Chapter Text
The sun's rays shifted once more, flooding into the sunroom without hesitance. The warmth was comforting and familiar. Lu Guang felt at peace.
“Euahmshgh.”
Save for that bit. Lu Guang shifted his book forward so that it covered any sunlight falling upon Cheng Xiaoshi's eyes.
“Thanks. You're the best,” his partner mumbled, hardly coherent.
“I'm surprised you're still awake.” Lu Guang said. He watched as Cheng Xiaoshi shifted, his head turning on Lu Guang's lap.
“Wish I wasn't,” Cheng Xiaoshi replied. “Can't sleep. Sun sucks.”
Lu Guang's lips twitched at the childish accusation.
“I don't think it's the sun's fault,” he countered, placing one hand on Cheng Xiaoshi's forehead. “It's just started beaming, after all.”
Lu Guang let his hand slip into Cheng Xiaoshi's hair. He carded through the silky dark strands, pressing small circles with his fingers.
“Yeah, well, tell it to stop.” Cheng Xiaoshi said. But his voice relaxed to a quiet hum, no sharpness detectable.
“Do you want to go upstairs?” Lu Guang asked.
“Nah,” Cheng Xiaoshi whispered. His eyes blinked open just a bit, and a small smile spread across his lips. “I'd rather be here with you.”
Lu Guang's heart warmed as if the light from the sunroom was beamed straight at it.
He closed his book and placed it on the table, unshielding his partner.
“Hey!” Cheng Xiaoshi hissed. “Lu Guang-”
“Lay on the couch.” Lu Guang ordered, lifting Cheng Xiaoshi's head slightly to get up. He made for the staircase.
Cheng Xiaoshi stilled oddly.
“You're leaving?” Cheng Xiaoshi asked, propping up on his elbows. He almost looked… what word described that expression? Hurt?
“No,” Lu Guang called out, opening their bedroom door. “Wait a bit.”
He snatched a light blanket from Cheng Xiaoshi's bunk and hurried back downstairs. Cheng Xiaoshi stared at him with a head tilt.
Lu Guang unraveled the blanket wordlessly, then put one knee on the couch. It dipped with a creak.
“Comfort,” Lu Guang explained. Cheng Xiaoshi continued to stare as Lu Guang placed the blanket onto his body, tugging the edges up to his neck gently. The cloth curled around Cheng Xiaoshi's frame. It fell wonderfully.
“...Done,” Lu Guang announced.
Cheng Xiaoshi gaped a second longer before promptly bursting into laughter.
“Lu Guang! What-?”
“Shut up and sleep.” Lu Guang said, sitting on the edge of the couch. He grabbed his book from the table and flipped to a random page. His ears were hot. Probably from the sun.
Lu Guang was in the middle of rereading the first line for about the fifteenth time when Cheng Xiaoshi's hand suddenly wrapped around his wrist.
Lu Guang forced his gaze onto Cheng Xiaoshi. A terrible, terrible mistake.
Cheng Xiaoshi looked beautiful. The sunlight weaved his black hair, as if encasing it, and highlighted his eyelashes with a mesmerizing glint. His sleepy eyes were looking at Lu Guang, kind and sincere and so utterly fond.
Lu Guang nearly stopped breathing.
“Come here?” Cheng Xiaoshi requested, as if shy. Which wasn't possible. Cheng Xiaoshi was never shy.
Lu Guang didn't formulate a response quickly, nor register the words. It was only when Cheng Xiaoshi tugged on his wrist delicately that he recognized the offer.
“There isn't enough room for two,” Lu Guang said, voice shockingly working.
Cheng Xiaoshi rolled his eyes. “I'll make room.”
Lu Guang hesitated, then gave in when his wrist was pulled once more. He swung his feet up onto the couch and laid next to Cheng Xiaoshi sideways.
And oh.
There really wasn't enough room for two civilized people to lay on the couch side by side. Not without touching. Not without being so close.
“Hi,” Cheng Xiaoshi whispered cheekily. His nose brushed Lu Guang's, breath faintly twirled with a sweet scent. It made Lu Guang lightheaded. The air in his lungs felt weaker.
Their knees knocked together softly. Their arms were touching. The space in between them hardly existed. Altogether, it was unbearable.
A sudden surge of courage washed through Lu Guang. He slipped an arm around Cheng Xiaoshi's waist, a hand reaching up to the back of his head, and pulled.
The contact felt right.
Cheng Xiaoshi's breath hitched quietly, but he made no move to pull away. Rather, he embraced Lu Guang with more confidence. His arm wrapped around Lu Guang's middle, and Cheng Xiaoshi dipped his head into the column of Lu Guang's neck.
A wisp of laughter thrummed against Lu Guang's skin, making his eyes sting with overwhelming love.
“Sleep,” Lu Guang ordered. And yet, his voice carried no authority.
Cheng Xiaoshi merely hummed and hugged tighter. “You too.”
More sunlight pooled into the sunroom, tracing the furniture with orange hues. Honestly, it felt as if the universe was singing along with Lu Guang's heart.
He wrapped his arms around Cheng Xiaoshi's waist tighter, delighted in the hold.
Lu Guang loved the sun.