Work Text:
“Are you almost ready?” Xie Lian called.
Feng Xin examined his own reflection in the mirror, mildly uncomfortable. He made another attempt to straighten his tie and turned from side to side, trying to make sure the suit fit nicely. “Maybe?” he responded.
Xie Lian laughed, the sound full of warmth. “Come out here and let me help you.”
With a final, futile effort to make the knot of his tie look natural, Feng Xin left the room he shared with his partner.
The apartment they shared was small, but comfortable. Feng Xin examined the pictures that lined the short hallway, letting his fingers trail along the slightly dusty golden frame that held a picture of the two of them in college. It was from a small celebration for Xie Lian’s birthday, he recalled. In it, Xie Lian’s head is thrown back as he laughs, long brown hair spilling down his shoulders. Beside him, Feng Xin watches quietly, a flimsy blue paper plate of half-eaten cake in one hand and a happy smile and light blush on his face.
When Mu Qing had shown Feng Xin the picture with a teasing grin, he’d made his friend swear to never show it to Xie Lian. There were too many tangible emotions in it, things he never wanted the subject of his affection to see.
He smiled softly to himself. How far they’ve come since then.
He managed to tear himself away from the picture and towards where Xie Lian waited.
Feng Xin found him crouched on the floor and heard the metallic screech of a can of cat food being opened. Their white cat, Ruoye, purred on the floor beside Xie Lian. He cooed and petted him gently.
“Go on, you can eat,” he encouraged. Ruoye’s golden eyes shone happily and he slunk closer to eat his dinner.
“I guess he’s all better now,” Feng Xin observed. Xie Lian stood and nodded, throwing another backwards glance at the cat.
“Yeah, I’m glad. I was worried. But the vet said he’ll be okay in another two days, so we’ll trust the process. Now, come here.”
He walked closer and let his partner look him up and down before reaching out with a wide grin.
“You’re still bad at tying ties, I see,” Xie Lian teased, undoing the crooked knot and beginning anew. His hands were warm through the fabric of Feng Xin’s button up and he leaned slightly into the touch, feeling like a flower soaking up the midsummer sun.
“Hey, I’m sure I’ve improved since we went to that formal back in college,” Feng Xin protested weakly. Xie Lian finished the simple knot in quick, precise movements before centering it and letting it fall. He left his hands against Feng Xin’s chest and regarded him with bright eyes.
“Mhm. Well, there was no way to get any worse,” he told Feng Xin.
“Hey, be nice. You should be more grateful that I’m coming with you to this god awful work party of yours.”
“I’m so very grateful for your company, A-Xin,” Xie Lian said. “How could I ever thank you?”
Feng Xin pushed him away lightly, huffing. “Alright, now you’re being sarcastic.”
“What are you talking about? I’m always sincere,” Xie Lian informed Feng Xin. The push barely moved him and he gave Feng Xin a cocky little smirk.
Without giving Feng Xin a chance to respond, Xie Lian grabbed ahold of his newly fastened tie and pulled him close, planting a kiss to his lips.
Or, he tried. He’d miscalculated a bit and ended up pressing his lips to Feng Xin’s nose. Embarrassed, he jerked back, turning red.
His horrified expression was incredibly endearing. Feng Xin couldn’t hold back his smile as he placed his hands softly at the sides of Xie Lian’s face and pulled him into a deep kiss.