Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hot. Everything was so hot and cold. Joseph’s feet were dissolved in snow while his torso was in a fucking oven. After Joseph rearranged the blankets on his toes and the ice pack on his chest, his body would decide “HEY YEAH FUCK THAT.” Joseph groaned feeling the ice pack freeze his chest, his arms shivering. When was Xie and Fan going to come back shopping? Maybe they have and Joseph just didn’t notice. Everything was hazy. Joseph’s vision fading in and out. He could feel the wet towel on his face losing its touch as it sat there.

Joseph both loved and hated visiting his friends. He loved them both so much, but he had work elsewhere so they agreed to meet up at least once a year, switching back and forth from China to France. But since Joseph was so petty, he’d always manage to visit them first before they could make any plans. Which pissed off Fan. A lot. Joseph smiled looking back at Fan’s fit when he’d first got sick.

The seasons were dangerously different in both places. Joseph was supposed to drown in the cold in France but now he’s in China where it was so hot, Joseph constantly needed ice. Of course his body couldn’t take the drastic change in temperature. It wasn’t something he could control but could his body pick a better punishment of sickness?

“Back Joseph.” Joseph could hear the angel smile in his voice, replacing the towel on his forehead. “You’re a fucking god send Xie, I love you.” Xie chuckled, squeezing out the water. Fan growled, walking into the room with a new can of water. “Joseph if you keep pulling this shit, I swear I’m never going to visit the West.” “Yeah and I love you too.” Fan rolled his eyes, replacing the old bowl of water. “Why the fuck did you bring a-” Fan turned right back around and took the man’s hand, dipping it into the can. Joseph shivered, shaking Fan’s grip off of him.

“You fucking bitch.” “Yeah, yeah, kiss my ass.” Joseph rolled his eyes, leaning back against the bed. Xie dipped the towel into the bucket, squeezing out excess water and placing it back on Joseph’s forehead. “Your traveling illness hasn’t gone this far…” “Just ignore the first time I got it.” Joseph groaned, thinking back to the time. He was literally bed ridden for a week before the trio could even have a proper vacation. Fan and Xie ignored their own work just to take care of the man. He was their guest in a foreign country but they both freely had the option to work while Joseph was sick, but they decided not to. Instead investing time into making sure Joseph was okay. Joseph mentally sighed thinking back on it. They were both so stubborn in their own way. Both of them idiots. But Xie. Xie was a fucking angel in Joseph’s eyes.

The scent of rice porridge filled Joseph’s nose, he raised a brow, looking over to the doorframe. “Here.” Fan took a seat beside Xie, placing the bowl in Xie’s lap. “I don’t think I need to be fed.” “Shut up and do what you’re told.” Fan snapped, placing the spoon up to Joseph’s lips. Joseph rolled his eyes, following along with Fan anyway. “How is it?” Xie asked. As much as Joseph hated to admit, he loved Fan’s cooking so much. It was one of the main reasons why Joseph was so stubborn to continuously come back to China. He wouldn’t think Fan would be able to cook with ingredients from France. It wouldn’t have the same taste.

“Disgusting. Give me more.” Xie chuckled, taking the spoon out of Fan’s hands. “I’ll have a taste then.” “Wait. My spi-” Xie already took a bite with the spoon. Joseph was already flushed so it wouldn’t make a difference if he was embarrassed, but he still had the right for his heart to run. Right? “I’m sick, id- uh…” Joseph couldn’t bring himself to insult Xie, it was so hard to insult an angel like him. “So you would call me stupid, but you won’t call Xie one?” “There’s a difference between a fact and a theory.” Joseph could see Fan’s expression tighten, grabbing onto the bed sheet below him tighter. “You are so fucking lucky you’re stuck in the bed.”

“Do you have enough strength to feed yourself Joseph?” Xie asked, a concerned look on his face. “Yeah.” Xie sighs in relief, placing the bowl of porridge on the nightstand, setting the spoon on the side. “Are you guys sure you don’t want me to sleep on the couch?” “You’re fucking sick.” “But I don’t mind.” Fan rolled his eyes, his eyelids half way closing. “If you’re so worried about it, you’d let us sleep in the bed with you again.”

Joseph’s eyes widened. As he internally screamed inside. Joseph might need his towel replaced again. To them, sleeping in the same bed was normal with friends. But Joseph hadn’t been close to anyone before, he wasn’t sure if this was normal. The last trip he took, Fan and Xie slept in the same bed as him in the hotel. Leaving Joseph to screech internally and sleep on the plane. Xie wrapped his legs around Joseph, pushing his legs towards him. While Fan was more aggressive, wrapping his arms around Joseph and pulling him in. Surely they slept well, but Joseph sure as hell did not.

“You might catch what I have.” Fan blinked, crossing his arms. “Okay.” Joseph’s brows furrowed together. “Xie?” “It isn’t containous.” If only Joseph had enough energy to get up and leave the room. “What about the possibility of you catching it?” “Low.” Xie replied instantly. Joseph sighed, trying one more time. “Don’t you two have a book you should be writing?” “Finished. Now let me cuddle with you damn it.” Fan rolled his eyes, moving over to Joseph’s left side.

Joseph paused, processing Fan’s words. “Wait-” “I said cuddle for a reason stupid.” Fan groaned, wrapping his arms under Joseph’s, holding onto his chest. “W-Wait. Xie?” “I set the timer on my phone to switch out the towel.” Xie moves into Joseph’s chest, laying his head there, his arms wrapped around Joseph’s stomach. “If that’s what you’re worried about.” “I… Is this what friends do?” “You’re really fucking stupid.” “We wouldn’t do this to anyone else but you if that helps.” Joseph fumbled with his hands, bringing them up to his face. “The porridge will go cold.” “I made a shit ton for a reason.”

Why the fuck did Joseph wake up with a fluttering feeling in his chest? A smile peeking onto his face seeing Xie sleep on his chest, with Fan’s arms wrapped around him. No. Why was Joseph this happy seeing the sun hit their faces? They were just caring people. That’s it. It’s not like… Joseph sighed. Taking off his towel and placing it on the nightstand. The bowl of porridge was gone, along with the cold bucket.

Joseph’s sight wasn’t fuzzy anymore, no annoying headache or pains in his stomach either. Imagine if the two cuddling him was the answer to his sickness. Couldn’t be him. Yeah it isn’t him. Joseph wanted to scream at himself. “I’d… really like to get up.” Joseph softly spoke, looking up and down between Fan and Xie. He didn’t want to wake both of them up. Fan looked so peaceful when sleeping. So cute. His cheeks were squishable too. No! That’s a friend Joseph! He doesn’t have feelings for you! Joseph lightly tapped his cheeks instead of slapping himself.

“Stay…” Xie mumbled with a tiny groan. “You’re soft.” Joseph's heart fluttered seeing Xie so sleepy and tired. It melted his heart witnessing the sight. “Angel.” Joseph spit out, instantly regretting his words. Maybe Xie was sleepy enough to ignore it. Why did Joseph say that like it was a pet name? Well it was but he never actually used it to refer to the man. “This angel will allow you to leave if you drag me with.” Xie yawned, blinking his eyes. “Tch. Come along then.”

Joseph managed to escape Fan’s arms, dragging himself to the bathroom. Xie followed along but still held onto Joseph's waist. “You’re 10 times taller than me, isn’t this uncomfortable?” Joseph asked, picking up his toothbrush. Xie nodded his head, running his hand through his hair. “Do you want to play with my hair again?” “Fuck yeah.” Joseph responded instantly. Xie’s hair was so soft, it was fun braiding his hair while Xie messed with Fan’s. His hair was so long, silky, beautiful. Mostly beautiful.

Xie unbraided his hair, while Joseph brushed his teeth. Once Joseph and Xie were finished, Xie placed his chin on Joseph’s shoulder, wrapping his arms around him. “Mhm….” “You’re awake Xie.” “But I wanna go back to bed.” “You can fall asleep as I braid your hair.” Joseph chuckled, as Xie sat on the ground, leaning his head back. “When does Fan wake up?” Joseph asked, stroking his fingers through Xie’s silky white hair. “He should be awake by now. Just wait.”

“JOSEPH?” Fan slammed the door open, seeing Joseph sitting on the couch playing with Xie’s hair. “Don’t you two have-” Joseph didn’t get to finish his sentence, getting tackled by the man. His arms wrapped around Joseph’s head, pulling him into Fan’s chest. “You’re not sick are you?” “No.” Joseph could feel his cheeks flush up by how close he was to the man’s chest. “I adore you but you’re cutting off my air source.” “Oh. Right.” Fan cleared his throat as he let go of Joseph, covering his lips with his hand.

“We can go out later Joseph.” Xie smiled, feeling as Joseph’s fingers started folding his hair again. “I’ve already done all there is to do here.” Joseph rolled his eyes, letting Xie’s hair unfold the braids. “No you haven’t.” Fan’s tone was sharp, but not sharp enough to cause any harm to him. “Where else could we go?” “Fan, you should surprise both of us.” Xie’s eyes glistened at the idea.

Joseph grinned, looking at Fan’s tired expression. Fan always went all out taking Joseph to new places. Even if Fan and Xie had already experienced it. “Sure.” He sighed. “I’ll heat up the porridge, you two get dressed.” “You can go first Joseph, I’ll have my little nap.” Xie yawned, moving up to the couch. Joseph nodded, walking back into the room.

“Fan.” Xie’s tone changed, more dull that usual. “He’s cute.” Fan chuckled, speaking in his native tongue. “We’ll take him to the lights, correct?” Xie answered back in the same language. “Yes, yes. As long as he doesn’t get sick.” “Good.” Xie smiled. “Did he get up well?” “Yes, he just started braiding my hair once you got up. Speaking of which, did you jolt straight out of the room looking for him?” Fan scratched the back of his head, his lips puckered. “Maybe…” Xie merely chuckled at the thought.

“Finished.” Joseph walked out, wearing his usual grey turtleneck followed by his large jacket, with his glasses on. “I thought you didn’t like wearing those?” Fan pointed out as Xie took over the room. “I didn’t bring my contacts over so…” “Rushed trip huh?” “Yeah, where’s your disgusting porridge?” Fan chuckles, pointing to the two bowls sitting at the table. “You love my cooking Joseph.” “Fuck off.” Joseph rolled his eyes, but allows himself a tiny smile when he thinks Fan isn’t looking.

Chapter Text

“The what?” “It’s a pretty place.” Xie explained. “It’s called… errr….” “The closest English translation I could give you is Shining Trees.” Fan sighed, his eyes up at the sign with a hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “It is quite colorful in there.” Joseph smiled, looking through the windows. Different hues of light reflected out, crystals hung on trees could be seen. “Stay close. With your height you might get lost.” Joseph hit Fan’s arm, the tips of his lips forming into a pout. “Fan, I am going to beat you when we get back home.”

Joseph followed the two around as they talked to a waiter who let them into the building. Joseph’s eyes glistened seeing all the crystals and lights shine together, fueled only by the moonlight. “Do you like it?” Fan whispered in Joseph’s ear while Xie talked to the waiter who was still leading them around.

“It’s beautiful… how come you’ve never taken me here before?” Fan rolled his eyes, a soft smile painted onto his face. “Reasons.” The waiter directed Joseph and the two to a crystal like tree on the rooftop. A wooden table below the fake wood, fairy lights surrounding the table. It was magical in Joseph’s eyes, making him smile as he sat in between the two.

“When did this place open?” “Around two years ago. But it’s best coming around this season.” Xie smiled, picking up the menu from the table. “Why is that?” “Look at this place stupid.” Fan rolled his eyes, a smile on his face. Joseph was just about to insult him back, until he heard the hearty chuckles come from the man, pulling him closer.

“I can translate the menu for you.” Xie added, moving the menu into Joseph’s view. Joseph’s heart pounded being in the middle of the two men. His ears flushed as Fan wrapped his arm around Joseph while Xie read the menu to him, leaning into him to show the menu better.

“Errr…. uh…” “Although it’s mostly just drinks at night. Are…” Xie blinked, poking at Joseph’s arm. “Are you alright Joseph?” Xie frowned. “Can they serve me green tea?” Fan raised a brow, pointing to a string of Chinese lettering in bold. “Not black tea?” “Just don’t feel like it tonight.”

The waiter came by and spoke to Fan about the order in Chinese, in which Joseph didn’t understand a word. The waiter jumped after a certain string of sentences but then nodded with a gleeful smile on his face. Joseph raised a brow at the action. Maybe he should study Chinese… The waiter left with a genuine smile on his face, leaving the group alone.

“What did you tell him?” “Just a little surprise for you, don’t worry.” Fan smiled. Fan seemed so happy today. Smiling more often than usual. It was odd but Joseph didn’t want it to stop, considering that his heart skipped a few beats whenever he smiled.

“We both have to tell you something Joseph.” Xie admitted, leaning his face against his hand. Joseph blinked. Xie looked way too casual for it to be actually important. “Is it about the trips I make?” Xie chuckled, reaching for Joseph’s hand. “Believe it or not, no.” “Err-” Joseph flushed, feeling Fan take his other hand, his lips touching the tips of his nails. “Errr…. is this a prank?” “No.” Fan smiled as he brought Joseph’s hand up to his lips. Giving him a soft kiss before continuing. “We like you Joseph.”

“Prank.” Joseph confirmed, turning over to Xie who was simply holding Joseph’s hand. Like Fan and Xie could ever like him. Why would they? What would be the point in that? “I like the way you talk.” Xie grinned. “The way your smile grins through your words is amazing.” “You…” Joseph’s heart felt like it was running throughout his whole body, every inch of it feeling noticeably more warm. “Do you think we just let this happen with anyone?” Fan asked. “If you were literally anyone else I would’ve already put an end to your surprise trips.” “Well…” Joseph just blinked, a wide line painted onto his lips.

“You don’t have too.” Xie wore a smile on his face, but it was clearly worn out. “We’d just like it if you could be our boyfriend.” Joseph almost jumped out of his seat, his cheeks becoming a new shade of pink. “I... Well. I.” Fan sighed, letting go of Joseph’s hand. “Joseph Desaulnier, Est-ce que tu m'aimes?” Joseph’s eyes widened. French? It was pronounced quite smoothly actually. “Tu me rends heureuse. Tu es ma joie de vivre.” Joseph’s heart fluttered. Did he actually practice this? “J’adore ton sourire.” Xie grinned. Xie’s pronunciation wasn’t as smooth as Fan’s, but it was still understandable.

Joseph felt so hot from how flustered he was feeling. “Shut up... “ Joseph whimpered, covering his face with his arm. “W… Wǒ…” His lips quivered as he lowered his arms. He wasn’t saying anything right was he? “Wǒ ài… shang... nǐ le?” Both Xie and Fan jumped at the same time. Fan having a deep layer of red across his cheeks, with Xie looking down away from Joseph, looking down at the ground and facing away from him.

“S-So.” Fan cleared his throat, facing Joseph. “I love you too.” Joseph blinked seeing Fan’s face blush, his arm hovering in the air next to him, trying to not cover his face. It was oddly adorable in a way. “Wǒ ài shang… nǐ le.” It was Joseph’s turn to have fun at the two of them. Fan looked like he could pass out at this point as he held onto Joseph’s shoulders. “Say it in French.” Xie mumbled, tugging on Joseph’s sleeve. “I don’t want others to understand.”

All three of them were just fumbling red messes at this point. Joseph being taken back by Xie’s tiny form of jealousy along with Fan being a mess. Xie was so happy to hear Joseph liked them back but to hear it in their native tongue was too much. Fan however wanted to go back home so they could all just cuddle. “Je t’aime, mon ange.” “Xie stuffed his face into his hands, while Fan just hid in his jacket, leaving Joseph alone with his pink face.

“S-So. We’re dating.” Joseph coughed. “Yeah.” “Mhm.” “O-Okay. That’s nice.” That’s nice? What kinda response was that’s nice? Joseph wanted to die just right there. “Do you want to go somewhere else after this?” Xie asked, his hands fidgeting with each other. “Well… what did you two expect after confessing to me?” “To be happy instead of flustered.” Fan admitted, taking Joseph’s hand under the table.

“But this works.” The tips of his lips folded into a smile, a glittering look in his eyes. “Are we even going to eat here?” “Well the top of this place is rented out by us for the night.” Fan cleared his throat, adverting Joseph’s gaze. Joseph blinked as his eyes widened. The rooftop was so large, it could fit at least a hundred people, and the two rented out the place for three people? He faced Xie who had a light smile on his face, clearly ready for Joseph’s scoldings. “You rented out this whole place just so you can tell me you love me?” “Well…”

Xie poked at his cheek, his eyes looking over to the side rather than over at his face. “And a first kiss.” Joseph blinked. Here? On a rooftop? With the city lights lingering above them three? A beautiful sight really. As the hues blue, yellow and a tint of pink mix in with one another against a black canvas. The artificial lights coming from windows make the sight more stunning as the moonlight above them hit the crystals. Shame that a camera or a photograph couldn’t capture the essence of this beauty.

“Oh on the cheek Xie?” Fan chuckled, hiding his smile behind his hand. “Both…” Xie scratched his cheek. “Both of you…” Joseph’s heart warmed seeing Xie’s cheeks flush a pink tone. “Joseph’s sitting in the middle so...” “Can I kiss you on your lips?” Joseph asked, cupping Xie’s cheek into his hands. “You’re just so cute…” “A-Ah.” Xie nodded, flushing into a deeper hue of pink.

Joseph leaned in, a smile on the tips of his lips. Xie’s skin was soft, as expected from him. Joseph just didn’t expect his lips to be softer. His heart pounded as Xie wrapped his arms around Joseph’s chest, pulling him up closer to him. Oh how Joseph hated the duo’s height. Having to move up to kiss the man was annoying but, it didn’t matter as much. Their lips pressed together, a warm pleasant feeling sparked in Joseph’s chest.

Xie pulled away, holding onto Joseph closer. His arms wrapped around his chest, Joseph’s arms mushed against Xie’s own chest. “I…” Xie flushed, placing his head on Joseph’s shoulder. Fan joined in, hugging the back side of Joseph, placing his head on top of Joseph’s. “You look lovely tonight.” Fan commented, stroking through Joseph’s hair. “Not as much as you.” Joseph rolled his eyes as he felt Fan’s lips poke his forehead.