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Why, goodness Chongyun, you are so full of requests tonight. First, you implore me to show restraint in my concern. Impossible, really, when you are my most cherished and beloved friend, I will to great lengths in showing care. And next, you ask that I curve imagination. How dreadfully dull life would turn, aside from books, there are no other escapes. Well, that's not entirely true. Of course, that may only mean a foray beyond the boundaries of this city

There you go, see, if a tool has been handed to every single one of us that may facilitate life then is there any point in ignoring its usefulness? Rather, you should at least consider it this way, make good use of your time here. If you wish to establish friendships, and exchange skills, tips, now would be the time.

As for contacting people through the use of a phone first. Well. I don't know about it being strange. Of course, if that is your way of implying you find me odd, you can always be more direct.

And about that, well, I'll admit I'd feel incredibly self-conscious if you were present for that meeting. But if you truly wish to accompany me in speaking and exchanging words with that shrine lady, then I'll gladly have your company.

Another impossible request. Surely you must know that the only way that book won't be read is if every single copy is sold out, and the work goes out of print.

I'm not saying you can't read any books ...... I know you'll read anything and everything. But some of the books in the stores around Tamamo territory are very .... well, I can't read them. I'm going to leave it there. Instead — you truly want to venture outside the city? I will do so with you.

That's not what I'm trying to imply. You know her already, but I am a complete stranger. To just use the phone out of the blue ... I can definitely see the benefits, but it seems forward with someone I've not talked to before. I'll still consider it though.

If you're okay with it, I am more than happy to keep you company. I can wait for you somewhere else during though, if that's better.

Xinqiu .... you know what I mean.

Hm. I see so you are finding difficulty in perusing through those novels. I have an idea, instead of you reading through them, how about if I read them out loud to you. I think it's the perfect solution, I would get a chance to know those tales and so would you~

Oh, I see you're inviting yourself to one of my excursions. Well, I won't turn your company away in light of the need for exploration. In fact, it's not really a secret but I think you should know that I enjoy having you by my side.

That's not what you're implying? Then answer me this Chongyun, would you think a person completely strange, an odd eccentric to contact people they have never personally exchanged words with?

Well, it would be simpler if I revealed a few things that I haven't made known to you. It's just thinking about it, it's a little embarrassing for me to admit.

You keep mentioning it, only driving me further to seek it out of curiosity.

.... How about a compromise? There's supposed to be storyteller at one of the book stores in Tamamo territory next week. How about we go to that together? The already said the story was just based on history, so it should be something we both like.

And I enjoy having you by mine. As you've said before, there's much we don't know—how else will we find what's out there unless we go hunt it down? Maybe it'll give us a clearer understanding of this Hell, too. I wouldn't mind getting some training in either.

I don't know about an odd eccentric... or anything like that. I guess it's just me.

... If it's embarrassing, you don't have to tell me. If you want to I'm happy to listen, though. Either is fine.

We're done with the book. Done.

[ A compromise? And reading what the offer entails Xingqiu can't help wondering if Chongyun had not delved further to obtain more details. A historical tale, that's all, it's fairly vague. Anything could be considered for recorded documentation, it was all dependent on the values of the narrator. And this is taking place in the Tamamo Territory — poor dear Chongyun. A shake of his head follows but he answers immediately. ]

Very well. Since you insist. I won't make further references to that book. As you said. We're done with it. Finished. Complete. You'll have to keep your end of this bargain, however, otherwise... some unmentionable thing may resurface.

That's right. It's not something we can neglect despite having found ourselves here. So how about this, a match, between the two of us. Just a short little spar. Something between friends, besides, I'm always interested in knowing how much you've progressed since you train so diligently.

No. Or maybe? We can always go ahead and ask the general population for their opinion. That seems popular, I mean, as a manner of communicating with strangers.

You're my closest friend, my words are honest when I regard you as my dearest. It's something of a secret, although I suppose that I was obliged to reveal it to the traveler. In person. Meet me in person and then I'll tell you. I think it is something that should be said in your presence.

It's been a while since I've gone to listen to a story. I'm not sure if the storyteller will be as talented as Tea Master Liu, but it will still be a nice way to send an afternoon.

Ah—yes, let's. We will need to fight a good place to do this. Early morning would be best, so there won't be many people around. Our vital energies will be at their peak, too. I don't want to get sloppy while we're here. Our martial skills are more important than ever... I never did find my sword anywhere.

That's true... you're right. The clan leaders also seem to use this method frequently. Maybe I really am overthinking it.

Now I'm curious. Very well, I'll see you in person soon and we can discuss further. Where would you like to meet?

How about this, if that storyteller disappoints then I'll narrate some tales for you. I'll even go ahead and brew something you favor. Cooled of course, for your enjoyment.

Most unfortunate, but I wouldn't doubt there are ways to obtain weapons or other tools here. It only seems logical that there would be armaments to be found. For now, only skill, so even if it is only a friendly match you can't hold back. But you already know that. Then let's discuss a time and date when we meet.

And I suppose I may as well make a confession. I've directly contacted people I have never exchanged words in person. There you go. So that route isn't solely taken by clan leaders. It's effective.

Now let me take a breath, I really am feeling self-conscious. So then. Tonight. Tonight will do.

Alright. So, let's discuss the rest of what we need to talk about tonight.

I'll see you soon.

( ooc: end. just kidding. it never ends because i want them to have that talk ♥ )

[ Obviously, they're set to meet at Xingqiu's place, a studio flat because he has better things to spend his hard-earned money on than some luxurious apartment, wasteful pretentiousness is unnecessary gaudy when here managing his finances has become all the more important. Yes, he drop money on a second phone, that he saw as an investment. AS for the flat, the kitchen and bathroom are tidy enough, but the rest might need someone to give care. The few books he has obtained are neatly set against a wall. But there are articles of clothes on the single armchair, his bed is unmade, and his table seems more like a place for projects than for eating any meals.

It's the tabletop that has it worst. There are books there too, one with a bookmark at the very center. There are also some notebooks, some new, others clearly are in use. A scroll with beautiful calligraphy is unrolled to the point it is hanging off the table, then there is Xingqiu's latest project: an attempt to produce a map of the city for himself.

When he hears the knock, the door is immediately opened for his friend. Left behind is his usual attire, in a shirt that clearly indicates he knows what he is up to and he won't go without wearing shorts, is Xingqiu, very casual of him. ]

Well, you're finally here. Tea? Biscuits? A poptart?

[ He steps aside to welcome Chongyun inside. ]

[ Very casual (and cute) indeed. Chongyun is the same as ever, still stubbornly wearing his thaumaturge set of white and blue cotton. He has considered expanding his wardrobe since it looks like their stay in Hell isn't going to be a short one ... something he thinks when he looks at his friend's getup. What the heck is that shirt? ]

Anything is fine. [ he steps inside, slipping off his shoes and leaving them by the door, ] Tea would be nice, actually.

[ Xingqiu knows exactly how he takes it, so Chongyun doesn't say anything else. Curious, he wanders into his friend's space, looking around. The sight of something so familiar—it makes the corners of his mouth turn up slightly. Xingqiu chaos will always be Xingqiu chaos, no matter where they are.

He can't keep looking at that unmade bed, though. Without saying anything, Chongyun goes over to make it. It's about the feng shui of the room! The feng shui! It just feels better when the bed is nice and neat, especially since it's a studio. And he might organize some of these books and scrolls, if he has an extra minute ... it can't hurt, right...?

Making the bed is swift work, and Chongyun is quick to turn his attention to the table. ]

A map?

[ Once Chongyun is inside, the door is closed and then locked.

At the mention that anything would due, his eyes light with a sly gleam, a mild smile grows mischievous but he would never do anything so obvious as to offer Chongyun something to get a reaction out of him in this manner. However, that impish look remains even as he patters off on bare feet to the small section that is his kitchen. Tea, yes, tea that's expected and he knows Chongyun's preference all too well. Brewing the drink first, water had already been set to boil before his friend's arrival in preparation.

He just had to steep the tea leaves, he would set aside the teapot to allow time for just that before turning his attention back towards his friend. He crosses his arm as he watches the tidying of his bed. Really, it's unnecessary given how late it is, he would likely make a mess of it again soon.

Following his friend's line of sight, gazing at the stacks of books and scrolls, he knows Chongyun would never comprehend the methodology behind the chaos. Despite what seems like a disorganized mess, there is nothing lost within these walls. ]

An attempt to create one...

[ Lines are straight, buildings, structures are scaled to size. Roads and other pathways are marked. The trouble as always is the letters denoting what each place is. His handwriting continues to be an issue. It's impossible for him to be satisfied with what he has created for that reason. ]

But this map is not why I asked you to come.

[ It may not be why Xingqiu has invited him over, but Chongyun stops to look at it anyway. He had always thought that his friend was talented—handwriting aside—and the detailed map rolled out onto the table only reassures him of that notion. It’s well made. Labelled. Neat. He may have chided Xingqiu a bit for seeming less than interested in Sutoku’s happenings, but he knows that the other boy is always diligent in his way. Like with this. He obviously has put a lot of work into it.

Chongyun’s fingertip lightly brushes over the page. Barely a touch at all, really, because he doesn’t want to accidentally smudge Xingqiu’s work. ]

I know, but … this is very good.

[ Leaving the chaotic mess of Xingqiu’s books alone, Chongyun sits down in front of the table. There isn’t much room for tea or snacks this way, but it’s not like he came for either of those things. ]

There was something you wanted to tell me, right?

[ He had wondered what it might be, but the longer he went on, the more wild his assumptions became. It was better to not think that much about it, in the end. ]

[ It’s a painstakingly slow progress, which explains why the map has yet to be completed. A boy whose penmanship is lacking wouldn’t be an artist either but it is pride that drives him to seek the path of perfection, that is why he once scribed upon a cover a signature in beautiful calligraphy hailed by many living in a far off archipelago for its artistry. Of course, that took him a whole night but he was content with the results even if exhausted the following day.

Soon at Chongyun’s side, he watches fingers barely ghost over the lines of his work almost in reverence. Foreign to him, impulsivity takes hold and it leads him to reach out for his friend’s hand, holding it securely as he looks down at his own work as if watching the view from a rooftop. ]

Thank you. I just thought it may be useful…

[ Returning to the main topic of conversation which brought about this reunion, he nods. Despite running over several scenarios of how to open this conversation up he realizes he hasn’t settled on a choice. Slowly he releases his hold, the one where he began to lace their fingers together and moves back to the kitchen to finish preparing that tea. ]

It’s not often you visit the Wanwen Bookhouse is it? So then… well just on the off chance you may have heard of it but do you know of a novel titled A Legend of Sword?

[ His words are delivered slowly, almost hesitantly, the result of the embarrassment he spoke of earlier. ]

[ 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.

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