Lan Zhan wakes up feeling a little uncomfortable.

He's not sure why, and it takes his brain a few seconds to catch up until he realises what it is. A tiny sliver of sunlight is falling through the curtains...right on his exposed hand which is lying on top of the sheet.

The uncomfortable feeling grows and becomes a prickle under his skin. Lan Zhan quickly reaches out to close the curtain completely...but those few seconds and this seemingly inconsequential event is terribly significant now.

Lan Zhan’s instincts are screaming at him now that he is close to nearing the change...it is almost complete.

He is also hungry and that's the first thing he addresses. He bites his lip and this time, he can taste more venom than blood. Has something happened to escalate his change? Lan Zhan isn't sure, but he's wide awake now.

Wei Ying is sleeping beautifully next to him, blissfully unaware of this difference.

Lan Zhan has to rethink this day now and the things he wanted to go and do...and yet he's incredibly glad that if there's one thing he's good at, it's adapting to changing circumstances. He reaches over Wei Ying to grab his phone and scrolls to a shopping app. The first thing he does is override Wei Ying’s payment details and he puts his own card number down instead.

Then he orders a couple of sets of pyjamas and a state-of-the-art security device for the front door. Lan Zhan feels way better about that now...but he's going to have to make Wei Ying be okay about that.

Perhaps it's better to tackle one problem at a time.

Lan Zhan adds a nice phone to his cart and a new laptop...both these tools will prove invaluable in investigating who attacked him...and he's sure Wei Ying will be able to use them too. Plus he wants to delay as much as possible the inevitable meeting of his family.

But he doesn't want to think about that now.

It's still early and as Lan Zhan relaxes once more, he's pulling Wei Ying closer when a silver eye opens to look at him.

"It's still sleeping time." Wei Ying mumbles, closing his eyes again.

"Mn."

Lan Zhan thinks he hasn't felt this relaxed in ages.

Sleep is something which he may not need in the very near future too...but he cannot bring himself to feel sorry about it...not when he gets to have this. Not when the perfect man is lying in his arms.

The amount of trust which Wei Ying has towards him is simply mind-blowing.

Wei Ying knows what he, Lan Zhan is becoming.

A possible killer.

And yet he still snuggles closer.

Lan Zhan is reminded of people, perhaps zookeepers, who make those videos on YouTube, the ones where they're lying on top of dangerous animals, lions and tigers, cheetahs etc, and they're playing as if the highly expert predator is a tame cat.

His diet is something else which Lan Zhan knows he will have to examine in closer detail. He is still mildly disgusted at drinking blood. Whether this has anything to do with being a vegetarian or not is a moot point; but Lan Zhan likes to think that even if he ate meat on a regular basis, he would still have this problem of accepting the gory liquid sustenance.

But what is going to happen when his blood morphs into pure venom? Will he still be able to nourish himself?

He remembers his brother watching a show where vampires used the blood readily obtained in blood banks rather than 'fresh' sources. He isn't sure how he feels about this.

For now, he lets the lovely smell of lotus flowers lull him into a semi-conscious state.

***********

They are unceremoniously awakened by a thump, a lump and a bump.

A-Yuan climbs into their bed and nestles down in between them, still yawning and promptly falls asleep after having woken the other two.

Dancing silver eyes are apologetic but laughing when they look at Lan Zhan.

"I wasn't asleep anyway." Lan Zhan says. And then he remembers he has to tell Wei Ying a few things.

"What's up?" Wei Ying seems to know already.

"I think I will not be able to go outside soon...maybe from today." Lan Zhan informs him. He cannot help holding his breath even though it is a useless activity for him.

Wei Ying nods seriously.

"Don't worry, Lan Zhan. If you need anything at all, I'll get it for you." He offers immediately.

Lan Zhan once again is amazed at his capacity to take everything in his stride.

Wei Ying is truly a remarkable person.

But Lan Zhan isn't going to get sidetracked.

"Also...I borrowed your phone." He adds.

Wei Ying yawns and waves a hand nonchalantly. "What's mine is yours. I told you, don't worry about it." He flops onto his back, one hand bent to stroke A-Yuan's hair softly. His eyes are still closed.

Lan Zhan is about to disturb his peace.

He knows this but it is unavoidable, so he speaks.

"I changed payment details on the shopping app. And Wei Ying is welcome to purchase anything he wants or needs."

A silence descends where the only sound is of A-Yuan breathing in gentle rhythmic pauses.

Wei Ying says nothing.

That in itself is worrying.

He isn't a quiet man, and that's just part of his nature.

But Lan Zhan can hear his heart and it is beating way too fast for slumber. His blood smells different too and this is unusual. Lan Zhan has never smelled this emotion before and since he's still in the learning stages of this condition, he is puzzled as to what it might be.

Wei Ying still hasn't said anything.

"What's wrong?" Lan Zhan finally asks because up until now, he thought he was a patient man.

Not when it comes to Wei Ying, though.

"I don't know how to say it." Wei Ying admits.

"Have I...have I overstepped?" Lan Zhan asks, cautiously. He wants to fix whatever is suddenly different between them.

Everything was fine before he mentioned the shopping app...so he has a feeling that's it, that is the problem.

"I'm trying my best." Wei Ying says.

It sounds wet as if the words are drowning in tears.

"I am sorry." Lan Zhan quickly replies. "It was not my intention to suggest otherwise."

Wei Ying wipes his eyes with the heels of his palms, keeping his hands pressed against his eyes for a few seconds, as if trying to stop them from leaking.

"May I say something?" Lan Zhan asks.

"Go ahead." It's as if he's resigned himself to hear something unpleasant.

Lan Zhan reaches across the sleeping child to tangle his fingers in Wei Ying's hand, squeezing them in a wordless apology.

"I know Wei Ying is doing his best. My paying for anything is not meant to show disrespect for your efforts in any way. My main reason was...well, this morning...the sunlight hurt my hand. Wei Ying has been proven right...my days of going outside while the sun shines are over." Lan Zhan sighs, running a hand through his dark hair.

Wei Ying has opened his eyes and is watching him now, as his hair falls back into place perfectly.

In fact...Lan Zhan is perfection personified.

Every single detail about him is that; proper, right and perfect.

"You should stay indoors then...only go outside when it's dark out." Wei Ying says, sitting up.

"Mn. That is why...I needed to purchase a few items online, because the planned trip to the hardware store is now no longer feasible. Only establishments which are open twenty-four hours." Lan Zhan explains, feeling a little better because Wei Ying is actually speaking...but they have not addressed the real issue here.

"I have a little bit of extra money." Wei Ying defends himself now. "You didn't have to add your payment details." He's looking at their fingers, entwined as they are, one pale, one golden brown.

The contrast between them seems to mirror the one in their circumstances.

"And I'm saying, please save it. My gesture has nothing to do with a commentary on your finances. I work hard for my money...so shouldn't I be allowed to use it where and how I wish?" Lan Zhan leans forward and brings their hands to his lips.

He softly kisses the back of Wei Ying's hand, his eyes never leaving his face.

"Please...I would prefer if we never brought up the subject of money ever again. I know it's weighing on your mind, but please don't let it come between us. Please." Lan Zhan repeats himself because this is so important.

"But Lan Zhan...look at how you live, what you're used to...and look at my home. My situation...it probably isn't going to get better." Wei Ying looks around his bedroom and all he can see is what need fixing.

There's a suspiciously damp patch on the ceiling in the far corner next to the window. His curtains are the ones which came with the apartment and the rug on the floor ... calling it threadbare is being kind.

Compared to Lan Zhan’s white apartment, where everything dazzles and there is a place for every item...Wei Ying felt woefully poor suddenly.

This feeling had taken root from when Wei Ying had seen Lan Zhan’s shoes. When he was lying in that alley and bleeding out, Wei Ying had noticed his shoes, the part of his brain which liked details making a note of his overall appearance. Of course it had nothing to do with why Wei Ying helped him in the first place, but it was as clear as day that Lan Zhan did not belong in this neighbourhood.

He remembered feeling worry that Lan Zhan wasn't going to like his apartment, until the snarky part of his brain replied that it wasn't as if he had a choice, right?

Lan Zhan carefully and gently climbs over the sleeping form of the child and straddles Wei Ying. His large palms tenderly hold Wei Ying’s face up so he can see into those beautiful silver eyes.

"I only live there because of my brother. It is simply a place to sleep like this is...but Wei Ying, this is your home...and I feel more welcome here than anywhere else. I suspect that the truth lies in wherever Wei Ying might be. And A-Yuan." Lan Zhan isn't sure how he can be more sincere than this. "If I am given a chance to choose, I am picking you. Here."

Lan Zhan cannot help himself anymore.

Wei Ying is right here, his beautiful face is so close, Lan Zhan has to...must kiss him now. It is a need stronger than hunger, a desire he is powerless to control or deny. Those plump pink lips are so tempting and Lan Zhan throws all self restraint out of the proverbial window.

This taste, it is so mouthwatering and good.

Like how certain flowers smell incredible and intoxicating....Wei Ying is the same.

Their kiss is fiery and hot, greedy and needy as passion flares like a firework, a sparkle of love and possession.

Wei Ying feels the same way.

He cannot get enough of this, these burning kisses which he can feel right down to his toes, and in the depths of his soul. It is a constant flame in his chest, and Lan Zhan is ever stoking the fire to turn it into a bright fiery presence.

Lan Zhan is not warm in the conventional sense of the word, but his touch has Wei Ying writhing under his hands, seeking more contact...wanting, no...needing all of Lan Zhan right now.

If heaven was a feeling then this was it.

A sleepy yawn right next to them has them pulling apart. Lan Zhan rests his forehead against Wei Ying’s, waiting for him to catch his breath.

"If Wei Ying has any doubts, then I hope that demonstration went partway to dissolving them." Lan Zhan adds.

"What's for breakfast, Baba?" A-Yuan sits up, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"How does pancakes sound?" Lan Zhan asks both of them?

Both Wei Ying and A-Yuan are wearing matching looks of disbelief.

"Really?" They both say together.

And then they both looked at each other and giggled.

Lan Zhan cannot help what his mouth does at that sight; he too is smiling as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"Chocolate or fruit?" He asks, standing up.

"Chocolate!" They say unanimously and A-Yuan adds, "is that even a question?" And then they both high five each other.

"Then be in the kitchen in twenty minutes." He says, leaving to make a start.

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

Lan Zhan sits with them while they eat.

The curtains are still drawn and the lights are on...and still, A-Yuan hasn't noticed or if he has, he hasn't mentioned it.

His hunger disappeared long ago, after Lan Zhan had fed himself and now it's more about keeping them company.

"Zhan Gege....please can you help me and Baba with our Lego sets?" A-Yuan says after pushing his plate away. He pats his stomach in contentment, smiling at Lan Zhan.

"Mn." Lan Zhan is pleased to be included in family time.

Wei Ying hadn't specifically said what they were going to do and Lan Zhan didn't want to presume anything.

Playing with Lego sounded fun.

Lan Zhan hadn't played with anything in such a long time that he had forgotten what an absorbing activity could do for a tired brain. He hadn’t felt this rejuvenated and fresh in a long time and was looking forward to playing again.

"Let's help Zhan Gege clean up first and then." Wei Ying told the excited looking boy fondly.

Together, they washed and dried dishes and wiped the table where they had eaten and the stove.

"Okay, go and take out the ones you want us to play with and we'll be along in a moment. And A-Yuan? Please can you leave the curtains closed today?" Wei Ying tell him, and A-Yuan runs to his room, whooping with delight.

With a hand on Lan Zhan’s arm, Wei Ying stops him from moving.

"Thank you, Wei Ying." The adjustment might be small, but it means everything to Lan Zhan.

Wei Ying gives him a small smile. It looks as if he wants to say something else...something serious.

"Lan Zhan...you know it's not easy for me to...not think about...money. It kind of rules my life right now..." He sighs. "But I'm going to make a real effort...not to. I think I was maybe...overthinking the whole issue?" He looks uncertainly back at Lan Zhan. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable at all either...and you're right. Let's not think about it for now."

Lan Zhan wraps his arms around Wei Ying’s body and pulls him into a tight hug.

There is no need for any more words.

**********

The hours roll by like clouds on a windy day and it is only when Lan Zhan suddenly gets up because his sharp ears have heard two growling tummies, do they realise what time it is!

Lan Zhan was able to help both Wei Ying and A-Yuan make a boat and another helicopter respectively, and he made a toy car with the leftover pieces.

They follow him into the kitchen.

"We want to help." A-Yuan insists firmly.

"Mn?" Lan Zhan asks absentmindedly as he rifles through the fridge in search of ingredients.

Today he wants to make them vegetable dumplings, just to see what they think about them.

It is a joint effort with A-Yuan telling them about his school days and Wei Ying telling them about the wilder of his customers. Lan Zhan likes listening to them talk; it is something normal.

It makes him feel normal too, and his thoughts wander as he thinks he could get used to this...the way it's all domestic but in a really fun way.

There was a particular, ordinary joy to this simple way of living.

"And Baba, it's World Book Day on Thursday. I need to dress up." A-Yuan reminds his dad.

Suddenly Wei Ying lets out a yelp of pain.

Lan Zhan is there immediately, holding his hand where Wei Ying has sliced into his finger.

"May I?" He asks, keeping them turned away from A-Yuan so the boy cannot see what they are doing.

Wei Ying nods immediately, curious silver eyes staring back at him. He distracts A-Yuan by asking him what he wants to go as.

Lan Zhan thinks it will be okay because he's not biting Wei Ying; he is only trying to help. He knows his saliva has a natural healing element and he can stop the bleeding straight away.

So he smiles and wraps his lips around Wei Ying’s finger, swirling his tongue around the fresh cut. Already he can feel it closing and Wei Ying’s skin mends itself...but the taste!

Lan Zhan has quite literally been dying to taste it again.

It's so delicious and wholesome.

It is incredible how much the difference is between his own blood and that of this beautiful person.

His own blood can be compared to a cheese sandwich, plain and boring...whereas Wei Ying’s blood is a freshly baked, soft base of wholesome wheat and a plethora of flavours each vying for attention. Sensations burst into life on his newly sensitive tongue, and Lan Zhan has to bite back a moan.

He imagines this is what a drug addict feels like, chasing an ever illusive high.

This taste is the best feeling in the world.

Lan Zhan feels as if someone has plugged him in and he's fully charged.

When Lan Zhan finally opens his eyes, A-Yuan is still talking but Wei Ying....Wei Ying is on fire! His silver eyes are blazing with desire and his blood smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Out of all the different types of smell Lan Zhan has come to associate with Wei Ying, this...this is the one that beats them all.

"Okay Baba?" A-Yuan asks.

"Did you hear any of that?" Wei Ying whispers urgently, fighting a smile by biting his bottom lip.

Lan Zhan muffles a growl at the hot image of this devastating man. He shakes his head and Wei Ying breathes deeply wanting to control certain parts of his body.

"Sorry my love, didn't quite catch that last bit...can you just please repeat that part?" Wei Ying encourages him say it again so he can hear him. His voice is higher than normal, hoarse even as he clutches the countertop with white knuckles.

Lan Zhan carefully lets go of his hand and steps away.

"The bunny from Alice in Wonderland. I want to be him." A-Yuan says as he sets the table.

"Okay bun...let me see." Wei Ying pulls out his phone with a shaky hand, and his fingers tremble as they type in the correct words. It takes him three attempts.

Lan Zhan finishes off the chopping and prepares to cook the stuffing for the dumplings.

"His name is Nivens McTwisp. And...he has a waistcoat and a jacket. And a watch on a chain. So...bunny ears..." Wei Ying looks up.

Lan Zhan sees the frown on his face.

"Mn?"

"Well...let's see. A-Yuan has a waistcoat...A-Qing got it for him last year....have to find him a jacket though. And the watch." Wei Ying taps his nose thoughtfully. "I propose we devote the afternoon to getting A-Yuan his costume ready, because we won't have time during the week."

"Mn. It is a good plan." Lan Zhan agrees.

Half an hour later, the dumplings are cooked and being eaten by ravenous mouths.

Lan Zhan loves this part of cooking. Mostly all his meals were taken alone with a once-a-week dinner at their uncle's home, mandatory attendance so even XiChen had to come.

XiChen was in a steady relationship with Nie MingJue and more often than not, he was the extra addition at their table.

Lan Zhan wonders at how their uncle will feel when Lan Zhan doesn't come alone.

But that is a problem for another day.

He borrows Wei Ying’s phone and looks on YouTube for a solution for A-Yuan's costume.

YouTube is full of creative, generous people willing to share their skills.

Wei Ying pulls their chairs together so Lan Zhan is the sandwich filling being the only one with clean hands, flanked by an excited A-Yuan on one side and eager Wei Ying on the other side.

Lan Zhan looks at their faces smiling with anticipation at the challenge to come.

Once their hands are washed, Wei Ying takes his phone back and types something in.

His beautiful silver eyes are shining and Lan Zhan loves this about him.

Wei Ying throws himself into anything and everything he puts his mind to. Lan Zhan has no doubts that A-Yuan is going to look like that white rabbit, and his costume is going to be so authentic, because this is Wei Ying.

While he cleans up the kitchen with A-Yuan's help, he hears Wei Ying chatting with someone on his phone, but Lan Zhan can't make sense of it.

Wei Ying returns with a big smile on his face.

"I found someone who has pocket watches, and the best thing is, they're only one stop away on the bus!"

"Are they open now? It's a Sunday." Lan Zhan reminds him.

Wei Ying nods excitedly. "And he has a few in stock. Let's go now." And as he's rushing off to go put on his shoes, he comes to an abrupt halt. "But...that means..." Wei Ying turns around.

"I'll stay here." Lan Zhan says.

They both know.

The sun is shining brilliantly outside and for the first time in Lan Zhan’s life...he doesn't like it. He recalls the feeling of it burning his hand just that morning.

For him, from now on his life will be spent in artificial light and the darkness of night.

"I'm sorry." Wei Ying says.

His tempestuous eyes are heartbreakingly sad for him.

"It's alright." Lan Zhan says, aiming for nonchalance but ... they both know.

"If Zhan Gege is staying...then so am I!" A-Yuan says, running up to Lan Zhan and hugging his thigh.

Lan Zhan looks down at the happy, cheerful face with cheeks that are round and flushed. The child is really too cute and beautiful. His unstable mind is suddenly much happier at this unexpected solidarity and his hand comes down to ruffle his hair.

"Are you sure, my lovely little Radish?" Wei Ying comes closer.

He too, is smiling because they make the cutest picture; Lan Zhan usually stoic and unreadable has a smile on his face, looking down at the happy child. He whips out his phone and takes a picture because he can't resist.

Lan Zhan looks up just then.

"There's no point." He tells Wei Ying. "It won't work."

"Then what's this?" Wei Ying holds his phone up to show Lan Zhan.