✧.* 𝒀𝒐𝒌𝒂𝒊 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒀𝒂𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒂 ᵍᵉⁿˢʰⁱⁿ

ix - a needed talk or two

The morning held the dull color it always did when it was graced with the clouds and the ever-present threat of rain. You were already gone by the time that Xiao had returned to the inn, he noted, and a gentle sigh escaped his lips.

Liyue seemed to be in a peacetime unmatched. The once potent scent of demons now drifted into unfamiliarity, troubled mortals called for him less and less—whether that was because they needed him less or fewer knew of the legend in the first place, he wasn't sure. He was almost perturbed with the silent serenity that now blanketed his home.

It was a product of his life's work, and also a sign that he'd soon find himself out of place.

That isn't to say he wanted Liyue to be chaos-ridden once more. In fact, he could only hope that this old place would become one where he wasn't needed. A day where the monsters in the corner burned in the light is one where, maybe, his contract would be fulfilled.

Maybe it is then that he could find that tune in the field of flowers that blooms in his dreams.

That fleeting fantasy engulfed him so thoroughly that he missed the company arrive. Aether tapped him on the shoulder, finally drawing his attention.

"Um... Xiao? Are you okay?" He asked, his head tilted to the side and his lips pressed together in a thin line.

"Yes, I'm fine. I didn't know you were coming, do you need something?" Xiao responded, his wits returning in a satisfying clearness.

"Oh, not really..." A silence filled the air between them, an unspoken invitation for the ever so bold traveler to question. "Do you... do you like being alone?"

Xiao hummed, his brows knitting together in slight confusion. "What brought this on?"

"Well, I've been meaning to ask for a bit... but it didn't seem right when Paimon was right there," Aether said, his explanation tied with a short laugh. "She's downstairs with the chef, if you're wondering."

"I wasn't."

"Fair enough. You didn't answer my question, by the way."

"Mm."

"You don't... have to," Aether paused. "I was just... wondering, since you told me about... well, everything. Is this something you want?"

"My wants are impertinent when compared to the needs of Liyue."

Aether sighs, taking your seat at the bench. "That's not what I asked."

Xiao glanced at him, noting the look of hardened concern on his face. "I'm not alone," his answer comes quiet. "Not anymore."

Aether smiles, shaking his head. "Alright, I'll drop it then."

Paimon rejoined them on the balcony a little while later, commenting naively on the tension that seemed to linger. They talked—Aether and Paimon, with Xiao listening almost contently—until the moon graced them with its dim protection. By that time, Aether and Paimon retired for the night, leaving Xiao to watch over the land in lonesome wait for your return.

It was getting late. When would you be back?

༺♡༻

The moon towered in the center of the sky now, and you still hadn't returned. Xiao scoffed, the gentle breeze becoming a violent storm for a second as he disappeared.

He landed in the harbor, in the midst of its surreal lights and faint chatter. Even at this hour, the harbor was adorned with life and buzz.

He had some semblance of an idea of where you worked—assuming you'd be there, knowing you. He made haste towards the building, past the curious eyes and whispers of his appearance.

When he arrived, surely, the lights were on. He didn't knock, opening the door and entering without thought. The place was small and quaint. The ceiling hung low, the walls painted an off-white color. There was a desk and a few assorted chairs in the small room, with a door that hung open slightly. He approached, pushing it open.

You sat there, eyes sealed shut as your head lay atop the scattered papers of your desk. Your breathing was slow and steady, practically rhythmic as your chest rose and fell in pattern. Xiao clicked his tongue, footsteps light as he approached you. His hand reached for your shoulder before stopping just above it.

You looked peaceful here, in a way that—now that he saw it—was very different from the 'peace' you wore when awake. He was hesitant to disturb it, but you couldn't stay here.

He placed his hand on your shoulder, shaking you. Your eyes squeezed before opening, and he could see the unfocus in your eyes as you processed where you were and who you were with. "Xiao...?" Your voice rang out in his ears, hoarse and dazed.

"It's late. Let's—" he stopped. "You should go back to the inn."

You rubbed the sleep out of your eyes. "Oh, uh... yeah, sure." You stood up, stretching with a yawn. Just as he'd done before, Xiao's fingers grazed your skin and you were back in the inn.

"How did you fall asleep there?" Xiao asked you as you yawned again. You shrugged.

"Dunno, guess I got caught up with work and..." you waved your hand dismissively.

"I think you do too much."

The words, thinly veiled criticism, stopped you before you could retreat to your room. "What do you mean?" You asked as you turned to face Xiao again.

"You're there long after it closes, doing who-knows-what. I'm sure that girl doesn't ask you to do that. So why?"

Your eyes jump to him for a moment. "I have to be doing something," you started

Your tone shifted, and Xiao got the idea that you weren't talking about the work you did with that Sumerian girl. "I can't let everyone else pull their weight while I do nothing."

Xiao doesn't say anything, even though you stand there awaiting an answer he doesn't have. When you determine him satisfied, you turn away.

"Goodnight, Xiao."