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Huang Shaotian had known Yu Wenzhou for years. They were Blue Rain’s dual core, Sword and Curse, fighting beside one another in match after match, season after season and Huang Shaotian was certain there was nothing Yu Wenzhou could do that would surprise him. Not only had they known each other for years, Yu Wenzhou was predictable, not as schedule driven as Zhang Xinjie but he was steady and rarely surprised anyone outside of Glory. Which is why Huang Shaotian choked on his drink when Yu Wenzhou came into the training room with a pair of cat ears twitching on his head. And a tail, no one could ignore the tail as it twitched behind him.
Yu Wenzhou’s lips were set in a hard line, frustration easily read in the way his tail thrashed behind him, agitated and Huang Shaotian knew his mouth was hanging open in shock, knew that he should probably look away but he couldn’t bring himself to. He’d spent years filling in what he liked to call his “Captain body language guide” and he was very good at interpreting the nuances that flickered across Yu Wenzhou’s face. But filling in the guide was all for nothing as his captain’s new appendages now filled in the gaps for him. Surprising no one, Huang Shaotian was the first to speak.
“Captain, what happened to you, you have ears and a tail, is this Wang Jiexi’s fault- wait how would he even do this, he’s not a witch out of the game- captain did you do this to yourself, I didn’t even know this was possible, you have cat ears-!” Huang Shaotian was abruptly cut off by a well-placed elbow from Song Xiao who nodded briefly at his captain which allowed Yu Wenzhou to speak.
“I don’t know how this happened, I don’t know how long it will last, but we can’t dwell on it, we have All-Stars to get to.” The rest of Blue Rain fell oddly silent and Yu Wenzhou paused from where he was leaving, “are you not ready?”
“Captain- do you think you should still come to All-Stars like this?” Huang Shaotian read frustration in the tight lines of his captain’s shoulders but everyone else watched as Yu Wenzhou’s tail thrashed once and his ears folded back on his head. Huang Shaotian then did what he did best, distract everyone with his own energy.
“Ai you are all making a fuss over nothing, if we had time I’d PK all of you for questioning our captain, go get on the bus already, if we’re late and it’s your fault I’m going to blame you all to management!” Thought Huang Shaotian’s threat was not particularly effective, the unspoken threat of him continuing to ramble on at them for the entire bus journey was enough to have the room emptied in a moment. Yu Wenzhou then took a deep breath and some of the tension seemed to leave him as his ears and tail stopped twitching restlessly.
“Thank you Shaotian.”
“Not a problem captain but are you sure you want to come to All-Stars like this? It might be stressful.” Yu Wenzhou offered a tired but genuine smile and Huang Shaotian was certain that his heart was going to stop in his chest and that this would be the moment he died.
“I’ll be fine, management said that all publicity is good publicity.” Huang Shaotian didn’t miss the way his tail twitched once before Yu Wenzhou reached back and held it still. Huang Shaotian wanted to press further but he could see the plea in his friend’s eyes, and he simply nodded, leading the way towards the bus. He suspected that this All-Stars would be interesting in more ways than one. He was right.
The press went wild when Blue Rain walked into the arena and it seemed that despite the obvious signals Yu Wenzhou was giving out, nobody but Huang Shaotian seemed to be able to read them. He hustled his captain away into a quieter corridor, noting how the normally calm blue eyes seemed frantic and desperate. He sequestered them away from the fans, the reporters, the endless questions and Yu Wenzhou’s tail stopped fluffing up, but he still looked miserable and Huang Shaotian wanted to cheer him up and no one had ever called him sensible. He reached up without a second though and began to scratch gently at the black fluffy ears that he’d been longing to touch ever since his captain walked in with them.
Yu Wenzhou froze for a long moment and Huang Shaotian was about to back track and apologise before his captain’s eyes slid half shut, he slumped against the wall slightly and began to purr. Huang Shaotian had to fight the coo that threatened to escape, he didn’t want to disrupt his captain as Yu Wenzhou’s eyes were lidded and full of bliss while his tail flicked lazily back and forth, contented. The peace was interrupted by Ye Xiu arriving on the scene and the click of a photo being taken startled Yu Wenzhou out of his trance. He straightened immediately and Huang Shaotian watched as his cheeks were suddenly dusted light pink.
“So, the rumours flying around are true, Yu Wenzhou has sprouted cat ears-“ Huang Shaotian watched as his captain’s tail flicked in agitation and Ye Xiu’s eyes widened in surprise, “and a tail it seems.” He grinned lazily at both of them and Yu Wenzhou’s fur began to stand on end under the scrutiny, leading to him leaving with a quick nod. Huang Shaotian went to follow but Ye Xiu caught his sleeve.
“What do you want Old Ye, I’m late to the stands- you may not care about your reputation, but Blue Rain has one to uphold and I have to go and be a part of that-!” Huang Shaotian was cut off by Ye Xiu’s words, calculated and sly.
“You should get him a collar with a little bell, wouldn’t it suit his new look?” Ye Xiu sauntered off while Huang Shaotian was still processing his words and he laughed at the scandalised screech he heard when his friend took in his words.
“YE XIU!!”
Huang Shaotian’s cheeks were still flushed, and he hoped he could pass it off as being caused by the heat in the arena. Yu Wenzhou’s tail was curled up in his lap, but his eyes were fixed in his lap and Huang Shaotian could see his unhappiness in the set of his shoulders. He bounded down the steps to deposit himself next to his captain with a smile on his lips as he nudged at the other’s shoulder.
“Are you okay captain?” Yu Wenzhou’s dark blue eyes looked pained and Huang Shaotian frowned at the desperation in his captain’s eyes.
“It’s too loud,” he muttered under his breath, fake smile still gracing his lips as they waved at the crowd. “My ears are sensitive and it’s too loud and they hurt.” At the next bout of screaming from the fans Yu Wenzhou twitched minutely, a tiny crease between his eyebrows and Huang Shaotian could read that without any help from his captain’s new appendages, Yu Wenzhou was about to lose it.
“I’ll fix it!” Huang Shaotian patted his captain on the shoulder reassuringly as he darted out of his seat. Yu Wenzhou tried to catch his wrist but settled for rubbing at the bridge of his nose instead, headache building steadily, and he sighed.
Huang Shaotian darted around the convention centre, searching for any shop that may sell earplugs, when he found one he bought every size available before running back to his seat at top speed, ignoring the curses that he left in his wake. He catapulted himself into his chair once more and offered his spoils to his captain, eyes bright with hope as he proffered the earplugs.
Yu Wenzhou wondered briefly if whatever gave him cat ears would also give Huang Shaotian a pair of dog ears. His vice-captain often behaved like an overly excitable puppy and in his moment was no different. His golden-brown eyes were wide with expectancy but also trepidation, as if he were worried he’d bought the wrong thing. Yu Wenzhou carefully tried a pair of the earplugs and could have cried in relief as most of the overwhelming noise was shut out. He smiled weakly at his friend, wishing he could give him a kiss but settling for a vehement thank you as they turned their attention to the stage.
Huang Shaotian startled once All-Stars was over when his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket, he pulled it out and realised the pro group chat was lit up with questions regarding his captain’s new look. The reactions ranged from sensible to ridiculous and everything in between, and when he glanced up, his teammates were studiously ignoring their phones as they buzzed.
Ye Xiu: Doesn’t Yu Wenzhou’s new look suit him?
Chu Yunxiu: Ahh he looks so happy to have Huang Shaotian petting him!
Sun Xiang: Is this what you do in your spare time? Take pictures of people in hallways?
Xiao Shiqin: So Wenzhou really does have cat ears now?
Ye Xiu: And a tail. He purrs as well.
Chu Yunxiu: He PURRS?
Huang Shaotian: What are you playing at posting that picture here? Leave captain alone, he’s got cat ears now but he can still kick your ass at Glory before you know what’s happening!
Ye Xiu: Are you going to take my earlier suggestion?
Su Mucheng: What earlier suggestion?
Huang Shaotian: Ye Xiu you really are too shameless, how can your face be so thick as to be this shameless???
Ye Xiu: Only a suggestion Shaotian.
Yu Wenzhou: Please stop provoking my vice-captain senior Ye he’ll break his phone.
Huang Shaotian looked up from where he was violently tapping at his screen to see Yu Wenzhou looking over at him, head tilted to the side with one eyebrow raised, clearly judging him. Huang Shaotian flushed under the scrutiny and he slipped his phone back in his pocket without another word, ignoring the way it continued to buzz with notifications.
“What suggestion did senior Ye have for you?” When Huang Shaotian’s face flamed red at the question, Yu Wenzhou’s curiosity only grew, especially when Huang Shaotian managed to stammer out some kind of garbled excuse before he clearly decided he didn’t want to have this conversation and vaulted over the seats to go bother Song Xiao.
Yu Wenzhou steepled his fingers together and hummed. This would require further research.
Huang Shaotian was suffering. Yu Wenzhou still had cat ears, still had a tail and he had seemed to make it his personal duty to make his life hell. First of all, Ye Xiu had told Yu Wenzhou his earlier suggestion and his captain had walked into training with a sleek black collar around his neck and a little gold bell dangling from it. Secondly, Yu Wenzhou’s tail clearly had a mind of it’s own and kept twining around Huang Shaotian’s legs and wrists at every opportunity, as if his captain was trying to lay claim on him. Thirdly, Yu Wenzhou’s ears would always flick towards him and all Huang Shaotian could think about was how soft his ears had been and how much he wanted to pet them.
In conclusion, Huang Shaotian was very good at reading his captain, a skill he’d honed over many years, but with the addition of the ears and tail, Yu Wenzhou was much easier to read and all signs pointed to his captain having feelings for him. However, that was impossible, he’d known his friend for years and Yu Wenzhou had never shown any interest. Everything had to be a coincidence, it was the only explanation that made sense.
Yu Wenzhou was wondering how his vice-captain could be so dense. He’d taken every step to convince Huang Shaotian that he had feelings for him, he’d taken Ye Xiu’s suggestion of wearing a collar with a bell, he’d let his tail wind around Huang Shaotian whenever he wanted and he’d even leant his head against his vice-captain’s shoulder, trying to bait him into touching his ears again. Yu Wenzhou wouldn’t admit it, but Huang Shaotian’s hands petting at his ears was extremely soothing and he wanted to experience it again. But Huang Shaotian remained oblivious and Yu Wenzhou decided that it was time for drastic measures.
Besides, it was always fun to watch his vice-captain squirm.
The next day had Huang Shaotian regretting every life decsion that led him to his moment. Yu Wenzhou wasn’t just wearing the collar but he’d also somehow got his hands on some eyeliner which only made his eyes more defined and piercing. When his captain pushed up his glasses and blinked at Huang Shaotian, he knew from the slight upturn of his lips that Yu Wenzhou was well-aware of what he was doing.
“Shaotian you’re late.” He laughed nervously, the rest of the team were studiously ignoring them, focused on their screens and nothing else as if they could drown everything else out with Glory.
“Ah, captain, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sleep in late, I was just having trouble falling asleep last night,” because I was too busy pining over you, “and so I didn’t hear it when my alarm went off. I didn’t mean to be late for training, I really am sorry, I won’t do it again, I promise- eh-!” Huang Shaotian’s words trailed off when his captain stopped in front of him, smiling gently, as he pressed one finger against his lips.
“Be quiet for a moment Shaotian and get started on your training. You can stay a little later to make up the time.” Huang Shaotian attempted to forcibly restart his brain before he begged his captain to replace his finger with his mouth.
“Thank you captain! It really won’t happen again!” Yu Wenzhou noted how his vice-captain’s voice was slightly strangled and he let his smile widen, watching as Huang Shaotian went ever so slightly pale before darting off to his seat to avoid the scrutiny. He was having a wonderful day.
Huang Shaotian’s day was only getting worse but also better. Halfway through the training session Yu Wenzhou came to stand behind his chair to point at his screen, warm breath against his ear even as his tail brushed steadily against his arm and Huang Shaotian nearly choked on his own tongue.
“You’re not taking advantage of the openings here and here, are you feeling well Shaotian?” Before he could respond, Yu Wenzhou pressed his forehead against Huang Shaotian’s who swore his soul was about to leave his body. He flicked his eyes open to meet Yu Wenzhou’s dark blue eyes accentuated by the eyeliner and he had to bite down on his whine. “You don’t seem to have a fever, keep practising.” All Huang Shaotian could do was offer a weak nod, contenting himself that the moment the rest of the team left he’d seize the opportunity to resolve his captain tormenting him.
The second the last player left the room, Yu Wenzhou felt himself get pushed up against the wall, pinned between it and his vice-captain, who looked as if he’d been pushed to his limit. Internally, Yu Wenzhou was congratulating himself on a well-thought out and executed plan as he blinked in feigned surprise at his vice-captain, reveling in how it made Huang Shaotian wet his lips.
“Is there something you want to discuss Shaotian?” He kept his voice purposefully light and curious, only riling Huang Shaotian up further.
“You know what this is about. With the eyeliner and the collar,” Huang Shaotian ran his thumb against the strip of fabric, brushing along the hollow of his captain’s throat who shuddered slightly under the touch making him smile gleefully. “This is all part of one of your dirty, underhanded, black-hearted tactician plans to get me to act first captain because you saw my feelings and decided that you don’t want to make the first move so instead you go with tormenting me and-!”
“Shaotian?” Golden-brown eyes met amused blue. “Stop talking and kiss me.”
Without another word, warm, slightly chapped lips were pressed against his as Huang Shaotian reached the end of his patience, hands tangling in Yu Wenzhou’s hair as they kissed. Somehow, they ended up in a chair, Yu Wenzhou straddling his vice-captain’s lap and one of Huang Shaotian’s hands brushed down the length of his spine before it grazed against where Yu Wenzhou’s tail met his spine.
The sound that spilled out into the air was obscene and the two broke apart, eyes wide with shock. Yu Wenzhou went bright pink with embarrassment while Huang Shaotian smirked, finally managing to get the upper hand on his captain as he stroked his hand over the same spot again. Yu Wenzhou went limp in his arms, burying his face in Huang Shaotian’s shoulder with a high whine, gripping at his shirt at the sensation.
“Sh- Shaotian!” He gasped out but his vice-captain seemed too enthralled by the new knowledge to stop, pressing over the small patch of skin again and again until Yu Wenzhou was certain he was about to lose his mind.
“See captain?” Huang Shaotian murmured hotly in his ear, “this is what happens when you deliberately tease.” All his captain could offer in response was a soft moan, panting and trembling beneath Huang Shaotian’s ministrations. He pressed another kiss to his captain’s lips, the other man letting him lead, before he let go of his captain’s tail and let him calm down.
Yu Wenzhou curled up contentedly on his vice-captain’s lap, the other man’s hand was in his hair, idly scratching at his ears and the sensation was soothing enough that he felt as if he could drift off. His eyes began to droop closed and Huang Shaotian’s laugh rumbled through his chest as he started to shift his captain off his lap gently.
“You can’t sleep here Wenzhou, come on.” Somehow, he managed to maneuver his half-asleep captain to his bedroom, led him through his nighttime routine before tucking them both into bed, letting Yu Wenzhou nose against his neck as the other spooned around him.
“Mm, goodnight Shaotian.”
“Wait Wenzhou?” His captain blinked open sleepy eyes, soft and vulnerable for once instead of sharp and calculating, question forming in them even as he yawned loudly, squeaking slightly at the end.
“What is it?”
“Are we dating now?” Yu Wenzhou’s face lit up with a genuinely bright smile as he pulled Huang Shaotian in for another kiss, this one gentle and chaste but it still left him breathless.
“We’re dating Shaotian, goodnight,” Huang Shaotian’s own mouth was curved up into a delighted smile as he tangled his legs with his captain’s and snuggled into the embrace as he slipped into sleep. It was the best sleep they’d had in a long time, both content and filled with affection, even if it’d taken a while to get there.
Meanwhile, Ye Xiu was congratulating himself on having a hand in finally getting Blue Rain’s dual core together. The betting pool would finally come to an end and he and Su Mucheng would be much richer when they cashed in those bets they’d placed. Of course, no one would be mentioning it to the happy couple as Huang Shaotian would likely demand a share and Yu Wenzhou would simply smile politely as he plotted revenge. Ye Xiu smiled happily as he calculated what the two of them would win from the pot, a lucrative business, he thought to himself, already wondering who they could bet on next while Blue Rain’s Sword and Curse were asleep in each other’s arms.