Work Text:
Jiang Cheng could give up everything or even engage in petty fights when it comes to witnessing animal abuse. Yes, of course. He can't hurt an animal but he can with people.
So that's what happened. He was supposed to just dump their (the clinic's) trash for the day at the back alley near their clinic when he heard a dog whine coming from a far off corner. He dropped everything and ran towards the sound.
There were two men kicking at the dog, with white and tan splotches, who cowered down against the wall and boxes. A quick glance told Jiang Cheng the dark color on its skin wasn't part of skin color but a wound. Jiang Cheng easily grabbed a stainless pole and swing it down on the back of a man.
"Hey! What the fuck are you doing?!" He shouted as he immediately put himself between the dog and the two men. He angled the pole in front of him. He swung his arm when he one attempted to get through him.
He fought trying his best to fend off these maniacs. He wasn't trained to fight, so it wasn't long before the pole was grabbed from his grip and swung towards him. He ducked out but got hit on his back sending him sprawling on the floor. The dog barks then whines, curling smaller. "You stay there." He said, he felt a hit and his vision blackened as pain exploded at his temple.
"Shit! Run! Run!"
He faintly heard. He felt tongue licking his hand and a dog whining beside him. Jiang Cheng peaked and slowly moved. "It's okay... We'll live. Th-they're gone."
Then he blacked out.
~~
The next time Jiang Cheng opened his eyes was to a blaring light and white ceiling. The smell of hospital curling in his noise and he cringed. The room was empty so Jiang Cheng remained still and self-assessed his body.
His head spins, must be the blow with that pole. His back and stomach ached too. Other than that he was feeling okay. A bit dizzy but not enough to keep him inside the hospital for so long right?
Also, where's the dog? And like on cue, he heard a faint woof and his door opening. He recognized the man immediately, another veterinarian, Dr. Lan Zhan. It was enough clue on where he is, Gusu Medical Center. The dog was settled in a crib-like stroller. It lifted his head upon seeing Jiang Cheng. The closer they came, Jiang Cheng noticed a bandage on the dog's left hind-leg and a bandage around its stomach.
A pinch in Jiang Cheng's heart as he saw the state its in. He reached out a hand the dog tentatively sniffed his hand before licking. "Hey there, boy." He said in low voice.
"Dr. Jiang." Dr. Lan Zhan greeted.
"Dr. Lan."
"Your doctor is on his way."
"Alright, do you want to fill me in on what happened? I can only remember blacking out after a man hit a blow against my head."
"Mn, you were found in an alley by your assistant. He brought you two here. There's an inch stitches at your temple, a bruised back, nothing broken, only sore."
"Thanks, how bout this dog?" He said keeping his hand lax as the dog kept his nuzzle in contact with his hand.
"Broken hind leg, wound on stomach from a glass shard, nothing major organ affected, bruised too. Might stay longer here in the hospital."
Only then did Jiang Cheng felt relieved. He might need to discuss further with Doctor Lan about taking the dog with him to the clinic when he's discharged. Soon the door opened and two doctors and two nurses went in.
"Oy, A-Cheng!" Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at his brother. "Fancy seeing you here."
It was Dr. Wei Wuxian, his brother who's a Pediatrician working in this hospital. The other was someone almost identical with Dr. Lan Zhan. He saw the man a few times around during his internship here few years ago.
"Hello, Dr. Jiang Cheng. I'm Dr. Lan Huan your general surgery doctor." He had a charming smile that immediately captivated Jiang Cheng.
"Hi Doc, and I'm just Jiang Cheng. I'm more of a patient today than a doctor." What he said made the people inside the room chuckle.
The man proceeded to check on him while his brother stood on the side, very far away from the dog, while the two nurses flanked beside his bed to check up his IV, blood pressure, stitches etc. Dr. Lan Huan explained more about his injuries and medications.
"There seemed to be no concussions and further pain so we won't keep you here for so long. Soon your exam results will be released and we'll see if there's any further injuries inside your head."
He heard a snort and Jiang Cheng's eyes narrowed at his brother's.
"Okay, Doc. Thank you."
Jiang Cheng didn't miss the way Doctor Lan Huan lingered his eyes on him. With a sense of awkwardness at the attention, he turned to younger Doctor Lan who stayed beside the dog.
"Dr. Lan, if I were to be discharged, would I be able to take him with me?"
"I'm sorry Dr. Jiang. As long as he haven't been cleared for discharge, he'll be staying here. But I'll make sure you can visit him. He'll be put in our shelter right after his recovery."
"That's fine, thank you too."
The two Doctor Lans shuffled out with the nurses and the dog. Only a whimper from the dog before parting. Jiang Cheng then turned his eyes on his brother who grinned at him.
"Look at that, just how many times have I seen you around here, A-Cheng?" The man moved and sat on the edge of his cot.
"Aren't you busy?"
"Nope, the kids are being taken care of. However, a kid right here just couldn't help himself jumping over a fight, hm?"
Jiang Cheng knew he's in for a few rounds of scolding. He's just grateful his sister isn't here.
"What do you want me to do? Let them beat the dog to death? He was helpless and scared. Should I just turn my back? He's just an animal, far more vulnerable than humans."
"Still! Jiang Cheng, would it really be worth your life over saving a dog?"
"Yes." He answered, no hesitance in his response and he saw his brother rolled his eyes and sigh.
"Fine, fine. We're both different. I would have ran the other way just hearing a dog whine. But you did well, A-Cheng, you saved him and now he'll be under Lan Zhan's care. Me and Lan Zhan will make sure of that." He reached out and pinched his cheeks.
Jiang Cheng winced at the act. He get it, him being a person who loves animals over people might come out different for others. They both grinned at each other.
"Though, just so you know, you won't get out of it with jiejie this easily. She said she'll be here this afternoon."
Oh, he knew that. He's going to have to brace himself.
~~
A knock resounded in the quiet room before the door opened. Dr. Lan Huan entered with an envelope in his hand and a bottle of grape juice on the other. A nurse followed behind him and set a tray on the bedside table before leaving.
"Good afternoon, Doc."
"Good afternoon, Jiang Cheng. I have the results here and I've taken a look at it already. I'm happy to say that everything's normal, the hit hasn't damaged your skull even a little bit. Your chest x-ray showed normal and nothing's broken. Let me change your gauze."
"Okay. Well, that's so much better. I hoped I was also able to send those bastards to hospital." He said, frowning at the memory of what happened.
"As much as I want to tell you to not hurt others, I guess, they deserve it too. That little guy was innocent but they harmed him mindlessly."
Dr. Lan Huan had started to removed the gauze and clean the wound again. Jiang Cheng stilled, he was suddenly overcome with the closeness of the other to him. He reminded himself to act cool, continuing the conversation.
"Right? They are just little things, they couldn't actually protect themselves from maniacs."
"My brother thinks so too, and I do too. We're no different from these animals. We're both capable of showing kindness, love, loyalty at the same time, hurting others, becoming vulnerable and so on."
Jiang Cheng flinched at the cold touch of antiseptic and the sting he felt. "Was it that bad? How many stitches did I need?"
"Not so that your skull was fractured remember? It just split open your temple, I have to stitch it back with three overs and it's closed."
Jiang Cheng stopped breathing when he sensed the doctor's face so close next to him. His heart beating fast against his chest and Jiang Cheng curled his hands on the sheets. He tried to breathe but all he inhaled was a musky sandalwood scent of the doctor.
Few more moments, Jiang Cheng felt the other moved away and the change was finished so he opened his eyes again.
"How do you feel?"
"I feel I needed a bath." Immediately, Jiang Cheng flushed, can you be more embarrassing?
The man chuckled as he put the tray away stood beside the bed.
"Since the wound is still new, you might need to endure not washing your hair until the day after tomorrow. After that you can ask someone to wash it carefully."
Dr. Lan Huan had a smile on his face all throughout and Jiang Cheng cannot help but stare a little longer at the man before him. He met the honey-colored eyes of the man.
"You can stay until tomorrow." He said picking up the tray.
"Yes, tomorrow is better. My back still ached and I'd rather stay close to the dog. Had Dr. Lan Zhan mentioned where I can see them?"
"Well, they were always together. The dog doesn't like anyone near except for my brother. There were always at Lan Zhan's clinic, I'll let them know to drop by here again."
"Thank you, Doc." Jiang Cheng smiled.
Dr. Lan Huan lingered a bit, there seemed to be something he wanted to say. Instead, he pulled out his other hand and placed the bottle of juice on the bedside table. "For you, Jiang Cheng."
Before Jiang Cheng could reply, the man bid his exit. Jiang Cheng's eyes stayed a bit at the closed door. He reached for the bottle and looked at it. There was a sticky note; Get well, Jiang Cheng
The script and sticky note are quite familiar to him. He knew Dr. Lan Huan is Dr. Lan Zhan's brother but...this feeling inside his chest, he hoped he could stay here a little longer. He opened the bottle and took a drink.
--
Jiang Cheng stifled a yawn as he waited for his discharge papers to be settled. Dr. Lan Zhan was with him because they came by with the dog. The said terrier was nestled beside Jiang Cheng on his cot. Earlier, he checked on the wound too and he knew it would take days before the dog will be discharged.
His sister came by and Jiang Cheng had gotten a good pinch on his ear for his act and for worrying his sister. She'd also insisted he stay another couple of days. So, today was his third day at the hospital. Thankfully, he'll be going and his sister will be the one bringing him home. He was ready to go with only a gauze at his temple. Jiang Cheng looked across and to the man with a stoic face.
"Dr. Lan Zhan, don't you need to be somewhere? You got so much time on your hands huh?" Jiang Cheng teased.
The doctor before him rolled his eyes at him and Jiang Cheng chuckled. They are friends, it was a little teasing between them in referring each other with their titles. But, he was glad it was Lan Zhan who took care of the injured dog.
"I'm very much free, thank you, Dr. Jiang Cheng. I only have that little guy as a patient though."
Jiang Cheng pets the, very much adult, dog beside him. A fond smile grazing his lips. When the dog purred, Jiang Cheng turned his attention to the man before him.
"And I'll always tell you, you are welcome to work for the clinic and shelter, A-Zhan."
"Hm, you know I can't leave brother alone here."
Jiang Cheng shrugged, "I'm sure he can survive without you, Wei Wuxian isn't going anywhere soon so he's not going to be truly alone here."
"Are you trying to snag Lan Zhan away from us?"
His brother who just entered with his sister. His eyes trained at the door, expecting a handsome doctor to walk through. He diverted his eyes when no one followed behind his siblings.
"Who's snagging who?" He said.
"Your papers were processed already. A-Cheng, are you ready to go now?" His sister asked, going towards a small bag of his things.
"Yep." He stood and immediately the dog moved. "Hey, Don't worry, A-Zhan will take care of you huh?" He said, scratching behind the dog's ears.
Soon, they all shuffled out. Lan Zhan along with the dog headed for a different direction. Jiang Cheng and his siblings were walking almost to the exit when a voice called out. "Dr. Jiang!"
Abruptly, Jiang Cheng stopped to turn around. A smiling, huffing Doctor Lan Huan came up to him. He maintained his charming smile as the man faced him. Suddenly, Jiang Cheng's heart decided to beat loudly against his chest.
"Dr. Lan, did my exam results had any problems?" He teased, a smirk on his lips.
The other doctor shook his head and pulled out a grape juice from one of the pockets of his white robe.
"No, actually..." he held out the bottle with a sticky note taped against it. "Here, I ought to give this to you."
The past few days, the man continueto give Jiang Cheng grape juices whenever he dropped by his room. Each one having a sticky note taped to it. Jiang Cheng accepted the juice and read the sticky note.
Give me a call whenever you wanted to. Maybe we could grab a food when you're feeling better, Jiang Cheng.
And below that was a series of number he recognized as Doctor Lan Huan's phone number. He grinned, finally remembering something, and looked up to the man.
"I'll call you... Lan Huan."
~~~
Few Days Ago
Lan Huan emerged from his office when he was paged down to the emergency room. He rushed through the doors and a nurse went to lead him to a cot where a few people surrounded. Amongst the crowd, he recognized his brother. A wash of worry made him hurry to get closer.
He felt his stomach drop upon seeing who it was lying unconscious. He pushed the feeling aside and focused on aiding the patient. Quickly assessing what's happening, he shooed away mostly everyone and only kept 2 nurse aides with them. He drew the curtain close.
Head injury, bleeding. A few hits on the torso and back. He's not waking up. But his vitals are normal.
We need to make exams for his head and torso.
Clean the wound, prepare for stitching.
It was a blurry of activities and soon, the man's sleeping soundly and Lan Huan get to look at the man before him. His brother was able to pry the dog away from the man and he knows his brother will also take good care of the dog.
He felt his heart calmed down a bit after the scare. He recognized the man immediately, he was an intern here in Gusu Medical Center with his younger brother a few years back, also a friend. His assumptions were proven correct when Dr. Wei Wuxian rushed in the emergency room while he was stitching up the wound.
"Oh thank God it was you who handled him, Doctor Lan."
Lan Huan filled in Doctor Wei about what his younger brother just told him. He observed how the other doctor facepalmed himself there and then, hearing the story. "Idiot! Utterly idiot! How could you be so stupid as to jump in and save a mutt, Huh?"
Back to the Present
Lan Huan smiled at the man before him who waved his hand and walk through the exit of the hospital. Jiang Cheng
He walked back to his office and was surprised his brother and the dog was waiting for him inside. We walked closer and the dog lifted its head to sniff his hand.
"Brother, did you get to give it to him?"
"Yes. And he said he'll call." He can't stop smiling.
"Who knew I'll get to see him again? It's been years since your internship. Also, he never showed up here in Gusu Medical Center."
"We were interns then, you couldn't make a move on him?"
Lan Huan sighed as he dragged his swivel chair towards his brother and the dog. "No, I can't. I'm already a doctor here then. Anything more than professionalism would peril his standing. You know that."
"But that didn't stop brother in asking me to drop random sticky notes in his locker then." Lan Zhan smirked, reminding Lan Huan that his brother can be a little shit sometimes.
"What's wrong with sticky notes? Those were just words of encouragement."
Lan Zhan shook his head, "No, you bought lunch, leave it at his station. You left coffees, energy drinks, and many more brother!"
Lan Huan ducked his head remembering his younger and foolish self. He sent more than just coffee and food to Jiang Chang. He also left medical books he thought would help the other.
"Did you know what Wei Wuxian told him when he shared it?"
Lan Huan narrowed his eyes on his brother who had a mirth reflecting on his eyes. "What?"
"Look at you A-Cheng, you had a secret sugar daddy."
"What the--? Am I really too much then?"
It was his first time hearing this! Why didn't Lan Zhan say anything before? He observed Lan Zhan make a thoughtful expression on his face. "I don't think so. He didn't give too much fuzz then. Actually, Jiang Cheng could throw it all away. He's the type to ignore it and give it away if he doesn't like it. But he didn't."
That gave Lan Huan a hopeful, starry-eyed expression. Lan Zhan shook his head and thought, whipped.
~~~
Jiang Cheng was feeling uneasy. He kept telling himself, he's visiting the dog. That's the reason he's back here in Gusu Medical Center after four days of being discharged. He walked the open courtyard towards what he knew was Lan Zhan's own clinic on the other side of the hospital.
On the way, he bumped into one of his friends, Wen Ning, who's a nurse working here.
"A-Cheng! What are you doing here?"
Jiang Cheng scowled. "Didn't you know? I was confined here a few days ago. You didn't even dropped by to see me!"
"Ah, yeah." Wen Ning smiled sheepishly, "Actually, I was supposed to but, you were talking with Dr. Lan Huan then. So I thought I'll come by again later on."
Jiang Cheng just rolled his eyes. "Where are you heading?"
"I'm called back to the main. I had a few shifts here on the annex. You? Isn't Dr, Lan Huan at the main?"
Jiang Cheng fought to the heat that he could feel on his cheeks and neck.
"I-I'm checking up on the dog at Lan Zhan's clinic."
"Oh." Wen Ning tilted his head. "Really."
"Yes! Really! Don't look at me like that!"
"I'm not saying anything, A-Cheng! By the way, you like coffee right? Maybe you can stay a bit in our cafe by the lobby after your visit."
"Yeah, sure."
The man bid his goodbye and Jiang Cheng was about to turn away when his friend called out again. "A-Cheng! I heard Dr. Lan Huan's office hours are until 3PM, catch him in the cafe if you can!"
"You-!" Jiang Cheng grumbled before walking to the annex building.
He sighed heavily. Jiang Cheng thought back to his interning days here in Gusu Medical Center. He was determined to make friends, even just one, here in a place he wasn't familiar. The more the days past that he could hardly get along with his co-interns, the more he gave up in trying.
He's a callous man when it comes to people. He has a resting bitch face. He frowned when people suddenly approached him, making people take it that he doesn't want anyone's company. That's not true... he just doesn't like people bothering him when he's busy filling up reports. It was until he got stationed together with Lan Zhan, he found the man to be somewhat like him. Kept to himself, quiet, doesn't bother with others and fine with being alone. Just like him.
"Morning, Lan Zhan."
"Morning, Jiang Cheng."
And they go about their own business quietly. Only talking when necessary. Jiang Cheng even found it calming. He knew then that the man before him was one of the famous Jades of Gusu. He still tried his luck.
"Join me for lunch?" He asked Lan Zhan. The man nodded.
Again, Jiang Cheng was grateful for the silence and company. What he didn't expect though, that after that one time, they'll be partnered until the end of their internship. During those times, he'd seen Doctor Lan Huan dropping by to say hello to his brother and sometimes, to him, if he's not too busy in his work. Also, he started receiving things on his desk or locker. Sticky notes at first, then drinks. Once he suspected it was Lan Zhan who was giving them to him. But he saw the penmanship of his co-intern and exclude him out.
Another time though, he suspected but it was never confirmed. Doctor Lan Huan dropped by and asked Jiang Cheng to pass a note to his brother. He caught a familiar penmanship but Jiang Cheng was shy in asking the Doctor.
What if he misunderstood? He'll come out too shameless for it so he never made a move to find out who it was. He kept it in his head a little dream that what he kept receiving was from the promising Jade doctor. He waited until the end of his intern for the other to come out and ask him properly. Yet no one did. What he only gained was a permission to call Lan Zhan, A-Zhan before they went their separate ways.
Jiang Cheng was brought back to the present when he felt a lick on his chin. Jiang Cheng looked down at the terrier beside him. He was glad to see the little guy able to move around on his feet. Unlike before he couldn't manage to stand. He played with the dog, while Lan Zhan was in a check up with another pet. He was getting licks on his chin when the clinic's door opened.
"Oh, Jiang Cheng, I didn't know you'll be here."
It was Dr. Lan Huan. It must have been some forces doing this. Especially, the realization and assumption he discovered.
"Hello Doc. I'm just here visiting this little guy. Doc is inside with another patient."
Dr. Lan Huan nodded and took a sit on a small couch. "I'll just wait here."
Jiang Cheng pursed his lips and felt a lick on his cheek again. He chuckled, grateful for the distraction. If it wasn't for this little buddy, he would've embarrassed himself by staring long and hard at how sexy the square gold-framed glasses looked on the doctor.
"How are you, Jiang Cheng? Is your wound healing well?"
Jiang Cheng looked back at the man, "Yes, doc. It's less painful than the first days. It's in a dull throb now. I'll have the stitches removed tomorrow right?"
"That's good. It means it's healing well. Yes, we have a schedule tomorrow. Are you back at your clinic now?"
"Seeing that I'm here, I guess not." Jiang Cheng teased, he lamented at seeing the Doctor gape his mouth at his comeback. He chuckled, "I dropped by earlier to check on things and after our schedule tomorrow."
"That's good, I hope that you won't overwork yourself yet."
Jiang Cheng can't help but return the smile the older doctor gave him. The door opened and the patients walked out. They waited for a bit until the door was closed and the younger doctor turned to them.
"What are you doing here, brother?"
The terrier slowly walked towards Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng stood up from his position.
"I'm just dropping by to ask you for an afternoon coffee, A-Zhan. I visited a patient here at the annex."
Jiang Cheng noticed the glare Lan Zhan gave his older brother. The two remained looking at each other. He guessed, the two was in a silent conversation so he waited for them to finish.
"I guess you can't accompany me today." Dr. Lan Huan said, patting the back of his younger brother. He bid his goodbye to Jiang Cheng.
Lan Zhan's attention went to him.
"You know the process of moving him to your shelter took longer. He'll be released to our shelter once everything's done. Are you sure you're not gonna adopt him? He'll be out in no time if ever."
Jiang Cheng sighed and crouched to pet the dog again. "Have I been bugging you too much A-Zhan?"
He knew he was, he kept on pestering A-Zhan non-stop just to get updates about the pup. The doctor rolled his eyes. "Yes, you know that's a yes. So take him."
"Well... If I do, can I take him tomorrow?"
"Sure, I'll have it processed immediately. You should've said earlier."
He wasn't sure at first yet. It was natural for him to worry and fuzz for the being of the dog. However, the rate he's going with this one was beyond even for a doctor like him. After he affirmed of adopting the dog, he felt a wash of relief coming to a decision.
"Whatever." Jiang Cheng glanced briefly at his watch before he cupped the head of the dog and said, "You'll be going home with me tomorrow, Happy."
He heard a snort coming from his friend and he ignored it. Because this dog is his now. He thanked his friend and bid his goodbye.
Jiang Cheng glanced at his watch again as his feet started to move.
Wen Ning said to grab a coffee by the cafe in the main.
Then, he said he wanna grab some coffee with Lan Zhan and yet they didn't.
Jiang Cheng shook his head, coming to a decision to drop by that cafe. He thought back to his new found friend, Happy and his apartment he shared with his siblings. Wei Wuxian would have to deal. I'm taking Happy home whether he wants it or not.
He listed things off his head. He would drop by his clinic later on to buy a few things. Then, he has to prepare their apartment for their new housemate.
Jiang Cheng was taking his order when he saw Dr. Lan Huan enter the cafe. It was a chance he took, and he's glad he did. He raised his hand to call the doctor. Both grinned at each other. "Doc, let me grab you a coffee, what would you like?"
"Oh? I'm in need of one, so just cappuccino for me." The doctor smiled, Jiang Cheng distracts himself by placing their order.
"Off from work Doc?" Jiang Cheng casually asks, glancing over the man who had his robe draped over his arm.
"Off from work it is, so call me Lan Huan." The man flashed his smile as they moved over to the claiming counter.
"I had it to-go, Lan Huan."
"It's fine." Jiang Cheng saw the man paused with a thought and he waited. "There's a sitting area by the garden, would you care to join me?"
Jiang Cheng feel delighted at the offer so he grinned. "I'm free the rest of the day. I'll be at your disposal, Lan Huan."
They took their coffees and walked out the cafe and the main building. Jiang Cheng took a sip of his coffee as he trailed after Lan Huan. He didn't think the opportunities were presenting itself this easily. He's jumping with every single opportunity with both feet and eyes open wide. He ain't sitting around waiting like those years ago.
I should send a text to Wen Ning and Lan Zhan. Later, later, A-Cheng. Let's not jinx it.
He can't help it. It's been years, Jiang Cheng thought he'll never get the chance to get close to the man, ever. He and Lan Zhan may be good friends but he can only count in his one hand the times he actually seen Lan Huan around his friend.
After sitting down on a bench with a beautiful fountain in front of them, Jiang Cheng took his time looking at the man beside him. They didn't sit too close or too far from each each other. It was a casual distance between them that Jiang Cheng felt the strong urge to close.
He's fucking half-in love with this man since he step foot on his hospital room a few days ago. It was pure luck that it was him who took on his case.
"I never get to properly thank you Doc. For taking care of me."
The man beside him looked at him, a light dusting of red on his neck and cheeks.
"I'm just doing the best that I can as a doctor, Jiang Cheng. It's what I do." He said bashful of his marvelous job.
"Don't be shy now. You're a doctor, your job is to be proud of."
"You are too, Dr. Jiang Cheng. You saved the dog didn't you? You didn't just jump into a fight without reason."
"Then," he lifted his cup of coffee, "let's cheer for our hard work serving as doctors."
Lan Huan raised his cup too. Jiang Cheng bumped it together. He tried so hard to maintain his smile as he inwardly cringe at what he's spouting. He started off good at showing gratitude, yet, what the hell had he been saying?
Jiang Cheng saw how Lan Huan stared down at the cup in his hands. Then, the man suddenly straightened himself and turned to Jiang Cheng.
"You know what, I feel like this isn't enough." Lan Huan stared straight in his eyes, "Can I invite you to dinner?"
Jiang Cheng never expected the invitation from the other doctor. He thought it was him who's going to ask the other man. He blinked owlishly trying to process.
"Dinner?"
Lan Huan flushed, finally withdrawing his eyes and looking away. "O-only if you want to. I feel like...no." Jiang Cheng watched the other man shake his head and turned back to him. His torso turning to face him properly.
"Lan Huan?"
"I l-like you Jiang Cheng. And I would like to ask you out to dinner."
In truth, Lan Huan had been waiting for Jiang Cheng's call or text or anything for days since he gave his number to the younger man. He wanted to ask this way back when he saw the young man fiddling with his internship white robes. There's something about the serious face he saw back then that drew him in. The way that serious face lights up with a childish smile when he saw a cute pup or a kitty, or even a ball python he looked through a glass container.
This man, despite throwing himself in a fight, his heart still showed. He cared, loved and just all out kind.
Jiang Cheng took a moment to gather himself at the sudden confession and turn of events. For days, he paced his room typing and erasing messages he wanted to sent to the other man. His fingers hovering over the call buttons several times. Be never did. So, this with Lan Huan initiating and being forward really caught him. Heavens, I'm gonna die early if he kept this up. His heart was pounding against his chest as he let himself thought, finally.
His gaze stayed at the other doctor's face. Watching as he saw a slight glazed and starry look on his eyes. Jiang Cheng preened at himself.
"Lan Huan, you keep staring at me like that, and I might not consider the dinner..." he smirked at the immediate panicked look on the other's face, so he continued. "...and skip straight to dessert."
Even Jiang Cheng, himself, could feel the blush coming on full force on his cheeks right now. Both of their faces red.
"Aren't we cute." Lan Huan shook his head. He was full-blown smiling against his very hot cheeks.
"That we are. Could be more you know?" Jiang Cheng sent a wink. He found it endearing with the way Lan Huan clutched at his chest right where his heart was.
"You'll be the death of me, Jiang Cheng."
They both chuckled. Then, end up staring at each other and grinning like idiots.
"Do you have a sticky note with you, Lan Huan?"
"I do." He reached on the side pocket of his bag and gave it to Jiang Cheng.
"I'll be right back, Lan Huan. Stay there."
He ran off inside the building and went straight to the vending machine where he could buy the grape juice. After purchasing 2 bottles, he quickly wrote something on two separate sticky notes before putting it on the two bottles. He went back and saw Lan Huan still on the bench where he left him.
He glanced down at the bottle on his right before keeping both behind him. Lan Huan stood as he stopped beside him.
Jiang Cheng held out his right hand. "Here." Lan Huan took the offered bottle and read the sticky note.
It's you isn't it? During my internship.
Jiang Cheng watched as the man's face look at him in shock. "You knew?"
Jiang Cheng chuckled, "You just confirmed it. I was taking a chance in writing that."
"Oh." The older man rubs his neck shyly. His face turning red. "I-"
"It's a story of another time. Ask me again."
"Huh?"
"Ask me again." He repeated, and Lan Huan seemed to caught on what he's saying. The man stood up straighter and looked at his eyes.
"Can I take you to dinner tonight?"
Jiang Cheng brought out his other hand and gave it to Lan Huan. They both chuckled at that. It reads: A dinner would be lovely.
Lan Huan leaned in until all Jiang Cheng could see was his honey-colored eyes. "It's tonight. You can't back out already. I cannot wait if we pushed it further. I've been meaning to ask you that for so long."
"And I'm glad you finally asked." Jiang Cheng leaned closed and bumped his nose cutely with the other's.
There's a warm and tingly feeling in his chest brought by the cute gesture. And Jiang Cheng savored that. He was just glad it turned out good for the both of them.