If, and Only If || (Xiao x Reader)

七

"Oh? What's this?" She held it up. The leaves looked very solid, and the butterfly looked like a butterfly.

"It's a butterfly I made out of leaves. Take it. It's an adepti amulet— staves off evil."

"Aw, how thoughtful of you Xiao. Wait. Did you have this ready for me? Does that mean you asked Morax about my birthday?? When did you two meet!?" She asked.

"Yesterday." He looked away.

"Xiao."

He turned to look at her, and she placed a small kiss on his cheek. Xiao got even more red, and placed a hand over the spot her lips touched on his skin.

"W—what—" He couldn't speak properly.

"My thanks, to you. I'm showing you that I appreciate the gift." She looked down at the butterfly and smiled to herself. Xiwangmu forgot how joyful it is to receive a gift to celebrate.

And Xiao saw how happy she looked and decided to leave it at that.

Aether and Paimon returned from their little meeting, and Xiao faced their way.

"So, is the matter resolved?" Xiwangmu asked.

"Yes, but—"

"—Good." Xiao replied.

"Are you really not going to see the Mingxiao Lantern?" Aether asked the same question again.

"No. As I said, I am not partial to crowded areas. Especially at this time of the year."

"The Mingxiao Lantern this year is Skybracer." Xiwangmu chimed in, with a bit excited voice.

"Yeah! It's a super impressive-looking giant deer, let's take a look together with you and
Y/N!" Paimon cheered. But Xiao didn't seem convinced in the slightest.

"Skybracer... huh. A Mingxiao Lantern nonetheless. A fleeting creation of the human hand. It means nothing to me. If this short-lived spectacle is one you wish to witness, I suggest you go to the city." Xiao finished.

The two frowned, at their declined invitation. And Paimon saw Xiwangmu holding the butterfly made out of leaves. And was intrigued by it.

"Woah! That butterfly looks so pretty!"

"I know, right? It's a birthday gift, and I like it very much." She smiled. And Xiao felt heat on his cheeks again. Before the two could notice, he dismissed them without another word.

"Come on, Xiao. Stop being so grumpy." Xiwangmu said returning to her spot to look at the sunset slowly.

"I am not."

"You're such a tsundere...." She mumbled with a playful expression. "Why don't you see what they'll do. I'm sure they won't just up and leave, without convincing you to go see the lanterns."

"..." Xiao just stared outside. The sun was almost gone and it was getting dark slowly, while the lights started to appear. And after a few minutes of waiting, Mingxiao Lanterns started to float up near the roof. The two looked surprised because they just suddenly appeared. And as if on cue, Aether and Paimon returned.

"What now?"

"We'd like you to come to Lantern Rite with us." Aether requested.

And Xiwangmu had a small smile, to see her expectations of the traveler come true.

"..We've talked about crowded places. Do not make me repeat myself. Best you go alone."

"They never said you had to go to Liyue Harbor." She sang. Making eye contact with Aether, and they both smirked. Two minds think alike.