Wei Ying slowly turned around, resisting the urge to chug down the glass the wine in his hand. The valet was standing far too close to him, and he could smell the sweet and spicy sandalwood scent that he had detected when they were sitting next to the rabbits.

He had just been asked where his sister was...

"I thought she was right here..." Technically, it wasn't a lie and he pretended to look around.

The valet looked around with him, and Wei Ying wondered how long he should keep up the ruse.

"Who are you looking for?" Jiang Cheng sidled up to him.

"His sister." The valet replied, frowning.

At least, Wei Ying could tell what the valet was projecting; Jiang Cheng just grinned.

"Oh, she's outside with the peacock."

Wei Ying did not know how to feel about that.

The valet went to go outside, and Wei Ying was about to follow him, because surely it couldn't be that easy, but Jiang Cheng stopped him. He dragged him to a secluded corner and who should be waiting there, but his partner in crime? Nie Huaisang started fanning himself and Wei Ying wondered how strong his wrists were by now.

"Spill the dirt! Where were you?" Jiang Cheng asked him, none too friendly.

"In the garden with the Valet." Wei Ying went to leave but he was given a rough push back.

"Wei-Xiong, you can't possibly think that we'd be satisfied with that!" Huaisang said with a grin. "It's our necks on the line too. What else happened?"

"Nothing, except I got myself a deal!" Wei Ying couldn't help but look smugly at both of them. "The kiss is as good as mine."

"You're lying!" Jiang Cheng scoffed, giving him another shove.

"Nope, I so am not!" Wei Ying lifted three fingers to his temple. "The valet said he would help me. If I can't get anyone else to kiss my cheek by the time the Matchmakers Ball is over and done with, he's going to kiss it for me. So there!" He stuck his tongue out at both of them.

"The valet doesn't count!" Jiang Cheng scowled, just to spite him.

"Oh, come on! Neither of you stipulated who, so it really doesn't matter. A kiss is a kiss!" Wei Ying shouted, and for a second, everyone looked in his direction.

Jiang Cheng shoved him again, when the noise levels resumed to normal.

"Keep your voice down, idiot! Do you want everyone to find out?" He hissed.

"So...this means you have to return tomorrow night in your sister's clothes, then?" Huaisang, always a few steps ahead, muttered.

Wei Ying beamed at him, his eyes pleading for himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the valet returning and decided to make a hasty exit. There was no need to talk to him further today, as he could just say his "sister" had told him everything the day before, when they met tomorrow.

But he underestimated the speed with which the valet could move; Wei Ying was barely outside before a voice called out to him to stop. It was too close for him to feign ignorance, so he turned around reluctantly, keeping a bright smile plastered to his face.

The valet stepped forward with a beautiful gentian flower, its delicate blue petals a stark contrast to his elegant, long and pale fingers.

"Please deliver this flower to Chenqing." He said softly.

Wei Ying took it carefully, while inside, his heart was hammering like a thunderbolt. His first flower!! His first ever flower, as a romantic gift! He was squealing inside, even as his eyes lifted to those golden ones.

Lan Zhan had searched for Chenqing all along the length of their substantial gardens, hoping to catch a glimpse of the silver-eyed beauty, but luck was not on his side. However, when his gaze had landed on his mother's favourite flower, he had a sudden idea. Chenqing would go home and meet her brother, and Lan Zhan could still leave her with something from himself.

Now, as he lifted his hand to gift it to the young man, he thought how remarkable it was that he and his sister looked so similar...except this young man had a beauty spot just under his fair lips. But the sparkle in those shining mercurial eyes was the same. He understood that this was a boy...and not his sister...so why the sudden curdling of his insides, when their eyes met? Lan Zhan could feel his chest getting warmer as something akin to desire awoke, deep within his heart. Why was he attracted to both of them?

He felt almost shy as he opened his mouth.

"What is your name?"

"Wei Ying."

Wei Ying could have kicked himself! How could he have just blurted out his real name? Just like that? Good job, Idiot! He berated himself, and then realised that he still did not know the valet's name either. Just in case he had to ask around for him.

"Yours?"

"Lan Zhan."

"Lan Zhan." Wei Ying tested it out on his tongue, deciding he liked the way it sounded. "Lan Zhan...Lan Zhan?" Uh oh..."are you related to the King?" God, he hoped not...

"Distant uncle..." Lan Zhan wondered if he had disclosed too much information...but judging by the relief on the other's face, he might gave gotten away with it.

"Your sister wants you to take me to the chocolate shop, tomorrow morning." Lan Zhan continued, wanting to keep talking to this beautiful boy. "Can we meet here? Ten o'clock sharp."

"Of course." Well, this was one problem solved, Wei Ying smiled to himself. This might not be so difficult after all.

"Will you...Will you wait for me? If I am late?" Lan Zhan suddenly felt incredibly shy. He had never made a date before, much less chase someone leaving their Palace...and his somewhat crazy actions were catching up with him.

They were standing on the curved bridge that led away from his home. In the silver moonlight, with the river gently gurgling away beneath them, and the stars coming out to play...it was beautiful.

"I don't mind waiting..." Wei Ying was telling him.

In this pale semi darkness, it seemed as if Wei Ying was promising him something more, and Lan Zhan was beginning to feel conflicted. He couldn't understand why he was feeling this way...as if the universe was giving him a gift. Could he accept? But then, what about Chenqing?

Lan Zhan stepped forward, a little closer. A light floral scent drifted towards his nostrils...lotus flowers he recognised, and he smiled.

"It is a beautiful night." He murmured.

"Yes, it is." Wei Ying turned his body towards the edge of the bridge.

The soft silvery glow of the moonlight with her dancing stars were reflected upon the surface of the slow waters, colouring everything in an indigo light. Wei Ying was reminded of the porcelain stalls famous for their blue scenic paintings on ceramic bowls and plates; this scene, were he to imagine it so, could well be depicted upon one such plate and it would not seem to be so out of place.

There was a magic all around them, in the hush, in the still of the night and yet it had nothing to do with the quiet serenity surrounding them. Wei Ying felt at peace suddenly, as if naming what he felt made it more real.

"Mn." Lan Zhan agreed.

Had he said it out loud? Wei Ying looked across at Lan Zhan and was startled again by his beauty. His pale skin looked as if it was made out of porcelain, his golden eyes deep and intense. His white robes felt perfect, as if he was created just for this single moment in time. Everything he was feeling was right...as if it was meant to be.

"I should go."

"Me too."

But neither moved away...instead their bodies edged ever closer.

Wei Ying looked out across the river. Time seemed suspended, like they were standing still, simply enjoying this single moment that stretched into something longer...and he didn't want it to end.

"Look." Lan Zhan pointed up towards the sky, where a shooting star blazed a trail of glory.

"Hurry, Lan Zhan! Make a wish!" In his excitement, Wei Ying had claimed his hands which had been resting on the cold stones of the bridge wall, now suffused with the warmth from his own.

They both closed their eyes and wished for the dreams deep within their hearts to come true.

*******

The next morning, Wei Ying woke sluggishly, turning over to find more warmth. He had been dreaming of a beautiful boy with golden eyes and the dream was too good to let go of...until something wet landed on his face.

"Ew..." He rose, bleary-eyed, trying not to glare at his younger brother. "Jiang Cheng...you're going to pay for that!"

It was too early to be yelling but Wei Ying only lowered it because it hurt his ears now. Jiang Cheng was backing away with his hands up, a naughty look on his face.

"Hey, you're the one moaning about ten o'clock...since it's gone a quarter past, I thought I should let you know..." He was treated to the once-in-a-lifetime scenic vision of a panicking Wei Ying...and who knew he could get up so fast and change his clothes?

Wei Ying washed his face and rinsed his mouth and ran as fast as he could, but he could not escape ShenShen Yu.

"Breakfast!" She yelled with a crackle of Zidian at her wrist.

Wei Ying grabbed a steamed bun and ran outside, giggling at her expression. He still had to fly to Gusu and he was incredibly late. The chill in the wind and the exhilarating flight turned out to be in his favour; as he landed and ran to the bridge, he saw Lan Zhan already waiting for him.

Lan Zhan turned when his name was shouted, and counted himself blessed by the sight that met his eyes. A rosy cheeked, silver sparkling eyed young man strode towards him with a single purpose, and his mouth went dry as his heart stuttered in his chest.

If he had thought Wei Ying was beautiful last night, then this daylight Wei Ying was simply gorgeous, too perfect to look at head on like the sun. Lan Zhan tried to settle his stomach as the other boy approached.

"I'm so sorry to keep you waiting!" He cried, coming close and holding both of Lan Zhan's hands in apology.

Lan Zhan wanted him to never let go.

"It has not been long." Perhaps it was a little lie...but ever since last night, Lan Zhan found he was okay with the tiny ones...

Today out of all the days, his Xiongzhang wanted to chat about last night. Lan Zhan couldn't leave without it looking suspicious and since he didn't want a royal guard or nosy questions, he had to wait until he could sneak out of the Palace without detection. He had to "borrow" the brown robes he was wearing too, because his usual white was too eye-catching. It had been the right choice because now he and Wei Ying matched, easily blending into the crowd.

Wei Ying knew he was staring but there was nothing he could do about it. As he ran towards him, in that moment Lan Zhan became the sun and the moon and everything in between, for his startling beauty was otherworldly. Daylight accentuated his pale skin, no less diminishing the intensity behind those amber orbs, but now Wei Ying could see the whole package and he liked it. He tried not to blush and something inside of him wanted to reach out and touch him, needing to reassure himself that Lan Zhan was real.

The moment his hands folded over those pale fingers, electricity zapped through his body and for a moment, Wei Ying was stunned. To cover this up, he laughed awkwardly.

"Come on Lan Zhan! Let's go!" Wei Ying didn't want to let go of his hands though, so he kept hold of one and ran across the bridge, in the opposite direction of the Palace.

Through the mid morning crowds they ran, and this was an exhilarating experience for Lan Zhan who had always travelled by carriage, the heavy brocade curtains separating him from this, this feeling of truly being alive. Here, the different scents assaulted his nose, from the eye-watering onions to the pungent garlic, to the spices and aromas of freshly cooked street food, and Wei Ying was already handing him half a steamed bun.

"Don't worry about money, Lan Zhan! I stole Jiang Cheng's purse!" Wei Ying raised his face to the sky and laughed as if it was the funniest joke on earth. "Serves him right for the way he woke me up." Wei Ying complained.

Lan Zhan was trying to imagine how that must have been and comparing it to how in the past when he was a child, his Xiongzhang used to wake him up. He couldn't ever remember it being something that needed revenge exacted upon.

"Are you hungry, Lan Zhan? Did you eat breakfast already?" Wei Ying was looking up and down at his body.

Lan Zhan was feeling too hot suddenly and could only answer, "mn." Which could have meant anything...

"Have you ever tried these honey cakes, Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying dragged him to a stall where an old lady was busy turning them over in the sugary batter.

He beamed at her and her complimented her face as he shamelessly flirted, while he only had to pay for two of the four he bought. Lan Zhan was watching the whole interaction with wonder and interest and if there was just a tad jealousy, he didn't question it. So he was surprised when Wei Ying pushed the soft, fluffy desert into his hands, licking his fingers afterwards...and Lan Zhan was losing his thoughts very quickly...

"Eat it while it's hot, Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying told him, biting into his own cake.

Lan Zhan was too busy watching the way Wei Ying devoured his, and how a little bit of the molasses stuck to the side of his lip...and Lan Zhan wanted to lick it off...surprising himself. He shook off those thoughts and ate quickly as it seemed Wei Ying was waiting for him.

"We can wash our hands in the river, look! There's plenty to see on our way..." Wei Ying didn't want to touch Lan Zhan with his dirty hands, so he gestured down by the riverside.

Here, fishing boats were making their way towards the mouth of the river leading to the open sea; men and women were washing their clothes on the river banks, children shrieked played in the shallow waters while a family of ducks quacked as they swam on by.

The smell of the water was different here, not salty but fresh and full of life. Lan Zhan gazed about him noting the ramshackle buildings that looked anything but reliable and sturdy on the banks of the river, far enough away to be safe, for the moment. If the waters rose as they were apt to do in the monsoon, those homes would be destroyed along with whatever meagre supplies they had.

Other children were playing in the dirt, their clothes ragged and torn, but they happily laughed and messed around.

"Come, Lan Zhan. We should reach the shop before it closes for the afternoon siesta." Now that his hands were clean, Wei Ying had no problem holding Lan Zhan's hand, blushing as he reached for it, but since Lan Zhan took it willingly, he summarised that there wasn't a problem.

Another bridge was crossed and then, Lan Zhan came upon the most magnificent sight. Hundreds of vendors had laid out their wares, and it was an ocean of colour, scent and beauty. This was the flower market and there was so much to see! Lotus flowers and camellias, sweet pea and honeysuckle, daisies and lilies, from vibrant reds, and fiery oranges, to friendly yellows and shocking pinks, it was a feast for his eyes. And the fragrances! Lan Zhan was in heaven...could his day get any better?

And then upon seeing a rare flower, a thousand petal lotus bloom, he decided to buy it. Its petals were a deep, rich magenta with a yellow centre...and the scent reminded him of Wei Ying.

Wei Ying had been watching the way a young girl was making a garland, by piercing the centre of her flower with a needle and thread, when Lan Zhan tapped his shoulder. He turned around and saw the most prettiest flower he had ever seen, and when Lan Zhan gave it to him, he was surprised.

"Is this for Chenqing?" He joked.

"No. The gift is for the one who spends his time with me now." Lan Zhan turned away, shocked at himself. He had forgotten all about Wei Ying's sister...and the deal he had made. It was making him uncomfortable suddenly.

And then, something shocking and completely unexpected happened.

They were about to climb up another bridge, when a group of big dogs chased after a tiny one, barking like mad, their sharp teeth dripping  with saliva, eyes red with hate...and Wei Ying screamed.

Lan Zhan didn't know what was going on, because Wei Ying jumped into his arms, his terrified body shaking like an autumn leaf ready to submit to the wind. His cries grew pitiful as the dogs neared, and Lan Zhan realised what was making him so scared, he carried Wei Ying inside the nearest shop.

It turned out to be a book store, but right now, Lan Zhan didn't care. Wei Ying was in his arms, Wei Ying was frightened out of his mind, and Lan Zhan wanted nothing more than try to make him feel better. The proprietor motioned towards a chair tucked away behind some shelves, and Lan Zhan nodded his thanks.

He sat down with Wei Ying in his lap, holding him impossibly close. He remembered what his Xiongzhang used to do for him whenever he had woken from a bad dream and hoped that it would work for Wei Ying too. It was a new composition and he was worried that Wei Ying wouldn't like it, but he started humming it anyway. With one hand, he held Wei Ying's body securely against himself, and with his free hand, he began stroking his hair, ever so gently.

Gradually, the sobs turned into whimpers and then finally, Wei Ying stilled.

"I'm sorry." He whispered. "We were having such a nice day, and I had to go and ruin it!"

His cheeks were pink and still tear streaked, and Lan Zhan thought he looked adorable. He took out a white handkerchief and gently wiped his face.

"No need to be sorry. Not in Wei Ying's control. Dogs?" He asked, needing confirmation.

"Ah...I'm terrified of them." He tried to laugh it off but it came out like a sob instead.

"Let us not speak of them, then." Lan Zhan replied firmly. "You can help me pick out a gift for your sister."

"A gift? It's not necessary!" Wei Ying squeaked, wondering how he could explain that to Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang.

But Lan Zhan was feeling guilty. His initial attraction to Chenqing was tepid compared to the raging hot need simmering in his belly right now, and he needed to take his mind off...other things.

Now, he wanted to buy Chenqing a gift so he could apologise properly, because the more he looked at Wei Ying, the more he spent time with him, the more he felt he would have to go back on his word, the promise he had made to the young woman. And this needed to be rectified immediately. Luckily, Chenqing was going to return this evening; he would present her with his gift then and explain his predicament. Hopefully, she would understand then.

Wei Ying felt warm and safe here, protected from those savage hounds. And he didn't want to admit it, but Lan Zhan smelled amazing! It was so nice, having those strong arms wrapped around him, holding him securely in place. But he got up reluctantly because he wasn't completely shameless.

"Does your sister like to read?" Lan Zhan inquired.

Wei Ying nodded, because he was the sister, but now he was feeling incredibly guilty.  He was in effect, lying to this kind boy, who had protected him with his body in good faith, and Wei Ying was lying to him...

"What kind of books does she like?" Lan Zhan turned away to skim the titles of the books in front of him.

"Talismans." Wei Ying blurted out before thinking. He should really stop doing that...

Lan Zhan spun around.

"Talismans? Your sister?"

Wei Ying grinned weakly and nodded, kicking himself.

Talisman study was rare for young students, who were mostly boys, so for him to imply that his sister had an interest for something that was quite unladylike...no wonder Lan Zhan was staring back at him thoughtfully.

Silently, he made his way to back to the proprietor and asked him. Not surprisingly, he had only one or two, and Lan Zhan decided to buy both, with a worried-looking Wei Ying at his elbow.

"That's too much, Lan Zhan. You'll embarass her!" He whispered.

Lan Zhan just smiled and paid up.

"I believe we are headed for the chocolate shop now?" He asked.

"It's right next door." He led the way.

Once the door opened, they both inhaled deeply. Just the air was rich, deep and heavy, sweet with forbidden undertones. Lan Zhan loved it immediately.

He looked around and saw that it was actually a sweet shop, not just a chocolate store. All around the brown shelves were clear jars of sweets, a riot of colours in candy pink to sherbet lemons, chocolate oranges and peppery mints. Liquorice and boiled sweets were piled on the counter, and then they saw the chocolate section.

Lan Zhan wanted to ask Wei Ying what his sister had given him last night...but he thought maybe Wei Ying wouldn't know. However, there were other questions he could ask.

"What is Wei Ying's favourite?" He knew he was standing too close to him, but suddenly, the combination of Lotus flowers and chocolate was proving to be a different type of temptation...

Wei Ying shivered at the hot breath right next to his ear. He quickly picked up a couple of bags of anything, just to be able to move away, but he answered.

"I love milk chocolate the best." He had turned to pay for his purchases then, and didn't see Lan Zhan gawk at what was in his hands, plus Wei Ying was far too distracted by the other than to actually look at what he was buying.

Lan Zhan bought it in bulk. It had tasted so good - he was really hoping Wei Ying was talking about this - that he wanted his Xiongzhang to taste it too...even uncle. And he wanted to gift some to his Wei Ying too...but he could surprise him with it later. Now, they were making their way back to the Palace, but Lan Zhan thought his feet were heavier than when they had started out.

He couldn't be late though, he still had to get ready for this second night of the Matchmakers Ball. They parted on the bridge where they had met, and Lan Zhan hoped it wasn't his imagination that Wei Ying didn't want to go either...but as Wei Ying walked away from him, Lan Zhan was filled with an inexplicable urge to stop him, to call out his name, to run towards him and kiss him on those cherry lips and see for himself what they tasted like.

********

Jiang Cheng was livid.

Wei Ying heard him shouting from all the way outside, and he took off running, hoping to appease his baby brother before they started getting ready for tonight's ball. He was supposed to steal another of Jiang YanLi's outfits today, and Wei Ying still needed him for that.

Luckily, he saw the label on the bags of chocolate he had purchased, and managed to rip off the part that said laxatives...

********

A/N

I'm having more fun with this now, and I hope you are too.

spicysweet_chocomint  your idea turned out to be a surprise for both of us, hehe.

Thank you lovely readers for reading and telling me what you think.

I'm sending you all virtual hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows to show my appreciation...

Merry Christmas Eve to everyone.

Charlie