Work Text:
A man in a hurry opened his path between the not so crowded streets of dominia. His steps werent as loud as his thoughts, going from what would they eat for lunch, to all the paperwork he'd have to do once he steps back on their office, to how he had a bunch of Nusians tracking him down for who knows how long, to Xinan.
He hasn't seen Xinan in a long time since atleast a few weeks, and that felt like an eternity. Every minute without him felt like it. Xinan was a rather reserved person, never was the kind of guy that loves to be around people all the time and talk to them with the same enthusiasm after a few minutes, but with Zho, the situation was different. They could spend hours together, either talking or just sharing the same room, one of them checking papers and the other one working on any kind of gadget, and they wouldnt get tired of eachother at all. they were just very good friends. Simply made for eachother.
When the insurgent snapped back to reality, he was already back to his office. He sighted, took off his coat and hanged it on some place. He sitted down, took a sip of his black coffee and started his task — at least that's what he tried. Who could concentrate when you dont even know if your dearest friend is doing alright? He took a deep breath, resting his chin on his hand for a few seconds before glancing at a calendar that hanged on the wall. It wouldn't hurt anyone to move some assignments to some other day, and replace them with a meeting, right? zho didnt take too much time to call one of his associates.
“Reserve this friday night.” he ordered “Id like to meet the Operator Xinan.” Zho held confidently visual contact with his subordinate simultaneously to his words.
“...But sir, you've got an arrangement with Guesan leaders—” The WCRS operator discussed politely.
“Well, I told you that i want this friday night free. Move the arrangement.” Zho interrupted with a light voice. He saw then the operator sigh, and walk out of his office. The thought of getting to see his closest one stole a beam from the corner of his mouth, making his heart skip a beat. Just wait two days.
Xinan groomed his cat with dedication. Its been a calm night. its been calm since weeks ago. After the incident with that one nusian fireteam, zho refused to let Xinan “expose” himself in dangerous situations. Instead, he has been asigned to do mechanical work, usually with heavy duty or repair damaged equipment. He didn't dislike the chore, but it was a little bit more exciting to operate stuff like the APU.
Now, he got to rest in his apartment. Dian meowed melodically.
“You must be hungry, aren't you?” Xinan said getting up from the couch, walking over to his kitchen, followed by the feline who happily sprinted behind him. The dominian scanned the cupboard before taking a can of tuna. He poured a tiny bit before mixing it with some cat treat, and placing it on the floor just for it to be devoured by the creature who pleased held its tail high.
The scene was interrupted when someone knocked on his door. how weird, he wasn't expecting any visit, and he recalls how he payed the rent not a long time ago. He twisted the knob to see a man of his same height wearing a WCRS uniform.
“Good night, sorry for interrupting at this hour.” He greeted professionally, making Xinan reply.
“Good night, there's no problem. How can I help you?” He inquired opening the door a tiny bit more, enought to let his whole body be seen.
“The commander Zho would like to see you.” He stated simply, giving him a letter well folded.
“Oh, Zho?” Xinans eyes wided as he heard his name, taking the letter between his fingers, examinating it. Zho was the kind of person that would pay attention to even the tiniest detail, ever since Xinan knew him. The paper that wrapped the letter reflected it, with beautiful and delicated engravings on the corners in a sweet butter like colour.
“It must be urgent for his insistence. Have a nice night.” The operator said before walking away in the meantime that xinan correspondent the greet with a small bow.
Xinan walked back to the dinner table, where he took momentarily a sit, and with commited movements, he opened the letter began to read with excitement represed on his chest.
“... Dear Operator Xinan. I hope you are doing well. I'd like to request your presence in a formal meeting at “Imperial Fùye of Piqiang” this Friday 18th November, at 21:00pm to discuss confidential topics. I'll wait for you there. Cordial salutes, Commander Zho.”
Xinan caught himself with a smile. He hated when Zho was too formal, but overall that's the less he could pay attention when he finally would get to see him again. It's been several days, he's been way too busy to pay himself a free day just to hang out with one of his affiliated, and he just couldn't deny the meeting. Who knows for how long he would be busy back again after this opportunity? He then analized back the letter. “Imperial Fùye of Piqiang”... Isn't that one of the finest restaurants in all Dominia? He always knew Zho had a expensive taste, but he never expected to be invited by him to such a place like that. Does he even have acceptable clothes to wear? he better get going to solve that.
Zho impatiently bounced his leg up and down as fast as his body could. The blinded car advanced throught the crowded streets of the capital city. A friday night, not so cold but not so warm either, the sky didnt held a single cloud, every tiny star shone its best, people and cars circulating everywhere. Families, friends and couples enjoying time together, surely a nice view to have.
Why would zho be this nervous? it was just a meeting with his friend. They would talk, laugh, eat something nice and have a some drinks. He tried brushing the knot in his throat off by justifying it with the fact that its been long since they talked. Damn, would he even be there? what if he doesn't want to see him after so long? He sighted, picking up the attention of the conductor.
“...Sir? are you alright?” She spoke dragging Zho out of his overthinking abruptly.
“Oh? Yes, of course.” He said clearing his throat. The car stopped right in front of the building. “I'll call if anything happens.” Zho said before going out, having a nod of his conductor as a reply.
The fresh air hitted his face, his heart hitted his chest with every beat. The well dressed man walked near the entrance, before looking around. Xinan hasn't arrived yet, his fear increasing when he took his phone and he didn't get any message. He leaned over the wall, watching his clock. He arrived ten minutes early, if he didn't fail to know Xinan, he'd arrive at the exact hour.
His waiting didn't extend much of the suppoused, when he saw a man around his height. He immediately standed straight and walked over him calmly (failing). He could never confuse that beanie hat.
“Xinan! What a pleasure, goodnight.” Zho said stopping in front of him. How he wished he could just hug him, but instead, comformed with shaking his hand.
“Oh, Zho. Goodnight, it's been so long.” Xinan replied enthusiastic shaking his hand.
“That's exacly why I wanted to see you.” Zho said with a smile, he finally got to see his face, it felt like it gave him life again. “I missed you.” He mumbled without thinking much, but immediately regretted it.
“I sure did too.” Xinan replied after giggling quietly, which relieved Zho, but didn't take his embarrasement away.
“Well, we might want to go inside, shouldn't we?” Zho asked turning his body walking slowly to the entrance, followed by Xinan.
“I really haven't in a place like this before, I hope I look fine...” Xinan said entering when zho opened the door for him, amazed by how just the reception looked like.
“You sure do...” Zho replied after looking at him up and down, he surely never saw Xinan in dressing pants and a creamy like shirt. They got attended as soon as they stepped in, and now they found themself sitting on a table. Zho undoubtedly would've loved to have sits next to a window, but just for security and privacity he denied the offer the waiter gave them together with the menu.
“So, why did you want to see me? The operator that gave me your letter told me you were really insistent about it.” Xinan said after a few seconds of silence.
“Oh, did he?” Zho said with a embarrased chuckle. “Just to catch up. I've been so busy these days all i wanted is to have a breath.” He countinued stiring up lightly the wine glass they had received just a few minutes ago at the moment they waited for the food.
“How did you get this day off then?” Xinan asked imitating the action, taking a taste out of the sweet wine after analizing it briefly.
“Had to reorganize a few appointments, nothing too searious.” Zho said trying to hold visual contact, but something about those deep olive green eyes made it almost impossible. Just in the right time to save Zho, the waiter arrived ready to take their orders.
“Is everything alright gentlemans? Are you ready to order?” The worker kindly asked, taking the menus resting on the table.
“I'd like to order steamed fish dominian style, please.” Zho asked politely before turning to see Xinan, who was waiting for his turn.
“I'll get pho soup, thanks you.” He followed, both of them seeing the waiter walk away with their orders. Followed by a few seconds of silence, Xinan started.
“Did you really missed me that much?” Zho got caught by surprise. Of course he did, if it wasn't for how awkward he found to express his feelings or how wrong it is to feel that way, he would've already written thousands of letter saying how much he wanted to be next to Xinan all the time he could.
“... I did— i mean, imagine only talking about politics and strategies to people who dont have any interest in you more than that.” Zho said trying not to stumble on his own words.
“I do have much interest on you more than you being my boss.” Xinan mumbled with a soft voice, following closely Zho's black eyes.
“I— sorry I'll go to the bathroom” Zho rushed to the bathroom without even looking back. His face was burning, his hands sweaty, what's wrong with him? He watched himself on the mirror, barely recognizing himself. Where was the confident man that everyone respected? He sighted, his heart pounded by the single thought of who was waiting for him at the table. He needed to calm down, and go back to apologize, how rude that was.
He washed his hands, and slowly walked back to his sit. He was sure the food would arrive soon.
“I'm so sorry, Xinani—” Zho rushed to apologize.
“No, please, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable.” Xinan replied instantly.
“You didn't, really.” Zho gave him a smile, his cheeks still warm trying to play it off. Before any of them could say a word, their orders were brought by the waiter attending them.
The soft chattering of the people at the restaurant compained their dinner and their own talks. Now and then they had a few judging looks. Why would two man have a date? Zho noticed it, deciding to ignore it with difficulty. It's just a meeting anyways. The ambient between them slowly turned less awkward as they both finished their wine bottle.
“...Hah, I was actually scared of that you wouldn't come...” Zho confessed leaving the wine cup on the table after he took the last sip of it.
“Why would you be?” Xinan asked said with a shy smile. “I guess I was just nervous... you make me be it so much.” Zho mumbled, not dearing to turn to see Xinan, still he heard him try to hide a giggle.
“I would never not want to see you.” He said leaning closer, his hand holded his right cheek. How could someone be that charming to Zho?
The moon rested on its higher point. The streets weren't as crowded as they used to be, and now a soft breeze shakes the trees leafs and Xinan's wavy hair. The two walked down the street, Xinan's body wrapped in Zho's coat, which he insisted on giving to him after he mentionated how he should've brought one himself. The streets were filled by their laughts, joking now and then, before both of them went quiet.
“The night is beautiful... you don't have these all the time here in Dominia.” Xinan said looking up at the full moon over them.
“As if it was meant for us” Zho said following Xinan's eyes.
“It was.” Xinan mumbled, brushing his hand with Zho's. He froze at this, but instead of panicking, maybe for the alcohol on his blood, he took his hand, interlocking their fingers. Action that made both of them stop talking, even to be afraid of breathing too loud. Their steps were slow, almost as if they didn't want the path to Xinan's house to end if it meant to get more time together.
“... When will we be able to hang out again” Xinan asked shyly after several minutes of walking around the streets.
“... Whenever you want” Zho said knowing that if it was for him, he'd make time for him one way or another. Xinan looked up to see his apartments building not too away from them.
“I hope it's soon.” Zho couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness to know that their lovely time ran out.
“We had a lovely time. Thanks for coming” Zho stopped his steps, making Xinan do it too, standing a too close in front of eachother.
“Thanks you for inviting me.” Xinan said with that soft voice that could make Zho melt right there. Nervously, Zho's free hand cupped Xinan's right cheek, and dedicatedly planted a kiss on his opposite cheek. That only action made them feel like the entire world around them dissapeared.
“... Good night, Xinani” Zho said reluctant to let go of his hand, before walking away.
Xinan lazyly opened his eyes with the welcoming sun rays sneaking between the curtains of the window in his bedroom, Dian sleeping over his chest. He fell asleep the moment he got back home. He turned his head to see his room. Zho's coat resting on the chair of his desk. He forgot to give it back.