Genshin Impact Oneshots

Lumine x Xiao - 2000 Years of Nothingness (Part 1)

'Twas the night before we continue our journey to another country. Now that our business in Liyue has finished, our stay here is over as well. But first, a little rest at the famous Wangshu Inn. Yes, the inn away from civilization, where there are no lights but the moon and stars outside. And, of course, the lamps inside.

My little floating friend wolfed down bowl after bowl of food. While I can't help but feel embarrassed at how she can be at times, I gave a little cough to signal my friend to ease up a bit, but I don't think the message got through.

"Here, Lumine. Have some water." my friend passes a glass of water to me. All I could do was drink in frustration. Although it didn't reach her, my message had reached our host for tonight.

"It's quite alright, my dear." our host said. "I enjoy seeing my guests looking satisfied."

"I wish that were the case for me," I replied. "I only hope that Paimon doesn't spend all the mora I earned in one night." I could only joke about my worries at this point. The room we were able to grab was already expensive. I wouldn't want to sleep outside after this little vacation. "But, anyway, Verr, thank you for letting us stay here even when the inn is always full."

Verr replies with a smile and continues to tell us about the room she provided. It was supposed to be for Xiao in case he needed a place for a change of scenery.

"But, honestly, he never really uses it, so I decided to let you have it for the night," Verr said. "He's always upstairs on the balcony, anyway."

The said room was also upstairs, where the highest balcony is. Xiao is usually there admiring the view. I decided to take a look, but before I could call Paimon, I find her fast asleep in her chair. I heard Verr giggle and told me to head on up without my companion. After placing a blanket over my friend, she approached me.

"I gave Xiao the key to the room. Best to ask him for it."

Great. Here I was, trying to avoid meeting Xiao. After the fight on Guyun Stone Forest, I couldn't bring myself to stay calm if I'm near him. I only nod at Verr and 'tried' to move as smoothly as usual. But it appears I couldn't do that. Once I reached the top floor balcony, I found no one was there. I heaved a small sigh of relief and stood near the railing. The sight in front of me is breathtaking. The moon was full and bright without a single star. It illuminated everything its glow reaches, giving the scenery an ethereal atmosphere.

In my childishly astonished state, I didn't notice someone was already standing beside me. I jumped up in surprise, knowing who it is. It felt like the first time we met up here, only much worse than before. If these feelings had not developed, I wouldn't have reacted this way.

"X-Xiao!" I squeaked and jumped farther defensively. The Adeptus calmly directed his gaze to me when I said his name in a high-pitched voice. Oh gosh. Why am I like this now? "Uh... I- well..." I stuttered at first. "V-Verr told me you have the key to the room we'll be using."

"I see," he replied coolly. Xiao reaches into his pocket and pulls out the key. The metal shined as it dangled in front of us. Xiao remained inscrutable the entire time, even when he pulled on my hand and placed the chilled metal on my palm. "Good night, then, Traveler." The thousand-year-old boy turned to leave, but my body moved on its own. Cold flesh nipped on my free palm as I unintentionally stopped him. Xiao's golden gaze pointed to me now as I tried to form coherent words.

"Err... I- uhh..." I mumbled. "well... Goo- umm..." I don't know what to say, or rather, I don't know what to say first. Should I bid him goodnight? Should I tell him that I'll miss Liyue? What do my lips want to say, but my mind couldn't? When I looked at Xiao's unexpressive gaze, I knew that he wouldn't want to hear anything.

I was about to retract my hand when I felt cold fingers on my hand. Against the chilly fingers were warm and gentle kisses on the back of my hand. Xiao's sharp gaze felt gentle at the same time as we looked at each other. I was stunned in place as he held my hand. The Adeptus drew closer and closer until our peripheral vision was nothing but of each other. Our noses met, his warm lips a feather's width against mine, while his arm snaked around my waist. My hand that held the room key opened. The metal fell with a loud clang, and Xiao came to his senses. The usual calm look disappeared, and utter shock replaced it. He slowly pulled away and smoothly picked up the fallen key. He places the key back into my hand and turns to leave for real.

"Farewell, Traveler," Xiao said as he disappeared from the area, leaving me confused on the balcony. Is this a dream? Is this real? For a brief moment, did Xiao express the same feelings I have for him? What is this feeling? I'm happy, but I also can't help being hurt.