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Chapter Text

It was only natural with the work Tintin did that he was often up late, painstakingly typing away on his typewriter. Even if he had just returned from a long adventure, even if he was exhausted, he had to get those articles out. Both the captain and the professor, and even Milou, had tried to stop him from putting himself through that. Nagging him to just finish it tomorrow, get to bed. But Tintin was a determined fellow. There was so much he had to write, so much he had to share about his experiences, so much he had to edit. He didn't believe in giving up so easy, not when he always insisted he was "almost done." Tintin thought wholeheartedly, this was simply the work of a reporter. Nothing could pry him away from his work.

That is, until his dear friend Chang visited Marlinspike.

Chang had some sort of...power over Tintin anyways. Tintin could never wrap his head around it, but even from the very first time they met, all it took was a smile and placing his hand on him and he felt he was ready to do whatever it was necessary. He chalked it up to the fact he truthfully didn't have any friends his own age, none that kept regular contact with him like Chang at least. Of course he would do practically anything for him when he always smiled at him like that, and made his heart speed up a little, and made his face feel warm. But that was just because he was his only close friend his own age, there was absolutely nothing more to it.

Tintin did not think though, that he would have Chang leaning over his desk at 2:21am asking him - TELLING HIM - to go to bed, and he would already find himself sitting up straight as if he was prepared to do just that.

When Chang reached out his hand to him and Tintin took it, already practically abandoning his previous thought process, he realized maybe he was in a little too deep for him. Maybe it wasn't like him at all to give up his work at the drop of a hat because someone he cared about told him to. Maybe it was because it was Chang, and Chang was so different.

The small squeeze to his hand pulled Tintin out of his deep, winding thoughts. He gazed up at Chang who was looking at him expectantly."You need sleep, Tintin. This isn't healthy. Surely you know that?"

Of course he knew that, but it didn't stop him from looking away and feeling his face burn. Either from embarrassment, or from shyness, or some secret third option. What did it matter?

"Yeah...yeah, I know. I just..." Tintin motioned to the work spread out messily across his desk. "Need to get this done."

Chang stared at him for a moment, blinking slowly. That look seemed very, deeply unimpressed. A look of concern, one Tintin didn't get often from anyone that wasn't the captain who immediately wiped the look right off for ego's sake. He felt a twinge of guilt inside. Chang was the one of the few that wasn't going to look at him for his achievements, but rather the fact he was still just a boy putting himself through too much.

"You can get it done tomorrow. Anyone would understand that, you haven't slept in days. That's one of the first things Captain Haddock told me when I arrived."

Tintin raised an eyebrow. "So the captain put you up to this?"

Suddenly Tintin felt his body dragged up and he was standing on the floor. When in the world did he get that strong?

"No. Now come, you're sleeping." Huh. Well, he couldn't argue with that. Once again, there was Chang doing and saying something Tintin could not find himself not wanting to agree to. Especially when he...seemed so concerned.

Chang squeezed Tintin's hand again, gently, and gazed into his eyes. Their heights had become practically the same since the last time they had been together in person. Chang was no longer a decent amount shorter than him, but rather eye to eye with him. He certainly missed the couple years ago when Chang was so small, but Tintin liked being able to look into his eyes too when they were face to face. They were dark, and beautiful, easy to get lost in-

"Don't just stand there..." Chang snapped Tintin back to reality, and the first thing Tintin got to notice was that breathtaking smile directed at him again, making his heart go a mile a minute. "You are much easier lost in your own head than you used to be. It must be that lack of sleep." Chang gently tugged Tintin forward, and began walking.

"Uh, no, not really. I've always stayed up late writing. I just get that way when I do." Tintin chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head with his free hand.

Chang hummed, looked behind him to look at Tintin, tilting his head curiously. He smiled at him and laughed softly, sending Tintin's brain into overdrive. "Right, okay...you should sleep more then. I'm going to be taller than you in a year's time if you don't get the rest you need."

That thought made Tintin's face redden again. Why was he acting like this? It had to be the lack of sleep. He was pathetically nervous around Chang right now. Granted, Chang always did have that special effect on him. But right now, he was making him think ways he shouldn't. They were both men, he couldn't be thinking about how cute he looked tilting his head, or his beautiful smile, his gorgeous dark eyes, how they were so eye to eye he could lean in and k-

Chang rubbed Tintin's hand with his thumb, and that was it for him. He couldn't pretend forever he didn't feel things for his friend. He wouldn't admit them, but right now he would accept it inside. He didn't feel ready to admit it even to himself, but he would. Tintin gazed at their connected hands, then up at Chang who was smiling at him. They had arrived at his room.

"Go get yourself some rest, my friend." As Chang spoke, he let go of Tintin's hand...and Tintin reached immediately back out to grab it. He panicked inside. Why did he do that? Now they were holding hands again, he couldn't just explain that to Chang, there was no explanation, he was holding his hand-

Chang looked at him curiously and tilted his head again.

"Sorry, I..." Tintin immediately trailed off, unsure what to say or where he was going with this.

There was clearly some conflict in Chang's eyes, but Tintin couldn't place a finger on it. It wasn't anger or embarrassment, nothing like that.

Tintin watched as Chang reached out for the doorknob and opened it, their hands still connected. He pushed the door wider open and walked inside, taking him with him.

"Don't be sorry. Why be sorry?"

"Well, because I...grabbed your hand." Tintin went to let go of Chang's hand, only this time for him to grab back instead.

Tintin stared wide-eyed at their connected hands, eyes then moving up to look at Chang, who was...fighting back laughter in the dead of the night.

"Now so have I. So we are even." Chang gently squeezed Tintin's hand, then interlocked their fingers. Tintin felt the blush all over his face, and he knew it was completely obvious, even in the dark they were in. He couldn't understand how Chang managed to be so brave, and so calm. He was like that in dire situations, and even now in just an...awkward one. Maybe it wasn't awkward. Maybe Tintin was the awkward one for this.

"You have a way of saying things. I can't...explain it." Tintin sighed and rubbed his head, already mentally beating himself up for saying that out loud so suddenly.

"You explain it just fine. I understand, Tintin. Explanation enough you don't listen to the captain's concerns but you listened to me. I don't think it's about how I say things, rather that it's me saying them."

Tintin's breath caught in his throat as he stared at Chang, feeling a lump in his throat. Did he know before he knew himself? That's what he was implying, surely. He didn't get much of a chance to think about it though, before Chang continued.

"Just don't be afraid of that. Look at how brave you are already. It's only natural." Chang gently, slowly, let go of Tintin's hand and backed up some. "Rest well, Tintin. I'll see you tomorrow."

Tintin watched Chang with those same wide eyes, processing everything he said. It's only natural. His...feelings?

Tintin pursed his lips for a moment and nodded, silently agreeing. He reached out and placed his hand on Chang's shoulder, just for a moment. He just needed confirmation. That's all he needed. "Chang...are we thinking about the same thing here?"

Chang actually did laugh that time. "We are. I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't sure of it."

Oh. OH. "I...okay. Yeah." Tintin nodded again and let go of Chang's shoulder. He wish he knew how he always sounded so sure of himself. Maybe he knew things Tintin didn't know yet. Maybe he had been admitting things for a long time coming now. Tintin paused, then took a deep breath. "Chang?"

Chang gave him another curious look in response.

"Tomorrow...can you come get me again? From my work, I mean. If it's not too much to ask."

Chang looked confused, but he nodded again. "Okay. If it gets you to sleep."

Tintin smiled as he sat down on the edge of his bed. "Thank you, Chang. Goodnight."

Chang blinked a few times, a thinking look on his face. And Tintin knew now Chang was the speechless one. Something about that was a bit funny. He always managed to make him lose his witty way of speaking, now Tintin had his turn to leave Chang unsure what to say. "Goodnight, Tintin." Then he smiled as he stepped back, and out of the room. He peeked his head through and waved goodbye. "If I catch you writing again though, I'll drag you back in here."

Then he left. Frankly, Tintin did not mind the idea of that. It was an excuse to spend more time with Chang. That's all it was when he asked for him to see him to bed tomorrow, too. That's only natural, as Chang said.

Chapter Text

He thought long and hard about it that night. Tintin tossed and turned all night, replaying every little thing Chang had said and every little way he looked at him. He analyzed it all back and forth, for at least three hours, before he finally fell asleep as the sun had began to rise.

Tintin dreamed about Chang, subsequently. Dreamed about the way their hands had fit together. It certainly wasn't the first time he had held his hand, but it was the first time their fingers interlocked and Chang delicately rubbed his thumb against the back of his hand like that. He dreamed about Chang taking his hand again, and looking over at him with that pure smile. Chang had leaned forward, tilting Tintin's face towards himself by placing his fingertips against the side of his chin and directing him to look into his eyes. Then he leaned in, slowly and carefully, and pressed...

And Tintin was awake. Shooting awake, straight up, until his forehead collided with something. He yelped and rubbed his now throbbing head, eyes squeezed shut.

"Ow, ow, ow! Maybe I should be more careful waking you up from now on."

When Tintin opened his eyes, there was Chang adjacent to him rubbing his own forehead and laughing. Of course he had to come and wake him up when he had been dreaming about holding his hand and kissing him. That was embarrassing, and awful timing. In a way, he wished their lips had collided in real life when he shot up awake, because then the dream could have truly ended right. But that was only wishful thinking.

Tintin sighed softly and smiled. "Oh, good morning. You startled me awake, I'm sorry." That was both a wonderful and awful way to start his morning. But he was relieved, somewhat.

"Not quite morning." Chang began as he took a step back and offered a hand to Tintin. "Nearly noon. I was right for making you sleep, you needed it."

Tintin stared at Chang's hand for a moment in silence, recalling both his dream and last night. He could already feel the way Chang's hand felt in his own before he even reached out and grabbed it. Chang pulled him forward as he hopped out of bed, nearly toppling over. Chang practically radiated warmth more than Tintin's bed did, and everything about that made him want to immediately fall forward into his arms and wrap his own around him and-

What was he thinking about? Had just a little hand holding and implied feelings done this much to him? He felt...pathetic. Sure, Chang was implying last night he understood how Tintin felt...but he wasn't implying he felt the same, was he? Tintin knew how he felt was wrong anyway. They were both men, it could never work. Not like that.

No matter. Tintin shook himself out of his thoughts as he hesitantly let go of Chang's hand, clearly not wanting to yet, but doing so for the sake of image. "I guess I was tired, yes..." Tintin trailed off, then cleared his throat. "Thank you, by the way. For making me sleep. And even waking me up."

Chang grinned and shrugged. "There's no need to thank me at all. That's what friends are for." He headed towards the door, motioning with his hand for Tintin to follow. "And besides, I missed you. I could have let you sleep longer, you needed it." He paused, and Tintin swore he saw his smile soften before he spoke again. "But I am a bit selfish sometimes."

As Tintin stepped forward to follow behind Chang, his words caught him off guard. Selfish was not the word he expected to hear Chang describe himself as. Chang was fearless and kind about putting others before himself in every other situation. Selfish was not a word Tintin would even remotely use for him.

"You're selfish...?" Tintin's eyebrows furrowed and he shook his head. "If anyone is selfish, it's me for refusing to sleep and making my friends worry."

Chang looked Tintin in the eyes, somehow his smile becoming even more impossibly soft. "You...don't know what selfish looks like, Tintin. I know what it feels like."

That look of confliction in Chang's eyes from last night returned. It made Tintin's stomach churn for some unknown reason, and frankly he did not like it. What was he so conflicted about? Tintin wanted to fix it. He fixed problems, that's what he did.

"No, I...know what it feels like. Trust me." The words came tumbling out of Tintin's mouth before he had the chance to think on them. And suddenly, he and Chang were staring each other directly in the eyes again. The air was heavy, and it felt like there were more words ready to leave Tintin's mouth, resting just as heavy as the air.

Of course Tintin knew what selfishness felt like. He had been feeling it constantly, hadn't he?

Tintin cleared his throat again and shook his head, deciding to finally join Chang at the door. "Well...hey, maybe selfishness isn't that bad!" He tried to make it seem lighthearted, funny even, but his voice winded up cracking when he stepped out of the room, then turned behind him to see Chang smiling at him like that again.

He knew what he was selfish for. He PROBABLY knew what Chang was selfish for...if he was picking these cues up right.

"Sometimes we have to look out for what we want, it can't be that bad." Chang patted Tintin lightly on the shoulder before pulling his hand back and stuffing it in his pocket.

They were really dancing around saying it, saying something. Painfully so. Tintin didn't even know exactly what it was, either. He was always so good at piecing things together, picking things apart. Unless it was...the small chance maybe, just maybe, Chang wholeheartedly meant the same thing when he said something was natural, and when he said something was selfish.

---

They had enjoyed a late breakfast, considering Tintin woke up so late. He was almost positive Chang had already eaten and was just doing it again so Tintin didn't feel alone. There he was again, acting so selfless. But then again, who wouldn't take the opportunity to eat again? Well...okay, maybe most people, since their breakfast was cold burnt bacon previously made by Captain Haddock that morning.

At 9 o'clock that night, Chang bid Tintin a goodnight, and there was a sting in his heart from something as simple as that. He hated to see him go, even if he was going to see him later on. But the way Chang had gently touched his shoulder again made it worthwhile, with how it gave him the energy to work, reminding him he would send him to sleep later.

Before Tintin ever even stepped foot near his typewriter though, he made the decision to...ask for advice. Sort of. Captain Haddock was somehow both the worst and best man to come to with problems. On one hand, he was the worst because he was grumpy, didn't quite grasp empathy, and missed the point often. But on the other hand, he was the best because despite his shortcomings, Haddock was a good man with experience in life. Tintin felt he would be dead in his grave before he admitted it, but he saw the captain as a father figure of sorts. Making the conscious effort to come to him with any concern was a frightening choice, but it was one he was willing to make.

Haddock was flipping through a newspaper as Tintin took a seat across from him on the couch. He somewhat acknowledged Tintin's presence with a hum.

Tintin cleared his throat to announce his presence anyway, before he spoke. "Can I talk to you?"

Again, Haddock just hummed.

Tintin fidgeted with the hem of his shirt for a few seconds in silence. "Captain...what do you think being selfish is?"

Captain Haddock looked at Tintin with a peculiar expression, clearly failing to read him. That was out of nowhere, obviously. Like it was a trick question or something.

He grumbled something incomprehensible before answering. "Me. I could drink and drink, an' never get enough. Does that answer your question, lad?"

Tintin thought about it for a moment, then silently nodded. He was going to leave it at that and think about it on his own later, before Haddock pressed on.

"Nothing makes a man more selfish than alcohol or money." He paused, frowning and shaking his head. "...'cept maybe love. That's the rough one."

Ah...the captain's accidental wisdom.

Tintin hesitated, before quietly asking another question that had been lingering in his mind. "And...what is being natural?"

Haddock sounded simultaneously done with Tintin, and like he genuinely cared about what he was saying to him. Probably because both were true. "Means to live your truth. Why are you asking me these foolish questions?"

Tintin stood up and dusted his pants off. "Thank you. It's...nothing, I promise." He had a lot to think about. It was already building up in his head.

Haddock frowned, an expression of worry lacing every detail of his face. He could tell something was up. Tintin asked him stupid questions often, but not exactly unprompted. Well, sometimes. Occasionally. "Right...take care." He lifted the newspaper back up and resumed his reading.

Tintin saw him watching out of the corner of his eye as he left the room.

When Tintin finally sat down at his desk, he felt his own eyes immediately glued to the paper in front of him. He had stopped mid sentence last night. Typically he would write some throughout the day and some throughout the night, but he wasn't willing to sacrifice time with his visiting..."friend" all for the sake of some stupid article. He knew already, writing wasn't going to come easily to him, not like this. Not in his current mindset.

He had a lot to think about. The captain had said things that resonated with him. Tintin felt he was collecting words to describe the feeling he wasn't prepared to put a name on yet. He could label these other things he felt, but not the word itself.

Tintin stared at a word on the paper in front of him. "Only." He wanted to let that word sink into his skin and into his bones. What he felt was only feelings. He sighed then, and finally began to type away at his typewriter. He couldn't be distracted by this anymore, not when he had so much to do.

It was 2am when Tintin heard the door to his office creak open. His first thought was he hadn't been working long enough to be done yet. But then he glanced at the clock, and sure enough it had been hours. Still, that didn't seem quite right, but he didn't get a chance to lament about it before he could hear Chang shuffling up behind him.

"I kept my promise. You need to sleep now, Tintin."

Tintin turned his head to look at Chang, and he couldn't fight the smile on his face. He knew he would come get him, Chang was a reliable person. But it still made him so unreasonably happy he would wake up just to get him and send him to sleep. "I suppose I have to keep my end of the deal too and actually sleep, huh?"

Chang laughed and nodded as Tintin got up, pushing his chair back in. Tintin thought to himself, how much he enjoyed the sound of his laughter.

Before he had the opportunity to take more than a few steps forward, Chang had taken ahold of his hand once again. This had been happening several times, over and over, and he couldn't find it in himself to ask Chang why. He didn't want to, he wanted it to keep happening. He wanted to keep feeling Chang's hand in his.

Yeah. Maybe he was only selfish.

And then... "I need to ask you something." Chang said as he began walking forward, taking Tintin with him.

Oh no.

Tintin gulped. "Sure...anything you have on your mind, I'm here."

Chang stayed silent for a few seconds as they walked through the dark hall towards Tintin's room. Tintin was going to ask again what it was, break the silence, but he didn't get the chance.

"The room I've been staying in, it's halfway across the estate...I don't want to walk it again. Can I...just stay in your room for the rest of the night?"

Chang was looking down when Tintin glanced over at him. He couldn't believe he asked him that. He couldn't believe how happy he was he had. It was hardly noticable, but there was a faint blush dusting Chang's face.

Chang gently squeezed Tintin's hand, likely fearing for his answer. They had approached Tintin's door finally.

"Of course you can. I don't mind." He couldn't fight that smile gracing his lips, especially when Chang found the courage to look back up at him, and he smiled too.

"Thank you." Chang gave Tintin's hand another squeeze as he opened the door and stepped in. Tintin truthfully felt like his head was spinning. There was no explanation for this, not one he was mentally able to think on at this moment.

Tintin crawled into his bed, possibly the most awkwardly he ever had. Still though, something about this felt...natural, that word. Like it was supposed to happen. He pulled down the blanket and got under it, and held it open for Chang to do the same. The blush was still on Chang's face as he crawled in beside him, but so was the smile. Yeah, this felt...natural.

They both laid down and remained in silence. Their shoulders were touching, but nothing else. They said nothing for a solid ten minutes. Until Chang spoke up finally.

"I'm not fond of the dark...that's mostly why I asked if I could stay." He paused, then continued. "When it's pitch black like that...I remember when I was deep under water, drowning."

Tintin opened his eyes. He wasn't sure if Chang was even aware he was awake still. Like maybe he knew only he was awake and he just wanted to admit it out loud.

"But...you've still came to get me twice now." Tintin turned over and looked at him curiously, trying to piece together the why.

"Well...you know, I would do most anything for you." Chang hesitantly turned over too, and looked Tintin directly in the eyes. His face was radiating so much heat he could feel it. "Coming to get you at night, it feels like you're pulling me out of the dark again anyways. You're just the light I'm trying to get back to. When I see you, I don't feel like I'm drowning anymore."

Tintin swallowed hard. It all sounded too familiar to him, because damn would he do anything for him too. "The feeling is mutual."

Chang stared at Tintin, a soft smile becoming more apparent the longer they looked at one another. Then suddenly...Tintin felt Chang's arms wrap gently around his waist, and he pulled him in. He gasped softly at the feeling, and then felt even more shock run through his body as he felt him lay his head on the area between his shoulder and collarbone. It wasn't a bad shock...in fact, he wanted more of it.

It was quiet again, although not for as long. Tintin felt a small squeeze to his body, one that made him smile.

"Goodnight, Tintin...you won't have to hit your head against mine again in the morning, I promise."

Tintin gently, hesitantly, put one arm around Chang's waist too, and pulled him closer as well.

Maybe this unnamed feeling was selfish, all while it was not. Because they'd do anything for each other, and yet it seemed they both wanted more anyway. It's only selfish.

Chapter Text

Tintin had never slept so peacefully before in his life. Nothing could disturb him. It was only peaceful.

The moment Chang had wrapped his arms around his waist, he was dead to the world. There was no thinking necessary, nothing else really mattered in that moment. He closed his eyes and drifted off, and slept like a rock the whole night through.

If Tintin had to rank every feeling he had ever felt in his entire life in a tier list, no doubt would Chang sleeping next to him be number one. His arms securely around his body, his head nestled into his chest, it wasn't something he had expected whatsoever to have happen that night. But he had no complaints. Not when he felt so warm that close to him, and it felt like it was supposed to be that way forever.

When he woke up, it was like his whole body had been smothered in warmth. All over, all consuming. Tintin wanted his body to dissolve into the mattress, and he wanted to wrap himself up in the blankets. But that's when he realized why he felt that way. Chang was in his bed with him.

And wasn't it just the most beautiful sight he had ever seen?

Chang looked comfortable, safe, and Tintin felt a surge of pride in his veins that he could not explain. He was holding him, how else was he supposed to feel? Chang was curled up against him, with his head now nuzzled into the crook of his neck. This was the sort of thing he had heard men yearn for from wives, and here he was finally understanding it. Nothing could feel more heavenly or peaceful than this, this feeling of holding Chang so close he could melt into him and stay that way forever.

But...

What was he thinking? This just wasn't right. Not at all. But he couldn't find it in himself to push him away, or move away, not when it felt like everything was right in the world for once. He feared for his well-being when this felt like heaven. Moreso, he feared for Chang's. If anyone saw this, they'd be doomed. Their careers and relationships and lives completely gone, just like that.

Tintin lamented, feeling sorrow deep within, but it was practically overpowered the moment Chang stirred awake. Every ounce of fear disappearing again when Chang opened his sleepy dark eyes and looked at him.

While Tintin had the urge to run away, no matter how wonderful it felt, Chang seemed to have an opposite urge. He pulled him closer and squeezed him tight. Maybe he was squeezing the fear out of him, because Tintin seemed to forget immediately what he was so scared of.

Hearing Chang's raspy, sleepy voice grounded Tintin to Earth.

"Good morning..."

Tintin opened his mouth to speak, to say something back, but was immediately cut off by Chang speaking again. This time, with panic in his voice. His calm, dark eyes, looked full of pain. He hated to see that. Especially suddenly. The calm feeling wore off them both quickly, it seemed. When it settled in what position they'd gotten themselves into, they changed.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." He had never seen Chang look so regretful.

Then he remembered again, why he was frightened. He could feel himself close to spiraling, it was bubbling up inside his chest, because this was wrong, Chang knew it was wrong too, there was nothing okay about this, this was bad, nobody could ever accept this from them, and they couldn't live like this, they couldn't live...

They couldn't live their truths. Or maybe they could.

He remembered. What the captain told him.

Tintin looked at Chang, and gently reached out to cup his cheek. His fingertips grazing his skin barely, like he was afraid pressing too deep would break him. It certainly felt that way. Everything felt fragile right now.

"No...no, no, don't say you're sorry." Tintin stroked Chang's cheek with his thumb as Chang leaned in to the touch, slowly and hesitantly.

Tintin bit his lip and took a deep breathe. "The captain told me something yesterday. He told me to live my truth. Well...he told me what living your truth IS, actually. He didn't know what he meant by it, but I know."

Chang dug his fingertips into Tintin's shirt, voice softer when he spoke. He hesitated again, but then he spit it out quickly. "...is this your truth, Tintin?"

While he struggled, something inside Tintin broke the moment he saw how glassy Chang's eyes had gotten. He was going to cry. From pain, or fear, or rejection, or whatever, and he knew now more than anything he was going to be brave for Chang. Chang had been more than brave for him, so many times. He was going to repay that debt. But now, he was also beginning to realize...Chang must have been struggling just as much with this as he had. They were both scared.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life. So yeah...I think it is." Tintin sounded determined, even if his voice shook.

And all of a sudden, it's like peace washed over them both again. Chang's whole face softened. Tintin's heartrate slowed down. They were staring deep into each other's eyes, both grasping onto the other in some way.

"It's mine too." Chang practically whispered it. He was ready to admit it, no matter how frightened he was.

Chang pulled Tintin in again and rested his head on his shoulder, and squeezed him. Tintin wasted no time wrapping his arms around his waist and letting them sit there. Nothing in the whole wide world was as right and good as holding him.

"Chang..." Tintin lifted a hand and put it on Chang's head, then gently stroked through his hair. "I don't...- I won't...I won't let anything hurt you or me. Frankly, I don't even think I'm ready to say how I feel. But...we feel the same, right? I'm not going nuts?"

It was quiet for a few seconds, Chang too busy enjoying the feeling of Tintin's hand touching his hair, before he must have decided to speak up. He lifted his head and took the hand that had previously been in his hair, and squeezed it tight.

"No, you're not nuts. I...was beginning to think that I was." Chang gazed into Tintin's eyes, taking the hand he was holding and placing it against his own cheek, "But people are going to think we are if they ever catch hint of this. We can't let that happen. I don't trust myself not to pick a fight if anyone says anything either."

Chang's levelheadedness of the situation, and his outright admission of his feelings and even willingness to fight for them, made Tintin fall so much deeper. He knew Chang was a smart man, he knew he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty, and he especially knew he could be in tune with how he felt...but they'd been dancing around it for what seemed like a couple days, but was really much longer. More like years.

Tintin took a leap of faith, and took the hand Chang was using to hold Tintin's against his cheek...and pressed a delicate kiss to the back of it. When he looked up, Chang had a deep blush spread across his face, and he was even surprised enough his mouth dropped some. It made Tintin smile. Chang was quick-witted, but not impossible to figure out.

"Hey, can I ask..." Tintin began, keeping Chang's hand in his own. "How long...? How long have you, um...known?"

Chang took a few seconds to snap back to reality, and when he did, he was grinning, and the blush across his cheeks was impossibly worse. It was really a sight Tintin could get used to.

"You scaled a perilous mountain for who knows how long to save me, even when everyone else thought I was long dead...you didn't give up, it's a trait I admire deeply about you. I believe that is when I realized..." Chang gazed off to the side until the very end of his statement, then he met Tintin's eyes again.

Tintin smiled, and laughed softly to himself. That was...really sweet. And now that he thought about it...it was pretty romantic he did that for him. But he wouldn't give up on his friend, then or now or at any point. He had rescued Chang from certain death twice, and he would do it again and again. He blushed from his words, but there was no hiding it.

"Well...I would do it again. If it's for you, I'd climb up a billion mountains." Tintin grabbed Chang's other hand, and held them both tight. He could hardly believe he was admitting all of this, but it felt right. "I think...I've known since I met you. Not the very moment, but sometime when we become friends at all. You're so...you're brave, determined, and so smart...the more I saw it, and the more I keep seeing it...I know."

It seemed to keep happening, where Chang is speechless from Tintin's words. But that was pretty much deserved, considering all the speechlessness he had caused Tintin in return.

Chang laughed and gave Tintin's hands a squeeze back. He had always had to be charismatic for people to like him, when he was a small child, and even when he was adopted into a higher class family. But maybe it really wasn't that bad to just exist. There was no show necessary with Tintin. Being himself was just fine, no matter how awkward or witty that may be.

"Thank you, Tintin..." That's all Chang was able to say before he let go of Tintin's hands, and took a deep breath. "I know it's not safe for us to spend every night I am here together...but I'm only to be here for a little over a month. And...while we can...I want to..." Chang's face was the deepest red it had been yet, as he quickly finished his sentence. "I want to be affectionate. I-I want to cuddle with you."

Tintin was...enamoured by Chang in that moment. He was avoiding his gaze, rubbing his painfully blushing face. But it was...cute. Tintin put his arms around Chang in a hug, then pulled him down with him into the bed. He shouldn't have laughed, but when Chang yelped at the suddenness he couldn't help but find it funny. Actually, he found it cute.

"Okay. We can do that." Tintin turned over and grinned at Chang, who was grinning right back within seconds. He snaked both arms around Chang's body and pulled him in, and held gently onto his body. He never wanted to let go, that's the only thing he could think of. His head was empty, all aside from Chang and the feeling of him so close.

Chang in return wrapped his own arms around Tintin, until they were both wrapped up in each other. "I'm not really used to this, but...it's all I want." He laid his head against Tintin's shoulder, voice softening. "You're all I want, Tintin..."

Tintin kept one arm around Chang's body, while the other moved up to stroke through his hair. It was soft, and smelled awfully similar to vanilla, and he couldn't get enough of it. It sent a feeling of peace through his body, one of complete comfort. He was all he wanted too, all he wanted forever, really.

They could both lay like that forever. Maybe just for a little while, nothing else had to matter. No stupid articles to write, no Chang having to return home, no fear of being found out. It's only peaceful when it's just the two of them.

Chapter Text

Tintin had quickly learned something. In fact, it hardly took him any time at all, to learn that Chang made him feel a way no one else could, or ever would or had. It's only incomparable, the feeling Chang left him with. But he avoided saying that ONE word like the plague, even thinking it was out of the question. Still, daily, Tintin was finding other words to describe it instead. They'd only just began figuring this out, but there was progress being made. These were words he was using to build up the courage to say the one he could not.

As much as Tintin (and Chang, of course) would've loved to have spent several hours snuggled up to each other in Tintin's bed, it wasn't an option. It wasn't suspicious of them to be spending all this time together, but...it had to be suspicious if they stayed in Tintin's room for hours. They'd been pulled out of their momentary bliss when Milou scratched at the door and had Tintin shooting out of the bed while Chang did the same, grabbing onto the bedside table.

Tintin sighed and glanced over at Chang, giving him a smile that was quickly reciprocated as they both realized who it was. He pulled his now heavy feeling body off the mattress and drug it over to the door. He cracked it open, and immediately Milou was weaseling his way through the small opening Tintin had made. He hardly got a moment to pull the door open further before Milou was chewing on his pants leg.

Tintin leaned down and scratched Milou behind the ear, earning a small yap. Then another. Then another. And another. Okay, he wanted to go outside.

"Do you want to go for a walk, boy?" Tintin grinned, tilting his head curiously at the white dog.

Another bark.

He stood back up and laughed. That was for certain a yes. Tintin looked over at Chang, and motioned with his hand for him to come along. "Do you...want to go walk through the garden with us?"

Soft pink dusted across Chang's cheeks at the offer as he nodded eagerly, and Tintin realized how damn romantic and cheesy that was to ask. No matter though, he wanted to walk through the garden with Chang, so it didn't matter if it was cheesy.

Milou was busy running around Tintin in a circle while Tintin and Chang were locking eyes and smiling, stuck in the moment and stuck in the idea that they had just spent time in each other's arms and were about to go walking in the garden together too. Even if they were scared of a lot of things right now, maybe it wasn't all too bad.

For a moment, as Chang got closer, Tintin had offered his hand to him, only to slowly draw it back because he knew they couldn't hold hands out in the open. They had before, but that was in the dead of night. This was approaching noon, with how late they'd stayed in. And it was not a risk they were willing to take. Chang seemed to understand completely because he gave Tintin a firm nod when he saw his hand retreat back to his side. He understood, in fact it seemed to be a completely mutual understanding they couldn't do things like this outside this room.

"Hey...it's alright." Chang whispered reassuringly. "It's alright. We can figure things out. We're figuring them out as we go now."

That was...certainly true. This wasn't a very common occurrence for anyone, not one anyone spoke freely to the world about at least. But many other people displayed it too, just discretely. Maybe they could too. If they found the right balance between courage and caution.

Tintin smiled softly. "Okay...yes, you're right."

Milou took a chomp into Tintin's pants leg again to get his attention, making him grin and shake his head. He'd been in the same clothes since yesterday afternoon, after he had changed into something more comfortable, but Milou slobbering all over his trousers was not helping any. Oh...yes, that was true. They'd not even changed out of their sleeping clothes yet.

Tintin really enjoyed how relaxed Chang looked in his pajamas, but neither of them were dressed to go outside.

"I'm thinking...we both change and meet by the door to the garden. Pajamas probably aren't the best attire to walk outside in." Tintin gave Milou a small pat on the head to get him off his pants leg, which he succeeded in probably due to his words instead because Milou immediately darted out the door, running off to what they both could only assume was exactly where they'd be arriving soon.

Chang looked at Tintin with an almost sly smile for a few seconds before he answered, biting back a laugh. "It's a shame...you're really very cute in your pajamas, Tintin."

Of course that's what that sly look was about. Tintin grinned and blushed, almost wanting to playfully shove Chang but deciding not to. "So...did it only take you one night of realizing your feelings to get THAT good at using words?" He sighed and walked over to his closet, already beginning to look through his wardrobe. It totally wasn't an excuse to avoid showing his flustered expression as plain as day.

"I might not be a writer like you, but...trust me, I've...had a lot of time to dream about saying stuff like that to you. So maybe I am good with using words too." Chang's voice and expression both softened, while he stepped over to the door. "It comes natural with you when it does. That's the difference between talking to you and talking to anyone else."

Tintin braced himself to look away from his clothes only for a moment to glance at Chang, who had his hand on the doorknob as he smiled at him so purely he thought he might die and ascend to heaven. When the sun came in through the window just then and hit him just right, he really looked that way.

Tintin was frozen in place for at least a few seconds, before his senses returned.

Then he absolutely beamed. "It's only natural when it's you, Chang."

Chang blinked slowly, expression going blank, before he laughed and opened the door wider and took a step out. "Yeah. It is...that's how it feels to me." He smiled ear to ear, suddenly looking both ways in the hall before looking back at Tintin and blowing him a kiss. "I'll see you outside soon. Milou is waiting on us, after all!" And he closed the door.

And Tintin had to rest his back against the wall and take a heavy breath and analyze all of that before he even thought about getting dressed.

These were perhaps the most intense emotions he had ever really felt. It made sense for Chang, as charismatic as he was, to be able to get Tintin to react like that so easily. But really, it wasn't because he was charismatic, but rather just because it was Tintin he was talking to. But on the flip side, Tintin didn't have a proper explanation for the way he lost all semblance of articulating his words and thoughts around Chang. Maybe he was just pathetic.

Yeah. That sounded right.

Tintin rolled his eyes at his own thoughts and grabbed a button-up and a sweater from inside his closet. Chang made him feel a certain way, maybe he didn't need to think all that deep into it. Picking it apart did him no good. He only knew...he made him happy, and he made him feel like no other.

He stripped himself of his pajamas and changed into his more appropriate daily wear, all while having to dodge the knowledge Chang was currently doing the same thing. Something about that - everything about that - felt far too intimate to have on his mind right now. Or possibly even ever, for that matter.

Soon after Tintin pulled on his shoes and headed out the door of his room, walking down the hall to the end of the mansion. It wasn't an awfully long walk for such a large home, unless you had four little legs like Milou and could sprint down it in no time at all. Tintin passed by Captain Haddock dusting a large portrait of his ancestor in another room; He wondered why he did that, it wasn't like he didn't have cleaners hired. Maybe it was an ego thing to do.

After he made his way to the back exit to the garden, he pushed through and was immediately greeted by the sun and the beautiful flowers blooming, as well as Milou eating what Tintin could only imagine was something he probably found in the kitchen. It wasn't like Milou needed him to go outside with him, there was a doggie door after all, but it was understandably like a dog to demand his owner to go with him sometimes. And really, who was Tintin to deny his very best friend?

With the even longer walk considered, it would be some time before Chang was pushing through those garden doors as well, so Tintin had to entertain himself somehow. Milou spent a few more seconds chewing on what now appeared to be an old washcloth, before tossing it off to the side and jogging over to Tintin.

Tintin gave Milou a scratch behind the ears and suddenly wore a frown as Milou trotted over to a flower tree, then rolled around in the dirt around it, all while looking him directly in the eyes.

"Milou! I just gave you a bath, boy, don't be..." Tintin looked at the flowers on the small tree, and he was miraculously hit with an idea. Moreso, he was hit with remembering a fact.

Being a journalist, Tintin had interacted with plenty of...smaller crowds and communities. He always loved that part of what he did, since many people wouldn't be too thrilled to learn about or experience even half of what he did. But he did remember, the heavy weight of the lavender. It's like Milou had done it on purpose, even if Tintin knew this wasn't true.

Lavender had become a popular symbol of love between two men or two women. Granted, Tintin didn't know all the details. He wasn't ready to fully accept it within himself, but he had been to a small undercover bar for homosexual people once before for an article and a case, and he needed to speak to a frequenter there. Of course, he wasn't blind to the situation there, and he wasn't going to out anyone or say a word about the real purpose of the place.

Especially he wasn't blind to it NOW, if he was getting used to this aching feeling of wanting to be just as happy as they were with themselves, even if there would be struggle involved. Repression worked then, it would not work now.

But if anything else especially good came from that experience, it was this knowledge. He felt himself mildly comforted by the fact...if he gave this flower to Chang, he certainly wouldn't be the first man to admire another man so dearly he wished to express it with a flower. He reached out and picked one lavender, and looked over it. Knowing he wasn't alone in this no matter what, that there were people that felt the same as he did, made it feel less of a burden to think about. His feelings for Chang were completely personal and unique, but he wasn't the only man to feel this way.

That one word was getting easier to think on.

Tintin looked down at Milou, who licked his shoe, and he couldn't help but smile. Perhaps he was wingmanning him here.

Then Milou turned around and darted a few feet behind them, over to the door. Tintin turned around, and was greeted with Chang coming through the garden entrance, waving excitedly at him. He melted a little and waved back.

Chang looked quite nice in the long sleeved buttonup he was wearing, in fact maybe even a little too nice given Tintin's reaction to it being a bright red face. He had done some shopping in Brussels for clothes he liked since he had arrived, and there was no denying the attire suited him.

Tintin snapped himself out of his daze as Chang approached. Chang began to say something, but he had been cut off in surprise by Tintin tucking the lavender into his shirt pocket. He looked at the flower, then back up at Tintin. Pink dusted across his face as he delicately traced the flower with his fingertips. Tintin had practically no control over the enamoured look he had watching Chang look at the small present with soft eyes and a soft smile.

"You're certainly full of surprises, my friend." Chang quietly laughed, mostly to himself, then grabbed Tintin's wrist and began pulling him along further into the garden. Tintin certainly wasn't complaining, in fact he laughed too. Milou followed behind them, staying right on their heels. Chang looked over at Tintin with that mesmorizing grin again. "I have to get you one too now, it's fair."

Tintin blushed, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand as they walked along. He managed to shove away his fear of someone seeing them. "Ah, you don't have to..."

Tintin began trailing off the second Chang stopped them and plucked another lavender from the tree, and let go of Tintin's wrist only to cup his cheek and tuck the flower he had retrieved behind his ear. "I don't have to, but I want to." Chang rubbed his thumb against Tintin's cheek, then let his hand fall back down to his side.

As Tintin touched the flower now tucked behind his ear, he looked into Chang's eyes, and that word...that word, it was hanging right off his tongue, but he couldn't say it. Not now, not yet. But he could satisfy the urge somewhat.

"You...truly make me feel something incomparable, you know that?" Now THAT word worked. Another filler word, but one that was true nonetheless. It still applied. He just needed to say something, even if it was obvious knowledge to the both of them at this point.

Chang absentmindedly touched the flower in his pocket, nodding at Tintin's words. "I know, because it's a mutual feeling." He sighed, tilting his head. "I'll have to press this...we don't have them in China. What is it called anyway?"

Tintin took the lavender tucked behind his ear and looked over it, smiling at it for a bit as his eyes trailed over to Milou rolling around in the dirt again. "Lavender. Maybe I can send you some seeds, or press some myself and send them in letters."

Chang beamed. "I would like that a lot. Lavender...yes, it'll definitely make me think of you from now on."

Tintin considered explaining why he chose specifically lavender, but he decided it was best to refrain for now. The gesture was there, the deeper feelings and exact reason for his choice could remain unknown until he was ready. The point was, he knew why he chose the flower, and Chang knew there was feelings behind it. The time would come soon enough. There was been plenty of others who felt the exact way they did, and yet it was still only incomparable to their own.

Tintin watched as Chang tucked the flower back into his pocket, then looked over at the door further behind them, and then all across the windows, before gently offering Tintin his hand.

Of course he took it. Chang made him feel a little braver just standing there. Maybe the lavender and what it stood for made him feel braver.

"Perhaps...you and I can spend the whole day tomorrow together, Chang. I'll wake you up this time." Tintin offered, interlacing their fingers together.

Chang laughed, and gave Tintin's hand a squeeze. "I definitely agree to the first part, but I wake up before the sun even has a chance. But you can try."

"I'll definitely try." He would try anything for Chang now, that was for certain.

There was nothing in the world that could compare to this.

Chapter Text

Not only did Tintin thrive when he had his whole day planned out (and it actually stayed that way,) he also thrived when given the opportunity to spend time with people he cared about. Growing up an orphan of course, the bonds he did have meant a lot.

Particularly lately, the one with Chang. That was a bond he cherished. A soft, special bond. One that made him feel braver, a bond that was brave on its own. Spending his whole day with Chang was the plan he had made the day before. Not only that, he intended to wake up even before Chang did. He had set his alarm clock for 5:30am, because surely that was early enough? He lived with Captain Haddock after all, and he woke up at 6am, so that must've been an early time to awake.

Tintin was incorrect, of course, since apparently Chang woke up at 5am everyday on the dot. He didn't quite understand that, but whatever. He was an early bird himself, just a whole three hours later. This did not derail him any from spending the morning with Chang though, no matter who woke up first.

They made breakfast together. More specifically, Chang worked the toaster and Tintin fried eggs. Tintin asked about what sort of breakfast was typical in China, thinking maybe he could give Chang a feeling of back home, only to be sorely disappointed while Chang laughed. Maybe someday though, he could learn how to cook Chinese cuisine for him. That was a thought that left Tintin's heart warm. There was plenty of food he could learn to make and plenty of ingredients available, he was sure of it, Brussels had plenty of nice markets.

It was hard not to burn eggs though, when every few minutes Tintin wanted to gaze over at Chang who had already sat their toast down on the table. Not to mention Captain Haddock had come in and went through the whole fridge, complaining there was no bacon left, saying something about needing to ask Nestor to buy some.

He couldn't keep himself focused when he wanted to keep looking at Chang. His dark eyes were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen...and his olive complexion, his nimble hands, his thin smile-

"Tintin...Tintin, the egg is burning!"

"OH! Great snakes, it is!"

Tintin ate the burnt egg of course, even if Chang protested he wouldn't mind.

---

That was a rough start to their morning, only aided by Milou stealing only heaven knows what from the pantry, leaving Tintin and Chang to chase him down the hallway. Tintin would have kept going, had it not been for Chang grabbing him by the arm and pulling him back.

"Ah, let him have it. He's eaten dozens of things he shouldn't have, hasn't he?" Chang chuckled and shook his head. He had heard the stories, at least a few.

Tintin scoffed and smiled, "Uh, yes...suppose you're right. Nothing he gets ahold of here is as bad as...well, let's see, alcohol, prehistoric bones, poison, possibly drugs..."

Chang full blown laughed, "I'm amazed by his willpower." He then cocked his head to the side, thinking. "Yours too, since he keeps eating things like that."

Tintin rubbed the back of his neck, mentally counting all the things Milou definitely should not had eaten, but still had. It was definitely a lot, that's to say the least.

"Tintin..." Chang pulled him out of his thoughts, pursing his smiling lips and clearly biting back a laugh. "Your hair..."

Tintin raised an eyebrow, then slid his hand up through his hair. "My hair?"

"Well, it's just...I don't think your hair gel handled that smoke from burning the eggs very well."

Tintin aggressively rubbed his hand through his hair. "It was one egg, thank you very much." He smiled, then tried to slick it back again. "I don't even use that much..."

Chang reached out and batted Tintin's hand away, then slid his own thinner fingers through it. It made Tintin blush, just a little, from the sheer domesticity of how it felt. "My guest room is just over there, I can try to fix it for you?"

"Probably a good idea. I was considering asking if you wanted to go out anywhere today, so..." Tintin blushed further, realizing it almost sounded like...

"Oh my, are you asking me on a date?" Chang lowered his voice some, with the echoing hallway in mind, and that about killed Tintin over. His face was vibrant red.

Tintin rubbed his blushing face and shook his head. "No! Well...yes, but...no...yes, sort of..."

Chang giggled and rolled his eyes, then gently took a hold of Tintin's hand. "Very forward then, Tintin. Of course I accept, but we have to do something with your hair."

Fair enough.

The guest room Chang had been staying in was in that same hallway, so Tintin was dragged off into that room. He really wished there was a guest room in the hall where his room was; One that wasn't full of junk at least. Perhaps for Chang's next visit, he could clean that room out.

Chang sat Tintin down on the bed and grabbed a brush from on top of the dresser, then sat down across from him and got to work. For a moment Tintin wondered if his hair was actually that bad, or if Chang wanted an excuse to touch him. Not that he minded, not at all, he wanted him to. Whether his hair was actually messed up or not, it felt nice to have Chang running a brush and his fingers through it.

They sat in silence as Chang combed through Tintin's hair with a certain gentleness Tintin could certainly say he had never been given. So gentle he swore he might fall asleep. As Chang finished up with a few last swipes upward to get Tintin's hair to stick up like usual, he cupped his cheek with his free hand, then sat the brush aside. Tintin closed his eyes and leaned in to Chang's touch, melting into how warm it felt.

They stayed that way for a moment, before Tintin opened one eye, and then the other, immediately met with how Chang was looking at him. Gazing at him with his soft, dark eyes, and smiling. As Tintin straighted himself up, Chang put his other hand to his face and delicately traced his fingertip across the bridge of his nose.

"Your freckles...they're cute..." Chang's soft smile became a huge grin as he continued to run his fingertip across the freckles on Tintin's face, across his cheeks and nose, while his other hand cupped his face.

Tintin went blood red, and he almost wanted to nuzzle his face into Chang's palm to hide it, but that wouldn't do anything but embarrass him more. He wish he knew how Chang managed to be so effortlessly forward. Still though, he smiled and mumbled out a thanks.

"Your hair is just fine now, but I...I want to look at you a little longer." This time, Chang was blushing. His was a much lighter pink, but it was still a satisfying sight to Tintin. A very, very precious one at that. It just meant he was affected too.

Although he couldn't identify where it came from, Tintin felt a sudden surge of bravery. It came out of nowhere, but it was strong. If he were to guess, maybe it was knowing Chang felt just as shy about things as he did sometimes. Tintin took both of Chang's hands and pulled them closer, then gave one a kiss on the knuckles, and then the other. Chang gasped from the sudden display of affection, and smiled ear to ear. Tintin absolutely could not get enough of his flustered expression either. He let down both of Chang's hands, sitting them down by his sides.

It seemed like out of nowhere, Tintin had courage, and possibly more than that he had...want? Like all the building up had made it to this moment.

Tintin braced himself for something he wasn't for sure it was appropriate to ask yet. But it felt right in his soul. He had been going back and forth between doing what his head felt was right, and what his heart felt was right, but this time it was something deep within his very soul.

Tintin smiled a tiny smile, softening his voice on instinct, even going so far as to whisper his words. He felt like they were so delicate they'd crack into a million pieces like glass the moment they touched the air. "Can I...can I kiss you?"

His eyes trailed to Chang's lips, and it's not like he meant them to, but it definitely further cemented he wanted to kiss him properly rather than just his hands.

Chang went red all over, and he was...speechless. He could hardly believe Tintin could ask that. As nervous and unsure as he had been, to hear him suddenly say something like that...he had been willing to wait for Tintin to find his courage to even insinuate wanting to kiss him, but here they were.

Tintin could be brave in this too. That was something Chang had to keep in mind. He was seeing him do it day by day, even if his bravery was more outwardly shrouded with fear.

Chang smiled softly and nodded, whispering back, "I think I'd like that, Tintin..."

Tintin had a strong feeling Chang would say yes, but it still shocked him anyways to hear the confirmation. Now HE was embarrassed too. But now they were both leaning forward, lips closing in slowly. Tintin closed his eyes, and...

Their lips met.

Their lips met in a soft kiss.

Chang's lips were soft, but undeniably chapped, and Tintin liked it...they melded perfectly together against his own (which he knew damn well had to be much further chapped.) Although, Chang didn't seem to mind, in fact he leaned in deeper into the kiss for a few seconds.

And then slowly, as if on cue for the both of them, they pulled away.

Their eyes met, and the two of them stared at each other for a few seconds. Neither saying a word, both blushing immensely. Unsurprisingly, Chang made the first move; rather the first words, after their kiss. When he smiled, Tintin smiled, and Chang put his forehead against Tintin's own.

"I was right, I DID like that..." Chang whispered, and then laughed softly.

Tintin beamed, feeling like his whole heart has rapidly exploded into a mess of feelings. They were all good ones though. "I liked it too...your lips, they're...they're so nice..."

Chang lifted his head back up and away from Tintin's forehead. He had a smile that could only be described as a mix between shy and...smug. He tilted his head, somewhat mumbling his words, but they were still audible, "They're not going anywhere, so..." Then he cocked his head back straight and looked Tintin in the eyes. The smugness of the smile dissolved then, leaving only the shyness left over. "I'm unsure how to word this, but I...I think we should..." Chang trailed off for a moment, then suddenly spit it all out at once, his words even jumbling together, "That was starting to take my breath away, and I liked it. I...want to do it until we can't breathe at all."

Tintin went wide-eyed. Chang did tend to say what he felt with no hesitation, but when he said it with clear embarrassment, and...desperation? Really, he could not get enough of Chang's softer feelings peeking through. He always seemed so sure of himself, but it was a reminder this was all new to him too, and he was doing his best as well.

Gently, Tintin cupped Chang's cheek, and pulled him just a bit closer. He smiled at him and gave him a firm nod. Tintin hardly got a moment to lean in any closer though before Chang was pressing his lips back against his own. There was even clearer desperation in that and an immediate jump the moment he got the okay, and maybe Tintin was going to have to consider how that made him feel later because it made his stomach twirl, certainly not in an unpleasant way.

With a hand still against Chang's cheek, Tintin kissed back. This kiss felt significantly deeper than the last, but they both seemed to have a certain feeling to them. The first was softer, and more careful, this one was more...sure of itself. Tintin let himself melt into the kiss, and deeper into Chang, until the point there was hardly any room between them.

Tintin felt a hand hesitantly placed on his waist, until the grasp was a bit more confident and rested fully against it. Chang used that grasp to pull him closer, now leaving them chest to chest, and...once again, that was a feeling Tintin was going to have to articulate to himself later.

If Chang could make that move, he could make one too. In a weird way, he almost wanted to one up him. Tintin tilted his head so their lips could fit together even further, then he slowly tested the waters by licking Chang's bottom lip. He was met with Chang immediately parting his lips, and then their tongues meeting in the middle.

Did either of them know how to kiss? Absolutely not. Did that matter? Absolutely not. This was incredibly new to Tintin for certain but something about that made it all the better too.

It was definitely...a different sensation. Not one Tintin disliked, far from it. He let his tongue slide against Chang's for a few more seconds, and then he took his time wrapping it around his. The kissing was definitely pretty loud, and really Tintin was thankful for how thick the walls were. The sound was something else making his stomach twirl again, it was...well, wet? But it was a sound he liked. This was far more intoxicating than any poison or drug he'd unwillingly had in his many adventures, but this was one he willingly took and was even willingly ready to get addicted to.

Chang gripped onto his waist when Tintin slid his tongue up the roof of his mouth, and Tintin made mental note to do that again soon because maybe the way his fingers felt digging into his shirt like that felt a little too nice. He had been practically at Chang's will for several days with his way with words, and that's also why it felt a little too good. HE was having the effect now.

When they suddenly parted then, it was because Chang got exactly what he wanted, and he could not breathe. Neither could Tintin though. Their lips broke and they were both panting. And...wasn't that just the most beautiful sight Tintin had ever seen? Chang was completely flushed, and his lips were red and wet from kissing, and most importantly he was smiling so sweetly at him he could die on the spot.

Tintin moved his hand from Chang's cheek to his hair and combed his fingers through it, grinning at him. He was breathless as he spoke. "You are...so pretty, it's not even something I can put into words..."

Chang laughed quietly and flushed worse, letting his hand relax on Tintin's waist. He placed his other one there, and let it do the same. "You're too kind..."

Tintin had to take a moment to admire how damn pretty he was, starting from the top of his head, then going to his eyes, his nose, his lips...his neck.

Oh. And then Tintin had a sudden urge to kiss there too. A very deep one. The blush had traveled down to his neck, although most of it was covered by his buttoned up shirt. More than anything in that moment, he wanted to unbutton his shirt. There was all that space there, and he could press kisses onto it, if Chang would let him he could just pull his head back just enough to put his lips against it, he could leave mar-

"Are you alright...?" Chang suddenly interrupted the silence of Tintin's distraction. He sounded concerned, and oh dear here was Tintin concerning him all because he was staring directly at his neck and fantasizing about how soft it could feel against his lips.

Tintin pursed his lips and took a deep breathe, then looked up at Chang. He blinked slowly. "Yes, yes I'm fine. My mind was elsewhere, my apologies..." Wasn't this just great? He might as well be giving himself away.

Chang seemed somewhat relieved. But not entirely. He let out a breath and nodded. "Are you sure? If I...made you uncomfortable or anything, I'm awfully sorry, and you can tell me, really, I won't be mad or anything. You can be honest."

This was incredibly embarrassing on Tintin's part.

Tintin chewed his lip, considering his words before answering, "Do you really want me to be honest?"

Chang nodded quickly, a frown on his face that Tintin did not feel very fond of and wanted to wipe away quickly. But he wasn't sure if he could or couldn't now. "Of course I do."

Tintin took another deep breath. "I'm completely fine, more than, I'm just..." He sighed and let his eyes linger back down to Chang's neck. "I couldn't help but think...I really want to kiss your neck. Quite a lot, actually. If you'd...be comfortable letting me, that is."

Chang seemed surprised by the admission. Not even seemed, he was. His blush had been dying down, only to make an immediate return. Then he smiled and chuckled. "Once again, you're being more forward than expected..."

Tintin gazed away, shyly smiling back. "I started...imagining what it would feel like against my lips, and my mind drifted a little..." He rubbed his blushing face. "...I'm sorry, I don't know what's gotten into me. It's only...well, brave, I've been feeling brave."

The partially smug and partially shy grin from earlier made a return. Chang reached out and took Tintin's chin between his thumb and index finger, and directed it his way to look at him again. He tilted his head, unintentionally better exposing what part of his neck wasn't restricted entirely by his shirt (which again, sent Tintin into a wreck in his own head.) Chang for sure wanted to make some sort of sly flirty comment again, but he didn't. He was...shy this time. When he was shy, it had Tintin's brain swimming just a little. "You have my full permission to." Chang gently pulled Tintin in closer by his chin, then let go. "Besides...I like to see you brave, it makes me feel even braver too."

Now Chang was looking Tintin in the eyes, and his gaze was so full of that word Tintin couldn't say yet. But in a way, he felt like if he looked in there long enough, the word would come on out of his own head already and make itself known. Tintin leaned further forward and pressed a small, short kiss to Chang's lips. Before he could fully pull away, Chang grabbed him by the shirt collar and held him in place, whispering against his lips, "Don't apologize anymore for what you feel...everything you feel, I wholeheartedly accept it..." He pressed a small kiss to Tintin's lips this time. "Do whatever feels natural to you."

Tintin heard every word Chang said, but he still felt like something inside him blanked out entirely. It blanked out so hard actually, that Chang was all he heard and all that mattered. What felt natural in that moment was...Chang. Tintin couldn't find words, but he could find the ability to move. Chang said he could do it...and Chang said to do whatever felt natural...and dear heavens above, nothing in the world could feel as natural as how fast Tintin was pressing his lips up against Chang's jaw, and then underneath it, and then across the front of his neck.

Chang had gripped harder onto the front of Tintin's shirt the moment his lips touched his jaw. Tintin slid one hand into Chang's hair, while his other gently pulled him in by the waist and held on there. It was safe to say, Tintin was right. His neck was soft. And incredibly warm. He had started off with smaller, decently slow kisses, but they quickly turned into even slower open-mouthed ones.

Tintin felt sort of hazy. It was like time stopped. Any and all skin he could touch, he was getting his lips and tongue against it. The placement of his hands felt very right, the way Chang was gripping onto him and trembling just the slightest felt very right, the warmth between the both of their bodies felt very right.

What Tintin quickly realized though, that didn't feel right...he did not have enough space. When he noticed this, he shot his head up and stared at the now fully kissed over expanse of skin he'd been pressing his lips all over, then he looked up at Chang. He almost wanted to apologize, but he kept in the back of his mind what Chang said. And it was also sort of difficult to focus on much else anyway, given Chang was looking at him like THAT and even panting the slightest bit.

Tintin moved the hand on Chang's waist to the top button of his shirt and looked at him for permission just to unbutton the one, just to get enough room to move a tad further down, because there was simply not enough space. "Can...I just...unbutton the one?"

Chang nodded eagerly, even pushing his own shirt collar down some while Tintin unbuttoned the button. It didn't take even a second for Tintin to tug open the shirt and continue his abundance of kissing to the small bit of chest and the rest of the neck now available to him.

Somehow, Tintin's mind was utterly, completely blank, and yet it was not. The moment itself was all that mattered. The grip on his shirt and just the softest, faintest whine from Chang had him anchored in the present, as well as the way his hands felt touching him, with one in his hair and one on his hip now.

Nothing else seemed to really matter now. This felt right. He adored Chang. He wanted to kiss him for the rest of time. If he could be blessed enough to hold onto him forever, it was something he would throw away everything for. Tintin gripped harder onto Chang with that in mind, his kisses to his neck becoming deeper. Chang was so special to him, so wonderful and lovely, he lov-

The world did not want Tintin to think that word directly yet, because there was a pounding knock on the door. Tintin practically flew off of Chang, snapped out of his adoration stricken thoughts. The two stared at each other with wide eyes and red faces. If it weren't for the absolute fear coursing through his body, Tintin would be admiring Chang again. But this was not the time.

Chang quickly stood up and pulled Tintin up with him, pushing him over to the corner behind the door and pointing. To stay there. There was no avoiding suspicion with this, after all. So Tintin stood there, as silently as possible, watching as Chang quickly adjusted his shirt and rebuttoned it, combing his fingers through his hair afterwards to make it lay flat and seem presentable. His ability to handle a situation was quite admirable, possibly even better than his own. He was a quick thinker after all, and- This was not the time to be admiring Chang, once again. This was serious.

Chang motioned to Tintin to stay quiet by placing a finger over his own lips then giving him a firm nod, which Tintin reciprocated, then stood as still as possible as Chang opened the door.

Chang had put on a fake smile, a very believable one too. "Oh, good evening, Captain Haddock."

Oh, so it was Haddock.

Tintin could hear his booming voice beyond the door. "Evening, boy. Have you seen Tintin? I have a favor to ask of em' but he's not anywhere he usually is. Thought he might be with you."

Chang kept his cool and shook his head. "No, I can't say I've seen him either." He was a wonderful liar.

Haddock grunted in response. "Well, if you see him...tell him to stop by the butcher for me. We have no bacon!" Tintin could hear him adjusting how he was standing, even from where he was. "I need to hire someone to go shopping around here...hmph, anyway, I'm going to...a ship auction."

He most definitely did not need another ship, nor did Tintin think he could afford one, so that was either a total lie or he just wanted to look solemnly at boats again. Either way, he was likely to end up drinking some tonight. Tintin hoped he wouldn't have to go get him.

Chang nodded with a polite smile. "That's no problem at all. I'll let him know when I see him."

Haddock sighed. "Much appreciated. Don't let him cause a fuss about it either." He stepped back, and Tintin assumed he must have waved goodbye based on Chang doing just that, before saying farewell and closing the door.

Then Chang sighed heavily in relief and looked over at Tintin, giving him a very reassuring smile that he returned. He walked over to Tintin hastily then grabbed him by the face suddenly, and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

As Chang pulled away, Tintin laughed and pulled him into his arms. "You handled that really well."

Chang scoffed and rolled his eyes, seeming to relax fully now. "I panicked."

Tintin cupped Chang's face and stroked it softly, letting his hand then run upwards and into his hair where he ran his fingertips through it. "Who has messy hair now?"

Chang's eyes widened and he quickly scrambled to pat down his hair, which made Tintin laugh some more. He reached out and took his hands and gave them both a kiss. "Chang, it's alright, I'm only joking...it wasn't noticable."

Another sigh left Chang's lips, and he rested his head against Tintin's shoulder, mumbling, "You ruin me, Tintin..."

He was embarrassed to think it, but Tintin had to agree that was true about five minutes ago. Not that he would say that out loud though.

Chang's arms wrapped slowly around Tintin's waist then, leaving Tintin to melt right into the hold. They stayed silent for several seconds, enjoying that peace, before Chang lifted his head back up. He leaned forward, seeming to hesitate, before going in to whisper in Tintin's ear.

"Listen..." Chang began, pausing before continuing. "I...I love you..."

And...well, Tintin froze. Of course he froze. Chang just said...that. He admitted to something Tintin already knew to be true, but...wasn't quite sure he was ready to say yet. But it seems Chang knew the hesitance, because he pulled away from Tintin's ear and looked him deep in the eyes.

"I had to say it. Because I was ready to. I felt I would burst if I didn't say it." Chang bit his lip nervously. "You don't have to say it until you're ready though, Tintin. I'll wait for you. You've...been braver for me than you even know. Just...keep being brave."

Slowly but surely, Tintin processed it, and he nodded in response. "I'm getting braver, Chang...I promise you."

He wanted to say it back. But he couldn't. The word wouldn't even materialize in his head, too shrouded with fear. He could feel it, he knew it was there and ready to be spoken, but it would not vocalize itself or even exist in his mind yet without being hidden among fear.

Chang soothed Tintin's racing mind just a bit by stroking the back of his head and giving him a comforting smile. "I know how you feel. So do you. And I will wait."

Tintin knew how he felt as well. He felt absolutely fucking overjoyed, excuse the language. Chang, whom he thought so dearly and highly of, LOVED HIM. He loved him, he said it, he whispered it in his ear. He was willing to be patient. Because he understood.

Chang knew how frightening this was for the both of them. He understood it entirely. That was deeply comforting to Tintin, because even if Chang seemed to have it all understood and put together, he truly did not. They were in the same boat in the same ocean.

Tintin did not argue his sudden urge to hug Chang as tight as humanly possible. He wrapped both arms around him and squeezed tight.

"You know...the longer I'm with you like this...the less shrouded it becomes in my head." Tintin hesitantly mumbled this, but Chang heard him. He held onto Tintin and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.

"It's clear as day outside your head." Chang said softly. "It will become easier. I promise you this. We can make it."

As Tintin pulled away from the tight hug, he felt a newfound relief in his soul. When Chang said they'd make it, when he said it would become easier, he believed it wholeheartedly. He felt like he could do anything if Chang was there.

Tintin reached out and took Chang's hand, speaking softly. "Thank you for being so brave for the both of us..." He squeezed it. "Let's...let's go to the market now. It's um...not much of a date, but...we can think of it that way. I suppose the butcher isn't very romantic, but..."

There was no missing the way Chang laughed. He found Tintin undeniably adorable. Especially right now. A serious talk, and Tintin was already ready to get right back into action, which was typical of him.

"Believe me, Tintin...you've pulled your weight." This time, Chang pulled up Tintin's hand and gave it a kiss instead. "That sounds nice to me. Perhaps you'll let me buy you flowers or something afterwards?"

Tintin scoffed and laughed, but flushed from being the one to have his own hand kissed this time. Of course he would let Chang do that. Chang loved him, and with all the bravery he had shown alone, he deserved to do whatever he wanted at this point. Tintin just hoped to manage to do the same.

"I wouldn't mind." Tintin took a deep breath, voice soft and meek now. "I wouldn't mind that in the slightest, darling."

It's a good thing calling him darling easily counted in another step forward to displaying even a fraction of the bravery Chang could.

Good thing it also made Chang blush like no other. Tintin would have to remember that.