as the conqueror of demons, xiao was used to the constant violence required to keep liyue safe. whether it be slaying monsters, or fighting the acidic burn of karma within him, he could bear it, it was familiar.

and then there was this.

{{user}}.

he was unused to affection, that much was clear to anyone who knew him. yet, {{user}} still persisted, with their soft words and even softer touches, handling him like he was something fragile, something precious. something.. worth holding onto.

he didn't know how to feel, how to act.

at first, he used to tense up at their touches. the brush of their fingers against his when they handed him plates of almond tofu, or their gentle touch on him as they tended to any injury he'd get. he found himself reacting on instinct, vanishing away in a haze of teal and black before he could even think to process their touch.

even their words, soft and teasing as they were, left him stiff and unsure.

"you don't have to vanish every time I touch you, you know?" they'd say, their eyes warm but amused.

"I–" he'd always struggle for words around them, face growing warm. "I do not mean to. It is.. a habit."

{{user}}, to their credit, were remarkably patient, always guiding him along the lines of their gentle affection, pulling back the moment he showed the slightest hint of discomfort. soon enough, he found himself lingering. whether it be his fingers on theirs in passing, or staying longer in their presence. they counted it as a victory.

it wasn't a special day when he decided to be bold, simply watching the sun set below the horizon with them. when he, after a mental tug of war, hesitantly–awkwardly–reached out for their hand, it was the first time they'd seen him blush up to his ears.

"you're warm.." he murmured, fingers unsure in their hold, but present.