Wei Ying looked at the second hand on the massive grandfather clock in the corner of the tattoo parlour and sighed. He knew wishing it would move faster didn't actually make it so...but a man could hope...

One whole hour was left before he could close up and tonight was slow with not many walk-ins either.

He looked around his pride and joy at the many pieces of art work covering the walls. One section was just black and white, while the rest of every available surface including the ceiling was an explosion of colour. From naked mermaids to various flowery skulls, religious symbols to icons, simple I-love-moms to angels and devils. There were wild animals, fangs drawn ready to bite, mythical beasts that ranged from multi-coloured unicorns to fiery dragons.

They offered a freehand service too for anyone who had the perfect image "in their heads" and Wei Ying had his own personal motto of attempting the impossible. He could draw anything from doodles to elaborate pieces which would take more than a few sessions.

He owned this store with Jiang Cheng, his brother in disguise and if love could be described as a coffee, then Wei Ying’s was black, no sugar.

The strongest kind without any frills.

That wasn't to say that they didn't bicker or not see eye to eye on many things, of course they did. But Wei Ying knew without a doubt that Jiang Cheng had his back no matter what and it was the same for him.

The door tinkled as their little silver bell alerted Wei Ying that a potential customer had walked in.

But when his silver eyes met beautiful amber ones shining with intensity, Wei Ying felt something shift in his chest.

"Good evening. And what may I do for you?" Wei Ying had several ideas, of what he wanted to do to him, and all of them were good...racy even...

But there was something not quite right...

Wei Ying couldn’t actually put his finger on it but-

The stranger thrust his phone right in front Wei Ying’s face, and Wei Ying had a struggle, dragging his eyes away from this perfect specimen of a human being. He really was gorgeous.

The picture on the phone was a delicate blue gentian flower.

"Um...so is this what you want?" Wei Ying lifted his eyes up again and lost his breath.

What was it about this guy?

Wei Ying had never felt like this before, like a giddy teenager standing in front of his crush. Pull yourself together, man, he told himself sharply and concentrated on what the stranger was saying.

"I want this."

Oh. My. God....his voice was like ripples of sweet dark syrup drenched over banana ice cream...complete with chocolate chips...Wei Ying wanted to giggle because that particular flavour was called monkey business...how apt...

But then, the more Wei Ying looked at him...he realised that there was something off.

This man wasn't quite focused, or at least it took him a few moments to really see Wei Ying.

Wei Ying stepped forward and took a discreet sniff....it was exactly as he suspected. There was the faintest trace of alcohol.

"Are you alright, sir?" Wei Ying asked him, noticing his eyes becoming darker at his last word.

He came around the corner and gently guided the beautiful man onto the bench on the side for clients who had to wait. Pushing him down was easy, but then as Wei Ying stood up, he realised that it wasn't so easy for Lan Zhan to keep looking up at him.

So he crouched down and that seemed to make it much better for the stunning man.

Wei Ying blushed because his mind had become a romance novelist's thesaurus on adjectives describing this gorgeous man.

"Gege...I think...I think maybe I should go get you a glass of water." Wei Ying said, standing up.

The stranger did not say anything, just continuing to stare in his bizarrely intense way, his golden gaze following Wei Ying as the latter disappeared behind the back door to get him a glass of water.

Wei Ying brought it out, wanting to just hand it over to him, but the beautiful stranger just looked up at him uncomprehendingly.

"To drink?" He asked, helplessly.

But there was basically no response from the sitting man.

"Okay...let me help you, Gege." Wei Ying smiled, feeling a wave of protectiveness coming over him.

He lifted the cool glass to those sensuous lips, watching them part softly to let the fluid pass inside. All throughout, that gaze was unflinching, trained on him the entire time.

Meanwhile, Wei Ying was hearing his heart thudding loudly in his chest, and it became amplified when the stranger's first finger and thumb wrapped delicately around his wrist. He blushed because it seemed as if whoever he was could feel Wei Ying’s pulse thundering in his veins. Sharp, little tingles broke out over the surface of his skin.

He forced himself to concentrate on the man in front of him.

There was a wonderful scent...mixed in with the faintest trace of alcohol which seemed to be receding now. Wei Ying was trying to place it...he remembered a long time ago, he had been taken to a temple and this same fragrance was most aromatic. It left such an impression on him that he was remembering that time once more.

Sandalwood!

That's what it was!

Wei Ying smiled as the name came to him.

The stranger also smiled in response to that, and in doing so, he stole every coherent thought in Wei Ying's head. It was the faintest trace, a hint of a smile as his beautiful lips turned up in the most minimal expression.

But even that slightest change transformed his face, leaving Wei Ying feeling dazed.

"You're really handsome, Gege..." He breathed out.

"Lan Zhan." The stranger replied, showing him his phone again.

"Lan Zhan..." Wei Ying smiled back kindly now, because one, he wanted to say his name. It sounded so nice, rolling off his tongue that Wei Ying had to say it again, just because he liked it so much. And the second reason he was trying to be kind was because they had a strict rule in the Lotus Pier Tattoo Parlour, and while they didn't have many rules as such, it was one that they enforced. "Handsome Gege...we can't give you a tattoo. You're clearly not in your right mind...and I don't want you to regret it later."

Lan Zhan frowned.

He pushed the phone into Wei Ying's personal space once more.

"I want this one." He said, his voice washing over Wei Ying again.

Wei Ying shivered, giving him back his phone and shaking his head.

"I'm really sorry. No can do." He went to move away, but Lan Zhan caught hold of his wrist, making Wei Ying turn around.

He gasped, because those beautiful golden eyes were wet, like a sunset on the ocean.

"Lan Zhan..."

"Please...it's all I have of her." More tears fell from his lovely face.

Wei Ying was teetering on indecision.

Should he say yes? What if Lan Zhan came back tomorrow upset about his tattoo?

The problem was, Lan Zhan was already upset.

And tomorrow hadn't happened yet.

"Okay...I know what to do." Wei Ying said softly. "Come and sit here." Wei Ying used his sleeve to wipe away the rest of Lan Zhan’s tears.

He made Lan Zhan stand up and brought him to his station.

Lan Zhan was so pliant and obedient that Wei Ying could feel his heart melting. He had never had anyone be this insistent on getting a tattoo, to the extent of crying about not getting one. And then, it begged the question that this flower ... why was it so important to this beautiful man? To that level, where he was upset enough to cry?

"Where would you like your tattoo?" Wei Ying asked him gently. He knew Jiang Cheng would yell at him tomorrow for doing this...but how could he say no to that face? Lan Zhan looked way too adorable to refuse.

Lan Zhan extended his left hand, and snapped off his wristwatch.

"Here."

Wei Ying suppressed another shiver and took his wrist, pulling his hand towards himself. He was sitting down in his wheelie chair while Lan Zhan towered over him.

Lan Zhan’s wrist was just as pale as the rest of him, and for some inexplicable reason, Wei Ying wanted to place a kiss on his pulse point, simply because it looked so inviting.

And then Wei Ying had a brilliant idea.

What if he made Lan Zhan’s tattoo small enough to fit under his watch? That way, he could hide it if he regretted it when he was sober.

"Here, Handsome Gege, lie down here." Wei Ying patted the bench in front of him, ready with new tissue paper for the next client.

He prided himself on running a clean business; a wipe down on everything including the surface of his desk and they used new needles with every single client.

He opened up three vials of ink and poured them out into easy containers.

Lan Zhan lay down where Wei Ying had indicated. He did it with a natural elegance and Wei Ying slipped a pillow under his neck.

He checked his watch; still just over half an hour to go before he had to close....this was doable.

Wei Ying didn’t need to trace the pattern on Lan Zhan’s skin first, he was adept at drawing freehand and so he started his machine.

Lan Zhan was remarkably calm now.

Wei Ying tapped the firm skin where he was about to start drawing, getting Lan Zhan’s attention.

"Last chance to back out, Handsome Gege. What do you say?" Wei Ying wiggled his eyebrows at the prone man, his mouth twitching in amusement. He kind of felt that Lan Zhan wasn't the sort of person who would go back on a decision, but given the circumstances and the state which Lan Zhan was in, Wei Ying had to ask.

"Do it." Lan Zhan commanded.

"Alright, you got it." Wei Ying replied. "It stings a bit, but I think you're strong enough to handle it."

"Mn." Lan Zhan closed his eyes.

Wei Ying took it as getting his permission to start.

**********

Half an hour later, Wei Ying’s work was done. As he wiped the image with antibacterial wipes, adding any finishing touches he thought it needed, he was surprised at how good it turned out.

He had to mix a couple of purple and indigo shades together to create the texturing and shadowing on the petals, and he was aware that it hurt more when he had to use a bigger needle, but all throughout Lan Zhan never complained once.

Wei Ying saw him clench his other fist tightly a couple of times, but other than that, he was a model client.

The blue gentian was vivid and detailed in a beautiful way, the curl of the petals just right to give it a 3-D effect. Wei Ying was proud of how it turned out.

But now, when Wei Ying looked up, he saw Lan Zhan had fallen asleep.

Right there, on his bench.

Now what?

Wei Ying peeled off his gloves, watching him sleeping. He carefully placed a gauze bandage over the gentian flower, admiring it one more time before taping the cover over it.

The problem with every drunk tattoo was that the recipients were never sober enough for the aftercare instructions, hence he and Jiang Cheng had decided to have cards printed with full directions on what to do next.

Not that anyone ever read them, but it was just another way to cover their backs in case anything went wrong.

It was just past eight now, and Wei Ying wondered what to do with his guest while he disinfected his work space thoroughly. Maybe Lan Zhan would wake up by himself soon...

Wei Ying went over to lock their front door, flipping the sign over first when he happened to look outside.

A carbon copy of the man lying down behind him, was frantically looking side to side, and something compelled Wei Ying to yank open his door and call out to him.

"Excuse me, Sir?" He waited for the carbon copy to turn back, examining his features and finding an astounding similarity between Lan Zhan and this man. If anything, Wei Ying would have said that this man's eyes were slightly darker than Lan Zhan’s. "Can I help you?"

"I'm looking for my brother! We were at a dinner in a place further up...and he drank out of someone else's glass by mistake. I'm afraid he's not in the best condition right now."

"Oh...well, I think you better come inside." Wei Ying opened his door wider. "Lan Zhan is over there." He pointed to the back of his studio.

"There?" Lan Zhan’s brother looked all around him, gaping at the bright pictures of naked ladies and flowers...everything, really.

"Um...so...I'm Wei Ying, Wei WuXian, and er...your brother walked in and asked for a tattoo."

The brother looked horrified.

"Where's my brother?" His voice had gone from mildly warm to polar ice cap frosty.

"Relax, he's sleeping, Gege. Look, come and see." Wei Ying led him further into the parlour after locking the front door.

The brother didn't say anything, wordlessly following him to Wei Ying’s work station.

Wei Ying watched as the brother checked Lan Zhan was okay. And then he noticed the bandage on Lan Zhan’s wrist.

"Tell me you didn't give him a tattoo?" The stranger sounded really angry now.

But Wei Ying wasn't scared; this was exactly why they didn’t allow people to make skin altering decisions while inebriated.

Tattoos were permanent.

"Hey...I tried to talk him out of it, you know. But he cried....and I...I couldn't say no." Wei Ying admitted.

"What did he ask you for?" The stranger asked.

"A blue gentian."

Wei Ying was not expecting this brother to cry too, but his eyes filled with moisture as he turned back to look at his sleeping brother.

"If you don't mind me asking, what is the significance of that?" Wei Ying handed him a tissue.

"I'm Lan XiChen." The brother held out his hand to shake Wei Ying’s, finally deciding that he was going to be civil.

Wei Ying shook it politely, waiting for him to answer.

"Our mother loved that flower. Whenever we'd go to visit her, that's what we brought her. She passed away a few months ago...and WangJi didn't take it well. We all thought he was doing better...but I guess not." He ended, sadly.

A part of Wei Ying was glad that it wasn't for another woman, but he felt incredibly sad that Lan Zhan was going through something so traumatic.

They were both silent for a while.

But it was getting late and Wei Ying needed to get home soon.

"Er...so I drew a small one, right where his watch face can cover it if he regrets it in the morning." Wei Ying said, giving his brother Lan Zhan’s watch back.

Lan XiChen glanced at it before his eyes returned to Wei Ying. His expression was mysterious as he turned something over in his mind.

"You can take the bandage off in about three hours. These are the care instructions and this is antibacterial gel." Wei Ying handed those over too. "I'm glad I found you, otherwise I wasn't sure what to do with him...probably have had to sleep here for tonight."

"I'm also relieved you found me. Thank you for taking care of my brother for me." Lan XiChen was definitely thawing now.

"Oh...that's okay. We don't do drunk requests...but I hope that he likes it when he wakes up." Wei Ying watched as XiChen put away the things he had given him and went to lift up his brother. "Can you manage? Will you be alright?" Wei Ying asked, a little concerned.

"It's fine. But if you could just grab the door for me?" Lan XiChen said, hoisting his brother up into a fireman's carry.

"Sure thing!" Wei Ying did as he requested. "Do you have a car?"

"Yes, and a driver so we're good. Thank you, Wei WuXian." Lan XiChen said, walking away without a backward glance.

Wei Ying watched them leave with a pang in his heart, knowing that he would probably never see either of them again.

Which was okay, he told himself.

Even if it made him sad.

********

Lan Zhan woke up with a throbbing in his temples and a soreness in his wrist. He got up, eyes still half closed and wandered into the kitchen where he found a glass of water covered with a dish upon which rested a couple of painkillers.

When he went to lift his hand up, he saw the blue flower on the inside of his wrist. Startled, he just caught himself from dropping the glass.

Where had it come from?

There was a brief flash of silver eyes, so calm and kind and beautiful, that for a second, Lan Zhan’s breath caught in his throat.

But the image was gone as soon as it appeared and Lan Zhan shook his head to clear it.

He tried to remember what might have happened last night, but his last memory was  sitting around a table with a few strangers and his brother.

Then he saw the note his brother had left for him.

"Call me."

********

Wei Ying opened up the shop still yawning and barely awake, taking a swig from his coffee chocolate latte as the bell jingled on top of the door.

Just two minutes into him turning on the lights, and the bell tinkled once more.

Wei Ying looked up in surprise and nearly dropped his drink from the shock.

Lan Zhan was back.

Golden eyes just as intense as last night, were staring right back at him.

Wei Ying nervously smiled.

This could go one of two ways: either Lan Zhan was extremely pissed at the tattoo and then by proxy, Wei Ying for doing it in the first place, or he was happy...which didn't seem to be true judging from the way he was looking at him now.

"Handsome Gege...would you like another tattoo?" Wei Ying grabbed the nearest picture which turned out to be of a naked woman and showed him.

Lan Zhan’s ears were a bright red.

"Shameless!" He turned away, looking around the tattoo parlour.

Wei Ying giggled and put the picture face down on the counter.

Again, the scent of sandalwood drifted into his nose and he took a deep breath to appreciate it.

"Did I really come here last night?" Lan Zhan was asking.

Wei Ying studied him.

"Yes...you did."

"And did you draw this for me?" Those vibrant golden eyes were back, examining him in return.

Wei Ying felt a shiver go down his spine as hundreds of butterflies took flight in his stomach. He nodded slowly.

Lan Zhan did not look away.

Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he could not, because those silver starlight eyes were magnetic, charming him with their beauty. Every emotion Wei Ying felt was reflected back at him, and Lan Zhan was at a loss to explain to himself why this particular type of innocence was so attractive.

It was as if this beautiful man had no guile, no ulterior motives and a motto which implied what you saw was what you got.

It was...refreshing.

"Thank you for returning my watch...and for looking after me last night." Lan Zhan made a face. "Alcohol and myself do not get along."

"Oh, really? When alcohol and I get together? It's a party!" Wei Ying giggled. "As for looking after you...it was my pleasure."

Lan Zhan’s eyes darkened imperceptibly at that.

Wei Ying didn’t miss that, suppressing another shiver.

"So...what do you think about your tattoo? Do you mind if I take a look?" He could be professional about this, he told himself, trying not to be too eager as Lan Zhan undid his cufflinks and slowly rolled up his sleeves.

That action alone had Wei Ying’s mouth watering as each tantalising inch of muscle was revealed. Lan Zhan’s pale skin was just as attractive as yesterday, making Wei Ying want to kiss that tender spot where his pulse fluttered.

Lan Zhan held his wrist out for examination and Wei Ying swallowed hard, tentatively holding it lightly and pretending to concentrate when every thought had fled.

Lan Zhan watched him feeling a different type of possessiveness take over, as tingles erupted all over his skin. He liked Wei Ying touching him...which was strange because normally he did not like it when others invaded his personal space, let alone actually initiating physical contact.

He always felt uncomfortable even when his brother hugged him, and he knew Lan XiChen was aware of how he felt and did it anyway...and Lan Zhan was glad about that because in a way, it had prepared him for...this.

It was a lovely feeling, to have his wrist held so gently as if it was a newborn fledgling, soft and fragile.

Wei Ying ran his finger over the blue ink and Lan Zhan trembled. All of his senses were concentrating on the points where Wei Ying’s finger and thumb were touching him. His nerve endings were shooting sparks of fire, a pulsating energy that he really could get used to.

"Does it still hurt?" Wei Ying asked, whispering and having no idea why he was enjoying this so much.

Lan Zhan briefly wondered what would happen if he said yes; would Wei Ying kiss it better for him? That thought produced a fully blown shudder, imagining those soft pink lips and how they might feel on his skin...Lan Zhan came to the startling realisation that he wouldn't mind, in fact...it sounded like a great idea.

Lan Zhan was already nodding absentmindedly.

"Awww! We can't have that, can we?" Wei Ying was staring back with wonder in his beautiful eyes and Lan Zhan was past caring what he was saying; he just wanted Wei Ying to never stop talking again.

Wei Ying tugged him towards a basin and turned the tap on, testing the temperature of the water and never letting go of Lan Zhan’s hand once.

Carefully he placed Lan Zhan’s wrist under the tap and poured some antibacterial soap into his hand, before washing out the tattoo gently, running his fingers over the delicate petals. He patted the tattoo dry with a paper towel. Then he applied the antibacterial cream to Lan Zhan’s wrist.

Then he quickly washed his hands once more.

"So...what do you think about it, Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying turned around to ask, his sparkling silver eyes so alluring that Lan Zhan was already asking himself what kissing Wei Ying would feel like.

Wei Ying had no idea what Lan Zhan was thinking...except his amber eyes had become much darker, and...dangerous...?

He shifted from one foot to the other nervously, wondering why he felt nervous all of a sudden.

"I want another one." Lan Zhan found himself saying.

********

A month had passed since Lan Zhan’s first ever tattoo.

And now he had four on the same arm.

Wei Ying pushed away from the bench, standing up from his wheelie chair and stretching out the kinks from his back.

And in that split second, Lan Zhan grabbed his hips and brought him closer, planting his sensuous lips on Wei Ying’s exposed belly button.

That single kiss produced a full body shiver and Lan Zhan froze.

No one spoke.

The silence was heavy and electric.

Lan Zhan couldn't move, horrified at himself.

What had he done?

It was highly inappropriate...but he just couldn't keep his hands to himself any longer.

He was visiting Wei Ying’s tattoo parlour every Friday evening, and today's session took longer than they expected so Wei Ying had interrupted his drawing to go and lock the door of the shop. There was definitely something sinfully attractive about being alone with Wei Ying now, at the end of the day with no possibility of being walked in on.

Plus in all honesty, how was Lan Zhan expected to keep his hands to himself when Wei Ying was dressed to kill?

He was wearing deep scarlet trousers that fit him like a second skin, made from the most supple leather. His black lace shirt was completely see through, with only a tank top underneath that rode up when he stretched...hence the unexpected kiss.

Lan Zhan noticed every time Wei Ying bent over him to correct a stroke or add more colour, there was the subtlest hint of lotus flowers, a fragrance which enveloped him in calm, soothing waves. He almost didn't mind the excruciating pain of actually getting the tattoos...not when it meant he could come every week and spend it in the company of this captivating wondrous person.

His second visit had been to pay Wei Ying because later Lan Zhan had discovered that he and his brother had both forgotten to actually reimburse Wei Ying for doing the tattoo in the first place.

And then one tattoo led to another and suddenly...they were here.

As Lan Zhan came back to himself, he was uncomfortable because his mouth was still kissing Wei Ying’s soft skin and as if Lan Zhan could not help himself, his teeth grazed it like it was a delicacy.

Wei Ying trembled in his arms, and moaned as those teeth tested the waters by  nipping softly. Lan Zhan could feel Wei Ying’s fingers in his hair, holding on as another shiver racked through his body.

Did this mean Wei Ying did not mind what he was doing?

Lan Zhan looked up to find that Wei Ying had closed his eyes but he was panting, his bunny teeth clamped on his bottom lip as if he was restraining himself.

Lan Zhan wanted to bite him there too.

Wei Ying opened his eyes, his usually silver eyes almost black with desire.

Lan Zhan held his breath, totally unsure of what his reaction was going to be.

"Tell me that wasn't a mistake." Wei Ying said, his voice cracking with unspoken emotions.

"No mistake. I have wanted to do that since second meeting." Lan Zhan promised him.

Neither dared to move lest they break whatever strange spell they were both under.

Wei Ying grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him up, crashing their lips together.

This kiss was everything and more than Lan Zhan ever expected, his lips hungrily tasting Wei Ying back, delving deep into his mouth as their tongues danced together. Every breath was stolen as they tried to get closer, with Lan Zhan slamming their hips together. His lips were greedy for more, wanting to leave Wei Ying with something of himself. His teeth nipped on succulent pink cushions, Wei Ying’s bottom lip a taste he couldn’t get enough of.

Wei Ying had dreamed of this moment for exactly twenty seven days.

He had no idea why his brain had been hijacked by thoughts of Lan Zhan all the time now. Looking forward to each Friday, he would get depressed when their sessions ended because it meant a whole six more days before Lan Zhan would return...and that was six days too long.

Every morning he would stare wistfully at their calendar and sigh, getting a shove from Jiang Cheng because he was sick of seeing Wei Ying’s face make those expressions day after day.

There was a noticeable change in his wardrobe choices too; Jiang Cheng had asked him why every Friday his clothes became more tight fitting suddenly...and Wei Ying had not bothered to answer, remaining uncharacteristically tight-lipped about the whole thing.

But Lan Zhan had never made a move before today....and Wei Ying was too scared in case Lan Zhan rejected him.

Although this kiss was the furthest thing from rejection as Lan Zhan wrapped his arms tighter around Wei Ying’s body as if he was scared Wei Ying would fly away like a hummingbird.

He couldn’t quite believe they were kissing like this, that Wei Ying was kissing him back. Euphoria exploded in his heart as Lan Zhan renewed his efforts, licking where his teeth had clamped on, needing to bite Wei Ying. It was more to prove to himself that Wei Ying was here, in his arms than anything else.

Both were panting as they leaned back, a dazed look on their faces as they still held on to each other.

"What was that?" Wei Ying asked in a daze.

"That was Wei Ying!" Lan Zhan said, proudly.

Wei Ying whined, hiding his face in Lan Zhan’s shoulder.

"I've been wanting to kiss you for ages." Wei Ying whispered.

"Me too." Lan Zhan admitted.

"Really? Since when?" Wei Ying demanded, throwing him a disbelieving look.

"My second visit." Lan Zhan told him. "Wei Ying is beautiful. And now I have a second question for Wei Ying."

"What is it, Handsome Gege?" Wei Ying lifted his finger tracing the arch of Lan Zhan’s brow.

"Will Wei Ying let me date him? Seriously?" Lan Zhan smiled at the shock on his face.

Wei Ying stared back, his fingers clutching tightly onto the soft cotton of Lan Zhan’s shirt.

"You wanna date? Me?" He whispered, not daring to believe it.

Lan Zhan nodded, kissing his forehead.

"I do not have much experience in romance...but I am willing to explore if Wei Ying agrees."

Wei Ying gave him a blinding smile.

"Then Lan Er-Gege...let's learn together!"

They sealed this promise with another kiss.

******

A/N

Hello Beautiful Readers,

I haven't forgotten any of you, don't worry and I'm sorry you have to wait longer these days...that's about the only downside of this holiday. My Bestie is taking good care of me and we're having the most wonderful time together.

I hope you guys enjoy this short story...it's kind of personal too.

Have a piece of chocolate and I hope you have a great day too!

Charlie.