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[ Their hands touch. Ten fingers intertwine, bringing their palms flush. Chongyun's attention had been largely on the map before, but now it falls to the way his friend holds his hand instead. A firm hold—not harsh, like trying to keep the exorcist from smudging his map, but ... comfortable. Secure.

When Xingqiu returns to the kitchen to see about the tea, Chongyun stares at the hand that was just held. It's warm, and the tingle of the other boy's touch still remains. Again, that stuffy feeling—the same one that cottoned in his chest during the festival—makes him feel ... strange. It's nothing he can describe well, he doesn't have the words and he can't think of them right now either, only that it's like missing a step on the stairs. A rush that puts him off-kilter.

He drops his hand before Xingqiu can catch him staring at it like a weirdo. Newly hidden on his lap, his fingers curl into his palm. ]

Hm? [ he's still a little distracted when Xingqiu talks again, ] No, I haven't heard of it.

[ It isn't the first time his friend has thrown a book title his way without context, so Chongyun doesn't think all that much of this one in particular. It's true, he doesn't often visit Wanwen bookhouse, and when he does, it's usually to find historical texts on the supernatural. ]

Why?

[ With the tea steeped, poured into a cup for Chongyun he takes a pause to contemplate whether or not to add sugar to the drink. Some people seemed to favor that route, others even went as far as to combine the drink with milk, but ultimately he sticks to what is known. All that's left is to cool the beverage, which is quickly done by grabbing a few ice cubes. Yes, it would water down the flavor but he is being merciful. The cup is held before his lips, despite the ice floating on the surface, he blows a cooling breath before presenting the tea to Chongyun. ]

Give it a moment, I don't believe it's completely cooled.

[ With Chongyun's tea delivered he goes to grab the teapot and a second cup for himself, this time when he returns he settles on a partially empty chair which means he is sitting on a few articles of clothing. Don't judge him! ]

Anyway, I'm not surprised you've heard nothing of it, aside from the genre not being one you favor, well, it's not particularly popular in Liyue. Actually, I would say that it was a complete failure there. [ A short titter follows, nervous before he falls quiet and opts to pour himself some tea before taking a sip. ]

You know, that initial manuscript was rejected several times over, by several publishers so I went ahead and printed a few copies myself.

[ It is merciful—Chongyun has long since grown used to watery tea. Watery everything. Dipping most things in ice water is a quick way to cool them down so it's long since become a go-to. He watches those pretty lips purse on that blow and feels that—weird—feeling again. This seriously might become a problem. What if he's actually becoming allergic to his friend? It's something he's going to have to reflect on later. When he's by himself.

He nods while taking the tea, carefully bringing it to rest on the table in front of him. There's still a bit of warmth, so he waits, turning his eyes back onto Xingqiu. That's a nice sweater... don't wrinkle it with your ass... ]

So it was a book you took a liking to?

[ Something unofficial that he decided to throw his support behind? Chongyun knows he's an avid lover of books. It wouldn't be strange for Xingqiu to throw his weight behind something he really enjoyed. After all, the exorcist has been on the receiving end of Xingqiu's generosity many times. ]

[ Alas, it is too late for the sweater now, Xingqiu set his ass right down on top of it. In the end, it is his sweater, he'll wear that thing even if it becomes nothing but a bundle of wrinkles. At home only, of course.

Looking at Chongyun listening, he realizes quickly his friend is not picking up on a single hint but it's hardly shocking. He lowers his gaze then to the teacup which he picks up once again for another sip. It doesn't get any easier, the more he hesitates, the slower he is to make the revelation and it only adds to his own embarrassment. Few, or rather close to no one knows that he is the author of the work. Most know of Zhenyu, but only the traveler and Mr. Kreideprinz are aware that it is his penname. ]

No, that book, it left me deeply wounded by its reception in Liyue.

[ Failure was an experience, a painful and terrible one. Shaken by the lack of attention his novel received along with a few scathing reviews, of course, he hadn't imagined it would be successful someplace so far away. For that, he had to thank the artist, it must have been the style in which the illustrations were created that brought its initial popularity before anyone ever read the text contained. ]

Perhaps, I was a bit too prideful and confident that my own work would succeed. As I said, it was a failure in our homeland.

[ .... oh.

It takes him a minute, but the switch finally flips. Kind of difficult for it not to once Xingqiu calls it my own work, though he's realized it before that from the emotion behind his friend's words. No one sounds like that over a book that they just like. He knows the other boy too well for that. No, this is ... more. Much more. Maybe even more than what he's playing it off as.

Tea momentarily forgotten, he blinks at Xingqiu as he absorbs that information. It isn't shocking—his friend has always had literary pursuits—but still a surprise. ]

You wrote it. Why didn't you tell me sooner? [ though he doesn't really need the answer to that. he just said it wasn't popular in Liyue; he was probably embarrassed. so, Chongyun just shakes his head right after. Xingqiu doesn't need to say anything to that. ] No, I get it. Isn't that great, though? Even if it wasn't popular, you wrote a book. Not everyone can do that.

[ From where he sits he gets to gaze upon a face as realization dawns upon it. Chongyun finally fully comprehends what his words meant and with that one of his secrets so closely guarded has been revealed. The authorship of a book that he has kept under wraps. Embarrassment for failure isn't his sole motivator to keep any rumors from spreading, at least through Liyue, he doesn't need his father or brother breathing down his neck.

It's a hobby, a distraction, and although he isn't meant to inherit the family business there are still expectations placed upon him, and being an author should not coincide with them. Much like everything else he loves...

But now he can only smile at his friend, even as he is asked a question with an obvious answer. ]

Maybe so but... Stop that Chongyun. [ His face is flushed, it's hard not to feel a little self-conscious, but he still appears contented. ]

Anyway, I guess there is more. While it never gained any traction back home, across the sea in Inazuma, it actually became quite popular. It's why I've been able to continue writing.

[ Xingqiu's always encouraged him. Has there ever been anyone else who truly tried to understand how he felt, when even his own body was against him? No. No one opened his eyes the way the other boy had, offering a tilted view of the world to a boy who always looked ahead on the straight and narrow. No one else had lifted him up, given him such heart, and tried to help him as Xingqiu had. Their traveler friend might be a second ... but it wouldn't be a close one.

It's rare to finally have the chance to return a little bit of that support. Especially when it's something so important to Xingqiu. ]

In Inazuma? [ wow. that's ... impressive. really very impressive. ] That's great.

[ Standing, Chongyun moves so that he can lean against the arm of that chair, bringing them much closer together. Nearly touching. The poor sweater is definitely wrinkled between the both of them stretching it out. ]

I know you said it's not normally what I'd read, but I'd like to. Do you have a copy here?

[ Not only in Inazuma, but his book is also extremely popular in Fontaine ~~but since we need a thousand new patches, updates, and who knows how many years it will take to get there that place will be left unmentioned.~~ The sole cause for the pleasant feeling is not solely the encouragement he feels coming from his friend, it was almost relieving to reveal that information to Chongyun. Enough so that a sigh almost escapes him, but he knows there is a warning he must give with the information he has revealed about himself.

While he doesn't wish for the knowledge he has penned a book to spread through this city, it would be much worse for him if anyone in Liyue knew of this. ]

Not here. No. I never thought to seek out my own work. Actually, perhaps it is available for purchase. I did find The Boar Princess on sale within one of the bookshops.

[ So books that originate from Teyvat are available. There is a chance, but the idea of Chongyun reading his book only prolongs his flushed state. ]

Uh. Chongyun. I know I told you this, but if I may ask for a favor. Don't share this with anyone. I know no one else here originates from Liyue but it would be for the best if word never got back home.

Okay. If that's what you want, I won't tell anyone. It's safe with me.

[ He doesn't quite understand the need to hide it here but it isn't his book; if that's what Xingqiu wants, that's what Chongyun will do. It doesn't have to be anyone's business. If the book is here, someone picking it up will enjoy it either way. ]

... Thank you for telling me.

[ They've been friends for a very long time, but it feels like they've managed to become a little closer. Which is why his mouth tilts with a little smile as he gazes down at his friend. He won't tell Xingqiu, but the next time he's in the book store, he's going to be looking for that title. ]

[ Mere precautions, he has done well so far in keeping his identity a secret, even knowing that book sales likely would have gone better had he penned his tales under his true name. But where was the merit in that? Besides, he didn't need his father and older brother breathing down his neck. It's a distraction, like his time spent in the Wanwen Bookhouse or his devotion to chivalry and the martial arts. ]

Perhaps I should have told you sooner, but truthfully only Mr. Calx and the traveler are aware I am the author of that book. Of course, I didn't intentionally reveal that information to our traveler friend. It just happened... I couldn't ignore assisting them with a commission.

...has your tea cooled enough? It's getting late.

I think it has.

[ Chongyun removes himself from Xingqiu's side, a little reluctantly, and returns to the table to retrieve the tea. It's cooled down significantly; gently, he takes a sip, mulling it all over. The traveller is a good friend, so at least someone knew about it. Not many, though. ]

Am I the first person you've told like this?

[ Like ... willingly? ]

[ Watching Chongyun get up he can't help but to feel a little regret that he bothered to mention the tea. With a sigh, Xingqiu leans into the spot his friend had been sitting in, there is still that lingering warmth. ]

Well, no. I did mention Mr. Calx and the traveler. Mr. Calx does the illustrations for my work, as for the traveler, as I said before they needed some assistance with a commission. They had a delivery to make for the author of The Legend of Sword.

[ And given that he is the author, well, it meant revealing he had penned that novel. ]

But this is different. This is something I decided to do, not because we're collaborating through our work or either one of us needing assistance. I wanted you to know. That's all.

That's what I meant.

[ Just because he wanted Chongyun to know. It might be a bit late if he's already found acclaim over in Inazuma ~~and in Fontaine~~, but better late than never. He's actually quite pleased, sipping his tea, cheeks a little flush with that feeling.

It's a nice one. ]

Will you write something here, too?

Chongyun, I'll be honest with you, if it wasn't for the fact that we're here it's likely I would have never made a mention of it. But the feeling has been there for some time now, but I hope you understand. I want to finish my work someday.

[ Just that last installment and then maybe he could be content to never write again? No, probably not, but they're not as young as they used to be, they're getting older. They're practically on the verge of what is considered adulthood even if they're already loaded with responsibilities, there would likely be more to come. Perhaps one day he won't be able to join Chongyun on any of those spirit hunting adventures. ]

Well... I am not completely certain. I told you before I could only think of ugly things, but now I can't even get my thoughts together for a story. There is too much going on that needs attention.

But if you want me to write.

I want you to do what you want to do.

[ He doesn't really think about it before saying it, but ... it's an honest answer. They both have their roles and responsibilities back in Liyue—he doesn't know all of Xingqiu's obligations (or even most of them), but there's always been a sense of wonder about the other boy. Existing somewhere else in the mindscape by delving into tales of heroics and grandeur.

Hell may not be their first or second or third choice, but it offers ... a kind of freedom. If Xingqiu wants to write he should write. He if doesn't, he should do whatever else he wants to do.

Chongyun takes another sip of tea. ]

But I hope you do finish it, someday.

[ His laugh is a short chime of a bell. The only echo left is his smile.

He too wishes to do what he wants (doesn't everyone?), but he won't always be able to take a moment and seek solitude away from responsibility. To be good, to do good, it meant he had to act with not just his own needs in mind, the Feiyun Commerce Guild had to one day take precedence. Fortunately, his father still heads the organization, there is no burden yet, but eventually, everything would be left in his older brother's hands and Xingqiu still sees him as ill-equipped for the task.

Yet, knowing this, having found all the time he could ever wish to do as he pleased, this doesn't truly feel like freedom. Not for him, when he seeks his journey in their own world. Whatever might await him. Besides, he isn't so bored of Liyue and all the surrounding nations that he would want to continue exploring here. ]

I intend to. There is no way I would leave my work unfinished.

[ No matter what. He has made good progress on the current draft. ]

So, do you plan to stay the night?

[ Chongyun nods, satisfied with that answer. There’s really nothing more to say on the topic; Xingqiu had just wanted to tell him, and it’s not like Chongyun would heckle him for a million details about his career as an author.

He does intend to track down that book, however. If they have other novels from their world, it’s completely possible Xingqiu’s is in some bookstore or on some shelf somewhere.

Chongyun takes another long sip of his tea before answering. ]

I wouldn’t mind. I don’t have work in the morning. [ he offers his friend a little smile, ] As long as it’s not any trouble.

Chongyun, why would it be any trouble?

[ There would be no problem for him. All he had to was arrange things so that — right he has that one bed — they could share! They're both men anyway unless his friend was talking about all those rules between different factions. Like he is going to let something like that stop him, there is nothing wrong with this, it's much as they may have done back in Liyue. Share a room at an inn, cover under some rocky outcropping from a storm or even the times they were forced to camp out for the night. Okay, maybe that last one didn't end too well for him, but the time spent with Chongyun was worth having to hear a long lecture from his brother.

Anyway, even Chongyun planned to protest, Xingqiu is already up and bustling about to get things ready to have his friend spend the night. Not that there is much for him to do since Chongyun already cleared out his bed making it all nice and neat. ]

Do you want something to wear for the night?

[ It’s half because of the rules and tensions between clans… and half because Xingqiu’s room is such a chaotic whirlwind. There’s no promise that he won’t sleep on the outside of the bed and not end up crushed to death by a leaning tower of books finally giving up the ghost. ]

It’s fine, I can use my undershirt. My pants are clean, too.

[ He peels off his jacket while speaking; his black undershirt is form-fitting and lightweight, showing off the aesthetic rewards of diligent training. The white fabric is folded neatly, smoothed of creases, before he removed a few other things that wouldn’t be conducive to sleep. His belt, his gloves.

Once comfortable, he stretches his arms overhead with a little yawn. ]

It’s been a long day.

[ There are no guarantees in life, much like there were no expectations that they would land themselves in a place such as this. Perhaps either one of them could meet such an unkind (and for Xingqiu ironic) fate. But the book stacks are not so high that they pose a risk, his collection hasn't become vast yet. He doesn't have the funds required to build himself anything even resembling what he has back in Liyue.

This is just a start. It all depends on earnings and the longevity of his stay. Not something he hopes for despite all the new reading material. Home is in the sea of clouds, a place he thinks of more often than he wishes to. Logic can do little to ease thought.

With Chongyun needing nothing to change into, Xingqiu settles on his bed, sitting at the edge with his legs crossed. Well, at least he can be distracted tonight. He knows what's to be found under the lightweight cloth of Chongyun's jacket but... this was nice. He smiles, and his gaze settles on Chongyun's face. ]

Work has kept you busy? It can't be all that?

[ Chongyun sits down beside his friend... and then immediately plops back, arms sprawling over his head as he sinks into the mattress. Ahhhh, that feels good. And it smells like Xingqiu—something he thinks idly as he turns his head and sniffs the blanket on a quiet inhale.

What a comforting scent. Even if it does lack silk flowers, an element he can't help but miss. ]

A bit of that. I've also been investigating some of the things we've talked about before. Rumors, stories, talking to people ... and asking around about other ways people have left the city. I'd rather not get comfortable here.

[ He doesn't think either of them want a longterm stay. Other than the questions they have, it would be nice to find a way back to Liyue without these contracts they've agreed to. ]

[ Leaning towards the side Chongyun took over, he shifts ever slightly so that his focus can be fully on his friend. With his attention completely on the exorcist, he doesn't miss the way the boy takes in the scent on the blanket, that is Xingqiu's own smell. That's just... odd? Although, he gets some sense of what it may be? He is still uncertain of how he should feel but his face heats up.

Well. Time to rid himself of that uncomfortable sensation. Forget what Chongyun just said. They can talk about his investigation later and those disappearances, maybe if they're fortunate they can disappear from this city and appear again in Liyue. Although...

Without a word, he reaches over, a hand at Chongyun's side and fingers quick brushing along his waist. No, not brushing, he is attempting to draw laughter from his friend. ]

[ Slender fingers brush against his waist—they catch the young exorcist off guard while he’s busy indulging in a little olfactory. Surprised and suddenly exhaling on a choked laugh, Chongyun twists on the bed and looks up at his friend; soft blue hair falls across his forehead, mussed, as catslit pupils gaze up from beneath light lashes. He doesn’t sit up, instead choosing to rumple the bedding beneath him as he squirms. It’s fine, he’s the one who made the bed before anyway.

A warm smile curls on the exorcist’s lips on the tail end of that short laugh, body slightly curled in to protect his side from more tickle assaults. ]

Haha… what’re you doing?

[ It’s not a question. No, it sounds too affectionate; a gentle chiding that isn’t chiding at all. ]

[ The first successful peels of laughter drawn out of his friend only serve to further motivate him to continue to seek those joyful sounds. Words, contrast tone and smile. Xingqiu continues to tickle Chongyun's side, but with the boy curling in on the defensive it only means he has to reach to brush fingers along the opposite side.

That's why he leans over Chongyun, that's the only reason.

Yet, he goes a little further than needed but how else would he keep his friend from escaping. At the point he straddles Chongyun's tights maybe he should be rethinking his choices, but he doesn't. It's just for fun, only to hear more of that laughter. His hands are busy at work bringing forth more of those sounds. ]

Me? Oh, nothing. But I am winning.

[ The assault continues after Chongyun’s meager attempt at evading is soundly thwarted. Fingers dance along his sides, ticking his ribs; the exorcist puffs and laughs, cheeks and ears taking on a tint of pink. His hair gets messier as he rolls, fluffing up at odd angles. The normally neat Chongyun is disheveled.

He doesn’t even know when Xingqiu managed to straddled him—but he’s left blinking up at his friend, caught between two long legs, the other boy’s weight pinning him to the mattress. Looking up at him like this, Chongyun can’t not notice how pretty Xingqiu looks when his hair falls across his face like that.

The exorcist exhales on another wheezy laugh, sides hurting from giggles knocking against his ribs. He continues to gaze up at his friend with the back of his head resting against the bed. ]

Yes, you win, you win. I’ve been defeated. I don’t think I can take any more.

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