains beneath him and smiled slightly. "It's not such a bad view," he spoke to himself. It was no wonder that he lived here. 

"I have begun to think you are following me, traveler," Xiao appeared behind him and walked up to the space next to him. His arms still crossed and his eyes still narrow. He was stern, foreboding, but never once attempted to force Kazuha away. If anything, he was rather kind. 

"It's pure coincidence, I can assure you," Kazuha replied. He took out a pouch from his bag and held it out to Xiao. "For your troubles. I heard you enjoy almond tofu." 

Xiao's eyes widened slightly but he took the pouch all of the same. He opened it and attempted a bite. "Did you make this?" 

"I attempted to..." Kazuha chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"That would explain the taste," Xiao sighed, but still continued to eat it. 

"I suppose I shall have to work on my offerings in the future." 

"I heard you say this was a coincidence." 

"It was, and it has been, but..." Kazuha leaned his arm up against the railing and his chin rested on his hand. "It may not be in the future." 

"An adeptus cannot-" 

"Of course," Kazuha nodded. "However, I have heard rumors on the wind that Liyue is changing. Perhaps the old contracts may change as well," Kazuha smiled and stepped onto the railing. 

"I shall hope to see you again, adeptus," Kazuha waved and fell backward, riding on the wind with his gliders to the plains. 

"I should hope not," Xiao shook his head and continued eating the almond tofu. A small smile curving at the edges of his lips. "But, then again, I suppose it wouldn't be that bad..."