#Vigilant Birdsongs ~ Xiao

[boundless-iridescence]

Random Asks | Always Open

@viatrixtravels asked:

"...Nn...Almost...there...Phew!"

A sigh of relief fell from the Traveler's lips, one hand moving to wipe the sweat off her forehead after the long climb up. "Aha! I knew I'd find you here!"

At least all that effort had not been for nothing. She had a faint suspicion that the Yaksha would be resting on top of the large tree right besides Wangshu Inn. It seems to be one of his favorite napping spots. Unfortunately, it is not the easiest to reach. There was a shortcut by jumping from the balcony of the building, but still required climbing up several branches afterwards.

"Ehehe...I guess I'm a little out of shape, huh? I haven't been climbing as much in Fontaine."

While the region of Hydro did have some steep hills, most of the exploration takes place underwater. Not that this was any easier - it actually required her to learn a whole new way of combat, but she had gotten the hang of it by now.

"Ahem. Anyway...I'm sure you know what I'm here, right? ー Or did you think I'd forget?"

Lumine had made many friends here in Teyvat, but she made sure to remember...

"Happy birthday, Xiao. This is for you."

A bouquet of Glaze Lillies or Qingxin would have been way too cliched. He has seen plenty of those in this thousands of years of living. Instead, she went with a Fontainian speciality - the Romaritime Flower.

"These flowers actually bloom under the sea level! Some of them can grow above ground as well, but then you need to apply Hydro for them to bloom." She explained, lips curving into a gentle smile.

"I hope you like it. The purple color in them reminded me of you."

He'd heard the noises of strain, but recognized the incoming presence of the traveler far before her voice or face made her presence clear. He respected her effort and simply settled into his curiosity as he waited for her to reach him, sitting atop his favorite spot in the tree...as she had apparently expected, with his arm resting on a bent knee.

Any other hunting him down here might be subjected to severe frustration and judgment, having invaded a rather sacred space for him. Very few would be met with a sense of welcome. The man who called himself Zhongli was one.

And she was the other.

"Forget...?" he questioned, speaking for the first in this current meeting. He wasn't sure what she would think he would forget...unless.. He sighed, even as she came closer. It really was not necessary, but he could already see her winding up something. This was nothing more than a passage of time, a moment marked but the marks were like tallies and nothing more to him. At least they were in regards to his existence, even if the tallies were feeling, these days, only a little less like marks. "Lumine, you needn't--"

And yet she did, gifting those words that he was not shy to offering when he knew the time had passed over her own birthday. Not that his was normal, it was...more of a rebirth-day, but he supposed that counted far more. And the his eyes zeroed in on the flower, as she explained about it and it's unique nature.

He hesitated, before finally, reached to take it in hand, twisting it left and right as he observed his fullness, and it's color. It was very unique, not like any he saw here in Liyue, ever really. This homeland of his hand it's beauty, but this was certainly one worth appreciating as well. And it reminded her of him? Well, he supposed he could see it, in the colors.

Finally, bringing the flower a bit closer to his chest, he looked back to Lumine. "...How...far did you go, for this?" was his first question. She had said they bloom under the sea level, didn't she? But no. No, that wasn't what he should focus on. Effort or not, he should be recognizing it with more appreciation. She was gifting this, specifically on this day. He could not disrespect her gift, never from Lumine.

He shook his head, clearing his throat a bit. He scooted just a bit nearer to where she'd settled in his tree, lowering the flower but keeping it close. And he looked to Lumine, the proud smile on her face, the gentle care he always felt from her--felt so strongly it was now flowing into dreams for him, strange as it was. His lips ever so softly tugged into a tender smile.

"I may not treat such a day, as others do, but...thank you. For this, and giving me a way to enjoy this day anyways. If you're not....busy, perhaps...we can sit for a while...?"

[boundless-iridescence]

He was caught up again, just staring at her, as her skin pinked rapidly. He felt stirring guilt, concerned over whether he'd done something wrong, or gone too far, and yet...all he could think was that the look of her skin all pink, it seemed so...precious.

With the yellows, the ambers, the white and blue of her uniform, and the tinge of pink, he could almost compare her to the rise of a son on a quite, peaceful morning. He'd experienced many, in his time alone in the mountains of Liyue, and yet none were beautiful like this...

He cleared his throat, lowering his gaze, and then nodding. He took the Kamera, and then aimed it a bit better this time. He readied, standing closer to her as they had before. But, he needed to make sure he looked at the Kamera....right? Or was this photo for him? Perhaps she wanted the other one for herself? Either way, whatever photo he claimed, he wouldn't really be bothered for how he himself looked.

Just Lumine. To claim and hold a reminder of her for the rest of his days, he would simply focus on this moment now. He wanted to catch the pink of her skin while it was still present.

And so, reaching to press the button to take the shot, he glanced towards her, only somewhat, to ensure that blush was still there, before the snap of the picture sounded. He managed to fumble and take another with his gaze pointed forward again, before drawing the Kamera back and offering it to Lumine.

"...I may have, uh...failed the pose a bit on that first one. I won't mind keeping that one." he told her.

Up until now, Lumine had been very casual and calm about the whole situation. In her eyes, there was nothing strange or embarrassing about taking pictures with your friends.

ーー Until the Adeptus decided to do the unexpected and gently tuck her side bangs behind her ear. It was a very simple - and most likely innocent - gesture, but the blonde had read one too many cliched romance novels from Yae Publishing House and this sort of scenario was a commonly used trope in those kind of stories.

As a result, her brain instantly short-circuit, all heat rising to her face and turning her cheeks a deep crimson color.

( Calm yourself, Lumi. ...Deep breaths. In...and out. Surely Xiao just wanted the crystalfly to be more visible, that's all. Don't let your imagination run wild, you silly girl! )

After getting lost in her own thoughts for a bit, it was his voice which eventually snapped her back to reality.

"Huh? ...Oh. R-Right! The next picture!"

Guess who was going to look like an overripe tomato on that photograph? Just her luck.

"Do you want to hold the Kamera again? I think your arms are just slightly longer than mine..."

[captaincryolicious]

Yaksha's gratitude

➳ Xiao x gn!reader

➳ Drabble ; 0,8k

➳ Fluff ; No warnings

The sunset always reminds the conqueror of demons of how grateful he is to have you in his life. [O5.1O.2O21]

Zep's Note ; I literally didn't post for a whole month and now I come back with something lame but hey, I am back.

content under the cut | masterlist

Tall strands of dry grass swayed back and forth as the gentle evening breeze caressed them softly. In the distance echoed a bird's call, while the crickets brought forth their symphonies in the small shrubs that grew scattered on the slopes. The clouds adrift in the darkening sky took on shades of purple and auburn, for those were the colors the setting sun had chosen to paint the sky with tonight.

Xiao was standing next to you on the soft grass on the sloping hillside of the peaceful area, wrapped in the sunset glow that washed over the highest peaks of Liyue. Before him laid out a view most stunning, the high altitude offering a wide display of the vast expanse of valleys and hills under the evening sky.

But the yaksha paid no mind to the artwork of mother nature, and even the sight of the sun kissing the horizon failed to draw his attention. Instead, his beautiful amber eyes were solely focused on you.

You, who he trusted and loved. You, who awakened a spark within him that fought the cold darkness he used to carry perpetually. You, whose smile rivaled the warmth of the setting sun.

You were his comfort, his saving light amidst the gloom that surrounded him. You shone down on his path when everything seemed lost and hopeless. To Xiao, you were like the sunset; warm and glorious, bringing forth both the end of a day and the beginning of a new one, like a promise brimming with eternal loyalty.

You were his okay when nothing else was okay anymore. Never would he have thought to meet a mortal who could bring him peace, until you appeared afore him on an evening many, many sunsets ago.

Were you even aware of the effect you had on his once-broken soul? He cast his gaze towards your figure, and his heart swelled with an array of emotions as he saw you sitting there, eyes closed as you enjoyed the evening breeze that pulled over the twilight slopes. The wind caught your hair playfully and your legs dangled over the edge with a carelessnes Xiao couldn't even imagine what it felt like. The fading daylight wrapped you in a hue of heavenly gold, as if mother nature meant to emphasize how much of a treasure you were to the adeptus.

"Xiao?" your voice echoed over the storm of thoughts inside his mind, and the yaksha snapped out of it.

You laughed at his bewildered expression, a sound that was like a symphony to him; full of joy and merriness that matched the small glimmer in your eyes.

"What?" he inquired gruffly, folding his arms in front of his chest protectively. He merely glanced at you with narrowed eyes, wondering why you called his tarnished name while there was a blanket of serenity laid out everywhere around you.

It was a defensive habit of his, to react in a cold and rejecting manner. Yet, the warmth you approached him with never ceased and a smile always graced your lips when he was near you, just like the sunset always painted the sky in a way most beautiful.

You were precious, and he was grateful.

"What's on your mind?" you lightly asked.

Your eyes followed his every movement as he slowly moved closer and lowered himself to take a seat next to you in the tall and windswept grass. He sat close to you, your arms brushing against each other briefly before his gloved hand gently took ahold of yours. When his golden gaze met yours, the birdsong seemed to fade away, the harmony of nature stilled and it was just the vigilant yaksha and the mortal who saved him.

Xiao had always felt like the sun forgot about him, that the rays of comfort no longer tried to reach him, for he was a lost and hopeless soul regardless. Cast away, merely existing to fullfill his sole purpose in the shadows of the world, unworthy of the sun's blessing.

Until a little light pierced through the thick deck of looming clouds, illuminating the world for him and him alone. You were his sunset, golden and unwavering, the end but also a new beginning. Your gentle rays of love and light stilled the endless battles with the savage demons in his mind, and he was grateful.

"Nothing," the male muttered dismissively, but he found himself giving your hand a light squeeze, the beginning of a smile tugging on his lips.

With those words, he averted his eyes to see the sun disappearing below the horizon. The sky had darkened, the breeze lost its warmth and the air was getting colder, but it didn't matter to Xiao.

His sunset was always with him.

[boundless-iridescence]

He was very quietly, discreetly nervous the entire time they worked, though Lumine's compliments eased some of that. He smiled faintly when she would offer praise, and continued his work.

He was relieved when it was finished, however, tension having faded finally. He looked over their work, body seeming surprisingly more relaxed than usual at this point. Having worked, whether it was together or just at all, seemed to have relaxed parts of his body and mind.

Looking over his birthday cake, and then taking the slice, he considered it a moment longer. Before he smiled softly, looking to Lumine. "It does look very good... I'm sure it will taste as good. Thank you....Lumine. For all of this..."

He finally took a bite. It certainly wasn't his usual fare, and perhaps not something he would eat often (he was just picky, and liked very few things). However, his eyes widened softly, before he looked to Lumine, almost looking amusingly surprised.

"It's...it's good. I like it." he told her, wanting to be sure she knew he was being honest. He took another bite, and though he was taking his time, he was still eating just as contently as he would Almond Tofu.

Lumine took a quick peek inside the bowl - just to make sure there were no bits of egg shell in there.

"Mmh! Good job! We can start mixing the various ingredients into one batter then." Due to her precise instructions and his careful movements, everything went quite smooth and before long, the cake was ready to go into the oven. At that point it was mostly a waiting game.

"For someone who does not cook or bake very often, you are very skilled at it!" Or perhaps he was simply patient and a good listener? When she tried to bake with Paimon once, the Pixie kept on rushing because she was hungry, or she refused to follow the recipe.

"Now the oven will do its thing. We can get started on the toppings in the meantime though."

Once again, strong flavors were out of the question. Instead she had settled on a vanilla-flavored frosting and some sliced up apricots.

"I can make the frosting, so can you cut the fruit? There's a peeler and a small knife on the counter over there."

***

Time seemed to fly by and by the time they were done with the toppings, the oven pinged. Add another half an hour or so to that for the cake to cool and then it was finally time to decorate.

...

"...I think we're done! It looks good, don't you think? Of course, the most important part is the taste!"

The blonde wasted no time to cut him a big slice before handing it over to the Adeptus. "Here you go, birthday boy~ You get the honor!"

[boundless-iridescence]

He was a bit confused by her drawing away for something, his body subconsciously drifting after her before he stopped himself. He waited patiently, arms folded in a relaxed fashion over his chest. Until finally she turned around, all grins and adorned now with...

The Geo crystalfly...?

He was...surprised. He wasn't sure why, it wasn't as if he expected her to discard it, but he was surprised she...had it on her at all, to be able to retrieve it. Something warm and fond swirled in his chest, something he only ever seemed to feel around her these days, and it was so foreign it could almost be uncomfortable, but he'd long since learned to embrace him.

"Yes...it's just about perfect." he comments, feeling warmth at the back of his neck that he didn't notice beyond associating the feeling of warmth with the same one swimming his chest.

But suddenly his hand moved, and considering her a moment, he reached and brushed part of her longer bangs that framed her face, to behind her ear, the crystal fly still just a tad blocked but he could see it better...to where it seemed to bring out the amber color of her eyes.

And he stared for nearly a minute longer, before turning his gaze and taking a step back.

"Shall we...take the next picture, now...?"

"Actually, you can simplyーー"

Lumine cut herself off, realizing that she should not let this rare opportunity slip by. It did not happen often that Xiao was so willing to engage in 'mundane' activities like their little photoshoot. He did not have to know that the Kamera could print multiple copies of the same photograph - at least not yet.

"Mmh, you're right. We should definitely take some more. This one is nice, but we can experiment with a few more different poses."

Come to think of it, the Traveler did not even check her hair before they started taking pictures. She was climbing a tree earlier, so it was very likely it could have gotten a bit tousled - or perhaps even had some leaves stuck in there.

( Hair...Ah! )

It was then that blonde suddenly recalled the geo crystalfly hair accessory she was gifted by none other than the Yaksha himself. She found it a bit strange back then how he would gift her something on his birthday, but she did not question it. Just like the other presents received from her friends in Teyvat, she held onto it this whole time.

"One second!"

After deattaching the blueish white feathers from her earring, she exchanged them for the dried crystalfly wings, fixing them in place.

"Ta-dah! How's this? These would look nice on the picture, no? They definitely fit with the Liyue scenery!"

[boundless-iridescence]

He was dragged along with just a little resistance. Were it anyone else, he would have broken the hold and been out of reach, if not out of this general area...but this was Lumine, and this was Lumine excited and urgent to...make him some sort of special part of a meal. He watched her as she dragged him on to the kitchen. He awkwardly greeted Smiley, clearing his throat and crossing his arms once he was finally freed.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd been down here. As Lumine listened off ingredients, he started looking for them, grabbing half that she hadn't gotten to already. She wanted him to assist...again, it had been a while since he cooked, moreover in an actual kitchen, but he easily followed her instructions. He was careful with the eggs, but cracked them easily enough, before Lumine questions him.

He stood straighter, and then shook his head. "I'm fine. Perhaps...only a little out of practice. But it takes worse efforts to force me." he assured her. Yes, he hadn't planned nor really asked to help. But the idea of assisting with this made it easier to accept her effort in turn. It was better, knowing she wasn't doing it all by herself.

"What shall I do next?"

"Nu-uh! A birthday without a cake is unacceptable! I have to fix my own mistakes!"

Her mind had been set on it, which means there was nothing or nobody to stop her. Stubborn happens to be her middle name after all. Thankfully, she always carried a lot of different ingredients with her which she picks up on the way - so she should have everything on her to make a simple birthday cake.

"But if you insist on keeping me company, you can be my cooking assistant!"

Now it was her turn to grab his wrist next, a wide smile spread across her features as she dragged him over to the kitchen. It did not take much convincing to let Smiley borrow the place for a bit. He was probably just happy to see Xiao spend time with a friend for once.

"Eggs, flour, butter, sugar...And a bit of vanilla extract! That's all we need for the batter itself! Easy, right? Could you break the eggs into a bowl for me? I'll measure out the dry ingredients."

Xiao was not one to care much about food - aside from his favorite dish. Almond Tofu is very mild and subtle, so it only seemed fitting to go for a very simple vanilla flavored cake as a base. Chocolate would be too strong of a flavor for him after all.

It was clear that Lumine was no stranger to baking. She would often make cookies or cupcakes for Paimon and herself. Not that the Pixie is hard to please. She will eat just about anything.

"I can't remember the last time I've cooked with someone like this. Paimon loves to eat, but she's a disaster in the kitchen. She'd probably set the place on fire."

For her, it was a pleasant experience, but she couldn't help but notice that Xiao seemed a little stiff. Perhaps he was a little nervous because he's not used to this.

"...Are you alright? You can tell me if you feel forced. Then you can simply wait on the balcony until it's done."

[boundless-iridescence]

He observed the creatures much more closely now as Lumine explained their own love of music and her experiences in such with them. It was endearing to think of, and he imagined she would be beautiful playing--ah, would play beautifully..!

However, he did not expect her to choose to do so now. It was almost overwhelming, the ways in which she continued to try and gift things or words to him, and yet in his naturally complicated fashion, he welcomed and treasured it.

The lyre and her voice married so well, his eyes going wide before softening gently. Sure, there were imperfections, and he was no stickler for absolutely trained talent himself. His own songs were never about perfect notes, but about...conveying feeling, and of course, no surprise, Lumine's talent spread into this as well. The words and how silly they seemed, he could almost feel her desire for his day in they way her voice rang, and her fingers pulled at the strings.

He was actually smiling, small as it was, as she finished and went on. He was intent on giving her his compliments as she explained when the song was usually sung, but then she seemed to be distracted.

"Lumine...? What--"

A cake? Ah yes, he'd heard of and witnessed the tradition a few times. He remembered how some of the travelers other Liyue friends and companions had made such for her, though he'd never been one to give such a gift. Was it...truly necessary? She seemed to believe it was, but surely this was too much trouble. He reached for her wrist, catching it in a careful grasp.

"You needn't go that far...really. I-I mean, unless...it would make you happy. You should...understand, your company is more than enough...for me." he conveyed to her as clearly as he could, though such honesty was still a bit strange for him.

That was a somewhat unexpected response. She would have never imagined Xiao to be fond of music - and definitely not singing. He should have joined Hu Tao and Xinyan on stage during the Lantern Rite then. Although, she doubted his preferred genre of music would be rap. Surely it was something a little more calm...perhaps even songs from the past which he enjoyed together with his late Yaksha comrades.

"You should have told me sooner! These creatures..."

Lumine gestured towards the Aranara on her doodles once more. "They compose their own songs as well. They even taught me a couple of scores on the Vintage Lyre."

Thankfully, the Traveler still carried the instrument with her. She didn't think she would be playing it today. "I might not be the best at playing music nor singing, but if it's something that brings you joy, then please allow me..."

Using the Lyre, she began to play a soft melody. It was far from perfect, but not to the point where it would be painful to listen to.

"Happy birthday to you~ ♫ Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday, dear Xiao~ ♫ Happy birthday to you~ ♫" She chanted, trying her best to keep a steady tone.

"...Mmh! I can't believe I forgot earlier! This song is a staple for any birthday celebration! Then afterwards, you blow out the candles on your caー"

...

The female's face suddenly went pale.

"...ke."

( I forgot...!! )

How stupid of her. How could she forget about the best part? A birthday cake is absolutely vital!

"I-I'm sorry, Xiao! I'll return to the Inn at once and ask Smiley to borrow the kitchen so I can make you a cake!"

[boundless-iridescence]

He was a bit surprised, too. He was so locked in to just this closeness, the look of Lumine so close, the....warmth here, he'd almost forgotten about the photo, and then it snapped. He looked back to the kamera, then to Lumine. Had he messed it up? Should they have been...posed differently?

"Certainly..." he remarked, at least glad she liked it. He...quite liked it, too. Though he'd prefer a picture to keep of her, with her facing forward. He didn't need to be in it, though. Perhaps he could get one of just her, at some point...to keep with him as well, when that future came when she would be beyond reach. Who's to say if he could reach where she might call his name, then...though, he would wait to hear, not matter what.

"We were to take two, though, right? One for you...one for me..." he reminded, as it had only snapped one shot in their shared surprise. "...Perhaps I can give you a better shot this time?" he offered, though he wasn't sure what sort of photo pose she'd prefer.

In was in that moment that she first took notice of just how mesmerizing those bright golden hues of his were. They radiated a certain warmth which reminded her of the sun - or the stars shining brightly in the night sky. Gold was also a very nostalgic color to her - deeply associated with her twin brother.

"..."

Lumine had completely lost herself in the moment, she barely even took notice of how her fingertip pressed down on the shutter, taking their picture.

*Snap*

"Ah..."

When the finished result was presented to them, it was not quite what she initially had in mind - with both of them looking at each other rather than at the Kamera's lens.

"Wellーー It certainly is very unique. Perhaps not the most conventional photograph, but I quite like it." She noted, lips tugged upwards into a small smile.

"I'm sure that when I look back at it in the future - perhaps at a place far away.from here - I'll be able to vividly recall this moment."

[boundless-iridescence]

Hobbies...? An activity he enjoys...? He couldn't say there was anything that he could think of that fell into that category. His existence was to fight, battle, protect. Though perhaps he was...easing up, and allowing moments of reprieve and connection, careful as it was, that really didn't lend itself to...hobbies.

He lowered his gaze from her at first, as she spoke of her hobby of cooking. What a stiff he must seem like, and how he wondered why it was so easy for her to choose to...do things like this. Like spend time, on his birthday, as if he were anything but...what he was. He wasn't sure what he had to offer her, that led her to choose to sit by his side even now.

"I don't know that I..."

As she showed him her work, he looked it over considerately. "They're quite good... So, art is another hobby of yours?" he questioned, flickers of memory of old friends playing games with paints and brushes, far too often marring his features with said pants while he slept, only to giggle at his frustration when he awoke.

His gaze fell again. No sense in his mind drifting to those years long past. But even as he thought of them, he considered...what things did he do? Did he enjoy...?

He thought of the times when he would find just the right peak, when the hour came, and would take up the old flute he could not remember the origins off, and make his song, a solemn call to his fallen comrades. He knew, deep down, none would ever respond to it, and sometimes he sang the song in sadness, especially when he took his illuminated beast form and sang it that much deeper, but he supposed...sometimes...it was a comfort. Enjoyable.

"...Singing. Music, I supposed, in some forms... I...enjoy that." he finally gave Lumine his answer, feeling better for having at least found one.

Of course, Lumine knew very well that the male was no stranger to the battle field either. If anything, he had many more years of experience than herself. Hearing about those fierce monsters which she faced in combat is sure to stir something up inside of him.

However, today is his birthday - for once, she wishes for him to not think about fighting off evil but instead spend the day in peace and perhaps find enjoyment in more trivial things.

"No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have brought up stories of my battles. You're not allowed to think about fighting today. I want you to have a good time on your birthday!"

It seems to be a common trend amongst the citizens of Liyue to love overworking themselves while also neglecting their own wellbeing. Keqing, Ganyu and of course Xiao himself were all prime examples of this. Not that the Traveler was in any position to judge them. There are times where she prioritizes a commission over taking care of herself as well.

Still, both Keqing and Ganyu as well as herself have taken some time off for special occassions such as the recent Lantern Rite. But Xiao continues to fight his eternal battle even while everyone else is celebrating.

"You should try indulging in your hobbies for once!"

A pause.

Hobbies?

"Wait...Do you have any hobbies?" Come to think of it, she had never heard him mention anything of such sorts.

"You know, like an activity you really enjoy. For me, it would probably be cooking or baking. Even better if I get to eat the things I made afterwards!" Unfortunately, more often than not Paimon has snatched them off the tray before she gets a chance to. "I also enjoy doodling every now and then!"

She then pulled out a notebook, showing him some of her silly creations. "These are doodles of the different Aranara I met in Sumeru! This is Arapacati...and here's Arakavi! These two are Arandish and Arapratap...Or was it Aragita? All of their names are so similar, it's hard to remember..."

[boundless-iridescence]

To her first inquiry about the other adeptis, he simply shook his head. "Cloud Retainer is taking her steps amongst the people, and the others are observing in their own way. Things are shifting. I saw no need to allow disruption to them for a simple day..."

In truth, he was always rather uncomfortable with the celebrations they would allow, and would only tolerate it out of respect to the others, most especially if Rex Lapis was in attendance. He did not feel that his existence merited such celebrations as perhaps others. And...sometimes, the familiarity was...far too heavy. He could at least appreciate the more toned down offerings of the other adepti this time around.

As for Lumine... Well, this wasn't heavy, nor was it familiar. It was different, new, and...well, simply something he didn't mind exploring. At least this time around...

As he enjoyed the scenery alongside the Traveler, he listened intently as she spoke of her travels. Some things he might...faintly miss, for only a moment, given they way it fell past her lips through that accent. But it didn't take long for him to catch up to what she was saying. He was getting better at hearing past the accent, he was determined to. And her adventures, as per usual, seemed tumultuous and chaotic as usual, instilling a sense of concern before he reminded himself of her strength and capabilities. Liyue was certainly his home, but even so...he was still determined to ensure she understood he would respond to the call of his name, at any time.

He nodded once or twice, to ensure she understood he was still willing to listen, hoping she had missed the flickers of frustration or concern as she described her foes, even crossing that fool fatui who had dared to go against Rex Lapis. But then, she had stopped, and he sat straighter.

"What...? No, not at all. Please...go on. I want to hear." he tried to reassure her, quickly. "If my...reactions deter you, please do not mind them. You paint a...very clear picture of your battles, I suppose it leaves me...restless."

"Of course! I already finished all of my commissions beforehand."

It might not seem like much, but she knew that for Xiao it was a huge step to willingly spend time with someone like this. He is not exactly the most sociable person in Liyue after all.

"So, no get-together with Moon Carver and Cloud Retainer this year, huh? I thought last year was quite fun! Those braised meatballs Cloud Retainer made were so good! Now that she has settled in the Harbor, I'll have to ask her to make those again sometime."

Usually Lumine takes care of all of the cooking for herself and her little flying companion, so it was nice to be treated to a meal every now and then.

"Although I suppose spending some quiet time like this is quite nice too. The scenery from up here is beautiful as well." She noted, gazing into the distance. It was already late afternoon, the sun starting to set at the horizon.

"I'm glad you like my gift. It wasn't much trouble, really. I picked up plenty of them during my exploration. The oceans of Fontaine are stunning. It's a shame you can't go outside of Liyue to experience them. ...But don't worry, I can tell you stories instead!"

One might not expect the Traveler to be such a chatterbox since usually it's Paimon doing most of the talking. Lumine had mastered Teyvat's universal language at this point, but when it comes to regional dialects, she still has a very noticeable accent. Xingqiu had been helping her with Liyuean in particular, but the tones made it particularly tricky.

Still, today she seemed very eager to tell the Adeptus all about her adventures in Fontaine. From Lyney's magic show and its tragic conclusion - to the trial and they basically had to solve a murder mystery.

"You should have seen Paimon with her glasses and little moustache! It was simply adorable!"

Then the story took another unexpected turn when she found herself in prison. But that was nothing compared to the climax and the thrilling battle with the All-Devouring Narwhal.

"Dvalin and Osial were formidable foes as well, but I think this had to be my toughest fight yet. It would teleport us to this weird distorted space in the middle of the badly, I was honestly unsure if we would make it out alive at one point."

...

That's when she realized that she had been going on for quite some time now while Xiao had barely spoken a word, only nodding his head every now and then.

"ー Ah. I'm sorry. Did I annoy you...? Should I shut up...?"

[boundless-iridescence]

Given her surprise, he wondered if it was hesitance. Was it too much to ask? Granted, if she found the idea uncomfortable, to be in the spotlight, he might be pushed to point out that it would be an unfair exchange, after all she'd expected from him without him having technically asked for any of these birthday efforts.

But, then she agreed, and he swallowed a suddenly lump in his throat. He moved in close with her, following her lead. He watched her angle the Kamera. Perhaps he could help..?

"How about if I..." he spoke, and reached to hold the Kamera, but at an angle with which she could press what was needed to snap the shot, and he could hold the angle.

At this point, he'd subconsciously moved an arm around her low back, to keep them close and steady, for the right reach and angle. Once he thought they were nearly ready, he looked to her to check, asking, "Is this....alright...?"

His face was suddenly very close to Lumine's, and golden eyes ran over her features so suddenly and rapidly, before locking with her own gaze and trying to stay focused. He took a breath, chest puffing faintly.

His question seemed to have caught her a little off guard, amber hues widening in surprise.

"Eh? You want to take a picture...together?"

Lumine had been featured in photographs countless of times, so that itself was not exactly the issue. She simply did not expect for the Yaksha to make such a request.

"Hmー Sure! Why not? We have to take two in that case though! One for you and one for me to keep." The blonde was actually working on her very own collection of pictures with all of the friends she made here in Teyvat. Then when the time eventually comes for her to leave and move on to the next World, she would at least have some visual reminder to hold onto.

"Let's see how we can do this..."

Standing right next to the Adeptus, she held the Kamera with both hands and extended it as far as she could while pointing the lens towards them. "I think we should both fit in the frame like this...Maybe scoot just a little closer?"

It is a shame that Paimon was not here with her right now, otherwise she could have asked the Pixie to take the picture for them. Now they had to somehow made it work like this.

[boundless-iridescence]

There was a faint heat to his cheeks and neck, and a fond, very small grin to his lips as he saw her cheeks so puffed. He was glad she enjoyed the cake as well, he didn't feel right being the only one eating it. It was one thing for...him, or here, to make a singular serving of a dish for the other, that's expected to be eaten that way. But...he'd rather share this.

But then she took out the kamera and on instinct, he pouted and looked down. He didn't...hate having his picture taken, but he didn't always like it either. He couldn't put into exact words why.

But...he didn't want to deny Lumine...this seemed to mean so much to her. No, it DID mean so much. So, perhaps...

"...Only on one condition." he finally spoke up, looking at her, not the kamera, hoping avoiding looking at it would keep her from snapping a picture yet. He pushed the cake aside, having cleaned his face, and he offered his hand to the traveler then.

"Be in the picture with me. I'd...rather share the memory...if that's alright with you."

Moved from [X] ll @boundless-iridescence

Getting the Adeptus to approve of your cooking and eat it is honestly a huge achievement. Unlike Paimon - who will eat just about anything which doesn't clearly emit an ominous aura - he is quite picky when it comes to food.

"Really? I'm glad! I was afraid that it would be a bit too heavy on your stomach, but I tried my best to make a lighter version of your typical birthday cake."

Seeing him dig in like that did make her al ittle hungry as well. She doubted he could finish the whole thing by himself, so it wouldn't hurt for her to have a slice as well, right?

"Let me give it a taste..."

"Mmm~~ It's so good!"

With those big cheeks, the Traveler suddenly looked a bit like a hamster, but it was obvious that she enjoyed the taste of the dessert just as much as he did - perhaps even a little more.

"I'll have to keep some to give to Paimon later. Otherwise she will smell the cake on me and throw a fit that I didn't share with her."

She got to give him his present, made a cake and ensured that he took the day off to relax. All in all, a very succesfull birthday! But there was just one thing left on the checklist...

Lips curved upwards into a smile as she pulled the Kamera from her bag, pointing it towards the Yaksha who was finishing up his slice of cake.

"Xiao. Look here for a second. I want to take a picture. You know, for memory's sake."

ー If one day, the time comes to leave Teyvat, at least she will have tons of fun memories to look back on.