𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕟 // 𝕩𝕚𝕒𝕠 𝕩 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣🌄⛅️

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[UPDATE: I'd really like if everybody kept the comments non judgemental of my thought process and writing style! This is a comfort fic for me and looking at backhanded/iffy comments makes me sad :,)]
Though the mysterious adeptus Xiao is seldom seen interacting with others or even seen at all by townsfolk, he had spoken to me a couple of times recently about odds and ends. I often wonder what the man wants from me, surely somebody of such high status and power has no need to be interacting with somebody so ordinary in comparison... after all, I'm only a humble blacksmith's assistant. Not like that grumpy man Wagner from the neighbouring city Mondstadt, Master Zhang is kind and patient mentor and almost like family to me. I aid him in simple side tasks, and in turn am granted a glimpse into his masterful work that charms the Millileth soldiers and brings enemies down to their knees. Despite the respectability of my partnership with Zhang, I do need to rely on other methods to make a somewhat reliable income, many of which my mentor doesn't know about. For years I've been doing shady underground jobs such as serving as a prostitute for filthy businessmen and getting caught up in questionable errands. More often than not, these odd jobs weaken my spirit and tarnish my self worth, but I still manage to stay optimistic and help the people I love. I have allowed my mind to wander, at least as far as to consider whether Xiao interacts with me out of pity for my circumstances, but he doesn't exactly seem like the type to do so. As the days roll on, these visits seem more like a blessing than anything else and I find myself looking forward to seeing his slitted golden eyes I get ever so lost in. "(Y/N), do you have the crystal I ordered the other day yet?"
"Yes Master, right here! Sorry if it took too long, I had to run a few errands!"
"Oh, no worries. I had a few scraps lined up anyways just in case, but you always pull through on time."
In truth, my other jobs have been becoming more and more requested, and in turn, my body is becoming more and more exhausted. This is the reason I had fetched Zhang's crystal later than I'd hoped, and the reason I can... barely... think straight?
My vision phases in and out slowly, but I'm not going to let myself have a fainting cliche, at least not in front of my Master. I decide to simply call it a day and lousily sweep my hands together to rid the dust. On my warm, slightly breezy walk home, a familiar glint of magenta catches my eye, turning out to be Xiao's pearl neckpiece as I find the mysterious man standing slightly off of my path. "Oh! I wasn't expecting to see you Xiao..." I survey my outfit quickly and internally facepalm at the peasantry of my dusty getup. Nevertheless, I sheepishly smile and Xiao begins to speak. "Are you okay? You seem as if you'll collapse any second now." (This is probably true.) "Ah, yes! I mean no? I'm fine haha.", I clumsily attempt to rid the adeptus of worry, only worrying him further despite his never-faltering moody expression. He rolls his eyes with a bittersweet smirk, and looks back at me. "You know what, Y/N?" Before I can reply, Xiao gracefully makes his way closer to me and takes hold of my hand. "Just close your eyes.", he advises, and I immediately assume the worst. Having been surrounded by grabby males for the majority of my recent years, not much surprises me anymore and I'm constantly used in disgusting ways. I have to put up with it for the money but it still irks me and a huge part of me just wants to sock them in the jaw... my side thought is cut off when I feel a cool breeze brush my exposed waist, and I wince at the assumption that Xiao has decided to take advantage of my weak state. To my surprise, when I open my eyes, I'm greeted with a breathtaking scenic view and my shirt flapping in the mountain wind where I had initially thought I was being touched. The sky smells of sweet flowers and almond tofu and I turn around to see the man that I was so fascinated in, brushing a flower behind his ear in a swift motion and flashing a very small but still noticeable smile. My heart melts at this sight and my senses are taken aback, I've been transported from a city that's harboured so much trauma for me, to a dreamlike, sunny mountain hideaway. "Xiao... what is this place? It's absolutely wonderful!" I exclaim and jump up, observing my surroundings and smelling a nearby bunch of silk flowers. I turn to face him and he extends one arm to his side as if welcoming me to this fascinating new place. "Y/N, this is my home."