Sibling of a Qilin

Calm seas

He turned to the direction of where the freshwater originated. You also begin to watch the calm waters and take in the view from Qingce village.

"I'd like you to persuade Xiao into coming to see the lantern rite from Liyue harbor."

You blinked slowly, watching as Zhongli kept his eyes on you. "An odd request I am aware, my apologies," Zhongli said, glancing at you, you bowed your head slightly.

"Lantern rite.. it feels like years since I've been to one." You murmured to no one in particular, but the now mortal god had listened in. "Though his respect has never dwindled, he's yet to properly see me, only in the company of the traveler does he agree to meet me. I believe he sees me as just another mortal and clearing up that issue would be beneficial." Zhongli explained, starting to walk down the stairs.

"That's all your left to say?" You said in surprise, your god was quite the reminiscer. The man paused in front of the wooden slabs leading down, looking back at you for a brief moment. "Perhaps, refrain from using my formal name in such activities."

Zhongli said calmly, turning to the stairs, your jaw hung. Turning a jueyun chili color, oh to be exposed to someone you admired.

• Wangshu Inn •

Xiao awoke to creaking within his quarters, slowly opening his eyes. Looking to where you once were to see you no longer there. "Hmm, they left already then," Xiao muttered under his breath.

You were in fact, in the room. Perhaps he hadn't noticed your presence due to a hazy after experience.
"No, I'm still here." You say, appearing at the edge of the bed. Xiao glances at you and then himself.

"My clothing?!"

"It's gone, I put it in the wash. You do not need to worry about it." You said, going to your side of the bed and laying down. Xiao grips the blanket, trying to cover his body. He's an unfamiliar shade of pink, with the color only lightly dusting his cheeks.

He was silent, staring at you with Amber-glossy eyes. Eventually, after minutes of silence, he spoke, "What took place happened quick, I did not mean for it to escalate so fast. These deeds should not be done unless the participants are... this was scandalous."

"Then we should just-"
The sound of Xiao leaving the room was loud, like a gust of wind rippling against your ear. He was unsure, perhaps a mess, probably teleported to his abode where other clothing was kept.

You quickly leaped to your feet, ready to chase after Xiao. Even if he ran from what was coming. You flashed through scenarios in your head. Plan? You lacked one, this time you couldn't plan. Xiao was like a cat, agile, quick, quiet at times.

Pinpointing his location would be a hard job alone. Madame Ping must know, right?

No matter, you closed your eyes. The familiar sinking feeling of falling into the water before emerging from darkness. You stood at Liyue harbor, in particular in front of madame ping. As the old woman studied glaze lilies you quickly appeared from behind.

"Good afternoon Madame Ping."

"Hello child," The old Adeptus turned around and smiled softly at you. "Come for tea?" You shook your head, waving your hand dismissively. "Unfortunately no, I was hoping you could help me, find Xiao."