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Rain splattered against the windows of the small shack Xingqiu and his dearest friend Chongyun took refuge in when the downpour started.
The day started like any other day. Xingqiu woke up and decided he’d rather not do his duties at the guild that day. He had told his servant, Xu, that he would be out for just a moment. Once out of his home Xingqiu made his way to Wanwen Bookhouse for a browse around. Supposedly they had gotten some books from Sumeru recently and wanted to have a look. Xingqiu had always wanted to visit the nation of wisdom but never could make the journey. Perhaps one day.
After a quick look around and not finding anything of interest he decided to take off. He made sure to avoid the guild path as he made his way through the grand city. Though he didn’t want to do his usual work he was already bored with what he was doing. Not uncommon for him, but still frustrating. He started to fiddle with the ruffles of the silk coat he wore nearly everyday. Something to keep him busy.
He jumped slightly when he heard the high pitched voice of his friend Xiangling. Looking up, a smile instantly formed on Xingqiu’s face. She was talking to his best and dearest friend Chongyun. From the looks of it she was excited about something. Perhaps talking about a new dish she was attempting to get him to try no doubt. Giggling to himself he folded his hands behind his back and santered on over. By the time he walked over Xiangling had walked back into the kitchen. He stood behind Chongyun for a moment before unfolding his hands and gently tapped his friend’s shoulder.
The exorcist jumped and quickly looked over, “Oh, Xingqiu. When did you get here?”
The smaller boy walked beside him and smirked, “Oh? It would seem you don’t care for my company, dear Yun.” he teased, knowing that was far from the case.
Chongyun blinked before quickly shaking his head, “Of course not.”
Xingqiu giggled, “It was merely a jest, my liege.” he assured.
Xiangling soon walked back out, six freshly made popsicles in her hands, “Order up Chongyun~” she sang out.
The cryo user turned to face their friend. He looked at the frozen treats skeptically, “You didn’t put anything weird in these, did you?”
The chef pertented to look hurt, “And put your health at risk? Never!”
Chongyun crossed his arms and gave her the ‘really’ look.
She shook her head, “No, my dad was watching me make them so I couldn’t even if I wanted to.” she giggled.
Xingqiu laughed as well, “Seems like you’ve been caught one too many times, Xiangling.”
Chongyun took the popsicles from her and tucked them in his jacket. Thanks to the addition of mist flowers they never melt, especially on the hot summer days that Liyue is known for.
“Since the two of you are here, how about I give you something to eat? It’s on the house!” she said.
Xingqiu smiled but rose his hand up and shook his head, “Thank you but I’ll pass this time.”
Xiangling pouted and rested her hands on her hips, “Now that just won’t do. At least take something to go. I’ll be right back!”
Before Xingqiu or Chongyun could protest, the chef disappeared in the kitchen once again. Once she’s cooking, nobody can stop her.
Chongyun turned back to his friend, “How come you’re here Xingqiu? I thought you had to help your father today.”
Xingqiu smirked, “I did. However, it would've been dreadfully boring.” he placed a finger to his lips, “Our secret.” he winked before asking, “So, what’s on the agenda for today, my liege?”
Chongyun shrugged as he put away his last popsicle, “I finished my morning routine already and I don’t have any leads today. Unless you have some?”
Xingqiu thought about messing with Chongyun. Perhaps a ghost near Wangshu Inn that even Adeptus Xiao cannot handle? However, surprisingly Xingqiu wasn’t up for his usual tricks. Not today. He shook his head, “Unfortunately no. All the leads I did have were duds. Apologies Yun.”
“Ah. That’s a shame.” Chongyun sighed.
The two continued to chat while they waited for the pyro user to return. Once she reemerged she handed the two small bentos she created. After wishing her well the two boys walked towards the entrance to the harbor, making a great effort to avoid the servants that no doubt are now looking for their lost master. Along the way Xingqiu was talking about his latest chapter in the book he was writing, A Legend of Sword Vol 7. It would be the last volume in the series, tying everything together in a neat little bow. After A Legend of Sword was finished, he’ll move on to another project he was working on. Chongyun asked what it was about, but Xingqiu giggled and said he’ll just have to read it.
Once at the grand gates of the harbor Chongyun stopped, “Are you going out?”
Xingqiu also stopped. He realized he didn’t have anything planned and followed his friend on autopilot. The boy quickly composed himself, “Are you going out?” he asked back.
Chongyun looked at him like he was on fire for a moment before shrugging, “I was planning on heading to Bushui Plain to do some meditation. It’s quiet there.”
“Well, perhaps you would appreciate some company then?” Xingqiu slid up beside him and fluttered his eyelashes at him. He had a feeling his friend had a thing for him. He just won’t say anything.
Chongyun coughed and turned away, the slightest bit of pink flushed on his face. Xingqiu knew it, “Umm. I-if you want. You can.” he brought his hand up and scratched the back of his head.
Xingqiu smiled, “Wonderful! Lead the way, my liege.”
The walk to the plains was slow and delightful. The two didn’t have much to talk about other than pointing out some curious things around them. Xingqiu liked that about Chongyun. Not constantly interrupting him when reading or practicing his swordsmanship. He was always able to take in the moments and scenery around them with no words. It was peaceful.
When they passed by Wangshu Inn, it was around midday. Chongyun had fished out a popsicle from his jacket and was munching on it quietly. Xingqiu looked up to the sky. Clouds had started to come in and congeal together as well as the wind picking up, “Looks like it’s going to rain.” Chongyun said, breaking the silence.
Xingqiu nodded. He didn’t mind though. He liked rain…just when he wasn’t in it, “We should find some shelter then.” he told his friend.
The two ran down the path looking for some sort of cave or house. Xingqiu could feel small droplets begin to plop on his head and nose. He felt someone tug him forward. He realized Chongyun grabbed his hand and was now running off the path, “I think I know where we are.” he told him, “There’s an abandoned house nearby.”
Xingqiu will gladly take any shelter. The rain had started to come down. Not a downpour yet but consistent. After running past some trees and shrubs, Chongyun pulled him inside a rundown shack, not exactly what he would call a house but as long as it stayed up with this wind he’ll take it. Chongyun shut the splintered door, just in time as well. The rain picked up drastically.
“Just in time.” Chongyun breathed, “Whew…”
It was cramped with some dusty boxes and broken crates, but big enough for Xingqiu to move around and lay down probably. He stopped at the wall next to a window that wasn’t broken. He quickly swept away cobwebs and some dirt before taking a seat. They were going to be there a while, may as well get comfortable.
“Haaa…knew I should’ve listened to dad.” Chongyun sighed.
“Come now Yun. Not everything is bleak. We can bask in each other’s company. Quite romantic, don't you agree?” Xingqiu teased.
His friend merely coughed in his hand before sitting on a slightly splintered crate next to him. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. Perhaps he’s trying to meditate after all. Not that Xingqiu minded, he was nearly finished rereading the first book in a series he loved dearly. He just wished the next book would release already! He quietly reached into the small bag he was carrying and took out the bright violet novel and opened it back up.
Time went by and the rain became a raging downpour. The wooden shack creaked and groaned every few minutes and there was a small leak, thankfully nowhere near the bookworm. Xingqiu doesn’t know how long it has been. Minutes? Hours? He was content. Just sitting and reading.
Chongyun was not.
“Xingqiu.” the exorcist called, catching Xingqiu off guard.
He was quite curious now. Chongyun hardly ever initiated conversion, “Yes, my liege?” he lowered his book so his golden eyes could meet with Chongyun’s icy ones.
Chongyun took a breath and scrunched up his hands into his pants, like he was fighting with himself. His breath hitched but he asked, “Will you…dance with me?”
Xingqiu blinked. Did he hear that right? Dancing? Since when did his friend dance…willingly? He closed his book and tucked it away, “Could you repeat that?”
“Please don’t make me…” Chongyun shook his head while hiding his face behind a hand.
The hydro user smiled and giggled before standing up. After brushing off a bit of residue from the dusty ground, he took a step and peered at his now nervous friend, “I’d love too.” he whispered.
Chongyun took in a sharp breath, causing him to cough into his hand for a moment. Xingqiu just looked at him expectantly, “Well?”
The pale boy stood up and stepped right in front of him. Xingqiu looked up at him. Chongyun wasn’t much taller than him, but it irked him greatly. He went out of his way to get shoes that have higher heels so he could be taller than him. Guess that dream is out the window. He scowled.
“Xingqiu?” Chongyun called, much quieter this time.
The boy shook his head and properly looked at him. His hand was outstretched to him. His pout was immediately replaced with a soft smile, ‘Cute.’ he thought.
Xingqiu gently took hold of his friends’ gloved hand. He placed his other hand on Chongyun’s shoulder and intertwined their fingers. Chongyun hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering near the shorter one’s waist. He gulped and cupped his hand around Xingqiu pulling him ever so slightly closer.
“Shall you lead? Or shall I?” Xingqiu asked.
“I will.” Chongyun said with a rather firm tone.
Xingqiu smirked. Chongyun hardly ever gets assertive around him, “Very well.”
Chongyun grasped his hand tighter as he led him on a slow dance routine. It was nothing fancy. No complex movements. Just a simple sway with some spinning around every now and then. It wasn’t perfect. Far from it. Xingqiu could instantly tell Chongyun was no dancer by any means. They would bump into walls, trip over loose rope and Chongyun stepped on his foot a few times as well. Juvenile many would call it. For Xingqiu, paradise.
Soon the dance came to an end. Chongyun released his friend, but seemed saddened when their hands left one another. Xingqiu decided to not bring it up.
“I must say, that was quite unexpected of you my liege. When did you start getting so bold? What gave you the idea?” Xingqiu asked instead.
“I…read a book.” Chongyun told him.
Xingqiu gasped dramatically, “Chongyun! I don’t believe it! You finally read an actual book!”
“Ha ha. You know what I mean.” Chongyun crossed his arms and pouted slightly, “There was a scene…of the main characters dancing together…in the rain.” he explained.
Xingqiu nodded, very interested. He may have read that book before, “Oh? So you wanted to reenact a scene? Please, tell me what happened next.” the bookworm placed a hand on his chin, very interested in what his friend had in mind.
“The man then asked the woman a question…a very…important question.” Chongyun explained.
“Hmmm?”
“Xingqiu.” Chongyun blurted, “Will you-” he took in a breath, “Will you go to Lanturn Rite with me?”
The bookworm blinked before laughing a little, “Yun, of course I will. You, me, Xiangling, GaMing-”
“No.” Chongyun shook his head. He grasped Xingqiu’s hands tightly, “I mean just you and me. No GaMing. No Xiangling. No Traveler. Just us. Together.”
“Yun…” Xingqiu was speechless.
Chongyun looked out the window, “Oh, the rain stopped.” he let Xingqiu’s hands go. He walked over to the rickety door and swung it open, “You don’t need to answer now. I’ll wait for you.” with that he took off down the muddy road, leaving Xingqiu in utter bewilderment.
“Yun…” Xingqiu called again, even though his friend couldn’t hear him. He stepped up to the door and rested a hand on the doorframe. A big smile plastered on his face, “You idiot.” he laughed, “Of course I will. Just the two of us.”