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Chapter Text

Di Feisheng stacked the last bag of espresso beans on the shelf and looked up towards the door. It had been a pretty quiet morning until all the aunties arrived as an attacking horde, and since then he’d had to fill up their hot water bottles while ducking questions about his health, wealth and latest dating status. They all had daughters, nieces, and yes, a few had apparently gotten the hint and were now excitedly trying to set him up with their nephews instead. As soon as he took the latest batch of croissants out of the oven though, all thoughts of possible dates went out of their minds, and instead they rushed to the counter to get the freshest pastries. They discussed his latest experiment with croissant fillings, and how the red ones had been very popular during the new year celebrations last month. 

Somehow he’d become famous in the local granny community for having the flakiest pastry and best gossip-friendly window seats. ‘The Dao of Baking’ was now their favourite meeting place. 

Even the name of his bakery was partly due to the aunties. Granny Bai, who considered herself a bit of a scholar, had been horrified when he’d told her the place was just called ‘Bakery’ -  why complicate things? He baked all the pastry on site, and it was his bakery. 

‘No, no,no, it doesn’t work like that! You have to have a unique name, and it has to be a little bit poetic. It has to create feelings with your customers. It is the Way! But also the place to be. You need the Classics to help you. But I can feel that you are more of a nonconformist at heart, so call it ‘ The Dao of Baking ’. It's catchy and in English, which shows that you have travelled and studied the art of baking abroad.’

The name stuck, and Di Feisheng even got help with creating a big sign for out front from Auntie Yuan’s nephew who did metalwork and old school signs. Di Feisheng ended up being very fond of that sign. It looked both intriguing and inviting. 

So Di Feisheng was quite proud of his clientele, aunties were the hardest crowd to please, and they were a friendly bunch, even if their tenacity when it came to his love life and marital status could be quite intimidating. He’d even started to stock more old fashioned teas to please their palates; the osmanthus blend was last month’s big hit.

A few of them had even dared to try his special coffee mixes, and Granny Li was addicted to her double espresso macchiato with soy milk. The rest of the aunties were sure she would be consumed by heat and die of a heart attack any day, but she just tut-tut-ed at them and pointed at her special cup every morning. She was his favourite auntie. 

They also made sure that he baked some more traditional buns and cakes. Last autumn's mooncakes had been a huge success, and he always had some pineapple buns available. Auntie Yuan was always grumpy until she had her first bun. 

They didn’t bring in much revenue, but they were excellent at promoting his shop to family and friends, and he’d gotten many catering gigs through their recommendations. To always stay on the good side of the aunties had turned out to be a solid business strategy. They knew everyone in the local community, and it had made his life so much easier when he had first come to the city to establish a new life after spending ten years abroad, fleeing a past he didn’t want to remember. He’d learnt how to make the perfect pastries in Europe, and worked as a barista to make it through his apprenticeships. With his background, he had the know-how to transform the corner building he inherited from his late uncle into a little shop with handmade pastries, coffee and tea. He’d hoped it would be a new start, a new town. His inheritance had come very much out of the blue, it was an uncle he’d never met, but who apparently very much approved of his profession, and nobody in the city knew of his past. The last few years had been surprisingly prosperous, with help of the aunties. 

The building was right in the middle of the older parts of the city, a bumbling mix of old hutongs, early twentieth century modernism, and more utilitarian concrete buildings. Some fancier tenant blocks had been built during the last decade, but there was still an old fashioned charm over the area. There was a bustling mix of residential towers with grocery shops, furniture, and tech stores in their street levels. There were even some used bookstores, still serving the local university students great deals on course literature. The city felt alive in a wonderful way. Di Feisheng had felt at home right from the start. There was a thriving local scene; rents around here weren't too high, and quite close to the local university, so he’d been able to get quite a few students as regulars in the afternoons as well. 

One rather obnoxious student kept showing up and asking about his recipes, and kept suggesting how he could possibly improve them by doing something said student had seen on Douyin last night. Apparently the guy posted reviews on Weibo, and a few of his posts must have exploded, as once in a while whole gangs of young girls, with their mobiles held close to their faces, entered the shop and looked around. They were trying to see if the particular student was there, and if they could order the same thing he’d had last night. Those times Di Feisheng was extra grateful for the aunties, since they seemed to have a sobering influence on the youngsters. He’d had to stop a few who tried taking selfies with him, but most of them found him too grumpy looking and too old to be worth their while. He was only thirty-two, but when the teenage girls entered the shop, he felt every one of those years.  He’d heard them talk about his ‘R.B.F.’—whatever that was.  Di Feisheng would never understand them. 

Still, it was good for business to once in a while sell a whole bunch of over-priced and over-sweetened absurd coffee drinks. He did agree with the girls over one thing though. The annoying student had his charm, and he was pretty enough to flirt with, even if just to wind him up. 

Thankfully, there were no swarms of mobiles held high in the air today. Just the aunties, knitting and gossiping in the windows as usual. It seemed one of them had found this amazing new doctor in town that knew everything about old herbs and he was going to pass by with a new plaster for the aches the auntie had in her knees. 

‘He’s absolutely wonderful, so understanding, and he really listens when you speak. So rare in young people today. Such a sad story as well, he’s just moved to the city and hardly knows anyone. I told him to come here, to get some food as well. A-Fei makes the best pastries in town, and the poor doctor could really need some more meat on his bones, he’s far too skinny.’ 

Granny Li’s voice really carried, and he couldn't help hearing every word she said. Well, his croissants were pretty marvellous, and luckily there were quite a few left after the aunties got their haul.  

So in some ways he was prepared when the guy finally entered the café. In others, he was very much not. He never thought he would see Li Xiangyi again, alive and well, or at least tolerably well. He was here, walking into Di Feisheng’s café and bakery. How did this happen? The guy whose assumed death was the main reason Di Feisheng had left the Mainland, and worked his way around Europe. The man he had tried to forget for ten years was standing right in front of his newly baked croissants and pretending not to recognize Di Feisheng. The guy who never lied, the straightlaced, holier than thou, bloody annoying and still absolutely gorgeous Li Xiangyi, just ignored Di Feisheng’s ‘It’s you’ and asked if he had any Pu’er teas.

‘No, we don’t,’ came his very annoyed reply. 

‘Don’t be absurd, A-Fei. Of course you do, you even got me a cup of it yesterday, when you thought I’d had too much coffee’. The firm voice from the small woman stepping up to the counter behind Li Xiangyi made it clear her words were to be obeyed. ‘Go and make my nice Doctor Li Lianhua a cup of the same brew. And bring us some more croissants as well. You are far too skinny, Doctor Li!’

Di Feisheng was fuming inside; the steam from the hot water as he prepared the tea illustrated his feelings perfectly. That bastard! Where on earth had he been for all these years? Doctor Li Lianhua, yeah right. So he did become a doctor? And why was he here of all places? Obviously Granny Li had adopted him already and was the one that brought him to the café. But why this city? More than ten years ago they both had been down south. 

Di Feisheng first met him at the free clinic someone was running from the back of an old hospital. He’d come there after an unusually bloody fight, with a head wound that needed stitches, and this vision in white had appeared and started cleaning up his forehead. The guy had been horrified and very annoyed, but all Di Feisheng had remembered was the soft touch to his chin. He came back, sometimes for himself, sometimes with another guy that had had worse luck. Often the vision in white was there, still looking annoyed, but grudgingly helping them out. They had talked more and more, and Li Xiangyi had persuaded Di Feisheng to bring him to the secret fighting ring — just to watch. Yeah right. He had been shocked when the usually so pristine and well behaved Li Xiangyi had jumped into the ring and challenged the reigning contestant, and then gone and won the bloody fight. That had turned him on more than anything, and it was after that they had celebrated all night and fallen into bed together in the early hours. Young and drunk on life. They had been inseparable for the next couple of years. Li Xiangyi had moved in with him in the tiny bedsit he rented, and they had fought and fucked and felt invincible. Li Xiangyi had plans to become a doctor even then, that was why he’d been volunteering at the free clinic, learning the basics while saving up for university fees, but the street fighting clubs and the seemingly easy money drew him in. He wanted to help the younger kids that Di Feisheng also monitored, and together they dreamt of building a safer future for themselves. They’d been trying to survive in the margins of society, then, suddenly, he’d been left on his own on the run. He’d had to leave everything and everyone he’d ever cared for, sure that the love of his life had died in front of his eyes. 

And now he was back.  Di Feisheng needed to talk to him. He needed to make sure he was actually alive, maybe kiss him senseless, like in the old days, and then kill him himself. How dare he show up here of all places? How could he have abandoned Di Feisheng for so long? 

He also had to finish brewing the tea, and bring Granny Li her pastries before she figured out that something was wrong. He did not want the nosy aunties  getting involved with this. It would be hard enough to get Li Xiangyi to talk to him on his own, without an audience. Actually, there might be a way to make the aunties work it out for him.

Di Feisheng gathered his rapidly declining sanity, and finished plating the pastries. Perfection. ‘When in turmoil present a calm and unbothered facade. You can strangle him later,’ he told himself.

Doctor Li had insinuated himself with the gang of aunties already, and was currently recommending different remedies for their ailments. He had taken a seat on a tall chair by the window, the sun catching  locks of his hair and highlighting his profile. Di Feisheng almost dropped the tray he was carrying over to their table. This was just too much. How was he supposed to cope? Li Xiangyi looked the same as he did a decade ago, yet felt so very different. He was thinner, no longer brawny with muscle, though one could catch a hint of his past in the way he moved. The precise way he carried himself, his old form barely hidden under a veneer of diffidence and tiredness. Things had obviously happened to him, he exuded an air of sadness, but the same power to capture Di Feisheng’s attention as soon as he entered a room was still there. He couldn’t look away from him, and neither could the aunties. They were completely caught up in whatever he was saying. The boy he’d known—for they had been boys then—had grown up, and lived, and was here right in front of him. It was impossible to take in. 

Di Feisheng took the last few steps forward and put down the tray on the table in front of Li Xiangyi. He wanted to spill the tea over him on purpose, but stopped himself before actually following through. Instead he placed the best looking croissant closest to Granny Li, and made sure her tea was properly brewed. She immediately moved the plate with the pastry towards Li Xiangyi, and started cooing about how the Doctor really needed to eat more. ‘These pastries will bring back some colour to your cheeks, you’re far too pale Doctor Li,’ urged her insisting voice. Even the annoying doctor couldn’t withstand her persuasions and he picked up the croissant and took a bite.

Di Feisheng couldn’t help following every movement, his gaze lingering on Doctor Li’s mouth. It was still so red and plump, he remembered  every curve of that lower lip, what it had felt like to bite down on it. He’d thought he’d gotten over that part of his life years ago, but all it took was an opened door and it came flooding back. 

He was lost in those memories, staring quite obviously, which did not go unnoticed by a few of the aunties. How unprofessional and reckless could he be? He wanted to lick that lip again. Most of all, he wanted the owner of those lips to acknowledge him, at least give some hint that he’d recognized Di Feisheng—remembered him, missed him, wanted him— anything!

But no, the doctor took his bite of the croissant, started chewing, swallowed, and looked thoughtfully at the remaining bit in his hand. 

‘A bit too dry for my taste,’ he said. 

Di Feisheng was completely thrown out of his reminiscence by this proclamation. A bit too dry. His croissants were perfect! He’d spent ten years improving his technique and had the diplomas to prove it. Too dry? Impossible! 

This was too much, Di Feisheng couldn’t handle any more. He straightened up. ‘Get out! Take your business somewhere else. Granny Li knows where to find you. If you don’t like my pastries you’re not welcome here.’

The doctor actually looked surprised. Good, he’d managed to rile him up, to make him react at last. Li Xiangyi raised his hands in a placating manner, and stepped away from the table. 

‘I’m leaving, Auntie Li has gotten her herbs and knows how to prepare them anyway. I didn’t mean to vex you, I’m just not very fond of croissants. Too many layers. The tea was excellent though.’ And with that comment thrown over his shoulder, Li Xiangyi  swirled through the door and out of Di Feishengs life yet again.

It happened so fast that he could only stare at the still revolving door, and wonder if Li Xiangyi really had been sitting there in his shop or if it all was a bad dream.

‘Close your mouth, A-Fei, you’ll catch a fly soon if you keep staring like that.

Granny Li’s  voice broke through his stunned silence.  He turned round and barked, ‘There are no flies in this shop to catch! Just a bunch of very nosy aunties.’ 

‘And we certainly noticed everything,’ came the reply.

‘So did I,’ said a voice from behind Di Feisheng. ‘How on earth could he say that about your croissants? They're amazing! You're the Pastry Master! I wouldn’t come here so often if your croissants weren’t so good.’ 

Ah, it was the young food critic student of course, the pretty boy coming to Di Feisheng’s defence.

‘I’ve tried everything in this city and yours are the best. Who was that guy anyway. He simply can’t know anything about baking. Too many layers! That’s the whole point!.’ 

He looked really upset, and it was a good look on him. Di Feisheng felt slightly better. Some people did like his work. 

‘I’m glad you threw him out. I don’t think I approve of that guy at all. There was something shifty about him.’ 

‘Oh, there was something very shifty about that guy, you’re right,’ agreed Di Feisheng, and sighed.

Still, it was best not to let the boy get away with being too cheeky, so Di Feisheng used the tea towel he always had on his shoulder and smacked the younger man on his butt, which made him jump out of his way and look a bit miffed, but also surprisingly happy. 

Oh, youth — Di Feisheng was glad he was over that part of his life. If only the grannies were as easily herded back to safer topics. He could see the curiosity growing in their eyes. More questions to avoid answering. His life had just become ten times more complicated.

‘So, A-Fei, when did you last meet Doctor Li?’ 

Oh no, Granny Li  was back at it.

‘I could see that you knew him, but his face was much harder to read. If I hadn’t been looking at him so very carefully I'd have completely missed his tell.’

‘Really?’Di Feisheng couldn’t help answering. Maybe there was some hope after all. 

‘He was so annoyed to see you here, so he played it cool, but an old auntie like me knows! Now, A-Fei, tell me everything! We’ve got your back. Nobody gets to criticise your croissants like that, no matter how good a doctor he is!’

Di Feisheng yet again felt that he was right to prefer Granny Li to all the other aunties. It was nice to have a matriarch on his side for once. She was also definitely his only way to get hold of Li Xiangyi again, after he threw him out from the bakery. He very much doubted that Doctor Li would show his face in the shop again. 

So Di Feisheng had no choice, he needed Granny Li just as much as she wanted to know everything about his past. He wasn’t going to tell her everything, certainly not the whole truth. Maybe he could bait her enough to set up a second meeting. He needed that meeting. His body was still reeling from the physical shock of seeing Li Xiangyi, his head hadn’t quite accepted it as fact yet that Li Xiangyi was alive. He wanted to touch him to make sure, to find the same familiar scars, to hold his hand, tease the long fingers and envelope Li Xiangyi’s hand within his own larger palms. He wanted so much, and now suddenly, it seemed actually possible to achieve when before it had only been a lingering dream of the past.

A shrill alarm interrupted his thoughts. More croissants were waiting for him. And they were perfect. Take that, Li Xiangyi. He took the batch out of the oven, and transferred them to the cooling rack. A queue had formed in front of the counter, a mix of students and aunties, all lured there by the scent of freshly baked bread. The workday continued no matter what. His pastry still had it. He just needed to focus on the tasks ahead and make it through the day. 

Chapter Text

Di Feisheng was finally closing down the shop. He’d felt like the day would never end. The buzzing energy from the morning's surprise revelation was still moving through his body. He felt overwhelmed, in need of some kind of satisfaction. He still didn’t know if he wanted to fight or fuck Li Xiangyi — preferably both — but he’d had enough of all the drama for the night. He only wanted some relaxation, not the culmination of more than ten years of lost opportunities. Most of all he wanted to head upstairs and have a drink. Oblivion and sleep sounded nice. He just needed to finish off the shut-down chores first. 

The last of the aunties had left an hour or so ago, but some students lingered in the back, trying to finish their essays before closing time. He’d packed up the few left-over pastries in some bags and handed them out to the hungriest looking ones while telling them it was time to wrap it up. The essays would still be there tomorrow.

Herding out the last customers, he had turned down the blinds and was just about to lock the door when it opened, and a bleached blond head popped around it right in front of him. 

’Oh, thank heavens, you’re still around! I think I left my phone here earlier. I was so upset with that terrible man that didn’t like your croissants that I just walked away. I’m glad you’re here. I need to post a new review of your place to make up for it.’

Two large, brown eyes looked up at Di Feisheng with something more than adoration in them. The puppy was back, and he had an agenda. Well, why not. Maybe the day didn’t need to end in solitude. After the day Di Feisheng had had he needed some release, and when it appeared right in front of him, ready and willing, who was he to disappoint? He was tired of being good and sensible and keeping everyone at a distance. He just wanted to feel something else for once. 

Automatically, he drew the younger man inside and closed the door behind him. Those big eyes got even larger when backed up against the door. The guy was quite a bit shorter than Di Feisheng, and he looked very cute and small with his quivering red lips. There was no fear in those eyes, however, even when Di Feisheng took a step closer and put his hand up against the door next to the guy's head. All challenge and happiness — like he couldn’t believe his scheme had actually worked. 

Di Feisheng felt his private sobriquet for the guy was more apt than ever. He was such a puppy, performing for the attention of his master. It was cute, and just what he needed tonight. And he liked that the boy knew what he wanted. It came naturally to him with his rather pampered background. His Weibo account was called Xiaobao’s Guide to The City’s Hidden Treasures , and yes, Di Feisheng had given in a couple of months ago after yet another unexpected flood of teenage girls visited the bakery, and checked out his reviews. They were charming, and quite sharp, and Di Feisheng had been rather flattered by the heaps of praise Xiaobao had lavished  on his newest pastries. He had even given the puppy an extra croissant with pistachios the next day, just to see him blush. Xiaobao was apparently his family’s nickname for him, but it had stuck, and it was the name everyone used at the bakery. He was a little treasure indeed.  

Xiaobao's tongue came out and licked his lips, making them stand out even more. Di Feisheng couldn’t help following the movement.

Xiaobao grinned and said, ‘You do like me! I’ve been trying to get your attention for months , and you never react to my flirting, but today you actually smacked my bum, and I thought I must give it a try for real.’

‘Oh, puppy, I’ve taken pleasure in your antics for months, but it just hasn't been the right time. But I really need a distraction tonight, and if you’re sure you know what you’re up to, you might as well join me upstairs. I think we could have a very enjoyable night.’ 

‘I’m up for it,’ came the knowingly cheesy reply. ‘You can probably feel how much from over there.’ He raised his eyebrows several times.

Heavens, Xiaobao was ridiculous and he knew it. His eyes were shining with sauciness. Di Feisheng couldn’t help snorting while moving his lower body closer against the boy.

‘Well, you’re certainly willing. Let's head upstairs before I have to disinfect the whole coffee shop due to your shenanigans.’

Somehow he managed to lock the door, herd the puppy towards the staircase at the back of the store, and actually turn the lights out without letting go of the surprisingly firm upper arm he’d grabbed for leverage. The boy hid it well under his hoodies and flowing shirts, but there was a nice firm definition under his fingers. 

This day kept throwing the unexpected at him. Xiaobao was stumbling a bit on the stairs, and Di Feisheng let his hands roam downwards and supported the nice bum he could feel more than see in front of him. 

‘You do have some very pleasing assets,’ he growled out to the boy, who seemed delighted with the support and even gave his bum an extra little shake. 

‘I’m so happy you approve, but can you please hurry up and open the door? I need some light and to finally get my hands on you!’ came the boy’s voice from over his shoulder.

Di Feisheng practically pushed him up the last couple of steps, and then fumbled a bit with the key in the shadows. Xiaobao had changed places with him and was now clinging to his back, with his wonderfully strong arms around Di Feisheng’s waist. It felt good, and Di Feisheng wanted more. 

He managed to open the door and bring the boy inside with a smooth move that almost surprised himself. Now Xiaobao was back leaning against a door with a big grin on his lips, but in a place where Di Feisheng really could do something about it.

The lights had come on automatically when he’d opened the door, and they could see each other so much better than downstairs. Xiaobao’s mop of blond hair fell in a foppish disarray over his forehead and made him look extremely sweet and pure, but the look in his eyes told another story.

That boy did have an agenda. And Di Feisheng was quite happy to help him keep it. His hand made it up to the silky cheek in front of him, soft like a peach and a little fuzzy. The boy was adorable, and he deserved a treat. Big doe eyes followed his every move, the red lips that had been taunting him so long looking wetter than ever. Di Feisheng traced the lower lip with his thumb, and Xiaobao took the bait. His head moved forward and he started sucking on Di Feisheng’s finger. 

‘Oh sweetie, you’re always so hungry.’

Fang Duobing woke up feeling great. Something smelled amazing, and his body was aching in wonderful ways. This was life! He’d made it all the way to his hero’s bed, and enjoyed the consequences thoroughly. 

He hadn’t known it could feel that good to be held down and filled in all those ways. Di Feisheng wasn’t just a patisserie master, he knew his way around so many things. His body told so many stories. Those shoulders had been the best to hold onto. The strong back and long arms that both managed to hold him still, and his wonderful big hands that had caressed him everywhere. 

Fang Duobing had been around a bit before, but this was something else. His university hook-ups were nothing to this guy. He could still feel the ghost of Di Feisheng’s cock filling his mouth. The overwhelming need to have him there again made his body shudder. Di Feisheng was right, he was hungry, and for many things; his tummy had caught up with the reason for the glorious smell in the flat, and was now rumbling with hunger. Where was Di Feisheng? Had he missed an opportunity to catch his idol in the wild? To see how that flakiest of pastries was created?

Fang Duobing looked around slightly self-consciously for something to wear and pulled on an old t-shirt with a cut out neckline. It was big enough to cover his bum, yet hopefully alluring, showing off some neck and the bite marks left there. He didn’t really think he’d get an encore, but it didn’t hurt to look like he was up for it.

He let his nose lead him out of the bedroom and followed the glorious smell of freshly baked pastry that flooded the corridor outside the room. 

More light and the clacking of metal on wood led him right, but didn’t quite prepare him for the vision that was Di Feisheng early in the morning in his own kitchen, doing the things he loved most. He was wearing a pair of ratty sweatpants, probably grey but it was hard to tell under the apron and all the flour. 

The apron! It was big, and blue and very fancy, and Di Feisheng wore nothing else under it but the sweatpants. His arms glistened in the morning sun, and Fang Duobing felt quite dizzy. Then he finally managed to drag his eyes from the baker to the actual baked goods he’s just taken out of the oven.

‘What are those!!!’ came an unplanned cry from his mouth. ‘How on earth did you have time to bake them, if they are what I think they are? Those are the prettiest and most gorgeous Kouing-amann I’ve ever seen!’

Fang Duobing was rewarded with a rare and wonderful smile.

‘Of course you know what they are! Yeah, I made the kouing-amann dough yesterday. I’m trying out a new butter combination, and thought you deserved a treat after being such a good boy all night.’ 

Di Feisheng said the last bit with a ridiculous leer at Fang Duobing. It really shouldn’t be as hot as Fang Duobing found it, but he could feel himself blush and lowered his head with a small smile. His hero seemed to have enjoyed himself as much as he had. He was determined not to make it weird or seem clingy.

‘I've never actually tasted them, but I've watched so many videos on how to make them. The process seems so complicated.’

‘They're pretty straight forward, just a lot of folding and butter, and making sure the sugar caramelizes at the right temperature. Go for it.‘ Di Feishang gestured at the pastry.

Fang Duobing didn’t know how to choose among such bounty. He bit his lower lip and tried to make a decision.

Di Feisheng continued watching him, and said ‘The coffee is over there in the cafetière. Sorry I don't have the hot milk froth-thing up here, I know you prefer a latte in the morning.’ 

‘Oh, don't worry about that, just to get to taste your pastry is fine.’ 

Fang Duobing was concentrating fully on the perfectly golden and beautiful pastries in front of him and missed the fond look Di Feisheng had on his face. All he wanted was to finally get a piece of it in his mouth. He took a bite, and the crisp sugary goodness on his tongue made him moan. It was perfect, crispy yet with a densely moist inside. 

The caramelized sugar had a smoky note that elevated the taste. If Fang Duobing had considered Di Feisheng’s croissants his absolute chef d’œuvre, this was something else. It was almost as good as the night they'd just spent together. 

Well, not quite. Fang Duobing looked at his hero with hearts in his eyes. ‘You are such a genius! This is the best pastry I've ever had’

Di Feisheng didn’t quite know how to react to the sight in front of him. He’d woken up at his usual far too early four o’clock in the morning. Engulfed by the Puppy’s clinging arms and legs, he’d been unusually warm, and delightfully tired in all the major muscle groups. He’d stayed in bed a bit longer than usual, just enjoying the small sounds escaping from the boy in his arms. It had been a cathartic evening, surprising in many ways, deeply enjoyable and probably creating more problems than it solved, but exactly what he had needed. The puppy had responded in such wonderfully submissive ways, taking everything Di Feisheng had given him and enjoying it. The hunger for more, the joy of being there, the hero-worship — he couldn’t deny that it made him feel better, freer. And to think he could have had that so much earlier, if he’d allowed himself to admit the attraction. Well, now that he'd removed the seal on that mental block he could feel his body wanting more. Seeing Fang Duobing gorging on his pastries made him smile. That hunger was contagious.

It was time for a morning snack, of the human kind. He'd felt a bit ridiculous making those pastries extra fancy just to please the boy. Why did he even bother? Could one night change so much? But looking at how those red lips — still slightly swollen from their night of fun — opened up and just engulfed the pastry, how the puppy's cheeks bulged out when he chewed with pleasure, made Di Feisheng feel deeply satisfied, and to be honest, very horny. He wanted to fill the boy's mouth with something better, and he wanted a taste of those lips again. His eyes followed the muscles working in the neck as the boy chewed, still delighted with his pastry. Such lovely bite marks on the soft skin there. The realization that it was Di Feisheng’s old t-shirt he was wearing brought a selfish joy to him, and also an even deeper need to remove that shirt. Di Feisheng had been passive long enough, time to take action. 

Di Feisheng took the few steps separating him from Xiaobao, and put his arms around his waist, pulling him closer. Xiaobao’s big eyes looked up at him in surprise, and the boy swallowed quickly.

‘Have you had enough? You’re quite a mess, I might have to do something about it,’ Di Feisheng said while leaning down and capturing those lips in a soft kiss. ‘Mmmm, very sweet but the brown butter comes through well, quite addictive.’

He deepened the kiss and swallowed the moan that the boy let out. His hands wandered downwards, followed the hem of the t-shirt, and felt for something under it. No underwear, that was interesting. Just a very nice and peachy bum for him to stroke and play with.

‘Let's get rid of this crumb-filled shirt and head back to the bedroom. I have but one serious rule in my house, ‘no pastry in my bed!’ I hate crumbs on the bed linen.’ 

Di Feisheng grabbed the lovely bum and gave it an extra squeeze, feeling exactly how much Xiaobao enjoyed it at the front. He followed up on his own plan and removed the t-shirt quickly, throwing it somewhere on the kitchen floor. Then he released the bow holding his own apron in place with practiced ease, and sent it flying in the same direction. Finally some glorious skin on skin action. Xiaobao’s hands had moved up Di Feisheng’s chest, and he couldn’t hide his fascination with the silver ring piercing Di Feisheng’s left nipple.

‘You can play with it as much as you want later in bed, come on.’ Di Feisheng backed away towards the corridor to the bedroom, and the puppy got an extremely hopeful look in his eyes. 

‘I’ll hold you to that promise!’ Xiaobao laughed and hurried to catch up with Di Feisheng’s longer steps. He was quick, and knew what he wanted, so he made it onto the bed before Di Feisheng after all. 

Di Feisheng sent a grateful thought to his loyal employee Wuyan. He’d volunteered to do the opening passes for the rest of the week after coming in at lunchtime yesterday and reading his boss’ mood. For once Di Feisheng could be self indulgent and do what he really wanted — which was to enjoy the young man currently leaning back on his elbows, invitingly naked on the bed.  

Chapter Text

Di Feisheng felt that last night had reawakened a forgotten side in him. The teasing, wanting and taking that had gone on between him and Xiaobao had made him realise how much he’d missed sex and intimacy. There hadn’t been a lot of opportunities for it since he’d come back to China. He’d been so busy fixing up the café and getting his new life in order that everything else had been put on hold. Now his body cried out for more. Xiaobao had been an unexpected delight, and the encounter made him feel alive again.

The reemerging feelings made him think of his younger self, the lost and sad A-Fei trying to find a new meaning in life after running away from China. He’d been going through so much then, ending up in Europe quite by chance, and attending pastry school in France just as haphazardly. It had saved his life, and made him see a possible future, even if it was bleak and lacking Li Xiangyi. 

He’d then tumbled into a couple of years of quite reckless behaviour — trying to fill the emptiness with one-night stands and fucking a lot of wildly different guys. He’d spent an extremely warm summer with a German chef in Berlin, which had been very educational — though mostly learning about things he didn’t like. Naturalism was fine, but some natural fluids should no t be involved when fucking. At least not when Di Feisheng got to choose. Berlin had its perks though. Several parks were very open minded and popular with FKK, Freikörperkultur, which that chef had been very passionate about. Thus he’d never sunbathed naked so much before or after that summer, one of the things he had enjoyed. They often biked out to Teufelsee for more adventurous experiences, or hung out in the more remote areas of Tiergarten.

He’d also explored other more mainstream sides of Berlin. In their local neighbourhood he’d found a bakery that sold an amazing both tart and sweet pastry called Kirschtaler. It was a beautiful round pastry, almost as big as his hand, filled with ripe pitted cherries covered with streusel. The cherries made the whole thing come together, bringing a touch of acidity and sweetness to the dough, and the streusel added a crunchy texture. The dough was quite special, made with a mix of German curd cheese - quark - and oil, which almost made it into a puff pastry but not quite. It was much quicker to prepare, and just had to be shaped into rounds and then covered with the filling. Sometimes they were covered with sugar glaze as well, but Di Feisheng thought that was a bit too much.He’d fallen hard for the pastry and became so hooked on it that he’d managed to charm the elderly owner to teach him how to make it. The woman was quite gruff and hadn’t wanted to at first, but since he came back practically every day she had finally given in to his persuasion campaign. Luckily his German had improved quite a bit during the summer, thanks to the chef’s bedtime lessons, so he’d managed to follow the recipe and even got to try making them side by side with her. She’d nodded and even smiled when she tasted his last batch. He hadn’t thought of those pastries for years, but now he got an urge to try baking them again. He had a feeling that Xiaobao never would have come across them, and it would be fun to see him try them. He would probably love them, and his mouth would taste so good after he’d eaten them. Di Feisheng couldn’t wait for cherry season to come. 

Those years in Europe had been an education indeed. He did get better at finding out his own strengths and limitations. He enjoyed making people feel good, and became very adept at finding their hidden wants. There was something especially satisfying in getting someone to let go of all their inhibitions, to just feel . He’d picked up a few other specialities from different guys he’d hung out with, like the French pastry apprentice who showed him how to use rope in very interesting ways. Or the Lebanese guy who taught him how to make perfect maamoul cookies, which reminded him of mooncakes from home but had their very own taste of dates and walnuts. He had been quite instructive, and improved Di Feisheng’s blowjob technique immensely. 

Bodies were fun to explore, but he’d learnt the hard way not to let them get too close to his heart. The ever changing restaurant world of guest gigs and apprenticeships wasn’t the place for romance. At least not for him. 

Maybe that was the difference this time? He actually felt quite fond of the puppy, had been for a while. That had probably played an important part in why last night had ended up being such fun. Maybe that was what he had missed all these years. Actually liking another guy? He would have to deal with those pesky feelings soon. But what to do about the puppy would have to be a question for another day. For now, he wanted to bake something that the puppy would enjoy eating.

Di Feisheng was whistling a happy tune while rolling out the dough in long rolls that he was going to form into kringlor. He had decided to make something new and sweet to match his mood, and the Swedish sugar kringlor he'd read about a few weeks ago seemed quick and easy enough to scratch his experimental itch. There had been quite a lot of scratching last night, too. Ah, the puppy had been such fun. 

‘You're in a surprisingly good mood today. I thought there would be a black cloud around the shop this morning, but instead you're even whistling!’ 

His favourite nosy auntie was back, and she was studying his neckline quite intensely. 

His ears almost twitched from the acute need not to scratch his neck to draw more attention to the marks that he knew Xiaobao had left behind his ears. The puppy liked to leave his marks, just like he himself had done on the puppy's delightful behind.

‘So, who took a bite of your neck last night? No, don't tell me, I'll find it out anyway,’ said the annoyingly smirky auntie. Why did he like her again?  ‘And what are you baking, not sure I approve of that colour of dough. Far too yellow!’ She tutted and shook her head. 

Di Feisheng sighed. ‘It's just saffron, and you enjoyed it last December. This time there will be sugar and fluffiness to experience’. 

‘Hm, I don't want it to be too sweet, but you are our favourite baker so I'll give it a try. Will they be done before lunch?’ 

‘They should be. There's a short leavening time, and then just ten minutes in the oven.’ 

‘Perfect! You can bring Doctor Li some later! No layers and all fluff, sounds much more like his cup of tea.’

Di Feisheng’s good mood plummeted. It had been fun while it lasted. His past was back with a vengeance.  Doctor Li had almost slipped his mind during the night’s activities. Li Xiangyi belonged to another time and another place, but that was such a deep part of who Di Feisheng was, and very much the reason for why he was here in the first place.

His thoughts wandered back to those two glorious years with Li Xiangyi. The intense relationship they’d had more than ten years ago had been his first serious attachment. They had gotten to know each other inside and out. Their life together had been all encompassing; tough for sure, but so full of love and exploration. They both had headstrong and stubborn personalities, but somehow it worked. They understood each other, supported one another, and grew stronger together. Not to mention all the fucking – that had been a revelation for Di Feisheng. He’d been strong and fit from all the fighting he’d been doing, but to use that strength for other things, to explore his body and have someone equally strong hold him down – for pleasure instead of pain – had been life changing. Li Xiangyi had given him an crashcourse in what his own body could experience when it came to emotions. From the highest joy and satisfaction to the deep abyss of loss and loneliness. He had made his way out of the abyss after a long period, but he still hadn’t reached those heights of happiness since then. There were so many open questions, and now he had a chance to get some answers. He just needed to focus. 

Granny Li looked at him with a surprising amount of understanding in her eyes. She seemed to be able to read him far too well. 

‘You know I have his address. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be more complicated. Just show up in front of his door and see what happens. Bring him some kringlor – wear a really nice sweater – show off some skin. Show him that you have grown, that you are another person now – but someone still interested and worth talking to.’ She said it all so very genuinely that Di Feisheng had to pause his work and look at her.

‘You really think I have a chance to get through to him?’ he said thoughtfully. 

Di Feisheng looked at the electric doorbell in front of him. If he pressed the button he would finally know. He could step away from it, ignore the elaborate set-up that Granny Li had arranged, and just go on with his life. But he wouldn’t. He needed to know what had happened. Why Li Xiangyi abandoned him. Why Li Xiangyi had never sought him out. Didn’t he deserve some answers? 

He was holding the bag full of kringlor like a protective shield over his heart. Why had he listened to Granny Li and brought them with him? They were a symbol of what he had become during the last ten years – something positive, soft and sweet. Well, not too sweet, he hoped. They were both different people now, but Di Feisheng wanted Li Xiangyi to acknowledge him, to admit that they had a past, that it hadn’t just been a dream.

‘Were you going to actually ring the bell, or were you going to hang out in front of the door all night?’

Di Feisheng looked up. The door had opened while he was trying to make up his mind, and Li Xiangyi was leaning against the doorframe. His hair was half-up in a bun, fastened by a wooden pin of some strange looking design. Was it a leaf? Or maybe a root of some kind? Di Feisheng couldn’t decide, though it certainly had a botanical feel to it. Tiny wisps of hair framed his face, and he was wearing a loose fitting white flowing tunic that almost looked like it belonged in a wuxia drama. A vision in white yet again. Li Xiangyi was older, but still so beautiful he took Di Feisheng’s breath away. 

He tried to gather his thoughts, collect some of the anger that had been lingering since earlier this morning, and at least give some kind of answer. Nothing came to mind. Finally he just handed over the bag, and said, ‘Here, some Swedish Saffron Kringlor. I hope you’ll enjoy them more than the croissants. No layers. Just some sugar.’

Li Xiangyi still had his quick reflexes, and took the bag almost automatically. He half smiled, and actually opened the bag and looked  into it.

‘They look fantastic, thank you. Sorry about that, sorry about a lot of things. Do you want to come inside?’

What had happened to the guy since yesterday? It felt like a completely different person was standing in front of him. Di Feisheng could feel the eyes roaming over him as he took a few steps into the flat. The hallway he entered was light and airy, and he could see right through into the living room. He removed his shoes and toed on the available guest slippers, wondering what was going on. Suddenly he heard a sharp noise coming from Li Xiangyi, and he looked over his shoulder back at the man. He was staring at his neck. Oh. Yeah. That.

Granny Li’s stratagem seemed to be working. Di Feisheng had been rather reluctant to put on the deeply v-necked sweater she had brought to the café, but had been bullied into it by sheer force. It was impossible to resist Granny Li when she had made her mind up. 

‘It brings out your eyes, and it’s very deep cut so he will notice those bite marks you’re pretending aren't there. It’s very important to make him jealous. He is a very observant young man.’

Di Feisheng hadn’t been quite sure she was right, but ended up putting on the sweater for the visit since the material was soft and he looked pretty good in it. He might not want to admit it to the aunties, but he did want Li Xiangyi to want him again.

‘Tell me, was it the angry blond boy who put those bite marks there?’ said a deceptively calm voice very close to his ear. 

Di Feisheng felt a hand on his shoulder and how Li Xiangyi slowly moved the neckline of his sweater further down his right side. Li Xiangyi’s long, thin fingers stroked softly over the bruises, tracing the pattern from behind his ears, down his neck towards his clavicles. Di Feisheng couldn’t help the small moan that escaped his lips. 

‘He looked like he was ready to hit me, such passion. Reminded me of our youth. Was he any good? Did he find that place right behind your left ear?  You always went completely pliant and soft when I licked you there.’ 

Li Xiangyi followed up his words with just that action, and Di Feisheng couldn’t resist it now either. He bent his neck forward and relaxed, melting from the wet tongue and soft lips that started nibbling on his neck. How could it still feel so perfect? His moans grew louder. He wanted more. He needed more. 

Li Xiangyi still remembered, he knew exactly how to play Di Feisheng’s body, and he was going to prove that he was its master. No angry blond twink could best him, finding Di Feisheng’s most sensitive points. Li Xiangyi let his hands roam over the well built torso finding their way under the hem of the soft sweater and caressing the flat stomach, tracing the ridges of muscles, and finding some sweet softness as well. Moving up towards the nipples his fingers stalled – they had found Di Feisheng’s left one .  A surprised voice exclaimed happily

‘Oh A-Fei, you have been a bad boy, haven’t you? I love it. Let me see these glorious pecs – when did you get the nip ring?‘

Di Feisheng was lost in a haze of lust and happiness. He lifted and moved his arms just as Li Xiangyi guided him, let him remove the sweater and caress all the places he wanted. The bliss of feeling those hands on his skin again, the familiar paths that only Li Xiangyi seemed to know, the mix of memories and actual stimulation. It was so overwhelming and wonderful. His body was alive and singing, responding to those once so familiar touches. His nipples were still a bit sore from this morning’s encounter, but that didn’t matter. It heightened the experience, made it even better. Li Xiangyi was just as mesmerised by his nipple ring as the young puppy had been this morning. It truly was one of his better mementos from his time in Europe.

He’d had several of his tattoos even before he met Li Xiangy for the first time, and they had gotten more during their time together, even a matching set of flying Mandarin ducks. The piercing had come later though, after his wildest years. It was a nice constant, and it made him even more sensitive to play with his nipples. He could feel how close to a somewhat too early orgasm he was getting.

It was time to show Li Xiangyi that he had, indeed, learnt a thing or two since their last intimate encounter. He took a deep breath, centred his strength, and captured Li Xiangyi’s hands in his own. He made a quick move, and now Li Xiangyi was the one captured against the wall, with both arms over his head, neck stretched out and beautiful. Li Xiangyi’s eyes sparkled with lust and excitement. His lips were wet and open, searching for Di Feisheng’s. Di Feisheng wanted him so much, needed to feel him, needed to be inside him very soon. He bit down hard on the taunt tendon on Li Xiangyi’s neck and growled. 

‘Xiangyii, you really are back.’

Li Xiangyi struggled a bit against him and managed to move his head enough to capture Di Feisheng’s lips with his own. Finally they kissed. It felt like coming home after a long journey. So familiar yet so new. Di Feisheng remembered the taste of that mouth, the very shape of those lips, the soft tongue exploring his own mouth. He met it with his own tongue, played with it, and just enjoyed the experience of being wanted again. There was a desperation in Li Xiangyi's action. It felt like he wanted to devour Di Feisheng, suck his very soul out through their kiss. It was wonderful, and Di Feisheng let go of his grip around Li Xiangyi’s arms and instead drew his body closer against him. He could feel how hard Li Xiangyi was, his hips pressing his cock against his stomach with small, involuntary movements. Di Feisheng grabbed Li Xiangyi’s ass and lifted him closer. 

Li Xiangyi hooked his legs around him and moaned. He broke their kiss and said

‘Carry me to the bedroom, you're even stronger now. It’s the first room to the right.’

Chapter Text

‘So what are you going to do about the boy?’

Li Xiangyi looked at Di Feisheng while biting into one of the Swedish kringlor he had collected from the hallway after they woke up. They were back in bed, eating, and Di Feisheng told himself it was OK since it wasn't his bed, and it was a joy to see Xiangyi bite into his pastry with relish. Those sharp teeth tugged on the saffron dough, leaving marks just like they had all over his own neck. He would have to wear a turtleneck to the bakery tomorrow — again. The aunties would never let him forget it.

'I really like him. He reminds me of you at that age. Well, a rather nicer and more well-bred you.' Di Feisheng snickered, and Li Xiangyi slapped him on his very well-developed biceps. 'He's such a puppy, I want to keep him. I think we could all have quite fun together.'

'Really? Do you think he'd be up for that? He did not seem to like me that time we met. Though he was very pretty, I'll give you that.  Was I that pretty when we met?' Li Xiangyi leaned into Di Feisheng's arms now, and looked up with fond eyes at him.

'Prettier! And you know it, you vain man. I thought you were a vision in white that first time at the clinic, an immortal looking after us regular boring people.'

'You, boring? I was just as affected by the wild, bleeding, tall guy refusing to get treatment before his friend had been seen to. You were a terrible patient, but you were impossible to forget.'

They were lost in each other's eyes for a while. Both not quite ready to believe that they were back together after all these years.

Di Feisheng wrapped his arms around Li Xiangyi's waist and hugged him closer to his chest. It felt incredible to recline against the soft bed frame with the lost love of his life back in his arms. But was it enough? What did they know about each other's lives since then? Could they just pick up a new path, possibly with a third guy joining them? Di Feisheng remembered that adoring look in the Puppy's big brown eyes and sighed. It would take some wooing from Li Xiangyi to get there, but it didn't feel impossible. If Granny Li could accept and adopt Doctor Li so quickly, couldn't Xiaobao also be persuaded to give him another chance? They would be beautiful together —what a dream to be the filling between them. Di Feisheng involuntary stirred against Li Xiangyi's back. His cock really enjoyed that thought.

'What are you thinking about?' Li Xiangyi looked up towards him and smiled. 'Already up for more? I've just finished your lovely — kringla, was it? So I have some extra energy to spare.

'I bet you do. And it was a pretty invigorating thought. I was imagining myself being the filling between you and Xiaobao — his mouth on my cock, and your cock inside me. It inspired me.' Di Feisheng nuzzled Li Xiangyi's hair and sighed. 'The Puppy is extremely fond of having things in his mouth. I would love for you to watch him swallow me, while you do your magic thing. He looks adorable on his knees. And I would be in complete bliss.'

Li Xiangyi moved his ass against the inspired member and sighed. 'That does sound wonderful. We will work on making it happen. Until then I am very willing to help you fulfil half of that fantasy.'

Some of Li Xiangyi's old moves where apparently still there, for Di Feisheng suddenly found himself on his stomach, with his ass in the air, and two very strong hands on his hips. One of those hands started tracing the tattoo on his left hip.

'You still have it, our Mandarin Ducks.'

'Of course — as do you!'

'Sentimental bastards, both of us. But they look so good together.' Li Xiangyi leaned forward so his own hip lined up behind. 'They make a glorious pair. Mine has been very lonely for along time.' His hand caressed the two twin birds, who now seemed to mate in the same way as their owners were about to do.

Fang Duobing whistled when he happily opened the door to the bakery. He couldn’t wait to catch up with A-Fei after their night and morning together. He’d been a good boy and put in some hours at the University library, but he couldn’t remember much of what he’d read. He’d been reliving the moments and movements of another educational genre instead. His whole body was sore, and he had changed into a turtleneck sweater before leaving for the library. His neck told a whole story of its own. Luckily the chairs at the library were quite comfortable, but he had been fidgeting about much more than usual. The guy in the booth next to him had started to send rather annoyed glances his way after a while. Fang Duobing had smiled and felt even more satisfied, and the other guy just huffed. 

Now, all he wanted was to admire A-Fei’s strong shoulders from afar, and maybe, if he was very lucky, get another lesson in advanced bedroom techniques.

When he entered the bakery his eyes immediately sought out the space behind the counter, but instead of A-Fei’s broad and gorgeous shoulders someone else was hiding his head behind the oven. A smatter of aunties were waiting for their refills, and Fang Duobing could hear them muttering something about what pastries to choose. 

Why was Wuyan here tonight? Didn’t he work mornings this week? Where was A-Fei? His happy demeanor fell as he joined the queue at the counter. The auntie in front of him turned around and looked pityingly at him. She tutted and said 

‘Poor Xiaobao, no pretty baker here to ogle tonight. But maybe you’ve had enough fun for a while?’ 

Fang Duobing could feel his ears getting red, and it seemed like she could see right through the heavy turtleneck he was wearing. He stuttered and tried to smile it off, but his heart just wasn’t in it. Those grannies knew far too much. 

Wuyan took pity on him and came over with a huge cup of coffee with whipped cream on top, powdered with cocoa and cinnamon. 

‘Here you go. Boss told me to give you a treat when you showed up. He was very grateful for your help apparently? Haven’t seen him smile like that in years, so you must have done something right.’

Wuyan’s soft voice made the situation slightly better. Fang Duobing perked up a little and accepted the drink with a more genuine smile. Lao Di had liked what they did and even left a message for him with Wuyan. Maybe all wasn't over yet.The Boss was happy with his work. They had had a wonderful time together.

Fang Duobing took a big sip of his drink while he made his way over towards the lone empty window seat. It was disturbingly close to the gang of aunties gossiping , but he needed to sit down somewhere and re-think his plans for the evening.

Where was A-Fei? Why wasn't he working tonight? Fang Duobing felt very lonely and sad. There hadn't been any promises made this morning, but after their second round in bed, and another kouign amann there had been a certain vibe between them. A-Fei had walked him down the stairs and kissed him before letting him out through the backdoor. It had felt easy and fun, and A-Fei had said something about maybe baking a new pastry — that Fang Duobing inspired him. Fang Duobing had smiled all the way home.

It hadn't been his first time spending the night with someone, but it had been so much better than before. A-Fei was indeed a master of his crafts. Fang Duobing wanted a repeat as soon as possible, but he knew that he easily got greedy. He became obsessed with things and people, wanted to know everything about them, and see them constantly. He knew that A-Fei was older and had so much more experience — experience that Fang Duobing had been lucky enough to enjoy that past night and morning. But how could he not overwhelm A-Fei with his admiration? He'd promised himself to try to tone it down, yet this first disappointment struck him hard. And it was about to get even worse.

As he was contemplating his life choices, and slowly letting the huge sweet coffee monstrosity Wuyan had given him sooth his nerves, he suddenly felt a hard wooden something nudge him in his side. 'Ouch! What's that about?'

He turned round and had to look down from his high chair to catch the eyes of the short auntie poking him with her cane.

'You look like you lost everything tonight. You shouldn't worry so much. Xiaobao! You are a very attractive young man and you've been very good for our dear A-Fei. He's extremely fond of you. Let me join you in the window and I'll tell you some more. You do have to consider your options.'

Auntie Li somehow manged to conjure up a free stool, and climb up to sit on it in spite of her bad knees and short stature. She leaned in closer towards Fang Duobing and asked 'How do you feel about polyamory?'

'What!' Fang Duobing said that far too loudly. He was lucky he's just swallowed the coffee and didn't spit it all over the place. It felt like everyone in the whole bakery raised their heads and looked around to see what was going on. He shook his head and wondered if he was dreaming. Had the auntie said what he thought he heard?

'Don't look at me like it's something new. Uncle Feng lives with his two sworn brothers, and Granny Wang has been a very happy Second wife with Granny Yang and Uncle Xiao for many years. Young people of today are so sensitive. I knew I had to talk some sense with you all, otherwise it would end up such a mess. I sent A-Fei to catch up with Doctor Li, and that sweater he wore should do the job. If those two aren't back together right now I'd eat my hat, if I'd worn one. But that doesn't mean A-Fei doesn't want you as well. I could see the glow on his face this morning. I know we don't approve of Doctor Li and his ideas about croissants, but he has very sound notions when it comes to medicine, and you could see how much he missed A-Fei — I always believe in giving people the benefit of doubt, and a second chance. The question is if you think you could share A-Fei with the Doctor? He is very pretty. I'm sure you could have an excellent time together. '

Fang Duobing got redder and redder the more Auntie Li talked. He didn't think he was a prude, but really! Some things were not meant to be discussed so openly and with such an audience. It was a lot to take in. A-Fei was with the Doctor? Auntie Li thought they should get together — all three of them? Really —how would that actually work? He knew that Doctor was up to no good yesterday. How could he complain about A-Fei's croissants? And how could A-Fei forgive him? Sure, the Doctor was pretty, but it was croissants! Too many layers? That was the point of croissants. What an annoying man.

Wait, how did he know A-Fei? And why were they together again?There was so much going on that his head hurt. What sweater was she talking about?

Di Feisheng rolled out the dough on the floured surface in front of him and started cutting it into circles with a large mug. He had let it rest in the fridge for a couple of hours, so it was quite cold, so it rolled out well. He collected the cut out circles and pressed them into the already greased, round muffin tins he'd prepared. He didn't have any oval-shaped tins, which apparently were the more traditional shape for Mazariner - the Swedish Almond Tarts that he had read about and wanted to try out at the bakery this week. He'd fallen down a research spiral of Scandinavian recipes since the Saffron Kringlor had been such a success, and the small almond tarts looked gorgeous. He wondered who would like them best, Fang Duobing or Li Xiangyi? There would be several different textures, and they were quite sweet, so maybe they were more to Xiaobao's taste after all.

He started mixing the almond filling — first he beat eggs and powdered sugar until thick and airy, and then mixed in the melted butter. Some vanilla, flour, almond extract — and then the most important ingredient — almond flour. He spooned the mix into a piping bag and started filling the tarts shells to about three quarters full. The filling would expand in the oven. There — now they needed around twenty minutes in the oven, and then when cool he'd spread the white glazing on top of them. Next time he'd try out the raspberry version, with pink glazing, and a thin layer of raspberry jam under the almond filling. The aunties would mutter about raspberries being modern but probably prefer the tartness they brought. And the pink cakes would look pretty in the display window by the counter.

How would Fang Duobing react to Li Xiangyi being back in his life? Di Feisheng didn't quite know how to even raise the subject with him.

He'd returned to the bakery early this morning, smelling of Li Xiangyi's body-wash, and with the frankly awful taste of the coffee Li Xiangyi forced on him before he left still in his mouth. The man should not be allowed to make coffee ever again. He'd drunk it, and winced, but then they'd kissed and somehow the taste no longer mattered. Li Xiangyi's kisses tended to do that to him.

Back at the café he'd rushed upstairs to change clothes — found a much less revealing sweater with a high rolled neck — and then opened up the kitchen downstairs, and made a very strong espresso for himself. Luckily Wuyan had left everything prepared and ready, and he could just bake off the already rolled croissants before the early morning crowd started dropping by. It had been a calm morning, that's why he'd been able to throw together the Mazarin dough, and why he had time to think about what to say to Fang Duobing.

In just a couple of days everything had changed. He'd found out Li Xiangyi was still alive and the past ten years of mourning were based on a lie — given in to months of flirting and finally hooked up with Fang Duobing — and then spent the next night with Li Xiangyi, picking up their past relationship and tentatively planning a future together, possibly including Xiaobao as a third member. It was a lot to process. So many feelings, and the sudden possibility of a promising future. Di Feisheng had a hard time believing his luck, and instead channelled his hope into baking new and exciting cakes.

The oven went off, time to take out the mazarins.

Chapter Text

Li Lianhua nursed his small cup of Lotus in a Golden Wind tea. He'd gotten the special blend of dongfang meiren tea as a thank you gift from an auntie in the last city he'd lived in. It made a sweet and gloriously reddish-orange brew, and he would be very sad when he ran out of leaves. It was practically impossible to find on the Mainland. This cup was the third steeping, pretty much perfect. The honey notes soothed his soul. His taste buds weren't as good as they once were, he missed many of the more subtle top notes, but he could still smell a good tea when he got it. And this was wonderful. He would enjoy it to very last cup. Then he could go back his usual cheap teabags again. Tea was tea, even in teabags.

So much better than the coffee he'd tried to make for A'Fei earlier that morning. He and coffee were not quite meant to be. But he and A'Fei was another matter — what a night they had had.

Li Lianhua hadn't meant to look him up, even if that article about the bakery might have influenced his choice of a new city to move to. It had been such a blast from the past to suddenly see a photo of his A'Fei again, standing in front of a bakery of all places, with an apron on, and looking just as gorgeous as ten years ago.

Older and more mature, for sure, but those eyes were still the same. How did he end up a baker of all things? It was one of the last professions Li Lianhua would have guessed for him. They hadn't cooked much during their time together, nor ever baked anything. Food was cheap in the south, and the local aunties always gave them extras, and told them to eat more — they were too thin from all the fighting. It had been another world in so many ways.

To find A'Fei again, so settled and soft, a natural part of the community — glowing and proud of what he was doing — had been a revelation. He had felt such a pang of want, of longing to be a part of his life again. He really shouldn't get involved with him, but he couldn't stay away when fate throw A'Fei back in his path. He needed him close, safe, holding his strong arms around Li Lianhua's chest. To lie in bed in his arms had been bliss. Everything else disappeared from his thoughts, and he promised himself he would do anything to keep A'Fei safe and happy this time.

And if that meant wooing another guy to join them, so be it. A'Fei was fond of the puppy, and A'Fei deserved everything he wanted. It might also be a good idea to have someone else there to look after A'Fei if his own old troubles came back. He was doing better, but you never knew. There were quite a few loose ends still around out there, he might need to leave again, and then a puppy would be good for A'Fei. He'd need to do some background checks just to be sure, but from what A'Fei had told him Xiaobao seemed to be a good boy. A bit young, but that would change. They had all been there.

The question remained — how best to approach the puppy? From what he'd gathered things were still very new and budding between A'Fei and him. They'd certainly had a fun time together — Li Lianhua had seen the marks on A'Fei's neck. Hadn't that been a revelation of many things. He didn't think he was that possessive, but seeing those marks had ignited his deepest, most buried feelings. He'd needed to prove that he'd been there first, that he knew A'Fei better. But did he really? It had been ten years since they were together. A'Fei had made a completely different life for himself since then. Would Li Lianhua have a space there? He'd better! Why did he suddenly feel so unsure about himself? Because there was something for him to lose again, of course. He wasn't used to wanting to stay, to wanting to hold on to someone. But A'Fei wasn't just someone. He was the one he could never forget. And they deserved a second chance. With a puppy thrown in. It could be fun.

There had been so much passion in that guys eyes in the brief moment when they met. Resentment also, for sure, but it was something to work with. Li Lianhua knew exactly how it felt to want to protect A'Fei at all costs. There they had a common ground. A good start. He'd take it from there. Find a way to show the puppy that if they worked together, they could be there for A'Fei all the time.

There had been some unsettling mumblings about discord in the neighbourhood from the aunties when he met them at the bakery. He remembered that Auntie Li had complained about a new guy starting up shop on the next street to the right from the bakery, and how he'd started rumours about A'Fei's bakery not being the cleanest place. She'd been rather worried about something she'd seen. Li Lianhua hadn't listened that carefully — other things had been on his mind — but now he thought back to their conversation. Maybe that was a way to reach out to the puppy? They could investigate the rumours and have A'Fei's back. That would create a bond with Xiaobao as well.

Li Lianhua sipped on his tea and started to plan the upcoming battle.

Fang Duobing had spent an unsettled night in bed after leaving the bakery. Everything Auntie Li had told him kept repeating through his mind. Pictures of what he and A'Fei had done mixed with the addition a third man — Doctor Li looking rather smug, telling Fang Duobing to get on his knees — would he actually enjoy that? Having someone else around when he was with A'Fei? The Doctor had been very pretty, even if Fang Duobing had been too upset to actually take in everything about him. He remembered clever eyes, and longish hair — a powerful gaze that seemed to judge everybody, and a smirk. A very annoying smirk! So why did he react so strongly to the idea? He'd been unable to sleep for more than a few hours, waking up from humping the bed, whimpering and tossing with the feel of ghostly hands caressing him. A'Fei's strong arms around him, and a more delicate hand on his face, playing with his hair.

He'd been painfully hard, searching for relief against his bed but getting none until he took care of it himself. Apparently his body wasn't averse to some polyamory after all.

His mind on the other hand, couldn't quite see how it would work out. He hadn't liked the man, and his first impressions tended to guide him right. Should he really give the doctor another chance? His curiosity about the shared past the man had with A'Fei had grown the more he considered it. When were they together? What had happened since then? Why did Auntie Li mention that sweater? He needed answers. And he really wanted to see A'Fei again. His body longed for those strong arms — to be held and cherished. He needed to head back to the bakery today, to talk to A'Fei and see for himself where they were going. It was still early, he should be able to make it there before the lunch crowd descended on the shop. Hopefully, the aunties would be too busy to observe his heartache. He sighed. Who was he kidding? They would observe everything and see exactly how nervous he was about meeting A'Fei again.

So what if he'd spent some extra time on his hair this morning. So what if his shirt wasn't buttoned all the way up. The weather was quite warm, and he looked good like that. He needed all the confidence boosts he could get.

Di Feisheng was happily placing the white-glazed mazarines at the front of the display counter when the door to the bakery opened, and a hoard of distressed aunties entered the shop. They were whining and sounded much more upset than usual. He looked up, and wondered what on earth could have happened.

Granny Bai, usually a paragon of poise and composure, looked really worried, and quickly made her way up to the counter.

'A'Fei! You have to make sure all your permits are up to date! My nephew has been hearing things! Bad things. And Auntie Yuan's niece was shopping at that new place yesterday, and she too heard really bad things about your bread. Something is going on!'

Now Auntie Li had made her way up to the counter. She refused to be outdone by that pretentious intellectual Granny Bai. Even if her nephew didn't work at the local council, she too had heard some worrisome rumours, and she insisted on making sure their A'Fei was up to date on the latest neighbourhood gossip.

'We were talking about this with your darling Doctor Li just two days ago. Someone is trying to bring you down! We are really worried. There are too many coincidences. You know what happens when someone files a formal complaint. We don't want the local party council to start policing our pastry. I'm sure it's that's despicable new grocery store owner on the next street. He has not been getting the revenue he expected since opening. Far too high prices, and not enough interest in us regulars. Do you know, he even asked Granny Yuan if she was actually going to buy something of if she was just there to chat with her friends. The audacity!'

Auntie Li's whole being was quivering, she was ready to take on the world to keep her friends and family safe. No one was allowed to mess with her favourite baker.

Di Feisheng realised he had more trouble brewing. He took out a dozen mazarins and put them on a huge plate.

'Aunties, I can see that it has been a very distressful morning for you. Please take your regular seats and enjoy these new pastries on the house. You all need a nice cup of tea and a sit down. And yes, Auntie Li, I will make your regular coffee just as you want it. When you all have had a cup and told me what you think about these foreign cakes, we will get to the bottom of all these rumours. But first, please, sit down and rest.'

As if by magic his trusted aide and second shift manager Wuyan showed up behind him, and silently started brewing several gaiwans of tea, and a few special pots for the most picky aunties. Di Feisheng himself could concentrate on Auntie Li's coffee, and carrying out the big plate of cakes to the large table in the corner by the window, now filling up with worried looking grannies and aunts. He quickly placed the cakes on the table and distributed smaller plates and napkins to all the ladies.

'These are Swedish mazarins, with a nice almond filling to bring up your blood sugar after such a chock. Do enjoy them, and don't worry too much. I do have all my permits up to date.'

He made his way back to the counter, and looked at the diminished amount of cakes in the display. He could only shrug. So much for having Fang Duobing tasting them first. At least there were a few left, and he hadn't put all from the batch up there yet. Maybe the puppy would show up soon and say what he thought about them after all.

He really shouldn't be thinking about Xiaobao now — things seemed to be happening outside his control — but the boy had been running through his mind all morning, and certainly even last night when talking about him with Xiangyi. He couldn't help missing those Bambi eyes and his stubborn devotion. The puppy was pretty and fun, and so much less complicated than what he and Xiangyi had together. He still wanted the boy in his life — the simple joy of the explorations they had done, the promise of more to come.

Maybe he could leave early today as well, and invite Xiaobao upstairs for more talk and a bit of everything. His body was still buzzing from the night with Xiangyi, but like the night before with the puppy, it just seemed to want more. His long draught of voluntary celibacy was definitely over, that was very sure. He really wished Xiaobao would show up soon — he wanted to see him eat the delicate little pastry and then maybe something more substantial and less sugary.

As if Xiaobao had read his mind, the door yet again opened and there he stood. His dirt-blond hair was slicked back, and his shirt unbuttoned pretty far down on his chest. He looked good, and he knew it.

Oh sweet boy, thought Di Feisheng, you don't have to try so hard, I'm a sure thing when it comes to you. The question is if you can handle both of us.

He looked over the boy with a wolfish grin, making sure to capture his gaze first. He wanted him to feel every second of that inspection — a reward for his hard work. An adorable red tint spread over Xiaobao's cheeks, and he ducked down his neck, only to quickly look back up, meeting Di Feisheng's eyes and smile. Good boy. Now he would pamper him with some sweets and hopefully get a second evening upstairs later.

Fang Duobing was drawn towards the counter like a bee to a flowering rose. He could still feel A'Fei's gaze on his body — imagined his hands following the same route. So the interest was still there, excellent news. He felt happier already. Standing in front of his hero, finally seeing him again after a day apart felt wonderful. This was what he wanted, — A'Fei's attention and promise of something more — that gaze was scorching. He couldn't stop almost drowning in those gorgeous eyes, the long eyelashes framing them like open fans. He was lost in longing. Why was her here, again?

A discrete cough from behind brought him back to reality. Their gazes broke and Fang Duobing looked down beside him. Oh no, Auntie Li was back.

'I'm so glad you're here, Xiaobao', she said with her distinct voice, 'we might need you so do some undercover work to help A'Fei.'

What on earth was going on? At least she hadn't blurted out any embarrassing talk about polyamory yet.

A'Fei cut in to his thoughts with a quite short and decisive 'Auntie Li, he will have some cake and coffee first!'

'Yes please, I do need some coffee. And what are those?' Xiaobao had spotted the small round cakes with white glazing on them. 'You've never made those before. I would have remembered. I've never seen anything quite like it. Looks like some kind of tart? Please let me try one?' His eyes were shining. The pastry connoisseur had awakened inside him.

Di Feisheng actually smiled a little. Xiaobao melted even more.

'I made them for you, actually. I wanted to know your opinion. It's a Swedish almond tart called Mazarin. I do hope you'll enjoy it.'

Their eyes caught again. This was ridiculous. Xiaobao was so gone on this guy. He was the best baker, and he had made a new pastry just for Xiaobao to try. What a genius.

Now he felt a sharp finger stab his back. 'Ouch' he couldn't help bursting out.

Auntie Li looked up at them with a benevolent twinkle, and said 'young people are so soppy. I'll be waiting for you by the window. Enjoy the cake, but don't linger too long. We have work to do!'

'There's no privacy here, sorry for that.' A'Fei looked at him with some kind of promise in his eyes. 'Are you free later? I thought I could cook something and we'd hang out upstairs? I missed you yesterday.'

'Really? Of course I'm free for you.' Xiaobao couldn't help blurting that out. So much for playing it cool. 'I'll wait for you here, I really want to try that pastry.'

'Sit down in your usual place and I'll join you. I can take a break now that Wuyan is here. We have much to discuss, and I really look forward to hearing your verdict on the cake.' A'Fei had already finished pouring Xiaobao's usual coffee order, and was herding Xiaobao away from the aunties to the other side of the café. He was carrying a plate with pastry and two mugs of coffee in his huge hands.

Xiaobao hurried over in the indicted direction and sat down with his back towards the aunties. A'Fei smoothly sat down with his back to the window, and focused his gaze on Xiaobao again.

'Now, I want your honest opinion, take a bit of the cake and tell me what could be better.'

All that focus made Xiaobao weak all over. How would he be able to chew anything, yet again tell A'Fei his thoughts? But he did as he was asked, lifted the small round cake to his mouth and bit into the hard glaze. Softness overtook his palate, it was very sweet, but with a deep almond flavour. Interesting textures with the different layers. Oh, this would be perfect with sharp coffee. He swallowed and took a sip of his coffee. So good. A'Fei really was a genius.

'I love it. So buttery, slightly flaky pastry and then the dense filling — so soft and delicious on the palate — there's something else in there, a hint of something sharper, what's that? And then the glaze, so intensly sweet but a different texture, a bit hard and crunchy. I think it would go very well with an espresso. My latte was almost too much. But then you make the best lattes so I don't mind.'

Here he looked up at A'Fei under his eyelashes and looked a bit bashful. Was it too much?

A'Fei looked at him with wonder. 'You are good at that. You picked up the bitter almond in the filling, that's the sharpness you caught.' His voice turned softer, and in a lower timbre he said 'I love to watch you eat. You do it with your whole being, and you think about every morsel you taste. Your mouth looks so delicious right now. So red and ready for more.'

Xiaobao was lost. Who said things like that! His whole body reacted, all his blood heading south, he would never be able to get up from this chair. His voice almost broke when he said 'A'Fei, you can't tell me such things in public. I just want to jump over the table and never leave your lap.'

Another voice joined in, where did it come from? How had he entered the bakery? For it was Dr Li Lianhua who stood beside the table and said to Xiaobao: 'That's a very understandable feeling. I wanted to stay there forever as well.'

Chapter Text

'Oh good, you're here!' The loud voice could be heard from the other end of the bakery. 'I sent a text to the good Doctor, we need him. Are you done eating yet, boys? Come and join us. We have a battle plan to discuss!'

Auntie Li sounded like a great General from the past. She was tiny in stature, but those lungs had power. She wasn't to be trifled with.

The three men looked at each other. Their tangled relationships would have to wait. Nothing could stop Auntie Li from getting her way. They could continue their stare-off later.

Li Lianhua was the only one standing up, he looked at the other two and shrugged his shoulders. 'No time to loose, let's solve this mystery and then we can discuss the future — and the past.' He turned around and made his way over to the aunties, who all looked relieved and immediately started talking to him.

Fang Duobing followed his progress, and tried to collect his own dignity. His eyes wandered over to Di Feisheng, who was still sitting down, looking slightly off-kilter. He too was staring after Li Lianhua, but when he felt Fang Duobing's eyes on him, he looked up. Their gazes met and the electricity was still there.

'You're still joining me for dinner upstairs later! No matter what happens, we have things to work out. Don't worry about Xiangyi, he has his own agenda, but you and I will have some time together tonight.' This was said quite softly, but with such an intense sincerity that Fang Duobing almost got dizzy again. It was too much — how would he survive talking to the aunties while knowing A'Fei had plans for them later?

Di Feisheng stood up and started walking towards the other end of the bakery, and grabbed Fang Duobing's shoulder on his way past. He gave him a reassuring pat, and continued over towards the free seat next to Doctor Li.

Fang Duobing still couldn't get up. That pat on his shoulder had been too much. He would never be able to leave the chair. Why did this have to happen to him? It was mortifying.

'Xiaobao, why are you dallying so? Come over and help us plan. You have a good head on your shoulders.' Auntie Li's voice was back, and louder than ever.

He had no choice now, and that actually helped. Fang Duobing got up and joined the crowd at the other end of the room. There was one small stool left to sit on, right next to A'Fei. He slouched down, with his bag in his lap, and could feel how his right leg nudged A'Fei's. He looked up, and A'Fei smiled back at him, even moved his own chair slightly closer towards him. Thank god for that bag! He would need all his restraint to make it through the impromptu meeting without jumping the man.

Li Lianhua was in his element. The aunties were eating up everything he was saying, and even the puppy was nodding along. He hadn't quite been prepared for the pure devotion he's seen in the puppy's eyes when he'd entered the bakery. The guy had been completely focused on A'Fei, lost in what A'Fei was feeding him — both literally and figuratively — and Li Lianhua did understand. He had been there, he was there right now, again.

A'Fei was mesmerising, He deserved everything he wanted, and he obviously wanted the puppy, so he should have him! It had hurt a bit to see the infatuation in A'Fei's eyes though. He was old enough to admit it. The puppy and A'Fei had been utterly focused on each other when he arrived. He'd seen them through the window and heard everything as he opened the door. So much tension and want in the air. Even if A'Fei had told him about wanting the boy, it just hit harder seeing it right in front of him. They would look so good together — focus on the good things — and it would be a pleasure to join them. Now he just had to make that happen. Luckily, Li Lianhua was a master at bending things to his will. He would take back his place right next to A'Fei, and make the puppy enjoy it.

He would have his part of this triangle. How it would end up, he still didn't know, but A'Fei's and his bond was strong and impossible to break.

In the meantime, he had a mystery to solve. This should be a child's game after everything he'd been trough. The aunties had done the ground work, they probably knew who the culprit was, where the gossip was coming from. Now they needed to make sure that it hadn't reached too important people, nor created any new issues for A'Fei.

He had an idea on how to rally the community — and how to make Fang Duobing feel good about helping him, thus creating more goodwill between them — but first he needed to sooth a few more ruffled feathers among the grannies, and make sure they all did what they were best at.

Di Feisheng couldn't take the impromptu meeting that seriously. The problem seemed trivial and anecdotal — the aunties had made a mountain out of a molehill. Gossip spread like fire through the community and they always smelled doom and disaster when new things turned up. Still, it was nice to see them rally for his sake.

He rather enjoyed the bossy side of Li Xiangyi that was revealed in front of him as well. Stratagems and theories where juggled between the doctor and the aunties, and it was obvious that Xiangyi was having a blast. He somehow managed to pick up on each aunties special interest or ability, and find a task for them to do. Granny Bai was busy writing lists, while Auntie Yuan looked extremely focused and like she wanted to run out and join the battle immediately. Auntie Li put her hand on her knee and muttered something about not being hasty. They were such dears.

This domineering side of Xiangyi was great fun to observe. It brought back thoughts from last night, and new ideas on how to combine his two current favourite persons. He didn't want to sit here in the bakery and plan battles when he could have been upstairs enjoying the puppy's red and beautiful lips instead.

He was growing more and more impatient, and he needed an outlet somewhere. Xiaobao was sitting right next to him, and they had moved closer and closer the longer the meeting continued. His left hand moved over to the puppy's right leg. The table was hiding his actions, and the big rucksack Xiaobao was clutching also covered them. He could feel Xiaobao tensing up, could feel his eyes looking at him. This could be fun.

He started stoking the inside of Xiaobao's thigh with his fingers. Slow and steady, moving a bit higher with each caress. He needed the boy upstairs very soon. Xiangyi ought to be done by now. Could he see what A'Fei was doing? Di Feisheng stole a glance at the man. Maybe? He too, could play mind-games.

A smirk moved over his face as he moved his hand even higher up Xiaobao's leg. His thigh was rigid, and his whole body was quivering. Di Feisheng looked over his left shoulder at him with a raised eyebrow, and almost couldn't stop staring at those pleading eyes. Xiaobao was biting his lips and looked more and more desperate. Excellent.

He felt a hard ridge under the jeans fabric, and heard a whimper from the boy. He'd reached his goal. He whispered 'Focus on my hand' from the side of his mouth, and played some more with Xiaobao's rapidly growing member. Poor puppy, would he be able to handle this? He deserved a very big reward if he managed to hold his composure to the end. Di Feisheng wasn't sure he would be able to hold his own that long.

Li Lianhua was well aware of what was going on right in front of him. Apparently, A'Fei had become completely shameless with age. He even captured Li Lianhua's eyes while flagrantly getting the puppy off under the table. Luckily the aunties where still concentrating on their strategies and how to come up with new solutions. He needed to wrap this up very soon. He couldn't concentrate with the two men pretty much copulating right in his vantage point.

He'd meant to leave A'Fei alone with the puppy this evening, but this blatant show of possession needed to be countered. Maybe the best offence tactic to win over Xiaobao was just to go with the flow, and really show him that the more the merrier wasn't just a saying. The poor boy was suffering at the moment — trying to stay still, and not squirm against A'Fei's more and more brazen strokes. He was clutching that bag as a shield, and pressing his mouth into the top of it, eyes big and full of repressed lust.

The puppy wouldn't be able to take much more. Li Lianhua had seen enough, it was time to act. He gathered everyone's attention by clapping his hands and saying something about wrapping up, and how grateful he was for all the help. Now they had a clear plan, and it was time to head out. He would join A'Fei upstairs to look over the most recent permits, while the aunties left for their many different missions. He turned towards the puppy and A'Fei, and said

'and I would really appreciate if you could join us, Xiaobao, you had some excellent thoughts according to A'Fei.'

Xiaobao startled, and almost jumped out of his chair, only A'Fei's heavy hand kept him seated. He nodded and tried to find his focus, while looking even more pleadingly at A'Fei.

'If you two head upstairs, I'm sure Wuyan can manage the shop.' Li Lianhua spoke with such a loud and authoritative voice that Wuyan heard it from behind the counter, and made a positive shooing motion to his boss.

'I'll join you very soon, I just need a few words with Granny Li.'

A'Fei knew an opportunity when it was shoved in his face, and ran with it. He quickly rose, and pretty much dragged Xiaobao away from the table, making sure that his bag protected him from any embarrassing sights. He threw his arm over Xiaobao's shoulders and herded him to the back of the room and up the stairs. They had made the same trip a few nights ago. Maybe the result would be just as pleasurable this time. Maybe it would end in disaster? At the moment, all he wanted was to be alone with Xiaobao.

The boy was shaking as they entered the flat. Still clutching the bag against his chest, he leaned back against the wall nextt to the door, looked up at A'Fei and said 'Are you going to take me out of my misery now, finally?' There was so much want in those eyes. What else could A'Fei do but lean in and kiss him.

It had been far too long since their last one. That soft mouth — still tasting of sweet almonds from the mazarin — met his with a desperation that was really addictive. Their tongues chased each other, playing hide-and-seek, and releasing some of that pent up lust that had been brewing downstairs. Xiaobao's lush lips were strong and soft simultaneously. A'Fei loved how he always wanted more — be it food or fingers, kisses or coffee — Xiaobao's mouth sought out things to fill it. He caressed Xiaobao's cheek while continuing to kiss him, and could feel the puppy's cheek bulge from the movement of A'Fei's own tongue inside. The double sensations egged him on, made him want more, and to fill his own mouth.

Xiaobao whined when A'Fei broke their kiss.

'Sorry kid, we need to get rid of the bag and your shirt. I'll make up for all the teasing soon.'

He followed this by taking the rucksack and throwing it behind them, while opening the last couple of buttons that were left closed on Xiaobao's shirt. His hands made their way over the boy's smooth chest, caressing the clavicles and letting the shirt fall down Xiaobao's back, trapping his arms behind him. He stole another kiss and whispered softly 'What a feast you are, I intend to taste every morsel of you tonight.'

A'Fei was almost as desperate as Xiaobao by now. But he intended to finish what he's started under the table. The boy deserved a proper happy ending, some cherishing needed to be done. He had Xiaobao in the perfect position now. He started unbuttoning the fancy jeans the puppy was wearing, and quickly went down on his knees to have better access. He leaned in towards Xiaobao's groin, teasing him some more with his mouth on the outside the just revealed boxers.He pressed his nose into the side of the big bulge, catching the desperate scent of young man — musky and strong, yet with a certain sweetness that he enjoyed. This led to more whines from the puppy, and some hip wiggles to get him closer to where Xiaobao wanted him. With a strong grip he got the jeans and underwear down under the knees, and he could finally admire his target.

No need to dally anymore, he went straight for the tip, closing his lips around the red and swollen cock. It fit so well in his mouth, velvety, hard, and leaking. It wouldn't take much to get him to come, but A'Fei wanted to drag it out a bit longer. He squeezed the root of Xiaobao's cock slightly, and looked up at the boy, searching out his reaction. His tongue kept teasing the slit at the top, he could feel the cock pulsating in his mouth, still growing harder. Their eyes met, and yeah, that happy ending wasn't far away now.

Just then the door slowly opened, and Xiangyi quickly made his way into the flat and shut the door behind him. He looked at them with very dark eyes and said

'Don't mind me, such a lovely view — I almost expected you to be done with the first set by now. Do continue, please. How do you feel, Xiaobao? May I join you?'

Fang Duobing had been leaning his head back against the wall, trying to keep still, trying not to come, finally enjoying A'Fei's mouth on his cock. This was bliss. He never wanted to leave this flat. He was so close to reaching that high, the ultimate release, but he wanted to draw it out. To have A'Fei on his knees in front of him was too much. He opened his eyes, and took in the sight of his cock filling A'Fei's mouth. Those lips on him. And then A'Fei looked up at him, those ridiculously long eyelashes framing his gaze, making him look coy even though he was so completely brazen.

And then that voice again! Would he never get his orgasm in peace? Yet his body didn't seem to mind the intrusion. His hips even moved quicker to reach deeper into A'Fei's mouth. His hands were still trapped behind his back by his shirt, otherwise he'd grab on to his hair and never let him go. Maybe the doctor could help him after all.

'Don't just stand there, help me get rid of this shirt, please.' Why was he so polite to the intruding man?

Li Lianhua smirked, and said

'A'Fei, you certainly know how to pick them. Poor boy, what a day you must have had. I'll help you out. I suspect A'Fei can do even better to make up for that public display downstairs.'

While talking, he moved closer to Fang Duobing, meeting his eyes, and slowly reaching out his long thin hand, softly sliding it over Xiaobao's shoulder and down his right arm until the shirt was in his way. He gripped the cloth and held it, while leaning in and whispering in Fang Duobing's ear,

'You look amazing restrained like this, I understand why A'Fei did it. Your skin is so soft and supple. You deserve to be cherished and pampered.'

Fang Duobing shivered from the caresses and the soft words filling his ears. Why did it feel so good? The warmth of the other man's body behind him, the knowledge that he wanted to be there, the fact that A'Fei was still sucking on his cock, and looking up at them with pleading eyes. It was too much! Li Lianhua's hand made it's way from his back to his chest, feeling out every ridge of his abs, and finally pinching his nipple. Fang Duobing gasped, and leaned into the warm body that now had insinuated himself between the wall and Fang Duobing. His arms were finally free of the shirt, but instead held out in front om him by the doctor's own arms. He guided them to A'Fei's head, leaning over Fang Duobing's shoulder and saying

'Look at him, those gorgeous eyelashes. That mouth round your cock. Put your hands in his hair, draw him closer to us', while putting his own hand on A'Fei's cheek.

Fang Duobing could feel that. The finger tracing the bulge of his cock on A'Fei's cheek. So many sensations, and that soft voice in his ear, mumbling about the beauty of A'Fei's chin, that cleft that begged to be bitten, those eyes that stared up at them.

'Can you see how much he love sucking your cock? How he loves being told how pretty he is? He never understood how beautiful he was when young, but I tried to get him to see it. His shoulders have become so much wider. Look at him, fill his mouth, feel my hand, enjoy it.'

The constant murmur was too much, A'Fei's dark eyes meeting his own, the warmth of Li Lianhua's body against his back. He couldn't keep his pleasure away any longer. He needed to come, to finally get his reward. His whole body tensed up and he kept coming for what felt like forever.

Chapter Text

Di Feisheng was still on his knees, cradling Xiaobao's bum with one hand, and the other on his own cock. His eyes were lost in Li Xiangyi's penetrating gaze, completely focused on him. Xiangyi's voice was still filling his ears with delicious filth — about how good he looked, how wanton he was, how his eyelashes were wet with cum.

He wanted to please Xiangyi by presenting himself to him, showing off his best side, letting him see how hard he got, how much he wanted them both.

He could feel Xiaobao's cum cooling while it slowly ran down his chin, but he didn't care. It just made him harder — and closer to coming.

Xiaobao was still riding his high from the orgasm, almost out of it, leaning back into Li Xiangyi's strong arms. His eyes were closed, his whole body pliant and soft after the release. If they didn't support him, he would have slid down the wall and ended up on the floor. Now he was pressed between A'Fei and Xiangyi, held close and treasured.

Yet the focus of both of them was on the other. Li Xiangyi followed every stroke of Di Feisheng's hand, and Di Feisheng couldn't look away from Li Xiangyi's burning eyes. All the words he had said earlier went through his head. The want, the lost years, the power he held over them both. Di Feisheng shivered — he needed to come but couldn't quite reach the summit.

He whimpered, he needed something more — a pleading glance upwards and Li Xiangyi seemed to understand at once. He moved his right foot — he must have removed his shoes when he entered the flat — and reached out with it towards Di Feisheng's cock. The hard heel brought extra pressure to the root of it, while his toes somehow managed to caress the shaft. The connection felt electric, bringing all three of them together. Di Feisheng's hand stilled when he finally came. Wave after wave flew through his body, and the resulting discharge ended up both on Xiangyi's foot and Xiaobao's leg.

Di Feisheng closed his eyes and leaned forward, resting his head against Xiaobao's stomach. He was completely drained and needed to lie down very soon, but the joy and satisfaction was still pulsing trough his veins. He had his two favourite persons in the world right in front of him, and Xiaobao was apparently conscious again, since he was carding his hand through A'Fei's hair. They made for a strange triangle of pleasure, with one of them still unsatisfied. Yet Xiangyi was petting Xiaobao while staring down at A'Fei. He could wait a while longer to get his fill. The question was how Xiaobao would take it all.

Fang Duobing felt amazing. He was floating on a cloud of endorphins and oxytocin, his body lank and relaxed. His hands were still in Di Feisheng's hair, and he started playing with the curls between his fingers. It felt so soft. Different from the man himself, who was so strong and had a rather forbidding air. The loops of his curls hinted at something hidden, that other side of him that Fang Duobing had just started to get to know. He was passionate about his art — his pastries and his knowhow — but there were more there, deeper feelings that Fang Duobing wanted to explore. He wanted to know more about his past, not only the things with the doctor, but everything! His background, his family, his dreams.

Xiaobao tightened his grip in A'Fei's curls, and it made the man stir. His beautiful eyes finally opened and met Fang Duobing's. Those dark wells of passion, lined with the longest, most lush lashes he'd ever seen. Would he ever get tired of looking at him? A'Fei too, looked done in, just lucid enough to meet his gaze. Such beauty, on his knees for Fang Duobing. What a privilege to experience it.

But they weren't alone. Li Lianhua's arms were still around Fang Duobings chest, holding him up, and softly caressing his sides. He didn't feel trapped — it actually felt rather nice. Protected, embraced, and held up by the two older men, he felt like there were no other place on earth he would rather like to be just now. Li Lianhua's filthy mouth had spurred him on, opened up his imagination.

Somehow the third guy fitted there. The past between A'Fei and Li Lianhua was obvious in every glance they shared, but Fang Duobing didn't feel left out. There was an open curiosity from Li Lianhua that was getting pretty addictive. He had joined them so effortlessly, found Fang Duobing's most sensitive places — both on his body and in his mind — maybe Fang Duobing's body was right. Maybe this polyamory thing was something to explore.

Li Lianhua continued to keep his arms around the boy even after Xiaobao seemed back to lucidity. He needed to anchor himself somewhere, and the boy's body was warm and oh so real. The soft skin seemed made for caressing, and the rather musky smell lingered in Li Lianhua's nose. He leaned closer, nuzzling behind Xiaobao's ears, chasing the scent of something sweet — indescribable yet addictive. A'Fei had picked a good companion. He could easily grow accustomed to this.

The boy had reacted wonderfully to his suggestions, and it had been a pleasure to help him chase that high. He was so receptive, and would be lovely to breach. The pert bum that leaned against him so tantalisingly would be fun to explore. He needed his own release soon. It had been a lot to see A'Fei reach his just after Xiaobao's. His own foot helping A'Fei's cock. That had been quite something. He could still feel the come on his leg, slowly drying.

A'Fei, A'Fei — how glorious he was when he completely let go. Li Lianhua wanted to be back inside him too. He couldn't say which one of the two he wanted most at the present. Xiaobao was an yet unexplored possibility, and A'Fei his lost prince. The pure joy of being back together transcended all the possible future troubles.

The shared looks, the trust and understanding still there between them — it was impossible not to want to continue this thing. Somehow he'd make sure they would work as a unit.

He kept playing with Xiaobao's ear as all those thoughts went through his head. He let his hand trace the muscles on Xiaobao's stomach, finding the iliac crest and following the ridge of it south. Ah to be just over twenty again. Xiaobao leaned back even more into his arms, and his cock showed some valiant new interest. This wasn't over, but they should probably move somewhere more comfortable before going further. Poor A'Fei had spent long enough time on his knees — even if he kind of deserved it after playing with Xiaobao for so long downstairs.

Li Lianhua felt he needed to herd them all to a bed. Was A'Fei ready to rise to the challenge?

Di Feisheng was quickly rubbing together butter and flour for the crust of a Quiche Lorraine. He'd promised Xiaobao dinner, and he was going to deliver it.

Both Xiaobao and Xiangyi had been sleeping when Di Feisheng left the bedroom. Xiangyi on his side, curled up under the cover, while Xiaobao was lying spread out diagonally across the bed, with one arm tossed over Xiangyi's hips.

Things had been going surprisingly well ever since Xiangyi joined them in the flat. Xiaobao had been glorious on the bed between them, taking Xiangyi's instructions so well, and filling up Di Feisheng's ass so carefully. Next time would be better, but Di Feisheng had enjoyed the experience anyway — especially feeling the power of Xiangyi's thrusts oscillate through Xiaobao's body into his own. They had moved together as one.

It gave him hope that this thing between them would work even outside the bedroom. Xiangyi had an uncanny ability to read both of their minds, somehow knowing what they wanted before they knew themselves. His slick words nudged them closer together, feeding wants not yet thought of. But what did Xiangyi want for himself? That he was happy to be back with his lost love was evident, but Di Feisheng still couldn't be sure about his intentions. He trusted him, but there was a sense of it all being too good to be true — that Xiangyi might disappear again just as quickly as he walked into the bakery.

Di Feisheng wanted to hold on to them both — the past and the future — Xiangyi and Xiaobao. He'd start with feeding them a quiche and some tossed greens with a vinaigrette.

He fell back on those French staple recipes he'd made a hundred times during his apprenticeship. He had cheated tonight, pushed the dough out into the pie dish and then just let it rest in the freezer for a short while before popping it in the oven. His French teachers would have failed him at once, but it usually worked out quite well when home cooking. He'd put a baking sheet on top of it and filled it with dried beans, par-baking the pie crust while he was whisking together the eggs for the filling. Some grated cheese, and — to make it more cross-over Chinese — he cut the left-over piece of crispy pork belly he'd found in the fridge into neat sticks. They'd add a nice salty tang. Add some green spring onions and that would be all.

He took out the pie from the oven and removed the baking sheet and the beans. Perfect. Just as he was about to pour the filling into the crust, a pair of arms hugged him from behind, and Xiangyi put his chin over his shoulder and asked 'What are you making for us? It smells delicious.'

Di Feisheng moved his head to the left to steal a kiss from the intruder, yet managed to continue his work with the quiche. He asked, 'Did he wake up when you left the bed?'

Xiangyi hugged him tighter, and said slightly too quickly, 'Nope, just me, I'm afraid. Our young friend was sprawled all over the bed, and just rolled over slightly when I got up.' He leaned forward a bit more and studied Di Feisheng's face. 'Do you want me to leave? Would it be better if I was gone when he wakes up?'

Di Feisheng let go of the spoon he held in his hand and turned around, still within Xiangyi's grasp. His own arms encircled Xiangyi, and he kissed him again — properly this time.

When Xiangyi almost gasped from need of more air he reluctantly ended the kiss, and looked at him with serious eyes. 'I'm not letting you go again. I've been very clear that I want you both.'

He was looking at Xiangyi so carefully that he actually caught the slight release of tension that came over Xiangyi's face when he had spoken.

Fang Duobing woke up alone in the big bed. It felt familiar and safe somehow. He could hear a vague murmur from the kitchen, explaining where his two bed mates were. Something was cooking in the oven judging from the smell, and it made him realise how hungry he was. He took advantage of the space in the bed and did some stretches to ease back his body to wakefulness. It was even sorer than last time he woke up in this bed. He didn't mind, though. It had been an extremely pleasant experience. Physically, they worked so well together. And it was almost uncanny how right it had felt to lie between Li Lianhua and A'Fei. They were both so much more experienced than him. Their bodies carried such interesting stories. When he'd found those matching tattoos on their hips he'd almost cooed. Mandarin ducks — mating when placed next to each other. The tattoos really confirmed their shared past. They were beautiful together — A'Fei broad and muscly, and Li Lianhua more lanky and slightly ethereal.

Yet Li Lianhua had been adamant about including Fang Duobing in everything, even showing special attention to him, caressing him everywhere. His hands were magical, and add his voice whispering those delightfully dirty ideas about what they could do together all three.. Fang Duobing still blushed from just thinking about it. He missed their hands on his body. He'd never felt so cherished before. He needed to see them both again, make sure things were alright. If the magic was still there.

He looked around for something to wear, and found Li Lianhua's shirt tossed over a chair. It smelled of medical herbs when he sniffed it, rather strong but soothing —just like the man himself. It was a very calculated choice to wear Li Lianhua's clothes to the kitchen. Fang Duobing wanted to see how he would react. If all the talk and caresses during their lovemaking meant something afterwards.

He could sense the potential for something great here — two gorgeous, experienced men, both seemingly in to him and each other — he wanted to give them a chance. See where it would take them. The physical flame was there, his body's aches and bruises confirmed that in spades. He needed to know more about them both to find out about the rest. How would their future relationship work. He needed to tone down his expectations and just go with the flow for now. Everything was so new and fresh, he should just enjoy the present and not worry so much. Embrace the frankly amazing luck he'd had with scoring these guys. Maybe they were up for an encore? But first he needed some food — and judging from the noises and smells coming from the kitchen, it was time to eat.

He quickly made his way though the corridor outside the bedroom, and stepped through the doorway into the kitchen. Two things struck him at once. Di Feisheng was wearing his apron again. And Li Lianhua noticed him wearing his shirt immediately. A rather predatory smile came over Li Lianhua's face, and he walked over towards Fang Duobing.

'That shirt looks much better on you.' He kept smirking as he said it, and stopped right in front of Fang Duobing, looking down the not fully buttoned front with relish.

Fang Duobing gave himself a good grade in planning ahead, and looked up at Li Lianhua with his best fake-innocent gaze. 'I'm so glad you think so. I missed you when I woke up. The bed was very big and empty.' He might as well go in for the kill, he thought, and raised up on his toes and gave Li Lianhua a quick kiss on his mouth.

Li Lianhua stilled, but very quickly responded, and threw his arm around Fang Duobing's waist while deepening the kiss. His other hand worked it's way to Fang Duobing's ass and gave it a squeeze.

'That's a very nice picture, and I'd love to join you — but I promised you dinner, Xiaobao, and the quiche is just done.' Di Feisheng's voice intruded on Fang Duobing's rapidly growing erection. Actually, it didn't interrupt but rather enhanced the feeling of want. Fang Duobing very much wanted him to join them. Preferably right now. But the chef was the chef, and it would be terribly impolite not to eat his food. Also, his stomach would never forgive him — it made it's lack of food know again with a loud rumbling.

Fang Duobing reluctantly ended the kiss with a last, sweet lick of Li Lianhua's lips. He looked over to the counter where A'Fei was cutting a perfect quiche into pieces and plating them. Li Lianhua looked a bit dazed, but took hold of Fang Duobing's arm and made his way over to the table in the middle of the kitchen. He sat down, and urged Fang Duobing to sit in the chair next to him. His hair was rather ruffled and his lips looked very swollen. Good, thought Fang Duobing, he had made an impact. He too, sat down.

Di Feisheng made his way over to the table, holding three big plates in his left hand with no problem, and cutlery and glasses in the other. The table was already covered with a white and red chequered tablecloth, an opened bottle of red wine and a carafe of water standing in the middle. Somehow A'Fei got everything placed in the right position and sat down on Fang Duobing's other side.

'Bon appétit' he said with a smile, picked up his own knife and fork, and started cutting into the quiche.

Fang Duobing had been admiring A'Fei's dexterity and not quite taken in what actually was served in front of him. The chef was more intriguing than anything he had made, no matter how wonderful. But now he too started cutting his quiche, and took a bite of the golden crust with some fluffy filling. Absolute perfection! A'Fei was just as genius with savoury stuff as with his patisseries. The eggmix had some subtle flavour that he couldn't quite place, and the crust was flaky and crisp. 'It's soo good! You should sell this at the bakery. The aunties would love them.' Fang Duobing looked up at A'Fei with twinkling eyes. 'How are you so perfect?'

Li Lianhua had just poured wine into their glasses, and was drinking from his own. 'Xiaobao is right, you are pretty perfect A'Fei'. He looked at Di Feisheng over the rim of his glass. 'You even lightened some candles for us. Don't you know I'm a sure thing?' Another smirk, and now he looked over at Fang Duobing.

'Can't I do something nice for my favourite guys?' Di Feisheng smiled back at Li Lianhua. 'We all needed some extra energy after this afternoon, and I'd promised Xiaobao dinner. I definitely wouldn't mind more afterwards, though.'

'Hm, have some more wine and we'll see where the evening ends. I believe you told me some very interesting ideas about filling Xiaobao's mouth before. I think we need to explore that further.' Now Li Lianhua turned back towards Fang Duobing. 'Don't you agree Xiaobao? We should thank A'Fei for this dinner with a joint effort?'

Fang Duobing had his mouth full of quiche and could just nod. The evening had only started, he was ready to explore so much more.