"What did he do? I saw him earlier today." you curiously asked.
"You saw him? He's wanted for stealing and mocking soldiers." Paimon explained.
"Oh, but he told me he didn't actually do the crimes." you spoke.
"I bet that dummy was lying to get out of trouble!" Paimon stomped their feet into the imaginary ground while floating.
"I don't know but I hope you two catch him and figure out what his deal is." you said to them.
"Paimon hopes so too! He has a big bounty on him so Paimon hopes we find him soon! Right, traveler?" Paimon asked her partner.
Aether nodded.
You said goodbye to both of them, since it was getting kind of late and you had to get home.
before you went to the inn you went to buy some flowers in Liyue Harbor. You had to choose between Silk Flowers, Cecilias, Snapdragons, Qingxin or Glaze Lilies.
You stood and thought for a moment.
"I wonder what flowers he likes." you murmured.
You jumped a bit when you felt a hand being placed on your shoulder.
"Who are you buying flowers for?" you recognized the cheery voice. It was Hu Tao. You were sure she was going to tease you about this.
"I'm buying them for Xiao." you sighed. no point in hiding it now anyways.
"Huh? Do you mean the Adeptus boy?" She was confused.
"Yes. Do you know what flowers he would like?" you asked her since you couldn't decide.
"I personally really like Silk Flowers but I've seen Qiqi giving him Qingxin." she answered.
"Who's Qiqi? Is she an adeptus?" you asked. You hadn't met this friend of Hu Tao's.
"Not really. She's a little zombie. She sometimes gives Xiao flowers because he was one of the people who resurrected her." Hu Tao explained.
"I see, do you think I should get him Qingxin?" you asked her for advice.
"I don't see why not." she smiled at you.
"I'll have 5 Qingxin, please!" you asked the saleswoman.
"That's going to be 2500 mora." she said as she was wrapping the flowers in some paper.
"Here you go." you gave her the 2500 mora and took the flowers.
You said goodbye to Hu Tao and returned to the inn.
"Who did you get these from?" the lady at the inn asked.
"I got them for my friend." you answered her.
You quickly walked up to the balcony. It was already sunset so you just left the flowers there for Xiao to take.
-Next morning-
You woke up, got ready and went up to the balcony to see if Xiao had taken the flowers.
You rushed up to the balcony.
The Qinxin weren't there. You looked down from the balcony. Just in case.
You did a little happy dance when you saw they weren't thrown off the balcony.
---
The next few days until the Lantern Rite Festival passed quickly. Before you knew it, it was already the day of the festival. You remember that you had to meet Xiao at the festival.
You got dressed up nicely for that day even though you knew Xiao was just going to wear the same outfit he always has on. That was fine by you.
You waited for him at the teleport waypoint just outside of Liyue Harbor. That way he wouldn't have to be between the huge crowd but could still enjoy the lanterns.
You had even made 2 Xiao lanterns so you could both light them up and make a wish.
He shoved up and you hugged. He gave really good hugs despite his serious personality.
You sat together while watching everything light up. He put his hand on yours and you felt your cheeks heat up a little. You kind of hoped it wasn't an accident.
When everyone started releasing their Xiao lanterns you took Xiao's hand and made him stand up with you. You gave him the lantern which took him by surprise. He didn't notice you had taken those with you.
You both lit the lanterns and let them into the sky.
You wished for love. A bit cliché but you didn't care about the wish that much. You were really enjoying this moment with Xiao.
It was time for the grand lantern. You watched them in awe.
You had never seen anything this stunning.
It was almost like the grand lantern was alive.
In the moment the lantern finished Xiao cupped your face and gently pulled your face closer to his.
He made direct eye contact with you. Both of your faces were red but neither of you cared.
"Y/n," Xiao started.
"Can I?"
You gave him a quick nod and then your lips met.
His lips were soft and he was a gentle kisser.
Both of you pulled away for a second to catch your breath.
You leaned in again.
This time it was longer and more passionate. You felt his tongue coming. It was almost like it was asking for permission to be let in.
The kiss was gentle and you were both enjoying it.
You pulled away from Xiao and he put his shoulder around you, squeezing you a little bit.
"Will you be mine?" he asked while leaning his head against yours.
"Of course, Xiao."
You enjoyed the rest of the night with him.
That was also the night you remembered who you were.
