[ While he hasn't grown lax due to lack of responsibility, there aren't any pressing matters that require him to wake up at the crack of dawn. That is until this very day. Chongyun ever the hard worker tends to wake before him, but Xingqiu cannot allow that to happen on this particular day. Of course, it helps that he discreetly made preparations throughout the month so as to not ruin the surprise. In fact, had he known Chongyun would eventually find himself here, Xingqiu would have devised a plan much earlier. This place is absolutely different from Liyue, it does require him to put in a greater effort; especially because most things anyone could want can be found readily available.
However, he has been wondering if Chongyun recalls what today is. The exorcist has been completely occupied with exploration and growing accustomed to life in the city so it wouldn't surprise Xingqiu if it slipped his mind.
Well, he would no longer have to wonder. Today is the big day. Getting up and out of bed as quietly as possible, he goes to freshen up before getting dressed. Only after thoroughly inspecting his reflection does he return to the room they've been sharing but this time rather than heading to his side of the bed, he walks towards Chongyun's sleeping form before leaning in close. He can't help the smile that forms on his lips as he cups them with his hand before whispering in Chongyun's ear. ] Good morning.
[Truthfully, in all of his exploring and getting used to things in this strange and empty city, Chongyun has definitely forgotten to keep track of things. One of those things he happened to forget was his birthday; it's not that he pays it no mind or wants to brush it aside, but there's so many new things to get used to and so many strange occurrences that the date honestly just slipped his mind. After all, he's more focused on getting home, and once he's focused on something he sometimes tends to block out the rest of what's going on around him.]
[As such, he's unaware of any plans his friend is planning for him. Xingqiu often does things Chongyun doesn't quite understand, and though he noticed Xingqiu going around doing things Chongyun didn't look too deeply into it. Really, he's just glad he can stay close to his good friend, and it's not like they never slept on the same bedroll on their adventures together. He's sleeping peacefully when that whisper hits his ear. A shiver goes down his spine and he takes a sharp intake of breath, his eyes fluttering open sleepily.]
Mrh, whu..? Xingqiu..?
[He blinks the sleep out of his eyes, before he realizes Xingqiu is very close to him. His face turns a little pink as he looks up at the other teen.]
[ Focusing on Chongyun's face he observes as the exorcist's cheeks take on a rosy hue; it's pleasing to watch and one of the many features he finds endearing about his friend. Perhaps that's why he can only smile fondly as Chongyun struggles with (obvious) embarrassment and confusion. Slowly he reaches out to brush a few strands of hair away from Chongyun's forehead but soon he pulls his hand back. Just as quickly he sits up straight on the edge of the bed.
How unusual for Chongyun to be so drowsy, even given the time he is surprised by this turn of events but it works well with his plan. ] Do you need more rest? Had I known previously I would have given you more time to recuperate. You must have been busy all day yesterday...
But if you are feeling up to it, then I had hoped you would be willing to accompany me on running a few errands. It's a good way for us to spend more time together, that's probably just about the only pleasant thing this place has afforded us. Sometimes it's felt as if we haven't had as much time before...
Let's get you ready to go. [ He already expected a positive response from Chongyun, he knows him well enough, still if he shows any signs of feeling worn out then Xingqiu might be willing to spare a few more minutes. He has things to occupy his time here. ]
N-No, I'm alright. I don't need anymore rest. Truthfully, I think I slept too long...
[Perhaps it was a long day of exploring, or perhaps it's just the weird atmosphere getting to him and stressing him out. It's honestly hard to tell, even for Chongyun, but it's meant a rare morning where he's slept in. And now that he has a face full of Xingqiu, he finds himself pulled right into wakefulness by the suddenness of it all.]
I would be happy to accompany you, if you would just give me a moment to get ready...
[He sits up in bed, and it's then that Xingqiu will realize that Chongyun is wearing a pair of loose sleep pants and nothing else; sharing a bed with Xingqiu has made it a necessary thing for him to avoid overheating. But it also puts his toned chest and muscles on display as he sits up in bed.]
[ While there may be an itinerary for the day, he doesn't mind postponing things for a moment if Chongyun truly needs more rest. While he may have started the day by waking up earlier than usual, today Chongyun has done the opposite however, Xingqiu knows that his friend has dedicated plenty of time to surveying this place. It would be stranger if he wasn't tired at all. ]
Not really. You don't typically wake up at this time. Although a five to ten minute difference isn't much. [ Contended with Chongyun agreeing to come along with him, his smile only brightens but again he would have found a way for his friend to come along had he voiced opposition. With Chongyun sitting up, he tries to give him room to stretch or get up. He is still close enough to get a full view of just how the exorcist has chosen to go into bed.
Here he thought Chongyun had been a shirt all along!
His smile wavers as he brings a hand up to his face to hide behind. He shouldn't be surprised — Chongyun is just as dedicated to martial arts as he is and yet he has been left speechless... speechless and bashful. Although that lasts for all of five seconds. He clears his throat, face warm. ] I'll wait. I am not rushing you.
[ Go cover up that nice attractive body of yours Chongyun! ]
[And while Xingqiu may be ogling him, Chongyun... is none the wiser. For him, it's merely a practicality thing, and as for his body... well, he's not exactly an expert in what others consider attractive. So he doesn't find his own physique overly shocking... or at least, isn't aware of the internal conflict his friend is having over it.]
Alright. Just give me a moment.
[And so he will get up, and have a nice stretch - again, unwittingly showing off those muscles of his - before he slips out of bed to go change. He'll grab his clothes and go to the bathroom to change and get ready.]
[Unlike Xingqiu, who has been upgrading his wardrobe with a wide plethora of clothes to choose from, Chongyun is going for his regular outfit. His own side of the closet is rather scarce, opting to wear his tried and true outfit over some of the newer clothes he's seen here. Once dressed and washed up, he emerges from the bathroom, cleaned and covered up.]
[ How innocent and chaste of Chongyun. Of course, there is no notice of his gaze lingering for a moment too long. Knowing the exorcist does tempt him to have another glance however, he refrains from doing so. Besides, it would be completely unfair to Chongyun but this does leave him wondering if no one else has made Chongyun aware of how attractive he is. Could it be that he simply feels at ease because they've been long-time friends? Perhaps that's going to be his station for many more years. Well, he can't complain if they remain close.
It's only when Chongyun speaks again that Xingqiu realizes he has settled for staring at their mostly empty bookshelf. He suppresses a sigh as he brings a hand up to his face. True he wouldn't be aggrieved if their relationship remains static but he also knows he wouldn't be completely satisfied.
Why is he thinking of this now? He should focus on the plans ahead. ] Of course, again there is no rush.
[ And he diligently waits as Chongyun scampers off with a very familiar outfit in hand. Finally, he releases that sigh. It's a good thing the exorcist chose to get ready in the privacy of the bathroom rather than out here in the open. So when Chongyun emerges he musters up a bright smile and nods. ] I should be asking you that, but yes I am ready.
[ So now it's time to head for the door. ] You know, I haven't been entirely alone. I've made friends here. And while I didn't wish for you to be in this same situation I think I am still glad you're here. I guess I am reminded of that again.
[If others have considered Chongyun attractive, the exorcist hasn't heard of it. Maybe others are just put off by his cool demeanour, or his dedication to his craft, or his lack of social awareness. That's why he's grateful for people like Xingqiu, who can make him a little more aware of things he would be ignorant of otherwise.]
[He may be a fool when it comes to emotions, but he really does value Xingqiu's presence in his life, even if he doesn't realize how much.]
[Chongyun nods at Xingqiu's confirmation and follows the young heir to the door. He perks up as he listens to Xingqiu, and offers a smile.]
Well, I am glad you have been able to make friends while you've been here. It can be difficult, being in a new place by yourself. I'm sorry you had to spend those first few months alone, but I'm glad to be here with you now.
[Of course he'd be happy Xingqiu has met some friends! And he's also gladdened and humbled at Xingqiu being so considerate of him, not wanting him to go through the same thing Xingqiu did. What a fine and honourable person Xingqui is.]
[ Not missing the opportunity, he will be opening the door for Chongyun, and once they've both stepped outside it will be shut. Quickly Xingqiu hooks their arms together before leaning in close, pretending to carefully lead Chongyun to their destination as well as making it seem as if this is part of maintaining their current conversation. It's not completely unusual but typically there are more substantial reasons for him to latch on to his friend than these. Acting casual despite knowing this, answers Chongyun's question. ]
Mostly I've come across helpful people. No one really knew what was happening so collaborating was probably the best option we all had. Although thinking about it, I haven't seen some of them for some time. Even when I checked... remember before? I mentioned The Conqueror of Demons, he is no longer here.
[ Even as they walk, he doesn't let distance form between them. His heart races as he wonders if he is crossing the line and if Chongyun has any thoughts about this. They've held hands before, and pulled on each other's garments to tame excitement; those all normal things friends might typically do. This is different, he smiles at Chongyun, and even if their feelings do not match he is still content with this. ]
He is gone, and now I have you. And Hu Tao.
[ The shop they have to visit isn't too far from the apartment building. It's only a short elevator ride to ground level and a couple of streets away. But he doesn't rush Chongyun, while it may be his friend's birthday he wants to enjoy this closeness. ]
[It is a bit unusual for Xingqiu to latch onto him unbidden like this, but it's also not so out of the realm of possibility to rouse suspicion. Chongyun simply gives Xingqiu a curious look, but allows it anyways. Besides, it's not unpleasant to have Xingqiu here like this.]
The Conqueror of Demons was here as well? Huh... so even the adepti are not immune to this place.
[This world could even trap adepti here... were even the gods susceptible to the whims of this town? It's an unsettling thought to have.]
Well, I am glad you were able to find people who could help you. I've also found several helpful people here when I arrived. Perhaps I could introduce you to them as well.
[The more people they are able to meet, the better chance they could go home, right?]
[But as for the walk, Chongyun finds he doesn't mind the closeness. It's a bit unusual, but it's not entirely unpleasant. The warmth that comes from his friend's presence is actually pleasant, and not cloying or overheating like he would worry it may be. He finds himself leaning a bit closer to Xingqiu as they walk, though perhaps not entirely on his own; moreso an impulse that doesn't go checked.]
You're right. I think that so long as we have each other, there's no challenge we can't overcome.
[ A slow nod is offered to confirm what he just said. The Conqueror of Demons had once resided in this land and like many others, the adeptus had been unable to resist being drawn to the city. However, now there is the mystery of whether he inevitably found a way to return to Liyue or had the whims of this place dispatched him back home. The only way to know for sure would be to contact him again but as is... ]
Perhaps there is no one that can avoid the influence of this place. There doesn't appear to be any particular pattern to the type of people that end up here. The only thing that stays the same is the time when there is an influx of new residents.
Could choice be randomized? That would make the experience even stranger but...
[ He shakes his head. Why worry about that now on this particular day? They're supposed to be celebrating together even if it appears that Chongyun has yet to realize that today is his birthday. Sensing that's the case is enough to bring a smile to Xingqiu's face, honestly, he finds it amusing that Chongyun has yet to figure out why he is so insistent on having his company. Perhaps once they pick up some ingredients and start preparing a meal together Chongyun will realize what today is.
Either way, he just wants to spend some quality time with his friend. ]
That would be nice. However, not today so don't start getting any ideas.
[ Xingqiu even goes as far as to give Chongyun's arm a soft tug for good measure; the last words spoken by Chongyun have him smiling. The expression doesn't carry his usual trademark mischief when in the presence of his friend but instead, there is obvious fondness in his eyes. ] That's right. We'll definitely get through this too.
Hmm... if that's so, perhaps we should figure out why it is people are drawn to this place, and what the reason is for bringing us here. But of course, that won't be very easy, will it..?
[That's the downfall of their time here. So many mysteries, and yet no clue as to what they all mean. And if their arrival here is all random, how would such a phenomenon even come into being in the first place..?]
[But in any case, Xingqiu seems eager to move on from these topics, and he decides to nod along with Xingqiu as his arm is tugged.]
Alright, let's get going then.
[He's happy to let Xingqiu tug him along, and a small smile forms on his face. Just enjoying the way Xingqiu hangs on his arm as they walk. Though, after a brief pause, he has to ask.]
You're acting more eager than usual today. Is there some reason why?
It's something I've considered but I wouldn't really know where to start. Well, actually, it would probably be a good idea to get a sense of the type of people that have found themselves here along with the length of time they have resided in the city.
[ That would mean exchanging information with others. It's not a difficult task to perform, as long as communication isn't an issue and the only thing that could really bar that is difficult people... And there is also the issue of it just being overly tedious. It really is something to discuss another time, another day. Right now he wants to focus on Chongyun and his birthday. They would have plenty of time to investigate the city's mysteries; as far as he knows they aren't going anywhere... ] Perhaps we can go over logistics another time.
[ There is a short laugh that gets past his lips when he hears Chongyun's question, growing ever more amused that his friend has yet to put the pieces together. Although he wouldn't describe himself as more eager than usual, he is always happy to spend time with his friend. ] Well, I thought you might figure it out by now. Hm. I could tell you but I rather it remain a surprise.
Or we can bet on it. Let's see. [ He fishes out his phone before looking for the timer. ] I'll give you an hour's time. If by then you don't know what it is, then I'll tell you but that also means I win.
[Chongyun is fine with going over the logistics another day. Tedious though it may be, it could prove beneficial, and Xingqiu was fairly good at organizing these kinds of things.]
[While Xingqiu laughs at his question, Chongyun just looks on puzzled. His brow furrows as he tilts his head a bit.]
A surprise..? Xingqiu, this isn't another one of your pranks, is it..?
[Still, had he forgotten something? Chongyun hums in thought.]
Hmm, alright. I'll do my best to guess. Is it... because you found a new place to explore?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action, birthday thread
However, he has been wondering if Chongyun recalls what today is. The exorcist has been completely occupied with exploration and growing accustomed to life in the city so it wouldn't surprise Xingqiu if it slipped his mind.
Well, he would no longer have to wonder. Today is the big day. Getting up and out of bed as quietly as possible, he goes to freshen up before getting dressed. Only after thoroughly inspecting his reflection does he return to the room they've been sharing but this time rather than heading to his side of the bed, he walks towards Chongyun's sleeping form before leaning in close. He can't help the smile that forms on his lips as he cups them with his hand before whispering in Chongyun's ear. ] Good morning.
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[As such, he's unaware of any plans his friend is planning for him. Xingqiu often does things Chongyun doesn't quite understand, and though he noticed Xingqiu going around doing things Chongyun didn't look too deeply into it. Really, he's just glad he can stay close to his good friend, and it's not like they never slept on the same bedroll on their adventures together. He's sleeping peacefully when that whisper hits his ear. A shiver goes down his spine and he takes a sharp intake of breath, his eyes fluttering open sleepily.]
Mrh, whu..? Xingqiu..?
[He blinks the sleep out of his eyes, before he realizes Xingqiu is very close to him. His face turns a little pink as he looks up at the other teen.]
Ah..! Um, good morning Xingqiu...
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How unusual for Chongyun to be so drowsy, even given the time he is surprised by this turn of events but it works well with his plan. ] Do you need more rest? Had I known previously I would have given you more time to recuperate. You must have been busy all day yesterday...
But if you are feeling up to it, then I had hoped you would be willing to accompany me on running a few errands. It's a good way for us to spend more time together, that's probably just about the only pleasant thing this place has afforded us. Sometimes it's felt as if we haven't had as much time before...
Let's get you ready to go. [ He already expected a positive response from Chongyun, he knows him well enough, still if he shows any signs of feeling worn out then Xingqiu might be willing to spare a few more minutes. He has things to occupy his time here. ]
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[Perhaps it was a long day of exploring, or perhaps it's just the weird atmosphere getting to him and stressing him out. It's honestly hard to tell, even for Chongyun, but it's meant a rare morning where he's slept in. And now that he has a face full of Xingqiu, he finds himself pulled right into wakefulness by the suddenness of it all.]
I would be happy to accompany you, if you would just give me a moment to get ready...
[He sits up in bed, and it's then that Xingqiu will realize that Chongyun is wearing a pair of loose sleep pants and nothing else; sharing a bed with Xingqiu has made it a necessary thing for him to avoid overheating. But it also puts his toned chest and muscles on display as he sits up in bed.]
I promise I won't be long.
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Not really. You don't typically wake up at this time. Although a five to ten minute difference isn't much. [ Contended with Chongyun agreeing to come along with him, his smile only brightens but again he would have found a way for his friend to come along had he voiced opposition. With Chongyun sitting up, he tries to give him room to stretch or get up. He is still close enough to get a full view of just how the exorcist has chosen to go into bed.
Here he thought Chongyun had been a shirt all along!
His smile wavers as he brings a hand up to his face to hide behind. He shouldn't be surprised — Chongyun is just as dedicated to martial arts as he is and yet he has been left speechless... speechless and bashful. Although that lasts for all of five seconds. He clears his throat, face warm. ] I'll wait. I am not rushing you.
[ Go cover up that nice attractive body of yours Chongyun! ]
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Alright. Just give me a moment.
[And so he will get up, and have a nice stretch - again, unwittingly showing off those muscles of his - before he slips out of bed to go change. He'll grab his clothes and go to the bathroom to change and get ready.]
[Unlike Xingqiu, who has been upgrading his wardrobe with a wide plethora of clothes to choose from, Chongyun is going for his regular outfit. His own side of the closet is rather scarce, opting to wear his tried and true outfit over some of the newer clothes he's seen here. Once dressed and washed up, he emerges from the bathroom, cleaned and covered up.]
Alright. Ready to go?
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It's only when Chongyun speaks again that Xingqiu realizes he has settled for staring at their mostly empty bookshelf. He suppresses a sigh as he brings a hand up to his face. True he wouldn't be aggrieved if their relationship remains static but he also knows he wouldn't be completely satisfied.
Why is he thinking of this now? He should focus on the plans ahead. ] Of course, again there is no rush.
[ And he diligently waits as Chongyun scampers off with a very familiar outfit in hand. Finally, he releases that sigh. It's a good thing the exorcist chose to get ready in the privacy of the bathroom rather than out here in the open. So when Chongyun emerges he musters up a bright smile and nods. ] I should be asking you that, but yes I am ready.
[ So now it's time to head for the door. ] You know, I haven't been entirely alone. I've made friends here. And while I didn't wish for you to be in this same situation I think I am still glad you're here. I guess I am reminded of that again.
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[He may be a fool when it comes to emotions, but he really does value Xingqiu's presence in his life, even if he doesn't realize how much.]
[Chongyun nods at Xingqiu's confirmation and follows the young heir to the door. He perks up as he listens to Xingqiu, and offers a smile.]
Well, I am glad you have been able to make friends while you've been here. It can be difficult, being in a new place by yourself. I'm sorry you had to spend those first few months alone, but I'm glad to be here with you now.
[Of course he'd be happy Xingqiu has met some friends! And he's also gladdened and humbled at Xingqiu being so considerate of him, not wanting him to go through the same thing Xingqiu did. What a fine and honourable person Xingqui is.]
What sort of people have you met here so far?
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Mostly I've come across helpful people. No one really knew what was happening so collaborating was probably the best option we all had. Although thinking about it, I haven't seen some of them for some time. Even when I checked... remember before? I mentioned The Conqueror of Demons, he is no longer here.
[ Even as they walk, he doesn't let distance form between them. His heart races as he wonders if he is crossing the line and if Chongyun has any thoughts about this. They've held hands before, and pulled on each other's garments to tame excitement; those all normal things friends might typically do. This is different, he smiles at Chongyun, and even if their feelings do not match he is still content with this. ]
He is gone, and now I have you. And Hu Tao.
[ The shop they have to visit isn't too far from the apartment building. It's only a short elevator ride to ground level and a couple of streets away. But he doesn't rush Chongyun, while it may be his friend's birthday he wants to enjoy this closeness. ]
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The Conqueror of Demons was here as well? Huh... so even the adepti are not immune to this place.
[This world could even trap adepti here... were even the gods susceptible to the whims of this town? It's an unsettling thought to have.]
Well, I am glad you were able to find people who could help you. I've also found several helpful people here when I arrived. Perhaps I could introduce you to them as well.
[The more people they are able to meet, the better chance they could go home, right?]
[But as for the walk, Chongyun finds he doesn't mind the closeness. It's a bit unusual, but it's not entirely unpleasant. The warmth that comes from his friend's presence is actually pleasant, and not cloying or overheating like he would worry it may be. He finds himself leaning a bit closer to Xingqiu as they walk, though perhaps not entirely on his own; moreso an impulse that doesn't go checked.]
You're right. I think that so long as we have each other, there's no challenge we can't overcome.
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Perhaps there is no one that can avoid the influence of this place. There doesn't appear to be any particular pattern to the type of people that end up here. The only thing that stays the same is the time when there is an influx of new residents.
Could choice be randomized? That would make the experience even stranger but...
[ He shakes his head. Why worry about that now on this particular day? They're supposed to be celebrating together even if it appears that Chongyun has yet to realize that today is his birthday. Sensing that's the case is enough to bring a smile to Xingqiu's face, honestly, he finds it amusing that Chongyun has yet to figure out why he is so insistent on having his company. Perhaps once they pick up some ingredients and start preparing a meal together Chongyun will realize what today is.
Either way, he just wants to spend some quality time with his friend. ]
That would be nice. However, not today so don't start getting any ideas.
[ Xingqiu even goes as far as to give Chongyun's arm a soft tug for good measure; the last words spoken by Chongyun have him smiling. The expression doesn't carry his usual trademark mischief when in the presence of his friend but instead, there is obvious fondness in his eyes. ] That's right. We'll definitely get through this too.
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[That's the downfall of their time here. So many mysteries, and yet no clue as to what they all mean. And if their arrival here is all random, how would such a phenomenon even come into being in the first place..?]
[But in any case, Xingqiu seems eager to move on from these topics, and he decides to nod along with Xingqiu as his arm is tugged.]
Alright, let's get going then.
[He's happy to let Xingqiu tug him along, and a small smile forms on his face. Just enjoying the way Xingqiu hangs on his arm as they walk. Though, after a brief pause, he has to ask.]
You're acting more eager than usual today. Is there some reason why?
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[ That would mean exchanging information with others. It's not a difficult task to perform, as long as communication isn't an issue and the only thing that could really bar that is difficult people... And there is also the issue of it just being overly tedious. It really is something to discuss another time, another day. Right now he wants to focus on Chongyun and his birthday. They would have plenty of time to investigate the city's mysteries; as far as he knows they aren't going anywhere... ] Perhaps we can go over logistics another time.
[ There is a short laugh that gets past his lips when he hears Chongyun's question, growing ever more amused that his friend has yet to put the pieces together. Although he wouldn't describe himself as more eager than usual, he is always happy to spend time with his friend. ] Well, I thought you might figure it out by now. Hm. I could tell you but I rather it remain a surprise.
Or we can bet on it. Let's see. [ He fishes out his phone before looking for the timer. ] I'll give you an hour's time. If by then you don't know what it is, then I'll tell you but that also means I win.
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[Chongyun is fine with going over the logistics another day. Tedious though it may be, it could prove beneficial, and Xingqiu was fairly good at organizing these kinds of things.]
[While Xingqiu laughs at his question, Chongyun just looks on puzzled. His brow furrows as he tilts his head a bit.]
A surprise..? Xingqiu, this isn't another one of your pranks, is it..?
[Still, had he forgotten something? Chongyun hums in thought.]
Hmm, alright. I'll do my best to guess. Is it... because you found a new place to explore?