Xiao X Reader [A Fragment of My Memories]

[21] A Peace Worth Protecting

The rest of the trip went by smoothly, the only difference being that Xiao was way more tense and alert than usual.

"You should be safe from this point." Xiao sighed in relief as he let go of your hand. "Call me when you're ready to go, and–" he takes a deep breath. "Don't leave Liyue Harbor while I'm not with you, okay?"

Even though the threat was long gone, he remained as vigilant as ever. You could tell the incident earlier still bothered him. In a way, his current state bothered you as well. 

"Uhm... how about..." you bit your lip. 'Is this even a good idea?'

Xiao tilted his head. "What?"

"Well... why don't.." you avoided his gaze for a moment. "Why don't you come to the Harbor with me?"

Deafening silence filled the air as Xiao's eyes widened. 

"...No need. I don't do very well in crowds."

"But–" You grabbed his sleeve just before he could turn away. "It's much safer that way, right? You won't have to worry about how I am since you're gonna be with me." You insisted.

Xiao paused, seemingly in deep thought. 

"You don't even have to talk to anyone. And we can stay in less crowded places if you like!"

You both stood in silence after that. Eventually, he slowly turns back to face you. "Fine. I'll come."

His voice was softer than usual when he said it, but it didn't stop you from breaking into a huge grin anyways. "Thank you, Xiao!" 

_ _ _

This was the first time you'd seen Xiao walk amongst a crowd. After all, he was a man who usually kept to himself, who did everything alone, and who made an effort to distance himself from normal people. 

Even so, he continued walking, with his head held high as usual. But even you could notice the slight stiffness in the way he moved. He was definitely not used to this. 

With a smile, you grabbed his hand. "Let's go get something to eat."

Xiao raised a brow. "Eat...? Are you hungry?"

"Hmm... a little," you laughed sheepishly. "Come on, I know a really good place!"

He shakes his head. "You can go ahead. I'll wait for you elsewhere."

"Huh? I can't leave you all alone like that! Come on, let's go!" You grinned excitedly, dragging Xiao along without giving him another chance to protest. 

Eventually, you arrive at a small restaurant. A man who seems to be the head chef stands behind the counter inside the small building. You take a seat at an empty table outside, and Xiao quietly follows. 

"Chef Mao!" You called the man with a smile and a wave. 

He turns his head, noticing you, and smiling back. "Oh, (Y/N)!" he exclaims, waving excitedly before craning his head to look behind. "Hey, Xiangling! (Y/N)'s here!! And she's brought a friend!" 

"Oh! Xiangling's here??" Your smile grew in excitement as you tried to get a closer look inside the restaurant building. 

Meanwhile, Xiao keenly watches from right beside you. '(Y/N) knows these people?'  he wondered, before taking a quick look around the restaurant. 

A girl ran out of the building with an excited smile, ready to greet you. At that moment, Xiao realized. He only ever saw you when you were alone with him. He only talked to you when no one else was around. He never thought about what you might be like outside of that, or how you interacted with others.