Archive of Our Own

Xie Lian glanced at the GPS again, but the screen remained stubbornly black. It had jammed a few moments ago, screen flickering and glitching as Xie Lian desperately tried to boot it back up. However, the screen turned black, and the GPS completely died. No matter how patient Xie Lian tried to be, it just would not turn back on. 

It was even more unfortunate that this had to happen when he was stuck in the middle of the forest, too far from his car. As a travel nurse, it wasn’t too unusual for him to have been to many strange locations. He had gone to his fair share of buildings in seedy alleyways or houses in secluded rural farms - so the isolation of the location wasn’t too worrying. 

However, it was his first time being lost somewhere in the middle of the woods. The trees enclosed over him, branches rustling in the wind as he trailed down the only visible path. It was late afternoon, but the sky was saturated with thick clouds. Dense fog misted below, bringing with it a chill that spread up Xie Lian’s arms and neck. He shivered, as he strained to see what lay ahead. The cold prickled his cheeks, as he let out slow breaths and rubbed his hands together, trying to conserve heat. 

He really should have packed better. Wearing a thin sweater over his scrubs was not nearly enough to keep him warm in such conditions. He had mistakenly assumed the weather would be the same throughout the journey to his destination, but somewhere along the road, he had lost his direction.

Luckily, there was a paved trail, and though it looked unmaintained- roots and leaves smothering the smooth dirt, but as long as Xie Lian walked on the path, he was sure he would come across the house, or something. 

In one hand he held his GPS, and in the other, he lugged the box of medical equipment. 

It was just supposed to be a simple task - the patient, Ming Yi, had a sprained ankle, probably Grade 2, enough to be serious, but thankfully not serious enough to cause long-lasting damage if handled properly. The patient was too injured to drive to a hospital, and due to the remoteness of the location, it was hard for an ambulance to reach him. So, Xie Lian had been tasked with the duty of checking up on him. 

He didn’t mind. He would rather it be him, than one of the other nurses be thrust into something that could turn out to be unsafe, especially in a place so far from the city like this. If something shady was truly amok, Xie Lian was confident in his martial skills that he would be able to keep the situation under control. 

It had been a good while as he walked down the path, that doubt began to creep in. He hadn’t seen anyone for miles, nor had he come across any residence that would belong to a human.

Should he head back?

 He was sure he could retrace his steps back to his car, and perhaps go back to the city and wait until he could get proper directions, but any time delayed would mean his patient would be in more pain. Besides, if his patient was bedridden and alone, in such an isolated area, the danger of even having such an injury was sure to be tripled. 

So, Xie Lian trudged on, when he finally saw something enter his line of vision. Past the rolling fog, his eyes landed on a small structure, hazy like it was stuck behind a film. Even in the fog, it looked sturdy and quite large. 

As he got closer, he saw moss settled between the cracks of the roof and vines warped  around the walls, the green making it almost blend into the surroundings. Relief flooded him, as he jogged the last stretch of the path, before he came before the large wooden door. The contents of the box in his hand thumped and shifted, but Xie Lian paid it little mind. 

Seeing as it was the only house he had come within the miles he walked, he was certain it should be Ming Yi’s cottage. At least, as his legs strained from the fatigue, he hoped it was. 

Heart thumping, he knocked on the door. It was really well made, carved and smoothened, and when met with his knuckles, it made a sound that was quite crisp that resounded through the quiet forest. 

He stood for a good few moments, but he was met with silence. There was no movement, and certainly no noise he could hear from inside.

 Oh no. Was he sure this place even belonged to anyone? Could it be abandoned-

The door finally opened, startling him out of his thoughts. He automatically lifted his lips into a practiced smile, but as soon as he looked at who opened the door, he froze. 

A man- who really was too unfairly beautiful - stared down at him, gaze unreadable. His two eyes - one black like the abyss, and the other blood red - should have been unsettling, but Xie Lian found them quite pretty. Really pretty that he couldn’t look away from them. 

The man was also rather tall. While Xie Lian wasn’t too short himself, the man had a good few inches over him, so Xie Lian had to tilt his neck upwards to look at him.  He had long hair, longer than Xie Lian’s own that had been tied in a bun, falling off of his shoulders. He wore heavy duty suspenders, and a red flannel shirt underneath, sleeves folded up above his elbow. His biceps were faintly outlined, even through his baggy sleeves. 

Seeing Xie Lian, his lips curved upwards, a sharp fang peeking from his mouth, as his gaze pierced into Xie Lian, who stood staring at him, wide eyed. 

“Oh, and who do we have here?” He asked, voice deep, deeper than any he had ever heard. His hand rested against the doorframe, as he leaned down to get a closer look at Xie Lian. 

Xie Lian had the sudden urge to look away, to shy away from that all too intent gaze, but he stopped himself- just barely. It was too silly, to break eye contact, when he was a well grown adult who had a job to do. 

Xie Lian broke out of his stupor, his smile more subdued. “I’m Xie Lian. Is this . . .” He glanced around at the cottage, “Is this Ming Yi’s residence?”

Really, he hadn’t expected such an active looking young man to open the door. The Ming Yi he had spoken to on the phone sounded weak and sickly, nothing like the man in front of him.

“It’s my residence, but I know Ming Yi.” The man said, now looking at Xie Lian a little closer. “Am I speaking with Ming Yi’s friend?”

“Nothing like that. I’m a nurse from Heavenly General Hospital. Xie Lian. Age 27. I received a call that Ming Yi was injured and I’m here to treat him.” Xie Lian said, his introduction coming unto the man on autopilot. 

“Oh 27?” The stranger grinned. “That makes you older than me. I should call you Gege, out of respect.”

Gege? That was a little too familiar, was it not? Xie Lian didn’t even know who this man, who was not supposedly Ming Yi, was. No matter, Xie Lian didn’t mind, and it was better to be on friendly terms with a stranger than to be spat on and have the door shut in his face. 

So Xie Lian smiled. “Feel free to refer to me as anything you wish.”

The man’s gaze darkened a little at that, but Xie Lian blinked, it was gone. Perhaps Xie Lian needed more sleep, because now, it felt like he was starting to see things. The long journey it took to get here certainly hadn’t helped. 

“If Gege wants to see Ming Yi, why doesn’t he follow me inside?” The man said, opening the door invitingly. At that moment, Xie Lian couldn’t help but think of the warnings he had received as a child to never follow strangers into their houses, especially not ones being so flirtatious. 

But the man’s expression was of utmost sincerity, and it seemed Xie Lian was now apparently delusional, giving more weight to this very normal conversation than he should. However, a faint feeling of wariness still arose in him. He knew better than to just walk into a strange house. No matter how pretty that stranger was, or how charismatic they were. Really, didn’t that make them even more suspicious? 

“Who are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” Xie Lian questioned, a little hesitant to follow. 

“Gege can call me San Lang.” He purred, face inching slightly closer to Xie Lian’s. Part of his brain short-circuited. Xie Lian swallowed. Completely. Normal. Conversation. Just that this “San Lang” was rather friendly. Perhaps a little too friendly. 

Thinking more on it, there was no way San Lang was a real name. Xie Lian should be suspicious. His friends would warn him that this man was shady and he should make a run for it, patient or no patient. But, he was tired and cold, and his judgement was perhaps not the best.

Xie Lian coughed, trying to distract himself from such thoughts. “And Ming Yi lives with you?”

San Lang contemplated the question for a minute before finally saying, “He’s more of a . . . temporary visitor.”

Xie Lian furrowed his brows. “As in, a guest?”

“Gege could say that.” He answered vaguely. 

Xie Lian hummed. The more this San Lang spoke, the more suspicious the whole situation seemed. “San Lang sounds unsure about that. Ming Yi lives with San Lang, but he’s not a roommate- it’s a temporary arrangement, yet San Lang doesn’t seem to be eager to call him a guest - so it begs the question, what is San Lang’s relationship with my patient?”

At that, San Lang pouted - and Xie Lian shouldn’t find it adorable, but something about him, the way he looked like a kicked wolf cub, it made Xie Lian’s heart soften. The man was starting to pose a sort of danger Xie Lian had never anticipated. 

“Truth be told, he’s more of a freeloader taking advantage of this San Lang’s kindness. And since his injury, this San Lang hasn’t had the heart to kick him out.”

A little amused, Xie Lian laughed. “Is that so? Then San Lang is quite generous.”

“En. And it seems that this San Lang has just been rewarded for his generosity.” He continued, his gaze intensifying on Xie Lian.

“How so?” Xie Lian asked, oblivious. 

“By having Gege come to his door of course.” He responded, a mischievous grin on his face. Xie Lian ignored how hot his face suddenly felt. It seemed someone was intent on teasing him, even though they had just met.

“That’s a reward? How can you be so sure? We hardly know each other.” He said, trying to sound serious. 

However, San Lang’s answer was anything but. A mysterious smile played on his lips, along with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Just call it a sixth sense.”

Still, Xie Lian couldn’t really argue against it. It wasn’t like he didn’t rely on his intuition for certain things either- and he had to admit, he was a little happy that to San Lang, he was someone who was worth seeing. 

San Lang gestured to Xie Lian to follow him inside, and this time, Xie Lian did. He removed his shoes near the front, before following San Lang to what he assumed would be the living room. 

Inside, there was a large sofa, enough to fit at least ten people, and a fireplace in the front, burning and crackling, as it razed through the wood. The entire room was cast in a warm orange glow. Xie Lian’s cheeks pricked as the heat engulfed him, and he let in an inward puff of air, inhaling the heat. His chest slowly warmed, expelling the chill that nestled inside his airways. 

San Lang’s gaze was still on him, and noticing that, he reached over the sofa and gave him a thick blanket. 

“Thank you.” Xie Lian said, wrapping the blanket around him, thick and warm. He didn’t even know he was shivering until he stopped. No wonder San Lang was so intent to have him come inside. 

“Poor Gege, travelling out in the cold for so long. These are quite dreadful conditions to be travelling in.” He cooed, herding Xie Lian towards the sofa til he settled down. 

“Ah, it’s not- I’m simply doing my job.” Xie Lian refuted, wrapping the blanket further around him as he shifted on the sofa. San Lang sat down right next to him, close, their knees almost touching. Xie Lian could feel the body heat radiating from his body. 

“Mn, I can see that. Gege is quite the dedicated nurse.” The praise washed over him, like the very warm blanket he was huddled in, and he blushed. He was having a hard time not doing that in San Lang’s presence.

“It’s nothing like that. I simply go where I am needed, much like anyone on the job.” He said earnestly. After all, his goal of going into medicine was to help those in need. Even if he couldn’t do that as a doctor, he certainly could as a nurse, and he definitely would make good on that. 

“Anywhere?” San Lang marveled, “That’s rather dangerous. Especially here. Who knows what nefarious things someone could be doing out in the middle of nowhere?”

Xie Lian glanced at him. 

San Lang’s expression was still light, smiling, as he said those words, but the undercurrent of the tone had shifted into something serious.“Does Gege know, there have been people that have gone missing here? No one has seen them again.”

People speculate- it was wild animals, they got lost and perished, or they got caught in the river, which ensnared them in its vicious tides and drowned- but I don’t think those are true.” He stared at Xie Lian, something unreadable in his eye. 

“What does San Lang think the truth is then?” Xie Lian found himself asking. 

All traces of San Lang’s smile were gone. “I think they simply ran into something monstrous. Or rather someone. And whatever that someone’s intentions were with them, they couldn’t be anything good. ”

Xie Lian laughed nervously. “If that’s the case, then I’m lucky to find San Lang.”

“Gege is quite trusting of this San Lang.” He said, leaning back. His hands stretched around the sofa, close to, but not touching, Xie Lian. Xie Lian wished it would touch him. Just being near San Lang made him feel warm- warmer than with blazing the fire and the blanket.

“I have a feeling San Lang won’t harm me. Call it a sixth sense, if you will.” Xie Lian said, smiling a little. San Lang laughed. It really was a pretty sound. 

“Mn, I won’t harm Gege.” He promised. For a moment, the air was heavy, filled with a sort of tenseness that Xie Lian couldn’t put his finger on. San Lang was looking at him, gaze solemn. Xie Lian could feel the weight of it, even if he didn’t fully understand what it signified. 

Xie Lian squirmed a little in his seat, looking away, wanting to break the tension. “What is San Lang doing out here?”

“Just . . . enjoying nature, if you will.”

San Lang hesitated as he said those words, and Xie Lian immediately knew he wasn’t being fully truthful. He was a man surrounded by mystery, and Xie Lian was probably already in a situation where the man knew more about him than Xie Lian knew about him. But, it didn’t unnerve him. Whatever the reason was, whatever situation he had unwittingly found himself in, he would see it through. 

“I’m happy that I ran into San Lang when he was out here to ah- enjoy nature.” Xie Lian said, cuddling the blanket closer to him. 

San Lang’s expression eased and he smiled comfortingly. “Gege is welcome to rest here as long as he wants.”

“There’s no time for that. Where is Ming Yi? I’ll need to examine him and administer proper treatment.” Xie Lian reminded. 

“Oh him.” San Lang’s tone flattened, disinterested, “I’ll bring Gege to him in just a moment. Let me let him know you’re here first.”

Before Xie Lian could say anything to that, San Lang sprang up from the sofa, and disappeared further into the hallway, much faster than Xie Lian could process. Now left alone, Xie Lian let himself take a proper look around. The room he was in was connected to the kitchen, which seemed to have a sink, so presumably there was running water here. There was also a stove, but instead of a normal electric stove that most houses had, it was a wood cook stove, with charred lumber stored inside, likely blackened from its use. 

There were sparse decorations around him, just a lamp here and there, but no paintings or shelves or anything of the sort. There was also a large window, but the yellowing curtains were shuttered closed, and all the light came from the fireplace. 

“He’s ready to see you.” San Lang’s voice called behind him. Xie Lian turned around, letting the blanket slide off of him. He jumped to his feet, and rushed with his medical kit. 

San Lang waited for him at the entrance of the corridor, before leading Xie Lian through the long hallway. As they walked, San Lang made some more conversation.

“How long is Gege planning on treating Ming Yi?”

“Well, it would have to depend on his condition. From the phone call it sounded like it would take at least a week for him to start walking, and afterwards, I’ll have to bring him to the hospital for a final check up.”

“So that means Gege is planning on being around for the week?” San Lang asked, seemingly delighted.

“E-en, if the situation comes to that. It really depends on Ming Yi, the severity of his injury, and his comfort.”

“Hmm, is that so? Ming Yi is quite lucky to have a nurse like Gege looking after him.”

“San Lang seems intent on praising me quite a bit. I really am only doing what my duty calls for.”

“And humble too.”

“I see San Lang is being insincere now.” Xie Lian pouted. 

“How could that be so? I’m the most sincere person Gege will ever meet.” And to his credit, San Lang’s expression did indeed look quite serious. Xie Lian’s breath stuttered for a moment. 

However, it seemed that San Lang was resolute to make fun of him, as just a moment later, the effect was ruined, and he gave Xie Lian a playful grin. “Though I admit, Gege’s reactions to being praised are rather amusing too.”

Xie Lian huffed, about to chastise San Lang for teasing him so relentlessly, when he suddenly stopped in front of a small door. San Lang’s grin faded into annoyance as he pushed the door open.

San Lang’s voice dropped. “He’s inside.”

Xie Lian didn’t think too much of it, going into the room. 

He was met with a man resting on a small bed. The man was pale, but he didn’t look sickly. He was sitting upright, and his lower body was covered with a thin white sheet, hiding the injury Xie Lian was told about. The man’s gaze too, was sharp and cold like a knife.

“So you’re the nurse they sent?” He asked condescendingly, the words biting. 

“Yes, that would be me,” Xie Lian said, unfazed. If he was scared of every patient that had a scary looking face, he might as well quit being a nurse. 

He went closer, pulling a nearby chair and settling his box upon it. “Before we start any treatment, I just need to reconfirm a few things . . .”

Ming Yi scowled. “If we already talked about it on the phone, why do you need to talk about it again? Don’t tell me you’re so incompetent you already forgot?”

“It’s standard protocol.” Xie Lian explained. “We want to ensure that all patients receive the best-”

“Spare me the lecture.” Ming Yi glared. “I feel completely fine now. In fact, so good that you’re not needed here anymore. You can go.”

Well clearly not good if you’re still bedridden, Xie Lian thought. 

It seemed Ming Yi would be one of his more difficult patients. It was a little strange, because on the phone he had sounded very desperate for someone to come help, and now he was completely closed off. 

Before Xie Lian could try to cajole Ming Yi into cooperating, a cold, warning voice came from above him. “You really should be more careful about how you talk to others, Ming Yi.”

Xie Lian looked up at San Lang surprised. For all the conversations they have had so far, he was always cordial and pleasant, so he was taken aback to hear his voice so devoid of warmth. San Lang gave Min Yi a scathing glare, his gaze containing a warning that even an outsider like Xie Lian could see. 

Remembering how unexcited San Lang sounded to take him to meet Ming Yi, Xie Lian wondered if they had a strained relationship. It would make sense, and with Ming Yi’s personality, it wasn’t really a mystery why, but . . .

Even Ming Yi stared at San Lang incredulously, as if having received a shock. Then he glanced back at Xie Lian, almost accusingly. Xie Lian bit his urge to ask him what he did wrong. 

 Ming Yi glowered at San Lang. “Oh my god, you cannot be serious. Really? Him? And now? And I was wondering why you didn’t send him away! You better not mess up-”

Whatever he had meant to say, his gaze shifted to Xie Lian and he suddenly stopped talking. Ming Yi slammed his head against his outstretched palms and let out a frustrated groan.  Before Xie Lian could check up on him, he let out an exasperated sigh and muttered things Xie Lian couldn’t really understand.

San Lang pointedly ignored Ming Yi, placing a hand on Xie Lian’s shoulder. “Come on Gege, it seems that your patient has gone delirious and is blabbering nonsense. Leave him to sulk alone.”

“But . . .” Xie Lian hesitated. That ankle injury had seemed very serious. He felt he should at least take a look at it, if permitted.

“Ming Yi, I know you don’t want me to examine you right now, and I understand. However, if anything hurts, or you feel any pain, you can let me know.” Xie Lian assured. “I’m here to help you.”

If the patient didn’t feel comfortable yet, there was no point in forcing it. Medical trauma was the last thing he wanted to cause. He would simply have to wait again, and observe from afar, only interfering when the symptoms got more serious. 

Ming Yi looked up at him, but his gaze was more conflicted than hostile. He looked like he wanted to say something but, in the end, he just mumbled, “Whatever.” 

Xie Lian left the room with San Lang, mulling over Ming Yi’s condition. He was bedridden, but when he spoke he didn’t talk like he was in pain, so perhaps his ankle had healed between the call and till the time it took Xie Lian to travel here - which was simply a day. Could so much healing really take place so fast? 

Medical miracles certainly weren’t unheard of, but he couldn’t help but feel this entire situation was too strange. If only he had gotten a chance to look at the ankle. Was it really healed? Was Ming Yi pretending to be alright? Why would he do that?

“What does Gege plan on doing now?” San Lang asked.

Xie Lian’s mind was occupied so hearing someone talk to him took him out. It took him a second to process the question before he heaved a sigh. “It seems I need to stay a few days to observe the situation. Unless of course Ming Yi would be willing to come to the hospital with me tonight?”

San Lang gently said. “I think Gege already knows how unlikely that is.”

Xie Lian nodded, smiling wryly. 

San Lang suddenly asked. “Why even try to help him though? Just pass him onto the next nurse. Or better yet, just leave it. He clearly doesn’t want any help.”

Xie Lian frowned. “Maybe he doesn’t want it, but what if something happens?”

San Lang scoffs a little at that. “He doesn’t seem to like you. Or anyone. Would it matter?”

Xie Lian looks at him, shaking his head and smiling a little. “I don’t need someone to like me for me to want to help them.”

San Lang looked at him, a little dumbfounded. Then he chuckled. “Gege truly is . . . very kind.”

Xie Lian wanted to laugh. If San Lang knew of his past, he'd wonder if he'd still think that. But that was a conversation that was hardly fitting to have with a stranger. 

“Thank you San Lang.” Xie Lian said unexpectedly. 

San Lang tilted his head in question.

“For trying to help, even if none of this is your responsibility.”

“Nonsense. I’m always willing to help Gege.” He said, his dark eye burning into him.

Really, how did he always say such words so casually? It was too embarrassing. Avoiding San Lang’s eyes, Xie Lian wondered where he should go now. He could walk back to his car, but it was far, and going back down the path, especially at night, didn’t feel appealing. 

Especially not after San Lang’s warning about this forest . . .

As if he had read Xie Lian’s mind, San Lang said, “Gege will be staying here, yes?”

Looking at him hopefully, Xie Lian asked. “Can I?”

This technically wasn’t Ming Yi’s place, and nothing in his contract would prevent San Lang from refusing to let Xie Lian stay. But if San Lang was allowing him to stay, it really would be the ideal arrangement. 

San Lang chuckled. “Of course. What kind of person would I be if I kicked Gege out now? If he’s willing to stay here, this San Lang would be more than happy to host him.”

Xie Lian looked at him gratefully. “Thank you. Really. San Lang really is too kind.”

The smile on his lips faltered slightly. “I think Gege would think differently if he knew me. If anyone’s kind, it has to be Gege.”

Xie Lian frowned. “How could that be? San Lang has been nothing but cordial throughout, and- and- it’s not like no more than one person can be kind. If I can do some good things here and there, anyone else can do the same.”

San Lang looked at him, amused, perhaps thinking of him as naive. It was not a look he was unused to. Perhaps he should grow out of his idealism at this age, but there were certain things that even now, he could not stop believing in. 

“Come Gege, let’s set up in my room.” He said.

Xie Lian’s steps faltered, thinking he had heard wrong. “Y-your room?”

San Lang glanced at him, smirking a little. “Don’t tell me Gege is shy? I promise I won't bite.”

“No I- It’s just I saw three rooms so I thought- I mean, I just-” Xie Lian rambled, face flushed. What was he saying? Did sharing a room with a man, who was younger than him, really fry his brain so badly that he forgot how to speak?

San Lang snickered. 

His face looks so good when he smiles, Xie Lian thought. 

He sighed in his heart. Maybe it was because it was San Lang he would be sharing a room with, which made his heart beat a little faster. He dared not think too much on this further. It was just a little nervousness, it would pass soon enough. 

“The third room you saw is actually a storage room. It’s too messy for guests.” San Lang explained, and then in a more stern tone, he continued. “Gege should never step in there, under any circumstances. It’s off limits.”

Xie Lian nodded. Of course. Everyone had a place in their house they wouldn’t want strangers going into. San Lang was already kind enough to let him stay a few days over. The least he could do was respect his privacy. Seeing Xie Lian be so agreeable, San Lang’s expression softened.  

They stopped in front of a door completely painted crimson, very distinct from the wooden doors he had seen. San Lang pushed the door to his room open, but didn’t go inside. Instead, he nudged Xie Lian towards it instead, and shifted away, turning to leave.

“Make yourself comfortable Gege, I’ll be back soon.”

With that, Xie Lian was left alone, stuck at the edge of the doorway. Slowly, he made his way inside with soft hesitant footsteps. This was someone else’s room after all. 

The room was large, much larger than the room Ming Yi was in, and most of the space was dominated by the bed. Soft velvet sheets draped over the mattress, tucked into the edges and corners with sleek precision, not a single wrinkle in the fabric. Fluffy white pillows decorated the top, two on each side.

 Xie Lian felt it looked odd, very much like a hotel room rather than a space someone lived in. There were no personal touches, and everything looked too new. Every room in this cottage, so far, had a feel like that. 

A large window sat at the foot of the bed, but it was draped with curtains. Inside, there was another door, which was slightly turned, allowing Xie Lian to see that it led to a bathroom. 

Really, this whole room was bigger than Xie Lian’s entire apartment. He wondered what San Lang did for a living to afford such a place. It must be something lucrative, and the location-well, it wasn’t rare for rich people to go out away from the city- to go do something simpler and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. He wasn’t sure if that applied to San Lang’s situation, but if not, what else could? 

Awkwardly, he walked to the edge of the bed and took a tentative seat at the edge, still and waiting. As soon as he sat down, a wave of tiredness washed over him. The day had been long and strenuous. He was suddenly too tired to think of much. His eyes felt heavy and before he knew it, he collapsed fully onto the soft mattress, and fell asleep. 

. . . 

“Gege, Gege.” A gentle nudge on his shoulder, trying to shake him awake. 

“Hmmpf?” Xie Lian mumbled intelligently, burrowing deeper into the mattress. It really was very soft, but his brows furrowed. He felt rather cold, skin meeting the cool air of the room. Had he kicked off his blanket again?

“It’s time to wake up.” 

He heard those familiar words and frowned. 

“Five more minutes, Qingxuan.”

A soft, pleasant laugh came from above him, and before he could get annoyed at Shi Qingxuan for laughing at him, he realized it didn’t sound like Shi Qingxuan at all. 

His eyes snapped open, as he jolted upwards. He was met with San Lang, barely an inch away from his face, with a smile on his lips. 

“S-San Lang! I’m so sorry I-” Xie Lian cringed, suddenly remembering where he was and what he said. He really wanted to crawl into the ground and die from shame. 

San Lang silenced him with another laugh. “I see Gege was having quite a dream.” 

“I’m sorry.” He groaned, face hot. “It seems I keep embarrassing myself in front of San Lang.”

However, San Lang didn’t seem to share the sentiment, a smile still playing on his lips. “No such thing.”

He stood up, and only then did Xie Lian realize he had been kneeling. He had changed from his previous outfit into a pair of crimson red lounge wear, likely already ready for bed. “I should apologize for waking Gege up, but I assumed he would probably want to get changed before going to bed.”

Xie Lian flushed further. “E-en, thank you San Lang.”

He really was too considerate. But then again, he was taking up quite a bit of the bed, and it would be uncomfortable to share it with someone sleeping like that.“Is it okay if I use your shower?”

“Go ahead.” San Lang said, waving his hand casually like it was nothing. “I have towels inside, feel free to use those. I promise they are unused.”

“Thank you.” Xie Lian said, stumbling out of bed. He shuffled over to his medical box, which had a spare compartment where he kept his clothes, and he blindly dug out his pajamas - an old faded T-shirt, and some loose cotton pants. 

He could feel San Lang watching him, but steadfastly tried to pay it no mind. With how fast his heart was thumping, it didn’t seem successful. 

“By the way Gege,” San Lang suddenly said, and Xie Lian swiveled his head over to him. “Who is Qingxuan?”

Xie Lian blinked at the unexpected question. “Ah, they’re my roommate. And coworker.”

“Is that so? And here I assumed it would be Gege’s girlfriend.”

“O-oh, um, that’s rather-” Xie Lian began awkwardly.

“Or boyfriend.” San Lang smirked. “I don’t judge.”

Xie Lian laughed, a little nervous. “I don’t have anyone like that. Too busy and all that.” Then curiously he looked to San Lang. “Does San Lang have someone?”

“Only if Gege is offering.” He smirked, gaze burning into Xie Lian.

A flush crept up Xie Lian’s neck, as he quickly looked away from San Lang. Clearly someone was still in the mood for joking around. 

“Don’t be silly.” He chastised, face hot. Not wanting to hear San Lang’s response, fearing he would be teased further, Xie Lian rushed to the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

In his haste, he didn’t notice that San Lang’s smirk turned sharper, and the look in his eyes was nothing other than devious. 

. . .

Hot water steamed from his skin, as Xie Lian scrubbed the soap on his skin until it lathered and foamed. The scent of jasmine diffused through the bathtub. It was a really nice bathroom, though a bit dark, only illuminated by a single yellow bulb, giving it a very private, sensual atmosphere. 

Did San Lang whisk his lover- if he had one- here as a getaway? Or perhaps he was the type of man to keep things casual, and bring his fllings here. It made sense. That bed was much too big for one person. This bathroom was fashioned very much like one of those in honeymoon suites, something Xie Lian was only privy to after treating a groom who had broken his hip in a hotel, and did not want to spend his honeymoon at a hospital.

Xie Lian pressed the soap especially forcefully against his skin, as he thought about these things. It was none of his business. His job didn’t even require him to interact with San Lang. The thought of it made him a little gloomy. Perhaps these feelings were unreasonable, considering he had just met the man, who was most definitely hiding his real identity.

 And since when had he ever been the type to wonder about other people’s relationships? 

Xie Lian sighed, and turned on the shower head, letting the hot water dribble on his skin, letting it wash the soap suds away. He wished it could, just as easily, wash his thoughts away as well. 

This was all San Lang’s fault. Did he really have to bring up relationships- and so nonchalantly too? 

He changed into his pajamas, and hesitantly stepped outside. His hair was slightly damp, which he slowly wiped off with the towel until it was in a more manageable state. He went out of the bathroom, and saw San Lang already in bed, sitting upright, eyes looking straight at him. 

“Ready for bed?” He asked. The words were innocent, but Xie Lian’s mind was insistent on running wild today, and he couldn’t help but feel those words were a little too intimate. Not trusting himself to speak, Xie Lian nodded. 

As he approached the bed, he hesitated. They were sleeping on the same bed. The realization didn’t really hit him until now. Before embarrassment could creep in, and he did something silly, he shut down any intrusive thoughts. This was fine. Sure he hadn’t slept in the same bed as someone since he was a child, and certainly never next to a stranger, but there was a first time for everything. 

He climbed into the bed, shifting his weight, until he was deep under the thick cover of the blanket. A sudden idea popped into his head, and he took one pillow from his side, and put it between himself and San Lang. 

San Lang looked at this action and chuckled. “How cute.”

Feeling slightly patronized, Xie Lian defended. “It’s to avoid any unnecessary and unwanted accidents.”

“Hm, is that so? Gege is quite presumptuous to think him sleeping in my arms would be unwelcome or unwanted.”

“Who said it would be something like that?” Xie Lian said, face completely red. “M-maybe I would kick you. Wouldn’t that be unpleasant?”

Looking at San Lang’s expression, it seemed that he did not find that unpleasant. However, thankfully he had finally gained enough restraint to not make fun of Xie Lian, and held his tongue. 

“L-let’s sleep.” Xie Lian finally said, shifting his head to the remaining pillow and closing his eyes. 

He could hear the smile in San Lang’s voice, as he said, “Goodnight Gege. Sweet dreams.”

With that comforting voice, Xie Lian curled up within himself and let his body rest, finally falling asleep for the night.

“Coffee?” A voice called from the kitchen, as Xie Lian blindly walked in, unprepared. He had woken much later than he usually would, his body sticking to the soft mattress and unwilling to wake up. When he finally did, the pillow barrier was askew, but it mattered little as San Lang had already gotten out of bed. Xie Lian was relieved, unsure if he would be able to face any sly teasing so early in the morning.

 Now, running into the very man in the kitchen, he was caught off guard. He looked at San Lang, who was smiling while holding a steaming mug of his own. He was already dressed for the day, unlike Xie Lian who was still in his pajamas. 

 Xie Lian blinked at the outstretched mug for a moment, like a deer caught in headlights, before smiling and shaking his head. “Thank you, but that’s quite alright. I’m not much of a coffee drinker.”

San Lang nodded, and put the coffee mug down. “Then what does Gege prefer to drink?”

Xie Lian considered it for a moment. Usually, he didn’t really bother to drink anything this early in the morning, as his shifts were at odd times, and he was either working or rushing to work. But the times he did have his downtime, there really was only one thing he craved.

“Tea.” He replied. 

San Lang seemed unsurprised, only humming. “How cultured. Gege’s quite lucky, I happen to have a little collection of teas that has been unused for who knows how long. Why not take a look?”

Xie Lian really should refuse, San Lang was already so polite, offering him a room, and now this-

But the morning was nice, and if he could help San Lang make a dent in this so-called collection of teas, then well, it really wouldn’t hurt to take a look. So Xie Lian walked to the kitchen, following San Lang who opened a small cabinet, containing an assortment of tea cakes.They were wrapped in bright packaging, ranging from cool green to deep purple to vibrant red. 

Xie Lian was shocked at the variety. If this was considered a “little” collection, his own collection was probably less of a collection and more like a mismatched assortment of tea bags and dried leaves that left a lot to be desired. The tea cakes in front of him looked quite expensive, consisting of oolong, pu-erh, green tea, red tea, tieguanyin, and chrysanthemum - His eyes shifted through the labels. Next to the Chinese teas, there were also various European blends that he had never heard of, and some he didn’t even think he could pronounce. Really, such a collection made one envious.

His hands hovered by his side, as he was unsure on what to choose. 

Decision paralysis was something he never really had the luxury of experiencing, and if he was being honest, he really wanted to give them all a try. But it was morning, and he wanted something strong, so he settled on pu-erh. 

“If San Lang doesn’t mind, I’d like to brew this one.” He says, grabbing the tea cake. 

“Of course Gege, let me warm the water for you.” He grabbed a kettle, filling it with some water, and placing it on the stove."

“While the water boils, Gege can have some food to eat.” San Lang said, tilting his head towards a bowl already filled with the most delicious looking congee Xie Lian had ever seen, still warm with shredded chicken, pork, and even egg in it. The bowl in the kitchen-he hadn’t even noticed it, and it turned out it had been set out for him. 

“What about San Lang?” He asked, as he hesitatingly took a seat on a chair near the counter, and watched the steam float from the bowl. 

“I already had coffee.” He answered, placing his now empty mug in the sink. Xie Lian raised his brow. 

“Coffee on an empty stomach. I’m sure even San Lang knows how bad that is for digestion.” He admonished, before he registered his lecturing tone. Mortification overtook him. What was he doing- lecturing his host? No one liked someone telling them what to do, especially in their home. 

“I’m sorry,” He apologized, biting his tongue. Truly this occupation was too hazardous. 

However, San Lang didn’t look the least bit offended. Rather, he had an amused smirk on his face. “I’ll be sure to keep Nurse Xie’s wise words in mind.” 

“Don’t.” Xie Lian groaned, covering his face with both his hands. “I must be too annoying. San Lang should just ignore me”

“No, I don’t think I can.” San Lang ruthlessly shot down, “Not when Gege clearly cares so much about me, to provide such heartfelt advice. How could I find such a thing annoying?”

“Now San Lang is just teasing me. Again.” Xie Lian pouted. 

“I wouldn’t dare.” He said, still grinning. Then he went further in the kitchen and grabbed a few egg tarts from the fridge. “To prove my sincerity, I’ll be sure to fill my stomach too.”

Xie Lian was truly speechless. Shaking his head, he turned to eat the congee. As soon as he took the first bite, warmth exploded on his tongue, the congee savory and the texture perfected. It was delicious. Unable to stop himself, he dug into it. 

He could feel San Lang’s gaze on him, and he slowly turned to meet it. “I’m glad Gege likes it.”

“It’s truly lovely. Whoever made this-they have my greatest thanks.” He praised.

“You’re welcome Gege.” San Lang said in response. 

Xie Lian’s eyes widened. “You cooked this?”

“En, just a little thing I had some time to make.”

Xie Lian looked at him in awe. Compared to his own cooking- actually that was too low of a bar, Even compared to others’ cooking, San Lang’s was truly amazing. 

“Is San Lang secretly a chef?” Xie Lian jested, as he slowly finished the bowl.

“No, but I would gladly cook for Gege.” He said, leaning forward, and taking Xie Lian’s now empty bowl away and putting it in the sink. 

Ah, and there it was again. The sweet words that filled Xie Lian’s cheeks with heat. A part of him wondered why San Lang bothered. He wasn’t someone that appealing. He was sure San Lang would have many willing to be with him- to push all these efforts onto Xie Lian, wasn’t it too much of a waste? His thoughts grew more and more morose as he thought of it.

Suddenly a frustrated sigh came from the kitchen. Xie Lian turned around and found San Lang hovering over the kettle, fiddling with the stove. His fingers moved to turn the stove on but there was no flame to be found. Looking apologetic, he said. “My bad, it seems due to my negligence, we ran out of wood. I’ll go out and grab some more.”

“That’s fine, San Lang,” Xie Lian assured. “No need to go through all that trouble for me. You already fed me such a lovely breakfast.”

“Nonsense, it’s no trouble at all.” He refuted, placing the kettle away. “Besides, I want Gege to enjoy his tea.”

And with that, he left the kitchen, coffee mug abandoned. Feeling guilty for making San Lang leave his breakfast, Xie Lian followed on his heels. “Let me help.”

San Lang was already opening the door, turned around to Xie Lian, a light smirk on his lips. “I wouldn’t dare make Gege do any work, but he’s free to enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps he will also find the view enjoyable."

He pushed the door a little wider, making space for Xie Lian to also come through. Xie Lian did, a bit confused at the words - the grim forest was hardly enjoyable to look at. But before he could ponder more on it, San Lang walked over to a tree stump, axe stuck in the center. He grabbed the handle and easily pulled it off. He hung it over his shoulder, blade shifted away from his body, as he walked to an innocuous tree, measuring it with his sharp gaze. His feet were firmly planted onto the dirt, and he grabbed the axe, holding it in a firm grip, and swung.

THUCK-

A sharp cut sliced through the wood, metal blade cutting away at the wood. However, Xie Lian was hardly paying attention to the tree cutting. Rather his gaze was glued onto San Lang’s form. His muscles stretched and contracted with each swing, and with his sleeves rolled up so- Xie Lian could clearly see the well defined muscles. 

He was no stranger to bodies, especially ones showing skin, but for some reason, seeing San Lang’s exposed skin made his cheeks flush. Yet, he audaciously looked on. The sun now shone even brighter, and it wasn’t long before sweat gathered around San Lang’s chest, making the tight red shirt cling onto him tighter. 

He had a really nice body. It was clear he was no stranger to physical activity, the outline of his abdominal muscles straining against the shirt- his arms, so long - his fingers, so slender yet firm-

Xie Lian’s throat suddenly felt a little dry, and he finally averted his gaze. As soon as he did, the tree fell with a thud, and only then he realized that San Lang had finished the job. Breaking out his daze, Xie Lian stepped forward, “Let me chop all this up for you.”

Really, how could he just stand around and let San Lang do the work? Hadn’t he already proclaimed he wanted to lend a hand? And all he did so far was stand around and shamelessly ogle the man, while he did most of the work. 

Xie Lian took the axe from San Lang’s hands, who handed it over easily. Their fingers brushed, and Xie Lian could feel the rough callouses on the other’s palm, heat sparking between their touch. 

San Lang let go of the axe easily, passing it onto him. Xie Lian held it properly, as he examined the fallen tree. It wasn’t too long, and there were only five branches. Moving around, he quickly started chopping them off. 

A whistle sounded behind him. He looked back, and he saw San Lang’s gaze fixed onto him. “Gege didn’t tell me he knew his way around cutting wood.”

Xie Lian explained, a little shy. “I-I used to help around on a farm.”

It had been a while ago, for an old farmer who had a difficult heart condition, making physical labor exhausting and some days, even impossible. Xie Lian had volunteered his efforts, and the old man was skeptical, but it turned out Xie Lian was a natural at physical and manual labor. Pleased, the old farmer taught him many things, one of them including chopping wood, though that had been more for clearing the fields, allowing for ample sunlight to flow to the crops, rather than for firewood. 

“It seems Gege is quite experienced in a number of things.” He observed, standing over Xie Lian.

“San Lang seems to be too.” Xie Lian returned. 

“What makes Gege say so?” He mused. 

“For one, San Lang seems very knowledgeable about many things. Cutting trees. Cooking. Preparing tea. Managing the cottage. The forest.” Xie Lian sighed. “I almost wonder if there are things San Lang doesn’t know.”

“It’s not that I’m knowledgeable. I just pick up some things here and there.” San Lang shrugged, like that wasn’t the very thing that gave him such impressive knowledge. But Xie Lian couldn’t say anything as San Lang was already moving to take the axe from Xie Lian. Before Xie Lian could protest, San Lang gave him a gentle yet firm look, “No. I’ve made Gege do enough work. He’s still a guest. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the rest.”

Xie Lian looked at him, unknown emotions swirling wildly in his chest. Was this how it felt to get taken care of? Things that may have seemed small and meaningless, he didn’t think he had experienced it in a long, long time. 

It didn’t seem like insisting would change San Lang’s mind, so he nodded, and smiled. “Thank you San Lang. You’ve done a lot for me. Truly.”

“Anything for Gege.” San Lang said, his gaze suddenly so intense, it made Xie Lian’s stomach tighten and his chest squeeze, butterflies fluttering inside, wings beating against his thrumming heart. 

“E-en.” He stammered. “I-I’ll go check up on Ming Yi.” Xie Lian turned to leave, but San Lang grabbed his arm. His stomach fluttered, cheeks flushing. He pushed the feeling down and looked at San Lang questioningly. 

“Wait.” San Lang said. “Make sure to knock on the door. He gets irate when people just barge in.”

“I will.” Xie Lian assured. The last thing he wanted was to get on the bad side of a patient who already seemed to have it out for him. 

San Lang relaxed his grip, and smiled. “See you soon, Gege.”

Three knocks sounded against the hard door. For a few moments, nothing could be heard, and then there was some movement. 

“Come in.” A gruff, muffled voice answered from inside. Xie Lian slowly opened the door and walked inside. Ming Yi was still lying on bed, pale as ever. It didn’t seem his condition had changed since yesterday, which was a promising sign. Xie Lian walked closer, as Ming Yi watched him warily.

Xie Lian was currently wearing his scrubs, quickly after showering.“So, are you ready to start your treatment?” He asked. 

Perhaps it was a little too direct, and it would be better to ease into it, but he had a feeling Ming Yi would be even more annoyed if he skirted around the topic instead of directly getting to the point. 

“No.” He said, almost like a challenge, as if he dared to see what Xie Lian would do. Xie Lian expected this, and didn’t try to convince him otherwise. 

“Are you in pain?” He asked. Ming Yi didn’t answer, and after a long stretch of silence, Xie Lian thought he wouldn’t speak at all. But later, he finally said, “It’s manageable.” 

“Your ankle injury really did sound bad, when we spoke on the phone. I’m not sure what happened to make you change your mind for treatment, but I want to promise you - the hospital has your best interest in mind.”

Ming Yi scoffed. “If that were the case, Heaven’s Hospital wouldn’t be riddled with doctors with so many malpractice scandals.”

Xie Lian sighed. He understood, he really did. But that didn’t seem like a reason to completely refuse treatment. Before he could say anything, the door opened. Ming Yi and Xie Lian turned around to see San Lang walk in, steaming cup of tea in hand. 

“Your tea, Gege.” He said, slowly and carefully setting the cup into Xie Lian’s outstretched hands. Steam rose from the cup, along with a dark earthy smell, making Xie Lian’s nose tingle. It would provide the calm strength he felt he needed. 

Xie Lian beams at San Lang. “Thank you. San Lang truly is a gracious host.”

San Lang’s gaze lingered on him, perhaps for a bit too long. Xie Lian couldn’t really tell, as he felt just as entranced, looking back at him. The red and black eyes, they were so unique, and no matter how many times Xie Lian saw them, he couldn’t get enough. It felt even harder when he knew they belonged to San Lang, someone who made him feel remnants of warmth and joy once again.

The moment between them stretched on, until San Lang finally returned the smile and said as if it were a vow, “Anything for Gege.”

He glanced over Xie Lian at Ming Yi, his eyes no longer soft, but instead carrying a hidden look Xie Lian could not decipher, before he finally left the room. When Xie Lian turned back around, tea in hand, he saw Ming Yi looking at him, face half full of disgust and fully judgemental.

Xie Lian internally sighed and took a sip of the tea. Slowly, it felt like his depleting strength was coming back, and he could finally focus. 

“You know he wants to fuck you, right?” Ming Yi suddenly said. 

Xie Lian almost dropped the glass. “What?”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t notice?” He scowled. 

Xie Lian very much did notice. He was just surprised to hear Ming Yi say it so bluntly. 

Even if he wasn’t experienced in . . . that department, he wasn’t that oblivious. Not that he did anything to shut down San Lang’s actions, because somehow, he didn’t hate it. Not when it was San Lang. 

“You’re not worried San Lang will get mad if he hears you say that?” Xie Lian asked, carefully. 

Ming Yi shrugs. “He doesn’t scare me.”

“Oh.” Xie Lian set the tea aside, quite unsure how to continue this conversation. It was clearly falling off rails when the topic had suddenly turned to his love life-or rather lack-of-love life. He was sure this definitely crossed some sort of professional boundaries, but at this point, he had already probably broken quite a few of them. 

“How are you so calm about this?!” Ming Yi glared at him. “Do you want to get railed by him?”

Xie Lian smiles at him brightly, masking whatever sort of embarrassment he felt at those words. “Don’t worry Ming Yi. My number one priority is still making sure you get back on your feet.”

Ming Yi looks a little speechless at that. Then shaking his head, he turned to Xie Lian, expression gravely serious. “Look, I’m only going to say this once, because I don’t hate you - you should get out of here. Don’t trust your San Lang. You’re better off far far away from him.”

He doesn’t care about your feelings. He just knows how to be charming and once he gets what he wants, he’ll drop his act, and won’t care how it affects you.”

Xie Lian hums, downing the last of the tea. “Thanks for worrying about me. But I really don’t think I should leave.”

Ming Yi frowned, probably sensing how unseriously Xie Lian was taking his warning. “Your funeral.”

Despite it seemed like Ming Yi was warming up to him, the treatment really wasn’t going anywhere. Not when Ming Yi wouldn’t even let him get close to his injury. In the end, Xie Lian could only give up for the second time, and hoped the situation would change. 

—

“Let me help you cook.” Xie Lian said, intercepting San Lang as he moved towards the fridge. San Lang frowned, clearly displeased. “I thought Gege liked my food.”

“I do!” Xie Lian said anxiously, unwilling to let San Lang misunderstand. “But San Lang already cooked breakfast, the least I can do is help prepare for dinner.”

“Gege . . .”He starts, but Xie Lian is stubborn, already moving to grab the vegetables and wash them. Seeing Xie Lian was adamant about this, San Lang could only give up, and moved to help. Xie Lian got all the vegetables in order, and placed one on the cutting board. His cooking may not be the best, but even he couldn’t mess up the cutting. He placed the knife perpendicular to the tomato, completely engrossed in slicing it. 

Suddenly San Lang was right behind him, less than an inch away from him, and leaned over Xie Lian, grabbing something from over his shoulder. He could feel the heat radiating from the other’s body.  “D-did San Lang need something?” He asked, too conscious of how close they were. 

“Just some salt.” San Lang said, smirking while showing Xie Lian the salt shaker. 

“A-ah, San Lang can just ask me to pass it next time.” Xie Lian said, eyes fixed back on the tomato. 

“Gege’s too busy cutting. I wouldn’t dare distract him when he’s in such close contact with a sharp object.” He said seriously. 

But what you’re doing is a hundred times more distracting, Xie Lian wanted to wail. However, he swallowed those words, and said, “I see.”

A few more times, San Lang hovered close by to him. At some point, he had his entire body pressed up against Xie Lian’s back. The tomato almost slipped from Xie Lian’s grip, before he caught a hold of himself, heart hammering.

Really, the man was too sly. 

Face burning, Xie Lian shoved the vegetables he cut to San Lang, who thanked him with a sweet smile, even praising him for his unique cutting. Said unique cutting being uneven or too thin, as someone was being too disturbing. 

San Lang poured the water along with the vegetables. Xie Lian was a little curious and came close, but just at that moment, his foot slipped just as he grabbed the handle of the pot- and all its contents came flinging onto him, soaking his whole shirt. The pot fell onto the ground with a sharp clatter. 

“Gege!” San Lang called, lingering over him, really concerned. 

“I-” Xie Lian started. “I’m fine just-” He looked at the spilled pot, now soaking his shirt and the floor. Guilt flooded him. “I’m sorry about dinner.”

San Lang looked at him and sighed. “Dinner doesn’t matter. Are you hurt?”

Xie Lian shook his head. “No, just . . . soaked.”

“I’ll clean up the mess. Gege should take a shower.” San Lang said firmly. 

“But-” Xie Lian hesitated, feeling more than a little gloomy. He wanted to make less work for San Lang, not more. Really, did he have to be such a disaster. 

“It’s not your fault. It was just an unfortunate accident.” San Lang comforted. “Don’t blame yourself.”

Xie Lian nodded, but his heart was still pained. Unfortunate accidents like this were much too common for him. He was only glad that he was the one mostly impacted, not San Lang. He went to the room, and into the bathroom, off to take a shower. He listlessly stood in the shower, not having the mind to enjoy it. As soon as he cleaned up, he tried to think of ways to make it up to San Lang, but no ideas came to mind. 

He sighed, getting out of the shower, turning to get dressed. Then Xie Lian saw the outfit he had grabbed. 

He was horrified. Instead of his scrubs, the outfit, which was definitely not his, would barely cover him til his thighs. In his hands was a bright white nurse’s outfit, and while the material felt quite nice, there really wasn’t much of it. He unfolded the whole dress, and found two knee-length bright white socks rolling and falling off on the floor, almost mocking him. 

Xie Lian didn’t care much about cross dressing, or even about propriety- but the thought of San Lang or really anyone he knew seeing him in such clothes- it made him want to burn up and turn to ash. But it was either between wearing this or going out naked- and after taking a few moments to think on it, one was clearly worse than the other. 

Resigning himself, he started to put on the dress, struggling to pull it up to his chest. It fit a little tight around his shoulders and chest, but his slender waist was perfectly accentuated. The hemline fell just below his mid-thigh, tight around his legs. He put on the socks, letting them roll just above his knees. This was fine, he could simply ask San Lang for a change of clothes. He was certain the other wouldn’t mind.

As he was about to walk out of the bathroom, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, and suddenly felt ridiculous. He tugged at the hem of the dress, wishing it would go lower, but it stayed where it was. Xie Lian looked away, unable to keep seeing his reflection much longer, and pretended everything was normal. 

He turned the bathroom knob slowly, taking a few steps out. Seeing no one in the room, he took a sigh of relief, and rushed forward, only to crash into something. Hands gripped his waist, keeping him from wriggling away. He looked up, heart thumping loud against his ribs. 

San Lang’s eyes were blown wide, staring at him. His voice was a little hoarse, “Gege?”

Xie Lian’s face was completely red, “S-san Lang, you’re here.”

“En . . . And Gege is . . . also here.” San Lang said slowly, eyes darkening as they raked in Xie Lian’s form- and definitely the outfit. The hands around his waist squeezed him a little. Xie Lian wanted to crumple into the floor and die, this situation really was too bad. 

To save face, Xie Lian laughed awkwardly. “Don’t mind my clothes. This was just-um, a simple wardrobe mishap.” Swallowing his dying laughter as he saw San Lang’s expression, which was completely unreadable, he more earnestly asks, “Does San Lang have any other clothes I can borrow- if he doesn’t mind of course?”

At Xie Lian’s question, San Lang quirks a brow. “Why does Gege want to change? He looks perfect in this.”

Xie Lian’s hands shoot up to his face, shielding him from San Lang’s intensifying gaze. “Don’t tease.” He said softly, voice wavering. “I know I look silly.”

The grip on his waist is removed as gentle hands slowly rest over his own, parting them from his face. Xie Lian is unwilling to meet the beautiful man’s eyes, lips downturned and cheeks perpetually flushed. 

“Gege doesn’t look silly at all. He looks . . . gorgeous.” San Lang says, his tone completely sincere. 

Xie Lian shoots him a look, clearly disbelieving. “Really? Then should I go treat Ming Yi like this?” 

The hands tighten around his own, pulling him forward, as San Lang growls. “No. Absolutely not.”

Xie Lian yelps, as he finds himself in a tight embrace. The motion is dizzying and surprising, but soon enough, confusion set in. He had never heard San Lang so worked up- and over something he’d said as a sarcastic joke too. 

“I don’t want anyone else to see Gege like this.” San Lang’s voice is dark, on the edge. 

Xie Lian blinked.

 Oh. 

They both went still, and Xie Lian could faintly feel San Lang’s heart beat against his own- but he’s too distracted to process it, because below, against his skin, he can feel a growing hardness. 

San Lang, unashamed, lowers his head, until his mouth is next to the tip of Xie Lian’s ear. With a barely restrained urge he says, “Look at what you’re doing to me Gege.”

He grinds their hips together in a slow, rolling motion, and to Xie Lian’s mortification, he could feel his own erection. It strains against the fabric of the dress, begging to have something done about it. San Lang pulls away slightly and stares below at Xie Lian. 

Xie Lian’s own eyes trail to where San Lang’s are and he sees his cock making a lewd outline, a distinct bump in the otherwise smooth fabric.

Xie Lian felt his brain heat up and turn into squish, and suddenly he didn’t know what to say. If he thought his heart rate was fast before, it was nothing compared to now. He felt his heart pound and thud powerfully against his chest, and blood rush to his ears. An indescribable feeling of shyness rose up, its cloying hands wrapping around his throat making him unable to speak.

“What’s this?” San Lang asks, but it’s not really a question. He grins at Xie Lian like a cat who just caught a mouse. 

Cheeks aflame, Xie Lian tries to struggle away, but Hua Cheng holds him firmly, and well, Xie Lian isn’t really trying that hard anyway. 

“Please forget what you saw!” He begs, ashamed, trying to cover his groin with his hands. 

“Hmmm, I don’t think I can, knowing Gege is suffering so,” Hua Cheng croons, soft lips almost pressing against his ear. A shiver travels down Xie Lian’s spine as his eyes water slightly. “Can’t this San Lang do anything to help?”

His hand travels down to Xie Lian’s shameful reaction, pressing lightly against it. Xie Lian whimpers, jolting. The pressure feels so good. Mind-numbingly good, that Xie Lian doesn’t know how to deal with it. He wants to press further into it, but he can’t-

It’s unprofessional, he’d be taking advantage, and- and ah, it was a mess. 

Hua Cheng seemed unaware of his internal struggle, as he continued pressing against Xie Lian’s erection, kneading it, toying with Xie Lian’s body and pressing all the right buttons. 

How was he so unfazed? It was too unfair. 

“S-san Lang, mmph- ple-please, it’s too much-” Xie Lian stuttered, the air from his lungs ripping away with each stroke. 

“Does Gege want me to stop?” San Lang asked, as he slid his hands on Xie Lian’s cock over the fabric. It was almost enough, yet not nearly close. 

Yes. No. He didn’t know. Stopping would be right. To forget and pretend it never happened. To awkwardly part ways, until Xie Lian inevitably remembered this moment-Perhaps at a late night, tied up in sheets, his own inexperienced touches not feeling nearly as good, but trying to capture this moment. 

To stop would be torture. Sure it would pass, but the pain of losing it, to be separated from the pleasure- Xie Lian’s two and a half decades of self control came crashing down, and for once, he wanted to indulge.

Like he had read Xie Lian’s mind, San Lang urged. “Don’t overthink it, Gege. Only focus on what you want.”

Did he want this? It was hardly a question when his mind screamed yes. Slowly, he shifted his body away from San Lang, to which San Lang let him go, hands wavering around his thighs, yet not touching. Xie Lian caught his breath, and with a determined look, he took San Lang’s large hands and placed them on his hips. “San Lang, please take care of me.”

San Lang looked at him, entranced. Then with a wicked grin, he said, “It would be my greatest pleasure to bring Gege relief.”

He immediately picked up Xie Lian, grabbing his waist, and hauling him over his shoulder. Xie Lian couldn’t be light, but San Lang didn’t stumble nor break a sweat as he carried him. In just a few steps, Xie Lian was placed on the bed- gently lowered on it like he was a precious pearl being dropped amidst a sea of stones. San Lang crawled over him, looming above Xie Lian as he twisted around in the sheets. He stared up at San Lang with a need- wanting it to be satisfied yet unsure how to ask. 

San Lang looked back down  at him, smirking.There was something fox-like about him, perhaps the mischief in his eye, or the way his gaze was trained on Xie Lian, attuned to every breath he took and every muscle that twitched.

San Lang’s hands crept lower, and he squeezed Xie Lian’s pillowy thighs, before spreading them apart. The dress rid up, completely exposing Xie Lian’s lower body. He gasped, as those long slender fingers dug into his skin. His nails scraped along the soft skin, leaving deep imprints. His hands kneaded and pinched the flesh, making Xie Lian squirm. He felt . . . something, building up deep within the pit of his stomach, an itch he couldn’t quite scratch, or rather, a thirst he didn’t know quite how to quench. 

“Let’s get you out of these clothes first.” Hua Cheng said, voice husky. When Xie Lian looked at his face, he saw his own want mirrored on his face. 

“I-ah- I thought you liked these clothes.” Xie Lian challenged petulantly. Hua Cheng’s grip on him tightened as he said, “Like it so much I want the pleasure of taking them off of you.”

San Lang grabbed his right ankle and tugged. Xie Lian squealed as he slid down a bit. He watched as San Lang used his mouth and bit the tip of his socks- then he pulled. The sock slid off easily, quickly discarded to the side. San Lang did the same for his left foot, until both his feet were bare and free of any fabric.

“My, who knew Gege was hiding such an impressive body behind those shoddy scrubs.” He purred, fingers kneading the flesh on his thighs, slowly creeping upwards. Then, with a heavy gaze, he looked at Xie Lian went down. He kissed Xie Lian- everywhere. 

First the soft soles of his foot, then ankle, then his smooth muscular legs- a trail of tender touches on his body. “You taste so sweet, Gege. Can’t keep my mouth off of you.” San Lang groaned, as Xie Lian melted under his touches. 

“You know, Ming Yi did warn me . . .” Xie Lian started, eyes glazed over, embarrassing words rolling off of his tongue without any coercion. 

San Lang pressed a soft kiss against his cheek and hummed. “About what?” 

“That all you wanted to do was f-f-” Xie Lian tried to spit out the word, but it was too crude for him. Actually, he had said many bad and shameful things before, but in front of San Lang, he felt more . . . exposed, and suddenly shy. 

San Lang’s grip tightened around his waist. “Fuck you?” He nipped Xie Lian’s right ear, the sting barely registering as his face flushed and he nodded. “He’s not wrong. But he’s not fully right either.”

Xie Lian frowned. San Lang wasn’t making any sense. But in this state, his mind was foggy, clouded by lust- it was so overwhelming, he didn’t think his mind would be able to understand much of anything. “What do you mean?” He asked.

San Lang tilted his chin upwards, and then cupped his cheeks, bringing his face close. Before Xie Lian could even take in the change of perspective, his lips were captured into an all consuming kiss. Xie Lian shakily exhaled through his nose, leaning into the kiss; The air around them felt so warm. 

Suddenly, a sharp pang pierced on his bottom lip, San Lang’s fang grazing the sensitive skin. Xie Lian gasped, and San Lang inserted his long, warm tongue into his mouth, taking him by shock. His own tongue was suddenly entangled with the other man’s, unsure how to move, letting itself be wrapped and played with as the other pleased. Saliva dribbled out of his mouth, as he moaned. 

Hot. It was too hot- his body felt like it was on fire. Slowly, San Lang retreated, sucking his bottom lip, until Xie Lian was completely breathless. He tried to turn his face away, but San Lang’s firm grip held him in place; His kisses softened, pressing on the center of Xie Lian’s soft lips, on the corners, his blushing cheeks- before his clever mouth went lower, against his neck. 

“Agh!” Xie Lian cried out. “T-too much.”

“You’re so sensitive here, Gege.” San Lang rasped, before pressing another kiss on his neck. Xie Lian trembled, so easily under the light pressure. “If you think this is too much, I wonder what you’ll think when I actually put my cock in you.”

San Lang’s hands moved to his chest, fingers easily unbuttoning the dress. His chest met the cool air, quite red from the attention it was getting from San Lang’s hands. Long slender fingers travelled to his pink nipples, rubbing them slowly, until they hardened. Xie Lian felt as if he were suspended in a strong current, helpless to do anything but get dragged along - at the whim of its will. His body really did feel too sensitive. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes, but before they could get a change to fall down his cheeks, San Lang’s mouth was already on them, licking the salty water away. 

“San Lang . . . stop playing around,” Xie Lian pleaded, wantonly moving his hips to San Lang’s-his soft sensitive skin meeting the rough clothing. “T-take your clothes off too.”

San Lang chuckled darkly. “Gege’s wish is my command.”

Immediately the hands were off of Xie Lian, and he felt like wailing- like cold water had suddenly been poured on him. However, he lost the mind to complain, when he saw San Lang unbuttoning his shirt, revealing his sculpted chest. Muscles adorned his upper body, well-defined. The type body they wrote odes about, the ones that artists sculpted. 

San Lang’s eyes remained on Xie Lian, taking in his reaction. Then he softly brushed his cheek, playfully saying, “If Gege keeps looking at me like that, I might think I’m the one being devoured.”

Xie Lian swallowed thickly. “Then maybe San Lang should hurry up and show me-whose devouring and whose being devoured.”

San Lang’s gaze darkened. “I should.” He agreed. Within seconds, the mouth was on his again, biting and licking the seam of his lips. This time their chests touched-bare skin upon bare skin- Xie Lian could feel himself falling apart. 

“Okay, Gege, it’s time to prepare you.” San Lang said, when they pulled apart. Before Xie Lian could ask ‘for what’, he was unceremoniously flipped around. Large hands were splayed on his back, rubbing and kneading, before they settled on his waist. San Lang grabbed it, and pulled it high, until Xie Lian was bent on his knees, ass in the air. Though he couldn’t see San Lang’s face, he still felt pinned under that sharp gaze. 

Then he felt something cool and wet being spread around the rim, fingers rubbing and pinching his skin. 

Lube, he thought hazily, though a small part of his mind wondered when San Lang had gotten his hands on it. A larger part of him was too fucked out to care. San Lang treated Xie Lian like he was his to do with as he pleased. The thought of it made his knees weak. 

 San Lang lowered his mouth, lips pressed against the entrance of his hole. Xie Lian mewled, as a soft tongue licked his rim, lapping his insides. So wet, so warm, so perfect. San Lang sucked and bit- his hole puckered and involuntarily tried to clench. He let out a whine as San Lang’s tongue retreated. 

“I’m going to put a finger in.” San Lang murmured, voice gravelly. Xie Lian tightened his hold on the sheets below him, as San Lang inserted his finger. He wriggled around, trying to adjust to the foreign feeling. San Lang moved his finger with practiced precision, knowing exactly what places to press and focus on to make Xie Lian lose his already befuddled mind. He then added another one, and a third soon after- all moving in synchrony, stretching him out - pressure building up in Xie Lian’s belly. He moaned, arousal clinging onto him, seeping into his every action as he bucked his hips. “Y-yes, right there-” 

“Fuck-Gege is so tight, look at you clenching around my fingers.” San Lang said, sounding just as aroused. 

“I think I’m ready-” Xie Lian said in return. “San Lang please . . .”

“Please what? I think Gege needs to be a bit more clear.” San Lang said, smirking, clearly playing around with him. 

However, Xie Lian was in no mood for San Lang’s usual teasing. He was on the edge, wanting relief, like a parched traveller searching for water to quench his thirst. He didn’t want a little glass, he wanted the whole oasis. 

Biting his lip, shedding his shame, Xie Lian coyly said, “Didn’t San Lang promise to show this Gege a good time? Gege is enjoying it so far but ah-something is lacking.”

San Lang’s smirk wavered, gaining a dangerous edge. “This San Lang promises, whatever Gege is lacking, by the end, he will be begging and pleading for it to stop- and this San Lang- he won’t listen. Does he still want it?”

Xie Lian bit his tongue, eyes watering, body craving. “Yes . . . I want San Lang’s everything.”

San Lang’s breathing turned rough. He unbuttoned his pants, revealing his cock, and though Xie Lian couldn’t see it, there was an added weight on his skin, the appendage feeling so hot, so solid and large. “Remember, whatever happens next, Gege wanted it.”

And with that, he slowly inserted the tip of his penis. Even after being stretched out, Xie Lian felt himself expand, trying to accommodate the large organ, trying to shift and squirm, as San Lang slowly pushed himself in further. So big. It felt thick and veiny- he almost wished he could see it. His body was penetrated, and he felt himself tense, but San Lang pressed kisses along his shoulder and neck, nuzzling his skin. “It’s okay Gege, I have you, just relax.”

Xie Lian tried, as San Lang fully sank into his hole. He felt full beyond belief, a little burn from the stretching, but overall, heat was pooled in his stomach. San Lang’s hands weren’t too idle either, pinching and kneading his nipples, biting and marking his back, thrusting slightly into Xie Lian’s shaking body. “So good for me Gege. You’re handling it so well.” He praised. 

Xie Lian purred, wanting to hear more. He clenched tighter against San Lang’s cock, as if wanting to prove something. His thigh quivered as San Lang’s cock disappeared into his hole. 

“Gege . . . How are you so . . .” San Lang marvelled, as he watched Xie Lian take him in. 

“I-Is it alright?” Xie Lian asked, breathless, and a little subconscious. 

“Better than alright. Has Gege done this before?” San Lang spread his legs open a bit further, letting Xie Lian adjust to the new position. 

Xie Lian’s mind felt hazy, barely registering the words, as he shook his head. “No, it’s my first time.”

“In a nurse’s outfit?” San Lang teased. 

Xie Lian flushed further. He dreaded this coming up, for he feared San Lang would find it unappealing. But to lie would be to deceive, and he didn’t want to deceive San Lang.

“. . . No, it’s my first time  . . . ever doing this with someone . . .”

San Lang stilled, and for a moment, Xie Lian thought he was upset. The hand around Xie Lian’s waist tightening slightly. 

Peeking behind, up at San Lang, with slight trepidation, he asked, “Is that . . . bad?”

San Lang suddenly slumped against his shoulder, pulling him further to him, hands sliding down his body. His voice was hoarse, deeper. “. . .No. Gege is perfect.” 

A large hand suddenly held Xie Lian’s cock, rubbing against it, as his hole was servicing another cock. It started to move, thrusting up and down- and Xie Lian felt overwhelmed. Pleasure from all sides, his body completely and utterly reduced to a vessel that could only feel-barely moving. 

“This San Lang is just finding it hard to believe that he’s been given something so precious as Gege’s first time.” He continued, nipping at Xie Lian’s ear. 

“Mn-ah-agh!” Xie Lian suddenly cried out, as San Lang’s thrusts picked up speed, hitting a certain spot repeatedly.

“Ah, looks like I found Gege’s sweet spot.” San Lang crooned, twisting Xie Lian’s body, and hitting against that angle. San Lang’s final thrust hit so deeply, Xie Lian felt as if all the air was punched out of his lungs. He arched his back, curling to meet the thrust, as San Lang pressed him tight against his body. Shockwaves rippled through his body, and he ejaculated, streams of white spilling onto the sheets. 

A few moments later, San Lang was about to, too, body tensing up. Hot breath puffed in Xie Lian’s ear, the dear voice saying.“Just a little longer.”

He moved to remove himself from Xie Lian, but Xie Lian stopped him. 

“Inside.” He begged, looking utterly ruined. 

“Fuck, Gege is going to me the death of me.” San Lang groaned, cumming inside of him. Hot cum dribbled into his hole, some spilling out- because there really was a lot. They both took heavy breaths, adrenaline running high. The blood in Xie Lian’s ears buzzed, as he slowly inhaled and exhaled, letting his heart calm down. And soon, there was nothing left but tiredness. He closed his eyes, only barely registering a soft kiss against his lips. “Rest now Gege, I’ll take care of the rest.”

—-

When Xie Lian woke up, the first thing he felt was the intense soreness in his body. He tried to move, but his muscles protested, so he lay there. Memories of the previous encounter flooded his mind, and he groaned in shame, too paralyzed to even cover his face. He didn’t think he could ever look San Lang in the face again. He craned his head around and saw the very man he wanted to avoid was next to him, but thankfully, he was sleeping, blissfully unaware. Xie Lian felt a little envious of him. 

But then, he noticed that he was wearing a shirt, one much too large for him- so it was probably San Lang’s- and that his legs no longer felt sticky, and neither did the sheets. His heart softened- San Lang had probably done everything before falling asleep, and definitely deserved his rest. Truly a caring partner. His eyes traced San Lang’s side profile, and he suddenly felt an ache in his heart. 

This was probably a one time thing. From what Ming Yi said, it could be implied San Lang didn’t really date, and this was just another hookup to him. It was foolish of Xie Lian to let his heart be set in a vulnerable position, despite all the signs, and yet, if he were to do it over again, he wouldn’t change a thing. 

He just wished . . . 

Sighing, Xie Lian turned away, his back against San Lang. It hurt to even look at him, knowing it would all end. Perhaps when San Lang woke up, he would pretend nothing had happened, or perhaps he would ask Xie Lian to not take things too seriously. And it would be fair. They weren’t anything to each other-maybe friendly acquaintances at best. After Xie Lian took care of Ming Yi, they would likely never meet again. The thought made him want to cry out- but the last thing he wanted to do was trouble San Lang. 

As he lays around for a few moments, unable to sleep, he starts to get a little thirsty. He slowly rises, ignoring the soreness, and tries to stand on his feet. His legs wobble a little, and he can feel his backside burn slightly, but overall he feels fine, and able to move. He steals one last glance at San Lang, who is still peacefully sleeping, and leaves the room. 

He blindly stumbles down the hall, when he notices the third room-the one San Lang warned him not to go into-is open. Xie Lian stares at it, and feels he should at least close it, especially if it’s something San Lang wants to keep private. He walks over to it, hand on the door, about to close it, when he sees something inside the room that catches his eye. 

It really did look like a normal storage room inside, but something is flashing inside. He recognizes it as morse code- the lights blinking SOS. A bit worried, Xie Lian steps inside, dread crawling under his skin. He shouldn’t be doing this. If San Lang were to see him-It really did feel like breaking the other man’s trust. Still, he had to go and see what was going on. 

The door creaked shut behind him, as Xie Lian slowly crept towards the light, which was coming next to a tall cabinet.. When he turned around to the corner of the cabinet, towards the source of light, he let out a horrified gasp. He quickly covered his mouth with both his hands, eyes wide and body tilted away from the sight. 

The SOS band was still blinking, resting on a bony hand, the skin barely covering the bones, on a man whose face was completely pale and sunken in. His eyes were open, but his look was vacant, and he really didn’t look like he was alive. Straining his eyes, Xie Lian saw he was wearing a badge-which to his horror, read ‘Ming Yi’.  Xie Lian stumbled backwards, his hand leaning on a drawer of the cabinet, his mind feeling jammed, the shock making him unable to think. 

Why was there a corpse in here? Was this why San Lang told him not to go in here? Did San Lang . . . Xie Lian couldn’t finish that thought. And who was the Ming Yi he had been seeing? What was going on?!

Suddenly, his hand slipped, and the cabinet drawer crashed onto the floor, papers flying everywhere. Xie Lian eyes dropped to them, and using the dim light, his eyes caught onto quite a bit-newspaper clippings- of . . . Shi Wudu? There was a giant red ‘X’ marked around his face, and the title of the page was crossed out- CEO Shi Wudu called Tyrant after . . .

He then bent down shuffling through the papers, eyes desperately searching for an answer. Then he saw it- a file containing Ming Yi’s information, Ming Yi who worked for Shi Wudu’s insurance company as an accountant. Then he saw other things underlined- Ming Yi’s lack of family and humble disposition, his work ethic, his behavior, everything. The dread grew stronger as he pieced together this information. Whoever the man he thought was Ming yi, he had been colluding to take over the real Ming Yi’s identity. Suddenly, all the disparities Xie Lian had noticed made sense.

The change in personality, the suspicion towards him, his reluctance to get treated . . .

The only missing piece of the puzzle was what role San Lang played in this. 

There was no way he could be unaware, right? Not when his own cottage seemed to be the basecamp for whatever sort of operation this was. Then his eyes caught on to another newspaper. A Missing Persons Report. In dark bold letters, the sentence ‘Ming Yi, Age 30, Reported Missing (two days ago)’.

He looked back up at the corpse of Ming Yi, feeling something stuck in his throat. For a long time, he couldn’t move. His body buzzed, and his rational mind told him to get out of there, to run as far as he could. 

 “I thought I told Gege not to wander off alone into any strange rooms in this house.” 

Xie Lian’s heart jumps, palpitating as blood rushes through him, muscles twitching to run. His head  turns very slowly over his shoulder as he sees San Lang leaning at the doorway, looking way too calm. 

“Who are you?” He asks, voice stilted, repressing all the emotions he felt. 

“Me? I’m your San Lang of course.” San Lang grinned, the same playful expression on his face. 

How could he keep smiling like that?

“What do you want from me?” His shoulders slumped, unable to comprehend. Really, wouldn’t it be easier to send him away, to not have him involved in this, to lessen the risk of whatever they were doing being exposed?

San Lang shifted, fully standing up. He slowly walked over to Xie Lian, and stared down at him, and slowly crouched beside him. “You, of course.”

Xie Lian trembled, he doesn’t know if it’s with rage or fear, or something else. “I’m serious.” His voice feels raw.

“I’m not joking either.” San Lang said, the infuriating smirk still on his face. Xie Lian glares up at him. “You-!”

Then he swallows, trying to calm himself. He looks at San Lang, unable to hide the sadness in his voice. “Was it fun? Fooling me?”

San Lang’s expression wavered for a moment, and he looked genuinely distraught. Really a talented actor, for Xie Lian felt it looked so sincere. “Gege, everything I said and did, I meant it. I would never lie- Not to you.”

Xie Lian choked a laugh, his throat feeling rough. “How can I trust that?” He vacantly stares up at the low ceiling. “I don’t even really know who you are, do I? Not your name, not your age, nothing about you . . .” He murmured. 

“I can tell you everything-” San Lang started, but then another man burst into the room. 

“What is going on in here?” Not Ming Yi, who looks completely fine, shoved his way in- and found both him and San Lang on the floor, in front of the real Ming Yi. 

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking that?” Xie Lian said. Not Ming Yi’s eyes narrow at him, while he also shoots a glare at San Lang. 

“The less you know the better- but I suppose it’s too late for you- you know too much.” Not Ming Yi said, voice cool. “I did try to warn you.”

Xie Lian smiled a little, sardonic. “You tried.” Perhaps he should have listened. “What do you plan on doing now?”

Xie Lian felt little surprise, as Ming Yi took out a silver shotgun, and pointed it at him. He, however, was fully shocked, when a body came between them, providing a barrier between him and the weapon. He stared up at San Lang, who glared at Not Ming Yi disdainfully. “Don’t even think about it, He Xuan.”

“You motherfucker, we have a deal- now move out of the way before your pretty boy ruins everything!” He Xuan sneered. 

“Not a chance.” San Lang said, before turning around and throwing a wooden stool towards He Xuan, who quickly staggers away, dodging the throw. Then he shoves Xie Lian towards the door, pushing him out to safety. Xie Lian continued to stare at him, unsure how to feel. “Run, Gege. Don’t stop or turn to look back.”

In the background he can hear He Xuan cursing and he knows there’s not much time but, a part of him, it still worries. “What about you?”

“I’ll be fine. Just go.” And with that he lunges back into the room. Xie Lian’s expression twists, and he doesn’t want to leave. So, he does something reckless, and goes to the kitchen. Grabbing a large pan, he goes back into the room. The two men don’t notice him, too distracted. 

“Move out of the way Hua Cheng.” He Xuan growled. 

A flicker of recognition goes through Xie Lian at the name. Hua Cheng. 

. . . Wasn’t that-wasn’t that the name of the famous mysterious architect that designed things for clients at a whim? It was rumored he was so wealthy, he could afford to be picky, and whatever he designed, it was masterful and genius, so he really did have many people vying for his work- each of the structures he designed being featured in many famous magazines and the news. What was someone like him doing, involved in this? What was going on?

Gripping the handle of the pan tighter, Xie Lian crouches a little out of sight, needing to understand. 

“I think you’re forgetting that you’re the one in my debt.” Hua Cheng scowled, completely unfazed by having the gun pointed at him now. 

“I don’t care- if this plan falls apart just because you can’t bear to see your new plaything hurt- I will make you regret it.” His eyes flickered with intensity and rage of levels Xie Lian had never seen before. He suddenly felt very scared for Hua Cheng.

“He’s not a plaything.” Is the only thing Hua Cheng says, before He Xuan pulls the trigger. At that exact moment, Xie Lian jumps out of his hiding spot, and slams He Xuan’s head with the frying pan. 

While he doesn’t go unconscious, he does stagger back gripping his likely throbbing head in pain. He curses as the gun drops from his hands, while Xie Lian runs to Hua Cheng. 

“San Lang!” He cries, rushing and catching him as he woodenly stumbles to the ground. 

“Gege . . .” He said, voice weak. “You’re supposed to run and be safe.”

“How could I run, when you’re hurt?” Xie Lian asked, hands shaking. He just needed to get his medical box. He was sure he would have something in there to treat the wound. He just needed- Hua Cheng held his trembling hand firmly, smiling. “It doesn’t hurt at all. But please Gege, get away from here. Without me.”

Xie Lian was about to refuse, but Hua Cheng looked at him with that same intense gaze. “I mean it. Trust me. We will meet again.”

His scalp tingled. Hua Cheng knew something he didn’t. And he was asking Xie Lian to trust him. Did Xie Lian? He didn’t know, but he wanted to. He wanted to believe in his San Lang. So, he stood up, and did the hardest thing - run away. 

“Don’t you dare leave!” He Xuan yelled, trying to grab him, but Xie Lian swiftly dodged running. He ran out of the room, out of the cottage, out through the woods, and away. 

His legs ached and his lungs burned, but he didn’t stop moving until he reached his car, which was still parked there, the same as ever. He glanced down at himself, and realized he was just wearing a single shirt- San Lang’s shirt. He clung onto it, as he walked to his car, picking out the spare key he kept for emergencies beneath it, his bad luck teaching him to take precautions like that. 

He supposed today it saved his life, potentially. He opened the car and sat in the seat, taking a moment to catch his breath. Then, the engine roared to life, and he drove away, a tangled web of emotions in his heart, and a heavy longing panging in his chest. 

—

“Xie Lian! A-lian! Nurse Xie?! Are you listening to me?” A loud voice screeched next to his ear. 

Xie Lian dazedly looked at Shi Qingxuan, who was pouting at him, clearly annoyed that his mind was elsewhere. He smiled placatingly. “Sorry, I was distracted. Could you repeat what you said?”

Shi Qingxuan frowned at him. “You’ve been ‘distracted’ ever since you came back from your last assignment.”

Xie Lian sighed, shuddering at the memory of when he got completely berated for going missing looking for a patient that was supposedly missing, but Xie Lian knew the truth that he was actually dead. The head nurse called him many choice words for the few days it took him to get back and check in on work, before assigning him to stay at the hospital for a while, where she could keep an eye on him. 

“I just- I have many things on my mind.”Xie Lian said.

“Like?” She asked.

San Lang, Xie Lian wanted to say. The ache in his heart intensified. Was he ok? He sounded so sure, but what if it was just a way to make Xie Lian leave? And Xie Lian, he didn’t even get to-

Shi Qingxuan poked him, “You’ve been sadder too. What happened?”

“I don’t-” Xie Lian started, but then a few loud shrieks interrupted them. They both glanced at each other, before going to the horde of nurses that were gathered around in the hallway to find out what was going on. 

As they walk closer, they hear bits and pieces of their conversation.

“Ahhhh he’s so hot.” Nurse Jia gushes, hands clasped close to her heart. 

“If only we had more patients like him. I could use some eye-candy like him on all my shifts.” Nurse Nian said, a wistful expression on her face. 

“You guys idolize him now- but wait until you actually deal with him. His personality is more rotten than the apples at the bottom of a barrel.” Nurse Li grumbles, his eye twitching at the memory. 

“Oh, come one, you’re just jealous because of how handsome he is.” Nurse Jia jokes. 

“Actually Li Yu isn’t completely wrong,” Nurse Yi, who had yet to say anything, suddenly chimed in. “You guys think it’s all good, but when I tried to talk to him, he was so short with me. It was like he didn’t want me around at all.”

Nurse Nian smirks. “If his attitude is rotten, it makes him more attractive. Arrogant men know what they want. I would gladly violate the hospital policy to ask him out . . . Ow!”

“Don’t even joke about that.” Shi Qingxuan chastises, lightly chopping the back of Nian Yi’s head. “What if Ling Wen hears you? Do you want to explain it all to her?”

Nian Yi shivers at the thought and keeps her mouth shut, but not before saying. “Well if you saw him, you can’t blame me for my reaction.”

Xie Lian was curious. “Which patient are you talking about?”

Nian Yi gave him a sly smile. “The one in room 888, which I believe is your assigned room.”

Xie Lian nods, confirming. 

“And don’t be too jealous, little Xie, you’re still my favorite.” Nian Yi teases, and Xie Lian smiles a little awkwardly. It wasn’t the first time she or some of the other nurses had flirted with him, but they always lost interest in him after a while, seeing he wasn’t the type to make a move, and constantly resisted their attempts and confessions. Nian Yi still teased him from time to time, but they both knew it was clear that neither of them were each other’s types. 

Shi Qingxuan pats his arm. “Tell me how this mysterious hot patient looks, I want all the details. He must be really rich if he can afford the private hospital room.”

“Of course.” Xie Lian promised. 

Xie Lian walks into the room, pushing the door open, a little curious to see this so-called mysterious handsome patient. 

“Excuse me,” he says, shuffling inside, but he’s met with . . . no one inside? That was a little strange. He sees the bed is unmade, meaning there was someone laying on it. His eyes then travel to a smaller door within the room, which seems to be shut. Ah so the patient must have needed to use the bathroom. 

That was fine, it gave him some time to change his shirt into something more comfortable, especially as his last patient had thrown up on him. He casually unbuttoned his shirt, letting it fall from his shoulders and onto the ground. He hums as he puts on a new shirt over his shoulder, carefully buttoning it up, when suddenly, large hands grab him from behind, immobilizing him, and tear open his shirt. His pale chest is revealed, glowing under the fluorescent LED lights. 

Xie Lian is stunned by the brazen action, but quickly regains his wits, and turns around ready to strike the assaulter. Only the strike never comes. As soon as his head swivels around, he is met with beautiful eyes. Beautiful, familiar, eyes.

 “Gege really is giving me a good show here, changing so openly in my room.” He smirks. 

Xie Lian’s arms fall limp by his side, as he stares. His voice croaks a little as he calls out the name he had not stopped thinking about the day they met. “San Lang . . .” Then he coughs, “Or would you prefer Hua Cheng?”

The man wears a soft smile on his face. Xie Lian feels dazed. Hua Cheng really is handsome. “I prefer San Lang, from Gege’s lips.”

“Mn, San Lang then.” Xie Lian smiles back. Then he quickly realizes where they are. “Ah you should sit, you’re a patient.”

He urges Hua Cheng to take a seat on the bed, which he does so without much protest. Rather, he seems to be enjoying Xie Lian’s fussy actions, ensuring he feels comfortable and safe. Xie Lian’s eyes rake over Hua Cheng, and he can’t really see the place he got shot, or anything of the sort, and it causes a certain anxiety in him. He doesn’t have much time before the doctor comes along, so he needs to make sure this check up is as swift as it is thorough, for a peace of mind. 

“C-could San Lang remove his shirt?” He stutters, grabbing a stethoscope. It would be fine to use it over the shirt, but he wants to check for any external injuries and wounds. 

Hua Cheng doesn’t question it, obediently pulling his shirt off. Xie Lian comes face to face with that sculpted chest, and the memories of that night come back to him. He really wishes they wouldn’t as now was not the time, but brains hardly ever listened to rationality. 

It’s just a medical procedure. It’s just a medical procedure. It’s just a medical procedure, He thinks like a constant mantra. 

It’sjustamedicalprocedure- 

Xie Lian moves closer, ignoring the heat creeping on his face, and he fumbles with the stethoscope. He places the cold metal on Hua Cheng’s chest, and hears his heart rate. It’s a little fast, but nothing abnormal. His chest also seems to be devoid of any wounds, which he finds very strange. A gunshot wound of that caliber would definitely leave a mark.

Seeing Xie Lian’s brows furrowed, Hua Cheng used his thumb to soften the pinch on his face. As if he could read Xie Lian’s mind, he said, “It wasn't a real gun. Just a cleverly designed tranquilizer dart.”

Xie Lian lets out a sigh of relief he didn’t even know he had been holding. His hands clench tightly, pressed against Hua Cheng’s bare chest, as he leans his head on his shoulder. “I was so worried.” He admitted. “I thought- I blamed myself for leaving you, thinking that you were just trying to send me away.”

Hua Cheng brings his strong arms around him, pulling him in a gentle, yet tight embrace. “I was trying to send you away. For your safety. He Xuan wouldn’t dare hurt me too much. I couldn’t know about you.” Hua Cheng looks at him, eyes blazing. “But Gege, I would never leave you willingly. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.” Xie Lian whispered, eyelashes trembling. It had been eight days. Eight days of wondering, of guilt, of longing. Time was short, hardly over a week, but the emotions were fresh and intense, like it was his whole lifetime. The pain hardly ebbed, and now he felt all that pressure release at the sight of Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng was alive. He was okay. And he seemed well. 

Hua Cheng brings his face close, and kisses him, teeth harsh on his lips. His mouth is plundered - Hua Cheng kisses him long and hard, like he wants this. Like he wants Xie Lian. Heady with desire, with being an object of desire, Xie Lian leans into it, pushing his lips against Hua Cheng’s. He wants Hua Cheng’s hands on him so badly.  

Hua Cheng bites his lips harshly, pushing into Xie Lian. Xie Lian falls back on the bed. He opened his mouth to gasp, but was immediately blocked by Hua Cheng’s tongue which pushed in. Their tongues collide and swirl, Xie Lian trying to keep up with Hua Cheng’s relentless conquest. Harsh muffled breaths press against his skin. It was warm, too warm. A string of saliva shown as their mouths parted, and they stared at each other breathless, faces flushed.

As they kissed, Xie Lian could taste the heat on his tongue. Unrelenting and persistent, Hua Cheng kissed him with a passion- one that mirrored his own. The pillow on the bed tipped over the edge, but neither of them cared, too enamoured with each other to even notice.

Suddenly the door creaked open. Xie Lian shoved Hua Cheng off, their mouths finally apart. To his horror, he saw a figure step inside. He heard a squeak when the figure assumedly saw them, already registering why the voice sounded so familiar. Shi Qingxuan stood by the door only to see Xie Lian pressed below Hua Cheng’s body, face flushed, buttons of his shirt fully opened, and lips very swollen. 

Hua Cheng had already turned his face around, looking at Shi Qingxuan like he wanted to burn them alive for interrupting. 

Shi Qingxuan gulped, then shot Xie Lian a ‘What is going on here look?’ Xie Lian tries to get up, to explain, or really, do anything, but Hua Cheng presses him down firmly, unwilling to let him get away.

Embarrassment floods him, and he suddenly can't look either of them in the eye. Shi Qingxuan would definitely not let this go.

 “Leave.” Hua Cheng says, voice completely cold. 

“B-but the doctor, he’s already-” Shi Qingxuan tries to say. 

“Tell him to wait.” Hua Cheng’s voice is all aggressive confidence and condescension, and something about that makes Xie Lian melt. 

Shi Qingxuan doesn’t fully leave, looking at Xie Lian, eyes signalling and wondering if he’s in trouble. Xie Lian imperceptibly shakes his head. As much as he’d rather not have anyone see him like this, he is exactly where he needs to be. Shi Qingxuan quickly retreated out the door, not wasting a single second, shutting it behind them. 

Then Hua Cheng’s hungry gaze is back on him. “Now, where were we?” He purrs. Towards him, Xie Lian felt completely helpless and totally indulgent. Even as they were caught, the shame receded, when he looked at Hua Cheng, the face of a person he loved. 

Hua Cheng ripped Xie Lian’s shirt open further, the fabric tearing with ease. Before he could mourn at its loss, he was pulled and lifted onto Hua Cheng, his strong thigh supporting Xie Lian’s weight. His hands dug into Xie Lian’s plush thighs and pushed them apart. Xie Lian shifted on Hua Cheng’s lap, his legs wrapped around the other's waist. 

They pressed their lips together again, this time the kiss softer, more sensual. Xie Lian allowed himself to follow Hua Cheng’s lead, pouring every bit of affection he felt into the other man. Hua Cheng seemed to sense that, hungrily taking it all in. They pulled apart, a single string of saliva still connected between them. 

Then, Hua Cheng pressed his lips against Xie Lian’s neck. Then his chest. His hands played with and kneaded Xie Lian’s body, until the skin beneath turned red, leaving imprints on his skin. The red marks on his pale skin were akin to flowers blossoming against the snow. Xie Lian moaned, the sound mixing with Hua Cheng’s grunts, both of them getting too worked up. Luckily for them the walls were thick, and they were all alone, no one but them to witness this erotic reunion. 

Hua Cheng grinds against his erection, as Xie Lian clings on tightly to his shoulders. His nails dig into Hua Cheng’s back- and he’s sure it must hurt, but the man hardly pays attention to it. Soon enough, their pants were off. Hua Cheng squeezed his ass, making Xie Lian whimper, before spreading it apart. 

“Gege is so wet here already,” Fingers rudely dug into his hole. “Did he prepare himself?” Hua Cheng asked, kissing his cheek. 

Xie Lian flushed, a little shy to admit it. “E-en.”

Hua Cheng’s gaze darkened. “Who was Gege with?”

“N-no one.” Xie Lian said as Hua Cheng intensified his rubbing. His body felt so sensitive when Hua Cheng was rough with him like that. Xie Lian felt like jumping out of his skin, wanting to escape the overwhelming pressure building up inside of him. 

“Then who was he  thinking about?” Hua Cheng continued with his interrogation. And Xie Lian puffed his cheek, suddenly wanting to laugh. Jealousy was rather cute on him. “Does San Lang have any guesses?”

Hua Cheng however, did not seem to share his amusement, and Xie Lian quickly learned, it was not good to tease him when he was in such a mood. Hua Cheng stimulated his body, dragging all sorts of sensation towards their edge, but quickly retreating, leaving Xie Lian wanting more. 

“S-san Lang- You-” Xie Lian moaned, losing his train of thought. He couldn’t think of any words to say, mind completely blank. He wanted to squirm, feeling a vague sense that he was being played with. 

“Who were you thinking of, Gege?” Hua Cheng asked again, the edge to his voice returning. “Answer seriously.”

However, Xie Lian had been reduced to a pile of twitches and sobs, barely capable of speaking. Hua Cheng slowed his motion, allowing Xie Lian to catch his breath, his rough actions now turning more gently. Finally, it felt like Xie Lian could breathe. 

“. . . You.” Xie Lian said softly. "Who else could it be, but you?”

“Did Gege think about me like this?” He asked, pressing their groins together. They both moaned, Xie Lian’s breath stuttering once again. 

“E-everyday. Touched myself wh-while wearing your shirt.” He gasped. “It smelled like you.”

“Fuck, Gege, you’re killing me. How are you so hot?”Hua Cheng groaned, gripping Xie Lian so tight, he thought he would break in half. Desperately, he almost wished he would. 

Hua Cheng thrusts upwards, rocking Xie Lian intensely with each movement. His eyebrows pinch and furrow together, as Hua Cheng slowly moved to kiss it away. The moment is entirely tender, despite the debauchery they were engaged in before. They both cum together, letting their bodies meld into one another. 

The tiredness evaporates from Xie Lian as he watches Hua Cheng, who is usually smug, watch him with a tender expression on his face. Xie Lian can feel his own face soften. 

He still doesn’t know many things about Hua Cheng. Perhaps this action was still foolish. He doesn’t know what was going on at the back of the cottage, but there is one thing for certain. His gut tells him to trust Hua Cheng, and he knows the man would never hurt him. Besides, somehow the affection in his heart from Hua Cheng has grown so much, he doesn’t even know if he’ll mind what he finds out. It’s a dangerous thing - his heart - which swelled to the brim with affection.

“Does Gege regret - losing his first time to a hateful demon?” Hua Cheng suddenly asked. His voice was teasing, but there was a hint of vulnerability beneath those words that Xie Lian couldn’t miss. 

He blinked. These words . . . Hua Cheng was definitely referring to his eyes. They would be scary to anyone else, but how could he fear them when they shone like precious gems? How could he not love them when they belonged to a person he was starting to cherish?

Ignoring the pain in his waist, Xie Lian crawled closer to Hua Cheng, and gently thumbed the bright red eye. It widened in surprise and Xie Lian placed a soft peck right underneath. 

“There’s nothing to hate about such a beautiful thing.” He said, a soft, subconscious, smile playing on his lips. 

Hua Cheng looked at him, stunned. Slowly, his hands curled around Xie Lian’s waist, and pulled him in. “Gege really knows what to say to make this one happy.”

“San Lang makes me happy too.” Xie Lian murmured. Then he feels himself sag a little. Would they continue to see each other after this? Really, their relationship wasn’t clearly defined. Hua Cheng felt the change in Xie Lian’s demeanor and immediately moved closer, nudging him to explain. Xie Lian sighs a little in his heart. So much for avoiding this conversation. 

“Is this it?” He asks, his voice quivering.

“Is what it?” Hua Cheng questions. 

“Our relationship . . . Ming Yi-or I suppose He Xuan- he was quite adamant that you don’t do relationships. I knew that before all this- so I won’t blame you, or force you to do anything you don’t want. But I-” Xie Lian swallows, anxiety pulsing through his body. If Hua Cheng called it all off, thinking Xie Lian was too emotional or troublesome, he would understand, but it would hurt. Hurt beyond relief. “If this is just a fling-”

While Xie Lian was absorbed in his words, he didn’t notice Hua Cheng had started caressing his waist, and tenderly stroking his back. “A fling? How could that be?” He interrupted. Then he cupped Xie Lian’s face. “Gege, oh Gege. Now that I have you, I’m never letting you go.”

Xie Lian looked at him, stunned. 

“He Xuan is a fool who knows nothing.” Hua Cheng said, lovingly tracing his lips. “At first, I was just curious. A sweet little thing like you, so unfearful of crawling into dangerous place. So trusting of me. But you were so intelligent too. Idealistic, that I thought it was foolish, but when you spoke of it, believed it, actually followed what you spoke of, I couldn’t help but feel enchanted, like I had come across a rare treasure. It helped that you were very pretty too. Gege- when you looked at me, someone so sinful, it almost felt like I could be redeemed. You were so kind, so warm, it felt good. I wanted to be around you more.”

“You’re not sinful,” Xie Lian protested. “And I’m not someone who is just kind. I’ve done bad things too.”

Hua Cheng hums. “Perhaps you have, but that doesn’t change the person you are. I know these things well. So believe me, when I say, you are the kindest person I have ever met.”

Xie Lian wanted to argue, but seeing Hua Cheng’s stern expression, he sighed. There was no arguing with pure stubbornness. So he shyly changed the topic. “W-when did you start liking me?”

“Really, from the moment I saw you. But I didn’t know how much I wanted you. That night, when you were dressed like that, and I saw you, none of my thoughts were chaste. A plaything? Those are things people toss aside. But I wanted to keep you. After you, there never could be anyone else. Being apart from you after knowing you? It was torture. Getting shot hurt less.”

Xie Lian blushed. “San Lang!” He admonished. Hua Cheng pinched his cheek. 

“So Gege tell me, How could I ever let go of you?” He whispered, voice suddenly defenseless.  “Even if you hated me- the thought of it hurt too much, but, if you really did- I wouldn’t know what to do with myself. It was scary. Most of the time I wanted to lock you up and never let you out. I almost did. But the thought of you being unhappy hurt even more.”

Xie Lian’s heart ached, “I didn’t hate you. Even after all the shock of what happened-I couldn’t. I just wanted to know the truth.” Thinking he said, “I was just upset, not knowing whether you were being sincere with me or not. But afterwards, I think it was obvious, you did care.” Voice wavering, “And I thought I had lost you.”

Hua Cheng brought his lips down, kissing him gently, like he was a delicate flower. “As long as Gege wants me, I will always be by his side.”

Xie Lian cups his hands around Hua Cheng’s cheeks, bringing the lips closer. “Always.” His breath ghosts the other’s lips. “I always want you by my side.”

The two lay side by side, secrets still kept, things still unexposed, but everything would unravel in time. Right now, Xie Lian simply wanted to enjoy Hua Cheng’s presence, happy to finally be reunited with the man he loved.