The Grand Empress Dowager’s birthday was a festive occasion for the whole court, but particularly for all the children celebrating their Great Grandmama. Far more boisterous than other Imperial celebrations, those who found it wearing knew better than to complain about the noise and commotion. After all, nothing pleased the Emperor’s grandmother more than seeing the children all strong and healthy, and there was nobody in the entire palace who didn’t wish her to enjoy all the happiness she could in her old age.
After the formal feast in her honor, her doors were always open to the little ones - and they all came to hear her stories, and bask in her praise, and stuff themselves with the special treats she had the servants bring for them.
Even after the day had dimmed and the lanterns been lit, Grandmama let the children stay - just this once, their parents and tutors didn’t come to interrupt; to demand that they let her rest or go back to their studies or do anything at all. They might sigh at the indulgence in private, but anyone passing her open doors to see the bright-eyed youngsters at her feet, and the peaceful forms of exhausted little ones scattered around on cushions and tucked into blankets would surely feel their hearts melt enough to allow it just for this occasion.
On the outskirt of the cluster where his cousin Lin Shu was being annoying and showing off again, Yujin was fighting the urge to give in to exhaustion. There was still some time left before the servants would come and take him home, and he had his eye on those sweets left on the tray. But his limbs were heavy and his tummy was so full and it was hard not to just close his eyes for a moment - just rest them - just listen to everyone talking and laughing and let the room be all dark…
For a moment he was limp, his entire body pouring itself into sleep, and then Yujin blinked as his body was tugged over against something. An arm - he wasn’t falling anymore because Jingrui had reached out an arm and caught him. And now Jingrui was pulling him against his side, propping up Yujin’s sleepy self with his own body.
“You can sleep if you want,” Jingrui said softly, though nobody was paying any attention to them.
Yujin shook his head, but didn’t pull away. “I’m fine. I’m not sleepy.”
In response, Jingrui laughed. Yujin furrowed his brow. “What. Look. Qing-er is sleepy.” The little boy had been wrapped in soft blankets by servants, and was making a funny drooling face - they’d laughed at him earlier, but he hadn’t woken up. “I am just letting my food digest.”
“There’s nothing wrong with sleeping at Grandmama’s,” Jingrui said.
Yujin pursed his lips. There wasn’t, but even if he had still been a little kid that’d fall asleep anywhere - and he wasn’t! - he didn’t want to. He didn’t know how to explain it to Jingrui, though. Grandmama was clapping delightedly at something, praising everyone for being clever, and Yujin burrowed closer to Jingrui, letting his head rest on his friend’s shoulder. “It’s a waste,” he murmured finally.
“What?” Jingrui’s voice sounded far more awake than his own, but not as loud or alert as the older children.
“To sleep. When it’s her birthday and we’re all here, and… “ Yujin let the words trail off. He just - he liked this. Being with everyone. The lanterns, the warm air smelling like Grandmama’s favorite jasmine tea. The voices that were talking to each other and laughing together. He didn’t want to miss it, not for the silence of sleep. Silence was something he could get every day, at home.
Jingrui didn’t answer for a moment, and Yujin blinked and looked up at what he could see of his friend’s face. Looked like - a thoughtful face, maybe. Noticing Yujin’s glance, Jingrui hurried to smile. “We’ll all be here when you wake up, if you want a nap,” he said.
Yujin opened his mouth to protest that Jingrui had misunderstood and he did not want a nap, but yawned hugely instead.
“I’ll wake you up before anyone leaves,” Jingrui said. “And then you can ask Grandmama for another treat.”
Yujin pondered this. His eyes were falling shut again. It was so easy to just relax on Jingrui, sink even further down into the cushions.
“You’ll digest quicker if you sleep” Jingrui suggested, and shifted his arm so that Yujin could droop across his lap. “Don’t worry. It’s just a nap. I’ll wake you soon - promise.”
Yujin’s head felt all limp, but he managed a wobbly nod. Jingrui had promised. It would be fine to just keep his eyes shut for a little longer. When he woke up, everyone would still be there. It would be bright and warm and everyone would be together.
With a small sigh, he let his body relax across Jingrui’s robes. As soon as he stopped fighting it, the soft oblivion of sleep swept over him, and drew him into dreams that were full of warmth and laughter.