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Somewhere along the way, Chongyun had grown into quite the handsome young man…
Ever since they were children, trotting along on wobbly legs and unstable feet, Xingqiu always found something about Chongyun to be… mesmerizing. From his adorably squishy, flushed cheeks to his more reserved, cautious attitude, Chongyun had caught Xingqiu’s eye far before either of them could understand what this meant.
Years later, when they were allowed some freedom outside of parental supervision, this small childhood admiration dipped into something a little deeper. Something Xingqiu had then recognized as a crush.
Of course, it helped not that Chongyun was just so cute in their early teenage years. It was around that time when, regrettably, Chongyun’s excess in positive energy had truly caused him some problems. Even a sip of mildly hot tea sent Chongyun into a flare-up of yang energy, which… did not bode well for him.
For Xingqiu, on the other hand…
He’d had such fun teasing Chongyun. Perhaps in the hopes of seeing him with uninhibited reservations, or just in the hopes of gazing upon heaty, flushed cheeks once more.
But now, just shy of breaching their early twenties, Chongyun had garnered a handle on his pure-yang spirit. Gone were the days when a bit of jueyun chili powder could send Chongyun into an episode of frenzied fun- dancing atop tables, chasing whoever crossed his path round and around…
Gone, for Chongyun had much better control of himself now than he ever did before.
Along with this, there was a beautiful development in their relationship. For nearly three years now, Xingqiu and Chongyun had come to terms with their feelings for one another.
A story for another day– but all in all, Xingqiu was as happy as can be with Chongyun as his boyfriend. His one- true, undoubtedly so- love.
Now, Xingqiu was enamored with Chongyun. It was a different kind of admiration- different from their youngest years all the way up to when the pieces started fitting together. His times of teasing, of looking about- they were far less innocent and far more… sinful .
It was the middle of a banquet- one his family had so graciously set up. There was food and aristocrats, dancing and negotiations, and simply far too much work for what a party might imply.
But all Xingqiu could focus on was his boyfriend.
Chongyun, who had just come back from a commission outside of Liyue Harbor. Chongyun, who slipped right into the festivities despite his status. Chongyun, who looked so handsome it hurt- leaning over on a rather empty wall, watching Xingqiu as he danced and danced with men whose names slipped his mind.
He looked so rugged, a bit tired from his job and dirty from the trek home…
It was hot.
Xingqiu had seen him a little while ago. Per his request, the Millelith must have permitted Chongyun entry- as they were to do if ever a young man with white robes and frosty hair approached them- and Chongyun, his beloved, had made sure to make his presence known.
Unfortunately, Xingqiu had been in the middle of discussions with a Feiyun Commerce Guild partner when his eyes caught sight of Chongyun’s waving hand. It seemed like their words went on forever, but the second he could, Xingqiu had excitedly bid the man goodbye and rushed to where Chongyun stood-
Except, he’d been intercepted for another chat, and another, and even another offer for a dance…
Now, a good hour or so had gone by and Xingqiu had still not escaped for just a moment. At some point, he’d gestured for Chongyun to come and save him from an endless conversation- only for Chongyun to refuse with a shake of the head and a tiny, barely there smile!
The nerve of him!
So, Xingqiu spared him a huff anytime they met eyes. If there was anything they learned throughout their years together, it was that Xingqiu was far more stubborn than Chongyun.
And, not to mention, much more of a tease.
So after Chongyun’s clear dismissal, Xingqiu sought partners left and right. Anyone who would, anyone who offered- Xingqiu took them all and allowed himself to be led in a dance.
Very intimate dances, no less- ones of which called for intimacy Xingqiu would have never allowed had he not been trying to rile his beloved up. Hands linked together, palms gripping the curve of his waist…
There were even a few instances of the men’s touch grazing dangerously close to the exposed skin of his thigh- Xingqiu, however, always made sure to slip right away from those slimy fingers.
The night went on as such. Xingqiu had lost count of how many men had asked for his hand. There were suitors, business partners, potential partners…
And through it all, Xingqiu gave his most polite and genuine smiles to them all- even when a few eager young men spouted words that, if they had come from his Chongyun, would make Xingqiu melt. Now, however, they only served to send a disgusted shudder throughout his body.
One such date was the boy right in front of him- a boy who spun him around and leaned far too close for comfort. Who brought their faces just inches apart. Whose dark eyes followed Xingqiu with a hunger far from innocence and closer to… predatory.
Finally, the song came to an end.
Though, this one’s touch lingered. His hand had slid down to Xingqiu’s hip, squeezing quickly yet firmly before this arm went behind the boy’s back.
His other hand, however, took Xingqiu’s own. It was brought to this boy’s lips, kissed and all as Xingqiu was looked at through heaty, dark lashes.
“I hope to dance with you again, Young Master Xingqiu?”
Xingqiu’s smile was wiry, at best. “Ah, about that–”
But before he could utter another word, Xingqiu was roughly pulled along by a firm grip suddenly enveloping his wrist- a grip so familiar, it made Xingqiu buzz with excitement.
“Excuse us.”
Now this- this was all Chongyun said before he dragged the both of them right across the busy dance floor. With mumbled apologies and careful steps, Xingqiu was led further and further away from the gentle murmurs of the gala.
Such was a familiar scene. Xingqiu would surely never hear the end of it- not if his brother and father had anything to say of the matter.
Yet, Xingqiu found himself caring very little for the role he was supposed to uphold at that moment. He only focused on the thrill coursing through his veins- and the savory feel of Chongyun’s roughened hands manhandling him here and there.
Speaking of which, Xingqiu found himself being led up a discrete staircase. Down a fancy hall. Down yet another hall…
Until finally, Chongyun pulled them into a bathroom, immediately trapping Xingqiu against the door as it slammed shut behind him.
Suddenly, Xingqiu’s senses were assaulted by none other than Chongyun.
From his scent to his touch, all the way to his very being- Xingqiu was filled with nothing but Chongyun’s very familiar warmth.
Chongyun, however, was irritated. Xingqiu could tell from the pinched brows to the narrowed eyes- Chongyun was bothered, most likely by Xingqiu’s little antics back on the dance floor.
Was that all it took? After so many men had led him through the dance floor, one meager little kiss of the hand was all it took to have Chongyun chasing at his heel?
Good.
Maybe it was the thrill of meeting together after weeks of being apart. Maybe it was the pent-up frustrations of having a lover so far away. Maybe…
Xingqiu threw himself at Chongyun, fully wrapping his arms around Chongyun’s neck and dragging him down for a heated kiss.
Immediately, hands found themselves on his waist. They were firm, holding Xingqiu in place, yet gentle, slowly treading up and down Xingqiu’s sides.
They kissed and kissed and kissed- until finally, the need for air overpowered their need for one another.
Panting, quite out of breath and all- Xingqiu couldn’t help but giggle.
“I’m surprised it took you this long, dear Chongyun.”
Chongyun hummed.
“I was close, I’ll admit.” Chongyun’s fingers immediately found themselves on Xingqiu’s thighs, just barely slipping beneath the fabric of his very short bottoms. This- no doubt- being a callback to the men who Xingqiu denied. “Though, you always slipped away.”
Xingqiu smiled. “Of course. You’re the only one who gets to have me like this–”
And, quite suddenly, Chongyun leaned down and captured Xingqiu’s lips in a kiss.
This grew heated, as well, with hands running all over and bodies pressed tightly together. Somewhere in their throws of lust, Chongyun even hicked Xingqiu’s leg up, resting beside his beloved’s hip as Chongyun squeezed and felt to his heart’s content.
Because how, oh how, could he ever possibly deny his Chongyun?
Eventually, Xingqiu’s mind grew clouded. He had no idea how long they spent there, kissing away and away- but when the second part to their lip-locking came, Xingqiu couldn’t help the pants pulled deep from within his chest.
And, as much as he wanted to continue their little endeavor… Xingqiu knew better than to start something here, of all places.
So Xingqiu settled for cupping his hands over Chongyun’s cheeks. He felt around, brushed at the warm skin beneath his fingers- and of course, turned his head this way and that.
Looking, appreciating…
Chongyun grunted, making to move Xingqiu’s hands- yet Xingqiu only batted him away.
“Heh. Can’t I admire my incredibly handsome Chongyun in peace?” Xingqiu quickly brought their lips together in a sweet peck. “It’s been far too long since I’ve seen this face!”
“I was only away for two weeks.”
“Exactly!” Xingqiu leaned forward for another hug, this time squeezing Chongyun so tightly in his arms. “It was tortuous! You have no idea how horribly I missed you!”
Xingqiu had half a mind to drape himself over Chongyun, hanging off of him much like a helpless maiden would. He loved his dramatics- but right now, nothing could make him part from Chongyun’s immediate presence.
Especially when Chongyun came to properly hug him back, engulfing him in that oh so familiar warmth.
“I missed you, too.”
And for a second, everything felt right in the world.
They stayed there for a while, breathing in one another’s scents. Feeling one another’s heartbeats-
Until, the muffled melody of a song filled the silence in that room.
Only then did Xingqiu allow himself to part from their embrace, feeling as light and giggly as ever.
“It’s unfortunate you caught me in the middle of this gala, dear Chongyun. Come- let’s dance.” He reached for Chongyun’s hand, easily intertwining their fingers as Xingqiu reached for the door handle. “If I’m lucky, my absence has gone unnoticed by my brother and father–”
Though, for the little tug Xingqiu gave to Chongyun’s arm, Chongyun did not budge. He looked back, puzzled, only to find Chongyun with an adorably sheepish smile on his lips.
“Ah, well–” Chongyun gestured down to himself, mumbling just a bit. “I’m not exactly dressed for the occasion…”
This was true, given Chongyun’s rugged fit and dirtied clothes- but, Xingqiu wasn’t about to go fussing about proper etiquette now, of all times.
“Nonsense!” He said, flinging the door open and dragging his beloved down empty halls. “You’ve been here long enough without anyone batting an eye, haven’t you?”
“Actually–”
“Shush! We’re going back out there and you’re going to sweep me off my feet with your–”
“Xingqiu!”
Xingqiu froze. Ah- echoing down the hall, somewhere beyond their line of sight, was his brother calling his name.
What a headache … So, they had already noticed his absence?
Xingqiu frowned. He’d stopped dragging them both at that point, pausing in front of a very tempting, very open little window…
However, Xingqiu was almost certain the sway of a young and beautiful night was not something he should take. This was a guild event- it would do him well to stay and represent his family with grace and dignity.
And yet, he already knew he was in for an earful, no matter if he returned to the banquet or not…
“On second thought- let’s go.” Xingqiu made a sharp detour, dragging his Chongyun over to the moonlit opening. “I’ve socialized quite enough for the evening.”
So, despite Chongyun’s own protests, they made towards the window. Together, hand in hand, they slipped out of the hall and into the harbor’s buzzing, chilling night.
Now, Xingqiu was positive he would never hear the end of his grand escapade.