I am suddenly awoken by someone shaking me awake.

Who dares disturb my sleep...

I crack open an eye to see Qiqi beside me shaking my arm and telling me to wake up. I try to get up but the sweet warmth of the bed calls me...

No ! I must be a good parent and see what Qiqi has to say... so, even though I didn't want to, I sat up on my bed and asked Qiqi what's wrong.

She only smiled at me and jumped happily.

I tilted my head in confusion before she finally answers.

"Did you forget ? Today's the Lantern Rite !"

Although her excitement is infectious, the festival doesn't start until the afternoon a quick peek at the clock says it's only 7 in the morning.

I tiredly sigh at how she woke me up so early but can only smile and laugh it off. Who am I to blame her for being excited ? But if I'm gonna suffer from waking up early, I'm not gonna be the only one !

I come closer to Qiqi's face and quietly whisper in her ear.

"Go wake up Papa Xiao too !"

He's a pretty deep sleeper so he wasn't woken up by Qiqi's attempts to wake me up despite sleeping righ next to me. And as much as I would love to wake him up myself... I'm sure he'll get mad at me and not talk to me for the whole morning if I did.

He won't get mad at Qiqi though !

I quickly get off the bed to let Qiqi get closer to Xiao and I just watch with an evil smile as Qiqi shakes Xiao awake. When he opens his eyes an obvious look of annoyance is on his face, but his expression quickly softens when he sees Qiqi.

"What's up ? Why did you wake me up so early Qiqi ?"

"Because today's the Lantern Rite ! And Y/N told me to !"

Welp. I've been busted.

Xiao glares at me for a second but then quickly laughs it off.

"Let's go have breakfast then."

Qiqi exaggeratedly nods and walks out of the room. Xiao stands up from the bed and walks over to me. He pins me to the wall and whispers in my ear.

"I'll get you back for this..."

"Try me."

I say with a cheeky grin. Xiao laughs and smiles.

"Let's go, Qiqi's waiting."

I nod and walk to the kitchen with Xiao, I quickly start preparing food while Xiao entertains Qiqi.

After that we spend an hour just lounging around. I've noticed Qiqi's taken an interest to painting lately so I bought her some acrylics and she's just having the time of her life. She's honestly quite talented and I just hope she doesn't forget how to paint...

We all started to get ready for the festival and knew it was time when we heard loud cheers from outside.

I looked over at Xiao and Qiqi one more time just to make sure they looked good for tonight. Xiao was wearing a simple white polo with black slacks that had small dragon designs on them. He wanted to button his polo up all the way but I convinced him to leave 3 buttons open because 'it's hot outside.' Wink wink.

Qiqi on he other hand was wearing a simple blue dress with white lace near the bottom. She was also carrying a bucket of full of flower crowns she made herself she wanted to give away while walking around the festival.

After a few seconds of making sure everyone was presentable, we took a step out the door to be immediately blasted by the sound of Xinyans performance down the street. Accompanied by the sounds of people talking and some last minute decorations being hung up, it sounded so loud. But the noise was comforting in a way.

I looked over at Qiqi to see her face is filled with excitement and curiosity. She looked so eager to finally get out and walk around the harbor. She gave me a look that said 'can I go now please ???' and once I gave her a happy nod she quickly ran out and spun around in a circle in front of our house.

I didn't know what exactly she was doing... seemed like she couldn't contain her excitement and all she could do was spin. Some people walked by her and just smiled at her cute antics. After she was done spinning I helper her regain her balance and then she immediately started walking up to ppl handing them flower crowns.

Everyone took one happily and put them on, and in a few minutes her flower crowns were already sold out. She came back to me and after that we started to walk around the harbor.

We visited every stall, taking snacks and what not from each and every one of them. I've never seen Qiqi look so happy.

But after some time, I noticed Xiao hadn't said a word ever since we left the house. Just silently following me and Qiqi around.

"Xiao, what's wrong ?"

"Nothing. The lanterns just look so... pretty."

"Those lanterns are called Xiao Lanterns right ? It's kind of like calling yourself pretty ! Both statements being true by the way~"

Xiao just laughed and continue living in his own world. Silently staring at the mesmerizing lanterns. I smiled and went back to Qiqi.

"Hey Xiao, let's meet up in front of Liuli Pavillion later okay ? I'm just gonna take Qiqi somewhere."

"Why can't I come ?"

"Just because~"

"Okay..."

With a quiet 'hehe' I walk away while holding Qiqi's hands.

"Y/N, where are we going ?"

"Well... it's a surprise Qiqi !"

After taking the long route to my original destination so that Xiao wouldn't know where I was going, me and Qiqi finally arrived.

"Y/N ! I assume you're here to check on the custom lanterns for Xiao ?" Ganyu exclaimed happily.

So much for keeping it a secret from Qiqi...

"We're gonna get Papa Xiao custom lanterns ?!"

Qiqi jumps up and down excitedly.

"Yep ! And we're gonna release them into the sky to spell out 'Thank You, Adeptus Xiao."

"I wanted our 'thank you' to the protector of Liyue for for countless millennia to be more extravagant but, Y/N said this was more than enough."

Ningguang shoots me a quick smile before Keqing chimes in.

"Lady Ningguang ! The Knights of Favonius have arrived and Beidou seems to have smuggled in two residents from Inazuma."

"Ah... that Beidou... she does whatever she wants with complete disregard for the rules. I'll have a word with her. Excuse me for a moment, Y/N."

Ningguang leaves with an indifferent expression.

"Keqing, why are the Knights coming here ?"

"After you brought up those custom lanterns for Xiao, Lady Ningguang decided to ask for help from the Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius, Albedo. He, alongside with his assistant Sucrose, helped in making sure the lanterns would spell out the 'thank you' correctly when we released them in the air."

"It was only right we invited Albedo and Sucrose to see the fruits of their labor. But the Knights of Favonius only joined on a whim. I heard Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain, and Lisa the librarian, had to convince their acting grandmaster for months to take a day off to visit the Liyue for the Lantern Rite." Ganyu continued.

"Well if everything's ready here I'll go say hi to them !"

I quickly thank Ganyu and Keqing before I leave with Qiqi. I quickly find Xiao again and tell him to take Qiqi around the festival while I went and said hi to the knights.

"Y/N ! Before you leave... would you tell me where you went now ?"

"Nope !" I give Xiao a quick kiss on the cheek and run away.

"I'll let you off the hook this time..."

I heard him whisper under his breath. I turned around to see his face slightly red. He's so cute~

While I'm looking behind me, I accidentally ran into someone and almost made us both fall.

"Sorry ! I wasn't looking—"

"Oh ! It's Y/N !" I heard a familiar voice shout.

I quickly step away and look up at the familiar voice, swallowing my embarrassment. It was Beidou who had recognized me.

"Crazy coincidence to run into you here ! Oh, let me introduce you to my friend here Kazuha ! He's a wanted criminal from Inazuma but he's a good kid !"

Wanted criminal ?! A big strange but I won't pry...

"Greetings. I am Kaedehara Kazuha, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He did a small bow to me and I exchanged greetings. Keqing said there were two people from Inazuma that Beidou brought over... so if Kazuha is one, who's the second ?

Almost on queue, a voice emerges from behind Beidou.

"Hello ! My names Yoimiya from the Naganohara family, we sell fireworks ! Nice to meet ya ! Oh ! We have matching Pyro Visions ! Did'ja know ? I made the fireworks that they're gonna set off later ! Tell me if you liked them !!"

I'm a bit startled by her bursting cheerfulness right after Kazuha's cooler and calmer introduction. After introducing myself to her as well, the Knights of Favonius show up right after.

I see Jean, Lisa, Kaeya, Amber, Albedo, and Sucrose at first glance. But I look around to see if Noelle came along with them. She was my best friend while I was still in Mondstadt and I really wanted to talk to her again but it seems like she didn't join Jean and the others...

"Oh ! Y/N, I bet you're looking for Noelle aren't you ? She came with us but saw someone who needed help setting up their stall so she should be with us soon !"

Amber said. She also used to hang out with Noelle and I a lot so she knew exactly who I was looking for.

"Let's all hang out again later okay ?"

Amber happily nods.

"Y/N."

I turn my head to see who was calling out my name to see that Jean, the acting grandmaster herself, was speaking to me... I've always admired her so I'm kinda freaking out-

"I heard about your hand in protecting Liyue from Osial. I must personally thank you for neutralizing such a large threat. If you and the Qixing alongside the Adepti weren't able to defeat the God of the Vortex, Mondstadt might have been heavily affected as well. So please, take this as a reward."

Jean hands me a golden pin with the design of the Knights of Favonius symbol, and several bags full of mora.

"Master Jean... I can't accept this-!"

"There are no need for such formalities. And this is reward is the least we can do to thank you for stopping such a disaster. And I'm sure the Qixing handsomely rewarded you as well ?"

"Mhm ! They gave me a house in the upper class of Liyue and a surprisingly large discount at all shops in Liyue..."

Jean smiles and looks away. But me, being such a big fan of her find myself trying to continue the conversation despite knowing the answer to my own question.

"S-so Jean... what brings you here to Liyue Harbor ?"

"Well, originally only Albedo and Sucrose were supposed to go but..."

Jeans looks back at Lisa and Kaeya.

"... We finally had a few days off and decided to join the celebrations here. And, we'd like to talk with the Qixing if they'd like for Mondstadt to send reinforcements in the event of a disaster like the last one."

I kind of zoned out in the middle of her talking. I was just so mesmerized by her presence. Gah Y/N ! Your heart belongs to Xiao !!!

"Ah well, I hope you enjoy the festival ! I'll take my leave for now."

Jean sends me off with a wave and as I'm in my way to meet back up with Xiao, I run into Noelle.

"Y/N ? It's been so long !"

"Noelle !!!"

I run over to her and give her a big bear hug. It's been so long since we've seen each other !

"Noelle, before we talk and catch up with what's been happening in our lives, I need you to meet..."

I continued in a whisper.

"... my boyfriend."

Noelle looks at me with a red face.

"Y/N ! Are you sure it's a must that I meet him...?"

"Of course ! You're my best friend, it's only right for you to know !"

"If it's what you want then I will happily oblige."

Me and Noelle talk while I search for Xiao. After a few minutes, I finally found him and introduce them to each other.

"Y/N you... you already have a child even though you've only been gone for 2 years...?"

"We... adopted... and I'm sure he's the one !"

"Well, if you're happy, it's none of my business."

Noelle gives me a smile.

"Y/N... who is she ?"

"Xiao !! She's my best friend from Mondstadt, Noelle ! I wanted you to meet her."

"Hello Xiao, I am Noelle, the maid of the Knights of Favonius."

"If you awake to a knife at your throat, if monsters dig their claws into you, if death comes knocking at your door, call out my name. Adeptus Xiao. I will be here when you call."

Noelle looks confused. I give Xiao a look of worry.

"Oh, my apologies, old habits die hard. I'm Xiao. Y/N's boyfriend."

"Well since we're all here, why not go around the festival together so you can get to know each other better ?"

Noelle tugs on my clothes to get my attention then whisper in my ear.

"Are you sure about this Y/N ? I don't wanna get in between you and Xiao's time together..."

"I don't mind. And Xiao could always use more friends... oh I know ! I'll call Amber over to join us if that makes you more comfortable."

"That would be great."

I excuse myself for a second to get Amber. I was worried about leaving Noelle and Xiao alone together but when I came back with Amber, it seemed like they were having a nice conversation.

After regrouping, me, Xiao, Qiqi, Noelle, and Amber walk around the the whole festival. Xiao unexpectedly got along really well with Amber and Noelle. I saw a new side of him today... it was really cute.

But seeing him smile at Amber and Noelle made me a teensy bit jealous. Still, I'm glad to see him happy no matter what.

The time flies and before we knew it it was time to part ways. I had to take Xiao to a very specific place to see the lanterns so after Noelle and Amber left, I grabbed Qiqi's and Xiao's hands and ran with them across the harbor, all the way up to a hill that towered over Liyue.

I had prepared a small blanket we could sit o beforehand along with snacks so it was kind of like a picnic ! Xiao and Qiqi sat down next to me and I conjured a fireball to send flying into the sky to signal Keqing that we were in the spot.

Shortly after, I saw one of Ganyus frost flake arrows bloom in the night sky signaling to me that the show was about to begin.

I told Xiao and Qiqi to get cozy. I prepared their favorite foods just to make the experience that much better. So while Xiao was munching on his Almond Tofu, the lanterns were finally released.

The lanterns glowed a brilliant green that stood out in the sea of red and orange lights in the festival. Xiao was silent in awe. Seeing the colors dance together against the dark night sky evoked such a strong emotion in him even I could feel it.

Qiqi's eyes lit up as soon as she saw the lanterns too. It was a beautiful moment of silence.

As the custom Xiao lanterns flew up into the sky, they finally started to form the phrase I had wanted him to see.

A thank you, from me and from everyone else in Liyue harbor.

Xiao was speechless, mouth agape at the message. And for the first time in a while, I saw him shed a single tear.

———

The lanterns finally drift off and as I was just about to talk to Xiao, suddenly a big firework flew up into the sky and exploded into a beautiful array of limes and greens. After that spectacle, a smaller lantern flew up and exploded to reveal the design of the firework to he Xiao's mask. Then suddenly an array of orange, red, and yellow fireworks exploded, painting the night sky.

I assume this is the work of Yoimiya... I should thank her for that someday.

I turned to Xiao and said "... Soooooo what'd you think of the surprise ?"

"It was... nice."

"Really ?! Just nice ?"

"I'm sorry I can't express how I feel any better... but it was breathtaking."

"I know I know, I was just joking around with you."

We glance at each other and smile. For a while we remain there. Just basking in the moment that had just passed. Until I decided to make a move.

"Hey Qiqi, can you make it back home by yourself ?"

"Yep ! Qiqi can do that."

"Well um... I kind of just want to have some alone time with Xiao here so can you go home now ? We'll follow soon don't worry."

Qiqi nods and stands up. Wiping away the dust on her clothes and then waddling away back to our house.

"Xiao... thank you. For everything. We've been through so much and I really feel like you've changed me for the better."

"Y/N, thank you as well. I might've never found peace if I hadn't met you."

"I'm glad we're the way we are now. I mean, isn't it crazy to think that just a few years ago you tried to kill me ?"

Xiao's face turns red with embarrassment.

"I was... a bit over dramatic then but hey ! I sacrificed my powers for you. Isn't that enough of an apology ?"

"Haha, of course it is."

Once again silence takes over. And we're left just quietly enjoying each other's presence.

"Welp, we better get going, Qiqi's waiting for us."

I stand up and stretch, I make Xiao stand up too so I can fix up the picnic blanket and basket. I turn around and get ready to start walking back to the house.

"Y/N."

I turn around to look at Xiao to see him standing on one knee.

I can feel my legs start to tremble.

"Y/N, I've lived on this world for several millennia. I've loved and lost too much. But no one from my past could ever compare to you. Ever since I first saw you, I couldn't help but feel as though fate brought you to me. And over these past few years, I've grown to love you, more and more. Y/N, nothing on Teyvat can take my breath away as much as you do, whenever I try to find words to describe you, I'm rendered speechless. Perhaps it's because no word could ever describe how I feel towards you. You're so special to me, I chose to retire my job of protecting Liyue that I prioritized over everything for thousands of years. So... if you would do me the honor..."

Xiao takes out a small black box out of his pocket and opens it to reveal a gorgeous ring.

"Yes !!! 100% percent absolutely yes !"

"But... I didn't even ask the question yet..."

"Oh sorry-"

Xiao chuckles.

"Well then, Y/N, would you do me the honor, of marrying me ?"

Instead of answering I just run over to him and hug him as tight as I can.

"Of course."

I wrap my legs around Xiao's waist, he sets the ring down on the ground and then stands up, carrying me off of the ground. He wraps his arms around my waist to keep me balanced. I let go from the hug and look at him with slightly teary eyes. I hold his cheeks and pull him in to a passionate kiss.

I never thought I'd be here on this day. Kissing an adeptus after they just proposed to me. But here I am !

Although I had to sacrifice my dream of exploring all of Teyvat, and Xiao gave up his powers just to keep me alive, I couldn't be happier with this outcome.

I'm sure, that wherever you are, you're still proud of me, dad.

I'm sure you're happy that I've found the love of my life.

I've been a wreck ever since you left but that's in the past now.

I've got a bright future ahead of me. And I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with Xiao.

The end of a contract for Xiao's duties have already come and gone, but with it, a new contract is born.