Work Text:
The game went offline and the characters - playable and non-playable - minded their own businesses.
In Liyue Harbor the Millelith eased from their positions with a heavy sigh and the vendors abandoned theirs stalls to finally be able to move around freely, relish the sea breeze or the cultivated gardens and pools of Yujing Terrace.
Xingqiu was searching through the tea houses and other places where the characters met at leisure but it wasn't until near the docks when he found who he was looking for.
Chongyun was slumped against a stack of wooden slacks and stared into the distance. He didn't move when the hydro swordsman approached him and only when Xinqiu greeted him with a cheery "Hey, Cho." he lowered his gaze to the ground and replied with a low-spirited "Hi."
The dark-haired took his place beside the cryo fighter. "Something's wrong? Did PLAYER forgot to heal you before logging out?" he inquired.
His friend shook his head."Hadn't even been in use today." he sighed. "Since Ayaka joined the roster I have less and less applications." Looking up he continued "And your daily grind team rather take Aloy along than me."
"Awww, come on. You know I would take you along if it would be my decision. But PLAYER decided that we have to use her passive for farming meat and fowl. And she fights ranged." Xingqiu replied.
"And why does Diluc have to mine ore? I could do the same." Chongyun complained weakly.
"You know why." was the sighed answer. "He's needed for Mist Flowers and Electro Crystals, so he covers three roles."
The young exorcist huffed. "As if we need any more Mist Flower Corollas and Electro Crystals. Our stock will probably last until the story reaches Snezhnaya. I feel like I'm being forgotten."
"Hey," Xingqiu knocked their shoulders together. "you're in the Azhdaha farming team. That's something - to conquer such a strong opponent."
"Yeah, once a week." Chongyun replied sarcastically. "And sometimes a fight in the Abyss. But you're in almost every team, together with Kazuha. Xingqiu, the excellent fighter-healer. I bet Barbara envy you so much."
Now it was Xingqius turn to look into the distance. "Nah, she likes to stay away from the fights and improve her singing. But I guess as soon as her constellation is complete she will be used more. Full reviving can't be ignored by PLAYER in the Abyss." He turned back towards his friend. "And don't forget that there are some chars that don't get used because they aren't good teamplayers - Keqing or Razor for example. Your elemental skill infuses others with cryo, that's powerful. I don't think you will be forgotten. Just wait until the story comes to Fontaine and Natlan."
Chonyuns voice went quiet. "But until then I miss fighting alongside you. When Bennett places the Inspiration Field its healing is so unbearable hot. So everytime I miss the soothing touch of your Rain Swords that makes me feel so protected."
The dark-haired sighed again. "I wish we could use our skills off-time and I could cast the Swords onto you now. But..." he stood to stand in front of Chongyun and laid his right hand upon the other ones shoulder "you're my best friend and I hate to see you so unhappy. So please Cho, tell me if there's anything I could do to improve your mood."
The fair-haired looked up to his counterpart and after some moments he asked "Can... can I kiss you?"
Xingqius eyes widened in surprise. Sliding his hand upwards to cup the other ones cheek, fingers buried in the short hair, he answered earnestly "Only if you really mean it."
Standing up and laying his right hand on the other ones cheek, mirroring the hold, Chongyun whispered "Will you kiss me back?"
With a small soft smile the hydro fighter nodded once and Cho continued "And will you too really mean it?"
The smile widened "Absolutely."
They came together slow, tentative, half been drawn by the other ones hand, half leaning towards the other, until their eyes fluttered shut and their lips met. The hands on the others face slid to the back of the head, holding them in place, not allowing them to draw back as the free arms curled around the other body to keep them as close as possible.
When their lips finally parted they pressed their foreheads together to catch their breath and to look in to the other ones shining eyes.
"Cho," Xingqiu said breathless "I will always be yours. You hold my heart."
"And you mine." was the reply in kind.
They prepared for another kiss when the shouting from a passing dockyard labourer startled them "Hey, get yourself a room already."
Xinqiu turned toward the man - Wrench Wang - and said aloud "Thank you for your kind suggestion, dear sir." Turning back to the man in his arms he said muted "He's got a point. Let's ask Ying'er if she can recommend a place where we will be undisturbed."
"Yeah, let's." Chongyun answered with a bright beaming smile, grabbed the other ones hand and they headed toward the side alley of Chihu Rock.