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The night air was refreshing as Feng Xin leaned back against the old wooden temple’s railings with a stretch of his legs. The view was pretty much all about stars. They were always there, thousands in the night sky and unbothered by the world below. There were no clouds today to block the view, fortunately.
Despite the stars showing up every night, It was rare for him to have a peaceful moment like this as a martial god with duties and all, even rarer for him to share it with someone he often bickered with—who was also a martial god. They were both free today...also, Xie Lian was supposed to be invited but apparently, he was busy with his husband.
They left him alone, can't be too protective with a grown adult that's already older than 800 even if they wanted to, they'll just be unreasonable. Even so, they finally tried going together, just the two of them... without the peacemaker of the friend group.
Mu Qing sat by his side with tension in his body, unintentionally leaning his head on Feng Xin's shoulder since they sat down. He was fidgeting with his fingers, his usual expression of annoyance was softened by the natural glow of the night sky. He's been sitting in silence for a while, maybe a little too quiet. He must be zoned out.
Noticing the blank expression on Mu Qing's face, Feng Xin turned his head towards his long term rival, eyeing the other with calm curiosity.
"Overthinking?"
Feng Xin questioned, nudging Mu Qing’s arm with his elbow. Causing a huff with mild annoyance from Mu Qing, who actually didn’t move away despite his irritated demeanor. That made Mu Qing have a short moment of realization, distancing his head from Feng Xin.
"at least I'm not underthinking."
"I think just enough."
Tilting his head up towards the sky, he gazed up at the shimmering stars, he looked like he stupidly wanted to count them but his true intention was just to admire how they're just...there, no life, just balls of gases and light.
"You ever just… stop thinking and enjoy the moment? Also, I don't mind you leaning on me, It's fine ya know."
"That’s rich, coming from you. You’re always worrying about someone, His Highness, the state of the world, whether or not you've cursed enough today—"
"That last one is important,"
Feng Xin interrupted, he could never go a day without saying fuck, shit, and every other curse known to man. But... that's his character now, he can't change, and wouldn't ever want to.
"Would you really prefer if I swore less? That wouldn't be me anymore."
A snap of horror seeped into Mu Qing's expression at Femg Xin's point. That's right, that wouldn't be the Feng Xin he knew. That sent a dark pit in his stomach...He will never exchange the one he knew now for another that followed his preference.
"No."
"Good"
"Hm."
Silence settled between them again, but this time it was the comfortable type. The kind of silence that came from knowing each other too well. There was no need for small talk.
Later, Feng Xin found himself just watching Mu Qing out of the corner of his eye. The sharp lines of his face softened in the moonlight, and his usual stern expression was instead full of relaxation. He looked… peaceful, and it looked right. Little did he know, Mu Qing actually noticed.
"Why are you staring?"
"You should smile more," Feng Xin muttered, it was a slip of the tongue.
That left confusion in the air, Mu Qing had to hear that again. "What?"
"I said you should smile more, I think you'd look fucking pretty."
Feng Xin turned back to the stars as he repeated his answer, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed.
"You always look like you’re ready to fight someone, but when you actually relax… it’s nice."
Mu Qing stared at him, his lips parting slightly as if he wanted to argue—but for once, he didn’t. Instead, he let out a small breath, something almost resembling a chuckle of pride.
"That’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said, but anyways, I do take pride in how I look. So...thanks?"
Mu Qing murmured, his voice having an unusual gentleness in tone.
Feng Xin just shrugged. Playing off his embarrassment.
"You're welcome."
"..."
"That was an accident, wasn't it?"
"Yeah.- but I still meant it."
"Shut up, Feng Xin."
After that, the night stretched on, and though their words were few, something unspoken settled between them—something warm, something easy. And for once, neither of them fought against it.