Hazy [E/C] eyes struggled to focus on the stairs in front of them, the dish of food in her hand seemed to have put on more weight. She may be exaggerating but it felt like she was holding boulders. Pain started to knock against her skull, turning into consistent pounding. Each step felt like mountains, it took every bit of her to not buckle her knees. As if the pain wasn't enough for her to bear, an incredibly hot sensation encased her. 'Why in hell did I think that going up the motherfucking stairs would be a good idea?' She cursed herself mentally.
"Some painkillers would be fucking great," [Y/N] mumbled to no one in particular, the words that left her mouth were barely coherent.
Any relief would be great, heaven even. But she couldn't afford to take the day off, the Inn was full of customers, and she promised her lover that she'd be the one serving almond tofu to him. She could hear the rattling of cutlery and pans from the kitchen, even though she was nearly up the top of Wangshuu Inn. Even the chatter of customers could be heard, it was faint but still there. Any other day, she wouldn't have minded it but with the sick feeling plaguing her body, she flinches at the mere sound of her stepping on the stairs.
"About goddamn time," She murmured to herself again, forcing her foot to take another step up, officially reaching the top floor.
'Since when did it take so much effort to get up here,' She thought to herself, the side of her body relishing the cold of the wall that she leaned on for support. Well, she has enough time to ponder later. Work comes first. Forcing herself off the wall with a sigh, she walked on the wooden planks as she looked around for a certain adeptus, ignoring the drowsiness seeping into her body.
"Xiao?" She called out, trying not to sound so dead as she did before, "I have your-"
Smoky colours of green and black waltzed in front of her until the said-male stood in front of her, his honey-like eyes boring into hers with disinterest. Normally she would jump but her reflexes forgot to kick in, was she that tired? She almost laughed.
"...Almond tofu," She finished off with a whisper, breathing out an inaudible sigh of relief when pale, slender fingers took the plate from her aching hands swiftly.
"Enjoy," She whispered, unable to raise her voice higher as she slowly turned back to the stairs, fast movements made her head hurt.
This time she did flinch when those same cold fingers briefly met her shoulder when she turned around. She quickly spun on her heel, facing him with a perplexed face. She hastily realized that was a mistake. The movement gave her a bigger pound to the head, the drowsiness finally kicking into her system as she buckled her knees while clutching her head, groaning in pain. Black dots danced in her vision until it engulfed her in a realm of darkness, a glimpse of Xiao's face merging into a concerned one was the final image she saw. Any words that left the adeptus fell on deaf ears.
The last thing she felt before everything went black was the feeling of arms around her, holding her like a timid daisy, as if she'd crack if he applied a little pressure.
----------------------------------------------------------------
A bright white encased her vision, a mix a wince and a groan leaving her as she tried to get up, rubbing her eyes.
"Don't get up, you have a fever," A gloved hand pushed her back gently onto the soft, thin sheets.
She tilted her head, the side of her cheek on the plush pillow to see the adeptus sitting next to her on a wooden chair, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Do all mortals have the tendency to do the act of something stupid even though knowing full well they shouldn't?" He narrowed his eyes, glaring at the female who returned the glare.
"Xiao, I get that I did something idiotic, but must you lecture me when I'm half-awake and sick?" She emphasised being sick and half-awake by gesturing to herself being in bed.
"Fine," He sighed, his lips curling into a scowl.
He did that a lot, she thought, stifling a laugh.
"You know, you don't to really, like, er, be here," She spoke, "You have other 'Adepti' things to do."
"I can make time for my lover."
"If you insist, Oh, so, Mighty Adeptus. Then I must listen to your command as I cannot disobeys orders given by the-"
"I will leave," He covered her mouth, passing her another glare before crossing his arms.
"How rude, I was only presenting my respect to you." She huffed, imitating annoyance before falling into a fit of coughs.
She took a deep breath once her fit had halted, blinking away the black dots that threatened to force her into a slumber.
"Xiao, may I have water please? I feel a little dizzy again."
Xiao nodded, lifting the cup of water from the bedstand that he had prepared earlier. He held her face gently to tilt the cup at the right angle as she slowly sat up, back against the headboard. For an adeptus who had fought and only fought for years with no end, his touch was surprisingly gentle as if he were holding a brittle seashell by the shore.
He was patient, letting her take small sips at a time. With his other hand, he brushed loose strands behind her ear. It was a small act yet full of care.
Tapping his wrist to indicate she was done drinking; she began to pull back saying a small thank you while snuggling back into the covers.
She received a short nod in return from the adeptus as he sat back down, an awkward silence enveloping the room.
"So," She began.
"No."
"How rude, you shut up. Anyways, as I was saying before a certain someone interrupted me," She scoffed, glaring at him. "How are you today?"
"Do you mean the level of my tolerance towards my karmic debt?" He questioned, raising his brow.
"I meant you in general, Xiao." She laughed softly before bringing her fist up to cough into.
"I am fine, but your health is the main concern here." He looked over at her, a hint of worry in his amber eyes. "Shall I leave you to rest?"
"What if you leave and I start doing work?" She had a mischievous lilt to her voice, her slight smile confirming it. "So, you have no choice but to look after your beloved."
"You insolent mortal. Why are you so frustrating?" A silent sigh eluded him, his words were harsh, but it carried no venom.
"You are frustrating as well, shut up."
"Why do I bother?"
"Why the fuck not?" She rolled her eyes as he threw another menacing glare at her. "Besides, you love me. I don't know how but you do, unfortunately."
"I am starting to question my judgement."
She snickered, "Love you too."
"I am assuming from the way you are countering with such ridiculous lines that you are fine." There was a ghost of a smile on his face as he spoke, "So, there is no need for my presence."
"I- You fucking beautiful tease. This is new."
He chuckled. It was slight, but it was there. "You are unique."
[Y/N] felt the blood rush to her face. Xiao? Complimenting? That was quite unusual for the adeptus. As well as him chuckling, a pleasant yet rare sound to hear.
"How so?" She curiously inquired, her eyes meeting his.
"You have the intelligence to figure it out."
She yanked a pillow at him that he caught effortlessly, her face mocking anger as she bit back another laugh.
"Xiao, you can't just do that."
He cleared his throat, "So, I suppose I'll be taking care of you. Is there anything specific you need at the moment?"
"You."
He narrowed his eyes again, "You already have taken me. Anything else?"
"If I, have you then I am not in need of anything," She chortled before yawning, stretching her arms and legs out. Tiredness reflected on her face.
"Rest."
"No."
"Rest, you insolent mortal." He tossed another stern glare at her as she brought up her hands in a surrendering gesture.
"Alright, alright." She smiled playfully, getting into a comfortable position. "Love you, Xiao."
He opened his mouth to speak but she was snoozing away already, her face sheltered with calamity. The corners of his mouth quirked upwards as he leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead.
"Rest well, [Y/N]."
(I am a simp for Xiao and I don't even know what this is. Please end me.)