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Lumine watched as the last hilichurl faded away, revealing the yaksha on the other side. As the male spun his polearm around to rest at his side, she smiled and lowered her own sword, “That’s the last of them, right?”

“In this area, yes.” Xiao lifted his gaze, his amber eyes quickly scanning over her body, “But we haven’t looked near Luhua pool yet. Why? Do you need to rest?”

The blonde shook her head and walked closer to the male, wearing a teasing smile, “Are you underestimating my abilities, young yaksha?”

Xiao almost opened his mouth to refute the claim, though catching the glint in her eyes, he only rolled his eyes. Crossing his arms, he tilted his head to look at her, “Call me ‘young yaksha’ in that tone again and I will fight you.”

“Ooo, scary~” Lumine wiggled her fingers and laughed as she stopped in front of Xiao, “I was just asking to see if we were ready to return to Wangshu Inn, I asked Smiley Yanxiao to hold the kitchen open for me.”

Xiao sighed and shook his head, “You do not need to accompany me tonight if you have plans.”

“Considering my plan was to make us almond tofu after a night of fighting, I’d say I do need to work alongside you today.” Lumine poorly held back her laugh as she noticed Xiao’s eyes light up at the words, “So weak for almond tofu.”

Xiao felt his cheeks tinge pink, knowing he couldn’t refute the claim. He snapped his head away from the girl in front of him and scoffed, “You have no respect for the adepti!”

Lumine could only laugh and gently smacked his shoulder, “You haven’t cast me a wish yet, why would I respect you?” She spoke jokingly about an incident from the early morning, where a patron had gone to Mount Aocang screaming about their devotion to Cloud Retainer and asking why she hadn’t fulfilled their wish.

Hiding his smile at the reference , Xiao faced Lumine, “What wish do you want me to fulfil for you, dear human?”

“Hmm.. My wish is… For you to carry me to Luhua pool.” She lifted her arms up and patted her palms with her fingertips, similar to a child asking their parents to pick them up as she whined, “I don’t feel like walking.”

Xiao’s smile fell into a deadpan, “Are you serious?”

Lumine held eye contact with Xiao for a few seconds before nodding confidently, “I am.” 

The Yaksha sighed again before gently placing an arm around Lumine’s waist, “Hold on.” Xiao quickly moved his other arm to go under her knees, holding her in a princess carry, as a rush of teal coloured air wrapped around them. 

Lumine let out a surprised laugh as she squeezed her eyes shut, pressing herself into Xiao’s hold. Once the air had settled around them, she peeked her eyes open and grinned brightly.

Xiao gently placed her feet onto the ground, “Now, you owe respect to the adepti.”

Mumbling a quick thanks, Lumine bent down into an exaggerated courtesy, holding her dress out slightly and spoke in a teasing, dramatic tone, “O’ almighty adpetus, our Vigilant Yaksha! Our conqueror of demons! I owe you the utmost respect and will make many offerings of almond tofu to you! Please have all of my devotion.”

The adeptus stared at the blonde with a blank look, before summoning his polearm, “There’s a quartet of possessed shielded Mitachurls behind you.” Xiao summoned his mask into his hand, “Are you ready?”

Lumine giggled at Xiao’s blank look before straightening up quickly and summoning her own dull blade, “Of course I’m ready.”

“Good. The quicker we get this done, the quicker we can return to the inn.” He lifted his hand to wear his mask before speaking, “Be careful of the karma Lumine.”

“You too Xiao.” 

-

Entering Wangshu Inn felt like returning home, which was weird for Lumine considering Teyvat wasn’t her home— maybe it was something to do with the yaksha who resided at the top. Flushing at her own thoughts, she quickly shook her head as she moved down the steps and towards the kitchen. Feeling Xiao’s presence behind her, she spoke fondly, “Are you that excited for this?”

The male nodded, despite Lumine not being able to see him. He leaned on the worktop next to the stove, “I haven’t had it in a while. I’ve been busy with cleansing Liyue.”

Hearing Lumine’s curious hum, Xiao watched her hands preparing the food, “The past month, it seems my karmic energy was leaving more residue which meant more karmic possessions of hilichurls and the like. It’s calmed down within the past few days. But I still haven’t been able to rest, gathering up the stragglers. I’m not sure why it happened, I’ve been working tirelessly to understand.”

“Xiao.”

“I’m fine. Zhongli has sent me lots of tea.” He gently smiled hearing Lumine laugh at that.

“Weeellll,” Lumine stretched out her words, “You go sit down on the roof and have a well-deserved rest. I’ll bring it up to you once it’s done.” Turning in her spot, she gently shooed Xiao out of the kitchen area before quickly returning to the stove.

Once done and upstairs on the balcony, Lumine handed the yaksha the plate and climbed up onto the roof, sitting beside him, their thighs just shy of touching. As she finished sorting her dress to lay comfortably, she sighed contentedly, “This is a beautiful view Xiao, you’re so spoilt with it. I wish I had this to return to everyday.”

“You see many different types of beautiful views, what about the plains is as impressive as those?” Xiao laid the plate on his thigh, handing Lumine her utensils.

Lumine shrugged, and popped a piece of the snack into her mouth, “Yeah I guess. But I spend all my time running around them and never actually seeing them, completing commissions and offering help.”

The male gave a teasing small smile, “.. If that is your wish, I cannot fix your personality.” He looked down to the plate, a gentle hesitation lacing his tone, “Though, I can offer Wangshu Inn as a place where you are not just the traveller taking commissions. You can enjoy the view whenever you would like to.”

“Hey!” Lumine gasped and lightly slapped the boy’s arm as Xiao started his sentence. Though as he finished, Lumine felt her cheeks tinge pink, “.. You’d really let me and Paimon intrude into your space?”

“It’s not an intrusion if you’re wanted, though Paimon has to avoid screaming or I’ll make her pay Verr Goldet for a room instead.” The male spoke with a serious tone, though interrupted himself with a smile as Lumine let out a hearty laugh.

As the blonde settled down, the pair let a few moments of silence pass, the wind calm and gentle. Looking up to the sky, Lumine spoke softly, “Xiao, if you had a dream you wanted the heavenly principles to fulfil, what would it be?”

As he paused picking up the last piece of almond tofu with his chopsticks, he spared a quick glance to Lumine. He rushed out the sentence before shoving the snack into his mouth, “I don’t have such a dream.”

Lumine turned her head to look at him, her brow raised, “Yeah, ok liar. You so do have a dream!”

Tilting his head up to the stars, Xiao gave a soft sigh knowing Lumine could read him, “I guess then, you could say my dream is that Liyue will always be safe.”

“Xiao, I can tell when you’re lying.”

The yaksha froze and quickly spared a look to Lumine. Seeing an unidentifiable look on her face, he teleported to the balcony. Lifting a hand up, Xiao shook his head, and closed his fist, “I.. My dream is impossible Lumine.” As her gentle footsteps appeared behind him, Xiao waited with bated breath for her reply.

“Even so Xiao,” She gently took his closed fist and uncurled his hand, the movement so slow and gentle, time feeling as though it was frozen for them. “Dreams don’t have to be possible for us to have them. That’s why they are our dreams.” Lifting her gaze up, she smiled, “And who knows Xiao, maybe it will come true.”

“I..” Xiao held eye contact with the girl, her eyes offering so much warmth and care. Turning out to the landscape abruptly, he let go of her hand to grip the balcony tightly, “You have met the Archon of freedom yes? The bard.”

Lumine sighed, “Xiao—“

“He plays wonderful tunes on the flute. You know him for playing a lyre, but he plays the flute too.” As he felt Lumine press into his side as she leant on the balcony he took a deep breath, “He once… Saved me.. when I almost succumbed to my karma. He played the flute at the exact moment it almost became too much.. I owe him so much and yet..”

He moved his hand, summoning his mask, and held it out in front of them, “Yet my dream is an incredibly selfish act.” He tightened his grip on the mask and dropped his head, with his eyes shut, “You ask me my real dream? It is for me to one day don my nuo mask and fulfil my dance. Not to kill, but to dance to that flute in a field of flowers. My dream is to wear my mask without pain, Lumine. It’s an impossible dream.” 

The blonde's eyes widened at the revelation and she hesitantly lifted her hand to gently rub Xiao’s back, “I’m sorry I pushed you to say that.”

Xiao sighed, and leant down, resting his head on his forearms, “It’s fine… I- I’m not against you knowing. You.. are a comfort to me.” He lifted his head and faced Lumine, “Plus Zhongli always says I should talk more about what I— feel… Especially with you, something about my trust in you.”

Lumine gave a soft chuckle at his words, before mimicking his pose on the balcony bannister, “I’ll always be here for you Xiao, you can always trust me.”

Holding eye contact for a few moments of silence, Xiao sighed, “I’m sorry to make it.. weird.”

“It’s not weird!” The girl used her free hand to pull Xiao off the balcony and in front of her, “I just… I want to help you more than I can. And it sucks that I can’t.”

“You help more than you think, Lumine.” He let go of his mask, the item immediately returning to his hip, “You.. I have told you before that you help lessen the pain of my karma, right? For now, that is enough. And I owe you much for that.”

As her cheeks tinged pink, Lumine looked at the male, “All I’m doing is existing with you..”

Xiao only shrugged in response, “And that is enough for me.”

Lumine wanted to refute the claim, but as she caught the subtle warmth in Xiao’s eyes, with his cheeks and ears tinted pink, she giggled. A pink flush covered her own face and she leaned her head onto the other's shoulder, “You are so surprisingly cheesy.”

The male only gave a soft laugh at her words, and gently pressed his jaw against Lumine’s head, savouring her closeness. Though lifted his head up quickly, his eyes wide, “I never asked. What’s your dream?”

Waving a hand, she brushed off Xiao’s apologetic tone before shrugging, “I don’t know. My original dream was to find my brother.. But then, I found out so much information and met so many people here,” Glancing up at the boy, her cheeks warming to pink, “.. I met you. And now.. I feel terrible towards my brother but I don’t want to leave.”

“Oh..” Xiao spoke in a surprised but shy tone, “You- I changed your wish?”

Lumine gave a soft snort at his words and nodded. “Yes. You did.” She looked away for a moment, her thoughts calm. As Xiao shifted one of his arms to rest gently on her waist, she nodded to herself, “I think— I know my new dream. I want to help you with your dream Xiao.”

Sighing, Xiao placed a hand on Lumine’s jaw, turning her face to his, “Do not pressure yourself to help me like that. This is my debt, the debt of a yaksha. I knew this would happen and that cannot change. My suffering is my own consequence, but it is my duty as a protector of Liyue. I know this.” Leaving his hand on her cheek, Xiao mumbled, “.. Whilst I understand your wish to help me, and how I so deeply wish it was possible. It is futile. My pain cannot be stopped, so all I want to ask of you, is for you to stay beside me until you no longer wish to.”

Holding his gaze for a few moments, Lumine dropped her forehead to press against his, “I promise Xiao.” 

The male sighed contentedly and let Lumine’s arms pull him closer, his own arms coming to wrap tightly around her figure, “I’m sorry you cannot help me more.”

Lumine shook her head, “No no, it’s not your fault. I knew this. It just sucks.” She huffed, and pouted, “You deserve to dance among flowers.” Hearing Xiao’s gentle laugh against her ear, she continued, “I’ll make you a bouquet just to represent it.” At her own words, Lumine lifted her head up from Xiao’s, her pout slowly became a gentle, bright expression, “Xiao, will you excuse me for a second?”

The yaksha frowned in confusion though nodded, “.. You are free to leave my side whenever you desire Lumine..” He let go of the girl and stared in a deeper state of confusion as she rummaged through her bag before pulling out a teapot. Raising a brow in question, Xiao looked at Lumine, “What are you doing?”

“It’s a secret! Don’t move! Wait right here!” Lumine grinned before disappearing into the teapot in between the pair.

After a handful of minutes, Lumine suddenly reappeared and held out her hand, wiggling her fingers, “Come with me.”

“Into your teapot?”

“Xiao! Don’t stare like that, you’ve been inside it before!” Grabbing the male's wrist she pulled him into the teapots realm, landing outside the main house structure, both taking a second to compose themselves.

“You have changed the realm. It was the water one.”

“Mhm, swirling isles, though I didn’t think it suited what I planned for you. So I changed it to something similar, do you recognise the land?” Lumine grinned as Xiao nodded with a small smile. Walking down the steps of the house, she gestured to the wooden hanging bridge, “Follow me Xiao.”

“Where are we going?” Xiao asked as he moved to walk beside the blonde, “What have you planned?”

Lumine only offered a shrug in response, “We need to make our way to the utmost top floor, but I’m not telling you anything else.” Pausing in her step, she gasped and turned to face Xiao quickly, “Wait! This isn’t upsetting you, is it? I forgot you don’t like surprises.”

The male looked at Lumine before shaking his head, a small smile falling onto his face at her concern, “I’m okay, just curious.”

Staring at the yaksha, the blonde did not move until Xiao tutted and pushed her, telling her to hurry up and show him. The pair quickly made their way up each of the isles, Xiao asking the occasional question about new furnishing and layouts.

As they got close to the top, Lumine stopped Xiao by pressing her hand to his chest, “I need you to close your eyes.”

“Lumine.”

“Xiao.” The girl looked at him with a soft expression, though her tone was teasing, “.. Please? You trust me, don’t you?” 

Sighing at the manipulation of his affection towards her, Xiao gave a curt nod and mumbled as he closed his eyes, “You really don’t respect the adepti.”

Lumine laughed, and moved behind Xiao, “It’s much more fun hearing you complain.” Raising onto her tiptoes, she placed her palms over his eyes and gently guided him over the grass, and towards the smallest island of the domain. 

As they approached the edge of the surprise, Lumine coughed, “Uh— So, I just want to say, if this makes you uncomfortable, feel free to like—  Leave my teapot.”

Tilting his head, Xiao tried to ignore his rising nerves at the girl's words. “What do you mean by that? What have you planned?” Xiao lifted his hands to grab Lumine’s, “Can I see?”

“Wait hold on! Keep your eyes closed!” Lumine leaned around Xiao’s figure and peeked at the male’s face as she lifted up her hands. Seeing his eyes shut, she smiled and quickly stepped away from Xiao. 

Xiao heard some clattering before a gentle tune played from near him, “Are you playing music?”

“Yeah.” The blonde stepped forward, this time placing herself beside the male. “We were talking about our dreams, and hearing yours… I know you’ll just tell me not to be upset on your behalf, but I still wish that I could do more,” She nudged the male’s arm, “You can open them now. This is my attempt at helping you… I might not be able to take your pain completely, but if you say my existence is enough to at least lessen it, then I will gladly dance with you.”

Opening his eyes, Xiao took a few seconds to focus on the land in front of him. As his vision focused, he held back a gasp, his eyes widening. The field he had last seen holding random pieces of furniture, that Lumine stated was to ‘improve the adeptal energy’, was now showcasing an intricately designed flower arrangement.

Taking a step forward, he followed the stepping stone that appeared to lead to the centre. He held out one hand, letting his gloved fingers brush a pinkish red flower he’d never seen before, “What is this?”

“The flower? That's a dendrobium flower. An Inazuman speciality.” 

Xiao could only hum in acknowledgment, still holding his breath at the revelation of the field, eyes scanning over all of the flowers and their arrangements. As he walked deeper into the field, he heard Lumine’s heels click against the small stepping stones as she followed him closely. Reaching the centre of the field, he turned to face the blonde, his voice was quiet and his face held a guilty emotion, “Why would you do this?”

Lumine stepped closer to Xiao as she took a deep breath, sensing the self-deprecation in the yaksha's tone, “Because, you mean a lot to me… And like you said, although I want to help, your pain as a yaksha is sealed.” She played with her fingers anxiously as she spoke, “Even if this is just a stupid, cringey attempt at comfort, I wanted to show my feelings.” The male only stared at her, an expression on his face that she couldn’t pinpoint, “Uh.. Do you want me to clear it up?”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Xiao shook his head quickly, “No, I just— My dream, does it really mean this much to you?”

“Of course.” Lumine nodded with absolution. Raising a hesitant hand to cup Xiao’s cheek, Lumine smiled in relief as Xiao gently leant into her touch, “You are so very important to me Xiao. I would give anything if it meant that you could achieve your dream.”

Breathing slowly, Xiao opened his eyes and lifted his own hand to take Lumine’s from his face, “Lumine, I.. I cannot claim to understand human emotions, but I know that you are important to me too.. I believe that I agree with the deeper meaning of your words.”

Lumine couldn’t stop the giggle that burst up from her chest, causing her cheeks to burn bright pink, “Oh my god— I’m so sorry.”

Xiao raised a brow at her actions, “You show more and more disrespect towards me every time we talk.” 

“I’m sorry!” She waved her hands frantically, “It’s just we always dance around each other! But we just directly acknowledged it!” Calming her movements, she gripped her hands close to her chest, “I’m very happy.”

Chuckling, Xiao nodded, his cheeks burning, “I understand you. I feel the same.. Giddiness.” As he took in the girl's happiness, Xiao heard the music restart, causing his gaze to fall on her face, “.. Will you do me the honour of accepting this dance?”

“Of course! You’re missing something however,” Lumine was slow and gentle as she reached for the male’s nuo mask, giving Xiao time to grab the item himself. As she gripped the mask, she made a noise of surprise, “It’s wooden.”

Xiao could not contain his snort at the surprise in her tone, “What?”

“It’s wooden. I always thought— Stop laughing! I always thought it was ceramic!” Lumine slapped Xiao’s shoulder with her free hand, eyes looking over the mask.

“A ceramic one would probably break with the force of my karma.” The male spoke matter-of-factly, but nodded at Lumine, ignoring her deadpan at his words, “It’s understandable however, it doesn’t look very wooden.” As Lumine traced her finger over a detail of the mask, Xiao continued, “This mask happens to be made from willow tree. It’s believed that willow trees hold the power to ward off evil.”

“Do you believe it works?”

Xiao shrugged, his voice quiet, “Maybe, maybe not. My karma is much more intense than most yaksha’s due to my history, so I don’t think I would notice if it didn’t.”

Nodding, Lumine gently held the mask with both hands and looked over it once more before mumbling, “Do you still want to dance with me?”

“Always.” Xiao pulled one of her hands from the mask and pulled her closer to him, “Though I must warn you that I may not speak once I wear the mask.” 

Sparing a glance to the mask, Lumine tilted her head, “Any reason?”

“Well,” Xiao slowly slid his other hand down her arm to grasp his mask, “In the old opera, the mask wearers represent the possessed, so they don’t speak. Though, I think that came around due to how yaksha’s can be ‘possessed’ by their karma. Personally however, this side of me is a killer. A monster. So I don’t believe it’s right to allow me to talk when I wear this mask.”

Lumine frowned hearing his words, but knew why Xiao’s thinking was this way so stayed silent. Slowly she let go of the mask, her eyes focused on Xiao’s gloved fingers running over the details, “Xiao, I won’t leave. This is a part of you and I care deeply for all of you. No matter what.”

Xiao’s breath got caught at her words. Staring into her eyes, he couldn’t stop the racing of his heart as he saw the genuine feelings displayed, the love she held for him despite knowing everything. He squeezed his eyes tightly, feeling all of his anxiety surrounding her reaction to his history disappear, “Thank you.” He mumbled.

“Always Xiao.” Lumine whispered, her fingers sliding to the interlock with Xiao’s. Her free hand gently lay under his hand that was holding the mask, “I will follow you, no matter your choice.”

Nodding, he pulled the mask upwards to his face. At the feeling of Lumine’s hand supporting his own, he smiled to himself knowing that appropriating his mask would never feel the same. As the mask got closer, he felt the pressure of the karmic debt, and the pain of the remnants he had killed, usually it felt strong. But it didn’t feel as such this time, sparing a quick glance to the girl in front of him, he hid his fond look.

The mask fell into place, and Xiao lifted his free hand, though hesitated at her waist. Although she had said she wouldn’t leave, being this close to the mask is different. As though sensing his thoughts, the karmic energy began to shout at him. 

She hates you.

You’re a monster.

You don’t deserve her.

Xiao squeezed his eyes tightly, trying to ignore the anxieties. 

She’s scared of you.

You’re a killer.

You are undeserving o—

The voices lost their strength, instantly becoming background noise. He felt Lumine’s body pressed flush against him, her own hand guiding him to wrap his hovering arm around her waist. Feeling Lumine this close, Xiao let out a shaky breath, and solidified his hold on her. He couldn’t speak, so he gently dropped his head onto hers, being mindful of the mask's horns and lay his head in thanks.

Hearing Lumine giggle at his actions, he lifted his head from hers, breathing deeply as he saw Lumine pout. Lifting up their intertwined hands, he let go of her completely and bowed slightly, holding his hand out in an unspoken question. 

Lumine couldn’t stop her smile widening at Xiao’s actions, and lifted her eyes to meet the yaksha’s hidden gaze. She dropped her hand into Xiao’s, and pushed herself flush against him once again, “I will always dance with you.”

As her words were spoken, Xiao moved quickly, wrapping one arm tightly around her waist, their other hands tightly interlinked. Taking a moment to glance at her, he felt the usually hard tugs of his karma almost feel non-existent when his eyes locked hers. His mask hid his eyes and yet she took the time to look at him, and reassure him.

Squeezing her hand, Xiao slowly stepped backwards, leading Lumine forward. He considered he was lucky to have had the privilege of watching Zhongli dance with Guizhong, and being taught by the pair, as Lumine stumbled slightly as he turned their direction. 

Xiao was unable to stop his smile under his mask. Despite not knowing to dance in this way, Lumine still offered to help him with his dream. Squeezing his hand that lay on her waist, he leaned his head back against hers, feeling a swell of emotion pass over him.

Hearing Lumine giggle made him repeat the action, which caused her to laugh again as she gently smacked his hand saying she was ticklish. As the song built up to its peak, Xiao stepped backwards, but left Lumine in place, using their joint hands to gently spin her, before quickly pulling her close again.

Lumine made a noise at the quick change, but steadied herself. Pulling her hands free, she lifted them to cup Xiao’s neck, smiling in content as the yaksha’s hand slowly trailed to rest on her waist. The blonde took control of their movements, swaying them between each foot in one space, “Who knew that you were such a romantic who would ball dance with me?” 

The yaksha turned his head away, making her laugh and gently cradled his cheek with her hand, “Sorry sorry, it’s just fun to tease you when you can’t respond.” Trailing her eyes over his mask, Lumine rubbed her thumb gently against the wood before rising slightly onto her tiptoes and leaning close, “Your mask is beautiful Xiao.” 

Feeling the male’s fingers curl more into the fabric of her dress, Lumine pressed her forehead to rest against Xiao’s, laughing when she bumped into one of the horns, making Xiao’s head move. 

The pair spent a few minutes swaying to the gentle tune of the song before Lumine broke it. “Thank you Xiao,” She whispered “For protecting me, and trusting me with this side of you. I’ll treasure it forever.”

Xiao could only nod and wound his arms tighter around Lumine, trying to squeeze his reciprocation of her word into her body. As Lumine pulled her head from the mask, he looked at her, the girl smiling as his question must have been burning through his gaze.

Lumine grinned and moved both hands to grip Xiao’s face and pulled the male to her, pressing a gentle kiss on the mask's mouth, “Thank you for letting me dance with you.”