Tokkis Lace - Tumblr Posts
A Comforting Night
In which our wind adeptus is plagued with nightmares and seeks solace in you.
Warnings: Mentions of death, nightmares
Defined Reader Features: None. *The reader has a pyro vision
Word Count: 686
He woke up with a start, his breath ragged and short. The cool night air made the sweat on his skin feel clammy. He blinked once. Twice. Thrice. He turned to look to his side, out one of the windows in his room at the Wangshu Inn. The night sky was clear, littered with stars that shone like diamonds. The only sounds he could hear were the distant hoots of owls, the leaves rustling outside the window and the calm breathing of you, laying next to him.
Slowly, Xiao turned to face your sleeping form, which was currently well tucked in under the blankets, both your arms loosely draped around his waist. He takes a sharp breath, the fear from his nightmares briefly melting away, and gently places his hand on your head. This gentle but new touch disturbs your rest, and you shift a bit. You were always a light sleeper, Xiao cursed inside his head as he watched your eyes flutter open. You squint a bit, confused as to why your lover was awake and watching you like a curious cat does to a scurrying mouse.
“Why aren’t you asleep...?” You question, removing your arms from his body as you push yourself up to sit up. Xiao shakes his head.
“I thought I heard something. It was nothing-- go back to bed,” he lies, hoping you’ll buy it and close your eyes. But you don’t, instead reaching around for the lamp that sits near your bed. Once your fingers graze the wick of the candle, sparks fly at your tips as you light the lamp, shedding some dim light in the room.
“You know I hate it when you lie to me, Xiao,” you start, turning your body back to face the visibly disturbed yaksha. He hesitates for a moment, before realizing neither of you will get sleep if he isn’t upfront about his feelings.
“Nightmares. Memories of the countless lives I took in my past...the dreams I devoured...they haunt me nightly, and this night is no different.” He glances away, uncomfortable with your intense stare. When he glances back, you still watch him, but your hands have lifted to touch his face. You pause for a moment, as if asking for consent. When he gives a slight nod in response, your hands carefully cup his face. You tilt it down a bit so he looks at you and you offer him a kind smile.
“I remember the stories you told me about your time serving under your cruel master. I know that those times trouble you, even with how distant in the past they are. I know that even as you lie in bed with me, you find yourself hesitant to express your love. These nightmares plague your dreams and make you walk with your eyes looking back to see if your karma will truly come to catch you. But it won’t, Xiao.” He leans into your touch watching you. A part of him wants to stop you and question your confidence, but he knows better.
“You are here. Your a Liyue’s protector, and Rex Lapis’s trusted adeptus. You are more than your past for it does not define you. The sword hanging over your head shall be cut, for you strive to be a better person. I promise you my love, you are free to be.” He stares at you, contemplating how lucky he got to have someone, especially a mortal as understanding as you for a partner. A rare smile graces his face and he turns his head slightly, placing a kiss on your palm.
“Thank you, (y/n).” You beam at him and pull back, moving to get comfortable once more in your bed.
“Let’s sleep. When I wake up, I’ll go shopping for some ingredients to make almond tofu, hm?” He nods, moving as well to lie back down and go to sleep. His arms snake around you and he tucks you under his chin, giving himself the privilege of being comforted by your warm body head on. The night of terror soon became one of comfort.