⋆｡‧˚𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐀˚‧｡⋆

୨ৎ𝑿𝑰𝑨𝑶

❤︎gn!reader❤︎

❤︎───── ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ─────❤︎

The wind was cold and biting as it whipped across the summit of Wangshu Inn. You stood on the balcony, staring out over the vast landscape of Liyue, your eyes tracing the distant outlines of mountains and forests. Beside you stood Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, as silent and stoic as ever.

Xiao was a being of few words, a soul burdened by centuries of solitude and pain. Yet, somehow, over time, you had managed to earn his trust—a rare and precious gift from someone so guarded. Your bond with him had grown deep, a silent understanding that words could never fully capture.

"Xiao," you began softly, not turning to look at him, "the night is peaceful, isn't it?"

He didn't respond immediately, but you could feel his presence beside you, a reassuring constant in the ever-changing world. After a moment, he nodded, his golden eyes fixed on the horizon. "It is," he agreed, his voice a low murmur carried away by the wind.

There was a comfort in his presence, a quiet strength that calmed your restless heart. You had always admired his unwavering dedication to protecting Liyue, even if it meant sacrificing his own peace and happiness. But more than that, you admired the person he was beneath the mask of the Yaksha—the kind, gentle soul who had seen and endured so much.

"Do you ever take a break?" you asked, your tone light but your concern genuine. "Even the Adepti need rest, don't they?"

Xiao's gaze flickered to you, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He was not used to others worrying about him. "I cannot afford to rest," he replied, his voice firm. "There are too many dangers lurking in the shadows. If I falter, who will protect Liyue?"

You sighed, understanding his reasoning but still wishing he would allow himself a moment of respite. "You don't have to carry that burden alone, Xiao," you said gently. "You have friends who care about you, who want to help."

He looked away, his expression unreadable. "It is not that simple," he said quietly. "I am... different. I cannot let others get too close. It is safer for them that way."

You reached out, hesitating for a moment before placing a hand on his arm. "Xiao, you're not alone anymore," you said softly. "I'm here for you. Always."

He stiffened at your touch, his eyes widening slightly. For a moment, you feared you had overstepped, but then he relaxed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Your presence... it means a lot to me."

Your heart swelled with warmth at his words. Xiao was not one to express his feelings easily, and the fact that he had opened up to you, even a little, was a testament to the trust and bond you shared.

As the night wore on, you and Xiao remained on the balcony, watching as the stars twinkled in the sky. There was a peaceful silence between you, a shared understanding that required no words. In that moment, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, you would face them together.

The following days passed in a blur of missions and battles. Xiao was always at the forefront, his spear a blur of motion as he fought to protect Liyue from the encroaching darkness. You were never far behind, offering your support and assistance wherever you could. It was a dangerous life, but one you had chosen willingly, knowing the risks.

One evening, after a particularly grueling battle, you found Xiao sitting alone on the roof of Wangshu Inn, his expression distant and troubled. You approached him quietly, sensing that he needed someone to talk to.

"Xiao," you called softly, sitting down beside him. "Are you alright?"

He didn't answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the stars above. When he finally spoke, his voice was tinged with sadness. "I... I am haunted by my past," he admitted. "The things I have done, the lives I have taken... They weigh heavily on my soul."

You reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're not defined by your past, Xiao," you said gently. "You've done so much good, protected so many people. That's what matters."

He shook his head, a pained expression on his face. "You don't understand," he said, his voice barely audible. "I am a monster. A weapon forged for destruction. How can I ever be anything else?"

Your heart ached for him, for the pain he carried so deeply within himself. "You're not a monster," you said firmly. "You're a person, with hopes and fears just like anyone else. And you're not alone. I'm here, Xiao. I'll always be here."

He looked at you then, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "Why?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Why do you care so much about me?"

You smiled softly, your gaze unwavering. "Because I see the good in you, Xiao," you said. "Because I believe in you."

For a long moment, he simply stared at you, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he reached out and took your hand in his. "Thank you," he said quietly. "Your faith... it is of much worth to me."

From that moment on, something shifted between you and Xiao. The bond you shared grew stronger, built on a foundation of trust and understanding. He began to open up to you more, sharing his thoughts and fears in a way he had never done with anyone else.

One winter evening, as you sat together by the fire, Xiao spoke of his past—of the battles he had fought, the comrades he had lost, the pain that had shaped him into the person he was today. It was a story filled with sorrow and regret, but also with moments of hope and resilience.

As he spoke, you listened with a heavy heart, your respect for him growing with every word. Despite everything he had endured, Xiao remained steadfast in his duty, never wavering in his commitment to protect Liyue.

When he finished, there was a long silence. Then, you reached out and took his hand, your grip firm and reassuring. "You've been through so much," you said softly. "But you're still here, still fighting. That takes incredible strength."

He looked at you, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "It's because of you," he said quietly. "Your presence... it gives me strength. It reminds me that there is still good in this world, still something worth fighting for."

Your heart swelled with emotion at his words. "We'll face whatever comes together," you promised. "No matter what."

As the days turned into weeks, your bond with Xiao continued to deepen. You fought side by side, faced countless dangers together, and through it all, your trust in each other never wavered. You had become his anchor, the one person he could rely on, and he had become your protector, a constant presence in your life.

In that moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the first stars began to twinkle in the sky, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, you and Xiao would face them together. Your bond was unbreakable, forged in the fires of battle and tempered by trust and understanding.

And as the two of you stood there, you knew that whatever the future held, you would always have each other. For in Xiao's eyes, you saw not just a warrior, but a friend, a confidant, and a kindred spirit. And that, you realized, was the greatest gift of all.

❤︎───── ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ─────❤︎