Morn of A Thousand Lifetimes
a/n: unedited and written at midnight sorry for any mistakes
“Why are you staring like that?”
“I’m just appreciating the view.”
Xiao only huffs, lips pulled tight into an incredulous expression. He turns from the view of the marsh to look at you. Golden-amber eyes glower from beneath fluttering dark lashes, searching your own expression for any other answers.
You’re staring at him like he’s just hung the moon and the stars. It makes his breath catch in his throat and stomach churn.
He’s known you for long enough, yet you continue to remain unpredictable throughout this strange relationship.
You seem content with the quiet evenings spent by his side as you talk his ear off about your day. Yet, something seems to be missing.
Despite being something more than acquaintances- friends, he would say if his pride wasn’t on the line- you two acted like average coworkers meeting up for a drink after a long day of work.
You once brought up the idea of a date, only to get shot down by his retreating figure moments later.
It wasn’t until the following week that he would show up again, refusing to meet your questioning gaze and finally, finally giving you an answer to your question a week prior.
“Let’s just… visit the harbor tonight. Together.”
It wasn’t as if he detested your presence. On the contrary, he would sometimes look forward to your meetings just to hear you talk and distract him from the twisting pain in his chest.
But he didn’t actively seek you out during the day for the faintest glimpse of your silky-smooth voice or mischievous eyes glinting in amusement if you caught sight of him- no. Absolutely not.
Something prods at the tip of his pinky. He looks down at the railing, where his gloved hands rested to see your own hand inching closer and closer.
Fighting back the urge to jerk away, he clenches his jaw and tries his hardest to seem unaffected.
“Xiao,” you hum. He doesn’t realize it, but from the way he’s basically glaring at your hand like it insulted his entire bloodline, you’re tempted to pull back and never show your face ever again. Yet he makes no move to stop you when your pinky rests comfortably over his. “What are we?”
To this, the Adeptus finally raises his head. The question seems to bounce around in his head, all sorts of answers fall on the tip of his tongue.
Companions. Friends. Lovers.
Yet he feels as if there’s something more.
Despite his lack of answers, you pull away with a cheeky laugh. “Have you ever heard of soulmates?” You ask, the light of the setting sun reflecting back at him from your glassy eyes.
He repeats your words, tongue heavy in his mouth as you nod.
“Mhm, do you think we’re soulmates?”
What a ridiculous question, he wants to say. Someone like him could never entertain such a thought. What sane person would even want to be bound to someone like him? Whose hands will be forever stained crimson from a lifetime of slaughter.
He feels bile rise up to his throat at the thought but shakes his head to rid of the images flashing in his mind.
“Mortal superstitions hold no importance to the Adepti.” He manages with a resigned sigh. Turning back to the sunset, he pointedly ignores the way you shuffle closer. Ever the persistent human, you are. “If such things interest you, why not search for someone who–”
He stiffens as you lean against his shoulder. The instinct to jerk away is strong, but some unknown force keeps him rooted in place.
You’re warm. Cozying up to the Adeptus should be something frowned up. But as the seconds tick by, Xiao finds himself less stiff and eventually his shoulders droop and his arms fall lax to his sides.
“Xiao, I think I’m in love with you.” You whisper, hands fumbling with the seam of your sleeve.
He wants to leave, he needs to recollect his thought before you can figure out the effect you have on him.
But still, he stays- allowing you to lean on his shoulder as you doze off, eyes fluttering shut as the final rays of light disappear into a blanket of stars.
Maybe in the morning, he’ll tell you he feels the same. But for now, he’ll enjoy the warmth of your body, knowing you won’t go anywhere soon.