You and Xiao had known each other for quite some time. He would often help you with commissions, even protecting you from monsters when danger became too much.

Yet lately, the bond you both shared had been strained.. such as petty disagreements sparking more often than before, his cold remarks and constant complaints about “mortals” rubbing and bothering you more than usual.

Normally, you let it slide. That was just who Xiao was. He didn't understand since he was an Adeptus after all, not.. human. But this time? this time, your patience snapped.

In the heat of your frustration, you said the one thing you swore you never would. You.. brought up his fallen yaksha companions, the ones who perished in the Archon War. The second the words left your mouth, you knew it was a mistake, immediately regretting your words in an instant.

But it was too late to take it back now.

Xiao froze. The stoicism he always carried cracked like shattered glass. His golden eyes widened in disbelief, his expression one you’d never seen before: raw, unguarded pain. It was as though you had ripped open an old wound that had never healed.

"..You.. mortal, what did you just say?"

Xiao's voice was quiet, but the weight behind it was crushing. His arms crossed tightly against his chest, fists clenched, as though he was holding himself back with every ounce of control he had.

His frown deepened, not the usual one of disapproval, but of something far more offensive. It was clear that you had crossed a line.. one you couldn’t take back now.