Chapter Text
The moment those words had left Xingqiu's mouth, Gaming's entire world seemed to screech to a grinding halt. He whips around so fast he nearly topples right off of the branch he's sitting on. The apple he'd been reaching for tumbles out of his grip, landing with a soft thud by Xingqiu's feet, as his mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water.
They’d been having such a peaceful afternoon too. His dear sweet Xiangling, ever the opportunist, had roped Xingqiu into helping her gather apples for her latest Valentine’s Day themed recipes, luring him in with the promise of fresh treats. Naturally, he delegated the actual climbing and collecting of those apples to Gaming (Chongyun was busy, after all), while he’d claimed a shady spot beneath the tree and cracked open a book. But not without payment, of course, Xingqiu is a man of fair trade.
Gaming had been filling the comfortable silence with mindless chatter, jumping from topic to topic, whatever was on his mind. Valentine's Day came up naturally, given their current commission. He'd made some throwaway comment about something or another — Xingqiu wasn't paying much attention at the time — and he responded with his own, equally nonchalant answer.
He's beginning to regret that now.
"You've... never been on a date before?" The words come out strangled and disbelieving, like Xingqiu had just announced he’d discovered a second sun in the sky, rather than dropping a simple revelation about his love life. Or rather, the complete lack thereof.
Xingqiu lets out a long sigh, snapping his book shut with a decisive thump that seems to echo in the suddenly too empty clearing. He doesn’t even flinch when Gaming visibly startles at the sound. No, Xingqiu is used to this. He's had this conversation before — countless times, in fact. It seems his status as a 'loveless bachelor' has caught up with him yet again.
"Is that such a crime?" Xingqiu drawls, tilting his head ever so slightly as he regards Gaming with a raised brow.
"No, no, no. Hold on—"
Gaming launches himself out of the tree, sending the basket of apples in his lap flying. It’s only thanks to Xingqiu’s lightning fast reflexes that Xiangling’s apples don’t end up bruised and battered on the ground. Even so, the tree sways dangerously in Gaming’s wake, leaves fluttering down like confetti as he lands with a heavy thud. He mutters curses under his breath as he brushes leaves and twigs from his clothes.
By the time he spins around to face Xingqiu, his expression is a mix of sheer horror and worry, fingers tangled in his bangs as he begins to pace incessantly back and forth.
Xingqiu is REALLY starting to regret his choices now.
"You're telling me no one has ever asked you out on a date before? Ever?"
Xingqiu can feel the headache building behind his eyes. This is exactly why he avoids these conversations like the plague — they always end up here, with someone looking at him like he's about to eat a live slime. He pinches the bridge of his nose, counting backward from ten in his head.
"I didn't say that," He grits out, shoving the rescued basket into Gaming's chest with enough force to make the other boy stumble. For emphasis, of course. "I said I've never been on a date. There's a difference."
"But... wait, what?" Gaming sputters, clutching the basket to his chest like it might fly away otherwise. "You're telling me people have asked you out, and you just... what? Turned them all down?"
"Exactly." The memory of those hopeful suitors and their overstepping makes Xingqiu's jaw clench. "I've been asked out several times, actually. I simply decline every offer."
What he doesn't tell Gaming about is how his status as the second son of a respected merchant house had led to many... 'unsavoury' propositions. He doesn't tell Gaming about the countless 'suitors' who viewed him as nothing more than a stepping stone to the Feiyun Commerce Guild's coffers. Doesn't mention how many times those charming smiles had twisted into ugly sneers the moment they realized he wouldn't play their game.
(Thank the gods for Chongyun and his impeccable timing with those yang episodes. Nothing sends opportunistic rats scurrying quite like an exorcist's frost-rimmed blade.)
Gaming scrunches up like he's bitten into a lemon. The distress radiating off of him is almost palpable. Xingqiu finds himself reaching out without thinking, plucking a stray leaf from Gaming's perpetually messy hair before smoothing down his bangs with gentle fingers.
"I'm just not particularly interested in dating," He says softly, hoping his words come across as reassuring rather than tired. "And frankly, most of the offers have been from people who don’t know me at all. It’s rather difficult to enjoy an evening with someone whose interest lie in how deep your pockets are rather than the content of your character."
"I guess that makes sense..."
The other boy still seems lost in thought, brows furrowed and lower lip jutting out in an endearing little pout. So earnest, radiating righteous indignation at the mere thought of someone treating Xingqiu as anything less than precious. How sweet of him...
Xingqiu can't help the fond laugh that bubbles up from his throat, reaching out to tap at Gaming's cheek until those autumn colored eyes finally meet his own.
"I think you’re being a tad bit dramatic." He teases, because really, how can he not when Gaming's making a face like that?
"I am not being dramatic!"
The way Gaming's voice cracks on the word 'not' only makes Xingqiu laugh louder. But Gaming barrels on, undeterred by Xingqiu's amusement.
"It's Valentine's Day tomorrow, and YOU of all people have never been on a date? That's... that's criminal! You don't even know what you're missing!"
"And somehow you do?"
"Yes, I do! And I—" He jabs an accusatory finger at Xingqiu's chest, then freezes mid-motion. Xingqiu can practically see the moment inspiration strikes. "Wait, you know what? No. That's it."
"What is?"
"You’re going on a date. Tomorrow. With me."
Oh?
...Well, Xingqiu certainly didn't see this coming.
"Come again?" Xingqiu manages to croak out, because surely he must have heard wrong.
"You heard me!" Gaming's chest puffs up like a proud bird, grinning so wide it threatens to split his face in two. "Tomorrow night. We're going on a date. A real date. I'll plan everything. You won't even have to lift a finger."
"And what, pray tell, makes you think I'll agree to this?"
"Because I'm me," He says it like it's the most obvious thing in the world, like there's no possible way Xingqiu could say no. "You already like hanging out with me, right? So it's not like it'll be awkward or anything. Come on! It'll be fun!"
For a while, all he can do is stare. He searches Gaming's face for any hint of deception, any sign that might just be some elaborate prank. Because that would make much more sense than... this. But no, Gaming just stands there, shoulders squared and chin lifted. His eyes shine with that familiar stubborn fire, that same unwavering intensity he gets when he's absolutely dead set on something.
That something, right now, being taking Xingqiu out on a date.
"You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"Not a chance."
"Very well," Xingqiu gives in easily, though mostly just to end the conversation before Gaming resorted to begging. Not that he doesn't have the most amusing reactions when his pride is wounded. "I'll humor you."
"Humor me?" Gaming echoes, clutching his chest in mock offense. "You'll be begging me for another date by the end of tomorrow, mark my words!"
"We'll see."
Overzealous or not, Xingqiu has a feeling tomorrow is going to be... interesting.