{ Xiao x reader } On my mind

~A surprising encounter~

Liyue- It is such a wonderful nation.

You will never get tired watching the sun rise up and down. It's just such a beautiful scenery, something, that remains on your mind forever. Even as you try to fall asleep, the picture of a comforting landscape, the singing of the birds and the fresh summer breeze cross your mind.

There are so many things to enjoy. Way more than in Mondstadt or Inazuma. It's not that you don't like the other two nations, no. On your journey you always make sure to pay a visit to your friends in Mondstadt and Inazuma, or just to attend special activities.
But every time your feet step on the golden grass of Liyue and every time the familiar smell dances through your nostrils-
It's just different. And you really like the difference.

"Paimon, what is something that you find very special about Liyue?", you once asked.

Together with your dearest Travel Companion Paimon you were walking down the narrow path between the peaks in Qingyun Peak. You actually just decided to take a break after your commissions so you went for a walk. And Qingyun Peak is literally the perfect place for it! Nowhere in Liyue is the rising wind, rustling through the leaves, as relaxing as here. It's also worth travelling on top of the peaks. The view you get is more than just cunning!

"Is that even a question?!", Paimon says, clearly a bit upset,"THE FOOD, OF COURSE!!"

You chuckle softly, watching Paimon rub her belly, showing that she's hungry.

"You aren't hungry, are you-"
- "I am! We are talking about food here, don't you expect me to get hungry?!"

"But you're always hungry..." You let out a sigh. Then you ask, "How does so much food fit in the tiny body of yours anyway?"

"When you're hungry, there is always enough space! Especially for really tasty dishes", she answers, grinning to herself.

Well, guess that means you got no choice but to interrupt your relaxing walk and make your way to...

"Let's go to Liyue Harbor then! I'm sure that the dishes at the Wanmin Restaurant will fulfill your desires", you suggest and Paimon nods in agreement.

You are deep in thought as you pass the golden Sandbearer trees, Paimon floating next to you. You know that she's talking to you but you drift away into your own world. You're thinking about the past events that happened and already try to guess what Paimon would order once you get to the harbor. But you notice your mind pushing all the thoughts away, only one thing remaining:
Xiao

When was the last time you saw each other? It must have been very long, since you can't remember. But why does he pop up in your mind in all of a sudden? It's like he forced himself into your head, trying to take over your mind.
No- that was stupid.
Maybe you missed him? Again, why would you miss a guy whose presence is so unimportant, apparently, that you can't even remember the last time you saw him- clearly, he doesn't mean much to you.
However, the moment he popped into your head, you obviously felt your heart skip a beat...

Wait, are you sure that's the problem?
Because you could just feel your heart skip a beat for some other reason;

"Oh, is that Xiao?!", Paimon shouts. You are looking into the direction which Paimon's pointing her finger at and freeze.

"Xiao?", you whisper in a confused tone.
The moment you whisper his name, he turns around his head to you immediately and your eyes meet.
He quickly covers his face with his mask, which makes him teleport to you.
There you are, looking at each other wordlessly.

Paimon looks between you two. "Um, you ain't gonna talk?"

You shake off your gaze of Xiao and clear your throat.

"Ahem, y-yes uhh..."

"What do you want?"

The cold, sudden voice bangs into your ears, making you look at him anxiously. "What I want..?"

"You called my name, didn't you?"

"Did she?", Paimon says,"I didn't hear her say anything at all."

Xiao grumbles annoyed at this response. "Well, if you don't need anything, this is where we part our ways-"

"Aaah, no, wait! I actually have a question!"
Xiao looks at you surprised.

You twist your thumbs, thinking of how to say it and then finally ask:

"Will you join us?"
"Huh? For what..?"

"We are going to Liyue Harbor. Paimon is hungry!", Paimon explains.

"In that case, I don't have any intentions on wasting my time with you."
Damn, his harsh tone hits you every time. But you can't give up just like that!

"Xiao...", you try, with a soft voice,"Even as an Adeptus, you can't neglect your needs. You must be hungry, too...

"Eating is overrated. I do not have to eat a whole day and still am alright."

"A WHOLE DAY?! Not eating delicious meals for a WHOLE DAY? THAT'S AWFUL!", Paimon says in a dramatic tone.
Xiao just looks at her but gets caught by your words once again;

"Don't you want to spend time with me? I'm pretty sure it will be fun! And we can do more than just eat, if that's to your liking, Xiao..." You try to reach out to his arms, but he quickly backs off.
You pout.
"Seriously? We haven't seen each other for ages and this is how you treat me?!"
"What do you want me to do? Hopping up to you like a drunkard, planting kisses all over your body and repeating how much I missed you all over again?!"

"But I missed you, Xiao..."

At some point, you notice Xiao's cheeks turning slightly red and his eyes widen.

A little bit embarrassed, he clears his throat and tries his best not to look at you, while saying," You have no respect towards the Adepti-
But I-I guess I could spare some time...But only for this time, ok? No more."

Aaah, finally!! You knew that Xiao had a soft spot for you, even if it's a hard challenge finding it...

"Ahem, you know, Paimon is still here..."

"Ah, I forgor."