Work Text:
The two get comfortable on the couch, ready for their weekly movie night. Their popcorn bowl sits between them and their cold beers sit on the coffee table in front of them.
“Stop hogging the blanket,”
“I’m not. It’s big enough for both of us,”
“It isn’t,”
“It’s the same blanket we use every weekend!”
“Well, maybe you just got bigger, fat ass!”
“Seriously?! You’re starting a fight right now?”
“It wouldn’t be a fight if you had just shared the damn thing!”
A quiet sigh is heard from the other couch, “They do this every time.”
“Gege, can’t we kick them out?”
“San Lang, this is their apartment, too.”
“But, they’re noisy and annoying.”
“That’s true. Oh, Mu Qing is grabbing the vase again— Mu Qing put it down!”
Xie Lian jumps from the couch, and onto the other one where his two best friends sit. He tries to pry the vase from Mu Qing’s hands, not wanting to have to make another hospital trip this month. What’s with him and vases? Poor Feng Xin probably has brain damage at this point.
“No, he needs to die! He’s an asshole!” Mu Qing yells, struggling against Xie Lian. He hates that Xie Lian has always been stronger than both him and Feng Xin (but also secretly admires it).
“You’re the asshole! Why can’t we go one movie night without you starting a damn fight?!” Feng Xin shouts back, shoving his foot harder into Mu Qing’s stomach.
It’s amazing that these two have been friends for so long, and haven't killed one another. God knows they certainly tried.
And currently trying.
It takes another ten minutes to get the vase out of Mu Qing’s hands, and another fifteen to get them to calm down. Mu Qing doesn’t apologize (no surprise there), but he does make a new bowl of popcorn.
The night continues like the fight never happened.
Later on, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are lying in bed. Xie Lian is exasperated and exhausted by his friends, but he loves them.
“It’s hard to believe they’ve been dating for so long when they fight like that.” Xie Lian comments.
Hua Cheng purses his lips at that, “They’re what?”
“Dating.”
“… Come again?”
“San Lang, stop playing. They’re boyfriends.”
“Are you sure, Gege?”
Xie Lian sits up a bit to look at his boyfriend, face serious as he says, “Of course I am. They’re my best friends, why wouldn’t I know if they’re together or not? Silly San Lang.”
Xie Lian chuckles quietly as he lays back down on Hua Cheng’s chest. The younger man doesn’t think those two idiots are dating. It’s impossible. Oh well, it’s none of his business. He falls asleep quickly, only dreaming of the man in his arms.
In the next room, said idiots are lying in the bed facing each other.
“I’m sorry for earlier. I don’t know why I did that.” Mu Qing whispers.
“It’s fine, I’m over it, Qing’er. If you wanted an extra blanket you could have just said so.” Feng Xin says, pulling up the covers to Mu Qing’s chin.
Mu Qing subtly burrows into the warm covers, loving the smell of Feng Xin on them. He actually likes just being in Feng Xin’s bed in general. It’s somehow comfier than his own.
“Are you sleeping in here tonight?” Feng Xin asks.
“Do you want me to?”
They both know the answer to both of those questions.
“Goodnight, then, Qing’er.”
“Mm. Goodnight, A-Xin.”
__________________
The sun rises on Monday morning, finally letting go of the… eventful weekend. Feng Xin and Mu Qing didn’t fight again, and Xie Lian was glad about that.
It’s currently 7a.m. and Feng Xin is getting ready for work. He just got back from his daily run as well. Feng Xin is naturally an early riser, so he decided to devote that time to exercise.
He exits the bathroom, and goes into his bedroom to put on his work suit. He notices that his bed is empty, but isn’t worried. He smiles to himself as he straightens out his shirt. He puts on a watch, too, and exits the room.
He finds Mu Qing in the kitchen. His messy bun is lopsided and his sleep shirt is slipping off of one shoulder. His eyes are barely open as he packs Feng Xin’s lunch. He zips up the bag after placing a sticky note on top of the items. Feng Xin can’t wait to read it, and text him about it, like usual.
Mu Qing then goes to fill up a travel mug with coffee, and puts a ridiculous amount of sugar and creamer into it. He adds cinnamon as well, and screws on the lid. He grabs the lunch bag and coffee, and hands it to Feng Xin, who has been watching the whole time.
“Good morning, and thank you.” Feng Xin says softly, knowing the other doesn’t like loud noises so early in the morning.
“Mm. See you later, you big oaf.” Mu Qing says back, and yawns.
Feng Xin smiles fondly at the other’s kitten-like face as he yawns. He leans down and gives Mu Qing’s cheek a quick kiss. He quickly backs away as a hand comes up to swat him.
“I told you to stop that.” Mu Qing glares at him sleepily.
Feng Xin chuckles, “Sorry, Qing’er. I couldn’t help myself; you’re too cute.”
Mu Qing shoves at his broad chest, not really putting in an effort to push him away. “Go to work. You’ll be late.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll call you on my lunch break.”
“Please don’t.”
Feng Xin just laughs as he leaves the apartment. Mu Qing rolls his eyes and heads back to his own room this time. But he’s stopped short when he runs into Hua Cheng, who is coming out of the bathroom.
“Oh, shit, my bad.” Mu Qing mumbles. He can’t wait to go back to sleep.
“It’s fine,” Hua Cheng says, eyeing him up and down. He had heard them in the kitchen. “Hey, I have a question.”
“It’s too early, asshole.”
“Just answer it.”
Mu Qing groans, “Fine. What?”
“Are you and Thing 2 dating?”
Hua Cheng only calls them Thing 1 and Thing 2. Xie Lian had tried to get him to stop, but it was to no avail.
Mu Qing looks at the younger man like he had grown four heads. “What the fuck? No. It’s too early for this shit. I’m going to bed.”
He walks off, but Hua Cheng keeps talking, “You aren’t? But you just made him lunch.”
“So?”
“He kissed your cheek.”
“Dianxia does that, too.”
“You get up early, even though you value your sleep, just to make a grown man— whom you aren’t dating supposedly— lunch for work.”
“Listen, if all you’re gonna do is shit on my life, just shut the fuck up. I don’t wanna hear it, so fuck off.” Mu Qing gives Hua Cheng a harsh glare and goes into his room, closing the door.
Hua Cheng stands there with a knowing smirk on his face for a moment. He shakes his head and goes back into Xie Lian’s room.
Later on that day, Mu Qing is sitting at his desk in his room. He’s working on some designs for an upcoming runway project. He works for a small company, and they can’t afford to give him a studio. That’s fine with Mu Qing; he doesn’t have any money, either. Working from home is better for him, anyway. He doesn’t like talking to people unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Which also means that he has the biggest room in their apartment. He has a small bed just to fit his desk and mannequins in. Most of his sewing materials are in his room as well. Some of his fabrics had to go into the linen closet with the extra blankets.
Mu Qing sighs in frustration, pushing his glasses up to his head, and rubbing his eyes. He’s been staring at his computer for three hours straight. He’s been drawing on a hand-me-down tablet trying to design this impossible dress he stupidly came up with.
Okay, it’s not stupid.
It’s just that in Mu Qing’s head, it has all these little intricate details, and patterns. When he draws them out, they don’t look like the ones in his head and it’s pissing him off. He’s ready to punch a wall.
Before he could do so, his phone rang.
Stupid-Xin is calling…
He picks up before it could ring a second time.
“Hey, dumbo,”
“Be nice or I’m hanging up.”
“Okay, bye—“
“Wait! I was joking, asshole!”
Mu Qing smiles, “No you weren’t. But, I’ll play nice for now. How’s work?”
Feng Xin groans loudly down the line, “Absolutely boring! I’ve been looking at stupid numbers all day, and they’re all starting to look the same. I can’t tell which is which anymore.”
Mu Qing snorts. “I think that’s just dyscalculia.”
“Don’t diagnose me, I’ve already got enough going on. Pei Ming says hi, by the way.”
Mu Qing rolls his eyes again, “Hi, Pei.”
“I’m not telling him that! Fuck off! Anyway, how’s your day been?”
Pei Ming is Feng Xin’s annoying coworker. He talks too much, and only thinks with his dick. How he got a job as an accountant is anybody’s guess. Mu Qing hates him. Feng Xin likes him because he tells the worst jokes known to man. Mu Qing thinks they’re best friends at this point. They have been working together for nearly two years now.
“Fine, just frustrating. I think I’m getting a headache.”
“Didn’t I tell you to take breaks? You’ve been staring at the computer for three straight hours, haven’t you? Take a break, Qing’er. Go eat and drink water.”
Mu Qing hates when the other man is right. He knows Mu Qing’s habits like the back of his hand. It pisses him off.
“Yeah, yeah whatever. You’re not my mom.” There’s fondness in his tone, and Feng Xin chuckles. Mu Qing heads to the kitchen.
“Your note today was uncalled for, you know?”
“What do you mean?”
“You drew a pair of boobs!”
Mu Qing raids the fridge as they talk. He finds a container with Hua Cheng’s name on it, and tosses it into the trash behind him. He knows whatever it was Xie Lian made it. They try to keep Xie Lian from cooking, therefore anything he makes will go into the trash.
“Oh yeah, I forgot. Did you like it? Some of my best work, honestly.” He finds another container of rice and chicken. “Hey, when did you have this chicken and rice?”
“No, I didn’t like it, and you know it. Also, not sure. Maybe three days ago? Don’t eat it, I still want it.”
Mu Qing tosses it into the microwave.
“Okay, I’ll find something else. Or maybe I’ll just starve.”
“You’re a fucking drama queen. Fine, eat it.”
Mu Qing smirks and pours himself a glass of water. “Thanks, big guy. You’re being less of an asshole today.”
“Think you could tone it down a bit?”
“Never.”
The microwave beeps and Mu Qing grabs his food. He goes to sit on the couch, and turns on the tv.
“Of course not. Is Dianxia home?”
“… Not sure. Want me to check?” He honestly has no clue if Xie Lian is home. He’s been at work all day. He certainly didn’t hear the front door open or close. Or maybe he just wasn’t paying attention.
“Nah, it’s fine. Listen, I gotta go now. See you later, Qing’er.”
Mu Qing ignores the hollow feeling in his chest. He always does. He has no reason to feel this way. It’s just Feng Xin; he isn’t anyone special. He’s just a friend, maybe.
“Yeah, see you later. Have a good day.”
They hang up and Mu Qing continues to ignore the feelings.
_____________________
Feng Xin has always had a strong feeling that Mu Qing feels more than he lets on. They grew up together, so of course he can tell when something is different. They were always mean to each other with Xie Lian being the peacekeeper. When they got to college, Mu Qing mellowed out a lot. Sure, he still insulted Feng Xin and started fights, but he no longer threw punches. Physical fights haven’t been a thing for years.
And now, he’s more mellow than ever. Well, not mellow, but more…
Feng Xin can’t think of the word.
He likes this Mu Qing the best, though. He’s always liked the other man. He was annoying and bitchy, but Feng Xin never hated Mu Qing. He doesn’t have a single hating bone in his body. But the Mu Qing that currently makes him lunch for work, sleeps with him (just sleeping), sometimes holds his hand, and even rarer lets him kiss Mu Qing’s cheek.
Feng Xin has a very strong feeling.
He suddenly found himself enamored with Mu Qing one day. It was years ago back in college. Feng Xin was always nice to him even though Mu Qing wasn’t. They were at a party and Feng Xin found Mu Qing throwing up in some bushes. He had quickly gotten Mu Qing some water and some napkins to clean his mouth. Feng Xin brought him over to a few chairs to sit down, but Mu Qing insisted he wanted to go back home to his dorm. Feng Xin was too shit faced himself to drive, so they walked. It was an hour long walk, but only because they weren’t in a rush.
“Do you want my jacket? You’re shivering.”
“No, I’m fine. I don’t need your help.”
Instead of getting angry like he usually did, Feng Xin sighed and draped his jacket over Mu Qing’s shoulders.
“I know you don’t.”
Halfway through their walk, Mu Qing had put the jacket on fully. He barely listened as Feng Xin yapped away about nothing. He’s annoying when he’s drunk. He asked a question that made Mu Qing stop in his tracks.
“What do you wanna be when you grow up?”
It was such a stupid question to ask, but Feng Xin didn’t regret it.
“That’s a stupid fucking question.”
“Humor me.”
Mu Qing sighed, but thought about it. His major is psychology, but he doesn’t want to be a therapist or any of that sort. Sure, it was kind of fun psychoanalyzing people, and using that as ammo for arguments. But, he didn’t want to keep doing that.
“I want to be a fashion designer.”
Feng Xin had looked at him, and smiled.
“Yeah, I can see that.”
He could tell it was a genuine answer, and Feng Xin decided he wanted to stick by Mu Qing’s side to see it through. He didn’t fall in love that night, but he recognized there was something more.
He technically didn’t fall at all.
He woke up one day and saw Mu Qing lying next to him, mouth open and snoring loudly. Feng Xin’s heart kind of just went, “Yeah, he’s the one.”
That was two years ago.
Feng Xin is a patient man, contrary to popular belief. He’s been waiting for Mu Qing because he knows Mu Qing feels the same. Mu Qing looks at him with so much adoration and affection, it’s wild. Feng Xin had been testing the waters. Cuddling with him, holding hands, and most recently kissing his cheek. He for sure thought he would get punched, but when all he got was a meager hand swat, Feng Xin counted it as a win.
So, he does it all the time now. Mu Qing tells him to stop, but there’s no real heat behind it. If he really wanted Feng Xin to stop, he would’ve said so.
Also, their late night talks in bed are Feng Xin’s favorite. It allows Mu Qing to be vulnerable because whatever they say doesn’t leave the sheets. They promised each other. Seeing Mu Qing let down his walls in real time only makes Feng Xin love him more. It makes him want to hold and cherish him. Well, he already does, but more openly.
But, Feng Xin is a patient man, and will continue to be so.
____________________
It’s Sunday afternoon now, a rest day. However, Feng Xin doesn’t want to rest. He’s itching to do something, anything.
He turns to Mu Qing next to him on the couch.
“Let’s go out.”
Mu Qing side eyes him. “No.”
“Why not? I’m bored!”
“Go by yourself, then.”
“I don’t want to!”
“Take Dianxia with you.”
Xie Lian, who had been reading peacefully, looks up from hearing his atrocious nickname. “I’m waiting on San Lang, sorry Feng Xin. Mu Qing, you should go with him. I think some quality time would be good.”
“Yeah, we need quality time together! Let’s go, Mu Qing!”
Mu Qing rolls his eyes, “Fine, whatever. Where are we going?”
Feng Xin shrugs, “Not sure. Let’s see what we can find.”
Mu Qing rolls his eyes again. The two get ready to go, and when they open the door, Hua Cheng is standing there.
“Dianxia, your creepy boyfriend is here!” Feng Xin shouts.
Hua Cheng glares at him. “Call me that one more time, and I’ll—“
“San Lang! You’re here!”
Hua Cheng smiles softly upon seeing Xie Lian, “Hello, Gege. How are you today?”
Feng Xin pushes past him, and Mu Qing follows.
“He almost threatened us, just so you know.” Mu Qing says as they walk away.
Xie Lian tilts his head in confusion. “San Lang, did you? Be nice to them.”
“Of course, Gege. What are we doing today?”
Xie Lian grabs his straw hat from the hook by the door. “We’re following them.”
Hua Cheng’s eye twitches. “May I ask why?”
Xie Lian shuts the door and locks it. He then realizes he forgot his phone. Oh well, he barely uses it.
“I’ve been thinking about what you said. Maybe they aren’t together. But, then I thought, what if they’re just shy? They don’t act like a couple in front of us. So, I decided to spy on them whenever they decided to go out. Today is the day!”
Hua Cheng thinks it’s absurd. Those two aren’t together, but they’ve got… something.
“Thing 2 told me himself they aren’t dating.”
Xie Lian grabs his hand and leads them in the direction his best friends went. “That’s because you asked. They tolerate you for my sake.”
“Why haven’t you asked?”
Xie Lian stops in his tracks.
Why didn’t he think of that?
“San Lang, I may be dumb.”
“Never, Gege. Not all good ideas come to us in time.” Hua Cheng reassures him, but Xie Lian is not reassured.
Xie Lian huffs and continues walking, “Fine, I’ll help them. I’ll get those two together.”
“Gege, no.”
“Gege, yes! San Lang, you know I’m nosy! I have to.”
Hua Cheng sighs, “You really don’t.”
“We both know that I really do.”
Another sigh. “If you must, Gege.”
________________
“They haven’t done anything, Gege, can we go now?” Hua Cheng whines as they exit yet another shop.
They’ve been following Thing 1 and Thing 2 for two hours now and they haven’t done anything except argue.
“No, San Lang. I have to see how they act when we aren’t around.”
Thing 1 and Thing 2 stand in front of a closed shop, trying to decide where to eat at.
“Let’s just go to the cafe right there.” Mu Qing says, pointing to a building across the street.
Feng Xin shakes his head, “No, I want actual food. There’s an Italian restaurant like two blocks away.”
“I’m tired of walking, A-Xin. Can we at least rest in the cafe?” There’s a small pout on Mu Qing’s face as he looks up at the slightly taller Feng Xin.
Xie Lian has never seen Mu Qing pout in his life. This is… odd.
Feng Xin sighs, “Fine, but only because you asked so nicely.”
Mu Qing smiles at him, almost teasing, “Aw, it isn’t because I’m cute?”
Feng Xin takes his hand, and laces their fingers together, leading them to the cafe. “Absolutely not, never that. You’re crazy, Qing’er.”
Mu Qing chuckles at that and they go inside the cafe.
Xie Lian is confused. They’re definitely dating, right? That just proved it. They never act like that at home, though, so maybe they are just shy.
“San Lang, I told you. They are together. I think,”
Hua Cheng, who had barely been paying attention, says, “Gege, he told me they weren’t. He seemed quite offended when I asked him.”
Xie Lian looks up at him, “But, they just— I don’t get it.”
“Maybe it’s not for us to get. Come on, Gege, why don’t you and I go on a date? Since we’re out?”
Xie Lian purses his lips, and gives in. He smiles at Hua Cheng, “Alright, fine. Let’s go, San Lang.”
_________________
This goes on for another two or so weeks. Mu Qing and Feng Xin go out on Sundays and Xie Lian spies on them. Hua Cheng is dragged into his boyfriend’s scheming, of course.
On one Sunday, Feng Xin kissed Mu Qing’s cheek as they made their way back home. Xie Lian had wondered why they didn’t share an actual kiss, but ultimately decided that they weren’t big on PDA.
Also, it was strange that Mu Qing hadn’t punched Feng Xin in the face for that kiss.
This is getting strange.
Currently, they’re all lounging in the living room, watching some reality show Mu Qing has been binging. Xie Lian notices that over time, the two got closer on the couch.
Maybe he should just ask? No, that would be an invasion of their privacy.
As if.
Xie Lian chuckles quietly to himself. He’s notorious for being in people’s business. Only if to satiate his curiosity.
“So, guys,” Xie Lian says loud enough for them to hear. Both of them turn their heads to look at him. Xie Lian continues, “I have a very important question to ask both of you.”
Feng Xin raises a brow, “Yeah? What’s up?”
“Are you two… dating?” Xie Lian smiles politely, but it’s anything but.
As expected, Mu Qing is immediately offended. “What the hell? We aren’t! Don’t say shit like that!”
Feng Xin, who is more calm (suspicious), replies, “Yeah, we aren’t, Dianxia.”
Xie Lian’s smile gets wider, “Oh, really? Are you sure? I just assumed because of how close you two have gotten lately.”
Feng Xin glances at Mu Qing, “We’ve always been close. All three of us have.”
Xie Lian shakes his head, “No, I don’t think so. If you guys really aren’t dating, then what are you doing? You guys hold hands, Mu Qing makes you lunch, you guys call when Feng Xin is on break… Feng Xin kisses your cheek a lot. And, Feng Xin— Oh.”
Xie Lian looks between them: Mu Qing’s face is impossibly red while Feng Xin seems more… relaxed. Xie Lian understands now.
“Oh, I see,” Xie Lian smiles gently. “I apologize for being nosy. Well, not really, but you know what I mean. I’m gonna go call San Lang.”
On his way to his room, Xie Lian and Feng Xin share a look. The former smiles even more gently if that is possible. Feng Xin gives a small nod, glad that his best friend understands now.
Once he’s out of sight, Mu Qing lets out a frustrating sigh. “He’s so annoying! We aren’t even doing anything remotely related to all that bullshit dating stuff! It’s normal friend shit! Isn’t it, Feng Xin?”
Feng Xin’s smile turns to amusement, “Sure, Qing’er.”
“You sound like you don’t agree.”
“Well…”
Mu Qing glares at him, “What do you mean?”
Feng Xin has the gall to laugh, “I mean, we have been doing very boyfriend-y stuff. You can’t deny that, Mu Qing. The only problem is you.”
Mu Qing wants to punch him because what the fuck.
“Me? I’m the problem? Shut the fuck up, Taylor Swift! What do you mean?”
Mu Qing doesn’t get it. How is he the problem? He’s just doing what feels right, what feels natural. Sure, he hates Feng Xin’s guts, but he doesn’t want the guy dead. It would make Xie Lian sad and Mu Qing isn’t equipped to handle that. He just goes with it, not wanting to cause a fight (at least not by accident).
Feng Xin looks at him for a long while. His brown eyes are mesmerizing as he tries to convey everything on his mind to Mu Qing. It makes Mu Qing feel vulnerable, like he’s looking straight through him. He feels naked, but also safe. Just a look from this man can make Mu Qing feel so safe and comfortable. That feeling has always been there, too. He never thought much of it, assuming it was normal. But as the years went on, he realized that feeling isn’t the same with Xie Lian.
Mu Qing is safe and comfortable when both of them are near, but it’s different from Feng Xin. It’s stronger, something more… affectionate. Romantic, even. Mu Qing never thought much of his own feelings, either. He believes his actions say enough. He cares for both of his best friends, which is why it felt natural to do those things with Feng Xin. He didn’t think it looked different to outsiders.
But, when was the last time he shared a bed with Xie Lian? Shared his inner, most deepest thoughts? Or even shared his true feelings about everything?
He looks at Feng Xin.
“… I’m sorry, A-Xin. I’m so sorry, I—“
“Hush, it’s okay, Qing’er. No harm done, I promise,” Feng Xin gently coos, bringing his hands up to cup his face.
Mu Qing shakes his head, “No, I— I should’ve realized sooner. I mean I’m an asshole, but not that much. Why didn’t you say anything? How long have you…?”
“Doesn’t matter how long. I never said anything because I wanted you to come to terms with it on your own. You weren’t exactly subtle, but I guess you didn’t realize what was going on. So, I don’t blame you. I know you, Mu Qing; you don't think about your emotions. You just do what feels right.”
Mu Qing looks off to the side. Feng Xin has always made him feel seen, so open. He does know Mu Qing, probably more than Xie Lian does. It wasn’t on purpose, though. He just…
Mu Qing leans forward and hides his face in Feng Xin’s neck. Feng Xin smiles widely, and holds him close.
“I love you, Mu Qing.”
“… I guess I tolerate you.”
That makes Feng Xin roll his eyes fondly. Don’t worry, they’ll work up to it.
__________________