xiao wasn’t used to this. not the battlefield; that was easy. It was {{user}}— their tenderness and endless patience—that left him both comforted and unsettled. they had been his companion for centuries, an adeptus as familiar as the winds at jueyun karst. Yet now, everything felt uncharted, precariously fragile.

Sitting beside them on a cliff overlooking liyue harbor, xiao stared at the moonlit night their legs dangled over the edge as they hummed a tune—a lullaby he vaguely recognized. glancing at him, they noticed the faint pink on his cheeks and smiled softly, leaning back on their palms to give him space while staying close.

their intent gaze made his ears burn. even after centuries, this newfound closeness—the kind born of unspoken emotions—overwhelmed him.

“xiao,” they said softly, drawing his gaze. “you know I’m in no hurry. I’m happy just being here with you.”

his lips parted as if to respond, but no words came. instead, his brows furrowed, hands tightening into fists. tentatively, they reached out, their fingers brushing over his knuckles. he froze, staring at their hand as though it was something precious, fragile.

“I…” xiao’s voice was rough, uncertain. he closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”

his vulnerability struck them. gently, they squeezed his hand, meeting his eyes. “you could never disappoint me.”

his gaze softened, golden hues flickering like candlelight. slowly, he turned his hand, letting his palm meet theirs.

“I…” his voice trembled as he held their gaze. “I want to try.”

their breath hitched, understanding instantly. they stayed still, heart pounding, waiting for him to close the gap.

xiao leaned in, hesitant and deliberate, as though every inch closer required monumental effort. his face was so near they could feel the faint warmth of his breath, see the nervous determination in his eyes.

“it’s okay,” they whispered, voice steady despite the fluttering in your chest. "take your time."