GENERAL

It was one way to describe things — there was a time when Mashu had been honest to a fault, and while she might not have become a seasoned liar, the tendency to keep things quiet, burrowed beneath the surface where no-one need see, had become much more prevalent in her behaviour. Done so not to burden others with her weakness, no matter her inability to maintain the front in contrast to others, that was allegedly enough to draw the seeds to blossom.

Aggravation emanated about him, radiating from the cluster of petals spread like confetti from a popper — a mess in need of cleaning, secrets spilled for uninvited eyes and ears in physical form. “It is certainly unfair. They must have anticipated that some would rather keep to themselves. Privacy is important, but it’s now a luxury — not a right we’re supposed to be entitled to".

at first he couldn’t be certain whether the reply had been directed at him; she could just as easily be passing with another, but when no one else appeared to be present, it’s clear she meant to address him. it leaves the yaksha to think on her comment. unfairness was not a term ever placed in relation to himself, everything endured had been expected for his kind, though he could understand why she might see it as such. “it’s for that reason I came here... to find peace away from unwanted stares.” and somehow she still managed to stumble upon his hiding place.

That's because it is fish, or rather, a paper bag of freshly baked anchovies left in one of Xiao's usual haunts with a typewritten note attached. (What, you think S-0 can write with those paws? Dream on.)

And so the printed words read:

I don't easily share my snacks, but our partnership earned it. Since so many humans are gifting each other on this day, I'll join in as well. Make sure you get these before any other cat finds them.

S-0

He didn't bake them either—his host did—so if Xiao has anything to complain about, he can find him instead.

he wondered what the smell was, and of course, staring him in the face from that paper bag were a few fish. "what a strange creature." really it should have been obvious for a cat... even if S-0 isn't technically one, but the appearance is convincing enough to consider as such.

that's probably not right at all actually...

whatever, it doesn't matter. the thought counts. Xiao will have to take time thinking of something in return, he can't simply just ignore a gift given to him freely. maybe one for the host as well if the yaksha feels particularly generous on the day, no guarantee on that.

he's relieved to know Rain still shares accommodation with him—

the silence was deafening, and while she would typically feel it a more comfortable for Xiao, the question burned on the tip of her tongue. silenced by the apprehension to dredge up bad memories — the ordeal was a frightening prospect on the cusp of reality hadn’t it been for Zhongli’s saving grace, but Xiao experienced far more than any in those depths. the anguish of a dear friend, the tragic end to his tale — a fate he was prepared to shoulder if it meant everyone else could escape. every time the mere thought glanced her way, her heart tightened with suffocating distress. by a miracle, it was no more than a ‘what-if’, but the possibility was there. lingering. ready to snatch away anyone else. and Lumine would be incapable of doing anything.

when she reached for Aether, her hand couldn’t reach. when she reached for Xiao, her hand couldn’t reach. when she reached for Katheryne and Nahida, her hand couldn’t reach. loss was not new to her, like many in Teyvat, she’d the experience of a bitter parting and the door sealed tight without the passage of closure. how longer before their luck ran out and that inability to grasp hold of someone dear unavoidable saw their blood splatter upon her fingertips, their lifeless body crumple before her eyes? it was an unhelpful line of thinking, pessimistic and a blight upon their time together, though the worry was undeniably in the back of her mind. when she contemplated that, one day, her way would part with all her friends, it was through passing the sky or their lifetimes reaching a natural conclusion, not… that.

but Teppei, Arama… so very nearly Dunyarzad and Xiao…

her gold met his when so directly he addressed it. as skilled as she were managing her emotions and keeping them under wraps when need be, that nightmare was one that could not be shied away from so easily. it scared her — more than the Abyss, more than anything. “you’re alright… right?” it might have been in reference specifically to that ordeal, or their current predicament trapped within the city, her words were unclear as her thoughts jumbled.

it’s a question he should have seen coming, likely regarding the events within the Chasm. they’d had a brief conversation shortly after and then parted ways, she seemed fine then, but perhaps it plagued her more than she let on. there’s no gentle way of approaching what occurred in those depths. not after everything they had seen.

Xiao nods slightly. ”for now, yes.” but she still hasn’t answered his own hidden inquiry so he asks directly instead. “what about you? you rarely speak of your own troubles, and are always too focused on others around you.” is it not right that she takes a moment of pause to consider herself first for once? when had been the last time Lumine allowed it? wanting to protect others is understandable, though not everyone can be saved, some even prefer it that way. this may be difficult to accept but a person’s wishes must be honoured.

“...if you aren’t careful, you may not find yourself willing to keep up social activities.” by no means is he familiar with this on a personal level, there have been those who were troubled by it with himself as a passing witness to mumbled worries.