Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Can you wait for me? I’ll be right there.”

Wei Ying made a weak protesting sound.

His scene partner ran around, gathering all of his things, and—heedless of Wei Ying whining helplessly—hurried out of the bedroom. Several frenetic footsteps later, the door to Wei Ying’s apartment opened and closed with a smash.

Stars still blurring his vision, Wei Ying thought, what the fuck? He couldn’t vocalize his bewilderment, though. Not when his mind was full of fog, unable to pick a cluster of words that would actually make sense together.

“Ma... Master…?” was all he eventually managed to choke out.

But clearly his master had left.

No room for doubt, no matter how much Wei Ying didn’t want to believe that. He lied there; ass up, meters of rope painfully digging into his skin. He lied there, vulnerable. Humiliated. Trapped in full-blown subspace that moments earlier was an exciting bliss—and now was merely deepening the panic seeping into his system.

He really was left behind. Abandoned.

As if just letting that realization in, Wei Ying’s body tensed up and started struggling against the restraints. One thing about his master—there weren’t many people who knew the art of bondage as thoroughly as him. That meant if he tied a knot, that knot wouldn’t come a millimeter loose until he wanted it to.

So, to put it simply, Wei Ying’s desperate efforts to free himself were a waste of energy. Despite that, he didn’t stop. Wei Ying thrashed around, panting like a man deprived of air. He didn’t even notice the fresh set of tears dripping down his face.

*

Wei Ying couldn’t tell how much time had passed.

He was now lying on his side, but that was the only thing that changed. He still was as naked, as helpless, as cold as before. Wei Ying’s limbs were all strained and numb, tingling torturously. His eyes never strayed from the dark ripples of a curtain before him. It danced delicately, roused by the slight breeze flying in through the window.

He felt. Empty. Betrayed. Used. And not the kind of used he enjoyed.

How could he be forgotten like that? Why was it so easy for his master to leave him behind? Wei Ying should have called out, should have…

Wei Ying barely registered the sound of the door opening. He inhaled abruptly, his chest filling with hope. It was a shaky and dangerous feeling, one that could end up crushing Wei Ying completely.

Eventually, the visitor spoke, “Wei Ying?”

Oh.

The call, which didn’t belong to his master, was a bit faint. It clearly came from another room, most likely the corridor. Soon, the speaker tried again, uttering Wei Ying’s name in that velvety voice of his. It was tinted with urgency that time.

Wei Ying couldn’t even feel embarrassment when, from the corner of his eye, he saw a blurry form standing in the bedroom’s doorway. His neighbour’s form. The man froze at the sight of Wei Ying all exposed and tied up—then seemed to teleport to Wei Ying’s side.

Wei Ying didn’t move his head, just his eyes, as he observed Lan Zhan who appeared rightfully speechless. Despite his own shock, Lan Zhan started assessing Wei Ying’s body right off the bat. He didn’t touch, only using his eyes. He was probably checking if Wei Ying was hurt, and Wei Ying guessed he was—if the countless marks and bruises littering his skin counted.

Normally, Wei Ying would tease the last drop of patience out of Lan Zhan. That was such an ideal situation for this, too—Lan Zhan finding Wei Ying naked! The teasing potential, the flavor that scenario had! Yet, Wei Ying didn’t feel like it. The spark, usually crackling within him passionately, had grown dim. Everything seemed so. Meaningless. What was the point? He didn’t even have the strength to open his mouth.

So Wei Ying waited for the questions, and for the judgement too, his silence nearly like an invitation. What happened? What is this? Why are you tied up? Are you wasted? drugged? Why won’t you say anything?

But Lan Zhan asked none.

After Lan Zhan made sure Wei Ying wasn’t gravely wounded (like he might have thought), he moved as if to get up. He paused, however, and reached for something on the bedside table.

It was shears. The same ones Wei Ying’s dom had placed there, just in case an emergency happened and he had to free Wei Ying as quickly as possible.

Hah.

Not being the type to delay getting down to business, Lan Zhan started cutting through the thick rope. His hands worked swiftly, but incredibly gently at the same time; careful not to press the cold metal against Wei Ying’s skin. He remained quiet through the process of that, his jaw set.

It merely took a couple snips to release Wei Ying. And it felt strange to have his limbs all free to move again. Wei Ying didn’t move. He was sore, he was limp, he was in pain. He didn’t feel like moving at all.

Lan Zhan leaned towards the table to put the shears back, but one of his hands stayed glued to Wei Ying’s elbow. When his face reappeared in Wei Ying’s field of view, it looked many things. Sympathetic. Seething. Conflicted. Such a colorful variety painted all over that usually impenetrable facade. Wei Ying would sigh dreamily if he could.

Finally, Lan Zhan reached out to Wei Ying with his other hand, tentatively.

Wei Ying didn’t know what possessed him and where his sudden strength came from. But he pulled Lan Zhan down onto him.

The moment his face pressed against Lan Zhan’s firm chest, it was as if a dam inside Wei Ying broke. A powerful sob ripped out of his throat and thus marked the beginning of waves upon waves of tears. The paralyzing tension, fear and sadness Wei Ying had been trying to stifle crashed down like a waterfall all at once. Wei Ying was loud, crying like a baby and gasping for air. He was scared of losing his breath. It was already barely there.

At first, Lan Zhan appeared… or rather felt taken aback by Wei Ying’s breakdown, if the minute tensing of his body was anything to go by. However, it didn’t take long for him to start adjusting their position. He laid down on his side, so that he was next to Wei Ying and not on top of him. And then… Lan Zhan’s arms enveloped Wei Ying, one of his hands landing on the latter’s nape. Wei Ying let his face be guided wherever Lan Zhan wanted it to be—in that case, into the crook of the man’s neck.

Lan Zhan smelled so nice. Lan Zhan was so warm.

Eventually, Wei Ying’s breathing slowed down a bit. He was still in a kind of delirious state, but it seemed that Lan Zhan had started petting his hair at some point. Clearly, there was somebody’s palm on the back of Wei Ying’s head, caressing up and down, up and down…

Wei Ying let out a small sound when something underneath him moved. As he was gradually wrapped into a cocoon of plush material, he realized it must have been his blanket. The one which was probably stained with his precum and drool. He could only pray to the heavens that Lan Zhan didn’t notice.

“I’m sorry if this is crossing a boundary,” Lan Zhan started, his voice nearly a whisper. “But I can't leave you like this.”

Wei Ying’s mouth didn’t want to cooperate with him that time either. Lan Zhan didn’t seem to mind, though, as he continued, “I will move us to the kitchen now. We will prepare you something to drink.”

Lan Zhan stayed put for a few beats, as if giving Wei Ying time to process his words. Then he carefully rose from the bed with Wei Ying in his arms.

After carrying Wei Ying to the kitchen like he weighed nothing, Lan Zhan sat the latter down on the counter. He didn't go anywhere, to Wei Ying's utmost relief; just calmly examined the contents of Wei Ying's cupboards and fridge. Lan Zhan wasn't too happy about what he saw, judging by the slight furrow of his brow. In the end, he opted to boil some water in Wei Ying's barely alive electric kettle. He placed a mug on the counter and dropped a teabag in it. It must have been one of those teas Lan Zhan brought as a gift from time to time, since Wei Ying never bought them for himself.

Through all of that, Lan Zhan’s hand didn’t move from Wei Ying’s blanket-clad waist.

Wei Ying still felt awful, but that made his situation seem a tiny little bit better. Lan Zhan was there to… to take care of Wei Ying. That thought served as an anchor grounding Wei Ying.

While they waited for the water to be ready, Lan Zhan spoke in a manner that was both gentle and resolute, “You have done nothing wrong. In case you’re thinking you might have.”

Wei Ying’s gaze turned to him, caught off guard by the sudden assurance. Lan Zhan as always stood with his back perfectly straight, his effortlessly confident stance making Wei Ying want to believe his words. The same couldn’t be said about Lan Zhan’s face, though. It looked crestfallen.

“You are safe now.”

Just like that, Wei Ying was crying again.

Soon their location changed to Wei Ying’s couch. And for that, Wei Ying was grateful—he didn’t think he could stand being in his bedroom yet. Lan Zhan sat down and was about to carefully drop Wei Ying off next to him, but Wei Ying ruined his plans, climbing onto the man’s lap instead.

Shameless, is what he would usually hear after doing so much as fluttering his eyelashes at Lan Zhan. That time however, Lan Zhan only asked, “Are you comfortable?”

It was his first attempt to get a response from Wei Ying. The latter instantly nodded his head.

Lan Zhan then lifted his hand just to leave it hanging in the air. Hesitantly. “Do you want me to keep touching you or should I stop?”

Noting that the hand was slowly retracting, Wei Ying hurriedly, filled with irrational panic, leaned towards it. He bowed his head slightly, using it to bump Lan Zhan’s palm encouragingly.

Please.

The corner of Lan Zhan's lips quirked up, so fleetingly that Wei Ying wasn't sure if he saw it right. Those golden eyes didn't get any less sad, though. Wei Ying hated that look on Lan Zhan. Hated it with a burning passion. Wei Ying would much rather have Lan Zhan reprimand him, be pissed at him. And the worst part was, Wei Ying could turn the situation around. If only he stopped being so pitiful. Instead, he felt powerless. Useless.

He really was useless.

Suddenly, Wei Ying’s thoughts were cut short by Lan Zhan pulling him closer towards himself, strong and warm arms encircling Wei Ying’s waist and shoulders. Lan Zhan’s hold on Wei Ying was strong enough to keep the latter safely in place, but not enough to dig into Wei Ying’s newly obtained burns.

Wei Ying felt the vibrations in Lan Zhan’s chest when the man questioned, “Okay?”

The only response Lan Zhan got was Wei Ying nuzzling into his chest.

In that fashion, Wei Ying started losing his connection with reality. Bit by bit, he could feel his consciousness slip away, static silence replacing some of his nerve-wracking thoughts.

As he drifted somewhere between his living room and dream realm, Wei Ying's ears perked up upon hearing Lan Zhan speak.

“Disappear from Wei Ying's life.”

The words cut through air, sharp as a knife, each syllable uttered slowly and clearly. Wei Ying had to fight his urge to shiver. Lan Zhan’s voice sounded like it was carved out of ice.

There was a period of silence, then—a buzzing noise, kind of like…

He's talking on the phone, Wei Ying realized.

Whoever Lan Zhan was speaking to rattled on like crazy. Lan Zhan evidently didn't care, given his out-of-character interruption, “Do not dare to go near him.” There was more buzz, but Lan Zhan didn’t give the other person a chance to finish their sentence. “If you even try,” Lan Zhan’s voice sank so low Wei Ying barely caught his words, “they will be searching for your body all over China.”

Then he hung up.

Wei Ying had an inkling of who the other speaker might have been.

And although Lan Zhan’s cold attitude wasn’t directed at him, Wei Ying’s breath got stuck in his throat for a second. Lan Zhan hadn’t spoken to him in that manner a single time, even when pestered by Wei Ying without a break. In a manner which was so… ruthless. Devoid of any sympathy. Like he really meant the foreboding words that left his mouth. Even Su She—Lan Zhan's infamous annoying coworker—wasn’t subjected to such cruel treatment.

Wei Ying peeked up only to find Lan Zhan staring at him back.

“Would you like to sleep?” Lan Zhan asked gently. With his thumb, he massaged soothing circles into Wei Ying’s right shoulderblade.

Despite being close to dozing off not too long ago, Wei Ying was wide awake now. More awake than he wished to be. Any attempt to sleep would probably end up with him lying there pointlessly and staring into the wall.

Wei Ying shook his head.

“Perhaps you’re hungry?”

Wei Ying had felt nearly nauseous before and still didn’t really crave food. All he had were some old takeaway leftovers anyway. His stomach wanted to turn just at the thought.

Wei Ying shook his head again, with more urgency that time.

Lan Zhan hummed thoughtfully. “We can watch something if you wish to.”

Wei Ying hesitated, considering the offer.

Apparently, Lan Zhan took his silence for an agreement, since the next moment he was reaching for the TV remote left on the table. The TV screen then came to life, soon showing the adventures of a group of goats and a wolf who tirelessly chased after them.

Something trembled in Wei Ying at the sight. He had mentioned his comfort cartoon to Lan Zhan once; in a joking way, but still. Had Lan Zhan actually remembered? Or was that a coincidence?

Regardless of what the truth was, Wei Ying could feel some of the tension leave his body. There was something special about the experience of watching his favorite childhood show as an adult that healed a part of him. Gave him a sense of safety.

Helped him keep the bad thoughts at bay.

*

Wei Ying still didn’t know how much time had passed. All he knew was that it had certainly been hours. Back when… when his scene had started, the day had already been falling into an evening. It could have easily been four or five in the morning now. Grey light sneaking in through the flimsy blinds proved Wei Ying's theory to be quite likely.

Lan Zhan—known for his grandpa habits, such as going to bed at nine sharp—never left Wei Ying on his own. And Wei Ying actually felt better. Not fantastic, but not bad. Like a human being capable of resuming his life.

There was a tiny issue, tough. Wei Ying needed to piss. Badly. And Lan Zhan’s iron grip on the blanket Wei Ying was wrapped in surely wouldn’t make Wei Ying’s escape any easier.

When the TV automatically turned off after playing the same cartoon for hours, Wei Ying decided it was the right time to try and free himself. Wei Ying glanced back, confirming his suspicion—Lan Zhan was dead asleep. Probably had been for a while. Wei Ying’s mission flew out of his head for a moment as he took in the sight in front of him. Lan Zhan’s normally sharp features smoothed out by sleep. The dark eyelashes casting shadows on his cheeks. Those soft-looking lips, left ajar…

Wei Ying closed his eyes, forcing himself to go back to earth. Focus!

It took Wei Ying a few minutes of extremely careful wriggling to finally slip out of Lan Zhan’s hold. Right after that success, Wei Ying scurried to the bathroom, stumbling about five times along the way. (His legs were numb and his bladder dangerously full! Have some understanding for him, please).

When he returned to the living room, he was met with Lan Zhan standing in the middle of it. The man’s stance was alarmed, his eyes raking over the room searchingly.

A light chuckle escaped Wei Ying, causing Lan Zhan to freeze in place. “I’m right here.”

It felt weird to speak again. But it also was an improvement.

Wei Ying swiftly closed the distance between him and Lan Zhan, stopping in front of the latter. Lan Zhan seemed to be looking over Wei Ying’s shoulder rather than at him directly, though. Even when Wei Ying took a step to the right, then to the left and so on—Lan Zhan’s gaze slid in that direction as well, continuously avoiding Wei Ying.

Ah, Wei Ying realized.

He was naked.

As if a part of his lively soul came back, Wei Ying put a hand on his hip, a cheeky smile slipping onto his lips. “Shameless, huh?”

“…I’m glad you feel better.”

“Hey! How about you look at me? It’s me you were looking for, right? Unless… Is there someone I don’t know about, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Zhan, that sneaky snake, very smoothly (not at all!) avoided Wei Ying’s questions. “You should rest.”

He had a point, Wei Ying guessed. You might think that during his hours-long marathon Wei Ying had managed to take a nap here and there, but. No. He hadn’t. He’d been too busy watching his show, alright?

“Yeah, I’ll try. Soon.”

Lan Zhan’s gaze dropped a little, following Wei Ying who sat down on the edge of the couch. Still not looking at Wei Ying, of course.

Pretending to be respectful after feeling me up earlier!

“You will not sleep on the couch.”

"Where am I supposed to sleep then?" Wei Ying asked. The smile on his face felt heavy all of a sudden. There were only two options in his apartment, one of which he really wasn’t willing to opt for. That left him with his couch.

Lan Zhan blinked twice, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Come sleep at mine then.”

Wei Ying raised his eyebrows, caught off guard. “In your bed?”

Lan Zhan inclined his head.

“With you?”

Lan Zhan huffed.

His mind made up, Wei Ying let his lips form a pathetic pout. “How can you berate me for wanting to sleep on the couch when you’re about to do the same?” Now, Wei Ying knew very well Lan Zhan’s couch could be spread out to make a bed. He saw Lan Zhan open his mouth, likely to point that out, so he quickly added, “ Gege… I'm not sure I'll be able to fall asleep on my own…”

Lan Zhan’s mouth remained open for a bit longer, his gaze (finally!) falling to Wei Ying’s face. Then, he squeezed his lips into a line, clearly considering Wei Ying’s plea.

Wei Ying pushed out his bottom lip slightly more, only amplifying the pitiful look he was going for.

“Fine. With me.”

Wei Ying’s jaw nearly dropped. It worked!

“Are you able to get dressed or should I do it for you?”

“Why? Are you flustered by the raw, unfiltered beauty sitting before you? You’re in a front-row seat, show some gratitude!”

Lan Zhan’s jaw clenched so hard Wei Ying worried it would break.

“Wei Ying! ”

*

Wei Ying stifled another yawn that threatened to escape his lips.

“Ah, I slept for too long,” he moaned, stretching for what felt like the seventh time. If his phone’s screen wasn’t lying to him, it was nearing five in the afternoon. “I am a late sleeper, but I’ve never eaten breakfast so late, you know.”

“There is always a first time for everything,” Lan Zhan said in a meaningful manner, looking up from his bowl of congee to that of Wei Ying’s. Still pretty much untouched.

“Okay, okaaay, I get the memo! I’m shutting up if this is what you want so badly,” Wei Ying sighed, the corners of his lips dropping dejectedly.

Lan Zhan gave a nod and went back to eating.

What!!! Wei Ying cried on the inside. That’s not what you were supposed to do!

Feeling betrayed, mocked and dragged through the mud, Wei Ying stabbed the generous portion of congee before him with his spoon. He made sure to wear the most hurt expression he could put together, just in case the cruel man next to Wei Ying decided to look at him again.

Wei Ying wasn’t sure when exactly Lan Zhan had gotten up, but knew it must have been past Lan Zhan’s usual waking time. And he knew it because they had slept in one bed after all. To Wei Ying's disappointment, though, Lan Zhan had broken his promise of getting Wei Ying dressed. He'd even had the nerve to look bewildered when Wei Ying had brought it up!

“Don’t you have a job?” Wei Ying asked despite his utmost efforts to focus on eating. “I mean, no shame in being jobless—unless your job is to take care of subs thrown away by their doms.”

What was the point of beating around the bush? Wei Ying was pretty sure that Lan Zhan had connected some of the dots by now—at least to the extent of knowing it was Some Kink Thing.

Lan Zhan paused with a spoon grazing his lips. Then he lowered it, his movements slow. If Wei Ying were to describe Lan Zhan’s expression, he would call it irked. Probably because Lan Zhan couldn’t stand it when Wei Ying spoke with his mouth full, like now.

“Don’t be embarrassed, that’s a very virtuous career choice! I just hope you don’t charge high or, even better! that you do this as voluntary work ‘cause I’m not sure I can afford your services…”

“You were not thrown away. Just unlucky enough to come across someone as incompetent as him.” Lan Zhan’s voice was even, his eyes throwing daggers at the kitchen countertop. “I took a day off.”

Wei Ying shifted in his seat. “Haha, I know he fucked up a bit, but you don’t know him well enough to say that, do you?”

“He hurt you. That’s all I need to know.”

“Silly boy, I wanted him to hurt me! That was the whole point!”

“Surely not like that.”

Sadly, Lan Zhan was right. Just thinking back to what had happened littered Wei Ying’s skin with goosebumps, made his bruises throb painfully. Made him feel so small, but in the most chilling way possible.

Wei Ying blinked quickly a couple of times. “Why were you roaming my apartment anyway?”

Wei Ying was sure the awkward change of topic didn’t escape Lan Zhan’s attention. The man didn’t mention it, however. “You weren’t answering my calls.”

And you always do, hung unspoken in the air.

“Sorry, my phone was on silent. And I was tied up. And, at some point, also gagged.” Lan Zhan said nothing to that. With his back rigidly straight and his jaw set, he reminded Wei Ying of a disgruntled stone statue. Wei Ying just had to laugh. “Sorry, I’m sorry! Aw, don’t be sulking now! You know how I am—can’t take anything seriously, haha!”

Hearing that, Lan Zhan looked up from the countertop to Wei Ying. The gold in his eyes seemed to blaze, however it didn’t burn Wei Ying. It almost appeared pleading. “You should cut him off.”

“There’s approximately a zero point two percent chance he would answer me after your death threats. So no worries, I guess?”

Lan Zhan swallowed, his gaze intent. “Would you try? To contact him, I mean.”

Wei Ying hesitated—partially thinking about the question, partially distracted by Lan Zhan staring into his soul. Then he sighed, leaning against the counter like it would give him the mental support as well.

“He’s… Hah, I don’t know, he was? my first dom. Which obviously means he was also my only one. And for the months we’d played, he’d always seemed so… experienced. Like he knew what he was doing. So. I decided to trust him, I guess.” While Wei Ying spoke, the feeling of being let down that he’d tried to choke down resurfaced bit by bit. “Yeah, I’m not impressed by what he did, but! He had an emergency, and that happens sometimes! Not really the type of a mistake you write someone off over. Besides, it’s not like I wouldn’t find a way out.”

At that, a furrow appeared between Lan Zhan’s eyebrows. Wei Ying could tell what he was thinking.

“Yes! I was a panicking mess at first, but I would get my shit together eventually! I don’t think I’m so overdramatic as to ignore the guy for the rest of my life because he forgot to untie me! We both know it takes more than that to break me—”

“Stop.”

Wei Ying fell silent, shocked to the point of obedience by Lan Zhan hissing the word out through clenched teeth.

“Even though you believe you’re indestructible—you are not. Do you know what could have happened? A fire in the building. Someone breaking in. I could have not come. What then, Wei Ying?”

Wei Ying’s heart throbbed in his chest. Lan Zhan seemed… exasperated. He leaned towards Wei Ying, his determination palpable.

“The shears were right there. I cut the ties in a matter of seconds. There is no excuse.” Lan Zhan spoke slowly, making sure each word was loud and clear. When he saw Wei Ying open his mouth, he wasted no time adding curtly, “And we both know you wouldn’t free yourself.”

Ouch.

Wei Ying watched the other man turn his attention back to the bowl of now cold congee. Caught the slight tremble of Lan Zhan’s hand. Didn’t miss how long and deep his next breath was. How on the edge he seemed.

“Okay,” Wei Ying said resolutely. Lan Zhan didn’t look at him yet, but Wei Ying could tell he was listening. He always was. “If my calculations somehow are wrong and the guy reaches out to me, we’re just gonna hide his body in Su She’s garden.”

Lan Zhan shook his head slightly, though a corner of his mouth quirked up. “From what I gathered, he lives with his grandma.”

Wei Ying gasped. “Oh no, that option’s out then! Wouldn’t want the poor grandma to be involved in all of this… He would also TOTALLY frame her, and she would either die or land behind bars, or die behind bars— I mean. If she ended up in jail, she would surely be there until the end of her life so that’s the same thing, but you know…”

While Wei Ying considered other possible body-hiding spots—such as Su She’s office and car—the gloomy aura cast over Lan Zhan gradually lifted. At one point, he even approved of Wei Ying's idea to put the body in Madam Yu’s apartment-sized wardrobe. Just because it would be fun.

Eventually, during Wei Ying’s rant, Lan Zhan got up to reheat the former’s breakfast. Then he placed the bowl back in front of Wei Ying. “Eat. You can tell me more later.”

“And I sure will!” Wei Ying assured and actually did as he was told. He’d already caused Lan Zhan enough distress, it seemed, so he wouldn’t make things harder for the man that time.

Surprisingly, not talking proved to be an effective eating tactic as Wei Ying was done with his meal in a flash. He let out a content sigh, sinking further into his seat.

“You might be right, Lan Zhan.”

Lan Zhan finished off his tea, sneaking a glance to the side.

“I maybe gave him too much credit. Just because he’s been a dom for a long time doesn’t mean he’s a good dom.” That statement seemed to capture Lan Zhan’s attention, his gaze immediately finding Wei Ying. The latter let the silence hang over them for a bit longer, simply because of how amusing it was to see the anticipation in Lan Zhan’s eyes gain an impatient edge.

“Yes,” Lan Zhan said slowly. Urging Wei Ying on.

Wei Ying grinned, barely containing his chuckle. “I mean, there definitely are signs. You provided me with better aftercare than he ever had—and you’re not even in the scene, haha.”

Lan Zhan’s face stayed mostly neutral until he heard the last part. It was then that his eyes narrowed, flashing with something dangerous.

“Why do you think so?”

Huh. Wei Ying felt his mind freeze. Huh?????

“…Are you?” he asked, something hot and shaky uncoiling in his stomach. When he received no answer, he opted for a more provocative approach. “If so, won’t your partner be unhappy about me? Or rather, about you taking time out of your day to baby me? Unless you aren’t exclusive—”

“I don’t,” Lan Zhan interrupted sharply, “have a partner.”

Just like that, relief flooded Wei Ying. Giddiness, even.

“Oh really?” Wei Ying crossed his arms on the counter, pillowing his head on top of them. He observed Lan Zhan from under his eyelashes.

And Lan Zhan observed Wei Ying back, so much so that he even forgot to blink.

“I’ve never had,” Lan Zhan admitted. “I simply… know a lot.”

“Ah, a non-practising dom?” Wei Ying asked in a light tone. When Lan Zhan didn’t budge, Wei Ying let out a gasp, his eyes widening in feigned realization. “I’ve made an assumption, haven’t I? On second thought, it seems so obvious…!”

As Wei Ying mused over his supposed revelation, Lan Zhan stared at him with a blank face. He waited and waited for Wei Ying to elaborate, but all the man did was start humming under his nose while twirling his hair. So, so clueless.

Lan Zhan cracked. “What.”

“Don’t mind me, Lan Zhan! You’re just my first friend who’s also a submissive!”

Suddenly, the light behind Lan Zhan’s eyes went out.

“Ah, I’m so happy! For some reason, I always seem to attract all the dominant people, but never these of my kind! That’s not necessarily a bad thing—someone has to throw me around after all—but it must be so nice to talk to someone of like mind!”

To Wei Ying’s surprise, Lan Zhan didn’t correct him. Wei Ying would say the other man actually appeared… challenging. Lan Zhan’s legs were spread comfortably while his hands rested on top of each firm thigh, his gaze boring into Wei Ying.

“I know you’re not experienced, but it doesn’t matter. That actually means I can be your advisor!” Wei Ying’s mouth kept on moving despite all the alarms going off in his head. His voice lowered to a theatrical whisper. “Especially on the aspect of bottoming—it’s not a sport for the weak, trust!”

One of hands rose from Lan Zhan’s lap. Slowly. Not hesitantly.

With intent.

“Mmm, what else, what else… Oh! You need to know how to protect yourself! Are you aware how many men have virginity kin— ah? ”

Wei Ying lost track of his own thoughts the instant he felt a warm touch enveloping the back of his head. Lan Zhan flexed his hand, the motion nearly resembling a scalp massage—but that wasn’t what he was trying to do. His long fingers started carding through Wei Ying’s locks instead, caressing them and gently twisting them as he pleased.

Wei Ying willed himself to focus. He released a breathy laugh. “I-I know something about that. You tell them that you’ve never been with anyone, and they become brainless creatures whose only objective is to fuck you.”

Wei Ying kept on talking, and Lan Zhan kept on petting him like some kitten of his. For a moment, the tenderness of Lan Zhan’s touches transported Wei Ying back to the previous night. He felt himself go lax under the man’s touch and he almost forgot where he was even going with his rambling. Almost.

“And remember!! Don’t EVER bottom for a loser!” Wei Ying paused as if Lan Zhan would actually nod his head or something. The only response Wei Ying earned was an unimpressed slow blink. “Though I guess I broke that rule… Which is why you shouldn’t be like me!”

Lan Zhan spoke after what felt like an eternity, his voice low and calm. “What kind of advisor are you then?”

Wei Ying, taken aback by Lan Zhan’s audacity, let out a disbelieving laugh. “Well…! The kind that makes a shit-ton of mistakes so you don’t have to! You’re welcome by the way!”

Lan Zhan hummed ambiguously.

“Another thing you shouldn’t do is show the extent of your skill—unless you want the previously mentioned loser chasing you around like a dog. I once rode a guy so good he wouldn’t give me a break and—!”

Wei Ying let out a high-pitched cry as sudden, sharp pain bloomed in his scalp.

It was the hand running so, so delicately through Wei Ying’s hair that unexpectedly shut into a fist, yanking Wei Ying back into a sitting position. Wei Ying’s back couldn’t even be described as straight—it was arched.

Wei Ying himself was flabbergasted, to say the least. When the stars that littered his vision subdued, he was met with a sight of Lan Zhan’s darkened eyes staring icily into him.

And oh, Lan Zhan was close. Involuntarily, Wei Ying trembled.

“I can assure you,” Lan Zhan said huskily, his breath hitting Wei Ying’s lips, “I will do none of these things.”

His scalp prickling, Wei Ying nodded his head. Showing he believed Lan Zhan? Admitting to his defeat? He… He didn’t know. Wei Ying’s body moved on its own the same way his eyes instinctively dropped to Lan Zhan’s lips.

Before Wei Ying could even start dreaming, Lan Zhan got up from his seat, letting go of the former as quickly as he captured him. Wei Ying nearly crumbled to the floor.

Based on the noises of porcelain clinking and water running, Lan Zhan decided to do the dishes. Right. Because that was what every sane person would choose to do in a situation like that. Okay. It didn’t matter that Wei Ying had to manually bring his breathing back to normal, just to not have his heart beat out of his chest.

“Fuck you,” Wei Ying rasped after somewhat putting himself together. Despite the words’ harshness, there was a thrilled, almost shy smile dancing on his lips.

When Wei Ying looked back, he saw Lan Zhan leaning against the edge of the sink, arms crossed over his chest. To anyone else, he would have looked perfectly impassive. But Wei Ying immediately clocked the smug way Lan Zhan carried himself.

“Doms and their fucking pride,” Wei Ying snickered under his nose. Lan Zhan still heard it, judging by the light tilt of his head. “Let me put your mind to ease, Lan Zhan—no one in their right mind would assume you’re submissive in any aspect. In fact, it’s so glaringly obvious you’re a dom that I’m shocked I didn’t notice it earlier! Like ohmyfuckinggod, how was I so blind? No wonder I get an urge to bend over whenever you speak!”

He... He didn’t really mean to say the last part out loud.

“Bend over to, uh, clean your carpet?”

And let you hit it from behind while I’m at it.

“Not a single carpet in here,” Lan Zhan deadpanned. He took a step towards Wei Ying, slightly shrinking the gap between them.

“Yeaaahahahahaha… That sucks, but I can be your carpet! Do you take job applications?”

Lan Zhan shook his head. Whether in disappointment or as an answer to Wei Ying’s question—Wei Ying didn’t know.

Given what Lan Zhan said next, it might have been an answer after all.

“The only position I currently recruit for is that of a pretty boy not knowing when to stop being a brat.” Another step.

Wei Ying leaned his chin against the chair, hit with a sense of deja-vu as he looked up at Lan Zhan’s form towering over him. He knew he had to look so delicious and vulnerable with his hair falling over his shoulder, with his eyes blinking slowly and enticing the man in front of him to come closer.

Lan Zhan took one more step. He was now delightfully within Wei Ying’s reach.

So Wei Ying did reach, letting his hand latch onto the buckle of Lan Zhan’s belt. He pulled the man even closer; so close Lan Zhan’s crotch ended up centimeters away from Wei Ying’s face. The pants Lan Zhan wore were always made of soft and flowy materials, making the bulge growing there even more evident.

Wei Ying bit his lip, forcing himself to tear his gaze away from the tempting sight and setting it on that lovely, stern face watching his every move. “How about a job interview now?”

It didn’t take long for his face to be buried in the heat of Lan Zhan’s crotch.

Wei Ying didn’t say much after that.