Chapter Text
Xingqiu fucked up. This time he really did.
Between the numerous pranks and practical jokes he had played on Chongyun on purpose, what actually doomed him was when he didn't mean to pull Chongyun’s leg at all. Or, well, what might doom him. He could always disagree and doom Xingqiu by himself instead, but knowing his friend, he probably wouldn't do that...
Before he panicked further, he backtracked to the previous day and thought about what led to this.
He was caught by surprise, honestly. He wasn't the direct heir to the guild, so he never really thought... that he'd have to follow this old tradition between prestigious families in Liyue Harbor. Arranged marriages. While they weren't technically nobles, or Qixing, or had many rights by birth (besides inheritance money) so any rich family can just get a bad stroke of luck and find themselves poor next... The Feiyun Commerce Guild had pretty deep roots placed in Liyue's commerce, so they have been at it for a very long time and likely will keep at it for a while. So they tended to arrange marriages between families with other parts of commerce, or politics, and whatnot... Xingqiu knew his brother had a fiancé arranged for him already. But himself? He didn't expect it at all.
And he couldn't accept it either.
As soon as his father announced it to him during dinner, he ended up letting one of the dishes in his hand drop, spilling rice everywhere. The shock on him was so evident, it could be seen from afar, which was unusual for someone who hid his emotions carefully behind a polite smile. But the most unusual wasn't even that, it was the determined and assertive denial he mustered.
"You cannot do that."
"What? Of course I can. I'm your father, and besides the bride to be is a wonderful-"
"No. No, you don't understand, you can't."
"And why not?"
Why not? Because he was hopelessly whipped to hell and back for someone already, that's why! But how could he put it into words?
"I- I can't. There's- I-" The ever eloquent Xingqiu was at a loss for proper words on the spot, which was rare. He was trying to come up with a proper story that could avoid him from sharing his crush to his parents, but he couldn't come up with anything quickly enough as Chongyun's visible face kept interrupting him, as he won't to do when thinking about why he cannot marry.
"There's someone?"
Ah, hell.
"... Yes."
And that's how he dug his grave.
"Who?! You have been dating someone behind our backs?" His father inquired.
"It's not... someone improper is it? Why haven't you told us, then?" His mother followed suit. Xingqiu was suddenly glad his brother wasn't here to join in this interrogation.
"No! It's nothing like that, I just, uh, I was embarrassed, that's all..." It wasn't a lie. So far, he hasn't lied, per se, he just wasn't explaining himself properly. And the hole was getting deeper.
"Well then, you should introduce us to this person. It won't do for us to not know who our son is dating!"
Shit. He had to... Say someone, he had to either confess he just didn't want to marry because he had a crush on his friend, or he could make up a story he has been dating someone who was willing to play along with this story.
Xingqiu was a smart boy. He knew exactly what he should do.
However, he didn't do it.
"Y-you guys know him, it's... Chongyun, it's just... been a recent development..."
And that's how he sealed his own personal hell.
"You WHAT?"
Chongyun's normally a quiet, stoic kid that doesn't express surprise all that much, but upon hearing what his best friend has done, he couldn't help dropping his jaw and looking completely flabbergasted. He... did Xingqiu seriously say they were dating to his parents?!
Judging by how guilty the other boy looked, it was probably true and not a prank.
"I wasn't thinking straight! They were badgering me for answers, I was so surprised I needed time to think and I didn't have any!! Plus, I was just..." With you in my mind the entire time? Xingqiu can't just SAY that. "I just really didn't want to marry. Not now anyway." He settled on that, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Chongyun's stomach did twist thinking about his friend getting married. Well, at least to someone else by request of his parents, it did. He'd be lying if he hadn't daydreamed before of having a domestic life with Xingqiu, but, that's neither here nor there. Plus his friend just said he didn't want to marry, and he could agree with him in that instance somewhat. He also didn't want him to marry. Someone else, anyway.
"So..." Chongyun wasn't sure what to take from this. "You're telling me this... Because...? You're not going to explain later?"
Xingqiu was troubled, and he probably looked it too. The swordsman couldn't even look at his friend in the eye as he mustered all his strength to inhale, and say the next words carefully "I was... hoping maybe... You'd play along? J-Just long enough so they stop talking about marriage for now. I understand if you can't, I'll try to think of something plausible to say soon and-"
"I'll do it."
That shouldn't have surprised both of them, but it did. Chongyun blinked, did his own voice say that? He blushed a little, embarrassed. "It's a little surprising is all but um, I can't just not help you, right? You're my friend."
Right, friend, Xingqiu mentally scolded himself for ever hoping something else. He didn't let himself deflate, though, he just sighed in relief that at least his marriage would probably be off the charts for now. "Thank you so much, Chongyun. J-Just so you know, I don't think they'll pester you much about it at all, so you don't have to, um, act any different than you do? I'll make it up to you, I swear!"
It was sweet his friend kept thinking of him through it all. Xingqiu must really have been stressed about this, enough he hasn't even teased him so far, and was being nicer than usual. It brought a smile to Chongyun's face as he nodded. "Sure, okay." As if he wouldn't help him out of a pinch regardless of how much of a little devil he was sometimes.
Meanwhile, Xingqiu just thought it should be absolutely illegal for Chongyun to act so perfectly divine with his smile and mild, helpful demeanour. It just wasn't good for his own heart.
Dinner was usually not this awkward. Or maybe it was only Xingqiu who was feeling awkward - his parents seemed their usual self, if not a little curious, given they kept asking him things. Maybe it was just Xingqiu's conscience that kept reminding himself it was a big fat lie, and he was involving Chongyun in it to boot, but he was left with no choice. At least that's what he kept telling himself. Though it could simply be because Chongyun was going to have dinner with his parents.
When Chongyun finally arrived - he was not late by any means, but Xingqiu's nerves were getting to him - he breathed a sigh of relief when his parents shifted their attention from him to Chongyun. He apologised for Chongyun internally, but he was going to combust from all of this nervousness of pretending-to-date-your-crush on his own. Though his respite was small, as soon enough, the attention shifted to both of them.
"Hello, Chongyun," he greeted, then smiled at his parents "I don't think I need to introduce you to each other, right?" He laughs, still a little nervously so it might have been a bit forced. His parents didn't seem to catch on, but Chongyun did. Curse the fact his friend really knew him best out of anyone he knew.
"Of course not, we know him very well" offered his mother, and bowed to Chongyun. "Hello, Chongyun, it's nice to receive you in our house, especially as our son's beloved." Both blue haired boys blushed at her words, like the full scope of the situation was dawning on them now.
"It is nice, we trust you to be responsible. Xingqiu could learn a thing or two from you," His father added, much to Xingqiu's displeasure. Chongyun contained a laugh as he saw his friend almost pout, trying to focus on the matter at hand.
"Hello, it's nice to see you both well," Chongyun offered and bowed politely back. As they moved inside of the house towards the dining table, Xingqiu approached his friend. Chongyun masked his emotions behind a normally neutral and earnest face well, however, he could tell what was swimming behind his bright blue eyes usually. The boy was between nervous and tense, and Xingqiu just tapped his shoulder.
"You'll be fine" he whispered "Just be yourself."
After all, it was Chongyun. Earnest, polite, serious, respectful and responsible exorcist of Liyue. He might be awkward at times, socially, but there was a reason his parents didn't really take it badly when they had to abandon his plans of arranging the marriage of their second son. Though Xingqiu wasn't completely sure, he had a hunch it involved his tendency of escaping his responsibilities and not taking things as seriously as they'd like, and maybe his parents thought a marriage would settle him down.
It wouldn't, not at all. It might involve more problems down the line, as he’d not only start to escape Xu and the guild’s working time, but his wife as well. Especially with the persistent years-long crush he had on the exorcist by him.
Chongyun seemed to not fully believe Xingqiu’s words, but as he trusted him implicitly (even when he shouldn’t) he tried to relax. He couldn’t be sure how to act in a dinner with people as loaded with money as Xingqiu and his parents, he was but a simple exorcist. He did come from a long line of exorcists in his family, and he was well known in the field, but his name didn’t bring recognition to most folks in Liyue Harbour like Xingqiu’s did. So yeah of course he was nervous. He didn’t want to disappoint Xingqiu’s parents.
Even if it was just a fake thing for a little while. But he must not think about this so deeply, it wouldn’t do good to look gloomy now.
Dinner went as Xingqiu expected: his parents pestered them for answers for multiple and mundane questions, which Xingqiu mostly answered himself. Chongyun did pipe up when the questions were directed at him, of course, and he did a really good job of following Xingqiu’s lead of lies, there was no contradiction between their stories.
But he really, really did not expect the question his mother ended up saying at the end of dessert.
“So, how did you know you liked Xingqiu?”
Fuck.
Xingqiu felt his blood run cold- it was a question directed at Chongyun so he couldn’t intervene and make up a story (he was the better one at improvising lies, which is sort of how they got here in the first place) he had to just trust Chongyun to make something believable up. Chongyun, on the other hand, felt his face flush deeply as he looked at his empty plate, wishing he had more ice cream now. He wasn’t too sure what to say, he wasn’t good at making prose like Xingqiu, so… he just told the truth. While Xingqiu was wondering if Chongyun’s silence was him trying to find something likeable about the gremlin he knew himself to be, Chongyun was just choosing his words carefully as he tried to pinpoint the moment in time he realized.
“Com’on, dear, you’re embarrassing them,” said Xingqiu’s father and Xingqiu was both relieved and disappointed, did Chongyun really not have anything good to say-
“Oh, no, it’s alright,” Chongyun finally piped up, still as red as a Juyen Chili, and cleared his throat. “I, um, I think it was…” years ago? Better to omit the time. “Once, when we were out in the Wangshu Inn, when Xingqiu went with me to investigate a child’s ghost appearance… I didn’t get to see the ghost, but, after telling him my frustration about it… He gifted me a tassel, to cheer me up, and um,” If it was possible to get any redder, he was now “It… worked, seeing his genuine smile and encouragement, I think that’s when I knew...” Chongyun ended in almost a mumble, lightly touching said tassel.
Xingqiu’s mother cooed at the story, while his father was pleasantly surprised at his son, and Xingqiu… Xingqiu was speechless. He sported a faint blush because he knew exactly what Chongyun was talking about and knew that this had been years ago, and that said gift was now hanging from Chongyun’s gear near his cryo vision where he brought with himself everywhere. Did… did that gift mean that much for him?
While the dinner was wrapped around really well with that, as his parents seemed pleased, Xingqiu went to take Chongyun to the front door wordlessly. The atmosphere between the two boys was really awkward and it was a bit hard to break the silence.
Chongyun pondered if he should deny that it was in fact the truth of it, or if he should go ahead and just confess everything that was in his heart for so long. Xingqiu meanwhile pondered how deeply his gift had an impact on his friend, and maybe a part of him hoped that it had at least a bit of truth to it. Maybe it’d be too much to hope that it meant Chongyun really liked him, but, at least it could mean it was a special moment for Chongyun.
And between both of them, they were very much scared of ruining their friendship. Which is why this situation has taken years and years to lead to this mess. Before loving each other romantically, they really loved each other platonically, and ruining this was inconceivable to both of them. If only they knew that.
So, out of fear, Xingqiu just let a small escape for Chongyun on purpose, by omitting the question it was in the tip of his tongue.
“That had been years, huh? I’m glad you liked the gift, haha,” he laughed nervously, but finally looked his friend in the eyes. “I like the one you got me back too, thank you.”
Chongyun nodded, partially disappointed that Xingqiu didn’t seem to have grasped the truth behind his tale, and partially relieved that Xingqiu wasn’t having any sort of negative reaction to it. He should just be glad Xingqiu wasn’t averse to it, right? Right…
“Yeah,” he added lamely, but smiled at his friend as well. If it was a little weaker than normal, Xingqiu didn’t notice “I still take good care of it, so,” he shrugged. He wasn’t sure what his mouth was producing anymore “I-It was a nice dinner, your parents are really kind.”
“To you, maybe,” Xingqiu huffed, crossing his arms, and his friend chuckled at his pout. “They didn’t mind anything from you, but I could tell they were eyeing my behaviour the entire time! Not as bad as when we’re in business, but still, they really even said I should learn from you!”
“Well, sometimes you could, you know.”
“You’re the one who should learn a thing or two with me, like living up a little!”
“I don’t fancy leaving everyone exasperated with pranks or running away from work, though!”
And so they smoothed the awkwardness at the end of the night with their usual banter, once more pushing their romantic feelings aside to ignore them for another time.
A while after this arrangement started, not much changed. Xingqiu’s routine was as usual, he’d help with the guild, have his fair share of studies (really, he was basically of age already, why did he need to study so much?) and sometimes escape it all with Chongyun. The main difference is that instead of complaining about it, his father seemed to start to look the other way, not commenting on it, but sometimes having a knowing smile on his face when Xingqiu got back.
It was… embarrassing to say the least. But Xingqiu could work with that.
At least up to a point, anyway. To the point where he found himself in the reception of Goth Grand Hotel in Mondstadt city with the receptionist telling him of his room arrangements.
Xingqiu really, really should have insisted on making these arrangements himself, instead of allowing his father to do it for him.
But to backtrack a little, or a lot, Xingqiu's family was very busy at this time of the year. His father was buried in paperwork to the point that he couldn't travel to places he should be making negotiations, so his son and heir did it on his behalf. Xingqiu helped here and there, but didn't expect to be given a bigger load of work, as he's younger and less experienced. Turns out, his father was truly overloaded with work and trusted him enough. He sighed internally, he's glad he's dependable enough to make negotiations, but it was a pain in the ass. He'd much rather spend time reading his new books, or putting chili in Chongyun's food, or whatnot...
"Why don't you take Chongyun with you?"
Xingqiu blinked, brought back to reality. "Excuse me?"
"A trip to Mondstadt might not be the most exhausting, as we're neighbours, but it should be better if you're accompanied, yes?" Damn his father, sometimes he forgot who was the head of the negotiations of the Feiyun Merchant Guild. After a begrudging nod, he continued. "Take him with you, then. It should be a good trip for you two, I don't see any downside to it."
At the time, neither did Xingqiu, aside from the fact he was going on business mainly, but he wasn't escaping that. Might as well make it more enjoyable by bringing Chongyun along.
"A trip to Mondstadt?"
"Yeah, it's just an annual thing, we always go to their biggest winery and order a good quantity of wine to import here. But since everyone else is too busy to go, this year I'll go instead. It shouldn't be a problem or too long... So? Do you want to come along?"
Chongyun has never been to Mondstadt before, but he figured it'd be a good experience to have under his belt as an exorcist. Though he has heard Mondstadt suffered less intercurrences of spirits and the like than Liyue... But he could still learn something, even if nothing related to his work came up. And, if he's entirely honest with himself, he liked going on trips within Liyue with Xingqiu. So it shouldn't be much different in Mondstadt, right?
"Sure, I'll just have to communicate with my parents, and see if there's no work that needs me..."
"Oh, they'll be fine, 'yun, it's just a few days! Liyue won't be infiltrated with ghosts as soon as you leave the harbour."
A small pout from Chongyun, and Xingqiu had to contain a giggle. He was so cute when he did that.
"Still! I'll check with them, I'll meet you up later?"
"Sure thing, get your things ready and we'll leave right after!"
They went by foot, as they were both used to doing trips like this to the countryside of Liyue in the same manner, despite Xingqiu’s father offering any sort of help with transport. It was just more comfortable if it was only them and their usual manner of doing things, as he had explained, so his father dropped it eventually.
Taking the route to Stone Gate felt like when they went to Qingce village before, except taking a slight detour. And then the scenery would start to gradually change from Horsetails to Dandelions, the breeze carrying a lightness to it that was refreshing. Xingqiu has been to Mondstadt before, though it has been ages ago, but Chongyun hadn’t yet. Seeing his friend wide eyed at the change in flora and what not made him chuckle sometimes, earning himself a glare. He was just terribly cute. Not that Xingqiu had the courage to tell him that.
Now leading the way, Xingqiu sometimes stopped to mention things like how those red funny flowers were Windwheel Asters, that the village they were approaching was called Springvale, and just little tidbits. Chongyun huffed.
“Are you my tour guide now?”
“I might as well be! Or you’d like to be referred to as my pretty little companion instead of a tourist?” Xingqiu wiggled his eyebrows with a mischievous smile on his face. Chongyun shoved him to the side of the road, blushing, as his friend just laughed it off. “Come on, we’re pretty close to the city now, you can see after we get past those trees.”
Mondstadt looked really cool, especially for a foreigner like Chongyun. They might have weird customs and behaviours, a very different relationship with their God for one, but the fact it was a free state through all those years without their God needing to directly be involved was impressive. So he had respect for the people of Mondstadt.
Once they arrived inside the city’s walls, Chongyun all but had to be pulled along by the arm by Xingqiu, as he kept looking around. He had seen pictures and drawings of it, but seeing first hand the architecture of it being so different and all this difference in customs parading around him got him distracted to say the least. Xingqiu once again teased him for it, but he soon had to swallow his words.
Once they arrived at the Goth Grand Hotel, the receptionist had some news for him. Xingqiu expected to be given two keys for each of their rooms, after all he had more than enough money to cover for it, but he stared at the single key he was given.
“Is this the key?” He asked cautiously, “I thought it would be two.”
The girl manning the reception looked surprised and, after looking at her book registry, faced Xingqiu again. “It’s for Mister Xingqiu, yes?”
“Yes,” it started to dawn on him. He didn’t book the room himself in advance, he left it to his father… No way, right?
“There’s only a single room with a couple’s bed booked for Mister Xingqiu.” she said, and Xingqiu felt like he got slapped in the face with the fact that yes, yes his father really booked a room for him to share with Chongyun as if they were on a sort of honeymoon. What the fuck?! “Is there going to be any trouble? Because, as I’d love to change your room assignments, I’m afraid we’re booked out. There’s still a few people who haven’t left since the Windblume festival…”
“Ah, no, no, it’s alright.” Xingqiu smiled politely, masking his surprise with well practiced manners, putting his negotiator front in full. “I was a little surprised, I think I probably misheard my servant, but there won’t be any issue for you or our stay, I assure you.”
The girl seemed relieved, and then nodded as Xingqiu picked up the single key. “Have a nice stay here in Mondstadt!”
“Thank you very much,” he smiled, and as he turned, his nerves hit him full force. Chongyun was some ways back, waiting for him, and he was wondering what the hell should he say to his friend?
As he approached Chongyun, he decided that it was better to just go with ‘ seeing is believing’ . He gestured to his friend to follow him, as he started walking to the stairs. Hell, even the room was located in a high place with a good view, what exactly kind of image did his father have of him?! What was he expecting of his son going on a business trip with his not-actually-boyfriend?! These questions swimmed on his head as he wordlessly unlocked the room and opened the door, leaving Chongyun very confused for a little bit as to why his friend was so silent.
And then he stepped inside with his friend to a single bed room.
Chongyun stared at it for longer than he would have liked, his face flushing, trying to keep cool. Keep cool, Chongyun, it’s probably just a prank of his friend, right? Right! Xingqiu is a menace! He looks up to see his friend’s face, imagining he’d be laughing around right about now, when he was met with Xingqiu’s frown.
That’s how he knew it was not a joke.
“Before you ask, no I did not know,” Xingqiu sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I- my father booked the room for me, I didn’t think much of it at the time- Archons, I didn’t expect or even imagined something like this-”
That’s when Chongyun noticed his friend was flustered too. On one hand he was relieved to not be the only one embarrassed by the situation, on the other, well, what were they going to do?
“It’s okay Xingqiu,” he smiled trying to reassure his friend. “Don’t worry about it. I can just sleep on the floor, it’ll be like camping.”
“What?!” Xingqiu looked both surprised and indignant, frowning further. “I’m not going to let you sleep on the floor , what kind of friend invites another to go on a trip to make them sleep on the floor?!”
“Well, I kind of-”
“Camping is different, it’s expected!!” Xingqiu huffed, crossing his arms. “I forbid you to sleep on the floor, end of the story!”
“...Okay, but,” Chongyun couldn’t help the flush returning as he looked at the single bed in the room. “What… will we do, then?”
Xingqiu opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then he raised a hand with a pointed finger, opening his mouth again, only to close it once more. He frowned further. The solution was logical, but he didn’t want to just… say it out loud. He didn’t want Chongyun to get the wrong impression that he was taking advantage of this as well, or have the wrong idea, or anything! Meanwhile, Chongyun was just worried about many of the same things, but considering Xingqiu’s hesitation, he was wondering if sharing a bed would really be such a terrible idea.
He’d later come to understand it was, but not for the reasons he was thinking of.
“We’ll. Share the bed.” Xingqiu finally voiced what both of them were thinking the entire time. “But!” But what, Xingqiu? He didn’t even know, he tried to scramble his thoughts into coherent sentences before he opened his mouth again. “...If you’re uncomfortable with it, just tell me. We can set some ground rules.”
Oh, so he was worried for him, huh? Well, that was awfully nice of him, enough he was almost suspicious, but he’s not gonna look a gifted horse in the mouth. “Alright, I think it’s reasonable. Let me set the first rule: no pranks.”
A snort. At least that got Xingqiu to laugh again, breaking the tension, but he was 100% serious about the no pranks. He wasn’t sure if his heart would take it.
“Okay, you baby , no pranks. Anything else? I don’t have anything specific in mind I’d like to avoid.” Xingqiu started to put his little luggage down.
Chongyun had to think about it. Was there anything he didn’t want, sharing a bed with his best friend, crush, fake-boyfriend? There’s many things that might give him a heart attack if Xingqiu were to do in such a tenuous situation they found themselves in, but he didn’t want to voice the simple ‘if you want to spoon in the bed, I might fall for you harder, and it’ll make this faking dating situation hurt more’. So he tried to word it differently.
“Can you keep the covers? I’ll just sleep without them,” which was true. Mondstadt wasn’t super warm or anything, it was actually less warm than Liyue, but he still wouldn’t need those really thick covers the hotel offered.
“Oh my god, fine, ice boy.” Xingqiu snorted, “It works better this way, maybe if I’m bundled up I won’t kick you in your sleep.”
“You kick in your sleep?! I never noticed-”
“I’ve been told so, I don’t actually know, I’m asleep. ”
And for now, that’s all that was said on the subject.
The first day passed, or the rest of it as they arrived at midday, and it was fine. Xingqiu took Chongyun around and they had a nice lunch in the center of town, a place called Good Hunter, and Chongyun had to endure the teasing of Xingqiu for being unfamiliar with the food. He was also a bit clumsy with the cutlery, but still had to assure him that yes, Xingqiu, I know how to use them! before his friend stopped with it. They passed by some stores, did a little sightseeing around the center, before finally returning to the hotel.
Now, at night, the nerves returned to Chongyun. They were really going to share the bed, huh? He looked at his friend who seemed unbothered, unknowing that Xingqiu was having the same kind of butterflies in his stomach. It’s not like either of them were going to do anything but sleep obviously, but being in such a close proximity for the boy you liked for years now did funny things to both of their nerves.
As much as Xingqiu was trying to act casual, and tell himself it was fine, he was a little shy about it. Thankfully, it seemed Chongyun didn’t notice this, so he couldn’t tell that something strange was going on or worse, tease him about it. Once he changed into his silk pyjamas and returned to their room, he was faced with Chongyun, his cotton pyjamas, and his gaze staring out of the window. The moonlight illuminated his face, making his light blue hair and eyes shine beautifully and it threw all of Xingqiu’s nerves in disarray again. All thoughts of ‘it’s fine, we’re just going to share a bed, there’s nothing odd about friends sharing a bed’ were then substituted by thoughts of ‘oh Archons above, he’s beautiful.’ He didn’t notice himself staring until Chongyun noticed he was back and looked back inside.
“Oh, you’re back, I was wondering what was taking you so long,” Chongyun smiled and Xingqiu definitely had it bad for this boy. “Thought maybe your pyjamas were super fancy and complicated, but I guess it’s not that bad.”
Xingqiu rolled his eyes, “They’re pyjamas, if they’re fancy and complicated it defeats the point of being pyjamas!” He huffed, and then climbed inside the bed. “I was just washing my face, nothing like what you were thinking, and I didn’t even take that long.”
“Sure,” Chongyun said with a smile still in his face and then he hesitated a little, thankfully Xingqiu didn’t notice while he was fumbling with the covers. He wasn’t thinking about it the entire time he was staring at the beautiful view of Mondstadt he had from the window, but now the nerves were back.
He took a deep breath and just climbed on the other side of the bed, on top of the covers. This was ideal, really, that way they had some sort of barrier from any brush of limbs or anything they might do while asleep. Or Xingqiu kicks. That was apparently a thing as well.
He was facing the ceiling, trying to not be hyper aware of the boy next to him, when Xingqiu spoke up. “Hey, Chongyun?”
“Hm?” Was all the exorcist said as he looked next to him, meeting with his friend’s amber eyes. He seemed to be hesitating on something… Before he looked away.
“Just turn the lights off when you decide to sleep, alright? I’m beat, I think I’ll fall right asleep.” He said and turned on the bed, facing the other way and having his back to Chongyun. The cryo user was confused, because it really seemed like Xingqiu was going to say something else, but decided not to at the last minute. But what could it be…?
Deciding to shrug it off, he just opted to go to sleep, turning off the only lit candles on his bedside table. Or at least try, he told himself, as he kept trying to relax and not throw glances at his best friend next to him. Internally, Chongyun was thankful Xingqiu decided to face away, as he might end up staring at his face while he sleeps and not get any himself.
In truth, Xingqiu felt dangerously close to do something stupid on impulse. The fact they were alone, somewhere far from home, in a quiet room in a rather intimate position and Chongyun was looking ethereal bathed in moonlight did really funny things to his rationality. Enough he almost won over his fears and did… something. He wasn’t sure what, but his impulse was urging him to say something, to call him pretty or tell him how much he loved him, or maybe even kiss him.
However, fear caught up to him at the last minute, and so he dodged the subject. Now he lay facing away from Chongyun, thoughts running a mile per minute, as he tried to relax in order to sleep. He still had to go do business tomorrow after all.
But the day had been long, and so with time, sleep surely came to both of them.
The first thing Chongyun noticed as he started to wake was that he was warm. Much warmer than when he went to sleep, and much warmer than he normally was. The second thing he noticed was that he could smell a really nice perfume that was calming and relaxing him further, making him bury his nose on the source. The third time was when he fully woke up, having noticed another body firmly pressed against his, the scent coming from someone else’s hair, and then he opened his eyes.
Xingqiu wasn’t kidding when he said he kicked. Apparently, he kicked the blankets out of bed, if the bundle in the corner of the room was really it, and was now clinging to Chongyun’s body. Which almost gave him a heart attack, really, he tried to breathe deeply and try to analyse the situation, but failed since it just made him more hyper aware of Xingqiu’s shampoo and how good it smelled. Shit. Calm down, Chongyun . Xingqiu just probably kicked the covers and got cold, which would explain how he pressed himself against Chongyun like one would cuddle a hot water bottle.
So basically, he was Xingqiu’s human heater right now. Great. This was doing wonders to his heart, and he thought he might be aging faster than he should with how Xingqiu’s face was gently buried in the crook of his neck. He could feel his breath, and this could not be good for sanity. He cursed how Xingqiu could kickflip with mastery because that was surely why the covers got punted so far away from the bed.
There was a practical solution out of this, though: to get the covers back. And as he planned how he’d retrieve it, he realized that part of him didn’t even want to separate from Xingqiu right now. Or ever, really. But he had to, he wasn’t sure what Xingqiu’s reaction would be once he woke up - even though it was entirely his fault! - and he wasn’t looking forward to being teased all day for blushing madly while his best friend clung to him, so… He tried to peel himself off Xingqiu.
In theory, this would be easy. He’d move to his left, Xingqiu would keep sleeping and he’d successfully get the blankets to cover Xingqiu, letting his friend sleep a little longer. In practice, however, as he tried to move off Xingqiu, his friend just closed his hand that was resting on his chest to a fist, not letting go of Chongyun’s pyjamas. Ah. He was trapped. The more he tried to put a distance between them, the tighter Xingqiu would cling and press himself to Chongyun and it was getting to the point of being ridiculous. Once Chongyun noticed he was at the edge of the bed, he knew he had to find another way out of this.
But Xingqiu’s sleeping self seemed determined to keep his heater by him. He was almost curling up around Chongyun and it’d be incredibly cute if the exorcist didn’t also feel like he was having a big gay crisis over his sleeping best friend. If he was his actual boyfriend, though… but he shouldn’t be fantasizing over things like this right now. Maybe… he had to wake Xingqiu up…? Except he didn’t want to while they were almost tangled together - truth is their limbs weren’t as tangled up, maybe Xingqiu was feeling too cold to try anything but bury himself between Chongyun and the mattress.
That’s when his stupidest idea yet occurred to him.
Chongyun tried giving Xingqiu the warmth he wanted and ended up hugging him into a cuddle, which made Xingqiu visibly relax. Man, it wasn’t even that cold, and he doubted he was that warm, why was his friend so vulnerable to the cold? Worse, he was so relaxed now Chongyun felt guilty to let go. But he had to, it was his chance as Xingqiu stopped pressing himself to his side and clung to his shirt. It’s okay, he can do this, he’ll just calmly flip Xingqiu over… and when his limbs were all free, he’d slide away-
However he forgot he was on the edge of the bed.
And Xingqiu decided this was the perfect moment to wake up just as Chongyun was finally sliding free and rolling onto the floor.
“Chongyun?!” Xingqiu sat up startled as he heard the loud THUMP of his best friend colliding with the floor. What- why- but before he could wonder anything else a gust of wind passed through and he shivered all over, clinging to himself in the cold. “Chongyun, are you okay-”
He saw his friend raise a thumbs up from the floor and Xingqiu snorted. What was he doing?
A few moments later, Chongyun rose from the floor and while he pointedly avoided eye contact, walked to the corner of the room and grabbed - hey weren’t those their blankets - the red bundle of blankets before he returned, covering Xingqiu entirely with it. Enveloped in warmth and darkness, Xingqiu almost drifted off to sleep, before remembering Chongyun still fell to the floor. Sure, he’s not a porcelain doll that breaks on any impact, but why did he fall in the first place?
Xingqiu’s head emerged from the blankets as he still clung to them like a little baby in a swaddle. Chongyun was torn in between laughing at how his friend’s pout made him look even more baby-like, and just being flustered. He really had it bad.
“What happened?” Xingqiu narrowed his eyes at Chongyun, like he wasn’t going to escape this question no matter what.
“I don’t really know ?!” Chongyun scratched the back of his head. “I just woke up and the blankets were gone, you looked cold and I tried to get the blanket back but--”
“But?”
Chongyun’s face must have been extremely red, as he could feel his cheeks burning. “But you didn’t let me go so I ended up falling off the bed???” He couldn’t look Xingqiu in the eyes anymore. The weird carpet of Mondstadt seemed infinitely more interesting right now.
(No, that’s a lie, it’s not more interesting, he just couldn’t face the real interesting person in the room.)
“Oh,” was all Xingqiu had to say, and since Chongyun was looking away, he missed how Xingqiu buried himself further in the blankets to hide his own blushing. Did he just cling to Chongyun in his sleep? And he missed all of it because he was asleep?!?!
Truly, his worst enemy was himself.
Getting ready for the day ahead was a bit awkward, but if Xingqiu thinks about it, no more than getting ready for bed had been, so it was just something he’d have to live with apparently. A bunch of awkward moments with Chongyun because of his parents yet again. Once they were out, however, Xingqiu managed to compose himself as he went to the local tavern named Angel’s Share to negotiate. He had told Chongyun he could just walk around Mondstadt, he was sure it’d be terribly boring for his friend to just hang out with him as he did business, so Chongyun did so. They had planned to meet up again once it was midday, at the small fountain near the city’s entrance. He thought it’d give himself plenty of time to finish talking and signing anything with the owner of the tavern before he could just resume being a tourist with his friend.
It was more than enough, so once he was done, he wasn’t in a hurry to meet Chongyun at the fountain but started heading there anyway. He could have taken a detour, however he wasn’t very keen on the idea. Maybe he had just become clingy to his friend in the past day they had been together? It’s possible, especially considering how much Xingqiu had been enjoying it…
His trail of thought halted as he neared the designated meeting spot to find Chongyun casually - too casually - talking to what he presumed was a local girl. His mind immediately blanked and he stopped, staring at the scene as if he could figure out what was happening just by looking. They were talking too low for Xingqiu to catch anything at this distance, and Chongyun might have his back to him but his body language was pretty relaxed, unusual for someone not keen in socializing like his friend, and the girl had a sweet smile in her face…
Ah well, it’s not like they were really dating. He shouldn’t be jealous.
However, he couldn’t help being jealous anyway .
A devilish idea crossed his mind and before he thought about it, he merely acted on it immediately. Approaching them without giving much of their attention so the girl wouldn’t suspect, he got close enough to Chongyun to almost press himself on his back and he leaned his head to his friend’s ear quickly before he noticed or got alarmed by the girl’s reaction - his aim was to surprise him after all - and whispered:
“Can I be let in on this secret meeting?”
The shriek Chongyun let out wasn’t too loud, but it certainly was high pitched enough to make Xingqiu grin. Chongyun jumped away from him, face red as a tomato while clutching his ear. He tried to say something, but his mouth opened and closed a few times before he just elected to groan. Xingqiu couldn’t help but laugh then, ah whatever it was, this made up for it.
Once Chongyun composed himself enough he seemed to remember the girl he was with, as did Xingqiu, and he tried to explain himself.
“Xingqiu, what the hell? You scared the living soul out of me! Sorry, he’s always like this--”
“Please don’t actually become a ghost, you’d exorcise yourself so quickly I couldn’t even say goodbye!”
“Xingqiu!”
With a self satisfied grin, the little devil just leaned an arm on Chongyun’s shoulder before finally really acknowledging the other girl, who seemed to have just been watching this with the most confused expression - though there seemed to have a small smile of amusement in it too?
“Hello there! Don’t mind my friend’s manners, he always forgets to introduce me to others since we’re usually attached at the hip anyway,” and with this jab that was subtle enough for Chongyun to not notice, he tilted his head at the girl, “but I see he made a friend while we’re visiting Mondstadt?”
The girl seemed thoughtful, before smiling and doing a curtsy - really, Mondstadt had some strange customs. “Oh, it’s quite alright. I’m Noelle, pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Either she didn’t notice, or she was equally friendly to everyone. Well, that’s fine by Xingqiu, he was aware he was being unreasonably jealous, it’s not like they were over each other’s personal space or anything, but it still made him tease Chongyun gratuitously. Call it revenge for making him jealous, as idiotic as it might be.
“I confused Noelle with a knight when asking for directions, and we ended up chatting a little,” Chongyun provided, “you’re out earlier than I imagined you’d be.”
“Mister Ragnvindr is quite straight to the point, so it was over rather quickly.” Xingqiu finally stopped clinging to his friend to give extra emphasis on his shrug.
“That sounds like Master Diluc alright,” Noelle chuckled to herself. “Is there anything else I can help you two, or shall I take my leave?”
She was quite polite for the average Mondstadt person, Xingqiu mused. “It’s okay, I know enough of the town to get my way, it’s not my first time here. But thank you for guiding my friend in his first time being lost in another city.”
“Shut up,” Chongyun grumbled, before nodding at Noelle “Thanks for your help, Noelle, I wouldn’t want to impose any further.”
“It’s quite alright! It’s my pleasure to help anyone in need, so don’t hesitate to ask me for help in the future while you’re in Mondstadt. Take care!” And with another curtsy, she took her leave.
Once she was out of sight, Chongyun glared at his friend. Aha, he wouldn’t let Xingqiu out of this easily, huh?
“What was the big idea, huh?”
“I saw an opportunity, and I took it.” Xingqiu said, smugly. He was not letting his friend in on his jealousy. “I see in the corner of my eye a store with foodstuff, what if we bought food to the outside the cathedral to have lunch there? My treat.”
With a roll of his eyes, Chongyun conceded, as he often did. “Okay, but you’re still owing me one.”
The remainder of their stay in Mondstadt and the trip back to Liyue Harbor was much less awkward. Maybe because the peak of the embarrassment of waking up cuddling was so great to both of them the rest felt easy to handle. They did not meet the girl Noelle again, and Xingqiu glued to his friend’s side to sate his own dumb jealousy, so it was smooth sailing from there.
Once they got back, life resumed to normal.
They’d spend a lot of time separated, Chongyun doing his exorcism jobs and looking for ways to repress yang energy, and Xingqiu studying and doing his duties in the guild. It was just as it had always been, but…
Despite not admitting to anyone, both did miss the time together they had in Mondstadt. They were basically together most of the time, and it was… nice. Almost domestic.
Xingqiu shook his head as his thoughts trailed on domestic of all things, and with that he declared himself a break. Putting his coat on, he headed out of the guild, with purpose in his stride. If he missed Chongyun enough to keep getting distracted from his work for it, might as well just go and see him. He wasn’t going anywhere getting distracted like that. At this time, usually Chongyun would be meeting his supplier in yang-repressive popsicles, which meant Wanmin restaurant. He might as well grab a meal while he was out…
As soon as he entered Wanmin Restaurant he spotted Chongyun, he was talking to Xiangling, probably already received his usual batch then. Xingqiu approached the duo, waving.
“Hello you two, what’s the currently discussed topic?” For once, it was an innocent question, and Xingqiu had no idea what awaited him as the answer.
“It’s the man of the hour!” Exclaimed Xiangling, excitedly. “Hey there, Xingqiu! I was just making Chongyun fess up the news!”
“Fess up?” Xingqiu was confused, and looked at Chongyun. What was their friend talking about? Chongyun looked at him guiltily, and just shrugged.
“I was only telling her about the trip to Mondstadt--”
“And when I asked if you two were dating yet, he didn’t say no, so what that means is obvious, right?” She has a huge smug grin on her face, hands on hips, the picture of someone who was finally reaping the results of watching so much pining. “So! When did it happen? I want all the details!”
Xingqiu felt his face drain of all blood. What… what did she mean by ‘yet’, was he so obvious? Since when did she know? What should he tell her-?! He can’t give any details of something that hasn’t happened yet! And yet, he couldn’t risk revealing his plan to her, she was much too carefree and could end up talking about it, having others overhear and… No no no, she wasn’t going to know. Think fast, Xingqiu, she’s waiting and you wasted too much time panicking!
“Well, can I have a seat first?” He started to buy himself a little more time. “I came here thinking of grabbing a meal, so if I’m going to have to tell a story, can I get some Jade Parcels first?” Nice save, Xingqiu!
Xiangling wasn’t too happy if her pout was any indication, but after a huff and redirecting them to an empty table, she hurried to the kitchen to do her job. Especially after Xingqiu making a ‘woe is me, having to tell tales on the spot on an empty belly’ drama.
Once he and Chongyun were alone, they shared a glance of knowing they were in a tight spot. Chongyun was the first to explain, looking frantic and apologetic.
“Sorry, I just was telling her of our trip to Mondstadt, and somehow she pulled her own deductions out of it but I didn’t know if I should deny or confirm them. I mean, we didn’t predict this happening and--”
“Relax, Chongyun,” Xingqiu offered his friend a small smile. “I know Xiangling, she’s persistent and I wasn’t sure what to tell her either. However, considering how carefree she can be, loose lips are a problem, so I’m going to have to tell her a story. You don’t mind letting me come up with it, right?”
“Of course not,” if it was up to Chongyun, he’d just end up telling lots of truths instead of a lie and well… It’d be a little embarrassing with Xingqiu overhearing exactly how Chongyun came to like him all over again. And he didn’t know how to lie about how they got together. “What will you say, though?”
“Hmm,” Xingqiu pondered. It’d be easier if he were to source this… Maybe from a book he read? But then there was a chance Xiangling would know of the story somehow. Ah, something he wrote himself! That’d do it. He smiled to his friend, “I got something, don’t worry.”
Xiangling returned with what must have been her speed record of creating Jade Parcels, depositing the plate in front of Xingqiu and sitting herself to listen to the tale. Xingqiu made no motion to hurry as her eyes silently requested and ate a parcel once, before starting to tell his tale. It was obviously a bit too glamorous to have really been the two of them, and Xiangling caught on quickly enough.
“Xingqiu! I’m asking how you and Chongyun got together after years of pining! Not about your latest book you got from Wanwen Bookhouse! Spill the beans!!”
“How rude! I’m opening my heart to you, and you say it’s all fiction!” Chongyun had to stop himself from facepalming at his two friends pouting at each other. Eventually, Xingqiu relented, “I may have exaggerated some, but it’s all true! You wanted details, so I gave you details, but I guess you prefer just to hear that I asked him out and he accepted. That’s that.” He finished by crossing his arms, as if to say that was all he was willing to share now.
To much of the two boys’ surprise, the chef punched the table lightly, cursing. “Hell, now I owe Hu Tao money! I thought for sure Chongyun would ask you out first!”
Before Chongyun could ask, much to his embarrassment at the revelation that Xiangling was owing Hu Tao money for a bet on their relationship, Xingqiu extended his hand. As his two friends sported puzzled expressions, he merely looked smug and smirked.
“Since it is apparent you are trying to capitalize on my and Chongyun’s relationship, it’s only equitable that a portion of the funds should be forfeit to myself as an interested party. After all, we are both vested in its success, so it only stands to reason we should both share in the profits for the same.” At the silence, he sighed and just shook his hand further to Xiangling. “I mean that I want part of the money in this deal of yours.”
“You don’t even need that money!” Xiangling cried, absolutely offended. Xingqiu merely widened his grin.
“That’s beyond the point, my dear Xiangling. Now, let’s talk numbers, shall we?”
They continued bickering for a while longer while Chongyun just watched them in silence. Was his crush on Xingqiu really that obvious that Xiangling noticed it for years now? Did Xingqiu notice that from her wording, or…? He was a mess of nerves, so he just watched the two argue about whether or not money was owed, being mostly distracted from the talk itself.
Unknown to him, however, Xingqiu was plagued by much of the same thoughts. He merely elected to put them aside to focus on teasing Xiangling as a way to mask his nervousness from both of his friends.
Once again, they were faced with the clear signs their feelings were reciprocated and yet did not see what was right in front of them. And time moved on...