Work Text:
"Do you ever even sleep?"
A delirious laugh worms out of your chest. "You're one to talk, aren't you?" Shutting your laptop, you slide out of your seat. You've just gotten over the tired part of sleep deprivation, some sort of manic energy now coursing through you. You still had to finish up the conclusion and references for your report project and it was still 3 am, on the dot.
Xiao always arrived on time, after all. The said boy leaned casually against the wall, fiddling idly with the lapels of his jacket. Grabbing your own hoodie, draped against the back of a chair, you shrugged it over your shoulders. Wallet, phone, keys.
You shut the balcony door as Xiao switched off the lights and headed out. He locked the door. Keys secured in pocket, you both walked down 3 long, long stairs to Xiao's waiting bike.
Hands wrapped around his waist, you rested your head on Xiao's shoulder as he drove to the row of stores not too far away--far enough that you'd complained about walking once, but not too far where it took longer than five minutes.
Five minutes of soft chatter into his ear, and short answers back. Occasionally he'd huff at a comedic retelling of an event in your day, or he'd chastise getting into fights when he wasn't around.
And, to be fair, he wasn't in a position to talk.
Especially today, you thought. He had a brand new patch of cotton on his face, a cut from a punch thrown to his cheek. You'd been careful not to touch it, putting your head on his other shoulder. You'd ask him about it later.
***
"Are you absolutely certain you want to get a slushie at this hour?" Xiao, concern lying under the amusement in his voice. You shrugged, pretending to think about it for a moment as you set the small cup back onto the rack. To spite him, you reached instead for the extra-large cup and began filling it with the bright yellow slush. He sighed, turning away to pay for his snacks.
***
Dumping your haul onto the pavement beside you, you sat on the edge of the concrete and tiles, slurping your slushie. Xiao crouched and ate his tofu, balancing the bowl in between his knees and refusing to outright sit on the floor. You thought it ridiculous and called him arrogant for it.
Soon enough he was sat next to you as you both ate and talked about nothing. He'd gotten into a fight again, just like you had, but had gotten away a little less unscathed. You reached out to drag a thumb across the pad on his cheek. They'd been picking on some whiny kid, he said. He couldn't turn away. You'd tutted softly, picking at the plaster securing the cotton til' it came off completely.
The fluorescent lights of the store lit him up from behind, and, wow, your best friend was so pretty. Xiao had finished his tofu and now stared back at you, eyes wide and otherwordly, ethereal.
You look away, resorting to digging through the bag for the bandages you bought. How'd you two end up doing this every weekday?
The first time it happened was a mere coincidence; you'd caught your classmate at the convenience store at 3 a.m. You'd waved. He'd waved. Pretty normal stuff. The second time it happened, however, you'd waved and he'd given you a slight smile. And a wave.
The third time it happened, you'd talked to him in hopes of getting to know him better.
By the time you lost count, Xiao had begun to bike or walk over to your place for the convenience store runs occasionally. You'd given him a set of keys one day, more than willing to trust him. You'd trust him with your life, even, and he'd called you foolish and gullible with a grin.
In return, Xiao would come to regale you with little gifts, favours, and a new sense of familiarity. Once you woke up in your bed with no memory of getting there; an explanation came quickly enough when you found the boy knocked out on your sofa and about 6 missed calls from his adoptive father, Mr Zhongli.
He wasn't too pleased with the knowledge that Xiao sneaked out at night without his permission but allowed it to continue.
So long as Xiao promised to stay out of trouble.
And he had, kinda. You tore open the paper wrapping of the bandage then leaned in to apply it.
"Hold still, Xiao."
The other boy hummed in response. Sticking down the bandage carefully, you patted his cheek gently.
You tried not to startle too much when Xiao grabbed your hand, curling his fingers around your own with a quiet thanks and a squeeze.
He crashed on your sofa again later that night while watching you work.