Archive of Our Own ^beta

Are you going anywhere fun for spring break? One of the students had asked.

"No," Wanderer had said.

A big, fat lie.

The wanderer did, in fact, have big plans for his two weeks of freedom.

It had been years since Wanderer had last seen the mist that swirled through Guili Plains in the early morning, coating his upper lip in a thin sheen of wet. He walked through grass and down dirt trails, underneath trees and the gradually brightening sky. He had chosen one random direction and intended to keep walking until he hit something.

That something happened to be a hilichurl camp.

He heard them long before he saw them with their scrawny limbs and garish masks. He'd heard their nails scraping against dried-out husks of fruits and the clap of them knocking rocks together in a dubiously productive way.

When the first hilichurl spotted Wanderer approaching, it raised its club and let out a garbled rallying cry. The others responded in kind as Wanderer resisted rolling his eyes.

Could they hurry up and get to the beating part already? Vigilant yakshas didn't care if hilichurls made a little fuss about some guy walking around.

The first hilichurl darted forward and Wanderer brought his arms up like he was going to defend an attack. The hilichurl delivered one solid blow to his arm, though it made a "thunk" sound as though the hilichurl's club had just hit a hollow trunk. It hadn't really hurt, either. Wanderer wasn't surprised by that, though. He'd been through much worse in the Abyss.

But he had to deliver on the dramatics of it all. The hilichurl hit him again, and this time, the Wanderer threw himself onto the ground and yelped in pain. More clubs came, whamming into his skull and his skinny forearms. He covered his head, just like a fleshy human would do, when he heard the pop of someone— something?— teleporting to his side.

The dramatic hilichurl beating ceased immediately. Wanderer uncovered his face and was greeted by a stern voice.

"Get up."

It had been so long since Wanderer had last heard his voice and yet it still made him swoon.

He did as he'd been ordered, trying to do it in a way that looked appropriately pathetic.

“Thank you so much for saving me," Wanderer said.

If he had blood, it certainly would have gone to his head by that point. But even though he didn't, he still felt dizzy. He was seeing double, two handsome yakshas with the same splatter of blood on their right cheek. Oh, how Wanderer's hand itched to wipe it away for him.

"Go home before you find more trouble," Xiao said.

It had been so long since he'd used such a stern tone with him.

"I'm not from around here. I was actually wondering if you'd be my guide," Wanderer said, jumping up to grasp Xiao by one of his (well-defined) forearms.

Xiao pulled away with an annoyed huff. "If you need a guide, find someone else to help you. I am only here to ensure you don't lose your head to a monster."

"But the whole reason this happened is because I got lost. How am I supposed to find my way back on my own?"

Xiao didn't provide an answer. He teleported away without another word, neon energy leaving sparks where he'd stood seconds prior. Wanderer heaved a sigh and dropped the smile from his lips. All the effort he'd gone through, even allowing a horde of hilichurls to beat the shit out of him, and all he got in response were four terse sentences.

He returned the way he'd come with a stomp in his step and his shoulders hunched. Fine, so be it. Time for his second plan.

As expected, Verr Goldet also didn't recognize Wanderer when he arrived at the front desk. But they hit it off right away, exchanging quick greetings.

"Do you have any open rooms?" Wanderer asked.

"We have no vacancies," she responded.

The corner of Wanderer's lip twisted in a half-grimace. "I see."

"But a few patrons are supposed to be checking out this evening."

"That's okay, thanks."

He turned his eyes from the desk and toward the stairs leading up to the rooms. It would be a little too obvious if he just started walking that way now but if he went around the back with some help from the windfavored state…

…Had the mattress always been so... springy? Wanderer bounced on it a few times and listened to it squeak dramatically. His lips screwed down in a frown and he ran his fingers across the blankets. They were such poor quality that he could probably count the threads if he tried.

Truly, Xiao's room hadn't changed much since Wanderer had last seen it.

He'd strolled right through the open door and plopped himself down on the bed. He collected his arms in his lap and tried to smile but it felt too forced so he dropped it.

Now he just had to wait.

Patiently.

Possibly until midnight.

Xiao always worked late, after all.

Wanderer pushed his face into a pillow and closed his eyes. He kicked his shoes off and curled up in the center of the bed.

It smelled just like him, a full, soft smell with a twinge of spice at the end, like one of those sweets Wanderer so detested that had a strong aftertaste.

Wanderer hated how much he'd missed it.

A short while later, he fell asleep drowning in the soft smells and feelings, only intermittently interrupted by those small pinpricks of spice.

"Wake up."

Xiao's voice echoed in Wanderer's ears as a hand dropped onto his shoulder and roughly shook him. He opened his eyes to a plain ceiling and sat up as he remembered his plan and eased his expression into something a little more naïve.

"Sorry?" Wanderer asked, wiping pretend drool from the corner of his mouth.

"Get out."

Xiao's eyebrows drew close over his eyes as he grimaced and threw a hand toward the door with a pointed finger. The exit's that way.

"There weren't any open rooms, so I thought—“

"It doesn't matter what you thought. I want you out of my sight."

"So sorry to intrude," Wanderer said with a huff.

He pushed himself onto his feet and paused. Xiao had crossed his arms in front of him, his notched eyebrows drawn down over his face. It was morning and the sun played in his hair, turning it a brilliant display of different greens and deep teals. He went stiff once Wanderer stopped in front of him and Wanderer, unable to withhold the surge of joy he felt at being next to his slightly shorter counterpart after so many years, let an amused smile slip.

"What's so funny?" Xiao asked.

A thousand thoughts came to mind and all of them would throw Xiao into a fit, yet despite that, Wanderer picked one and opened his mouth.

"I didn't know you were so short."

"Do not waste any more of my time with your foolish comments."

"I'm sorry," Wanderer lied. "But I'm afraid that my original room has probably already been taken, so is it okay if I stay here for the night?"

"No."

So quick. The rejection almost hurt. Almost, if it weren’t so funny.

"Okay," Wanderer said.

He marched toward the door, swinging it open with one deft twist of his hand around the doorknob. He heard Xiao saying something behind him but politely ignored him, pivoting around a corner and shooting up into the trees on a gust of anemo before Xiao could follow him.

Shingles clacked at the weight of Wanderer moving across them, seeking out a comfortable place to park himself for the moment. He picked a spot shrouded in shade, a corner of the roof with a few dried leaves that Wanderer flicked away. It was cold here; he could feel it attempting to bite through the artificial skin of his legs.

He realized that he'd left his shoes back in Xiao's room. An old self would probably sneak back in later and steal them while Xiao was gone. But this facetiously ignorant character would be the kind to make that mistake and not want to bother Xiao again by going back to ask for them.

Back in Sumeru, he'd spent a lot of the days leading up to his Liyue trip holed up in his room alone studying and writing essays about any topic he was interested in. It'd been a while since he'd felt a gust in his hair.

Xiao used to sit out here with him all the time. In another life, it was the first time they'd ever spoken— right here with Xiao sitting next to him with his eyes closed and his arms folded behind his head as though he was actually relaxing for once.

But fine, if Xiao wanted so badly for him to leave, then he would. He'd just have to find some other way to get close to him.

After all, he still had a week and a half to work with.

A few hours later, once Wanderer had once again fallen asleep in the gentle sunlight, he started to wake to his body that had been warmed on the rooftop for several hours.

He heard the unmistakable sound of Xiao teleporting to his side and cooly turned his head toward the sound. Xiao was once again grimacing, obviously not pleased with having his favorite spot taken twice.

"What are you doing here?" Xiao asked.

"All of the rooms are booked right now, so this is really the only place I can stay," Wanderer said.

"It's not safe to be up here."

"I'll be fine. I climb into high places all the time."

Xiao crossed his arms and huffed as if expecting Wanderer to slip down to the floor below in the next second. Wanderer rolled his eyes and looked off in the other direction.

Truth be told, if he had a heart, it would be beating like crazy. It was just like the first time all over again! What had he said the first time? Something snappy and a little rude so they could bicker about it probably.

Scaramouche didn't apologize. Wanderer usually didn't, either. But poor little Xiao was so pathetic when he was unhappy.

"I really didn't mean to get in your space," Wanderer said. "It's all just a coincidence."

"Then why do I keep seeing you everywhere?" Xiao asked. "Explain yourself."

"Maybe after our first meeting I felt like I'd run into someone I'd like to get to know a little better. That's all."

Another coy smile grew on Wanderer's lips.

Xiao scowled.

"What? It's the truth," Wanderer said.

"You don't want to be around me. It isn't safe."

"I already do things that aren't good for me sometimes."

"Why?"

"Because I don't like wasting my time on mediocre things."

"Mediocre?" Xiao repeated.

"You know, sub-par. Disappointing."

"You don't make any sense. Just tell me what you want."

"I just want to sit here and get some rest."

"Fine."

Wanderer's shoes clattered on the shingles beside him as Xiao placed them there.

"You forgot these."

"Thank you."

"Hmph."

He disappeared in a wisp of teal smoke and Wanderer tucked his arms behind his head, throwing his eyes up to the sky.

Well, that hadn't exactly gone as planned.

Maybe next time he should bring flowers.

He grabbed his shoes and jumped down onto the walkway below, sauntering down to the kitchen to see if he could get some breakfast arranged.

He wound up ordering a plate of deep-fried dough sticks to dip into his rice congee, a plate of steamed buns waiting patiently for him to scarf them down once he'd had enough of his green tea.

Least of all did he expect to find Xiao pulling up to one of the other tables with a plate of tofu. Wanderer angled his chair toward Xiao's table and reclined, tucking a fork between his fingers and languidly crossing his legs.

Xiao immediately caught Wanderer's eyes on him and looked over his shoulder to send him a glare. Wanderer failed to hide a smile, tucking a hand underneath his chin.

"Could you not?" Xiao asked.

This time, he didn't turn around. Wanderer leaned forward in his seat and grabbed one of his steamed buns to pick at it and throw a piece at the back of Xiao's head.

"Not what?" Wanderer asked.

"You are a persistent human."

Xiao teleported to Wanderer's side, nearly startling the bun from his hand. He flinched, dropping it back onto his plate.

"State your business with me."

"I thought we could eat lunch together."

"That's it?"

"Yes?"

Xiao scoffed. "I don't eat with an audience."

"I'm not an audience. I have to eat, too."

"You should just leave. Find friends to eat with elsewhere."

"Does it hurt you so badly just to spend a little time with another person? Have lunch with me once and then I'll leave you alone."

"I highly doubt that."

"Either way, I'm not leaving you alone now."

"You make a good point."

I always do, Wanderer wanted to say, but restrained himself.

"But then you promise to leave me alone next time."

"If you really can't stand my company that much."

"Fine."

Xiao returned to his table, grabbed his plate, and approached Wanderer's spot. He dropped down in the chair across from him and delicately plucked the tofu up with his chopsticks. Wanderer pushed the plate of buns toward him and arched an expectant eyebrow.

With a sigh, Xiao grabbed one of those, too, and took a begrudging bite, much to Wanderer's mirth.

Neither said much of anything at first. It was just enough to know that his food tasted that little bit better in the company of Xiao, who had already softened substantially, more shy and quiet than abrasive and annoyed. Food truly was a language not to be taken for granted, even for people who didn't need it.

Xiao didn't really do small talk. Neither did Wanderer. But he'd cooked up a few ideas for things Xiao might enjoy discussing.

"How goes the hilichurl hunting?" Wanderer asked.

"Same as usual," Xiao said. "Demons have been infrequent lately."

"It's reassuring to know you find enough time for meals between it all."

"It's... not really because I need to."

I know, Wanderer wanted to say. "Humans are always eating together. Food tastes better when you're enjoying it in the company of someone you like."

"It tastes fine," Xiao said, perhaps missing the whole point, though Wanderer nodded and smiled and plucked another piece off his dumpling just to see if Xiao's face would screw up in cute annoyance again.

It didn't and he finished the rest of his plate quickly. He spared Wanderer only one glance through the whole interaction and Wanderer didn't interrupt with any questions.

At the end of it, only once the last of their plates had been plucked clean, did Wanderer pose another question.

"Have you actually been sleeping lately?" He asked.

"I do not usually actually need it but lately I have been resting a little," Xiao said.

"That's good."

"You need not concern yourself with it. After all, you hardly know me."

"I know you saved me."

Countless times.

"That's part of my duty."

"So I'm not allowed to say thank you? I don't think it should be so thankless."

"I don't understand."

"I think more of those ungrateful humans should put more effort into showing their gratitude to you," Wanderer said. He propped his chin on the back of one of his hands, his fingers dangling down. "That's all."

"Do you even know of the adepti? What gives you that thought?"

"It's just a feeling I have."

"You are so curious to me," Xiao said. "The words feel familiar to me, somehow."

"You've probably just heard them somewhere before."

"Maybe." A beat of silence stretched on between them. Then Xiao cleared his throat and shifted in his chair.

"I should go."

"You can if you want. I won't stop you."

Xiao made as if he was going to stand then cast his eyes over Wanderer again. "Why are you speaking in riddles?"

"I thought I was pretty clear?"

"Are you really okay with me leaving after insisting so much that I should spend time with you?"

"Oh, I'd be over the moon if you stayed."

"Then why didn't you say so?"

"You didn't ask?"

"Who are you?"

"I'm a fan," Wanderer said, deadpan.

Xiao scoffed. "You know me from somewhere. Somewhere before the hilichurl camp."

"I might..." He said with a frown.

"Are you here to kill me?" Xiao asked.

"If I were, don't you think I would have done so already?"

"Some predators soften their prey before striking."

"That's a clever analogy. You were always good at those."

"Were?" Xiao repeated.

"When we used to spend time together, that's all."

Xiao muttered something and Wanderer's lips screwed down into a frown.

"That's not what the relationship was like. It was amicable. More than friends."

"More than— are you sure you're well? Did they put something strange in your food?" Xiao asked.

"I'm not surprised that you don't believe me. But it's the truth," Wanderer said with a shrug.

"I really do have to go."

Xiao stood and summoned his spear, donning his mask in an instant. He teleported away with a burst of teal sparks. The plate of tofu that had been sitting on the edge of the table teetered over, shattering dramatically on the ground.

What an awkward bumbling fool, Wanderer thought with admiration surging to his heart accompanied by a healthy dose of amusement.

That night, Wanderer trawled the outer stairs of Wangshu Inn as he whistled.

Xiao should be getting off work soon, he thought idly when he felt Xiao appearing at his side in another pop of anemo.

He smelled like silk flowers and looked like he'd taken a dip in a bubble bath, his clothes brighter and crisper than usual.

Maybe Wanderer was finally going crazy. Or maybe Xiao had dressed up all nice just for him.

"We need to talk," Xiao said.

"Okay, what is it?" Wanderer asked.

"Not here. Come back to my room."

"Alright."

Xiao disappeared and Wanderer resumed his whistling, tucking his hands behind his back as he strolled to Xiao’s room. He stopped once he was only a few steps away, stretching his hand out to clutch the knob and turn it. As expected, Xiao was waiting for him on the other side, his arms crossed and his expression severe.

"Hello," Wanderer greeted. He crossed the room and sat down on Xiao's bed. "What did you want to talk about?"

"You mentioned being more than 'friends.’”

Oh, so they were getting right to it. “I did."

"What did you mean?"

"Lovers."

"No, you didn't."

"But what if I did?"

"I don't know you."

"But you used to,” Wanderer quipped.

"You're lying because you want something from me. Out with it."

"But what if that something is just kisses? Then it's okay, right?"

"Are you joking?" Xiao asked.

"Partially." Wanderer shrugged.

Xiao stared at him as though he'd just murdered several children, the expression beginning at shock and horror and melting into a disappointed sort of resignation, though sad from beginning to end. He practically threw his hands up as if to say, "Well, fuck it. I guess it was never meant to make sense."

"I can prove it to you," Wanderer said. "I know all about the yaksha and Rex Lapis. I know about your sacrifice at the Chasm. You never used to cook, right? But then we started to together and now there's a few recipes you don't absolutely detest making. Though you still don't like sandwiches."

"How do you know that?"

"I know you."

"But I don't know you? Is it a product of the karmic debt?"

"No. I erased myself from the record of Teyvat's history."

"Why?"

"Oh, you know."

Wanderer shrugged again. Xiao frowned.

"You do not sound happy."

"Because you're being difficult. As always,” Wanderer grumbled.

"You're the one being difficult. I don't understand you."

"At least pretend you want to spend time with me. I confessed my love to you— that's not exactly an easy thing to do, especially not by my standards."

"...Thanks." He was trying to be genuine but the words only felt empty.

Wanderer huffed. "You're welcome."

"What is your name?"

"Wanderer.”

"You really think we were lovers? And you're not delusional?"

"I might be a little. But I'm also being truthful. Why? Does the thought make your face heat up? I'm a catch, aren't I?" He asked, tucking his hands under his chin as he attempted to give his best puppy-dog eyes.

"Not really."

"Ouch. Well, it's what's on the inside that counts anyway." And it was probably best not to mention his insides were pretty empty.

"I think you should leave,” Xiao said.

"I still have a week of vacation to spend. Why don't we get to know each other a little more?"

Xiao made a face like he had just suggested they go out and bathe in shit together. "I'd rather do anything else."

"At least dinner. Let's have dinner together."

"All this, after you told me you'd leave me alone."

"You're the one who invited me into your bedroom, hot stuff."

Wanderer could see the blush blooming on his cheeks from here. "Don't call me that."

Wanderer grinned. "Alright."

Dinner. With Xiao. What should he wear? What would they eat? If Wanderer asked nicely enough, he wondered if he could convince Smiley Yanxiao to make something for them.

Of course, Wanderer ended up planning very little of the dinner date aside from the initial time and place. The time being sunset and the place being the Wangshu Inn's highest balcony, which Wanderer accessed via some underhanded anemo abilities. In terms of the dating they'd done in the past, Wanderer and Xiao had never been very romantic or physically affectionate. Wanderer had no topics planned for tonight, just a desire to see Xiao's blush again. If he could see that then he knew everything would be alright.

Xiao also did not enter through the doorway when he arrived, instead teleporting on a gust of anemo. He almost tipped over the tea light Wanderer had placed in the center of the table, though a little arson seemed befitting them.

"You made it," Xiao said.

"Yep. You look like you're in a good mood today. Did something happen?"

Xiao's eyes widened in surprise; he probably hadn't expected Wanderer to be able to read the minor changes in his body language so well. Like right now, Wanderer would imagine he was pretty nervous by the set of his shoulders, but the notches in his eyebrows weren't turned down so he was probably happy.

Even though vigilant Yakshas would refuse any such allegations.

"It was the same work as usual," Xiao said.

"I'm glad you're not hurt."

Xiao stared at him as if to ask, "Why would I be?" As if Wanderer had not seen him bruised and bloodied before, his clothes all tattered and his pretty little face scarred all to hell. Traveler had told Wanderer (at a time when he wasn't necessarily listening) that Xiao had been on the up and up since Wanderer had left. Well, at least Xiao couldn't be torn up about him anymore since he had no recollection of it. So long as he was safe and doing better.

"How much do you really know about me?" Xiao asked.

"Didn't I already answer this question?"

"Alright, whatever. How long do you claim we were... 'together' for?"

"What do you count as 'together?'"

Xiao just stared at him, probably too embarrassed to answer.

"We were in contact on and off for three years and then 'together' for four."

"So, seven years."

"Yeah," Wanderer said.

That was basically nothing to either of them given their long life spans but for a human that could be a tenth of their life. That was kind of impressive, right?

"Why?" Xiao asked.

"Why what?"

"Why were we... 'together?'"

"Because we both understood each other."

"You... understood me?"

"Mhm."

Wanderer could practically feel Xiao's eyes scraping him up and down. Me? Understand this guy? Fat chance.

"Stop looking at me like that."

"You looked first," Xiao retorted.

"See? There you go. That's what it's always like between us. It's sort of fun, right?" Wanderer asked.

Xiao scoffed. "Fun?"

"Little bickering back and forth about useless stuff. And then you make that silly face that makes me want to pinch you."

Xiao'a face screwed up and he leaned back in his chair as though expecting Wanderer to actually do it. Wanderer leaned back in his seat too and crossed his arms as his lips stretched into a wide smile. Wow, it'd been a long time since he last saw Xiao make a face like that. All grumpy and guarded as if he expected Wanderer to seriously make an attempt on his life.

Wanderer knew better than to try that, though.

I missed this.

"Ah, crap. The food's going to go cold," Wanderer said, making a genuine effort to at least sound like he cared as he grabbed his chopsticks and plucked a dumpling off Xiao's plate. Xiao grumbled in protest about food he didn't even need to eat then started eating, too.

I should tell him something. I just don't know what.

Xiao was being so polite and quiet, his eyes glued to his plate as though looking up would make him spontaneously combust. Despite Wanderer's efforts to put on a lighthearted ambience, Xiao (understandably) still had his guard up around him. It had taken Scaramouche much longer to break past it, Wanderer understood that, but that didn't make him any happier about it.

"Hey," Wanderer said, tapping the table in front of him.

"Hm."

Xiao looked up with greens sticking out of his mouth like a deer in the middle of grazing.

"Why did you come out today?" Wanderer asked.

"No reason."

"Aw, come on! I came all the way from Sumeru for this. You could at least try to play along for a bit."

"Tell me how we met."

"It was a hot summer evening and I was up on the roof of Wangshu Inn relaxing in the shade when you teleported beside me and started asking me a lot of questions. You were apparently really annoyed that day and decided to take it out on me but I'd been on assignment in Liyue for the past month and you were really getting on my nerves, too."

"Sitting on the roof is dangerous. The concern is warranted."

"I have a Vision," Wanderer said, gesturing to it for emphasis. "And even if I did fall, it wouldn't do anything to me. I'm a puppet."

This was an interrogation and a speed-dating event rolled into one.

"What?"

"A puppet. Carved from Irminsul, you know?"

"Are you an Irminsul fanatic?"

"No, it just happens to find a way to get involved with my life."

"I really don't understand anything about you."

"I can tell that the more I say to you, the more confused you become," Wanderer said. "Maybe I should stick to being mysterious."

"No. I want to know as much as possible."

He sounded so determined, which made Wanderer extremely happy.

"Oh, yeah? Cuz you think it'll help make sense of me?"

Xiao's wide-open eyes gave him all the answer he needed. Yup, hit the nail on the head.

"So you're a puppet?" Xiao asked.

Wanderer nodded.

"Who raised you?"

"Some humans who are long gone in a village that doesn't exist anymore."

"How old are you?"

"Older than Director Hu but younger than you," Wanderer said. "Four hundredish."

"I... see. So you don't need to eat? Or sleep?"

Wanderer picked at his teeth with a nail. "Nope."

"And yet you still commandeered my bedroom."

"Yakshas don't need sleep either, right?"

"Tch.”

"So it's okay if I indulge sometimes. At least your karmic debt doesn't affect me. That would be such a pain."

"Right."

Wanderer smiled at Xiao's finished plate. I don't need to eat, he says, but because Wanderer smugly knew what he liked, he'd ordered everything he knew Xiao would secretly enjoy.

“How long can I keep you before you have to go back to work?” Wanderer asked.

“I can be out as long as I’d like.”

“Good. Because I have some questions for you, too.”

Wanderer was so thrilled to see Xiao again and the longer they spoke, the quicker time flew. Wanderer indulged Xiao’s questions, talking about everything from their first meeting to an unusually in-depth analysis of everything Wanderer could remember about Xiao’s life. It was likely a way for Xiao to gauge how dangerous Wanderer was, but to him, it was nothing but a bit of reminiscing. If it helped Xiao understand his predicament more, then he didn’t mind.

As expected, Xiao was the first one to break from conversation and say that he had to go, but when he stood from his chair, he stared at Wanderer almost as though he expected Wanderer to follow him. It was really quite cute to see, and Wanderer almost wanted to go with him, too, but some time apart was probably best to let him process their meeting.

A room had finally opened up at Wangshu Inn and Wanderer took it, though not without some annoyance at it not being Xiao’s room, which was obviously better in every way from the same, identical-looking room he then found himself in. He threw himself down onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling with his arms folded behind his head, turning his attention toward the window as he considered going to sleep. Puppets didn’t need sleep; to him, sleep felt like pretending to be unconscious until his body was fooled enough to shut down for a little while. Over the years, he’d gotten much better at mentally counting the hours until morning.

When he woke again, Wanderer sat on the edge of his bed and wiped the sleep out of his eyes. The sun was already high up, so Xiao was probably already out doing his rounds.

Wanderer meandered down to the kitchen and ordered some food then took it out on the balcony.

After Wanderer’s last bite, he dropped his fork on the empty plate and said, “Xiao.”

To his pleasure, Xiao teleported to his side. For a second, it almost felt like nothing had changed.

“What is it?” Xiao asked.

“I’m bored,” Wanderer said. “Come play with me.”

“No.”

“Aw, that’s not fair. I only have a few more days here, you know. Shouldn’t I get to have a bit of fun before I leave?”

Xiao’s eyes widened. “You’re leaving?”

"Well, yeah. I have a job. And I'm in the middle of a school semester right now."

"School?"

"Yeah, where little humans go to fill their little noggins with knowledge. I'm a ward to the Sumeran archon."

"Why?"

"I kind of owe her for saving my life. Or something."

“I… see."

Instead of talking about Xiao’s life, perhaps Wanderer should have put more emphasis on his own when they were talking last night. He exhaled a deep, dramatic sigh. “I suppose I shouldn’t keep you any longer. I might as well head out to Sumeru early and stop getting in the way of your work…”

“Hold on.”

Xiao grabbed Wanderer’s wrist before he could pull away too far. Wanderer smiled impishly.

“Yeah? What is it?”

“I have some questions for you.”

“Haven’t I answered enough already?”

“Weren’t you the one who was so eager to share information about yourself before?”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“You’re full of contradictions, aren’t you?” Xiao asked. “Come on. I have something to show you.”

Wanderer followed without question, rising from his seat and sticking to Xiao’s back like a shadow.

Xiao didn’t talk again until they were away from Wangshu Inn and walking down a dirt path toward Liyue Harbor. Clouds had started to crowd the horizon and Wanderer drew his hat down over his head.

“When I first laid my eyes on you, I knew there was something different about you,” Xiao said. “And then again, when you were so brazen as to challenge me for space in my own room.”

“I knew what I was doing,” Wanderer said.

“Apparently.” Xiao deadpanned.

Wanderer resisted the urge to lean forward and press his palm to the skin between Xiao’s bare shoulder blades. Ugh, time had made him unnecessarily sappy.

Xiao stopped along the road as they approached Pervases’s Temple, the green shingles shining in the sunlight.

“You have been here before,” Xiao said.

He led Wanderer off the path to a small landing overlooking the shrine. Wanderer had seen him there many times before, especially after holidays or special events. It was a place Xiao went to unwind and recollect himself.

“Yes,” Wanderer said.

“I saw you here before, too,” Xiao said. “Were you trying to find me then?”

“Maybe. Does it matter?”

“Yes.”

Xiao turned around and stared at him expectantly. What did he want Wanderer to say? Yes, I waited here for you for a bajillion years but you never came?

“Here,” Xiao said.

From behind his back he produced a bundle of three glaze lilies. Wanderer had only heard stories about them but knew them to be extremely rare and important to adeptal history. Wanderer took them without a second thought and brought one to his nose. It smelled strongly of a sweet, creamy fragrance, almost like the pastries he so detested but almost… cleaner.

“I thought a lot about our discussion after we spoke last night, and I remembered a little from the things you described to me.  I would like to know more about you, if that is something you would like, too.”

“Of course,” Wanderer said. “I mean. I didn’t come all this way for you not to show at least a little interest in me.”

“You were—” a sigh, “—very persistent.”

No refuting that.

“So, what now? Do you want to go out for dinner again? Or something a little more intimate?”

Xiao grimaced. “No. I’m not sure how to proceed. I have never stopped remembering someone before.”

“I didn’t think so.” Xiao shot him another dirty look and he smiled. “Alright, I’ll stop with the jokes. What about we finish our walk first, hm? The rest can come later.”

That seemed a much more digestible answer to Xiao, and he heaved a relieved sigh. “Yes, that I can do. And perhaps you can regale me with another of your wild life experiences.”

Wanderer smiled. “It would be my pleasure.”