Genshin Impact - Xiao x Reader Word count: 738 Almond Tofu … … Hand on chin you squint harder as you analyze the

Genshin Impact - Xiao x Reader

Word count: 738

Almond Tofu

…

…

Hand on chin you squint harder as you analyze the scene before you. A chef, the head chef of the inn to be exact, works intensely on one of the hardest dishes of all time. Water boils, flames roar, and dishes clatter. It’s a war zone in the kitchen.

But you must watch.

You must learn.

You must obtain the secret knowledge of how to craft such an elegant dessert.

For him.

You scoot a bit closer, leaning around the figure as you watch his hands dart over the ingredients with such skill that you’re left speechless. Not that you’d talk in the first place… you don’t want to distract him. He’s known to be a tad on the skittish side, and you’re not exactly watching with permission.

In no time the skilled chef is finished, and he tops the dish with a cute little garnish. Do you eat those, or are they just decoration? You’re not entirely sure… but it must be necessary if he’s adding it. You retreat back and out of the way as the man turns with the masterpiece in hand. Without looking your way he disappears out of the kitchen.

You lean a bit to follow his departure with your eyes. When he finally dips out of view, a devious grin forms on your lips, and you excitedly hurry over to where the chef was standing just moments ago. “I can do it.” You clap your hands and look over the mess left behind. You likely don’t have time to do the dishes, so you’d have to make do with what you have.

You’re skimming over the leftovers when you’re stopped by a familiar voice just behind you.

“What are you doing?”

You pause, and your gaze turns sheepish as you slowly turn around. “Nothing…” however your lips drip with sudden guilt from being caught and you can tell he’s not believing you for even a moment. Your expression shifts into a bit of a pout. “I was just watching.”

“You were watching?”

“Yes!”

“So why are you standing there after he’s left?”

He really was too smart… or you were just an awful liar…Actually, it was probably the fact that he’s caught you red handed. You cross your arms defensively. “I wanted to try to make it myself.”

“I don’t think you’re able to.”

“Sure I can! If I focus really hard.”

“Hm.”

You pout more, and your shoulders start to droop. “I wasn’t intending to do anything malicious.”

“I didn’t say you were.”

“It feels like it.”

He’s quiet. He’s watching you with an expression you still have a hard time reading. “I just wanted to make a dish I know you like.” You ruffle your hand through your hair. “I’ve been watching him… and I thought this time I’d be able to do it.” You don’t realize your gaze has fallen to your shoes while you speak, but he has. As he analyzes your expression he suddenly he asks, “Why?”

“Why?” You respond with a genuinely surprised look, your eyes snap back to his face. His expression has changed. Unfortunately you still don’t really understand it but… you feel that it's… softer? Maybe? “Because I appreciate you.” Your pout falls away completely, now replaced with a cheeky grin. “I’ll be able to pay you back one day, and you’ll love me for it!”

He shifts his gaze back to the kitchen doorway, which hides any reaction from your embarrassing confession. The chef must be coming back, what a bummer. You cross your arms stubbornly. “I guess I didn’t have enough time. Next time for sure, though!” You only briefly follow his gaze to the door, but by the time you look back at where he was standing just a moment ago, he’s already gone.

“Gone like the wind.” You smirk at your own little joke, and turn to try to scurry off as well. Unfortunately for the chef you’re not nearly as fast as the adeptus. The poor man turns into the kitchen and pauses, skin flushing of all color at the mere sight of you.

“W-w-wha?! G-GHOST! NOT AGAIN!”

You peace out at his exclamation, hoping that his fear doesn’t stop him from making those mortal dishes. You still have a lot to learn, so you can’t have him quitting again. You’ll for sure succeed at making Almond Tofu one of these days!

For him.

For Xiao!