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Chongyun promised weeks ago he’d take Xingqiu to the library. It was the pairs’ favorite place; the way the light streamed through the stained glass windows, leaving cities of colors patterned on the floor, the smell of cedarwood lofting from the tables and ancient wooden furniture, and most importantly, the books, placed neatly in rows on the shelves. Oh, there were so many books, so many wonderful stories to choose from, so much information at the tips of their fingers- and they could borrow whatever they wanted for free! What better place could there be than a library?
Though, Chongyun’s favorite part about the library actually had nothing to do with the building or any of its contents. It had nothing to do with the stained glass windows, the sweet scent of cedar, or any of the books in neat rows on the shelves. No, the thing that gave the library its appeal was none other than Chongyun’s closest companion, Xingqiu. Chongyun loved to watch how excited he’d get whenever he discovered an author he liked had a new release. He loved how Xingqiu’s bottom lip puffed out and his eyebrows bent when he got to a really good part of the story. He loved when Xingqiu would laugh out loud when there was a joke written on the pages, and he hated seeing him cry when a tragedy came forth in the words on the paper. He loved when Xingqiu would argue with the desk clerk, trying to convince her to let him check out more books than were allowed. Chongyun’s favorite part of the library was how Xingqiu brought it to life.
He found himself staring as Xingqiu turned the pages. They were seated at a table on the balcony, the second floor of the library where the fantasy section resided. The two of them sat at this table together every time they visited, always right next to each other, sometimes holding hands under the table unless one of them was severely engrossed in the text as Xingqiu was now.
Speaking of which, he was coming to the end of his book. The pages ran thin, his eyes wide with excitement as the story picked up. Chongyun knew that the library had just received new copies of the next book in the series (He’d arranged it for Xingqiu as a surprise, signed on the inside cover by the author). Slowly, so as not to cause the chair to squeak as he moved, Chongyun stood from the table and made his way to the fiction section of the library to find the next installment.
For whatever reason, Chongyun was having an extra hard time finding the book on the shelves. The bright sunbeams streaming from the windows didn’t help his search; the colored light created a sheen on the spines, making it nearly impossible to read the names printed there. Out of frustration, he squinted at the window, wondering if there was a curtain he could put up to make his life easier. That’s when he noticed something out of place.
A book. On the windowsill. Had Chonngyun not spent so much time with Xingqiu, he wouldn’t have found it out of the ordinary. Yet he’d learned over the years that every book had a place, and that place was on a shelf in alphabetical order. In fact, Xingqiu often volunteered here, neurotically making sure that every single book was in the exact right spot. So… why was this one out of place?
Quickly, he snatched the book from the windowsill and stepped to the side so as not to be caught in the sun for too long. Using his hand to brush a thick layer of dust from the cover, Chongyun examined the book. What You Don’t Know about the Adepti of Liyue. What a strange title. Everyone knew everything about the Adepti, their stories weren’t exactly secret. In fact, Chongyun and his friends had been spending a lot of time with Adeptus Xiao as of late. Not to brag, but they were practically best friends at this point. He was sure there was nothing about him that he didn’t already know.
He flipped open the cover, glancing at the table of contents. There were many names he recognized, names of the Adepti they worshipped already. Rex Lapis, Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, and… Xiao! Chongyun smiled. No surprise that Xiao would be in a book about the gods, but he was strangely proud to see someone he considered a friend in a published book. He was seconds away from flipping to Xiao’s chapter when-
“NO WAY!” Xingqiu gasped from across the room, sending echoes around the walls, causing other patrons to shush him aggressively. Right- Xingqiu’s book! That’s what he was looking for, he couldn’t let himself get distracted.
Downstairs, across from Xingqiu and their table on the balcony, Chongyun made his way to the librarian’s desk.
“Did it come in?” he asked in a hushed whisper, “The next book in the Skyfire series?”
“Yes, right on schedule,” the clerk smiled, “If you hadn’t asked us to get it when you did, it likely would have sold out.” She reached under the desk and pulled out the copy she’d kept aside for him. It was in pristine condition. It’s brown leather cover had gold letters stamped into it, spelling out the title and the author’s name. The spine didn’t have a single crack. Xingqiu was going to be the first person to open this book.
While he marveled at the new book, the desk clerk pointed to the one Chongyun tucked under his arm. “Where’d you find that?” she asked with a wrinkled brow.
“Uh.. the non-fiction section, over there.” He gestured to what definitely wasn’t the non-fiction section. The desk clerk shrugged.
“Enjoy,” she said, shaking her head with a soft smile. Those boys were always up to something.
“Thanks!” With the brand new Skyfire book in hand, and the (probably) moldy mystery book under his arm, Chongyun restrained himself from running up to the balcony.
“‘Qiu!” He called in a half whisper at the top of the stairs. “‘Qiu, guess what!”
“My my, you’re full of energy today. Have you been spending some time in the sun?” Xingqiu closed his book without marking the page. He’d finished it.
“No- well, a little. But that’s not why I’m excited.” He sat down next to him, placing his own book on the table and hugging the new book to his chest, hiding the title. “I’ve got something for you.”
Xingqui raised a brow. “A book?”
“Not just any book.” With a smile, he handed the book over, watching as Xingqiu read the title, eyes going wide.
“The new Skyfire !” He exclaimed, getting shushed by everyone else again. “This just came out last month! How did you get this?”
“I had the library put in a special order a while ago. And... I think there’s something on the inside cover, too.”
Xingqiu frowned, confused. Carefully, so as not to crack the spine of this precious hardback, he peeked inside so see-
“A signature,” he breathed, “You got a signed copy?! ”
“A special request of mine on behalf of the library.” Chongyun smiled at the sparkle in Xingqiu’s eyes.
“This is the best!” He launched forward, catching Chongyun in a tight embrace. “Thank you!” he said into his ear, sending chills down Chongyun’s spine.
“Well stop hugging me, read the damn thing!” He said, though he didn’t really want Xingqiu to let go.
“Okay!” Xingqiu snapped back into his seat, opening to the first page of the book, carefully, as if it might disappear if he moved too fast.
Filled with joy over Xingqiu’s reaction, Chongyun placed an elbow on the table, resting his cheek in the palm of his hand to watch as Xingqiu read. The weight of his head caused his elbow to slip into the book on the table, making him jump. Right- the mystery book. Curiosity took over as he picked it up, running a thumb over the space where the author’s name should be. It was strange that the author’s name wasn’t printed anywhere on the cover.
What You Don’t Know about the Adepti of Liyue.
He flipped through the book. It wasn’t thick, and some of the chapters were only a few sentences long. It was pretty outdated, too, as Chongyun suspected it would be. Most of the things written down he’d learned in some storybook before naptime as a kid, no huge secrets. There were a few fun tidbits, like Cloud Retainer isn’t particularly fond of the English word “moist” , or Rex Lapis dislikes the color blue, but loves blueberries that he didn’t know before. The book even listed a birthday for Rex Lapis- Rex Lapis celebrates his birthday on December 31st on the modern calendar. What a fun piece of information.
Wait. This book had birthdays?
Chongyun froze. Would it have Xiao’s birthday, too?
He flipped through the pages with so much force, he might as well have ripped them from the binding.
There it was. In plain black ink. April seventeenth.
“Qiu…” he breathed, hardly able to believe what his eyes were seeing. “Xingqiu, we have to go.”
“That’s nice,” he replied, not really paying Chongyun any mind.
“We have to go right now -“
“Mhm, I hear you.”
“Xingqiu, listen!” Chongyun grabbed his chin, turning his head so that they faced each other.
“Jeez, I thought you wanted me to read this book,” Xingqiu scoffed.
“It’s Xiao’s birthday! We have to do something!”
“It’s October already?”
“No, Xingqiu, April seventeenth! That's today!”
“Maybe you have been spending too much time in the sun. Where’s your parasol?”
“We need to get him a birthday gift.” Chongyun stood, picking up his book again to make sure he hadn’t gotten the date wrong. Yet there it was, clear as day- April seventeenth.
“Would Xiao even want a gift?” Xingqiu asked, turning back to his book, hoping the question would put an end to the ordeal.
Chongyun thought for a moment before deciding, “I actually don’t know.” He glanced down at the page again, wondering if the book said anything about godly birthday parties. It did not. “We should get him something just to be safe. Come on!”
“Maybe we should- woah!” Xingqiu was yanked from his chair as Congyun pulled him by the arm, dragging him across the balcony. “Woah, woah, woah, my book!” he called, barely managing to grab it before he was pulled too far away.
“Your book will be here tomorrow, Xiao’s birthday won’t be,” Chongyun said, matter of fact as he dragged Xingqiu down the stairs and across the main floor.
On the main street of Liyue Harbor, Chongyun finally realized he might have rushed into the birthday celebrations. For starters, he didn’t have any yang-repressing popsicles on him, and he could feel the heat in his stomach creeping upwards; a snake, stirring in his gut, readying an attack. He had his parasol over his shoulder, but the air was thick and humid. Not to mention there was additional stress in trying to find a birthday gift for a literal god. How could he possibly find something for Xiao that would serve not only as a birthday gift, but as a thanks for everything?
“Getting worked up?” Xingqiu asked as they walked the harbor. “Your cheeks are starting to turn red. “
“I’m just trying to think,” Chongyun replied. “If you were an Adepti, what would you want for your birthday?”
Xingqiu bit back a laugh. “If I were an immortal being, I wouldn’t want anyone celebrating my birthday. That just sounds like a bummer.”
“Take this seriously, Qiu.”
“I am!”
“Think about it this way,” Chongyun stopped walking, placing his free hand on Xingqiu’s shoulder. “Xiao secludes himself from most human interaction. He's probably been lonely for decades. If you were Xiao, wouldn’t it feel nice to be celebrated for once?”
“I suppose…”
“Birthday gifts are a way for people to show their appreciation for someone, and we certainly appreciate Xiao, right? It would almost be rude to not get him a gift.”
“I guess that makes sense,” Xingqiu sighed. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I know!” Chongyun exclaimed, making Xingqiu jump. “We have to think of something good, something perfect. ”
“You know,” Xingqiu began, “Xiao likes you a lot. I’m sure he’d love whatever you got. ‘It’s the thought that counts’ and all that nonsense.”
“No, no, that’s not good enough,” Chongyun brushed him off, already reopening the mystery book from the library.
“Your cheeks are really red. Are you feeling okay?”
“It says here that Xiao is fond of music, specifically the sound of a flute,” He ignored the comment and pointed to the bullet point in the book. “You used to play, didn’t you?”
Xingqiu smiled. “Still do.”
“Perfect!” Chongyun snapped the book shut. “We’ll compose a song for him and have you play it! It’ll be the perfect birthday gift.” He spoke quickly, hardly stopping for a breath. “Let’s go to your place and get your flute, we can get some paper from the library and start thinking of a melody-“
“Woah, take a breath ,” Xingqiu interrupted, placing both of his hands on Chongyun’s shoulders with a reassuring grin. “You’re stressing yourself out. While I get my flute, you can cool off somewhere, maybe grab some popsicles.”
“Yeah,” Chongyun inhaled slowly, “You’re right. It’s very sunny today.”
“Mhm. Let’s meet back at the southern wharf in half an hour. I’ll bring music supplies, you bring… I don’t know, something cold. Okay?”
“Okay,” Chongyun took another breath. “Popsicles might be a good idea.” He was starting to feel flushed. Maybe rushing out into the sunlight wasn’t the best idea.
Xingqiu grinned. “Then it’s settled! I’ll see you in a few.” He planted a kiss on Chongyun’s forehead before rushing off across the harbor, disappearing in the crowd within a matter of seconds. There was something unsettling about that smile, Chongyun thought. He shrugged, brushing the paranoia off, blaming it on the heat. Parasol over his shoulder, Chongyun began walking to the nearest freezer, humming different melodies that might sound nice if played by a flute.
——
In his memory, he and Adeptus Xiao were walking the ruins of Guili Plains. Locals at the inn complained of strange noises at night and hired Chongyun to try and drive whatever monster might be there away. Xiao, having overheard the dilemma, decided to travel with the boy. He considered it part of their training together.
It was a cloudy day, several months ago. The air was cold and brittle- perfect conditions for training, or for just walking to the job site. Yet even in the frigid wind, Chongyun still felt dangerously giddy. He’d made lots of progress training with Xiao. There was no better opportunity to practice what he’d learned than on an actual job with his mentor.
“You have a powerful gift,” Xiao said to Chongyun as they walked, the corners of his lips itching to smile. “You have so much positive energy, I can almost feel it balancing out my bad karma.”
Chongyun considered the compliment. He didn’t want the natural gift he had, but if it was helpful for Xiao, maybe he didn’t mind it. Then of course, there was the possibility that this balance they’d created wouldn’t actually be helpful on this job. Maybe if he could at least see the spirit they were after before they chased it away, then Chongyun would consider this mission a success.
“Does this mean we could see the spirit we’re looking for?” he ended up asking. “I’m the only e-“
“‘-The only exorcist in Liyue who hasn’t ever seen a ghost’, yeah kid, I’ve heard you say it a million times.” Xiao scoffed. “Honestly, I’m not sure. I suppose we’ll have to see what happens when we get there.”
“If we do see the spirit…” Chongyun trailed off, thinking about what it could mean.
“If we see the spirit… then what?”
“If we do see the spirit, would you come with me to other jobs, too?” he asked, staring at the ground they walked on. The wind died down as Xiao smiled.
“I still don’t understand why you’d want to see such an evil thing, but I suppose that if this does work out… If you send the invite, I’ll be sure to attend.”
There was silence after that, but Chongyun felt the warmth in his stomach return. The kind of warmth he felt only when he was this kind of happy. It was a dangerous warmth, and he could feel it spreading to his chest and limbs, but Chongyun decided to let it linger for a moment before sucking in the cold air.
“Thank you for taking me with you to the ruins,” Chongyun proclaimed after a second’s silence. “I’m very fortunate to be traveling with you.”
“Ha. Yeah. No one’s fortunate to be traveling with me.”
“That’s not true.” Chongyun frowned. “You said so yourself, we balance out.”
——
It was a few minutes before noon when Chongyun and Xingqiu regrouped at the southern wharf. The sun was unrelenting, its blazing heat threatening to scorch whatever dared touch its light. It was extremely lucky that Chongyun had his parasol, and he hated to think what might have happened if he hadn’t grabbed some popsicles on the way here, grateful for the cold feeling they left him with.
Xingqiu arrived a few minutes later than he did, flute in hand (without a case) and a few crinkled papers clenched in his fist (red flag number one). It was clear he was holding back a smile, but Chongyun didn’t notice. He was too busy trying to make sure his parasol was blocking the sun effectively, hiding his skin from direct light.
“I’m back,” Xingqiu said, meeting him at the water’s edge. “Boy, did it get warm outside.” He squinted, studying the horizon. “It’s strangely humid for April, don’t you think?”
“You know I normally love to discuss the weather with you, but we’re in a time crunch,” Chongyun pressed him. “You have the flute and some paper, right?”
Xingqiu held out his hands, displaying his treasures. “Couldn’t forget them!”
“Great. Perfect, even.”
“Oh! I wrote a melody down, too. I think you’ll like it,” Xingqiu said with a smile, sitting on the ground and smoothing the papers against the stone. He even took off his shoes to use as paperweights
“That’s great,” Chongyun said, sitting next to him with a popsicle in hand. “Let’s hear it!”
“Okay, but I am a bit rusty, so keep that in mind, alright?” he replied (red flag number two).
“I’m sure you’re wonderful,” he assured him, knowing that Xingqiu was probably just trying to be humble.
“Mhm. For sure.” Xingqiu took a deep breath, raising the flute to his lips, readying his hands to play. Chongyun couldn't help but smile; he couldn’t remember the last time he’d heard Xingqiu play, and if they could compose a piece for Xiao, that might just be the perfect birthday gift.
All his hopes dissipated when he heard Xingqiu actually play.
Squeaks and squeals echoed off the brick walls, making Chongyun cover his ears. Xingqiu sounded awful, and he knew it, too. In between squeaks, he actually had the nerve to laugh! Chongyun couldn’t believe it- he’d been tricked! No, what was the word Xingqiu used… Pranked! He’d been pranked. Xingqiu hadn’t played the flute in forever, he wasn’t just “rusty”, he’d forgotten how to play entirely.
“Stop, stop, stop, stop!” Chongyun yelled over the racket, hands pressed over his ears. Xingqiu stopped playing, not because Chongyun said to, but because he was laughing too hard to even continue.
“Ohh, man!” he said, wiping tears from his eyes, “I got you good ! You should have seen the look on your face!”
“Not funny,” Chongyun groaned, already planning for how they'd make up for lost time.
“Yeah, it was hilarious actually.”
“No, it wasn’t. We’ve just wasted almost an hour of our day.” Chongyun stood, bruising the debris from his clothes.
“Oh, lighten up,” Xingqiu insisted, “I bet if I played this for Xiao, he’d be completely fine.”
Chongyun rolled his eyes. “You’d probably ruin the flute for him for the rest of his life.”
“Oh, come on, you’re not mad, are you?” Xingqiu grinned, teasing as Chongyun started to walk away.
“What do you think?”
“I keep telling you, he’s gonna love whatever you get him as long as it comes from you .” Xingqiu slipped his shoes back on his feet. “You could probably draw stick figures on a sheet of parchment, call it a masterpiece dedicated to him, and he’d tape it to the fridge or something.”
Chongyun stomped his foot, exasperated. “How could I be so careless to do something like that!”
“I’m just saying, he’d love-“
“You don’t need to keep repeating yourself, I heard you the first thousand times.”
“I don't like the mood these popsicles put you in. Grumpy Chongyun’s no fun.”
“These popsicles are currently keeping me from harnessing the energy I need to punch you right now.”
“Awwww, you wouldn’t punch this face, would you?” Xingqiu batted his eyelashes, putting on his prettiest pouty face. Chongyun glared for a moment, then scoffed and continued walking. “Knew it,” Xingqiu smirked.
“’ll be shopping around the harbor, looking for a gift. Join me if you want to be helpful.” He gripped his parasol and continued walking down the harbor, cringing at his own harsh tone. When Xingqiu wordlessly appeared next to him as he walked, he was relieved.
Xingqiu stayed in pace with him under the parasol, but those words hung heavy in the air. To Chongyun, those words tasted like chilis. They were needlessly brute and blunt, and they stuck on his tongue and stung without ceasing. It made him feel sick.
Xingqiu was trying to be helpful. In his own way, perhaps. He was always the more carefree of the two. He probably thought he was doing Chongyun a favor by helping him see what Xingqiu saw. The guilt started to settle in his stomach.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered, not daring to sneak a glance. “I didn’t mean to say those things. I’m just frustrated.”
“I know,” Xingqiu sighed. “It’s hot out. I can’t blame you for getting worked up.” He smiled, slinging an arm around Chongyun’s shoulder. “Plus, maybe I am to blame a little.”
Chongyun’s shoulders relaxed. “It doesn’t matter who’s to blame,” he said, “The day’s still young. We have plenty of time to find a good gift.”
——
Xiao couldn’t help but notice how quiet the day was.
His job was to protect Liyue from monsters and intruders. Every single day, he walked along the entire region, seeking out enemies. Yet today, there were none. There were no hillichurls in Qince Village. There were no Treasure Hoarders stalking the outskirts of the harbor. There were no Abyss Mages in Guili Plains. All of Liyue was… quiet.
This is highly unusual, Xiao thought to himself as he walked the ruins. There was nothing for him to do, not a whisper of action, not a breath of movement aside from his own. It was unnerving.
With each passing step through the silent world, he started to notice little things he hadn’t when he was searching for an enemy. The way the breeze moved through the leaves in the trees was like music, singing him a chorus that sounded like dripping rain. A waterfall in the distance played like an orchestra, leaving melodies and harmonies ringing in his ears. It really was a beautiful day, even if there was nothing to do.
“Perhaps…” he whispered into the air, testing the integrity of the silence, “Perhaps I could take a day off?” He winced as he spoke, expecting everything to fall apart as soon as he said a word.
The sky did not blacken. The clouds didn’t roll in and threaten thunder. The waterfall didn’t stop spilling, the wind didn’t stop singing. He exhaled with relief, smiling softly at the cloudless sky.
“A day spent at Wangshu Inn is never a bad thing,” he breathed, already envisioning himself perched by the water with a book. No one but a chirping bird objected to the statement. Xiao decided that the bird’s opinion didn’t matter, and headed to the inn anyway.
Xiao felt strange taking a seat at a table on the lowest deck of the inn. Sure, he lived there, but he couldn’t remember the last time he lived there. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d just sat and enjoyed the view of the shallow pools at the base of the tree. The deck was warm, and not many people gathered despite lunchtime being just around the corner. Though the day was humid, the shade of the tree kept many of the sun's rays from hitting his shoulders, a small touch he couldn’t help but feel grateful for. Whatever anxieties he’d felt about the quietness of Liyue melted away. He closed his eyes, hands clasped together on the table, and took a breath. The air smelled of salt and silk flowers.
“Hello, Xiao.” A deep, slow voice interrupted his thoughts. Xiao’s eyes popped open, a swear word running through his mind as he realized who was speaking. Seated across from him at the rickety table on the Wangshu Inn deck was none other than-
“Oh- uh, Zhongli!” Xiao pulled his hands to his side, sitting up straighter, doing his best to compose an air of professionalism. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Where else is there to go on a fine day like today?” Zhongli waves a passive hand, gesturing to the landscape around them. “I can’t think of any better options, can you?”
Xiao could think of a few, but he dared not disagree. “No, sir, I cannot.”
“I told you a long time ago, there’s no need for formalities.” Zhongli smiled, clasping his hands together and placing them in his lap. “Might I ask what brings you to the inn?”
“There’s nothing,” Xiao replied quickly, clearing his throat after his jumpy reply. “Not a single enemy in Liyue today.”
“Oh, that.” Zhongli scoffed. “That the only reason you decided to take a personal day?”
Xiao raised a brow. “You knew? About-“
“Yes, of course,” he leaned back in his chair, “I had someone else take care of the demons for today. I figured you might want the day off.”
“Wh- why would I need a day off?” Xiao leaned forward, quizzical. Zhongli tilted his head, a coy smile playing on the corners of his mouth.
“You can’t think of any particular reason for a vacation?”
Xiao shook his head.
“Not one?”
“Is there some event I should know of?” Xiao felt his heart pounding as Zhonglli laughed at the question. It was an important date, he’d gathered that much, but… why?”
“I suppose you’ll figure it out soon enough,” Zhongli said, standing and brushing out his clothes. Xiao moved to stand as well, but Zhongli waved for him to stay. “Just be sure to visit your boys in the harbor before the day is done. I have a feeling they’ll be able to clear up any confusion.”
“Wait, you mean Ch-“ Xiao was cut off, as a waiter placed a steaming dish on the table in front of him. He looked up at Zhongli, who was already beginning to walk away.
“Don’t worry,” he called over his shoulder, “The tab’s already settled.”
“But-“
“Please enjoy your meal, as well as the rest of your day.” Zhongli flashed one last grin before disappearing down the stairs of the deck. Xiao looked down at the dish, a familiar scent washing over him. Almond tofu.
——
“I feel awful,” Chongyun complained, sitting again on the stone of the southern wharf, feet dangling in the water. Xingqiu sat next to him, and wordlessly placed a popsicle in his hands, watching as he didn’t even react and instead took a bite as if he’d been holding it the entire time. “We went everywhere ,” he continued, mouth full of ice, “and there was still nothing.”
“I’ll be okay,” Xingqiu assured, but Chongyun hardly heard him. He’d been stressed all day, dragging Xingqiu all over town. They visited every toy store, veggie stand, restaurant, pharmacy- even the Adventurer’s Guild to see if they had any unique rewards for completing a commission, but that mysterious traveller had already taken care of every single one earlier that day. It seemed that there was nothing mora could buy that was fit to give to Xiao. He was out of options, out of resources.
“Hey, really,” Xingqiu noticed the frown on Chongyun’s face, tone deepening to a more careful and caring one. “I know I sound like a broken record, but I really think he’d be happy with whatever you got him.”
Chongyun held back a scoff. “Saying again won’t change my mind.” He kicked at the water, thankful for the cooling effect it had on such a hot day. Maybe there was something he could make for Xiao, like a painting or something. Chongyun was never much of a painter, though, and most artists wouldn’t be able to finish a commission in time. Music was already ruled out, and that didn’t leave very many creative paths for them to take. He took another bite of his popsicle, dejected.
“There’s something else, isn’t there.” Xingqiu pulled Chongyun from his thoughts, amber eyes inquizitive, losing their playful edge.
“What do you mean?”
“You didn’t put this much effort into Xinyan’s last birthday gift,” he pointed out. “Or Xianglings. Or mine, for that matter-“
“That’s not fair- you specifically asked that no one get you anything!” Chongyun countered. “And if I recall correctly, I still brought you to the bookstore anyways.”
“That’s not the point,“ Xingqiu turned toward him, the shade of Chongyun’s parasol reaching his shoulders, “You've been fired up all day, running around in the sun and the heat, bursting through the door of every business that might have a fraction of something to offer. There’s something under all that, isn’t there?”
Chongyun managed a glance at the boy next to him, taking a breath as he saw the genuine concern in his expression. How was he supposed to explain it all? He could hardly put a name to the stress he’d felt all day, and now he was supposed to put it into words? He shook his head, biting his lip and staring at his reflection in the water. The waves lapped up against the stone, seagulls cawing in the distance, sounds and chatter from the harbor providing a blanket of reassurance. Despite the humid air, it really was a beautiful day.
“I… have needed someone like Xiao for a long time,” he began, still staring at the sea below. “You know better than anyone… that I have trouble connecting with people sometimes.” He gripped the handle of the parasol, popsicle having been finished some time ago. “And training has been going really well with him, and…” He took a breath, unsure of how to continue.
“I see,” Xingqiu chimed in, saving Chongyun from having to go into any more detail. “This isn’t really a birthday gift, is it?”
Chongyun looked up at him, pretending he hadn’t just been blinking back tears.
Xingqiu continued. “It’s a thank-you gift. And it has to be perfect.” He stood, offering a hand for Chongyun to take. “Come on! We don’t have much time, we gotta think.”
Chongyun’s shoulders gave way. “Really?”
“Yeah!”
“You mean it?”
“Come on, ‘Yun, we don’t have all day anymore!” He waved his hand, waiting for Chongyun to take it. Hesitance in his fingertips, Chongyun reached his hand upward, Xingqiu snatching it out of the air and pulling Chongyun from the ground, leaving red in his cheeks and a rising heat in his stomach. “Alright, now think,” Xingqiu said. “Maybe we need to… broaden our horizons!”
“What do you mean?” Chongyun tilted his head at Xingqiu’s smile, still holding his hand.
“We’re only two people, with limited ideas.” Xingqiu stepped forward, tapping a finger to his nose in thought. “What if we consulted some of Xiao’s other trainees? Other people who know him like we do?”
“I think…” Chongyun thought for a moment, “I think you’re right!” The chances of completing their mission was staring to increase. “But who would we go to? Xiao doesn’t interact with very many other people-“
“Well, let’s think. Who else is training with us?” Xingqiu started counting on his fingers. “There’s Xiangling, but I have a feeling she’s busy with the restaurant.”
“We could ask Xinyan if she knows anything,” Chongyun offered, before realizing the plan wouldn’t work. “But she’s out of town, touring Mondstat.”
“That leaves…”
“Hu Tao!” They exclaimed together, both grinning widely. They took off running towards the funeral parlor, hands clasped together still, smiling together as the sun started to set for the evening. Sure, they might be running out of time, but Hu Tao’s enthusiasm was never soon rivaled. They’d have an answer before nightfall for sure.
——
The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor could be found in the northernmost part of the harbor, and that’s where Chongyun and Xingqiu were headed. The sun angled downward in the sky, the heat of the day beginning to dwindle, which was nice, considering Chongyun had run out of popsicles some time ago.
The two arrived outside of the parlor, slightly out of breath from running such a distance. Hu Tao, the beloved parlor director, was just stepping out of the building to go home for the day before being bombarded with the Hydro-Cryo duo.
“Woah,” she exclaimed as the boys bound up the stone steps, “Fancy seeing you here.”
Xingqiu straightened, catching his breath and donning a smirk. “Today we come with a simple request! What might it be? You’ll never guess.”
“And if I did, I’d be at rest, for I’d be free of you; a pest!” Hu Tao grinned, following Xingqiu’s rhythm.
“Stop, stop, there’s no time for this!” Chongyun waved his hands, cutting off Hu Tao’s verse and putting a swift end to the rap battle. “We came to ask-“
“Wait, who was winning?” Hu Tao interrupted.
“Xingqiu was, obviously, but that’s not important right now!” Chongyun stepped forward, the grip on his parasol loosening enough to expose the top of his head to the elements. He began to talk quickly, moving his hands wildly as he spoke. “It’s Xiao’s birthday. Xingqiu and I have been searching all day for the perfect gift, and we’re clueless. We were wondering if-“
“Ahh, you need my expertise, eh?” Hu Tao smirked, striking a confident pose. “Well, nothing would be more perfect that a two-in-one coupon on coffins supplied by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor-“
Xingqiu took hold of the parasol as Chongyun started to forget about it, holding it over his head for him. Chongyun stepped forward, a determined resolve in his shoulders. “This is serious. We need real ideas,” he insisted, staring intently. “The day’s almost over, I don’t have time to entertain this saleswoman charade you’ve got going on.”
“Uhg, fine,” she rolled her eyes, making her way to the door of the funeral parlor. “Come on, we can talk in here.”
Hu Tao led them through the parlor, which was strangely warm and light for a place focused on something so cold and heavy. The walls were made of wood with a deep stain, furniture to match with elegant forest green and gold details. Big floor-to-ceiling windows filled the parlor with the dazzling golden hour light, making the whole room look something out of a fairy tale. Candles were lit on almost every surface, the sweet and subtle scent of rose petals and wax filled the air, adding to the somewhat mystical atmosphere. A circular table sat in the center of the room, a plate of cookies set in the middle.
Hu Tao motioned for the boys to sit. Chongyun sat with his back to a window, feeling the warmth press on his back like a blanket. His feet hardly reached the ground, but that didn’t stop his toes from tapping with restlessness.
“Help yourselves,” Hu Tao said, pushing the plate of cookies between Chongyun and Xingqiu. “How can I help?”
Xingqiu spoke up, which Chongyun was grateful for. “We’re just out of birthday gift ideas,” he said, taking a cookie from the plate. “We’ve been all over Liyue today, trying to find something suitable, but…”
“We’ve exhausted all our options,” Chongyun finished. “And we kind of have nowhere else to turn. We thought-“
“Maybe some of Xiao’s other trainees might have an idea what to get him,” Xingqiu interrupted. Hu Tao shrugged.
“Gee, I’m flattered, but I don’t know much more about him than you do,” she said, inhaling with thought. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know it was his birthday.”
“Neither did we,” Chongyun admitted, thinking back to the mystery book from the library. “I still wonder why he never told us when it was.”
“Probably because he doesn’t even want to think about it,” Hu Tao suggested. “Think about it, he’s pretty much immortal. Birthday’s would just be a bummer, wouldn’t they?”
“That’s what I said,” Xingqiu said under his breath.
“To be honest, I think he’d really like anything you got him, as long as it came from you guys.”
“That’s what I said!”
“I still think a gift would be nice,” Chongyun replied through gritted teeth., “but we’ve been brainstorming all day, and nothing comes to mind.” He clasped his hands together, resting them on the edge of the table. There was a strange, bubbling feeling in his chest. It felt like nervousness, the way his heart pounded against his ribcage, but he knew it wasn’t anxiety. It was guilt, bubbling and broiling in his lungs. He felt guilty. What people want for their birthday is basic friendship knowledge, and Chongyun didn’t even have the slightest idea what to get Xiao.
The sun continued to cast a golden blanket through the window of the parlor, making the skin on the back of his neck feel warm. He didn’t try to fight that warmth, though. Instead, he let it creep through his skull, down past his shoulders.
“You good?” Xingqiu asked, noticing the downcast expression that had fallen on Chongyun’s face.
“Yeah.” He nodded, but it wasn’t fooling anyone.
“Well,” Hu Tao leaned back in her chair, casually putting her hands behind her head, “If it were my birthday, all I’d want is to spend time with my friends. I don’t need birthday gifts.” She sighed, as if picturing the scene, contentment sprawled across her face. “We’d have a party, maybe bake a cake together. Yeah.” She smiled.
“If it were my birthday,” Xingqiu decided, donning a wistful expression, “I’d have all my friends and family at my house. And we’d all sit around a huge table, with fancy silverware and plates, and my dad would prepare some of his best recipes.” Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on the table, chin in the palms of his hands. “He never cooks anymore,” he said, “I think I’ll ask him to for my next birthday.”
Chongyun tilted his head. There was a common theme… community, food… “So…” he began, thinking aloud, “Your biggest birthday wishes are to eat good food with your loved ones?”
Hu Tao and Xingqiu nodded.
“Then I think I know a good birthday gift for Xiao. Let’s go,” he said, standing, “We don’t have any time to waste!”
The heat from the light of the window was beginning to spread even further, dissolving the bubbling guilt in his chest, replacing it with hope and excitement. Chongyun ignored Hu Tao’s and Xingqiu’s questions as he led them from the funeral parlor and back onto the bustling harbor. He couldn’t voice his idea until he was there, fearing once he said it out loud, it would disappear.
——
“Seriously???” Xiangling groaned at Chongyun’s request as she handed orders through the front window of the Wanmin Restaurant. “A special order, right in the middle of the rush?”
The sun had set, the street lamps and vendors taking control of the light in the night. The Wanmin Restaurant was the life of the town, crowds of people seated to the side of the building, lines of patrons waiting to put in an order stretching several hundred feet down the cobblestone.
“It’s really important,” Chongyun insisted, pleading to the girl behind the counter from the street. “You know I wouldn’t ask this of you if it wasn’t.” He could feel the worry returning to his stomach. Behind him, Xingqiu and Hu Tao shared a glance.
“You could have called ahead- Enjoy! Thanks for choosing the Wanmin Restaurant!” She plastered a smile on her face as she handed a bowl of soup out the window to an appreciative customer.
Chongyun let out an exasperated sigh, clasping his hands together. “Please, Xiangling,” he began, “I’ll owe you, I swear.”
Before the promise even left his lips, Xiangling thrust two huge plates at him with piles of steaming food on top. “I’ll do it, but I’m cashing in the favor right now,” she insisted, already busying herself at the register with the next customer. “These plates go to table four. You’re our waiter tonight.” She pointed to the table where the food would be going too on the side of the building. With an ecstatic smile, Chongyun hurried off, leaving Xingqiu and Hu Tao to wonder what the heck just happened.
“Did you hear any of that conversation?” Xingqiu turned to her, confusion plastered on his face.
“Nope,” Hu Tao shrugged, an amused smile tugging at her lips as Chongyun brought the dishes over to the patrons. “I’m excited to see what happens, though.”
“Ah. You see it too?” Xingqiu laughed to himself.
Hu Tao nodded. “Yup. His yang’s showing.”
“Oh, definitely.” The two watched Chongyun rush from table to table. Somehow, in the few seconds they’d looked away, he’d somehow acquired an apron as well as a pad of paper and a quill. He was taking orders, delivering meals with gusto, making extravagant conversation whenever he wasn’t busy with the former tasks. The pink in his cheeks was very apparent as he zipped around the patio with energy he didn’t normally possess. This was going to be a very interesting evening.
——
He paced.
What else was there to do? His energy had to go somewhere.
Xiangling and Xingqiu had retreated to the kitchen some time ago, cleaning up after a busy night of serving customers. The sound of running water and clinking dishes could be heard as Chongyun walked mindlessly on the street out front. Hu Tao rested with her head in her arms, fast asleep on a table to the side of the restaurant. Her own energetic personality was always outshined and exhausted by Chongyun’s pure-yang spirit. He knew she loved him, but whenever his cheeks turned pink, or sweat started dripping from the ends of his hair, the result drained her of her energy every time. In a clear mind, Chongyun might be offended that he tried his friends out like this, but his thoughts continued to be plagued with worry, the bubbling heat in his stomach no longer restrained as flashes of warmth crept across his skin.
The gift he’d commissioned from Xiangling sat on the table, guarded by a snoozing Hu Tao. He needed to call for Xiao before the dish went cold. He needed to call for Xiao before Xingqiu got hungry. He needed to call for Xiao so that he could wish him a happy birthday before midnight, but he couldn’t. He was simply… worried. What if Xingqiu was right, and Xiao didn’t even want to think about his birthday? What if Xiangling added too many chilis, and Xiao choked trying to rid his mouth of the taste? There were too many what-if’s. Too many variables, too many ways the gift he’d so meticulously chosen wouldn’t be well received.
And so, he paced.
He walked, one foot in front of the other, deep breaths in, deep breaths out, trying to muster the courage to call for Adeptus Xiao into the night.
“Chongyun?” A low voice whispered behind him, making the boy freeze in his tracks. He clenched his eyes shut, hoping it wasn’t who he thought it was. Seconds of silence passed before Chongyun managed to open his eyes to the street in front of him.
The voice came to him again. “Chongyun, are you alright?”
He whipped around, coming face to face with none other than the adeptus he’d been hoping wouldn’t show until he was ready. Xiao had concern plastered on his face as he looked at the young boy in front of him, though it quickly melted into amusement as he realized why Chongyun was acting so strange. “You’re a bit heated, no?”
“Um-“ Chongyun spared a glance at the dish on the table, Hu Tao still fast asleep next to it. Looking up at Xiao again, Chongyun felt an unsteady warmth spread to his limbs. His vision started swirling, the same what-if’s running through his head. What if he didn’t like the gift? What if he hated birthdays? What if it wasn’t enough to thank him for everything he’d done for everyone? Of course a plate of food made by a teenager wouldn’t be enough, Xiao had been protecting Liyue for generations, spending his days chasing away monsters and demons, sacrificing his well being and balance, and still finding time to train with a bunch of children. The worries piled, and Chongyun started to feel the ground sway under him.
“Hey,” Xiao whispered, coming to one knee in front of Chongyun, placing a firm grip on either of the boy’s arms. “You’re getting pale. Take a breath for me, will you?”
Chongyun took a shaky breath, looking again to the dish on the table at the back of the patio. “How did you find us here?” he finally asked, having trouble making eye contact.
Xiao smiled, looking at a sleeping Hu Tao, then listening to the laughter of Xiangling and Xingqiu in the kitchen. “I just had a feeling I’d need to find you today.” He stood, tilting his head, unsure why he felt that way.
“I- I’ve been meaning to call for you,” Chongyun confessed. He clenched his teeth. He balled his fists. It was now or never. “I have something to give you!” The words came out in a fraction of a second before Chongyun made a beeline for the table, heat still prickling at his kin and tugging in his chest.
He grabbed the plate and spun around again, hands outstretched to present his gift.
“What’s this?” Xiao asked, stepping back to avoid being hit as Chongyun thrust the plate at him.
“Happy birthday.” Chongyun bowed his head, nervous as he felt the weight of the plate leave his hands. His eyes were shut once more, hardly able to bear the reaction Xiao might portray.
Though the reaction he received wasn’t one he was expecting. Xiao stammered and stuttered, before falling silent again. He took a step back, staring at the food that had been given to him. Almond tofu.
“…Birthday?”
Chongyun snapped to attention. “A-April seventeenth. Right?” Gods, what if he’d gotten the date wrong? Then Xiao would never forgive him-
“That’s today?” Xiao whispered, eyes glued to the tofu on the plate.
“I’m sorry, I know this gift isn’t that special,” Chongyun could feel his face growing warm, spots dancing in his vision, head growing heavy. “I searched and searched all day for a gift, but I couldn’t find anything- Xiangling made her famous recipe- I know it’s not amazing, and I wanted it to be perfect and Xingqiu tried to help, and Hu Tao- I just wanted to say thank you for everything and happy birthday, I’m sorry I couldn’t find something more extraordinary than a meal, but I-“
He was interrupted by arms wrapping around him, holding him tight. The dish of almond tofu had been placed on a table to the side as Xiao pulled Chongyun to him, holding him in an embrace more secure than trees rooted to the ground. Stunned, Chongyun stood unmoving.
“I didn’t even know,” Xiao said, still holding onto the boy in front of him. His words shook Chongyun from the state he was in, allowing him to return the embrace, wrapping his arms around Xiao’s torso. “Thank you,” he said, a slight shiver in the way he delivered the words. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Really?” The prickly warmth that had started to spread on Chongyun’s skin started to recede, replaced by a feeling of contentment and relief.
“Yeah.” Xiao pulled away, smiling dearly, a twinkle in his eyes. “Let’s get the others,” he said. “I’d love to share this meal with you.”