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"You're scowling, what's the matter?" Ver Goldet murmured from behind the desk as she watched the boy dash backwards and forwards around the kitchen, his movements erratic compared to what they were usually like.
"Nothing" He whispered , scrambling to find the ingredients he needed. He was so used to having humans cook for him, but he knew he couldn't be entirely dependent on them- they wouldn't be around forever. The boss hummed slightly, watching him for a few more minutes before thinking.
"How's the traveller?" She spoke again, and he froze up slightly. Why would she suddenly so interested in his private life? It was none of her damn business! But before he allowed himself to snap, he took a deep breath and allowed his shoulders to slump. The traveller she was talking about was (Y/N)- a hydro user that had suddenly wandered into his life without warning.
She had been ambushed by a group of possessed hilichurls outside the road to Wangshu Inn, so he jumped in to help. The traveller had thanked him profusely, adamant on buying him a plate of whatever he liked as a thank you- and he could sense that something was different about her. But it didn't matter.
Mortals weren't supposed to peak his interest...they'd be gone soon.
"She has a name you know? But she's fine" He mumbled, finally gathering the ingredients in his arms and storming off.
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He wasn't expecting to see her again, the world was a large place after all. But the God's seemed to be taunting him.
Whilst he was on a walk one day, looking around to make sure the monster population was under control- he saw her. Sat by the Luhua Pool with tears streaming out of her e/c hues. He couldn't understand why, and that caused irritation to bubble in his chest...he didn't mean to feel this way. But seeing her so upset was so....gut wrenching.
"What's wrong?" Xiao murmured as he approached her, wincing slightly as she jumped and sidled away from his voice. But upon recognising him, her face relaxed- and she quickly wiped away her stray tears on her f/c sleeve.
"Nothing...nothing, I'm okay! See!" She beamed, trying her best to smile brightly so he wouldn't worry anymore. But he knew better than that, and as his yellow eyes scanned over her sobbing figure- he could see what was wrong.
Her sword was snapped in two, her bags contents scattered around the rocks poking out of the water. She sighed as she realized he had caught on to why she was upset, and she smiled sadly.
"I got ambushed by the Treasure Hoarders. I don't know why they targeted me...but they stole my artifacts and ran" (Y/N) sniffed, and Xiao couldn't hide the snarl that painted his face. The Treasure Hoarders were getting bolder and bolder, even attacking other humans now.
"Come, I'll take you back to the Inn. You can recollect your thoughts over some food" He spoke as he outstretched his hand towards her- which she gratefully accepted.
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(Y/N) had finally calmed after poking at a plate of Almond Tofu Xiao had made for her, enough to carry on with her travels anyways. Before she had set off, he had given her a bag of mora- which she tried to reject, but he wouldn't allow it.
"Visit Master Zhang, he can forge you a new sword. As for your artifacts, I'll keep an eye out" He politely explained, and the girl was overcome with such emotions- that she couldn't help but throw her arms around him.
"I had never seen you smile before, master Xiao. It's a good look for you" Ver Goldet grinned as she looked up at Xiao stood on the balcony, his dark hair flowing gently in the evening breeze. He waved off her comment with a sigh, placing his head in his hands as he porched on the railing.
Why did he feel this way?
Why did his chest hurt so badly when he watched her leave?
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The hydro user had returned the following week, a smile replacing her tears as she wandered into the inn.
"Welcome, how may I be of assistance?" Ver Goldet greeted, and (Y/N) sent her a polite smile.
"I was just wondering if Xiao was here? I had something I wanted to give to him" She explained, and the boss pointed towards the stairs.
"You should be able to find him on the balcony. He's been spending the majority of his days there" She explained, and the h/c haired girl sent her a thankful grin as she followed her directions. After encountering Master Zhang and having a new sword made for herself- she had spent a few days in Liyue. During those few days, she had encountered so many new foods she knew he would love and more importantly- she had discovered that the Lantern Rite festival was taking place.
Finally, she saw him standing by the edge of the balcony- his back turned to her as he stared out at the plains of land. He seemed so stiff, especially with his arms folded over his chest in that way.
"Hello, Xiao" (Y/N) whispered as she approached him, moving to stand beside him. He looked towards her hesitantly before sending her a nod. Again, he wasn't expecting to see her again. He thought that after sending her on her merry way, that she'd forget all about him. But that didn't seem to be the case.
"Hello" He answered softly, and with a deep breath she outstretched her hands towards him. In her palms was a lantern and a marker, and she smiled nervously.
"The Lantern Rite is taking place soon, and I was wondering if you'd like to go some time? You seem so stressed...and it might be nice to get out and experience the world a little" (Y/N) explained, and he could tell that she was nervous.
Part of him wanted to say no. He didn't want to get attached to her, and he didn't want her to get attached to him. He only had one purpose in this world, in his mind he was only good for one thing. But he couldn't say that.
The morning sun illuminated her kind eyes so perfectly, it shone through her h/c locks so nicely. She was a masterpiece, and he was just a boy. With a sigh, he felt his lips twitch into a slight smile- and he reached towards the lantern in her hands.
