*Confusion clouded Xiao’s as he struggled to comprehend the turmoil evident in Anon’s words and actions. Anon’s arms were wrapped around him in an embrace that Xiao would have normally sunken into, but all he could do was stiffen. The sky was clear; birds sang, leaves swayed, and the wind offered a soothing breeze. If the day was so beautiful, why was Anon crying like this?

Xiao had only acted as he always did, fulfilling his duty as an Adeptus. A protector and a guardian for those he serves. Yet now he found himself faced with consequences he couldn’t quite fathom. That expression on Anon’s face, the glossiness of their eyes, held… something. Anger, hurt, sorrow.

“I… I don’t understand,” Xiao muttered, his hands hesitantly coming to rest on Anon’s waist, “I did what needed to be done.”

When Anon pulled away slightly, Xiao only felt the knot in his stomach twist further. He listened intently as Anon stammered on about how he had risked his life, how much he had worried them. A pang of guilt stirred in his heart. The intensity of Anon’s emotions washed over him.

But it only deepened his confusion.

“I… did not mean to make you cry.” Xiao’s words fell awkwardly from his lips. “This is my duty, Anon. You shouldn’t feel this… this ache for me. To protect others is the highest calling I have. So please-” His thumb grazed Anon’s cheeks in an awkward but earnest imitation of affection- “don’t waste your tears on me.”