How about some modern #dadxian ❤️
The first time LZ meets his neighbours is two days after moving in, when the moving truck arrives. LZ is standing on the porch of the modern bungalow, ensuring the movers handle the boxes with care.
The first time LZ meets his neighbours is two days after moving in, when the moving truck arrives. LZ is standing on the porch of the modern bungalow, ensuring the movers handle the boxes with care.
The California heat is blaring, but the summer breeze carries the scent of oranges from the orange trees many of the residences have in this suburban neighbourhood. It's peaceful here, nothing like New York. Or London. Or Shanghai.
He notices he's being watched when he glances over and he catches four sets of eyes. The peeking eyes go wide and they all duck behind the fence splitting the properties.
Raising his eyebrow, LZ makes his way over, overhearing their loud whispering.
Raising his eyebrow, LZ makes his way over, overhearing their loud whispering.
"He totally saw us!" one voice hissed.
"You should say hi. Otherwise, it's gonna be awkward," another one said.
"Why me? I can't do it alone," A softer voice said.
"He's your neighbour." a fourth voice said.
LZ glazes up and spots three bikes haphazardly abandoned on the lawn
"You should say hi. Otherwise, it's gonna be awkward," another one said.
"Why me? I can't do it alone," A softer voice said.
"He's your neighbour." a fourth voice said.
LZ glazes up and spots three bikes haphazardly abandoned on the lawn
"How about on the count of three, we all get up."
There was a murmur of agreement and LZ paused in front of the fence.
"One, Two... Three!"
The boys hop up and immediately shriek, jumping back. One of them clutches his chest. "Are you a ninja or something??"
There was a murmur of agreement and LZ paused in front of the fence.
"One, Two... Three!"
The boys hop up and immediately shriek, jumping back. One of them clutches his chest. "Are you a ninja or something??"
LZ merely raises his eyebrows. He wasn't trying to be subtle.
Another boy, dressed in a simple blue t-shirt straightens his back. "Hi, I'm Wei Yuan and I'm your neighbour," he flies through, as though is he being assessed.
Another boy, dressed in a simple blue t-shirt straightens his back. "Hi, I'm Wei Yuan and I'm your neighbour," he flies through, as though is he being assessed.
LZ nods in acknowledgment. They all seem like decent boys. Around 12 or 13. "Nice to meet you," he says in his usual calm manner. "I am Lan Zhan."
The boys all stare at him with varying degrees of shock. LZ isn't sure why. Luckily, the boys snap out of it and all hurry to introduce themselves.
"I'm Lan Jingyi!" the boy who had clutched his chest says.
"I'm Jin Ling," the shortest boy announces, arms crossed, only giving him a glance.
"I'm Ouyang Zizhen," the tallest says and points over his shoulder. "Mr. Lan, can we pet your bunnies?"
"I'm Jin Ling," the shortest boy announces, arms crossed, only giving him a glance.
"I'm Ouyang Zizhen," the tallest says and points over his shoulder. "Mr. Lan, can we pet your bunnies?"
LZ turns around and sure enough, one of the movers is holding the rabbit carrier, setting it on the porch. When he turns back, the four boys are looking at him expectantly with big, puppy eyes.
And LZ has always had a soft spot for children. So he nods. "You may."
And LZ has always had a soft spot for children. So he nods. "You may."
The boys whoop and attempt to jump the fence.
LZ straightens and holds his hand out. The boys pause. "Come around," he instructs, gesturing to the end of the fence.
The boys nod and scramble around the fence, giddy as they follow LZ to the bunnies.
LZ straightens and holds his hand out. The boys pause. "Come around," he instructs, gesturing to the end of the fence.
The boys nod and scramble around the fence, giddy as they follow LZ to the bunnies.
They settle on the porch and LZ instructs them to sit in a circle and how to handle bunnies. They eagerly listen. LZ joins them and carefully lifts the bunnies from the carrier, setting them in the middle.
The boys prove to be gentle and attentive. Once the bunnies and boys are comfortable, the boys prove to be chatty as ever, chirping him for questions. LZ finds that he doesn't mind.
"Mr. Lan, What're their names?"
"Spots and Floppy."
"Mr. Lan, where are you from?"
"Shanghai?"
The boys perk up. "Jin Ling just came from China two years ago. Do you two know each other?" LJY says, nudging his friend.
"Spots and Floppy."
"Mr. Lan, where are you from?"
"Shanghai?"
The boys perk up. "Jin Ling just came from China two years ago. Do you two know each other?" LJY says, nudging his friend.
JL scowls at LJY. "I'm from Beijing, stupid."
LZ gives JL a pointed look for his language and JL bites his tongue.
"Did you move here from China?" WYuan asks, gently patting spots, who's settled on his lap.
LZ gives JL a pointed look for his language and JL bites his tongue.
"Did you move here from China?" WYuan asks, gently patting spots, who's settled on his lap.
"No, I moved here for New York City. Before that, I lived in London"
The boys gasp and they lean in, their eyes twinkling. "Woah, where else have you lived?" OYZZ asks.
"Paris, Vienna, Rome and"-- he gestures to JL --"Beijing as well."
The boys gasp and they lean in, their eyes twinkling. "Woah, where else have you lived?" OYZZ asks.
"Paris, Vienna, Rome and"-- he gestures to JL --"Beijing as well."
"What do you do?" WYuan adds.
"I am a composer."
There is a collective gasp from the group. "That's so cool!!" They cheer.
LZ expression warms. Many people have expressed this sentiment, but none with this level of youthful wonder and enthusiasm.
"I am a composer."
There is a collective gasp from the group. "That's so cool!!" They cheer.
LZ expression warms. Many people have expressed this sentiment, but none with this level of youthful wonder and enthusiasm.
"Most of these boxes are instruments," LZ mentions, offhandedly. "If your parents allow, you may use them" --I am taking a break, he wants to say but decides against it.
The boys nod eagerly and the conversation shifts to other things.
The boys nod eagerly and the conversation shifts to other things.
The boys learn that LZ is not married and has no kids. They question him for his choice of a super suburban neighbourhood, but LZ truthfully answers that he enjoyed the peace.
And LZ learns that
JYL lives with his grandparents while his parents work overseas.
OYZZ lives with his parents and three older sisters
JL lives with his Uncle who lives in a penthouse in the city and WYuan is technically his cousin (LZ doesn't understand why it's 'technically')
JYL lives with his grandparents while his parents work overseas.
OYZZ lives with his parents and three older sisters
JL lives with his Uncle who lives in a penthouse in the city and WYuan is technically his cousin (LZ doesn't understand why it's 'technically')
JL doesn't go into why he lives away from his parents, who are still in Beijing, but LZ doesn't pry.
WYuan lives next door with his dad.
"Only your father?" LZ asks
WYuan nods cheerfully.
WYuan lives next door with his dad.
"Only your father?" LZ asks
WYuan nods cheerfully.
"Yup! my dad's a single dad. He adopted me when I was three" WYuan explains. "He's the coolest. You should meet him if you need any help putting anything together. He can do anything."
LZ nods. "I will keep that in mind."
WYuan beams.
LZ nods. "I will keep that in mind."
WYuan beams.
It isn't until a car pulls up to the Wei residence that the conversation stops. The bunnies are put away and they all stand up.
The man who steps out is a cheery fellow with a gentle smile. He opens the trunk of his car and easily carries sacks of rice, potatoes and most of the grocery bags. LZ blinks. Unexpected from a man with such a docile face.
LZ glances at WYuan and tilts his chin.
LZ glances at WYuan and tilts his chin.
WYuan seems to know exactly what he's implying.
"That's Wen Ning-ge. He's my biological cousin," WYuan says. "Ning-ge's staying over until baba's back from his business trip," he adds before tapping OYZZ's arm. "Let's go help."
"That's Wen Ning-ge. He's my biological cousin," WYuan says. "Ning-ge's staying over until baba's back from his business trip," he adds before tapping OYZZ's arm. "Let's go help."
The boys say their goodbyes and rush over. Good kids, LZ thinks.
An hour later WN comes by with a basket of fruit and introduces himself.
Later that evening, while unpacking LZ listens to the distant yelling of children playing.
An hour later WN comes by with a basket of fruit and introduces himself.
Later that evening, while unpacking LZ listens to the distant yelling of children playing.
The children seem happy here. And their happiness seems to be contagious. He makes a note to tell this to WYuan's father once they meet.
((Stopping here for now. I'll add to this slowly cause I have a long idea for this and want to do it justice))
//Next time: LZ *sees* WYuan's dad for the first time 👀👀
//Next time: LZ *sees* WYuan's dad for the first time 👀👀
Link to the top:
https://twitter.com/mimSS_og/status/1478271574251692032
LZ settles in surprisingly quick in the house. His routine consists of walking up at 5, opening the glass doors that line the back of the bungalow and madidate on his backyard deck, then workout, shower, breakfast, and feed the bunnies
After he takes his time unpacking or reading, waiting for the boys to come visit.
They visit at least once a day. Sometimes twice if they're particularity bored. LZ doesn't mind. He likes the company and so do the bunnies
They visit at least once a day. Sometimes twice if they're particularity bored. LZ doesn't mind. He likes the company and so do the bunnies
LZ has no qualms with his routine, but all is not smooth when meets a certain someone
Well, not meet, but sees
And he doesn't see him first so much as *hear* him
Well, not meet, but sees
And he doesn't see him first so much as *hear* him
It's early afternoon when he hears yelling from next door. A distinct "Come on! Come on!" mixed with the sound of laughter and a...hose?
Curious, LZ places his book down and steps onto his deck, cradling his cup of tea. From here he has a clear view of the Wei's backyard
Curious, LZ places his book down and steps onto his deck, cradling his cup of tea. From here he has a clear view of the Wei's backyard
All he catches is a big splash into the pool at the end of the lot and WYuan hosing himself off before jumping into the pool with a noticeably smaller splash.
WYuan comes up first with a big gasp and looks around.
WYuan comes up first with a big gasp and looks around.
It's a couple seconds before baba Wei finally emerges.
Jumping out of the water, long fingers push back long ebony hair, settling on board shoulders, water droplets dripping down his muscular back to a tapering waist as he stands in the waist deep water
His laugh is full and bright as he turns to WYuan, giving LZ a perfect view of his side-profile. A playful smirk on his lips as he wiggles his brow at WYuan. It's a moment of playfulness before they're both racing to get out of the pool.
LZ's eyes can't help but trail down to the way Baba's Wei's trunks cling to muscular thighs and long legs, noting how sun-kissed his entire body is. LZ wants to see if there's even a tan line under those shorts.
LZ freezes at that thought.
LZ freezes at that thought.
He gulps. He backs away until he nearly trips over the threshold of his house. He hurries to close the many doors leading to his backyard, muffling the sound of water splashing and laughter.
He returns to his sofa and picks up his book.
He returns to his sofa and picks up his book.
His eyes burn when he stares at the pages and he realizes he hasn't blinked. He squeezes his eyes shut, which proves to be a horrible mistake
cause all he can see is the water trailing down the length of... LZ gulps again and turns the page.
cause all he can see is the water trailing down the length of... LZ gulps again and turns the page.
((I'll try to update later today but if not, then I'll come back tomorrow <3))
//Next time: Wei Ying's POV 👀
//Next time: Wei Ying's POV 👀
Okay, I can’t decide so I gonna you guys:
How old is Jin Ling compared to the other juniors?
How old is Jin Ling compared to the other juniors?
((Got time today 🥳))
Gosh, WY missed home. As much as he loved travelling, it didn’t count when it involved 8am meetings and spending the whole day in stuffy suits. The moment he got back, he stripped down to his swim trunks (yes, he wore them under his clothes)
Grabbed WYuan and sprinted into the pool (but not after hosing them down. Good hygiene is important). They swam around for a while before eventually getting out. They settled on the grass, letting the sun dry them off.
“I missed you baobei,” WY sighs, a light smile on his face
WYuan smiled and nudged WY’s shoulder. “I missed you too, baba.”
WY ruffles WYuan’s hair. They’ll probably go for a haircut right before school starts. “What did you get up to?”
WYuan smiled and nudged WY’s shoulder. “I missed you too, baba.”
WY ruffles WYuan’s hair. They’ll probably go for a haircut right before school starts. “What did you get up to?”
That was all the prompt needed for WYuan to tell him everything he did these past few weeks
“--And then we met Mr. Lan and played with his bunnies. He’s so cool. He’s a composer. Or was. I don’t know, he gives off retired vibes. After we--”
WY closes his eyes and tilts his head back, humming.
WY closes his eyes and tilts his head back, humming.
“--Jingyi’s grandpa gave us too many oranges so we decided to give them to Mr. Lan. He just finished fixing his drum set and let us all have a go. Mr. Lan said we were really good. Then Ning-ge came and--”
WY flipped onto his stomach to dry his back. Okay…
WY flipped onto his stomach to dry his back. Okay…
“Yesterday we got to feed spots and floppy. I took so many pictures. They’re just so cute, baba!”
“Spots and floppy?” WY asks.
WYuan beams. “Yup. Mr. Lan’s bunnies.”
“Spots and floppy?” WY asks.
WYuan beams. “Yup. Mr. Lan’s bunnies.”
“Okay.” WY propped himself up on his elbows and raised his eyebrow at WYuan. He’d kept a mental tab and Mr. Lan was mentioned at least once every day this past week.
“Who is this Mr. Lan?”
“Who is this Mr. Lan?”
WYuan blinks at him. “Oh.” WYuan tilts his chin over. “He’s our new neighbour. You should meet him. He’s really--”
“--Cool?” WY snickers and WYuan’s cheeks go pink and nods.
“--Cool?” WY snickers and WYuan’s cheeks go pink and nods.
WY smiles fondly at his kid as he stands up, patting WYuan’s shoulder. “Come on, Go shower and I’ll order some dinner.”
“Pizza?”
“Pizza.”
“Pizza?”
“Pizza.”
WYuan hops up and hurries inside. WY lingers a moment longer, eying the house next door. The house had been vacant for a long time and never even had a ‘for sale’ sign. But now it has a new owner all of a sudden.
WY scratches his nose as he follows WYuan inside. Who is this “Mr. Lan”
((That's it for today!))
//Next time: WY meets this mysterious Mr. Lan.
//Next time: WY meets this mysterious Mr. Lan.
((Guys 🥲
I asked my friend AND did a random choice generator to break this tie and both gave the same answer
Which is....
Jing Ling is in the grade below! (Rip JL 🥲)
Ight, now I can start with today's update! See you guys soon! ))
I asked my friend AND did a random choice generator to break this tie and both gave the same answer
Which is....
Jing Ling is in the grade below! (Rip JL 🥲)
Ight, now I can start with today's update! See you guys soon! ))
The next day, all thoughts of Mr. Lan left WY as the boys took over the kitchen. WYuan and JL propped their laptops on the island while JYL and OYZZ stared at their phones. WY rested his chin on WYuan’s head as he scanned the screen.
“Okay, so I have Biology, PE-slash-health, Music, and History,” WYuan announces.
“Music with Mr. Richmond?” OYZZ asks. WYuan nods. “Me too!” OYZZ grins.
“Same!” JYL cheers and the three high-fived.
JL grumbles under his breath. “You guys suck. Leaving me like this.”
“Music with Mr. Richmond?” OYZZ asks. WYuan nods. “Me too!” OYZZ grins.
“Same!” JYL cheers and the three high-fived.
JL grumbles under his breath. “You guys suck. Leaving me like this.”
WY chuckles and reaches over, patting his head. JL ducks away. “It’s still the same school. You’ll see each other.”
“Yeah, and we have the same math,” JYL adds, slinging his arm over JL’s shoulder despite JL’s scowl.
“Yeah, and we have the same math,” JYL adds, slinging his arm over JL’s shoulder despite JL’s scowl.
“Still. You guys are going to high school, and I’m stuck in stupid 8th grade with a bunch of losers.”
“A-ling, be nice,” WYuan hums. “Besides, high school or not doesn’t change anything. Right, guys?”
“A-ling, be nice,” WYuan hums. “Besides, high school or not doesn’t change anything. Right, guys?”
The others nod and WY smiles, pinching WYuan’s cheek.
“Such a diplomat. What did I do to deserve such a good kid,” WY says.
WYuan blushes and WY can’t help but tease him more. “I can’t believe my sweet kid is a high schooler. Oh where did the time go!” he wails.
“Such a diplomat. What did I do to deserve such a good kid,” WY says.
WYuan blushes and WY can’t help but tease him more. “I can’t believe my sweet kid is a high schooler. Oh where did the time go!” he wails.
“Baba,” WYuan sighs fondly.
WY smiles and pulls away. “I’m just kidding. You’re always gonna be three to me.”
“I thought you were three,” WYuan teases.
“Then that makes you two,” WY says and taps WYuan’s nose.
WY smiles and pulls away. “I’m just kidding. You’re always gonna be three to me.”
“I thought you were three,” WYuan teases.
“Then that makes you two,” WY says and taps WYuan’s nose.
The boys soon pack up, WYuan leaving WY with his list of books and new uniform checklist before the boys hurry out of the house and on their bikes, enjoying the last of their summer.
WY sighs fondly and sets the list aside and does his own work.
WY sighs fondly and sets the list aside and does his own work.
It isn’t until a few hours later that WY pulls out of his hyperfocused work session. He blinks a couple of times and picks up his phone, texting.
Baba: Do you guys want lunch?
A moment later, YWuan reponds
Baobei: No need, having tea with Mr. Lan :)
WY blinks. Mr. Lan?
Baba: Do you guys want lunch?
A moment later, YWuan reponds
Baobei: No need, having tea with Mr. Lan :)
WY blinks. Mr. Lan?
Listen.
WY likes to think he’s a cool dad. He lets WYuan do a lot of things regular parents wouldn’t. But he was still a parent. And he likes to know who WYuan hangs out with. Especially if they’re an adult.
WY likes to think he’s a cool dad. He lets WYuan do a lot of things regular parents wouldn’t. But he was still a parent. And he likes to know who WYuan hangs out with. Especially if they’re an adult.
Mr. Lan could be a million things. But WY wouldn’t know until he saw for himself.
Shooting up, WY marches to his kitchen and pulls out a basket. Filling it with fruits from WN’s garden, he knows he should play it chill. He’s a chill person. And he was just going over to meet his new neighbour. Not sus him out or anything…
WY takes a deep breath as he stands in front of Mr. Lan’s door.
He plasters on a smile and rings the bell.
He can hear the boys inside and some shuffling, WY takes a deep breath and the door opens.
/Oh/
He plasters on a smile and rings the bell.
He can hear the boys inside and some shuffling, WY takes a deep breath and the door opens.
/Oh/
WY stares at the most beautiful man he’s ever laid eyes on. WY feels his jaw drop, but he doesn’t care because how can someone’s lashes be so long and perfectly framing such intense eyes that lock WY in place. Even his breath stutters.
Suddenly, WY understands why WYuan’s English teachers used to say he lacks details in his essays. Because WY would have very much liked to know that Mr. Lan wasn’t some wrinkly old man with old war stories, but an Adonis down to the chiselled pecs barely hugged by a fitted tee.
The man's stare is so intense that WY tries not to shudder. WY realizes that neither of them has said anything and WY opens his mouth to break the tension
“Damn, you’re hot.”
/Fuck/
“Damn, you’re hot.”
/Fuck/
Mr. Lan eyebrows crease just the faintest bit as though not to break the marble his face is obviously carved out of.
“Pardon?”
“Pardon?”
WY clears his throat and shakes his head. “Sorry, I meant ‘damn, you’re not old!’” WY laughs so forced, it sounds stupid to himself, but he can’t stop. Even when Mr. Lan stares at him.
WY's smile faults and his mouth takes over
WY's smile faults and his mouth takes over
“By the way A-Yuan described you, I thought you were much older,” he chuckles. Getting his footing again, WY balances the basket on his hip and holds out his hand. “I’m Wei Ying, Wei Yuan’s dad and your neighbour. Nice to meet you.”
Mr. Lan stares down at his hand and WY wonders if he’s insulted him. Shit, maybe telling him he’s hot and ‘not old’ would have been better.
Luckily, Mr. Lan’s expression turns neutral again and takes his hand. His hand is so smooth and his fingers are so long. And his grip is firm. Not that… not that WY noticed.
“Lan Zhan.”
“Lan Zhan.”
“Lan Zhan,” WY repeats, his smile slowly growing. “You must like blue.”
LZ blinks before stating a simple. “Mn.”
Somehow, that makes WY smile brighter. And it has nothing to do with how pink LZ’s lips are.
LZ blinks before stating a simple. “Mn.”
Somehow, that makes WY smile brighter. And it has nothing to do with how pink LZ’s lips are.
“Baba? What’re you doing here?” WYuan asks, peeking out from behind LZ.
WY snaps back and finally pulls his hand away from LZ’s, awkwardly hovering it before adjusting the basket into both hands.
WY snaps back and finally pulls his hand away from LZ’s, awkwardly hovering it before adjusting the basket into both hands.
“Hey, baobei,” WY grins. “I thought I’d finally meet Mr. Lan.” He turns to LZ and stage whispers. “Sorry about them bothering you.
“We’re not bothering him,” WYuan gasps, turning to LZ, pouting. “Right, Mr. Lan?”
“We’re not bothering him,” WYuan gasps, turning to LZ, pouting. “Right, Mr. Lan?”
LZ’s expression softens and the tiniest smile appears on his lips. “Not a bother.” LZ turns to WY and WY gulps when that look is directed towards him. “They are very good children.”
“Aiyooo.” WY cheeks feel warm. “That’s good to know. I’m glad that--” WY clears his throat. He shifts his weight. What was he here for again? “Uh, well, I just wanted to say hi,” he chuckles and holds out the basket. “For you.”
As soon as LZ takes the basket, WY spins around to leave.
“Wait.”
WY freezes, glancing back.
“Would you like to stay for lunch?” LZ asks, his voice velvety smooth.
“Wait.”
WY freezes, glancing back.
“Would you like to stay for lunch?” LZ asks, his voice velvety smooth.
WY blinks a couple of times before chuckling nervously. “Ah, I shouldn’t.”
“You should, baba,” WYuan chirps, sticking his head out the door. “Mr. Lan’s a good cook. And you’re a fire hazard.”
“You should, baba,” WYuan chirps, sticking his head out the door. “Mr. Lan’s a good cook. And you’re a fire hazard.”
WY gawks. “A-Yuan!” he sputters. WYuan laughs and runs back inside, leaving WY red face. “That’s not t--” he pauses mid-retort, his words failing at the sight of LZ’s eyes crinkling, his mouth, which is obviously in a smile hidden behind his fist.
It’s gone as quickly as it came as LZ school’s his expression and steps aside.
WY finds himself stepping over the threshold. “Don’t listen to him. Just because he doesn’t like my cooking, he thinks he can bully me,” he chuckles.
WY finds himself stepping over the threshold. “Don’t listen to him. Just because he doesn’t like my cooking, he thinks he can bully me,” he chuckles.
LZ hums as he waits for WY to take off his shoes, solemnly shaking his head. “Teenagers…”
WY barks out a laugh. He wonders if that was supposed to be a joke, and by the way something dances in LZ’s eyes, it is! Just who is this guy?
WY barks out a laugh. He wonders if that was supposed to be a joke, and by the way something dances in LZ’s eyes, it is! Just who is this guy?
WY bites back a grin and swings his arm around LZ’s shoulder.
LZ’s maybe an inch shorter than him and stiffens, but WY doesn’t realize. “You know what, Lan Zhan? I think we’ll get along just fine.”
LZ’s maybe an inch shorter than him and stiffens, but WY doesn’t realize. “You know what, Lan Zhan? I think we’ll get along just fine.”
And fine it had to be. WY couldn't let it be anything more. He had a teenager to raise after all and Lan Zhan was his neighbour. Nothing more...
((That's all for today!))
//Next time: WY and LZ see more of each other and the boys start school! 😱😱
//Next time: WY and LZ see more of each other and the boys start school! 😱😱
WY must have a different idea of ‘just fine’ as LZ because while WY seems to spend 90% of his time without a shirt, LZ is the one suffering.
WY is a peculiar character with a seemingly erratic schedule. LZ doesn’t know when he’ll see WY, but when he does, LZ is never prepared.
The day after they met, LZ caught WY mowing his front lawn, using his discarded shirt to wipe the sweat off his face.
The next day, WY was lounging by the pool in terribly short pink shorts and obnoxiously large sunglasses. WY had caught him staring and LZ almost dropped floppy as WY waved with his full arm.
“Hey, Lan Zhan! Wanna join me? I’m working on my tan!” he laughed and LZ bit his tongue. How lucky the sun was to have WY willingly expose himself to it as much as he could. LZ tensed.
LZ should say something. WY liked jokes, perhaps one of those. But the one joke he managed to say when he met him had been a fluke, a product of the boys’ quippy remarks to each other that day.
Instead, LZ merely shook his head. “It’s feeding time,” he managed, holding up floppy, hopping WY didn’t hear his voice stutter. Without waiting for a response, LZ retreated back into his house.
He sighed heavily and brought floppy up to his face, feeling her beady eyes judging him with a twitch of her pink nose. She was right though, having WY fill his thoughts was much better than reliving the past…
Today, however, LZ grip on his mug could crack the ceramic as he stood on the edge of his deck, watching WY (shirtless as usual) and WYuan practicing martial arts.
WY would show WYuan a set, his expression stern in a way LZ had never seen before going back to his bubbly self and WYuan repeated the moves back. WY cheered loudly for his son, patting his shoulder before they continued.
When WYuan didn’t get it quite right, WY still showered him with praise as he adjusted his position and urged WYuan to retry.
There was no denying that WY was a good father. Energetic yet patient. Kind yet protective. There was an air about WY that made LZ’s fingers twitch. It made him want to do something. Not with WY (because LZ doesn’t even know if he *would* do anything) But something…without fear.
Instead, LZ’s feet moved on their own and guided him up he sat on his piano bench, his fingers resting in position on the familiar keys, mug forgotten on the deck.
LZ took a deep breath and let his eyes flutter close as he played an old melody. LZ didn’t let himself berate himself for not creating new music. He let himself enjoy his first love unrestrained.
As the song flowed through him as naturally as breathing, in the back of LZ’s mind, a faint image of WY’s smile and a warm hand on his shoulder urged him to keep going.
((A lil' bit cheesy I know. But WY just has that energy! I'll try to continue later today, but we shall see xx))
AYuan pauses mid-punch. He whips around wide-eyed. “Baba! Listen,” he whispers.
WY drops his hands. “Listen to wh--” WY stops as the music flows into their backyard.
WY drops his hands. “Listen to wh--” WY stops as the music flows into their backyard.
AYuan grins as he runs to the fence, climbing on the bench to peak over. WY chuckled and hopped up next to him, crossing his arms over the fence and propping his chin.
From here he could see LZ at his piano. So upright and rigid, yet his hands moved as freely as water and the smallest smile danced on his lips. WY’s stomach fluttered and he swallowed those butterflies.
Not having those thoughts about their extremely handsome and mysterious neighbour. They can be friends, but that’s it. He glances over to WYuan, who’s humming along to the song with a bright smile.
He was WY’s priority. He’s always been. And high school’s going to be a big deal for his son. WY didn’t slow down his work to fantasize about their neighbour. Even though those fingers are clearly skilled…
WY shook his head. He’s too old for this shit.
“Let’s go in. It’s getting late,” he says and jumps from the bench and jogs inside, ignoring the way WYuan whined that it was still noon.
“Let’s go in. It’s getting late,” he says and jumps from the bench and jogs inside, ignoring the way WYuan whined that it was still noon.
//Next: the boys will be off and WY comes to terms that his little one is growing up 🥺 What will LZ do to help (if he helps at all 👀)
Another poll for future reference:
What's LZ's family story?
What's LZ's family story?
WY only thought about himself as old when it was convenient. Like now, as he sits in his backyard, playing “Slipping through my fingers” while cradling a lemonade (though he’d much prefer something stronger) at 10 am on a Monday morning, staring forlornly into the distance.
Sitting back with a sigh, he glances around his yard before looking over, jumping in his seat. How long had he been watching him?
LZ quickly turns away and suddenly WY’s heart leaps instead. “Ah, Lan Zhan!” he calls out as he always does. But instead of waving and letting it go at just that, he adds. “Do you wanna join me? I’ve got lemonade.” He holds up his drink as if to show proof.
There’s a pause and WY shifts in his chair. He hadn’t invited LZ over before and what if that was over-stepping. But soon, LZ gives a curt nod and descends from his deck. WY beams and hurries inside, getting another glass (and maybe checking his hair in the mirror too)
He opens the backyard gate, beaming up at LZ, whose beige trousers do wonders for his long legs. “Come in, come in. Here.” WY hands him the glass and leads him back to the patio chairs.
WY flops down as LZ elegantly takes his seat. A beat of silence. Ah, WY should’ve thought this through before inviting the neighbour he's mentally kept at arm's length over so suddenly.
He opens his mouth to break the silence, but LZ beats him to it.
He opens his mouth to break the silence, but LZ beats him to it.
“Are you alright?”
WY blinks. “Huh?”
LZ folds his hands around the glass, thumbing the rim. “You seem upset,” he said and gestures to the table. WY follows his gaze to his phone, that’s been playing the same song on repeat.
WY blinks. “Huh?”
LZ folds his hands around the glass, thumbing the rim. “You seem upset,” he said and gestures to the table. WY follows his gaze to his phone, that’s been playing the same song on repeat.
“Oh.” WY laughs, totally embarrassed and hurries to turn off the music. “Sorry, is it that obvious?”LZ nods.
WY’s smile goes gentle as he takes a sip, staring back ahead. “It’s A-Yuan’s first day of school today”
WY’s smile goes gentle as he takes a sip, staring back ahead. “It’s A-Yuan’s first day of school today”
“Hm.” LZ contemplates with his eyebrows slightly furrowed in a way that makes WY want to poke his forehead.
WY huffs out a laugh and throws his head back. “My lil’ radish is all grown up,” he wails dramatically, biting back a snicker at LZ’s shock at the sudden outburst. WY pouts. “Lan Zhan, you know what the worst part is?”
LZ shakes his head.
LZ shakes his head.
“A-Yuan asked to take the Porsche today. And I was like, that’s fine. It’s my coolest car, he wants to show off for his first day of high school. But when we got there and I went to hug him, A-Yuan rolled the windows up before saying goodbye--
--That’s when I realized he asked for that car cause the windows are super tinted and he didn’t want me to embarrass him.”
WY clutches his chest, ignoring how his head *actually* ached for the sake of dramatics. “Lan Zhan, you’re lucky you don’t have kids. Listen to this old man. They’ll break your heart without even knowing it.”
LZ turns to him, his gaze soft. “You are not old. We’re the same age.”
LZ turns to him, his gaze soft. “You are not old. We’re the same age.”
WY glances down at LZ’s body and smirks. “That may be true,” he sighs and pats his stomach. “But pregnancy takes a lot out of you. Birthing A-Yuan definitely took its toll.”
LZ’s eyebrows shoot up and his mouth opens into the cutest ‘o’
LZ’s eyebrows shoot up and his mouth opens into the cutest ‘o’
WY bursts out laughing. When LZ’s ears go pink, WY laughs harder.
“Sorry, sorry. I had to. You didn’t seriously believe me, did you?”
“I did not,” LZ mumbles as he takes a sip.
“Sorry, sorry. I had to. You didn’t seriously believe me, did you?”
“I did not,” LZ mumbles as he takes a sip.
WY smiles and leans back, staring down at his glass. The melancholy feeling returning.
“Lan Zhan," WY starts, running his fingers over his glass. "Have you ever been in love?”
“Lan Zhan," WY starts, running his fingers over his glass. "Have you ever been in love?”
“Yes.”
WY perks up at the sudden answer, glancing over. “Really? Who was it?”
“Music.”
WY blinks. “Music?”
LZ sits up and nods. “Music.”
WY perks up at the sudden answer, glancing over. “Really? Who was it?”
“Music.”
WY blinks. “Music?”
LZ sits up and nods. “Music.”
WY snickers and leans over, resting his chin in his palm. “And you’re still a devoted lover, I see.”
LZ side-eyes him and takes another drawn-out sip. WY takes his own sip. Teasing LZ was fun.
LZ side-eyes him and takes another drawn-out sip. WY takes his own sip. Teasing LZ was fun.
“Have you?” LZ asks.
“Have I what?”
“Been in love?”
WY pauses at the question. He taps his chin, tilting his head side to side. “Not really,” he hums. “But if we’re thinking outside the box… then it’s definitely A-Yuan,” he nods, unable to stop himself from smiling.
“Have I what?”
“Been in love?”
WY pauses at the question. He taps his chin, tilting his head side to side. “Not really,” he hums. “But if we’re thinking outside the box… then it’s definitely A-Yuan,” he nods, unable to stop himself from smiling.
“The moment I saw him, I knew I had to live for him. To make sure that he has a reason to smile every day,” WY sighs softly and scrunches up his nose.
“He was such a cute baby, Lan Zhan. You won’t believe it.” WY sets his glass down. “Do you want to see some pictures?”
“He was such a cute baby, Lan Zhan. You won’t believe it.” WY sets his glass down. “Do you want to see some pictures?”
WY’s eyes are bright and the moment LZ nods, he’s out of his chair and hurries inside. He returns a minute later with a hefty photo album, dragging his chair next to LZ’s and sits down, resting the book on both armrests, their shoulders flush as WY opens the page.
He goes through the pictures, pointing out the people in them and explaining the story behind them. LZ’s “hm” and “mn” encourage him to go on and when LZ is particularly silent and WY feels he’s finally bored him, LZ asks questions or makes comments earnestly.
“I love this picture. This is when we first month we landed here. We stayed with Jingyi’s grandparents for a month while my place was still being set up” WY explained.
The picture is of two toddlers dressed in overalls, squatting in a garden. One toddler (LJY) had his mouth open while the other toddler (WYuan) was holding out a worm to feed LJY
LZ was staring at the picture, examining it closer as if he couldn’t believe it.
LZ was staring at the picture, examining it closer as if he couldn’t believe it.
WY bit his lip, muffling his laughter. “A-Yuan was a little shit as a kid and so was Jingyi. They were a chaotic duo.”
LZ nods seriously. “He is good at feigning innocence. Much like his father.”
LZ nods seriously. “He is good at feigning innocence. Much like his father.”
WY squawks out a laugh and smacks LZ’s shoulder. “Ay! That’s not true,” he laughs and bats his lashes. “I'm the face of innocence and purity.”
LZ huffs out a laugh and fondly shakes his head, sending butterflies straight into WY’s belly.
LZ huffs out a laugh and fondly shakes his head, sending butterflies straight into WY’s belly.
WY never had someone to share A-Yuan’s childhood so openly with. WN and WQ were there for most of it, and when he reconnected with JC and JYL, going through these memories were tainted with how much they missed in each other’s lives.
“Hey Lan Zhan,” WY says as he tucks away a preschool picture of WYuan, LJY and OYZZ and closes the book. “This was fun,” he says, picking at the corner of the album. “You should come over more often.”
When LZ doesn’t immediately say anything, WY peeks up. “Well?”
When LZ doesn’t immediately say anything, WY peeks up. “Well?”
WY’s heart leaps when he catches the faintest smile reaching LZ’s eyes. “I would like that.”
“Great!” WY squeaks, an octave higher than usual. His face burns and he clears his throat. “I mean-- great. Cool. Sounds like a plan,” he says.
“Great!” WY squeaks, an octave higher than usual. His face burns and he clears his throat. “I mean-- great. Cool. Sounds like a plan,” he says.
Perhaps keeping LZ at arm’s length was too exaggerated. He flashes a smile up at LZ and LZ gazes at him fondly. Shoulder to shoulder wouldn’t hurt anybody.
((That's it for today! I hope you guys enjoyed))
((Also when I meant LZ's first love, I did mean music lol. Unless... 👀))
//Next: The boys learn more about Mr. Lan and it makes them feel things 🥺🥺🥺🥺
((Also when I meant LZ's first love, I did mean music lol. Unless... 👀))
//Next: The boys learn more about Mr. Lan and it makes them feel things 🥺🥺🥺🥺
LZ was still getting used to having a full house. At least now, instead of the sporadic nature of the boys during the summer, he could expect them a few times a week, after school and their several activities.
LZ stood in front of WYuan and OYZZ, helping them go through their music sheet from school on their violin and viola. LJY watched from the drumset, working on the same piece.
The boys were fast learners, two days ago, WYuan kept going too fast while OYZZ kept forgetting how to hold his viola and LJY couldn’t coordinate his hands and foot. However, now, the boys greatly improved.
“Can we go from the top again?” WYuan asks, gnawing his bottom lip. “I think I got it this time.”
LZ nods and steps back. Holding his hands up, he counts LJY in. The beat is steady, no note is banged or fumbled. Nodding approvingly, LZ counts WYuan and OYZZ in.
LZ nods and steps back. Holding his hands up, he counts LJY in. The beat is steady, no note is banged or fumbled. Nodding approvingly, LZ counts WYuan and OYZZ in.
The song is simple, but it is not the notes that LZ assesses. WYuan’s posture is still too stiff, but he is not forcing the sound out of the strings. While OYZZ could be more firm to produce more sound.
To an untrained ear, the three play perfectly.
All LZ can hear is the potential the boys possess.
His smile is faint as he lets his hands fall, the piece coming to an end.
All LZ can hear is the potential the boys possess.
His smile is faint as he lets his hands fall, the piece coming to an end.
“Excellent work. There’s been much improvement,” LZ says. The boys beam.
“Yeah, it doesn’t sound like someone’s dying anymore,” JL drawls out from the coffee table, quietly working on his English homework.
“Yeah, it doesn’t sound like someone’s dying anymore,” JL drawls out from the coffee table, quietly working on his English homework.
LJY sticks his tongue out at him. “How’s your essay going?” he snickers. JL scowls and slams his laptop shut.
“Shut up!”
LZ raises his eyebrow at this and goes over. “Would you like me to take a look?”
“Shut up!”
LZ raises his eyebrow at this and goes over. “Would you like me to take a look?”
JL purses his lips before shaking his head. He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. “Maybe later. I’ve barely started.”
“Sounds like it’s just shit,” LJY adds and JL jumps to his feet.
“Sounds like it’s just shit,” LJY adds and JL jumps to his feet.
“As if you’re any better!” JL jumps over and as he lunges for LJY, his foot slams against the black lacquer box and fumbles. Luckily, OYZZ is close enough to catch him.
Already on his feet, LZ sighs. “No running,” he says simply. JL pouts and ducks his head, mumbling ‘sorry’ as WYuan pipes up, standing by his side.
“Mr. Lan, was that box always there?”
“Mr. Lan, was that box always there?”
Suddenly all eyes are on the long lacquer box against the wall. The boys hurry to crowd it, running their fingers over the intricate silver paint covering the edges and lid. The motif of mountains and swirling clouds surround the simple characters delicately printed in the center
“Wang…” WYuan squints and leans closer. “...Ji.”
“Wangji?” OYZZ asks, looking over WYuan’s shoulder.
“That’s what it says," WYuan confirms
“Wangji?” OYZZ asks, looking over WYuan’s shoulder.
“That’s what it says," WYuan confirms
The boys all look up at LZ with wide eyes. LZ shifts uncomfortably at the weight of their curiosity. Perhaps he had been too open with these boys. Or perhaps it was his fault for placing the box in the living room instead of storing it away and out of sight
With a sigh, LZ kneels in front of the box, the boys parting, as he undoes the silver latch. The lip is hefty, made of solid wood as he pushes it back, carefully setting it against the wall.
The inside is lined with white velvet, cushioning the sleek, black seven-string guqin. LZ holds his breath, a sudden wave of guilt washing over him for locking it up for so long.
“What is that?” LJY suddenly asks, bringing LZ back to the present.
“Is it a…zither?” JL says.
LZ shakes his head. “A guqin,” he corrects.
“Is it a…zither?” JL says.
LZ shakes his head. “A guqin,” he corrects.
“Oh! I’ve seen these before,” WYuan says, his eyes lighting up. “Only in C-dramas and movies. But they don’t look as pretty as this one.” the other boys nod in agreement.
LZ’s chest wells with a hint of pride and nods. “This one is a family heirloom for generations. It is special.”
“Wow,” one of them breaths out.
“So you play the guqin, Mr. Lan? Can you show us?” OYZZ asks.
“Wow,” one of them breaths out.
“So you play the guqin, Mr. Lan? Can you show us?” OYZZ asks.
As quickly as LZ’s chest fills, it deflates. “I cannot,” he says and takes one more glance at Wangji before closing the lid. “I am no longer… worthy.”
Silence falls over the room. But LZ can’t find it in him to remedy it.
He knew he should have left it behind in New York for Huan-ge to find...
He knew he should have left it behind in New York for Huan-ge to find...
------
WY stood at the kitchen counter, drying his hands on his jeans after washing the dishes. “A-Yuan, do you want ice cream?” he calls out.
No answer.
WY stood at the kitchen counter, drying his hands on his jeans after washing the dishes. “A-Yuan, do you want ice cream?” he calls out.
No answer.
WY turns around, eyebrows furrowing as he spots WYuan on the couch, the tv running. Making his way over, he fell back on the couch, snickering when WYuan jumps.
“Baba,” WYuan huffs, a smile playing on his lips. He pulls the blanket tighter around his shoulders, tucking his knees into his chest.
“Hey, baobei,” WY muses and drapes one arm across the couches’ back.
“Did something happen at school?”
WYuan tilts his head. “No? Why?”
“Hey, baobei,” WY muses and drapes one arm across the couches’ back.
“Did something happen at school?”
WYuan tilts his head. “No? Why?”
WY tilts his chin to the tv where Finding Nemo was playing. WY knew his son very well. And Finding Nemo always meant something was up.
“Oh.” WYuan sighs and rests his chin on his knees. After a moment, WYuan shrugs. “It’s Mr. Lan.”
“Oh.” WYuan sighs and rests his chin on his knees. After a moment, WYuan shrugs. “It’s Mr. Lan.”
“Mr. Lan?” WY sits up slightly. These past few days, he’s been speaking to Mr. Lan more. And the more he liked him. He couldn’t imagine Mr. Lan doing anything to make his lil’ radish sulk. “What did Mr. Lan do?”
WYuan shakes his head. “I think we made Mr. Lan sad.”
WYuan shakes his head. “I think we made Mr. Lan sad.”
“What do you mean?”
WYuan shifts closer, mumbling the events of this afternoon, WY straining to hear him.
WYuan shifts closer, mumbling the events of this afternoon, WY straining to hear him.
“-- I think Mr. Lan ran away or something. I wanted to ask. But… he looked so sad.” WYuan sucked in a deep breath. “I felt so bad, baba! I should’ve apologized. We shouldn’t have asked what was in the box!”
“Hey, hey,” WY says soothingly, rubbing WYuan’s shoulder. “Calm down. It’s okay.”
WYuan bites his lip. “But, what if he did run away? Or he doesn't speak to them anymore?”
WY smiles fondly at his son. So sweet and kind. “That’s not your burden to bear, baobei.”
“But--”
WYuan bites his lip. “But, what if he did run away? Or he doesn't speak to them anymore?”
WY smiles fondly at his son. So sweet and kind. “That’s not your burden to bear, baobei.”
“But--”
"A-Yuan," WY says, firmly. When WYuan falls silent, WY relaxes.
“I’m serious,” WY says, cracking a smile as he sits up. “Why don’t you give it to me. You’re too young to be thinking about stuff like that.” WY holds his hand out. “Hand it over.”
“I’m serious,” WY says, cracking a smile as he sits up. “Why don’t you give it to me. You’re too young to be thinking about stuff like that.” WY holds his hand out. “Hand it over.”
WYuan gnaws at his lip before sighing in defeat. He sits up and rounds his hand around nothing, lifting it off his shoulders. WYuan pretends to struggle under its weight, a smile playing on his lips. WYuan circles his hands around the burden, around the size of a melon.
He holds it out to WY, who graciously takes it, tests its weight on one hand before placing it on his shoulder, patting it for extra finesse. “There. Feel better?”
WYuan’s smiling now, but he scrunches up his nose. “You’re always taking the burden, baba. You should be sharing some with me, you know. I’m already fourteen.”
WY barks out a laugh. When WYuan frowns, WY sucks in his breath. “Okay, okay,” he says and plucks off a pea side burden and places it on AYuan’s shoulder. “Then you can decide what we have for dinner tomorrow.”
WYuan laughs, patting his shoulder. “Sure, I can do that,” he giggles.
“Good.” WY leans back, wrapping his arm around his son, pulling him close. WYuan smiles and rests his head against WY.
“Good.” WY leans back, wrapping his arm around his son, pulling him close. WYuan smiles and rests his head against WY.
It was no place for a child like WYuan to handle the complexities of LZ’s life. Everyone had a past, WY would know. Whether LZ ran away or got thrown out like WY was thankfully, far beyond WYuan.
It was better that WY deals with it, *if* LZ wants it to be dealt with. WY wonders if LZ would even let him…
“Hey,” WY whispers. “Wanna know a spoiler?”
“Hm?” WYuan glances up at him.
WY smirks and leans down. “Nemo does find his way home.”
“Hm?” WYuan glances up at him.
WY smirks and leans down. “Nemo does find his way home.”
((That's all for today! Poor WYuan, such a big heart. He shouldn't be taking on such a burden like that 🥺))
//Next: WY and LZ get a bit too close for comfort 👀
//Next: WY and LZ get a bit too close for comfort 👀
WY, ultimately, does not bring it up. Instead, work crashes onto him with full force as his company prepares for a new launch. He expected this would mean he’d see less of LZ.
One part of his brain whining for his new friend, while the other was glad because that meant fewer distractions…
But the whiny part of his brain won because he was actually seeing LZ more than before.
But the whiny part of his brain won because he was actually seeing LZ more than before.
One evening, WY comes home exhausted from work to find a covered tray of food. He’s inspecting it as WYuan bounds down the stairs and grins. “Mr. Lan dropped that off since I told him you usually don’t eat dinner.”
WY hums but is already ripping off the clingfilm. It’s a bit bland, but his stomach is satisfied. The next time LZ drops dinner off, he notices more spices.
Another day, WY’s in the office and decides to call WYuan. When LJY answers, he turns the camera to show WYuan and LZ sitting crosslegged, gently cradling the bunnies. WY coos and takes a screenshot. He steals glances of it for the rest of the day.
The day after, he manages to come home early, only to find WN and LZ in deep conversation over a basket of radishes.
“What’s going on here?” WY asks, peeking over their shoulders.
“We are debating recipes,” LZ says and picks up a radish, scrutinizing it.
“What’s going on here?” WY asks, peeking over their shoulders.
“We are debating recipes,” LZ says and picks up a radish, scrutinizing it.
WN nods. “Lan Zhan’s recipes are really good for kids. I was just asking him if he’d like to come to the daycare and make them.”
WN worked at a daycare on the other side of town and often used ingredients from his own garden.
WN worked at a daycare on the other side of town and often used ingredients from his own garden.
WY’s eyes light up and nudges LZ. “What did you say?”
LZ stiffens and lowers his hands, his gaze following the radish. “I’m unsure. I have no experience with children.”
LZ stiffens and lowers his hands, his gaze following the radish. “I’m unsure. I have no experience with children.”
“Nonsense!” WY swings his arm over LZ’s shoulder. “A-Yuan and the boys love you. Don’t think I didn’t notice you tutoring them,” he teases. LZ’s ears go pink, embarrassed he got caught. How cute!
“Besides, you mentioned that you’ve been feeling idle. I can tell since you’re going out of your way to cook us dinner.”
“It is not out of the way,” LZ mumbles.
“What?”
“It is not out of the way,” LZ mumbles.
“What?”
LZ shakes his head. He straightens his back and clears his throat. “I will take you up on your offer, Wen Ning.”
WN, who, bless him, had pretended to be wholly interested in his radishes, looks up and smiles. “Great. I’ll send you the details.”
WN, who, bless him, had pretended to be wholly interested in his radishes, looks up and smiles. “Great. I’ll send you the details.”
Now, WY really should be seeing less of LZ NOW that he frequents the daycare. Alas, that is not the case.
A couple of days later, LZ sits down next to a sulking WY, handing him a cup of tea as they watch the sunrise in the orange sky. It’s 5:15 in the morning and WY feels like he’s been caught by a parent.
He peers down into the cup and pouts. “This isn’t coffee.”
He peers down into the cup and pouts. “This isn’t coffee.”
LZ nods. “Chamomile tea. You should sleep.”
WY scrunches up his nose. “All-nighters are nothing for me. Just one more hou--”
“Drink.”
WY halts all thoughts as LZ’s deep voice shivers up his spine. He blinks up at the other’s intense gaze and wordlessly obeys.
WY scrunches up his nose. “All-nighters are nothing for me. Just one more hou--”
“Drink.”
WY halts all thoughts as LZ’s deep voice shivers up his spine. He blinks up at the other’s intense gaze and wordlessly obeys.
A part of WY wants to keep doing all-nighters in the quiet hope of being caught by LZ again. Something about ending a stressful run next to someone as calm as LZ while watching the sunrise made him feel funny all over.
However, his body needed sleep and he managed to sleep until he heard the distant clattering of metal and muffled laughter.
WY jolts up, blinking his blurry vision clear as he grabs his phone. 7:40 Monday. “Shit!” WY throws the blanket off him and stumbles out of bed, running down the stairs.
“A-Yuan! Why didn’t you--”
“A-Yuan! Why didn’t you--”
WY freezes at the stair’s landing, staring at the scene in front of him.
Sitting at the kitchen counter was WYuan, in his crisp uniform shirt (ironed?), his tie (also ironed??), holding a piece of toast, dripping with jam to his smile. “Morning, baba.”
Sitting at the kitchen counter was WYuan, in his crisp uniform shirt (ironed?), his tie (also ironed??), holding a piece of toast, dripping with jam to his smile. “Morning, baba.”
WY blinked at WYuan’s plate. It’s full with another piece of toast, a steaming omelette and a pile of fruit.
“Good morning, Wei Ying.”
“Good morning, Wei Ying.”
WY jerks up and his mouth falls open. LZ is standing in the kitchen, pan and spatula in hand, wearing WY’s ‘cool dad’ apron. WY rubs his eyes until he’s setting spots.
LZ is still there, in his kitchen, looking at him with that adorably concerned expression. WY’s cheeks flush. He’s only wearing red boxers and a black tank top.
LZ doesn’t seem to mind because he slides a fresh omelette onto a plate and slides it in front of the vacant stools. “We were about to wake you. Breakfast is ready.”
WY nods, following the delish smell. He sits down and his stomach grumbles. When was the last time they had a hot breakfast?
“Ah, Lan Zhan, you didn’t have to, really--”
“Ah, Lan Zhan, you didn’t have to, really--”
“It’s okay, baba,” WYuan pipped up. “Mr. Lan and I spent the morning together so I asked him to make breakfast too.”
“The morning?” WY asks.
“The morning?” WY asks.
WYuan nods. “Mhm. I woke up early cause I was stressed about my test today. But then Mr. Lan asked me if I wanted to try meditating. And it was great! See.” WYuan held his hands out. Sure enough, the test-stress jitters weren’t there.
“So you dragged poor Mr. Lan here to make you breakfast,” WY tsked and turned to LZ with a mischievous grin. “Told you he’s a menace.”
LZ’s eyes crinkle in the slightest as he hums in agreement. “He is difficult to say no to.”
LZ’s eyes crinkle in the slightest as he hums in agreement. “He is difficult to say no to.”
WYuan bites the tip of his tongue playfully. His way of gloating.
“But, I do not mind,” LZ adds before nudging the plate closer to WY.
“Now eat.”
WY fondly shakes his head, ignoring his fluttering stomach. “Well, as long as you don’t mind.”
“Now eat.”
WY fondly shakes his head, ignoring his fluttering stomach. “Well, as long as you don’t mind.”
The first bite WY takes is mind-blowing. The omelette is gooey and hot and melts in his mouth. He closes his eyes and tilts his head. “Lan Zhan. This is so good,” he moans. His focus zeros in on the rest of this food, not noticing the way LZ’s ears go red.
“Don’t talk while eating,” LZ merely says and WY just nods, brushing his hair from his face. It keeps falling forward every time he takes a bite.
He doesn’t notice any movement until long fingers graze his neck, collecting his hair. WY goes rigid, his mind blanking as those same fingers run through his hair, tugging slightly as it catches knots.
A real moan escapes him and the fingers freeze. WY bites the inside of his cheeks and glances to the side.
WYuan’s seat is vacant.
WYuan’s seat is vacant.
“He’s upstairs collecting his bag,” LZ supplies.
“o-Oh.” WY’s voice squeaks and he clears his throat to cover it up. “Sorry, you just surprised me.”
“Sorry.” LZ’s grip loosens and WY jerks upright.
“o-Oh.” WY’s voice squeaks and he clears his throat to cover it up. “Sorry, you just surprised me.”
“Sorry.” LZ’s grip loosens and WY jerks upright.
“It’s fine! It’s fine! It feels nice actually, really good,” he rambles, his words falling into a nervous laugh. He doesn’t dare turn around. Not while his face burns.
“Hm.” LZ hums and his gentle hold returns, his fingers continuing to brush out his hair.
WY leans back, nibbling on a piece of toast as his eyelids flutter. LZ’s fingers are experts, carefully undoing the knots and grazing over WY’s scalp with delicious pressure.
WY leans back, nibbling on a piece of toast as his eyelids flutter. LZ’s fingers are experts, carefully undoing the knots and grazing over WY’s scalp with delicious pressure.
WY’s careful not to moan, but the sounds he makes a close to it. Soft sighs as he tilts his head back. “Mmm, Lan Zhan. Please do this forever.”
LZ lets out a huff, almost like a laugh and drags his fingers up WY’s nape, gathering his hair. “If you’d like.”
LZ lets out a huff, almost like a laugh and drags his fingers up WY’s nape, gathering his hair. “If you’d like.”
Yes, WY hums, his eyes finally fluttering close. WY would very much like.
And his mushy brain would have said so if WYuan’s voice didn’t break him out of the trance.
“Mr. Lan, can you drop me?”
“Mr. Lan, can you drop me?”
WY jolts forward and LZ’s hands drop from his hair. The warmth already missed. It takes a moment for WY’s brain to reboot and process WYuan’s words.
“A-Yuan,” he scolds lightly. “You’re asking too much now.”
“A-Yuan,” he scolds lightly. “You’re asking too much now.”
WYuan pouts and folds his hands together. “Sorry baba, but you were falling asleep. Plus, Mr. Lan’s going to the daycare.” WYuan holds up his finger.
“So, it’s actually more sustainable to carpool with Mr. Lan than taking separate cars.” He smiles proudly.
WY can’t help but smile. This kid…
WY can’t help but smile. This kid…
LZ places his firm hand on WY’s shoulder “That makes sense to me,” he says and turns to WY. “If you do not mind.”
WY’s staring up at him now and gulps. He’s so close and this angle is… WY swivels away. “Yeah! sure! That’s fine!” WY stuffs his mouth with the last of his toast. “I’m gonna go back to bed then.”
WYuan beams. “Great! Bye baba. I’ll see you later,” he says and slides over on his socks, gives WY a quick hug before dashing to the front, putting on his shoes.
WY huffs out a laugh as he struggles to swallow. LZ holds out a glass of water and WY graciously downs it. WY sets it down and notices LZ at the sink, rolling his sleeves.
“Hey, hey! What are you doing?” WY hurries to his side, pulling LZ’s hand away from the tap.
“Hey, hey! What are you doing?” WY hurries to his side, pulling LZ’s hand away from the tap.
LZ blinks at him in surprise. “Doing the dishes."
WY rolls his eyes. “I can see that. But don’t. It’s too much.”
“It is not--”
In a stroke of brilliance, WY ducks under LZ’s arm and slots himself between LZ and the sink, pushing back against LZ’s chest. “Go. I got this.”
WY rolls his eyes. “I can see that. But don’t. It’s too much.”
“It is not--”
In a stroke of brilliance, WY ducks under LZ’s arm and slots himself between LZ and the sink, pushing back against LZ’s chest. “Go. I got this.”
WY smirks and continues. “You’re gonna be late. Let this one do some stuff around the house. Won’t you?” WY glances up, batting his lashes.
"Oh." WY gulps.
"Oh." WY gulps.
LZ strained ‘Mm’ and flushing ears makes WY realize that this was not actually a brilliant idea. Bodies flushed together, WY can feel the heat radiating off the other, warming up much of his already exposed skin.
WY pulls away, swallowing his hiss as he presses against the cold counter and LZ steps back. WY keeps his eyes on the dishes, scrubbing them as noisily and messily as he can. He feels himself say bye and he’s sure LZ returns it. But his heart is pounding out of his chest.
It’s only when the last dish is put away does he let out a deep sigh in his now empty house. His skin still burns with a fire he hasn’t experienced in a long *long* time. He gulps and double checks the front door before running upstairs.
He shuts his bathroom door behind him and strips his clothes off for the coldest shower he can manage. But as he’s about to step in, he pauses in front of the mirror. His hair is in a neat high ponytail, tied with his favourite red ribbon.
He feels guilty for undoing it, but not as guilty as when he relives LZ’s fingers tugging his hair and his body pressing against him. He wonders what it would be like to have that same body pinning him...
"Fuck!" WY screeches as the cold water finally hits him.
"Fuck!" WY screeches as the cold water finally hits him.
((Phew! Today was a long update! I hope you guys enjoyed :) ))
//Next: LZ's gets some sound advice from some very wise toddlers
//Next: LZ's gets some sound advice from some very wise toddlers
LZ kept reliving that day over and over. WY’s sharp collarbones peaking out from under his tank top and his muscular thighs disappearing past his shorts. His silky hair gliding across his fingers and the sounds.
The sweet sounds that escaped his lips. More beautiful than any song. And LZ couldn’t forget how perfectly WY fit against him…
“Gege?”
LZ blinked and looked up.
A toddler in two ponytails tugs his trousers, pouting adorably. LZ kneels down at her eye level. “Are you okay?”
Xiao Qing nodded. “Story?”
LZ blinked and looked up.
A toddler in two ponytails tugs his trousers, pouting adorably. LZ kneels down at her eye level. “Are you okay?”
Xiao Qing nodded. “Story?”
LZ hummed. A-Qing beams and hurries to the bookshelf. He had been working at the daycare for almost two weeks now and since day one the toddlers had named him ‘story-gege’. LZ wasn’t particularly strong at storytelling, but WN told him it had something to do with his calm voice.
LZ crosses his legs on the colourful mat and A-Qing plops herself on his lap, holding out the book ‘Hungry Catapillar’. LZ picks it up from her hands and opens the first page.
By the time he’s finished reading, he has an audience. When they plead for a second story, he finds it hard to resist. He finishes three books before the kids disperse and he finds himself sitting with A-Qing in front of the dollhouse.
He notes the familiar voices in the hall. It’s almost 4pm and the boys are here for some afternoon volunteering. Today, WYuan and JL join him with the toddler while JYL and OYZZ are still the smaller children.
The kids jump up and squeal, running to them and LZ watches as the two boys delightfully greet each and every kid. Even JL has a wide smile as the toddlers babble about their day.
WYuan is quickly dragged his direction by two girls and joins LZ on the carpet. “Hi, Mr. Lan,” WYuan greets before a stuffed dog is shoved into his hands.
“Hello, Wei Yuan. How was school?” LZ asks as A-Qing joins him again. They chitchat for a while about this and that.
“Hello, Wei Yuan. How was school?” LZ asks as A-Qing joins him again. They chitchat for a while about this and that.
Eventually, the girls abandon WYuan and he sits on the other side of A-Qing, taking over so LZ can help the adults distribute the snacks. As he shakes the little crackers into the bowls, he catches glimpses of their conversation.
“And then baba kisses daddy and everything is perfect!” A-Qing cheers and WYuan grins.
A-Qing had two fathers. LZ had met them once during pickup and he had to agree. They indeed were a picturesque couple. Everyone in the daycare knew of them.
A-Qing had two fathers. LZ had met them once during pickup and he had to agree. They indeed were a picturesque couple. Everyone in the daycare knew of them.
“Your dads sound very happy,” WYuan says and picks up another doll. “Probably because they have such a good daughter,” he teases.
A-Qing giggles before shaking her head. “Nope. Because they love each other lots!”
A-Qing giggles before shaking her head. “Nope. Because they love each other lots!”
WYuan blinks in surprise at her answer before smiling politely. “I see, I see,” he says seriously. “Sorry, my mistake.”
A-Qing nods and turns back to the dollhouse. “That’s okay.”
A-Qing nods and turns back to the dollhouse. “That’s okay.”
WYuan smile fades as he stares at the doll in his hand. His eyes flick up and meets LZ’s. LZ furrows his brows and opens his mouth to say something, but WYuan just flashes him a smile, drops the doll and turns his attention to A-Qing.
At the end of the day, LZ offers to drive the boys home (except JL). The drive is lively with the boys chatting over each other about this and that, occasionally bringing LZ into the conversation.
It was a pleasant drive, except for how quiet WYuan was, spending most of the time staring out the window. LZ keeps glancing in the rearview mirror, wondering what was going on in his mind.
Once it was just WYuan, JL and LZ in the car, WYuan spoke up. “A-ling, didn’t baba try setting shushu up with someone last weekend?”
JL frowns, not looking up from his phone. “Yeah. Apparently, he was a puss--” JL glances up. “--a sissy and couldn’t handle jiujiu.”
JL frowns, not looking up from his phone. “Yeah. Apparently, he was a puss--” JL glances up. “--a sissy and couldn’t handle jiujiu.”
WYuan grins. “Well, baba found another one for him.”
“Are you serious?” JL yells, groaning. “Seriously? Bofu needs to stop living vicariously through other people! Jiujiu doesn’t even wanna date.” JL grumbles, typing furiously on his phone. “He should think about his lonely-ass first.”
WYuan huffs out a laugh and nods, distracting himself with his own phone. “I wish he would too.”
When LZ glances in the rearview mirror again, WYuan is looking back at him. LZ takes in his wide eyes before he’s forced to focus back on the road.
When LZ glances in the rearview mirror again, WYuan is looking back at him. LZ takes in his wide eyes before he’s forced to focus back on the road.
The conversation falls silent. The only sounds in the car are the boys typing and LZ’s pulse rising. He feels exposed yet warm.
((Oooo!!! Looks like WYuan was the one who really got the wake-up call from lil' toddler A-Qing))
//Next: With a silent blessing on his side, WY doesn't stand a chance
//Next: With a silent blessing on his side, WY doesn't stand a chance
((Hey guys, I'm ngl, I'm not really happy with the last update :/
It feels a bit random to the story and didn't progress the story as much as I'd hope. I'm debating on deleting it and just continuing without it. But idk...
What do you guys think? Delete or keep?))
It feels a bit random to the story and didn't progress the story as much as I'd hope. I'm debating on deleting it and just continuing without it. But idk...
What do you guys think? Delete or keep?))
((Hey guys, I've decided to leave the last update since y'all were really nice about it, so thank you 🥺🥺))
// CW for this update: 🔞🔞🔞
- Under negotiated kinks
((This is gonna be the spiciest update, so I hope you guys enjoy!)
// CW for this update: 🔞🔞🔞
- Under negotiated kinks
((This is gonna be the spiciest update, so I hope you guys enjoy!)
JC leans against the front door frame, arm crossed. “And then this brat has the nerve to tell me I should stay here for the weekend.” JC scoffs, shaking his head. “The nerve of that kid to try to kick me out of my own place.”
WY laughs. “Can’t blame him for trying. I told you you spoil him.”
“I do not,” JC humphed.
“I do not,” JC humphed.
“Says the one letting four teenage boys stay in the city with him just for a movie premiere,” WY snickers, taking a long, drawn-out sip of his brunt coffee.
JC sneers. “I had extra tickets.”
“Sureeee.”
JC sneers. “I had extra tickets.”
“Sureeee.”
Before JC can snap back, the boys barrel down the stairs with packed bags, practically jumping into their shoes and sprinting out of the house. WY barely registers the hug WYuan gives him.
“Hey hey hey!” WY yells out. The boys freeze midway to JC’s car. “What’s the rules?”
“Hey hey hey!” WY yells out. The boys freeze midway to JC’s car. “What’s the rules?”
“Don’t wander the city alone! Make sure an adult knows where we are at all times! Don’t talk to strangers! Have fun!”
The boys chant and hop into the car.
The boys chant and hop into the car.
WY snickers and pats JC’s shoulder. “You better go.”
JC nods and slides on his sunglasses. “Try to get some sleep this weekend,” he huffs and walks away, waving. “See you Sunday, Wei Ying.”
“It’s Ying-gege to you!”
“Shut up!”
JC nods and slides on his sunglasses. “Try to get some sleep this weekend,” he huffs and walks away, waving. “See you Sunday, Wei Ying.”
“It’s Ying-gege to you!”
“Shut up!”
Once the car pulls out of the driveway and is no longer in sight, WY slams the door shut. “Woohoo!” The whole weekend to himself! This weekend was going to be dedicated to total peace. WY was going to completely rejuvenate and he couldn’t wait!
When LZ comes around the backyard, WY is cradling a beer, snickering q-cards in his hand. WY grins “Hey, Lan Zhan,” he says and nudges the glass of lemonade towards LZ as he sits.
“Hello, Wei Ying,” LZ says, his voice as smooth as ever. WY could never get tired of it.
“Hello, Wei Ying,” LZ says, his voice as smooth as ever. WY could never get tired of it.
This was a new part of WY’s routine. Every time WY was free LZ would join him (and/or WYuan) in their backyard. Sometimes they’d swim or cook or sometimes they’d just chat. Either way, WY couldn’t get enough of his new friend.
LZ takes a sip of the lemonade and WY watches as LZ’s Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. His own mouth goes dry and he turns away.
“Hey, Lan Zhan. What is consent?” he asks, holding up one of the q-cards, grinning.
“Hey, Lan Zhan. What is consent?” he asks, holding up one of the q-cards, grinning.
LZ blinks at him for a moment. “To give permission for something to happen or an agreement to do something.”
WY hums behind his smile and continues. “‘Consent should be an enthusiastic yes. Never forced or coerced. Consent can be non-verbal in scenarios where the participant can’t speak.” WY cackles by the end and tucks the q-card at the end of the pile.
“Okay, okay. This is easy,” WY says, holding up another card. “What is ‘STI’?”
“Sexually transmitted Infection.”
“Very good!” WY chuckles and shifts closer, showing LZ the other side of the card. “A-Yuan is so funny, look at the bottom.”
“Sexually transmitted Infection.”
“Very good!” WY chuckles and shifts closer, showing LZ the other side of the card. “A-Yuan is so funny, look at the bottom.”
LZ leans over and reads the bottom. In neat handwriting in purple marker, he’s written ‘NOT stD’. LZ hums, his lips twitching upward.
“He’s taking it very seriously.”
“He’s taking it very seriously.”
WY nods and shuffles the deck. “Yeah, he does with everything, doesn’t he,” he chuckles. “I can’t believe they’re teaching these at school. I mean, it’s good. It’s just,” WY snickers. “When I was their age, I still laughed at the word ‘penis’.”
“They still do,” LZ says, solemnly.
WY laughs, throwing his head back at LZ’s seriously dejected face.
“Oh, come on, Lan Zhan. You say that like you never laughed at ‘penis’ at their age.”
WY laughs, throwing his head back at LZ’s seriously dejected face.
“Oh, come on, Lan Zhan. You say that like you never laughed at ‘penis’ at their age.”
“I never did.”
WY raises his eyebrow. “Really?”
LZ nods.
WY purses his lips and turns back to the q-cards. He supposes that makes sense.
WY raises his eyebrow. “Really?”
LZ nods.
WY purses his lips and turns back to the q-cards. He supposes that makes sense.
LZ was the epitome of respectability and straight-laced. He wouldn’t even be surprised if LZ was still a virgin. Actually… WY glances over. He would be surprised if no one at least *tried* to get in those tight pants.
WY clears his throat and looks down at the top card, sputtering out a laugh. “Aiyoo! My eyes!” He laughs and holds it up. “Lan Zhan, what is a kink?”
“Kink?”
“I know right!” WY laughs. “I can’t believe A-Yuan has to learn this. Anyway, take a guess.”
“Kink?”
“I know right!” WY laughs. “I can’t believe A-Yuan has to learn this. Anyway, take a guess.”
“A sharp twist in an otherwise straight object,” LZ says.
WY furrows his brows and blinks at LZ for a moment. LZ’s stares at him with a glint in his eyes and the corner of his lip upturns. WY gasps, laughing heartily and smacks LZ’s shoulder. “Stop that! Who let you be so funny!”
LZ practically preened while WY took his time to calm down. WY leaned back in his chair and wiped away a loose tear. “You’re terrible. You know that?”
“Mm,” LZ hums with zero remorse.
“Mm,” LZ hums with zero remorse.
WY fondly shakes his head and idly turns the card over in his hands. “You know I didn’t know what kinks were until a few years ago?” He glances over at LZ’s curious expression and grins.
“It’s true! I really didn’t!” he chuckles. “A couple of years ago I thought about dating. So, I hopped on every dating app. Tinder, Bumble Grindr--”
LZ sits up and WY fumbles.
WY: Not that I’m gay!
LZ: Oh. (dejected)
WY: I’m bi
LZ: Oh (relieved)
WY: Not that I’m gay!
LZ: Oh. (dejected)
WY: I’m bi
LZ: Oh (relieved)
“Anyway, that’s not the point,” WY says, waving it off. “So I go on this date with this guy and we’re talking and suddenly, he asks me what my kinks are. Right there! A whole burrito in my mouth!” WY laughs, shaking his head.
“He didn’t believe me that I didn’t know, at first. But then he was nice enough to explain it to me. And when I tell you I was shocked! I literally cut the date short and for the next week researched all of it! Did you know there’s a spit kink?” WY stage-whispers.
WY stares at LZ’s stone-faced expression staring ahead. “I have heard of it,” LZ says, his ears turning pink right in front of WY’s eyes.
Something in the back of WY’s mind reels and he feels the familiar bubble of mischief in his chest.
Something in the back of WY’s mind reels and he feels the familiar bubble of mischief in his chest.
“I never did do anything about it in the end,” WY sighs, resting his chin in his palm. “I still wonder what I’d be into if I gave it a try.”
He watches as LZ balls his hands into fists against his thigh and bites back a smirk. So proper. WY lets out another, more dramatic sigh.
“Maybe I’d be into some really freaky stuff. But then finding a partner to do that with would be so hard.”
“Maybe I’d be into some really freaky stuff. But then finding a partner to do that with would be so hard.”
“Plus," WY sighs, "It’s been so long since I’ve had sex, I’m practically a virgin again!”
LZ goes so rigid that WY almost feels bad for teasing him so. “Aye, Lan Zhan, what’s got you so concerned?” he says as he reaches over, gently shoving LZ’s shoulder.
In an instant, LZ is gripping WY’s wrist. WY lets out a startled gasp as LZ’s grip tightens as he finally looks over. His eyes are sharp with something dark swirling underneath. WY wants to gulp, but he’s completely paralyzed under the weight of LZ.
“I will help you."
“I will help you."
“Huh?” It comes out breathier than WY would’ve liked, but he can’t seem to muster his voice as LZ leans closer.
“I will help you… explore,” LZ says with slow deliberation.
“I will help you… explore,” LZ says with slow deliberation.
WY’s eyes widen as LZ stands up, dragging WY out of his chair. Scrambling, WY digs his heels into the ground, trying to tug his hand back. “w-Wait! Lan Zhan!”
LZ stops and turns around. “What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?” WY wants to laugh, but his heart is beating so loud.
Instead, he gnaws at his bottom lip, staring at LZ’s hand on his wrist. His grip is so strong if he tried LZ could probably leave bruises all over WY’s body.
“What’s wrong?” WY wants to laugh, but his heart is beating so loud.
Instead, he gnaws at his bottom lip, staring at LZ’s hand on his wrist. His grip is so strong if he tried LZ could probably leave bruises all over WY’s body.
“Wei Ying.” LZ says and steps closer. WY gulps and wants to step back, but LZ is still holding him. He’s so close now that WY can feel LZ’s breath against his ear.
“Tell me what you want.”
WY shudders.
“Tell me what you want.”
WY shudders.
“w-What I--” WY’s mind can’t find the words, his mind a total fuzz. What did he want? WY wants a lot of things. And a lot of things that involve LZ.
WY should be drunk or delirious or something, because there’s no other way to describe why he steps closer, pressing his chest against LZ’s, taking a deep breath of LZ’s scent. A mix of sandalwood and the slight musk from the heat. WY groans. He wants to lick it.
//🔞
WY doesn’t even finish saying “you” before their lips crash into each other. It’s hungry and needy. WY doesn’t know if it’s him who’s impatient or LZ.
WY doesn’t even finish saying “you” before their lips crash into each other. It’s hungry and needy. WY doesn’t know if it’s him who’s impatient or LZ.
//🔞
But it doesn’t matter because LZ’s lips are sweet and hot and his hands are roaming down WY’s body, while WY’s fingers grip LZ’s hair, pulling him impossibly closer.
But it doesn’t matter because LZ’s lips are sweet and hot and his hands are roaming down WY’s body, while WY’s fingers grip LZ’s hair, pulling him impossibly closer.
//🔞
LZ’s hand reaches WY’s ass and squeezes, swallowing the sharp gasp WY lets out, slipping his tongue in. WY pushes back against LZ’s hands and LZ happily obliges, kneading greedily with bruising strength. WY moans again.
LZ’s hand reaches WY’s ass and squeezes, swallowing the sharp gasp WY lets out, slipping his tongue in. WY pushes back against LZ’s hands and LZ happily obliges, kneading greedily with bruising strength. WY moans again.
//🔞
Suddenly, his skin is on fire and he wants nothing more than LZ’s skin against his. WY’s hands drag LZ’s shirt up and he presses his growing erection against LZ’s thigh. LZ’s breath hitches.
Suddenly, his skin is on fire and he wants nothing more than LZ’s skin against his. WY’s hands drag LZ’s shirt up and he presses his growing erection against LZ’s thigh. LZ’s breath hitches.
//🔞
WY can feel LZ’s own erection against him and when they brush, WY finally pulls back, far away enough that LZ cannot recapture his lips. WY wraps one leg around LZ’s thigh, panting as he pushes his erection harder against him.
WY can feel LZ’s own erection against him and when they brush, WY finally pulls back, far away enough that LZ cannot recapture his lips. WY wraps one leg around LZ’s thigh, panting as he pushes his erection harder against him.
//🔞
“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. Please, please give it to me. You started it. Come on, Lan Zhan,” he rambles
LZ grips WY’s other thigh and lifts him up. WY gasps at the sudden weightlessness, but it’s forgotten when LZ’s lips are on his neck, licking and sucking and biting
“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. Please, please give it to me. You started it. Come on, Lan Zhan,” he rambles
LZ grips WY’s other thigh and lifts him up. WY gasps at the sudden weightlessness, but it’s forgotten when LZ’s lips are on his neck, licking and sucking and biting
//🔞
“A-Ah! Lan Zhan!” WY wails, tightening his grip around LZ. In his daze, he manages to open the back door. They should probably move to the bedroom, but now it feels so far. Too far when he feels like he’s dying for something. Anything!
“A-Ah! Lan Zhan!” WY wails, tightening his grip around LZ. In his daze, he manages to open the back door. They should probably move to the bedroom, but now it feels so far. Too far when he feels like he’s dying for something. Anything!
//🔞
WY wriggles when they pass the kitchen island and LZ loses his grip. WY lands on his feet and promptly on his knees. He undoes LZ’s belt, ignoring LZ’s surprised “Wei Ying!” and instead leans into LZ’s hand roughly scraping through his scalp.
WY wriggles when they pass the kitchen island and LZ loses his grip. WY lands on his feet and promptly on his knees. He undoes LZ’s belt, ignoring LZ’s surprised “Wei Ying!” and instead leans into LZ’s hand roughly scraping through his scalp.
//🔞
WY glances up at LZ’s concerned expression and coos. “Ah, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, how sexy you look right now,” he purs and drags LZ’s pants and underwear down all in one go. LZ’s gasp is the cherry on top of the delicious treat in front of him.
WY glances up at LZ’s concerned expression and coos. “Ah, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, how sexy you look right now,” he purs and drags LZ’s pants and underwear down all in one go. LZ’s gasp is the cherry on top of the delicious treat in front of him.
//🔞
No wonder LZ never laughed at the word ‘penis’. WY never would if he had one as beautiful as this one.
No wonder LZ never laughed at the word ‘penis’. WY never would if he had one as beautiful as this one.
//🔞
WY wants to tease it, to play with it, to taste it. But LZ grips his hair and tugs. WY lets out a surprised scream and stumbles to his feet. LZ pins him to the counter and tugs down WY’s shorts.
WY wants to tease it, to play with it, to taste it. But LZ grips his hair and tugs. WY lets out a surprised scream and stumbles to his feet. LZ pins him to the counter and tugs down WY’s shorts.
//🔞
WY opens his mouth to protest but LZ’s glaring at him and the thought of LZ being angry sends a shiver down his spine. His cock bounces at the thought.
WY opens his mouth to protest but LZ’s glaring at him and the thought of LZ being angry sends a shiver down his spine. His cock bounces at the thought.
//🔞
“Together,” LZ growls, sucking on WY’s ear lobe. WY shivers and gasps, nodding along as LZ guides WY’s hand around their erections. WY moans at the sudden contact, LZ is so hot that it almost burns.
“Together,” LZ growls, sucking on WY’s ear lobe. WY shivers and gasps, nodding along as LZ guides WY’s hand around their erections. WY moans at the sudden contact, LZ is so hot that it almost burns.
//🔞
WY stills as he watches LZ, with great seriousness, spit in his own hand and wrap it around their cocks, slicking them up. WY whole body shudders.
WY stills as he watches LZ, with great seriousness, spit in his own hand and wrap it around their cocks, slicking them up. WY whole body shudders.
//🔞
The pace is brutal. LZ is pure torture by how he teases WY’s tip and hot grip while relentlessly marking up WY’s neck, shoulders and bruising his lips. WY can’t even focus on his own hand, but whatever he’s doing is working by how LZ shudders groans against him.
The pace is brutal. LZ is pure torture by how he teases WY’s tip and hot grip while relentlessly marking up WY’s neck, shoulders and bruising his lips. WY can’t even focus on his own hand, but whatever he’s doing is working by how LZ shudders groans against him.
//🔞 // Mention of blood
WY’s mouth is rambling incoherent wants and praises and taunts. Begging and demanding for more or faster or harder. He rambles something about a ravenous beast and LZ bites his lip so hard he can taste blood.
WY’s mouth is rambling incoherent wants and praises and taunts. Begging and demanding for more or faster or harder. He rambles something about a ravenous beast and LZ bites his lip so hard he can taste blood.
//🔞
WY’s mind is a total mess. Only filled with the igniting pressure building up in him and his feral desire to chase it. He feels his lips move and he thinks he’s warning LZ because suddenly LZ quickens his pace and tightens his grip.
WY’s mind is a total mess. Only filled with the igniting pressure building up in him and his feral desire to chase it. He feels his lips move and he thinks he’s warning LZ because suddenly LZ quickens his pace and tightens his grip.
//🔞
WY throws his head back, the pressure bursting through him, sparkes shooting through his entire body. He twitches as LZ roughly pumps him through it.
WY throws his head back, the pressure bursting through him, sparkes shooting through his entire body. He twitches as LZ roughly pumps him through it.
//🔞
A moment later, LZ’s pace stutters. WY manages to look up just in time for LZ to stiffen, his brows knitted together as his jaw clenched as he cums, hot streak against their hands, mixing with WY’s.
A moment later, LZ’s pace stutters. WY manages to look up just in time for LZ to stiffen, his brows knitted together as his jaw clenched as he cums, hot streak against their hands, mixing with WY’s.
//🔞
WY purs in satisfaction and pumps his hand around LZ’s until LZ drops his head against WY’s shoulder. He wants to laugh at how LZ holds him around the waist and nuzzles him as if WY isn’t also having a hard time staying upright.
WY purs in satisfaction and pumps his hand around LZ’s until LZ drops his head against WY’s shoulder. He wants to laugh at how LZ holds him around the waist and nuzzles him as if WY isn’t also having a hard time staying upright.
//🔞
“Ah, Lan Zhan,” WY coos after they both catch their breaths. He places a gentle kiss on LZ’s red ear. “Don’t rest now, we’re just getting started.”
LZ perks up and WY bites back a laugh. LZ squints at him, almost glaring.
“Ah, Lan Zhan,” WY coos after they both catch their breaths. He places a gentle kiss on LZ’s red ear. “Don’t rest now, we’re just getting started.”
LZ perks up and WY bites back a laugh. LZ squints at him, almost glaring.
//🔞
WY tilts his head. “Lan Zh--Ah! Lan Zhan!”
In a moment, LZ leans down and picks WY up as effortlessly as before, as if they didn’t just recover from a mind-blowing orgasm. WY hurries to hold on as LZ takes long strides up to WY’s bedroom.
WY tilts his head. “Lan Zh--Ah! Lan Zhan!”
In a moment, LZ leans down and picks WY up as effortlessly as before, as if they didn’t just recover from a mind-blowing orgasm. WY hurries to hold on as LZ takes long strides up to WY’s bedroom.
//🔞
WY can’t help but laugh, peppering LZ with kisses. “Ah, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. I can’t let you go after This. I wanna try all of you. Lan Zhan, you better take responsibility! Give it to me! Even if I kick and scream, don’t listen! I want you to ravish me!”
WY can’t help but laugh, peppering LZ with kisses. “Ah, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. I can’t let you go after This. I wanna try all of you. Lan Zhan, you better take responsibility! Give it to me! Even if I kick and scream, don’t listen! I want you to ravish me!”
//🔞
LZ’s voice is full of smugness as he kicks WY’s bedroom door open and drops him on the bed. WY lays back, smirking as LZ strips off his shirt, his eyes hungry and dangerous. “Mark your words.”
LZ’s voice is full of smugness as he kicks WY’s bedroom door open and drops him on the bed. WY lays back, smirking as LZ strips off his shirt, his eyes hungry and dangerous. “Mark your words.”
((Woo!! The longest/spiciest update! I hope you guys enjoyed WY getting a different type of rejuvenation 😌😌))
//Next: It's hard keeping a secret when you can't help but to *touch*
//Next: It's hard keeping a secret when you can't help but to *touch*
LZ never thought bliss would feel this good. Even as his arms ached and the spray-on bandaids stung his back, it was a definite reminder that he wasn’t dreaming. Even if the past few weeks felt as such.
WY was a vibrant lover. Full of life and mischief. He pushed LZ to edges he never thought he had. Never thought he wanted. LZ didn’t even mind that WY wanted to keep this a secret. Though, it was extremely difficult since WY seems to make it his life goal to tease him.
But in moments like these, LZ didn’t care.
He stares down at WY’s face, pressed against his chest, idly drawing circles up and down LZ’s arm. He looks so beautiful in LZ’s bed, red marks across his body from LZ himself and the various toys they’ve been experimenting with.
LZ nuzzles WY’s head and drums his fingers against WY’s back. Since they started being intimate, LZ’s urge to create blossomed where he thought it once died.
LZ plays the melody in his head when WY snickers. He lifts his head up, resting his chin on LZ to look up with bright eyes. “Hey, what are you playing?”
“Secret,” LZ hums.
“Secret,” LZ hums.
“Secret?! Here I am exposing all my parts to you and you still keep secrets from me?!” WY whines and attempts to pull away, but LZ holds him firmly.
“Will tell you once I’m done,” LZ promises, hiding his smirk against WY’s hair.
“Will tell you once I’m done,” LZ promises, hiding his smirk against WY’s hair.
WY huffs fondly and wriggles. This time, LZ lets him sit up. WY stretches his arms high above his head and groans, his shoulder popping. “How am I supposed to go to work now? I feel like goo.”
LZ runs his hands down WY’s sides, contemplating. “Perhaps you should work from home today?”
WY snickers, placing his hands over LZ’s. “That would require me to be home,” he says.
“I could carry you.”
WY laughs. “It’s the middle of the day, Lan Zhan. What if someone sees us?”
WY snickers, placing his hands over LZ’s. “That would require me to be home,” he says.
“I could carry you.”
WY laughs. “It’s the middle of the day, Lan Zhan. What if someone sees us?”
“Then we will say you got hurt while aiding me”
“Isn’t that just the truth?” WY purs, leaning closer to nip the tip of LZ’s nose.
LZ wraps his arm around WY’s nape and pulls him for a deep kiss. And when WY smiles against his lips, LZ flips them over. One more round won’t hurt.
“Isn’t that just the truth?” WY purs, leaning closer to nip the tip of LZ’s nose.
LZ wraps his arm around WY’s nape and pulls him for a deep kiss. And when WY smiles against his lips, LZ flips them over. One more round won’t hurt.
“Aiya! Lan Zhan! That last round really hurt!” WY cries out as he leans against the wall, LZ helping him into his jeans.
“Sorry,” LZ says and kisses WY’s hip.
“You don’t sound sorry,” WY mutters.
LZ hums. He most certainly is not.
“Sorry,” LZ says and kisses WY’s hip.
“You don’t sound sorry,” WY mutters.
LZ hums. He most certainly is not.
WY pinches LZ’s ear before looking around. “Where is my phone? What time is it?”
LZ looks around and before he can go grab it from the nightstand, the bell rings.
LZ looks around and before he can go grab it from the nightstand, the bell rings.
They both freeze. The bell rings again.
They turn to each other. The bell rings again and again.
Their eyes go wide. There’s only one person who’d ring like that. And they never come alone.
They turn to each other. The bell rings again and again.
Their eyes go wide. There’s only one person who’d ring like that. And they never come alone.
“Shit!” WY hisses and rushes to his phone, checking the time. “Shit.”
Not that LZ would ever regret spending time with WY, but today the boys spent the afternoon with LZ and they made the poor mistake of losing track of time.
Not that LZ would ever regret spending time with WY, but today the boys spent the afternoon with LZ and they made the poor mistake of losing track of time.
The bell rings again and LZ’s phone starts vibrating. Almost as much as WY’s visible panic.
Taking a deep breath, LZ places his hands on WY’s shoulders, making him sit on the bed. “I will handle it. You sit here.”
WY gulps and nods. “Got it.”
Taking a deep breath, LZ places his hands on WY’s shoulders, making him sit on the bed. “I will handle it. You sit here.”
WY gulps and nods. “Got it.”
LZ nods. God, WY looks so cute right now. But no. LZ can’t kiss him now. If he does, he knows he won’t stop.
Instead, he just tucks WY’s hair behind his ear before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. He walks over to his mirror and makes sure he looks presentable.
Instead, he just tucks WY’s hair behind his ear before leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. He walks over to his mirror and makes sure he looks presentable.
As soon as he opens the door, the boys barrel in, hurrying to the living room. They all stand in a straight line, watching LZ carefully as he makes his way over.
Very unusual.
There’s a buzz in the air that has LZ curious. The boys shift, exchanging glances at each other.
Very unusual.
There’s a buzz in the air that has LZ curious. The boys shift, exchanging glances at each other.
Finally, OYZZ nudges WYuan and he steps forward, clearing his throat.
“Mr. Lan, we’ve decided to start a band.”
“Mr. Lan, we’ve decided to start a band.”
LZ blinks. “Oh?”
WYuan opens his mouth, but LJY blurts out. “Yeah! We’ve been thinking that since you, literally the best musician ever, says we have talent, why not do something awesome!”
WYuan opens his mouth, but LJY blurts out. “Yeah! We’ve been thinking that since you, literally the best musician ever, says we have talent, why not do something awesome!”
LZ’s ears go pink as the compliment. He wants to correct him that he is not the best in any way. But he knows they won’t listen.
“I think that’s an excellent idea.” It was unexpected, but not at all surprising.
“I think that’s an excellent idea.” It was unexpected, but not at all surprising.
“And we’ve already started working on it!” OYZZ reaches into his bag and pulls out a crumpled notebook. “We’ve got some lyrics down. Do you think you can help us with our first song?”
LZ smiles warmly and takes a seat on the sofa, "You can ask for help any time.”
LZ smiles warmly and takes a seat on the sofa, "You can ask for help any time.”
The boys beam at this and hurry to crowd him as OYZZ flips to the right page. Most of it is scratched out with lyrics floating here and there. Four different sets of handwriting litter the page and LZ can’t help but smile.
“The lyrics are good,” he praises. While more youthful and uplifting than the work LZ is used to. He had heard enough of the latest music from these boys to be familiar with specific themes and tones. And these words were very fitting.
LZ sets the notebook down and turns to the boys. “Have you thought of any accompanying music?”
The boys glance at each other.
“Kinda,” LJY says and sits at the drums. The other boys take their positions. WYuan doesn’t pick up his violin “But it’s kinda basic though.”
The boys glance at each other.
“Kinda,” LJY says and sits at the drums. The other boys take their positions. WYuan doesn’t pick up his violin “But it’s kinda basic though.”
“That’s alright. We can work on it together.”
The boys smile and WYuan count them in. It’s a slow build-up, starting with the drums, then the viola, then the piano. It’s a couple of beats before WYuan takes a deep breath.
The boys smile and WYuan count them in. It’s a slow build-up, starting with the drums, then the viola, then the piano. It’s a couple of beats before WYuan takes a deep breath.
But before he can start the first lyric, a large /thud/ shakes the house and WYuan whips around to face the bedroom.
LZ stiffens. Oh no.
LZ stiffens. Oh no.
The boys stop playing and turn to WYuan curiously. “What’s wrong?” JL asks.
“Did you guys hear that?” WYuan asks. “It sounds like something fell.”
The boys exchange looks. “I didn’t hear anything,” OYZZ says.
“Me neither.”
“Did you guys hear that?” WYuan asks. “It sounds like something fell.”
The boys exchange looks. “I didn’t hear anything,” OYZZ says.
“Me neither.”
LZ relaxes and glances at the bedroom. He should check on WY, but there’s no way to without raising suspicion.
WYuan shifts his feet before shrugging. “Guess, I’m just nervous. Start from the top?” The boys nod. This time, there are no more distractions.
WYuan shifts his feet before shrugging. “Guess, I’m just nervous. Start from the top?” The boys nod. This time, there are no more distractions.
It’s almost an hour of revising and rewriting before the boys (and LZ) are happy with the progress.
The boys sigh in relief and LJY and JL flop onto the couch, and OYZZ rewrites the lyrics on a fresh page, LZ helps WYuan write the notes on a music sheet.
The boys sigh in relief and LJY and JL flop onto the couch, and OYZZ rewrites the lyrics on a fresh page, LZ helps WYuan write the notes on a music sheet.
WYuan glances up and immediately perks up. “Hey, baba!” he waves and LZ’s head jerks up towards the bedroom.
But WYuan is facing the other way.
But WYuan is facing the other way.
LZ follows his gaze and sighs in relief.
WY is standing in the backyard on the of the glass doors, waving animatedly through it.
LZ huffs fondly. Even after all that, he still has so much energy. WY never ceases to amaze him.
WY is standing in the backyard on the of the glass doors, waving animatedly through it.
LZ huffs fondly. Even after all that, he still has so much energy. WY never ceases to amaze him.
LZ stands up and makes his way over, unable to hold the tiny smile on his lips. WY looks fresh and unnaturally bundled in his long turtleneck.
He opens the door and takes a deep breath of WY’s orange shampoo and his sparkling eyes. “Hello, Wei Ying.”
“Hi, Lan Zhan,” WY hums, a mischievous smirk on his lips.
It’s contagious as satisfaction swells LZ’s chest.
Crisis Averted. The boys will never know.
“Hi, Lan Zhan,” WY hums, a mischievous smirk on his lips.
It’s contagious as satisfaction swells LZ’s chest.
Crisis Averted. The boys will never know.
((Woo!! That was a close one!))
//Next: WYuan and the boys are not satisfied until they get answers!
//Next: WYuan and the boys are not satisfied until they get answers!
“They’re definitely fucking,” JL says.
WYuan gasps. “A-ling!”
“Yeah, Jin Ling!” LJY scolds before snickering. “They’re making love."
WYuan lets out a pained noise. “That's worse.”
“No, no,” OYZZ pipes up. “They’re *in* love.”
WYuan pauses, blinking. “You think so?”
WYuan gasps. “A-ling!”
“Yeah, Jin Ling!” LJY scolds before snickering. “They’re making love."
WYuan lets out a pained noise. “That's worse.”
“No, no,” OYZZ pipes up. “They’re *in* love.”
WYuan pauses, blinking. “You think so?”
“Obviously!” LJY shouts! “Didn’t you see how they were looking at each other right now?” He says and lifts up WYuan’s hand.
“Mr. Lan practically tossed his key to you just to get some alone time with your baba.”
“Mr. Lan practically tossed his key to you just to get some alone time with your baba.”
WYuan sighs and twists the key in his hand. They just wanted to practice and since Mr. Lan was teaching baba a new recipe, it did make sense. But then again, they’ve never been to Mr. Lan’s house alone…
They got to the front door and WYuan unlocked it. They stepped inside and took off their shoes. But while WYuan was setting his sneakers aside, the three bounded in three different directions.
“Right! Let’s look for evidence,” LJY declared, pulling open the kitchen drawers.
“Right! Let’s look for evidence,” LJY declared, pulling open the kitchen drawers.
WYuan jumped and shut the shoe closest JL was searching. “Evidence for what?”
“That’s their fucking--”
“--love-making!”
“In love!”
“That’s their fucking--”
“--love-making!”
“In love!”
WYuan stared at all of them and sighed, placing his hands on his hips.
Baba would tell him eventually that he’s dating Mr. Lan. But knowing baba… that may take a while. Plus,
WYuan glanced around.
Baba would tell him eventually that he’s dating Mr. Lan. But knowing baba… that may take a while. Plus,
WYuan glanced around.
“Fine.” AYuan sighs. “But, not the bedroom.” He grimaces at the thought of invading privacy to that extent. “Got it?”
The boys look at each other and nod. “Got it!”
The boys look at each other and nod. “Got it!”
There’s not much to search in Mr. Lan’s house. Mr. Lan didn’t have a lot of stuff, to begin with, and most of the drawers are filled with boring adult stuff.
The most notable things were barely used jars of baba’s favourite spices, a half-written song roughly drafted, and a landline phone.
The four of them crowd the phone. WYuan reaches out and twists the coiling cord before dropping it.
“Maybe it’s an antique?”
“No way, it’s connected to the wall,” JL says, tugging at the cord plugging the phone into the wall.
“Maybe it’s an antique?”
“No way, it’s connected to the wall,” JL says, tugging at the cord plugging the phone into the wall.
“Well, it’s still old as shit. Even my grandparents don’t have their phone connected to the”--LJY waves his hand towards the phone--”Number pad?”
“Maybe he uses it to talk to your dad,” OYZZ snickers and picks up the phone.
“Maybe he uses it to talk to your dad,” OYZZ snickers and picks up the phone.
OYZZ rests it against his shoulder and ear and twirls the cord around his finger, batting his lashes. “You hang up first. No, you hang up first~” he coos.
The others giggle as OYZZ sets the phone back down.
“I can’t imagine Mr. Lan ever sounding like that,” WYuan chuckles.
The others giggle as OYZZ sets the phone back down.
“I can’t imagine Mr. Lan ever sounding like that,” WYuan chuckles.
“Right,” LJY says. “He’d probably be like--” LJY clears his throat and picks up the phone, mustering his lowest voice. “Hey, baby, what’re you wearing?”
They burst out laughing. JL scrunches up his nose. “That’s still cheesy.”
They burst out laughing. JL scrunches up his nose. “That’s still cheesy.”
WYuan hums and nods as LJY set the phone down. “I agree. I think he’d be simple, like…”
WYuan clears his throat and picks up the phone. “Hello,” he says calmly.
“Hello?”
WYuan shrieks and drops the phone.
WYuan clears his throat and picks up the phone. “Hello,” he says calmly.
“Hello?”
WYuan shrieks and drops the phone.
They stare at the swinging phone when the voice on the other end speaks again.
“Hello? Is everything alright?”
WYuan’s eyes go wide as JL motions him to hand up, while OYZZ picks up the phone and shoves it back into WYuan’s hand. LJY is ready to unplug the phone altogether.
“Hello? Is everything alright?”
WYuan’s eyes go wide as JL motions him to hand up, while OYZZ picks up the phone and shoves it back into WYuan’s hand. LJY is ready to unplug the phone altogether.
WYuan gulps and stares at the phone. Hesitantly, he holds it to his ear. “Hello?” he squeaks.
There’s a pause. “Hello there, Is this the residence of Lan Zhan?”
There’s a pause. “Hello there, Is this the residence of Lan Zhan?”
The voice is smooth with gentle edges and WYuan almost answers before LJY dives in.
“Why should we tell you? How do we know you’re not a scam?”
“Jingyi!” They hiss.
“Why should we tell you? How do we know you’re not a scam?”
“Jingyi!” They hiss.
The other person huffs out a laugh. “I suppose that’s true.” A beat. “I didn’t realize I’d be speaking to Lan Zhan’s representatives. My apologies.”
WYuan bites back a snicker and stands up a bit straighter. Maybe they were handling this situation well?
WYuan bites back a snicker and stands up a bit straighter. Maybe they were handling this situation well?
“Um, sir. Can you tell us who you are?” WYuan manages.
“Of course,” the man says. “I’m Lan Huan. Lan Zhan’s older brother.”
The boys are stunned silent. The pause is long enough that the man--Lan Huan, speaks up.
“Of course,” the man says. “I’m Lan Huan. Lan Zhan’s older brother.”
The boys are stunned silent. The pause is long enough that the man--Lan Huan, speaks up.
“Hello?”
“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” JL shouts.
“You can’t prove to us that you’re his brother. So why should we trust you?” OYZZ adds.
“Tell us something about Mr. Lan that only someone who knows him would know,” LJY shouts.
“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” JL shouts.
“You can’t prove to us that you’re his brother. So why should we trust you?” OYZZ adds.
“Tell us something about Mr. Lan that only someone who knows him would know,” LJY shouts.
“What would you like to know?” the man says, chuckling softly.
The boys turn to WYuan.
The boys turn to WYuan.
WYuan hums, scratching his nose. It can’t be something someone could find on the internet, or just by meeting him once. But not so specific that they wouldn’t know either.
“Um, What’s Mr. Lan’s favourite animal?”
“Um, What’s Mr. Lan’s favourite animal?”
“Rabbits. He has two,” the man says, fondly.
WYuan nods. The others want to pipe up, but WYuan stopped them. “And their names?”
“Spots and Floppy.”
“Can you describe them?”
WYuan nods. The others want to pipe up, but WYuan stopped them. “And their names?”
“Spots and Floppy.”
“Can you describe them?”
“Spots is white and brown with spots all over his face and one brown paw that looks like a boot. Floppy is a grey bunny with very large ears that drag on the ground.”
WYuan hums as he contemplates the answers. He considers it with the others and they all reach a conclusion.
WYuan hums as he contemplates the answers. He considers it with the others and they all reach a conclusion.
“Alright, we believe you,” WYuan says. “But, Mr. Lan isn’t here right now. Can we pass on your message?”
“Thank you,” LH says. “If you could, just tell Lan Zhan to check the messages I’ve sent," LH pauses before continuing.
“Thank you,” LH says. “If you could, just tell Lan Zhan to check the messages I’ve sent," LH pauses before continuing.
"I’ll be in San Franciso in two weeks for a performance. I would like to see him. I’m worried about him.”
WYuan nods solemnly. “We’ll pass the message.”
WYuan nods solemnly. “We’ll pass the message.”
“Thank you. Well, I’m sure you’re all very busy. I’ll try to call another time--”
“--Um! Mr. Lan…ge?” WYuan furrows his brows but ignores his fumble.
“Yes?”
WYuan shuffles his feet and takes a deep breath. “Mr. Lan seems happy here. So don’t worry too much.”
“--Um! Mr. Lan…ge?” WYuan furrows his brows but ignores his fumble.
“Yes?”
WYuan shuffles his feet and takes a deep breath. “Mr. Lan seems happy here. So don’t worry too much.”
There’s a pause and WYuan wonders if he hung up, but then LH sighs and WYuan’s sure he’s smiling. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Of course.”
This time, the line does drop and WYuan finally sets the phone down.
“Of course.”
This time, the line does drop and WYuan finally sets the phone down.
“Woah,” JL starts.
WYuan nods. “Yeah… woah.”
“What’re you going to do?” LJY asks.
“Do you think we’ll get in trouble for playing with the phone in the first place?” OYZZ asks.
WYuan nods. “Yeah… woah.”
“What’re you going to do?” LJY asks.
“Do you think we’ll get in trouble for playing with the phone in the first place?” OYZZ asks.
“That’s what I’m thinking,” WYuan confesses.
So Mr. Lan was estranged from his family. He wondered if they had been mean or unaccepting, but it seems more complicated now, especially by how nice and worried LH sounded.
So Mr. Lan was estranged from his family. He wondered if they had been mean or unaccepting, but it seems more complicated now, especially by how nice and worried LH sounded.
He shakes his head. “We should wait to see if Mr. Lan hears from his brother himself. If not, then we’ll do something.”
The others nod in agreement.
“And we should. I think Mr. Lan should talk to his family again.... Plus,”
The others nod in agreement.
“And we should. I think Mr. Lan should talk to his family again.... Plus,”
WYuan bites back a smile, scrunching up his nose.
“If he and baba get married. His family should definitely be there too.”
“If he and baba get married. His family should definitely be there too.”
((Guess LZ and WY weren't so subtle after all 😂😂 Things are unravelling. How will they handle it? 🤔))
//Next: All the cards are on the table
//Next: All the cards are on the table
OKAY! There's a couple of ways this story can go and I want you guys to choose!
1 - Fun and campy 🤪🥰😂
2 - Angsty drama 🥺🎭💘
1 - Fun and campy 🤪🥰😂
2 - Angsty drama 🥺🎭💘
((If it's campy you want! It's campy you'll get!!))
Later that night, the boys, WY and LZ sat on the living room floor, where LJY was painting OYZZ’s nails a horrible mismatch of colours and WYuan stuck to a cute green and purple design on OYZZ’s other hand.
JL had to opt out and currently, LZ was helping him remove his facemask without taking off his whole eyebrow.
WY snickers as he watches LZ’s concentration face while quietly assuring JL that no, he will not be losing his eyebrow today. Not if he can help it.
WY snickers as he watches LZ’s concentration face while quietly assuring JL that no, he will not be losing his eyebrow today. Not if he can help it.
“There,” LZ says, discarding the mask in its wrapper. “Now, gently wash off the rest.” JL nods and rushes to the bathroom. WY chuckles and slides over.
“Very impressive, Lan Zhan. You sounded like you knew exactly what you were doing,” WY says.
“Very impressive, Lan Zhan. You sounded like you knew exactly what you were doing,” WY says.
LZ hums and nods. “My eyebrows and hairline have suffered a few times. I no longer use peel masks in my routine.”
“Your routine?” WY grins, resting his elbow on the couch to lean in closer. He could stare at LZ’s flawless face all day if he’d let him.
“Your routine?” WY grins, resting his elbow on the couch to lean in closer. He could stare at LZ’s flawless face all day if he’d let him.
LZ watches him in return. “Hm. Perhaps you should invest in one too,” he says and reaches out. WY sucks in his breath as LZ gently traces his thumb under WY’s eyes. “Your dark circles are getting worse,” he says, with a small frown.
WY wants to kiss him.
WY wants to kiss him.
“Baba just needs to sleep!” WYuan calls out. “Mr. Lan, tell him.”
LZ nods. “Yes. Wei Ying should be getting plenty of /rest/.”
WY side-eyes him and bites the inside of his cheek, trying not to smirk. He watches as LZ busies himself by cleaning up the empty bowls of popcorn.
LZ nods. “Yes. Wei Ying should be getting plenty of /rest/.”
WY side-eyes him and bites the inside of his cheek, trying not to smirk. He watches as LZ busies himself by cleaning up the empty bowls of popcorn.
WY scoots over to the boys, JL returning as well. LJY and WYuan pull back and OYZZ holds up his hands, laughing. “Jingyi! What is this?”
“What! It’s art!” LJY protests.
WY chuckles. “It’s very abstract.”
“What! It’s art!” LJY protests.
WY chuckles. “It’s very abstract.”
“Okay, who’s next?” LJY asks. LZ returns and sits on the couch and LJY holds out his hands. “Mr. Lan. You next!”
LZ blinks as the four boys grab both his hands.
“Perfect! Mr. Lan, your nails are so nice!” OYZZ says.
WY smirks as LZ’s glances at him. They’re very nice indeed.
LZ blinks as the four boys grab both his hands.
“Perfect! Mr. Lan, your nails are so nice!” OYZZ says.
WY smirks as LZ’s glances at him. They’re very nice indeed.
“Is it so you can play the guqin?” WYuan asks, softly. “I read somewhere that having your nails a little longer helps.”
“Hm.” LZ answers. “It helps to catch the strings.”
The boys nod before getting distracted by which colours to use. WY lingers.
“Hm.” LZ answers. “It helps to catch the strings.”
The boys nod before getting distracted by which colours to use. WY lingers.
WY knew about the guqin. He knew LZ has a past. But WY never brings it up. Never asks LZ to talk about it. Why would he anyway? It’s not like he has privy to that sort of information. LZ and he sleep with each other (almost every day), but that’s just it.
It wasn’t like LZ owed him anything. LZ was already giving him so much. WY couldn’t ask for more.
A sour taste grew in WY’s mouth and he quickly ignored it, stuffing his mouth with chips instead.
A sour taste grew in WY’s mouth and he quickly ignored it, stuffing his mouth with chips instead.
“You said you’re not worthy of it anymore, right? Why not?” JL asks suddenly, not looking up from where he’s painting LZ’s pinky in pink.
LZ stiffens and if WY’s mouth was currently overflowing with chip bits, he’d scold JL for the invasive question. But LZ actually answers.
LZ stiffens and if WY’s mouth was currently overflowing with chip bits, he’d scold JL for the invasive question. But LZ actually answers.
LZ spoke slowly, carefully choosing each word. “There were a series of misfortunes that arose the past couple of years that greatly hindered my career…”
Like a string of unsuccessful compositions, plagiarism, a lawsuit over copyright that LZ would never win.
Like a string of unsuccessful compositions, plagiarism, a lawsuit over copyright that LZ would never win.
//CW: Mental Health
“I found that I lost my reason to make music” without suffering panic attacks and weeks of dread. LZ would often find it impossible to even get out of bed by the end before he essentially ran away.
He shifts slightly. “The guqin was a gift from my family,”
“I found that I lost my reason to make music” without suffering panic attacks and weeks of dread. LZ would often find it impossible to even get out of bed by the end before he essentially ran away.
He shifts slightly. “The guqin was a gift from my family,”
LZ tries not to recall how as long as he could remember, the guqin sat in its glass case in the main office of the main Lan residence. How every morning little LZ would stand in front of the case, marvelling at its sleek edges.
He had heard numerous stories of how this guqin was played by the most gifted Lans and performed in front of the most prestigious guests.
It was his mother first who would usually catch him, often teasing him by saying.
“Ah, my little dumpling. You really love Wangji, don’t you? Perhaps as much as I love you?” She would laugh her joyful laugh and pinch his chubby cheeks. “My little Wangji.
“Ah, my little dumpling. You really love Wangji, don’t you? Perhaps as much as I love you?” She would laugh her joyful laugh and pinch his chubby cheeks. “My little Wangji.
The nickname stuck after that. After she passed, LH and uncle continued to call him Wangji, as it became a part of him. The name and the hope of one day yielding the instrument.
He could still recall LH’s and uncle’s face when he got accepted into the top music program in the country. He recalls the day before his classes how he opened a new black lacquer box, to find Wangji, freshly strung and polished. It was the first time LZ cried from happiness.
He remembers LH’s bright smile and his uncle’s hand on his shoulder
“Wangji. We believe you can be the best. Make us proud.”
“Wangji. We believe you can be the best. Make us proud.”
LZ stares at his hands. “...When I realized I have disappointed my family, even the thought of playing Wangji hurt me.”
—-
The room is quiet for a moment and WY shifted uncomfortably in the silence. He should really scold the boys for overstepping.
“Mr. Lan, you say that as if you could ever be a disappointment in our family.” LJY scoffs.
LZ furrows his brows. “Our family?”
The room is quiet for a moment and WY shifted uncomfortably in the silence. He should really scold the boys for overstepping.
“Mr. Lan, you say that as if you could ever be a disappointment in our family.” LJY scoffs.
LZ furrows his brows. “Our family?”
LJY nods. “Yeah! We’re definitely related. I mean, look at us! We’re practically twins!”
WY looks at both of them. LZ, a whole meal carved from jade. And LJY, a gangly teen that still splits his jeans from trying to climb trees.
LZ huffs out a fond laugh. “We could be.”
WY looks at both of them. LZ, a whole meal carved from jade. And LJY, a gangly teen that still splits his jeans from trying to climb trees.
LZ huffs out a fond laugh. “We could be.”
“You’re definitely not a disappointment, Mr. Lan” JL says, mumbling. “No one’s the biggest disappointment than my grandpa, who’s currently under investigation for fraud cause his mistresses exposed him.”
“A-ling,” WY frowns, reaching out for the boy. JL glances at him and shrugs
“A-ling,” WY frowns, reaching out for the boy. JL glances at him and shrugs
“It’s fine. I mean, it’s why I’m here and it’s not the worst thing in the world.” JL gives LZ a pointed look. “You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself.”
LZ seems as stunned as everyone at JL’s sudden vulnerability.
“You said hurt,” WYuan pipes up. “Not /hurts/. How come?”
LZ seems as stunned as everyone at JL’s sudden vulnerability.
“You said hurt,” WYuan pipes up. “Not /hurts/. How come?”
They all watch curiously as LZ seems to ponder. Then, LZ looks at WY, not as a glance. But looks at him with a deep look that sends butterflies through WY’s stomach.
Then, LZ smiles and nods. “I found my new reason.”
Then, LZ smiles and nods. “I found my new reason.”
WY gulps and quickly looks away, his face burning. He finds that he’s jumped to his feet, already rambling. “Well! Would you look at the time! You boys should head upstairs.”
The boys groan their complaints but do make their way up after saying their goodnights. WY knows they’re not going to sleep, but WY suddenly has the urge to clean. His heart is beating too quickly.
WY starts picking up the cups once the boys are done and jumps when LZ’s hand comes into view. “Ah, Lan Zhan. You don’t have to--”
“--Let me help.” LZ says with a pointed look and continues helping to clean.
“--Let me help.” LZ says with a pointed look and continues helping to clean.
WY feels a familiar shiver from LZ’s authoritative tone and smirks. Yeah, he could deal with getting turned on by LZ, not… whatever that was.
They end up cleaning for a while and when they’re finally done, WY groans and falls back onto the couch.
“Wei Ying. Get up.”
WY doesn’t move his arm from over his eyes and whines playfully. “Noo! I’m too tired. I’m going to sleep here.”
“Your back will be sore.”
“Don’t care.”
“Wei Ying. Get up.”
WY doesn’t move his arm from over his eyes and whines playfully. “Noo! I’m too tired. I’m going to sleep here.”
“Your back will be sore.”
“Don’t care.”
LZ stays silent for a while and WY wonders if he actually slipped away, but suddenly he feels two strong arms slip under him and lift him.
WY gasps when LZ holds him to his chest with that smug look on his face.
WY gasps when LZ holds him to his chest with that smug look on his face.
WY slaps his hands over his mouth, muffling his laugh, throwing his head back enough that LZ does fumble. WY quickly wraps his arms around LZ’s neck.
“Oh, Lan-er-gege, are you really going to carry me to bed?” WY coos, taking the chance and nipping LZ’s cheek.
“Hm.” LZ confirms, already walking up the stairs.
“Hm.” LZ confirms, already walking up the stairs.
WY continues teasing him, stealing kisses, mainly on LZ’s neck.
“Oh, Lan Zhan. Shouldn’t you be carrying me to your bed instead? How dare you leave me alone after carrying me like I am some maiden. How cruel.”
“Oh, Lan Zhan. Shouldn’t you be carrying me to your bed instead? How dare you leave me alone after carrying me like I am some maiden. How cruel.”
LZ watches him fondly and leans in, capturing his lips into a sweet kiss, with just enough pressure to show just what LZ is thinking.
A tiny gasp snaps them both away.
A tiny gasp snaps them both away.
WY snaps over to the top of the landing and stares at WYuan, his eyes as wide as saucers and /staring/ at them.
WY and LZ freeze like statues as WYuan’s eyes flick back and forth between them.
WY and LZ freeze like statues as WYuan’s eyes flick back and forth between them.
“Uh… can we have pancakes tomorrow?” WYuan squeaks out, his face still stuck in utter shock.
“S-sure!” WY’s voice is equally pitched.
WYuan stands there for a few more eternal seconds. “Goodnight!” he yells and runs back into his room, the door slamming shut behind him.
“S-sure!” WY’s voice is equally pitched.
WYuan stands there for a few more eternal seconds. “Goodnight!” he yells and runs back into his room, the door slamming shut behind him.
Shit! Is all WY can think.
LZ slowly puts him down and WY feels himself apologizing and wishing him goodnight. He thinks he’s reassuring LZ too cause LZ does kiss him again.
LZ slowly puts him down and WY feels himself apologizing and wishing him goodnight. He thinks he’s reassuring LZ too cause LZ does kiss him again.
He feels himself go through his bedtime routine and get into bed. He feels himself stare at his ceiling for actual hours cause all he keeps thinking is
Shit! Shit! Shit!
Shit! Shit! Shit!
((Oh shit! They been found out! Whatever shall WY do???))
//Next: The boys implement stage 2 of their plan
//Next: The boys implement stage 2 of their plan
((I won't be able to update today. Sorry guys :/))
((Update today!! Woo!!))
“Okay, so Mr. Lan’s backyard for the ceremony and your backyard for the reception?” OYZZ asks.
WYuan nods. “Yup!”
OYZZ scribbles it down into his notebook. “What about flowers?”
“If it’s a winter wedding then orchids. Ranunculuses for summer,” JL says
WYuan nods. “Yup!”
OYZZ scribbles it down into his notebook. “What about flowers?”
“If it’s a winter wedding then orchids. Ranunculuses for summer,” JL says
“Hehe, ranunculus,” LJY snickers and JL elbows him.
WYuan smiles fondly at them before looking out the window of the bus, carefully watching the street signs. They’re already in the city by the sharp incline of the roads and the streets full of working people.
He takes a deep breath. They’ll be in and out in no time. No one will know they were in the city in the first place.
“Come on, guys. This is our stop,” WYuan says as the bus stops. He adjusts his backpack as the four of them jump out.
The city is… busy.
“Come on, guys. This is our stop,” WYuan says as the bus stops. He adjusts his backpack as the four of them jump out.
The city is… busy.
WYuan gulps and pulls out his phone, checking the map. “Okay, it’s this way.”
The boys carefully follow the map for a couple of blocks until they stop in front of a tall, glass hotel. They strain their necks to look all the way up.
The boys carefully follow the map for a couple of blocks until they stop in front of a tall, glass hotel. They strain their necks to look all the way up.
“Ready Jingyi?” WYuan whispers.
Jingyi shakes his shoulders and nods, adjusting his sunglasses. “Ready.”
Jingyi shakes his shoulders and nods, adjusting his sunglasses. “Ready.”
Jingyi leads the group inside with the air that could rival JL. He doesn’t even greet the front desk before slapping his (school) ID on the counter. He takes a step back, crossing his arms.
“I’m here to see my uncle.”
“I’m here to see my uncle.”
The receptionist eyes them curiously and picks up the card. Her eyebrows furrow. “Who’s your uncle?”
LJY rolls his eyes. “Huan Lan, duh. He’s a guest here.”
“And they’re your uncle?”
“Yeah, have you ever met a Lan that wasn’t related? Thought so.”
LJY rolls his eyes. “Huan Lan, duh. He’s a guest here.”
“And they’re your uncle?”
“Yeah, have you ever met a Lan that wasn’t related? Thought so.”
LJY shakes his head and waves his hand dismissively. “Give him a call and tell him to come down. I don’t want to miss our reservation.”
“Right…” The receptionist eyes them before picking up the phone. LJY smirks and nods to the others. WYuan barely manages a smile. He can’t believe this is going to work.
“Oh, looks like he’s not answering,”
the receptionist says, sliding back the ID. “Maybe you should give him a call since he is /your/ uncle.”
the receptionist says, sliding back the ID. “Maybe you should give him a call since he is /your/ uncle.”
The smiles fall from their faces. LJY stares down at his ID. “Uh… Can you call again?”
“Maybe you boys should leave.”
“Maybe you boys should leave.”
The receptionist calls over someone large and imposing and WYuan feels he might throw up. “W-wait! Please,” he pleads. “Please call again. Maybe he just missed it.”
“And what if he’s not in the room?”
“And what if he’s not in the room?”
WYuan gulps and looks around for a way to escape.
As if time slows down, the elevator doors open and WYuan sucks in his breath. It’s Mr. Lan!
As if time slows down, the elevator doors open and WYuan sucks in his breath. It’s Mr. Lan!
Wait… but Mr. Lan doesn’t smile like that. And his hair isn’t the same either. WYuan’s eyes go wide.
“Mr. Lan’s gege!” he yells out across the lobby.
“Mr. Lan’s gege!” he yells out across the lobby.
LH pauses misstep and so do the people beside him.
A tall, buff guy with a moustache and a short guy with a very fancy hat. All three men are looking at him and WYuan shrinks under the weight of their eyes narrowing down on him.
“Yao-shushu?” JL calls out.
A tall, buff guy with a moustache and a short guy with a very fancy hat. All three men are looking at him and WYuan shrinks under the weight of their eyes narrowing down on him.
“Yao-shushu?” JL calls out.
The fancy hat guy blinks. “A-Ling? What are you doing here?”
“To see”--he waves vaguely towards LH, who still looks too shocked to speak.
Yao-shushu nods and looks around. They still have an audience. He waves the boys over. “Let’s talk somewhere else.”
“To see”--he waves vaguely towards LH, who still looks too shocked to speak.
Yao-shushu nods and looks around. They still have an audience. He waves the boys over. “Let’s talk somewhere else.”
WYuan sighs in relief and gestures the others to follow. JL sticks his tongue out at the receptionist. “Told you we’re meeting my uncle.”
The receptionist blinks between JL and LJY, but they miss it as they run over, greeting the men.
The receptionist blinks between JL and LJY, but they miss it as they run over, greeting the men.
They settle at the cafe across the hotel, the boys squeezed into the booth while LH sits across them. MY and NMJ are seated a few tables down.
LH: So you’re A-Yao’s nephew?
JL: Yes.
LH: And you’re my relative?
LJY: Probably.
LH: And you are?
OYZZ: The emotional support
JL: Yes.
LH: And you’re my relative?
LJY: Probably.
LH: And you are?
OYZZ: The emotional support
LH nods slowly before turning to WYuan, smiling kindly. Which WYuan matches with a shaky smile. “And you are?”
“Mr. Lan’s neighbour.” He says.
“Well, not for long,” LJY teases.
LH tilts his head slightly, his smile never fading. “What do you mean?”
“Mr. Lan’s neighbour.” He says.
“Well, not for long,” LJY teases.
LH tilts his head slightly, his smile never fading. “What do you mean?”
“Um,” WYuan pulls his backpack onto his lap and reaches inside. “Well, you see, the thing is,” he pulls out an envelope and hands it over.
The boys watch anxiously as LH pulls out the letter from inside and reads it, letting out a small gasp.
“Wangji’s getting married?”
The boys watch anxiously as LH pulls out the letter from inside and reads it, letting out a small gasp.
“Wangji’s getting married?”
The boys nod.
LH’s eyebrows furrow. “In February, April, June or March?”
“We haven’t decided on a date yet,” OYZZ sighs.
“Cause somebody thinks orchids are too uptight,” JL scoffs.
“They are. Ranunculuses are way better,” LJY protests.
“That's ridiculous,” JL snaps.
LH’s eyebrows furrow. “In February, April, June or March?”
“We haven’t decided on a date yet,” OYZZ sighs.
“Cause somebody thinks orchids are too uptight,” JL scoffs.
“They are. Ranunculuses are way better,” LJY protests.
“That's ridiculous,” JL snaps.
“Guys,” WYuan sighs before shaking his head, turning back to LH. He takes a deep breath.
“Nothing is decided. But baba and Mr. Lan really like each other so yeah… we wanted to reach out to you. Cause we want some of Mr. Lan’s family there too....”
“Nothing is decided. But baba and Mr. Lan really like each other so yeah… we wanted to reach out to you. Cause we want some of Mr. Lan’s family there too....”
LH’s gaze softens and nods. “I understand,” he says and chuckles softly. “I never thought I’d find out about Wangji getting married this way.”
LH looks up, above the boy’s head out the window, and grins brightly. “Though, now he can’t hide it from me,” he says and stands up.
LH looks up, above the boy’s head out the window, and grins brightly. “Though, now he can’t hide it from me,” he says and stands up.
WYuan frowns as he slowly stands up as the cafe door opens, the bell above it chiming.
There’s a collective gasp from the boys as a few feet from their table, Mr. Lan stares at them.
WYuan feels faint. They’re doomed!
There’s a collective gasp from the boys as a few feet from their table, Mr. Lan stares at them.
WYuan feels faint. They’re doomed!
“Uh, hi Mr. Lan,” LJY squeaks out. He looks like he’s trying to sink into the booth cushions.
“Wangji, look at you.” LH holds LZ’s shoulders, taking him in. LZ takes the moment to appreciate that his brother is in front of him. WYuan takes the chance to breathe.
“Wangji, look at you.” LH holds LZ’s shoulders, taking him in. LZ takes the moment to appreciate that his brother is in front of him. WYuan takes the chance to breathe.
They don’t hug. And they don’t say anything. But it looks like a whole conversation happens between them. Completely understood by each other. Until…
“Congratulations on your marriage, Wangji. I’ll surely make sure uncle and I attend.”
"What?"
“Congratulations on your marriage, Wangji. I’ll surely make sure uncle and I attend.”
"What?"
LZ’s mouth falls every so slightly open as he stares at his brother. WYuan doesn’t know what to make of it, but it makes LH shift slightly, dropping his hands.
“If that’s what you want,” LH tacks on.
“Ge,” LZ starts. “What are you talking about?”
“If that’s what you want,” LH tacks on.
“Ge,” LZ starts. “What are you talking about?”
“Your wedding,” LH starts, slowly. “With this young man’s father.”
LZ turns to WYuan and suddenly the world is suffocating as LZ’s eyebrows crease and he looks down. As if LZ is the one who disappointed him, not the other way around.
Something's gone terribly wrong...
LZ turns to WYuan and suddenly the world is suffocating as LZ’s eyebrows crease and he looks down. As if LZ is the one who disappointed him, not the other way around.
Something's gone terribly wrong...
“There has been a great misunderstanding. Wei Ying and I aren’t…”
LZ swallows and that stabs WYuan in the chest.
LZ swallows and that stabs WYuan in the chest.
“Wangji?”
WYuan pales entirely and really wishes the cushions would swallow him whole as LZ says,
WYuan pales entirely and really wishes the cushions would swallow him whole as LZ says,
“Wei Ying and I were never together.”
((WHAT!! OH NO! What happened! It was going so well D: ))
//Next: What happened in the two weeks between being caught and now???
//Next: What happened in the two weeks between being caught and now???
((We're almost done guys! Only two more updates!))
Also, poll for you guys:
For singing, how should I format it?
1 - 🎶"Like this"🎶
🎶"With the emojis showing that they're singing"🎶
2- "No emojis, that's dumb."
For singing, how should I format it?
1 - 🎶"Like this"🎶
🎶"With the emojis showing that they're singing"🎶
2- "No emojis, that's dumb."
((Life got really busy so I'm hoping I can update this on Thursday ;~; ))
WYuan didn’t know what was worse. Being caught breaking one of baba’s only rules, interrupting Mr. Lan’s and his gege’s reunion, or having to hear from Mr. Lan how his baba broke his heart!
It’s the last one, definitely the last one.
It’s the last one, definitely the last one.
LZ pulls into his driveway and the two sit in silence for a moment.
“Uh, thanks for the ride home,” WYuan mumbles and hurries out of the car LZ can say anything else.
“Uh, thanks for the ride home,” WYuan mumbles and hurries out of the car LZ can say anything else.
There’s so much pressure building up in WYuan’s chest that his fists are shaking. He can feel his face going red. But just a few more steps and he’ll be in his room, where he can combust in peace.
But when he unlocks the door, WY is in the kitchen, humming to himself as he makes a cup of coffee. As if he hasn’t done anything wrong.
WYuan sucks in his breath and bites down on his tongue.
WYuan sucks in his breath and bites down on his tongue.
He tries to go up the stairs without stomping, but WY stops him. “Hey A-Yuan, no greeting?” WYuan doesn’t face him as WY goes on. “Uh, hello? Can you hear me?”
WY comes into the periphery, waving with a cheery grin, snickering. “Aren’t you gonna say something to your baba? You know, the one who birthed you.”
WYuan can’t hold it in as he throws his head back with a “URGH!”
WYuan can’t hold it in as he throws his head back with a “URGH!”
WY freezes. He lowers his hand, speaking softly as if WYuan’s a baby. “Baobei, what’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?!” WYuan snaps, spinning around to face WY.
“What’s wrong?!” WYuan snaps, spinning around to face WY.
“How can you ask me that when-when--!” WYuan flays his arms as the words lodge in his throat. He ignores WY’s shocked expression and groans again, stomping his feet. It’s not fair that WY looks hurt. He doesn’t deserve to!
“GAH! You’re the worst baba!” WYuan explodes and runs upstairs. “JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” WYuan slams the door of his room, leaving WY in the dust.
-----
WY stares up towards the bedroom, his heart hammering. He’d never seen WYuan that angry before. It was almost like a toddler’s tantrum, but worse.
So much worse.
WY stares up towards the bedroom, his heart hammering. He’d never seen WYuan that angry before. It was almost like a toddler’s tantrum, but worse.
So much worse.
WY blinks back tears as he shuffles his way to the back porch, cradling his coffee as he slumps down in his seat.
These were just growing pains. All teenagers had mood swings. It was normal. WY thought he was ready for it. Yet…
These were just growing pains. All teenagers had mood swings. It was normal. WY thought he was ready for it. Yet…
WY sniffled and rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand. Perhaps he was the worst. Because right now, he wanted nothing more to call up LZ and hear his calm voice telling him it was alright.
But it was his relationship with LZ that probably made WYuan hate him. Not probably, WY was certain.
WY knew all too well what it felt like to be someone’s last priority. And he never ever wanted WYuan to feel that way. But it was too late now…
WY knew all too well what it felt like to be someone’s last priority. And he never ever wanted WYuan to feel that way. But it was too late now…
WY hugs his knees to his chest and rests his cheek on his knees, looking up at LZ’s empty porch. The doors were open, but there was no music. WY had gotten used to hearing LZ’s beautiful playing. Though, now that he thinks about it, it has been awfully quiet since that day.
~ A Few Days Ago ~
“Are you sure you wanna go to Jingyi’s?” WY asks, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe of WYuan’s room
“Yeah, why not?” WYuan shrugs and stuffs a shirt into his backpack.
WY shifts his weight, biting the inside of his cheek.
“Are you sure you wanna go to Jingyi’s?” WY asks, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe of WYuan’s room
“Yeah, why not?” WYuan shrugs and stuffs a shirt into his backpack.
WY shifts his weight, biting the inside of his cheek.
Ever since that day WYuan caught LZ and WY, WYuan has been… distant. WY can’t explain it, but he *feels* it. There are more polite smiles and fewer hugs and each time it makes WY feel more and more like a stranger.
He’s been tossing and turning all night trying to figure out how to downplay the situation without explicitly stating he’s doing the neighbour. He has no idea what’s going on through his son’s mind, but whatever it is, it’s probably really bad!
“Hey baobei,” WY starts. “You know, you’re my number one, right? No one comes first but you.“
WYuan zips up his backpack and turns around, watching WY for a moment. WY stiffens as if WYuan is looking right through him.
WYuan zips up his backpack and turns around, watching WY for a moment. WY stiffens as if WYuan is looking right through him.
“Baba,” WYuan says softly with a polite smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “You don’t have to do that.”
The words punch WY in the gut. He has to stop himself from clutching his chest.
“Gotta go. Bye Baba!” WYuan’s words barely reach WY, but he manages to give a meek wave as WYuan slips past him.
“Gotta go. Bye Baba!” WYuan’s words barely reach WY, but he manages to give a meek wave as WYuan slips past him.
WY blinks back when the front door slams shut.
“Oh okay,” WY breathes out. “--wasn’t expecting that.”
“Oh okay,” WY breathes out. “--wasn’t expecting that.”
WY tries to go back to work after that. But he can’t focus on his computer at all. He’s acutely aware of the piano barely drifting into the house. It’s a beautiful piece. Lively and sweet. It makes his chest hurt.
Then, all at once, WY stands up, slapping his hands down on his desk. He has to do it! For his son’s sake. If he doesn’t do it now, he’ll never do it. And if he doesn’t do it, then he’ll lose WYuan forever!
WY’s mind is reeling, repeating his explanation to himself over and over as he marches over to LZ’s front door. He rings the bell and steps back. The music stops and WY’s hands won’t stay still, tugging at his hair and the strings of his hoodie.
The door opens and LZ’s there. “Oh.” LZ’s expression softens into the gentlest smile. “Wei Ying.”
WY blanks.
He opens his mouth to speak, but all he can focus on is LZ’s microexpressions shifting to concern.
WY blanks.
He opens his mouth to speak, but all he can focus on is LZ’s microexpressions shifting to concern.
“Would you like to come in?” LZ asks, stepping back.
WY snaps back and gulps. “Yup! How did you know?” He lets out a strained laugh and hurries in, almost forgetting to take off his shoes.
WY snaps back and gulps. “Yup! How did you know?” He lets out a strained laugh and hurries in, almost forgetting to take off his shoes.
WY’s eyes are darting all over the place. LZ’s pristine kitchen, his bedroom door, the impeccably clean living room.
“Wow, Lan Zhan, did I ever tell you I envy how clean your house is?” he laughs a bit too loud.
“Wow, Lan Zhan, did I ever tell you I envy how clean your house is?” he laughs a bit too loud.
“I wish I could be this clean. I’d say it’s because of the boys, but I’ve always been a messy person. Keep forgetting to clean up after myself, you know.”
“Wei Ying.”
“Wei Ying.”
“I’ve been like that since before college, actually. I think I’ve gotten better. But when a project is coming to a close, I can barely focus on anything else--”
“Wei Ying.”
“Wei Ying.”
WY freezes and turns around. LZ is standing a few feet from him with furrowed brows. He steps closer, reaching out and WY panics, stepping back. LZ blinks and drops his hand, pressing his lips into a thin line.
WY gulps as the silence settles. He stuffs his hands into his pockets. It’s hard to stand straight when LZ’s watches him with such intensity. It’s as if he can read WY’s mind and knows why he’s here.
WY gnaws his bottom lip. Maybe LZ does know why he’s here…
And if he does, why delay?
WY takes in a deep breath and looks up. Not quite at LZ, but focuses on the empty space between them.
“I think we should stop.”
And if he does, why delay?
WY takes in a deep breath and looks up. Not quite at LZ, but focuses on the empty space between them.
“I think we should stop.”
There’s a pause and WY wonders if LZ heard him. But then,
“Why?”
WY snaps his head up, shocked. “Why?” When LZ nods, WY frowns.
“Why?”
WY snaps his head up, shocked. “Why?” When LZ nods, WY frowns.
“For A-Yuan. Why else?”
LZ blinks at him, only mildly surprised. “Did he say anything to you?”
WY gapes. “I’m his dad,” WY snaps, shocked by his own offence.
LZ blinks at him, only mildly surprised. “Did he say anything to you?”
WY gapes. “I’m his dad,” WY snaps, shocked by his own offence.
“He doesn’t have to say it for me to know that he’s uncomfortable. Any kid would be uncomfortable if they found out their dad was fucking the neighbour!”
LZ flinches and WY barely catches it. WY holds his tongue.
LZ flinches and WY barely catches it. WY holds his tongue.
“Perhaps,” LZ starts, too calm for the buzzing in WY’s bones. “You should use different phrasing,” he adds, extremely slow. As if he knows WY’s mind is having trouble grasping the words.
“Like what?” WY asks and shakes his head. “Friends with benefits? It’s the same thing.”
“Like what?” WY asks and shakes his head. “Friends with benefits? It’s the same thing.”
LZ watches WY with an unreadable expression. His eyes are soft and wide. For a man as tall and handsome as LZ, WY has never seen him look so… vulnerable.
“Perhaps… dating?”
LZ’s voice is so quiet. Whispering the word and letting it linger in the air.
“Perhaps… dating?”
LZ’s voice is so quiet. Whispering the word and letting it linger in the air.
“Dating?” WY breaths out just as quietly. It feels wrong to speak any louder.
LZ nods.
“I can’t tell him that.” WY whispers.
LZ nods.
“I can’t tell him that.” WY whispers.
“Why not?”
WY gulps as he takes in LZ’s face, the words leaving a sour taste in his mouth as they slip out.
“Because it’s not true.”
WY gulps as he takes in LZ’s face, the words leaving a sour taste in his mouth as they slip out.
“Because it’s not true.”
LZ shoulders go rigid and he lowers his gaze. He has no more words and neither does WY. Though WY tries. He opens and closes his mouth several times. But LZ isn’t looking at him anymore and what else is there to say?
With his heart beating out of his chest, WY walks past LZ to the door. He ignores the way LZ leans away as if brushing against WY would burn him.
WY slips on his shoes and opens the door. He turns around once more because maybe--
No, LZ still hasn’t moved. Still hasn’t looked up to see him one more time.
No, LZ still hasn’t moved. Still hasn’t looked up to see him one more time.
WY lets out a shaky breath and closes the door, a ghost of himself as he goes back home in a haze.
It wasn’t as if they were dating. They were only indulging in each other’s bodies. Yet, why did it hurt so much?
It wasn’t as if they were dating. They were only indulging in each other’s bodies. Yet, why did it hurt so much?
~~Present~~
He hadn’t heard music since that day and he hates knowing he’s the reason why. This is what happens when you get greedy in life. WY had achieved so much yet he still wanted more. And look what more got him.
He hadn’t heard music since that day and he hates knowing he’s the reason why. This is what happens when you get greedy in life. WY had achieved so much yet he still wanted more. And look what more got him.
WY lets out a heavy sigh and buries his face in his knees. He should’ve known better than to listen to his weak heart.
((AHH!! So many messy emotions! But that's life! Especially when you're a single dad with a teenager ;~;
But don't worry guys, we've got only ONE more update left! But how oh how will this be solved!))
//Next: Public displays of embarrassment
But don't worry guys, we've got only ONE more update left! But how oh how will this be solved!))
//Next: Public displays of embarrassment
((I finished the first half of the last update so here you guys are! I wonder what's gonna happen next 👀))
The next couple of days were the loneliest WY has ever been. WY couldn’t stand the way WYuan would ignore him and go straight to his room after school. And WY couldn’t lean on anyone without explaining the situation.
So, he poured himself into work. At least in the office, there was enough chaos to distract his mind from everything else.
It wasn’t until a whole week later when WY comes home exceptionally late from work and lays face first on his bed, when he hears the faintest knock on his door.
“Baba? Can I come in?”
“Baba? Can I come in?”
WY perks up and rolls over and sits up, his hands going to his hair. He’s about to redo his hair before pausing and then dropping his hands. He huffs out a laugh. Though, he’s still nervous to face his own son.
“Yeah, door’s open,” he calls out.
“Yeah, door’s open,” he calls out.
The door creaks open and WYuan peaks in. He’s gnawing the inside of his cheek with big eyes. If WY didn’t know any better, he looked like a toddler asking to sleep here after a nightmare. WY lets out a relieved sigh.
“What’s up, baobei?”
“What’s up, baobei?”
WYuan steps into the room and leans back against the doorframe, glancing from his feet to WY. “Um, are you going to work tomorrow?” WYuan asks.
WY raises his eyebrow. “Um, I guess. It’s Friday, right?”
WY raises his eyebrow. “Um, I guess. It’s Friday, right?”
WYuan nods. “Right.” WYuan looks at his feet. “So, school’s off tomorrow…” he trails off and WY’s gasps.
“Oh shit,” he mutters. “I’m sorry, A-yuan! I forgot! I can take the day off tomorrow--”
“No!”
“Oh shit,” he mutters. “I’m sorry, A-yuan! I forgot! I can take the day off tomorrow--”
“No!”
WY and WYuan stare at each other. WYuan gulps and continues.
“I mean, it’s fine. I was actually thinking we could,” he shrugs. “Meet for lunch tomorrow?”
“I mean, it’s fine. I was actually thinking we could,” he shrugs. “Meet for lunch tomorrow?”
“Oh,” WY breaths out. He sits back for a moment. “You want to come into the city by yourself and meet your old man for lunch,” he says, cracking a smile.
WYuan bites back his grin and nods. “I think it’ll be fun.”
WYuan bites back his grin and nods. “I think it’ll be fun.”
A wave of relief washes over WY and he can’t help but laugh softly. “Yeah. I’d like that a lot. Come around noon. Do you need me to look up train times for you?”
WYuan shakes his head. “No, I got it.”
WYuan shakes his head. “No, I got it.”
WY smirks. “You sure?” WY sniffles and wipes away a fake tear. “My boy is all grown up now, isn’t he?”
WY fondly rolls his eyes and crosses the room, leaning down to hug WY. “Goodnight, baba,” he says, fondly exacerbated.
WY fondly rolls his eyes and crosses the room, leaning down to hug WY. “Goodnight, baba,” he says, fondly exacerbated.
WY blanks for a second before hugging him back, squeezing WYuan until he squeaks. “Goodnight, baobei,” he says and releases him.
WYuan grins as he pulls back. Then he plucks a pea-sized nothing from WY’s shoulder and places it on his own.
WY raises his eyebrow. “What’s that?”
WYuan grins as he pulls back. Then he plucks a pea-sized nothing from WY’s shoulder and places it on his own.
WY raises his eyebrow. “What’s that?”
WYuan snickers as he heads out. “I’m deciding what we have for lunch tomorrow.”
He gives one last wave before closing the door behind him. Once alone, WY’s falls back onto his bed, smiling ear to ear. There was no way he could sleep now. So instead, he rolled over and grabbed his phone.
Tomorrow’s going to be all blue skies.
Tomorrow’s going to be all blue skies.
((Hopefully, I finally finish this thread tonight! But if not, I will see you guys later!))
((LAST UPDATE! LAST UPDATE! LAST UPDATE!))
Okay, maybe there were a few clouds.
Mainly consisting of WY checking his phone under the table, half-listening to the meeting as WYuan asks where he is. WY didn’t expect to be late because he couldn’t find his hair tie and now his knee won’t stop bouncing cause he didn’t--
Mainly consisting of WY checking his phone under the table, half-listening to the meeting as WYuan asks where he is. WY didn’t expect to be late because he couldn’t find his hair tie and now his knee won’t stop bouncing cause he didn’t--
have breakfast. He doesn’t remember ever being this disorganized.
Actually,
He does. But doesn’t want to think about it, or else his chest will ache again.
Instead, WY focuses on his phone again.
Actually,
He does. But doesn’t want to think about it, or else his chest will ache again.
Instead, WY focuses on his phone again.
[YuanYuan] Take your time baba. I’ll meet you at the park.
[WY] You sure? Just meet me at the restaurant
[YuanYuan] It’s fine. I want to meet up here first ☺️
[WY] You sure? Just meet me at the restaurant
[YuanYuan] It’s fine. I want to meet up here first ☺️
WY gnaws at his bottom lip and looks up. At least the presentation seems to be wrapping up. He glances out the window. At least it’s sunny and warm.
WY once overhead LZ telling WYuan not to take the sun for granted. That there’re many places that live in a perpetual grey.
WY hopes LZ at least enjoys the sun while he’s at work. He hasn’t seen the other step out of his house in a while…
WY hopes LZ at least enjoys the sun while he’s at work. He hasn’t seen the other step out of his house in a while…
Sighing heavily, WY shakes his head and focuses on the meeting. LZ was an adult. WY didn’t have to worry about his vitamin D intake…
“And that all,” the presenter says, ending the slides. The lights flick on and WY jumps from his seat at the head of the table as everyone sluggishly collects their things. WY rambles a good job, we’ll discuss more after lunch, and goodbye and zooms out of the room.
He’s already in the elevator, stuffing his laptop into his bag while texting WYuan he’s on his way.
[YuanYuan] Great!
[YuanYuan] See you soon baba!
WY smiles softly at the message. After all this, it still ended up just being the two of them. And that was more than enough.
[YuanYuan] Great!
[YuanYuan] See you soon baba!
WY smiles softly at the message. After all this, it still ended up just being the two of them. And that was more than enough.
---
WY furrows his brows when he reaches the park. It’s busier than expected. There seems to be a crew of people setting up instruments and a crowd forming around curiously.
Maybe this is why WYuan’s here. Maybe he wants to see whoever’s performing.
WY furrows his brows when he reaches the park. It’s busier than expected. There seems to be a crew of people setting up instruments and a crowd forming around curiously.
Maybe this is why WYuan’s here. Maybe he wants to see whoever’s performing.
WY scans the crowd for his son and freezes. He stares at the tall man with an unforgettable side profile that punches the air out of WY’s chest.
LZ stands there, directing the crew setting up the instruments. WY blinks and stumbles back, bumping into someone.
LZ stands there, directing the crew setting up the instruments. WY blinks and stumbles back, bumping into someone.
“Oh, uh--sorry,” he mumbles and turns around, his heart jumping out of his chest.
LZ stares down at him with his beautiful golden eyes and his lips agape. WY reels back as if LZ’s firm chest burns and LZ goes stiff, his hands fist at his side.
Is WY going crazy? Is he seeing LZ everywhere now??
Is WY going crazy? Is he seeing LZ everywhere now??
“Wei Ying.” LZ’s voice resonates in his chest and WY feels like a bell, the vibrations making his head dizzy.
“L-Lan Zhan,” WY stammers. “What are you doing here?” he tries to sound casual, but he can’t muster a smile. Even a polite one.
“L-Lan Zhan,” WY stammers. “What are you doing here?” he tries to sound casual, but he can’t muster a smile. Even a polite one.
“I’m here at my brother’s invitation,” LZ says smoothly. So stark against WY’s thundering heart.
“Your brother?”
LZ nods and tilts his head. WY follows his gaze and turns back around.
“Your brother?”
LZ nods and tilts his head. WY follows his gaze and turns back around.
Now that he’s looking properly, the ‘LZ’ from before isn’t LZ at all. For one, LZ’s hair was way better and LZ didn’t smile so easily for everyone.
LZ’s brother walks up to the mic and is speaking to the group. A group that looks a lot like…
LZ’s brother walks up to the mic and is speaking to the group. A group that looks a lot like…
“A-yuan?!” WY gasps. “What’s A-Yuan doing here, talking to your brother?” WY rubs his eyes until he sees spots. Sure enough, it really is WYuan and LJY at the drums, JL at the keyboard, and OYZZ with the guitar.
“Lan Zhan, what’s going on?”
“Lan Zhan, what’s going on?”
LZ’s eyebrows are furrowed and with the slightest pout that emphasizes LZ’s rosy lips, he says slowly.
“I think we have been duped.”
“Duped?” WY mutters.
“I think we have been duped.”
“Duped?” WY mutters.
Before WY could press anymore, the speaker turns on and it blares across the park, shushing the crowd before settling.
“Uh, hello everyone,” WYuan speaks into the mic. He’s gripping it with two hands and shuffling his feet. WYuan glances over at the others before chuckling.
“Uh, hello everyone,” WYuan speaks into the mic. He’s gripping it with two hands and shuffling his feet. WYuan glances over at the others before chuckling.
“Gosh, this is embarrassing,” he mutters into the mic before taking a deep breath.
“But not as embarrassing as my dad who’s been pining over our hot neighbour and won’t do anything about it.”
WY’s gapes, his face burning. What???
“But not as embarrassing as my dad who’s been pining over our hot neighbour and won’t do anything about it.”
WY’s gapes, his face burning. What???
WYuan beams and him and waves and the crowd all look over. WY sheepishly smiles at the strangers, feverishly ignoring LZ's eyes on him
“I hope you all enjoy this song. We call it, diss track to my dad.” WYuan steps back and snaps his fingers and they start to play.
“I hope you all enjoy this song. We call it, diss track to my dad.” WYuan steps back and snaps his fingers and they start to play.
“My dad…my dad is really cool.
🎶He’s a certified genius, his inventions ingenious. If you ask him about the universe, you better sit down. Cause he won’t stop until next sundown.”🎶
WY anxiously rubs the back of his neck, trying to laugh this off.
🎶He’s a certified genius, his inventions ingenious. If you ask him about the universe, you better sit down. Cause he won’t stop until next sundown.”🎶
WY anxiously rubs the back of his neck, trying to laugh this off.
🎶“He taught me kungfu and to sing show tunes. He’ll jump out of planes and dance in the rain. He can throw a good punch but rather get brunch--"🎶
🎶"--Then complain that his mimosa is too fruity, the waiter too groovy, that he needs nobody to help him with the weight of the world on his shoulders,
"But then you cry-sing madonna in the middle of the interstate.”
"But then you cry-sing madonna in the middle of the interstate.”
WY grimaces, pressing his palms to his burnings cheeks. “That was one time,” he mumbles to himself.
🎶“You have heart eyes when he talks. And trip right into his arms. And he catches you.
Every.
Single.
Time.”🎶
LZ has his head down and WY’s eyes trace the length of his arms…
Every.
Single.
Time.”🎶
LZ has his head down and WY’s eyes trace the length of his arms…
🎶“But you don’t seem to notice and convince yourself that I’m his opponent. But your heart is the ocean, so live in the moment, riding the waves as his biggest devotion.”🎶
LZ glances up and catches his gaze and suddenly WY’s heart is in this throat.
LZ glances up and catches his gaze and suddenly WY’s heart is in this throat.
🎶“I wouldn’t sing of forever if I didn’t know better.”🎶
WY’s gaze flicks down at their hands. So rigid at their sides. Gulping, WY holds his hands out, shivering under the weight of LZ’s eyes.
WY’s gaze flicks down at their hands. So rigid at their sides. Gulping, WY holds his hands out, shivering under the weight of LZ’s eyes.
🎶“The way he looks at you like the world’s in slow motion.”🎶
LZ slowly lifts his hands and hesitates.
LZ slowly lifts his hands and hesitates.
🎶“And if he were to fall, you’d catch him in your arms. Cause that’s who you are when it comes to your loves”🎶
WY smiles softly up at LZ. He has a million things to say. A million-word apology. But right now...
WY smiles softly up at LZ. He has a million things to say. A million-word apology. But right now...
🎶“So don’t miss on the prize, we’re rooting for you guys.”🎶
LZ lowers his hands and they gently wrap their fingers around each other. WY's heart drums in his chest like he could get up and sing in front of the whole world.
LZ lowers his hands and they gently wrap their fingers around each other. WY's heart drums in his chest like he could get up and sing in front of the whole world.
🎶“So please, don’t be so dumb when it comes to your love.”🎶
As the song ends and the crowd cheer, WY watches in awe as LZ covers his mouth with his free hand and his shoulders shake,
his eyes squinting from his…laugh!
WY gasps and drops his head against LZ’s arm, laughing wholeheartedly.
his eyes squinting from his…laugh!
WY gasps and drops his head against LZ’s arm, laughing wholeheartedly.
“Wei Ying,” LZ breaths out after a moment, a laugh still playing on his lips.
“Yeah?” WY snickers, looking up.
LZ’s eyes shine in sun and his smile is warmer than the summer breeze. “Wei Ying,” he repeats, whispering into the wind.
“Yeah?” WY snickers, looking up.
LZ’s eyes shine in sun and his smile is warmer than the summer breeze. “Wei Ying,” he repeats, whispering into the wind.
WY’s smile grows brighter.
He couldn’t believe he needed his son to hit him over the head to make him realize how he was about to let go of the most amazing guy in the world.
The man who fell into their lives with a bang and fit right in.
He couldn’t believe he needed his son to hit him over the head to make him realize how he was about to let go of the most amazing guy in the world.
The man who fell into their lives with a bang and fit right in.
If LZ will have him, WY would spend the rest of his days making this man know just how much he was loved.
WY lifts their laced fingers, kissing his knuckles one by one. “Lan Zhan.”
LZ’s breath hitch. “Wei Ying.”
WY glances up and lets his lips linger as he smiles against his flushed skin.
“Lan Zhan.”
LZ’s breath hitch. “Wei Ying.”
WY glances up and lets his lips linger as he smiles against his flushed skin.
“Lan Zhan.”
~~THE END~~
~Extra~
WYuan: *fiercely ignoring WY and LZ as they aggressively eye-fuck while WY kisses LZ’s hands*
LXC: ☺️✨I think a June wedding will be best
WYuan: *fiercely ignoring WY and LZ as they aggressively eye-fuck while WY kisses LZ’s hands*
LXC: ☺️✨I think a June wedding will be best
((OHMYGOD, I'm finally done! Thank you everyone who read this whole thread! It was honestly not supposed to be this long but I hope you guys enjoyed it!))
((I might do a lil' epilogue 👉👈 but idk how far in the future))
So vote when you want the epilogue to be:
So vote when you want the epilogue to be:
((Epilogue time!! Also, gonna tag this for dadxianweek 😘 ))
((#Dadxianweek Day 7: Vacation/Home/Celebration))
WYuan drapes his white blazer over one of the folding chairs and picks up his glass of punch. WYuan scans the crowd for his friends.
WYuan drapes his white blazer over one of the folding chairs and picks up his glass of punch. WYuan scans the crowd for his friends.
LJY is speaking to LQR (who is his third cousin! "Told you we're related!").
OYZZ is helping WN bring more beers from inside and pass them around.
And JL is not-so-subtly clinging to his mom and dad.
Speaking of parents...
OYZZ is helping WN bring more beers from inside and pass them around.
And JL is not-so-subtly clinging to his mom and dad.
Speaking of parents...
LXC picks up the mic and taps it gently. WYuan grins ear to ear as LXC says "Now, please put your hands together for the new couple!"
The crowd breaks into cheers and applause as LZ and WY walk out, hand-in-hand, into the backyard, waving at the guests.
The crowd breaks into cheers and applause as LZ and WY walk out, hand-in-hand, into the backyard, waving at the guests.
They share a quick kiss, WY laughing and LZ's ears turning pink before they go around greeting the rest of the guests.
WYuan refills his glass before doing the same.
WYuan refills his glass before doing the same.
The party is in full swing now. Music playing, dinner served, everyone chatting away.
WYuan, LJY, and OYZZ stand by the edge of the pool by the time JL joins them.
"Ah, there's the mama's boy," LJY snickers.
JL scoffs and shoves him. "Shut up."
WYuan, LJY, and OYZZ stand by the edge of the pool by the time JL joins them.
"Ah, there's the mama's boy," LJY snickers.
JL scoffs and shoves him. "Shut up."
"Hey, don't tell me to shut up, I'm just telling the truth," LJY huffs and shoves back.
And JL shoves him again.
"Guys, guys, come on," WYuan chuckles, trying to pull them apart.
But in the push and pull, WYuan slips back and
And JL shoves him again.
"Guys, guys, come on," WYuan chuckles, trying to pull them apart.
But in the push and pull, WYuan slips back and
*SPLASH*!
WYuan pushes off the bottom of the pool and gasps for air. The music stops and everyone rushes over.
"A-Yuan," LZ gasps.
"Baobei! Are you okay?" WY asks, frantically looking him up and down.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," WYuan assures and swims over.
WYuan pushes off the bottom of the pool and gasps for air. The music stops and everyone rushes over.
"A-Yuan," LZ gasps.
"Baobei! Are you okay?" WY asks, frantically looking him up and down.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," WYuan assures and swims over.
WY and LZ sigh in relief. It fills WYuan's heart.
They both crouch down and WYuan grabs both their hands and they start pulling him up.
"Thank God, I was ready to go in after you," WY sighs.
"Mn." LZ agrees.
A smirk creeps up on WYuan's face.
They both crouch down and WYuan grabs both their hands and they start pulling him up.
"Thank God, I was ready to go in after you," WY sighs.
"Mn." LZ agrees.
A smirk creeps up on WYuan's face.
WYuan just got to his feet when he pauses. He gives them both a second before he jumps back, pulling them along.
"OHMYGOD!"
The three of them splash into the pool and when they come up, WY's hair is all over his face and LZ just blinks at him. WYuan bursts out laughing.
"OHMYGOD!"
The three of them splash into the pool and when they come up, WY's hair is all over his face and LZ just blinks at him. WYuan bursts out laughing.
"Sorry, sorry. I just couldn't help it," WYuan gasps out, trying to muffle himself.
"You unfilial child," WY snickers, pinching his cheeks.
"It is alright. Today is hot. The pool is nice and cool," LWJ says.
"Lan Zhan!" WY whines. "You can't spoil him like that!"
"You unfilial child," WY snickers, pinching his cheeks.
"It is alright. Today is hot. The pool is nice and cool," LWJ says.
"Lan Zhan!" WY whines. "You can't spoil him like that!"
LZ wraps his arms around the both of them, WYuan squished in the middle. "Mm, not spoiling. Just encouraging our son."
WYuan beams up at them. WY looks like he'll cry, just like every other time LZ refers to WYuan as theirs or WYuan calling LZ "diē"
WYuan beams up at them. WY looks like he'll cry, just like every other time LZ refers to WYuan as theirs or WYuan calling LZ "diē"
"I love you," WY whispers.
"I love you too," LZ says back.
WYuan scrunches his nose when they share a kiss over his head.
"And we--"
"--love you."
WYuan gasps when he's squeezed and they both plant a kiss on either cheek.
"I love you too," LZ says back.
WYuan scrunches his nose when they share a kiss over his head.
"And we--"
"--love you."
WYuan gasps when he's squeezed and they both plant a kiss on either cheek.
WYuan doesn't even pretend to protest.
Instead, he basks in the warmth of the hot California sun and the love all around him.
~~FIN~~
Instead, he basks in the warmth of the hot California sun and the love all around him.
~~FIN~~
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