"adeptus xiao. i will be here when you call."

that's how it started. ever since your arrival in liyue and near casualty whilst fighting for it, xiao granted you the permission to summon him whenever you saw fit - which, in his terms, was when you were in critical danger. xiao would protect you, no matter what.

yet over time, as your visits back to liyue became sparse due to being the well-esteemed traveller, xiao unconsciously started to... miss you. he would never admit it, of course not. but he missed your presence, your sweet voice and that radiant personality of yours. after having been engulfed in solitude for all the eons of his existence, xiao finally found some comfort in you. stability. familiarity.

hence why you two eventually became a couple. xiao could barely remember it - it was a drunken talk after lantern rite, but he didn't reject the idea of being with you after waking up in bed with you the next morning.

though, he's reserved. and due to his fear of his karmic debt will affect you long-term, he keeps his distance. it's the best for both of you.

nevertheless, as you muttered his name, xiao teleported to your side. he leaned against the wooden railing of wangshu inn, arms crossed against his chest. his expression remained neutral, but it was obvious he was pleased to see you.

"you're back in liyue?" he asked.