#Alatus Xiao

[tb3ih]

SWIMMING LESSONS. xiao.

a/n: this is a LITTLE spicy, but i promise it's good *prays silently*

classmate!xiao who's only mysterious because no one's ever seen him wear anything other than a scowl or that black iron chain that dangles against sculpted collarbones which peek out from his slightly unbuttoned uniform shirt.

classmate!xiao who despite having dozed off for the majority of the lecture, will always be the first to turn in his test and walk right out of class without so much as a second glance because the teacher allows self-dismissal after exams and he'd rather be underwater than in a classroom.

classmate!xiao who you will rarely ever see speaking to someone other than when called on by the teacher or summoned by his swimming coach, but for some reason, a pair of amber eyes seems to have followed you to your seat in front of him after your introduction to the class.

classmate!xiao who's eyebrow has lifted when you exchange a small greeting to him before settling into the desk in front of him, offering a small "hm" in reply and drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the room.

classmate!xiao who observes you quietly while you take detailed notes of the lecture, not once sparing you an opportunity to catch him watching the way you bite the inside of your cheek when deep in thought about an equation or hypothesis.

classmate!xiao who sighs quietly and moves to gracefully pick up the pen you didn't realize you had dropped yet, setting it on your desk unnoticeably before continuing up to the teacher's desk to turn in his work.

classmate!xiao who wordlessly continues his work when you turn to observe his own solution process to a particularly difficult problem on the board, everyone else in the class watching speechlessly as you're completely oblivious to his correction of one of your formulas when you look through your notebook again for the topic.

classmate!xiao who now hums lowly in reply to your greetings in the morning and nods almost imperceptibly at your farewells in the afternoon.

classmate!xiao whose voice is stern but gentle after poking your forehead with the eraser part of his pencil when he catches an error in your solution, telling you softly to redo it again.

classmate!xiao who rests his chin on his palm while you work on your assignment on your now-conjoined desks, never letting his gaze waver even the slightest bit of a clue when you smile excitedly at finishing or solving something.

classmate!xiao who's slowed his stride just the slightest (he tells himself he wants to pay more attention to the street signs as he walks home) and suddenly you're catching him at the school gates and riding the train together.

classmate!xiao who doesn't hesitate to pull you gently to his chest when the train car is especially crowded, resting his chin just lightly enough on your head to have you blushing the whole way because he's a swimmer and his chest is very solid .

classmate!xiao who doesn't disturb you when you accidentally doze off in class during exam season, eyes narrowing menacingly at anyone who dares approach your desk.

classmate!xiao whose eyes are unreadable when you open your front door to find him standing there soaked by the storm, carrying a small thermos of soup because you had texted you wouldn't be attending class due to illness.

classmate!xiao who doesn't realize you're awake when he calls you beautiful watching you rest your head on his lap on the couch, the static background noise of the tv supposedly having lulled you to sleep.

classmate!xiao whose beautiful, golden eyes widen just in the slightest when you call his name just as he's about to leave your home, your expression a little panicked when he catches from having run from the living room.

classmate!xiao whose voice is barely audible when he says your name, watching as your fingers reach up to hook around his goddamn black iron chain, forcing him to lower his head just slightly.

classmate!xiao who's breathless when your lips ghost his, voice exasperated when you tell him how much he frustrates you sometimes.

classmate!xiao who's expression is confused, one of his hands gentle against your cheek when you try to explain to him how inconsiderate it was of him to tell you that and then leave.

classmate!xiao whose amused laugh has you blushing furiously, halting your rambling (dear archons, he's beautiful, you think).

classmate!xiao whose irises are mischievous and taunting when they just barely meet yours to ask you if you're going to kiss him yet.

classmate!xiao who's smirking against your lips when you realize you actually forgot to breathe and have to pull away to take collect yourself, hitting him lightly on the chest when you see that he doesn't appear to be fazed at all (you forget his sport involves long moments underwater).

and it's classmate!xiao who's now got your legs wrapped around his waist as he carries you back upstairs to show you what it really feels like to be breathless.

part 2 !

© tb3ih mmxxiii all rights reserved.

[prettylittledollswork]

He doesn’t like to admit things. Especially when it comes to his longing for love. He wants comfort, he wants to bask in your arms, but will he ever admit it? No.

Sometimes, he might tug on your sleeve for a hug. His ears and cheeks flushed a beautiful shade of red as he feels embarrassed about the whole situation.

He wants your love. He wants your cuddles. He wants you. He doesn’t want to admit it. It’s a weakness of his, he wants you to understand his cues and act promptly. You never understand his cues but you can tell by the way he’s as bright as a honey apple. It’s cute.

It’s adorable. He longs for it. Give him the love he desires (and needs).

———————————————————

Akutagawa, Xiao, Scaramouche + ur faves!! (Can u tell what my type is..)

[chaotic-sproutlet]

pt. 3 of the genshin mugshots (I think I got everyone 😭 free to use/no credit needed)

pt. 1 | pt.2

[heizlut]

Teach Me (part 1)

cw: none. pretty fluffy. smut will be in part 2!

tags: inexperienced!xiao, fem!reader, no pronouns just “you”

(read part 2 here)

check out my masterlist here!

༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥

Xiao disliked interaction of any kind with others. He found no reason to mingle with others in Liyue or make friends. What was the point if his karmic debt would just corrupt them in the end? He had too much to worry about to even begin to consider friendship let alone an intimate relationship. Somehow you started breaking down the walls that he took so much time to build up. You were always so persistent on spending time with him whenever you saw him. At first he was annoyed by your persistence, always calling out his name to summon him only to tell him you were in fact not in danger but had made him his favourite meal or bought something for him that made you think of him.

Your acts of genuine kindness confused him. Why would you do these things for him just because you felt like it? What use did he have for the things you gave him? What made him so special to you? He figured you did this for everyone so he tried not to tie further meaning into your sweet actions towards him. But he couldn’t help but begin to feel drawn to the sound of your voice, finding himself waiting on the rooftop of Wangshu Inn for you to call out his name. He felt ridiculous for having such a desire in his heart. But there was something about you that drew him in and he was determined to figure it out.

As he paces the rooftop of the inn, he hears the distant call of his name on your lips. Xiao thought that his karmic debt was finally getting to him, making him hear your sweet voice that he had been longing for. When you call out of him again, the tone of your voice is low and seductive, sending chills right down his spine. Whether he was finally going insane from his karmic debt or not, he was going to answer your call. When Xiao appeared, he was shocked at the sight before him. There you were. Your back towards him as you looked out the large window of your room. The way the moonlight danced across your skin made you look so ethereal to him. The way your night dress hung from your frame made him want to tear it right off of you. Xiao couldn’t explain the this foreign feeling rising up from inside of him. Lust and desire were things he had never felt before. Things he thought he would never feel.

When you turned around to face him, greeting him with your soft smile and kind eyes, it was like everything around him melted away. There was only you. “You came”, your voice soft and tantalizing. Xiao found himself moving towards you without putting thought to what he was going to do, “What’re you doing to me..” His raspy voice was almost a whisper. You place your hand on his chest, looking up at his amber eyes. Before you can even speak, Xiao speaks up first, “May I..” He trails off, not sure of how to explain what he wants.

You let out a small laugh, “May you what?” Xiao lets out a breath trying to come up with the right way to phrase his new desires. “Do you want me to kiss you?”, your words sent tingles up his spine. He looks away, feeling the blood rush to his cheeks as he nods once. You place a hand on his cheek, redirecting him to look back to you. Xiao is stiff as you begin leaning towards him, only to stop inches from his lips, “Are you sure you want this?” He swallows hard, nodding once yet again. You finally close the gap, pressing your sweet lips to his surprisingly soft ones. Before Xiao can process that this is truly real, you pull away with a small smile. The way he chases after your lips pulls a small laugh from you. “More… I need.. more”, his voice demanding yet hesitant. He wants to chase the feelings that have risen within him. He wants to understand what this all means. “Then kiss me”, your whispered words send him over the edge.

Xiao grabs onto you as if he’s afraid you’ll disappear right from his grasp. He pulls you to him, pressing his lips to yours with feverish kisses. You gently prod your tongue against his lips as if to ask permission to enter. Xiao parts his lips slightly, letting your tongues dance and swirl together. “So sweet…”, he mutters when your lips finally part from his. You feel the corners of your mouth curve into a slight smile as he presses his forehead against yours. He runs his fingers through your hair and he lets out a deep breath, “What is this feeling… What did you do to me…”

“Would you like to continue?”, you ask softly, hoping he would say yes. Xiao pulls back slightly, a confused expression crosses his face, “There’s.. more?” Your laughter fills the quiet room as you nod, “Yes, there’s more.” He seems to consider your words for a moment and begins to look a little more determined, “Teach me.”

༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥 ༄ 🀥

a/n: i’m back! this is a warmup to get me back into it since it’s been awhile and i needed to show xiao some love. part two on the way in a few!

[sora-genshin]

Xiao and Aether lantern event ritual celebrating together

[camiix27]

zhongchi restaurant date but its childe not knowing how 2 read chinese🤞 (hes just gonna order the whole menu) and trans xiao

[jasmyluv]

“Oh, my darling knight,” a name Xiao remembers. A name so special he couldn't bear to forget it. A name you gave him in the past. “You’ve worked so hard. Rest, won’t you?” you ask.

“I can’t. I must protect everyone— you,” he didn’t hide his willingness to protect everyone he cherished, most especially you.

“But, you also need to protect yourself, do you not? How can you protect others if you can’t protect yourself?” He hated when you were always right. He couldn’t help but do as he was told, rest if he must.

“Only for today…” He obliged, putting down his spear and going to a rock.

“Will you ever stop protecting everyone?” you ask a question out of the ordinary.

“…No. I don’t think I will,” he answers, looking at the peaceful land in front of you and him.

“Do you swear you can protect yourself?”

“I can never guarantee anything,” he answers in a tone akin to a whisper. He was always in danger, fighting demons and monsters of all kinds. You’re worried about him, what if something bad happened?

“Can you guarantee you’ll always be there for me, for everyone, past, present, and future?” you ask a simple question. You look like you don’t give a care for the world. You don’t care for anything else that’s happening around you.

“Yes,” he answers with no wavering thoughts. Whatever has happened, is happening, and will happen, he’s sure he would never hesitate to sacrifice himself for your sake.

“Hm, well me too, Xiao. Me too,”

—

No one can be trusted to stay with you for a lifetime.

It’s what Xiao thought right now, it was all he could think about.

“What the…” he breathed out. He couldn’t believe this was happening. He couldn't believe any of this was happening. He sprinted towards you, hoping to any god that was listening to give him at least one good thing in his life, you.

“Please… You can’t go,” tears formed in his beautiful eyes. He held you close to his heart, his tears threatening to spill down his face at any moment.

“X-Xiao…?” you could barely say his name. You open your eyes ever so slightly, you smile at the sight of him. Even if he was so close to crying, breaking down, give up, you still smiled.

“[Name]…?” he’s shocked. He couldn’t endure seeing you at the brink of death. Why would he want to see you, bloodied and bruised? Not even your worst enemy would want to see your state.

“Do you remember how I said I’ll always be there for you, past, present, and future?” You said, so weakly. Though, he still nodded, remembering the phrase so well.

“I’ll do just that, even in death. I’ll always remember you, my darling knight,” you promise him. Neither of you wanted to be apart, but fate had other plans.

“…Don’t go… Please…” he pleaded, the tears have already made stains on his cheeks. “I can’t live without you…”

“Goodbye, Xiao. …I love you,” you close your eyes, going into eternal slumber.

That night, he cried and cried and cried, he didn’t have a choice but to accept it all. Accept that everyone that he’s ever loved is gone. You are gone, the love of his life. He’s never cried so much, much less for a person.

Funny, he couldn’t even say “I love you” back.

[plantsrrfriends]

Peaceful Rest

Xiao x Reader

Synopsis; In which Xiao comes home from a long day and the pair share a much-needed moment of peace.

Themes; Comfort, Kiss, Established Relationship, Pure unbridled fluff

Every night, without fail, Xiao would appear at my home - our home, rather, as I liked to say, but he was still hesitant on regarding it as such. Even though I was an adeptus the same as him, he still struggled with the idea of continuity and stability. Ironic, considering he'd been living the same life of destroying demons for eons. 

Either way, he would always appear, be it through the front door like an average person or knocking on the window for some reason I would never understand. Sometimes his presence would linger in the daytime as well, and follow into the night - others, I wouldn't see a speck of him until my eyelids were heavy, barely staying open if just to see him and know he was safe. 

The state he would appear in was less certain then his eventual appearance. Sometimes, he seemed nearly chipper. Or as much as he could be, knowing he was Xiao. 

Other days, he was drained enough to all but collapse into my arms. Today appeared to be one on similar esteem. 

I hummed calmly to myself, a familiar tune from long ago as I poured hot water to steep tea. My little home was small but well loved from my many decades living within it. The forest was my home, and I took pride in protecting it thoroughly. Thus, I'd also been living within it's confines forever now. 

Once I was done, I set the warm kettle onto a heat pad and wiped my hands on the apron around my waist. Xiao disliked human food, for the most part. I held an infactuation with it and enjoyed cooking - and while he would always give a taste of whatever I'd created, sometimes I would give him a treat of Almond Tofu. 

Now, all that was left to do was wait. Though I didn't even do that for very long. 

I heard the creaking of my front porch stairs before he appeared. My ears perked and I turned towards the wooden door, waiting patiently as the steps continued, until the door just barely creeked open. Always so cautious. So hesitant. 

"I missed you," I said first, before anything else. I felt like I just needed to let that escape. And it cued him to come further, opening the door until he could slip in and closing it oh so gently behind him. As soon as I could see him, I knew. 

There was a familiar weight on his shoulders. A tenseness in his back and languidy in his movements. The way he seemed to close the door and slump as soon as it had shut and he was certain of safety. The forest was always safe - I kept it so. And I prided myself in it being a place where he needn't worry. 

He turned to glance at me, still wordless. Golden piercing eyes that I loved so. All I did was give a smile and open my arms.

The invitation was taking near instantly, with heavy footsteps approaching and his arms looping beneath mine and around my waist. Gentle but firm, leaning enough weight on me that I had to lean on my kitchen table. With a hum, I took him into my arms and put one gently stroking the space between his shoulder blades and the other hand brushing the hairs on the back of his neck. 

Both movements helped him seep into me, and I slowly felt himself allowing me to take more of his weight as he dug into the base of my neck with his nose, hands against the small of my back and thumbs lazily shifting. 

I was warm compared to him; I knew that. Our natures as adepti were apherently different, and such were our figures. He always seemed to be cold, as if he needed to sit by a fire for a bit or he'd dipped his hands into a pond. But I was the opposite. Always his personal heater that he reveled in, and I happily let him as I scratched at his scalp and dark hair. 

"Long day?" I mumbled, keeping my voice soft to not alarm him. Xiao just nodded into my shoulder. I hummed and softly added, "We can go to bed. I made tea, and Almond Tofu but I can keep that for the morning. I'll make a cup of tea and we can go lay down..."

He shifted, so I trailed off and paused my minstrations to watch him. The adeptus lifted his head until his eyes opened and instantly flickered to mine. He seemed to tired, and yet relieved. I felt nothing but happiness that I could be his relief. Gently, Xiao raised a hand from my back and trailed it upward, fingers dragging until they rested on my face. His golden gaze flickered from all my features as if trying to memorize them - I found he did that often. I assumed it was a fear of when I could possibly disappear, but I had no plans on doing that. 

Xiao leaned forward and I instinctively followed, flickering my eyes closed in time with his before the gentle press of his lips against mine. So soft and gentle, if not a little lazy from his tiredness. The first kiss was gentle and short, with a small moment where he pulled away, glanced at my smile, and then pulled me closer. His hands brushed along my torso as he stepped impossibly closer, as if trying to mold his body the same way our lips did. I gave a tilt of my head and he took it greedily, sighing softly with a small break and then kissing me all over again. 

I brushed my fingers at the nape of his neck, running a hand from his shoulder and down his back, melting his tension away with a single touch. Each kiss I shared with Xiao would always be different then the last, but they all felt like comfort. Like sitting on my porch and watching the rain. A gentle calm that I could never get enough of, and I knew I would never be satisfied or tired of each shift against him and parting of lips. 

There is no demand of wanting more from this kiss. He's satisfied with this current moment, and we simply relish in unbridled love unburdened by expectations of a partner, though also communicating desires. Xiao takes his time with each movement, trailing a hand from my side and towards my back until my apron is lose and he sets it on the table, hardly faltering against me. His chilly fingers test the cloth of my shirt, fiddling before tugging it from where it was tucked into my bottoms and letting his hand touch skin. He always said it was more reassuring to him. As if cloth got in the way of him truly knowing it was me, and that I was safe. 

And I was happy to oblige with a sigh against him, humming softly as we parted for a mere moment, still so close and noses brushes before his forehead was against mine, golden eyes still closed as he rested from a tiring day. 

I watched and reveled in the delightful flutter in my chest. A feeling I could never get tired of and would always relish. In all my thousands of years of being alive, only Alatus Xiao had been able to encite such a feeling. Like electricity in my system. A thousand bees buzzing in delight. 

He sighed and mumbled, "I missed you, too."

I smiled, "I can tell," And he hummed at my soft humor. 

Xiao sat quiet for another moment, golden eyes opening once to glance before settling closed again as his thumb ran circles on my skin and he breathed softly, as close as he could manage. I pressed my fingers gently against the base of his neck, trying to soften the tense muscle there to the best of my ability. 

"Let's go to bed," I whispered, and his gaze flickered open tiredly, as if he'd been falling asleep there, head a million miles away. 

"Your tea..." He reminded softly, as if it was that important to me. 

I tilted my head and brushed the tip of my nose against his, "I can always make more."

Xiao hummed again, leaning forward to press a chaste kiss against the corner of my mouth, as if agreeing to my terms for sleep. He took his own weight back and I wasted no time in following, slipping my fingers to lock with his and gladly padding across the floor listening to his steps soon after before we entered our room (he'd call it my room, but that's besides the point). 

We both dressed in what we preferred for the night - something he didn't do until I had insisted upon it, saying it made sleep more comfortable. He never understood why I slept like mortals - there was no need, but I enjoyed their sense of deserving rest after a long day. And if anybody deserved some rest, it was Xiao. If I could, I'd make him rest for a thousand years. Even that might not be enough to cure his soul. 

I plopped onto the bed holding my arms open and making a grabbing motion with my hands. He slipped the beaded necklace from around him, placing it on a nightstand, before steping towards me and falling back to lay. I giggled at the movement, finding his limp demenour endearing, and smiling as he turned his head from sitting face down to glance towards me. The moonlight illuminated the shade of his eyes and practically made the dark teal undertones of his hair glow. So pretty in any lighting. I was convinced nothing could make him unappealing to me. 

I held out my arms again, and he shifted, pushing himself from laying beside me into setting his head on my chest, beneath my jaw with hair tickling my cheek. Xiao slid his arms beneath me, pulling himself close and tangling his legs with mine, impossibly close. 

I slid my arms around his nimble figure, coaxing circles on his back and through his hair. Trying to give him any sense of comfort I could with what little power I had. He always tried to stay awake until I was asleep, but I had my ways.

Xiao suddenly mumbled, "I love you. You know that, right?"

"Of course," I smiled, "I love you, too."

He still continued, "You're everything to me. I'd destroy worlds if it meant you were safe and happy."

I couldn't help but hum in amusement, bringing a hand up to run through the longer parts of his hair, gifting me a sigh against my collar bone. I mused, "Thankfully, I'm safe right here. No need to destroy worlds."

"...Right," He mumbled, shifting his face to bury it against my neck. 

I also continued, "And the only thing that could make me happy right now is staying here with you. I suppose, also you getting the rest you deserve."

"I don't," He refuted, something he always did. 

I hushed him with my hand scratching his scalp and felt him keen towards my hand like a cat, "Oh, stop. Just rest with me, please. So I can wake up beside you."

Xiao's voice came more mumbled, softer and laced with exhaustion, "Anything for you."

I shifted, bringing my arms around him more comfortably, and settled into his embrace. Mere moments later, we had both coaxed off to sleep. And when I woke, he was still dozing beside me. 

~~~

A/N; First time posting on Tumblr, but I hope to have more!

[ourolite2]

⬭ 𓈒  ݁ mise en scène   xiao + male ( unassigned race ) reader. one-shot coded! sfw/slightly suggestive. written in third person, little playful flirts, little moans, little kissing, y’know how it be. ༄

“Given that I’m the more romantic one as well, if not am the romantic one… don’t you find that flattering?”

𝒴ou think that an Adeptus being reduced to reposing on the highest railing of Wangshuu Inn was the perfect opportunity to harass it, don’t you? The titillating scent of qingxin flowers, which featured a nostalgic longing of vanilla abstract, was enough to send poor ol’ Xiao to another conflicting spiral, seeing as you, his boyfriend, tend to utilize his favored scents against him in order to, and he quotes, “neutralize him”. At first, as much he refuses to admit it, your silage was memorable and effective, though the ludicrous comparisons only delayed his reactions, for Xiao��s combative persona enjoys to shut him down completely.

“You think I would be interested in such idle matters?” A response that you anticipated grandly; he has told you countless times that his intuition is Herculean. His wry humor (or what he considers to be “humorous”) was another trait etched within your heart, no matter how dismissive he deems himself to be for the sake of admitting his faults while dismissing his pride. Even your feline counterpart, who forbade himself from rubbing his cheek against Xiao’s ankle, looked up at you as if he overheard the word “no” — an expression imbued with incredulity. Xiao knew that you were more than invested in romance from the day he “consulted” the former Geo Archon for tips… masked with complaints, of course.

“Aside from that, mocking a mortal’s standards should not be anywhere near a challenge for an Adeptus. Your predictability is laughable.”

Your soft lips, ones that were lathered with a Nilotpala-based oil, one of the finest flowers located in Sumeru, parted slightly with feigned puzzlement and offense after hearing Xiao’s ironically predictable response. He accepted that he was shorter than you, made more mistakes than you, but you being more familiar with romance than him is when he draws the line? Oh, how priceless, not even the Golden House was enough to bribe you into forgetting all about his reaction.

With a lighthearted laugh, you leaned closer to your lover’s inexpressible facial features, though you were quite fixated on his medallion-adorned eyes, which told the most tales out of every single fiber of the shorter male’s body. They were quick to flutter and widen like a Monarch butterfly’s first hibernation during the month that governed the most somnolent snow, November. They would prod and dart like a proboscis with its pistil, though it seems that this little butterfly in question was struggling to focus on the silk flower before it. Perhaps it was his first feast?

“Xiao, your mind is as sharp as the scepter you wield, though I do have some doubts…”

Your tone was embedded with a puckish uncertainty that would also offend the Vigilant Yaksha, seeing as you would seem rather genuine with your words, though your charisma definitely confined the condescending snark you muttered towards ones you’re humored by. It would be easier to retort with something equally as snark, but instead Xiao scoffed before rudely scooting away from his aggravating lover, which earned intrusive snickers from the tri-colored feline below the both of them.

“A parrot’s purpose… what is it?”

He wasn’t going to inure another one of your mind games, he wasn’t. Another whirl of aggravation aroused within his abdomen that he compares to what mortals receive when they eat something unordinary. Perhaps being bound to one causes an Adeptus to strip away its importance until it’s no more than a mere bug on the fence. How could he ever confront Zhongli about this? His adeptual prowess dissipated because of his mortal.. such absurdity is needed to be solved alone, and by solved, he means by fanning it off with a baleful lour and a commanding:

“Elaborate.”

An impatient man, very complimentary indeed. You couldn’t help but chuckle endearingly at his demand as you watched him cross his arms over his chest that corresponded with his infamous glower. Indigo, the well-trusted sidekick and sorry excuse of a wingman sensed the circulating tension, resulting in him yowling intrusively (likely equivalent to a human instigating, what a silly kitty). While angling your head so that you were playfully staring up at Xiao, your grasp tightened on the bar of the railing to keep your balance unharmed. As “predictable” mortals turn out to be, emotions will remain unbridled, and that’s something you would never hear from a roseate-tickled nose.

“Show me how well you could imitate human culture,” You demanded, though your demands were far from definite and controlling, but rather tranquilizing and suggestive. Your eyes were muddled with adulating words that Xiao could unlock with little permission, but because he was so new to this whole dating thing, he prefers to keep the romanticism to a minimum. Though, Xiao was being put on the spot here, considering that his boyfriend potentially threatened his pride to diminish in order to break his own pride, which was unbreakable. It was very contradictory, and the paradox was merely causing more nauseating swirls in his gut. Oh how much he despised this mortal body and all its perplexing components.

One who he didn’t despise, ironically, is the one who was harassing him at the moment — the charismatic beau who didn't comprehend the concept of personal space, the one whose feathery fingers trail circles amongst Xiao’s archaic forearm tattoos, or simply… Y/n, the one whose lips were tainted with desirability that had the potential to diffuse any mortal’s suspicion without getting too deep into verbal persuasion. Xiao could acknowledge your talent, and he was rather impressed, but the longer he had to listen to you speak, the more his mind was no more than an intrusion itself. Times like this he was convinced that you were anything but human; how could a mere mortal man make him ruminate with this much intensity?

Time was of the essence, for he didn’t have even a millisecond to predict your movements, let alone one for rumination. Your fingers broke him out of his concentrated yet miffed expression in order to keep his head from drifting away from you. Xiao didn’t even realize his attempt on looking away judging by the way his eyes widened with shock. He shook it away however, like he always does, since you were pampering his poor mind with an additional question — “Show me how you would charm me in a way that makes me sick.”

Xiao didn’t have a clue on what you meant, though as stated previously, his mind was sharp enough to use context clues. If charming resulted in stomach aches such as the ones he was receiving, then he definitely didn’t want to return the favor, let alone sudden heat flashes of supposed delirium. He was convinced that he was going insane at the moment. How could mere teasing cause such an inane reaction? The worst part about it is that your guys’ ideal of a “safe word” consisted of him teleporting for a moment only to return the next day, so it was mortifying knowing that Y/n was relishing in the poor Adeptus’s distress.

Xiao took a deep breath, finally retaliating after a moment of fluster. “Tch… such an exasperating—”

“Please?” Politely and genuinely, which wasn’t uncharacteristic in the slightest, you pleaded while finally removing your hand from Xiao’s chin. Your eloquence is one of the reasons why Xiao was invested in you in the first place, so it makes sense as to why you used your genuinity against him. Not to mention the slight spark that inflamed into a raging wildfire in his chest once you dropped your act, reducing to your teasing persona; it never failed to just drive him closer and closer to insanity. “Or perhaps you are ignorant to the idea of romance. Our little game of opposite attract has come to an—”

He was compelled to shut you up, right then and there. And so he did. Impulsively. One moment he was impetuously grasping onto your shirt collar, rightfully earning a warning hiss from the eavesdropping calico and a widened eye partner whose body threatened to fall off the balcony, and then the next moment Sumeru’s moony petals blossomed amorously across the Yaksha’s tongue once his lips waltzed alongside of yours. The choreography was futile, seeing as not enough research in the world could prepare Xiao for this moment, therefore he’s relying on utter instinct, unlike the mortal who could definitely get used to Xiao’s sudden inexperienced kisses. Romance was no less than a distraction for ones with unconcentrated minds that were easily inflicted with delusions, Xiao would mentally declare.

Repetitively, he mentally scolded himself, claiming that he was merely showing you that he could be delusional as well. He could mock your cultural values, and his lips could give you that ethereal effect like no other. Xiao was so blinded by your taunts and challenges, he was finally realizing what he’s done, which caused him to immediately break from the deplorable kiss with a pale, stretched face. He was going to verbalize his excuses quickly, though Y/n was feeling uncharacteristically rude with the way he pressed his lips against Xiao’s once again.

You were meticulous and patient, chuckling against his quivering lips as Xiao used the little knowledge he had on kissing in order to impress you. The additional tongue from the Adeptus was something to cackle at once you’re through, and the way you could feel him groan in discomfort was even more humorous. It was utterly obvious that it was his first time, so prying wouldn’t do much good.

“Xiao… Xiao… beloved…” You cooed his name and endearing sobriquet breathlessly in between the kisses like some sort of mantra, successfully earning another groan from him, but instead he pulled away from the kiss the second time, making it clear that he didn’t want to attempt again by scooting over and facing his head the opposite direction. He hasn’t teleported yet, so it gave you the time to adore the way his ears gleamed an intense crimson and even—

Oh, there he goes.

Instinctively, you slid off the railing when your boyfriend vanished within thin air right before he even began to say anything. Externally, your expression neutralized into a look of relief when this said action occurred, but your mind now began to race with unresolved questions that needed to be answered accordingly and promptly. You were now extremely worried that he caused discomfort to him; the idea made you sigh to yourself, shaking your head with disappointment.

⑅ neso productions. all rights fucking reserved, do not plagiarize.

[eulalized]

5WIRL AS SONGS.

or, their love for you as songs: featuring xiao, kazuha, venti, aether, & heizou — gn!reader

no warnings; except for possible tw for artists (steve lacy, the black skirts, grentperez, mitski, & joji), a possible translation inaccuracy for kazuha’s, aether has a “the world can hate me but i don’t care” vibe

wanted to try something, reblogs are appreciated <3

xiao & give you the world — steve lacy

tell me what i gotta do to move a little closer to you. if you want me to, i’ll share my heart.

xiao’s scared. he hasn’t felt this way before, so how is he supposed to know what to do?

he gets so nervous that he might do something wrong and drive you away. yet he still wants to know you better—love you better.

he really doesn’t want lose you; will you love him for all that he is? for all that he will grow to be?

once he’s sure—once he knows what to do—he’ll stain your world with hues of thoughts: i like you too much, what do i do? (his mind thinks the same too)

kazuha & everything — the black skirts

비가 내리는 날엔, 우리 방안에 누워 아무 말이 없고. 감은 눈을 마주보면, 모든 게 우리 거야 // on a rainy day, laying in our room and not saying anything. when you look into our closed eyes, everything is ours*

kazuha believes that he truly loves you. you, for all that you are—beyond anything he had ever known before, he loves you.

he doesn’t think words are enough, even his own. kazuha can only say so much with words, he wishes to say even more.

let his love for you be permanent, eternal in this world

let him show you in the clouds he threads atop the sky, in the leaves that bide in the trees for autumn to come

venti & clementine — grentperez

what can i do to tame the heat of this fire? forever savin’ the remnants of a love. like ancient stories told from another time, eternally painted on my mind

venti feels different. it’s not the same than centuries before. but he feels so free.

if he saw everything in the world, the only thing in his mind is you. there is nothing else in his mind, let him be silly with you because he sees you in every light, as a star in the sky

every day venti dreams that until every century passes, he is by your side. the archon of freedom, but he’d rather stay by your side.

aether & francis forever — mitski

i don’t need the world to see that i’ve been the best i can be, but i don’t think i could stand to be where you don’t see me

can he be called selfless? is he allowed to be selfish this time, can he be comforted just for a bit? can aether explain it, how he doesn’t care whether or not the world would praise him?

with you, can he hide his worries for a bit?

if he made a mistake, if aether did one thing wrong—the world can hate him for all he cares, but it would be unbearable if you did too

heizou & gimme love — joji

look into your heart and let me know. do things turn black and gray as they go? when i’m far too gone, can you show me love?

heizou can’t help but wonder everything about you. why is he so curious? why is he asking so many questions? and why does he trust you so much with himself?

this one time, heizou doesn’t know what to do. he can’t use his tactics that work when he’s in detective mode. he can’t solve this mystery

he can’t solve you, and it’s driving him crazy.

[anar-k3y]

Take a short Xiao x Aether one shot I wrote suddenly

CW: gays being gay, Aether overworked, mentions their trauma in passing, also not proof-read

—

Aether stood in the rain in Liyue, reaching out his hand and looking up, allowing the water to ruin his hair and soak his clothes. He closed his eyes, breathing in that smell of rain— he'd been working non-stop helping people, this was the first time he'd had a chance to himself to enjoy a moment to himself. He had originally just gone on a walk before it started to rain.

And now here he was, standing in the middle of the bridge that leads into liyue harbour, allowing himself to be smothered by the water that fell from the clouds.

“...Xiao...” Aether muttered unintentionally, he didn't mean to let the name slip his mind, Aether always found the adepti's name on his lips when he was relaxed, maybe cause Xiao made him feel at peace— maybe because he liked him, or maybe it was both.

“you called?” Xiao appeared in front of Aether, arms crossed, his eyes scanning over the Traveller for any wounds and their surroundings for any enemies.

Aether lowered his head and opened his eyes, looking at Xiao. “oh- Xiao” Aether smiled, stepping towards Xiao... The adepti was here... Why not do something with him?

“did you need something, Traveller?” Xiao didn't move as Aether approacged, his body language was semi-relaxed.

“no, not necessarily... But, would you be alright to.. Dance, with me?” Aether asked, a smile on his face, though a mild worry in his eyes. He reached his hands out, gently grasping Xiao's, intertwining their fingers together.

“dance? Adepti don't dance. Aether- you-” Xiao went to scold Traveller, though when they held hands... His face erupted into blush, his pupils widening.

“..fine, one dance...” Xiao sighed, stepping closer to Aether, hoping the blonde wouldn't mention his red face.

Aether perked up, that smile growing even larger and his eyes squinted making small wrinkles that Xiao loved seeing— this made traveller happy... His heart fluttered.

As the rain continued to pour around them, Aether lead their movements, bringing Xiao into—

— small spins and twirls that made Aether laugh, giggle, smile. All of this making Xiao blush and even smile.

The moment was light- like the karmic debt Xiao carried was all but erased, like the trauma and fear he carried had vanished into the abyss, there was nothing in this world he wanted more then to dance with Aether like this for the rest of eternity, to see Aether smile like this..

Aether felt light, like a bird who just gained wings... He hadn't danced with another like this since he had been with Lumine... But this felt different, it felt safe. Free. Loved...

The rain slowly came to a halt, the clouds parting to show the crescent moon shining above them.

Aether looked at Xiao, the water pooling underneath them, his hair sticking to his skin, yet the traveller was smiling more then Xiao had ever seen.. Aether looked ethereal.

“thank you, Xiao” Aether almost laughed, moving forward and hugging the adepti.

“uh-uh...” Xiao Tensed up before slowly returning the embrace, his arms wrapping around Aether so gently it was like he wasn't touching him. “you're... Welcome...” Xiao muttered quietly, resting his head against Aether's carefully.

[onceapirateprincess]

.Nika, the God of Sun and Freedom. A Genshin Impact x One Piece Crossover Legend.

Bit of a long post, but basically, the legend of Nika the Sun God as I would put it into Genshin. Hope you enjoy!

.NIKA, GOD OF THE SUN AND FREEDOM.

His name has been whispered many times over the centuries, all in different forms. Nika, the one who sets things right. Nika, the breaker of chains. Nika, the punisher of the unjust. Nika, the berserker. Nika, the wild god. 

Nika, the lost child of humanity. 

Once upon a time, far, far in the past, humanity faced its greatest threat - each other. People enslaved other people, kept others in terror, imprisoned people not just with bars but with their own minds. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen now - but back then, it was a horror show.

And the people cried and twisted under the fearful, flaming whip of their enslavers, and they screamed to the heavens, “Celestia, why have you forsaken us?” But Celestia was silent. And so the people suffered, and those in power grew more powerful. 

But as we all know, humans are resilient when need be. And when their gods abandoned them, they learned to take care of their own. And they created a path to freedom, a path to escape those who kept them in chains. And the way forward was dictated to them in a drumming song tapped out on wherever they could do so without arousing suspicion. A rousing, drumming beat, that was meant to inspire and give power to those ready for the next leg of the journey to freedom. 

And it was called the Drums of Liberation. 

One day, the cruel overlords discovered this path, and grew furious. How dare they not have the control they had enjoyed for so long! So they set out to raze it, and the safe settlement, to the ground. 

The others were not going to sit by while their hard - won freedom burned. So all who were able picked up weapons and stood at the ready. And when the two sides met, they were two opposing ocean tides, clashing with earth - shaking vigor. The battle lasted for five days and five nights, but slowly, slowly, the free people’s forces were whittled away. And it seemed there was no hope. Until one day, on the bloody, scorched battlefield, a young, injured boy raised his hand, and began tapping the rhythm he knew so well. And he was joined by another, a woman, dying of her injuries, but trying to inspire the warriors on the front. And another - a veteran, leaning on his crutch to tap out the rhythm with his good leg. And another. And another. And another. Until the air was filled with the rumble of the Drums of Liberation. Both armies paused. And the air hung still, for five seconds. And then the sun seemed to crash into the battlefield. And the sound of loud, boyish laughter filled the air, as the rhythm grew louder. But some were confused, as no one was tapping after the shockwave stunned them all. From the great shining light, came the silhouette of a boyish figure, clouds floating all around him and a wide, bright smile on his face. His eyes were full of stars, an endless galaxy contained within He looked upon the beaten down troops and said, 

“As you have given me my heartbeat, so I will fight for you until the very end.”

And then the free people’s forces watched in awe as he tore through the overlord’s forces as if they were paper, bouncing and jumping and stretching around the battlefield in ways human bodies were not supposed to move.

When it was over the god turned and knelt next to the young boy who had begun the whole thing and helped him to his feet. 

“You have allowed me life. But…I am still incomplete. What…would you name me?”

And the boy thought for a moment before saying, “Nika. After my younger brother lost to the evil. 

And so the god was named Nika. News of Nika spread through all four corners of Tevyat. A God not born of Celestia…an unknown. And the slavers and fearmongers came to fear him, for he devastated the very ground they walked on. And slowly, the shadow of oppression was driven back across the land, to the tune of Nika’s heartbeat, the Drums of Liberation. And Tevyat was peaceful for a while. 

Until the Archon War. 

When the heavens split open, Nika protected his people from the thunderstorms. When the ground rumbled and cracked, Nika caught the fallen from the crevices and carved out a space for his people. When the seas raged and roared, Nika threw up walls. When the wind howled, Nika made sure his people’s houses didn’t blow away. 

And Nika grew angry. The power of Celestia was so tempting, it was causing the very gods that swore to protect the people to turn on them and harm them, directly and indirectly. He could see it now. No matter who won, humanity, his people, would be handed over to just another overlord who wouldn’t care about them. 

He had to stop them. And so he went on his own crusade - against the Archons and Gods themselves. And maybe he would have succeeded, had his first target not been one of the most powerful of the fighters - Rex Lapis of Liuye. Nika was always one to go after the big fish. 

Their battle raged across the mountains and plains of Liuye. Nika threw bolts containing fire hotter than the sun itself, landed powerful punches on the Prime Adeptus and his other adept forces. Nika fought hand to hand with Marshal Soaring Snake, Bosacious. He lit the plains up during his battle with General Fire Rat, Musatas. His battle with General Curled Snail, Bonanus, tore the sea down to its very seabed. The very earth shook when he fought with General Mind - Monkey, Menogias.

And in his biggest battle, he fought the Prime Adeptus himself - Rex Lapis - and his faithful servant, the Conqueror of Demons, Alatus, without blinking. It was said that this was the only battle he did not have a smile on his face - but a scowl, a snarl of anger that seemed to scream he would win at any cost, for his people. 

The battle lasted seven days and seven nights. Mountains were torn up as Rex Lapis hurled them like spears at the god, and Nika retaliated with white - hot, glowing blasts of pure energy that left deep gouges in the earth. Alatus aimed his spear at the young god’s heart, and in return Nika struck back with punches that were so full of energy his fist glowed. 

But even the god of the sun must set, and with his power finally depleted, Nika was defeated, laying face down at the bottom of a gorge. And with a final swing of his polearm, Rex Lapis shattered the spirit of the boyish god, and the Drums of Liberation fell silent. 

Another casualty of the Archon war. 

But all is not lost, or so the followers of Nika said. For the spirit of freedom cannot ever be killed…and the sun will always rise the next day. And so they wait for Nika’s return, and they have been for centuries, the story of the God passed down all through Teyvat through memories. And maybe someday, a child will open their eyes and you will see the depths of the galaxy within them, or the wisps of cloud surrounding their head, or the ever present, bright smile of a God who symbolizes freedom itself.

And if you listen closely…the Drums of Liberation reside in every human’s heart - perhaps that was Nika’s last gift to humanity, before he faded.

The desire for freedom - and the drive to do good.

And so the God sleeps - but who knows for how long.

[goingbadonkas]

Observations from a new player: I finally did Xiao's story quest and I have come to the conclusion that his voice sounds like his throat is hoarse from screaming

It's soft but has a rough tone to it, at first I thought it was just because he was annoyed, but then even when he appeared calm it still had this harsh effect under the emotions he displayed. So uhm, hoarse from screaming, or crying, or maybe just disuse. Who knows

[xvnfixations]

also dropping my wip of xiao !! (⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*⁠) i'm very inconsistent with my illustrations so i can't guarantee a complete artwork (':

but i love drawing my favourite boy when i can ~

illustrated on 07.01.23

the diamond-shaped highlights in his hair are experimental, as this piece as a whole ngl, BUT i like it so far but i might change my mind ajjajajsjsjs i do want to add more details to the eyes ! :0

this is actually my first try at drawing ( slightly ) muscular body builds TT TT i suffered so much but i'm really proud of it !! my usual artstyle consists of smaller bodies - it's hard to explainannsnsjs but it's basically kinda twink-ish, in simple terms SOBSBSBS

[tsikuri]

:)

[meiscella]