"Gege!!"Hua Cheng's bright face enveloped Xie Lian's gaze and made his lips immediately turn up into a smile.
"Good morning San Lang,"He said his voice was sweet like honey and his hands itched to touch him.
"How was your night? Did you sleep well?"Hua Cheng's voice rang sweet as well and his obsidian eye glicined bright as he stared into Xie Lian's dark chocolate ones.
"Mhm, it was fine.."In truth Xie Lian hadn't slept that much at all, imagining this moment play over and over again, only getting winks of sleep as he imagined Hua Cheng's lips, his hands, and other things that are too embarrassing to mention to Hua Cheng outright.Hua Cheng's eyes flickered from Xie Lian's eyes and then down, his lips perked up into a smirk as if realizing what Xie Lian was thinking in the darkness of night.At the thought Xie Lian blushed and looked away.
" H-how about San Lang?How did you sleep?"Xie Lian asked and Hua Cheng chuckled and smiled warmly.
"Not a wink,"
They walked to English Class, so close that their shoulders bumped against each other even though the halls were vast with little to no people walking in them.Xie Lian reached his slender fingers to Hua Cheng's. Hua Cheng smiled warmly as he turned to Xie Lian and held his hand.Xie Lian's heart thrummed and shook with a warmth brewing in his stomach.Xie Lian's hand grabbed harder as his face burned pink.
"I really want to kiss you..."Hua Cheng whispered and Xie Lian's face burned Crimson.
"Mhn...me too."Xie Lian whispered back and then his eyes scanned the hall, not seeing anyone around he stopped and turned fully to face Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng's eye widened but glinted with admiration and love.
"Gege..."Hua Cheng's voice ran thick as he leaned against the closest wall, pulling Xie Lian along, chest to chest as they're faces inched closer.Xie Lian instinctively wrapped his arms around Hua Cheng, allowing his fingers to trail in to his raven hair.They're lips pressed together gently, softly moving, caressing.They're breath deepened into gasps as tongues flicked and twirled.Xie Lian's face flushed at this, his body heating up and burning like fire, a feverish and warm heat enveloping his body from his toes upward.He blinked his eyes open when a quiet noise came to his ears.At first he thought it was Hua Cheng, but then he realized quickly that Hua Cheng's eye wasn't closed, instead it was open and looking to the side.Xie Lian followed his gaze and he breathed sharply making him swallow saliva.He choked and hacked, doubling over as his face heated like magma.Hua Cheng immediately bent down to pat softly at his back but he continued to cough as he refused to look at the figure he had seen.His face grew immensely red in just a few seconds, in just an instant he wished that his head was buried under cold soil where he couldn't see or hear anything.
"Urm...sorry...I didn't mean to interrupt you too.."Shi Qingxuan's voice rang into Xie Lian's ears making his already red face steam.
"...no...it's fine..."Xie Lian let out a hoarse reply as Hua Cheng continued to rub his back attentively
"Gege, are you alright?''Hua Cheng's voice was soft and Xie Lian immediately felt his body relax and his racing heart began to sturr for a different reason.
"Um..yea..thank you San Lang..."Xie Lian said softly, his throat scratchy as he recovered from the coughing fit.Xie Lian eventually able to calm down, stood up, and allowed Hua Cheng's hand to rest against his back in support.Xie Lian cleared his throat as he looked over to Shi Qingxuan who was smiling softly."We should probably head to class..."Xie Lian said and Hua Cheng nodded and Shi Qingxuan smiled awkwardly but nodded all the same.
"Sure,"Shi Qingxuan said softly and then he walked closer to the couple and the three started back down the hall to reach they're classroom. Hua Cheng watched Xie Lian and snickered, his eyes glimmering with amusement as he stared at the face that was painted with a hot red blush. Once they reached the classroom Hua Cheng tapped on Xie Lian's shoulder as he bent to whisper into his ear.
"Gege,"Xie Lian's heart jumped with his body as he felt Hua Cheng's hot breath hit his ear.
"S-San Lang...?"Xie Lian whispered back and watched as Hua Cheng reached for his hand.
"I forgot my textbook...I'll be back in a bit."Hua Cheng said bluntly and Xie Lian blinked.That really wasn't what he was expecting...
Hua Cheng's back retreated just as quickly as the sentence was spoken.Xie Lian couldn't even process what was spoken in his ear until he felt a hand on his shoulder.Xie Lian turned to see Shi Qingxuan and his cheeks immediately turned pink again.
"Let's sit."Shi Qingxuan said with a small smile as he directed Xie Lian to the nearly empty classroom. Xie Lian let himself sit at his desk and then covered his face, hiding himself from Shi Qingxuan.
"I'm sorry...for earlier..."Xie Lian said and then just as he expected a reply that would make his heart sink, instead he heard a huff of laughter starting up.Xie Lian lowered his fingers slowly and saw Shi Qingxuan laughing, his face bright and sunny like it usually was, like something extraordinary occurred."Why are you laughing?"Xie Lian asked but he sprouted a grin, knowing that Shi Qingxuan's laughter wasn't judgemental but lighthearted.
"Sorry! Sorry! It's just..! I figured you and that San Lang of yours was close but! This! You kissed a boy...!"Shi Qingxuan exclaimed happily and Xie Lian blushed madly as he tried shushing Shi Qingxuan.
"Qingxuan!!"Xie Lian's heart hammered in his chest, part embarrassment and part happy-excitement.
"Haha!! It's fine! Really I'm happy for you two. You seem so happy together, so fulfilled, especially Hua Cheng.He seems content...like your all he needs in his life."Shi Qingxuan said, in a peaceful tone as he recounted the expressions on Hua Cheng's face whenever he looked at Xie Lian, whenever they touched, when they kissed.Like his life became complete just from having Xie Lian in it.
"I agree,"A deep voice rattled the silence and the two jumped and before even turning to look at the person, Xie Lian's face went red.Hua Cheng smirked as he wrapped his arms around Xie Lian in a tight yet playful embrace as he looked at Shi Qingxuan."Your clever you read me so easily,"Hua Cheng said with a smirk and Shi Qingxuan laughed.
"You two don't hide it very well!"Hua Cheng nuzzled into Xie Lian's neck and Xie Lian blushed but grasped onto Hua Cheng's hands.They were comfortable, and content.
It felt like they could stay like this for an eternity.
At the end of the school day the mood flushed gray.Xie Lian watched as the skies churned with the rain and clouds.His eyes scanned to see that many others didn't have umbrellas on them either.He sighed, readying himself to run out and try to avoid the rain as best he could.But before he could a hand grasped his shoulder, making him skid to a stop and his heart jump.Xie Lian turned swiftly and his lips immediately turned up as he saw the straight jaw, and raven hair of Hua Cheng.He smiled as his gaze fell down on to a bright red umbrella, a trim of gold lacing it.
"San Lang's very prepared."Xie Lian smiled, gratefully.
"Always for my beloved."Hua Cheng said tenderly and Xie Lian's heart warmed.He smiled even wider.This was the first time Hua Cheng called him "my beloved" directly. The words made his stomach flip and his heart clench, he subconsciously felt himself get closer to Hua Cheng, his hand reaching for Hua Cheng's.
"Thank you, San Lang."His voice was soft and Hua Cheng smiled, seeming to feel just as warm, he clasped his hand with Xie Lian's, their fingers clasped around the umbrella's handle, guiding him, his other hand clasped over his lower back. They walked into the moist air and the rain pitter pattered on to the hood of the umbrella. Xie Lian watched as the rain flowed onto the streets, his eyes scanning the ground until his eyes met two pairs of shoes.His gaze shot up to the two figures and his steps faltered.
"Mu Qing...? Feng Xin...?"Xie Lian's voice cracked slightly and Hua Cheng's hand immediately squeezed his.Xie Lian's eyes looked over to see Hua Cheng, his expression reassuring.Hua Cheng's other hand wrapped around Xie Lian's waist as he fully grabbed on to the umbrella, allowing Xie Lian's hands to be free.Xie Lian's gaze hesitantly went back to Mu Qing and Feng Xin who were scanning the two watching them as they readjusted they're hands."What are you two doing here?"Xie Lian asked stifly as he watched the two look away slightly, they're hair and clothes wet, and soaked.Xie Lian couldn't help but feel bad.He scanned around them and saw a hooded entrance to a building that was dark inside.Xie Lian gestured to everyone to go under the hood.Hua Cheng nodded and the other two just nodded discreetly.They all traveled swiftly, going under the hood, and Hua Cheng immediately lowered the umbrella, as he slid away from Xie Lian, but was within arms length, enough to give reassurance.Xie Lian looked at the two who were shuffling around, they're clothes sticking onto them, their hair matting their faces.
"What are you two doing out here?Did you want to talk again?'Xie Lian asked but he couldn't help but make his voice sound colder than how he felt.But the two just looked at him, then each other.
"We're Sorry."They both said, their voices cracking, but you could hear the sincerity in their tones.Xie Lian was taken aback, he expected them to say something about how he was responsible for them being distant with each other, but the last thing he expected was to get an apology.
"W-what?"He shook his head, chewing on his words before speaking again."Why are you two apologizing to me?'He asked more clearly and the two looked at him directly.
"It wasn't your fault that we got distant...I...I didn't know what to do and ended up avoiding you...it's my fault that I couldn't support you when we were kids."Feng Xin said, his head down like a dog that's being punished by its owner.The image made Xie Lian smile internally, even for just a moment.
"You don't know how lucky your are Xie Lian."Mu Qing piped up and Xie Lian directed his attention to him."You were always so popular, always so good at making friends...sometimes it felt like you could just abandon me at the side of the road like garbage. I couldn't help wondering back then how someone so lucky could think of going through hardships.It seemed unfair to me...that's why I-!"Mu Qing's words were swallowed by a burst of laughter.The two shot their heads up to see that Xie Lian was covering his mouth as laughter sputtered out, Hua Cheng chuckled as well, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"WHY ARE YOU TWO LAUGHING!!?"The two men shouted angrily, thinking the two were laughing at their vulnerability, and thoughts.
"I'm sorry.."Xie Lian said with remnants of laughter slipping out through the corners of his mouth."I promise I'm not laughing at you it's just..."Xie Lian whipped his head up and smiled."I never thought about you two during that time...sure I missed your company but, what's done was done, and all I really wanted..."Xie Lian looked down and let out a melancholy laugh."All I wanted was to be a kid again.To be naive, and not the kid whose parent's died.All I wanted was to be normal.And so, your absence as much as it saddened me..it wasn't the end of the road as I saw it."Xie Lian smiled sadly before looking at the two again."But, thank you.For caring.I appreciate it.Really we could have straightened all of this up years ago."Xie smiled wholeheartedly and the two infront of him scowled but seemed to agree.
"In regards to what you told be the last time we spoke..."Xie Lian started his memory fresh of their last conversation:
..
"We heard you've been getting friendly with Hua Cheng."Mu Qing said straightforwardly and Xie Lian sighed.
"Yes...what of it?"Xie Lian said and his voice was firm, not wanting the same conversation between Shi Qingxuan earlier to be repeated with the two in front of him.
"He's a troublemaker.Aren't you worried about your reputation?"Feng Xin asked and Xie Lian paused and then shook his head, looking straight at the two.
"I'm fine.I don't need your advice.
..
The two infront of him flinched as they looked over toward Hua Cheng who quirked his eye brow looking curious.
"I don't care what rumors are being spread.I will not let any of it affect my relationship with San Lang."Xie Lian said sternly, stomping out any doubt of the contrary.Hua Cheng smiled softly and he finally came up to Xie Lian.Xie Lian turned and saw Hua Cheng grinning, as he grabbed and held on to Xie Lian's hand.Xie Lian smiled softly, resisting the very powerful urge to kiss Hua Cheng there and then.But apparently, Hua Cheng didn't feel the same way.
They're lips connected softly and Xie Lian's eyes widened at the surprise attack given to him.He almost exploded into embarrassment as he heard what could only be sounds of disagreement from Mu Qing and Feng Xin.
"!!"They both backed away as the two continued to kiss, deeply, as if no one were there.Xie Lian's face grew exceedingly hot before he finally broke free, allowing himself to back away and catch his breath before looking at the two in front of him.
"I-!!"Xie Lian tried to search his scattered brain for an explanation to the very direct show of public affection but couldn't sort out the thoughts that swirled and mixed.The two scanned the couple, as if seeing them in a new light.
"So this is why..."They both started to say in unison as they looked directly at Hua Cheng."You two are a secret couple!"They both exclaimed and Xie Lian huffed but couldn't find anything to dispute it.
"I...guess that's one way to say it."Xie Lian sighed but still allowed Hua Cheng to slip a hand around his waist.
"Is there a problem with that?"Hua Cheng asked, his voice cool and Xie Lian chidded him.The two looked nervously at Hua Cheng, seeming to regret their words.
"San Lang...!"Xie Lian sighed and looked over the two again."Sorry about all this...um..."Xie Lian looked away slightly as he saw the rain pouring even harder, so much so that he could barely hear his own voice.The two infront of him looked away but seemed to grab some courage.They faced forward, a tension in their shoulders as they bowed their heads.
"Sorry!"The two exclaimed sharply and Xie Lian tilted his head in confusion but his voice came out like velvet.
"Why are you apologizing again?"Xie Lian laughed awkwardly but he didn't let it last as his eyes widened and his ears buzzed with the words he heard next.
"And thank you."Xie Lian blinked at the sincerity of those words, he didn't expect it, couldn't even process it.But nonetheless Xie Lian let his legs move without hesitation.He wrapped his arms around the two, the cold and wet of their clothes was a shock to his skin but that shock made his eyes stop stinging.He felt the two tense then relax, wrapping their own arms around Xie Lian.It took a moment before the chilling cold discouraged the three from continuing the hug instead they all separated slowly, hesitantly.Xie Lian smiled as he looked at the two whose eyes were red with emotion, knowing he probably looked similar.
"Let's meet again and catch up."He said as he straightened.The two nodded with small smiles.
"See you."Mu Qing and Feng Xin said, letting their bodies direct themselves to where they needed to go.They walked away and Xie Lian looked at them, melancholy.It took a moment until Xie Lian came to full consciousness.The rain hadn't let up yet, the clouds in the sky a dark grey.Xie Lian sighed as he looked at the sky.
"It'll be troublesome to get home."Xie Lian commented and then a familiar warmth coated him as a coat wrapped around his upper body.He looked up to see the sharp jawline of Hua Cheng, Xie Lian instantly smiled.
"My house is closer...if it's ok with Gege we can go to mine for the night."Hua Cheng suggested, a slight nervous tremor rising in his throat and Xie Lian felt his heart skip a beat.
"I..."Xie Lian paused and thought it through.
1)It was Friday, so there was no where for him to go tomorrow
2)He didn't need to check in at home.
3)And finally...It would be the best time to go home with Hua Cheng...
Xie Lian blushed and looked down, a double edged sword it would seem.Xie Lian didn't know what he would do in Hua Cheng's company for the whole night.Xie Lian cleared his throat and nodded.
"Ok.."He finally decided, he would have to deal with everything in the moment.Hua Cheng nodded and smiled before readying himself to start sprinting out into the dropping cold rain.
...
Hua Cheng slammed the door as his breath slowed to heaving pants.Xie Lian was in a similar state, his clothes damp but not as soaked as Hua Cheng's.
"San Lang you didn't need to give me your coat...I would have been fine without it."Xie Lian breathed heavily as he slipped his outer clothing off, leaving his shirt and pants and undergarments on.
"Gege would have caught a cold if he got too cold and wet, that would have been no good.Besides I'm fin-ACHOO!"Hua Cheng sneezed loudly and Xie Lian arched his eyebrow, holding back a laugh that was sure to erupt.
"San Lang...''Xie Lian looked at the damp black hair that rode along Hua Cheng's red and black clothes.Xie Lian puffed out a laugh, Hua Cheng looked too much like a little puppy who was soaked from the rain.Xie Lian's laughter rang louder and louder as Hua Cheng shivered from the cold.
"Gege..."Hua Cheng sighed but was smiling warmly.Once Xie Lian calmed down he shook his head, still smiling.
"Go ahead, you should take a bath...I'll be here."Xie Lian said and Hua Cheng paused before nodding as he took off his shoes, they squelched as water squeezed out the soles. Hua Cheng walked away from Xie Lian, Xie Lian followed along.Xie Lian scanned the apartment room, it looked to be rather small, the living room attached tightly but separated by a wall from the kitchen.A bookshelf stood in the corner, next to the TV, and the sofa across from that TV.Hua Cheng left the room going into another.Xie Lian guessed that it was his room, he walked away from the door and looked around the living room, but his interest slowly went toward the bookshelf. There were many books on the shelves but at the top of the shelf lay a box.It was a baby blue color with a covering over it.Xie Lian looked at it curiously, his hand reaching to lift the lid–BAM!!
Xie Lian flinched, his hand flashing back to his side.His gaze went to the noise to see Hua Cheng had come out of his room.His bare chest was out, with nothing on but boxers that hugged his nether regions.Xie Lian blushed before looking away quickly, feeling his heartbeat through his sweaty palms.Xie Lian only heard a click of a door opening and then a small laugh.
"Gege..."Hua Cheng spoke softly, in a teasing voice.
"Y-y-yes...?"Xie Lian stammered quickly.
"Do you like what you see?"Hua Cheng snickered, but did not wait to hear an answer as he went inside the bathroom and closed the door.It wasn't long before Xie Lian heard the shower start.Xie Lian sighed, as his blush stuck to his cheeks.Xie Lian leaned against the bookshelf stiffly, and rammed his back into it roughly, trying to calm his spinning mind when something fell from that same bookshelf.Xie Lian yelped as it hit his head before falling to the floor.He rubbed his head softly trying to stop the throbbing, when he looked down to see that same blue box, which was now no longer closed, instead the top slipped and let the contents flow out like water.Xie Lian examined it carefully before realizing what they were.
"Letters...?"