Took me a while. huhu. But here it is. Nothing much happened except for jealous XL and HC. lol. idiots.

~

Hua Cheng's

It would've been his greatest happiness if Xie Lian was lying on his bed under a different circumstance - when Xie Lian was beaming, eyes sparkling in happiness and mirth. But it was not the case right now. Right now, Xie Lian's body was marred with different bruises and scratches. There was an IV fluid connected to his hand and a device helping him to breathe properly because Hua Cheng was overthinking. 

His Beloved was treated in a way he wished not a single innocent soul would experience. 

His trusted doctors told him that Xie Lian sustained no serious injury, much to his relief, after a series of examinations. There was a little fracture found in his rib but it was not something that needed surgery. He also just had a minor concussion. The ones who hurt him either did not wish him dead or they were just caught before they could do it.

And what if they did? What if I got there any later? 

He swallowed thickly as his anger consumed him once more. They will pay. And they will pay dearly. 

After Xie Lian was stable earlier, the doctor gave him a go signal to transfer him to his house where Hua Cheng could monitor him closely. It was also a given that the doctor should be around to regularly check Xie Lian's healing. 

Hua Cheng grabbed that chance. He didn't want to feel threatened while Xie Lian was in a vulnerable condition. It wouldn't do him any good.

What Xie Lian's body needed was rest and rest he would give. 

Hua Cheng also decided that should the Mayor fire Xie Lian for being absent without leave, he would let him do so. It would actually be better if Xie Lian would stop working for that Mayor. 

Hua Cheng sighed. 

His focus was still on his Beloved. Those men, including Li Jun, were detained by He Xuan and were waiting for his judgment. They would be kept there alive until he could already leave Xie Lian for a while... still under his close supervision. He made sure to monitor his own room with a camera. 

Right now, his priority was Xie Lian - not his anger, not his bloodlust, and not his need to avenge. But Xie Lian. 

More than a day had already passed since Xie Lian was found unconscious and he was yet to wake up. Hua Cheng barely slept as he arranged everything for his gege. He was almost frantic if not for Yin Yu who was always trying to calm him down and tell him that Xie Lian would be fine. 

Hua Cheng held Xie Lian's hand and placed it on his cheek. It was cold. But it was soft. "Wake up, gege. I miss you already." He knew Xie Lian had to rest but he wanted Xie Lian to wake up for even just a minute... A minute would be enough to convince Hua Cheng he'd be okay. "I'm sorry," he whispered. 

Honestly, even though he knew he couldn't have known, Hua Cheng still thought it was his fault for leaving Xie Lian alone. He could've also secured his gege more or just really not left at all.

"I'm so sorry for failing you," he said. 

Hua Cheng was just staring at Xie Lian when somebody knocked. His hand immediately reached out for his gun tucked safely on his waist. He had been overly protective in the light of the recent events and he could say that it was understandable. 

"Hua Chengzhu, it's me." 

It was Yin Yu.

Hua Cheng relaxed a little as his friend went inside his room. He brushed Xie Lian's hair. 

"How's he? Any improvements?" Yin Yu curtsied. His friend sat on the sofa just opposite his bed. 

His bedroom was like a little house in itself. It had a coffee table and sofa on the sides. He also had a fridge with his drinks in it and snacks he really hadn't eaten ever since. His room was connected to one of his offices or workspaces. 

"He's stable and resting. But I don't know when he'll wake up. The doctor said he'll be up any time now." His eyes were drawn back to Xie Lian. His anger rose again when he saw his bruises. Those nobodies... I will fucking kill them. 

"That's good to hear. Eming and the cat are actually getting comfortable with each other," Yin Yu informed him.

Earlier that day, he asked Yin Yu to go back to Xie Lian's house to get the cat. He knew the man would appreciate it if he'd take the cat under his care. Also, he needed to know the situation there and what more he could know. 

"That's good." He took note to reward Eming later for behaving well around a cat. "How was the house?" His hands clenched unconsciously. That house had been his home for a period of time. It wasn't the nicest but it surely made him feel at home with Xie Lian. 

When Yin Yu didn't answer, Hua Cheng looked at him lazily and asked again, "How's the house?"

"It was okay! But I found this." Yin Yu stood up and gave him a broken phone. "They broke his phone. But everything else was alright."

"Throw that goddamn phone away." He didn't want to be reminded of his failure. It was also useless keeping it. He would just buy a new one for Xie Lian and hopefully, although it was impossible, Xie Lian wouldn't contact the Mayor anymore. 

Yin Yu walked over to his bin and dropped the phone in it. 

"By the way," Yin Yu cleared his throat. "Have you eaten?"

Everybody was wary of him during the aftermath of the events. Nobody wanted to receive the end of his rage and they tried to stay away. Yin Yu may know he wouldn't hurt him, but the man also knew that he already reached his limit. 

"Not yet." How can I eat? How can I sleep well?

"You really have to eat, Hua Chengzhu."

"I am not hungry." He bent a little as he lifted Xie Lian's hand to kiss it. 

"Xie Lian wouldn't like it if you won't eat." 

He flashed Yin Yu a look and he gently brought Xie Lian's hand down. "Are you using him now?"

Yin Yu shook his head and sighed. His friend quietly stood up and walked towards the door. "Call me if you need me or He Xuan."

Wordlessly, Hua Cheng nodded and he hoped Yin Yu knew he was grateful for them. 

The door clicked closed.

Wallowing in regret and guilt, Hua Cheng hid his face in the comforter as he cried, "I miss you so much, gege." He let himself be relieved of the heaviness he was feeling. It wasn't the first time even. "I'm really, really sorry."

A sorry wouldn't cut it. 

After a little while, Hua Cheng fell asleep. It wasn't for long though because someone knocked on the door again. "The doctor," the person outside said. They agreed that the doctor should inform him before opening the door. 

He had been the one to regularly monitor Xie Lian's condition. 

The doctor cautiously stepped inside the room and walked over to where his beloved was. When the doctor touched Xie Lian to check his vitals, Hua Cheng stiffened a little. He was watching closely, not letting his eyes wander. 

"He's doing well. I'll have to take this off now. He'll be fine." The doctor was referring to the apparatus that was helping Xie Lian breathe. 

Hua Cheng squinted his eye but gave him a nod. 

"Also, give him water when he asks. If he thrashes, call me immediately. Otherwise, you may just call me after fifteen minutes, just enough to give you time to talk to him."

Hua Cheng nodded. 

"If he panicked, please try to calm him down. It won't be good for his injuries. Better yet, call me immediately if he does."

Hua Cheng nodded again.

"Anything else?" 

"None, Hua Chengzhu. I'll just go back later." The doctor went out of the room. 

Hua Cheng laid his head beside Xie Lian's arm again. It was an uncomfortable position for someone as tall as he was. But right now, it was the most relaxing one and no one could tell him otherwise. 

Playing with Xie Lian's fingers, Hua Cheng fell asleep unintentionally again. His lack of sleep was catching up to him. 

He didn't know how many minutes he slept in, but all Hua Cheng knew was that he woke up from Xie Lian's whimpers. Right away, he sat straight and scanned the room for any immediate danger. 

"Help," was what Xie Lian was whispering with a hoarse voice. "Help, S- Lang... San Lang." A tear fell from Xie Lian's eye. 

Hua Cheng sat back and wiped the tear away as gently as he could. It pained him to see Xie Lian like this and he'd rather be the one hurting than see his beloved like this again. He'd rather be physically hurt than be hurt this way. 

"Gege, I'm here," his voice cracked as he continued wiping Xie Lian's tears. "Open your eyes. I'm here. You're safe." 

"S-San Lang... F-Feng Xin..." Fuck. "Mu- Qing." 

"I'm here. San Lang is here." Hua Cheng hovered closely over Xie Lian's form and whispered to his ear. "Your San Lang is here."

"San Lang," Xie Lian cried softly. He wasn't thrashing. He was just calmly but brokenly calling out to him. "Help."

"Gege, I'm here. San Lang is here. I won't leave you, okay?" He kissed Xie Lian's temple. "I'm here. I'm not leaving."

When Hua Cheng pulled away because Xie Lian stopped calling him, he saw him trying to open his eyes. One of his eyes had a swelling bruise under it. 

"There you are, gege," he tried keeping his tone light. He could see Xie Lian's other eye having a bloodshot. He knew it'd be fine in due time. "Don't make movements, gege, okay?" He adjusted his bed a little to position Xie Lian well for drinking. 

Hua Cheng reached out for the glass of water beside him. "Here, gege." He slowly guided Xie Lian to drink from the glass. "There you go. Let me call the doctor, okay?" 

He was about to stand up when Xie Lian spoke, "N-No."

And who was he to go against his word? Hua Cheng settled back. "Okay, okay. I'll call him later." It looked like it wouldn't be good to call someone in for a little while just until Xie Lian would finally catch up with what happened. 

"It hurts." Xie Lian looked at him like he was about to cry again. 

"I know, gege." It took Hua Cheng everything not to show Xie Lian how devastated he was. He needed to be strong for him. 

"You saved me."

Hua Cheng smiled softly. "You knew I would."

Xie Lian tried to smile but grimaced as he did. Hua Cheng was about to frown but it wasn't the time yet for that. He'd remind Xie Lian later. Right now, his gege was putting things together. "I know. I-I'm sor-"

Hua Cheng cut him off by placing his thumb over his bruised lips. Then, he proceeded to caress Xie Lian's jaw. "You're faultless."

"They..." Xie Lian breathed in. "Tried to kill me."

Hua Cheng gritted his teeth unnoticeably. 

"I thought I was going to die." 

Hua Cheng almost lost it for the nth time. 

Then, Xie Lian looked at him and patted his head. The action might have hurt, but he didn't have the heart to tell Xie Lian off. "I'm glad to see you."

Hua Cheng took Xie Lian's hand off his head and held it. "You'll be seeing me a lot, gege. I'm not going anywhere." He squeezed it a little. "Can I call the doctor now?"

"No." There was urgency in Xie Lian's voice. It was as if he was scared. 

Hua Cheng frowned. "Gege, he still has to check you."

"I... San Lang... If he... If they... They might take me?" Hua Cheng could barely hear the words, but he did, and he was furious. Of course, not of Xie Lian, but of everyone else. 

"Do you think this San Lang would allow his gege to be taken from him?" He smiled softly and brushed Xie Lian's chin with his thumb. "They'll die trying."

Xie Lian's eyes widened by a fraction. 

I should've been more careful with my words. "Okay, I'll be close when he comes, okay?"

"I'm okay. I'm fine... But can we call him later instead?"

"Hmm, okay." Hua Cheng couldn't say no. 

Hua Cheng was actually surprised by how Xie Lian handled himself. Not that he was witness otherwise, but he was surprised. 

"How long was I out?"

"More than two days."

"Oh, what happened to those men? Were they caught?" Xie Lian frowned.

Hua Cheng gave him a look. What do you think? Do you think I'll allow them to roam freely? 

Xie Lian hummed. "Thank you,  San Lang. I didn't know who to call that time."

What does he mean he didn't know? Have we not established that you should call me? Hua Cheng asked himself. He was perplexed. Shouldn't he be the one that Xie Lian would call? Was there anyone else? 

"I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

What the fuck? Hua Cheng's stomach churned unpleasantly. "Gege..."

"I would've called Feng Xin, but I can't involve them. I- You're the only one I knew who could help..." Xie Lian smiled a little. "Thank you."

What? He wouldn't have called me? But I thought we already agreed that he'd call me if something happened? Hua Cheng was baffled and a little heartbroken. Did he assume incorrectly? What did even Xie Lian feel for him? 

"Of course, I'd look for you. I told you before I left, gege... to call me."

Xie Lian looked away. "Hmm~ But I didn't want to bother you."

"You are not a bother." Hua Cheng's heart was slowly breaking into pieces. 

"San Lang, where am I?"

Hua Cheng blinked. He wasn't done processing his thoughts and feelings. But he needed to answer Xie Lian to settle things out and explain. "I brought you home. You're in my bedroom. I hope gege doesn't mind. This San Lang just wanted to protect you and keep you where you are safest."

"Oh," it was a high pitch. 

"Hmm~ I don't want you to go back to that place," he said. It wasn't negotiable. He knew he didn't want Xie Lian to return back to that place. Aside from it being unsafe, Xie Lian would just be reminded of that time. It wouldn't be good for him. 

"I wouldn't want to."

Good. That's good. 

"But I don't want to impose on San Lang. Can I stay here until I get well?"

"Gege..." He didn't like Xie Lian's tone. Hua Cheng didn't like it. It was like saying that he would stay away for good after he'd get well. What would happen to him if Xie Lian would stay away from him? He thought... I thought...

"Gege can stay for as long as he wants. Where does he think he would go if not with me?"

"I'll think about it when the time comes. I'll- I'll find a good place or I can ask Feng Xin or Mu Qing some recommendations."

Those goddamn names again. Hua Cheng was losing it altogether. He hadn't slept and eaten well. He was confused and hurt. He was guilty and full of regret. He was always worried about Xie Lian's condition. And now he was jealous, so fucking jealous. 

He knew he shouldn't be amplifying his feelings right now since he needed to focus on Xie Lian and nursing him back to health. But damn did it hurt. 

"Gege, you shouldn't be thinking about anything other than getting better, okay? That's our main priority now," Hua Cheng said just to let go of that topic. 

He wasn't willing to just give up, especially now. He couldn't just let Xie Lian go away from under his wings. But he also didn't want to stress Xie Lian out. He may not know what was going on inside his mind, but, at that moment, he felt that letting go of the subject first would be the best. 

"Okay, okay." Xie Lian exhaled heavily. Then, his eyes widened, alarmed. Which also got Hua Cheng alarmed. 

"What is it, gege? Are you hurt?" 

"No! Uhm, Ruoye. I need to get Ruoye." 

That just calmed Hua Cheng down. "Ruoye. He's with my dog E-ming. They're quite a sight to see. Again, don't stress out too much," Hua Cheng softly said. "I got you."

Xie Lian smiled appreciatively albeit strained from the bruises he got. "Thank you, San Lang."

"Anything for gege."

~

Xie Lian's

Xie Lian fell asleep after the doctor checked him. The doctor just left a set of reminders on what to do and the medication he needed to take to heal properly. It wasn't a big deal since he didn't sustain any major injuries which he was really happy to hear. He just didn't have it in him to impose on San Lang even more than he already did. 

He pried his eyes open. He didn't know what time it was since the room was dimly lit and cold. The curtains were thick and fell elegantly down to the ground. Xie Lian thought the man he was in love with was not in the room until he heard him call, "Gege?"

"San Lang." His body was still aching. The pain didn't even lessen after he slept, not that he expected it to.

"Want some breakfast? I'll-I'll call somebody to bring something here." Hua Cheng stood up and walked over to him.

Xie Lian's brows furrowed at the mention of anyone! He couldn't see another person he wasn't familiar with. Hua Cheng even had to coax him to let the doctor in. 

He should be used to it, right? He went through worse than this. But he was still scared. He was scared to be locked up once again, to have his freedom taken from him, to witness violence and take it for breakfast. He was scared once more. And it was tiring to be scared. 

"Gege, I won't let them in. They'll knock and I'll get the food outside. You won't see them and I won't let them see you. How's that?" There was a reassuring smile on San Lang's lips that told him it would be fine. 

Xie Lian mutely nodded and thought for a while before opening his mouth, "Can I see Ruoye? Is it okay to bring him in?"

Hua Cheng grinned. "Oh, am I not enough?"

Immediately blushing, Xie Lian exclaimed, "San Lang!" Well, it wasn't really a loud reaction. But still, a surprised one. This man was shameless! And Xie Lian liked it! Too bad, Hua Cheng was in love with Yin Yu. He still didn't know their set up but he was sure he heard Hua Cheng say he loved him over the phone. 

This San Lang must be treating all his friends this way. Maybe, San Lang was just shameless and playful. He just knew how to make people comfortable and probably, in love. Xie Lian was truly, truly hopeless and he couldn't wait to stop being a bother to this man. 

"Okay, okay! I'll get them for you. E-ming and Ruoye are inseparable now. That damn dog. You aren't scared of dogs, right?"

Xie Lian shook his head. "Dogs are lovely."

"Great. Great." Hua Cheng was awkwardly standing beside his bed while swinging on his toes. 

"Are you okay, San Lang?"

Hua Cheng bashfully scratched the back of his head. He could be shy in a matter of seconds huh? "Yes, I am. Uhm, I'll just call someone to bring those two here and the food."

"Okay, San Lang. Thank you."

The younger winked. "I got you always." 

Xie Lian closed his eyes once more as Hua Cheng made a few calls. It was nice. Hua Cheng's bed was nice and the room felt so comforting. Perhaps, it was because he could smell him. And perhaps, he had to just cherish this time with the younger. 

No matter how much he wanted to stay, he couldn't. Xie Lian knew he mustn't although it would be nice to imagine cuddling with San Lang just like before. Indeed, ignorance is bliss. He couldn't do that anymore, not when he knew Hua Cheng was in love with Yin Yu. 

He didn't know how many minutes passed by but he opened his eyes when somebody knocked on the door. "Hua Chengzhu."

Sounds good. Xie Lian made a mental note. 

Hua Cheng stood up from where he was sitting. His stance was slightly imposing and his face was dead serious. It reminded him of the San Lang he saw in the casino. It was just that this Hua Cheng was wearing just a shirt that revealed his scribbled tattoo and relaxed sweatpants. 

Xie Lian couldn't help but sigh lovingly. He's perfect. 

"Where's the food?" He heard Hua Cheng ask grumpily. Well, not that polite. Doesn't matter. 

"Still coming up, Sir. But here are the two."

The door closed. The next thing he knew, he saw Hua Cheng holding Ruoye with one arm and then had a black dog in tow. 

"Ruoye!" Xie Lian smiled which also made Hua Cheng smile. 

"Meow..."

San Lang settled the cat on the bed. It seemed that the younger man didn't mind having cat furs on the mattress. 

"Meow." Ruoye went to him and nestled to his side. 

The dog sat beside Hua Cheng showing he was well-trained. "This is E-ming."

He was so adorable as his eye was looking at him cautiously. The dog seemed like he couldn't hurt a fly! "Hi, baby."

"B-What?!" Hua Cheng reacted. But Xie Lian paid him no attention. 

The dog started wagging his tail as his paw tapped the ground, seemingly excited to approach him. 

"Come here, puppy."

"Gege!"

What's with him?

The dog rushed to the side of the bed and climbed up. Well, I'm sorry, San Lang. It seemed that he's clean enough to be on your bed though. 

"E-ming, careful!" Hua Cheng's voice boomed. 

Well, it didn't stopped the dog from approaching Xie Lian. But as soon as he was on his side, the dog stopped and dared not to touch him. "Aren't you a good boy?" 

The dog tilted his head and lay down where Ruoye was. 

If Xie Lian could just have the freedom to move, he would've cuddled the two and given E-ming a welcoming hug. But he couldn't, not as of the moment. 

"Hmp!" Hua Cheng crossed his arms. "You dog, you better watch over gege and not allow anyone to go near him."

Xie Lian chuckled. 

"Gege, he can be a bit territorial. The people here could barely handle him. This one is friends with He Xuan and Yin Yu though. But..." Hua Cheng gestured. "Not as friendly as he is to you. I guess he knows." Hua Cheng scratched the back of his neck. 

"What does he know?" Yin Yu again? (Poor Yin Yu. Yin Yu somewhere doing something accidentally bit his tongue.)

"Nothing, gege. I'll just wait by the door for your food." Hua Cheng walked closer and patted E-ming's behind. "Behave," he pointedly commanded.

The dog was looking at him while Ruoye was licking the dog's neck. "Aren't you the cutest dog in the world? What do you know? What do you know?"

"You look like a strong puppy." 

"So cute."

He was muttering compliments, not really loudly because it still hurt to open his mouth widely. But enough to be heard. 

When Hua Cheng came back, he had a trolley of food including that for the cat and dog. "Let's eat, gege."

"Okay."

Hua Cheng called Ruoye and E-ming first to eat inside another room connected to the bedroom. After that, Hua Cheng sat beside him and assisted him into a position where he could eat. 

"You have to eat soft food for now, okay, gege?"

Xie Lian nodded. "Hmm~"

"Good." Hua Cheng stirred the congee with a spoon while blowing off the heat.

"I-I can do it by myself." His heart started pounding faster inside his chest. Xie Lian was just weak to this. But he really liked being taken care of, especially by San Lang. 

"Gege." San Lang looked at him knowingly. "You know it still hurts to move so don't even attempt to." 

"But-" 

"No buts." Hua Cheng reached out and tucked his hair behind his ear. His fingertips left traces of sparks on his skin. "I'll take care of you."

Xie Lian might combust. Maybe his bruises could hide his blush right now. But not when he'd be well. 

By then, I'm already staying far from him. 

After a while, as they were resting, with the two pets under the bedside, somebody knocked on the door. 

It caused E-ming to bark aggressively. 

"Chengzhu?" The man from the other side said.

E-ming ceased to bark but was still growling. 

Xie Lian heard Hua Cheng audibly sigh. "Fuck." The man stood up. "Don't worry, gege. It's just Yin Yu."