You.. Like Me? [XiaoLumi]

An Unexpected Commission

[Lumine's Perspective]

"Paimon, let's go! Katherine said the commission was urgent and Ver Goldet really needed us specifically!" I said, urging Paimon to stop eating her chop suey and follow me to Wangshu Inn.

"Traveller! Paimon needs fuel, it's such a grueling task for Paimon to float around everywhere," Paimon said, continuing to stuff her face.

"Paimon, Ver Goldet needs help! What if it has something to do with Xiao?!" I said angrily. Why was I so worried about Xiao...

"Of course you're all worried about Xiao.." Paimon mumbled, rolling her eyes.

"What was that, Paimon?" I asked, a slight blush spreading across my face. Paimon ignored me and scarfed down the rest of her chop suey.

~

Once we got to Wangshu Inn We rushed up the long staircase, not bothering to wait for the elevator. It took too long anyways.

"Ah Traveller, there you are!" The all-so-familiar face of Ver Goldet said, her voice full of anxiety.

"What's wrong? What do you need help with? Is Xiao okay?" I exploded after hearing the worry in her voice. What could have happened to him?

"Traveller... It is indeed about Xiao. He said he wasn't feeling good and that he was going to take a nap. I knew this was unlike him already, he never takes naps! But it's been quite a while and he won't wake up, please help, Traveller!"

"On it!" I said, rushing up to where Xiao was napping. I knocked on his door before opening it slowly. Once the door was open I could see the Yaksha lying on a mat on the ground. Seeing him lying on the ground like this made me notice all of his features that I usually couldn't get a good look at.

His hair softly framed his face, accentuating his sharp jawline and pointed nose. His lips... so pink and soft... I want to feel them... Wait- No that would be weird! What am I thinking?

Although...

No! Stay focused on waking him up! I gently shook him to try to wake him up but it didn't seem to be working.
Hmmm... What to try... Maybe it's a Snow White situation! I could always test it out...

No! Xiao's my friend, it wouldn't even work... but who does Xiao love? Zhongli? The other Yakshas? The Adepti? This situation is scary...

"Xiao... can you hear me?" Lumine whispered into Xiao's ear softly. He slightly twitched at the sound of her voice. "So you can hear me...?"

[Xiao's perspective]

Lumine.

I heard her voice...

No.

It can't be her.

She wouldn't care enough to try to save me.

Would she?

"...Xiao..."

No, it's just a dream.

"Xiao please-!"

I'm imagining it.

"XIAO"

I bolted up.

"L-Lumine?"

"XIAO THANK THE ARCHONS I THOUGHT YOU WERE GONE!" Lumine beamed. Was she really that worried about me? Why would she be...

"What... why are you here?" I said weakly. I didn't want her to see me like this.

"Ver Goldet was worried about you- she sent a commission!" She answered, taking a step back from me.

"Oh.. right. Sorry to cause trouble." I said, realizing she was only here on a commission. She looked uncomfortable.

"Oh it's really okay! We're friends anyways Xiao... I would help you anytime!" For some reason her saying that made me happy. Maybe it was just because I wanted a friend.

"Oh. Thank you then Traveler." I said, a slight pink hue tinting my cheeks and ears. She smiled warmly and turned to walk out with Pailin before stopping.

"You know you can just call me Lumine. And next time you're not feeling well just talk to me!" With that she turned away and walked downstairs, presumably to inform Ver Goldet about what happened. Why did I wish she was still here? Maybe I'm just shaken up from my dream.

"Xiao.. are you alright?" I heard Lumine say. Paimon was no longer with her. "Paimon's downstairs, but I thought I should try to ask about what happened."

"Oh, uhm, it's really okay. I just had a nightmare is all." I said shyly, embarrassed to admit that in front of her. I never told anyone what was going on with my nightmares. They couldn't know how weak I was.

"Are you sure- You can talk to me whenever! I'm always here!" I felt bad that she had worried about me. She came and sat beside me, looking at me expectantly.

"Well uhm.. it's just adepti stuff, you really wouldn't understand." He put his hand by his side, brushing against Lumine. He quickly snatched it away and looked up with embarrassment. "Uh.. Sorry."

"Oh uhm it's okay! If you don't want to tell me it's okay, but really, I'm always here." Her words comforted him and made him feel like she cared about him. "Uhm I guess I'll go now!"

As Lumine was getting up I felt the need to stop her, to hold onto her, anything to keep her here. I didn't want to be alone. "Wait!"

"What- Yes Xiao?" Lumine said, startled. I turned hot with embarrassment. Why did I want her to stay... What do I need?

"Oh uhm... thank you... I appreciate your help." I said, looking away from her. I felt my cheeks warm with a pink hue as I said the words.

"Anytime Xiao! Remember you can talk to me anytime."