Xiao X Reader [A Fragment of My Memories]

[03] Longing to Meet You

An echo of a bloodcurdling scream rattled in his ears. 

"KILL THEM!"

Painful groans, final breaths, all were resounding in his head.

"...Die."

Their voices... he can always hear them. Their screams, their cries, demanding more death...

But then another voice came along, shattering through that dark void with its sweetness, its calm. It was a gentle, melodious sound that carried peace wherever it went. 

"Alatus!" 

The voice reverberated in his mind, before fading away into nothingness again. After all, it was but a distant memory now, reminding him once more that he was alone in this battle, just as he has been for millennia.

...until he saw her again.

______________________

That night, you had a dreamless sleep. It was the first time in 3 nights. 

But when you woke up the following morning, strange dizziness swirled in your head. You shook it off. "I'm just feeling confused..." you rationalized, getting out of bed to get ready for the day. 

When you opened your door, you notice Verr standing in her usual spot again with the cat chilling on the counter. You took long strides towards her, wasting no time in asking. 

However, Verr spoke up first. "Good morning to you, (Y/N). You look sleepy," she says, lips twisting into a small smirk. 

Her greeting completely flew over your head. "Boss, yesterday on the roof... who was that man?" You leaned slightly towards the counter, a serious frown on your face. 

Verr was taken aback by your sudden question. "Oh, you've already met Xiao?" she sighs. "So you've been to the roof?"

"Uh–" you blink, realizing what you just implied. Sneaking a glance at the cat beside her, it merely gives you an innocent stare. "I'm so sorry. I didn't stay long, I promise!" you reassured her. 

'So, his name is Xiao...'

She sighs again. "It's fine. I'm actually quite surprised he showed himself to you. He must've been in a good mood that day."

'Or he didn't want to see someone fall and injure themselves!'

You snuck another glance at the cat. This time, Verr noticed. "Oh? So that's what happened? Seemed like mischievous little Wei made you chase it around yesterday." she briefly glares at Wei from the corner of her eye.

"Nya?"

"No no no, it's fine! I should've looked for you instead of following it blindly!" You shook your head and waved your hands. "Again, I'm really sorry I went to the roof!" you apologized, dipping into a deep bow. 

"It's fine, (Y/N). I said that so you wouldn't be frightened. The roof isn't totally off-limits to you."

'Frightened...?'

You raised your head. "I... I see..." You pause in deep thought. "His name is Xiao, right? By any chance, has he ever been to Mondstadt?"

Verr raised a brow. "Mondstadt? Highly unlikely. Why?"

"He just looks... very familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it." You shook your head.

She narrows her eyes at you. "Familiar? How interesting..."  

"And... boss, who is he, exactly? Why does he stay on the roof?" 

Verr smirks. It was rather amusing seeing you agitated so early in the morning. "It's a little complicated to explain. He's heavily tied to Liyue legends, after all," she merely replied.