The Beginning Is The End (Xiao/Fem Reader)

The Beginning Is The End

"Dear Xiao,
It's been 5 years ever since I last saw you. How have you been?
You once told me that if I ever needed your assistance, I just had to call out your name but I'm afraid to disturb you while you're in the middle of work. I still hope I'll be able to see you again, maybe at the spot where it all began.
I miss you everyday Xiao. "

-

"Do you really miss me?"

"No. This is all to protect you...I can't...I'll just be selfish...right?"

Questions flooded his mind as he rubbed his temple and the ever so gut wrenching feeling pained his chest. The adeptus met this girl 20 years ago, on a warm day as the sun was slowly closing in at Wangshu Inn. That day, nothing was out of the ordinary. As the adeptus was closing his eyes for a little rest at his usual spot on the third floor, he felt a little tug on the fabric of his shirt. Alarmed and appalled he opened his eyes just to be met with a warm and gentle giggle. In front of him stood, or at least tried to, a little girl in pigtails. Confused, he looked around to see no one else in sight.

"Where are your parents?" The question came out sounding more like a demand.

The little girl stretched out her arms, the usual signal to tell adults she wanted to be held. Looking at her, he ignored her request. The little girl confused as to why this grown adult refused to hold her, started to whine and pointed towards the open sky. That was when he glanced over to the now dark sky and noticed the lanterns shining ever so brightly against the night sky of Liyue.

How did he manage to completely miss this.

Looking back at the little girl who proceeded to stretch out her hands, he sighed and gave in. Carrying her he brought her nearer to the terrace as they both admired the view in front of them. His eyes glistened to the lanterns that carried the people's hopes and wishes, feeling astonished at the scene. He seemed to once again fail to notice the desperate callings of a parent as his eyes remained glued to the night sky.

"nu er! nu er!" (daughter! daughter! in pinyin)

The familiar giggles brought him back as he turned around to see the worried parents standing there, seemingly heaving a sigh of relief that their daughters were safe in his arms. He put her back down and watched as she ran towards her parents innocently.

"Thank you" The mother said in which Xiao replied with a light nod.

He would then proceed to see this little girl everyday at the Inn. Although, they would not approach nor try to communicate with one another.

-

He watched as the once little girl grew up to a fine young lady. As usual he was met with her presence in the inn, except this time, she approached him. Holding a plate of almond tofu.

"Mother made it and I heard from guests that there was a soul on the third floor that enjoyed this dish. I suppose... that's you?" He looked at her with gentle eyes.

It seems these two formed a bond silently.

"Mr adepti?"

Just like that night, she snapped him back from his train of thoughts. He nodded in response to her question. She placed the plate of almond tofu down for him and sat down next to the adepti.

"You're always here."

"It allows me to hear the calls of the people"

"As expected from the mighty adepti people love."

"Love?" He looked at her. "Disgusting"

She chuckled. "But love is a good thing though! It's a warm and fuzzy feeling."