#xiaoxiao

You awoke trembling. Your whole body on high alert transforming the normal, everyday objects in your room into monsters or otherworldly creatures out to consume you. Every breath was a struggle and though you were burning up, the thought of removing your protective blanket seemed impossible.

The benefit of living on your own was freedom. Unrestricted freedom came with making your own rules and defining your own path, but it also meant you were left alone - alone to struggle and piece yourself back together when things fell apart.

Sleep tugged at your eyes but every time you closed them nightmarish images flooded you in sharp, bright flashes until you forced them open. You turned on your side but that only made you feel exposed.

Your bedroom felt claustrophobic. The walls leaned toward you as if to cave in and crush you beneath them. Your bed shrank so you curled your body into a ball to avoid slipping off the edges. You looked to the door that led to the balcony. Moonlight peeked in through the crack below.

Your legs moved on their own, launching you from the bed and toward the door. Sweaty hands grip the nob, flung it open, and gave you the freedom you searched for. The railing felt cool on your skin, the midnight air like river water flowing around you. You gazed at the moon and whispered.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?"

You turned at the sound of Xiao's voice. His body materializing from infinite mist the shade of Liyue's deepest pools. Fear propelled you to him and he caught you without restraint.

His body was warm, surprisingly so. The aura around him always shifted your perspective but his essence put it right again. Spring winds off roaring rivers, morning rain on blooming flowers. You buried your face into his scent and tried to calm your shivering.

"Another nightmare?" he asked, calm and nonjudgemental. You nodded and said nothing. "There, there," he said into the top of your head, his hand sliding across your back as he held you against him.

It took some time for the fear to abate, for the scenes of your haunted imagination to drift away. Xiao never rushed you. Never pushed you away, never told you to move faster than you were ready. He simply stood there, his cheek against your head, his hand at your back.

When you moved and pulled away from him, your cheeks were wet and puffy.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, gaze soft as he looked at you. You rubbed your cheek with the back of your hand and made the redness worse. Xiao pushed your hand away and brushed your face with his cooling, tender touch.

"Better. Thank you." You closed your eyes and let him care for you. When the touch of him faded, you opened them again.

"Do you wish me to stay?" he asked, and felt bad to ruin all the work he had just finished doing.

"Yes, please," you mumbled, voice tight and worn.

"Alright," he hummed and brought your head to lean against his shoulder while his arm slid across the crook of your back to keep you close. "For as long as you need. I will stay."

You wrapped your arms around his neck and relied on his strength until your body gave to sleep or the sun rose for a new day, whichever came first.

Thaumaturgy Anthology (October 11-13, 2024)

This event is based on spells and rituals. Inspiration does not equal understanding; liberties have been taken. All content is owned by Witch Hazels Musings, theft of these images and stories will result in immediate action.