Work Text:
The day was full of signs that something was not right.
The sharp rays of the sun glared through his window, as he twisted uncomfortably in his bed. So bright . . .
It was the middle of winter, but Hua Cheng felt as if he was burning. His blood was fire, thrumming under his skin, making everything unpleasantly, almost painfully, warm. Everything looked so out of focus. A second of concentration led to a minute of his head aching. Hua Cheng slowly sat upright, and stumbled out of bed. Why did his body feel so heavy, like it was made out of lead?
A soft tsk escaped his lips when he saw his appearance in the mirror. While Hua Cheng was no vain fool, he wasn’t a slob either. But this morning he sure looked like one. His hair, unbound and astray, his face, paler than usual, like a corpse’s, and his eyes unfocused, with dark eyebags underneath. He looked disgusting. Hua Cheng roughly splashed water on his face, his senses barely registering the chill.
He walked outside, wiping his face, when he heard his phone ring. Light footsteps padding on the carpet, E-Ming barged into his room, rudely meowing as to tell him to pick up the call already and make the ear splitting noise stop. Hua Cheng shooed away the cat, not in the mood for E-Ming’s usual antics. The cat swished his tail, all high and mighty, not budging an inch. Hua Cheng grumbled under his breath, ready to brutally tear apart whoever the unlucky person at the other end was. Who told them to call him when he was feeling weird and in a bad mood?
But just a glimpse of the caller ID, and Hua Cheng’s anger disappeared in an instant. Not wasting another second, he picked up the call.
“Gege?” He questioned. And then he was stunned into silence. Why was his voice so hoarse? Like it had been scratched by nails.
And Xie Lian noticed too.
“San Lang? You sound . . . Are you alright?” Xie Lian asked, the concern evident in his voice. E-Ming, who was being a menace just a few seconds ago, started to meow sweetly when he heard Xie Lian’s voice from the speaker.
“Don’t worry, Gege, I feel fine.” Hua Cheng comforted, sidestepping E-Ming, who was currently trying to claw his leg. So annoying, why couldn’t he have just left this cat in the dumpster he had found him in when he was just a kitten?
“You don’t sound fine. Is this why you didn’t come to class today?”
“What?”
“San Lang, the first class just ended. You weren’t there. I called you before, but you didn’t answer.”
“But . . .” Hua Cheng glanced at the clock. The time 9:03 AM blinked at him, almost mockingly. “No wonder the morning felt so bright . . .”
“You overslept?”
“It seems so. I’m sorry for making Gege worry.”
“Don’t be sorry for such things. I have some free time before the next class starts. I’m going to come over.”
“Gege doesn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to.”
And with that the call ended. Hua Cheng put the phone down, feeling complicated. Any other day, his heart would soar at the idea of having Xie Lian over. But today . . . Scanning the state of his room, it was really disorganized. His blankets were overturned and his sheets were tangled. And he looked like a mess. Not the most presentable state to be in, especially when his beloved was coming over especially to pay him a visit.
Hua Cheng took a seat at the edge of the bed, feeling out of it. E-Ming, for once, quieted down, as if sensing there was something off about Hua Cheng. The black menace stared at him, one dark eye unblinkingly scrutinizing him. Hua Cheng ignored him.
A few moments later, the sharp and crisp sound of the doorbell rang. Hua Cheng slowly got up, and dragged his feet towards the door. He felt dizzy, like he could fall at any moment, but somehow, through sheer willpower, he opened the door and greeted the person outside with as bright a smile as he could muster.
“Gege! You finally came!”
Xie Lian stood there, in the doorway, wearing an off white knitted sweater along with a pale blue scarf tied around his neck. His hair was tied up in a casual bun. Xie Lian returned the smile, the curve of his mouth softening around the edges.
It was beautiful. He was beautiful, Hua Cheng thought through his daze.
“Mn, I’m finally here, San Lang.” He said. Even his gaze was so gentle.
And of course, because good things couldn’t last, E-Ming came and immediately meowed. The soft sound caught Xie Lian’s attention. He let out a gasp of delight, seeing the scraggly old cat, and bent down. E-Ming purred under Xie Lian’s touch, and who could blame him?
“It’s nice to see you too, E-Ming.” Xie Lian said, chuckling as the cat pounced in his arms.
Hua Cheng narrowed his eyes at E-Ming for stealing Xie Lian’s attention away. But, despite his annoyance, Hua Cheng couldn’t deny the warmth that spread in his chest when he saw the scene. Xie Lian walked right into his life, and stayed like he always belonged there.
However, the warmth was overtaken by a wave of dizzying heat, and Hua Cheng staggered, almost losing balance.
“San Lang?!” Xie Lian exclaimed. Panic laced his eyes, as he stepped forward to catch Hua Cheng. Xie Lian held him upright, helping Hua Cheng regain his balance.
“Gege doesn’t have to . . . It’s okay . . . ”
Hua Cheng’s incoherent sentences were immediately silenced when Xie Lian suddenly placed his palm on his forehead. It was so cool, and pleasant, chasing away all the uncomfortable heat he had felt. Hua Cheng leaned into his touch. However, he came to his senses when he heard Xie Lian inhale a sharp breath. He tried to pull away, but a new wave of dizziness crashed into him. He weakly rested his head on Xie Lian’s shoulder.
“San Lang . . .” Xie Lian said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You-Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
Hua Cheng blinked at that information. Ah, no wonder he felt so terrible. He hadn’t been sick for a long time, not since he was a child, and it was only natural since his conditions were much worse then. But why now?
“I didn’t think I was sick.” Hua Cheng replied honestly.
Xie Lian gave him a look, the one he always gave when he thought Hua Cheng should take better care of himself.
“Let’s get you to bed.” Xie Lian finally said. And with that, Xie Lian lifted Hua Cheng up in his arms. The ground disappeared from underneath him, and he rested snug, within Xie Lian’s arms.
Hua Cheng stared at him, one eye wide, wondering if he was dreaming. Xie Lian glanced down and smiled at him. “You’re in no state to walk. Let Gege take care of you.”
E-Ming followed the two of them in the bedroom, occasionally nuzzling against Xie Lian’s feet. Xie Lian entertained the little menace, all while gently carrying Hua Cheng with ease. Through the haze of his mind, Hua Cheng thought this scene was reminiscent of when he first met Xie Lian.
He was falling. Nothing to catch him but the cold hard concrete. He shut his eyes, accepting his fate. At least his death would be troublesome for those people to deal with. Any cause of pain to them was worth it.
A million moments of his life flashed through his head. His final moments, or so he thought. He expected all but a pair of warm arms to catch him. Xie Lian. The one who changed his fate in an instant.
What a picture they must have made. A scrawny and malnourished child, clutching to an older boy with all his might. His savior. The first person to treat him with kindness, save for his mother. He was dazzling, with vibrant eyes and a gentle expression.
Did Xie Lian remember that boy? Did he figure out Hong’er was Hua Cheng? He hoped not. He was pathetic and weak back then. He clenched his fists. Wasn’t he just as pathetic and weak right now?
Before Hua Cheng could jump into another self deprecating tirade, Xie Lian carefully lowered him onto the bed. Xie Lian didn’t seem to mind the mess. He simply tucked Hua Cheng in bed. Then he coaxed E-Ming out of the room. And the little demon listened to him.
The rest of the events were a haze. At some point, Xie Lian removed his scarf and set it aside. As Hua Cheng tried to keep his consciousness, Xie Lian’s fingers combed through his silky raven locks, carefully moving the annoying strands of hair away from his face.
“San Lang, let me tie your hair.” Xie Lian suddenly said.
Hua Cheng quickly sat up, and the vestiges of sleep disappeared in an instant. His heart pounded. How could it not, when his boyfriend offered to make his hair? He wasn’t ignorant of what it meant.
Lovers brushed each other’s hair. A promise of eternal love. And Xie Lian wanted to brush his . . .
“I’d be honored.” He said, energetically turning over, back facing Xie Lian.
“San Lang is surely eager.” Xie Lian commented, amused.
“This one simply thinks Gege has amazing hair brushing skills.”
Xie Lian huffed. “Flatterer.”
Hua Cheng turned around, looking right into Xie Lian’s eyes. “You deserve more than mere flattery. I assure you, every word I say is the truth. After all, in this world, you’ll never never find anyone more sincere than me.”
Xie Lian was stunned into silence. Hua Cheng admired the way a blush bloomed on his cheeks. He averted his eyes shyly, saying, “I know.”
Xie Lian found a comb littered on the side table alongside a few black hair ties. He hummed, softly brushing Hua Cheng’s unkempt hair. It was an unfamiliar feeling, but Hua Cheng thought he could get used to it. His scalp tingled pleasantly, each brush careful and gentle, sliding easily through his hair.
He never let anyone touch his hair, if he could help it. His father grabbed his hair roughly when he was drunk, his old bullies pulled on it, and when strangers tried to flirt with him, they reached for his long hair, only to be met with his ire and bared teeth. It usually scared them off. But Xie Lian . . . He treated Hua Cheng’s hair like it was a treasure, each stroke holding care and love he hadn’t felt from anyone but his mother. He couldn’t help but cherish the feeling, wanting to lock it up in his chest for however long he could.
A few more brushes, and knots untangled, his hair was tied up. Xie Lian stood a little away, scrutinizing his handiwork. His shoulders slumped, as he sighed.
“It’s a little lopsided. I must have disappointed San Lang . . .”
Hua Cheng frowned, and immediately pulled his boyfriend into his arms. He nuzzled against Xie Lian’s neck.
Xie Lian giggled. “San Lang, that tickles!”
He pressed a light kiss against Xie Lian’s neck. The other let out a delightful squeal.
“Punishment for talking bad about yourself.”
“But it’s true . . .” Xie Lian defended.
“Is it? I rather like this style. Maybe I should make it myself.”
“No! San Lang . . . t-that’s . . .” Xie Lian stuttered.
Hua Cheng smirked. “I see how it is. Gege thinks I’m too handsome like this. Maybe I’ll only make my hair like this for him then.”
At this point, Xie Lian’s face was completely red. Covering his face behind his hands, he sputtered out, “Shameless.”
Hua Cheng was ruthless, laughing at Xie Lian’s shyness. Weak punches hit his chest, but instead of hurting, they only tickled his heart. He really wanted to kiss Xie Lian senseless. But before he could make good on that idea, his head started pounding. A pained groan escaped him.
Xie Lian immediately pulled away from Hua Cheng, and pushed him against the sheets. His head hit the softness of the pillow, and Xie Lian was leaning over him once again. Hua Cheng blinked up at him.
“San Lang, don’t play around anymore.” Xie Lian said, trying to be stern. But the redness still present on his cheeks and the worry that leaked in his voice ruined the effect.
Still, Hua Cheng decided against teasing him further. He knew well enough by now, if he continued, Xie Lian would ignore him. Of course, it wouldn’t last long. Xie Lian would pay attention to Hua Cheng after a little coaxing, but even a moment of silent treatment was too much for him to bear. Instead, Hua Cheng just sighed, and obediently said, “Fine, I’ll listen to Gege.”
Xie Lian seemed satisfied, pulling a blanket over Hua Cheng.
“Now, rest.” Xie Lian ordered.
And there was no way Hua Cheng could disobey.
Before he knew it, sleep overtook him. It settled over him like a slow tide, and dragged him deeper, away from consciousness. But before he could fully lose himself in his dreams, a haze settled over him uncomfortably. He shifted, trying to adjust to a more comfortable position. But it was no use. His skin felt like rubber, and he felt as if his body was coated with plastic.
Hua Cheng slightly opened his eyes, his gaze almost subconsciously drifting to where Xie Lian should be. But the space beside his bed was empty. A sharp pang twisted his heart. Xie Lian had left. Of course he had, he had class. And Hua Cheng had selfishly hoped Xie Lian would forget. Would spend an afternoon by his side. He smiled bitterly.
Useless. Clingy. Not knowing his place. Wanting more, craving more. And for what? For Xie Lian to stop his life and spend his time taking care of an ugly deadweight like him? Maybe one day, Xie Lian would realize that, and decide he’d be better off without Hua Cheng.
But the next moment, his bitterness melted into shock. His heart tumbled, as he saw Xie Lian peek through the door. The other took in Hua Cheng’s half awake state.
Xie Lian smiled apologetically. As if Xie Lian had anything to apologize for. Especially to him.
“Did I wake you?” He asked softly.
Hua Cheng shook his head. “I couldn’t fall asleep.”
Then smiling weakly, he added. “But I see Gege’s still here.”
“Should I not be?” Xie Lian asked, worried. How silly, when had there been a time he didn’t want Xie Lian to be around? Rather, he wanted to always bask in Xie Lian’s presence, monopolize his attention, like a greedy child who couldn’t get enough of anything.
“Your class?” Hua Cheng murmured.
Xie Lian tilted his head, confused, and then realization sunk in.
“San Lang doesn’t have to worry about that.” He assured. “I won’t be going today.”
“Besides,” Xie Lian said, scratching his cheek sheepishly. “It was too late for me to leave by the time I remembered.”
“I’m sorry.” Hua Cheng apologized.
Xie Lian frowned. “It’s not your fault. I’m the one who lost track of time.”
“But-”
“San Lang, even if I had time, I still wouldn’t go. I can’t leave you alone, when you’re like this.” Xie Lian said, his tone resolute. He walked over to Hua Cheng, placing a cold towel over his head. The coolness tingled against his skin, abating some of the heat.
Hua Cheng ignored it, in favor of reaching forward and grasping Xie Lian’s wrist. “Gege, if you keep saying such things, I won’t ever want you to leave.”
Xie Lian smiled, “Then I won’t leave.”
Relief flooded Hua Cheng, and he felt like he might cry. Xie Lian would be by his side. Nothing else mattered anymore. This was enough. More than enough.
“By the way, San Lang, where do you keep your medicine?”
“Medicine . . .” Hua Cheng stupidly repeated, as if it were a foreign word.
Xie Lian didn’t point it out, and nodded. “Yeah, for your fever.”
“I looked through the drawers but I couldn’t find any.” He explained.
“There’s none.” Hua Cheng stated.
Xie Lian’s eyes widened. “You . . .”
“I’ve never gotten sick before.” Hua Cheng said.
It was a lie, but Xie Lian didn’t need to know about the nights he spent sweating out his fever because no one cared about him enough to get medicine. And once he grew up, it simply became a habit.
“I-I’ll quickly run to the store and buy some.” Xie Lian said hurriedly pulling away. Hua Cheng missed his warmth immediately.
“Gege, you just promised you wouldn’t leave.” Hua Cheng whined, unwilling to let Xie Lian out of his sight.
“And I’m not, not really. I’ll be back before you know it.” Xie Lian said. He tied the blue scarf around his neck once again, and looked back at Hua Cheng.
“See you soon.” Xie Lian waved, walking away.
Didn’t Xie Lian realize, even a second of separation was too long for Hua Cheng? He watched Xie Lian walk out of the room, disappearing, in his feverish haze.
Since when had it become so painful? So hard? Hua Cheng would have been content to wait for Xie Lian for a long time, even 800 years, no, even more. But he had become spoiled, staying by the other’s side, knowing the feeling of having Xie Lian look at him. He didn't want it to ever end.
And with those thoughts, he drifted to sleep. This time, the comforting coolness of the cloth kept the haze away. But a peaceful rest was not in the cards for him.
Memories and visions flashed through his skull, all painful and shocking. Xie Lian passed out, Xie Lian hurt, scars all over his wrists and torso, Xie Lian crying and Hua Cheng helpless to do anything about it. Each image was seared in his mind, like a brand of his failure. Hua Cheng swore he would never abandon Xie Lian like the others. At least, until Xie Lian decided he didn’t want Hua Cheng around anymore.
Those who hurt Xie Lian, he despised them. The hatred burned him, intensifying with each second. But more than them, he hated himself.
He was so useless, allowing Xie Lian to suffer like that. He had gone through so much, it was only right for Hua Cheng to be the one to take care of him. What right did he have to demand anything from Xie Lian? To shamelessly let Xie Lian take care of him like this?
Hua Cheng twisted in his bed, feeling hot over. Sweat soaked through his clothes. A cool hand brushed his skin. Hua Cheng opened his eyes. Xie Lian was above him, a halo of golden light surrounding his figure. His expression held all the compassion of a deity.
‘An Angel? No he’s. . . God.’ Hua Cheng thought feverishly. Was this another dream, or was he real? He didn’t know.
He didn’t know how much time had passed, but when he woke up, Xie Lian was back. A plastic bag leaned against the side table. And Xie Lian’s face was so close to his. He could see his brows furrowed as he fussed over Hua Cheng. He wanted to press the furrow away, soften the creases of worry on Xie Lian’s face.
“Open your mouth.” Xie Lian said, when he saw Hua Cheng was awake.
Hua Cheng did, before his brain caught up to understand the reason why. Something cold and metallic entered his mouth, settling under his tongue. A beep, then another, and it was pulled out.
“Your temperature is really high.” Xie Lian sighed, his voice quiet and soft with concern. Xie Lian held the thermometer towards him. It flashed, 39.9 C.
“Here, San Lang, your medicine.”
Xie Lian handed him a bottle of water and a pill. Hua Cheng reluctantly swallowed it, and quickly gulped the water right after, shuddering at the bitterness of the pill. It was an unpleasant taste. But it did fully wake him up.
As the remnants of sleep started to fade, Hua Cheng sluggishly turned to face Xie Lian. Xie Lian was looking back, his attention fully on him.
“Gege . . .” He said, his voice so hoarse.
“Mn?” Xie Lian asked.
He wrapped his hands around the other’s waist, pulling him closer. He rested his head on Xie Lian’s stomach. Xie Lian gently rubbed his head.
“What's wrong?”
“Don’t go . . .”
‘Don’t leave me. Don’t go where I can’t protect you. Don’t get hurt. I can’t bear it. I really can’t . . .’
“I’m not going anywhere now.” Xie Lian assured.
Hua Cheng relaxed, hearing those words. He didn’t care about himself, but Xie Lian would be safe here. Even with a fever, Hua Cheng would fight with all his might to protect his beloved. However, what Xie Lian said next, made Hua Cheng want to tighten his grip.
“Go back to sleep, I’ll make you some congee.”
Hua Cheng shook his head.
“San Lang . . .” Xie Lian said helplessly. “You need to eat.”
“I’d rather have Gege my my side.”
“I’ll be back by your side as soon as I'm done cooking, I promise.”
Hua Cheng loosened his grip, but was hesitant to let go.
Suddenly a soft kiss was pressed against his forehead. “My San Lang is such a good boy, surely he’ll rest if his Gege requests it, right?”
So unfair. Xie Lian was playing dirty, and he knew it. Hua Cheng reluctantly released him, and obediently lay on the bed. Xie Lian pulled the sheets up and promised he would be back in a matter of minutes.
And now, as he lay in bed, sick, that helplessness and powerlessness from the past came back. He thought that part of himself had long died, but it was always there within him. Buried deep, but still present. And now it came back to haunt him, taunting him of how incapable he was of protecting the one person, the only person who truly mattered. Hua Cheng wanted to get up, but he remembered what Xie Lian had said. He was a good boy, he would listen and rest in bed.
True to his words, Xie Lian came back in ten minutes, holding a steaming bowl of congee in his hands. It had been an agonizing wait, but now that Xie Lian was back, Hua Cheng was okay. And very much looking forward to eating his boyfriend’s cooking.
Xie Lian took a seat next to Hua Cheng. He set the bowl on the side table, and stirred the congee. It had a strange purple tint, and looked very chewy. Hua Cheng had never seen congee like it before, and he was curious to give it a try.
“It’s a little hot.” Xie Lian said, intercepting Hua Cheng, when he tried to reach for the bowl.
Hua Cheng pouted. “And here I was hoping I would get to try Gege’s cooking right when it was ready.”
Xie Lian laughed, a pleasant sound, like tinkling bells. Hua Cheng wanted to hear it more. Above all, he wanted Xie Lian to be happy.
“Then I suppose I can’t disappoint San Lang. Here, I’ll blow on it for you.”
And instantly, Hua Cheng felt like the luckiest person in the entire world. To have the sweetest, most caring, and most beautiful boyfriend, he was blessed.
Xie Lian blew a few puffs of his breath, blowing the steam away. When he deemed it cool enough, he fed the concoction to Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng ate it with delight. It had a unique texture, and he bet the taste was just as special. It was unfortunate his taste buds were fried because of the fever and he couldn’t relish in the taste of the congee.
Once the first bowl was over, Hua Cheng wanted to ask for seconds, but that would mean Xie Lian would have to go to the kitchen again. That was too far. He could just eat it later. Perhaps by then, his fever would lessen, and he could enjoy the taste properly.
But for now, he really wanted to hold Xie Lian. So he held the other’s waist, and pulled him forward. With a yelp, Xie Lian collapsed onto his chest.
“Now, I’m not going to let Gege go anywhere. He’s left this poor San Lang alone too many times today.”
Xie Lian huffed. “San Lang’s so clingy.”
Hua Cheng stiffened. Was . . . Could Xie Lian be seriously annoyed at him? But looking at the other, he only had a peaceful expression on his face.
So Hua Cheng said, “I could never have enough of Gege.”
Xie Lian sighed softly, delicately caressing his face. Hua Cheng closed his eyes in contentment, adoring the soft touches. Xie Lian’s slender fingers trailed to the right side of his face, where a thick black eyepatch. It covered an old, inconsequential wound. That eye was ugly anyway.
Xie Lian stopped. Then, with a feather light touch, he pressed his thumb upon the hurt area. Hua Cheng was deformed, but Xie Lian touched his deformity like it was deserving of love. Like he was deserving of love. Hua Cheng knew Xie Lian loved him, a situation he only imagined possible only in his wildest dreams. But Xie Lian convinced him. It was always easy to believe his beloved. But sometimes, it was hard for Hua Cheng to believe he was worthy of that love.
“San Lang can take his eyepatch off. It must be uncomfortable sleeping like that.”
Hua Cheng’s heart clenched. “I wouldn’t want Gege to bear witness to something so ugly.”
Xie Lian glared, actually glared, at him.
“No part of San Lang is ugly.” He said firmly, his fingers still grazing the eyepatch. The touch was faint, like he was afraid of hurting Hua Cheng.
And as if to prove his words, Xie Lian leaned down and pressed a kiss against his eyepatch. Hua Cheng’s breath hitched. Xie Lian’s fingers continued trailing against the line of his eyepatch. Almost as if asking for permission, Xie Lian pulled at the knot. Gazing at Hua Cheng in question, Hua Cheng decided that perhaps it was about time Xie Lian saw what he really was like. So he nodded. And Xie Lian untied it.
He stared up at Xie Lian, expecting a look of shock or disgust, even if it was momentary. It was the only natural reaction. It would hurt, but Hua Cheng could bear it. However, Xie Lian really had a way with subverting his expectations. He looked at him with the same fondness he always carried for Hua Cheng.
“I was right. My San Lang is the most handsome.” Xie Lian whispered, more to himself than Hua Cheng.
Those gentle fingers traced his scar, “But, I wish San Lang didn’t suffer.”
‘I wish Gege didn’t have to, either.’ Hua Cheng thought.
“I’m sorry, Gege.”
“Sorry? What for?” Xie Lian asked, surprise lacing his voice.
‘For being too weak to protect you. To . . .’
“Gege has to take care of me, even though he’s so busy.” Hua Cheng said.
Xie Lian gave him a look that could only be described as exasperated, but fond. “Aren’t you apologizing too much today? Especially for things that aren’t your fault.”
“But it is my fault. I’m so selfish . . . to take up all of Gege’s time.” Hua Cheng admitted.
“San Lang, I’m actually happy,” Xie Lian said.
Then realizing how it sounded, he waved his hands furiously.
“Not that you’re sick.That part is still terrible.”
“But . . .” Xie Lian continued, his voice softening. “I’m happy that you trust me. You’re always so strong, and so reliable. You’re always there for me, and I want to be there for you. I want to do something for you, even if it’s just a little thing.
“And taking care of San Lang isn’t some chore. San Lang is the reason why I realize that it’s such a simple thing to be happy.”
As soon as he uttered those words, Xie Lian became flustered.
Hua Cheng’s heart thumped. He was sure he was just as flustered. What did he do to deserve such a kind and caring lover? Hua Cheng never thought of himself as a virtuous person, but he really must have saved the entire universe to have met someone like Xie Lian.
“Gege makes me happy too. Gege’s the best.” Hua Cheng said reverently.
“So is San Lang, and I won’t have him talking bad about himself.” Xie Lian said, just as adamant.
“Even if I’m in this state?” Hua Cheng asked, the words bitter and sharp on his tongue.
“Especially when you’re like this.”
With that, Xie Lian kissed his lips. They were so soft, Hua Cheng wanted to lean into it, but he held himself back.
“Gege?!” A startled sound escaped him.
Suddenly pushed away, Xie Lian looked startled, and a little hurt. “That was . . . Sorry for not asking.”
Hua Cheng shook his head. “Nonsense, I always want to kiss Gege, but not at his expense. If you kiss me now, you could get a fever!”
Xie Lian huffed, “Then I suppose San Lang will have to take care of me.”
Hua Cheng was stunned, but hearing those words he beamed.
“Always.” Hua Cheng whispered in promise, pulling Xie Lian impossibly closer to him. He buried his face in the other’s hair, smelling the sweet scent and feeling the softness of those light brown locks. He didn’t want to ever let go. He wanted to hold Xie Lian for the rest of eternity.
“San Lang . . . “ Xie Lian’s voice came, muffled. He lightly pushed Hua Cheng’s chest, and Hua Cheng immediately released him, no matter how reluctant he felt.
But Xie Lian just simply adjusted his position and crawled back into Hua Cheng’s tight embrace. He rested his chin on the crook of Hua Cheng’s shoulder, sighing in satisfaction. And suddenly Hua Cheng had an urge he couldn’t resist.
“I didn’t know Gege wanted me so much, kissing me like that.” He teased.
“San Lang!” Xie Lian protested, melting further into his arms. So cute. And all his.
Hua Cheng rubbed gentle circles on Xie Lian’s back, lost in thought. Finally, he said, “Gege . . . let’s go on another date.”
Xie Lian looked up at him curiously. “Does San Lang have any place in mind?”
Hua Cheng looked deeply into Xie Lian’s eyes. They were warm brown, but flecks of gold swirled in them, almost like glowing embers. They brimmed with anticipation. He was sure he returned the feeling. “Anywhere. As long as I’m with Gege, I don’t care where we are.”
Xie Lian laughed. “Then, doesn’t that mean we’re on a date now?”
Hua Cheng pouted. “It can’t be, I’m barely in the state to spoil Gege.”
Xie Lian pressed a kiss on his forehead. “That’s okay, because I’m here to spoil San Lang.”
Before Hua Cheng could say a single word to refute it, Xie Lian pressed a finger to his lips.
“I want to spoil San Lang. He won’t deny me, right?” Xie Lian asked, smiling so sweetly, there was no way Hua Cheng could refuse.
So this was how Xie Lian wanted to play? Fine then, two could play this game.
Hua Cheng pressed a light kiss on Xie Lian’s finger, and grinned. “Gege’s right. I could never deny him anything.”
With how red Xie Lian turned, it almost seemed as if he was the one with the fever. Hua Cheng laughed, holding his most precious person in his arms.
Just then, something warm brushed against his leg. He peered down to see E-Ming on his bed. The little demon hoisted himself onto his legs to get over to Xie Lian. Such a willful creature.
Xie Lian saw the menace, and brightened, outstretching his hand. E-Ming nuzzled against his palm, almost melting under it. Xie Lian giggled, petting the cat, who happily got pampered by him. Hua Cheng glared at E-Ming.
“Go away, Gege’s busy with me.” He said.
“San Lang, don’t fight with E-Ming.” Xie Lian scolded.
“But, Gege . . .”
Xie Lian gave him a look.
Hua Cheng sighed. “Fine, I guess he can stay.”
The cat flicked his tail, almost as if saying, “I never asked.”
Hua Cheng’s lips twitched. But with Xie Lian in his arms, he decided he didn’t care about the extra but still unwelcome presence.
What he didn’t expect was for E-Ming to lay onto his pillow. The cat was a little petulant, but mostly obedient, as if he knew Hua Cheng was unwell, so he decided not to make much of a fuss. Xie Lian cooed over the menace, while Hua Cheng felt the vibrations from E-Ming’s purrs.
And then, Xie Lian’s eyes shifted to him. He gave Hua Cheng such a soft smile, he felt as if he had walked into a cloud. Hua Cheng wondered if this is what it felt to be taken care of. As the waves of tiredness rocked him, he thought, it felt nice. This time, his dreams were full of warmth.
END.