#genhin

“I thin-nk we are g-g-getting c-c-close.” You explained but Xiao simply stared ahead of you, eyes focused and unmoving. It was as if he were pin pointing something you couldn’t see. You trusted his eyes, would follow him no matter where he went, but you were worried there was something head that you’d never be able to handle. “Do you see something?” 

“No, we are fine to continue.” Nodding, you pressed forward, arms wrapped around your body to provide extra warmth. Unfortunately, there was nothing you could do to stop the snow flakes from slipping under your clothes and causing you to shiver. 

Glancing at Xiao, you wondered if he was also experiencing the effects of the bitter wind and frigid temperatures but he appeared unfazed by everything. Nothing he ever did surprised you anymore, nothing he could say would throw you for a loop - he was always so put together. 

“Here.” Xiao pulled you into a nearby cave and while you rubbed your hands and tried not to shiver so hard you’d fall over, Xiao started one of the small fires that another adventurer had made on their journey. 

“Ah, th-thank you!” You practically ran to the flames. A flashing thought of throwing yourself onto the fire filled your mind but you remembered that burns hurt. “I’m -s-so c-c-cold!” Your voice boomed in the small covering, making you squint. 

“You knew it was difficult terrain here.” 

“I k-know b-b-but why c-c-cold!” Frustrated, you grumbled and spread your arms out over the fire, your chest baring the brunt of the heat and finally you began to feel relief. 

“Be careful.” Xiao warned as he watched you dangle yourself over the flickering flames. 

“I know. W-why don’t you j-join me?” 

His eyes flashed to your face before he turned to the snow storm, arms crossing and voice lowering. “The cold does nothing to an adepti. Don’t bother yourself with my condition.” 

“O-Okay.” You shivered, body feeling the affects of the heat but still working to keep you warm. A quick search of the room rewarded you with a few more logs which you eagerly tossed onto the fire. When you looked back at the poorly dressed adeptus you couldn’t help but notice how his shoulders began to tremble. 

At first you thought it was a trick of the snow, a play of the firelight casting highlights and shadows across anything it could but, as you payed closer attention, you saw he really was shivering. With a sigh, you moved toward him. 

Without hesitation, you removed your scarf and began to drape it over his shoulders, around as much of his neck as you could get it. “I don’t need this.” 

“It makes me warmer.” 

“That’s impossible.” 

“You don’t know much about humans, do you.” He paused his actions, hand resting against your wrist until it returned to his crossed arms and his face looked back over the landscape ahead of you.