#SPIRITEDDREAMS HELPED A LOT WHILE WRITING THIS

[k-zu]

魈 : scars ft. adeptus xiao

scars form such a unique composition of the skin, every laceration is particular, resulting in a sculpture that's distinctive and irreplaceable.

in times of halcyon, you'd managed to convince xiao to show you his scars, multiple scattered across his arms and torso, some almost faint enough that they began to blend in and fade away, as if the scars themselves were trying to hide too. you'd trace your fingers softly over them, creating patterns and shapes on his arms to connect the ends and beginnings.

they told a story so fascinating as if whispering directly in your ear all the secrets that make up the history of today's liyue and, at some extent, they do. though to you, his scars are more of an element of his body you're willing to show admiration for every single day, begrudgingly making him warm on the cheeks while he scolds you for being nonsensical. sometimes when you go off track, xiao feels dizzy at the moment you start glazing your fingers over the green markings on his shoulders. more often than not, he disappears with the wind and you can do nothing but chuckle.

under your sincere gaze, xiao feels small. as if learning how to walk, he begins to see life in a different lens; the lens of an artist, a lover, a human whose brief lifespan allows them to appreciate the tiniest things. he had never come so close to a mortal before, always scared of unconsciously bring them harm, however your ambition to stay by his side against all bad might make him a little soft, he might put down his walls only a little bit and let you peek over the top into all the mess of emotions that encompass his existence.

once again, in the comforting moments under the big night sky, he feels bare next to you, like he's laying down everything he is just for you to see, even if you're not looking at him directly and just gazing at the stars, he feels calm. for a minute, as ephemeral as it may be, he feels free.