Before Crisis :: Cao Cao & Xiaoqiao [FLASHBACK]
thewrathofheaven:
With her permission, his thumb dipped further beneath delicate hem of her silken slipper, and with ease it was displaced and removed. The second soon followed, exposing another slender foot, and it was with the extension of her leg and the trust she placed within him that her weight shifted from the tree’s sturdy limb, through her body, and into his exposed and steady palm. While he did not expect her to all but leap from the leafy branches of the apple tree when its support was gone, Cao Cao was prepared to catch her regardless, and the hands that had given her miniscule but solid surface to rest upon fell out from under her in favour of finding placement behind her thighs and lower back.
While her body shook, perhaps in fear of collapsing to the ground, Cao Cao remained standing firm like a rock amidst violent, stormy waves. Though upon understanding that she was, indeed, safe and sound, her trembling stopped, and she leaned away from the safety of his body with what could be noted as curiosity.
“Lady Xiaoqiao,” he began smoothly, features relaxed, yet oddly stoic in contrast to her expressive display, “there is no need for an apology. So long as you are safe, it is all that matters.” He shifted her weight and adjusted his arms beneath her more appropriately, allowing slender frame to fit neatly into the crook of his arms as he whisked her away from the tree, the dirt, and anything that might mar her dainty feet any further.
“And I presume that you are.” Safe, that was. A low rumble amusement rolled up within his chest, however it could not be heard and it was hardly shown upon the features of his face. Given Xiaoqiao’s predicament, it was likely that she would be able to feel the contained thunder within his chest as he carried her towards the lengthy stone staircase, though even then the dull vibration was fleeting, for Cao Cao moved to set her down; mindful of her exposed feet and gentle figure.
He knelt then, setting the silken slippers unto the ground in order to pick her foot up by her heel, and just as he removed her footwear mere moments before, Cao Cao slid the first, then the second back into place.
“All I ask is that you endeavor to be safe in the future in the event that I am not there.” He bowed his head thereafter, a limb reaching out to curl his fingers beneath her palm. Her knuckles were drawn towards his lips, though he was careful not to overstep his bounds.
“You may call me Cao Cao, my lady.”
“Oh!” Xiaoqiao certainly did not expect him to actually sweep her off her feet. She felt her face become flushed with red, but she wasn’t complaining about the treatment she was receiving one bit. What she was experiencing felt like one of the many fairytales she read, and she couldn’t believe she was actually living one. Luoyue became alert and followed after her owner to where Cao Cao had carried her, knowing full well how easily impressionable (especially when it involved handsome, charming men) her owner was, and wanted to keep her on her toes.
She watched him put her slippers back on for her, observing his generous attentiveness towards her. With a cheeky smile and teasing tone, Xiaoqiao asked him, “Do you tell that to all the pretty girls you meet?” Then became stunned and speechless when he started to bring her knuckles close to his lips - again, like out of her fairytales where a prince would kiss the princess’s hand.
“Cao Cao…” Xiaoqiao repeated, making note to remember his name. She felt something in her gut, and it wasn’t the butterflies from earlier. Had she heard his name somewhere before? It felt very familiar to her, yet she couldn’t pinpoint where–
Suddenly, Xiaoqiao gasped and stood up from the steps she was sitting on, her hands covering her open mouth. She realised who she was in the presence of: the famed hero of chaos she heard many tales of, and someone her father spoke very highly of. Before she could say anything else, Xiaoqiao felt a large hand pat the top of her head.
“There you are, Endian.” Qiao Xuan wanted to make sure his daughter obeyed his order to stay close to the palace while she ventured. “Ah, and I see you’ve become acquainted with Lord Cao Cao. It’s good to see you, Cao Cao.” Qiao Xuan removed his hand from his daughter’s head to properly greet him, hands together and with a bow. “I hope my daughter was on her best behaviour in your presence. She often tends to get herself in trouble due to taking action before thinking about the possible outcome.”
Embarrassed, Xiaoqiao balled her hands into fists and started to bang them against her father’s arm, only to have him respond with a laugh, catching her fists in his hands. “Now then, shall we head on inside?” Qiao Xuan asked Cao Cao, completely ignoring his daughter’s embarrassment in jest.
