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Everything around them screams luxury.
Not that Xie Lian minds or cares, he’s long stopped paying attention to the kind of places he goes to. But he appreciates Hua Cheng’s efforts for their date.
It’s not their first date, nor their second or third one, but their relationship is still fairly recent. They’re taking things slow, maybe, but Xie Lian finds that with how hurried the world is, time is exactly what he needs. To spend that time in luxury is a welcome bonus.
It’s nothing surprising, though. Hua Cheng made it very clear from the beginning that 1, he has a lot of money and 2, spending it isn’t a problem.
Or well, rather, he seems to greatly enjoy spending it on Xie Lian, given today’s date. The restaurant is (probably, he hasn’t checked) the most expensive in town, with dishes served in what could be royal tableware and soft shimmery velvet and other fine fabrics surrounding them. Even the service itself is of top high quality.
It makes Xie Lian feel like royalty. It’s always a pleasant feeling, beneath the original layer of shy embarrassment.
Hua Cheng and him are sitting in a corner of the main room, slightly separated from the rest by decoration. Hua Cheng is facing him, his back to the wide room, and Xie Lian’s gaze keeps dragging between the crystal chandelier behind and the details of his face.
He’s really, really handsome , Xie Lian thinks when his heart skips a beat after catching the bob of Hua Cheng’s adam’s apple when he swallows a sip of wine.
He’s the kind of man that looks like he belongs to this kind of setting, unlike some of those dreary men in suits trying their best to convince everyone including themselves that they fit here by following boring etiquette to a T. Hua Cheng sits relaxed, an arm propped up on the table with a lopsided smile as he gazes at Xie Lian with interest glinting in his eyes. His slightly rolled-up sleeves and the few open buttons at the collar of his silky black shirt have Xie Lian desperately trying to focus on the meal and not whatever Hua Cheng’s eyes are suggesting.
“Is gege eating so slowly because he doesn’t want to stain his white shirt?” Hua Cheng asks leisurely, “Or is he distracted by something else?”
Did they turn on the heater? Xie Lian wonders. It feels a little warm.
“Haha, no, no,” he laughs awkwardly as he gives a little tug at the collar of his own shirt, buttoned to the top.
Hua Cheng cocks an eyebrow. “No to which part of the question?”
“Um.” He takes a sip of water. “The food is just so delicious, I’m taking my time to savor it.”
Hua Cheng hums appreciatively. “You’re right. It’s important to be mindful when eating… Take it apart, see what’s inside, feel it with your mouth.”
They definitely turned on the heater, Xie Lian thinks as he pops a button open, not missing the way Hua Cheng’s gaze gets stuck on his fingers. He swallows.
He dutifully finishes his plate as they converse easily about such and such topics, melting into Hua Cheng’s teasing comments and infinite knowledge. It always impresses him, how self-assured he is, but he supposes it’s something that comes with knowledge… and power.
“This was exquisite,” Xie Lian sighs as he pushes his hair back. “Thank you again for bringing me here, San Lang. I’m really enjoying myself.”
Hua Cheng’s lips curl in a pleased smile. “Gege deserves only the best food.”
“It’s the company that matters most,” Xie Lian replies. “I still feel guilty about the price, even though you said not to worry about it…”
“I said we could always work something out later, if you really want to.” Hua Cheng fiddles with the foot of his glass. “Speaking of that—” he leans back against the back of his chair to let a waiter collect their empty plates, “—do you fancy some dessert? Their sweets here are heavenly. Or,” he adds in a low voice, leaning forward again, “We can head to my place and have dessert there instead.”
Xie Lian’s heart skips a beat. “Oh, the latter sounds perfect,” he smiles. “Thank you for offering.”
Hua Cheng smiles, visibly amused. “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”
They leave the place walking side by side, Hua Cheng’s hand spreading warmth in the small of his back as he guides them back to his car. It’s a modern, sleek design, not anything too obnoxious, but its flashing red color can only do so much when it comes to discretion.
Just like its owner, Xie Lian thinks with an inward smile.
The drive to Hua Cheng’s place is quick, as it’s too late in the evening to have much traffic on the road. The rain from earlier still sticks to the concrete and dampens the cold air, reflecting the city lights in neon-colored puddles.
Just as they drive past a grocery store, Xie Lian is suddenly reminded of something important.
“Ah, San Lang, since we’re going to your place, should we stop to buy some things? Or do you already have everything we need?”
Hua Cheng throws him a quick glance and takes a second to reply. “I’ve already got the basics, that should be enough.” Xie Lian’s eyes catch on the knuckles gripping the wheel. “Unless gege is in the mood for something fancy, in which case he can tell me and I’ll see what I can do.”
“It’s alright, I’m sure what you have will be enough,” Xie Lian smiles. “Let’s not waste more time than necessary.”
Once parked, Hua Cheng gets out of the car first to open the door for Xie Lian, extending a hand to help. Xie Lian takes it with a laugh and climbs out of the comfortable seat to land in Hua Cheng’s steady arms.
“Thank you,” he murmurs fondly before Hua Cheng leans in for a kiss.
Warmth blooms in Xie Lian’s chest as their lips meet and part again and again, softly and then not so softly. He slings his arms around Hua Cheng’s neck to press closer, pushing on his tip-toes to make up for their difference in height.
Hua Cheng presses close too, and his hands tighten around Xie Lian’s waist. The tight embrace has them stumbling a few steps back until Xie Lian is pressed against the car, flush between the cold metal and Hua Cheng’s body, and they only part when it gets too much to breathe.
“We should probably go up,” Xie Lian laughs lightly, out of breath.
“We should. Sorry, there are better places to make out than an underground parking spot,” Hua Cheng says with a last kiss to the corner of his lips. “But gege looks so delicious all the time. Come.”
Xie Lian lets himself be led by the hand to the elevator, cheeks warm and feeling tipsy even though he didn’t drink a drop of alcohol tonight. As soon as they step inside, Hua Cheng presses for his floor and tugs Xie Lian closer to kiss him again.
It makes Xie Lian’s head spin, how Hua Cheng can’t seem to let go of him for more than a few seconds, kissing him like a breathless man needs air. The sounds of the elevator doors closing cover the soft sigh Xie Lian lets out when Hua Cheng bites his lips.
However, their moment doesn’t last long as the elevator stops only a few seconds later, right at the next floor. Xie Lian breaks the kiss to look curiously at the doors, which open to reveal a man in a dark suit, with dark hair, and a dark look on his face, seeming to darken even more when he catches sight of the two embracing in the metallic cage. He doesn’t say anything though, and simply steps in next to them. Far from them. As much as the tiny confine allows it.
Hua Cheng reluctantly relaxes his grip on Xie Lian but doesn’t take back his hands completely, his arms still possessively wrapped around him. A few dozens of seconds pass in awkward silence as the ride goes up, until finally, the doors open to… the floor right before Hua Cheng’s. The somber man leaves without a word, almost jumping out of the elevator without a look over his shoulder.
Xie Lian chuckles silently and looks up at Hua Cheng, who smiles back at him when he catches it, squeezing his waist affectionately. A few seconds later, they’re at Hua Cheng’s door, which he opens with a swipe of his chip card before gesturing at Xie Lian to come in.
The place feels more familiar than it probably should, considering Xie Lian has only been there a handful of times and mostly in passing, but by now he knows that everything about Hua Cheng always feels a tad familiar in a way that might end up making him believe in either fate or past lives.
He quickly discards his shoes, not wanting to dirty the spotless flooring, and distantly wonders if Hua Cheng cleans by himself or hires someone to do it. The room is luminous even though it’s dark outside the window, the red accents reflecting on the white flooring and walls, giving the room a light blush.
Xie Lian steps forward inside the room but is held back by hands grabbing at his hips and pressing him back against a broad and sturdy chest.
“Where are you going like that?” Hua Cheng asks in amusement, though his low voice and his breath against his ear have Xie Lian instinctively swallowing.
“Nowhere,” he replies softly as he relaxes into the touch and arms wrap around his abdomen. “I wasn’t going anywhere. I’m here. Just…”
“Mh?”
“The kitchen is over there, right? At the corner?”
Hua Cheng chuckles lowly and dips to place a kiss on the side of his neck. “It is. Why? Does gege have anything in mind to do in the kitchen?”
Xie Lian is a little confused at those words. Did they not come here for dessert? Had Hua Cheng already forgotten his own suggestion?
“Well, it’s just… We’re here for dessert, right? The kitchen seems like… a suitable place to start.”
Hua Cheng stills for a second against him before laughing earnestly. “I see. Gege has such a mind when it comes to these things.”
What does that mean? Did he plan to eat somewhere else?
Xie Lian yelps as he’s turned around and lifted up in Hua Cheng’s arms, now face to face with him. Hua Cheng is grinning while he leads them into the kitchen, and it distracts Xie Lian enough that he doesn’t protest much.
Hua Cheng really is the most handsome person he’s met, he thinks, everything about him is so gorgeous. The shape of his eyes gives him a constant air of mischief, along with his lips always tugged up in an indecipherable smile. His straight nose that leads to his lips Xie Lian wants to trace…
Xie Lian comes back to his senses when he’s dropped on a counter, the hard surface below him cold even through the fabric of his pants. He leans forward into Hua Cheng’s embrace subconsciously to chase his warmth, clinging to him. It seems to amuse Hua Cheng because he huffs lightly and cups Xie Lian’s jaw to press a quick comforting kiss.
It soothes Xie Lian, who immediately melts and tries to kiss him again. He chases his lips with a whine and Hua Cheng indulges him, holding his jaw to tilt his head for better access, slotting himself between his legs. The kiss deepens and continues for a while before Xie Lian suddenly remembers what their goal was when coming into the kitchen.
“Ah, dessert…” he tries to say between kisses.
“Gege is the most delicious dessert,” Hua Cheng says, and it warms Xie Lian’s cheeks.
“Ah, San Lang, that’s not what I meant…”
Hua Cheng pulls back and places his hands on the counter on each side of Xie Lian’s legs, leaning in front of him but far enough so that they’re not cross-eyed. “Then what?”
Xie Lian’s confusion has only been growing ever since they entered the apartment. Did they not come here for dessert? Had Xie Lian misheard? Did Hua Cheng forget?
Outright asking is too awkward. Maybe he can hint at the thing without mentioning it and Hua Cheng will understand.
“Um, well. I’m, um.” For some reason, the tip of his ears heats up. “I’m a little hungry.”
Okay, he isn’t technically really hungry, but he’s been promised dessert, and Hua Cheng isn’t the kind of person to forget.
“What do you want?” Hua Cheng whispers, looking at his lips and then back-up again.
“Um. It… it depends. Do we have everything needed?… Did you buy…?”
“Mhm, I told you, I have everything, don’t worry.”
“Then, um… Cake?”
There’s something in Hua Cheng’s eyes that betrays he’s been caught off guard—by what, Xie Lian doesn’t know—but amusement quickly replaces it.
“Cake?” Hua Cheng repeats.
“Um. Yeah, cake. I don’t know! Something sweet?” he squeaks. Why is Hua Cheng so surprised? Just as he wonders that, Hua Cheng leans forward and heavily rests his forehead on Xie Lian’s shoulder. “…San Lang?”
Did I say something wrong?
Soft strands of shiny black hair brush against his neck and the touch along with the light floral scent is enough to distract Xie Lian for a few seconds. When Hua Cheng pulls back, he’s very obviously holding back a laugh.
“San Lang!” he groans. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.” It’s clearly not nothing. “Gege—you want to bake a cake, right? For dessert?”
Xie Lian squirms a little under his gaze, hesitant. “Well, we don’t have to, if you don’t want to. It’s fine. I just thought…”
“No no, you’re right, let’s bake a cake. I’m sorry for… playing with gege like this. Actually, I’m a little hungry too.” He tucks a strand of hair behind Xie Lian’s ear. “The food was great, but the portions were small, hm?”
“Yeah…” Xie Lian replies, unsure of what to say to that.
“Of course.” Hua Cheng presses a kiss to the crown of his hair before pulling away. “So, what kind of cake?”
“I guess I should get off the counter first.” Xie Lian tries to slide down, but Hua Cheng cages him with his arms again. “San Lang!”
“I like having gege here,” Hua Cheng smiles, “He’s an important ingredient too.”
He laughs when Xie Lian’s face reddens but takes mercy on him, walking away to get out flour and sugar while Xie Lian pushes himself down to stand on his feet.
“Do you have cheese?” Xie Lian asks tentatively. “We could bake a cheesecake.”
Hua Cheng stops into his tracks and opens his mouth a few times, as if unsure which part of that sentence to address first.
“Have you ever baked one before?” he asks.
“No. Have you?”
Hua Cheng opens his mouth and stays speechless for a moment. “Not really,” he eventually settles on.
“Then it’ll be our first time!” He watches Hua Cheng place the ingredients on the counter. “What else do we need?”
Hua Cheng grabs his waist and kisses his hair. “Shouldn’t we look up a recipe online?”
Xie Lian ignores the way his heart skips a beat. “Is that a thing? How useful,” he comments. “I don’t have my phone with me though.”
Hua Cheng cocks a brow. “Out to spend the night with a man and you don’t even take your phone with you? Gege, I hope this isn’t always the case.”
“W-well, I originally didn’t think I’d spend the night here. Or, maybe but—um—I mean—I just forgot it.” He looks at the ingredients and tugs on his earlobe. It’s warm between his fingers. “So, um, we’re good?”
“I’ll look up a recipe,” Hua Cheng says, amused.
Right. The recipe. “Mn. Thank you.”
They look up a recipe, find a recipe (with difficulty, there are so many!), and dutifully follow the recipe. Turns out, there’s no cheese in cheesecakes, to Xie Lian’s disappointment. But it’s alright, because they need to make cream and Hua Cheng has no whipping machine so he whips the cream by hand and Xie Lian spaces out a little gazing at the muscles flexing under his shirt.
It takes a while, but they eventually end up with something that looks at least somewhat edible. They stuff it into the oven with a timer on and decide to start cleaning up while it bakes.
“We made a mess,” Xie Lian says while looking at his hands. One of them is covered in cream, from his fingers to his palm. He licks a bit of it. “Hmm!” he exclaims in delight. “It’s delicious. Try it, San Lang!”
Hua Cheng doesn’t need to be asked twice. Without sparing the used bowl a glance, he takes Xie Lian wrist in his hand and wraps his tongue around Xie Lian’s index finger, lapping up the sweet cream there.
Xie Lian feels his heart stop and start again and his brain reboot and maybe his cock throb a little—
Hua Cheng hums appreciatively. “It is good,” he whispers, breath gliding on the now wet skin of Xie Lian’s fingers.
“Um. Huh, I. Um,” Xie Lian says eloquently.
Hua Cheng pops them out of his mouth, licking his lips. “Anything the matter?”
Xie Lian’s eyes glaze over and it becomes a little harder to breathe. “Yeah,” he exhales, “I mean, no. No.”
Hua Cheng glances at the bowl on the counter and swipes a finger in the left over cream, gathering it on his skin. “Here,” he says, and brings it to Xie Lian’s lips. “Eat some more if you like it.”
Xie Lian’s lips part before his brain can catch up, and he takes Hua Cheng’s finger in his mouth without question. His tongue brushes the ridges of the skin and he sucks a little around it, swallowing the sweet taste.
He’s really, really hot, his face is warming up by the minute, and it’s even worse when he looks up to see Hua Cheng staring at him as if transfixed. The finger leaves his mouth only to come back with more cream, this time two of them, and Xie Lian weakly grips the wrist to maneuver them more easily into his mouth.
He can’t hold back the whimper and shiver that course through him when Hua Cheng presses them deeper into his mouth, against his tongue, the weight of them in his mouth making it difficult to think straight. He swallows reflexively as drool starts to pool in his mouth and leak at the corner of his lips, and he makes a little noise in the back of his throat when Hua Cheng shifts closer to him.
“Sah ’ann,” Xie Lian tries to say around the digits prodding in his mouth.
It seems to bring back Hua Cheng to his senses and the fingers retract with a last swipe of his thumb at the corner of his mouth, which only serves to spread the spit some more.
“Sorry,” Hua Cheng says, not sounding very sorry at all. “Got side-tracked.”
Xie Lian feels strangely breathless and hazy, unable to look away from Hua Cheng, who presses Xie Lian against the counter.
“Gege.”
“…Huhuh?”
“I feel like you should know that when someone offers dessert at home on a date, they rarely mean cake.” He smiles. “Or at least another kind of cake.”
It takes a moment for Xie Lian to realize what he means. Dessert—what?
He blinks hard before blushing even harder.
“Oh my god,” he groans, trying to hide his face with the hand that’s not covered in cream. “Oh god. You mean—” He’s going to die. This is the worst. “I’m sorry, San Lang. I had no idea.”
“Hm, I figured,” Hua Cheng chuckles. He kisses his cheek. “But don’t worry, I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’m very excited to eat the cheesecake we baked together. I'm just telling you so that in the future, you don't let people take advantage of you.”
Xie Lian still can’t look at him, embarrassment burning deep inside of him, but he lets him lower the hand hiding his face. “I wasted your time and your ingredients,” he complains.
Hua Cheng tuts. “You could never waste my time, gege. Each second spent with you is a second spent in heaven. And…” He takes Xie Lian’s dirty hand and gives another lick while maintaining eye contact. “The ingredients are far from wasted. I get two cakes instead of one.” He grabs Xie Lian’s thighs and lifts him back up on the counter—like this, they’re almost the same height. “Besides, you can always make it up to me later.”
“With the food tonight and now this, it’s starting to be a lot of payback,” Xie Lian breathes, eyes stuck on his own hand where Hua Cheng licked just now.
Hua Cheng smirks. “Is gege afraid?”
“No,” Xie Lian says, but his voice doesn’t quite get the word out so he says it again louder, steadier. “No. I’m not afraid.”
“Good.” Hua Cheng kisses him. “Because I’m starving and I hope gege lets me have my fill.”
(Xie Lian does.)
