#grabs some of ur popcorn thanks guts sharing is caring

[yingren]

“i think blood suits me, i might just keep it like this.” despite his words, ren does reach to wipe his mouth on his sleeve, making messy but quick work of cleaning himself up. every comment jing yuan makes is reciprocated with an equally witty response, a small back and forth of endless teasing that eventually pulls the corners of his lips into a soft smile, a crescent moon that lights up their surroundings only when jing yuan is around. oh, to be smitten is to be ill he thinks, at least he doesn’t mind it as long as he can share it with the other. 

“my hope dwindles when you tease me so.” a grumble but loud enough to get his point across. ren does not have time to react before jing yuan pulls away, a ridiculous grin plastered on his stupidly handsome face, he looks far too pleased with himself. ren wants to say something, anything, but ultimately reaches to clasp their hands together, palm offered to the general as he joins him by his side, he takes a small step forward to not fall behind. 

the idea of a date is uttered with such ease it takes him off guard. if there were any words ready to fire back at the general they have all been caught in a lump in his throat. ren stares, a mix of confusion and surprise flashing in a brief expression before his mouth closes. he must look stupid, or so he thinks, for he stands there for at least another fifteen seconds without being able to conjure a single word in response. a date? it’s almost too appealing to deny, yet another instance where he feels as though this cannot be anything other than a dream. a cruel, awfully sweet dream. 

“buy me a drink.” though the possibility of them going anywhere fancy and lavish seems small, that is not ren’s intent as he speaks. anywhere would be good enough for him, even if they end up picking up a bottle of liquor to bring with them wherever their late night escapade takes them. “a walk and a drink, dear. then humor me and tell me where this sudden confession came from. i would like to know, if you’d care to share?”

Ren has no shame. Jing Yuan almost feels wronged when the Stellaron Hunter points out that they are in the open because of Jing Yuan’s thirst. “What about clear my blood off your lips first?” It’s an attempt to save face and remind Ren that Jing Yuan didn’t kiss him alone; it was very much reciprocated, and by the way Ren’s holding him, Yuan doesn’t think the man minds it this much. It’s just that they must keep in this bickering, this back and forth of theirs. Jing Yuan knows. Won’t make anything easier for Ren, though.

About the concerns that the man has, they will not be replied to today, but won’t be brushed off either. Jing Yuan knows and respects Ren’s choice of moving past Yingxing, just as he does with Dan Heng. He’s open to looking at them with new eyes, welcome to see new people in familiar faces. It will need time, of course, but can happen. Will happen, as long Ren allows it. Just like flowers, Jing Yuan’s Garden of Recollection also needs time to bloom. Alas, they cannot survive without a tease, and Ren’s quickly discovering Yuan’s weak spots.

The General laughs, amused, hands coming to the sides of the Stellaron Hunter to rub at his waist. “You know,” he leans in once more, licking his own split bottom lip to stop blood from overflowing, “you almost sound hopeful, Ren.” This time, when their lips meet, it’s just a brush. Jing Yuan pulls away quickly, not giving time for it to even start. His shit-eating grin must show how pleased with himself he is.

“If that’s the case, come.” Jing Yuan offers a hand to his partner, palm up waiting for the Hunter. “I will get you to somewhere private.” Then, after a moment of consideration, “unless you’d like to have a walk? I’d love to take you for a date. Whatever you are in mood for, baobei.”