gifts for his likeness.
in which you leave his favorite food, almond tofu at the balcony of Wangshuu Inn every night, and this time— he comes to see you in person.
pairing: xiao x gn! reader sfw
author notes: this is kinda bad i apologize in advance LMFAO?? btw this isnt proof read so expect some spelling mistakes ☹️☹️
You've been working at the Wangshuu Inn as a waiter for a couple days now. Of course, Verr Goldet familiarized you with the inn's popular resident..
Xiao, the vigilant adeptus. Yes, you've of heard him, and you've heard that he likes almond tofu.. When Verr Goldet told you this fact, you couldn't resist cooking almond tofu for the adeptus, it was your way of showing your gratitude for protecting liyue all these years.
You weren't the confrontative type (and you were told that the adeptus wasn't one to see people in person) , so you would rather leave the food item after your shift, and you would go check if someone actually took the food or not.
But you did not actually expect anyone to take the food.. But to your pleasant surprise— Each time you clocked in, the plate was empty.
"Hehe, I see the adeptus has taken a liking to your cooking." Verr Goldet chuckled as she spotted you walking by. You couldn't help but smile, knowing that your offerings are being accepted. You felt special, in a way.
"I-I see.. That's good to hear." You said softly.
Your eyes leered towards the balcony, the plate you left the previous night having nothing left, not even a crumb.
You approached the balcony, holding the plate in your hands before looking above you, wondering where that adeptus would be right now.
But oblivious to you.. He was sitting on the roof, away from anyone's vision. He could hear everything you and Verr Goldet were saying.
"Maybe meeting this human isn't a bad idea.." Xiao thought hard, he was contemplating whether he should thank whoever is giving him almond tofu every night.. He did not want to interact with anyone and cause some kind of crowd to show up.
The wind flowed through his hair as he looked towards the scenery of Dihua Marsh, deep in thought.
He ultimately decided to express his gratitude to you, right when you leave your offering at night— when your shift ends.
Afterall, it was the polite thing to do. Though it was not necessary, you went out of your way to prepare a meal for him every day since you started working at Wangshuu Inn, so he felt compelled to do so.
He patiently waited, observing you from afar. He watched you intentively as you served various customers who come in and outside of Liyue. You greeted them with a confident smile, a smile that left a unique impression on Xiao.
For some odd reason he felt differently about you.. It was a feeling he hasn't experienced in a long, long time. It was strange, for some reason— your cooking somehow tasted different.. Tasted, better. And he craved to have more.
Finally, you bid the last customer farewell as they continued on their journey. Of course, the thought of Xiao never left your mind since the morning. So, you immediately went into the kitchen and worked your magic.
Your fingers were working overtime as they collided mixes of seasonings like an art form. The smell filled up the area with a sweet aroma that one could smell all the way to the second floor. This process is special, since you were making it in a place of kindness.
You didn't need to go the extra mile for Xiao, but out of your respect and admiration— you dedicated a chunk of your time to express your appreciation.
Several minutes later.. The dish is done. The dish smelled amazing, it flooded you nostrils with a pleasant, tangy smell.
With the plate in your hands, you walked up the stairs, with a slight jump in each step from anticipation. As you rose up the stairs, you met eyes with Verr Goldet. She shot you a smile.
"Ah, there you are again— making adeptus xiao his favorite meal. You sure are spoiling him, hehe.." Verr Goldet said while looking at the balcony— it was lit with the light of the moon, making quite the amazing scene.
"Well, I only hope that he enjoys this as much as I do." You said with a hopeful gleam in your eyes.
Verr Goldet leaned against the counter, both arms resting against one another. "There's certainly no doubt about that!"
"I can sense his presence right now, seems like he's waiting for your offering."
"Really? But doesn't he avoid meeting others?"
"Hm, well yes that's true. But who knows, maybe you're an exception. Since you've come all this way for him.."
"I kind of doubt that.. But I hope for the best."
You gave Verr Goldet a soft smile, and she gave you the same. You approached the balcony, dish in hand. It was still steaming— the wind blew the vapor away into the lunar night sky.
You carefully placed the porcelain plate on the wooden ground, near the potted plants that decorated the balcony.
You then turned your back, preparing to go home and rest up. But right before you could take another step..
You felt a strong gust of wind behind you, and a raspy voice spoke directly to you.
"So.. It is you who is generously making me these meals."
Xiao stood before you, the dish already in hand.
You quickly snapped your body to look to the immortal being. You didn't like being confronted like this.. Your palms immediately began to sweat
"Uh.... Yes. It was I." You held your hands behind your back, your presence buckling and bending against Xiao's intimidating aura. You didn't expect to be meeting an adeptus like this!
"Sorry— If you don't like it.. Then, well—" You stammered. It wasn't like you to fumble over your words like this, you are usually very confident. But.. since this is a person of power and authority, you couldn't help but become a little timid.
Before you could even finish your words, another similar strong gust of wind appeared, accompanied by a teal, dark flash. Now beside you was Xiao.
"Worry not, human. I do not find your meals unappealing in any way. Actually.. I enjoy your meals everyday." He said calmly.
Your shoulders brushed ever so slightly, it made you jump a little. He looked directly at your eyes. His eye colors were one of amber and gold. It's like his pupils glowed in the moonlight. It was beautiful.
"It's not in my nature to personally thank anyone in this way." Xiao admits.
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I'm quite moved by your efforts. And as a show of my gratitude, I came to thank you personally."
You could only pause in awe and shock. It was nothing special really.. You giving him Almond Tofu. You thought it would make him enjoy life a tad bit more.
You didn't expect it to be successful.
"May we meet again. And if you ever are in need of assistance.. Well, just call for my name." He said nonchalantly before leaving in once again, a large gust of wind, taking the plate with him.
Did that really just happen..?
"Wow. That just happened." Verr looked at you echoing your thoughts out loud. A smirk on her face emerged. "Xiao doesn't warm up to people like this that quickly. Looks like you're his favorite!" She said, poking fun at you.
You could only look at her with a surprised face. "What?! You are exaggerating.. He was just being polite." Though the rarest just occured.. You still remained modest.
"If it were anyone else who cooked for him, he wouldn't have come! Seems like he likes your cooking specifically, hehe..."
A pink flush cascaded over your cheeks. You were quite embarrassed, really.. The way she's teasing you makes you think theres more to you and Xiao's interaction.
His words echoed in your mind, making you even more flustered. To think that he came out of his way to thank you face to face..
But there Xiao was, on the roof— happily eating the Almond Tofu you prepared for him. For so long he was afraid of opening up and building close relationships with others.. But today,
For the first time in a thousand years.. A small fire, love sparked within his heart.
HOLY MMOLY THAT WAS SO CORNY IM SORRY LMAOOO
icon source: venshuko
