#xlmi

this is Lumines first GameJam, and, to be completely honest, she’s here only for Xiao. he asked to join last minute since his team's original artist dropped out a few days before the event, and she agreed. after all, even if she doesn’t enjoy making a game, she will always enjoy her best friend's company, and some new experience comes as a bonus, too.

the first day went surprisingly great – everyone was very nice, Lumine befriended an artist from another group during a lunch break, her own team has a wonderful game idea that she’s very excited about, and she got to see Xiao working on something he’s passionate about. they do study together, but never has she seen his eyes sparkle the way they did when they talked about their game. sure, his face seemed neutral, but after being friends with him since they both were in diapers, she can see that little smile whenever he gets his hands on something he enjoys.

all’s well on the game-developing side of things, however, in their haste, they forgot to figure out the sleeping arrangements, so the team ended up with one less mattress than needed. Xiao, being the way he is, offered up his own to her the moment he realised his mistake, but Lumine is not letting that boy sleep on the floor and get a cold, or maybe not even sleep at all. they all will get their beauty sleep, one way or another.

– what if you two just share? i don’t believe you haven’t shared a bed before in all the years you’ve known each other! – and, honestly, Venti was absolutely right, they have shared before, even if it was quite a while ago.

the thought of sleeping together (literally, get your head out of the gutter!) with Xiao isn’t making Lumine uncomfortable, and the guy seems to be okay with that as well, so that’s what they decide on – squeezing together on the same mattress, under the same blanket. she wasn’t able to talk Xiao out of giving her his pillow, but it’s okay. at least he’ll sleep.

but, oh, the room was actually quite chilly, and Lumine was always prone to freezing even in relatively warm temperatures. as much as she tries not to shiver, lest she troubles Xiao, he knows. Xiao has learned to read Lumine just as well as she’s at reading him, if not better for the fact she is far less reserved than the boy.

– Lumine.

she almost yelps, getting jumpscared by Xiao’s half-whisper, hot breath right on her ear. when she turns to him, lying on her back now, with Xiao partly hovering over her, propped on one elbow, Lumine can’t help but blush.

her best friend is extremely attractive.

– yeah?

– you’re shivering. are you cold?

– sorry, i just, i didn’t think it would be that cold…

Xiao sighs, though, not unkindly. he’s quite used to her shenanigans, even allowing himself a small smile that he hides in the dark of the room. – come here?

– where? – she doesn’t get what he means at first, but when he lays on his side and opens his arms up, basically non-verbally inviting her to cuddle with him, she can’t help but ask. – are you sure?

– i don’t want you to catch a cold because of my poor management skills. – Lumine could swear she can see him pouting, but there are no light sources, and she can’t tell for sure. – just let's warm you up, okay?

Lumine hesitates only for a few moments, before moving closer to the boy, just as he puts his arm under her head for a pillow, and holds her close, just a little above her waist. – comfy?

and, to be quite honest, yes, she is very comfy. and so-so warm.

she lets him know that much. the only reply she gets from him is a quiet snort.

they lay in silence for a while, in a few minutes Lumine is all warmed up and cozy, slowly drifting to sleep, sleepily nuzzling into Xiao’s chest. – thank you, Xiao.

– it’s nothing. rest up now, we have a lot to do when we wake up.

– good night, Xiao.

– sleep well.

   In hindsight, using the last of his energy to send the rest of the party back to the surface was not the best move. To be fair, he didn't expect to survive, to ever see his lovely mate ever again, and he was more than willing to sacrifice himself if it meant she would live, yet here he was, sitting in the grass on the hill next to Pervases' temple, Lumine facing her back to him. Yes, in hindsight, sacrificing himself was the quickest way to make his omega incredibly infuriated with him.

   As they say, hindsight is 20/20.

   "Don't be angry," he said softly, wrapping an arm around Lumine's waist and pulling her into his side.

   "..." Lumine sniffled, still ignoring him. If there was one thing he hated to see the most in the world, it was the sight of hurt and sadness flashing across his mate's face, telling him in no unclear words that he was doing a horrible job of keeping her safe and happy.

   "I'm sorry," he relented, his hand snaking up from her waist to the exposed section of her back through her dress, rubbing soothing circles into her smooth skin. "I just wanted to make sure you got out alive."

   "It'd hardly be living, it'd be torture if I had to leave my alpha behind!" Lumine huffed. At least she was answering him now, instead of giving him the silent treatment. Progress, Xiao thought to himself, progress.

    "I'm really mad at you!" His omega whined petulantly, yet he couldn't find it in himself to scold her for it. She had a point, a very valid point. "I don't want to talk to you."

That would have stung more if he didn't see right through her; the notes in her scent told him she was only mildly upset, the sharp citrus tang of anger in her scent overshadowed by the sweet floral aroma of relief and desire to cuddle up to her alpha and languish in his protective embrace. And who was he to refuse her?

"I'm sorry," he crooned, pandering for her forgiveness as he tucked her head under his chin, making sure to sweeten his scent with calming tones meant to soothe his omega, adding hints of honeyed milk to his almond tofu scent. And sure enough, the sourness in her scent disappeared as she snuggled closer to him, tucking her arms against his chest.

"That's it, good girl," he cooed, rubbing his cheek on the top of her head to scent her, drowning her in the aroma of qingxin misted in morning dew and sugar-coated almonds. The beginnings of a rumbling purr began to stir in his chest, intensifying when he heard her own responding purr just a few seconds later.

   "I'm still mad at you," Lumine whined quietly as he kissed her tears away.

   "Yes, yes, I know. I'll make it up to you later."

   "You promise?"

   "I promise. Now, sleep," he commanded gently, gathering her up in his arms and teleporting to his domain in wisps of black and green. He laid her down in their bed, watching as she slowly arranged the pillows and blankets to her liking, building a small nest to sleep in. Once she deemed it good enough for now, she climbed in, dutifully pulling her alpha in with her. Lumine gently pushed him to the bed before curling up to his side, making sure there was virtually no space to separate them anymore. He crooned in approval, praising her for being good, and smiled when she melted under the praise, her responding purr slowly petering off as the effects of such a high-strung day sapped her energy and eased her to dreamland.

   Xiao took note of her scent gradually becoming sweeter and more addictive, the toll of the recent events pulling her into an early heat.