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Xingqiu and Chongyun wordlessly entered the restroom stall. Xingqiu smiled as he locked the door behind him.
“… Now isn’t this romantic?” Xingqiu’s sarcastic voice trailed off.
Chongyun scoffed. They stared at each other against the cracks of the dim light. The only source of light being a small window at the top of the wall.
The young master’s companion was glowing under the illumination of the moon. It seemed downright supernatural, the way all of his face's perfect angles were accentuated by the light that caressed his skin. Xingqiu settled a hand on Chongyun’s warm cheek. Dizzying was the sensation of his fingers tracing him languidly. For a moment he paused, taking in the strange rush he got from looking at Xingqiu’s honey, doe-like eyes.
And Xingqiu couldn’t falter his grin. Leading your lover into a minimal, private space away from prying eyes is romantic—a matter only encountered in a romance novel, no?
As for Chongyun, the exorcist has to remind himself to stay calm, to pacify his wavering heart. And his heart..It hasn’t been truly his ever since they had started becoming more than friends.
The bookworm explained to Chongyun what couples would do in the romance novels he would sneak into his weekly purchases at the book house. Among these stories, a matter that caught Chongyun’s attention was ‘Fontainian Kissing’ he opted the two should try that, as if Xingqiu’s daily pecks on the lips didn’t inflame his delicate constitution already. Xingqiu laughed, surprised by his confidence. Thinking Chongyun doesn’t know what he’s asking for, does he?
It is a good idea, really. The two never really dabbled on such topics, and it seemed natural that they took their relationship to another step after taking it so slow. Additionally, examine the exorcist’s current limits.
—
A restroom stall. In Wanmin Restaurant, a narrow one at that, it was apparent that it was a one-person stall. Although, the two have ample room to move about despite the restrictiveness.
With a pair of exorcist shoes next to the young master's designer heels readily visible for anyone to see under the closed stall.
Chongyun fiddled absentmindedly with his clothes, clearly beginning to fret about anyone entering, as if that were the least of his current problems. He tries not to think about it… about how even their breaths could be heard in the silent atmosphere. About how the tension was suffocating him. Perhaps out of pity did Xingqiu accept his suggestion.
“Xingqiu,” Chongyun started, crossing his arms, “have you perchance remembered that you’re the one who led us here?”
The latter snickers, remembering Xiangling’s expression when she saw Chongyun’s wrist in Xingqiu’s grasp, and the two speed walking to the men’s restroom.
“Ah, yes. I was much too pleased to hear you wished to try further kissing today; hence I quickly chose the closest secluded area…like a fool. I hope you don’t mind terribly.” Xingqiu reassures as he—gently, always gently with Chongyun, places a hand on his shoulder. He takes a quick glance at the stall door to make sure it was locked, and then looks back at the exorcist with hopeful eyes.
“We shan’t worry, alright? I have also read enough guides to be prepared for this moment. Although, there's no guarantee it’ll be to your liking…” He laughed.
Xingqiu took note of the redness across his face, the somewhat glazed look in his eyes, and his irregular breathing pattern.
Chongyun’s heart trips in his chest. Maybe it’s the way he read books to have some guidance. Suddenly, he feels he can barely look at Xingqiu; he knows he's blushing horribly. His constitution is acting up, of course it is. Chongyun wouldn't even be remotely surprised if that had been the other's goal all along.
He nods at him, lowering his gaze. In an absolutely pathetic attempt to hide his red face. His body was already at the brink of overflowing with heat. Yet, he prepared as well and trained himself weeks beyond this day. How futile.
Getting jeuyun chilies snuck into your food is one thing, but kissing. It’s quite another thing. Although both light the same fire. He tries his hardest to deny it.
“Uh,” Chongyun swallows, his voice indistinct. “Won’t—won’t Xu worry about you?”
“Um, ahaha…” Xingqiu takes out his pocket watch and realizes it is quite late. He dismisses all the thoughts of the consequences he has to deal with. “Might I meet his disappointed face after this, but it is nothing I haven’t seen countless times.” He mused, watching the other carefully.
Chongyun thought if it was really okay to be with him in such a small space with Xingqiu’s smile so inviting, so coy? Okay for his yang spirit? Okay for whatever scandal anyone would make up about the second son if they knew what they were doing? He shivers at that thought.
He exhales, “Yes, I imagine… I’m sorry. I want this, but you don’t have to go such lengths for my sake, and I know you’re busy,”
He couldn't help but agree with the sentiment, as he had found himself knowing Xu was waiting for him with a list of tasks ready for him. But still—with the Feiyun Commerce Guild oppressing his youth, he needs only to luxuriate with Chongyun in any chance he seeks and tug at his heartstrings.
The swordsman sighs and leans against a wall, twisting his earring, a confused look on Chongyun’s face follows.
How could Chongyun, bless his heart, possibly think such a thing? He dreamt of this. And boy, he wasn’t going to let go now. He can very much take the risk. He wanted to cling to every surge of affection with him, indulge in his heart’s casual yearning with this boy, show the deep reverence he has for him. Xingqiu loves him and wants him around for as long as possible.
This was so…secretive, disreputable almost. But he will take any chance to get off business affairs anyway, and this is a great chance.
But ever so doubtful Chongyun.
His partner trusts him with his life that he submits himself to Xingqiu straight away, but is so denouncing of himself that no amount of reassurance can sincerely put him at ease. A shame…to Xingqiu. He needed to do better as his partner.
But, he can’t argue with that. To his detriment, in the end, young master Xingqiu will be left with a stack of paperwork waiting by his feet.
And, even if the thought of getting less leisure time made Xingqiu want to add his father to his blacklist, he will linger with his lover. He can just sneak out again.
So.
“It’s like you’re made of glass. For I want this as much as you do—if not more. Who am I to dismiss my beloved’s offer for more affection?” He asked and cocked his head to the side as he stared at his boyfriend with an immovable smile on his face. Instinctually, heat rushed to Chongyun's cheeks at the careful reassurance.
He leaned in closer, looking into the blue eyes he loved to lose himself in. Chongyun’s back met the wall behind him. He’s going to overheat. He will pass out in front of him and destroy things for Xingqiu.
Chongyun’s face turned bright red. “Ah, um. I…this is making me more nervous.” He groans.
He might have a hunch why. With the thought of them doing something so secretive and having his face only inches close to Chongyun’s.
“You’re nervous? That’s normal… I’m rather nervous myself,” He squeezes his arm. “I lack any such experience, and this sort of activity between lovers is indeed intimate." Xingqiu whispered that last word. Delicate hands settle on Chongyun’s shoulder again and slowly descend, long fingertips now resting against Chongyun’s elbow, the sparking feeling runs along Chongyun’s spine.
Chongyun didn’t miss the romantic implications of this. The anticipation in the air is tense.
“Ah, yes likewise…” Chongyun shudders and brings his palms up to his hot face.
His eyes shot up when his partner grabbed his wrists. A fraction is all his head turns, the barest shift, but it is enough to show that his attention is his entirely.
“My dear, I can’t exactly kiss you if you cover yourself. What have you to fear?” He says, in typical Xingqiu fashion, a tease. Trapped in the heat of the moment, Chongyun let his wrists be guided away from his face ever so gently, and thus they were pinned against the wall beside his head. Ugh, unhygienic, but Xingqiu couldn’t bring himself to care.
His breath hitched, and their closeness sent shivers through his nerves, shivers that made his whole body tremble. It's a sharp contrast from his calm and collected personality, and Xingqiu finds himself completely engrossed in it.
“Xingqiu.” Chongyun says softly. “This is...” thrilling, he wants to say, but that would be his excessive yang speaking for him, or so he thought. Chongyun swallowed, hard. He avoided Xingqiu's gaze, his mouth going dry as he parted his mouth to speak, too flustered.
Xingqiu’s breath fanned his face, gentle and soft, as Chongyun stared for a moment into the expanse of his amber eyes. Gazing over his perfectly shaped face, lidded eyes, slightly parted lips. The sensual, heavy tension only grew between them like fog as Chongyun notices him staring.
Xingqiu stammered, “I…I do apologize, one cannot be chivalrous without manners. Might I ask, Is this fine with you? I don’t—don’t want to make anything unbearable for you..” He taps his gold heels against the restroom tiles. “I’m just trying things.” He says in a low whisper and observes Chongyun’s reaction, though he tried to hide the lack of confidence in his actions.
His lover remains speechless. The corner of his mouth twitches with some strained expression. He looks at him with hesitant yet earnest eye contact, waiting for a reply with his lips tightly sealed.
Xingqiu squints at him and traces circles on the other’s wrist with his thumbs. "Is your silence a yes or no?"
He doesn't even know himself, archons know he doesn't and still- Chongyun is just left staring at the graceful, seemingly delicately carved features of his boyfriend.
“Ahem,” Xingqiu starts, taking his attention, “If my memory serves me correct, when you feel hot, you scrunch your nose and you lose your breathing technique. Should I grab a popsicle Chef Mao has prepared from the ice box?”
Chongyun fires him an involuntary look, certain Xingqiu must be able to hear his heart pounding too. “It’s—I’m alright. I brought some popsicles along the way. Xiangling will just get suspicious”
The older boy huffs. Stupid Stupid Stupid Xingqiu, always constantly vigilant for any signal of dissatisfaction he may make. Either that or he’s the one causing him to overheat. He silently curses Xjngqiu’s way of perceiving every mico-expression on his face. No one in this world knows him better.
The swordsman nodded, pressing his lips together to hold back a victorious smile. A thrill ripples through him.
“Alright. I may… be the simple reason for some of your episodes, but I want you to have every recollection of this.”
Chongyun’s sighs, to which he rolls his eyes. He murmurs, “I will, surely this isn’t the same as being forced to eat hot food.”
“We’ll see.” Says Xingqiu, charmed, “I am but the hero who will cool you down if that’s the case. But if you didn’t bring popsicles, we’d be in a bit of a predicament–if you do overheat, that is.”
He can only blush at that, his thoughtfulness. “Thank you. I find that you’re always here for me.”
Xingqiu blinks at him, shocked and pleased. “Oh, my Chongyun. Think nothing of it.”
He releases his wrists anyway, not wanting to flare up his boyfriend even more, and Chongyun doesn’t protest. Instead, Xingqiu guides Chongyun’s hands to hold his waist, instructing him where to place his hands. Chongyun gasps. This might actually be more heat-inducing to his yang equilibrium than that of Xingqiu pinning him, but he isn’t willing to admit that. He brushes a lock of Chongyun’s hair framing his flawless face.
Chongyun slightly squeezes the silk garment encasing the small torso. “How do you even know my symptoms anyway…?”
“I’m well acquainted with the tip-offs of your condition by now. Do you deny the profoundness of the long-lasting friendship we had?” His voice echoing among the empty restroom, a teasing hint to his tone.
“Of course not.” Chongyun replies with a stern scowl.
Xingqiu chuckles, a soft and airy one. He looks at him again and not for the first time he thinks, I want to kiss him already.
Xingqiu turned to his boyfriend, “We can take short breaks sporadically if you so desire.”
“I suppose that’s a good idea.”
So, the two were inches close, space between them almost non-existent. The gold brooch on heir’s coat pierces Chongyun’s chest a little and Xingqiu could feel the other's heat he himself emanated. He grazes over the crest of the exorcist’s dark turtleneck experimentally, with the very tips of his fingers, Chongyun takes a deep breath. Now, the rest of the world could only fade into nullity.
Although Xingqiu gives himself a few seconds to stare at the boy in front of him and raises a hand to run through his hair, he sighs as his bangs fall back in place. Xingqiu's breath catches in his throat, at his beauty. For once, he's the speechless one.
In the young master’s eyes—he’s flawless. Chongyun’s skin is so smooth, soft, and pinchable yet it looks like a porcelain doll’s. Xingqiu admires the way his pale skin made him look like he's glazed in frost, his cat-like eyes like ice crystals. He truly does live up to his eminent reputation. A heart of clear water, and a face of ice. Xingqiu thinks his looks are something of an ice prince that would be described in a book, wondering how he ended up with the most beautiful boy in Liyue.
Chongyun held his breath in fear of exhaling too hard. Xingqiu felt that he was admiring him, too. And really, it is truly not fair. He’s inhumanly beautiful and adorable and just unfairly kissable that Xingqiu can’t be faulted for stumbling.
Although he could continue picking apart the magnificence that Chongyun is, they both had things to do.
“Do,” Xingqiu swallows, showing a hint of nervousness himself now, which oddly makes Chongyun feel better, “you wish to go first?” He asks tentatively, after realizing both of them did not know where to start. They listen to the sounds of their breaths under the somber light in the few seconds of awkward silence. Somewhere outside the restroom, the pots and pans clanging fade into obscurity.
“Um...” Chongyun licks his lips nervously, while Xingqiu keeps his eyes on his face. Chongyun hesitated, unmoving, waiting for Xingqiu to prompt him, to say something. Because he can’t quite bring himself to say, please initiate first, so he settles for fidgeting wordlessly at Xingqiu’s frilly sleeves, and Oh, Xingqiu doesn’t know why he even asked. Chongyun has always been the shyest of the two, of course.
Xingqiu leans forward and pecks the starting kiss onto Chongyun’s lips. The usual, quick but melting and unforgettable kiss he anticipates for every day. The faintest scent of mist flowers tickles Xingqiu’s nose, and he gets lost in the clouds. Chongyun, doomed as he is, gives him a kiss back and exhales a long, shaky breath, eyes wide, looking a little too overwhelmed over a short kiss, his heart pounds with an affection that makes his hands tremble. At that, Xingqiu can’t even imagine what he’d be like when they kiss more.
Not wanting to waste popsicles, the light haired boy unclips his cryo vision from his belt, and rubs it over his forehead in an effort to alleviate his symptoms. He sighs at the cold sensation against his warm skin before clipping it back. It, predictably, accomplishes nothing.
How cute, the young heir was far too in love to see the action as anything but endearing.
And to Chongyun’s demise, the way Xingqiu’s mouth curved up in a smile only made matters worse. He wraps his arms around his waist again.
“Deep breaths now. We barely started, worked up already?” Xingqiu started, warm breath tickled Chongyun’s cheek. “I trust you enjoy me so much?”
“I have been,” Chongyun lets out a long exhale and shoots him a glare. “For a while.” And he doesn’t know which question he’s answering.
Xingqiu lets out a breathless laugh. A dainty hand prompted on his boyfriend’s arms and slowly, teasingly caressed him down to the hand holding his waist, each drag of his fingers sending a spark to his condition. Xingqiu presses his forehead to his lover’s, sighing.
Their proximity made it hard to form a coherent thought, and the vulnerability in those golden eyes made Chongyun’s chest clench.
“Relax, Chongyun.” Xingqiu murmured, with that doting voice, a sultry tone—the voice he will only use with Chongyun. Different from the one he uses as the second son.
After a moment, Chongyun pulls away to murmur, his temperature burning up. “Yes — I’m trying here.”
“I know. Look at me.” He advised, keeping the other’s back precariously against the stall.
The warmth across Chongyun's face grew when Xingqiu tilted his jaw up to face him. Something that resembled awe sparked in his eyes, glowing in amber as they held each other's gaze. Xingqiu’s lidded eyes were slightly covered by a few strands of hair.
You’d think if you touch the cryo user it'll be as if you're holding an ice cube. But Chongyun’s skin is warm, as if he was held back by the overpowering pure yang body inside him. And he’s trembling incredibly as electricity sparked from Xingqiu's fingers on his neck and ran down his spine. It couldn't have been healthy for his heart to be hammering so hard…
But Xingqiu only smiled at the way he could feel Chongyun’s abundant energy radiating his skin. For a split second, he feels like a spirit overwhelmed with Chongyun’s vitality.
He pinches his cheek, impulsive thoughts beating him. Chongyun pouts. It’s ridiculously childish. Xingqiu wants to kiss him again.
“I'm… nervous.” Chongyun says again, hating the way his voice shakes out of him. Chongyun didn't look at him, his eyes had fallen to his lips.
“You’ll be okay. This is nothing too complicated, i promise.” Xingqiu replied with a voice so carefully light.
“Alright..”
The young master’s hands cup Chongyun’s face, his thumb strokes his soft cheeks. “Close your eyes and relax, I will lead you, you’re not obligated to do anything first. If your tender vitality suffocates you, tell me and we stop. You would do well to remember that.”
He nods on his palms, light blue hair bobbing. Chongyun follows and closes his eyes. He lets his lips open a little. His eyebrows furrow as he scrunches his nose, and Chongyun worries about how silly he looks. Xingqiu confirms it with his childish giggles. The arms wrapped around Xingqiu’s waist tug him.
Xingqiu whispers and grins helplessly. “Chongyun, you’re adorable. Now shall we? I’m growing quite impatient here.” At that, the tingling in Chongyun’s stomach grew more intense, so much so that it had spread through his chest and arms, all the way to his fingertips.
He brings his lips to Chongyun’s, just the briefest contact, a cruel tease, before pulling back out and outright smiling when Chongyun lets out a frustrated huff and tries to tilt his head to get Xingqiu’s mouth on his.
Hurry. Chongyun thinks, impatience simmering under his skin, almost tangible.
So, he does the unthinkable. Chongyun whispers on his lips, “Okay… okay.” A reassurance to himself that this is really happening. Cupping the back of Chongyun’s neck with one hand and taking his chin with the other, Xingqiu pulls him in, soft and wet lips pressed on him. Then it was Xingqiu that began to move, as if his plush lips were caressing his. It was a clumsy and somewhat stiff movement. Chongyun’s eyebrows furrow, he wasn’t used to kissing him for even more than two seconds.
For a moment, Chongyun’s mind goes quiet, and it goes into an overwhelming haze as all he could feel was the young master’s insistent mouth parting his shaking lips—like he was drowning in silk flowers. There were quiet, wet smacking sounds when they opened and closed. The way he was moving on Chongyun was weird, but not in a bad way. It was new, unfamiliar, it’s eager, considering they’ve never graduated to anything further than quick pecks. But it is everything. They kissed carefully with the tenderness he only ever yearned for.
Chongyun makes a tiny noise that he’s never made in Xingqiu’s presence before. Throaty, soft and surprised. He tried to relax, remembering this was Xingqiu’s first time too, but he was having a hard time catching up with his movements and gasping for air. With the way they’re pressed so dangerously close and the way Xingqiu’s lips are so wet and sensually caressing his.
And when fingertips graze his nape, in constant quiet motion, Chongyun gulps down his heart. One of his hands flares around a bit, looking for something to lean onto, but there's nothing but a closed toilet by his leg and his boyfriend kissing him.
An intolerable hotness creeps up Chongyun’s chest and quickly pushes Xingqiu’s shoulder away, he lays his head back against the wall, panting heavily, all too flustered over an innocent closed-mouth kiss. He immediately tries to look through the narrow space through the door for anyone else in the restroom.
Xingqiu reaches up and pinches the exorcist’s nose. “Breathe through your nose, will you?” He says between wet lips. Licking them, he tasted cold mint.
“Right. S-sorry.” He felt the awkwardness of his inexperience more present than ever.
Chongyun heard a snicker from the other, following him with a bewildered look.
“Ahh, Chongyun,” His fist brought its way to his lips as he laughed. “The way you were kissing me reminded me too much of a fish. Or perhaps a hungry cat-”
“Wh- Xingqiu!” In severe humiliation, Chongyun buries his head into his boyfriend’s shoulder in an attempt to hide his red face. And now worried about his kissing skills. The sudden teasing sunk through his chest as the sharp embarrassment cut through his body. “Morax, please rid me of this earth...” He groaned.
Shaking his head, he responded, “Oh no. I do apologize! I don’t mean to poke fun, it’s… endearing, really.” He runs his hands through his frost locks and looks up to the ceiling as he laughed. Somehow that was even more embarrassing to him.
He groans into his shoulder again. “Aha.. Rest assured, Chongyun, we’re both new to this. Please don’t dwell on it.”
“You wound me, Xingqiu.”
“Now, now, but you like me so much.”
“I do.” Chongyun says, with no hesitation. “Uh… Again?” He points to his lips and raises his head to look at him, tracing light fingers over his dark coat, which has long been wrinkled by his strong squeezes.
Chongyun fights down a smile as he sends the book lover a pointed look. And as usual, Xingqiu returns it with a cheeky grin. “Eager?”
Xingqiu pulled Chongyun to him the second time, and the rest of his words were lost against his mouth. His heartbeat skidded, and Xingqiu leaned greedily into the kiss. He gasped as his lips parted and as Xingqiu’s arms twined around his neck. His sweet, nervous Chongyun was breathing heavily into him. Butterflies tingled in Xingqiu’s stomach, he let out a breath as he nibbled against Chongyun’s lower lip.
He softly pushes Xingqiu away, eyes lidded and stirred in a shocking feeling. Chongyun was relieved to see his mouth curled into a blissful, genuine smile. But he felt so lightheaded that he teetered on the brink of passing out. His normally pale skin was flushed a deep, hot red from his cheeks all the way down his throat and chest.
Then Xingqiu makes a confused expression when Chongyun starts panting, and he hesitates for an agonizing second. His head tilts toward him and greets his plump lips. Shortly after, he pushes Xingqiu away again in a gasp. They kiss more, and Chongyun breaks the kisses apart repeatedly as he does his best to regulate his disastrous breathing. Soft. Lithe. Wet. Warm. These words went through his mind in each press of his lips.
When they pulled away for Archons know how many times, Xingqiu found that, at some point, his hand had released Chongyun's neck and was now clutching his shirt.
Xingqiu released a long sigh, Chongyun twitched at the hot breath. “Chongyun, I believe you have to relax into it. You need not to shy away, pushing me away after short periods. Do you…wish to stop?” He asks, voice breathy and mouth hardly separated an inch from Chongyun’s.
Chongyun inhales shakily, and his eyes dart from his lover’s eyes to his lips.
“No! Sorry, I feel like I’m burning every time and—but. I promise i’ll be fine. I want to keep going.” He stammered and waved dismissively, “It’s just..It’s a bit intense.”
He gives him a concerned look. “Please bring out a popsicle if you require one. I shudder to think you’d forget this.”
Suddenly, he feels guilty. “I’m sorry, I want to remember. I would rather not do anything bad to you either, or pass out.” Chongyun murmurs, fidgeting with Xingqiu’s silk attire. “I hope I’m not making this unenjoyable for you, Xingqiu.”
“What? Chongyun, you misunderstand!” Xingqiu reaches up and pinches his cheeks, pouting. “You’re doing anything but that. I feel as if I’m the one making this unbearable here.”
Xingqiu’s eyes flickered towards his mouth and pressed a gentle, prompt kiss onto his lips. “And you have been nothing but worrisome this entire time. Sit back and let me ease you, would you?” He inclined his head so that his forehead rested against his lover’s. Their eyes closed, breath intermixing.
He loves him for this. He loves him for every reason. He’s too kind to him. And with that, all doubts melted like a spring thaw in his heart.
When he spoke, the words were barely more than a whisper. “I do not deserve you.”
“Why, whatever do you mean? Fate has us tied together.
His words soothed his heart beyond measure.
Xingqiu started and first traced quick, glancing butterfly kisses across his mouth, each as measured as the beat of a heart. Their chests pressed against each other and Chongyun moved to meet his lips despite his stupor. Xingqiu brought his hands to his neck. He caressed his pulse point with the pad of his thumb, and Xingqiu made a hushed, high pitched whimper each time he pushed his lips closer.
The initial touch of innocence gradually faded into something a little more enthusiastic with the way they kiss, and Xingqiu’s mouth, coupled with the way his hand is sliding down his arm, was all too much. It was relentless yet slow, and if Chongyun thought his stirred up positivity earlier was bad, it's downright terrible now.. Xingqiu was being gentle with him—so unbelievably gentle yet giving him no chance to ease. Chongyun’s gloved hands flattened against the small of his back as they kissed, pressing Xingqiu to him while slowly, his self-control slipped. And suddenly Xingqiu understands why the novels describe kissing as melting because every inch of his body dissolves into Chongyun’s, gasping as he was kissed over and over.
Chongyun sighs when he suffocates the impulse to pull away and lets his excessive yang energy creep up his chest. He doesn’t mind it. Because his partner is kissing him like he has thought about it more than he has. He can suffer under the unbearable heat of his emotions if it meant he could keep enjoying this while it lasts, because Xingqiu claims all of whatever worries clutter the exorcist’s thoughts.
But they separate for an itching second, giving Chongyun a chance to breathe and for the two to change the angle.
It was his turn to experiment, Chongyun tilts his head a little to press his active lips deeper onto his. It seems he’d learn quick. And Oh, God. Xingqiu thinks dizzily. Good. So good. They parted eagerly, and everything got more intoxicating. Xingqiu chases the sweetness in Chongyun’s mouth. And Chongyun runs his fingertips up and down Xingqiu’s sides, feeling the way he shivers and the way he desperately tugs at his jacket.
Xingqiu’s stomach flutters in his attempt to stifle the urge to whine. Only to make the loud, desperate sound into Chongyun’s mouth.
This time, Xingqiu is the one to abruptly pull away, flushed. Surprising himself and Chongyun.
Xingqiu goes still, he sputters out. “Oh. Chuh—Chongyun, um..” and all he can think is that it feels like he’s seconds away from his last breath. And if Chongyun didn't know better, he'd say that Xingqiu was being shy.
Xingqiu’s hazy eyes and stammering voice was now so out of character that it was almost endearing.
Truth be told, it sparked a fire in him, knowing he can make the somewhat mischievous, elegant Xingqiu's composure crumble like this. Chongyun pauses to let his eyes roam over the sight of him with his cheeks flushed a new pink and strands of hair in all sorts of directions.
And only after watching Chongyun’s confused blinks does Xingqiu realize that he has yet to say a word again. He should apologize. He opens his mouth to do so, but no words come out. He stares at his companion, who was… truly a sight to see. His chest was heaving erratically, face flushed and practically panting as his mouth hung open to take in air. Whatever Xingqiu’s face looked like, he supposed it was nothing like the artwork displayed in front of him, wishing he could capture this image with a kamera, preserve it.
Chongyun tugs his sleeve, urging him out of his daze. “It’s okay, Xingqiu. Let’s resume.”
He nods slowly and tries to still his uneasy composure before he brings himself to lean onto Chongyun again. But Chongyun places his hand on his shoulder to stop him.
“Ah..Uhm… No one’s been around, you don’t have to hold back,” Chongyun stated, breathlessly against his ear. With the only ounce of confidence he had that day. Xingqiu thinks Chongyun is being far too careless, but he smiles anyway.
He hums, “Chongyun, it seems I've misjudged you.” He brushes a delicate kiss over his knuckles, never breaking eye contact. “You… you can’t tell me things like that, what would your condition think?”
Chongyun stared at the hand that was now intriguingly running down his chest. Xingqiu pushed him and closed the gap between their lips again, leading the rhythm of the kiss. Attempts at technique are soon forgotten, only the greedy thought of kissing Chongyun.
Xingqiu loved the way that Chongyun’s fingers grip onto him, the way that he concentrates on following his moving lips so intently, the high pitched sounds he made in his throat.
Kissing Xingqiu is somewhat intoxicating because Chongyun can’t remember at what point Xingqiu’s tongue pushes between his lips.
He licked him in a movement Chongyun would swear was practiced. By natural instinct, for only a split second, he abhors the feeling of another tongue on his own. But he can’t help the breathless, quiet whine that comes out, completely at Xingqiu’s mercy. All of it drove Chongyun to madness. Wet. Sweet. So much heat. But good . He let out a gentle gasp.
“Mnh..” A pleased sound escaped Xingqiu into Chongyun’s mouth, the vibrations of the sound made him heat up even more. Intense, sudden warmth pooled in his face, neck, and chest as Xingqiu moved eagerly against his mouth, touching and probing with his tongue, still whining. Hot flashes. The feeling he’s oh so familiar with yet resents. But every last reserve shattered in Chongyun’s fervid mind. At any moment, his spirit could overcome him and turn this into something dreadful. This isn't a thought he wishes to entertain, and it is quickly disregarded when fingers roam his neck. If anything, that is encouragement.
It was past that point that Chongyun began to feel fuzzy.
Before Xingqiu knew it, Chongyun’s hands were running up his spine, tugging at his clothing to pull him in even closer, closer, as close as they could get.
Xingqiu was nothing short of panting and gasping against him, lips red and swollen. He only catches the barest glimpse of his exorcist, his pupils already blown large like a cat. Suddenly, he finds himself pushed to the other side of the stall and kissed so roughly that Xingqiu was certain his lips would redden.
As he lets himself be devoured by the unstoppable force that is Chongyun, he can almost convince himself that he’s as out of control as him—as Chongyun kisses him inflamed by his need to melt into him in ways he couldn't lucidly imagine. Each stroke of his tongue made his stomach tingle. Each delicious taste of Chongyun’s mouth made his thoughts hazy. But alas, this moment ends when Xingqiu was in clear comprehension of the situation. Uh Oh. Chongyun is way too hot, so hot that Xingqiu had started to sweat, too.
Xingqiu attempts to softly push him away, he squeaks when Chongyun licks his lips and notes internally that he'd need to make out with him in a pool next time… Or even dragonspine. This was absolutely what one of Chongyun's yang flare-ups looked like.
Xingqiu successfully pushes him away in a gasp. “Popsicle,”
All Chongyun could do was stand dumbly, body rapidly growing hotter each time his brain tried to process what Xingqiu said, he stepped closer. “Wait, just a little…a little more, please.” Chongyun spoke against his face, tilting his head.
Has Chongyun’s voice always been that deep? Xingqiu eludes the thought.
As much as he wanted to kiss him more, he reached his hand into Chongyun’s pocket to get out a popsicle. “Open.” Xingqiu demanded.
Chongyun obeyed and allowed Xingqiu to practically ram the thing in his mouth. The relief was instantaneous, diminishing the heat in his body. Chongyun, with doe eyes and flushed skin, bites half of the popsicle. “Thank… you.” He managed, taking in a breath and taking full measure of what was happening.
He sighed. “My apologies. I was nearly overtaken, I can never seem to tame it.”
“Worry not. I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it in the near future….” A hand sneaks to hold Chongyun’s free hand, he clasped it securely. “Orrr be able to kiss me—without losing control.”
And one day he’ll try to get the full romantic experience of yang-filled Chongyun. Xingqiu repressed a laugh at the thought of it.
Chongyun gave him a soft smile, “Yes, one day.”
The breath against his cheek is soft and unimaginable.
“Oh, yes. Chongyun, so, how do you feel?”
“My temperature should be getting-“
“No, no, how do you feel about…er, kissing me?” He asked innocently, even with knowing the answer already.
Chongyun glared halfheartedly.
“Ah, well… I… I like it - I like anything with you. Um, it is a little weird at first, but then it’s good! My heart beats really fast. And kissing is truly of passionate, heat-inducing nature,” Chongyun replies, “your, um, tongue—just the heat of your touch overall. Everything’s quite overwhelming.”
“Well, I’m no stranger to what stimulates your congenital positivity. So, I do apologize-“
“Wait, Xingqiu. It’s not like I’m complaining or anything. It’s tolerable, uh, a little bit. I relish the feeling I get…” Chongyun licks a melting drop from his popsicle before continuing, “I do admit that I let my utter lack of control get to me numerous times, Should you have not stopped me then… such indiscipline of mine can lead to something disastrous. And I regard you dearly, I want this to be a satisfying experience for you. So…”
Xingqiu couldn’t help but blush at the last sentence.
“I see. That’s why I am here. And I know well that you’d never do anything bad to me…Don’t beat yourself up, I say you were able to keep yourself at bay for a while,”
“I suppose my preparations paid off. I thought I’d pass out the second we started.” The yang-spirited boy trails off and takes another bite off his popsicle.
Xingqiu grins at the fact that Chongyun had prepared for this day. “As your dearest companion and lover, I shall say this is a major accomplishment, then.”
“I appreciate your valiant help with that.”
“My pleasure. Now hurry on with that popsicle, it’s not too late until a servant sends some kind of search party for me or if Xiangling comes knocking. I want to help you some more.” Xingqiu innocently murmured, voice glazed over with Chongyun could only describe as want.
“Oh-Okay.”
He hums, “Hm,” Xingqiu strokes his cheekbone with the pad of his thumb and caresses his jaw with his other fingers. Chongyun places his free hand over the swordsman’s.
He whispers close to his face, “Chongyun, I love you. You’re doing well.”
Chongyun counts three breaths, and bites his popsicle.
It’s those three words that always stuns him, they both know they’re not to be spoken upon in a frequent and indiscriminate manner—to the point where the phrase’s meaning is lost. They both comprehend the weight that term bears. And so he always knows, he knows Xingqiu means it.
“I love you too.”
Chongyun gave his everything not to press his lips against the young master, to make Xingqiu stumble again. He waited until his temperature was somewhat normal first, but Xingqiu wasn’t helping.
Once he licked off the whole popsicle, he carefully tucked away a strand of dark hair and kissed Xingqiu just like an angel would. As he licked Xingqiu’s lips, he realized there was something exhilarating about having this Xingqiu all to himself, gasping against him when he licked into the hot escape of his mouth.
He’s already panting from the heat when Xingqiu pulls away to look at him, a little too satisfied at the way Chongyun unconsciously tries to follow after his mouth - and seems to be in a similar state judging by warm breaths fanning his lips.
“Oh,” Breathes Xingqiu, “You-You’re doing really.. wow…” His lithe fingers left feather soft touches upon his neck. “Do you want to take this off?” He asked, tugging ever so slightly on the top of Chongyun’s cropped hoodie.
“T-Take what off?!”
“The jacket. Maybe you’ll… um,” Xingqiu paused to make something up.
“Oh, feel a little cooler?” Chongyun finished.
“Precisely! With us being so cramped together and all. My poor companion, you must feel so warm.”
“Hmm…That is indeed a good idea, very well.”
Xingqiu assisted him in unbuttoning the white hoodie with a big smile curved on his lips while Chongyun gazed at his face down to his hands. Xingqiu settled with letting it hang over the stall wall beside him and gazed at the tight undershirt enveloping Chongyun’s upper body.
My, his exorcist was so toned. Xingqiu couldn’t resist allowing his hand to graze on the curve of his prominent collarbones, he slowly snaked it down to his stomach.
“Is this what endless training results in?” Xingqiu says, with dangerous neutrality.
His face flushes the most satisfying pink.
Chongyun mumbles, “You’re kind of touchy today. I never do mind at all, but my..”
“I’ve just missed you terribly, you know. I rarely get the chance…And I don't usually see you like this. Let me indulge myself for a bit.” Xingqiu gave him a sweet, sly smile.
“Mmm-hmm..”
His fingers settled along Chongyun’s ribs, just under the curve of his lower chest. He felt hyper aware of Xingqiu’s hands on him, the heat from them radiating through his clothes and pooling in his stomach. He makes an offended sound when finger jabs on his hips.
They kiss when Xingqiu pulls him by his hips. Oxygen suddenly seemed less precious as long as the kiss lasted, Xingqiu doesn’t remember when Chongyun got to rubbing his arm, or when he wrapped his arms around Chongyun’s neck. Their hearts beat as fast as when they started.
He wanted to take in every feeling and sensation; the feathery hair at the nape of Chongyun’s neck, the warmth of their bodies pressed together, how soft his moving lips felt.
Xingqiu slowly moved his hands along the expanse of Chongyun back. He continued to kiss him as he grazed his scapula.
The young master loses it at the way Chongyun’s back muscles tensed under his touch.
Xingqiu sucked on his bottom lip. Just as he was about to lick into his mouth, Chongyun's teeth lightly grazed his lips.
Surprised, Xingqiu pulled away, “Uh.” quickly tapping on his lips. He grinned at Chongyun’s confused face behind his hand. It wasn’t a big deal at all, but he took the chance to play with him.
“Is something wrong? What happened, Xingqiu?”
“Oh my..ow...” Xingqiu dramatically mewled and curved his lips into a fake frown. “You kind of bit me..”
Chongyun, eyes wide and brows furrowed, waved his hands frantically between pants. “What?! I’m so sorry, are you bleeding?”
“Ahah, of course not. I’m fine. I simply didn’t know you were a vampire.” He raises his hands to resemble claws.
“Ugh, Xingqiu. Stop.” Chongyun scowls.
“Is this our sign to depart? It’s evening, vampires go out by then.”
“Don’t be silly. But, we should really go…”
When he clicks open the stall door, Xingqiu marvels at the realization that no one had come in to interrupt. It really was late, then.
Chongyun, still dazy, shakily buttons up his jacket while Xingqiu combs out his disheveled hair with his hands in front of the sinks. They both jump at the loud banging at the main door before it opens.
“My, what impeccable timing.”
The sight of their chef friend with a furrowed expression and Guoba following behind her sent a few chills. She held a spatula as if she was about to use it to hit them.
“What took you two so long in here? Nevermind—Don’t… don’t answer that. It doesn’t matter, we're closing! You’re super lucky dad isn’t around!” She walked behind them and gave the pair a push out. Xingqiu responded with an ‘Ack!’
“Now, now, Xiangling. We both do apologize for the wait. I’ll tip extra tomorrow for compensation.”
Chongyun nods, embarrassed. “Yes, sorry…”
“No need for apologies, it’s getting late. Both of you can explain tomorrow!”
Xingqiu smiles and walks out while pushing Chongyun behind him. The chef chooses to forgo contemplating why both of them took so long in the restroom. Little Guoba only shakes his head.