#ghostywrites

in which you leave his favorite food, almond tofu at the balcony of Wangshuu Inn every night, and this time— he comes to see you in person.

pairing: xiao x gn! reader sfw

author notes: this is kinda bad i apologize in advance LMFAO?? btw this isnt proof read so expect some spelling mistakes ☹️☹️

You've been working at the Wangshuu Inn as a waiter for a couple days now. Of course, Verr Goldet familiarized you with the inn's popular resident..

Xiao, the vigilant adeptus. Yes, you've of heard him, and you've heard that he likes almond tofu.. When Verr Goldet told you this fact, you couldn't resist cooking almond tofu for the adeptus, it was your way of showing your gratitude for protecting liyue all these years.

You weren't the confrontative type (and you were told that the adeptus wasn't one to see people in person) , so you would rather leave the food item after your shift, and you would go check if someone actually took the food or not.

But you did not actually expect anyone to take the food.. But to your pleasant surprise— Each time you clocked in, the plate was empty.

"Hehe, I see the adeptus has taken a liking to your cooking." Verr Goldet chuckled as she spotted you walking by. You couldn't help but smile, knowing that your offerings are being accepted. You felt special, in a way.

"I-I see.. That's good to hear." You said softly.

Your eyes leered towards the balcony, the plate you left the previous night having nothing left, not even a crumb.

You approached the balcony, holding the plate in your hands before looking above you, wondering where that adeptus would be right now.

But oblivious to you.. He was sitting on the roof, away from anyone's vision. He could hear everything you and Verr Goldet were saying.

"Maybe meeting this human isn't a bad idea.." Xiao thought hard, he was contemplating whether he should thank whoever is giving him almond tofu every night.. He did not want to interact with anyone and cause some kind of crowd to show up.

The wind flowed through his hair as he looked towards the scenery of Dihua Marsh, deep in thought.

He ultimately decided to express his gratitude to you, right when you leave your offering at night— when your shift ends.

Afterall, it was the polite thing to do. Though it was not necessary, you went out of your way to prepare a meal for him every day since you started working at Wangshuu Inn, so he felt compelled to do so.

He patiently waited, observing you from afar. He watched you intentively as you served various customers who come in and outside of Liyue. You greeted them with a confident smile, a smile that left a unique impression on Xiao.

For some odd reason he felt differently about you.. It was a feeling he hasn't experienced in a long, long time. It was strange, for some reason— your cooking somehow tasted different.. Tasted, better. And he craved to have more.

Finally, you bid the last customer farewell as they continued on their journey. Of course, the thought of Xiao never left your mind since the morning. So, you immediately went into the kitchen and worked your magic.

Your fingers were working overtime as they collided mixes of seasonings like an art form. The smell filled up the area with a sweet aroma that one could smell all the way to the second floor. This process is special, since you were making it in a place of kindness.

You didn't need to go the extra mile for Xiao, but out of your respect and admiration— you dedicated a chunk of your time to express your appreciation.

Several minutes later.. The dish is done. The dish smelled amazing, it flooded you nostrils with a pleasant, tangy smell.

With the plate in your hands, you walked up the stairs, with a slight jump in each step from anticipation. As you rose up the stairs, you met eyes with Verr Goldet. She shot you a smile.

"Ah, there you are again— making adeptus xiao his favorite meal. You sure are spoiling him, hehe.." Verr Goldet said while looking at the balcony— it was lit with the light of the moon, making quite the amazing scene.

"Well, I only hope that he enjoys this as much as I do." You said with a hopeful gleam in your eyes.

Verr Goldet leaned against the counter, both arms resting against one another. "There's certainly no doubt about that!"

"I can sense his presence right now, seems like he's waiting for your offering."

"Really? But doesn't he avoid meeting others?"

"Hm, well yes that's true. But who knows, maybe you're an exception. Since you've come all this way for him.."

"I kind of doubt that.. But I hope for the best."

You gave Verr Goldet a soft smile, and she gave you the same. You approached the balcony, dish in hand. It was still steaming— the wind blew the vapor away into the lunar night sky.

You carefully placed the porcelain plate on the wooden ground, near the potted plants that decorated the balcony.

You then turned your back, preparing to go home and rest up. But right before you could take another step..

You felt a strong gust of wind behind you, and a raspy voice spoke directly to you.

"So.. It is you who is generously making me these meals."

Xiao stood before you, the dish already in hand.

You quickly snapped your body to look to the immortal being. You didn't like being confronted like this.. Your palms immediately began to sweat

"Uh.... Yes. It was I." You held your hands behind your back, your presence buckling and bending against Xiao's intimidating aura. You didn't expect to be meeting an adeptus like this!

"Sorry— If you don't like it.. Then, well—" You stammered. It wasn't like you to fumble over your words like this, you are usually very confident. But.. since this is a person of power and authority, you couldn't help but become a little timid.

Before you could even finish your words, another similar strong gust of wind appeared, accompanied by a teal, dark flash. Now beside you was Xiao.

"Worry not, human. I do not find your meals unappealing in any way. Actually.. I enjoy your meals everyday." He said calmly.

Your shoulders brushed ever so slightly, it made you jump a little. He looked directly at your eyes. His eye colors were one of amber and gold. It's like his pupils glowed in the moonlight. It was beautiful.

"It's not in my nature to personally thank anyone in this way." Xiao admits.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I'm quite moved by your efforts. And as a show of my gratitude, I came to thank you personally."

You could only pause in awe and shock. It was nothing special really.. You giving him Almond Tofu. You thought it would make him enjoy life a tad bit more.

You didn't expect it to be successful.

"May we meet again. And if you ever are in need of assistance.. Well, just call for my name." He said nonchalantly before leaving in once again, a large gust of wind, taking the plate with him.

Did that really just happen..?

"Wow. That just happened." Verr looked at you echoing your thoughts out loud. A smirk on her face emerged. "Xiao doesn't warm up to people like this that quickly. Looks like you're his favorite!" She said, poking fun at you.

You could only look at her with a surprised face. "What?! You are exaggerating.. He was just being polite." Though the rarest just occured.. You still remained modest.

"If it were anyone else who cooked for him, he wouldn't have come! Seems like he likes your cooking specifically, hehe..."

A pink flush cascaded over your cheeks. You were quite embarrassed, really.. The way she's teasing you makes you think theres more to you and Xiao's interaction.

His words echoed in your mind, making you even more flustered. To think that he came out of his way to thank you face to face..

But there Xiao was, on the roof— happily eating the Almond Tofu you prepared for him. For so long he was afraid of opening up and building close relationships with others.. But today,

For the first time in a thousand years.. A small fire, love sparked within his heart.

HOLY MMOLY THAT WAS SO CORNY IM SORRY LMAOOO

Not me being from total beach-town and sitting here like, “Mm, yes, what does one do at the beach??”

Just a few little headcanons with a little spicy here and there. Nothing more vulgar than what’s implied in the game though!

***

Kuras

- Very much conservatively dressed—total rash guard over his arms and legs and conscious of sunburns.

- In fact, he’s so cautious that he brings extra sunscreen and offers to reapply it for you every time you get out of the water or every couple of hours when it’s most washed away by sweat. Definitely takes extra time massaging it into your skin, using the excuse that he’s just being sure but really wants to touch you more.

- “I certainly don’t want to have to treat burns. I’ve seen more than my fair share of those.”

- Ties up his hair into a loose bun when he gets in the water. It just takes so long to dry that he doesn’t want to soak it down.

- Sneakily will dunk you beneath the water (assuming you haven’t told him firmly not to do it) by caressing your waist from behind before plunging your body under or throwing you away from him so that you go under. Gives a clever smile and swims toward you to lift you high enough that your shoulders are out of the water and he can nuzzle your nose. (He’s so tall……)

- “You’re soaked. Perhaps I should towel you off sooner rather than later.”

- Is secretly eyeing your body from behind a textbook he brought to read while sunbathing. If you catch him, he makes the excuse that he’s just looking for any signs of concerning spots or redness, but really his eyes are wandering.

***

Leander

- How little clothes is he required to wear at the beach or a public pool? Is a thong okay, or must you insist he covers his pride more than that?

- Sincerely forgets that other people are around and blares music or speaks so loudly that others will turn his way. He’s lucky he’s so attractive because, with little more than a grin and a flirty apology, no one cares. He’ll offer them a nice drink or a sandwich, and all is forgiven.

- Brings all the supplies you could possibly want. What should you do first? What if you play volleyball, or maybe you can build sandcastles, or bat a beach ball back and forth? Everyone around you can join in too, if they want!

- “The more the merrier! Oh, you’re not very good at this. Well, practice makes perfect. Don’t give up just yet!”

- Doesn’t want to reveal the scars across his chest, but doesn’t mind if it’s around strangers he won’t ever see again. If it’s with friends, he’ll wear a tank top to cover most of them, but overall, he won’t mind too much. If anyone dares to push asking about them, a little frown is all it takes to shut them up.

- Gets bored easily if he’s not moving around. If you just want to lie there and sunbathe, expect an arm around your waist or him plucking at the elastic of your suit.

- “It isn’t often we get to visit such nice water. We should swim while we get the chance. Besides, I wouldn’t want that pretty bathing suit to not get used.”

***

Vere

- Immediately flirts the moment he sees you in your bathing suit. Eyes narrow. Smirk widens. He saunters up to you and slips sharp nails around your waist as though threatening to rip it off of you, which he very well might do the moment you’re away from any prying eyes.

- “Why don’t you take a dip to cool off? I wouldn’t mind seeing you dripping wet.”

- Doesn’t like going in the water much, but will hang off your arm or lift you into his lap and carry you around if he does. As a Monster, he’s more than strong enough to carry you outside of the water, but this is much less effort on his part…and more slick too.

- “Nude beaches are more entertaining than this. Perhaps next time, I’ll be able to see all of you spread out before me. I can already imagine the sun glimmering off of your…delicate…skin…”

- Are you nervous to show off your body? Expect him to be a hype man, ready to shower you with compliments until you’re blushing from more than just the heat of the sun.

- Wears the most expensive bathing suit, and the most glamorous. After all, if he’s not swimming very much, then what does it matter if it’s got glitter, metal, or velvet? He looks handsome enough to eat, doesn’t he? Consider humoring him later.

- Is very cautious of keeping his tail and ears free of sand. It’s uncomfortable and hard to rinse off.

***

Ais

- Will absolutely lift and throw you into the pool or the waves. Sorry, but it’s cute to see you resurface all annoyed that he got you wet or that the water is cold.

- Watches others with suspicion if they happen to look at you. It’s not that he’s super overprotective, but he doesn’t want anyone to get the idea that you’re available. If someone starts making conversation, he makes it clear that they’re not welcome.

- “Sun’s pretty hot, but the breeze is cold. Should really get closer if you don’t want to freeze.”

- Spends more time in the water than anyone else. It feels like a second home to him, for several unusual reasons. Don’t ask.

- Carries you around in the water and burrows into your neck with hot breaths. Who cares if someone thinks he’s being too touchy? You’re his. That’s all there is to it.

- Will easily get mad if there are too many screaming kids around, but has a soft spot for ones that are playing quieter games, building sandcastles, or collecting shells. Thinks about finding hermit crabs to give those shells to.

- “Didn’t think there’d be so many people around. Guess I can’t convince you to show me any tan lines, huh?”

***

Mhin

- Wears a loose t-shirt and shorts, not trying to cover themself much but being careful not to show off too much of their body.

- “Why is everyone so loud? It’s public. Have some respect for others.”

- Too proud to ask for help with sunscreen, but expects you to notice that they’re struggling to reach their back. When you do start to help them, they close their eyes and lean into it, then pout slightly when you’re done before offering to help with yours.

- Probably falls into a hole some jerk didn’t fill up and face-plants into the sand. It’s not that they’re uncoordinated, but sometimes they just aren’t that lucky. Curses way too loud about it and gets some glares, but they glare back just as hard.

- “Get in the shade. You’re sweating like a whore in church. Why don’t you try harder to protect yourself? Geez, here’s some water.”

- Sits beneath an umbrella most of the time, but eventually wanders into the water and swims around with you using a single pool noodle. It’s just nice to be next to you in the water, quietly enjoying floating around.

✨New Fic Release✨

Star Trek TOS | Rating-E | Warnings for Violence, Blood, and mentions of Character Injury

Breaking a Sweat

After nearly losing Spock on a diplomatic mission that went sideways, Jim struggles to manage his stress in the aftermath and realizes he isn’t so willing to put Spock back on duty—back in harm’s way—without a fight.

Ais helps you after you’re terribly wounded by a Soulless.

Tags for blood, mostly, but pretty much just hurt/comfort. 1800 words.

—

You didn’t mean to be outside after sunset. It just happened that you were hungry for a late night snack and had a few extra coins, and the waft of cinnamon rolls wouldn’t leave your room at the Wet Wick. After all that you’d been through, wasn’t it fair that you deserved something a little more delicious than rotten nuts or unleavened bread from the bar?

Well, that had been, at minimum, a terrible idea.

But in that moment of silence, of curiosity, and of interest, they inch a bit closer on the cold cobblestone of the alleyway. It was the only place you could find where it was quiet enough to eat a small lunch—courtesy of their unspoken kindness, don’t mention it, it’s not because they know you don’t have much money or anything else, there was just a weekly two-for-one deal and you just so happened to be with them. Their shoulder brushes yours with a firm enough touch that you’re clearly sure they must be doing it on purpose, and their head turns toward yours before you manage to unwrap the sandwiches from the bag.

They bristle when you look their way.

“What is it?” you ask, confused. “You’re looking at me like you want something. I’m getting the food out as fast as I can, but my hands are cold.”

What if Leander notices you’re sick and hangs out in your room with you, ordering room service so he doesn’t have to leave your side.

What if Mhin sees you coughing through Eridia and hauls you to their place so they can bring you soup while also calling you an idiot for overworking yourself.

What if Vere watches you sniffling into a handkerchief and brings you into his room where there’s a million soft pillows and blankets, and he curls his tail around you to keep you comfy.

“Gotta breathe, sparrow,” he says with a sigh. “You’ll feel worse if you don’t take deep breaths. Wanna count with me?” And he counts the seconds of when you should breathe in and out, coaching you softly while Princess curls around your back. Her scraggly tail plops into your lap; Ais takes your hand and places it on the mangled fur. “There. Something different feeling to distract you, hm?”

He rests his head on top of yours while you drink the tea. It tastes familiar but somewhat odd, like it’s got an ingredient you don’t recognize. Ais doesn’t explain a thing. He just pulls you closer against his side and rubs your upper arm roughly in an unpracticed motion. He’s not used to being gentle, but for you?