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▀▄▀▄▀▄ ｏ𝐏ｅ𝓡άｔⒾ𝔬Ｎ: 🄵🄾🅄🄽🄳 🄵🄰🄼🄸🄻🅈 ▄▀▄▀▄▀ (a Spy X Family AU) Chapter 3: Prepare for the Interview

Xiao X fem!Reader (2nd person)

word count: 5.8k

content: that uwu shit hehe, how many references to other characters can you find? some more mandarin in this chapter bc i couldn’t help myself- i’m v fond of xiao and qiqi’s chinese voices <3 my mandarin may not be the most accurate tho, but i did my best! i’m really happy w how this extra long chapter turned out and i hope you enjoy it, too!! what song do you think is playing at the end? hehe it could be any favorite of yours that you like to dance to, i personally think it’s shut up and dance (the acoustic version)

chapter 1: operation strix, chapter 2: secure a wife

tag list (message to be added/removed) 🏷 @citrussaurus @danibby @icedthoma @bajifairyy @lunavixia @random-names-stuff @crowsbirds @xoyumiqls @rul-of-demise @meowlumi @shineigami @cotton-eee @calxz @kaz3yo @yuuriihiime @yukanazz @xiaoscult @cnoxx @nottyyneysatall @strawberrykittyv

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

You step out of the taxi cab at the foot of your new home. It doesn’t take long to unload your packed boxes from the trunk. Truthfully, you don’t own many things to begin with.

Xiao meets you at the foot of the stairs shortly afterwards. His smile is sweet and relaxed as he helps you bring in your belongings. You’re sure his late wife was a very fortunate woman to have enjoyed his presence in her life.

It’s not until you unpack your bedding that you hug them close to your flushed face as the thought strikes you, “Xiao um… about the sleeping arrangements…”

Xiao waves his hand reassuringly, “We’ll be in separate rooms. Anytime we have guests over though, we’ll share one for appearances’ sake.”

You nod, ignoring the twinge of disappointment you couldn’t help but feel. Why? You weren’t sure. And trying to get an answer made your skin feel warm.

Xiao recalled his realtor, Verr Goldet, who helped him find this new home. She took her responsibility under Morax to always find him suitable accommodations for his missions very seriously, and expressed her indignation with a mock hurt look when he told her he found the first apartment through a realtor that wasn’t her.

“You see what happens when you don’t let me help you? You barricade your daughter in the living room and end up having to move out because she got kidnapped!” She sighs, “This new complex is very homely though, perfect for you and your family. I think the three of you will be very comfortable here.”

Xiao shakes his head fondly. Verr was right though, and she truly outdid herself with the selection. Truthfully, he had only neglected to ask her for accommodations out of consideration because the start of Operation Strix happened to be Verr’s tenth anniversary with her husband, Huai’an. The two of them had always been kind to him.

Qiqi’s soft but enthusiastic greeting pulled him from his reminiscence, “Welcome to Qiqi’s home.”

You smile, Xiao’s daughter gets more and more adorable every time I see her! To think I get to play the role of a mother to such a cute little girl!

“Thank you for the lovely welcome, Qiqi xiaojie.”

Indeed, it was a lovely welcome into the strange family Qiqi called home. With a spy for a father and an assassin for a mother, it was certainly odd- but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She folds her small hands as a prayer of thanks to the love that found her.

“Qiqi is so happy to have a mama now.”

Your heart feels fluffy in your chest. Mama…!

Qiqi picks up one of the smaller boxes in hopes of helping you settle in while Xiao adds, “By the way, about our… contract, I had a friend of mine who’s a judge make it so we got married a year ago.” That is to say, she forged it. For someone who’s so well-versed in law, I guess it’s only natural that Yanfei knows every possible way around it. “We can figure out why we lived separately and what to tell your brother later.”

“Alright, thank you.”

Of course, Xiao considered the school’s suspicions over the two of you getting married conveniently before the interview, hence the forged papers. But the thought still lingered- the thought of really being married to you for a year’s worth of time. It seemed more like a dream than anything else, to have that stability for so long.

You were eternally grateful to Ningguang for her heartfelt permission and blessing. While you explained that your marriage to Xiao was… simply a coverup, she looked more amused than convinced. Beidou herself laughed openly as she was in the room when you told her.

Qiqi watched yours and Xiao’s brief interaction with delight. Although you had all just met, she had never felt more affection and adoration, even if it was still mostly hidden beneath the surface. She was quick to assume the duty of your tour guide for your new home.

“This is the kitchen.” She states matter-of-factly, “Papa is a very good cook.”

“Really?” You echo, “How wonderful!”

Xiao’s ears grow warm from her praise and he’s grateful he’s on the other side of the room cleaning and putting away your things. Truthfully, he only knew how to make a few different meals for his own sake.

For Qiqi however, he took up reading cookbooks and found recipes to be quite similar to missions. Each step is an objective to be accomplished, and the yield is hopefully something delicious. It seems Qiqi considered his efforts a success.

Qiqi leads you to the bathroom and stands up on her tippy toes to flick on the light switch, “This is the bathroom. This is the toilet. And this is the bathtub.” She scurried over to the sink and pulls out a wooden stool from underneath it, “Qiqi can wash her face all by herself.”

You clap your hands in amazement, “You’re such a big girl, Qiqi!”

You eye the two little cups on the shelf above the sink. Green for Xiao, and purple for Qiqi. How cute!

Despite Qiqi’s naturally monotone voice, her enthusiasm peaked when she opened the door to her room, “Welcome to Qiqi’s bedroom!”

Charming purple wallpaper made the space feel truly childlike and precious. Before Xiao, Qiqi never had toys to call her own. Now she had not only one, but two finch plushes keep her company in her large bed fit for a princess. She shows them to you with pride.

“She is Violet, and he is Grass.” Qiqi imitates their voices as she places them on her lap, “我是 Violet，我是 Grass. 见到你很荣幸，妈妈.” (“I am Violet, I am Grass. It’s an honor to meet you, Mama.”)

You bow your head politely, “也见到你们很荣幸. 我是七七妈妈.” (“It’s an honor to meet you both too. I am Qiqi’s mama.”)

Qiqi looked very pleased, then neatly put away Violet and Grass and led you down the hall, “This is Papa’s room.”

Although Qiqi let herself in, you remained in the doorway and nodded, “Very nice.”

Finally, Qiqi led you to the last room in between hers and Xiao’s, “This is your room, Mama. 进来, 进来.” (“Come in, come in.”)

You gasped when you took it all in, “This is really my room? It’s wonderful!”

Xiao appeared with the last of your bedroom’s boxes in the doorway, “I’m glad it’s to your liking. This should be everything. I just finished cleaning up.”

Qiqi hugged your leg and said, “Qiqi helped clean, too.”

You’re truly touched, “Really? You’re both so thoughtful, thank you!”

“Is Qiqi a good girl?”

Xiao rolled his eyes and laughed under his breath as he patted her head, “Aside from tripping and spilling the bucket of water everywhere, yes. You are.”

Qiqi pouted, unsure of how to accept his backhanded compliment. You couldn’t help giggling and as you turned to take in the beauty of your room once more, Xiao found himself smiling at you.

“It’s so lovely…” You said airily, “I don’t know what to do with myself!”

“It’s your home now too so… make yourself comfortable. I’ll take away your empty boxes when you’re done.” He starts to walk off but you’re already done in just a few seconds, “You’re… very efficient. Oh. Is this your younger brother?”

He examines the portrait of you two and you nod, “Yes, he’s also a civil servant like me but he’s been so busy lately, I can only catch him via phone calls.”

“I see. The two of you look very similar. Once Qiqi’s entrance exam is over, I’ll be sure to introduce myself properly to him.”

You fold your hands shyly, “O-Oh, about that… I’m afraid I don’t have anything nice enough for the interview.”

“Then let’s go to the tailor today.”

Qiqi spots an unopened box in the corner and rushes to help. The moment you hear its content shuffle around though, you rush even faster to get her away.

“A-Ah! Qiqi, I’ll take care of that! Please, don’t worry yourself over it!”

That’s all of my work equipment- there’s enough weapons and poison to take down an elephant!

Ack.

Qiqi steps away cautiously. The three of you make your way to the kitchen and soon enough, the smell of coffee fills the air. You learn that Xiao likes his coffee black, and that Qiqi likes her hot cocoa cold with extra milk and sugar. It’s peculiar to like a hot drink served cold but who are you to judge? You made sure the cocoa powder was mixed thoroughly so there weren’t any lumps.

You set the drinks down on the coffee table and Qiqi quickly cuddles up to your side. Xiao sets down a plate of almond cookies shortly afterwards. It all smells aromatically sweet, just like a bakery!

“Even your cookies are homemade? You’re quite the kitchen talent, Xiao.”

He blushes and looks away while Qiqi helps herself to them, “It’s… only my first time ever making them. I just followed a recipe from a cookbook so they should be… decent.“

His heart pounds unreasonably hard as he watches you eat one up in a single bite, “Mm, delicious! It looks like marrying you comes with more benefits than I could’ve ever thought.”

Xiao hides his ever-reddening face behind his cup of coffee, “I-It’s not that impressive, really.”

Qiqi has helped herself to at least a dozen cookies at this point and points out, “Qiqi helped bake the cookies, too.”

“You got flour everywhere and ended up snaking on peanuts because you didn’t want to try cracking an egg.”

“Qiqi did not want to kill the baby finch inside. Not even for cookies.”

“For the last time, they’re not finch eggs!”

You laugh at their bickering as the three of you enjoy your morning snack. Afterwards, Xiao begins the mock interview practice. He whips out a pair of glasses and pushes his hair back absentmindedly as if to get into character.

Wow, he looks really pretty like that… did he always have a purple diamond on his forehead?

You’re pretty sure you missed half his explanation of the interview because of your starry-eyed staring. Thankfully, the interrogation- ah, interview- starts with Qiqi.

“Please state your full name and address.”

Qiqi tilts her head, “Qiqi is… Gui Qiqi. Add…ress?”

“The place we’re at right now.”

She smiles, “Qiqi’s home.”

“That’s not what I…” Xiao sighs, “Qiqi xiaojie, how do you spend your days off?”

“Papa orders Qiqi to stay home so Qiqi watches TV all day all alone.”

Shit.

He clears his throat, “Let’s… try something else.” He glances at you and you straighten up immediately, “Why did you choose Sumeru Academia and how do you plan to pass this exam?”

H-How do people usually pass? Hm… pass… passing. Oh!

“Cardiac arrest.” You reply plainly, “Or perhaps, excessive bleeding? There is also the method of compound fractures throughout the body or even caving in their skull.”

While Xiao internally agrees that… in terms of passing away, those are certainly plausible, but his face says kill me now. Meanwhile, Qiqi looks like she’s seen a ghost from your graphic description. Xiao continues the interview, though he is starting to become less optimistic. And he’s already rarely, if ever, optimistic to begin with.

“What are your parenting methods?”

You tap your chin, “Strike first and be victorious?”

How did your brother turn out normal and decent, and you… turned out as yourself?

Xiao sighs and stands up, “It’s pointless to continue trying to survive the interview like this.” His tone is stern at first but he bypasses his brooding and gives you and Qiqi a smile, “Let’s go out for a bit instead.”

Broadening horizons, becoming well-versed in what is normal for an upperclass family, and getting on the same page. Surely that would increase the likelihood of passing the interview. Xiao walks alongside you as Qiqi leads the way down the sidewalk before she extends her hand to you.

“Mama, please hold Qiqi’s hand.”

You nearly tear up and nod enthusiastically, “Okay!”

Xiao feels the pressure of his mission lighten as he watches you both. It warms his heart to see Qiqi adore you so much, considering she didn’t like Hu Tao or even Yanfei at first. Likewise, you’re over the Moon to have won Qiqi’s affections.

This reminds me of when my little brother was small and adorable like her…

Hehe…!

And that one time I hugged him so hard I accidentally broke two of his ribs. Ehe, I should be more careful with little ones.

Eh?

Qiqi freed herself immediately and scurried off behind the flower planter. Wait, what? Maybe not. Xiao was pretty sure he could pinpoint the second your heart ripped in half.

“B-By the way,” You sniffle, clearly dejected, “Where are we headed again?”

Xiao retrieves three shiny slips of paper from his jacket pocket, “My connections at… work gave me some tickets to things for us to enjoy today.”

You examined them closely, finding them ever so prettily designed, “Oh! Yun Jin of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe and Heyu Tea House?”

While you had never attended an opera before, you’d heard all about the talented Yun Jin from Lady Ningguang. In fact, Yun Jin performed at the Jade Chamber many times for special occasions, including but not limited to Ningguang and Beidou’s wedding.

Unbeknownst to you, Xiao had also never attended an opera before, but had heard of the Stage Lucida’s stardom through Morax and actually got the tickets from him. She was quite a gifted storyteller and playwright, and the Heyu Tea House was one of Morax’s favorite establishments.

The two of you enjoyed Yun Jin’s stellar performance of “The Divine Damsel of Devastation”, although, Qiqi had dozed off on the armrest. Next was the local but illustrious museum, per Ganyu’s recommendation. She seemed to greatly enjoy spending time there, reminiscing on the history as though she was actually there when it happened. Then again, she was there when it happened.

Xiao specifically asked Qiqi not to raise her voice indoors, but that didn’t stop her commentary on practically every piece she looked at.

“Tiddies.”

Archons.

“Decapitated.”

Qiqi.

“Body’s been choppy-chopped off.”

Please stop.

Not that you were much better. Xiao supposed everyone had their interests, but what was it about old world guillotines that fascinated you so much? Eventually, the three of you come across a children’s play area with large whiteboards and plenty of markers.

“Qiqi wants to draw.”

Xiao nods, “Go ahead. [ 🧸 ], let’s take a seat for a bit.”

You follow his suggestion and he goes to get you both water cups from the indoor cafe. Qiqi calls upon her greatest artistic vision to put onto the whiteboard.

Qiqi’s house is a big castle. The bosses of the secret organization are Violet zhuren and Grass zhuren. Papa is a spy, pew pew. Mama is an assassin, slash slash.

By the time she’s finished, you and Xiao came over to see her work. Qiqi feels goosebumps rise on her skin. If Mama and Papa see this, they’ll know about Qiqi’s powers…! Her little body does absolutely nothing to cover up her drawing on the large whiteboard but it doesn’t stop her from trying.

“Quite a masterpiece.” Comments Xiao, “Is… that a wild boar in the mountains?”

“It’s Violet and Grass in the castle.”

“I see. And… Goldwing is there too. From your spy cartoon.”

“Mhm.”

“And that must be the princess. Is… she dying? Or killing someone?” Regardless, that’s a lot of red.

“…”

“The cat is very cute, Qiqi.”

“It’s a puppy.”

“Sorry.”

Qiqi breathes a sigh of relief as Xiao ushers her over to the two of you. The next stop is the tailor to get you a new dress for the interview.

“Thank you for doing this on your day off, Xiao.” You mumble, “I hope it isn’t too much trouble.”

“It’s not.”

As straightforward as ever but that quality of his is reassuring.

“Qiqi loves her new clothes. Qiqi thinks… this shop is wonderful. Qiqi loves this shop.”

The seamstress laughs as Qiqi twirls around in her periwinkle dress. She tied the ribbon on her dark purple cardigan all by herself when they were getting ready to leave. The ribbon was pink, and it matched the puffballs on her low heels. She loved the click-clack! sound they made when she hopped around.

“This is Qiqi’s first time wearing her new clothes, it makes Qiqi very happy.”

The seamstress nodded, “I’m glad! Today must be a very special occasion.”

“Today celebrates… Qiqi’s outing with Mama and Papa.”

You tug on Xiao’s sleeve and gesture to the portraits of well-dress customers on the walls, “Why don’t we stop by the photography studio nearby?”

“Okay.”

The seamstress recommended a rich navy blue to suit the semi-formal occasion of the interview, but you had expressed a preference for red and or black. Xiao affirmed that you indeed looked very lovely in those colors, although, he meant to say it in his head- not out loud.

The seamstress and the other employees in the boutique giggled at you both as your face heated up, “T-Thank you, Xiao. I’m glad you think so.”

“I- what? I mean, yes… y-you’re welcome.”

This color is nice-looking, but it would show bloodstains so easily…

Qiqi gawked at you from behind your back. At the photography studio, Xiao rediscovered that hates cameras but he sucks it up for you and Qiqi. He admittedly looks a little uncomfortable in the final product but makes no comment on it. Really, he’s just happy you and Qiqi love it so much.

Your new outfits will be ready by the time of the interview, and Xiao is sure they will look especially beautiful on you, too, “You got me so many new clothes…”

He shrugs, “I… wanted to. B-Besides… we’ll be going out together more often anyway.”

“Thank you, Xiao.”

The three of you happen to pass by a patriotic crowd on the way to Wanmin Restaurant. Xiao heard the chef is a very talented young lady, also per Ganyu’s recommendation. Participating in politics was far from his favorite pastime but as a spy, it was vital to staying in the know. You of course, thought the same. Both your lines of work called for information so, even with your shared dislike of loud places, you did what you had to.

Qiqi however, hid herself in the crook of Xiao’s neck. The unspoken opinions of the crowd were just as loud as the ones they were yelling with fervor. Their sorrows, resentment, and demands for action flooded her head until her nose started bleeding.

“Mama… Papa… Qiqi doesn’t like it here.”

You noticed the trickle of blood and immediately cleaned it up with your handkerchief, “Xiao, we should get going.”

He nods, “You’re right. This is an intense environment.”

Upon arriving at the Wanmin Restaurant, Qiqi starts to calm down. You spotted an adorable Guoba teddy for sale alongside many copies in a corner with many other Wanmin-related merchandise, and are quick to purchase one. The cashier, an older gentleman who proudly announces being the father of the chef, explains to you that the Guoba teddies can even be heated up or iced. Perfect!

Wanmin Restaurant serves many family-style dishes. Since you had rushed off to buy a Guoba teddy for Qiqi, Xiao could only take a guess at what you might want to eat. Thankfully, the menu had a section of the bestsellers like boiled fish, shrimp dumplings, and bamboo shoot soup, all of which he ordered. The almond tofu in the dessert section also caught his eye.

“Qiqi,” You call gently as she holds your handkerchief against her nose to stop the bleeding, “I have a surprise for you- tadah!”

Her cerise eyes go wide as you knelt down beside her and present Guoba, “So cute… thank you, Mama. Qiqi loves it.”

She reaches out to Guoba as you snuggle her with him and hugs him close. Xiao’s heart lightens at the sight. You tuck her long lavender hair behind her ears before taking your seat. It doesn’t take long for the food to arrive. Like Qiqi, your eyes also go wide at the delicious choices before you. Xiao is also quick to serve Qiqi her portion and cut up any pieces that may be too big for her. In short, lunch is delightful!

The chef herself comes out and greets you personally when you’ve finished your food, “Hello! My name is Xiangling! I hope you enjoyed your dishes!”

Xiao nods, “All the praise Wanmin Restaurant gets is well-deserved.”

“You’re too kind! I’m honored you and your lovely wife and daughter decided to have lunch here. Can I interest you three in dessert?”

You and Xiao flush pink. It was the first time someone had referred to the two of you as being married with a kid. Qiqi, despite her aversion to strangers, held up the menu to Xiangling and pointed to one of the items.

“Qiqi wants almond tofu please, with cocogoat milk.”

Xiangling tilts her head in confusion, “Cocogoat? Is that a new kind of milk I haven’t heard of?”

“She means coconut.” Xiao replies.

“Ohhh!” Laughs Xiangling, “I got excited. Well, if there really is a cocogoat out there, I’ll be the first to serve something with it!”

Qiqi smiles, “Qiqi is… excited. Qiqi hopes you find a cocogoat.”

“Qiqi? What a cute name! And your dress is so pretty! Anyway, I’ll get that almond tofu whipped up for you three.”

When she scurries back into the kitchen, you can’t help but giggle, “Cocogoat sure sounds like some magical and mythical animal.”

“It does.” Xiao agrees.

“Good job ordering dessert for us, Qiqi! I had my eye on the almond tofu, too.”

“Me too.”

Qiqi hugs Guoba closer to her, “Qiqi is happy Mama and Papa are happy.”

The almond tofu is creamy and cold and sweet. Even Xiao doesn’t hide an approving hum on the first bite. Cute! After dessert, the three of you decide to walk off lunch before heading home for the day. You spot a nearby park that you love spending time at on your days off. Xiao, holding a drowsy Qiqi, follows your lead.

“It’s quiet and calm up here.” He says when you reach the top, “I didn’t know there was a place like this.”

A gentle breeze rustles the grass as the three of you lean on the railing and take in the view, “It’s my favorite spot to relax. Oh, look Qiqi! A finch nest.”

Qiqi, now very much awake, follows your pointed finger to three finches in a tree, “Ah… finches… there’s a mama finch and a papa finch…”

“Mhm! And a cute little baby finch too!”

“There are eggs in the nest.” Comments Xiao.

Qiqi tugs on the collar of his jacket, “More baby finches. Mama, Papa… will you make Qiqi more babies, please?”

Both of your faces bloom pink like the nearby bushels of silk flowers. You know she means buy more finch plushes for her room. Yes, you know that has to be what she means! At least, that’s what you and Xiao tell yourselves to keep from a public, spontaneous combustion.

“G-Guoba is your new baby, Qiqi.” You manage to say, “One baby at a time… okay?”

“Okay.”

Xiao, who is very intent on focusing on anything and everything that isn’t looking at you, people watches to calm himself down. It seems you have the same idea. People at the foot of the hill flit by on their daily routes like crystalflies. One person in particular though, catches your shared attention. He has a strange gait, and his features are suspiciously difficult to distinguish because of his sunglasses, mask, and hat. You and Xiao frown. He takes off in the next moment after a startled yelp from an old woman.

“Help!” She cries, “Thief!”

Xiao holds Qiqi tightly against him as he prepares to vault the railing, but before he can even place his hand on it, you’re already sprinting down the hill with fire in your eyes. While he wants to catch up to you as quickly as possible, ultimately, he takes the stairs to avoid startling Qiqi as she clings to his neck.

You grit your teeth as you chase the thief into a maze of alleyways, fists balled up when you can no longer spot him anywhere. With the high ground, Xiao has a better view of passersby, but the culprit was a clever one. Tch, he’s blending in with the crowd. His piercing gaze searches the crowd for the strange gait, all the while holding Qiqi close as she too looks into the seas of people. The collective thoughts begin to overwhelm her again, but she is determined to listen for the thief.

Score! That old hag was loaded!

Qiqi gasps, her eyes locked onto him. Xiao hadn’t seen him yet. How to direct his attention…?

“Xiao, Qiqi!” You call, catching up to them, “Ugh… I lost him.”

“Me too.” He scoffs.

Qiqi keeps her eyes locked onto the thief, raises Guoba up, and launches him off the side of the hill, “Guoba! Get him!”

Startled by Qiqi raising her voice, and also the fact that she threw the Guoba plush you had bought her into the crowd, Xiao’s eyes follow where he lands. Conveniently, on the head of the thief with the strange manner of walking. There you are.

“[ 🧸 ], watch after Qiqi.”

He quickly passes her to you and the sudden gust of wind makes you and Qiqi shut your eyes. Quick as a flash, Xiao appears above the thief and plunges his foot into his back. Bystanders are shocked, but not as shocked as the thief who is now likely suffering a concussion and a spinal injury. Although drawing attention to himself goes against what he was taught, Xiao keeps the thief pinned against the cobblestone.

“Hand this purse snatcher over to the police.” He says flatly.

And just like that, he departs. You and Qiqi had gone to check in on the older woman when he reconvenes with you both, purse in hand. Much to your relief, she is unharmed, but you insist on personally escorting her to the nearby hospital.

“Thank you so much, you were a big help!” She says in earnest as she shakes your hand, “I had money in my purse to get my granddaughter a gift for her birthday.”

You smile and shake your head, “Actually, my husband was the real hero. He’s the one who got your purse back from the thief.”

Xiao looks at the ground, “You took off after him before I could even think about it, [ 🧸 ]. You deserve the praise.”

The grateful woman takes his hand in both of hers and smiles, “What a fine gentleman you are. Ah, but where are my manners? You can just call me Old Lady Ping. I run a flower shop in the city. I am deeply indebted to you both. Please, come by the store next time you get the chance. It’s not much, and maybe the younger generation doesn’t appreciate flowers anymore, but it’s the least I can do for your efforts.”

He wasn’t used to being put on the spot like this, let alone receiving such enthusiastic and heartfelt gratitude. In the past, Xiao completed his missions as Alatus, the Vigilant Yaksha, without any recognition. His mask always hid his face, but right here and right now, he had no way to hide the effect of someone’s thankfulness.

Xiao cleared his throat bashfully. This… this is nice. Receiving thanks every once in a while…

Qiqi giggled quietly. Papa is a softie…

“[ 🧸 ],” he says after composing himself, “Today was… an adventure. I’m glad we got to spend it together. You… you inspire me.”

He looks at you with an unexpected fondness that makes your heart leap. Those golden eyes of his, usually so calm and even fierce as you’ve seen today, gaze upon you gently and endearingly. Like the warmth of the sun without burn or glare. Any words to try and refute his praise are caught up in your throat. You can only smile at the ground sheepishly as Qiqi’s eyes dart between you and Xiao.

“Mama and Papa are flirting.”

Hot red blush erupts on your faces as you and Xiao yelp, “We are not!”

That wasn’t- I wasn’t…! I… I don’t f-flirt with anyone. I was just…

He was just being nice! That… he wasn’t- b-but if he was…

The two of you try to distance yourselves from standing so close together the moment.

Unperturbed, Qiqi pokes her chin and asks, “Does Qiqi get a thank you, too?”

Xiao coughs, grateful for the change of topic, “I suppose so. But did you have to throw Guoba off the ledge? [ 🧸 ] got him for you. You should be more considerate of your belongings.”

“Then again,” You intervene, “It’s thanks to Qiqi and Guoba that you found the thief. You’re a very good girl, Qiqi.”

Ping smiles at the three of you, “What a lovely family you are. Please, I insist coming by my flower shop on your next outing. I’ll have a lovely thank-you bouquet of glaze lilies ready. But until then, here’s some candy. My granddaughter, Feifei, loves them. I hope you like them, too!”

Feifei… Yanfei? Huh… it is her birthday soon. Must be a coincidence.

Qiqi accepts the candy, “Delicious…”

You laugh, “Make sure you say, ‘thank you’, Qiqi.”

At the end of a long and lovely outing, you, Xiao, and Qiqi return home. The joy of your precious family warms your heart as you hope for more and more times like these.

“Mama, Qiqi wants cold cocoa, please.”

You nod, “Of course.”

Xiao reexamines the interview questions while Qiqi watches you prepare her drink, “Qiqi, why don’t we try again with the interview.”

“‘Kay.”

“How do you spend your days off, Qiqi xiaojie?”

Qiqi ponders on it for a moment, “Mama and Papa and Qiqi go… to the opera, and… the museum… and we eat delicious food at the Wanmin Restaurant.”

He nods, “Very good. If you’re asked this question, think back to today. Now… what do you do if you see your friend do something naughty?”

Qiqi squishes and tugs at Guoba’s cheeks, “Qiqi would… throw Guoba at them. And jump on them. And beat them up.”

Your bright laughter resounds from the kitchen, “That’s a great answer.”

Xiao stares at the ceiling and covers his eyes behind his hand, “Maybe… pretend you never saw that.”

Qiqi frowns and hops over to him, reaching up to tug his hand away, “Papa was so cool.”

“He sure was.” You agree as you set three mugs down on the coffee table.

Qiqi manages to take Xiao’s hand in hers and whoosh it around like a weapon, “Evil shall be dispersed… lament! Hehe… that’s what Goldwing says on TV.”

“Those are some cool catchphrases. Why don’t you give those a try, Xiao?”

Xiao glares at you with the ferociousness of a kitten, blushing from ear to ear. Eventually, you and Qiqi stop embarrassing him as the two of you sit together on the couch. Qiqi takes a big gulp from her mug before cozying up to your side.

“Mama makes the best cold cocoa.”

You loop your arm loosely around her, “I’m glad you like it.”

The scene before him is one Xiao commits to memory. To think that the three of you convinced a kindly older woman that you were a family. Maybe the interview could be pulled off after all. He takes a sip of his evening tea as you reach for remote for the speaker to play some music.

Qiqi kicks her feet along to the song happily, “Mama, Qiqi wants to dance. Please dance with Qiqi.”

“Huh? Oh, I-I don’t da-”

Xiao smirks at you, “You wouldn’t say no to a request from Qiqi, would you, [ 🧸 ]?”

Qiqi slides off the couch and tugs earnestly at your hands. Of course you can’t refuse her. You’re an assassin, not a monster. The song is plenty upbeat. One of your favorites actually. You’re overjoyed that Qiqi likes it so much as she hops in circles around your legs as you sway to the lyrics, though you can’t help the self-conscious butterflies in your stomach knowing Xiao is watching.

“W-Won’t you join us?” You ask meekly.

He shakes his head a little too quickly, “I’m content just watching you tw-”

Qiqi twirls over to him and hugs his legs, “Papa, dance with Mama and Qiqi. Please?”

Those eyes would be the death of him as he sighs and you giggle, “You wouldn’t say no to a request from Qiqi, would you, Xiao?”

You extend your hands to him and the two of you manage a clumsy but cheerful waltz in the middle of the living room. Xiao finds that he can only maintain eye contact with you so… intimately… for so long. He backs away somewhat abruptly as warmth travels up his neck but hides it by crouching down to lift Qiqi and spin her around, passing her to you after a few turns. When the three of you are tired out, as in, when Qiqi is tired out, you and Xiao tuck her into bed and bid each other good night.

Before going to sleep, Xiao rediscovers the written address to Ping’s flower shop in his jacket pocket. She had given it to him before she was taken into the hospital for a checkup. He places it next to his phone on his nightstand, determined to take you and Qiqi to there next time. It had nothing to do with his mission. It accomplished none of his objectives, and didn’t further any of his goals… but for the first time in a long time, Xiao decides he wants to do it anyway. Just to see the look on yours and Qiqi’s face.

｡🌠 🎀 𝓇𝑒𝒷𝓁🌞𝑔𝓈 & 𝒸😍𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒽𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓅𝓅��𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹❢ 𝓌𝑒'𝒹 𝓁❤𝓋𝑒 𝓉💙 𝓀𝓃🍑𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎🌺𝓊 𝓁🍩𝓋𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝒷💍𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈❣❣ 🎀 🌠｡

#genshin impact imagines #genshin modern au #genshin imagines #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #xiao comfort #xiao fluff #xiao x reader #xiao x you #genshin qiqi #qiqi fluff #incoming telepathy 🔮#operation: found family 🪺

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taromolktea · 2 years

Text

ₖᵢcₕᵢbₒᵤₛₕᵢ ₜₐᵢₗₛ

Xiao X Reader (2nd person; they/them pronouns)

word count: 1.8k

content: throwback to one of my fav events hoyoverse bring back kichiboushi and let him stay in our teapot or i will riot; i jus wanted xiao and kichiboushi to meet sob sob also reader has an electro vision jus bc

regular tag list (message to add/be removed) 🏷 @icedthoma @citrussaurus @danibby

also this was largely inspired by this artwork i found on pinterest like it’s so cute it’s literally my wallpaper but idk who the artist is so if anyone knows PLEASE LMK ASAP SO I CAN PROPERLY CREDIT THEM

You knew the bounty in Guyun Stone Forest involved a Ruin Guard, but nobody said anything about there being more than one. To your dread, right when you tracked down the Ruin Guard in question, three more activated at the same time. If this didn’t reward you with the limited edition Liyue wind glider you’d been eyeing since the day you saw it in the window display…

Bow in hand, you loosed an arrow straight into the eye of the nearest Ruin Guard and scrambled for high ground. Just on the edge of your hearing, you thought you heard your name but you were too focused on not getting squashed to pay it much mind in the moment. You managed to take down two of the Ruin Guards by sticking Pyro Slime to the ceiling of a stone archway and detonating it so it collapsed on top of them.

Again came the voice calling your name.

In your distraction, you just narrowly dodged the heavy jump of the third Ruin Guard as it landed in the water. Your Electro Vision made your arrow to its eye crackle brilliantly and explode like a firework. You were sure Xiao would scoff at you for being out of focus in a battle. But you were so sure you heard someone call out to you. Someone familiar.

“[ 🧸 ]! [ 🧸 ] it’s me! Kichiboushi!!”

Your eyes flew wide open as you spotted your dear tanuki friend waving his paws and dancing on top of a rock. From behind him, the final Ruin Guard managed to blow up the fallen stone archway you’d detonated and locked on to Kichiboushi, who seemed to not notice in his pursuit of getting your attention. Your legs had never ran so fast in your life to get him out of harms way. Thankfully, you managed to scoop up the tanuki in your arms and tumble to relative safety, although with a mountain behind you and a killer robot before you, you weren’t sure safe was the best word to describe your situation.

“Disappear.”

Quick as a flash, Xiao appeared atop the Ruin Guard’s head and plunged his winged spear into its eye. Its legs buckled and the rest of it followed before permanently shutting down.

You supposed with Xiao, your ever watchful lover, safety was a given after all but you knew you were in for a lecture the moment his amber eyes locked onto you, “Why didn’t you call my name soo-”

“That was amazing!” Kichiboushi yelped, clapping his paws together, “[ 🧸 ]! Wasn’t that amazing? So strong!”

You hardly got the chance to stand up, let alone reply before Kichiboushi leapt into your arms and buried his face in the crook of your neck. His fur smelled just like sunshine and the ripe lavender melons in Chinju Forest, and considering he saved you from Xiao’s lecture, you couldn’t help but giggle and snuggle him close.

“It’s good to see you, Kichiboushi.” You coo, touching your forehead to his.

Xiao cleared his throat.

“And of course, it’s always good to see you too, Xiao.” You teased.

“You know that’s not what I- hmph. Forget it. What is this creature?”

“This is Kichiboushi! He’s a tanuki from Chinju Forest in Inazuma! Isn’t he so cute? Kichiboushi, this is Xiao. He’s an Adeptus!”

Kichiboushi took one look at Xiao before leaping right out of your arms and into his. You were surprised he didn’t slice him in half right then and there. He clearly wasn’t very familiar with carrying animals, considering Kichiboushi’s bottom half was dangling. Kichiboushi didn’t seem to mind too much though. If anything, he hoisted himself up on instinct to be more comfortable around Xiao’s neck like a scarf. The sight was so endearing you could cry.

Kichiboushi’s nose twitched once then twice, “Dark Fur Adeptus… smells like [ 🧸 ]!”

Xiao’s face bloomed hot pink and he nearly vanished into thin air, “What is a tanuki doing all the way here in Liyue?” He demanded, trying to change the subject as fast as possible.

“Training!” Announced Kichiboushi with a puff in his chest, “I can understand human speech just like Iori! See? You don’t need to eat dishes with tanuki magic for us to communicate!”

Xiao looked at you incredulously, “You ate… magic food? To communicate with- with a bear?”

“Tanuki.” You corrected.

“Incomprehensible.”

“It tasted pretty good though! So what now, Kichiboushi? You found me. Do you want a training buddy?”

“Yes!” Kichiboushi chirped, “I want to train with… Dark Fur Adeptus!”

Xiao choked and air and you blinked, just a little hurt, “Not… not with me?”

“I already trained with you last time I was here. But when we went to find the Adepti, they weren’t home.”

Xiao couldn’t help but laugh at how deflated you were that your tanuki friend came all the way here just to have you lead him to the Adepti, “Okay…” You sighed, “Well, Xiao? What do you think?”

He sighed, “If it’s for you… I’ll try. But I won’t make any promises that I can train this… tanuki.”

Kichiboushi clapped his paws together, “Don’t worry! I am sure you have much to teach even I, the next Hidden Protector of the Grove! After all, Adepti and tanuki are quite alike.”

“…Excuse me?”

Through you, Xiao had learned extraordinary patience. It was highly amusing to watch it get run ragged by Kichiboushi’s childlike enthusiasm, even as you held his hand to soothe him.

“Paimon said so. Adepti are like very special human-animals that can ‘kapow’! Therefore, Adepti and tanuki are very alike, and Kichiboushi is like an Adeptus in training.”

“Remind me to find that floating fairy later.” Xiao grimaces, “Fine. You want to play with the Adepti? So be it.”

“Yay! Yay! Playtime!”

For the next few days, you watched Xiao and Kichiboushi form a strange bond. The best comparison you could make was like when a father despises the new family pet at first, and then ends up loving it the most, and vice versa. Admittedly, you were a little hurt!

Kichiboushi looked at Xiao like he had hung the stars in the night sky. Xiao had even stopped trying to dodge Kichiboushi’s attempts at jumping into his arms when he was tired after all their training. He denied it, of course, but you had Kamera proof of them falling asleep under a tree.

Today, you suggested they take in the view from the Dwelling in the Clouds. After all, there was going to be a full moon tonight, and it was your favorite spot to feel like you could reach out and touch it. You and Kichiboushi met Xiao at the foot of Qingyun Peak, where you knelt down and reached into your backpack. Kichiboushi and Xiao watched you curiously as a shiny, winged contraption came into view.

You grinned, “Remember the day Kichiboushi came and I was doing my bounties for the Ministry of Civil Affairs? I finally got my limited edition wind glider! Isn’t it amazing?”

The gilded wings shone beautifully in the sunset the way cor lapis catches the light. Kichiboushi becomes quickly fascinated by it, pawing at the tough and luxurious feathers before chasing the refracted sparkles on the ground. Xiao nods with approval.

“There’s quality here. It’s very well made and can withstand even the fiercest winds.” He smiles fondly at you and adds, “Good work. You’ve earned this.”

“I can’t wait to try it out! Hey, wanna race? Let’s see who can make it up to the Dwelling the fastest! No teleporting for you, obviously. Just your jumping ability- and you have to carry Kichiboushi.”

Xiao rolls his eyes and playfully scoffs, “I suppose those are enough handicaps to give you a fighting chance. I accept.”

Kichiboushi clambered up his leg and into his arms as the two of you took your marks at the top of the mountain. The wind current was strong. You felt good about your shot of winning. When you and Xiao took off, it was a glorious flight to the top, complete with Kichiboushi’s woops of delight over how much fun it was to fly with an Adeptus. Of course, Xiao still beat you to the Dwelling in the end. He is an Anemo Adeptus, after all.

You sighed and accepted defeat, only to raise your head when Xiao extended his hand to you. A woven circlet of local Liyue flora from glaze lilies to silk flowers and even hard-to-gather violetgrass and qingxin. The more you thought about it, Xiao never told you what Kichiboushi’s training consisted of. And whenever you tried to ask Kichiboushi, he only replied “top secret!”. You were just about to put the pieces together when Xiao cleared his throat rather loudly.

“You made a commendable effort.” He said, not making eye contact.

You were pretty sure Xiao swore Kichiboushi to “top secrecy” about your gift. You giggled and threw your arms around him.

“You always make me the most beautiful handmade trinkets. Thank you. I’ll treasure it forever.”

Kichiboushi gagged, not because you kissed Xiao’s cheek in front of him, but because kissing Xiao’s cheek made his hold around him tighten rather uncomfortably. The tanuki managed to wiggle himself out of his arms before he got crushed and began wandering around the Dwelling. There were all sorts of Adeptus things strewn about and you had even left some of your favorite books and blankets in the compartment of the benches for when you and Xiao spent time up here.

The three of you remained there until the Moon was high in the sky, “Incredible!” Kichiboushi gasped, “Like a big sango pearl!”

You nodded in agreement, “The biggest, most precious sango pearl ever.”

“I’ll bring that one home and show Iori. He will be very impressed.”

Xiao chuckled under his breath. Kichiboushi always had his purple knapsack wrapped around him. To think he would simply put the entire moon inside of it was… preposterous. But endearing. He watched the tanuki unfold his knapsack as his paw reached in and held something out to him. It looked oddly like…

“Sango pearl for Xiao.” Announced Kichiboushi, “It’s a gift! For training me. Next time, I’ll bring you more.”

Xiao blinked, hesitant to accept it until you nudged his arm to do so, “I… thank you. I will keep it safe.”

You lolled your head onto his shoulder, “Maybe next time, you’ll even come to Inazuma with me and we can visit Kichiboushi together.”

“…Perhaps.”

Kichiboushi rested on Xiao’s lap and yawned, “I will train you to become a mighty bake-danuki. You’ll eat lavender melons and onikabuto beetles… become big and strong.”

Xiao hummed, “I look forward to it… I think.”

#genshin impact x reader #genshin impact imagines #genshin imagines #genshin x reader #xiao x reader #xiao fluff #xiao comfort #xiao x you

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