Work Text:
If you have time today, please come visit me. Excuse me, I don't know how to properly express how I am feeling. I actually thought about it all day... My face feels hot, but I still can't find the right words. But if I don't take this opportunity to tell you, I know, I will regret it for the next year.
No need to fret! This won't be about training or searching for evil spirits. I just wanted to take this time to causally chat with you.
I want to tell you about the strange things that have been occurring and also hear about all the experiences you have had on your journey.
Besides, I feel that my material arts has progressed slightly and I would like some advice from you regarding material arts techniques.
I have already prepared enough popsicles! No matter what happens
I'll be in control and not ruin our gathering. I'll be waiting for you.
With a light blush on his cheeks, the traveler neatly folds the letter back inside the envelope and turns to Paimon.
"I have a feeling that Chongyun may have sent this to the wrong person."
____
Waiting anxiously, Chongyun munches on his second popsicle. He can't risk getting overheated, even before Xingqiu arrives. Today is the day, he'd promised himself. To ensure that he won't back out again, he dropped some hints in his letter, that he has something important to say, so Xingqiu won't let him off the hook easily.
With his free hand he rumages around the picnic basket he prepared in advance, to check if he missed anything. When he find everything in place, he clutches the basket thightly in his hand.
He included all the advices for a romantic picnic he got from Xiangling, to make his intention as obvious as possible, so that Xingqiu can easily catch on to it.
He even was that desperate to ask Xingqiu's brother for some advice. Even though it was humiliating, having someone with actual experience in that department and additionally knows Xingqiu well, was quite helpful.
It was actually him to come up with the idea to convey his feelings in a letter, since Chongyun has trouble expressing them.
Even the reminder of this awkward conversation has him chomping down harder on his popsicle.
After another much needed popsicle, he finally spots someone in the distance. But to his disappointment it's the traveler instead of his best friend.
Confused as to the reasons of the traveler's visit, especially after he mentioned in his letter that he would be busy today, he walks towards him.
Maybe it's some kind of emergency.
When the traveler spots him, he immediately starts sprinting.
His confusion must be written all over his face, because before Chongyun can even think of a question, the traveler holds out a letter, slightly bowing.
"Since you mentioned no specific place in the letter it was kind of hard to find you. I'm sorry, but I think you send this to the wrong person."
Taken aback, Chongyun flinches. How can he think that, the travler is a good friend of his, why would he...
Chongyun gasps as the meaning of the words hit him. Hurriedly he snatches the letter from the offering hand and reads it. Dread fills him as he reads the words meant for Xingqiu. That means...
He drops the basket, utters a short apology to Aether, before storming of.
____
It's not hard to find Xingqiu, sitting on the cliff of the mountain, the whole city at his feet. He often comes here, when he had an argument with his family or just to have some time for himself.
"Xingqiu."
"What are you doing here, I thought you had a place to be.", Xingqiu replies without turning around. His voice strangely void of any emotion.
Chongyun sits down right next to him. "Xingqiu", his hair obscures most of his face, leaving Chongyun only to guess his friend's expression. "The letter you received today wasn't for you."
A tremble shakes the body next to him, but it doesn't let his gaze stray from the city beneath. "What do you mean?"
"I accidently mixed up the letters. This is the one for you.", Chongyun explains and hands over the right letter.
This caused Xingqiu to meet his gaze. Light red surrounding his golden eyes, indicating shed tears, sends a stabbing pain straight through Chongyun's chest.
Xingqiu eagerly reads the letter, light red dusting spreading on his cheeks. Only now remembering his written words, Chongyun averts his gaze, embarrassed.
"Oh.", is Xingqiu's only reply.
"I am sorry for the mix up. I can understand if you don't want to anymore, but I prepared dinner for us..."
"No! I mean yes! I mean... I would like to spend today with you."
Xingqiu's spreading grin outmatches the equal blush on both their faces. He confidently places his hand in Chongyun's and jumps up, ready to go.
"Lead the way, my dear Chongyun."
____
Letter originally meant for the traveler:
I found this gem on my travels through Liyue today and it kind of reminded me of you. Since I found it on my birthday, it has to be a protection charm, don't you think.
Even though I still have a long way to go, before I can match your strength, I would be happy if you could spare some time to spar with me again.
Today I will spend my time with my dearest friend, but you're welcome to visit me any other time.