Xiao X Reader [A Fragment of My Memories]

[13] Adeptus' Solace

After the incident on your way home from Liyue Harbor, you never thought you'd be able to go back. But it seems that you were wrong...

Shortly after having breakfast, you spot Huai'an pacing around the inn with furrowed brows. A hand was resting on his chin, as if he were deep in thought. 

Curiously, you approach him. "Good morning Huai'an! Are you okay...?" you ask. "You look more stressed than usual."

Huai'an stopped in his tracks. "(Y/N)? It's nothing much, just a slight inconvenience..."

"Inconvenience? Why?"

He sighs and shakes his head. "We commissioned an adventurer to pick up something for the inn," he explains. "However, they canceled at the last minute."

"Pick up something?" You tilt your head. "If possible, I can do it!" 

"Huh?! But..." Huai'an's eyes dart around nervously, as if looking for someone. "Are you sure? You'll have to go to Liyue Harbor, and judging from what happened last time–"

"It's fine! Really!" You wave your hands in reassurance. "I'll just avoid the route I took last time!" 

"Well, but–" Huai'an sighs deeply. "Follow me. We'll talk to Goldet."

_ _ _

After receiving instructions written on paper and wishes for safety, you leave the inn. Looking around, you spared the rooftop balcony one last glance. 'I hope he's not upset about what I did last night...' you thought, lowering your eyes and going on your way.

"I'm coming with you."

You jumped after hearing that familiar voice. A puff of black and turquoise flames appear, revealing Xiao standing right in front of you.

"This time, you will not get hurt," he said.

Your eyes widened upon seeing him. "X-Xiao? But I'll be okay, really!" 

Xiao shook his head calmly. "We can't be too certain about that, (Y/N)," he states, before turning his back and looking at you from the corner of his eye. "Let's go."

 You scrambled to catch up with Xiao, who was already several strides ahead due to his walking speed. "Alright, alright!" you exclaimed.'Okay, I don't think he's mad about that...' you sighed in relief as a smile made its way to your lips.

Xiao seemed to purposely slow himself down after seeing you struggle to catch up. "I almost forgot how slow you are," he remarked by the time you caught up. 

"Slow? You're just really fast, Xiao!" you proceed to catch your breath, before realizing something. "Wait... what do you mean by you almost forgot?" You turned to him, tilting your head. "Have we travelled together before?"

Realizing what he said, Xiao's eyes widened for a bit. "No... nevermind. Forget what I said." 

You furrowed your brows, watching Xiao avert his eyes. "Hm, okay then..." you mumbled in reply, voice fading into silence. Nothing but the sound of your footsteps could be heard, yet the look on Xiao's face left you confused. His lips were pursed, and his brows were knitted tightly together as if he were deeply conflicted. 

Before you could ask if he was alright, he suddenly narrowed his eyes, glaring at the path ahead. "Don't pass through here. There are hilichurls in this area," he said, gaze suddenly vigilant. "Come. I'll show you a safer route." As Xiao looked into your eyes, you noticed the expression he had earlier was gone. 

'Something tells me...' you thought, nodding as you followed Xiao. 'He's hiding something.'

You sigh to yourself. 'Of course he is. He's lived for very long and there are probably things he couldn't say to me... but why do I feel–'

"(Y/N)?" Xiao breaks your train of thought. You gazed up at him, only to see him looking at you with worry. "Why did you stop? Are you tired? Do you need to take a break?"

It took you a moment to realize you stopped walking. "Huh? No, no! It's fine! I have way more stamina than this, you know?" You rushed back to his side with a sheepish smile. 

He raised a brow. "Are you certain? You don't have to exert yourself just to keep up with me." 

Watching Xiao's concern unfold, you couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I just got distracted. Plus, we need to get to the harbor quickly so we can return before sundown!" you explained, eyes narrowing as you lift a finger to warn him. "It'll be bad if we stay too late, right?" 

He sighs. "If you say so. Then, let's make haste." 

You smiled, walking side by side with him.'Maybe I was imagining things earlier,' you thought, stealing glances at him from the corner of your eye. Even though Xiao kept his gaze forward and stayed a considerable distance from you, you couldn't help but feel relaxed at his presence.

And a part of you hoped he felt that way, too.

_ _ _ 

"Oh! I see the harbor, Xiao!" Your eyes lit up as you ran ahead. "Last time I was here, they were busy making preparations for Lantern Rite. I wonder what the city looks like now?"

Xiao peered at the harbor's faint outline, before noticing the excited grin creeping up your face. "Are you planning to go?" he asked.

You chuckled sheepishly. "I want to! I hope Boss will give me a day off by then," you said. "How about you? Are you sure you don't wanna go?"

He averts his eyes. "Mortal festivities don't interest me. I'm not very partial to crowds, too."

"Aw..." you slumped your shoulders in defeat, before looking up at him with hopeful eyes. "There are still a few days before the Rite starts. Please think about it again! We can even stay in a less crowded place if you want!" 

Xiao raises a brow. "Hah. You're awfully set on going with me, aren't you?" 

You nod profusely. "Of course, I am!" you exclaim, staring right at him with a stubborn frown. 

His breath hitched with the way your eyes shone. Excitement, hope, peace, he noticed it all. "Still as persistent as ever." He sighed, averting his gaze from you as he looked ahead. 'It's just as how I remember it...' 

Xiao shook his head. "Nevermind that. We're close enough to the harbor now. Go on without me." 

You stopped in your tracks. "Huh? Why not??" you asked, tilting your head in confusion.

"I only planned to accompany you on your journey. Liyue Harbor is no place for someone like me," he explains, crossing his arms while gazing at the harbor. 

You frowned. "But–"

"Call my name once you're done. I'll escort you back safely," Xiao cuts you off, before turning on his heel. "I'll see you later, (Y/N)."

With that, he disappeared.  

You sighed. "He sure likes keeping his distance from everyone, huh?" you mumble, before chuckling to yourself. "But it's nice when he opens up once in a while... even if it's just a tiny bit." With a soft smile, you continued your way toward Liyue Harbor's main entrance. 

It seems Xiao's subtle actions weren't going unnoticed after all.