Wednesday 22 days for the Full Moon Festival

Wei Ying moaned, unable to open his eyes.

He heard an amused snort, before soft lips caressed his forehead.

"We have to wake up." The deepest, loveliest voice whispered in his ear, and the warmth of the weight of his boyfriend disappeared.

Wei Ying whined, because what else was he supposed to do? He was so comfortable and warm and safe...and getting up meant the opposite of that. Plus why did he have to, again? It didn't make sense...

Lan Zhan came back to find him blowing soft puffs of air out, adorably asleep again.

He had run a bath for the both of them as JingYi was coming back at seven to collect them, and then they could be at home with the children for breakfast.

And Wei Ying would be happy about that...later.

Right now, Lan Zhan thought it might be a waste of time to wake him up, and maybe they could bathe together. That way, they could save time and hopefully end up with an alert Wei Ying by the time they finished.

Luckily, Wei Ying was not wearing any clothes and Lan Zhan frowned again as he picked him up from the bed. He was going to make sure that Wei Ying ate properly from now on and took regular breaks during the day to snack because it seemed that his metabolism was working overtime.

Predictably, Wei Ying stayed asleep throughout their bath, the fragrant oils that were supposed to be "rejuvenating" and "refreshing" having little to no effect on him. Lan Zhan patiently washed their bodies, the steam rising from the hot water therapeutic and comforting to him.

He washed Wei Ying’s hair carefully too, thinking that this man needed more pampering. And who would have thought that by doing this for Wei Ying and himself, it was a kind of focused meditation? By the end of their bath, with a bleary-eyed Wei Ying leaning against him as Lan Zhan attempted to dress him, Lan Zhan was quite startled to discover that the whole process had relaxed his own body too.

Wei Ying was fingering the hoodie now covering his upper body, while Lan Zhan collected their discarded clothes.

"I don't remember wearing this..." He mumbled, trying to keep his eyes open.

"I asked the concierge to buy some new items...since we were staying overnight...and it was unexpected. Do you like your new clothes?"

Wei Ying nodded, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

"So mean, Er-Gege...you tired me out..." He gave Lan Zhan a devastating smile.

"I believe Wei Ying was the one complaining of not being tired..." Lan smiled back at the cute picture Wei Ying made, dressed in his trademark red and black. His hair was now dry and tied up in ponytail with a red scrunchie.

The phone rang and they were told their driver was waiting for them.

Wei Ying leaned on Lan Zhan’s shoulder all the way in both elevators and down to the car.

Lan Zhan had assumed that the car ride would lull him back to sleep, but it was quite the opposite. They were halfway home when Wei Ying asked to see his phone. Lan Zhan handed it over, telling him the six-digit code to open it.

He looked over Wei Ying’s shoulder just to see what he wanted to check, because Lan Zhan had made sure that Wei Ying’s own phone was also charged and ready to go.

Wei Ying went into Google, and way too late, Lan Zhan realised what it was.

"Top ten aphrodisiac foods?" Wei Ying almost screeched.

JingYi put the radio on louder.

It was George Michael's Careless Whisper.

JingYi demonstrated that he could do the saxophone parts too...anything to drown out the conversation happening behind him.

Lan Zhan was terribly embarrassed.

Wei Ying didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"Would you mind explaining to me why you thought that was necessary?" He put on his most professional voice.

"I'd rather not." Lan Zhan said. It was the absolute truth.

"I didn't mean it as a question. I want to know." Wei Ying insisted.

Lan Zhan scooted as far away from him as he could within the small space of the back seat, and it was a sports car after all; there was only so much room.

But Wei Ying was having none of that.

He scooted right next to him, and took his hand, clasping their palms together.

Lan Zhan plastered himself to the door. It was no mean feat and he thought he should get kudos for attempting it in the first place...but there was no getting away from Wei Ying in this detective mode.

"My love...talk to me. I promise...I'm not angry." He sighed.

Despite Lan Zhan’s obstinately not wanting to talk about it, he was being very cute..and Wei Ying was in two minds on whether he should let it go or not.

"Please?" He added.

That did the trick.

Lan Zhan was at least looking at him now.

"I thought...it would help..." He mumbled.

Wei Ying was pretty sure he was embarrassed enough for the both of them. But he had to know...

"Help with what, exactly?" If his voice came out a little higher...that was no one's business but his own...

Lan Zhan muttered something...

"What? Speak up...I can’t hear you..." Wei Ying leaned closer.

Lan Zhan’s eyes flickered up to see JingYi wiggling his butt to the music, screeching like a banshee...

I'm never gonna dance again,
Guilty feet have got no rhythm,
Though it's easy to pretend,
I know you're not a fool,

It was surprisingly apt, in a weird way, though Lan Zhan would never cheat on Wei Ying. But it had been the tiniest bit fraudulent, and he understood that.

I should've known better than to cheat a friend,
And waste the chance that I'd been given,
So I'm never gonna dance again,
The way I danced with you, oh

This song was making him feel guilty.

Hadn't he been dishonest with Wei Ying?

Regret burned in his stomach, making him feel ill.

"Lan Zhan...you practically followed that list." Wei Ying murmured gently. "Oysters, red Ginseng tea, pomegranate seeds, even pineapple...?"

He sounded kinder to Lan Zhan...willing to listen.

"It wasn't planned...at least, not before we sat down to eat." He admitted finally, bringing his free hand to cover Wei Ying’s, enveloping him with his warmth.

Tonight, the music seems so loud,
I wish that we could lose this crowd....

Lan Zhan felt as if that song was a play-by-play for what was going on in the car right now.

"I am sorry." He said it aloud.

Wei Ying’s face softened immeasurably.

"Sweetheart...everyone makes mistakes...this isn't anything serious. But you still haven't explained yourself. Come on...spill your guts...."

There was no way out. Lan Zhan was going to have to tell him.

"I wanted to make it easier for Wei Ying...would feel better about ... papapa..."

Wei Ying stared at him for the duration of a complete twenty seconds, before convulsing with laughter.

He laughed until his air ran out, clutching his belly... and every time Lan Zhan thought he had managed to calm down, their eyes would meet and Wei Ying would start laughing all over again.

We could have been so good together,
We could have lived this dance forever,
But now, who's gonna dance with me?
Please stay..

The song was sounding more and more ominous.

JingYi parked the car and hightailed it out of there.

In the blessed silence that remained, only Wei Ying’s defeated whimpers punctuated the air.

Now it was Lan Zhan who desperately wanted to hear what Wei Ying had to say.

"Let me get this straight..." Wei Ying giggled at that too, because there was nothing straight about either of them. "You thought ...I wouldn't want to?"

Lan Zhan nodded.

Wei Ying let out another helpless giggle which turned into a snort as he tried to control himself.

"My love...in what universe wouldn't I be attracted to you? I can't believe you would even consider that!" He held his hand out and Lan Zhan gave him a white handkerchief to wipe his face clean.

"Well...if I wasn't awake before, I certainly am now." He declared, opening his door and climbing out.

He stood outside and held a hand out for Lan Zhan to take, helping him out of the vehicle.

"Next time, talk to me." Wei Ying stared deeply into his eyes and waited until those gorgeous golden eyes understood how serious he was.

Lan Zhan nodded, venturing a smile.

"Good boy." Wei Ying kissed his cheek and just like that, he was forgiven.

They climbed up the stairs to the mansion together, holding hands.

And then, they ran into XiChen.

"Xiongzhang?" Lan Zhan was visibly surprised to see him.

Especially because it didn't look as if he was on his way out...rather the opposite: he was sneaking back in.

"Oh...hello, Didi, A-Xian..." his ears were bright red.

A look of understanding passed between Wei Ying and Lan Zhan.

Wei Ying narrowed his eyes, scrutinising his appearance.

"Wait....weren't you wearing those clothes...yesterday? XiChen-Ge...didn't you return home after work?" He said in a loud voice.

Lan Zhan’s eyes widened in stark contrast to Wei Ying’s reaction.

"Is that true?"

"Mr. Marshmallow! Good morning to you too..." XiChen lunged at the poor cat who had suddenly appeared, and quickly took him away in spite of his mewling protests.

"He's definitely hiding something..." Wei Ying mused, guessing at his secret.

They followed him into the dining hall.

Uncle Qiren was already there, with the children who looked delighted to see them. As usual, breakfast passed in silence.

When they were done with eating, Uncle Qiren stood up.

"We shall talk in the library." Uncle Qiren told Lan Zhan before leaving with kids.

"XiChen-Ge...I was wondering...could I have a word with you whenever you're free?" Wei Ying asked him.

Both brothers stared at him.

"Um...it's no biggie if you can't..." Wei Ying found himself saying, because now things were awkward while he had to endure their intense gazes.

XiChen recovered first. He glanced at Lan Zhan who subtly shrugged, indicating that he did not know what it could be about, before answering.

"Of course, A-Xian. In fact, Uncle was saying that he and the children were going to come and see the house? Maybe I could join them. I haven't been back there since we cleaned out the artist's room." He was sounding more and more enthusiastic about his idea.

"Alright...that sounds great." Wei Ying told him.

Lan Zhan looked curious about why he wanted to talk to his brother, but he ended up not mentioning it, and Wei Ying was glad...because he didn't want to make Lan Zhan uncomfortable.

They left XiChen frantically typing away on his phone, and went to see what Uncle Qiren was saying.

The library was quiet when they entered.

A-Yuan was colouring in a numbers book and singing to himself; Lan Zhan wondered if it was too late to better influence his vocal skills, seeing as how he had such terrible examples of what real singing was supposed to be like. Mo XuanYu was speeding through another test paper.

Uncle Qiren stood up.

"Mornings are for study. We shall come in the afternoon if that is alright?"

"Mn. Whenever it is convenient for Uncle." Lan Zhan told him, with a nodding Wei Ying.

"I hope you know that this does not mean you have to rush to complete anything. We will be prepared to see whatever is ready when we arrive." This, he directed towards Wei Ying.

"Thank you, Uncle, I understand. As it is, I think we're going to be just fine in terms of the schedule. The kitchen and bathroom guys are coming by Friday, so we'll make sure those are prepped first. They gave us a discount because of Uncle Four." He added proudly.

"That is good. We will see you both later."

And they were dismissed.

This time when they got in the car, there was another parcel waiting for Wei Ying. Lan Zhan put it in his lap as JingYi started the car and pulled out.

"What is it?" Wei Ying asked, his beautiful silver eyes round and large.

"Open it and find out." Lan Zhan sounded smug.

It wasn't heavy as Wei Ying tested the weight of it.

Then, as he wasn't a patient man, he ripped off the top plastic to reveal four sets of overalls, all black with red writing embroidered on the back in large, and smaller over a pocket which rested over the heart: WING BUILDERS.

Two were definitely for adults, one bigger than the other.

"Are they both for me? Because otherwise, your guy got the sizes wrong." Wei Ying said, examining the tiny little red rabbits hidden all over the garments, under a pocket flap here, and under the belt bit there. "This is a really nice quality, by the way."

"Thank you. I found someone online. And both are not for you. One is for me." Lan Zhan replied proudly.

Wei Ying just stared at him.

"You're going to wear this?" He asked, dumbfounded.

"Mn. Partnership. I will wear Wei Ying’s name." And he sounded incredibly happy about it too.

"Er...okay...that's good," He hurried to add. "But then what are these?" He held up what looked like a toddler's overall and one that would fit a teenager, someone who might be a gangly youth, on the cusp of adulthood. "Are these...for the children? Our children??"

"They wanted to help...do you think they will like it?" Lan Zhan asked him, hoping he was going to say yes.

Now that the initial surprise was over, he was feeling a little bit nervous.

What if Wei Ying didn’t like them? Or didn't think they were suitable?

Wei Ying undid his seat belt and launched himself into Lan Zhan’s arms, kissing him enthusiastically.

"I love them!" He declared breathlessly, kissing Lan Zhan again, just because he could. "Especially the little ones...they're soooo cute!" He gushed, smiling as radiant as the sun.

Lan Zhan kissed his cute button nose and carefully put him back inside the confines of his seat belt again, with great difficulty in not showing his disapproval for Wei Ying’s disregard for highway safety.

"We shall change into them as soon as we get there." Wei Ying carried on excitedly, chattering nonstop until JingYi parked the car.

The door was opened from the outside by a tall stranger.

"Wei Ying...this is Dan. He is going to ensure your safety and his team will patrol the house and grounds, twenty-four hour security. When JingYi and I are not around...Dan is going to look after you." Lan Zhan introduced them to each other.

He remembered sitting down with Dan's boss and explaining the situation to him. He had made it very clear that Wei Ying was to be their top priority in terms of protection and safety.

It was a reputable company and came highly recommended by a few people so Lan Zhan was confident in Dan's capabilities.

"Pleased to meet you." Wei Ying said, in a polite but friendly way.

He wasn't sure how he felt about the bodyguard team and making sure the area was safe...he'd never had a reason before and as for getting shot, he wouldn't recommend that to anyone. Hence his approval grew from there.

"Have you had breakfast, Dan?" Wei Ying asked him.

"We have shifts, Sir." He explained, surprised. "Please don't worry about us."

"But...the thing is, if I've had my breakfast...I will worry...that's just how I am." Wei Ying was looking at Lan Zhan, who sighed.

He pulled out a wad of cash.

"Send JingYi." He ordered, giving him the money. And then he pulled out a list as if he'd just forgotten about it and only remembered now. "I want everything on here too." He added, shoving it all in his hands.

"Yes, Sir."

Thankfully, it didn't sound anything like when Wei Ying said those two words to him, Lan Zhan noted with relief, as he handed Wei Ying the key for the front door.

"How many people are going to look after us, Lan Zhan?" Wei Ying asked, his beautiful fingers running over the love knot on the head of the key before inserting it.

"There are twenty four people in eight hour shifts. Eight at all times. Dan is your personal bodyguard..." Lan Zhan stopped talking because Wei Ying had closed the door and hugged him from behind.

"I know why you did that. And thank you." His voice was muffled because of Lan Zhan’s shirt.

"No need." Lan Zhan covered his hands with his own.

This feeling of being safe? It was the best.

Lan Zhan had not known it was missing from his life until Wei Ying came along. Their love was like a shield, protecting them from anything that threatened to hurt them, because they were there for each other.

"I love you." Wei Ying whispered.

Lan Zhan had to turn around then and hug him back. He loved the way his arms fit around Wei Ying’s body, bringing him closer, both physically and inside the space of his heart. Hearts were made to be filled with love, whether for family or significant others, and his had been empty for a while now.

But ever since the arrival of this precious man, so beautiful and alive, everything had changed for him.

Lan Zhan had seen videos of children on YouTube, babies with impaired vision being made to wear spectacles for the first time, and he imagined what it would be like, to see the world as it really was, so bright, and vivid and colourful.

That was his life after Wei Ying became his metaphorical glasses, and the contrast of his life, so dull and boring, devoid of any vitality was, compared to now when it was a kaleidoscope of action and colours.

Imagine that child's happiness upon seeing their parents with perfect clarity? Their smiles said it all.

He felt that same genuine joy, sharp and bursting with happiness every single day now.

So this hug was for both of them because Lan Zhan knew he would do anything for this beautiful soul who had given him his life back with both hands.

And who knew a hug could mean so much?

This embrace was more than just a meeting of bodies. He could hear Wei Ying’s breath as his lungs moved, felt his heart beating adjacent to his own, and the sweet, intoxicating floral scent of lotus flowers, light and airy, clean and fresh mixed with the spicy deep sandalwood...this was his heaven, right here.

But more than that, the comfort that he could hug Wei Ying whenever he wanted to, he could kiss Wei Ying whenever he wanted to...they were a team in so many ways...and it was the opposite of feeling lonely.

Lan Zhan had never been able to identify that feeling, to know that that was what he could clearly see it as being.

His life had been a routine of functions, from one action to another, a constant stream of activity, even his meditation.

But the arrival of Wei Ying's impact gave him the space to breath, to simply appreciate each moment as it passed, to enjoy the sunlight on his face.

So now he hugged Wei Ying a little tighter, knowing that while he was completely under his spell, there was no way he would be able to put all of that into words.

Wei Ying would just have to understand.

Wei Ying could feel Lan Zhan thinking.

It was strange to say, but ever so true.

It was apparent in every nuance of his actions and everything in between. Ordinarily, Lan Zhan never missed an opportunity to kiss him, because who knew that was such a delightful way to spend time?

So this hug that had come out of nowhere was even more precious.

To hold someone so close, to allow someone to come so close, and actually invite them...this was a big step for Lan Zhan...monumental.

Wei Ying understood that easily, because the amount of people who had hugged him was woefully small. He could count them on both hands. Whereas he himself was far more tactile, and relished hugging as the gift it was.

After all, you couldn't really hug your enemy...not with any amount of sincerity.

And here, Lan Zhan was holding him with such care, such affection, that Wei Ying felt humbled. He too, hugged him tighter, grateful that they were together like this.

He patted Lan Zhan’s back warmly.

"We'll never get anything done if we don’t get a move on." He said, shakily.

Maybe he was just now realising how much Lan Zhan meant to him now.

It was frightening...how much he loved this man.

Both of them covertly wiped their eyes, hoping the other did not see...but they were so attuned to each other, this was now impossible.

Still, neither mentioned it.

They decided to split up and work faster that way. Lan Zhan opted for the bathroom upstairs, finishing off what had already been started while Wei Ying was going to take apart the kitchen.

Lan Zhan forgot a hammer downstairs and entered the kitchen just as Wei Ying was sliding his overalls on.

Wei Ying had his back towards the door, but heard him come in and as Lan Zhan came closer, he expected another hug, especially as the tool case was nearer the door.

But Lan Zhan was ruthless.

His hot lips traced a fiery path from one pale shoulder to the other, that soft skin tantalising...beckoning him to continue further down.

The garment had restricted Wei Ying’s arms and the moan that was wrenched from the very depths of his soul at this unexpected contact was deep and true. He had to hold onto the counter right in front of him, and he was reminded of Lan Zhan’s promise to use every available surface...a shudder rippled through his body and he was a trembling mess, heart thudding louder than thunder in his ears.

And then....

Nothing.

Wei Ying was left wanting as the cold air hit his now bare back, and he turned to watch Lan Zhan walking away with the biggest smirk he had ever seen on his face.

"Oi! You better come back and take responsibility!" Wei Ying yelled, frustrated and impossibly turned on.

Lan Zhan had in all honesty not meant to do that....but who could walk past an inviting piece of chocolate cake complete with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and not take a bite?

Someone who possessed far more self-control than himself, that's who.

He had to stop himself from going back and finishing the job as Wei Ying so obviously wanted him to, but Wei Ying was right with his original assessment of their situation: they weren't going to get much done if they were in the same room together.

So the reluctance to leave was real in his golden eyes as he turned around at the door, keeping his eyes focused on silver ones spitting with open desire.

"I shall make it up to you tonight. I promise."

Wei Ying shivered at the naked want in those glorious golden eyes brimming with pure love.

He backed down, also reluctantly.

"I'm going to hold you to that, mister..." Wei Ying made himself return to his previous task, of actually dressing.

Whatever this fabric was, it was incredibly soft and pliant with a little bit of stretch, especially after the elastic that sinched in his waist. It felt a little bit tight lower down, but Wei Ying imagined it was like breaking in a new pair of jeans. He wriggled experimentally, getting more and more comfortable. These overalls had large pockets too, all over the place and as Wei Ying opened one to slide his hand in, he saw another embroidered bunny on the inside lining.

Honestly, Lan Zhan really paid attention to details...

Wei Ying didn’t have access to a mirror right now, but he guessed from the blurred reflection on the refrigerator that he looked quite good.

But he had to stop wasting time and start working for real now.

He opened the windows and the back patio door and got started.

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

Lan Zhan finished the bathroom, forcing himself to not think about Wei Ying, or his amazing body in that gem of an overall, or the way his silver eyes had flashed with fiery need when Lan Zhan had to walk away...but the time would come soon when he would make good on his promise to show Wei Ying how much he was loved.

Maybe, the whole house would have to be "christened"...with another kind of holy water...

Well...love was supposed to be the holiest emotion...

After carrying loads of rubble and debris from the bathroom, Lan Zhan finally thought it was ready for inspection from his Boss. His fingers traced over the name on his clothes, and a shiver of anticipation rolled over him.

There was something so hot about wearing Wei Ying’s name...on his body. It made him think of getting a tattoo...something else to think about...

Plus the colour...

Lan Zhan had never, ever worn black before.

It made him burn with newfound lust towards his partner and he realised how foolish he had been last night.

What had he been thinking then?

If Wei Ying felt even a tenth of what Lan Zhan was feeling, all of the time, then he had nothing to worry about.

Neither of them were in any danger of needing help in that department.

So he walked into the kitchen completely unprepared....

....because the first thing his eyes landed on a ripe peach clad in tight black stretch cotton, being fully utilised.

The fire that shot down to the lower parts of his body was...raging.

Wei Ying was bent under the kitchen sink and as the noises of banging and hitting something really hard, plus expletives because whatever he was doing was difficult, became more than just white noise, Lan Zhan was finally able to move.

With equal difficulty because these overalls couldn't hide anything.

He cleared his throat and moved closer, hoping that looking at something else, anything else, would loosen his trousers significantly.

"What are you doing?" Lan Zhan asked suddenly.

Wei Ying banged his head in surprise, against the bulge of the metal sink.

He saw stars.

Literally.

And then, a very sorry boyfriend was carefully lifting him out of the cramped space and carrying him to a chair.

"I'm sorry...I should have made Wei Ying aware of my presence." He apologised again, rubbing the tender spot on Wei Ying’s head gently.

"It's okay..." Wei Ying sighed into his touch, feeling cared for.

"What were you doing? Under there?" Lan Zhan asked curiously.

"There's something stuck behind the water pipe? This is an old house so the plumbing is bad...but when I went to unscrew the rubber casing, the screwdriver wouldn't turn...and I found something obstructing it. So I was trying to pull it out when you came in." Wei Ying said, completely oblivious to Lan Zhan’s feelings.

All he could think about when Wei Ying mentioned screwing and drivers...it wasn’t making his problem go away...it was making it worse instead.

So Lan Zhan quickly turned around to hide the proof of his condition because he had a reason now. He went down on his knees, grateful for the extra padding on the knees on these custom made clothes. He leaned in, under the sink and aimed the torch where there was definite signs of struggle.

Wei Ying was treated to a spectacular view as Lan Zhan bent over, because these clothes were...amazing. Wei Ying wondered exactly where Lan Zhan had ordered them from, because the manufacturer had really paid attention to details.

Lan Zhan was blessed with a beautiful-

"Got it!" His muffled voice said, as he wriggled out from that confined space.

Wei Ying crossed his legs, grabbing a rag to put across his lap.

He looked up with he hoped adequate interest because his mind was somewhere else entirely.

Lan Zhan carried over a tiny tin box to the table where he was sitting, and joined him.

"What is it?" Wei Ying asked curiously, opening it.

It was an old saffron box with sixties style writing and illustrations on it. It had rusty, weak hinges, but opened easily enough. Whatever was inside was old...maybe forgotten now.

Lan Zhan leaned closer to see as well.

At first, Wei Ying was confused.

He took out the items, one by one and then they examined them.

There was a silver, tarnished thimble with little notches, a reel of used golden thread, many, many post-it notes stuck together on the top, a broken compass, and a dried bottle of nail varnish.

The rusty box wasn't very big to start with, but as Wei Ying read the notes...his eyes filled with tears. Lan Zhan was alarmed when he came over and sat on his lap, handing them over.

Lan Zhan wrapped an arm around his waist and steadied him, before looking at what he was showing him.

I see you in the softness of petals, one said in cursive writing. Another one said, I feel you in the lightness of the morning breeze.

He read them out in his deep voice, noting that there were two styles of handwriting.

You are my reason for waking.

You are the sweetness in my coffee.

You are the waves of love in the sea of my heart.

You are the feathers of my wings.

Each note was clearly written and Lan Zhan read them out respectfully.

These were the memories of the people who lived here before.

To know that, to hold in their hands something that was so dear to the owners...enough that it was held in a secret stash where it would not be discovered easily...it felt sacred to both of them.

Seconds passed in peaceful harmony as they reflected on the lives touched by these two souls, so evidently in love that it seeped out from everything they touched. Wei Ying looked at the thimble and the reel of used thread, still shining golden...reminding him of Lan Zhan’s eyes.

Just as beautiful, just as deeply profound, and to others, maybe Lan Zhan could hide what he was feeling...but to Wei Ying?

He was as open as a book.

"They loved each other very much." Wei Ying said, quietly. "By opening this box...it feels like an intrusion."

"Mn." Lan Zhan began putting all the separate items together, back inside the box.

He had wondered what to do with the photo albums they had found in the attic upstairs as well, because they could not be donated to anyone else. No one would value them as much as the original owners did.

But now he had an idea of what to do.

"We decided on a cherry blossom tree..." He said gently.

"To remember them by? Yes..." Wei Ying replied, recalling their previous conversation.

"Then let us bury this under it...along with the other mementos of their life. It can be a memorial to their love, to every kind of love...not just ours." Lan Zhan swallowed hard, feeling a little overwhelmed. It might sound sappy to even his ears, but he sincerely believed that love was the best feeling in the world...the one feeling that the Universe was trying to spread.

It was an underlying message, written in the winds of time, forever immortal.

It was present in every flower that dared to bloom, every bird that soared to the skies and every person who confessed to the one they loved, brave and true.

Love in all its facets like a brilliant jewel, more abundant than each grain of sand in the desert, more vibrant than the blades of grass that covered the earth come spring.

Lan Zhan felt as if not just this box...but this whole house was changing him, from the inside out.

This house was the first step to walking on his new path...and the best way to honour that was to be faithful.

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

A/N

Dear fabulous readers,

Gosh...I had so much more planned for this chapter, like a whole list that needed to go in...but as usual, time is against me.

But I sincerely hope that all of us pause for just one second and appreciate our lives.

Chocolate is definitely a gift from the Gods and Goddesses of the Universe.

Charlie.