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Xingqiu plops down at a table at Wangshu Inn across from Chongyun a little past their agreed upon time (which, Xingqiu was not happy about by the way, because he prides himself on being punctual), setting his bag down heavily beside him on the floor and placing a small, navy box in front of Chongyun, who peeks at it curiously.
"What's this?" Chongyun asks, looking it over but not touching it out of respect, in case it's some kind of ancient, expensive object - and honestly, it sure looks like one. The box itself is a rich, velvety navy with gold trim, the Feiyun Commerce Guild's symbol glittering on the top. The back has little, bronze hinges so the lid can be opened, but judging by the state it hasn't been opened for a long time.
"Something stupid." Xingqiu grumbles, slouching into his arms on the table and watching Chongyun start to fidget with the box when Xingqiu gives him the go ahead to touch it - the go ahead being that it's not worth being careful with. "Honestly, I can't believe he thought that I would be happy to receive such a thing..."
"Who and what?" Chongyun hums, running a finger lightly over the plush velvet.
"My brother, and this ring." Xingqiu reiterates, giving the box a death glare as if it were a plate of mashed up carrots. "There's this long-standing tradition in my family that every boy give this ring to their girlfriend, or basically to whoever they decide to court - and since my brother has already given the ring to his fiancé and their wedding is since planned for next year, that ring was then given to me so I can give it to 'some girl that strikes my fancy' - his words, not mine."
Chongyun's eyebrows raise as he hears of the contents in the box, gently pushing it open with his index finger like it were a bomb about to explode before he intently looks at the ring perched carefully inside. "Woah. So this is the ring?"
"That's the one." Xingqiu nods. "Honestly though, I feel like not only is this tradition confusing since the ring gets passed down anyways, but now I'm expected to procure some girl my age just to give her this silly ring! I'm pretty sure it was just a ploy by my brother to try and get me a girlfriend, if you ask me."
Chongyun wrinkles his nose a little at the mention of Xingqiu having a girlfriend, still honed in on the ring. "I can't even imagine you with a girlfriend - we never talk about romance enough as it is for me to see you with an interest. No offense."
"None taken - the world of relationships and anniversaries is not one for me - I'm quite content with the life I lead now, no need to throw being a suitor into the mix." Xingqiu mumbles, peeking at the ring himself.
In truth, he hasn't even bothered to look at it yet, too appalled by his brother's boldness to give him such a thing to consider giving it a glance and instead tossing it in his bag with a huff and a forced smile. Now that he sees it though, he understands why the ring itself is such a coveted heirloom in his family, and surely a prized possession or symbol of status among any who happen to receive it from a Guild heir.
The band is gold with tiny, glittering gems imbedded around it, all perfectly intact and shiny as if it were just forged. In the middle of the band lays a soft, white pearl with two tinier ones on either side of it, all encircled in a tiny ring of gold that swirls into the band itself.
The entire ring shimmers with a light pink hue against the sun, and were Xingqiu receiving the ring under different circumstances, he might even consider wearing it day or day - but alas, that would really get him in a world of trouble.
"It's really nice," Chongyun murmurs, setting his cheek against his palm and picking up the ring gingerly between his fingers, studying it. "For being in your family for so long, it sure looks like it was crafted today - I get why it's so sought after."
"Every time it's given to a new descendent it's send to the finest jewelers in Liyue to be polished and resized as necessary - but considering I don't have any specific romance interest, it hasn't been resized for some time." Xingqiu explains, watching Chongyun tilt it in the light.
"Do you mind if I try it on?" He asks, running his thumb gently over the large pearl in the middle.
"Not at all - I'm glad one of us finds use in it." Xingqiu comments, looking up from his slouchy position to watch Chongyun slip it on over the ring finger in his left hand. "Though it might not fit very well if it hasn't been tailored to your ring size."
"It's not bad - a little tight, but that just means it wouldn't fall off on accident." Chongyun hums, outstretching his hand to Xingqiu and tilting his head. "What do you think?"
Xingqiu looks at the ring on his finger, feeling a small jump in his chest and marveling at how well it suits him and compliments the gold armor on his wrist. "I-it looks really good on you." He looks up to meet Chongyun's eyes, seeing his face slightly tinged pink - though it's always hard to tell from what with his Yang energy. "Do you want it? I have no use for it, and I know you won't lose it in case my brother comes asking about its whereabouts."
Chongyun nods in shock, musing at the ring himself. "Y-yeah, if you really don't mind. Are you sure I can have it though? It looks really expensive..."
"It probably is, but the worth doesn't matter-" Xingqiu waves a hand before leaning forward to poke Chongyun's nose with a grin. "Just the person who's wearing it. That's all."
Chongyun blushes even harder, tucking his hands into his lap and setting the box away. "R-right. As long as you think it's okay..."
"I do - it looks just stunning on you anyways." Xingqiu smiles, drumming his fingers on the table with newfound excitement. "Now what say we have a nice, hearty lunch? I need a pick me up after this whole ordeal - and I think you'd look mighty cute holding your chopsticks with your new ring!"
Chongyun's face turns a shade of red Xingqiu didn't think it could be, burying his face into a menu as if he doesn't know everything they have. Xingqiu smiles, choosing not to tease him further and just looking thoughtfully at his left hand, the ring looking more at place there than he ever thinks it could've on anyone else.
-
"Thanks you guys! I don't think I could've fought that pyro meanie by myself..." Xiangling says, peeking through the box of materials that they'd gotten from fighting the Pyro Regisvine.
"No problem! I'm always down to help, plus a little bit of a workout is pretty sweet too - even if technically my vision was no good." Gaming laughs, setting the box up on the counter. "Looks like we got plenty of stuff though!"
"Yes. I've never personally fought it myself, but I was surprised we gained so many materials from it - though in terms of Xiangling's cooking, I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing." Xingqiu says before he earns a pout from Xiangling, quickly turning his back to busy himself with cleaning dishes as if he didn't hear her.
"Like you're gonna try any of the dishes anyways! You're probably just gonna make Chongyun taste them all like you usually do!" She accuses and Gaming grins at him. "Busted~"
"Did I hear my name?" Chongyun asks, heading up to the opposite side of the counter outside the kitchen, his eyes settling on the box and warily admiring their contents. "Why is this box so warm...?"
"We fought the pyro Regisvine for Xiangling to get new ingredients, and she's calling out Xingqiu for making you try all of her dishes." Gaming grins before Xingqiu clasps a hand to his chest and gasps.
"Huh? Me? Why I'd never do something like that! I only make him try her dishes on occasion if I'm so full I can't manage another bite, or if I'm allergic!" Xingqiu says over-dramatically.
"Since when are you allergic to anything?" Gaming raises an eyebrow.
"I'm sure there's something out there that gives me an adverse reaction - I haven't even visited 4 of the nations in Teyvat yet!" Xingqiu huffs before addressing Chongyun with a sweet smile. "What brings you here though, my lovely taste tester?"
"I just came by to grab some popsicles since Xiangling said they would be ready - and just to get out of people's line of sight. It feels like everyone's talking to be lately and I don't know why!" He sighs, leaning on the counter.
"Maybe they want your exorcism services?" Xiangling guesses, watching Chongyun come around into the kitchen and start digging through the deep freezer. "Maybe there's a big, bad curse going around or something!"
"No, it's nothing like that - if it really were a big, bad curse anyways, my clan would have already called a meeting about it and the elders would've had it taken care of. Or threw me in already as a last resort." He mumbles, picking out half a dozen popsicles and encasing them with enough ice to survive the trek back home. "For some reason, so many people in Liyue Harbor have just been coming up and talking to me, but it's not for exorcisms - it's just because."
"Maybe it's just one of those days?" Gaming asks, watching Chongyun unravel a popsicle wrapper to eat now. "Hey, when did you get a fancy ring like that?"
Chongyun pauses mid-bite, looking down at his opposite hand at the ring still adorning his finger a week after receiving it. "Oh. Xingqiu gave it to me."
Xiangling and Gaming immediately turn to look wide-eyes at Xingqiu, and he hurriedly waves his hands to try and diffuse their thoughts. "Hold on, hold on, it's not what you're thinking-!"
"It sure sounds like it!" They erupt in unison before Xiangling grabs Chongyun's ringed hand and shakes it. "You're telling me you just gave Chongyun a fancy-dancy ring for no reason? No romantic reason at all?!"
"X-Xiangling..." Chongyun blushes, looking helplessly at Xingqiu.
"Look, it was an old ring that I was given for a tradition but I didn't care for it, so I told Chongyun he could have it - at least until my brother has a son and then it's supposed to go to him as the next male descendent." Xingqiu explains, shaking his head.
"I dunno, still looks like you're giving Yun'er an engagement ring or something." Gaming hums and Xingqiu groans, taking Chongyun by his other hand and leaving. "Goodbye, you two, I hope the materials work for your new dishes but we're off now-!"
Xingqiu takes off with a confused and flustered Chongyun in tow, Xiangling and Gaming watching them from the kitchen window.
"So...you still think that's basically a love confession, right?" Xiangling asks him. "I mean, it's not like they're ever subtle about it, but still."
"Yeah, I don't believe a word out of Xingqiu's mouth! At least not most of the time anyways." Gaming laughs. "And y'know what? Maybe if that ring's supposed to be 'traditional' or something, then that's why Yun'er's getting so many looks in the street."
"You think so?" Xiangling's eyes widen, looking at him and Guoba worriedly. "If that's the case, then Xingqiu might get in trouble for just giving that ring to just anyone!"
"Maybe," Gaming mumbles, watching Xingqiu drag Chongyun around the corner and up to Wanwen Bookhouse. "But I think Xingqiu needs a lil' wake-up call anyways - if I have to watch him crushing on Chongyun for any longer, I think my head might explode!"
Xiangling laughs, turning back to the box. "Yeah, no kidding!"
-
Xingqiu sits with his knees to his chest, a book propped against his legs that he devours as fast as his eyes can read and his mind can comprehend. He's so caught up in it, in fact, that he barely hears Chongyun trying to get his attention until the book is carefully plucked from his lap.
"Hey!" Xingqiu looks up with a frown. "I was reading that."
"We should be finishing our work though, remember?" Chongyun puts a hand on his hip, and Xingqiu thinks he looks delightfully sassy. "We didn't come all the way to Quince Village just to read."
"But I did finish my work! I cleared out the entire warehouse of cobwebs, dusted the floors, and wiped the windows just like my father asked - you're the one who's not done with the commission he took on, y'know." Xingqiu wags a finger at him as if that makes his point any better.
"There's no way you finished cleaning out the entire warehouse in only half an hour!" Chongyun accuses. "Even if you had some sort of crazy speed, that still wouldn't be plausible."
"Well, I might've fudged the details a liiiiiiittle bit, but I did finish my work-!" He says quickly when he sees Chongyun opening his mouth to say something more. "My father wants it done by Monday, and it's currently Saturday - which means I have another whole day to do it tomorrow. I did part of the work today, and I'll finish up later."
Chongyun lets out an exasperated sigh, crouching in front of him and looking over the book he'd been reading. "There's going to be more cobwebs if you do that, but whatever...which book is this anyways?"
"Tales of Wind and Sky. I thought it sounded like an interesting read given the cover art is so extravagant, but it's not as daring and exciting as I'd hoped - I'm still going to finish it though." Xingqiu explains, watching Chongyun tap the back cover with his finger. His ring finger. The finger that still has the ring on it after, what has it been, three weeks?
Chongyun starts talking about something else, likely a series he found that was similar to it or something of the sort while Xingqiu stays fixated on the ring, eventually reaching out and taking Chongyun's hand from the cover and intertwining their hands without further commentary.
"Hey, what are you-?" Chongyun looks up, seeing Xingqiu's hand clasped with his, a bright contrast between the white silk of Xingqiu's sleeves and the dark fabric of Chongyun's glove - and of course, the gold ring that compliments the both of them.
Xingqiu blushes a little, turning their hands over for a moment with a mumble. "You're still wearing my ring...I-I mean, the ring! It's not mine, of course, I mean it technically was mine to give to someone to court but I gave up that ownership to you!"
Chongyun blushes back, avoiding his gaze while he stares at the ring himself. "W-well, of course I'm still wearing it. I like it."
"...but I thought you didn't care for jewelry?" Xingqiu asks softly, knowing all the times Chongyun had been gifted any kind of necklace or bracelet that he set aside in his drawer as opposed to wearing, simply because it's just not his thing or he doesn't want to ruin it.
"Normally I don't," Chongyun replies just as softly. "But you gave it to me, and I think it's really pretty, so I want to wear it everyday."
Xingqiu feels his face redden more than he can handle, and he buries his face into his knees with a pitiful whine. "I-I mean, as long as you like it guess who am I to stop you..."
Chongyun's eyes flicker up to him as he gently squeezes his hand. "Your hand is getting really sweaty, Xingqiu."
He immediately lets go of Chongyun's hand with a huff, crossing his arms and desperately trying to wipe off his hand against his overcoat discreetly. "I-it's not like I can control it! You're making me all embarrassed, and I can't help it!"
Chongyun shakes his head at him, giving him the book back before standing up. "I don't really care if they are, I was just pointing it out. I wouldn't stop holding your hand just because of that."
Xingqiu blushes harder, reaching his limit for the amount of embarrassment he allows himself to receive before he waves his hand, shooing Chongyun off. "G-go finish your commissions so we can go home! I made us a reservation at a new restaurant anyways, and we shouldn't arrive too late to that..."
"I'm going, but you should work a little more on cleaning the warehouse - we both know your brother's gonna check on it early anyways." Chongyun reminds him, heading back off into the village and leaving Xingqiu alone.
He can't wrap his head around it, but seeing Chongyun with that ring on his hand just makes his stomach all fluttery and jumpy and he doesn't even know what to do about it. It's not like he gave it to Chongyun for the tradition, he just let him have it because he liked how it looked, and Chongyun would have a better use for it anyways!
He buries his face in his hands, pulling his hair slightly in frustration before he abandons his book and starts cleaning again - he can't focus on reading anymore, anyways.
-
After a full month of Chongyun wearing the ring has passed, Xingqiu can say he hopes it never goes away any time soon. When Chongyun grabs his hand or arm to make sure he doesn't run into anything while reading, Xingqiu can feel the bump of metal against his clothes and it sends a jolt to his heart.
When they're eating and Chongyun's thinking really hard about something, he'll tap his hand against his teacup and the ring will gently clink against the porcelain, or when he uses his chopsticks it just looks ten times cuter.
No matter what he does or where he goes, Xingqiu can't help but find his eyes drawn to the ring on his hand, and apparently neither can anymore else - anytime they go to Liyue Harbor, or even outside of it now, people always stop them and comment on Chongyun's ring with such excitement that he can't help but hope Chongyun wears it forever and ever.
On one such day, Xingqiu hurries into Liyue Harbor in search of him with a new lead he'd overheard and asked about (and this one was real, thank you very much!), looking all over for him amongst the crowded Liyue streets, finally seeing his head of blue hair out of the corner of his eye and heading over.
Chongyun talks to a lady who must've stopped him, showing her the ring on his finger while she smiles and gives him a bundle of flowers from her shop.
"Y-You don't need to give these to me...!" Chongyun stumbles, holding the colorful bouquet of silk flowers in his hands.
"Oh it's no trouble, really! After all, I'd rather be able to give you something now than before the news is officially announced! I believe these are Young Master Xingqiu's favorite flowers, correct? I'd heard about it from his elder brother one time." She smiles, refusing to take them back.
"Ah-what news?" He asks while tipping his head, and Xingqiu starts to get a bad feeling in his stomach as he approaches.
"Oh you don't know darling? Why the new that-" She pauses when she sees Xingqiu, shooing Chongyun off. "Ah, nevermind that now, I'm sure someone will tell you soon enough. Keep the flowers, they're a gift from Lianyue Flower Shop!"
Xingqiu's watches her hurry off into her shop as he approaches, looking at the intricate bundle of flowers in Chongyun's arms. "What was that all about?"
"I...I don't really know, to be honest. This kind of stuff has been happening to me all month." Chongyun says, looking down at the flowers guiltily. "I really wish I could've paid for these though..I feel bad so many people are just giving me things."
"Well if it's a gift, then wouldn't it be more improper to pay? If they're giving you something purely to show their kindness, then I think the best way to repay it is to thank them and use it wisely." Xingqiu hums, thinking over the numerous times he'd been gifted things - though that's definitely a different case, and those people are mostly giving him freebies to get in good standing with the Guild. "Besides, who wouldn't want to give such gorgeous flowers to a handsome boy like you?"
"B-but these flowers aren't for me." He explains, his cheeks flushed. "She gave me them to give to you."
Xingqiu blinks, immediately shaking his head. "H-hold on a second, I'm not interested in just anyone who decides to try and give me flowers, especially if they're just using you as the messenger! Besides, that woman looked to be my brother's age, not anywhere near mine!"
"N-no, Xingqiu, she gave them to me so that I could give them to you without her involved. As in the flowers would be from me." He explains, and Xingqiu relaxes.
"Oh, well that certainly puts me at ease - but why do that anyways? We don't usually get stuff like this to give to each other." Xingqiu murmurs, running a finger on the red, crinkly wrapping paper. "I'd understand if one of us was a girl since people would assume we might be a couple, but it's not all too often people would assume that if we're both boys, right? At least, it's just not as common."
"Well, she said something about some 'news' that gonna be announced soon, and she kept talking about the ring...though I guess everyone's been asking me about my ring lately." Chongyun says, frowning slightly. "Do you think maybe I should take it off-?"
"No!" Xingqiu immediately says a little too loudly before he clears his throat. "I-I mean, no. If you like it, you should wear it and not let anyone else dictate what you can and cannot wear -but this is a just starting to get rather confusing."
"You're telling me - either way though, these are for you." Chongyun hands him the flowers, making Xingqiu blush harder. "Are you sure? Maybe you should keep them, I mean-"
"Didn't you just tell me that when given a gift you should take it?" Chongyun accuses him and Xingqiu groans.
"Fine, fine, I need to stay true to my words, I understand!" Xingqiu pouts, keeping the flowers tucked in the crook of his arm. "But just so you know, this isn't over-!"
"Xingqiu!" Someone says loudly over the sea of people, and he freezes.
"Shoot, shoot what does he want from me now?!" Xingqiu's hisses, starting to look for an out. "C'mon, I think if we go down through these building we should be able to-!"
"Don't even try to get away Xingqiu, you're already in a world of trouble!" His brother frowns, grabbing him by the back of his shirt like a cat and dragging him back towards the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
"H-hey! This is embarrassing, we're in public!" Xingqiu huffs, giving a fruitless wave to Chongyun as he's pulled away. "Show some decorum!"
"You're one to talk! You just handed off a precious family heirloom at the drop of a hat, and now everyone in the nation is expecting an official courtship to be announced!" His brother glares at him as Xingqiu pales while he's dragging into the Feiyun Commerce Guild and into his brother's office. "You're lucky I'm the one who found you first and not our father, because he's definitely not happy with you either!"
Xingqiu sits in the seat opposite of his desk, shaking his head. "What? Since when is that the rule?! That as soon as that ring is on someone else's finger, then a courtship has to be announced? I'm only 17! You can't seriously expect me to make him my-!"
Xingqiu blushes as soon as the words come to mind, just imagining a wedding ceremony with cake and friends and flowers and feeling his chest get filled with butterflies all over again. "M-my husband, or something!"
"It's not that you're expected to marry him right now, but when that ring is given to someone, it means that the next in line male descendent intends to court them someday." His brother explains, plopping his head in his hand. "And honestly, that's not even the only pressing matter."
"What else is there?" Xingqiu asks, fidgeting with his hands in his lap and holding his friendship tassel for comfort. He wants Chongyun for company more than he can express right now.
"The biggest issue right now - and I use the word issue not in a bad way, Xingqiu, just that it's something to tackle right now - is the fact that you gave the ring to a boy instead of a girl." His brother explains, and Xingqiu feels his brain short circuit all at once.
"...Y-you mean, the entirety of Liyue thinks I'm gay?" He says quietly, his entire face redder thank the silk flowers in the seat beside him. He puts his head in his hands, groaning. "I want to jump off of Jueyun Karst now."
"Look, Xing-" his brother goes around the desk to put a hand on his little brother's shoulder, looking at him sympathetically. "There's nothing wrong with you liking this boy, okay? We all know who Chongyun is, he's been around the Feiyun Commerce Guild with you ever since you were little, and there's no doubt in anyone's mind that he would be a good fit for you, okay?"
He rubs his shoulder, trying to ease Xingqiu's distress. "What we're trying to deal with is just how to tell the public, because we know people have questions about it - the fact that you gave him the ring before telling us means that a lot of people think we're trying to keep it under wraps, and the main speculation is because you're the only heir to court someone of the same gender. We're just trying to sort everything out, okay? But there's nothing wrong with who you like."
Xingqiu's groans again, quietly looking up from his hands. "I-I appreciate that, I really do...even if you frustrate me sometimes, I know you mean well..." he mumbles before confessing. "But I didn't give Chongyun the ring because I planned to court him or even date him - I gave it to him because I thought I'd never have a use for it..."
His brother blanks, his face unreadable before he gives him a pissed off look. "Okay, now I'm really gonna kick your ass, Xing."
"You were the one who gave me this ring and told me to give it some girl I like even though you know I've never even remotely been interested in romance, or girls for that matter!" He huffs. "And Chongyun wouldn't lose the ring, that's why I said he could wear it in the first place!"
"Well now you've gone and made this whole situation ten times worse, Xingqiu! Do you even have a crush on this boy?!" His brother stands up, running a frustrated hand through his hair.
"I don't know, okay? Like I enjoy being with him and spending time with him, and I think he's kind of cute or whatever, but-!" He puts a finger up when he sees his brother's raised eyebrow. "I only started feeling this way recently! I don't know if I want to do all of...this! Especially if I don't know if I really, really like him or not!"
"Well here's the deal, Xingqiu. Father told me he needs to get the announcement of something out by Friday, so you have today and tomorrow to figure this out with Chongyun and then report back to father or I about your decision - even though it would be hell for our PR team to figure out how to explain that you're not courting him, we can figure it out if we have a straight answer from you."
Xingqiu sinks into his chair a little, sighing loudly. "And the entire city has to know...?"
"The entire city had to know, because you sent Chongyun off with the ring in the city." His brother says firmly. "So either you tell him now or by tomorrow, but you have to tell him before Friday."
Xingqiu takes his flowers and leaves, mumbling a small 'bye' as he exits and going to sit on the front steps of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, looking pensive as he watches the sun start to set and the people rushing to and fro.
He really doesn't want to have to tell Chongyun, but he knows he doesn't have a choice. Saying that they're just friends doesn't feel right though when he feels this way and he feels like maybe he's always felt this way, but saying they're 100% going to get married in x amount of years just sounds like a mountain of pressure to live up to.
He's always felt like best friends with Chongyun - of course he has. There's no one else he'd rather spend every day with, or spend afternoons just reading in silence with, or bickering with, or anything else. But he likes the other little things that come with having a crush on him too - he likes blushing over him even if it's embarrassing, and calling him cute or other endearments, and even on rare occasions think what it might be like to kiss him, or to receive a kiss from him.
He knows deep down (even if he won't admit it) that he should have known better than to just give away the ring like that, especially since these consequences could have been easily avoided, but now that he's realizing that and that he might have a crush on him, he hates that he's being forced to broadcast it to everyone. He wishes he could just go through the motions of having a crush like any normal person his age, even if he knows his situation with the Guild is anything but normal.
He sighs, holding his bouquet tightly against his chest. He just wishes everything really were as simple as just giving Chongyun a pretty ring.
-
Come the next day, Chongyun had already tracked him down the second Xingqiu left his house to ask if he'd like to come out to Luhua Pool to meditate with him. Great. Awesome. The world is already giving Xingqiu a kick in the ass to get going.
Xingqiu had obviously agreed, and Chongyun had joyfully grabbed him by the hand (yes, the one with the ring) and pulled him off towards the pools in an excited hurry. The entire journey there, Xingqiu tried to keep up a smile and act as if nothing's amiss, but his heart continues to thud violently in his chest every time he remembers Chongyun's hand is holding his.
Chongyun plops them down on one of the smooth, stone surfaces overlooking the various glittering pools, drinking from some water he'd brought along to cool him off further before he falls into meditation, Xingqiu settling across from him.
Aside from training, commissions, reading sessions, and ghost-hunting missions, the two of them often get together for meditation sessions lead by Chongyun. Whether it be a cool, dewy morning, or a slighty-warm afternoon like this one, whenever Chongyun is off to meditate and practice new mantras, he asks Xingqiu if he wants to come along with him.
Chongyun's view of Xingqiu's expertise on mediation was about the same as Xingqiu's view of Chongyun's expertise on chivalry - in that, he thinks Xingqiu could definitely be better at it.
The biggest reason for it is because Xingqiu never seems to be able to clear his mind properly enough for meditation - he's always thinking about the newest book he read, or more Justice he needs to serve, or how not excited he is to go home and deal with family stuff. Despite Chongyun's Yang energy, he's pretty good at clearing his head of any stray thoughts and just sitting there in total silence and absolute peace, while Xingqiu gets restless after a short while and usually goes to read while Chongyun finishes.
Today though, there's a much bigger reason for why Xingqiu can't sit still, and it's eating him up worse than any of his usual distracting thoughts.
Chongyun takes a deep breath, in through his nose and out through his mouth, his eyes closed and his hands clasped in his lap while he talks. "A big part of meditation is being able to clear your head and try to focus on honing your attention and awareness on what's truly important; so just start by saying what you'd like to focus on more."
Xingqiu murmurs, fidgeting with the hem of his shorts. "Um...I'd like to focus more on seeking justice, I suppose, and my swordsmanship. And reading is never a bad course of action."
Chongyun doesn't need to make a sound or expression for Xingqiu to know he's thinking 'of course one of them's reading', just silently nodding his head. "And what's preventing you from focusing more on those things? It can be a physical block, or a mental one. Different problems have different setbacks."
Xingqiu fidgets even more, scrunching up the fabric in his hands. It's so quiet between them that he feels like Chongyun can probably hear his heartbeat if he really wanted to. "Right, right, yeah...I guess, family stuff?"
Chongyun tilts his head without opening his eyes. "Anything specific you want to talk about?"
Xingqiu exhales a little more harshly than he'd tried to, Chongyun's usual breathing technics utterly lost. "M-maybe...the ring thing."
Chongyun pauses, opening an eye. "The...what?"
Xingqiu looks over at him, pointing at his gloved hand with the pearly ring still perched delicately on his finger. "The ring thing. That's...that's what's bothering me right now."
Chongyun glances down at the ring adorning his finger, his cheeks flushing slightly in embarrassment. "Oh. Does your family need it back? I-I'm sorry, I didn't know-"
"No, they don't want it back right now or anything, it's just..." Xingqiu sighs, starting to tug his hair a little again. It's a bad habit he's always had when he's frustrated, and though he laments it he just can't seem to control it. "Things sort of blew up in my face yesterday, and I'm not sure what to do."
"Well you can tell me." Chongyun says softly, putting his hands over Xingqiu's to try and take them off to no avail. When he sees his efforts are having no affect, he leans closer, looking at him gently. "Can I please have your hands, Qiu?"
Xingqiu hesitantly releases his tight grip on his hair, letting Chongyun hold them and squeeze them in his. "There, that's good. So what happened?"
"When my brother pulled me aside yesterday, he told me that because everyone has seen you wearing the ring for so long, they assumed that...th-that I'm courting you." He manages to say, his hands tensing a little in embarrassment as he talks. "And he told me that the Feiyun Commerce Guild needs to make a formal announcement by tomorrow, but I don't even know want to tell them!"
Chongyun's eyes widen bigger and bigger as he talks, glancing back down at the ring again. "That explains all the attention I've been getting lately. I had no idea that this would blow up this much though - can't you tell him that you didn't mean it like that?"
"I-I did but I also...didn't not mean it that way? At least the longer this went on?" Xingqiu brings his hands from Chongyun's to cover his own face. Not often does he lose so much decorum, but right now he just can't help it - everything feels like it's falling apart at the seams right now. "It really was just because I hated the tradition at first and I didn't care, but now I feel like I wouldn't mind giving it to you in that context...? But I only just realized how I'm feeling, and I don't want to tell the entirety of Liyue I want to court to you if it's just a crush right now!"
Chongyun stares at him, his mouth slightly agape and his hands frozen where Xingqiu left them. "You...have a crush on me?"
Archons, just send him to Celestia while he's at it. "I...I'm pretty sure I do, yeah. And maybe I've always kind of felt this way...? But I only just realized it recently, so I don't even know for sure."
Chongyun's surprise fades slightly and his face softens, one of his hands planting firmly onto Xingqiu's back before the other one does the same and he pulls Xingqiu into a clumsy hug, making him squeak as he's pressed against Chongyun's chest. "What-?"
"You look like you need a hug." Chongyun says, holding him securely, but giving him the room to leave if he wants to. Xingqiu relaxes in his arms, nodding softly. "I do. I...I'm sorry you're getting dragged into this. And for, well..."
"You don't have to be sorry. I mean, it's not like I expect you to control how you feel." Chongyun blushes. "And I have a bit of a crush on you too, to be honest..."
Xingqiu raises his head in alarm, his cheeks flushed and his heart in his throat. "You do?! Y-you have a crush on me?"
"Is that so hard to believe?" Chongyun mumbles, looking away while he hugs him a little tighter.
"I mean, a little bit! I would've thought I push your buttons too much for you to like me like that." Xingqiu says, embarrassed. He looks back up to him after a second in more disbelief. "But you actually like me like that?"
"I won't deny that you do push my buttons, and that sometimes you drive me absolutely nuts-" Chongyun huffs, his cheeks flushed. "But yes, I do like you. Like that, I mean."
Xingqiu blinks, burying his face back against his chest. "Then I s'pose we've got that part figured out. But this whole ring situation is still a massive headache."
"Do you need to be clear about your decision?" Chongyun asks, drumming his fingers again Xingqiu's back in thought. "I mean, can't it be vague enough that you're not really saying yes or no?"
Xingqiu lights up, shaking his head and sitting up. "He said he needs an answer, but I might be able to spin the details a little if I go directly to our PR team and not straight to my brother or father...yes! I think that's a brilliant idea!"
He squishes Chongyun face in his hands, earning a whine in complaint. "I thought I was supposed to be the problem solver between us, but it seems like I'm rubbing off on you, yes?"
"Xingqiu, stooooop!"
Xingqiu laughs, continuing to toy with him despite his complaining, the weight of his troubles slightly lifted off of him. He just might able to get away with this after all...
-
By the next morning, Xingqiu's back in his brother's office, said brother rubbing the bridge of his nose with a sigh. "When I said the public needed an answer, this wasn't exactly what I meant, Xing."
"What do you mean? I think it's perfect - I haven't heard a single complaint yet!" Xingqiu smiles, flipping through the article that'd been printed in the local newspaper.
"An official announcement coupled with a thinly-veiled social commentary on the pressures of public figures being forced by the public to display their whole lives and how that affects young people in such a position is not a perfect reply!" His brother points out. "Knowing you though, I should've taken more measures to make sure that cut didn't get through..."
"Well it has my name on it front and center, so if anything the backlash should be directed at me." Xingqiu hums, setting the paper back on the desk with a smile, reading over the delightfully vague title: 'In response to confusion over the use of the FCG's family's heirloom, Xingqiu replies: 'He (Young Master's Xingqiu's dear friend) and I have a bond that cannot be restricted by words'.
"Which you'd just talk your way out of anyways..." His brother sighs, stuffing the newspaper back into his desk. "But at least with that out of the way, there's only one more thing to deal with."
"What that?" Xingqiu looks up at him, titling his head in confusion. He can't recall any other things that he was supposed to do.
"Since you don't plan on officially courting him - at least, not now - then you need to return the ring, since it belongs in my fiancé's possession until you actually decide to use it." His brother says, and Xingqiu deflates a little in his seat.
He knows that returning the ring makes perfect sense, considering the ring isn't being used for it's intended purpose, but he certainly doesn't like the idea of Chongyun no longer having the ring when it looks so nice on him and he seems to enjoy wearing it so much. "Oh. Okay, I'll...go get it from him..."
"Good - father will blow a fuse if it's not back in its place."
"Are you sure you're not the one who's going to blow a fuse?"
His older brother frowns at him, looking entirely fed up with Xingqiu for the day - and quite possibly the whole week. "Get out of my office, Xingqiu."
Xingqiu doesn't need to be told twice as he heads out of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, standing with a sigh and his hands on his hips while he wonders where Chongyun could have wandered off to today, proceeding to mill about the streets and market in hopes of seeing his blue hair over the wandering public.
He muses at a couple of stands, trying to restrain himself from looking at the usual book booths or sampling baked goods from food stalls before his eye catches on someone selling jewelry.
"Ah, Young Master Xingqiu! What a pleasure to have you looking at our wares today." A young woman running the stand smiles, polishing a decorative bowl to lay out bracelets in. "Is there anything that catches your eye, or something you're looking for?"
Xingqiu looks at a jewelry box propped open and displaying a whole collection of different brightly-colored rings, from cherry-red rubies to silver bands decorated with soft, blue stones, an idea immediately hatching in his head. "How long are you open today?"
-
"Xingqiu, where are we going?" Chongyun asks, being dragged through the streets by Xingqiu and trying to keep his gaze ahead and not at the onlookers making sweet comments about Xingqiu holding his hand in the market. Xingqiu's announcement still meant that people knew there was something going on between them, so they got a few more looks together than usual now.
"I have a surprise for you that I think you'll like - consider it my treat for the mess I've created, and for having to return your ring." Xingqiu says apologetically. Not long ago had he finally found him and broke the news that he needed the ring back, and though Chongyun immediately agreed and understood the situation, Xingqiu knew he was a little sad about it needing to be returned.
"You don't need to keep treating me all the time...and it's not my ring." Chongyun mumbles, following him down into the busy market.
"It'll always be your ring in my eyes." Xingqiu hums, grinning to himself when he feels Chongyun's hand tighten around his in embarrassment. "Anyways, the surprise is not negotiable."
"And why's that?" Chongyun asks, his face still flushed as Xingqiu stops in front of the same jewelry stand.
"Because we're already here!" Xingqiu chirps, nodding at the rings set out with a flourish of his hand. "I figured since you can't keep the original ring, then I could get you a new one!"
Chongyun blushes harder, his mouth falling open as he looks at the jewelry stand. He looks between it and Xingqiu, sputtering, "X-Xingqiu, you can't be serious!"
"And why can't I be? You just adored the original ring, and if I'm able to get you something you fancy as much as the first one, then of course I'll buy it!" He smiles, looking down at the jewelry himself. "Besides, no price is too great for you - or to see you wearing something you cherish."
"B-but- surely these can't be cheap!" Chongyun refutes, trying to find a price on the rings before his face pales - high amounts of Mora might be a second thought to Xingqiu, but for Chongyun it's months and months of meager pay. "No way, I'm not letting you buy one for me!"
"What?" Xingqiu turns his head to him in shock - he knows Chongyun always puts up a fight about him paying for him so often, but he typically never straight up refuses. "What do you mean I can't?"
"I mean I'm not letting you drop so much Mora on me! Lunch is one thing, but buying an expensive ring for me just because I can't have the original is...is...it's just ridiculous!" Chongyun huffs, crossing his arms with a harsh blush. "I'll be fine without a ring, and I truly appreciate the thought Xingqiu, but I just can't accept this!"
Xingqiu grumbles, trying to figure out how to convince him. He knows it's less of a matter of Xingqiu losing money over him (considering his allowance is insanely high) and more so Chongyun not being good at receiving gifts - especially expensive ones. Just as he opens his mouth to argue though, the shop keeper interrupts.
"Actually, I was going to say that the ring is free once you had picked one out - a gift for the new couple, and especially that concerning the young master." She smiles, looking between the two before setting on Chongyun. "So please, pick out the one you like. No need to worry about the price."
Both Xingqiu and Chongyun pause in their 'argument' before they both immediately start telling her than she doesn't need to do that for them, amongst a blushing fit and refusal of them dating yet. After their confessions, they'd both agreed that while they liked each other, they didn't mind taking it slow and not giving it specific labels like being a couple or boyfriends or anything, just as long as they got to be in each other's company - but it still made them embarrassed when other people perceived thought they were dating.
She shakes her head despite their rebuttals, refusing to let up. "I won't go back on my offer - after hearing about Master Xingqiu's eagerness to give you a new ring and the story behind it, I can't possibly make him pay."
Eventually they stop trying to change her mind, and with much embarrassment from everyone watching him, Chongyun decides on a ring that's then beautifully wrapped in a small box and tucked into a bag to carry home, the bag brushing against his pant leg as they go to sit in one of Xingqiu's 'moment of solitude' spots overlooking the city to end their day, and the whole series of events along with it.
"Alright, let's see it!" Xingqiu says excitedly, watching Chongyun take the ring box out of the bag with a soft sigh. "I don't need to wear it now, y'know - I'm worried I might lose it, anyways."
"You? Lose something so significant, especially when a shop keeper gave it to you for free out of the goodness of her heart? Doesn't sound like the Chongyun I know." Xingqiu shakes his head. "Now c'mon, open the box!"
Chongyun blushes, carefully pulling the top off of the white box and setting it in the grass, showing off the ring inside. A light blue gem stands at the centerpiece of the silver band, with tinier stones imbedded along it. Xingqiu smiles, looking at it fondly. "You certainly have an eye for fine jewelry, dear Chongyun - you picked the most expensive one!"
Chongyun's eyes widen in horror, clasping a hand over his mouth. "I did?!"
Xingqiu laughs, shaking his head. "No, no, I'm just teasing you - they all cost pretty much the same, I just- hey, ow!"
Chongyun huffs, pulling his cheek. "That's what you get for tricking me."
"Fine fine, I've learned my lesson - for now." Xingqiu tuts, carefully taking the ring out of the box and holding Chongyun's hand with the other. "But I was only teasing."
Chongyun tilts his head, watching him as he takes him hand. "What are you doing?"
"Putting the ring on your finger?" Xingqiu looks up at him before he realizes how romantic it sounds and ducks his head with a cough. "I-I mean, I just thought it would be cute, y'know? Since there was a whole meaning behind it and everything?"
"Isn't the whole meaning that you wanted to get me a new ring?" He asks.
"Well that, and..." Xingqiu quiets, slipping the ring softly onto Chongyun's finger. "It's also a bit of a promise ring, I suppose? As in, I promise to always be by your side, no matter what form it is - a friend, a lover, or anything in between."
He laces their fingers, gently squeezing their hands together. "I want to devote myself to your well being, to your happiness, to your aspirations...and if a beautiful ring is that reminder, then...I sincerely hope you wear it forever. Even if it may be selfish of me to request."
Xingqiu keeps his gaze lowered, just looking at their intertwined hands with a blush and his heart thudding loudly against his chest before he hears a sniffle, looking up to see Chongyun starting to cry. "Ch-Chongyun? Why are you crying?!"
"B-because-" He sniffles, his cheeks getting dangerously red as his Yang energy starts to rise with his emotions. "You're just being s-so sweet, and-"
He paused, trying to keep back the tears before his pupils gloss over with the familiar white sparkles and his Yang energy kicks in. He clings onto Xingqiu's arm while he wails, rubbing his cheek against his. "I just love you so so much Xingqiu!"
Xingqiu feels his entire chest fill with butterflies as Chongyun nuzzles him and tells him he loves him, trying to pat his back in sympathy and not explode from the affection. "D-don't worry, I'm not going anywhere-!"
"Please don't!" He sobs, heavy tears falling down his face. Xingqiu takes his face in his palms, wiping away the tears with his sleeves and softly shushing him. "Hey now, no need for all those tears - everything's alright, okay?"
Chongyun leans into one of his hands, nodding softly and mumbling a pitiful, "Okay."
"Good. So please don't cry, I don't think my poor heart can handle it."
Chongyun eventually settles down, softly sniffling as he leans against Xingqiu on the grass, both of them laying down so Chongyun can calm down more.
Xingqiu stares up at the sky, at the abyss of clear blue and fluffy clouds, feeling Chongyun's head against his shoulder, his arms wrapped around his torso and more importantly, the slight bump of his ring against his side.
Xingqiu smiles to himself, resting his head on Chongyun's as he watches the clouds go by. Though he would never admit it to his brother, someday he thinks he would like to present Chongyun with the heirloom ring. Maybe in some fun way like in a romance novel, like ordering dessert at a restaurant and they bring the ring instead or getting down on one knee during a sunset stroll to profess his love.
Even though he knows it's all so cheesy, from the courting to the rings to all the silly romantic thoughts running through his head lately, he can't bring himself to keep calling it childish, or silly, or anything like that.
He kind of likes the thought of giving Chongyun beautiful jewelry and holding his hand and marveling at him like he's the cutest thing to walk the earth - even if he'll never admit it. He's a bit too stubborn to declare that he's not only a 'serious-minded chivalric hero in the making', but also a 'justice-seeker who falls head over heels with heart eyes and all' for a certain exorcist.
As long as Chongyun loves his ring as much as Xingqiu adores him, no matter what form it takes or when, he's a-okay with being a bit of a hopeless romantic for him.
Or at the very least, with getting to cuddle up with him in their 'moment of solitude', ring and all.