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eleven
Xingqiu is a prankster.
He’s always somehow tricking Chongyun into eating those horrible, deadly Jueyun Chilis, always using him as a “taste-tester”, or whatever else he claims. “Come now, Chongyun! It tastes just delectable!” he coaxes. “You’ll insult Xiangling if you don’t even try it!” Guilt-tripping him, or simply force-feeding him, the exorcist always, always somehow finds himself nearly dying from the heat of the chilis.
Or, Xingqiu will give him false information. By now, he’s learned not to ask his friend when he wants to know where the latest monster or ghost was sighted. Sometimes, though, Xingqiu will tell him voluntarily and Chongyun never learns. By the time he’s arrived at the site, his friend has already told Xiangling the entire story of how he pranked him yet again.
(Xiangling’s really no better. To make him “feel better” she’ll try to concoct a new recipe specially for him. She never seems to remember his low tolerance to spicy foods, despite the three of them being friends practically ever since they were born.)
Xingqiu is a prankster and Chongyun is his favorite victim.
The man takes a step forward.
ten
Xingqiu is a charmer.
People of all ages seem to adore him wherever he goes. No matter the region, a group of people will be crowded around him, chatting and asking questions. Xingqiu, of course, never fails to answer to all of them – simultaneously (?) When he catches his friend from the corner of his eye, the younger will usher him to join the crowd. Chongyun’s not really a people person, though, so he always offers a light smile as he “subtly” walks away.
He always seems genuinely happy and cheerful with anybody, squealing girls, energetic boys, old grandmas, grumpy grandpas. Like he’s right at home with them. Perhaps that’s because of his social position or just his personality at work.
(They often have the discussion of whether or not personality is the byproduct of your past or if you’re born with it. Xingqiu says you’re born with a personality but your experiences as a child will slightly mold your character into the person you are today. Chongyun shrugs and agrees, since he doesn’t know how people work anyway.)
Xingqiu is a charmer and Chongyun is happy that his friend attracts the people away from him.
Xingqiu forcefully pulls Chongyun back, the expression on his face unreadable.
nine
Xingqiu is the heir of the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
More specifically, he’s the second son of the Guild Manager, the head of the Commerce Guild. Either way, his father has a very high and respectable position – and so will Xingqiu when he’s older. And with great power comes great responsibility.
But if anyone can do it, Chongyun believes it’s Xingqiu.
Though his friend is a prankster and loves watching him be miserable (It’s not that extreme), when push comes to shove, Xingqiu is obedient, quick to learn, and watchful. He knows how to play the crowd, how to manage the economics, and whatever else rich people do. Chongyun at the very least knows that both his parents and his older brother are all exceptionally proud of the young man.
(“So can’t you control yourself a bit with your tricks too?” Chongyun begs.
The younger boy simply smiles, which is a big fat no.)
Xingqiu is the heir of the Guild and Chongyun is proud of his friend.
Chongyun doesn’t know how they got here. One moment they were laughing and the next, here.
eight
Xingqiu is a self-proclaimed practitioner of the Guhua Clan's arts.
He’s a diligent student, a model disciple. He’s earnest about his learning and practices day and night, rain or shine. He even revitalized the Guhua Clan himself, and eager devotees flock to the gates at a chance to be taught by the master himself. (Though they’re mostly disappointed when they learn he’s usually somewhere else.)
Though not a disciple himself, Chongyun can commend his friend for being so dedicated and committed to one thing, always trying to show his full support to Xingqiu. It’s quite a hard task to stay so devoted to one thing – he knows firsthand.
(Sometimes, it’s harder, though. Chongyun is an exorcist, who’s happy in his profession! He’s not looking to transfer, Xingqiu! The latter never listens, of course.)
Xingqiu is a disciple of Guhua Clan and Chongyun is happy his friend has found another hobby.
Time seems to stop when the man pulls out a black hunk of metal. A gun.
seven
Xingqiu is a reader.
Speaking of hobbies, something he quite loves is grabbing a book, sitting himself down on whatever is nearby, opening the book, and staying there for what seems like ages. Nothing can disturb him when he’s in “the zone”, as he likes calling it.
“Can you help me with my investigation, Xingqiu?” Chongyun asks, to which his friend will chime a happy yes (usually). When Xingqiu agrees to help, the exorcist expects help. Absolutely not just another thing that’ll hold him back… which is what Xingqiu usually is.
(He’ll pull out a book, stand there, and say, “Go, Chongyun!” before his eyes snap back to his book. Afterwards, he’ll tell an exasperated, tired, so done Chongyun that he offered his help by providing moral support, the most important thing.)
Xingqiu is a reader, and honestly, Chongyun finds his friend… a little too passionate about his passion.
Chongyun’s mind is blank, but he vaguely hears Xingqiu talking. He sounds desperate. Afraid.
six
Xingqiu is a keeper of justice.
In other words, a hero. At least, he’s trying to. It’s probably from the books he’s always reading, but from as far as Chongyun can remember (not very far), Xingqiu has always wanted to be one of those storybook knights in shining armor.
They’ll be talking about something completely unrelated, and then suddenly, Xingqiu will start babbling about “codes of chivalry”, “protecting the weak”, and “being the true epitome of a hero!” He’ll look at Chongyun with that contagious sparkle in his eye and ask what he thinks. Usually, the older boy will mumble something out to satisfy him (hopefully it isn’t too cheesy).
(Chongyun finds it rather cool, though, that Xingqiu combined two of his passions – literature and heroes – to create the book known as “A Legend of the Sword”. It didn’t really get the popularity he hoped for in Liyue – No, Xiangling, no need for a new dish to cheer him up – but unbeknownst to him, Inazuma and Fontaine loved it.)
Xingqiu is a keeper of justice and Chongyun can find it in himself to spare some admiration.
They stepped into the territory of a gang? Is that what happened?
five
Xingqiu is fun to be around.
Despite anything Chongyun might say about being tired of Xingqiu’s antics, his over-bearing passion for books, and his daily babble of heroes, the former doesn’t mind hanging out with him – in fact, he loves it. No matter what, it’s a fact that Xingqiu is cheery and bright, contagiously positive and enthusiastic about life.
He’s funny, and Chongyun can see why girls are pinning after him (besides his money-) and guys are eager to befriend him (besides his reputation-). He’s easy-going but polite, someone everybody can agree to respect. He’s creative too, and there’s never a boring moment with him.
(He’s fun to be around, but that doesn’t mean he’s easier to deal with.)
Xingqiu is fun to be around, and Chongyun would be the first to admit that.
We won’t say anything, Xingqiu promises. Put the gun down, Chongyun pleads.
four
Xingqiu is his brother.
“But we’re not,” Chongyun says, brows furrowed in confusion.
Xingqiu continues smiling, beaming. “Yes, yes, I know. We’re not brothers brothers, but we’re still brothers! Get what I mean?”
Not really, no, and he tells him that.
(But there’s somewhere inside of him that feels warm when his friend called them brothers.)
Xingqiu is his brother and Chongyun knows he doesn’t have to understand to like it.
The man looks angry. Chongyun sees Xingqiu’s usually confident, laughing eyes betray a flash of fear.
three
Xingqiu is his best friend.
Chongyun might not understand what he meant by “brothers”, but he does know that Xingqiu is undoubtedly his best friend. They’ve been together since he can remember and there’s something oddly comforting (if not familiarly annoying) when he sees Xingqiu.
“You’re my best friend,” he says one day, and he doesn’t know why.
Xingqiu laughs and responds with, “I know. You’re my best friend too.”
(Chongyun smiles back.)
Xingqiu is his best friend and Chongyun wouldn’t have it any other way.
His gun clicks; the man loaded the gun. He points it at Chongyun and he feels nothing but pure fear.
two
Xingqiu is always by his side.
That's a fact, so why is it that when Chongyun turns his head around, his friend is nowhere to be found? Xingqiu's not by his side, the man's still in front of him - and then suddenly, his view is obscured.
Xingqiu's not by his side and Chongyun has no idea what’s happening except –
There’s blood. Too much blood. And it’s not his.
one
Xingqiu isn't who he says he'll be.
“I'll be your best friend forever!" Chongyun can hear his comrade, his constant companion, his brother, his friend say cheerfully.
Forever ends now, apparently.
Xingqiu is a liar and Chongyun’s best friend is dead.
Because of him.
zero.