Has POV shifts. I hope you don't mind if I focus more on HC|XL relationship.

CW// Panic attack, mentions of blood, implied violence

-

Xie Lian's

Xie Lian woke up when he heard his phone's muffled ringing. The light tried to invade his eyes just as soon and so he tightly closed them. Moving, he lightly groaned and let his hand crawl under his pillow. He was still groggy from sleep but he needed to answer the call. He covered his eyes with his upper arm and was uncaring about who was calling, Xie Lian, with a hoarse voice, answered the call. "Good morning."

"Ah~ Good morning, Xie Lian. I apologize for such short and informal notice, but can I meet you in two hours?" It was Mayor Jun Wu's voice, sounding a little regretful.

Xie Lian's eyes opened as quickly as the speed of light. Well, such was an exaggeration but that was it. He sat up straight and blinked his eyes profusely. He looked at his side and saw San Lang looking at him while sipping a cup of coffee. Xie Lian's hand automatically covered his mouth. San Lang didn't know his line of work that much yet if he would consider the things they talked about but Xie Lian was sure that San Lang knew given their conversation yesterday. The man seemed to know so much more than what they had been talking. "Mayor, of course, good morning. Pardon me. I just woke up." He tried to whisper, well, futilely.

"It is fine. I don't hold it against you." Mayor Jun Wu chuckled. So considerate. Xie Lian really admired the Mayor. For the days he worked with him, Xie Lian found the Mayor almost spotless. "I have another major task to give you." He couldn't miss the seriousness in the Mayor's voice.

"Okay, Mayor. I will be there in two hours." San Lang looked at him intensely before standing up to cook something.

"See you, son."

"See you, Mayor." The Mayor ended the call.

"Good morning, San Lang. I have to go to work." He slumped. Xie Lian, as usual, had a nightmare-riddled sleep.  As much as he was tempted to wallow in sorrow for the pain he experienced in the past, he'd rather not. 

While cooking, San Lang turned to him and asked a ridiculous question out of nowhere. "Can San Lang come with you?" San Lang's lips were extended into a slight pout. Cute. Xie Lian always said cute in his mind. Well, San Lang was really cute, but most often, he was handsome.

"You cannot, San Lang," Xie Lian simply said. The Mayor hired a private investigator for a reason and San Lang could not just come with him. Aside for that reason, Xie Lian didn't know what dangers lie ahead of them if ever the Mayor would give him a heavy task this time. He might not be able to protect and keep San Lang safe.

"Please, gege. I want to go with you, ge." San Lang looked at him with sparkly sharp eyes and Xie Lian could almost feel himself giving in to the request. However, Xie Lian was a decisive man. He couldn't be swayed by some cute shenanigans. Or is he really?

"San Lang, you really cannot." Xie Lian picked up his towel and clothes. San Lang let out a soft whine and continued on cooking while Xie Lian waltzed to the bathroom to take a bath.

After they have eaten, San Lang volunteered to wash the dishes and feed Ruoye because Xie Lian had an important meeting to attend to and it would take a good while to arrive to the city proper from where Xie Lian was residing.

"I will go with you later, gege," San Lang chirped. The man could be determined whenever he wanted to be. Xie Lian shook his head in amusement, not really thinking that San Lang meant those words. He thought that San Lang was just being whiny about not being allowed to go with him. 

Xie Lian bent down to tie his shoe laces. "San Lang, I will see you later." He paused and smiles. "If I will not die this time." San Lang did not respond to his joke. It was not a good joke anyway. Xie Lian lacked in that department and he acknowledged that his humor was dry and just straight-up bad. It was his coping mechanism. Then, he saw a pair of feet. He willed himself to look up. From his perspective, San Lang looked bigger. "W-What?" He couldn't help but feel... uhm... smaller?

"Gege, you cannot be hurt." Xie Lian could see animosity in San Lang's eyes. But more than that, he could see the concern in those mismatched orbs. Beautiful eyes. Xie Lian offered a kind smile before going back to his laces. Just one more knot.

"I was just kidding San Lang." San Lang's hands clenched and unclenched as if he was holding himself back. About what. On what. Xie Lian wouldn't know. "I can take care of myself well. Besides, I will just be attending a meeting. There is no need to fuss a lot over it." Xie Lian laughed softly and stood up. He swung his bag over his shoulder while San Lang was still standing with unreadable expression on his face, quite more tense than his usual carefree stance. Xie Lian could not stop himself, so he reached out and ruffled San Lang's hair. "I have to go, San Lang. You take care while I'm gone."

San Lang quietly walked him to the door.

-

Hua Cheng's

The moment Xie Lian turned around the corner, Hua Cheng gritted his teeth and slammed the door in the process. He did not care at the moment if he would break the door. He could repair it later if it did anyway. There were a lot of thoughts running in his mind and those thoughts were eating the logical part of himself, gnawing him from inside out. It seemed that what the Mayor would give Xie Lian was something urgent though he could not be that sure. As much as possible, he did not pry over anything Xie Lian did even if he had the power to do so. The reason being was his respect toward his gege, but if there was a necessity to do so, he would do whatever it takes to keep His Highness safe.

His control slipped a little earlier when Xie Lian joked about his safety. San Lang could even reward himself for being so in control over his emotions and his whims. There were times when he really wanted to interfere and be more insistent. His urge to control things was overwhelming because since he had control over things, he couldn't help but see to it that he got what he wanted and there was no denying that he wanted to control the environment around Xie Lian, no matter how inappropriate that sounded or how unruly his ways could be.

I need him safe. I need him safe. I need him safe. Those were the words that kept ringing inside him, overtaking him, awakening the beast that he was. It was ugly. He knew he could be too much at times that one possibility of his gege being exposed to danger again would cause him to go mad. He knew it could be an exaggeration of the overwhelming emotions swirling inside him. Could it be just an exaggeration? What he could do in the ordinary could be too much for others. What more if it would involve his kind gege. 

Hua Cheng ran a hand on his locks in frustration. His wavy hair soft in his fingers. In the last major case Xie Lian handled, his gege was almost thrown on the street while there was a rushing van. That man. "Fuck," he muttered strongly under his breath.

He couldn't stop thinking about what might happen this time. He knew Xie Lian is smart, responsible, and could take care of himself well. Hua Cheng never doubted him on that, but he also knew that Xie Lian could be a bit stubborn and persistent. His gege might do more than what he was required to do just to finish a task. Xie Lian would help as much as he could and that was where Hua Cheng's worry mostly stemmed from. He wiped his face with his hand in distress. Hue Cheng couldn't help himself. He was beyond saving now. If he wanted to keep his gege safe, he would.

Come hell or high water, no one could stop him from protecting Xie Lain, not even Xie Lian himself.

-

Xie Lian's

Xie Lian was sitting in front of the Mayor together with Feng Xin and Mu Qing who were looking as serious as the Mayor. Among the bunch, Xie Lian felt smallest, well, he was, literally. Mayor Jun Wu was taller than him and so were the two officers. No wonder Feng Xin liked calling him shorty at times. But other than the literal sense, Xie Lian indeed felt small. He was the only one in the room who wasn't someone. He was just a person who wanted to live in this world, to simply enjoy his freedom while he could. These people... These people were accomplished people. Who was he? 

But setting that aside, Xie Lian wanted to get to know the two men beyond work, probably with a cup of hot coffee for them and a cold frappe for him. He was daydreaming. But it would be nice to have a solid circle of friends because for now, he only had San Lang and San Lang was still a mystery. He did not mind mystery though.

Earlier, when he arrived at Mayor Jun Wu's office, Feng Xin and Mu Qing were already there with furrowed brows. "So, now that you are here. I do not want to hold you longer as the matter at hand will take too much time from you," Mayor Jun Wu said with his hands clasped lightly over his mouth and elbows on the table. "I want you three go to a remote place to observe the place. I heard an illegal factory of drugs is operating there. Cunning. They are cunning."

Xie Lian stiffened. This was indeed a serious case and if it was in a remote area away from the city proper as the city was quite larger than other cities, then, Xie Lian would have to go home late. I have to inform San Lang about this. He might as well tell his housemate to leave a key outside, so he wouldn't have to wake up the man.

Mayor continued speaking, "An old friend who has an occasional business near the area reported it to me. I do not want to believe it, but he is adamant about it. I know this one is dangerous. I do not even know the extent of the business." The two officers were exchanging worried glances, but they remained quiet while Xie Lian could sense that they have a lot of questions to ask.

"But I do not want you to put your lives in danger. I want you to just watch from a far. I repeat, from a far. Maybe ask the residents. But, do not ever try to cross their ways if you have confirmed the truth. Do not let them see you. I want full armed and ready police to go there in case it is true. Understand? Just observe," Mayor said strictly to which Xie Lian understood why. If there really was a factory of drugs then the criminals would most likely be armed and for sure with only the three of them, they could not possibly take it down. It would not be easy to.

"Yes, Mayor." The three of them agreed simultaneously.

"So, Mayor where is the place?" Feng Xin asked.

"It is in the far eastern side of the city, around two hours from here. It is in Dupin," the Mayor informed.

"Will it be okay to take a car?" Mu Qing inquired.

"Yes, yes. But you will have to leave it somewhere. I know this is too much, but my friend said you have to pass by a forest to get there. Which means, you will have to walk for another hour or so. It is still nine in the morning and I think that will be enough time to observe and gather information." Mayor Jun Wu looked at them with hard and determined eyes and said in authoritative manner, "I repeat. Just observe and gather information. Do not in any way cross their way. Do not enter their nests. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Mayor," they said altogether, knowing the consequences if they would not be careful with the mission.

"Officers Feng Xin and Mu Qing, always secure your firearm with you. I will not expect you to use it, however use it when necessary. Besides, it is better to be safe. You protect Xie Lian." the Mayor looked at him with warm eyes but he could not quite place any emotion in there.

"Of course, Mayor. We will protect Shorty." Feng Xin gazed at him with a small smile and to which, Xie Lian returned.

"So now, you have to go and buy all essentials you need in your travel," said the Mayor as he opened his drawer and slid on the table an envelope to Xie Lian. "Here is a small allowance for gas and other travel necessities. Follow my orders and keep yourselves safe." Xie Lian's heart warmed at the Mayor's thoughtfulness and he could say that both officers were touched too by the soft looks on their eyes.

"Thank you, Mayor." Xie Lian mumbled sincerely.

"It's nothing, son. Do not give your seniors headache, okay?" The Mayor beamed at him.

"Oh~ Mayor, they give me headache. It is not the other way around," Xie Lian had the courage to joke a little.

The Mayor chuckled lightly.

"Hey, Xie Lian! how could y-" Xie Lian interrupted Mu Qing's protest.

"We have to go, Mayor. Again, thank you." Xie Lian stood up and bowed. The other two followed still feigning betrayal from him. The Mayor chuckled again.

When they finally closed the office's door, the two officers looked at him with a frown. Xie Lian slightly raised to of his hands to calm the two down. "I was just kidding, Officers." He smiled awkwardly. Please, don't be offended. He just wanted to have a light and friendly work experience with the two.

"I felt betrayed!" Mu Qing glared at him playfully and Xie Lian breathed out in relief. The two are warming up to him and he was glad to see that.

"You are a traitor, shorty." Feng Xin clicked his tongue in fake disappointment.

"It is not that bad." He giggled. "Come on, we have to get there as soon as possible. If we pass by a convenience store, let us just drop by," he suggested. Xie Lian seemed to be a little older than the two by the way he acted. But the two looked really sensible and mature.

"Good heavens, you sound good, Feng Xin." Mu Qing teased. Feng Xin just cursed at Mu Qing. Then, the three of them exited the building and headed straight to the Mu Qing's personal car. It is parked at the back of Mayor's Office. It is the black sedan that they used when they went to Jinxing Club.

"You two are quite prepared, huh? You did not wear your uniforms." Xie Lian stated his observation. The two were wearing casual clothes. Feng Xin was wearing a black shirt fitting well on him while Mu Qing was wearing a gray one. The two looked fresh and handsome in their outfits. Xie Lian would not be surprise if the two attract people, especially women.

"Nah, shorty. the Mayor informed us at six in the fucking morning that we do not have to wear the uniform for the mission's purpose."

Xie Lian just nodded. The Mayor surely woke the two up earlier than he did on Xie Lian. When Mu Qing unlocked his car, things happened fast before Xie Lian's mind could even process what is happening. In just a matter of seconds, Mu Qing and Feng Xin had their guns drawn out and pointed at the person Xie Lian least expected to be there.

The officers' hands were shaking and their eyes showed fear and confusion.

No. Don't hurt him!

It was San Lang, lazily sitting in the backseat of the car with dark aviator sunglasses on, covering his eyes perfectly well. His long hair hugging the sides of his face beautifully. He is wearing the pair of clothes Xie Lian bought. San Lang did not mind the guns pointed at him and just smiled at Xie Lian. The silly even waved a hand at him.

Xie Lian jogged and ignored San Lang's greeting. The guns were still pointed at his housemate and Xie Lian's panic was starting to be more evident. He didn't like violence, not like this, and certainly not with the person he was caring about. He had seen so much violence a man could do and he didn't want to see more than he already did in the past.

Xie Lian felt like his heart was in his throat. What is he doing here and how did he enter Mu Qing's car?! Nevertheless, despite the questionable actions San Land did, Xie Lian stood in front of San Lang and blocked the man from the guns that were pointed at him.

"Shorty, move," Feng Xin commanded.

"No. Don't do this, officers. I apologize on his behalf. He is a bit mischievous and he is my friend. Actually, he is the one staying in my house, the one I told you about when we met at the department store. Remember?" Xie Lian kept his voice warm and friendly. "Please, do not hurt him." His heart was beating erratically. What was San Lang thinking breaking into Mu Qing's car and how did he know this is Mu Qing's car?

"Xie Lian, stay away from him!" Feng Xin was both angry and concerned. San Lang stood up and climbed off the car.

"Gege, they are bad people." Xie Lian could hear the pout in the man's voice, but Xie Lian could not think that well at that time.

"San Lang, why are you inside anyway?" he spoke through his teeth and gave San Lang a side glance.

"I feel like coming with gege," San Lang whispered back. The calmness and confidence San Lang had were palpable and even perplexing. It was as if he had things under control and Xie Lian could not wrap his head around what was happening. Then, San Lang spoke to Feng Xin and Mu Qing, "I assume you know by now. I suggest you to keep your mouth shut. And just play along nicely. Bring that gun down too. It gives me... urges... seeing you point it to my gege." Xie Lian was too focused on the situation at hand that he didn't notice the possessiveness attached to San Lang's endearment. He turned around to see San Lang seriously talking to them and when he noticed Xie Lian looking at him, San Lang beamed.

Xie Lian hesitantly returned the smile. "See, we can talk this out." The officers' eyes were not on him. Instead, they were warily eyeing the seemingly harmless man. But Xie Lian admitted to himself. What San Lang did shows otherwise. Little by little, with shaky hands and a shudder, they lowered their guns, much to Xie Lian's relief.

"Nice meeting you, Officers." San Lang gave them a smile. Since Xie Lian could not see his eyes, he couldn't know for sure whether the smile was true or not. "I can come with you, right?" The two officers exchanged a look as if they were talking to each other without the need to open their mouths.

"Your friend can come with us, shorty, but it is never nice meeting him," Feng Xin gritted his teeth. "I will cover this." Xie Lian did not expect the turn of events. He was sure that if Mayor Jun Wu would find out about this, they were going to be fired or worse, sued too. Mu Qing nodded in agreement.

Xie Lian had doubts about the set up. However, it seemed that the two have decided to tag San Lang along with them and Xie Lian does not know how San Lang did it. All that was on his mind now was how to keep San Lang safe if things went out of plan later. Firstly, it should not be dangerous as they were just going to observe the perimeters and confirm the existence of the said illegal den. But Xie Lian could not know for sure. Nothing was certain.

The eldest among the four sighed and turned to look at San Lang. "You behave, San Lang. No more impulsive actions along the way. You know this is a serious thing." You shouldn't be here in the first place. Xie Lian could not help but feel concerned and a little disappointed. But things were what they were now.

"Gege, you can trust me." San Lang smiled reassuringly.

"Quit smiling," Feng Xin muttered.

The two ignored him. 

What else can Xie Lian do with Hua Cheng? "You really are stubborn." He frowned a little.

"I never said I am not, gege. But I'm sorry." San Lang's lower lip jutted out a little.

Somebody cleared his throat. "Get on the fucking car. We still have a long way to go. Mu Qing, I will be the one driving," Feng Xin said and walks away.

"Alright!" Xie Lian shook himself out from negative feelings and clapped his hands. "Let us go." San Lang stepped aside and lets him in the car.

The car ride was mostly quiet and a little awkward. The officers often glanced at the rear-view mirror to take a peek at them. Xie Lian looked at the sleepy San Lang. San Lang's head was lolled back and his eyes slightly droopy. "San Lang, you can rest on my shoulder." Xie Lian patted his left shoulder.

"Gege is being so considerate to this intruder. I am fine, gege. Just pretend I am not here." A crooked smile surfaced on San Lang's lips.

"San Lang, come here." Xie Lian coaxed the man and he slowly curled his fingers on the younger man's upper arm. This would be the first time he would touch San Lang this way. Not that there was anything meaning underneath with it, but both of them make sure they maintained little distance at home, not intentionally, but more like unconsciously. It was something two people who were completely unrelated would do. Xie Lian was not a touchy person although there were times he wished he could hug anyone freely. Arm-wrapping seemed warm and no one had ever hugged him, a good tight hug, before. 

He shuddered.

San Lang's skin feels smooth and warm against his palm. Scooting closer, San Lang's head leaned on his shoulder. The man's fluffy hair brush his jaw. If he is not wearing a turtle neck, it would surely tickle his neck. "Gege is so nice to me." Xie Lian refused to look at San Lang or he would end up burying his face on the man's hair given their position.

Mu Qing scoffed lightly.

"Just rest, San Lang." Their bodies were close and their thighs touch. Xie Lian was used to such proximity because they sleep side by side although they really do not touch when sleeping, not that he knew anything during sleep. Xie Lian blushed at the thought. I don't think I move a lot whenever I sleep.

After a while, Feng Xin broke the silence. "Seriously, shorty, where did you pick up that man?" Feng Xin asked with a hint of anger in his voice. He said it as if San Lang was a thing he picked up somewhere and Xie Lian did not like that.

"I told you. I met him at a public market. He has been keeping me company for days."

Feng Xin just frowned over the mirror. He looked disappointed. Perhaps, the officer was just concerned. "You don't even have to come with us today. This is seriously more dangerous than the other task and honestly, I have no idea what Mayor Jun Wu was thinking when he sent you with us. You can just stay in the car later," Feng Xin added. Mu Qing elbowed Feng Xin.

"Aww, are you concerned with your shorty?" Mu Qing teased.

Xie Lian wasn't flustered. What does that supposed to mean?

Feng Xin's ear reddened. "Shut up, fucker. I am sure he cannot even kill a chicken let alone shoot someone. What if things go out of hand later?"

"And hurt your shorty?" Mu Qing winked at him.

Huh?

"Fuck you. Fuck you, Mu Qing. Don't make things awkward for us. You know for sure why I call him shorty and stop adding 'your'." Xie Lian knew that it was just a little banter between the two because both of them liked riling each other up.

Xie Lian awkwardly smiled. I am here. I am here. "If you say so." Mu Qing brushed his index finger on the underside of Feng Xin's chin. "You are always fucking grumpy. Let Xie Lian be." Eh?

"We should have coffee some time," Xie Lian suggested. They have nothing to talk about anyway, so he took the opportunity to move to get to know more of them. "Or, or drink." For starter, he does not drink.

"That would be great, Xie Lian. We can schedule it after this mission." Mu Qing seemed pleased with the suggestion, but he didn't know which one. At least, now, he could probably add two more in the list of his friends. Xie Lian giggled inwardly.

They stopped for a while on a gasoline station with a convenience store in the vicinity. They had to buy water and snacks. Xie Lian thought it would be better to wake San Lang up, so he could choose his own drinks and snacks. If San Lang didn't have money to spare, he could always cover the man. "San Lang, wake up."

"Hi, gege." His voice sounded rather cheery for someone who just woke up from an hour of sleep. Xie Lian shrugged. San Lang had always been cheery and carefree for most times. So, he would not be shocked if he was like this as soon as he woke up. But if he really did not sleep all along, it was fine with him. It wouldn't make any difference at all. "Let us buy something in the store."

"No. Just stay here, gege." San Lang grinned. "I will go with Feng Xin."

Xie Lian hummed and handed to Feng Xin the envelope. "Here. Please allow him to buy anything he wants Feng Xin. I will reimburse it."

"Oh, fuck. Really, me?" Feng Xin scowled. "Why not Mu Qing? I can stay here with shorty."

"Hmp! I didn't know you would badly want to spend time with shorty alone." Mu Qing smirked.

Feng Xin's eyes widened. "Fuck. You."

San Lang raised his brow. He could see it out from the glasses. "I believe we do not have a problem with that, Feng Xin," San Lang sounded displeased. Xie Lian just shrugged. He would feel bad too if someone wouldn't want to willingly accompany him to the store. Feng Xin just huffed and wordlessly went out of the car. "I will be back, gege," San Lang smiled.

When the door closed, silence reigned. Only the car's engine and air-conditioner can be heard. After minutes, Mu Qing breathed out audibly. "Fuck! Fuckity fuck! He is seriously scary. Fucker. Fuck." Huh?

"Who is scary, Mu Qing?" he asked while looking across the street. Mu Qing was saying something when Xie Lian caught a figure across the road. His blood ran cold as he felt his whole being enveloped in extreme fear, too much fear that it was almost tangible, that he could feel it hold him by the neck, squeezing the life and breath out of him. 

Across the street was a man wearing all white and a mask. Half of the mask was smiling and the other half crying. His heartbeat was accelerating at an alarming pace. His hands were cold and his gut wrenches sickly. His breaths came shallow. The world was caving in and as far as he could perceive there were only him and the masked man. He is here to get me. I will never be free. He will get me. "Mu Qing," he breathily calls. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. Xie Lian crumpled in his fists the clothing above his chest, his other hand clawing his neckline. It feels like the tattoo on his neck is burning painfully like how it used to be when it was branded on him by force. "I can't breathe." His voice small.

Help me. Help me. Mu Qing stopped mumbling, not that Xie Lian could hear him and make up the words. He could only hear a sharp ringing as his body was consumed with numbness. Panicking, Mu Qing went out of the car without helping calming Xie Lian down. His eyesight was getting blurry with tears. He would never let go of me. He would never let me be. With clammy hands, he tried to open the car and run for his dear life, but there was no strength left in him.

Help.

-

Hua Cheng's

"Just play along, Feng Xin. I would not cause any harm and especially not on Xie Lian," he warned the officer while choosing a drink. He was still pissed with Mu Qing teasing Feng Xin with Xie Lian. He was reining on his jealousy because who was he to be jealous? Clearly, the other was better than he could ever be. Other than that, he should not be thinking this way. The two were just co-workers and such mindset he had was not at all healthy. Instead,  just as expected, he continued feeling that way. It was malicious and downright inappropriate, yet he could not help himself feel this way. So unreasonable.

"Okay." Feng Xin nodded with face morphed into annoyance.

"As long as Xie Lian is safe whenever he is out with you, we will have no problem." He chose some apple juice for his gege.

"We also do not want Xie Lian to be hurt. Rest assured," Feng Xin said in clipped tone. "Who are you to him anyway?" The officer looked skeptical. Hua Cheng knew there were a hundred reasons for Feng Xin to be skeptical. Anyone had.

"I don't have to explain myself. Rest assured, Xie Lian is safest with me." Hua Cheng mumbled confidently. "I do not want your superior to hear this."

Feng Xin just gave him an angry nod.

They were standing quietly on the queue line to pay for the food they bought when a frantic Mu Qing entered the convenience store. The officer stole the customers' attention as he marched inside. Mu Qing was not a small man after all.

"Uhh-" Unsure what to address him, Mu Qing's thumb pointed to the direction of the door behind. "Xie Lian-" That was all he needed to hear and Hua Cheng rushed out of the store. He dropped the things hastily on the basket. The corners of his mouth faintly curled downward and his aura murderous. His hand reached to the gun safely and secretly tucked in in his holster.

As soon as Hua Cheng reached the car, he harshly tugged the door open while his other hand tightened around the gun. There he found Xie Lian, physically unharmed, shaking like a leaf and his eyes closed tightly while tears were streaming down his cheeks. The older man's lips were pale too and his face twisted in horror. Hua Cheng did not know what to do. He was not good with words and in comforting someone. Added to that, he had no idea what happened that caused Xie Lian to have a panic attack. He himself was panicking just seeing Xie Lian like this.

It wasn't like the panic Xie Lian had when he had nightmares. It was more than that. 

"Gege." Hua Cheng's heart broke at the sight. His throat had an ugly lump he wanted to sob out. "You'll be fine." He slowly sat inside the car. Xie Lian was huddled on the other end.

Hua Cheng didn't know if touching Xie Lian would be a better choice, yet right now, that was all he knew to calm Xie Lian down. "Gege, I'm here. I'm here. I will touch you, okay?" He tentatively placed a hand over Xie Lian's knee. When Xie Lian made no attempt in swatting his hand away, he rubbed the knee in small strokes. "Breathe with me, ge. Breathe with me." He tried to calm his raging heart. He was yet to go down to business with this. "You've got this, my gege. Follow me. Inhale," he slowly coaxed Xie Lian with the gentlest voice he could say the words, "Exhale. Inhale, exhale." He repeated it and he could see Xie Lian doing his best.

Who the fuck caused this?

Hua Cheng transfers his hand to Xie Lian's head and created comforting strokes, like that done to a kid. "I am proud of you, gege. You are doing so good."

"San Lang?" Xie Lian croaked out, eyes still tightly closed. "Can you please look across the street? Is there still someone wearing all white?" Xie Lian let out a shaky breath. At that Hua Cheng knew whom he was referring to. His blood rushed to his head as he felt hot anger raging him completely. But he couldn't do anything now other than complying to Xie Lian's request. He casted his gaze across the street through his dark lens. He can see people passing by but no one wearing all white. All white... and wearing a mask. Xie Lian didn't say the most important description. 

He needed to be calm. Years of hunting that man down and Hua Cheng still came up with nothing. And now, the same man, whether he was really there or not, was haunting Xie Lian in the present. "There is one wearing all white, gege. He is wearing a cap and is buying something. Did he do anything to you?" Hua Cheng's hand transferred on Xie Lian's back. Xie Lian shook his head. "Is there anything you need?" In comforting manner, he rubbed Xie Lian's back up and down. He could feel the tense muscle under the palm of his hand.

"I'm scared, San Lang." This was the first time Xie Lian openly told him a negative emotion or state he was feeling or going through. It shattered his heart. Hua Cheng could not help but beat himself for not finding his gege earlier. If only I had been more capable. If only I were more powerful then.

"You can open your eyes, gege. You are safe. Look! He went away after buying stuff!" He tried to keep a enthusiastic persona although he felt the opposite. Hua Cheng could not hold himself any longer. He wiped Xie Lian's tears away. His thumbs were brushing over the smooth and damp skin. "You are okay, gege."

Slowly, Xie Lian's eyes flutter open. His long lashes lumped from tears. His nose was pink and his cheeks were flushed. Hua Cheng could see the two officers bickering their way to the car. "There, you are fine. See? There is no one there now. There is no one there. They went away already, gege. You are safe."

Xie Lian nodded. He blinked and took a peek outside. "Do you need to share more about it, gege?" He did not want to fish out answers from Xie Lian.

Xie Lian shook his head. "I don't feel like sharing it, San Lang." The two officers entered the car quietly. He was thankful that the two did not pry nor asked any question. Xie Lian leaned on the car's door frame while sniffling while Mu Qing handed over the snacks he bought for Xie Lian. Taking it out from the plastic bag, Hua Cheng hoped it was his gege's favorite flavor. "Gege, I bought you an ice cream! Tada!"

Xie Lian took a look at the ice cream much to Hua Cheng's delight. "Oh, I like vanilla." Xie Lian licked his lips before accepting the ice cream in a wrapped cone. "Thank you, San Lang." Hua Cheng assisted Xie Lian while the other peeled the ice cream. "Ice cream makes me feel better."

Feng Xin sped up.

Hua Cheng softened. His gege had been through so much and yet was so brave to reach this far. He couldn't help but be proud.

Moving closer to him, Xie Lian was now smiling although his nose was still pink. "I am sorry for making you uncomfortable, Mu Qing," Xie Lian apologized when he really did not have to.

"No. It isn't your fault. Do you feel better now?"

Xie Lian giggled softly. Cute. "Yes. I feel better." Xie Lian looked at him. "Thank you again, San Lang!" And because he was impulsive and a little greedy, he extended his arm and brushed Xie Lian's hair.

"Anything for, gege." The blush across Xie Lian's cheeks cannot be missed by the man who had nothing on his mind but Xie Lian. It was so pretty that Hua Cheng thinks it would be a crime not to make Xie Lian blush once in a while. He would make sure Xie Lian would blush if ever he would be given the chance to stay by Xie Lian's side for a lifetime, as someone more significant than a friend. The desire might be so ambitious, but a man could dream.

Xie Lian was warmth.

"Such a sweet-talker, San Lang!" The investigator continued eating the ice cream.

Whatever was waiting for them in that place, Hua Cheng had no idea yet because he did not even try finding out. He just hoped he would not regret not going out of his way to gather as much details and prepare for whatever they would encounter. There was one thing he knew though: as long as Xie Lian was with him, the man would be safe.

~

Thank you for reading!