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It was about 5:30 on a Tuesday night when Lan Zhan sat down for dinner with his Uncle and Brother.
The gathering, that took place about once a week, was something that his Uncle insisted upon to keep their family of three close whilst they were all living their separate lives.
The two brothers sort of just figured that their Uncle could use the company and never complained. Not only because it didn’t bother them, but they simply were not raised that way.
Regardless, they mostly sat in silence for their meals, unless something particularly interesting came up during dinner.
Tonight's topic: Lan Zhan’s love life.
A subject brought upon by none other than Lan Xichen.
The older of the two brothers had been ecstatic that his haphazard plan of finding his brother love had actually been successful, and at a Hooters nonetheless.
When Lan Zhan had come home that night looking happier and dare say giddier than usual. He knew that his plan had gone swimmingly.
Well, as well as he could’ve hoped for.
He had been sure that one of the customers or the servers would have thought his brother was attractive enough to get to know, and therefore had specifically sent him to a restaurant with lots of women. However, as his younger brother explained his evening it seemed that he had met a lovely male server instead.
Not that he would ever judge his brother's preference considering his own.
However, at the mention of this encounter to their Uncle, said man was now extremely curious as to his youngest nephew's affairs.
“Wangji, Xichen tells me that you have met someone.” Lan Qiren started, they had been in the middle of dinner, which was an oddity as it was always rare for him to start a conversation even outside of dinners.
“Mn.” There seems to be a hint of a smile on his nephew's face, though to anyone else it might seem as if his facial expression hadn’t changed at all.
“How long has it been since you’ve met?” He asks next.
Lan Zhan looks up from his meal and places his utensils down, seemingly thinking.
“Six months in October.” Lan Zhan replies.
Lan Qiren seems surprised by this information, if not silently proud.
“And you like her?”
“Him.” Lan Zhan replies. Xichen looked at his brother with fondness and maybe a hint of amusement.
Lan Qiren clears his throat, after all it was the 21st century and this was normal now. He was actually quite disappointed in himself when he realized that he never knew such a simple fact about his beloved nephew.
“You like him then?” He decides to restate.
“Mn.” Lan Zhan pauses, then smiles, “A lot.”
Xichen starts beaming before catching himself and retrieving his chopsticks.
“I see.” Lan Qiren nods, it is unclear whether he too is happy for Wangji or not, but Xichen likes to think so.
There is a comfortable silence between the three of them for the next few minutes before Lan Qiren’s curiosity seems to get the better of him.
“What does he do for a living?”
At this point, Xichen promptly chokes on his salad.
Lan Zhan looks up and nods, “He is a manager.”
“Where?”
“A restaurant.” Lan Zhan states, and at this point Xichen can understand why people hated talking to his brother so much. Trying to get full sentences and answers out of him was like pulling teeth. Which is why Xichen had been so grateful when his brother had told him about Wei Ying. He hadn’t personally met the man yet, but it seemed he was patient with Wangji and didn’t mind his quietness.
“Is it a respectable establishment?”
At this point, Xichen snorts into his salad.
But Lan Zhan persists, “Mn. There are many worldwide.”
It is now that Xichen realizes that his brother’s, mostly sheltered childhood, may be failing him at this moment.
“Hmm. Sounds promising.” Lan Qiren strokes his goatee, dinner having completely been forgotten.
Lan Zhan simply goes back to his meal, as does Xichen, until their Uncle speaks again.
“Wangji, it would be in the best interest if I could meet your partner at his establishment. Would you set up dinner for the four of us?”
It is at this point that Lan Zhan finally stops eating and looks at his brother and Uncle with a questioning look. His brother is smiling brightly at him, whilst his uncle looks dead set on the meeting.
“Mn. I will speak with him.”
“Excellent. Please notify him that I am available on weekends, as well as weekdays after my classes are finished.” Lan Qiren finalizes, leaving no say in the matter.
Conveniently, Lan Zhan and Wei Ying had a date that upcoming Thursday night, as it was the only evening they were both free.
“My Uncle would like to meet you.” Lan Zhan says over dinner that night.
The pair had just received their food when Lan Zhan had built up the courage to tell Wei Ying.
Wei Ying looks at him for a few moments before smiling widely, “Meeting the parental figures already? We’re moving fast, huh Lan Zhan?”
“If you do not wish to do so the–--”
“I would love to meet your family, Lan Zhan.” The other says in earnest, “Is there a time and place you are thinking about?”
“Mn.” Lan Zhan looks down at the table, “They wish to go to your establishment.”
Wei Ying laughs then, a sound Lan Zhan doesn’t think that he’ll ever get tired of hearing.
“Do they know what I do exactly? It’s not exactly luxurious.” He picks up another piece of sushi and pops it into his mouth.
“I briefly mentioned that you are a manager at an establishment that is popular around the world.”
Wei Ying laughs again, “That’s a flattering way to put it.”
“It seems my Uncle may have misunderstood.”
Wei Ying smiles again, or he just hadn’t stopped smiling, “When you put it like that it’s no wonder he misunderstood. But lucky for you, I live for the element of surprise. And boy will he be surprised when he walks in and sees me wearing short shorts.”
Even Lan Zhan breaks into a small laugh, though it is more of a huff, at that.
Over the past 6 months of dating, the pair had gotten continuously more uncomfortable with each other. So much so that Wei Ying was able to figure out Lan Zhan mannerisms and decipher his limited facial expressions in a record amount of time. It is because of this that they had been so compatible so far and why both couldn’t see a future without the other in it.
And something as minor as meeting Lan Zhan’s traditional uncle was not going to change that.
Besides, from what Lan Zhan had told him over various dates is that while his Uncle was very traditional in terms of practice he was quite open minded to the changing world around him.
“Is there a date in mind?” Wei Ying asked after a few moments, he could tell that there were still gears turning in Lan Zhan’s head. A sight that was rare for the man.
“Uncle mentioned that he is available on weekends and weekdays after he is finished with work.” Lan Zhan replied.
Wei Ying considered this statement for a minute or so, “I work most days at night and weekends can get pretty busy, but if I can get Jen to take over a shift for me then we’ll be set. She still owes me for that one shift anyway.”
“Mn. But if you hadn’t taken her shift, we would not have met.” Lan Zhan reminds, a blush climbing up his face.
“Aww, Lan Zhan! You’re so cute! Such a romantic!” Wei Ying beamed, nudging his foot against Lan Zhan’s ankle under the table.
If they happened to finish their dinner more quickly after that then so be it.
The next morning as Lan Zhan woke up he pressed a light kiss to the side of Wei Ying’s face before stepping out of bed and grabbing some extra clothes out of a drawer that Wei Ying had designated just for him.
“What time is it?” Wei Ying questioned groggily, the bed sheet slipping down his bare chest and pooling around his hips. His shoulder length dark hair was a complete mess, but he couldn’t have looked more beautiful in Lan Zhan’s eyes.
“Just after 5 am. I have to get to class soon.” Lan Zhan replied, buttoning his pants and taking a seat on the bed beside Wei Ying who immediately clung to him like a Koala.
“Uhh, it’s so early.” Wei Ying whined as the other leaned down to put on some socks before sitting up straight again.
“Don’t forget to text me about dinner with your uncle.” Wei Ying put his head on Lan Zhan’s shoulder and closed his eyes again.
“I will.” Lan Zhan smiled, although it was small it was filled with love and affection, “Go back to sleep, Wei Ying.”
“No problem, Lan Zhan.” Wei Ying pressed a kiss to his cheek and flopped down onto his pillow again.
Lan Zhan continued to ready himself for the day, as well as making a quick breakfast for himself and extra for Wei Ying that he wrapped up and put in the fridge so that it would still be good when the other did finally decide to get out of bed.
He made a final stop back to the bedroom to bid his boyfriend goodbye earning himself another sleepy kiss.
“Have a good day, Lan Zhan. Love you.” He mumbled, making Lan Zhan’s heart flutter with joy.
“Love Wei Ying too.” He said and saw himself out of the apartment, taking on his day with a new sense of excitement.
As prompted, within the next few days they had scheduled a day to have dinner together. Although, there was a small snag in their plan.
Similar to the situation a few months ago, Jen couldn’t take over Wei Ying shift until the evening, meaning that Wei Ying would be a little late to dinner although they would be in the same building.
Despite the situation they were optimistic, even if it meant Lan Qiren would have to see Lan Zhan’s boyfriend in neon orange short shorts.
It could be a lot worse in Wei Ying's opinion and he joked that they would probably even laugh about this first dinner at future holidays. Lan Zhan couldn’t help the swell of happiness at the idea of spending future holidays and the other.
So here they were a week later on a busy Saturday night, at a Hooters.
Xichen had to keep himself from laughing at various occasions throughout the initial few minutes they had arrived.
Upon arriving, Lan Qiren’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. And when he saw one of the young girls bussing tables, he immediately averted his eyes toward the ground, not lifting them until they were shown to their table.
“Wangji, this is where your partner works?” He finally asked, an unfamiliar tone in his voice. As if he were trying to be tolerant of the situation and at the same time as if he wanted to storm out of the building and then set it on fire.
“Mn.” Lan Zhan answered simply, “He is still working, but will be able to join us when his co-worker arrives.”
“I see.”
Lan Zhan simply sat in front of his uncle and brother as they waited to be served. His uncle looked at the table uncomfortably and his brother with a look of amusement.
A couple of minutes later, someone finally arrived at their table, much to Lan Zhan’s delight, it was Wei Ying.
“Fancy seeing you here, Lan Zhan!” He joked, announcing his presence to the table.
“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan stood in surprise, earning a brief hug from the waiter, “I had thought you said you would not serve this side tonight?”
“Ah, Kaitlynn and I agreed to switch depending on where you guys were sitting. That said, care to introduce me?”
Wei Ying smiled brightly and turned to the other two people at the table. He could tell right away that they were all blood related, as Lan Zhan and his brother looked very similar.
“Wei Ying, this is my brother Lan Xichen.” Lan Zhan introduced him first as he was sitting on the outer edge of the booth.
“Pleased to meet you, Wei Ying. I have heard many things about you from Wangji.”
“All good things I hope?” Wei Ying replied, as it seemed like the proper clichè thing to do.
“Only the best.” The older of the two brothers smiled.
Next up was Lan Qiren, who hadn’t wanted to look anywhere but the table.
“Wei Ying, this is my uncle Lan Qiren.” Lan Zhan introduced.
Then, and only then did Lan Qiren look up from the table, and being the proper gentleman that he was, he too stepped out of the booth, just as Xichen had done, and greeted Wei Ying properly.
“It’s good to finally meet you, sir.” Wei Ying bowed, as even though they were in America it still felt like the proper, most respectful thing to do.
Lan Qiren seemed surprised at the politeness, but nodded approvingly at the gesture. Though he seemed to refuse to look anywhere, but the man's face. As he had deemed it, early on into them arriving at the restaurant, that the clothing of the employees was highly inappropriate, according to his standards.
Somehow, Lan Zhan was able to pick up on Wei Ying’s troubled emotions and placed a reassuring palm on the small of his back, just above the short shorts.
Wei Ying gave the taller man a grateful smile and motioned for everyone to sit again, he quickly asked what everyone would like to drink before fleeing to the kitchen.
There he was intercepted by the girls.
“Oh my god, I am so nervous just watching you!” Liz placed a hand on his tense shoulder and squeezed.
“Are you sure you’re okay with waiting on them until Jen gets here?” Stacey asked, also trying to console him.
“Ah, it's okay. I will have to get used to it at some point, even if his uncle seems to hate me.” Wei Ying tried to be positive about the encounter, but judging by the look he had gotten from Lan Zhan’s uncle the outcome wasn’t looking good.
“Well, if you’re sure.” Amber also looked sympathetic toward him, as well as the other waitresses that had all been briefed on the situation months ago, including all of the new employees. It seemed that at some point they had all become invested in their newly appointed manager’s love life, seeing as it all started here in the first place.
Snapping back into work, Wei Ying quickly filled three glasses of water for the Lan’s as well as the drinks for two other tables nearby.
Luckily, Wei Ying was able to busy himself with other tables for a few minutes before heading back to Lan Zhan’s table.
It took Lan Qiren and Xichen a few more minutes to decide on what to eat whilst Wei Ying already knew exactly what Lan Zhan wanted. As he waited for the other two he and Lan Zhan looked at each other as if silently trying to figure out what each other was saying.
Their moment was interrupted by Lan Qiren clearing his voice, much to Wei Ying’s embarrassment.
Said waiter, carefully took down their orders and went back to the kitchen where he was required to tell the girls any new updates.
Back at the dinner table, the three Lan’s sat in silence for a good five minutes, Lan Zhan being intently stared down by his uncle.
“When you mentioned that he was a manager at an international establishment, this is not what I had envisioned, Wangji.”
Lan Zhan, not knowing how to reply, simply nodded in replace of words.
For some reason Lan Qiren took that as an opportunity to continue.
“I must say he is not what I was expecting either.” Lan Qiren glanced toward the kitchen doors across the dining room, “And the attire here is atrocious. Don’t they allow their male servers to wear something more...appropriate?”
“Wei Ying is their only male server. He does not believe that clothing is specifically limited to one gender.” Lan Zhan defended.
“Hm.” His uncle crossed his arms and put his nose up, not convinced in the slightest of Lan Zhan's choice in partner.
“I must question why he is their manager. He seems like their least professional employee.” His uncle was glancing around the room, especially eyeing when Wei Ying had nearly ran into a family exiting the building whilst carrying a large tray of food. Lan Zhan had also seen the dilemma and was immensely grateful when nothing had fallen and everyone had laughed it off.
“He has worked hard for his position.” Lan Zhan continued.
“Don’t be unkind, uncle. You know nothing about him yet.” Xichen spoke up, earning a grateful look from his brother.
A little while later Wei Ying brought them their appetizer and was about to ask if they needed anything else when there was a loud crash from a few tables away.
It seemed that one of the new employees, Kelly, accidently dropped a glass that was supposed to be placed on a table that was full of sleazy looking guys, one of which seemed to be the leader of the pack and was smirking and being a general asshole to the girl.
However, it was when the girl bent down to pick the broken glasses that the man attempted to grab her. Luckily, Wei Ying had reached them in time and ripped the man's hand away from her before he could touch her.
“Sir, I am going to have to ask you to leave.” Wei Ying said sternly, something that Lan Zhan had not seen out of Wei Ying yet. The other was always smiley and fun, never serious and almost terrifying.
“Why? I didn’t do anything wrong!” The man feigned innocence, earning some laughter from the other guys at his table.
“We do not tolerate any kind of indecent treatment of our wait staff here and therefore I am kindly asking you to leave.”
“Ooh scary!” He sneered, then laughed, “And if we don’t leave? What are you gonna do, huh?”
“I will get authorities involved.” Wei Ying threatened, having already nodded at Amber who was at the hostess station with the phone.
The man, finally understanding that Wei Ying was serious, made an ugly face and ripped his hand out of Wei Ying’s tight grasp and stood abruptly, the rest of the guys in the booth following him out.
The waitress, who had been trying to pick up the glass pieces when the man tried to touch her, had fallen on the ground. Wei Ying quickly helped her up and made sure that she was still okay to work. She nodded thankfully and allowed Amber to escort her back to the employee restrooms to clean up the cuts she had gotten from trying to clean up the glass.
Wei Ying being the manager, quickly resolved the situation as seamlessly as possible, he cleaned up the broken glass, cleaned off the table that only had a bunch of alcoholic drinks on it and wiped it down. He then made sure that Kelly was okay before continuing to go about his job as normal.
Within twenty minutes the incident was all but forgotten about and Jen had arrived to take over for Wei Ying.
Gratefully, Wei Ying changed into a pair of sensible jeans and a long sleeved shirt as it was always freezing at Hooters. He then nervously joined Lan Zhan and his family.
They had just been served their food, including Wei Ying’s order that he brought out with their food before he clocked out.
Upon sitting down he was immediately greeted, lovingly by Lan Zhan who unashamedly placed a kiss to the side of his head and placed a hand over Wei Ying’s in his lap.
They sit and eat in silence for a few moments, much to Wei Ying’s dismay, although it probably would’ve been more disheartening if he hadn’t already been used to Lan Zhan’s “no talking while eating” antics.
However, just as Wei Ying thought they were going to eat their entire meal in silence, Lan Qiren spoke up.
“It seems I may have judged you too quickly.” He said reluctantly.
“Mn.” Lan Zhan agreed, a little spitefully.
Lan Qiren looked at his nephew with a pointed look, though it seemed there was a hint of fondness beneath all of the annoyance.
“It is quite admirable that you take your job seriously.” He paused, “Despite it being an establishment such as this.”
Wei Ying laughed, relieved at the words and the half compliment/insult.
“Thank you, I guess? I really wish that wouldn’t have happened, but you know how it is. It’s a bit of a double edged sword with the work clothes. They are meant for customers, but some don’t have enough respect to appreciate it from afar if you know what I mean.” Wei Ying rambled, beside him he would tell that Lan Zhan nodded in agreement, as did Lan Xichen.
Somehow they were able to move on that part of the conversation into something completely unrelated.
“Wangji says that you are also a student.” Xichen said, leaving Wei Ying to wonder for a few seconds whether it was a question or a statement. He settled on it being a question.
“Ah, yes. I’m finishing up my last year now. I just work here to help pay for my tuition.” Wei Ying admitted, earning an approving nod from Lan Qiren.
“What are you majoring in if you don’t mind my asking?” Lan Qiren spoke up, having just finished his cup of warm tea.
“Teaching.” Wei Ying answered simply, “With a minor in child care. I hope to teach young children one day. I think it would be more suited for that grade level than older ones, but I am open to anything.”
Lan Qiren nodded again, he cleared his throat, “I, myself, am a teacher as well. Although I teach at university level I know a thing or two about child care.” He paused looking at his two nephews.
Wei Ying smiles, a passing thought of what a young baby Lan Zhan may have looked like before focusing his attention back on the present.
“If you need any assistance with school work or connections, do not be afraid to inquire.” Lan Qiren finished, not meeting Wei Ying’s eyes, as he looked out of the window into the Hooters parking lot.
Wei Ying smiled and nod frantically, earning a reassuring squeeze on the thigh from Lan Zhan.
At the end of their dinner, Wei Ying walked with Lan Zhan and his family out into the parking lot.
“It seems Uncle has taken a liking to you.” Xichen spoke up, he had been mostly silent for the night, seemingly just enjoying the ride.
“Mn.” Lan Zhan agreed, a hand placed on the small of Wei Ying’s back.
“Ah, I’m not so sure. It seems like it might take more than one dinner to get on his good side.” Wei Ying admitted, making Xichen smile in amusement.
“Perhaps.” He paused, “That being said, I will allow the two of you to have the rest of the night to yourselves.”
As he bid his final goodbye and went to follow his uncle to the car, Wei Ying called after him.
“One more thing!” He started, earning Xichen’s attention, “Thanks for making Lan Zhan go to Hooters alone all those months ago, I wouldn’t have met him without you!”
Wei Ying laughed again as Lan Zhan’s face went red and they earned a few questioning glances from other patrons that were coming and leaving. Lan Xichen simply smiled in amusement and waved goodbye before stepping into the car.
As the two older Lan’s left, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stood together near the front door.
Wei Ying turned around in Lan Zhan’s hold and threw his arms around his shoulders.
“That wasn’t as traumatic as I thought it was going to be.” He sighed, feeling his whole body melt as Lan Zhan placed his large hands on his waist in return.
“Mn. Agreed.”
Wei Ying smiled and pressed a quick kiss to Lan Zhan’s lips.
“Let me go get my things and then I’ll meet you back out here and we can go home.”
Lan Zhan nodded and reluctantly let go of Wei Ying so that he could go back inside of the building.
Inside, Wei Ying walked into the building where a bunch of the Hooters girls were plastered up against the front window. As soon as they saw Wei Ying come in they immediately stopped looking out the window and pretended that nothing happened. Although it had been quite obvious that they were trying to be nosy.
Wei Ying chuckled and made his way through the kitchen to the employee room where he gathered his things and then headed out for the night, making sure to say goodbye to all of the kitchen staff as well as the other waitresses.
Just as he was about to step out of the building he heard a very loud;
“Don’t forget to invite us to your wedding!!”