Work Text:
Despite Xiao’s cold exterior, Xiao can be a softie to people he is fond of. For example, Rex Lapis, of course. The traveller, Ganyu, but in secret, he doesn’t really wish for her to know that. Madame Ping, the Liyue Qixing… you know. But there’s one person he’s quite fond of, that not many people know about. Hu Tao. No one would’ve really expected it, their personalities are just so different. Hu Tao and her goofy personality, what a nuisance, he thought. But he liked her, he really did, perhaps more than he preferred. After all, love is not for adeptus beasts like him, or least, love is not supposed to be for him.
-
Knowing Xiao would never stroll around Liyue Harbour with no important reason, Hu Tao headed towards the small mountain right outside the Harbour after clocking out of work for the day, seeing that as her and Xiao’s usual meeting spot.
It was around 6 ‘clock, the sky started to show with orange rays. Sitting down in a small bed of sweet flowers, Hu Tao gently spoke her lover’s name, so gently the birds could’ve sworn it was the wind.
And by the next second, he appeared. Standing behind her was Xiao in the flesh. Hu Tao didn’t bother looking back, his presence all too familiar. Plus, she called his name anyways, so.
‘Mortals… what do you want from me, Hu Tao?’
‘Oh nothing, come sit next to me.’
Interesting. Seems as though her usual demeanor wasn’t present.
Sitting down beside Hu Tao, Xiao looked at the view. It wasn’t anything new to him, he had been looking over Liyue for decades, centuriest, even. But, speaking in all honesty, the view mesmerised him. Being an adeptus who has been through eons of suffering, it wasn’t easy to amuse him. He has seen everything, good and bad, bright and dark. But mortal desires had no effect on him, at least, not until now.
As the pink and orange rays take over the whole sky, suddenly, his mind is calm. Everyday, all day, he goes on only to slaughter the monsters and demons of Teyvat for the safety of Liyue. Although Zhongli, or previously, Morax, having ended Xiao’s contract, Xiao still wishes to protect Liyue and hold his promise to protect Liyue with his life, to serve Rex Lapis, despite his heavy amount of Karmic debt.
-
The calm wind breezes, a blessing from Lord Barbatos, their hair flowing with the wind. Lots of people might think that Hu Tao doesn’t really do anything with her life, but, behind the curtains, the director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour would drop her playful attitude and do lots of work, 9 to 5. And that’s something XIao knows. He knows Hu Tao works terribly hard, yet no one notices nor gives her credit for her work. It must be painful, although, he must say, she hides it awfully well.
‘You know, if you want to stare at my pretty face, you could at least be a little less obvious.’
‘My apologies, I was just…’
‘Just?’ Hu Tao said, with her usual grin.
‘Just, worried about you.’
A furious red flushes across Hu Tao’s face. Xiao? The yaksha? Being worried? For an average mortal girl? What has happened to Teyvat.
‘You know,’ Xiao starts again, ‘I’ve always noticed your hard work,’
‘M-My hard work?’
‘Don’t think I didn’t notice the dark circles under your eyes, Hu Tao. The adepti never miss out on details.’
‘Yeah, yeah.’
‘Don’t you think you think you’re overworking yourself a little, or, a lot?’
‘Well, if I don’t do the work, who will do it?’
‘I thought you hired staff?’
‘Well, yes, but they handle more ceremonies than paperwork.’
‘I see…’
Well, I mean, you learn something new everyday right? And it doesn’t always need to be good, right? Well, oops, this is quite embarrassing for Xiao.
Speaking of overworking, Hu Tao sure feels tired, she could really use a nap right now. Laying her head on Xiao’s shoulder, she continues to watch the sunset with half-lidded eyes.
-
Some time passes.
‘Hu Tao?’
No answer. Xiao looks down, careful not to scare her, in case she just zoned out.
‘Hu Tao?’
Oh. She’s asleep. Cute.
The sun had completely set. The sky only had a couple clouds tonight, resting his head on Hu Tao’s head. He finally relaxes.
Well, it might take some time before Hu Tao wakes up, so he might as well doze off for a while.