farewell • xiao

chap. 9

t i m e s k i p

She could already feel the cold breeze on her skin from afar, as she stepped closer towards the giant mountain near Mondstadt.

Xiao tilted his head and let his gaze wander over his companion, his hair gently swaying in the wind as he did so.

It has been a week now, and (y/n) was almost done with collecting everything for the polearm. It would be a lie to say that it wasn't exhausting to get the needed materials..

flashback

A young man appeared behind Zhongli, smiling as he waved at (y/n) and Xiao, who happened to stand next to her.

The orange-haired guy introduced himself as Childe, one of the Harbingers. His blue eyes charmed his appearance and his smile was bright whenever he spoke.

"Mr. Zhongli over there", he pointed towards the tall man next to him. "..informed me that you need some of our blades, is that right?"

The girl confirmed his statement with a simple "Yes", to which Childe responded with a small nod.

Just a few moments later he shoved a heavy bag into (y/n)'s arms, his lips tugging into a warm smile.

"Those blades are from the fallen fatui members. We still have a huge amount of them in stock, so feel free to contact me again if you need more"

Xiao looked at the bag that contained the so said "high-quality blades". He couldn't deny that he was a little curious about the production of his future weapon.

(y/n) gazed at the Harbinger and thanked him with a closed-eye smile. "What do you want in return?"

Childe paused for a moment, before letting out a short laugh. "I don't mind doing my friends a small favor", he scratched his neck, his orange hair falling over his calming blue eyes.

(y/n) couldn't help but wonder how such a nice guy was part of the Fatui. Her brother, Diluc, had told her multiple times to stay away from that organization, back when she was younger.

"Oh..", the boy let out a sigh and turned to the Fatui Agents, who were calling for the Harbinger from afar. "Looks like i have to leave already. It was nice to meet you, (y/n), Xiao", and with a quick wave he ran off to his subordinates.

Zhongli stared after the GINGERHEAD, who was now talking to the other Fatui members. "Well then, let's get to work again", (y/n) turned to Xiao, who answered with a quick nod.

The more time the Adeptus had spend with the blacksmith, the more eager he became to help with the production of his polearm.

Zhongli looked at the two younger people in front of him, warmly smiling down at them before slowly taking his leave as well, leaving (y/n) and Xiao alone again.

————

And now, here they were. In front of Dragonspine, on the hunt for Starsilver.

"I cant believe Sucrose goes here voluntarily", (y/n) mumbled to herself, as she put on a thick coat that Hu Tao had borrowed her. It had multiple buttons and pockets, not to forget the hood.

Xiao just silently watched as his companion put on more layers of clothing, from scarfs to gloves, a hat and winter boots.

He couldn't help but wonder.. "What does the cold feel like?" (y/n) paused and looked at him with big eyes.

"You don't feel different temperatures?". She paused for a moment after he had shook his head, then shrugged her shoulders. "Well, uhh.. it feels cold?"