Work Text:
Cheng Xiaoshi was no stranger to getting stuck in strange situations for the sake of a mission. This was simply the nature of diving into other people’s lives. And working with Lu Guang as his partner had led Cheng Xiaoshi to ask fewer and fewer questions. But… this was really something else.
“Guang Guang, are you sure this is vital for the mission?” Cheng Xiaoshi whined for what must have been the hundredth time.
Lu Guang sighed heavily. Cheng Xiaoshi could feel his breath against his forehead. He did his best to ignore the goosebumps that raised along the back of his neck.
“Yes, and I won’t say it again.” Lu Guang said shortly.
Oh, he was really getting annoyed now. His eyes had just about adjusted to the dark, and now Cheng Xiaoshi could see the furrow that had formed in Lu Guang’s brow.
“And how long do we have to stay in this damn box, again?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked. He knew that he was pushing it now, but he couldn’t let go of the desperate hope that he would get a different answer this time.
“Xiaoshi!” Lu Guang scolded. “What have I told you.”
Cheng Xiaoshi rearranged his face to make a stern expression, and spoke flatly.
“It’s imperative to this mission that you understand as little as possible. Telling you anything more might jeopardize the entire plan.” Cheng Xiaoshi mimicked.
Another heavy sigh tickled Cheng Xiaoshi’s fringe.
They sat in silence for a minute while Cheng Xiaoshi bit his tongue, aware that one more word slipping from his lips might get his head bitten off.
Admittedly, of all the weird situations their missions had gotten them into thus far, this was one of the best. Who wouldn’t want to be locked in an enclosed space with a beautiful boy for an indeterminate amount of time? Well, Lu Guang didn’t, apparently.
Cheng Xiaoshi started to question if he was in the right line of work. Really, what other job could require you to be locked in a cramped box with your basketball / time travelling / detective partner?
There was hardly enough space in here for Cheng Xiaoshi to lay down, his back pressed against one side of the box and the tips of his shoes on the other, his knees bent uncomfortably. Cheng Xiaoshi had tried to sit up cross-legged at first, like Lu Guang had done, but Lu Guang complained about the strange angle he was hunching his neck at.
“No, no. You’ll get a cramp in ten minutes flat like this, and we’ll have to start all over.” Lu Guang had chided.
Naturally, Cheng Xiaoshi had rearranged himself to shove his legs onto Lu Guang’s lap, smirking mischievously. “You’re right, this is much more comfortable.”
Lu Guang had actually been right, of course. Leaning against the wall like this allowed Cheng Xiaoshi enough space to straighten out his neck, and he immediately felt more relaxed.
Lu Guang scoffed, trying to push Cheng Xiaoshi away as he usually did, but there was no space to do so. Cheng Xiaoshi giggled.
“If you want me off you, you’re going to have to move~” Cheng Xiaoshi teased. “Hey, why can you sit like that, and I can’t?”
“Because you’re stupidly tall.” Lu Guang hissed.
“More like you’re adorably short.” Cheng Xiaoshi retorted.
Lu Guang clicked his tongue incredulously. Cheng Xiaoshi presumed he rolled his eyes, also. He couldn’t quite see, but he could picture it clearly.
Lu Guang checked his watch- its faint blue glow was the only source of light they had in the enclosed space- and then scratched the back of his neck.
“Ah, see, you’re getting uncomfortable already.” Cheng Xiaoshi accused.
“No I’m not.” Lu Guang said firmly.
“Hey, don’t be shy now, you can come a little closer~” Cheng Xiaoshi said slyly, shifting his legs a little so their weight wasn’t on Lu Guang anymore.
“Fine.” Lu Guang spat, starting to shuffle around in the cramped space.
Oh, Cheng Xiaoshi hadn’t expected that. He was suddenly very grateful for the dark, as it would hopefully hide how red his face flushed as Lu Guang shifted to lean over him. They were face to face now. Cheng Xiaoshi slid a little lower down the wall to regain a little breathing room.
“Is this what you wanted?” Lu Guang murmured.
Cheng Xiaoshi’s heart felt like it might leap out of his chest at any moment. He took a slow, conscious breath before he replied.
“Are you more comfortable?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked.
Lu Guang took a few heartbeats to respond.
“Yes.”
“Then I’m happy.”
Cheng Xiaoshi swallowed. This was fine. They were just making the most of the space. He forced himself not to think of anything else. It was a bit difficult, when Lu Guang’s face was hovering just inches from his own. Cheng Xiaoshi squeezed his eyes shut. This only made him more aware of all his other senses. The invisible feeling of something familiar looming close over him. The quiet rhythm of Lu Guang’s breathing. The way every exhale tickled gently against his forehead.
“Xiaoshi?” Lu Guang murmured.
His voice was much closer to Cheng Xiaoshi’s ear than he expected, and he startled a little, his eyes fluttering open.
“Huh?”
“Did you fall asleep?”
“Oh, ah, a little bit.”
Lu Guang rolled his eyes.
“I don’t know how you can be so comfortable here. Weirdo.”
“Trust me, I’m not.”
“You just fell asleep.”
“That doesn’t have anything to do with it.” Cheng Xiaoshi huffed.
“I’m a veritable nap expert. You can’t fall asleep if you aren’t at least a little comfortable.” Lu Guang lectured.
“Well I’m always a little comfortable when you’re around. If you want me to stay awake, then leave.” Cheng Xiaoshi grumbled.
Lu Guang opened his mouth to reply, then closed it again. His mouth pressed into a fine line, the slightest of frowns. He wasn’t looking at Cheng Xiaoshi anymore.
Cheng Xiaoshi wondered how long he had slept for. It couldn’t be particularly long, since Lu Guang was still in the same position. Though, his arms did look a bit strained, his shoulders tense with effort. Was he getting tired?
“You know how cats stick out their arms when you try to put them in the bath?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked.
“Uh, yeah…?”
“That’s how you look, right now.”
Lu Guang blinked a few times, then chuckled. “Xiaoshi, you say the strangest things.”
“I’m right!”
“I’m sure you are.”
Cheng Xiaoshi huffed, folding his arms. This removed half of the support for his upper body, causing his neck to press somewhat painfully against the wall behind him, but it was worth it. Cheng Xiaoshi would pay any cost to pout a little more dramatically.
This, as usual, made Lu Guang chuckle a little warmer, a little more heartily. This was the main reason that it was worth any cost.
“You’re so cute.” Lu Guang said fondly.
“You’re cute!” Cheng Xiaoshi spat back, shoving at Lu Guang’s chest.
“Hey now, I don’t have anywhere to go.”
“I know that.” Cheng Xiaoshi grumbled, folding his arms again. “Not like I actually want you to leave.” He added even more quietly.
“I’m glad someone is comfortable here.”
“You aren’t?”
“We’re stuck in a box, Xiaoshi.”
“I know that!” Cheng Xiaoshi barked. “I mean, is there anything that would make you more comfortable? While we’re stuck here?”
“Oh, right. Um…” Lu Guang considered this for a moment.
Cheng Xiaoshi could almost visibly see the cogs turning in his brain. He shifted a little, then hesitated.
“It’s ok.” Cheng Xiaoshi assured. “If I’m uncomfortable, I’ll let you know.”
Lu Guang let out a long breath, then moved closer. He braced his arm against the side of the box, leaning just above Cheng Xiaoshi’s head. The poor boy nearly fainted from how quickly his heart jumped into his throat. Cheng Xiaoshi’s head began to spin.
“It’s mostly my wrists getting sore.” Lu Guang explained. “Leaning on them like that.”
Cheng Xiaoshi nodded stupidly in reply. He was a little afraid of what might come out of his mouth, if he dared to open it. Lu Guang’s face was even closer to his own, though slightly above Cheng Xiaoshi now. It was easier to look at Lu Guang’s lips than his eyes. This didn’t help Cheng Xiaoshi feel any less dizzy.
“Is this ok?” Lu Guang asked.
“Yes.” Cheng Xiaoshi said without a shred of hesitation.
“Ok. Good.”
Neither seemed to have anything more to say right now. Cheng Xiaoshi resettled himself to lay more comfortably again. His fingertips brushed Lu Guang’s hand, the one still leaning against the floor beside him.
Cheng Xiaoshi recoiled instinctively, not meaning to invade Lu Guang’s personal space any more than he already was. And then his fingers wandered back, tracing the inside of Lu Guang’s wrist.
“Does it still hurt?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked softly.
“A little.” Lu Guang admitted.
“Can we do anything about that?”
“Well, no, not really. I don’t want to-”
“I don’t mind.” Cheng Xiaoshi reassured, guessing what Lu Guang was worrying over.
“Really, it’s not that-” Lu Guang tried again, but Cheng Xiaoshi cut him off again, though this time not with words.
Cheng Xiaoshi grabbed the collar of Lu Guang’s shirt firmly, and gently tugged him closer. Not enough to force him to move, but enough to send a clear message. Cheng Xiaoshi appreciated the way Lu Guang’s eyes widened a little with surprise, then relaxed again with… some emotion that Cheng Xiaoshi wasn’t quite sure how to read.
After a moment of hesitation, Lu Guang obliged, moving even closer to Cheng Xiaoshi. He anchored both of his arms against the wall now, holding his weight on his forearms rather than his wrists. His arms were either side of Cheng Xiaoshi now, and their lips were just inches from touching- not that either of them were thinking about that.
Cheng Xiaoshi began to regret his momentary boldness.
Really, this was just another practical change. Cheng Xiaoshi couldn’t let his best bud sit here in pain for… however much longer they had to be in here. He was just looking out for his best friend. His partner.
His partner who just happened to have incredibly soft lips.
Cheng Xiaoshi bit the inside of his mouth, trying not to remember that. It wasn’t like this would be the first time they had kissed. They were as close as two people could be, really. But there was usually a little more alcohol involved that helped Cheng Xiaoshi work through his nerves.
Really, on a purely practical level, wouldn’t it be unprofessional for them to get distracted by something like that? They were technically working right now. Even if their job happened to involve being trapped in a stupid, tiny, pitch black space for an unknown period of time and no apparent reason why.
Normal work stuff. Super bad time to kiss your coworker.
“Xiaoshi…” Lu Guang breathed.
He was speaking softly now, his voice didn’t have very far to travel.
“Hm?” Cheng Xiaoshi hummed.
“Can you let go? You’re going to strangle me.”
Cheng Xiaoshi had forgotten he was still holding Lu Guang by the collar. And apparently his grip had tightened considerably as his mind had wandered.
“Oh, sorry.”
“It’s fine.”
“Um. Are you more comfortable? Besides that. I mean.” Cheng Xiaoshi did his best to sound casual and not like he was freaking out.
“Yeah… mostly.” Lu Guang said hesitantly.
“What’s troubling you now?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked, his voice full of concern.
Lu Guang shifted a little, then dipped his head just a little lower. There was hardly any space between their lips now.
“I think you already know.” Lu Guang breathed.
“Ah.” Cheng Xiaoshi squeaked. “Right.”
Well, at least he wasn’t the only one feeling this way. But still, the fact remained that they were on the job. Surely Lu Guang, the most serious and put-together person he knew, couldn’t condone smooching on company time.
“Are you uncomfortable yet?” Lu Guang purred. He already knew the answer.
“Well, just. The mission! And- uh. You know, professionality. We really shouldn’t- I mean, honestly, we can’t possibly- mmhf!”
Lu Guang put a stop to Cheng Xiaoshi’s rambling as their lips finally met. Cheng Xiaoshi hesitated a moment longer, and he might have pulled away if he had any space to do so. But then his brain reconnected with reality, and he felt how warm and soft Lu Guang was, that he always was.
Suddenly, Cheng Xiaoshi couldn’t remember why he had been fighting this at all.
What felt like five minutes later (but, in reality, was closer to half an hour) there was a tap on the side of the box. The sound echoed through the small space, making them both jump. Lu Guang broke away from Cheng Xiaoshi, gasping in a breath. Cheng Xiaoshi whined, trying to pull him back into another kiss.
“Ah- no, no. Time’s up.” Lu Guang said.
There was a muffled voice outside, then a crack of blinding light flooded in. A familiar face peeped into the top of the box, then quickly retreated.
“Huh?” Cheng Xiaoshi blinked a few times, his eyes still adjusting to the daylight. He could have sworn that was-
“Thank you, Qiao Ling-jie.” Lu Guang said, pushing the lid of the box off his back.
It clattered to the floor loudly. Cheng Xiaoshi winced at both the sound and the sudden flood of even more blinding sunlight in his eyeballs. He covered his face with his hands as he sat up.
Cheng Xiaoshi felt Lu Guang’s presence leave his side, and it felt like one of his limbs being cut off. He immediately missed his comfortable warmth. Cheng Xiaoshi bravely uncovered his face, hissing quietly as his eyes stung. He looked around for Lu Guang.
He was standing just outside of the box, speaking with Qiao Ling. Lu Guang’s shoulders were tense, and his arms folded tightly across his chest.
“What do you mean we’re done? The mission hasn’t even started yet.” Lu Guang was saying.
“What are we doing?” Cheng Xiaoshi whined, leaning over the side of the box. “Surely you can tell me the plan by now?”
“That’s just what I was asking, but somebody won’t tell me.” Lu Guang complained.
“I already explained it, I don’t know what you’re not understanding.” Qiao Ling scoffed, rolling her eyes.
“She’s still being cryptic.”
“And I thought you were clever.”
“What are you talking about? Lu Guang, I thought you knew the plan!” Cheng Xiaoshi barked.
“Well, I did… kind of.” Lu Guang glanced sideways at Qiao Ling, in much the same way one might keep their eye on a witch who could shapeshift into a bat and fly away at any moment.
“Kind of?” Cheng Xiaoshi echoed.
He had a sinking feeling in his stomach. That mischievous look glittering in Qiao Ling’s eyes was one he knew all too well.
“I told you everything you needed to know.” Lu Guang said simply. “And Qiao Ling told me everything I needed to know.”
“Oh my god, Lu Guang, don’t tell me you trusted this meddling witch?” Cheng Xiaoshi groaned.
“Well…” Lu Guang hissed. “I didn’t want to risk messing up the mission…”
Qiao Ling smirked.
Cheng Xiaoshi glared daggers at her.
“There is no mission, is there?” Cheng Xiaoshi accused.”There never was!”
Qiao Ling held up her hands, grinning like an imp. “You caught me!~” She sang.
“Wait, what?” Lu Guang said with genuine shock.
“Guang Guang! How did you fall for this?” Cheng Xiaoshi howled.
“Don’t blame me! I’m not the one who tricked you- tricked both of us.” Lu Guang hissed, glaring at Qiao Ling as though she were as terrifying as a wild beast.
She smiled innocently.
“Why did you do this?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked, though he knew no answer would suffice.
But Qiao Ling answered this question with one of her own.
“Was it really so bad?” Qiao Ling raised her eyebrows, studying both of the boys’ reactions intently. She grinned, seeing both of them blush. “That’s why. You two are always so nervous around each other, I thought you could use some alone time! I’m so glad it helped.”
“You’re evil. A witch. Rotten to the core.” Cheng Xiaoshi whined, burying his face in his hands.
“I’ll never trust you again.” Lu Guang said gravely.
“You’re welcome!~” Qiao Ling chimed.