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Looking back, Lan Zhan had been in love with Wei Ying for a very, very long time.
He hadn't understood his feelings at first, and had tried time and again to push Wei Ying away. Wei Ying was loud, energetic, overly enthusiastic about near enough everything, and everywhere Lan Zhan looked. He was also incredibly stubborn, if his refusal to leave Lan Zhan alone was anything to go by.
He challenged and pushed Lan Zhan in ways he hadn't experienced before. Lan Zhan was used to being top of his class, yet suddenly there was another person vying the spot. His spot.
Lan Zhan was organised, precise, accurate in all his calculations, meticulous in his observations. Wei Ying, on the other hand, constantly questioned the accepted methods and came up with inventive new ways to achieve his goals. The first time Wei Ying had voiced one of his more unorthodox hypothesis during a lecture, Lan Zhan had smugly expected their professor would put Wei Ying firmly back in his place. Yet instead, they had showered Wei Ying in praise. Lan Zhan was shocked to see that Wei Ying himself looked as surprised by this turn of events as Lan Zhan was.
Wei Ying was undoubtedly smart, quick witted, funny and stunningly beautiful with the brightest smile Lan Zhan had ever seen. Whilst Lan Zhan was, by default, a bit of a loner as others tended to find him intimidating and unapproachable. Wei Ying attracted people to him wherever he went, his easy going manner instantly warming others to him and putting them at ease. Yet somehow, inexplicably, he was determined to be Lan Zhan's friend. He eventually let Wei Ying in, even though he knew it would hurt when Wei Ying inevitably grew bored of him and moved on, leaving Lan Zhan behind. So far, Lan Zhan had been content to only take whatever Wei Ying was willing to give. But something had changed in him recently. He wanted more, needed to know if that was something he could have. Something was urging him, pushing him, to take the risk before he was too late and Wei Ying was gone. And so Lan Zhan hatched a plan. It may not be the best plan. He may not have full confidence in it, and he wasn't sure yet if he would have the courage to see it through. But for now, it was the best idea he had.
Despite popular opinion amongst his siblings and friends, Wei Ying wasn't so oblivious. He knew he was in love with Lan Zhan. Like a moth to a flame, Wei Ying had been pulled towards him. It wasn't really something he had any control over. He was proud of now being considered Lan Zhan's friend (best friend!) after a shaky start when it was pretty clear that Lan Zhan hated him. That would do, he told himself. He was lucky to have this much. So Wei Ying pretended that he wasn't in love with Lan Zhan. When those around him made comments he would brush it off with a smile and a laugh. What was the point to admitting his feelings? Lan Zhan didn't see him that way. Lan Zhan would find someone perfect for him. Someone calm and quiet, someone neat and tidy and everything Wei Ying was not. And when that day came it would be better for him to have the shield of pretence around him. The pretence of it not bothering him, that his heart wouldn't be shattering into a million pieces. Because honestly, if losing Lan Zhan didn't kill him, the pity of everyone else would.
Meeting Lan Zhan had, in a way, freed Wei Ying. He could truly be himself, letting his intelligence and sharp mind shine through without fear of repercussions. His adoptive mother had always admonished him if he dared to perform better than his brother. They had taken him in when he had nothing. Fed him, clothed him, put a roof over his head. How dare he outshine the heir to the Jiang Corporation, showing the family up that way. He was insolent, ungrateful, unfilial.
With Jiang Cheng now in business school, while Wei Ying followed his engineering and invention dreams, the brothers were no longer in comparable fields and therefore no longer in competition with each other. Wei Ying could finally spread his wings and fly. Lan Zhan had, albeit unknowingly, been a huge part of that. As Wei Ying strived to match Lan Zhan, to be his equal, and could do so without fear of overstepping his place. Wei Ying would never regret meeting him, or falling in love with him. Because how could he not love Lan Zhan when Lan Zhan had given him everything without even realising the gift he had offered.
So Wei Ying would endure his brother's eye roll every time Wei Ying declared he and Lan Zhan were just friends. He would gently laugh off his sister's attempts to help him understand his true feelings. He would tolerate Wen Ning's opinion that the pair were meant for each other. And he would ignore Nie Huaisang telling him to just go for it. Because what none of them understood was that his feelings weren't relevant here. He wasn't going to do anything to make Lan Zhan uncomfortable. He wasn't going to risk losing Lan Zhan before Lan Zhan chose to give him up for something better. Someone better.
It wasn't unusual for Lan Zhan to invite Wei Ying to join him at their favourite cafe. It was unusual for him to look this nervous, though. Wei Ying watched as Lan Zhan lifted his teacup to his mouth, put it down again without drinking, then repeat the process. His friend clearly had something weighing on his mind. Reaching across the table, Wei Ying carefully placed his hand over Lan Zhan's, stilling the nervous movement.
"What's wrong, Lan Zhan?" he asked gently. Lan Zhan almost looked surprised to see Wei Ying sitting opposite him. He was so caught up in his own head, fretting over what he was about to do. He was so scared Wei Ying would see straight through him to the lie he was about to tell, that he had almost forgotten that this was real. Wei Ying was here and Lan Zhan was really about to do this.
Looking down at their joined hands, Lan Zhan found his voice. "I have a date." He looked back up at Wei Ying's sharp intake of breath, sure he saw something like..... Was that disappointment, sadness, even? Flash across Wei Ying's expressive features before his smile was firmly back in place.
Wei Ying needed to get a grip of himself. This was it, the moment he had been steeling himself for. He was aware he had let an unhappy "oh" slip from his mouth, before coming to his senses. Pulling his face into a grin, he squeezed his friends hands to show his support. "That's great Lan Zhan!"
Lan Zhan's heart dropped. Wei Ying was happy for him. He must have misunderstood the look from before. Maybe it had simply been surprise at Lan Zhan having a date. Despite his hurt, he was more determined than ever to see this through. "I... I have a favour. To ask."
"OK" Wei Ying took a deep breath. "Let's hear it, then! You know I'll do anything for you, Lan Zhan!"
"I... I am out.....of practice" Why was this so hard? It was why he had got them both here, so Lan Zhan could put his plan in motion. Why couldn't he get the words out?
"Of dating?" Wei Ying enquired, confusion on his face.
"Of everything" Lan Zhan tried again. "Of... Kissing" There. It was out. He had said it. Wei Ying let out another shocked "oh" and sat back in his seat, eyes wide, withdrawing his hand from where it had still been resting on top of Lan Zhan's own. Lan Zhan immediately began to panic. It was too much to ask. He had got this very wrong. "I am sorry, Wei Ying. I should not have asked this of you."
Wei Ying snapped out of it and reached for Lan Zhan's hands again, suddenly aware of the rejection his friend must be feeling. "No. No! It's fine! Honestly!" And it was. He could do this for Lan Zhan, he could! Wei Ying was glad that Lan Zhan had come to him with this. Really! And better for it to be him than someone else, right? He would be there for Lan Zhan, in any way Lan Zhan needed him to be. Even if it did mean this was it. That this was the beginning of the end for him. He knew Lan Zhan wouldn't stop being his friend, but could Wei Ying hang around and watch Lan Zhan fall for someone else? He wouldn't cry. Not yet. "When" Wei Ying stopped to clear the lump in his throat, and tried again "when would you like to do this?"
It was a week before Lan Zhan was going on his his fake date, and Wei Ying was due any moment for their practice session. Very soon, he would be kissing Wei Ying. Lan Zhan tried not to think about what would happen after. Would Wei Ying be interested in details about his date? Who it was, where they were going, how long had they known each other? Lan Zhan did not have a plan for this. He wasn't any good at lying, it wasn't something he did. Creating a whole story around the lie he had already told? Nope. Lan Zhan really wasn't sure he could do it. He checked on the drinks and snacks he had prepared once again, adjusted the position of his cushions for the hundredth time, trying to diffuse the nervous energy thrumming through him. If he didn't end up confessing everything tonight, he would tell Wei Ying the day before the fake date that it had been cancelled, he decided. Maybe Wei Ying would offer to spend the evening with him. Maybe he would get to kiss Wei Ying again. But Lan Zhan was getting ahead of himself.
Wei Ying had done this walk to Lan Zhan's apartment many times. It had never felt quite this difficult before though. With each step that took him closer the more nervous he felt. There was no way he wasn't going to do this. Kiss Lan Zhan? Of course he was doing this! He'd been dreaming of this moment for so long! Just, not under these particular circumstances. Wei Ying tried to control his spiralling thoughts. He had to remain calm. This was for Lan Zhan. Because Lan Zhan had a date. Lan Zhan was anticipating kissing his date. Wei Ying was a practice partner, nothing more. This wasn't about him. This didn't mean Lan Zhan actually wanted to kiss him, it was all for that other guy. Whoever he was, lucky sod. Wei Ying hoped the guy knew how fortunate he was, realised just how amazing Lan Zhan is. Wei Ying couldn't let his feelings show. He had to keep them hidden, shove them down. He knew this would hurt, afterwards. Once he knew what kissing Lan Zhan was like he could never unknow it. He would never get to experience it again, never get to forget that it happened, and he would have to live with that. He took a deep breath, and approached Lan Zhan's door.
There was more small talk than normal, more sipping of drinks when neither knew what topic to start on next. Their usual easy exchanges and familiarity in each others company stretched taught like a bow. Lan Zhan soon realised that he would need to take control if this was going to happen. Wei Ying was bouncing around the room like a firefly. Bright and energetic and settling no where. Sitting on the sofa, Lan Zhan quietly called to him "Wei Ying" and patted the seat next to him. Wei Ying came immediately, taking a deep breath as he sat. "So..." Wei Ying began "how do you want to do..." Lan Zhan didn't let him finish. Gently taking Wei Ying's face in his hands, he guided their lips together. Wei Ying's full, plush lips were every bit as soft as Lan Zhan had imagined they would be. Wei Ying sighed into the touching of their lips, offering up complete control to Lan Zhan. It was gentle at first. Soft. Right up until it wasn't. Hunger and need took over. Wei Ying's lips parted under his at the first time of asking, allowing Lan Zhan's tongue to go where it wanted. It was electrifying, thrilling. It was everything. Lan Zhan lost himself in it.
Wei Ying wasn't fairing much better. He had no idea how he had ended up in Lan Zhan's lap. Yet here he was. And it felt so right. Like he belonged there. More than he had ever belonged anywhere. Lan Zhan's hands were gripping tightly onto his waist. So firmly, it was sure to leave bruises. The thought of Lan Zhan leaving tangible marks on his body, leaving evidence of what they were doing here, had Wei Ying moaning into Lan Zhan's mouth. So, yeah, apparently he had a thing for that. Lan Zhan squeezed him tighter, eliciting another moan from him. Louder this time. His own hands were wound in Lan Zhan's silky hair, and he pulled unconsciously, trying to bring Lan Zhan closer. Deepening their kiss. So much for keeping his true feelings hidden, keeping himself in check. Wei Ying was going to pay hard for this later. But in that moment he just couldn't find it in himself to care.
When they eventually pulled apart, Wei Ying carefully slid himself off Lan Zhan's lap with a wry chuckle. He was painfully aware of his state of arousal and hoping beyond hope that Lan Zhan hadn't noticed. Although with the way he'd been straddling the other, it was a rather slim hope. "Fuck" Wei Ying softly exhaled, trying to catch his breath "Fuck, Lan Zhan, that was....." the words died in his throat as he looked at Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan, who was staring straight ahead, his face as neutral as ever. Like they'd just been sharing a cup of tea and not the best kiss of Wei Ying's entire existence. Totally unaffected, Lan Zhan just sat there impassively. And Wei Ying's heart shattered into a million little pieces, just like he had known it would. He just hasn't expected it to happen quite this soon. Fighting back tears, he managed to finish his sentence "... clearly not as good for you as it was for me." He needed out of that room. Now. Wei Ying stood too quickly. He felt dizzy. He felt sick. He felt like he was about to die. "I hope your date works out better for you" he softly whispered before running for the door.
Lan Zhan was dazed. His brain had stopped functioning the moment Wei Ying had reacted to the firm grip he'd had on his waist. He was aware Wei Ying was talking. Normally he enjoyed nothing more than listening to whatever Wei Ying had to say. But right now he had to remember that Wei Ying didn't think this was real. Lan Zhan had to make sure his feelings didn't show. Only, Wei Ying seemed upset? Wei Ying didn't think Lan Zhan had enjoyed it, that the kiss hadn't been good for him? Couldn't Wei Ying tell just how into it Lan Zhan had been? Lan Zhan knew he needed to find the words. But the time he did, Wei Ying was gone.
Lan Zhan didn't see Wei Ying for the next week. He didn't show up to lectures. When Lan Zhan asked after him, their professor said Wei Ying had called in sick. Wei Ying wasn't answering his phone. So Lan Zhan went round to Wei Ying's apartment. If Wei Ying was sick, maybe he couldn't get to his phone. Maybe he needed something. But Wei Ying didn't answer his door, either. In desperation, he called Jiang Cheng, who shouted "leave my brother the fuck alone, arsehole" at him before ending the call. Wei Ying was avoiding him. Wei Ying didn't want to see him, and Lan Zhan was crushed.
He should have been asleep. It was long passed his usual bedtime. But Lan Zhan hadn't been sleeping well since he had let Wei Ying walk away. Since he had let Wei Ying think their kiss hadn't been good for him. Instead Lan Zhan tossed and turned, tormented by the ghost of Wei Ying's lips on his and the memory of the look on his face before he left.
The ringing noise of his phone startled him nonetheless. Wen Ning's name coming up on the caller ID startled him even further. Wen Ning was Wei Ying's other (now only?) best friend. If he was calling Lan Zhan, that could only mean that something was wrong with Wei Ying. Wen Ning sounded out of his depth, and was clearly panicking. He didn't know what to do. Wei Ying was in a bad way, very drunk and refusing to let Wen Ning take him home. And so he had called Lan Zhan, the only person he thought Wei Ying might listen to, to come and get him. He was already pulling on his clothes as Wen Ning have him the address of the bar. Lan Zhan wasn't confident he was the correct choice this time, but promised he was on his way regardless. "You'll come?" Wen Ning asked hesitantly. Lan Zhan was already halfway out the door. Of course he would come. It was Wei Ying.
When Lan Zhan arrived Wen Ning was looking out for him and waved him over to where Wei Ying was slumped in a booth in the corner. "I... I'm sorry...he...he said not to call you....but...but I..." Wen Ning stammered out nervously, looking between Lan Zhan and Wei Ying. Wei Ying, who was clearly in a very bad way indeed. Clearly drunk (even by Wei Ying's standards), clearly crying , and just like Lan Zhan, clearly not sleeping. And yet still the most beautiful sight Lan Zhan had ever seen. "You did the right thing" he reassured Wen Ning "I will take care of him."
The quiet unnerved Lan Zhan. Wei Ying was normally so full of life, chatting away about everything and nothing and all that was in-between. The silent drive back to Lan Zhan's home, only broken by the occasional sniffle coming from the passenger seat's occupant, worried him more than anything. Lan Zhan wasn't sure if Wei Ying would want to be in his apartment again after the last time. But Lan Zhan didn't think Wei Ying capable of finding his own keys right now. And he most definitely did not want to call Jiang Cheng and ask him to bring over the spare set he kept. Wei Ying shouldn't be left alone right now, and Jiang Cheng would make Lan Zhan leave, he was sure. So back to Lan Zhan's it was.
As Lan Zhan helped Wei Ying to remove his shoes and guided him through to his bedroom, Wei Ying's silence finally broke. "You shouldn't be so nice to me. I wish you weren't so nice to me. If you weren't so nice, it wouldn't hurt so much. If you weren't so nice, maybe I could get over you. Because I need to get over you. I know that. But how am I supposed to do that? Tell me. Please. How am I supposed to get over you when you're so nice to me all the time and I like you so much and I just want the pain to go away. So please. Tell me. Tell me how I make this stop. " He was sobbing in earnest now, shaking uncontrollably. Lan Zhan wrapped his arms around him, rubbing his hands in soothing circles across Wei Ying's back. Guiding Wei Ying towards the bed, he gently laid him down and tucked the covers in around them, still holding the shaking man in his arms. "This must be a dream" Wei Ying's rambling took a different turn now "a lovely Lan Zhan dream. Because this isn't real, you're not real. I wish you were, but you're not" he continued between sobs. Lan Zhan hugged Wei Ying tighter "I am real, Wei Ying. And I am here." "No" Wei Ying shook his head "No, you can't be. Because Lan Zhan wouldn't hold me like this. Lan Zhan had a date. Lan Zhan is probably kissing his date right now. Kissing someone who isn't me. Kissing someone better than me. Because I wasn't good enough. Lan Zhan didn't like kissing me. But I liked kissing him. So much. I like Lan Zhan so much. I love him. I love Lan Zhan and he's on a date with someone else and he's kissing them and....." Wei Ying's sobs became more intense as he clutched at Lan Zhan, burying his face in Lan Zhan's neck. Oh no. What had Lan Zhan done? Wei Ying was in this state because of him, because he believed Lan Zhan was on his fake date. Wei Ying didn't know the date was fake. And Lan Zhan, in his misery over Wei Ying avoiding him, had forgotten all about it. Things had not gone to plan at all! His original plan most definitely had not factored in Wei Ying actually having feelings for him. At no point did he think that Wei Ying might get hurt in all this. He had envisioned Wei Ying asking him about the date beforehand, how Lan Zhan would say it was cancelled. How he and Wei Ying would then spend the evening together so he didn't get sad. Wei Ying would probably trash talk Lan Zhan's imaginary date, and Lan Zhan would say it was fine, because he preferred to spend his time with Wei Ying anyway. And then he was going to kiss Wei Ying again. He was going to rip the bandaid off, as the saying went, and confess his true feelings. He was going to tell Wei Ying everything he had been holding back, because he needed Wei Ying to know. He couldn't let Wei Ying believe him to be indifferent after their kiss.
Only none of that had happened. He'd let Wei Ying think he didn't enjoy what they'd started. And Wei Ying still believed Lan Zhan had gone on his date. His fake date. Wei Ying loved him! Wei Ying had been so upset at the thought of Lan Zhan dating someone who didn't exist that he had drunk himself beyond even his impressive capacity for alcohol. Just to deal with thinking Lan Zhan didn't love him back. Lan Zhan would put this right. He would. He would do whatever it took. He would spend the rest of his life making up for it if needed. Gently pressing his lips to Wei Ying's forehead, whispering "I'm so sorry, Wei Ying" into his hair, Lan Zhan let his own tears fall. He held the man who meant the entire world to him, the man he loved and who loved him.
When Wei Ying woke the sun was streaming in through the gap in the curtains. His head felt a little sore, but he wasn't sure if it was more from the amount he'd drunk or the amount he'd cried the night before. He definitely owed Wen Ning an apology, of that he was certain. At least his friend could be relied upon to not judge him for crying all over him. Not like Jiang Cheng or Huaisang who would ridicule him mercilessly for days. He was embarrassed enough as it was. After a moment, he realised he wasn't in his own room. Or his own bed. Where on earth had he ended up? He didn't remember leaving the bar, he certainly didn't remember how he got here, wherever here was. Turning to the side, he spotted a tall glass of water and a couple of painkillers. He gratefully took them, and an all too familiar scent filled his senses. Lan Zhan. The bed smelled of Lan Zhan. He blinked himself more thoroughly awake, and started to recognise bits of Lan Zhan wherever he looked. This was Lan Zhan's bedroom. He was in Lan Zhan's bed. Which meant he was in Lan Zhan's apartment. But how? Had he turned up here in his heart broken drunken state? Demanded Lan Zhan let him in? Had Lan Zhan brought his date back here with him? Did Wei Ying ruin everything by forcing his way in? Wei Ying groaned and buried his face in his hands. What had he done? Would Lan Zhan ever forgive him? He ignored him for a whole week and then demanded entry into his home bringing his date to an abrupt end. Lan Zhan had given up his bed for him, even though he really hadn't deserved such kind treatment. Lan Zhan was too good. Oh boy, did he have some grovelling to do. Wei Ying had done some truly stupid things in his time. But avoiding someone for days then spending the night in their bed having apparently gate crashed their evening? This was bad. Very bad.
Wei Ying sheepishly made his way through to the kitchen, unsure of what awaited him. What awaited him was a heavily laden table. Plate after plate of food, all of Wei Ying's favourite dishes were there. And Lan Zhan was still cooking, his back to the door, focused on his task. Wei Ying didn't understand the sight before him at all. "Lan Zhan?" he gently questioned, his voice full of the trepidation he felt. The love of his life turned to look at him with soft eyes, more gorgeous than ever, and simply nodded towards the chair Wei Ying usually occupied. Wei Ying found himself doing as Lan Zhan had silently asked, and the last dish was put in front of him. Pork and lotus root soup, just like...
"I asked your sister for the recipe" Lan Zhan finally spoke, his voice quiet as though scared he would spook Wei Ying and frighten him away. Wei Ying stared in wonder at the feast laid out before him. "For you" Lan Zhan spoke again. Wei Ying still didn't understand. "Lan Zhan, this is amazing. But, why? I don't deserve this."
Suddenly Lan Zhan was on his knees at Wei Ying's side "I'm sorry, Wei Ying. I never intended to hurt you" Oh, so that's what this was about? Wei Ying still didn't understand, though. Wasn't he the one who was supposed to be apologising? "No, Lan Zhan. No. You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm sorry, truly. I've been a terrible friend, I....."
"There was no date. I lied" Lan Zhan interrupted.
"You don't lie?" Was all Wei Ying could think to respond.
"I did. This time." And then because he wasn't sure the important detail had been noticed, repeated "There was no date"
Wei Ying tore his gaze away from the food and finally looked at Lan Zhan. "No date?"
"Mn"
"I don't understand. Lan Zhan, what do you mean?" Wei Ying felt utterly lost. Maybe he was still drunk. The amount he'd put away, it honestly wouldn't surprise him. Or maybe he was still asleep and this was all a dream.
"I wanted to kiss Wei Ying. Needed a reason to ask" Lan Zhan tried to explain. Wei Ying looked at him incredulously. "It made sense to me. At the time " Lan Zhan mumbled.
"You lied?" Wei Ying asked. Lan Zhan nodded sadly, looking more forlorn (and more adorable) than Wei Ying had ever seen him. "You lied" Wei Ying repeated, a tiny bubble of laughter making its way up through his chest. "Well, damn, Lan Zhan. Who knew you'd be so good at that"
"Mn" Lan Zhan agreed, looking slightly smug before turning contrite once more. "I truly am sorry for deceiving you."
"No, no need. Really. I. I'm sorry. Sorry I couldn't make it good for you. You went through that whole charade just to be disappointed" Wei Ying turned his face away from Lan Zhan, staring down at his lap. Lan Zhan still had work to do. Wei Ying still didn't know what he meant to him. " I was not disappointed. It was the best moment of my life so far "
Wei Ying chuckled to himself. "Please don't. Just. Don't. It's OK Lan Zhan, it's OK that it didn't do it for you. Really. Don't lie anymore. Not for me."
"I am not lying "
"OK"
"Wei Ying. Look at me." And Wei Ying did as he was asked. Because he never could refuse Lan Zhan. "I am not lying."
Wei Ying turned back to look at the food. Plate after plate of all his favourites. Lan Zhan must have been up for hours. "Let's just eat, OK Lan Zhan? You went to so much effort. The food is getting cold. We shouldn't waste it."
"Wei Ying. I. Am. Not. Lying. Please believe me. I NEED you to believe me."
"Then why?" Wei Ying's voice cracked with emotion. "Why didn't it affect you? Why didn't you feel anything?"
"It did. I did" Lan Zhan grasped Wei Ying's hands in his own. "I did not want Wei Ying to see. How much I love you. I was scared that if I showed you, if I let you see, if I didn't keep my feelings hidden, you would want nothing more to do with me."
Wei Ying slid off his chair to kneel facing Lan Zhan, entwining their hands further. "Oh, Lan Zhan. My Lan Zhan. Didn't you see what you did to me? Didn't you feel what you did to me? I've loved you for so long I....."
And then Lan Zhan was kissing him. Again. Wei Ying responded immediately. This time, when they parted, Lan Zhan let everything show. His smile matching Wei Ying's as he caressed Wei Ying's face in his hands. He would never hide the depth of his feelings from Wei Ying ever again.
"I love you, Wei Ying. Also for a long time."
"Really?"
"Really"
Wei Ying's smile became wider. "We're idiots, aren't we?"
"Mn" Lan Zhan happily agreed "idiots"
Lan Zhan gave a quick kiss to the tip of Wei Ying's nose "I will never lie to you again."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise." A sly smile crept across Lan Zhan's features "unless it's necessary, of course"
Wei Ying threw his head back and laughed. It was wonderful and joyous and Lan Zhan thought his heart would burst with all the love he held for this man. Wei Ying pulled them both to their feet and onto the waiting chairs. "Let's eat" he said, using his chopsticks to select a succulent piece of lotus root from his bowl and feeding it to the wonderful, wonderful man beside him.
Happier than he had ever believed possible.