Chapter Text
The bouncer has given him an appreciative once over when Xiaoshuai had arrived at the nightclub’s entrance, and Xiaoshuai had smirked. He may have been keeping to himself for the last few months, but he knew what kind of reactions he could provoke.
Xiaoshuai deliberately walked too close to the bouncer as he entered, fingertips lightly brushing the big man’s waist. He threw a careless smile over his shoulder, vindicated pleasure curling in his stomach as a flash of deeper desire shone in the bouncer’s eyes.
He felt a thrill go up his spine.
It had been far too long.
And yet. He hesitated right before rounding the corner into the club proper, a hint of doubt setting in. He knew from Li Wang that Chengyu frequented this place. He bit his lip, worrying for a second.
“He’s going to pursue someone else!”
Xiaoshuai’s teeth grinded as his resolve crystalized.
Fuck Guo Chengyu.
Xiaoshuai unzipped his jacket, goosebumps immediately forming at the chill in the hallway. He heard an appreciative whistle from one of the dark corners. He smiled smugly, and entered the club.
It was decently full, and though many of the patrons seemed to be wasted out of their minds, the beat pulsated loud enough to finally drown out the memories in his head. He deposited his jacket at the coat check, and moved inside.
His hips swayed as he took a look at the club.
It was mostly cast in shadows, with the illuminated dance floor being occupied by dozens of silhouetted couples dancing with each other. The dance floor was circled by single chairs and love seats, half occupied with occupants who ranged from drinking to clothed fucking as they rubbed off on one another.
As the song ended, the club lights brightened enough to make the space fill with a purple haze. At the end of the large space, there was a slightly elevated seating area that looked to be for VIPs, and at the other end, a pool table and karaoke stage was set up. Clearly tonight was for dancing though, as those areas of the club were kept in half darkness.
The place was a heady mix of sweat and musk, the scent sending another thrill down his spine.
Mind made up, he headed towards the bar. As he moved through the club, he could feel several gazes swing his way, and from the corner of his eye, he saw a few patrons sit up straighter as he leaned on the bar to order his drink. The bartender leered at him as he handed him the show, fingers brushing across his bare forearm as he took back the glass.
“One the house,” he said as he placed another shot, this one a deep golden color as he leaned closer than he needed to.
Xiaoshuai lifted one corner of his mouth, and took the drink, downing it the same. When he put the glass back down, he felt a rush at the way the man had clearly been fixated on his throat. “Thanks.”
He smiled, pleased as a light fog descended on his mind
“Give him one more, Zihao.” A voice said, moving closer to him.
He stilled when he felt someone step near him, and he turned to find a man looking straight at him with the exact hunger he had been hoping for.
He gave him his most dazzling smile, leaning towards him. “That’s kind of you.”
The man was tall, and twice as broad as Xiaoshuai. An image flashed in his head of being carried by those arms, whose circumference was larger than his head. His face was also attractive, a sharp nose and full lips curved into an inviting smile. His shirt was only buttoned at the bottom, and his hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat. He smelled incredible.
“A small token for someone new.” The man said as he gestured towards the new drink.
Xiaoshuai toyed with the rim of the shot glass, unsure if he wanted to have the third cup. He wanted to be a little buzzed, not sloshed. He turned towards the man. “How do you know I’m new?”
The man laughed, moving closer to take the bar stool next to Xiaoshuai’s. “Because you might be the most gorgeous guy in this club right now, and I would definitely have remembered having seen you here before.”
Xiaoshuai preened slightly, the compliment reflecting the exact sentiment he had been hoping for when he chose his outfit.
“Do you come here often?”
The man shrugged. “Once in a while. I am glad I came in today.”
Xiaoshuai smiled, and took a sip of the shot, appreciating the burn. He watched from the corner of his eyes as the man tracked his movements, pleased at the lust clearly visible in the stranger’s eyes.
He turned towards the dance floor, half-full with couples dancing with each other in tight pairs. He gestured towards it with his head.
“Want to dance?”
The man’s eyes brightened with delight, and Xiaoshuai’s smug smile widened as he grabbed the man’s hand and pulled him till they reached the dance floor, laughing as he stumbled and braced himself on the doctor’s body.
“This works too.” Xiaoshuai said into the man’s ear, making him smirk back as he straightened, pressing close. He put his free hand on Xiaoshuai’s waist, making his eyes flutter at the feeling of callouses on the bare skin of his hip. Xiaoshuai looped a loose arm around his neck, fingertips brushing against the man’s nape. The man grinned and swayed his hips to the beat, pulling Xiaoshuai closer till their hips were pressed tightly.
Xiaoshuai gasped at the contact, pupils dilating as he felt the half-hardness pressing against him. The man smiled lasciviously at him, and Xiaoshuai recovered quickly, smirking as he brought his other arm up to loop around the man’s neck.
The heat of the other’s body was exactly what Xiaoshuai had been hoping for. He shivered and pressed closer as the calloused hands splayed across his back and waist, tracing lines which left goosebumps in their wake.
Chengyu’s body had been a tall and lean wall of muscle, hips begging to be grabbed when he had pressed Xiaoshuai against his banner during his second visit to the hospital. His chest had been firm and spoke of a hidden strength as he had dragged Xiaoshuai’s hand down his torso.
It had sent a stronger thrill of heat running down his spine than he had felt in months. He had almost wanted to drag the man back towards him after shoving him away when the cold seeped in at their separation.
“You look so sexy.” The man breathed into Xiaoshuai’s ear and he dipped his head to run his nose over the shell of it. The stranger’s voice snapped Xiaoshuai back to the club and he pressed his nails into the flesh of his palm. He was here to forget Chengyu.
Xiaoshuai gave a breathless laugh. “So do you.”
The man clearly took it as permission as he lowered one hand to palm Xiaoshuai’s ass, squeezing at the flesh there.
Xiaoshuai moaned as the movement pressed him even closer, eyes fluttered close as the man started to simultaneous continue with the groping as he started to press kisses to the side of Xiaoshuai’s neck.
Fuck, he had almost forgotten how nice it was to be touched like this.
Xiaoshuai looked at the man, breath catching as he saw the desire in those eyes. Gently running his hands through the man’s shoulder length hair, he tugged it, smiling with pleasure when the man’s eyes fluttered. He tilted their heads into the right position and dove in for a kiss.
The man groaned and matched Xiaoshuai’s enthusiasm beat for beat, one hand now digging into his hips so hard, the doctor was sure he would have a mark there in the morning.
The thought made him delighted.
When they finally broke for air, they laughed, gasping lungfuls of air in as they fell into each other. The man’s arms shifted to the middle of Xiaoshuai’s back.
He laughed happily. “Fuck, where did you come from?”
Xiaoshuai just grinned back.
“I’m-” Xiaoshuai’s hand shot up to cover his mouth.
“I don’t care. I just want a night to let loose. Are you ok with that?” Xiaoshuai said, probably a little too blunt, but he was having a good time, and did not want to get into anything complicated.
The man’s face was comically surprised, but then he nodded slowly.
“One night, is that ok?” Xiaoshuai asked again. He had enough going on in his life. He just needed one night.
One night to let himself feel.
One night to allow the world to touch him, and be touched in return.
One night with a stranger that meant nothing.
One night to pretend he hadn’t allowed himself to hope.
One night to ignore how he had given away his heart even though he had held it so closely for so long.
The man nodded again, a kind of understanding entering his eyes.
Xiaoshuai lowered his hand.
“I get it.” The man shrugged casually, a small smile still on his lips. “Sometimes we just need to get out of our heads.”
Xiaoshuai gave him a thin smile. That was his problem wasn’t it? Xiaoshuai never got out of his head. He needed to be constantly vigilant. Needed to be in control. Of himself, of his surroundings, of how others perceived him, of how he perceived others.
Except for …him. He had waited. He had been patient, and no matter how much he had pushed him away, had come back again and again. He had teased and cajoled and schemed and manipulated Xiaoshuai to spend more time, to enjoy his company.
Xiaoshuai’s.
No one ever cared to actually get to know him.
But he had.
Xiaoshuai shook his head, trying to escape his thoughts. He pulled the man closer. “Thank you.”
The man smiled back. “Another dance?”
Xiaoshuai smiled, smaller than before, but then turned to place himself back to front with the man, drawing one arm tightly around his front. His other hand curled up to pull the man’s head down to kiss him.
Maybe he could drown himself in this stranger’s arms tonight, and let all the maybes and what ifs he had pretended not to want wash away.
Xiaoshuai lost track of time as they swayed against each other, mind focused on the warmth at the line of contact between them. His partner was thankfully not a creep, and knew exactly what to do to distract Xiaoshuai. From kisses to his neck and shoulders, to hands that were quick at learning which spots made him gasp, and which made him moan, Xiaoshuai laughed at his good luck.
This was exactly what he needed.
Yes. The touch of a stranger who would melt back into the world come sunrise.
Who would not come to his clinic with new treats, watching him closely to see his reaction.
Who would not pepper his genuine questions with innuendos and sarcasms that made Xiaoshuai laugh in spite of himself.
Who would not try so hard to get him to allow him inside his heart.
When they finally separated after what seemed like a stretch of time too long to quantify, Xiaoshuai was quick to ask, “Take me home?”
He needed to spend the night somewhere outside of his bed. Outside of his head.
The man laughed loud and crushed them together in a kiss that had Xiaoshuai panting. “I’d love nothing more, sweetheart.”
Xiaoshuai’s heart clenched at the nickname and he gave him a curt nod. “I want some water. Meet you at the entrance?”
The man nodded. “I came in with someone, I will let them know I’m heading out.”
Xiaoshuai nodded and then blinked as the man pressed a quick kiss to his cheeks, winking at him before he disappeared through the crowd.
Xiaoshuai’s fingers lingered over the skin of his cheek, the affectionate gesture unexpected. He was reminded of how …he had had the audacity to open his arms for an embrace when he had come to see Xiaoshuai after he had been slapped the previous day.
He made his way to the bar, eyes not focusing on his surroundings. He ordered a glass of water, and pulled out his wallet to close his tab when he was suddenly yanked around and pinned to the bar.
Xiaoshuai growled and shoved at the body, before freezing as he looked up into the furious face of Guo Chengyu.
There was a time in between breaths which seemed to stretch into an eternity. The point of contact where Guo Chengyu held his forearm in his tight grip, seemed to burn his skin, and he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t have a brand in the shape of his hand come morning.
If the stranger had been the heat of a warm day allowing his cold bones to thaw, Chengyu was a blazing volcano that could reduce him to ashes with his blaze.
As he looked into those familiar dark eyes, Xiaoshuai’s breath caught at the emotion in them. Fury. Passion. A wild feral and dark thing slithering behind them that felt like it was wrapping itself around him as Huang Luong had wrapped around Suo Wei those weeks ago. Chengyu’s face was majestic, a proud nose and strong chin, cheekbones women would kill for, a mouth Xiaoshuai wanted to conquer and suffocate in simultaneously.
His heart started to pound in his chest as the world started to intrude into their bubble. Xiaoshuai noticed how Chengyu’s chest was heaving, and his knuckles were white where they were boxing him against the counter. Chengyu leaned in, his breath wafting over Xiaoshuai’s face, the smell of alcohol and smoke faint as he spoke.
Xiaoshuai blinked, before his eyes narrowed, and he yanked at the arm still grasped in the other’s punishing grasp.
“Let. Go.” Xiaoshuai said, voice tight with his own anger.
“What the fuck do you think you are doing?” Chengyu menaced as he crowded Xiaoshuai into the bar. His body was a line of heat that set Xiaoshuai’s heart racing in a way even the stranger’s skillful hands hadn’t. And his voice, god his voice was a stronger drug than any of the alcohol he could drink. He wanted to drop to his knees, or on his back. Let himself be claimed. Except…
“He’s going to pursue someone else!”
Xiaoshuai buckled uselessly against Chengyu’s grip.
Xiaoshuai had no idea how he looked presently, but if he to guess, his hair was probably completely stuck to his forehead, his lips swollen from where they ached, and chest was heaving as he still tried to catch his breath. Xiaoshuai raised his chin, looking at Chengyu with a fire lit by all the anger and hurt he had experienced because of him, mere hours before.
“Let. Go.” Xiaoshuai said again, this time straightening to bring his face closer to Chengyu’s.
He felt a cruel spark of joy at the way Chengyu’s eyes flickered to his lips, and narrowed at the swollen site of them. What did it matter? Was he regretting his declaration? It didn’t matter. Xiaoshuai was tired of being toyed with and tossed away when he became less interesting. Chengyu was a playboy to the core, and all his charms and ‘dates’ had merely been him enjoying the chase. He would have disappeared the day after Xiaoshuai gave himself to him.
Better to leave now, while he doesn’t have the memory of those hands on him.
“Who is he?” Chengyu asked, voice full of a danger that would normally have Xiaoshuai on alert.
But right now, Xiaoshuai was still a pent-up ball of emotion and sexual frustration, and he did not have the time to indulge this man who had so casually tossed him aside.
“None of your business.” Xiaoshuai said. The stranger was no one. He would be gone tomorrow. Xiaoshuai wouldn’t even bother learning his name.
Chengyu growled and pressed them closer. Xiaoshuai fought to keep from melting into that wonderful heat. “You are my business.”
Xiaoshuai laughed in his face, a harsh and grating sound that sounded unpleasant to his own ears. Who did this bastard think he was? Getting to dictate who and what Xiaoshuai did, but also admitting that he was going to keep taking lovers as he pleased.
“I thought you were pursuing someone else?” he taunted. Chengyu’s eyes widened and his grip loosened an inch. Xiaoshuai’s heart twisted at the flash of hurt that appeared in those dark pools, but the hurt in his own bruised heart was still too fresh for it to matter.
If he had been more aware, Xiaoshuai would have wondered about the way Chengyu’s jaw clenched, or the way his face closed down. But right now, Xiaoshuai just wanted to put space between the two of them.
Xiaoshuai used the loosened grip to shove Chengyu away.
He turned to find the bartender looking at them with wide eyes.
He grabbed the bottle from him, dropping the notes in his hand onto the bar. “This enough?”
The man nodded, quickly grabbing the paper money.
Xiaoshuai opened the bottle, downing half the bottle. He then turned to glare at Chengyu, who was still within his personal space, but had thankfully kept his hands to himself. Good. Xiaoshuai hated how their touch had made him lose track of his thoughts.
“I’m leaving.” He said flatly, in a clear dismissal. Chengyu reached out to grab him again, stopping at the fierce glare Xiaoshuai shot him.
Xiaoshuai’s hands nearly crushed the bottle as he made his way to the entrance where his stranger waited for him. He got his jacket from coat check and met the man at the entrance.
The man tilted his head at him, a look of concern. “You ok?”
Xiaoshuai realized he was still shaking slightly from the anger and took a deep breath.
Fuck. Guo. Chengyu.
He turned to see the aforementioned man still staring at him, his gaze nearly as strong as his physical presence. He grabbed the stranger by his collar and dragged him towards himself, pressing their lips together in a mess of teeth and flesh. He moaned when the man steadied them, chuckling into his ear.
He opened his eyes to see the way Guo Chengyu’s eyes bore into the pair, almost as if he wanted them to disintegrate before his very eyes.
“I don’t want to go to my place.”
The man smiled. “Mine is close by.”
Xiaoshuai’s lips curled in reply. “Perfect.”
He curled an arm around the man’s waist, letting him tuck him into his side as they left the club.
One last glance over his shoulder showed that Guo Chengyu’s eyes had not left him.
He smirked.
He thought he could discard Xiaoshuai that easily? Well so could Xiaoshuai discard him.
Xiaoshuai did not spare a thought to the way it felt like he was walking away without his heart in his chest.