Work Text:
The streets of Aurum Alley were bustling as dusk fell over the Luofu, street vendors opening up their shops for the night markets. There were so many sights, smells and sounds that it made your head spin a little as you walked past the street stalls. The aroma of freshly cooked food made your mouth water when you walked past and you were almost tempted to stop and have a sample. But you contained yourself, for the most part, not wanting to spoil your dinner as you wandered the wide streets with Jing Yuan. He had invited you out this evening and you had agreed without hesitation. You were still feeling a little giddy as you walked side by side with the General, his leisurely pace matched with yours so he didn’t accidentally walk ahead of you.
There were a few cursory glances from others when you both walked past, their attention mostly focused on the esteemed General rather than you. But you caught wind of a few whispers and couldn’t help but notice when people talked in secret and pointed a finger in your direction. You did your best to ignore it, nervous butterflies already erupting in the pit of your stomach with Jing Yuan’s close proximity. You walked side by side, his shoulder occasionally brushing against yours when he turned to throw a few words your way and engage in pleasant, light conversation. It did little to ease your nerves as you caught yourself casting your longing stare at his hand. You could feel the tips of your fingers tingling, itching to slot between his own fingers. Every time your hand accidentally brushed over his, you could swear you felt something electric in the air as the spark sent pleasant tingles down the notches of your spine.
His deep, rich voice floating into your ears above the murmur of the crowd made your cheeks feel warm when he asked you a question and you always stuttered with a response. You tried to act subtle and not let him know that you had been staring at his hands for so long that most of his words went straight over your head and got lost in the void. If he did notice, well, at least he didn’t seem to take any offence to it as he smiled warmly down at you. Your romance with the General was just budding and you still hadn’t worked up enough courage to hold his hand yet. You felt a little silly for it, that you couldn’t just ask him a simple question that he would probably be more than delighted to hear. Yet you were scared you were going to make it awkward.
You were so wrapped up in your own thoughts that you didn’t notice when something had caught Jing Yuan’s eye and he stopped at a stall. You almost kept walking, but your thoughts came to an abrupt halt when you felt something snag you on the wrist and start tugging you back. You blinked rapidly in surprise, almost tripping over your own feet when Jing Yuan’s large, warm hand intertwined with yours and guided you back to his side. You didn’t really take notice until you were standing by Jing Yuan’s side and cast your gaze down. You sputtered when you realised he was holding your hand, your plump body almost squished into his side as he gazed at the antique collection the stall vendor was offering. It felt like your skin was on fire as your lashes bashfully fluttered over your round, warm cheeks. You could feel the callouses and small scars on his hand as it cradled yours, the warmth he provided comforting.
He was speaking to the stall owner but you weren’t quite sure what he was saying, your pulse pounding so loud in your ears that it drowned out all other noise. You continued to stare at his hand, noting how he had not let go of yours yet and kept you close to his side. Your heart was ready to leap out of your throat when he gently squeezed your hand, your attention drawn back to his face when he softly called your name. You stared up at him with wide, doe eyes, head tilted as you shot him a quizzical look. Pools of molten gold shimmered with warmth and a hint of amusement as he smiled at you.
“What do you think?” he asked.
You didn’t know what he was talking about. You timidly licked your lips, casting your nervous gaze to the shopkeeper and noting the expensive looking, fine-china tea set laid out in front of them. You started to nod your head, eyes seeking out Jing Yuan’s warmth once more.
“It’s pretty” you replied.
Jing Yuan smiled in response before turning back to the vendor. “Perfect. I’ll take it.”
Jing Yuan squeezed your hand again and the butterflies threatened to burst as he rubbed his thumb in gentle patterns into your skin, fingers pressed against the wavering pulse of your wrist as he urged you closer. You leaned in, soft body squeezed into his side when you felt his warm breath puff against the shell of your ear and he whispered low enough for only you to hear.
“You weren’t paying attention, were you?”
He could feel the burn of your skin as you swallowed thickly and started to shake your head. He found your flustered expression quite cute and he had to resist the urge to fold you into his arms and coddle you further. But it was hard for him to not prod and tease you a little further, his mischievous streak getting the better of him as he squeezed your hand yet again and brought the back of your trembling hand to his lips. You stared with wide eyes as he brushed his parched lips against your knuckles, your skin erupting with goosebumps as every hair on the nape of your neck prickled to attention. Jing Yuan smiled.
“I hope you enjoy your gift.”
You were handed the expensive tea set, all boxed and wrapped up in fancy paper and pretty string. You almost choked on air, mind working faster than your mouth could keep up.
“Jing Yuan, you didn’t have to buy me anything” you said. “Your company this evening is more than enough.”
Jing Yuan chuckled as he took the bag from your hand, refusing to let you carry it as he pulled you away from the stall. You were eager to keep up, his hand cradling yours once again as you set off back down the street.
“But I wanted to buy it for you” Jing Yuan replied. “Just the other day you mentioned you needed a new one.”
You flushed, heart fluttering inside your chest. You were surprised he remembered your off handed comment about needing a new tea set. You wanted to argue further, tell him that he didn’t need to waste his money on you but you swallowed down any complaint the second you took one look at Jing Yuan’s face. You couldn’t say no to such a kind face, especially when he held such warmth in his eyes for you and a smile that made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So, you graciously accepted the gift, squeezing his hand as you walked closer to his side.
“Thank you, Jing Yuan. I’m flattered that you remembered.”
Jing Yuan hummed softly, satisfied with your answer as he ran his thumb over the back of your knuckles. The night was still young and there was still much to see. Perhaps he’d treat you to a snack next and indulge your sweet tooth under the guise that he was feeling a little peckish.