Chapter Text
Tip.. and tap.. the rhythmic sound could be heard as the skilled liondancer jumped from pole to pole with grace. The plum blossom poles stood taller with each move, it was an intricate and beautiful dance to watch. The boy's white fluffy hair flowed in the wind, framing his focused face as he executed risky moves and maneuvers. From afar away you wouldn't be able to tell, but up close you could see sweat dripping down his face and arms, clinging to his small yet strong body.
The white haired boy’s smile was wider than ever and a faint blush tainted his cheeks.
As the performance progressed, he got closer and closer to the last plum blossom pole. If he was nervous he didn't let it show, maintaining a facade of calmness. The audience could only watch in silent awe, holding their breaths, as he took a leap towards the final pole.
He landed flawlessly.
With a last move and flourish, he struck a simple pose and stood, surveying the audience happily. Cheers and applause erupted around him, his ears quickly drowned it out when he locked eyes with a particular teal haired man.
General Jiyan.
Fuck.
Lingyang’s cheeks burned an even deeper red at the sight of the Midnight Ranger general. He had once jokingly told Rover to invite the general to one of his performances. As a joke. He didn't expect the man to actually show up. Let alone enjoy it, judging by the small, gentle smile on his face.
Lingyang took long, calming breaths to steady himself before descending down the poles. He could still hear the echoes of cheers from the crowd. With a small and forced calmness he bowed to the audience and headed backstage. Trying not to freak out by the idea the general was watching him so intently, he reassured himself, General Jiyan can enjoy lion dance performances like everyone else. It doesn't mean anything. Right?
He sat down on one of the empty boxes behind the stage and sighed. A voice to his left startled him.
“You did well.” Rover complimented him as he walked over with a smile on his face, like Jiyan coming wasn't his fault.
“Thanks.” Lingyang mumbled with a pout. He wasn't actually mad at Rover—The general coming to one of his shows was an honor—but he could've at least warned him.
Rover merely crossed his arms at his reply and tilted his head to the side, waiting.
Lingyang sighed yet again. “And thank you for inviting the general.”
He nodded, pleased with the white headed boy's response. Blush crept up Lingyang’s cheeks again.
They chatted for a bit before Rover bid farewell and left with a knowing smile. He's up to something, I know it.
The rest of the day went smoothly, surprisingly. He spent an hour or two backstage helping with props and other performers. In the lion dance troupe, it's important to help each other, and he stands by that.
Lingyang's final task of the day was sweeping the stage floor before he could go home. Grabbing the broom, he walked out onto the stage. It felt very different from when he was performing, even though it was the same stage.
He hummed a tune as he swept, one that had caught his ear on the radio yesterday. The beat was similar to the dance he did today, which might be why he enjoyed it so much.
Caught up in his humming, he didn't hear the footsteps approaching. When he turned around, he was surprised with the sight of the general standing close to the stage, with the same gentle smile on his face from before.
“G-General!” Lingyang squeaked, flashing a bright but nervous smile. “Uhm did you enjoy the performances?” Keep it non specific, Lingyang, silently told himself.
“I did,” the teal headed man answered with a hum. “I enjoyed yours most though.”
His face was tainted with a faint blush by the general's compliment.
It's just one compliment, damn it. Why am I so flustered?
“Thank you,” he quickly replied, hoping Jiyan wouldn't notice his red cheeks. “I appreciate it a lot.”
He gripped the broomstick tighter to stop himself from fidgeting. The man's teal hair was put up in a high ponytail, and he wore his usual outfit, but up close he somehow looked even more beautiful... and hot. Okay no, calm down there Lingyang, now's not the time to think about that.
“When's your next performance?” The general questioned curiously. “I have to set out to the frontline again soon, and I'd like to watch one more time before I have to go.”
Lingyang's blush deepened. The general wants to see him again before he leaves? He could spend his days doing more important things, but he wants to spend it watching one of Lingyang's performances? He quickly composed himself, answering Jiyan’s question with a smile.
“I have one in about 2 days, you're very welcome to come!”
A small chuckle erupted from the teal haired general. “Alright then, I'll try to clear up my schedule so I can make it.”
“It would be an honor, general,” Lingyang said, bowing to hide his red cheeks. Keep it together Lingyang, you can do this. It's just like every other conversation you have with all your clients.
He silently prayed that Jiyan would leave soon.
The general hummed again. “Farewell, Lingyang.” Jiyan said with a smile, waving goodbye before walking away.
The general is going to be the death of him. Oh great Jué…
——
Instead of heading home, Lingyang decided to wander through the forest. It was a truly beautiful evening. The wind flying by rustled the leaves, the soft crunch of his footsteps on the grass, and the view of the sunset made of breathtaking hues. It felt like he could finally relax.
He found a spot near the edge of a cliff, and sat down, sighing in content. His tail wagged slowly behind him, it still bothered him sometimes, but being different is okay. It makes him memorable.
“I didn't expect to find you here,” a young girl's voice came from behind him. He turned and recognised her immediately by the bright yellow hair. It was Verina, the botanist from the New federation.
“Isn't past your bedtime?” He teased with a laugh. Verina shot him a very offended look but didn't answer. He took that as a yes.
“Sit down,” Lingyang patted the ground next to him. “You must be at least a little tired.”
She smiled and sat down beside him, looking out at the sunset. The sky had turned a vibrant pink, a color that would fade away in a few minutes as the night took over, before the sun eventually rose again. The cycle of days was forever lasting, never changing, and each sunset was just as beautiful as the first.
He glanced over at Verina, he could tell she was itching to tell him something. “Anything fun happen today?” he asked curiously, and her face lit up at the question.
“I experimented with remnant energy and new flowers today!” The girl squealed, he could smell how excited and happy she was.
They spent the rest of the evening like that. Discussing remnant energy and plants, with Lingyang mainly being the one asking the questions. Eventually, Verina had to head home and sleep. She had a lot to do the next day, he only hoped she’d manage to fall asleep despite her excitement.
The floorboards of the treehouse creaked as the white haired boy stood up. The lion dance troupe had offered Lingyang a place to stay, but by then he had already gotten attached to his scrappy treehouse. It held so many memories, he couldn't bear the burden of leaving it behind.
As he slipped into the comfort of his warm, fluffy bed, his mind couldn't help but wander to a specific teal haired general…