Xiao X Reader [A Fragment of My Memories]

[15] Amongst a Field of Flowers

"It's been a while since you visited, (Y/N)," Alatus flew down to one of the tree branches, spotting you hanging around the usual meeting place.

As golden feathers slowly fell to the ground, you looked up at the trees. "Oh, Alatus! There you are!" With a smile, you waved your arm high up. "Sorry I haven't been visiting lately!"

Alatus came down to the ground. "No worries. Are you here to pick the usual herbs?" 

"Oh, not this time." You smiled sheepishly. "I've actually been trying to make some new medication using different ingredients. It's also why I haven't been visiting as often..." 

Alatus hummed in response. "You've been working hard then. I appreciate your efforts," he nods, softening his gaze.

You smiled back. "Thanks! This time, though, I want to take some time off." You plopped down on the grass. "I hope to spend that time with you if you don't mind."

 Alatus' eyes widened. "With me...?"

"Of course!" You burst into laughter. "You don't have to look so shocked about it. We're friends, you know!"

As he listened to your cheerful laughs, he couldn't help but chuckle. "It's rather unusual for a mortal to express the desire to spend time with me so casually," he said. "But I appreciate your company." 

A warm smile made its way to your face at his words. "I appreciate your company too, Alatus. I feel like you help relieve my stress from work, you know?" 

"Really? Just by staying with me?" He tilted his head in curiosity.

"Yeah! It's like magic! Well... I guess you are a somewhat magical being after all...!" You giggled.

'I relieve her stress...' Alatus thought to himself as he fell silent. Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. "(Y/N)."

"Hmm?"

"You wish to take a break, right?" 

You nodded. "Yeah. I feel like taking it easy today!"

"Then..." Alatus stepped closer, his body standing close to yours. "I want to take you somewhere." 

Your eyes widened. "Huh? Where??"

"Just come with me." Alatus bent down, pulling you to your feet with his beak. 

You stood up, still looking at him in disbelief. "Alatus?"

"Get on my back. We're flying there."

"Wh–" You nearly choked on your saliva. "We're... flying??!!"

He nodded. "Are you scared?" he asked, eyes glowing with genuine concern.

"What? Of course not!" Your lips spread into a wide grin. "If anything, I'm looking forward to where you're taking me now!"

Without hesitation, you climbed onto his back, grabbing onto his feathers for support. "Woah... your feathers feel really soft here, Alatus!" You chuckled, resting your whole body on him as you stroked his feathers. 

Alatus cleared his throat, feeling the warmth of your body on his. "H-Hey... make sure you hold on properly. You'll end up falling to your death otherwise." 

"Okay..." you replied, though your voice was muffled from burying your face in his feathers. 

Alatus let out a deep sigh. "Get ready. We're going."

As Alatus stretched his wings, you immediately sat up straight. "I'm ready," you said, gripping onto his feathers for dear life. 

The next thing you knew, you rose above the trees, feeling the calm wind rush past your body.