Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"Hey, lift that banner up higher! Now, a little to the right! Yes, that's perfect!"

"Those parasols look wonderful! They'll make the perfect decoration!"

"Does my stall look cluttered? I think it looks too cluttered... Oh no, I don't have enough time to fix it. The customers will hate it!"

Throughout Liyue Harbor, everyone flocked together in frantic preparation for the night's festival. Stall vendors were arranging various games or gathering last minute ingredients. Millelith soldiers took special care in decorating the Mingxiao Latern for this year's honored adeptus. Chef Mao had already found himself under the attack of hungry customers who had stopped for a quick lunch break. Xiangling was helping him cook, only breaking her focus to wave at Chongyun.

For Chongyun himself, however, he found himself searching the bustling crowd for Xingqiu. We spend every Latern Rite together, I shouldn't be worried, but... Seeing as the Feiyun Commerce Guild was in charge of supplying goods to vendors, their job was especially hectic. Even their trade agreements had to be postponed until after the Latern Rite Festival. Nonetheless, Xingqiu always managed to sneak away so he could spend the night with Chongyun. What if he's being closely monitored by his family this time? He's had to cancel plans a few times now for that reason. Chongyun slipped a popsicle into his mouth to calm his nerves. He bit off a small piece and allowed it to melt on his tongue before heaving a sigh. I want this Latern Rite to be different for us... It's so hard to stay rational.

Throughout the day, his mind had been wracked with the thought of what to wish upon his Xiao Latern this year. The previous years had all been the same, about his goals as an exorcist or something of similar nature. But, this time, a new aspiration arose that he longed for the most. If Xingqiu misses the events, then... Chongyun shook his head. When it came to dealing with his personal emotions, he was no good at it. No amount of physical training could help him grasp his feelings. We can't really call ourselves 'friends' anymore, can we? So, why is it so hard to say what I want to?

"Chongyun? Is something on your mind?" As if he had been summoned by Chongyun's fretting thoughts, Xingqiu's voice snapped him out of his trance.

"Xingqiu...!" Chongyun quickly bit off another chunk of his popsicle before facing the other boy. "I was worried you would be too busy with the Guild and couldn't sneak away."

"Nonsense! I would always make time for you! Of course, my brother has been a bit more... vexing than usual today. However, I was able to sneak away before sundown. I'm sorry I made you wait longer than necessary, but, well... To pass the time, I read a few chapters of this new martial arts novel that came out while hiding at Wanwen Bookhouse. When I finally found a good stopping point, it was already almost time for the festival." Xingqiu explained, glancing up at the darkening sky. The moon was approaching its highest peak, signaling the start of the festivities. "It shouldn't be too long now, shall we go?" He turned to Chongyun and offered a hand.

"Huh? Oh, yes. S-Sorry, I guess I'm still not used to this... this." Chongyun nodded towards their now intertwined fingers. He kept looking around at any nearby citizens, feeling a bit self-conscious. It didn't help when he saw Xiangling from a distance, who was staring at them with some kind of self-satisfied sparkle in her eyes. He immediately averted his eyes. "It's a bit embarrassing, you know..."

Xingqiu looked over at him, a frown fallen upon his face. "Do you not like it?"

"N-No! I-I mean, yes! Yes as in I like it, that is... Actually, it's okay! Let's go..."

Despite his apprehension, Chongyun held Xingqiu's hand throughout their trip to the heart of the festival. It was even more crowded here, but to his relief, Xingqiu stayed away from the most crowded areas. "I can't let anyone from the Guild see me, of course." was his explanation. "Nor do I feel like socializing in order to keep appearances for my family. I want to value our time together above all!"

In just a short time, the dark sky above was filled with thousands of Xiao lanterns, casting a magnificent orange glow. They all carried the prayers and wishes of the people of Liyue. Soon, we will release our lanterns too. I hope–

"Chongyun, look over there! Shall we take a photo together? We can commemorate a new year together." Xingqiu asked, pointing over to the bridge where a man dressed in Fontaine attire was photographing customers. "Fontaine truly has amazing inventions, don't they? The Kamera has grown in popularity, I imagine they can hardly meet the demand."

"You sound like a businessman when you say things like that..." Chongyun pointed out, but followed along as they approached the photographer. The scenery was beautiful from where they stood near the wooden railing. The lanterns reflected against the river water, with the full moon above them all. It was a mesmerizing view...

"Alright! Face the Kamera! Okay, in 3, 2, 1..."

Chongyun turned around at '2', only to be blinded by the sudden flash shortly after. He blinked out of reflex, perpetually sealing his fate for having taken the worst picture ever made. His worries were confirmed the moment Xingqiu showed him their copy. While Xingqiu looked poised and elegant as one would expect, Chongyun wore a dumbfounded expression, topped off by his eyes being closed. "I knew it! I blinked the last second! Please, we have to redo it! I'll get rid of this one–!" He reached out, but Xingqiu yanked the photo away, holding it securely with both hands.

"No, I have decided I'm keeping this one." Xingqiu replied, his amber eyes gleaming as he stared at the picture. "If we redo it, then you'll stare stoicly for the photo like you always do. This is a more authentic version of yourself, and I like it more!" He laughed when Chongyun tried once more to take the wretched photo.

"But–"

"There'll be no but's about it, my dearest Chongyun! I've already decided!" Tucking the photo safely inside his silk coat, Xingqiu made sure it was securely in place before facing Chongyun with a teasing smile. "There. Now, if you wish to take the photo, you must steal it from my person!"

Chongyun stared, his mouth slightly agape, until inevitably sagging his shoulders in defeat. From now on, I'll forever have to be teased over this, won't I?

Departing from the photographer with a courteous nod, Xingqiu then treated Chongyun to a meal at Wanmin, as an apology for keeping the photo. To his immense relief, Chongyun found a lack of spice in his dishes, a courtesy from Xingqiu. Instead, after their meal was finished, he found himself staring at a bowl of rice pudding. "I requested Chef Mao to prepare our dessert early, so it would be cold when presented. Rice pudding can be served either way, so you'll still be able to enjoy it."

"You took that much preparation for me? Thank you, Xingqiu..." Chongyun smiled softly, though he tried to hide it with his hand. If only he was like this all the time when we eat together.

"Here, try it. I ordered it for you, so you should get the first bite." Scooping up a portain of pudding, Xingqiu held out the spoon to Chongyun, close to his lips.

"H-Huh?! From your spoon...?" Chongyun felt a rising heat in his cheeks, blushing furiously at the thought of being fed by Xingqiu. Isn't that the kind of thing couples do?! But, then... that would mean... His blush somehow worsened, as if the Stove God had lit a fire within his body and fanned the flames to an unbearable heat. He prayed to the spirit of the deceased Rex Lapis, or really any Archon that'd answer, to no one but them bore witness to this moment. Only then did he accept Xingqiu's offer and take the first bite.

"How is it?"

"It's... sweet. You can taste the milk, so it has a soothing flavor to it." Chongyun replied after savoring the taste for a moment. He'd never try the alternative, of course, but he imagined the rice pudding wouldn't be as rich when served hot. "Um... Do, uh, do you want to try some too?" He decided in that moment that being bashed by a hilichurl club would be more preferable than this. I can't believe we're actually doing... boyfriend things right now! My heart is throbbing... I feel so terrified of everything!

"If you want me to. But, Chongyun," Xingqiu reached out and placed his hand on the top of Chongyun's. "You needn't be afraid. You and I are the same people as we were before. I will always see you as the person dearest to me, no matter how our relationship changes. Now, come. We still have plenty of pudding left. We'll share however you wish, and then the festival awaits!"

When the time had came to release the Xiao Laterns, they met up back at the bridge where the photographer had been. The crowd had lessened considerably after the photographer's departure, giving Chongyun a moment to observe the scenery. Xingqiu should return with the lanterns soon... I'm glad I was able to be alone for a while. It gave me enough time. His thumb grazed over the silk clutched in his hand. They'd split up for a moment after leaving Wanmin, giving Chongyun the perfect chance to visit one of the merchant stalls. My wish remains the same, but... I hope this'll do for now.

"Chongyun!" Xingqiu called out, crossing the bridge until they met half way. He presented him a paper lantern. "Here. We'll make our wishes together and then release them at the same time."

Chongyun nodded, hiding away the item in his hand, and taking the lantern. He could feel the warm glow against his palms. It was a gentle warmth, the same kind he felt when holding Xingqiu's hand. It comforted him, in a way. Closing his eyes, he whispered his wish for the new year, along with a prayer towards the fallen adeptus the festival honored. Then, together with Xingqiu, he released the lantern, allowing it to float in the sky. Their lanterns seemed to stay together as they ascended, swirling around each other in what would've looked like a graceful dance. "What did you wish for?" He asked without thinking, pulling his gaze away to meet Xingqiu's.

Xingqiu raised an index finger to his lips and smiled. "A secret. What about you?"

"A secret."

"Haha... I guess that's fair."

"Um, Xingqiu, actually... I can't tell you my wish, at least not yet, but... I still wanted to do something, until that day comes." Chongyun took a step closer, until the two boys were face to face. "I, uh, I know I'm not really good at certain things yet. And I get too flustered and emotional easily, in ways that I can't control. I'm not good at expressing what I want either, since I've disciplined myself so long. However, I still hope this will tell you all those things, until I can finally say it."

Clearing his throat, Chongyun took out his gift, and placed it in Xingqiu's palm. And this time, it seemed the Stove God had visited him this time around, for Xingqiu had to cover his face with one hand. "Chongyun, this..." What lay in his hand was a silk red pendant, tied in an intricate knot. "I... Ah, now I wish I could get you one in return... Um, thank you. Sincerely. It makes me happy to know this is what you wish for as well."

"Xingqiu..." Chongyun reached out without thinking and cupped the other boy's cheek. His other arm wrapped around his shoulders, guiding him forward. The hand that had shielded Xingqiu's face lowered to caress the knuckles of Chongyun's hand.

Some kind of phantom force controlled Chongyun, one that not even he could exorcise. He tilted his head and leaned in until their lips met in a delicate kiss. It only lasted a few seconds, but in that time, it was like the whole of Liyue Harbor had frozen only for them. Breaking the kiss set time in motion again, and yet Chongyun would've been fine in it remained frozen, so long as he had Xingqiu.

Eventually, the time had came for them to pull away from each other. "U-Um... Sorry! I don't know what came over me! I-I just did it without thinking..." Chongyun quickly apologized, the full extent of what he had done settling in. I just kissed Xingqiu! I kissed him! Sure, it's not the first time, but he usually starts it just to tease me...

"I don't mind, do as your heart wishes, Chongyun." Xingqiu reassured with a smile. "This is Lantern Rite, where we depart with the old and welcome whatever the new year brings. And I hope you and I shall welcome many new endeavors."

"Yes... I'd like that as well. Actually, remember back when you asked me what I want to do after I gain control of my energy and become a true exorcist? Well, I've thought long about it since that day, and today... When I discovered my wish, I came to a decision. I want to tell you everything that I can't put into words now. And then... Maybe we could try the hot springs again?"

"Is that so? Are you sure what happened last time–"

"No! Nothing like that will happen again!"

"I look forward to it regardless, Chongyun. When that day comes, I'll remain at your side. Though, I suppose there is one tiny issue... With your yang energy under control, I'll have to grow more creative with my pranks. Hehe... Yes, I wonder if that'll work." Xingqiu had already grown lost in his own world, preparing schemes that Chongyun knew would eventually come into fruitation.

"A-Anyway, it'll still be a long time until then! For now, it's getting late, isn't it? It's almost time..." Chongyun glanced at the moon, which had begun to slowly descend by the hour. By now, Xingqiu's brother will be looking for him. Or Mr. Xu. I don't want him to get in trouble because of me...

"Ah, yes. Regrettably so. Well, we still have four days of Lantern Rite. We'll simply meet up tomorrow! Until then..." Xingqiu leaned forward once more and placed a kiss on Chongyun's cheek. "Good night, my dear Chongyun. Happy Lantern Rite."

"Happy Lantern Rite. Let's meet up here again tomorrow."

Their promise sealed, Xingqiu departed for the evening, leaving Chongyun alone on the bridge. He leaned over against the wooden railing in silence, staring ahead at the river. Their Xiao lanterns remained floating in the sky, close together. A tiny breeze stirred, bringing them closer together. Maybe one day... I can tell you my wish. Until then... I hope that pendant will keep us connected. The wind whistled again, carrying with it his own voice. He heard himself whisper the wish he'd made.