cutcloud | ic inbox

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.

[ Words of defeat are to no avail, there is no mercy for Chongyun. Mussed hair, red face, peels of laughter through the air; it's the type of fun that's been lost with childhood, now in the vestige of adolescence hell provides temporary respite from responsibility. Xingqiu found time now. Time to think. Perhaps here is the last grand adventure?

When they return to Liyue (because they will), what would await them. Chongyun will continue to follow the path of an exorcist, a roaming cloud, and he — truly showed great disservice to his older brother. What a selfish desire.

His hands slowly, only lightly brushing at cloth before he attempts to smooth out Chongyun's garment. ]

You can't? You're at my mercy now. I could always...

[ Lightly he taps Chongyun's side, a threat, the boy is trapped under him. ]

[ Hah. As if he would give up so easily. Playing possum for a second, Chongyun waits as the other boy taps at his side with that lingering threat … and then surges without warning, a viper strike of an attack as he throws his weight and slides his hands around Xingqiu’s waist.

Rolling them over, the exorcist swaps their positions with a lift of a knee and bodily tumble. It’s only when he’s lording over Xingqiu now, face still red and hair still mussed, that he lets slip a boyish smile. Triumphant and happy both; not many see this side of him unless he’s girls gone wild.

Capturing his friend between his knees, Chongyun puffs out another little laugh. ]

Now you’re at my mercy.

[ He hasn’t yet noticed that his hands are still curled around the other boy, pressed between back and mattress in a way that keeps them in a semi-embrace. ]

[ As swiftly as he gained the upper hand, he soon finds positions are reversed. Though he puts up a fight and attempts to resist, Chongyun's strength along with gravity see him off his throne. Well aware Chongyun's hands linger at his waist, Xingqiu can't help a coquettish little smile. Basking in the warmth of attention, though he knows his friend is wholly unaware of the sentiments he has for him.

Perhaps it isn't fair, maybe he isn't playing nice but he is allowed to live a little isn't he?

It's just for fun. Yet what he does is entirely unnecessary, a brush of fingers runs along Chongyun's forearm to his wrist. At the end of travel, Xingqiu doesn't pull his hand back but loosely holds on to his friend. The smile remains, kittenish as ever. He turns his head ever slightly to the side letting loose strands of hair fall across his cheek. ]

Oh, am I?

Whatever will I do?

[ Again, it's unnecessary but ever slowly he bends a knee, a brush of thigh against thigh. ]

[ Xingqiu's touch is warm.

He's warm. Chongyun's more acutely aware of this now that he has the other boy pinned beneath him. It isn't out of concern for his condition that he lingers on this thought; it's something softer, that makes his chest ache in a way he doesn't quite understand. The connotations of tangling up together like this are also slowly beginning to dawn on him. Even so, Chongyun doesn't remove his hands from Xingqiu's waist.

As that touch wanders, the exorcist's mouth dries up. His throat is tight when he swallows, and he suddenly feels at a loss for words. He's the one on top ... so why does it still feel like Xingqiu is the one in control? ]

Uh, um... you... [ thigh tickles thigh. Chongyun's face flushes, and he glances aside. ] ... beg for freedom?

No. I don't think I will.

[ It's a swift reply delivered in a firm tone, confidence ever his companion facilitates the ease through which he navigates the predicament they're in. Though he may be physically restrained by Chongyun's weight and grip he continues to hold the reins. A tight grip that he won't easily relinquish. Amusement dances across expression delighted as he witnesses a flicker of awareness in familiar eyes.

Slowly he withdraws his hand, brushing away the hair across his face before he lays his palms against the coolness of the sheets underneath him. While his pose reflects chaste modesty, his face says something different. He's on the verge of laughter without the help of hands tickling his skin. ]

I'll be staying right where I am, and you'll be staying where you are too.

[ If what he had before was an inkling, Xingqiu stretching out beneath him like that against the sheets is like a brick to the face. A brick that still feels far too dangerous to acknowledge, but it's pretty hard to not at least feel the bruise afterwards.

Heat surges through Chongyun again. It prickles across his skin, nerves on edge with wanting to touch. With it, restlessness stirs, and the young exorcist swallows again. Sandpaper. It's all sandpaper. And hot. Which is exactly why Chongyun flops over on the bed, completely and utterly defeated. ]

You're unfair.

[ Sighed into a pillow, since his face is now pressed into it for protection. Truly ... Chongyun is the loser. ]

Am not. You're just sore I won.

[ Complete and total victory hasn't been achieved; this is a single battle won on the terrain that is his bed. The sight beheld as defeat settles its burden upon his friend is amusing enough that finally, he can't help a soft laugh. It's humor rather than malice, light-hearted sentiment as opposed to pride. There is no denying he is having fun and yet that comforting weight is gone.

He sits up, leaning ever slightly over Chongyun to peer down at the other teen. Face obscured leaves Xingqiu with nothing more than a guess to the expression worn by his friend. Before he actually makes contact with Chongyun's shoulder, Xingqiu withdraws his hand ultimately deciding against pestering the other boy further. ]

Next time, perhaps then, no I am sure you will come up with some tactic to defeat me.

[ He settles himself back down on the mattress his gaze firmly fixed up towards the ceiling. ] For now, I deserve a prize. Wish me good night, Chongyun.

[ Finally Chongyun turns his head to peek over at his friend. He's calmed down a bit, face mostly rid of the pink of embarrassment, but that image of his friend is going to be one that sticks in his mind for a while.

As for coming up with a tactic to defeat Xingqiu...? The exorcist is much less sure than his friend. Even if there existed a way to best this boy, Chongyun isn't even sure if he'd use it. ]

A win is a win. [ expression softening, he does as his friend asks. ] Good night, Xingqiu.

[ Of course ... he'd have said it regardless. ]

(no subject)

rainswords - 2022-05-22 00:18 (UTC) - Expand