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Humming to himself and attempting to move his feet in coordination with the song was proving to be a bit more difficult than Eula made it seem.
Step one was easy: just slide his left foot forward. Chongyun lifted his left foot and extended it out about as much as he usually would a normal step. Okay first step done, now all he had to do was move his right foot and bring it over a bit more to the right. He brought his right foot level with his left and then got into a stance with his feet a bit wider than his shoulders.
Then balancing on his right foot he picked up his left and brought it so it was right next to his right foot. Okay, he’s done well so far! Pleased that he hadn’t lost his balance he progressed. Stepping his right foot back and then immediately moving his left back to its original place he lost his balance and had to take a shorter step than intended.
Frustrated, he huffed out a breath. How could he not get this, it was four steps, he watched Eula while she did the steps and it looked so easy.
But he wasn’t going to give up, he was going to get this.
He took a deep breath and started again. Humming softly to himself step, step, wobble, stick the landing, step…
The sound of crunching grass interrupted his thoughts and when he turned he once again lost his balance, trying to put his foot down he ended up twisting his legs somehow and fell to the ground. Oh, and there was the person who always made him feel off balance even when he was sitting down. Xingqiu’s laugh rang clear through the field as Chongyun looked up at him.
“I was hoping I could find you out here. What training has been occupying you today dearest? It almost appeared that you were dancing.”
Xingqiu walked over to him and Chongyun could feel his face heating in embarrassment. Xingqiu never seemed to have problems like this; he was always so flawless in his movements, sure and delicate.
But Chongyun had seen the work his friend put into making sure that he came across that way, and that’s what he was doing now putting in the work.
Xingqiu tilted his head as he extended his hand, making his asymmetric bangs almost even. The sun highlighted the flecks of gold in his light brown eyes. Chongyun could feel crystalflies in his stomach, fluttering and warm, how he always felt whenever he looked at Xingqiu.
“It was dancing or at least my attempt at it. Eula suggested it to help improve my balance, but I’ve only managed to confirm that it is something I need to work on.”
Chongyun accepted the offered hand and Xingqiu helped tug him to his feet. Xingqiu took Chongyun’s hand and gently placed it on his shoulder. Leaving it there he slid his arm under Chongyun’s armpit and brought his right hand to Chongyun’s back. He then trailed his left hand down Chongyun’s arm, when his fingers were in Chongyun’s palm he slowly interlaced their fingers together.
“Well, I have learned many different dance styles for all those parties I have had to attend. I could put my knowledge to good use for once. If you would like?”
How was Chongyun supposed to turn down such a tempting offer? He could feel the heat of Xingqiu’s hand sinking in through his shirt, and that familiar hand in his. Their fingers interlaced and all he could think about was the way his friend’s smaller hand fit so well in his. He took a steadying breath and brought his gaze up to match Xingqiu’s.
“I would appreciate that. Thank you Xingqiu”
“Of course, Chongyun!", A gentle smile settled onto Xingqiu's face. “Now then the first step." Chongyun felt Xingqiu pull him forward using the hand on his back. He stepped his left foot forward but stepped a bit too far, landing on Xingqiu’s foot that had taken a step back.
“Okay let’s try that again, keep your steps small, you can’t take a step like you would with walking.” Chongyun nodded and they reset their feet, this time taking a smaller step forward he was able to maintain his balance better and also managed not to step on Xingqiu’s feet.
“Excellent! now we are going to bring your right foot to
the same level as your left and then take a side step with your right.” Chongyun could feel Xingqiu’s forearm pressed against his ribcage as he used the contact to nudge Chongyun to the right. How his friend hadn’t noticed his rapidly beating heart was beyond him.
With the smaller steps and the guidance from Xingqiu he was again able to maintain his balance. Chongyun beamed at Xingqiu, delighted to have already made what felt like progress on a technique that had evaded him. Then Xingqiu took a step forward. He pushed against Chongyun’s right hand, but Chongyun didn’t take the expected step backward and suddenly, while they had been close before there was now no space left between them. Their noses brushed while their chests were pressed together.
Xingqiu sucked in a breath that quickly became a giggle “You know you are supposed to take a step back when I step towards you” Xingqiu whispered. Chongyun could barely process the words as he felt more than heard them. The rumble of Xingqiu's chest where it was pressed against his, the light puff of air that landed on his cheek but mostly his lips. And wow Xingqiu’s lips really were that close to his. If Chongyun only leaned the littlest bit forward then they could make contact.
Chongyun blushed as his gaze dropped from Xingqiu's gleeful eyes to his slightly parted lips. Leaning in a little he could feel his nose brush against Xingqiu's and suddenly snapped out of his trance. He felt a blush rise to his face and could see a matching one dusted on Xingqiu's.
"Oh...right…..sorry" He took a step back. Following the steps of the dance.
From then on he Chongyun picked up the dance quickly with only a few minor missteps. Chongyun soon fell into the rhythm of dancing, lowly humming the tune from earlier.
"Thanks Xingqiu, I really appericate you taking the time to teach me. I feel like I have a better understanding."
“Well there is one thing I haven't taught you yet. Would you like to try leading?” Xingqiu had a grin on his face that reminded Chongyun of every time he ever ended up with chili peppers in his food.
They took their positions this time with Chongyun placing his hand on Xingqiu’s back. Okay, step one. Take a step forward and pull right? So Chongyun did just that, taking a step in towards Xingqiu and pulling. Only as he started to perform the actions did he realize he had needed to push Xingqiu. But Xingqiu gave no resistance to Chongyun’s tug. They were once again so close that almost any movement could lead to them kissing.
Xingqiu giggled and moved his head so that his lips were right next to Chongyun’s ear. “Just so you know, earlier I was hoping that you would kiss me, dearest.” Chongyuns face turned red his ears and neck flushing as Xingqiu pulled back.
“Would it be okay if I kissed you now instead?” Chongyun barely managed to get the words out, his throat dry and voice cracking. His hand at Xingqiu’s back pulled him in closer, returning them to their former proximity.
A shaky exhale from Xingqiu brought with it the best news.“Of course”
Their lips brushed together, just the briefest of touches. Chongyun brought his other arm around to hold Xingqiu tighter, pulling him into a hug. His eyes were screwed shut as he attempted to block out every sense other than touch. Trying to commit to memory the warm lips so lightly pressed to his, smooth against his own chapped lips. Suddenly self conscious he darted his tongue out, an attempt to wet his lips that had Xingqiu humming and pressing against him more.
Then he pulled away and Chongyun was still spinning, the ground beneath him, the world, it all seemed to tilt.
“Oh no” In his excitement to kiss Xingqiu he forgot about his energy and realized how hot, overwhelmed, and flushed he felt. Chongyun attempted to pull an icepop out of the bag he kept at his hip. He was guided to the ground by two firm hands on his shoulders.
Finally able to retrieve the ice pop he took a few bites. Keeping the ice in his mouth attempting to cool himself down. Xingqiu settled into a seat behind him, leaning chongyun against his chest as he leaned forward to nuzzle into Chongyun’s hair. It was a comfortable familiar position for the two of them. Xingqiu often held Chongyun like this when he overheated.
“Feeling alright dearest?” The familiar nickname took on a whole new meaning as it was now uttered by the boy who wanted to kiss him too. A fresh wave heat came over Chongyun as he remembered that lovely fact.
He took another bite of his icepop. “Fine, just overheated. Thank you for helping”
“Of course, and uh, what did you think of...the kiss?” The last part was whispered into his hair as the arms around his waist tightened.
Oh Xingqiu was nervous, a hard ball of guilt dropped into Chongyun’s stomach. He never wanted to make Xingqiu feel unsure. He twisted so that he could look at Xingqiu “It was great! My favorite, please can we do that again?” Oh he had not meant to say all that, a blush rising to his cheeks as his face heated up once again. Taking yet another bite of his ice pop he settled back into a seated position. His voice dropping to a quiet tone, “If you would like.”
Xingqiu chuckled. “Nothing could make me happier, but I can wait until you cooled down first, dearest.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon lying in the grass, enjoying their time together, they had plently of time to work out the details.
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Author's note
Thanks for reading! This has been sitting in my notes for way to long. I hope you enjoyed!