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Chapter Text

He tucked his bag higher, walking away sedately towards his home when someone called out a “Gege!” behind him. Assuming it was for someone else, Vein just kept walking ahead.

“Hong-ge, please wait!” That made him freeze in his tracks. 

Was he going to be called a freak again because of his hair colour? 

Nothing I haven't heard before but maybe it's not about me this time.

He turned around and saw a boy sitting on the pavement, a bandage stuck oddly to his cheek as he bit his lip, expression pained. How could he not answer a call of someone who looked like that? With a huff of offence about his impulses, Vein walked towards the kid, setting his bag down beside the kid’s.

“What do you want, little one?” He asked because up close, this kid looked even younger. Or maybe Vein was just too tall for his age. Or maybe it was the way he was hunching in on himself.

“I am almost ten!” 

“Alright then, Xiao-Shisui,” he acquiesced and felt a smile twitch at the corner of his lip when the kid crossed his arms grumpily. “What is it you called me here for?”

“I... I need to put antiseptic on some scrapes but I don’t think I can,” the boy mumbled and Vein sensed the unspoken words. He knew it’d hurt a little and didn't think he could do it to himself. “And if I don't do it now, I might get sick and Qiao Ling would be sad.”

Cute. Very cute.

He extended his hand towards the boy, palm up and arched an eyebrow. The boy put the small bottle of antiseptic and cotton buds in his hand and looked away. As if looking away would get rid of the sharp burst of sting that accompanied antiseptic use.

Kneeling down, he put some antiseptic on the cotton and touched it to the cut on the boy’s cheek, ignoring the expected flinch and hiss of pain. There were a few more cuts on his elbows and shins and Vein took care of them one by one before picking up the bandaids from the boy’s lap.

“So, what happened?” He asked, conversationally and the boy huffed out a pained laugh.

“They said my parents didn't want me so they left and Qiao Ling would leave too because if my real parents left me, then Qiao Ling isn't even my real sister,” he finished with a sniffle and Vein softened. A victim of bullying… he had a soft spot for them.

He opened his arms and the boy hesitated, before leaning forward and resting his head against his chest, hands coming up to clutch at the lapels of his jacket. 

Throughout his whole life, no one had given him advice about how to deal with negative incidents like bullying.

So he decided to be the one who did it for the boy. How did the saying go? Show one act of kindness and it’ll return tenfold? Or was it a thousandfold? Ah, whatever.

“Xiao-Shisui, listen closely. The kids who bully you, or the adults who make you feel bad are miserable and to feel better, they resort to those terrible acts because otherwise, they’ll realise that the unloved ones are actually them.” His words were harsh, despite the soft tone he used but Vein fully believed that miserable people simply choose to spread their misery onto others.

Pathetic.

“How is it my fault? And my name’s Cheng Xiaoshi, stop calling me that,” he grumbled wetly against Vein’s chest, making him laugh.

“It isn't, Xiao-Shisui. Some people are just bad to the bone. It's not your fault, never will be your fault. There's only two ways to deal with people like those.” he stroked the dark hair, gently removing a twig tangled among the locks and Cheng Xiaoshi looked up at him, brown eyes wide.

“What ways?”

“Ignore them. Pretend you can't hear them or see them. They’re nonexistent, NPC’s in the life of a main character.” Vein explained and Cheng Xiaoshi chewed on his lip appearing deep in thought.

“What's the other way?” He asked and Vein smirked.

“Kick their asses, of course.” A smile stretched across the brunette’s lips and he looked at Vein as if he was some sort of angel. Ridiculous. Vein was a freak. 

Just ask anyone.

“That sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Hong-ge. You’re very nice!” Cheng Xiaoshi pulled away from the loose embrace, tidying up his bandaids and putting them in his backpack.

“You might be wrong about that. I am a bad guy. Most people prefer calling me ‘freak’ or ‘devil’.” He shrugged and Cheng Xiaoshi’s mouth twisted into an adorable scowl.

“Are they dumb? You’re literally the nicest person I’ve met since my parents disappeared.”

“Must be the red hair. Or red eyes. Or the fact I like to eat good food instead of kicking smaller kids around. I have no idea. It stopped bothering me a few years ago.”

“That's so weird. Mama used to tell me Red is an auspicious colour. Did everyone forget that?” Cheng Xiaoshi grumbled, utterly offended on his behalf and Vein giggled.

“I am sure it doesn't work like that, Xiaoshi.”

“Sounds like a stupid excuse to me… anyways, I like you and I think you’re very cool. So from now on, we’re best friends!” The younger boy stood up and offered his hand to Vein, a solemn expression painted on his little face and Vein bit back a smile, clutching his smaller hand and giving him a firm handshake.

“I like the sound of that.” Cheng Xiaoshi said before smiling sheepishly at him. “I don't wanna go back yet but I also don't wanna be alone. Can you stay with me, Gege?”

For as long as he could remember, Vein had heard people wanting him gone, wanting him far away from them, wishing he just didn’t exist.

But, for the first time, someone asked him to stay and the sincerity in those words knocked the breath out of him.

Cheng Xiaoshi was the first person to ask him to stay. And Vein would be damned if he left him alone after such a sweet request.

He sat down beside the boy, looking up at the sky with a soft smile painted on his lips.

“Hong-ge!” 

Vein stopped in his tracks as footsteps dashed after him and he was sent crashing to the ground. He could only thank his martial arts training for his quick response to protect his face. Or he’d be walking around with another red reminder.

“I am sorry!” The weight was removed from his back, but not before his little ponytail was tugged and he sat up, looking into apologetic brown eyes. Cheng Xiaoshi.

But what was his self-proclaimed best friend doing in Vein’s school?

“Qiao Ling goes to school here so now I go here too! Now we can see each other and play together! And I like your hair.” Cheng Xiaoshi grinned, trying to pull him to his feet and Vein stood up, letting the younger one dust away his clothes.

“Hello, Xiaoshi. I am happy to see you too. Seems I missed my opportunity to jump you. But then again, I didn't wanna break my best friend,” he teased and Cheng Xiaoshi’s cheeks turned red. Vein wanted to pinch them. 

Would that be overstepping? Would Cheng Xiaoshi welcome that?

Eh. Better use a safer route.

He reached towards the boy, flicking his forehead twice in rapid succession. There. That seemed appropriate enough.

“I said I’m sorry! Stop being mean to me!” His friend whined, hiding his forehead with both hands and pouting up at Vein. He flicked his nose once, just because he could and Cheng Xiaoshi skipped out of range, glaring.

“And here I thought you’d be happy to be around me, your new best friend.” Vein feigned a sniffle and Cheng Xiaoshi closed the distance between them, hugging his waist.

“I am! I’m very happy. Will you teach me how to kick ass now that we’re in the same school?” Wide brown eyes, stared up into his own, full of childish wonder and Vein slapped a hand on his mouth.

“Don't say ass so loudly. You’d get in trouble!” Cheng Xiaoshi nodded in understanding and Vein removed his hand.

“Can you show me your favourite places now? So I can find you during recess?”

“The red freak sat behind me today. Scary! I mean, what if he infected me with whatever germ that turned his hair to that?!” 

“Hah! That’s nothing! When we were in middle school, he made a girl cry by using her favourite colour in his art project. When her parents asked him to apologise, he refused! What an evil bastard!”

“I heard my neighbour say that he used to have longer hair. He cut off his hair to perform some dark spell that's why his ponytail’s so short now.”

“Take that back!” Cheng Xiaoshi yelled and the startled high school students snapped their heads in his direction, frowns matching. 

“My best friend’s the nicest person ever and I won't let anyone call him names!” He had only been in this school for a week and he was already picking a fight.

Qiao Ling would be proud.

“You don't know him,” one of them taunted and Cheng Xiaoshi crossed his arms.

“You don't either! But you run your dumbass mouths all the time so why can't I speak the truth?”

“Your parents don't love you, that's why they left.” The tallest one of the trio laughed and Cheng Xiaoshi rolled his eyes.

“And despite staying, yours don’t love you either. It's clear in the way you bully everyone about their parents because you know it. In your heart, you know your parents don't like you,” Cheng Xiaoshi spat, a smirk tugged on his lips as he added: “Come to think of it, I heard they like your sister better and wished you were more like her.”

“You- Oh you’re getting a beating now, you stupid newbie!”

The second they descended on Cheng Xiaoshi, loud footsteps bound over.

“And what makes you think you can hurt my little brother, huh? As his sister, I won't let anyone lay a finger on him.” Qiao Ling gritted out, cracking her knuckles and running into the nearest shittalker.

The commotion alerted Vein, who had just gotten out of his class. Dropping his bag, he rushed towards where the fight had broken out, after hearing a very distinctive ‘I’ll kick your ass!’ .

He found Cheng Xiaoshi and a girl with a bob cut getting kicked by a trio of middle schoolers, exhaustion and cuts marring both the younger one’s faces and he saw red.

A few well aimed kicks and some good punches to the face and the trio screamed, running away from the younger kids they were bullying.

“Hong-ge!” Cheng Xiaoshi grinned, wincing as he unwittingly stretched the cut on his lip, which started bleeding anew. “That was badass! They cried like a bunch of babies!” Cheng Xiaoshi clapped and Vein huffed out a laugh, walking around and picking Cheng Xiaoshi’s things.

“Don't say ass so loudly!” Vein and Qiao Ling warned at the same time and the girl, they both exchanged a look of exasperation 

“Here.” He handed him the backpack and Cheng Xiaoshi dug in, bringing out bandaids and antiseptic. He turned towards the girl.

“Qiao Ling, stop wiggling or you might get an infection!” The boy grumbled and Qiao Ling huffed, folding her arms and letting him fuss over her.

So this was Cheng Xiaoshi’s sister. He should've known what a wildcat she’d be. Vein finally understood why Cheng Xiaoshi was scared of making her sad when they first met.

“Infection? Who’s scared of that? Infection should be scared of me if it ever tries touching you, Cheng Xiaoshi!” She raised a fist in the air, bruised knuckles aimed at the sky as a threat. 

Vein had newfound respect for her.

He smiled, shaking his head as he ran back to get his own bag from where he had dropped it. By the time he was back, the siblings were sitting on a bench, getting lectured by teachers as they sipped on a box of flavoured milk.

One of the teachers turned to look at him, rolled her eyes, and dragged the other away, warning Cheng Xiaoshi about behaving. Vein elected to ignore them, taking a seat beside Cheng Xiaoshi.

“That was fun,” the brunette said and his sister snorted in response.

“Getting beat up was fun?” Vein arched his brow and Cheng Xiaoshi puffed out his cheeks, the picture-perfect reflection of stubbornness.

“Well I beat them up too. Should teach them not to call people names,” he grumbled and Vein snorted.

“Who was it they were being mean about?” He asked and the way Cheng Xiaoshi averted his gaze told him everything.

“I am going to go get my things. Stay here,” Qiao Ling ordered, before bounding off. Cheng Xiaoshi wasted no time in rooting around his bag and standing up on the bench, facing Vein. With a shake of his head, Vein turned to sit sideways, folding his legs on the bench to give the little mother hen easier access to his face. 

Cheng Xiaoshi patted an antiseptic-coated cotton beside his eyebrow before putting a bandage on the little cut he hadn’t even noticed he had.

“Hong-ge, I like you and I won't let anyone speak badly about you. You’re amazing and it's not my fault they can't see it. But since they can't, I don't mind beating sense into them. Maybe it’ll fix their useless brains.” Cheng Xiaoshi smiled sweetly down at Vein and his heart skipped a beat at the declaration.

Vein had read about love, as everyone tended to, but he never knew he could experience something so fantastical that he’d only ever read in books.

But now, as he stared up at Cheng Xiaoshi, who was smiling despite the cut on his lip… As sunlight shone down on them, making Cheng Xiaoshi’s eyes look impossibly warm… 

I am so fucked!

He was screwed even worse when he had to suddenly move away from China with his caretakers, leaving behind his one true love only three months after meeting him.

He resolved to find Cheng Xiaoshi again and maybe when they were both older, he could ask his best friend to marry him too.

Years later, he stood in front of the boy he fell in love with and saw no recognition in those warm, dark eyes he so adored. 

Vein recognized him though, how could he not? That adorably expressive face, the naturally pouty lips and the way he held himself. This could be none other than his Xiao-Shisui.

Only he’d grown up into an absolutely stunning specimen of a man and if Vein hadn’t been busy drinking in his beautiful face and grabbable waist, he’d be hissing like an offended cat at Xia Fei and the white-haired man. 

How dare anyone lay their unworthy eyes on the gift from the gods that was Cheng Xiaoshi?

He wanted to say something, remind him of who he was, ask Cheng Xiaoshi how he'd been while his brain filled with a cacophony of You’re gorgeous! And Marry me please please and Please let me take care of you forever! So he did what any sane man in his position would do when confronted by their puppy love.

“You look tasty.”

“Huh?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked, confusion marring his beautiful features.

What the actual fuck?! Why did my mouth pick that damn word?! But now that he had said that aloud, might as well commit to it. So he extended a hand towards Cheng Xiaoshi’s soft-looking hair —was it presumptuous of him to wonder when Cheng Xiaoshi started wearing it like Vein used to back in school?— but before he could touch, his hand was slapped away by the pissed-off shortie. 

The white-haired man stood in front of Cheng Xiaoshi, exuding over-protectiveness like he was made for it and Cheng Xiaoshi peeked over his shoulder.

“Lu Guang, what did he say?”

“He said… ‘Hello’.” Surprisingly, this guy had helped him out of his bind so he decided to play along.

“Hello,” he repeated after Lu Guang, this time in Chinese and offered his hand for a handshake.

“Wow! Nice to meet you!” Cheng Xiaoshi beamed, eyes squinting with the force of his smile as he stepped forward, a hand raised to clasp Vein’s. “My name is Cheng Xiaoshi. I am fine, thank you and you?” He grabbed his hand, giving a firm handshake, trying not to let his expression reflect how delighted he was to be holding his crush’s hand.

Kinda soft and warm… despite the temperature in Yingdu…

“I am Vein. Nice to meet you, too,” he replied in English, trying not to make his future husband feel bad about his heavily accented touristy English.

“Um, Xiaoshi-” Xia Fei started and Vein almost bared his teeth at the informal address. “Actually, Laoban—” He caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and plucked the rock thrown at Xia Fei out of the air.

The football fanatics his model had offended appeared in front of them, one by one, flaunting their pesky weapons as if they could intimidate him. Or heaven forbid, touch his model’s face or get in touching distance of his soon-to-be spouse.

“The youth these days don't seem to know their manners,” he grinned, switching to English for anyone dumb enough to confront him. Pulling out his folding fan from his back, he brought it to the front in an elegant arc, a graceful yet deadly threat. 

It was a showy move, designed to catch Cheng Xiaoshi’s interest because one thing to know about his childhood friend was his fascination with all things martial arts-related. “What to do if you’d injured his face?”

At least now I have targets to direct my pettiness at while impressing my Cheng Xiaoshi.

“You guys alright?” He turned to ask after the cowards had fled and the Cheng Xiaoshi-less alley stared back at him. “Where are they?”

“Laoban, you scared them off.” Xia Fei informed him, walking towards Vein. 

“Scared? I was just saying he’d be a good fit for the business.”  His model sighed in response. “Just a compliment.” Vein reassured him. It seemed that somebody had imprinted on soon-to-be Mr Xiao.

“Still, you can't just say someone’s ‘tasty’. Think about how many people ran away during interviews because of that.” Vein let Xia Fei attempt to scold him as his thoughts wandered again.

Should he run around and look for Cheng Xiaoshi? Or would that come off too strongly?

I miss the simpler times when I could chase him around and not be called a creep.

“You call me to clean up your mess, and then you start lecturing me?” He flicked the model on the forehead once. Then twice and moved closer to do it a third time for good measure. Xia Fei stepped back, shielding his forehead trying to placate him. Vein let him off the hook then, patting his hair. “How's the side gig going?”

“It's going okay? I guess…” Xia Fei sounded uncertain as he looked at an empty street, undoubtedly the duo had disappeared through there when Vein got busy.

“Good.” He grumbled, trying not to sound like he was pouting about his loss.

“Um, Laoban, you sound a little weird. Are you feeling under the weather? Adrenaline crash?” Xia Fei put the back of his hand against his forehead and before Vein could bat it away, he heard a panicked yell.

“Lu Guang? Wake up, Lu Guang!” 

Vein didn't wait to see Xia Fei’s reaction, he just took off towards Cheng Xiaoshi.

Is this my heavenly-blessed chance to sweep my love off his feet? Am I truly being paid back for all my childhood bullying?

He found Cheng Xiaoshi kneeling by a passed-out Lu Guang, eyes full of concern as he tried to shake the man awake.

“Are you alright? Can you tell me what happened?” This time he was careful to speak in Chinese and Cheng Xiaoshi stared up at him like a helpless kitten.

Even out in the dark and trembling with fear he looked ethereal.

“I… we were running? Lu Guang was dragging me away and then he just passed out like this and hasn’t even moved a muscle.” Dragging him away? 

Alarms blared in Vein’s mind as he looked down at the white-haired man before he forced himself to calm down.

If Cheng Xiaoshi was dragged against his will, it wasn't for malicious reasons. Otherwise he wouldn't have stayed or this Lu Guang fellow wouldn't have tried to protect him from Vein.

And Cheng Xiaoshi had always had killer instincts when it came to sensing danger.

He breathed slowly, pretending he was doing it for his sake and offered the brunette a reassuring smile.

“It'll be alright. First, we have to get him out of the cold and into a bed.” Cheng Xiaoshi breathed slowly like Vein and nodded. “You look tired and I heard you and Xia Fei were drinking. I don't think you can carry him to wherever you’re living.”

Cheng Xiaoshi sighed, before turning his inquiring gaze towards Vein. Brown met red and Vein felt his heart begin to race. Cheng Xiaoshi really wasn't fit to walk among mortals, was he?

“Can you?” Lithe fingers played with Lu Guang’s collar as Cheng Xiaoshi blinked up at Vein. “Can you help me get him back to the hotel?” He asked before pausing. “It's okay if you don't want to. You already helped us once-” The words trailed off into an awkward laugh and Vein wanted to record it and listen to it on loop.

“Of course I will.” He smiled warmly and saw Cheng Xiaoshi’s cheeks darken. Delightful response from such a delicious-looking man. Vein was never letting him go again. “You’ll have to guide me though, I don't know where you live.” Cheng Xiaoshi bobbed his head, eyes reflecting his gratitude and Vein busied himself with Lu Guang to reign in all the impulsive things he wanted to do to his Cheng Xiaoshi.

He moved to pick Lu Guang up, manoeuvring him to rest on his shoulder without unbalancing Vein and stood up. Extending his free hand to Cheng Xiaoshi, he made sure to flex his bicep when his offer for assistance was accepted. Cheng Xiaoshi let him haul him to his feet with enough force to send him stumbling into Vein’s chest.

Why is it that all my fantasies keep getting ruined by the existence of this man? Can’t a guy sweep his beloved off his feet without this dumb man dying in the middle of the street?

“I am sorry!” His childhood friend stammered, pulling away from Vein, but he would be damned if he let his beloved go.

“Need me to carry you too? I can if you want.” He winked and Cheng Xiaoshi looked away, biting his lip.

“Um, it's this way,” he mumbled, leading Vein by the hand towards his hotel room, not seeing the sharp eyes that memorized the route and landmarks. 

“Is Lu Guang gonna die?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked meekly, after a few minutes of walking.

“No, I don't believe so.” He reassured, and almost gasped aloud when Cheng Xiaoshi squeezed his hand lightly. In all the heavens and earth, I alone am the honoured one.

It didn't take long for them to reach their destination, and when they did, Cheng Xiaoshi let his hand go with an apologetic smile and unlocked the door, pointing him towards Lu Guang’s bed.

Vein had to use all his carefully honed control to not throw Lu Guang on the floor when he saw just how close the two beds were.

It's fine. It's not like they share the same bed. Two beds are better than one bed.

“I believe he has a fever. When did you arrive in Yingdu again?”

“Oh um.” Cheng Xiaoshi looked at the clock mounted on the wall. “Almost twelve hours ago.”

“Some people get sick after they travel. The jetlag surely doesn't help,” Vein explained, setting Lu Guang down on his bed, making sure to put him towards the side further from Cheng Xiaoshi’s bed.

“I only know you, Xia Fei and Liu Xiao here and for Liu Xiao, we only just met at the airport. I’ve already troubled Xia Fei a lot and I don't want to be a burden to you but-” He turned to look at Vein, eyes wide with that puppy-eyed look Vein could always remember giving in to. “Can you please get me the medicine he needs and anything else? I’ll pay you!” He brought his hands together and blinked through his lashes. “Please, Vein-laoshi?”

“Weiying,” he blurted out before adding: “If you want to call me anything, call me Xiao Weiying or anything based on my name. After all, I spent years regretting never telling you my name, Xiao-Shisui.”

And with that, Vein walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

He knocked on the door half an hour later and Cheng Xiaoshi smiled at him as he let Vein in. Setting all the medication on the table beside Lu Guang’s bed, Vein began rattling off how to take care of Lu Guang and what to look out for.

“In case you need help, please call Xia Fei and ask him. He doesn't mind helping. You can also save my number,” he turned to smile at Cheng Xiaoshi and almost jumped out of his skin when he noticed how close the object of his affection was to his face.

Should I take my chance and kiss him? You only live once, right?

His thoughts were cut off by Cheng Xiaoshi’s beautiful smile. Somehow, it looked brighter than it ever had, as if it was directly powered by all the stars in the universe.

Or maybe the stars were powered by Cheng Xiaoshi’s existence.

“I thought you looked familiar but then you spoke English and I told myself you couldn't be him. You look nice, Hong-ge. Ying-ge?”

“Nice? Does my Xiao-Shisui think I am good-looking?” He teased and a flush flared up on Cheng Xiaoshi’s face. 

If I touch his face, will it feel hot too?

“Gege!” He whined, covering his face with his hands and Vein laughed. “Just as mean as ever, I see.”

“And you’re just as precious as ever too. Glad to know your eloquence has remained with you despite your advancing age.” Vein took hold of the graceful hands hiding his future husband’s pretty face and slowly pulled them off.

“You're acting like I am eighty instead of eighteen,” Cheng Xiaoshi grumbled, squeezing Vein’s fingers as a soft smile found its way to his kissable lips.

“I am just glad I no longer need a magnifying glass to see your face clearly. The growth spurt really saved you from running into my knees this time.” He kept his expression blank and Cheng Xiaoshi pulled his hands out of Vein’s, scowling.

“You’re exaggerating again and that was one time! Stop bringing it up! You really haven't changed, Hong- Ying-ge!” He complained and Vein gasped. Years ago, Cheng Xiaoshi had spoken the same exasperated words in the same annoyed tone.

It really was him.

He couldn’t stop himself from grabbing Cheng Xiaoshi’s arms and pulling him into a tight hug.

“I missed you so so much. I always wished to be able to find you again, Cheng Xiaoshi.” He mumbled against soft brown hair, planting a kiss there. Cheng Xiaoshi wound his arms around his waist, hugging back just as tight.

“I was worried. You have no idea how much. I thought I picked a fight with the wrong person and they took you away because of me. I felt so so guilty and all because you left without a word!” Cheng Xiaoshi pinched his side, pulling back with a frown.

“I uh-”

“Come to think of it, I wonder if the first thing you said to me really meant ‘Hello’. ” Cheng Xiaoshi stepped out of his embrace fully and pulled his phone out of his pocket, face twisted into the most petulant scowl Vein had ever seen on his gorgeous face.

Oh fuck! Looks like those words are going to haunt my entire future marriage now! What should I do?

He let his instincts take over and quick as a flash, his fan was in his hands and arcing to hit the top of the phone —even in his dumbest he’d never hurt even a hair on his Xiao-Shisui’s head— hard enough to send it crashing in a wall. 

Cheng Xiaoshi looked at the weapon, then at Vein and stayed silent for a few beats.

“You’re buying me a new one.” His voice was as calm as his expression was blank, the kind of calm that hid endless threats and Vein nodded, as terrified as he was thrilled by the surprisingly deadly expression. 

The fact that such a promisingly lethal expression could form on a face made for smiling was a testament to how much Cheng Xiaoshi had grown.

“I’ll buy you an entire phone company if you promise to forget about what I said when we were reunited!” he tried bribing and Cheng Xiaoshi rolled his eyes, lips twitching at the edges.

“‘You look tasty’? Or something else?”

“Cheng! Xiao! Shi!” He whined the last syllable and a smile twitched on his beloved’s face.

“You know what? Fine! Knowing you it must be something so fucking stupid I don’t even wish to know.” he threw his arms up in exasperation and Vein was equal parts charmed and equal parts offended.

“Now who’s bringing up shameful childhood things, huh?” He crossed his arms, staring petulantly down at the man, pretending he was all of four feet tall again.

“Shut up and help me take care of Lu Guang,” Cheng Xiaoshi ordered, directing his attention to the ailing man and Vein pouted, before walking towards the medicine he bought.

“What do I get if I help a stranger?”

“I distinctly remember someone saying he only needed me to know his real name in return. I could be wrong.” Cheng Xiaoshi didn't even turn to look at him as he spoke, eyeing the instructions on the medicine and Vein sighed.

Fucking cockblocking universe! And stupid sick Lu Guang! I hate you both!

One day he was going to pin Cheng Xiaoshi to stupid Lu Guang’s bed and fuck him boneless all night long or his name wouldn't be Xiao Weiying!

Chapter Text

“A-Shi, fuck!” Vein groaned as Cheng Xiaoshi tightened his legs around his waist, dragging him closer and burying his face in Vein’s shoulder with a soft mewl. “Have I told you how much I love you? Because fuck would I destroy the universe for you, sweetie.”

He pulled back, gazing into his lover’s glazed eyes as he fucked into him harder, chasing his own orgasm. 

“Love you-” Cheng Xiaoshi whimpered, garbled words turning into a moan as more tears slid from his eyes and soaked their pillow.

Vein had always assumed he’d be a pretty crier. But like this, belly painted with cum, nails scrabbling for purchase against his back, tears leaking from his eyes as he panted his name softly, he was temptation made flesh.

He really was made to be fucked, wasn't he? Just as he was made to be cherished, to be possessed, to be loved so wholly and irrevocably that no thought could exist in a mind but him him him.

Vein leaned down to bite Cheng Xiaoshi’s collarbone. He could have this. He didn't need to yearn anymore, to wonder if his beloved was alive or not, safe or not. 

He had him here now. 

It took years of waiting and then months of dating before they reached the stage where Cheng Xiaoshi was finally convinced of how absolutely irresistible he was. 

Vein was happy to have had the honour of being the one to make him see how ethereal he was, how desirable and worthy of being treasured.

How worthy he was of being safe and held and loved unashamedly.

Where else could a precious man like Cheng Xiaoshi be safe if not pinned under him, as he clenched around his cock?

“Hands above your head and eyes on me, Xiaoshi,” he grumbled against the hollow of his lover’s neck and Cheng Xiaoshi gulped but slowly released Vein’s now-ruined back. He sucked a hickey into the pale skin of his throat as a reward and his boyfriend moaned loudly.

Threading his fingers with Cheng Xiaoshi’s, he finally released the skin he was sucking on and moved to look down at the man of his heart. All the bites and bruises on his skin brought out the innocent puppy look he was known for. Cheng Xiaoshi bit his lip, empty hand twisting in the bedding as he arched his back with a muted gasp.

Being the only one who got to do this, to see him like this… he really was the luckiest man to ever exist, huh?

“Fuck fuck fuck! My love, you're so good for me. So perfect.” Vein groaned, burying himself to the hilt as his beloved tightened around his cock. He shuddered as his orgasm hit, filling Cheng Xiaoshi’s waiting hole with cum before he went boneless and fell forward.

The only thing that held him back from crushing his lover were his arms. Somehow, he still found himself able to support most of his weight despite the exhaustion sweeping through him in the afterglow. 

How many times had he fucked Cheng Xiaoshi tonight? He had lost count after three.

“Ying-ge, c’mere.” The voice was soft with affection and he finally opened his eyes to look into the chocolatey depths of his treasured one.

Cheng Xiaoshi reached up, nimble fingers ghosting against his cheek and moving up to tuck his sweaty bangs behind his ear. Vein smiled down at the sweet man he had to honour of being loved by. 

Cheng Xiaoshi blinked slowly, grinning up at him and he finally found the energy to grab the wandering hand and kiss each fingertip. Done with that, he leaned down to kiss Cheng Xiaoshi’s mouth, wanting to feel that sunshine smile against his own.

His boyfriend was totally on-board with the idea if the fingers tangling in his hair were any indication and he drank the laughter from those pouty lips along with Cheng Xiaoshi’s tired moans. When they finally pulled back, Vein couldn't help himself.

Later he would blame sex-brain on his ridiculously unplanned actions. But for now…

“A-Shi, I love you so much. I can't put it into words as much as I wish but I can show you every day if you let me.”

“You already do, Ying-ge, every minute of every day,” Cheng Xiaoshi shook his head, grip faltering from his sweaty hair.

“I meant, marry me. Please marry me! I will die if you don't. I don't think I’d be able to live a minute more without having you to myself forever.” he begged, whispering the words in the air between their lips and Cheng Xiaoshi gasped, eyes opening wide.

“Stupid man. Do you ever plan anything you say to me? Is this another version of ‘you look tasty’? Because I will be very upset if it is.” He grumbled.

Ah yes. The infamous words. Clearly, they would star in every milestone of his life if Cheng Xiaoshi had any say in it. 

And he did. He had a lot of say in it. He always would.

“I promise I won’t bribe you with a phone company to forget what I said right now, even if this is the most unromantic fucking way I could’ve envisioned proposing to you,” he reassured solemnly, sitting up to make a ‘cross my heart’ gesture and Cheng Xiaoshi snorted.

“You’re the most unromantic man I’ve ever known!”

“You know other men?” Vein arched a brow and Cheng Xiaoshi dissolved into giggles.

“Sometimes I wonder why I even like you. You’re such a fucking jerk!” Cheng Xiaoshi teased and Vein stuck out his bottom lip in a pale imitation of the infamous Xiaoshi-pout.

“I don't know? Maybe because I’ve been head over heels for you since you put that bandaid on my face? I have no idea why you have such a terrible taste in men, I mean, I got called a walking Good Luck Talisman once.” He pretended to wonder and Cheng Xiaoshi reached up to cup his cheek, stroking his cheekbone with his thumb.

“My Good Luck Talisman. My Freak. My Devil and My Terrible taste in men.” Cheng Xiaoshi made sure to stress every ‘ my’ he uttered and Vein’s heart skipped a beat too many again. 

Months. 

It had been months of dating and yet this man continued to increase the chances of him dying because of heart failure.

“And since you’re ridiculous enough to ask a question with such an obvious answer, I’ll say it clearly. Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you. And even though I don't know when it started, I do know I've loved you for many years too, Xiao Weiying.”

With how anti-climatic every milestone in their relationship was, it's no wonder the marriage proposal was just as horrifyingly unromantic. Vein would cry about it but the adoring way Cheng Xiaoshi looked up at him, flushed, sweaty and messy… It wasn’t too bad.

The possessiveness in his acceptance was like music to his ears. He would never tire of being Cheng Xiaoshi’s.

“A kiss to bless our future nuptials, sweetie?” Cheng Xiaoshi burst out laughing, wrapping his arms around Vein’s shoulders and pulling him down to seal their promise.

“Hey, can you say the ‘My Good Luck Talisman’ part again? I want it as my ringtone.” he mumbled in the kiss and Cheng Xiaoshi shoved him away.

“You’re fucking impossible!”