Work Text:
Cheng Xiaoshi was not supposed to be out that late. His parents would scold him if they knew he was wandering around way past his bedtime but he simply wasn't tired.
A plastic box filled with chirping crickets was slung around his neck, and he grinned widely as he tapped his little hands in the lid. He was lucky to have been able to even catch one, let alone the three held hostage in his box. Tomorrow, he would be able to take it to class and show everyone. That would impress everyone.
He turned a corner, down the familiar alleyway not far from his home.
Then, he saw it.
At first, he though it was just a pile of old clothes dumped by the alley wall, but the pile suddenly moved. Xiaoshi stopped, his stomach twisting with a tinge of fear. He fiddled with his fingers as he gulped, stepping closer ever so slightly. His sneakers scuffed against the pavement, the crickets falling eerily silent. The dim glow of the streetlamp barely reached the corner, but it was enough for Xiaoshi to make out a fair – bruised, tired, and bloody. All of it just hidden under messy, white hair.
The little boy looked up and Xiaoshi froze. He relaxed as he recognised the boy. It was Lu Guang from his class. He wasn't exactly a friend, no matter how hard Xiaoshi tried. Lu Guang was quiet and always kept to himself. He was the type who never spoke unless he had to, who looked at the world like he was already too tired of it. But now, sitting there, curled in on himself with bleeding, scraped-up hands and swelling bruises on his face – he looked so frail. Nothing like Xiaoshi had ever seen before.
"Hi," Xiaoshi spoke up, taking the box from around his neck and placing it on the ground, before crouching in front of Lu Guang. Guang flinched.
Xiaoshi pretended not to notice. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "And what happened to your face."
He tilted his head, but heard no answer. Instead, Guang looked and and blinked warily. He was waiting for Xiaoshi to get bored and leave, he supposed. Something about that didn't sit right with Xiaoshi, so he sat down on the concrete and crossed his legs.
"Do you like crickets?" Xiaoshi pushed the box until it nudged Guang's foot. Only then did Xiaoshi notice how battered Guang's shoes were. They were dirty and the soles were peeling off. Xiaoshi frowned, before looking at Guang again. He didn't like the silence.
"You shouldn't sleep outside. It's cold."
Guang exhaled sharply, before sniffling. He was in shorts and a t-shirt in this weather, and even the sight made Xiaoshi shiver. He slipped the coat he had been sesding off and presented it to Guang.
"Here." He gestured towards the coat. "I don't want you to catch a cold."
Guang's eyes widened a fraction, a small blush creeping up onto his cheeks. He diverted his gaze, before cautiously taking the coat and snuggling up beneath it. Xiaoshi smiled at the sight.
Then, without thinking, he reached out to grab Guang's wrist. Perhaps he just wanted to pull him closer, or help him up. But, the moment his fingers brushed against his cold skin, Guang flinched again, harder this time, like hebwas expecting a hit.
Xiaoshi's breath caught as he looked away guiltily. He changed the subject quickly. "You can stay at my house."
Xiaoshi wobbled slightly as he stood up, picking up his box of crickets with two hands. "But you'd have to be quiet. I'm not supposed to be out this late."
Neither was Guang, Xiaoshi thought to himself. He couldn't think of a reason as to why Guang was out so late – and why he looked so badly hurt.
Xiaoshi brushed off his dusty knees before outstretching his hand towards Guang. For a second, Guang just stared at him. Quietly, so quiet Xiaoshi almost missed it, he whispered:
"Why?"
Xiaoshi's fingers curled into his palm as his expression rearranged to one of confusion "'Why?'"
"You don't even like me." Guang looked down. Xiaoshi frowned, his face growing pink with frustration.
"That's a big lie! Of course I like you. You never want to play with me when I try to invite me." Xiaoshi pouted and crossed his arms, tears prickling his narrowed eyes. There was a moment, before Xiaoshi looked back at Guang.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I really do like you Lu Guang. And I really want to be your friend."
Guang stared, before looking down at his hands. He sniffled again, wrapping Xiaoshi's coat tighter around himself.
"I promise its okay if you come over," Xiaoshi continued. "I‐ I'll sleep on the floor so you can get me big, comfy bed! And I have snacks! A– and toys!"
Lu Guang fell silent for a while. His eyes met Xiaoshi's, who's chest was heaving with his face bright red. Finally, he gave a tiny, stubborn nod. Xiaoshi's face immediately lit up as he clapped his hands together. He walked towards Guang excitedly, carefully offering his hand. Guang took it this time, and Xiaoshi pulled him off of the floor.
"Maybe I should tell my parents." Xiaoshi examined Guang. "Your cheek is bleeding. And your hands. Ma is really good with first aid! She always helps when I get hurt."
"You said your parents–"
"I'll tell them in the morning." Xiaoshi smirked. He stretched, turning around to look at Guang. Guang was having trouble standing, let alone walking.
"I'll carry you back to my house!" Xiaoshi announced, turning back around and crouching down. Guang blinked, before shyly looking away and fidgeting with his fingers.
"Are you... sure?"
"Of course! I'll be like your knight in shining armour!" Xiaoshi cried. "Hop on, Princess Lu Guang."
Guang took a shaky step back. "No thanks. I'm not a princess."
"I was only joking."
"I can walk just fine."
Lu Guang accepted the piggyback ride not long afterwards.