Lan Zhan didn't want to come here.

Right in the middle of Soho, a busy thriving street, and here he was.

Too many people, too much traffic, and far too much noise.

But he was in no position to argue; his brother had made that all too clear.

"Didi, you need to wear a hat, otherwise you will be disrespecting our guests, and not to mention that it's going to be hot. It's for your own protection," XiChen insisted, pressing a card into his palm.

The card was black with red edges.

'The Mad Hatter' it read, and underneath it added, 'Come in, if you dare'.

Lan Zhan disliked it.

The whole thing felt like a joke to him, one he wished to have no part in.

He hated hats, mostly because they made his scalp itch, and he could never find the correct size. And his brother was right; if he didn't find one in two weeks, there would be trouble.

The outside of the shop was … interesting to look at.

The huge shop windows were framed in black, a dramatic, unnecessary colour, with red edging, and the name of the shop written in red, bold letters, edged in black. The 'a' in Mad wore a black top hat over it.

Too much drama.

The whole shop stood out from the other shops like a swollen, red finger on an otherwise ordinary hand. A slight, a blemish on an ordinary street where this one garnered far more attention than the others.

And the hats on display?

They were beautiful!

As colourful as birds of paradise, and with just as many feathers present, each hat and hair accessory was a work of art. Whoever had created these obviously loved their craft, and this current job they were involved in.

Lan Zhan had met many designers before; his line of work demanded his outfits reflected his success, hence his arrival here, where XiChen had told him it wasn't going to be cheap.

Lan Zhan didn't care, he could afford it, and as long as he got a satisfactory head accessory for himself at the end of this, he put all the other concerns away, admiring what he could see in the window.

There was a black top hat like the one on the sign, but this one had a sinfully red ribbon banding around the base of the rim, tied in an ostentatious bow. Next to it, a turquoise fascinator with a peacock feather draped in creamy pearls, and on the other side, a 1920's cabaret hat stood on a stand, red and proud. Tall ostrich feathers trailed down on one side, adding a different kind of elegance.

These hats had the wow factor in abundance, the je nais se quois so many works of art possess… They had pizazz!

Obviously, this window was supposed to showcase the skills of the people who worked here, because it was impossible to imagine that they were the creation of a single mind. Even if they were, it would take many hands to make this many wonderful pieces, Lan Zhan thought, grudgingly.

Mostly because they WERE beautiful. Gorgeous, even.

A rainbow of art, because to call them anything else would be a crime. Lan Zhan might not be an expert on hats, but even he could recognise talent in millinery when he sees it.

He gets the distinct feeling of being watched, and when he looks up, he receives an enthusiastic waving, though the reflection of sunlight on glass blinds him, preventing him from being able to see whom it could be.

One thing is certain though: he will have to go in, now.

A little silver bell with black and red beads tinkles musically above him as Lan Zhan steps up into the shop. He belatedly realises that the windows are tinted to probably protect the pieces on display, because the inside of the shop is bright, more like an art studio.

There is a tilted table to one side, on which rests an artist's sketchbook, blank for now, a technical set up involving a computer with many screens. And there are tools all over this bustling area.

There's an open shelved cabinet with curious-looking round wooden moulds, presumably different sizes to fit each individual head, a constantly emitting steam iron that is cordless, a sewing machine, the likes of which Lan Zhan has never seen before with a broken apple logo, hanging off a stick. It's the only black item in this bright room well lit so the people can work here in comfort and ease of sight.

That it is a fully functioning work site is a surprise.

Lan Zhan isn't sure what he expected before coming here, but this certainly isn't it.

It's clean, open and friendly, Lan Zhan notes, before his attention is stolen away by the riveting thief standing before him.

He is beautiful.

Seconds pass and Lan Zhan cannot look away. More, that he is unable to, but he is unwilling to, as well.

The man is smiling widely, bright and happy, a genuine one that reaches inside him to reveal a sunshine soul. His dark silver eyes are mischievous, bright and full of stars, silver glimmering lights reflecting those above them. His hair is wonderfully long, and currently up in a messy bun tied with a red scrunchie. The more Lan Zhan looks at him, the appearance of a delicate blush rises across his lovely cheeks, and over his cute button nose.

He's wearing a pair of black denim dungarees, with a crimson oversized t-shirt that reveals his sinewy shoulder. His skin is a pale golden colour, and the roundness of it makes Lan Zhan want to bite into it. There's just a hint of a tattoo hidden under the red cotton. It's a feather…not unlike a peacock… but different.

"Hi! I'm Wei Ying!" The beautiful man says, coming closer with his hand out, ready for Lan Zhan to shake.

His voice has the power to draw Lan Zhan away from his confusing mind.

It's lucky that Uncle Qiren has raised him with manners, because Lan Zhan is functioning solely on autopilot now, his every thought centering around this lovely young man.

Wei Ying had been checking the window display this morning, as was his habit before starting work.

The windows were tinted to prevent solar damage to his beautiful hats, but it also helps to rotate them so they get equal exposure to the sun. Sometimes, he likes to change things up, and there are days when the window would have a themed display, especially on public holidays, or celebratory days like Valentine's day, or Spring break.

Movement just outside catches his eye, and Wei Ying finds himself watching a beautiful stranger. His looks were worthy of being a model, and perhaps he wasn't prone to outward displays of emotions, but it is his eyes which capture Wei Ying’s attention.

They are full and bright, golden like a winter sun and reflecting every emotion the man is feeling. Wei Ying sees his first reaction of delight at his babies, and then in a really hot move, this guy takes his time looking at each of Wei Ying's creations. He's definitely interested in the hats, and Wei Ying thinks this might be a potential customer, from the way his gaze lingers on certain pieces.

Wei Ying can't tell if the gorgeous man actually likes any of them though; it's far too soon to say that without a doubt, but if he does, then Wei Ying shall have to find a way to let him down gently.

These are all custom pieces, each one created for a specific customer. From the size of their heads, to the chosen fabric, style and colour, these hats already have an owner. They cost thousands of pounds too, and have already been worn once.

The ones in his window today have been specifically chosen to be auctioned off, as part of a collection belonging to a single client, who wants to explore his philanthropic side, and who is Wei Ying to argue?

So he starts waving at the guy, hoping he'll come in.

He's so good looking that Wei Ying wants to poke at his face, just to make sure he's real, because nobody could be this handsome and half of it not be bloody plastic.

And then… omg…he IS coming inside!

Wei Ying is so ready to meet this human God, he's not even thinking straight.

"Hi!! I'm Wei Ying!" He says, thankful that he didn't accidentally swallow his tongue in the process.

This guy is just too beautiful.

His eyes are like gems of amber, with glittering flecks of gold. The tinted windows were holding back on his gorgeousness, because there's no way someone this handsome isn't already a runway model. He is a photographer's dream.

His thick lashes touch his round cheeks every time he blinks, and Wei Ying gets the feeling that there's a lot going on in there. At least, he hopes there is, and this guy isn't just a himbo.

He wants to poke at the softness of those squishy cheeks, hoping they'll be that bouncy, like freshly mixed dough.

The stranger still hasn't let go of his hand either, which presents a slight problem. Wei Ying feels warm all over and kind of shivery, the oddest combination that he's ever felt before. But he's got work to do, and as much as he wants to just stand there and feast his vision on the excellent eye candy in front of him, he cannot.

"I need a hat," the beautiful man-god says.

"Hello, I-need-a-hat, it's nice to meet you!" Wei Ying giggles at his own joke, though it feels like the man isn't amused in the slightest.

"I'm serious." The man says, glaring at him now.

"Make your mind up, Sir! Which one is it?" Wei Ying can't stop his mouth from running off, and laughter bubbles out of his chest.

Wei Ying realises that he may have pushed this guy a bit too far, because it's only when he turns around to leave, that Wei Ying jumps into action.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Wei Ying jumps past him to stand in front of the door, effectively stopping him from using it.

"Let's start again, and I promise to be on my best behaviour!" He lifts three fingers to his temple, a scout's honour promise.

Lan Zhan watches him back, so annoyed that he's clenching his jaw, and he doesn't know whether or not to trust this guy.

"Honestly! I'll make no jokes while you're here," Wei Ying says once again, and somehow, even if he thinks that's what he wants, it bothers Lan Zhan.

He nods once.

"Come and sit down," Wei Ying urges him.

Before Lan Zhan knows what is happening, there's a warmth on his lower back and he's being led to a pair of scarlet velvet covered stools. Wei Ying sits opposite him.

Once they're comfortable, Wei Ying holds his hand out again, biting the inside of his left cheek. He can't help it, this is funny.

But this guy is obviously a fuddy duddy and he knows he can't openly laugh at him, so Wei Ying brings out his most serious side.

"My name is Wei Ying, and I'm the Mad Hatter!"

"My name is Lan… Zhan. I will be needing a hat in exactly two weeks, if that's possible," Lan Zhan says cautiously, not willing to question why he told Wei Ying his birth name off the bat.

There's something here, something that demands raw honesty between them. He doesn't understand anything about that, this strange pull that he feels from this man. Only that Lan Zhan wants to obey his instincts.

"Hello, Lan Zhan!" It's a lovely name, Wei Ying thinks as it rolls off his tongue. "May I ask, how did you get my card? I don't give them out to just anybody."

Oh. Lan Zhan didn't know that. His respect grows a little more for this strange person, and he's a little intimidated. Surely, the Mad Hatter would want as much business as possible. He says as much, after admitting that it was XiChen who gave him Wei Ying’s card.

"I thought you looked familiar!" Wei Ying laughs again, a quick little noise that makes Lan Zhan’s heart stutter.

His hands are gripping the sides of the stool hard, and that's the only thing which stops him falling off it and losing all his dignity. He admonishes himself once again, telling himself not to be so serious.

He liked it when Wei Ying flirted with him, teasing him with his silly jokes.

And he's annoyed with himself, both for feeling like that and reacting in a way that made Wei Ying stop.

"You look like your… brother? Lan XiChen has been here a couple of times before. It's nice to meet you," Wei Ying says, thinking that out of the two of them, this enigmatic, far-too-serious looking one is far more handsome. His prickliness is weirdly cute.

Wei Ying picks up his notebook, and now takes a better look at Lan Zhan.

He seems to prefer clean lines in the cut of his suit, nude colours that seem neutral, closer to nature. Today, his suit is made from a mix of cashmere and silk, from the shine. It's a deep silver grey with a cream silk shirt, and a pale blue silk tie with a matching pocket square.

Notes won't cut it, Wei Ying thinks, flinging down the book and reaching for his artist's sketchbook instead.

"Please tell me, on the day you need your hat, what are you wearing?" Wei Ying’s pencil is hovering over the blank sheet, waiting to put the picture on the paper, what kind of vision he wants to see.

"Something similar to this," Lan Zhan gestures towards himself. "All of my suits are like this."

Wei Ying wrinkles his nose.

"But Gege, is it in the evening? Or the daytime? How about going for some colour? I could put you in jet black pants and a burgundy silk shirt, soft and flowing, maybe with ruffles? And then what if we mirror some of those ruffles onto the hat? I can make you look so cool!"

There's too much to unpack here, in that whole statement.

Firstly, Gege?

Gege??

Lan Zhan has never ever had anyone call him that before. The word is still performing a cabaret act in the vacuum of his mind. Also, Lan Zhan has never thought of wearing black… or burgundy, for that matter.

They are so not his colours.

And ruffles?

He tries not to make a face.

Wei Ying laughs at him openly now, and he grabs a few colouring pencils.

"I can see what you thought of my suggestion, Gege. And I think I found you the perfect solution." Wei Ying chatters away, talking about anything and everything, and just listening to him, Lan Zhan begins to relax.

Wei Ying’s pencils fly upon the blank piece of paper, and then in the most adorable look, his pink tongue comes out to peek past his gorgeous lips, right on the side. Too often, his lovely silver eyes drift up to hold Lan Zhan prisoner, an intense perusal which undermines the casualness of the act.

Lan Zhan needs to distract himself from this.

He's never felt this out of sorts before. It's like all of his feelings are gathered together on a battlefield, opposing, circling each other, brewing for a fight. It's the petrichor before a violent storm, the humidity building pressure before the explosive aftermath of clashing thunder and dynamite lightning dancing around each other.

The push and pull of nature itself.

"What are you doing?" Lan Zhan asks him, clenching his teeth.

"I'm finding your look. It's a party, right?" Wei Ying throws him another magnificent smile, and Lan Zhan wonders if he shouldn't be paying him for them?

Those smiles are so precious and yet so easily thrown at him. Like the tomatoes thrown at bulls in that silly bullfighting tournament in Spain, where they unnecessarily antagonise the bulls before releasing them onto the street.

Lan Zhan is for the first time in his life, feeling sympathetic towards them.

"But… I just want a nice hat," he objects.

"If you wanted 'a nice hat', you could have gone to Marks and Spencer and bought one." Wei Ying swallows another chuckle.

"Mn," Lan Zhan replies.

"But you didn't, not this time." Wei Ying pauses his pencils to stare back at him, and once more, his gaze is intense and piercing.

Lan Zhan feels way too exposed like this.

As if he is being stripped bare, all of his protective layers are being peeled away to leave just him, just the essence of him remaining. Only what made up 'Lan Zhan'.

"Tell me, why not?" Wei Ying says in a low voice. "Why did you come here?"

"My brother-"

"Don't hide behind him. This," Wei Ying says sharply, waving a hand between them both, his beautiful silver eyes not even blinking now, never once leaving Lan Zhan’s face. "It's just between us. Tell me the truth. Why did you come here?"

"I wanted a change." Lan Zhan says.

He feels as if that wasn't his mouth forming the words.

Where had that thought come from?

It's like Wei Ying has the ability to wrench the truth from his insides, no matter where it may be buried.

"Good boy." Wei Ying sits up straighter, suddenly. "Regardless of how difficult it is, I would always pick the truth rather than a flowery lie. It's the highest kind of respect, you know."

"I did not know that was what I was feeling," Lan Zhan continues, feeling as if he ought to defend himself.

"Then say that you don't know. I won't bite." He bares his teeth, negating his words immediately. "I get the feeling we are going to be finding out a shit-ton of truths about each other before you get your hat." He laughs to himself, before going back to his sketch.

"I dislike ready-made hats," Lan Zhan admits.

He wasn't asked to provide additional information, but Wei Ying’s comment about preferring the truth seems to have opened up a mysterious dam in Lan Zhan’s mind, and he wants to be forthcoming.

"Why?" Wei Ying hums, his attention split between Lan Zhan on paper, and Lan Zhan in the flesh.

"Itchy. Bad fitting. Cheap materials," Lan Zhan replies.

"I see. Well, you should know straight off the bat, I only use the best natural fabrics, so in my case, it's either cotton, silk or wool. Or a mix of two out of the three. And any hat made on this property by me will be guaranteed to fit you, and absolutely will not itch." Wei Ying promises Lan Zhan.

"When does the rest of your team get here?" Lan Zhan asks him.

"Rest of my team? Who?" Wei Ying has to stop doing what he's doing now, because this conversation has taken a bit of a mad turn. "What team?" He says slowly.

"Your team? The people who help you." Lan Zhan is unfazed.

"You're looking at him," Wei Ying spreads his arms wide open, still clutching his sketchbook and colouring pencils.

"You?"

"Ahuh. Spot on, buddy."

Lan Zhan glares at him. "I thought you said you preferred honesty."

"I do." Wei Ying is no longer smiling though.

Something pinches in his chest at the loss of this easygoing banter they had. The tide has turned and suddenly, this has become a very serious conversation.

"There's no way-" Lan Zhan pinches the bridge of his nose, striving for calm.

"Oh no, don't hide your thoughts now." Wei Ying wears a thin smile, just a slash of his lips, and friendliness only on the periphery of his words. There's a sharp glint in his eyes, a knife's edge of certain hurt. "Tell me what you're thinking."

"I find it difficult to believe you are the sole creator of these marvellous creations." Lan Zhan gestures towards the window display. He looks up and sees another shelf erected high up around them, closer to the ceiling and enclosed by glass. There must be at least sixty beautiful hats up there, each one unique and vibrant, a reflection of their creator's talent.

"Why?" Wei Ying is fascinated by this man.

So hellbent on whatever conclusion he's reached, already having made up his mind about Wei Ying, that Lan Zhan refuses to believe anything else, and certainly not the truth.

"I know how much work goes into making a hat. I do not think you are capable."

There.

It is out in the open.

"Wow, so judgy, Gege." Wei Ying stands up. "I could ask you to leave. I don't have to make your hat."

Lan Zhan stands up too, and stalks forward.

Wei Ying’s feet remain where they are, and he does not budge an inch, facing him head on.

"Mn. You don't have to," Lan Zhan agrees. The thought that he might be rejected causes a frisson to travel up his spine. "But you have already decided, haven't you?" His breath refuses to enter his lungs until he receives an answer.

Wei Ying’s eyes take a slow, measured trip, studying him back from his feet, all the way up his long body, taking in the breadth of his shoulders and chest, and finally come to rest upon his beautiful face.

For all his rudeness, Lan Zhan is a puzzle box, and Wei Ying’s fingers are already itching to open him up. But there's no reason to make this easy for him.

"Why don't I prove it to you?" Wei Ying says.

"How?"

"You can watch me."

What? What is he thinking??!

Wei Ying ignores his thoughts for now. He doesn't understand why he offered that.

"Deal. How long will it take? And you're not allowed to work on the hat when I'm not around." Lan Zhan moves closer unconsciously.

"When are you free? And I do have other commitments." Wei Ying steps forward. "That might not be feasible."

The air between them is suddenly sizzling, charged with opposing currents.

"I have appointments in the afternoons, but my mornings can be cleared. How long?"

"I open at ten. If you can only make the mornings, then that's two hours every day. Ten to twelve. We'll be lucky if the hat is done in fourteen days."

Lan Zhan stares at him.

Whatever Wei Ying is doing to him, it feels dangerous. And exciting.

It's the thrill of climbing a mountain to see the view at the top, when the whole world is asleep. It's like soaring above the treetops and racing through the sky, finding and riding the air currents to glide upon.

"Thirteen. I need to wear it on the fourteenth day from now."

"So we can make the last fitting on the fourteenth day. Come here ready to go, wearing this, and I'll make sure you have your hat." Wei Ying tears off the top paper of his sketchbook and hands it to Lan Zhan.

"Deal." Lan Zhan holds his hand out for Wei Ying to shake on it.

The static electricity zings at both of them where their skin meets and yet, neither lets go.

Gold clashes with silver, an unspoken challenge where so much more is on the line than just a hat.

Neither is going to back down, and neither is going to give up.

The gauntlet has been thrown.

All that remains is to see how it plays out.

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

Lan Zhan is shocked.

He only looks at the piece of paper in his hand a while later, when his driver pulls away from the curb.

The sketch might have taken minutes to complete, but it is breathtaking and beautiful.

The man in the picture is confident, suave, sophisticated and elegant. The picture of grace itself, with a cocky tilt to his rakish hat. It's not a fedora, nor a straw hat, but something in between, with a slightly wider rim.

Indigo blue to match the short cape that sits on his shoulders like it was born to be there. His suit is a pale blue, sharply cut to define his slim waist and the broadness of his shoulders, the cream silk shirt moulding to his chest like a second skim. The stylish flair presented in the whole picture is frankly, amazing. This guy is dressed to kill.

And it's another challenge.

Wei Ying expects him to wear this.

As if any item from this picture can be bought off the rack.

There's only one thing to do now, as much as Lan Zhan doesn't want to do it.

He tells the driver to change their destination immediately.

Lan Zhan doesn't want to involve his brother, but it looks like he has no choice about it; XiChen will know who can help him find someone who will make this for him. Lan Zhan stares at the picture again, and grudgingly admires it.

It's beautiful.

He's beautiful in the picture.

It's something he wants to strive towards, if he can, and every returning glance soothes his already frazzled nerves.

An expert hand has drawn him so beautifully that Lan Zhan wants this.

Perhaps, a little too much.

*********

XiChen is on the phone, when he calls out to his brother to enter.

"I see." He sounds far too happy. "Of course, we shall try our best. I'm surprised, though. Usually, my brother is always polite, so I find it rather hard to believe he would have insulted you on purpose. Hm… right. Well, he's here now, so I'm sure he'll tell me what happened. Thank you for getting in touch with me, Mr. Wei. Goodbye."

Lan Zhan was only half listening to the conversation until he heard the name.

His gaze shoots up to look at his brother, only to find honey-coloured eyes staring straight back at him.

XiChen puts his phone away, and smiles.

Uh oh…

That smile means trouble for Lan Zhan.

"What did you say to Wei WuXian?" At Lan Zhan’s blank look, XiChen adds, "the hat maker."

Lan Zhan feels a whole lot of smug, because XiChen doesn't know his birth name.

But Wei Ying had told it to him.

"I merely professed a disbelief pertaining to his claims of making all those hats by himself. It's preposterous!" Lan Zhan tells him, confidently.

"Is it?" XiChen replies, his tone layered as if he knows something he is unwilling to share, something that Lan Zhan is not privy to.

"Yes. And I'll have my proof soon enough." Lan Zhan tells him in depth what had transpired that morning, and his subsequent deal with Wei Ying, about watching his hat be made in real time. Then he shows Lan XiChen the picture that Wei Ying drew for him.

The admiration on his brother's face is like a light shining out of a mirror.

"Didi… you look amazing!! Mr. Wei is truly a talented craftsman." He says, with pride.

"Mr Wei… and his team."

XiChen merely laughs at him.

Lan Zhan stares at the drawing meaningfully.

"I guess we will go to see Huaisang, then."

Huaisang was their designer, who regularly created their outfits for them. He was another talented individual and truly amazing, able to find them what they requested and too often, turning it around to make something entirely unique. Lan Zhan or XiChen were frequently featured in the newspapers under the best dressed columns, with in depth reviews gushing about their outfits.

"Let's go now." Lan Zhan tells him, impatiently.

XiChen laughs delightedly.

These two weeks were going to be fun, watching these two dancing around each other.

**********

At ten o'clock sharp the next day, Lan Zhan is ready and waiting outside a locked door. He had gotten there early and was waiting for Wei WuXian to open it. He felt privileged to know Wei Ying’s real name, to know that he had been given it to use freely, and riding on that high, he's impatient to see him again.

He wonders if yesterday had been a fluke, that his thoughts had conjured up a far more attractive man in his imagination than was possible in real life.

What if Lan Zhan is crushing on solely the idea of a man who can only be described as being devastating in his beauty?

The click of the lock snaps him out of his thoughts, and Lan Zhan finds himself walking into a different vibe.

For one thing, there's jazz music playing in the background.

And for another, Wei Ying.

Unfortunately for Lan Zhan, it's his imagination that pales in comparison to real life.

A plain white, long sleeved t-shirt sits under a tweed waistcoat with a silver lining that matches his beautiful eyes. And a pair of elegant but tight fitting brown trousers that leave nothing to Lan Zhan’s imagination. His waist is tapered, flaring out mto fill the back of his trousers too well.

Wei Ying looks smart. And stunning in this outfit.

His hair has been plaited and secured on top of his head in a round bun, held out of his face by a red ribbon this time.

"Welcome," he says in his musical voice, and Lan Zhan is surprised at how much he missed the sound of it, even if he only met Wei Ying yesterday. "Did you like your picture?"

"Mn. Why didn't you say you knew Huaisang?" Lan Zhan gets straight to the point.

Wei Ying’s eyes widen before he recovers.

"Wow, small world. Would you like some coffee before we start?" Wei Ying yawns most adorably. "I can't function without mine."

"No, thank you. You were saying?" Lan Zhan doesn't mean to sound impatient but he is.

"Oh, Huaisang?"

Lan Zhan nods, following Wei Ying to his complicated-looking coffee machine. He sticks a mug under the spout and puts a little tub of something + caffeine in the filter, pressing buttons automatically without checking what he's doing.

"We went to design school together." Wei Ying waves it away like it's nothing important.

"London College of Fashion. Do you know how hard it is to get in?" Lan Zhan fills in the gaps for him.

Wei Ying gives him a tired smile. "I bet you're gonna tell me, though."

"You got in on a scholarship." Lan Zhan needs to work on his tone. He knows he sounds accusing.

"Someone's been doing their homework. Give me a second," Wei Ying tells him, as the grumpy machine stops making choking noises and splutters to a stop.

Lan Zhan watches, fascinated, as Wei Ying throws back his head and chugs the burning liquid down, his Adam's apple bobbing in tandem to his swallowing.

Lan Zhan wants to bite him there.

What?

What? Where had that thought come from?

Silver eyes finally blink awake again, and Lan Zhan is rewarded with a brilliant smile.

"So, you liked my design, then?" Mischievousness twinkles in his kaleidoscope eyes, at once shimmering like frozen mercury.

"Mn. Huaisang is preparing it. I didn't know you worked together."

"Yeah… he went on to become a world famous designer with his own fashion house, and I went into millinery. We're both good at what we do."

Lan Zhan watches him as Wei Ying takes out a measuring tape and other tools. Wei Ying gestures towards the empty seat in front of him. It's a lower stool than what they sat on yesterday, and Lan Zhan tenses up, because he knows what is coming.

"I need to measure your head." Wei Ying says, gently now after seeing the trepidation on his face.

Lan Zhan forces himself to sit down.

This close to Wei Ying, he can smell a fresh, clean scent, and something else more floral, like lotus flowers. It is pleasant enough to relax him a little.

"I don't like touching people. Or them touching me." Lan Zhan says.

"That's understandable. After all, you don't know where they've been."

A laugh erupts out of Lan Zhan’s chest, unwillingly.

Wei Ying’s smile is perfect.

"Close your eyes. You won't even know I'm here," he encourages.

Lan Zhan feels ashamed now.

There is no one else here, just the two of them and it seems that Wei Ying was telling the truth yesterday, when he said he was the only one in his team. And his fingertips are so gentle that Lan Zhan barely feels him doing his stuff. It is kind of him to be so considerate, too.

Perhaps Lan Zhan was mistaken to make assumptions, to presume things about the person he just met, one who was being honest with him.

"Done!" Wei Ying announces.

He flicks a switch and instrumental music begins to play, something from the swinging 60's.

Lan Zhan remains seated and watches as he goes to the shelves where the wooden heads are. Wei Ying selects the correct one and puts it in the metal stand that holds it in place. Next, he grabs a piece of fabric, a vivid indigo blue. He cuts out a perfect circle, larger than the wooden block.

His fingers are sure and adept as he works, confidently shearing away the outside of the circle and tossing it in the trash can under his workstation, before he forces it onto the wooden head.

Lan Zhan can see the muscles of his biceps and triceps bulge as he applies a greater pressure to make the fabric fit the shape of the wooden block, and wonders if he should have asked for tea. His mouth is drier than the Sahara, right now.

It is unfair that someone should look this good while working.

Wei Ying’s hands automatically know what to do, and that's a great thing because his mind is stuck on the man watching him like a hawk, waiting for him to trip up and make a mistake.

It is both exhilarating and thrilling to be watched so intensely, to be the sole focus of Lan Zhan’s attention so completely. He should be nervous, at least a little jittery, but Wei Ying has always been one who rises to every challenge thrown his way.

Yes, he had called Lan XiChen yesterday, but that was more to protect himself, rather than complain about his younger brother riling him up. The tension in the room hadn't gone away until Wei Ying had put some classical music on, and immersed himself in researching classical hat styles of the late eighteen hundreds.

He had three other hats to make but their pending dates were later, and he could put them on the back-burner for now.

The phone call was really a request not to give his card out to strangers. Wei Ying had enough business and he could afford to pick and choose his customers, not the other way around. Still, it didn't hurt to remind people of that.

If he made a hat, it was because he wanted to, out of choice.

Lan Zhan is still watching him and Wei Ying feels like a flower about to bloom for the very first time. He's barely breathing as he presses the wooden stencil around what will eventually be the rim of Lan Zhan’s hat.

Lan Zhan’s alarm goes off, startling them both.

Wei Ying accidentally dropped his puller, a wooden screwdriver shaped tool with a flat head.

"I am sorry, I must go now." Lan Zhan tells him, standing up.

His body language says otherwise, that he doesn't want to, and Wei Ying feels another wave of excitement. Could it be that Lan Zhan likes watching him work?

Of course, that begs the question: is it the process of hat-making? Or Wei Ying himself?

He makes himself blush, and Lan Zhan stares a bit too long, drinking in his features almost desperately as if committing them to his memory.

And then he's gone.

Wei Ying packs up the hat and gets started on another creation, unwilling to waste his time. But it is difficult to get his mind off Lan Zhan and switch to the next job.

He doesn't wonder why he's chosen a vivid ochre wool for his next hat project, though.

It's a nice colour, he thinks, possibly fast becoming his favourite.

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

Day 3 of 14

Steaming always makes Wei Ying hot, and since he doesn't let his shop door stay open, the place can get rather warm, so he must dress to accommodate the rising temperature.

Another thought has the audacity to suggest that it might be Lan Zhan who is responsible for the temperature hike instead, and Wei Ying has to squash it down immediately.

Lan Zhan is his client, and it would not do to think beyond that at the moment. To indulge in any wild flights of fancy would not be professional; Wei Ying knows this.

So he greets Lan Zhan in a loose red tank top, and a pair of long black shorts, open and airy. But somehow, it seems to piss off his customer like nothing else.

"It's a Phoenix!" Is the first thing Lan Zhan says about Wei Ying’s tattoo, which is out in full view, and then he scowls.

Wei Ying just grins at him and gets to work because as they found out yesterday, two hours can pass by in the blink of an eye, and Wei Ying has a hat to finish.

Today though, he has tea ready for both of them.

Lan Zhan likes it, the gentle scent of orange blossom with his usual green tea. Wei Ying forgets about his and drinks it later after it has cooled down. Lan Zhan is treated to another lovely display of a long column of neck exposed with his collarbone, and a sheen of fine sweat, as the temperature rises.

Who knew this much ironing had to be done with a single hat?

Lan Zhan can see his wiry frame, and when Wei Ying lifts the edge of his tank top to wipe away at his face, it's the ridges of taut muscle at his defined abs that forces Lan Zhan to reach for his empty cup.

So another day passes and Wei Ying is becoming more and more frustrated by the short time frame, and the stress of working between projects by having to switch his mindset, and all throughout, enduring the lava-like attention of a good-looking man.

The next few days are going to only get tougher…

***********

Day 4 of 14

Distraction causes an accident.

Wei Ying ought to have been more careful. He should have been paying attention to the sewing machine and where his finger was, and he didn't, until his own cry of pain had him clutching his hand to his chest.

Lan Zhan is apologetic, and right there.

"First aid box?"

"First drawer, right hand side." Wei Ying hates the way his voice wavers, but he absolutely cannot afford to injure himself.

Cool fingers take his hand and gently clean away the blood. Luckily, it is a shallow cut, even though it hurts like crazy.

Lan Zhan is diligent and thorough, a lethal combination and Wei Ying can feel his heart fluttering in his chest like a trapped hummingbird seeking release. Just a single touch from him, and Wei Ying is a puddle. But it's more than that.

Wei Ying can see the concern himself, hiding in those golden depths, along with a wish not to see his suffering. It makes Wei Ying feel warm all over.

"Sorry," he says, later.

"For?"

"You said, you don't like touching people." Wei Ying looks at the fresh plaster on his finger. It's still throbbing when he moves it at all.

"Nonsense. It was my fault, I shouldn't have been asking you questions when you were obviously trying to concentrate."

Lan Zhan does look very sorry about that.

And of course, it makes Wei Ying want to distract him from feeling bad.

"Ah, forget about it, Gege. It happens, not as often as it used to, but there's always a chance. It's why I prefer to work alone." Wei Ying waves a hand absently in front of him.

"That too, is my fault. I should have trusted you." Lan Zhan is feeling even worse about that. "I did not know you, and I assumed you were lying. But Wei Ying is justifiably talented, and I should apologise for not believing him when he said he did not have a team."

His admission makes fear lance through Wei Ying’s body.

Does this mean Lan Zhan will stop coming here in the mornings? The thought alone makes something ache in Wei Ying's chest.

He's gotten used to greeting Lan Zhan first thing in the morning, and to not have that… it makes him feel scared to lose it. He's known Lan Zhan all of four days, and it's not at all as bad as he assumed it was going to be. He blushes too, because that means he too, is guilty of making assumptions without any foundation.

And because he's still scared that Lan Zhan will come to his senses and leave, only returning to collect his hat when it is ready, Wei Ying does what he has always excelled in: distraction.

"What is Gege going to do about it, then?" He pipes up.

"Mn?"

Wei Ying flexes his hand and winces, causing Lan Zhan to pout.

"Don't do that!" Lan Zhan tells him firmly. His warm hands carefully hold Wei Ying’s injured hand in a cage made from his own infinitely gentle ones.

"Okay, okay, I won't. But I'm hungry. I think Gege should assume responsibility and take us out for lunch." Wei Ying has never been quite so bold before, and he's fully expecting Lan Zhan to reject the idea as ridiculous.

So he's shocked when Lan Zhan immediately agrees.

"Mn. It's the least I can do," he agrees.

"Well then, I know the perfect place, it's only a short walk away, Gege!" And with that, Wei Ying is up and putting his jacket on, taking up the keys to lock the door behind them.

Lan Zhan is walking alongside him in a trance, because it was one thing to see Wei Ying in a pair of shorts and a tank top, a wholly other thing to see him dressed smartly in a tweed waistcoat and brown trousers, but today, Wei Ying has gone all out in a plain red button down with sleeves rolled up, plain black trousers that fit him too well, and now he's added a leather jacket with far too many silver zips and pockets and studs and Wei Ying is IN it, being the most attractive thing about it.

He's definitely going for the bad boy vibe.

Today is the day that Lan Zhan has to stop pretending that he feels nothing for him, this firework of a man, who only has to breathe in his direction to get Lan Zhan all hot and bothered.

He still has to get used to the feeling, because Lan Zhan hadn't expected to feel anything like this. Not for anyone, not this fast, and certainly not this deeply.

It's like free falling out of a plane without a parachute.

This untetheredness is definitely something new, and Lan Zhan wants to cradle this feeling like a fluffy yellow chick to his chest, needing to protect it like the fragile baby that it is. By saying it out loud, by giving it a name, he's exposing his feelings to others, and he's not sure if he's ready for that so soon.

It feels like the fragility of an iridescent bubble, that by uncovering how he feels, he risks the bubble popping, and he instinctively knows that won't be a good thing. He wants to get used to it before asking Wei Ying out on a date.

Just that thought alone is enough to create a thousand butterflies in his stomach, all taking flight at once. Lan Zhan quickly puts any thoughts of going out on a date with Wei Ying out of his mind for now, because if that's his reaction, then what is Wei Ying going to think?

Wei Ying walks with Lan Zhan to Covent Garden, where there's an outdoor seating area for the restaurant he's chosen. A busker is moving and making way for a string quartet, and when they're ready to order, the musicians begin to play.

It's an old, old song, played expertly, and Wei Ying is humming along and perusing the menu, when he asks Lan Zhan what he thinks about an item on the list. He doesn't get an answer, which is odd, so he looks up.

Lan Zhan is silently watching the four players, as each takes a solo turn to play this gorgeous melody.

But it's his tears that catch Wei Ying off guard.

His own hands have moved even before he knows of it, reaching out to cover Lan Zhan’s hands, wanting to offer some kind of solidarity. Empathy.

He does not ask Lan Zhan any questions, and together, they listen in rapturous attention as the song plays all the way to its sad conclusion. It's a beautiful piece.

When the last notes echo through the air, they are on their feet and clapping hard once the silent shock wears off, and everyone applauds the group of talented musicians.

Their food arrives after that and Wei Ying looks at his plate of spicy noodles and realises that he may have made a mistake. It's been a long time since he's had to eat with his left hand, but then he's ambidextrous, so it's not really a problem. Except that he doesn't want to test it out in front of Lan Zhan.

His right hand is still throbbing, so that's out of action for sure. If he tried using chopsticks with that one, there was a good chance he would make a fool of himself and end up embarrassed.

So, left hand, it is.

But Lan Zhan sees his indecision and has a solution ready. He calmly takes Wei Ying’s chopsticks out of his hands and deftly raises a mouthful of hot noodles to Wei Ying’s lips, to help him eat.

There's nothing for Wei Ying to do except open his mouth. His eyes cannot and do not stray from Lan Zhan, watching him in return.

Lan Zhan takes it in turns to feed Wei Ying and then eat himself from his own plate, but the mood of this simple lunchtime meal has already undertaken a significant change.

There is something so sensual about feeding someone, more so when suspected feelings are involved. Neither Wei Ying nor Lan Zhan are able to remain unaffected by each other.

For Lan Zhan, it's the way Wei Ying opens his beautiful mouth, his lips shining with the remnants of the red chilli oil. He's obviously embarrassed about being fed, and yet he looks suspiciously as if he's enjoying himself.

When Lan Zhan eats his own food, he soon dispenses with swapping out the chopsticks every time, with Wei Ying’s sincere encouragement so that they're only using the one set by the time they finish eating.

Wei Ying has never felt this close to anyone before.

Lan Zhan is simply perfect.

And he has the manners of a God.

He puts the food in his mouth so elegantly, small bites that are chewed over thoughtfully, and then swallowed with ease, making his Adam's apple move ever so gracefully. His beautiful full lips open and close and yet, it takes all of Wei Ying's self control not to sigh out loud.

Lan Zhan wipes his mouth after he's done, and then his own one, and all the while, Wei Ying is dying on the inside.

Dessert is chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries and cream, and Lan Zhan must be feeling the same way as Wei Ying, not wanting to relinquish these moments together,  because neither of them mention the fact that a fork is easily held by either hand and, definitely able to manage better than chopsticks.

They share a fork and the dessert, and no one says anything.

The chocolate taste is decadent and not too sweet, the creamy goodness a perfect balance with the sweetness of the strawberries and Wei Ying even manages to steal a few, for later.

When it comes to paying, Lan Zhan stops Wei Ying from removing his wallet with practised fingers, handing the waiter his card faster than Wei Ying can blink.

"It is my fault that Wei Ying is in pain. And as Wei Ying suggested, I am taking responsibility."

Wei Ying whines most adorably, hiding his flaming face in his arms.

"And speaking of payments, when is Wei Ying going to tell me how much I owe him for the hat?" Lan Zhan continues.

It only deepens Wei Ying’s blush, a pretty colour that dances across his face with ease.

"I can't, not until the hat is complete," he lies.

It's another way to stop Lan Zhan from leaving.

He can't pay when he does not know the final total, and since that's up to Wei Ying, he's going to delay it as much as possible. He does have a price in mind though, but the question is, can Lan Zhan afford it? Will he be willing to pay it?

Wei Ying doesn't want to find out just yet.

Everything depends on the hat, when it is finished. Will Lan Zhan like it? Will it fit him properly and not cause any discomfort?

So Wei Ying is going to wait for now.

As he puts his jacket on, Wei Ying sees the time and gasps.

"Lan Zhan! It's past one! Don't you have to be somewhere?"

"No. I took the afternoon off." Lan Zhan smiles, just the smallest tilt of his lips, and Wei Ying wants to know if seeing someone smiling is reason enough to fall irrevocably, and undeniably in love with them.

"Ah…um, why?" Wei Ying is worrying that Lan Zhan has done it for him, because he feels guilty.

That's a whole other can of worms, and Wei Ying thinks he should know when to shut up and not ask further questions.

For no reason that Wei Ying can fathom, Lan Zhan steps closer to him and pulls the jacket closer on him, zipping it up for Wei Ying in a really thoughtful gesture, since his finger still hurts. And then he bends to whisper right in Wei Ying's ear:

"I wanted to spend time with Wei Ying."

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

Wei Ying isn't sure he wants to unpack that for now.

There's no point in talking about how he feels about Lan Zhan, or how Lan Zhan feels about him, not when a professional duty hangs over them both for now.

But since he can't work for the rest of the day, he has a fine suggestion if Lan Zhan is willing to do it.

"Actually, I have a confession to make," Wei Ying says.

Lan Zhan tries to stop his heart from beating out of his chest.

It could be nothing… right?

"Mn?" He makes his voice sound as neutral as possible.

"So um, it's back at the workshop. Kind of a surprise?" Wei Ying scratches the back of his neck uncertainly.

"Wei Ying needs my help?" Lan Zhan asks him, straight away. He's ready to do it, whatever Wei Ying wants.

"You could say that." Wei Ying looks anywhere except at him.

The silence is tense and noticeable when they walk back to the shop.

Lan Zhan follows Wei Ying inside, and then in the smoothest move ever, takes his keys out of his hands and locks the door, leaving the keys hanging in the lock.

"Er, so I have two friends here." Wei Ying says, quite shiftily.

"Two friends?" Lan Zhan doesn't want to admit it, but could he have been wrong about Wei Ying? Did he have a team after all? And then, has he been lying to Lan Zhan all this time?

More wild thoughts race around in his head as he follows Wei Ying into the back room, a place separated from the main studio part by a thick crimson velvet curtain. He's never been back here before, though he's seen Wei Ying dart in and out on occasion.

There's the sound of shuffling and as Wei Ying brings Lan Zhan around the corner hidden by a low makeshift fence of boxes, Lan Zhan lets out a huge gasp.

Two bunnies, startled by the sudden noise, huddle together and watch as Wei Ying sits down close to them. He pulls out the strawberries he snagged from their dessert, and offers one to the white bunny, who looks affronted that HE has to go to the treat, and not the other way around.

Wei Ying beckons Lan Zhan over and gives him the second strawberry, smiling in that wholesome way of his, and Lan Zhan has never wanted to kiss someone so badly before.

And it's not just because of the bunnies.

He's vibrating with excitement as he sits down next to this warm and kind man, something melting on his insides, and he lets the black bunny come and sniff at his hand before it cautiously nibbles on the sweet red berry.

The black bunny is fast and gobbles down the treat, even licking Lan Zhan’s fingers clean before hopping into his lap and closing its eyes to sleep.

Lan Zhan is in love.

His fur is so soft and thick and this is pure heaven, just being able to pet him.

Wei Ying is looking at him so softly too, and Lan Zhan thinks this day couldn't get any better.

It had started off a little badly, with Wei Ying getting hurt because Lan Zhan asked him a question, but then their shared meal, and feeding this gorgeous man, and then dessert…and now, this???

Lan Zhan felt like a bottle of champagne, or at least what it would feel like when a racing car driver would have picked him up and shaken him wildly, before popping off his cork and spraying his contents into the world.

He was just so happy!

Sitting here with Wei Ying, their knees and shoulders touching, sparks of delight thrumming through his body, and then the warm weight of this fantastic creature, so trusting, in his lap? His heart was ready to burst into millions of glittering, shiny confetti pieces.

"Lan Zhan! Wait, are you crying?" Wei Ying makes a sound of distress, and then before Lan Zhan can register anything, a soft tissue is being pressed at the corners of his eyes.

Lan Zhan blinks, a little dazed. He hasn't cried in such a long time before today, and now, he's cried twice already in just one day. It feels foreign and surreal to him.

"Why does Wei Ying have bunnies in his shop?" He asks, just because it's so bizarre.

Why would anyone have bunnies in their shop, especially if they were not undoubtedly a pet store?

"They live here," Wei Ying tells him.

His beautiful silver eyes are bright with love for these two adorable creatures.

"Why?"

"I found Rhubarb and Custard behind the shop, in the alley. Someone had left them in a box by the dumpster, and I just couldn't leave them there." Wei Ying lets his fingers caress the white bunny, who graciously allows it.

"Dumpster?" Lan Zhan is horrified.

His mind races on what could have happened to them, if Wei Ying hadn't found them in time. What if the garbage collection people had tossed the box into the truck without looking? Or what if a fox had found them first? The perils of the natural world were many and varied, and it wasn't a safe place for two sweet little buns like these guys.

Lan Zhan feels a warmth on his back, and as the panic-filled haze over his mind lifts, he realises that Wei Ying is talking to him.

"They're safe now, it's okay. I found them two years ago, and they're thriving." Wei Ying murmurs gently, rubbing his back.

Lan Zhan is so distressed on behalf of his bunnies that Wei Ying feels bad for him.

"Why are they called Rhubarb and Custard?"

"Oh, that's because I found the white bunny licking the insides of a can of custard. There wasn't much in it, certainly not enough to harm him, but the name kind of stuck. And Rhubarb is the best known accompaniment, isn't it?" Wei Ying gives him another precious smile.

"But what happens when Wei Ying goes home? Aren't they lonely? What if there's an emergency at night?" Lan Zhan can't help it, he's so worried about them.

"Pfft. I am home! I live upstairs." Wei Ying starts giggling.

It's such a wonderful sound.

"Here, why don't you keep petting them, and I'll go make us some tea." Wei Ying stands up and plonks the white bunny into his lap.

The black bunny promptly begins grooming him, and Lan Zhan wonders if ascending to other realms remotely feels like this.

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

"My mother used to have two bunnies." Lan Zhan says, over their steaming mugs of hot jasmine tea.

They're back in the studio now, after the bunnies fell asleep.

Wei Ying hums, a noise to fill in the silence. He gets the feeling that Lan Zhan is a closed off person, not one for idle chatting if the past few days count for anything. That being said, when he does speak, it's usually to say something important.

"She's passed away now."

For the second time today, Wei Ying reaches across the table to cover his trembling hands.

"You don't have to tell me if it's too difficult for you," he says instead.

"I want to." Lan Zhan surprises himself. "You know that song we heard today? It was her favourite. She used to hum it to us whenever we stayed with her, Xiongzhang and I."

The tea is comforting. It soothes away the sharp corners of his memories, leaving only the smooth and happier times.

"My mother really liked it too," Wei Ying tells him softly. "What a coincidence!"

"You remind me of my mother." Another surprising truth.

"Is it because of my long and beautiful hair? Or my charming personality?" Wei Ying pretends to flip his hair back, playfully.

Lan Zhan stares back at him. He's both amused and wants to share the memories of his mother with Wei Ying.

"It is the way you mask your pain. How you use distraction to your advantage, because to do otherwise would make you have to expose yourself. I do not know what has happened to Wei Ying… but you do not have to hide it with me." Lan Zhan says cautiously, the longest he has talked in a while.

"Then, can I say the same to you, Lan Zhan? We said at the beginning, respect and honesty go hand in hand, and I would like to offer you the same gift. You also don't have to hide yourself from me. Ever." Wei Ying holds up his mug of tea so that Lan Zhan can clink it with his own.

A toast to seal an agreement.

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

The days pass faster and Wei Ying’s time is running out.

His finger was much better two days later, and he's ordered a surprise for Lan Zhan, a special lining for his special hat.

After their talk on the day of the Bunnies, something has changed between them.

They are simultaneously more relaxed with each other, but at the same time, the air crackles in a charged tension around them, like the moment before a match is lit.

Once the phosphorus strikes the rough texture on the side of a matchbox, there's a split second of intensity, and it could go either way; either the match will burst into a vivid and bright flame, or a second attempt will have to be made. But it's the uncertainty of the act in the middle which is filled with excited trepidation.

That's how Wei Ying is feeling, times by a hundred, and all the time.

Every time he looks up, Lan Zhan is staring back at him, his enigmatic lion eyes filled with an emotion that Wei Ying has no name for yet, except that it is single-focused and deeply intense. It makes him scared and happy and excited, filled with exuberant energy, wanting to show off for the person he cared about.

That's as far as he was going to go, in terms of a label.

"You said you and Huaisang studied together?" Lan Zhan waits to ask his questions now, making sure Wei Ying can answer without hurting himself before making the attempt.

"Yep, absolutely. We weren't roomies but we could have been." Wei Ying hums to himself.

The song they had heard in Covent Garden had wormed its way into his heart and soul, and Wei Ying hums quite often nowadays.

"Then why go into the millinery business? Why not fashion? As in clothes?"

"Ah, Gege… that's a good question." Wei Ying pulls up the sleeves of his red jumper, revealing his phoenix tattoo, and his muscles bunch, making Lan Zhan shiver.

Oh how he wants to put his mouth there!

Wei Ying stops what he's doing, and goes to another drawer. He pulls out something and walks towards Lan Zhan now, with a hand behind his back.

"Close your eyes, Gege," he says, in a seductive voice.

Lan Zhan would give anything for him to continue talking like that. His temperature rockets up and that all too familiar dry mouth symptom occurs, but he does what Wei Ying requests of him.

He senses something being put in front of him.

"Okay, Gege. You can open them now. But, when you do, tell me straight away, what catches your eye first?" Wei Ying has covered Lan Zhan’s eyes with his own hand.

It feels even more intimate than feeding each other.

"Ready?" Wei Ying whispers, and his warm breath caresses Lan Zhan’s ear.

He suppresses another shiver and nods, not trusting himself to speak and accidentally licking Wei Ying’s hand in the process.

The bright light of the studio blinds him a little as his eyes get used to seeing properly, and when he looks down, he sees a pile of pictures.

These are models wearing beautiful hats, and gorgeous outfits, dressed to kill in the only way that matters.

Clean lines, stunning concepts and a brilliant theme, every picture rocks.

"The hats?" Lan Zhan says, trying to be as objective as he can.

"Correcto-mundo!" Wei Ying comes to stand next to him. "I went to my first ever fashion show in high school. And when I tell you that I was blown away by the detail, the scope, the magnitude of their imagination, it was mind-boggling!" He clutches Lan Zhan’s biceps in his excitement. "I couldn't take my eyes off the models that wore hats, and I quickly realised that when we look at anyone, the first thing we notice are their heads. Someone did a market research study ages ago, focusing on sales, and 90% of the time, an ad campaign with hats was far more successful than bare-headed models. I began paying attention, and I quickly figured out how to pass my exams, the practical side of them.

"I needed to catch the eyes of the judges, that much was certainly true, but it's a cutthroat business. The amount of times buttons will just magically fall off, or a row of diamonds will scratch up a silk garment, you won't believe it!" He sighs dramatically. "I might have warned Huaisang about such catastrophes happening now and then, especially if a person's collection garnered a lot of interest. Lucky I told him because a fire broke out backstage just before Huaisang's collection was due to show. He managed to save it though, and as a thank you, he offered me a partnership in the beginning, and I agreed, just until I had enough money to get by. And that's my story." Wei Ying beams, and then he realises that he's touching Lan Zhan, someone who doesn't like touching others, and who is certainly making no effort to remove Wei Ying.

"Mn." Lan Zhan had been watching and listening to Wei Ying with rapturous attention, and now that he was moving away, he was missing Wei Ying’s warmth.

Wei Ying returns to ironing the felt, making sure that no creases remain.

Lan Zhan watches how fascinated he is with each step of this process, how his forearms bunch and flex, making his phoenix tattoo come alive. Wei Ying concentrating on anything is hot anyway, but when he uses his gorgeous arms and beautiful fingers to nudge creases away, press the dowel into the fabric and make it do what he wants? His hands are so sure, so practiced, and there is nothing that can turn Lan Zhan on more.

He's already squirming in his seat.

Wei Ying applies that same careful attention to the inside of the hat as well, and once he sews the head band inside, he comes to fit the hat on Lan Zhan’s head.

Lan Zhan has to spread his thighs to accommodate Wei Ying’s close proximity, and while the hat maker might be a hundred percent professional, Lan Zhan cannot say the same for himself.

Every time Wei Ying does this, making minute adjustments to the fitting, going back to his hatstand to stretch the fabric out until he's satisfied that it will fit correctly, he's the epitome of a man intent on his craft, with no other thoughts running in his head, proper or improper.

But Lan Zhan?

It's the scent of intoxicating lotus flowers and Wei Ying, so close to him, that Lan Zhan wants to yank his hips closer and fuse their lips together. Once that thought appears in his mind, it's all he can think of, and Wei Ying being so near to him, his eyes catch and stay upon Wei Ying’s lips, wondering what they would taste like.

It is the shape of them, how they can fascinate him in how Wei Ying talks, and worse when he doesn't, because then his top two bunny teeth bite into the soft flesh and Lan Zhan is burning hotter than the centre of a live volcano.

He imagines how sweet they will be, and if Wei Ying would kiss him back. That lets loose a flurry of Eagle sized butterflies in his tummy and he nearly falls off the stool.

Wei Ying steadies him absentmindedly, immediately returning to the task at hand.

Lan Zhan asks him often what he's going to charge him for making the hat, and Wei Ying answers in the same vague way, brushing him off and evading with distraction after distraction.

But there are moments which are magical because they give Lan Zhan hope.

So far, he's caught Wei Ying staring back at him with an unguarded expression, and it's an illumination of whatever he's feeling reflected in those starlight eyes. But the moment he realises that Lan Zhan is looking back at him, the shutters come down and like a possessive, protective dragon guarding his treasures, Wei Ying gives nothing away.

There's nothing Lan Zhan can do except bide his time.

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

Two days to go, and Wei Ying is almost finished with Lan Zhan’s hat.

Unfortunately, Lan Zhan has been unable to spend more time with Wei Ying other than the two hours every morning he has already allocated to watching him. He feels bad too, because his earliest suspicions are proven unfounded and he wants to apologise to Wei Ying for doubting him, but it never seems like the right time.

And he desperately wants to spend more time with Wei Ying and his beautiful bunnies, but recently, they've been asleep and napping whenever Lan Zhan has visited.

He can see how hard Wei Ying works every day, how much effort he puts in to making each one of his creations, and he really wants to know how much Wei Ying is going to charge him.

But Wei Ying is being cagey, and he's really good at it.

Today though, Wei Ying seems really stressed.

He keeps going to the windows and looking out anxiously, as if he's waiting for something. Whenever Lan Zhan asks him about it, and the progress of his hat, which lies on the hatstand still unfinished, Wei Ying says he's waiting for the last bit.

Lan Zhan isn't any clearer on why Wei Ying looks like this, and he'll do anything in his power to make Wei Ying happy again, but nothing he says seems to work.

Today, just before Lan Zhan has to leave, Wei Ying comes up to him with Custard in his arms, as if he needs to be soothed more.

"Lan Zhan, can I please ask you for something?" He looks a little fearful, as if Lan Zhan would say no to him.

Lan Zhan can confidently say now, that is something which will never happen.

He reaches out to scratch the bunny behind his ears, having already fallen in love with him.

And his Bunny-Dad.

"Anything." Lan Zhan promises him.

"I know you wanted to watch me make your hat, but the thing I ordered isn't here yet, and I'm hoping it will get here in time. If it does, may I please have your permission to work on your hat even when you're not here? Please?" And then his eyes fill with tears.

How can Lan Zhan see that and not do anything?

He stands up and hugs both of them.

"Wei Ying can do whatever he wants. I am sorry for ever doubting you. You are a Master of your craft, and I trust your opinion. Wei Ying should proceed however he sees fit."

This seems to calm him, and Wei Ying nods, wiping his eyes. He steps away, and he watches Lan Zhan leave, all the way until his car turns the corner.

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

THE LAST DAY

Wei Ying put the finishing touches on the Indigo blue hat and prayed that Lan Zhan would like it. He was going to be here any second and Wei Ying wanted to be ready.

Huaisang had already texted him that he had managed to finish making Lan Zhan’s suit, so now all it needed was the Hat.

Lan Zhan sends him a text that he's running late, and he will just have time to pick up the hat and leave; otherwise he was going to be late.

He also requested to return later, so they could settle their business because Lan Zhan wouldn't have any time to spare now.

Wei Ying was disappointed, but he understood.

He tries not to sigh and he finds a box that he can pack Lan Zhan’s hat inside.

His mind has other ideas though, and keeps unhelpfully reminding him that this might be the last time he gets to see Lan Zhan.

Unless he wants another hat, there is nothing here for Lan Zhan to want to come back… but he tells himself not to think about it.

From the moment Lan Zhan collects his hat, that's it, that's the end of their professional relationship, and it means that Wei Ying can finally ask Lan Zhan out on a date. His palms are sweaty just thinking about it. He's nervous and keeps telling himself that there's no need to be, it's just Lan Zhan, it's going to be okay.

But ten o'clock comes and goes, and there's no sign of Lan Zhan.

Wei Ying is already missing him.

He has to get used to this, he tells himself. Fourteen days ago, if anyone had told him that he would have to get used to someone watching him make a hat, that he would start to enjoy that feeling, and by the end of that time, would actually start looking forward to his observer arriving, being in his presence, Wei Ying would have told that person to fuck off.

Yet, not only has all that come true, but Wei Ying has started to want more.

It might be dangerous for his heart, but he thinks how wonderful it might be to have a boyfriend, to have someone to talk to whenever he likes. He looks around and tries to stop the waves of sadness flowing around him, because now that he's had a taste of friendship, with potential to be something more, he's loathed to go back to living and working alone.

Whereas previously he was content to live out his days like this, him and his bunnies because Rhubarb and Custard have always loved him no matter how many boxes they chew through, now? His little starved heart wants more, growing bigger because it has been fed the food of love.

When the little silver bell jingles on top of the door, it startles Wei Ying out of his thoughts. It's a customer.

A random walk-in, and Wei Ying realises he had forgotten to lock the door because he was waiting for Lan Zhan to come in, like normal. He can't exactly be rude to this lady, who seems nice as she walks around, but it's still a stranger in his personal space, and Wei Ying is anxious to get her out.

Lan Zhan walks in next, just when she's asking him about the complexities of making a hat and Wei Ying only has time to give Lan Zhan his biggest smile yet, and of course, the hat, and then suddenly, they're both leaving.

Lan Zhan was really late and he wanted to say a few more words to Wei Ying, especially when he smiled at him. But the sadness lurking in those beautiful silver eyes stole his vocabulary, not to mention that Wei Ying was busy with a customer, and Lan Zhan had no time to spare.

It's only when he is sitting in his car, that he opens his box.

The hat is exquisite.

Perfectly beautiful, like its maker, it rests on black velvet, and as Lan Zhan lifts it up, he gasps.

This is what Wei Ying was waiting for.

The beautiful silky lining of the hat is black, with tiny red bunnies all over it. And then his ears heat up, because those bunnies are… They are…all over each other.

Not in a friends kind of way. There's no mistaking what those bunnies are doing.

Maybe it's a sign?

Is this what Wei Ying would like?

The smallest smile lights up his face as Lan Zhan allows himself to think about this. Any professional obligations will be complete after Lan Zhan returns to pay him…and then?

Then they will be free. Hope is the sweetest thing, truly.

Lan Zhan thinks deeply about this, and decides that he will have to make one more stop before returning here tonight.

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

The day passes excruciatingly slowly for Wei Ying.

He can't bring himself to work because his mind has turned into a frisky gazelle, leaping through and past every single thought that occurs, and he just can't concentrate. Every time his gaze drifts up to the quirky clock in the shape of a top hat, the hands inside it seem frozen, not moving at all as fast as he would like them to.

His appetite seems to have disappeared along with his ability to fill the time, and so he goes to talk to Rhubarb and Custard instead.

He lies down next to them, letting them crawl on top of him. Custard nyooms a bit before belly flopping at his side, while Rhubarb has discovered the joys of chewing on Wei Ying’s hair.

They're comforting, these furry buns.

Wei Ying doesn't feel so alone and he closes his eyes, drifting off into a helpless slumber.

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

It's late, when Lan Zhan’s driver pulls onto Wei Ying’s road.

The street is completely empty, and Lan Zhan regrets coming here so late, but it was one thing after another before he could leave, and the Universe seemed to be dead set against his return. But Lan Zhan feels like an out-of-control live wire, thrashing about in the midst of a wild storm. He has to see Wei Ying, and it must be now.

All the shops are dark… except one.

Like a lighthouse beam lighting his way, The Mad Hatter is the only shop to spill its light onto the street and the pavement in front of him, as Lan Zhan exits his car.

A quick look inside and Lan Zhan can tell that the shop is empty.

Where is Wei Ying?

Is he too late? Has Wei Ying gone to sleep?

He tries the door and it's locked, but then he wasn't expecting it to be open at this time of night. So he calls Wei Ying.

Inside the shop, in the back room, Wei Ying jerks awake, dazed and disorientated. Why is he here, in the back with the bunnies? They are startled, not happy with the rude awakening, and scramble off his body twitching their cute little noses at him.

The noise happens again and Wei Ying fishes inside his pockets for his phone.

Who could be calling him now?

And then he smiles when he sees the name.

It's Lan Zhan.

He's up like a shot, running towards his door with his heart waiting outside. He stops right there, with just the glass barrier between them, drinking in the sight of the most beautiful man in the world staring back at him.

They gaze at each other, just looking their fill.

They might have only seen each other that morning, but there is a wealth of longing in their eyes as they focus on one another now.

Lan Zhan is wearing his hat. It's the first thing Wei Ying notices about him, and he has to remind himself that HE made it. Wei Ying made that hat, which sits so perfectly upon that beautiful head. His eyes move quickly past Lan Zhan’s face to drink in the sight of him, dressed exactly as Wei Ying had envisioned him, fourteen days ago.

The cape makes him look taller, broader, and the suit…it is the epitome of fine tailoring at its best. Each of his muscles are defined in 4K HD quality.

Lan Zhan is the most handsome person Wei Ying has ever seen.

It should make him feel intimidated, but Wei Ying only feels waves of love, affection making him lift his hand up to rest upon the cold glass.

Lan Zhan is distracted.

And he realises now, that he always has been, around Wei Ying.

He too, watches Wei Ying back, his own mind taking notes about every aspect of what he looks like.

His signature ponytail is skewered to the side as if Wei Ying had been sleeping on it wrong, his suit is crumpled, the waistcoat hanging open, and his white shirt sleeves are rolled up to show off his arms.

But to Lan Zhan, he has never seen anyone so pretty, so perfectly handsome as the man standing in front of him now.

His beautiful starlight eyes are shining back at Lan Zhan, so full of hope, of happiness, of wanting something just out of reach. He lifts his hand to rest upon the glass, and instinctively, Lan Zhan responds by joining their palms together. His golden eyes meet silver ones, and then neither can look away now.

Wei Ying is in awe.

Lan Zhan’s eyes are so warm, so full of something delightful. He has never seen Lan Zhan looking like this.

It's like when he was holding Rhubarb and Custard, but times that by a hundred.

Suddenly, Wei Ying wants to be in his arms like yesterday. His fingers fumble with the keys, trying to unlock the door, and he can see the matching hunger in Lan Zhan’s eyes, molten liquid gold.

The keys fall onto the ground and Lan Zhan pushes his way in, a question in his desperate eyes that Wei Ying answers with a nod.

And then they're kissing.

Lan Zhan’s lips are so soft, so hot and insistent, eagerly tasting Wei Ying like he's his last meal. This wonderful feeling seems to just grow and grow, bursting out of his chest and making his heart beat faster.

Kissing Wei Ying is like a dream come true.

His full lips are just as hungry to taste, to explore, to relish this new feeling. Who knew that this desperation, this need to consume and be consumed in return was lying dormant inside him, just waiting for the right person to come along and awaken it?

Everything about this feels right.

From the way Lan Zhan pulls him closer, one hand holding Wei Ying’s face as if he's the most precious thing in the world to him, and his other hand is on Wei Ying’s back, pressing him closer to his death-defying heart as it beats ever faster.

Lan Zhan cannot keep up with the multitude of sensations assaulting his senses.

He only knows that he can't get enough of this, of this taste, these feelings and Wei Ying.

But of course, they have to breathe, and it's this which makes them part reluctantly.

Wei Ying looks beautiful, here in his arms, his kiss-bitten lips swollen to perfection, a delicate pink tinge across his gorgeous cheeks and his luminous eyes as bright as the stars shining next to a full moon.

Lan Zhan breathes him in, the lovely fragrance of lotus flowers around them. His thumb caresses Wei Ying’s cheek, smiling when Wei Ying leans into his touch.

"Hi," he says shyly, his lips breaking into a breathtaking smile.

"I have wanted to kiss you like that in forever," Lan Zhan tells him, surprised at his own candidness.

"You too, huh?" Wei Ying giggles, bringing him into the shop fully and locking the door behind him.

"May I hug you?" Lan Zhan thinks the surprises won't stop tonight.

He has never had the urge to touch someone, never this strongly either. And yet, everything feels so natural as Wei Ying beams at him, folding him into his arms.

"Tough day, Sweetheart?"

"Mn."

Lan Zhan doesn't bother explaining. There's no need to, not when holding Wei Ying makes everything so much better.

They stand together, pressing their bodies close to each other and breathing in the scent of Sandalwood and lotus flowers mingling in the air.

"I have something for Wei Ying," Lan Zhan says, his lips turning up ever so carefully.

"Really?" Wei Ying looks excited.

Again, Lan Zhan wonders at their own personal miracle. How is it that he hadn't even known about Wei Ying, two weeks ago? And now he feels closer to this beautiful person more than anyone else in the world. Even closer than he feels towards his own brother.

"Mn. Close your eyes."

Wei Ying does that, not wanting to let go of him. He hears the telltale sound of rustling plastic and then Lan Zhan asks him to open his eyes.

The most magnificent peony, a bulbous head of soft pink petals encased in darker ones is there, right in front of his face, its heady perfume drifting up to his nose.

"It's beautiful," Wei Ying tells him, his eyes filling with water.

"Wei Ying!" Lan Zhan is alarmed, that maybe Wei Ying doesn't like flowers, or worse, maybe he's allergic to them?

"It's just, no one has ever given me flowers before!" Wei Ying clarifies.

Lan Zhan can't resist him any more, and his lips kiss away the extra moisture.

"Then it is my honour that I am the first. I have a request for Wei Ying too, but first, we must conclude our business." Lan Zhan kisses his sweet cheeks once more, delighting in Wei Ying's smile.

Unlike the one from earlier today, this smile has the power to light up a room. It makes Lan Zhan feel all kinds of warmth from the inside.

"I am sorry I couldn't stay here, before. Huaisang is a perfectionist who doesn't believe in time passing away from him. He's-"

"Ready when he's ready," Wei Ying joins him in saying Huaisang's trademark philosophy.

"Exactly. Otherwise, I would have had the time to pay you this morning and we could have talked."

Wei Ying is suddenly nervous. What felt like a good idea a few days ago is beginning to sound cheesy in his own head and he knows he's overthinking, but once it starts, it's difficult to stop it.

A finger under his chin, making his gaze meet questioning golden eyes jumbles his thoughts even more.

"Tell me," Lan Zhan says, as serious as Wei Ying has ever seen him, "what is your price?"

"You know," Wei Ying laughs a little awkwardly. "I had it all planned out. And up here, it sounded really romantic, but now I'm scared."

Lan Zhan hugs him again, marvelling because he can.

"I do not wish for Wei Ying to be scared about anything with me. Please explain, because it is the last hurdle between us."

Wei Ying takes a deep breath. "Promise me you won't laugh?"

"Mn. Promise."

Wei Ying has to close his eyes because this is bad enough, saying it out loud, but then if he has to see Lan Zhan’s reaction as well? His soul might just leave his body out of embarrassment!

"My brother said your price might be high, but I am willing to pay whatever Wei Ying wants." Lan Zhan adds.

"Okay, wait." This might be even more embarrassing than he thought, if people were already talking him up. "Listen carefully, cos I'm only gonna say this once: my price was going to be a date. No complications, no obligations, just a nice meal somewhere. That's all. Is it too corny? Too cheesy? Do you regret that awesome, toe-curling kiss we just shared? Or mphf-"

"Wei Ying wants to date me?" Lan Zhan has covered up his mouth and when Wei Ying’s eyes snap open, he can see so much awe in those golden depths. "That's your price?"

Wei Ying nods, staring back at him and watching him owlishly.

"Does Wei Ying have a customer service department?"

"Huh?" Now it's Wei Ying who is surprised. "Why?"

"Well, just in case there's a discrepancy regarding service provided and amount paid. What is one to do in the face of such a blatant imbalance?" The tiny smile reappears on Lan Zhan’s face.

"Discrepancy? Imbalance? What are you talking about?"

He looks so adorably cute and confused, that Lan Zhan has to kiss him in between his explanation.

"How" kiss "can" kiss "one" kiss "date" kiss "ever" kiss "be" kiss "enough?" Kiss.

"Lan Zhaaaaaan!" Wei Ying throws his arms around his neck, trembling with how much he's feeling about that.

"So?" Lan Zhan hugs him tighter.

"My customer service department is anxious to know more!" Wei Ying pulls him along, towards the stairs hidden behind the thick velvet curtains.

"Mn. There definitely needs to be an investigation into this," Lan Zhan plays along.

"We should compare notes, and kisses," Wei Ying whirls upon him, at the top of the stairs, already yanking his waistcoat off and dropping it on the floor right there.

"Wei Ying should know, I only date exclusively. And I don't do casual."

"Deal!" Wei Ying pushes him into his bedroom and slams their lips together in a hurried, heated kiss. "What else?"

Shirts are flung on the ground as bodies press together with a groan.

"No refund, no exchange!" Lan Zhan refrains from shouting but it's a close call, because Wei Ying’s hands are getting frisky.

"Isn't that what I'm supposed to say?" Wei Ying pauses his hot lips from kissing down Lan Zhan’s neck.

He growls, clearly done with whatever kind of a game this is, and he picks up Wei Ying only to toss him onto the messy bed.

There's no chance for Wei Ying to say anything else now, because his lips are captured and taken hostage for the foreseeable future. Lan Zhan is going to find more cleverer uses for that mouth, until talking is the last thing on Wei Ying’s mind.

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

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER:

The silver bell above the door jingles once more, and Wei Ying looks up in surprise. His face transforms into a beautiful smile that immediately heats up the one who has entered.

"And what can I do for you, Sir?" He says, batting his eyelashes and giggling because it's so effective.

Lan Zhan wastes no time, taking advantage of Wei Ying's moving to stand in front of him. His big hands rest at Wei Ying’s waist and in a single action, lifts the young man up to sit on the counter.

"Open this," Lan Zhan tells him, his wonderfully intense golden eyes staring back with love.

He's unzipped his backpack between them and taken out a red box with a golden ribbon tied in a cute little bow.

Wei Ying stares back, his heart doing a little dance in his chest.

Over the past twelve months, Lan Zhan has proven himself to be the more romantic of the two, even though they have shared their first I love yous, and moved in together to live on top of the shop.

He wants to do better, and he honestly tries, but every single time, Lan Zhan manages to beat him out. But the little velvet box in his pocket is burning a hole where it is, and Wei Ying thinks he is not going to wait for the "right" moment…no, because what's wrong with right now?

So, straight after this, then, whatever this is.

He tugs on the ends of the golden ribbon, watching as it falls away and the box opens to reveal a cupcake. There is a single unlit candle in a white and blue stripe, and two wedding bands at the bottom of it, resting on the chocolate fondant icing.

There's a letter on the side, which Lan Zhan has to take out for him, because Wei Ying’s eyes are already watering so much.

They put the cupcake next to him on the counter, and Wei Ying fishes out his box with the wedding rings he intended to propose to Lan Zhan with, shoving it into his hands and taking the letter instead.

Meanwhile, Lan Zhan is having a quiet breakdown by himself.

Wei Ying wipes his eyes on his sleeves and unfolds the square paper. He begins to read out loud:

"Dear Rhubarb and Custard,

Please may I take this opportunity to ask for the hand of your Bunny-Dad? I know you three are already a family, and I would like you to know, I will keep you all in cuddles for as long as you'll have me!"

Wei Ying flings his arms around Lan Zhan’s neck and kisses his cheek.

"Yes! They're saying yes, and dammit, I'm saying yes!"

Lan Zhan kisses him back, thanking his lucky stars.

He is going to be the best Bun-Dad number two, and the best husband to the most amazing man in the world.

THE END

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

A/N

Dear Beautiful Readers,

How about it? I hope you liked it as much as I loved writing this. It's over 15K now and my longest story in one chapter to date!

I'm going to take a little break because parties are exhausting, and come back tomorrow with a new chapter for WangXian Forever Book 9.

Let me know what you think so far…

Charlie.