The first time it happens, it is totally unexpected.

College, Home Economics class.

Wei Ying was there on a technicality, and it was in addition to his other classes. He could have opted out and told those in charge that it was simply a mistake, and used the time to either cram for his other subjects (unnecessary), or he could get extra credits (also unnecessary), or he could use the time wisely (by sleeping in).

He was in two minds, standing outside the door and watching the most beautiful boy slowly, meticulously rolling up his sleeves.

At this moment, everything changes for Wei Ying.

He sees elegant pale fingers flick open the button on his left cuff, and then those beautiful fingers begin to fold the white cotton fabric precisely over and over again, until his gorgeous sinewy forearms are on display. The skin is pale, and there's a single vein that travels upwards, disappearing under the button-down shirt.

Wei Ying gets to see that tantalising show all over again, and he wonders why he's overcome with the urge to go inside and lick... something.

He has never seen anyone so unconsciously beautiful before.

That becomes the overall deciding factor as he enters the room, exactly when the bell rings, and he's just seconds from being late.

And lucky for him, the only empty place that he makes a beeline for is right next to Amazing Forearms (™).

He puts his backpack on the workstation, and immediately, Amazing Forearms turns and glares at the offending item. He continues to glare at it, stealing all of Wei Ying's attention, because he's unsure about the reason for it, but he's gleefully drowning in the other's attention upon him.

Is Amazing Forearms upset by the colour? It's a normal black with a red chunky zipper and the emblem of a black wolf on a red background sewn on the front of it. It's also how Wei Ying got his nickname "the Wolf," and he's rather proud of it, too.

"What? Don't like the colour? Or not a fan of wolves?" He grins back nonchalantly, admiring the lovely long eyelashes curling against more pale skin, the cutest round cheeks, and that they shadow over gorgeous golden eyes that are now spitting fire at him.

"It is unhygienic to deposit unclean and bacteria-ridden items on a clean work surface where food is going to be prepared."

Each word is bitten and chewed out with the force of a barely restrained machine gun.

But his voice?

Wei Ying is already melting just listening to him.

It's deep and resonating, reminding him of his sister's black forest gateaux, the way the chocolate cake melts in his mouth, a perfect companion to the mix of cherry in a tangy syrup and the chocolate and vanilla buttercream frosting, and just the taste of that has his mouth watering. His tummy rumbles in response, and suddenly, there's a breakfast bar under his nose.

At the same time, his backpack is carefully hung on the hook in the gap under his workstation, where his legs would go if Wei Ying was sitting down.

"Eat, you will work better." Gorgeous Amazing Forearms says, still managing to scowl at him.

It's not a request, and since their teacher has begun speaking at the front of the class, Wei Ying wolfs it down in two bites, quickly washing it down with water from his water bottle, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He's expecting Gorgeous Amazing Forearms to be looking straight ahead and paying attention to their teacher, but instead, Wei Ying finds himself staring deeply into golden eyes that remind him of the setting sun, washing everything the eye can see in a halo of golden light.

It's so intense, and he doesn't know what to make of it, a combination of hunger and anger? Hangry? Or is he still upset about Wei Ying's backpack? Maybe the guy was saving his snack for later, but Wei Ying's stomach stole his treat?

Wei Ying feels bad about it now, wishing he had taken two minutes to gobble down a doughnut with his coffee that morning, but he hadn't wanted to be late.

"Sorry for eating your snack," he says cheerfully, holding out his hand towards the living God next to him. "Thank you!" He sticks in the gratitude because he DOES feel better now.

The guy stares at his hand like it is a cockroach.

"You still have to wash your hands. And wipe down your workstation." He adds another glare.

Wei Ying is taken aback at his rudeness because he's just trying to be friendly. It's a friendly thing to do, saying sorry and thank you...right?

He might be a scoundrel (™) and a flirt (@copyright), but he has manners!

So he frowns and sits down at last, turning his attention towards their teacher.

"Hygiene is very important. Countless bacteria live and breed on untreated surfaces, so your first lesson today is all about cleanliness...."

The teacher drones on and on about the importance of not spreading germs, before she begins to list out a selection of ingredients, and that's when Wei Ying registers the fact that he's woefully underprepared to take this class.

Everyone is taking out containers and little bottles, eggs, and sugar, carefully positioning them around utensils that they've already taken out (when??), and are getting ready for the next stage of this class, and Wei Ying realises that he had completely misunderstood what they were going to do here.

In his mind, Home Economics meant budgeting which equalled figuring out how much money it would take to run a household, and how that affected the national economy, taxes and the effects of spending by the population.

He didn't know they'd be cooking!

No wonder Amazing Forearms was upset!

He turns to explain, to apologise once again to his work buddy because they've obviously gotten off on the wrong foot, and Wei Ying is an amicable fellow personality-wise, and if they're going to be neighbours for a semester or three, then he wants to be on good terms with everyone, including Mr. Frosty next to him.

But the guy in question has had enough of him, and nudges him out of the way, wearing disposable gloves and he starts wiping down Wei Ying's surfaces, including the handles of the drawers and even the water taps on the basin behind them.

"Ah, there's no need, here, let me do it," Wei Ying insists, trying to take the cloth out of his hands, but Amazing Forearms doesn't let him, subtly pushing him away.

He doesn't say anything, but he keeps glaring at Wei Ying's hands until Wei Ying twigs and washes them immediately, even using the soap provided. He can't find a towel, though, and he's just about to wipe his hands on his jeans when a hand towel magically appears under his nose, attached to those glorious Forearms.

"Er...thanks?" He takes it and uses it, getting a slight tilt of a head as an acknowledgement.

Wei Ying notices his hair then, wrapped in a tight bun and covered in a hair net so that not even one strand is loose, and then covered in another hair hat designed to catch anything that might fall into the food he's preparing.

How can a guy look this good whilst wearing the most ridiculous gear Wei Ying has ever seen? And for God's sake, when did he put them on??

Wei Ying feels out of his depth completely. His own hair is tied up in a hasty ponytail that moves every time Wei Ying does, the vibrant scarlet ribbon tickling the back of his neck with its coldness.

To make matters worse, the teacher is marching towards them.

"Forgot your ingredients?" She asked brusquely and with a tone.

"Um...yeah?" Wei Ying mumbles, thinking they should've added some kind of description next to the class label.

His face has heated up, and he's terribly embarrassed, but now that he's here, he wants to make an effort. And how hard can it be? It's just cooking, right? His sister does it all the time!

He can do this!

"I have extra." Amazing Forearms says, placing said ingredients in front of Wei Ying on his now clean and spotless workstation.

"Well done, thank you, Lan WangJi, for being so prepared. I'll make an addition to your marks. And you!" She changes from a beautiful smiling angel into a beast from Hell when she switches from gorgeous-guy-next-door to Wei Ying.

Wei Ying takes a tiny step back.

"Learn something from him. Do not attend my classes like this next time. Do you understand?" The last three words are slow-talked to him like Wei Ying is an imbecile.

He quickly nods and starts searching around his drawers for anything that resembles what the other students have already placed in front of them. The teacher walks away, checking other students.

"Mixing bowl, bottom right drawer. Spoons and spatula, top centre drawer, bowls, and little containers here." Lan WangJi says, pulling out another set of ingredients identical to his own on Wei Ying's workstation.

He's still glaring, though.

"Um...thanks. For everything. I can see you're just trying to help me," Wei Ying rambles on, hoping to get him to stop with the animosity. "It's not my fault, you know. I thought the economics in the name meant facts and figures, not practical work! I thought my notebook and pens meant I was prepared and-"

The door opens, and everyone stands to attention suddenly because it's their Principal Lan Qiren who enters.

And Wei Ying squeaks because not only is he well acquainted with the rule loving so-and-so, but holy cow, the man is making his way straight for them after apologising to their teacher for the interruption.

The Principal is just about to say something to Lan WangJi when he notices that it's Wei Ying right next to him, and Wei Ying is distracted, thinking about what it could be that he's done to piss the old man off this time, mistakenly believing that Lan Qiren is here to speak with him, why else would he be standing right in between their workstations, right?

And the panic this induces in him, because he really can't remember what he's done wrong, plus his imagination is being at its creative best, picturing one wild scenario after another, makes him drop the bag of flour that he's currently holding, ready to tip into his mixing bowl.

It explodes on the workstation's hard surface, an atomic cloud of white powder that mushrooms in the air between himself and the most important man in the room.

Silence descends all around him, the creepy quietness of a snow-covered landscape where not even a mouse stirs.

Wei Ying is too scared to look up, trembling so hard his knees are knocking together with fright.

What the fuck has he done now?

And then it starts.

It's the only sound in the room, almost a croak like the frogs in the spring, calling out to their mates.

And just like that, it increases in helpless volumes, like a stick being run over a wooden guiro. It's a gremlin laugh.

It's so sudden and unexpected, that Wei Ying's head snaps up, and then he can't believe what he's seeing.

Lan WangJi is looking at him, and then at Lan Qiren, and laughing.

At them.

There are tears coming out from the corners of his beautiful eyes. He's bent over...

He's finding Lan Qiren's bad impression of a terrible ghost hilarious, and he can't stop laughing at them. It's a grating noise, but not at all irritating, kind of musical and Wei Ying gets the feeling, rare.

Wei Ying assumes he looks similarly bad, since the flour had a take-everyone-out/leave-no-prisoners attitude, and he really should be apologising to the Principal, but he's too shocked.

So is Lan Qiren apparently, because he hasn't moved since.

Their teacher saves the day by jumping into action, offering Lan Qiren a clean cloth, and he huffs in the negative before fixing Wei Ying with a determined, concentrated scowl, and telling Lan WangJi to see him in his office.

He marches out of the room, and Wei Ying takes a deep, much-needed breath at last, having forgotten to do so after that shit show.

"Lan WangJi, I'm so-" he goes to apologise again, but he's interrupted.

"Lan Zhan. My name is Lan Zhan."

That was the first time Lan Zhan had given out his birth name to a stranger.

**************

After that, they become friends, slowly.

Lan Zhan begins to understand why and how Wei Ying could mistake one class for another, a misunderstanding that could easily have been avoided had Wei Ying taken the time out to just research, but he comes to learn about Chaotic Wei Ying (™), and starts paying attention to him.

That first incident seemed to have broken the ice between them, and now, Lan Zhan looks forward to every Tuesday morning, because it's the one class he shares with this strange, enigmatic Wei Ying.

Wei Ying makes his peace with his mistake and applies his creative genius to the Home Economics class, much to Lan Zhan's shock.

Initially, he's appalled by Wei Ying's attitude to learning, the throw-everything-in-the-bowl-and-see-what-happens, devil may care attitude that Wei Ying adopts, but then he starts to realise that Wei Ying isn't flinging random things into his recipes, he's actually paying attention to how things work, because baking is an exact science.

Sure, allowances are made to accommodate slight variations in the quantity of the ingredients used, but Wei Ying pushes the boundaries all the time, leaving Lan Zhan to hunger after each new creation, wanting to learn the process behind Wei Ying's thinking. He begins to understand that while his own creations adhere to the letter regarding every recipe he undertakes, leading to perfect results every time, there's something to be said about flaunting the rules just to make new discoveries.

Wei Ying learns about the good sides to all rules, the necessity of them in some cases, like not opening the door of a very hot oven prematurely to risk deflating his baby creations, and so, they begin to balance each other out.

In the joint exam of creativity, they team up and win first prize, as well as earning extra credits, something they appreciate as a result of a great working relationship.

***********

The second time it happens is another unexpected surprise.

Wei Ying often pranked his brother, something else Lan Zhan came to learn about slowly.

One day, he and Wei Ying were returning to his locker because Wei Ying had forgotten a book he would need for his next lesson, and since Lan Zhan needed to go in the same direction, they happened to be together when Jiang Cheng, too busy arguing with Wei Ying, wasn't paying attention and the scream he let out upon his locker could have summoned the dead.

It soon became apparent that Wei Ying had rigged his door so that when it opened, a coiled plastic snake sprung out, startling Jiang Cheng. His reaction was vocal and Wei Ying was beyond pleased, but just as surprised as him, cackling with glee and claiming he had forgotten all about it.

Jiang Cheng was so incensed about being frightened that he upended his water bottle all over an unrepentant Wei Ying, and while they pushed and shoved each other, they heard that sound.

Wei Ying glanced up and saw the way Lan Zhan was trying to hold himself back, but the mirth exploded from his lips, and suddenly it didn't seem so bad to be dripping right next to him, if it made Lan Zhan laugh like that.

****************

The first time they spent their lunch break together happened quite accidentally. Nie Huaisang dragged Wei Ying to the table where his brother was sitting and since Lan XiChen was sitting next to Nie MingJue, Lan Zhan also was there, quietly minding his own business.

The sound of Wei Ying's bright laughter breaks through his spell and he looks up, just as the man in question slides into the seat next to him.

"Lan Zhan! I'm so glad I caught you! Look what I found out about soda bicarb!"

Their heads are bent together over Wei Ying's phone as he shows him an article about it, and neither notice the bewildering looks thrown their way. They're so involved in the conversation, and it goes back and forth, because Lan Zhan has thought up a showstopper for the next exam and he wants Wei Ying's opinion on whether or not the ingredients will work together; Wei Ying is delighted and offers up suggestions to replace the egg with oil, making the consistency more durable for Lan Zhan's creation, so neither notices everyone leaving, one by one.

As Wei Ying quickly inhales his lunch, when he washes it down with his water, this time he catches Lan Zhan's stare again, bold and hungry. It's just a second, but it's unmistakable before it returns to something ordinary for him.

For Wei Ying, it is an eye-opener.

Could Lan Zhan see him as more than a friend?

And more importantly, could Wei Ying?

The answer was a resounding yes, and it is the first time he has that thought.

So when their next class is together, for the first time, Wei Ying pushes his chair right next to Lan Zhan's seat and plonks himself down.

Having had some time to think about how he feels about Lan Zhan, plus that unforgettable look Lan Zhan had on his face has made Wei Ying braver than normal. He hasn't been able to stop thinking about this quiet boy, and how much he is affected by him, how bubbles of happiness erupt in his heart every time Lan Zhan so much as looks at him.

How, to everyone else, Lan Zhan appears stoic and unfeeling, but Wei Ying has never had that problem, and he hopes he isn't making a mistake right now, by misinterpreting Lan Zhan's actions.

He's about to do something monumental in their friendship, and he wishes he had drunk something more potent than just his usual black coffee this morning, because some liquid courage would have been greatly appreciated.

Lan Zhan glances his way once, surprised that Wei Ying would do that, but he says nothing.

Both of them stare straight ahead, focusing on the teacher and what she's saying. Well, Lan Zhan might be, but Wei Ying sure as hell isn't, because it's time for phase two. His heart is beating out of his chest so loudly, he thinks it's a wonder that Lan Zhan can't hear it.

He doesn't risk looking at Lan Zhan once, but his palm opens between them, more towards Lan Zhan in the hope that Lan Zhan will see it for what it is. By holding his hand out, open and vulnerable, Wei Ying is asking Lan Zhan if he wants to hold it.

It is obvious, blatantly so.

Lan Zhan has the choice: either he can ignore it, and they can go on as normal, just friend to friend.

Or...

He can take Wei Ying's hand and start them on the road to something more.

It can be their first step together.

Wei Ying can feel the weight of his stare, a burning sensation upon his hand, and then Lan Zhan looks at him. Wei Ying doesn't dare to breathe, as his eyes lift up towards him, letting himself be seen. It's a leap of faith and he doesn't blame Lan Zhan for being hesitant about this.

"I'm not joking," Wei Ying whispers softly, mindful not to get caught. He wants to be clear about this because it's too important for any misunderstanding.

He half thinks Lan Zhan will slap his hand away, offended at suggesting something like this...but Lan Zhan gazes deeply into his eyes and then, he makes his mind up.

His warm hand, slightly bigger than Wei Ying's, engulfs his and they are palm to palm.

Wei Ying wants to squeal with giddy joy! He wants to punch the air!

He wants to shout out to the heavens that Lan Zhan is holding his hand!

Lan Zhan! Is. Holding. His. Hand!!!!

He purses his lips tightly to stop any sounds coming out, noting how Lan Zhan's ears are deepening in colour from a pale pink to coral to an unmistakable red. Wei Ying can feel his own cheeks heightening with colour, a blush that makes him feel hot all over.

This is the first time they are holding hands.

Wei Ying is officially freaking out, privately.

Whatever their teacher is spewing out, she hasn't got a hope in hell of Wei Ying's attention because he's pretty damn sure if Lan Zhan lets go of his hand, he'll be floating up towards the heavenly realm.

Eventually, they have to separate because of stupid lessons and having to use both of their hands, unfortunately. But Wei Ying is emboldened by Lan Zhan's close proximity at every opportunity, and he allows himself to hope that this is real, that they can be together. He does his part too, standing as close as he can to Lan Zhan and that's for both of them, to reassure him as well that Wei Ying means what he's saying, that it isn't the casual flirting that Wei Ying is often prone to do.

He's never felt like this before, like his every step doesn't quite land on the ground, as if he's floating somehow. Every time Lan Zhan fixes him with his beautiful golden eyes, Wei Ying feels himself drowning in their amber depths, a Pepsi bubble refusing to melt.

This magic is real.

While they wait for their teacher to come and see their separate entries, Wei Ying sidles over again, and this time, it's Lan Zhan who takes his hand, albeit tentatively.

Wei Ying is so surprised, his blinding smile leaves Lan Zhan breathless as he stares back in wonder. Is Wei Ying really doing this? It's not just the smile, it's everything.

After that lesson, things change for both of them.

They find ways to spend more time together, going out of their way to do so.

They've started spending every break they have together, often meeting outside of college to study together even though they're studying totally different subjects.

They learn to communicate, and end up explaining a great deal.

Lan Zhan knew exactly what he was feeling, but he didn't know how Wei Ying might feel, and he didn't want to upset the balance between them, not when it was still in its early stages...and every time Wei Ying drank something, Lan Zhan's eyes would inexplicably find his throat fascinating as he swallowed. The way his neck muscles bunched and let go, and the way his Adam's apple bobbed, it was making Lan Zhan want things.

And then, when Wei Ying sat so close to him, Lan Zhan never let himself believe it, thinking Wei Ying was always a tactile person; therefore, this didn't mean diddly squat.

But then...

But then on that impossibly important day, when he had looked over, Wei Ying was extending his hand out towards him. It felt surreal, like an impossible dream that his mind had conjured up because it had finally crossed the line between real and made up illusions.

His heart had stuttered when he watched his own hand reach across the divide to take hold of Wei Ying's hand.

It took him the rest of the class to finally get it.

They were going to do this!

So he takes the first step this time, and reaches out to hold Wei Ying's hand, his heart flip-flops in his chest and it feels so right.

"Next period?" He forces the words out, hardly daring to breathe as Wei Ying turns his whole attention upon him. It's a heady feeling, and Lan Zhan wonders if this is what being drunk feels like, because he's definitely unsteady.

"I'm free. Do you...do you maybe, shall we go get tea or something?"

"Mn. I would like that," Lan Zhan replies, meaning it. He even smiles, too.

*************

That is their first date.

They have that first awkward conversation, the one about what they each want.

"So...I've not really dated before," Wei Ying admits, wishing his cheeks would stop partnering up with Lan Zhan's ears, and every time he notices their red colour, he has to stamp down on the desire to bite them.

It's becoming increasingly difficult.

"Mn. I also do not have any experience, but-" Lan Zhan stops speaking, holding himself back from saying everything in his heart.

He doesn't want to scare Wei Ying with all the things he wants, at least, not yet.

"But?"

"I am terrified."

"Of what? Me?" Wei Ying can't help sounding incredulous. "Why?"

"This is important..." Lan Zhan takes his idle hand, the one not wrapped around his caramel latte.

"And you don't want to mess it up?" Wei Ying correctly guesses.

"Mn." He's relieved that Wei Ying understands him so well; it can only bode well the further they progress.

"Neither do I." Wei Ying runs his thumb across the knuckles of that pale hand, wanting to reassure him. "Then how about we have some rules, hm? Just for us."

That would be good, Lan Zhan thinks. To give themselves guidelines to help them muddle their way through to a greater understanding.

"Mn. I like that."

He gets another brilliant smile for his effort, and he realises that Wei Ying doesn't smile like that at anyone else; it's just for him. He knows this is true because after that ice-breaker of a first meeting, Lan Zhan has been surreptitiously studying the super friendly man, wondering why Wei Ying chooses to hang out with him rather than the countless other friends he has.

He's learned that Wei Ying does flirt with others, but in his mind, he's just being polite in a really friendly way, it doesn't mean anything in his head because he just wants the person he's talking to to be happy - there's zero interest for himself.

Lan Zhan knows this because of the stark contrast in how Wei Ying talks to others, and how he talks to him.

There's something special in the way Wei Ying's beautiful starlight eyes lift up, shining so brilliantly alive as if there's nowhere else he'd rather be. He gives Lan Zhan his full attention, taking note of every little detail that might give him a clue as to how Lan Zhan might be feeling.

It makes Lan Zhan feel brave.

"Wei Ying must understand that if we are to be together, then it's just us, no one else."

"Oh, absolutely!!" Wei Ying declares, flushing the brightest shade of red Lan Zhan has ever seen on anyone.

He's so beautiful! It makes something ache in his heart.

There's no doubt in his mind that Wei Ying means it, and for himself, Lan Zhan already knows that there won't be anyone else for him.

"I would like to take Wei Ying out on another date. A proper one."

The feeling that blooms in his chest is priceless, with the way Wei Ying is staring back at him, nodding slowly.

"Let's take it in turns, then. I'll plan the next one."

"Mn."

And it's as easy as that.

******************

Their first ever proper date is one that they both take seriously, wanting to look their best for each other.

Wei Ying wears a black lace shirt with pockets, no vest at Nie Huaisang's recommendation, because he said "Lan Zhan should swallow his tongue," and Wei Ying is too nervous to argue. Besides, his pale skin shows off the pattern of the lace flowers nicely, if he says so himself. The wine coloured jacket has rhinestones along the collar and top pocket, adding a splash of colour to his otherwise dark outfit. His trousers are slim fitting, accentuating his narrow waist. He fervently hopes Lan Zhan will like it.

And when he finally opens his door for Lan Zhan, it's quite the opposite as they drink each other in.

It's Wei Ying whose tongue dies in his mouth as his eyes take in Lan Zhan's white suit. He's gone all out, with a white silk tie and a pale blue silk shirt peeking out from under the lapels of his smooth jacket. His lovely long hair is held back with a bunny clip, leaving it loose and flowing down to his shoulders. Two silver diamonds wink at Wei Ying from his ears.

"Wow!! Lan Zhan, you look amazing," Wei Ying tells him, finally looking at his face, and when he sees the naked hunger in those gorgeous golden eyes, he has to laugh to dispel the tension.

Lan Zhan hands over nineteen red roses, their sweet scent filling his senses as Wei Ying accepts them graciously.

Their first gift to each other.

This is the first time Lan Zhan has visited Wei Ying's apartment that he shares with his brother, who is thankfully absent tonight.

"Let me put these in water, hmm?" Wei Ying beams and takes another whiff, pulling Lan Zhan inside his home.

He tried to clean it up earlier and regrets it when Lan Zhan asks in shock, "Wei Ying! Have you been robbed?"

He doesn't bother answering that question, instead opting to leave as fast as they can.

Lan Zhan drives them to a lovely warm-looking restaurant. The interior is gold and deep scarlets, wine-coloured drapes and intimate settings.

Wei Ying wasn't sure what to expect and had decided to be overdressed rather than underdressed, if it came to it, and now he's exceptionally glad for Huaisang's advice, because the restaurant might look small but it's immediately apparent that it's not going to be cheap.

There are no prices on the menu; that's his first clue, and then he has to taste the wine. It's a lovely fruity flavour, with a hint of spice, and Wei Ying beams with appreciation at his boyfriend. That one word makes him blush all over again, and has Lan Zhan squeezing their joined hands out of curiosity.

"Does this make us boyfriends, then?" He explains, too happy to hide how he feels when Lan Zhan nods, also looking smug but shy about it.

Out of every single candidate in the university, boys and girls included because Wei Ying admitted in the past that he thought he was bi, doubling the competition, Lan Zhan has managed to secure the most vibrant, beautiful man all to himself.

There's no way he's going to fuck this up.

Their first proper date goes smoothly, and they end up looking after each other, finishing the meal by sharing their desserts together.

There's only sweetness in the air as they eat and chat about themselves, reaching a new level of intimacy between them.

Lan Zhan ends up telling Wei Ying about his childhood, of losing first his mother and then his father, and then going to live with their uncle, Lan Qiren.

Wei Ying slaps his own forehead.

"LAN QIREN IS THE PRINCIPAL!" he shouts in alarm.

"Mn."

"AND HE'S YOUR UNCLE?" the volume hasn't gone down.

"Mn." Lan Zhan is amused, for obvious reasons.

Wei Ying looks around and apologises because everyone is looking at them now.

"Is that going to be a problem?" Lan Zhan asks him, wiping his mouth for him.

"I don't know, is it? Lan Zhan, you have to know, I get called into the Principal's office at least once a week." Wei Ying settles back, smiling at the way their fingers tangle together.

"Mn. That's good, because Uncle already knows you." Lan Zhan looks unrepentant. "Wei Ying will find a way to get on with him."

"That's one way of looking at it..." Wei Ying mumbles to himself.

***************

It turns out not to be as big a problem as they thought.

A few months after they officially began dating, Lan Zhan invites Wei Ying home for dinner with his family, so he can properly introduce Wei Ying to his brother and his uncle.

Wei Ying is naturally nervous because this is the first time he is going to meet Lan Qiren as Uncle Qiren, and it might be too late to rethink all those protests and suggestions he had put forward in the past, detailing changes in the way the school was run. He was just trying to be helpful but now he can see how his pointers might be seen as overstepping.

But for Lan Zhan, he's going to be brave tonight.

Lan Zhan opens the door and finds Wei Ying with three bunches of flowers in his hands.

"Ordinarily, I'd have bought wine, but you guys don't drink and that was the opposite of what we want, right?" His eyes crinkle up with his smile, and Lan Zhan wonders if it's too soon for the 'L' word. "This is for you," Wei Ying felt shy all of a sudden, because he wasn't sure if flowers would be welcome, especially since these were no ordinary ones.

He had to chase after three separate florists hunting down blue gentian flowers, until he finally found them.

"I know you like them, but I wasn't sure if XiChen-Ge will like them, too? And then I was stumped because of your uncle, I mean, he might feel left out if I got both of you flowers, and I got him nothing, and-"

"Wei Ying." Lan Zhan's eyes are impossibly brighter than usual as he brings Wei Ying into a one-armed embrace. His lips settle on Wei Ying's forehead, calming them both. "There was no need to spend so much money, however, your gifts will be appreciated."

He sounds determined.

Wei Ying takes a deep breath, masking his nerves with a bright smile.

"Okay, Sweetheart. I hope he likes pink peonies."

"He will."

Wei Ying giggles at his attitude.

They walk into the living room together and Wei Ying beams at the surprised looks on the other two people's faces.

"It was very thoughtful of you to bring us these in particular," XiChen says, with a soft smile.

"Indeed. No one has ever given me flowers before," Uncle Qiren admits, a ghost of warmth coasting on his face. "They are beautiful." And then he adds, "we usually observe silence during mealtimes, but the rule is relaxed for guests."

Wei Ying is aware of the mystified looks shared between the Lan brothers, and correctly assumes this new development is because they're celebrating Uncle Qiren's first ever bouquet gift.

Despite his worries, his first ever meal with the Lans goes smoothly.

Lan Qiren accepts their relationship and tells them to be responsible, and that he's glad they waited until after their exams had finished to be together.

Neither admit that they hadn't thought of that at all, but afterwards, Lan Zhan confides in Wei Ying that he had a PowerPoint presentation ready as to why Wei Ying was the best candidate to be his boyfriend, complete with charts and graphs to demonstrate.

******************

Lan Zhan opens the door to a drenched and dripping Wei Ying.

Towels are used rigorously and Wei Ying is pushed into his shower to warm up, before they eat dinner together at last.

Cuddling on the couch after a long day at work feels like heaven, and neither are too interested in whatever is playing on the TV. Longing looks soon morph into one kiss and then another, and soon, Wei Ying is straddling Lan Zhan sitting on his lap, too pleased at the added advantage of height to stop peppering kisses all over his face.

"Wei Ying should stay the night," Lan Zhan encourages him, when Wei Ying notices the time.

"I wouldn't mind if it was the weekend, but I have an early start tomorrow morning and I need a change of clothes," Wei Ying says, snuggling up to plant a warm kiss on Lan Zhan's jaw.

"Move in with me." Lan Zhan has been thinking about this for a long time, and the words slip out of his mouth without warning.

They hang in the air between them as Wei Ying goes completely still. Seconds pass by in silence.

"It's a big step. Are you sure?" He whispers.

"Mn."

"What if I get in your way?"

"I look forward to it."

"I'm not exactly the most tidy person."

"It will be no trouble. Wei Ying doesn't mean to be messy."

"But Lan Zhan...what if you change your mind?"

"Not going to happen." Lan Zhan says, suddenly flipping them over so that Wei Ying is trapped under him. "I love you. I want you to stay."

"Lan Zhan! Sweetheart! I love you, too! That's the first time we've said that." There are happy tears leaking from the corners of his beautiful eyes.

Lan Zhan doesn't wait for him to recover, crashing their lips together in a wild, brutal kiss, wanting to press himself onto Wei Ying in all the ways that matter. He knows that Wei Ying has always felt unwanted, and that's not going to happen on his watch. He's going to spend every day telling Wei Ying, showing Wei Ying how important he is, and not just to Lan Zhan.

Wei Ying is kissing him back fervently, consumed by the desire for more.

Clothes are lost and bodies come together for the first time, and it is an unprecedented evening for first experiences shared together.

****************

Wei Ying has to work on Halloween.

It's his birthday and he's excited because he knows Lan Zhan is planning something, except Wei Ying doesn't know what it is.

He's noticed a few more baking ingredients in their pantry, and whenever he gets too close to the garage, he feels the weight of golden eyes staring at him in fear, three words that shouldn't go together in a single sentence: Lan Zhan and fear.

That equals a 'something' but Wei Ying is also pretending not to let on that he suspects.

They have a party to attend later that evening, and he knows that Lan Zhan knows it's his birthday today, but what Lan Zhan does not know is that Wei Ying has his own surprise to present to Lan Zhan, later on.

It's the first time since they've moved in together that Wei Ying is buying Lan Zhan something, something he knows Lan Zhan will love.

*

Their home smells amazing when Wei Ying returns with his arms full. He opens the box and leaves it in the lounge, and goes to find Lan Zhan. He can hear noises coming from the kitchen, and since that's where the tantalising scent of chocolate and baking goodies is coming from also, it's a great place to start.

But he's shocked when he sees his sister there, too.

"Shijie! Lan Zhan? What's all this?" He enters, visibly startling the other two.

They guiltily glance at one another before his sister breaks out into a dazzling smile.

"A-Xian, it was supposed to be a surprise. A-Zhan invited me over to do some baking and I guess we got carried away!" She beams, opening her arms so they can hug properly.

Wei Ying is surrounded by his favourite smells, the sweetness of something sugary fresh out of the oven, and the best person in the world aside from Lan Zhan in his arms. They rub noses together and Lan Zhan has to smile, seeing Wei Ying so happy.

He's next with the greetings, getting a quick but warm kiss on his lips. Wei Ying tastes of mint and chocolate and...He's pulling Lan Zhan out of the kitchen?

"Wait...A-Ying!??"

But there's no time for anything else because Wei Ying is pushing him onto their couch and then there are bunnies(???) placed on his lap, and it's too much to absorb.

"Wait, Sweetheart, are you crying?" Wei Ying wipes under his eyes, smiling with the abundance of care blossoming in his chest.

Lan Zhan struggles to calm himself, unable to look away from the soft fluffy things in his lap, and torn in between wanting to kiss his boyfriend silly, and continuing to pet the newest members of their family.

"I bet you're gonna be a great bun-dad." Wei Ying kisses his cheek, his smile only widening.

"And Wei Ying too," Lan Zhan says, his eyes still wet. "Happy birthday, Wei Ying. I love you."

"As I love you, my wonderful Lan Zhan, my love."

Their foreheads pressed together and Wei Ying puts his arms around his family.

"Welcome home, bunny number one and bunny number two. What are we going to call them, my love?" Wei Ying asks him.

"Binky and Fluffer." Lan Zhan answers straight away, too fast.

"Oh my God, you're too cute!" Wei Ying laughs out loud. "You've been thinking about this for some time now, right?"

"Mn."

"Good. Now, let's take some pictures together!"

****************

Lan Zhan has it all planned out.

He's finally going to propose to Wei Ying, and for the first time ever, he's nervous.

They are going to hike up to the top of a mountain famous for its clear views of the magnificent scenery below, the city falling away from them like a patterned carpet of flowers, and once they've eaten the picnic in his backpack, Lan Zhan is going to pull out the little blue velvet box and ask Wei Ying to marry him.

He's waiting in the car for Wei Ying right now, because he said he had forgotten his phone back in their apartment and gone back to retrieve it.

In these few minutes of solitude, Lan Zhan wills himself to calm down, because Wei Ying is attuned to his every mood, and he will know something is up, if Lan Zhan so much as breathes wrong.

In a way it is a blessing because Lan Zhan never has to explain himself. When he returns to their home completely drained and suffering from brain mush, Wei Ying is there with a cup of his favourite tea freshly brewed just right, his slippers and a blanket. Sometimes, that's exactly what he needs to decompress, and other times, he just wants to lie down on their couch with Wei Ying on top of him. It has only made their relationship stronger.

However, today Lan Zhan doesn't want to be understood; far from it.

The passenger door opens and Wei Ying climbs in, full of apologies for delaying them, and Lan Zhan has to shut him up with a kiss before they set off on this very special day trip.

But when they get to the car park at the base of the scenic mountain, nature has other plans for them.

It begins to rain, and Lan Zhan hopes it's just a temporary delay...but unfortunately, the small pitter-pattering drops slowly increase in size until sheets fall in torrents around them, loud against their windscreen and washing away any hope of his spectacular proposal idea. At this rate, even if the rain stops, the trail to climb up the mountain will be soggy and water-logged; there's no way to salvage this.

"Perhaps we should go back," he suggests, disappointedly.

Wei Ying is already nervous because he could sense Lan Zhan's strange mood; the man is usually always exuding calm vibes, a peacefulness that Wei Ying has gotten used to. But for the past week or so, Lan Zhan has been jumpy. It's the only way to describe this sudden change and Wei Ying isn't sure why, or what it could mean. He hoped that they could reconnect today by climbing the physical mountain and the metaphorical one too, so they could return to their shared blissful lives.

But the rain has changed his plans.

"No!" He says suddenly, putting his hand on Lan Zhan's wrist, effectively stopping him from switching the engine on. "You said we were going to have a picnic, right?"

"Mn. But Wei Ying, look outside!"

Wei Ying gives him his brightest smile.

"Lan Er-Gege, it would be a shame to let your hard work go to waste. How about we have our picnic back there? We can flatten the seats and pretend we're out there, and I don't know about you, but I love the rain! Don't you think it's exciting? Our first picnic inside your car!"

As if nature agrees with him, there's a flash of lightning followed by crashing thunder, illuminating the empty car park.

Lan Zhan is in two minds... but Wei Ying looks like he really wants to stay, and oh no, he's fluttering his beautiful eyelashes and Lan Zhan can't resist.

"Mn. We can do it from the inside, no need to go out there."

In no time at all, they've flattened the seats and are sitting on the red tartan blanket with a feast spread out before them. They begin by sitting on opposite sides, but it isn't long before Wei Ying cosies up to him and Lan Zhan obliges by letting him lean against his chest, sitting in between his legs.

They take turns feeding each other until just the dessert is left; a mouthwatering chocolate cake that Wei Ying made himself yesterday. When the last piece is devoured, Wei Ying places a sweet, chaste kiss on his lips.

"Actually, my love..." he looked nervously up at Lan Zhan, "I didn't go back up to get my phone."

"Mn?"

Wei Ying takes both of his hands, and Lan Zhan can feel him trembling. He tries to soothe Wei Ying by gently running his thumb over his knuckles, wanting to chase away anything that might be making him uncomfortable.

"I kept thinking about us...and Lan Zhan, will you marry me? It's not too sudden, is it?" Wei Ying looks fearful.

And when his hand is let go of, Lan Zhan sees a tiny black velvet box in his palm.

His own hands are trembling as Lan Zhan opens it, thinking what a perfect man Wei Ying is for him.

"They're beautiful," Lan Zhan says, full of awe.

Two identical silver rings have a ruby at their centre, flanked on either side by sparkling sapphires, the colour so vivid and true that Lan Zhan has tears in his eyes.

"I had a plan," he says, as Wei Ying wipes under his eyes, cooing softly.

"What plan?" He's distracted, distressed at the uncommon sight of Lan Zhan crying.

"We were going to climb up there, and after lunch, I was going to ask you a question." Lan Zhan pulls the pale blue velvet box out from his pocket. He pushes it into Wei Ying's hand, and then huffs out a laugh when his fiancé hops into his lap with glee.

"Lan Zhan...so pretty!" Wei Ying is staring at two plain silver bands with an eternity circle through the middle. "They match! And I'm never taking mine off!"

This kiss is the sweetest yet, a seal to promise their everlasting love.

"I can't believe our first indoor picnic is this great," Wei Ying says. And then he looks around quickly. "Lan Zhan...we're all alone," he adds and begins taking off his clothes.

Lan Zhan is shocked at first, and then as soon as he realises what Wei Ying means, he joins in, because he's nothing if not a quick study...

**************

The first time Wei Ying walks down the aisle, his eyes land on the man who means the world to him, and he's not surprised that those golden eyes are red-rimmed with emotion. He feels the same way, as though today, their wedding day, is the culmination of all their dreams coming true.

Lan Zhan's hand trembles when he takes Wei Ying to stand next to him, and they both smile at each other.

This is their Western wedding; the traditional wedding will take place next week, another ceremony when they will both wear red robes and pour tea for their families, for the first time.

It has been a week full of first moments: they signed on the dotted line for their first ever joint house, as first-time buyers, and they finished moving in just yesterday.

Tonight will be their first night sleeping together as husbands, under the roof of their own home, though Wei Ying thinks his husband has other ideas instead of sleeping...

For the first time, they cut the cake together and share it between themselves, after reciting vows that flew straight from their hearts, and now they are married.

It is the happiest day of their lives yet.

***************

A-Yuan came to them when they were visiting their local orphanage.

The bond was instant, and he was only two years old, but they were surer than anything that they wanted this little angel to come and live with them. A-Yuan called Wei Ying Pretty-Gege and Lan Zhan, Handsome-Gege, until he came to live with them for the first time.

Life became full of firsts, and they learned how to live together as a family, naturally loving the beautiful boy as their own.

They all cried when A-Yuan called them A-Die and DieDie for the first time, and he cried because he thought he had done something wrong as both of his parents teared up. They quickly reassured him that they were happy and they should bake a cake together, to celebrate.

First birthdays, first gifts, first day at kindergarten when Wei Ying cried more than the calm sweet youngster who was spending his first ever morning without his parents.

First best friend to first day at primary school, then high school and then college.

As they wave bye to their son, with their other children surrounding them, both Wei Ying and Lan Zhan know that none of this would have been possible without each other, and that first day in the Home Economics class together.

THE END!

A/N

Dear Beautiful Readers,

I thought I had written my birthday present to Wei WuXian for Halloween a couple of weeks ago, but then whilst checking through my page on Wattpad, I noticed two things that I really have to say thank you to you for:

Somehow, more of you are following this silly author (I still get chills at that word!) And the readership went up for this book to 353K and that's just astounding to me.

The numbers never fail to make me whig out, and I still have to pinch myself every time.

I'm resting and researching now, but I'm definitely going to start writing a new WangXian mystery story in January, so please look forward to that!

Love you all, thank you for all your support and making this humble author's heart sing, and here's so much chocolate 🍫 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫 to tide you over until I return.

Charlie.