Chapter 4: Wangshu Hot Spring

Wonder what's taking him so long, Chongyun thought. They'd agreed to meet each other at the Wangshu Spring once dusk had settled. He'd stood idle outside the reception ever since, anxiously waiting while the sun slipped away into the evening.

"He's running late," he mumbled. "That's not like him." He scratched his head, guess I'll wait inside for now. Chongyun grabbed his things and proceeded past the heavy wooden doors.

He'd spent much of the latter half of his afternoon carefully wrapping his gift for Xingqiu. It wasn't perfect, in fact he'd run out of wrapping paper, covering the box unevenly with mismatching patterns and colors to compensate. He hoped his friend would appreciate the gesture despite the poor presentation.

Chongyun placed the gift box on the reception counter, clearing his throat as he spoke. "Has anyone else arrived so far?"

The receptionist shook her head, "No, you're the first. Congratulations by the way, you're our first guests!" She smiled, "The owner told us to expect you two tonight."

"Right," Chongyun glanced around the room, it was awkward being the only one in the lobby built to house and seat a dozen or more people.

"What's with the box?" she asked, eyeing it's odd design.

Chongyun perked his head, "Oh, it's just a gift for my friend."

"Oh, how sweet!" she chimed. "I could hold onto it for you for now if you'd like?"

"That would be nice, thank you," he slid the gift her way. Certainly a hot spring was no place for a paper box.

"I'll hand it back once you've finished for the evening," she smiled.

Chongyun nodded and took a seat at the end of the reception lounge. The seats were incredibly soft, with a low amber color to contrast with the dark wooden floor. A lantern was strung up above him on a wall sconce. Giving a light ambiance to the setting along with other fixtures.

What should I say to him first? he thought to himself.

What if he doesn't show up? he thought. It certainly wasn't out of the question, considering how often last minute commissions from the guild came up at a moment's notice. Chongyun sank his head at the thought.

Then the doors swung open. He snapped his head around, and rose to his feet. It was Xingqiu entering the building. Although something was different about him, his hair was styled. Rather than kept down at his shoulders like usual, it was curled up into symmetrical buns.

At first Chongyun felt the urge to laugh. But the more he looked on at his friend's new hair, the more his perceptions began to change. It looks cute! he thought.

Xingqiu entered the lobby with a mortified look on his face, "Sorry I'm late." He said, rubbing the back of his head, "This is the last time I ask Xiangling to do my hair."

"I can see the resemblance," Chongyun chuckled, trying to hold back his laughter.

Xingqiu turned away in embarrassment.

I shouldn't tease him too hard about it, Chongyun thought. "But, I think it looks nice."

"You do?" Xingqiu asked meekly, peeking his head around his shoulder.

Chongyun nodded, "Although you always look perfect no matter what."

Xinqiu blushed, What's that supposed to mean?!

Chongyun placed his hand on Xingqiu's back. "So lighten up," he smiled. Using his vision to create a small piece of ice on the back of Xingqiu's neck.

Xingqiu jolted up, his hairs on end. "Cold!" He shot a playful glare at his friend.

Chongyun smiled, and guided them up to the reception. "I already checked in with them, we should be good to go."

The receptionist waved over to them, "Right this way." They followed her past the lobby into a series of narrow connected hallways. The walls were made of dark mahogany, and lined with floral artwork. Lit only by soft candle light.

As they approached the end, they were greeted by two separate archways. One led to a passageway on the left, and the other on the right.

"The men's bath is on the left, and the women's bath is on the right," the receptionist pointed, gesturing to Chongyun. "Your friend will have to use the spring separately from you unfortunately." She gestured to Xingqiu, motioning him to the passageway on the right.

"Um," Chongyun paused.

"Err…" Xingqiu nervously tugged his hair. "I'm a boy."

"Oh!" the receptionist bowed. "My apologies, I shouldn't have assumed. It's just that—"

"No worries," Xingqiu chuckled, trying to raise a fake smile. "I'm used to it."

"I'll you two be then, enjoy the spring," she bowed again, before departing down the hallway. Leaving Xingqiu and Chongyun to themselves.

Chongyun nodded, "After you."

The room just past the archway was warm, and spacious. There were benches, and wooden cubbies meant for storing the belongings of guests. Wracks of towels, both dry and steamed, stood idle waiting for use. Given the scale of the room and it's fixtures, it was built to accommodate some dozen or more people; but with just the two of them, it felt much larger.

"I guess this is where we change," Xingqiu noted, his cheeks turning rosy.

Chongyun nodded, "Looks like it."

They both glanced at each other nervously. Unsure of what to do.

Is it really ok to do this here while he's watching, Xingqiu thought.

Chongyun glanced at his friend over his shoulder, maybe it's for the best if we do this separately.

"Um," Xingqiu stammered.

"Um," Chongyun repeated.

"Maybe we should take turns," they both said, their complexion tightened with embarrassment.

"I'll go first if you don't mind," Chongyun asked, placing down his satchel on the nearest bench.

"You sure?" Xingqiu asked, shifting his gaze around his friend. "I mean I don't mind waiting, but whatever works for you, Iknowit'salittleawkwardbutIdontmindwaitingoutsideforyouImsureeverythingwillbefinehahahatakeyourtimeYunYun—"

"Xingqiu," Chongyun interrupted. "Relax."

Doki Doki

"Right," Xingqiu nodded. "I'll be just outside waiting in the spring, let me know when you're done." Chongyun nodded as his friend took his leave.

It was quiet in the changing room, aside from the sound of dripping water and a moving stream just outside. There was clarity in his isolation, all to himself he could focus on his feelings; on what mattered to him most.

Just relax, and be calm. All I have to do is land an impression, he thought, taking off his shirt. I know this is uncomfortable for him, so maybe I should help him lighten up. Removing the rest of his clothes, he placed them in the nearest storage cubby. Then he wrapped a towel tightly around his waist.

"It's already really hot in here," he said, reaching into his satchel. "Good thing I have this." From it he withdrew the potion he purchased earlier from the pharmacy. A tonic that was intended to ward off any temperature from his surroundings, and prevent his body from overheating. Downing its contents hastily, Chongyun shuddered. The texture was bizarre running down his throat, and there was a strange oily feel to it against his tongue. And the taste was awful.

Gagging Chongyun tried to regather himself, "Uggh, never doing that again."

The Spring was larger than he anticipated it being, a series of nine connected pools of varying sizes. Steam rose from the surface of the turquoise water, creating a warm mist of sorts that rose around him. Xingqiu could feel the heat from where he was sitting, perched at the side of the pool.

Just be direct with him, he placed his hand in the water, to test its contents. "Woah, that's hot." He reeled his hand back, stumbling over himself. "I'll have to ease into it."

Xingqiu couldn't recall the last time he'd been to a hot spring, perhaps in early childhood his family had taken a trip with the whole estate as a clan excursion. But those were memories long past him, from simpler days where the world was larger, and had less problems.

"Xingqiu I'm ready!" he heard from around the doorway.

That was quick, he stood up. "Ok, on my way!" he strolled over to the changing room, taking a few deep breaths.

Chongyun rounded the corner wearing nothing but a towel at his waist. Waving towards Xingqiu with a parting smile. "I'll wait for you out here."

Xingqiu passed his friend, but paused as he did so. Turning his head to glance back at Chongyun he was speechless. He's toned! Xingqiu tried not to stare, but he couldn't help himself. Only averting his gaze once his friend looked his way.

"Is something wrong," Chongyun asked with concern.

Xingqiu shook his head frantically, "No, not at all! I was just thinking about something." He darted into the safety of the changing room, trying to evade any more embarrassment.

He tried to steady his breathing, easing his back against the wall of the room. "Just relax," he told himself. "Just be direct."

Hastily Xingqiu removed his clothes, placing them at the cubby to his side. Reaching for a towel he wrapped it tightly around his torso covering his chest down to his waist. Why am I shaking? He glanced at his hands, and noticed just how much they were trembling.

He took another deep breath, exhaling loudly. Removing the hair pins from his hair, he undid the style he'd prepared before. Letting his long hair drop to his sides past his shoulders.

Ok, he thought. I should be ready.

I can't believe it, Chongyun thought to himself as he stepped into the pool. I can't feel any heat. He splashed the water on his face in excitement, second guessing himself as to whether or not what he was experiencing was indeed real. This is incredible! He ducked his head into the water, soaking himself in the hot spring water. As scalding as it should've been, he couldn't feel any of it. Whatever Qiqi had prepared for him had worked.

"Although I guess it defeats the purpose of the spring," he muttered to himself. Regardless he doubled down on his decision, the potion would give him the space and time needed to spend time with his friend. And if he was steadfast, perhaps they would leave this evening more than friends. Chongyun clutched his heart with hope at the thought.

"I'm coming!" Xingqiu spoke from around the corner, revealing himself as he approached the pool side.

Doki Doki

Chongyun's jaw dropped as his eyes caught a glimpse of his friend. He's practically glowing! Xingqiu's skin was pale, although with the heat it had adopted a rosy hue to it. The soft reddening of his skin had a special alluring presence to it, Beautiful.

He cleared his throat, "The water is fine."

"I'm surprised you dived right in Yun," Xingqiu neared the edge of the pool, dipping his feet gently into the water to test its temperature.

"I had some help," he admitted.

"I figured," Xingqiu entered the pool, approaching his friend. "Hot!" he shouted.

"Are you ok?" Chongyun asked, reaching out to his friend with outstretched arms.

"Yeah, it just surprised me, should've eased in more gently," Xingqiu answered. "Are you ok? You're the one here who doesn't handle heat well."

"I bought a potion from Bubu pharmacy, I should be fine until it wears off." He placed his hands on his back, stretching confidently. "I've never felt better."

"So I guess it's just us until then," Xingqiu remarked, placing a nervous hand on his right arm. His gaze shifted down towards the water.

A series of brief moments passed, each of them exchanging glances at one another. Trying to sneak a peek without the other noticing. Always darting their attention away to something else in the distance once they were caught.

"Soooooo Yun," Xingqiu broke the silence first.

"Yeah," Chongyun tilted his head in curiosity.

"Do I really look like a girl?" there was a pleading tone to his voice, a glimmer in his eye that begged for an answer.

Chongyun was taken aback by the question, shifting his gaze away from his friend. "Well...I don't think so."

"You mean that?" Xingqiu stared into his friend with a piercing, pleading gaze. "Look at me please."

Chongyun shifted his gaze back to where he was afraid to place it. Locking it firmly into the jewel-like eyes of his friend. "To be honest, you do have some...feminine qualities." He felt his chest tighten, and his temperature rise. I shouldn't lie to him.

Xingqiu wrapped his arms around him, burying his head into Chongyun's chest. "Thank you, I appreciate your honesty."

He continued, "I'm so used to being mistaken as a girl. I don't know what it is about me that people see." Xingqiu glanced up into Chongyun's eyes, lifting his chin against his chest. A solid blush was etched into both of their faces.

"I can't speak for what other people see," Chongyun admitted, placing his hand around his friend's embrace. "But all I see is a chivalrous person, and a good friend."

"Thank you!" Xingqiu shouted. "I'm not sure what to make of it in any case, I mean is it a good thing to be mistaken for a girl?"

"If the way you look makes you happy wouldn't it be a good thing?" Chongyun suggested. "And I'm happy with the way you are."

"Thanks YunYun," he smiled, feeling his heart skip a beat. Just be direct!

Chongyun paused, "Am I a good friend?"

"Of course! There's no one else who can make me smile as much as you," Xingqiu chirped.

"I'm always making a mess of things, and you have to clean it up," Chongyun admitted.

"Sometimes it can't be helped, besides friends are always there for each other, even when things get messy," Xingqiu argued.

Chongyun felt his heart beat rapidly, and his temperature reached a fever pitch. Wait, I feel hot, he paused. But the tonic, how is this…He glanced at his friend. Xingqiu's making me feel this way!

He stepped away from his friend, trying to distance himself from the source of his rising temperature. I can't lose it here, not when I'm this close, he thought to himself.

"Yun? Is something wrong?" Xingqiu asked, taken aback by his friend's sudden retreat.

"It's nothing," Chongyun assured him.

Was I too direct? Xingqiu thought. "Oh, ok."

Xingqiu gathered himself, turning away to take a deep breath. Maybe now's the time. With his back turned to his friend he spoke, "Listen Yun, I have something to confess. I don't know how else to put this, but lately I've felt different around you."

Chongyun could feel his heart burst through his chest, his body temperature rose as excitement coursed through his veins. Is he? Chongyun thought to himself, trying to gain his composure. This is bad...I'm losing...

He continued, running his hand through his hair, "Whenever I see you, it's like time seems to slow down and speed up all at the same time...my heart speeds up, and I feel so happy."

Xingqiu turned to face his friend, "I guess what I'm trying to say is...I love you Yun. I don't know if it's right to feel this way, but I feel you have a right to know."

Chongyun stood silent, his face concealed by the shadow cast by his hair. His body was unflinching, completely static, and his lips were moving; muttering something inaudible.

"Uh, Yun Yun?" Xingqiu asked with concern, approaching his friend with caution.

Nearing him he could see his friend's eyes had gone wild, shifting back and forth with tremendous speed. Chongyun's whole body was trembling, and his face was flushed red.

"Oh no, not again!" Xingqiu shouted, as the realization took hold. He knew the signs, and his friend had displayed all of them. Chongyun's positive energy and hot blood had overwhelmed his body, his Yang spirit had gone loose.

"I am the greatest exorcist in Liyue!" Chongyun shook his head. "No, the world!"

"Yun Yun, calm down, I'll get you to an ice bath!" Xingqiu insisted, wading as fast as he could towards his friend.

Chongyun leapt out of the spring, "We're in trouble, there are spirits everywhere around us!"

"There are no spirits! Get back here before you make a fool of yourself," Xingqiu tried to reach his friend as quickly as he could, knowing what he was capable of in episodes like this.

"You can't be serious fair maiden? I can see the demons clear as day with my own eyes!" Chongyun shouted, making large sweeping motions with his hands. Gesturing towards imaginary spectres with total conviction.

Maiden, Xingqiu looked on at his friend with a blank and dumbfounded expression.

Chongyun stormed off towards the changing room, sprinting past his friend and the archway before Xingqiu could exit the water. "Wait, Yun!"

He could destroy the inn if we're not careful! Xingqiu dashed out of the water, chasing after Chongyun. I'm the only one who can stop him…Holding his towel tight, he rushed as fast as he could towards the changing room. Almost slipping a few times in his haste. When he reached the room, he was greeted by the sight of his friend wielding a large broadsword.

"Yun! Put that down!"

"Stand back, don't move any closer young lady!" Chongyun shouted. "There's a demon right next to you." He gritted his teeth, and shifted his stance. Heaving his greatsword over his head, he charged forward. Smashing into the wall just inches away from Xingqiu's shoulder.

Xingqiu froze, This is class 7 YunYun emergency!

"It's a slippery devil alright!" Chongyun took another few swings of his sword, tearing into the benches with its massive strikes.

At this rate he will destroy the whole inn, Xingqiu thought to himself.

There were loud rapid footsteps approaching from just around the entry archway. The sounds of heels striking the hard wooden floors in rapid succession. Someone's coming! Xingqiu snapped his body around to face the oncoming source of the noise.

"What's going on in there?!" It was the receptionist, her voice muffled behind thick walls, and curtains hanging from the archway.

Chongyun reared his head around to answer, "Don't come any closer, it's too dangerous! This demon has possessed someone!" He took another swing of his greatsword, cleaving through the side wall as he sped forward towards his friend.

The receptionist stood back, slack jawed as she watched the room get torn to pieces. Wood and other furnishings were reduced to splinters with each swing of the massive sword. "What are you doing?!" She rushed forward with outstretched arms, trying to grab hold of the reckless adventurer.

"Wait!" Xingqiu shouted at her, holding up his arms as he sidestepped a swing of Chongyun's greatsword. "Don't get any closer, it's too dangerous." How should I explain this to her?! he thought to himself.

"I'm getting the guards before he kills someone!" she said with a look of shock on her face.

"Wait, I've got this under control! I just need you to bring a bucket of ice water," Xingqiu pleaded to her, ducking under another strike, the greatsword plunging itself into the pillar behind him.

Chongyun reared his head, and shifted his body forward, "It's time to exorcise you!" surging forward with outstretched arms, he took hold of Xingqiu's towel. "Begone demon! Leave this maiden's body!"

"Yun, what are you—!"

Snapping his body around Chongyun tore the towel clean off his friend's body. Passing the towel through the blade of his greatsword so that it was cut into pieces. He smiled, resuming his offensive stance, "Looks like this room is clear."

For a brief moment, Xingqiu was frozen in bewilderment. His brain and spirit were processing what had just happened. But with a quick glance at his body, and the shocked expression of the receptionist, his sharp mind pieced it together. "Aaaaaaa!" he hastily tried to cover himself with his hands, crouching past a broken pillar to conceal himself as best he could. The receptionist was dumbfounded, staring with a blank expression as she slowly backed out of the damaged room. Leaving Chongyun to his stupor, and Xingqiu to his embarrassment.

"Yun Yun! I can't believe—where do I begin to—," he stammered, taking great care to ensure his exposed body was in cover. He glanced frantically around, looking for any sign of his belongings amongst the destroyed storage cubbies.

Chongyun remained silent, trotting forward on uneasy steps, his gait unbalanced and tilted. He fell forward crashing onto the damaged floor with a thud, his greatsword clanging as it struck the ground.

Is he ok? Xingqiu examined him from behind the safety of his hiding place. "Yun Yun?" Chongyun was motionless, save for an inaudible set of words he was muttering on the edge of consciousness. Xingqiu stepped out from cover, and slowly approached him. He passed out…

Chongyun's body twitched, his muttered words became slightly audible as Xingqiu approached his body. "Beautiful...beautiful…"

Xingqiu smiled, glancing at his unconscious friend, "Thanks Yun, let's get you cleaned up." He sighed, scanning his surroundings, "And we should probably find a way to fix this."

They entered the lobby exhausted. Chongyun slumped over Xingqiu's shoulder, still unconscious from his outburst, as they passed the archway. Greeting them in the lobby was a squad of guards clad in padded armor, and the staff of the inn; a set of very concerned expressions etched into all their features.

"Sorry about the mess, this happens more often than we'd like to admit" Xingqiu spoke, heaving his friend forward. "I can pay for the damages."

"What about him?" the receptionist asked, her tone had calmed down.

"He's just tired, I'll be taking him home."

"Where does he live?" the lead guard asked. "We can escort him back if you'd like."

"Not to worry, I can handle it from here. It's not that far of a walk, he lives outside the harbor district," Xingqiu explained. "As his friend it's my responsibility."

"If you insist," the guard nodded.

Xingqiu took a deep breath and plodded forward, easing his friend against his body as he neared the door. Friends are there for each other, even when things get messy.

"Wait," the receptionist spoke. "There's something he left for you."

"Hmm?"

She reached behind the lobby counter, and withdrew a gift box of sorts; it was poorly wrapped, with mismatching patterns and uneven colors. "He meant to give it to you after you both were finished."

"Thank you," Xingqiu nodded, taking hold of the box. "I hope you have a goodnight. Sorry again for the trouble we caused"

"You too," she said, waving him goodbye.

He left the building in silence carrying his friend at his side, passing through the large doors for the moonlit streets of Liyue. Despite the burden the scholar didn't seem fazed or exhausted. The only expression he held about his stature was a wide youthful smile.

"The harbor district?" she asked.

"That's all the way across town," the guard explained, glancing back at the pair of adventurers. "Either he's crazy or he's in love." The guard joked, chuckling to himself as he departed the inn with his entourage.

Author's Update:
WOW, am I bad at balancing life stuff. Sorry for the massive delay on this chapter(and this apology extends to my other fic as well). Still learning how to follow deadlines I set for myself, procrastination is a terrible habit. In any case, I look forward to continuing this series it's been a lot of fun to write. I originally intended it to just a be a set of one shots, but since I've started writing it I've grown more attached to the idea. In any case, I'll put out another update when the next chapter launches, until then have a good day/night and thank you so much for reading.