Chapter Text
Bai Yu woke slowly with something heavy draped across his chest. Heavy and warm… and breathing. He cracked an eye open and looked down at the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. Zhu Yilong was lying with his head on Bai Yu’s chest and his arm wrapped tightly across his torso- his hair forming an unruly black nimbus around his head. He also had one leg tangled between Bai Yu’s which was going to make it difficult to hide a certain morning issue.
He shifted carefully, trying to point his hips away, but Zhu Yilong only tightened his grip and mumbled into his chest. Resigning himself to his fate, Bai Yu relaxed and tried to will away his hard on. He was mostly successful by the time the tangled mess of hair shifted and one sleepy eye cracked open between the black strands.
“Morning, beautiful,” Bai Yu said with a wide smile and Zhu Yilong’s hand darted to his head with a groan, trying to tame the mess. He couldn’t help it, Bai Yu laughed- a great belly laugh that made Zhu Yilong’s lips reluctantly tug up at the corners at his infectious glee. Hair sorted into something less poodle-like and mirth contained to the occasional giggle, they both shifted to lay on their sides with their hands linked between them.
Bai Yu darted out and stole a quick kiss- just a peck- just because he could and was rewarded with a brilliant smile. The joy was short-lived as a dark cloud passed over Zhu Yilong’s expression and his eyes became hesitant. Bai Yu’s gut clenched, but he bit the inside of his cheek to wait for Zhu Yilong to voice his concerns while he stroked his hand supportively.
“How are you feeling about this? I know we talked about a lot of things last night.” Zhu Yilong chewed his lip nervously and Bai Yu reached out to pull the abused skin from between the canvas’ teeth with his thumb. He leaned in for a lingering gentle kiss and smiled against Zhu Yilong’s lips before he pulled back with a sigh.
“I feel like I couldn’t be happier- like I’ve won the lottery with you. I’m hoping that you’ll be patient with me when I inevitably do something stupid. When it comes to sex? I promise to always follow your lead since I know that your preferences may shift. I’ll never hide my own desires from you, but ultimately how involved you want to be will always be your decision. Like I said before, I’ll never push you or expect your help in getting off, but I will welcome any and all participation you may want at that time. Even if that participation is as simple as a kiss on the cheek and a warm towel to help me clean up afterwards.”
Bai Yu’s words were met with absolute silence. He waited patiently as Zhu Yilong searched every inch of his face and chose his words.
“I love you,” Zhu Yilong breathed, staring back at him with wonder shining from his wide eyes.
Bai Yu realized he was openly gaping at Zhu Yilong, but he couldn’t stop- Bai Yu couldn’t believe he was real. It was the first time that Zhu Yilong had said the words and Bai Yu felt like his chest was about to burst.
“You… Me.” Bai Yu was really going to need to work on his brain function around this man.
Zhu Yilong’s face split into a wide grin and he chuckled.
“Yes, you, Xiao Bai. I have never met someone as kind and compassionate as you are. You are so giving to everyone around you and you don’t even realize you are doing it. When you thought that I was interested in someone else, you stepped aside even though it broke your own heart. You cut through your favorite rope without hesitation when I was hurting and then,” Zhu Yilong cupped his cheek and Bai Yu was surprised to feel wetness on his own face. “You researched techniques that would be safe for us to play with suspension again even when you didn’t want to risk it- you knew I would so you were prepared.”
Zhu Yilong sat up then tugged on Bai Yu’s arm until he sat up as well. He took Bai Yu’s limp hands in his.
“When I came out to you,” Zhu Yilong’s voice caught and he gave Bai Yu a watery smile. “You accepted me without question and learned all you could just so you wouldn’t accidentally hurt me. Xiao Bai, when you asked me if I could still fall in love I was already head over heels for you. I love you so much it hurts and you look genuinely shocked that I do.” Bai Yu snapped his mouth shut and blushed. “So I’m going to be sure that I spend every possible moment making sure that you understand just how amazing you are.”
Overcome with emotion, Bai Yu dove for Zhu Yilong’s mouth and landed a bruising kiss on his lips. They fought for a sweet kind of dominance, rolling around on the bed and nearly tumbling over the edge a few times. Finally, in a show of strength that made Bai Yu’s stomach swoop, Zhu Yilong flipped them both and pinned Bai Yu to the bed with both hands above his head. Without thinking, Bai Yu bucked his hips up to grind against Zhu Yilong and immediately broke the kiss with a gasp, causing the canvas to let go of his pinned hands.
“Shit, I’m sorry, you probably don’t wan-” Zhu Yilong caused his brain to freeze by sliding a leg between his and pressing his own erection against Bai Yu’s hip.
“This is exactly what I want right now,” Zhu Yilong purred against Bai Yu’s lips and a moan worked its way out of Bai Yu’s very soul. Suddenly they were both wearing far too much clothing and Bai Yu tugged at the hem of Zhu Yilong’s borrowed shirt. He was considering that the shirt had existed long enough and was about to use a small tear in the side to rip it off of Zhu Yilong’s body when the other man sat up and shucked off the offending item himself. The early morning light bathed Zhu Yilong’s pale skin in its delicate glow as he sat straddling Bai Yu’s thigh and staring down at him hungrily. It was like staring at a newly ascended god.
Immediately, Bai Yu’s hands were on his smooth skin, determined to explore every inch. He leaned up and kissed a wandering trail over Zhu Yilong’s torso who sighed into his touch. When he reached the waistband of the very tented sweatpants, Bai Yu hooked a finger under the fabric and stopped. He swallowed and looked up questioningly at Zhu Yilong who smiled gently and nodded.
A careful tug and Bai Yu’s breath caught- Zhu Yilong had opted to not wear underwear after his shower last night. The surprise sent a thrill of desire down Bai Yu’s spine and he groaned. He reached out with a single finger and gently touched the soft skin from root to tip. The soft exploration continued with just his fingertips until Zhu Yilong was trembling on his knees above him.
“Long-ge? Can I?” Bai Yu gestured with his hand, licking his lips and Zhu Yilong huffed, then nodded sharply. “Okay, come here.”
Bai Yu slid a hand around Zhu Yilong’s hip as he shifted out from under him. He leaned until Zhu Yilong fell back against the mattress with a tiny bounce. With great care, Zhu Yilong’s sweatpants were worked down his legs while Bai Yu dropped feather light kisses to his thighs and knees. The pants fell haphazardly onto the floor and Bai Yu situated himself between Zhu Yilong’s spread knees.
What was before him made Bai Yu’s mouth water- Zhu Yilong laid out in all his glory, his chest and cheeks flushed and his long hair completely disheveled, spread out across his bed in a black halo. He slid his fingers around the back of Zhu Yilong’s knee and deposited it on his shoulder. Starting at the inside of his knee, Bai Yu kissed a line down the inside of Zhu Yilong’s leg and took extra care over the fading rope burn on his thigh, letting his tongue dart out to taste the delicate skin. As he went, he let his body slide backwards until he was laying on his stomach, his upper half propped up on one elbow.
With reverence, Bai Yu wrapped his whole hand around Zhu Yilong’s cock and stroked.
Bai Yu watched his love’s reactions in eager fascination, the way his face contorted softly and relaxed as he rode the building pleasure. He slid his palm over the head and Zhu Yilong shivered, making Bai Yu’s own erection ache with need. He blew cool air over Zhu Yilong’s cock and the canvas cried out, looking down his body at Bai Yu.
“I’m sorry, Long-ge. Are you okay with this? Can I?” Bai Yu asked.
“Yes!” The emphatic answer took Bai Yu by surprise, but he didn’t question, he simply let his tongue dart out to lick away the precum that had begun to slide down the side of Zhu Yilong’s erection. The weight of Zhu Yilong’s hardness against his tongue as he slid his lips down his length drew a matching pair of moans from both men. He bobbed his head slowly, savoring the taste as well as the little keening sounds Zhu Yilong was making above him. Sensing the edge approaching, Bai Yu pulled off and switched to loose strokes with his hand.
Zhu Yilong whined something that sounded like his name.
With one more pump Bai Yu let go and wriggled out from under the leg that was still draped over his shoulder.
Bai Yu’s shirt and pants quickly joined Zhu Yilong’s clothes in whatever oblivion they had been flung, then he was back on the bed kneeling before Zhu Yilong. He crawled up the bed then swung a leg over Zhu Yilong’s thighs, sinking down until their chests were pressed together. Zhu Yilong’s breath fanned across his face as Bai Yu leaned in to steal a kiss.
“I want to get us off together like this,” Bai Yu told him in the scant space between their lips.
“Yes,” Zhu Yilong spoke in a deep, resonant voice closer to his dragon namesake. When Bai Yu ground against him causing their erections to press together, Zhu Yilong sucked in a broken sob and Bai Yu froze. He pulled back, apologies already falling from his lips.
“I’m sorry! Are you sure this is o-” He didn’t get to finish the statement because Zhu Yilong’s hand whipped out to wrap firmly around the back of Bai Yu’s neck, cupping the base of his skull and forcing him to meet the canvas’ eyes. There was fire in his gaze and Bai Yu swallowed thickly, wanting nothing but to fall into that heat.
“Xiao Bai, I appreciate you checking on me, but if you stop one more time, I’m going to tie you to this bed with your own ropes.”
Any argument that had been brewing in Bai Yu’s mind died a sudden and painful death. He found he wanted that very much- yes, please.
“Remind me to revisit the idea of you learning rigging, because holy shit that was so h-” Zhu Yilong cut him off with another kiss. Bai Yu felt Zhu Yilong’s hand snake between them to grasp them together and the world exploded into stars behind his eyelids.
The noise Bai Yu made should have been embarrassing, but he couldn’t care- his Long-ge was kissing him and touching him and nothing else in the world mattered. He bucked into Zhu Yilong’s grip, but the canvas stilled his movements with a hand on Bai Yu’s hip. At that moment, he was ready to follow Zhu Yilong’s every command without question and if he asked Bai Yu to keep still while he stroked their cocks together, then he wouldn’t move a muscle.
“Fuck, Long-ge.”
“Xiao Bai,” Zhu Yilong’s voice was strained and his hand was moving faster between them while the fingers on Bai Yu’s hip tightened.
“That’s it, baby,” Bai Yu crooned, kissing Zhu Yilong’s forehead and cheeks before claiming his mouth. He moaned when Zhu Yilong slid his tongue against his lips and eagerly granted him access, their breaths becoming more and more ragged as they approached their climax.
Zhu Yilong came with a gasp that morphed into a sound that was part growl, part moan, and Bai Yu fell over the edge right after. He tried to keep his weight supported on his knees and arms so he didn’t collapse on top of Zhu Yilong and spread the mess even further up Zhu Yilong’s stomach. The effort was causing his arms to shake so he leaned to the side until he fell over beside the spent canvas.
“I’ll go get us some towels- back in a flash.” Bai Yu kissed Zhu Yilong briefly then darted towards the bathroom. He returned as quickly as he could with clean underwear and two towels- one damp with warm water and one dry. He’d quickly rinsed off in the sink while the water warmed up and threw on a pair of clean underwear.
“Do you want me to do it?” Bai Yu asked and Zhu Yilong shook his head, taking the damp cloth with a soft smile.
He made quick work of the mess and dried off with the other towel, handing both back to Bai Yu who rolled up the wet towel in the dry and dropped it on top of their discarded pile of clothes.
Zhu Yilong shimmied into the offered underwear, not bothering to rise from the bed, then extended his hand to Bai Yu who happily joined him. They snuggled together facing each other on the bed, both smiling like idiots and simply enjoying the other’s presence. The warmth in Bai Yu’s chest felt like he was trying to hold the very sun inside his heart, its light radiating out of his skin and pouring from his wide smile- which was starting to make his face hurt.
“That was as impressive as I’d been told,” Zhu Yilong sighed with a mischievous grin.
“The sex?” Bai Yu asked, wrinkling his brow in confusion.
“Well, the sex was great too.” Zhu Yilong leaned over to kiss his shoulder languidly with a chuckle. “But I was talking about the five second stripping. Very impressive, Xiao Bai.”
For a count of ten there was silence in the room, then Bai Yu laughed so hard that it echoed off the walls and made his sides ache. Zhu Yilong joined in and soon they were both gasping for air.
“You know it won’t always be like that, right?” Zhu Yilong asked him an hour later while they attempted to make a meal with the meager contents of his kitchen. The trepidation in his voice made Bai Yu’s heart clench.
Bai Yu paused and set his coffee cup down and reached for Zhu Yilong’s hand while he stirred eggs in a pan. Zhu Yilong came willingly after he removed the pan from the heat, wrapping his arms around Bai Yu’s waist and snuggling against his chest.
“I know it won’t, my love. This morning was great, but I enjoyed kissing you last night just as much as what we did this morning. Being intimate with you doesn’t have to lead to orgasms. I love you. This-” Bai Yu squeezed him tighter for emphasis- “Is all I need.” He lifted Zhu Yilong’s chin and kissed him, humming happily. “But I will require at least three kisses a day.”
“I think I can help with that quota,” Zhu Yilong told him in a low voice. Overcome with joy, Bai Yu pulled him in for another hug and buried his face in Zhu Yilong’s neck.
“I think I need to buy more ropes,” Bai Yu murmured into his neck. Zhu Yilong leaned back to level him with an unimpressed look that somehow managed to also be affectionate. “You look so good in red and I am woefully lacking in red ropes. Plus , I think our story from the show is just beginning.” Bai Yu leaned forward and pressed their foreheads together. “What do you say, my Rope Dragon? Should we plan the next chapter?”
Even with their faces so close together Bai Yu could see the brilliant smile that lit up Zhu Yilong’s face.
“Absolutely- our journey has just begun.” He sighed contentedly. “But first, food- I’m starving.” Zhu Yilong leaned back and stared dubiously at the attempt at food, then twisted his lips. He turned back to Bai Yu with hopeful eyes. “Hotpot?”
Bai Yu laughed and tugged gently on Zhu Yilong’s ponytail. He could never truly describe how much he loved this man.
“Yes, we can get hotpot.”
He may not have the words to fully capture his feelings, but Bai Yu would spend the rest of his days showing Zhu Yilong just what he meant to him.
He started with another kiss.
Epilogue
In the days following their first show, Bai Yu and Zhu Yilong gained even more fame within the community- and even outside of it. Their silent auction raised thousands of dollars and, true to their word, they donated every penny to a local charity for sexual abuse survivors. Zhu Yilong was adorably shy in the face of the charity director’s overwhelming appreciation- he bore the sudden hug with a tight smile then scurried back to Bai Yu’s side.
Every print was purchased, but Bai Yu ordered another print of the red silk rope around Zhu Yilong’s wrists. It held a place of honor in Bai Yu’s studio where he could easily see it while he worked. He told Zhu Yilong that he loved the reminder that they were tied together by fate.
It didn’t take long for the community to figure out that the mighty Rope Dragon was dating his rigger. They didn’t make any official announcements, but the sharp eyed fans immediately noticed the similarities in the locations of the pictures uploaded to their social media accounts. All it took was one shot of the noodle bowl that Bai Yu preferred appearing in the background of Zhu Yilong’s early morning post and the fans had made the connection instantly.
They didn’t deny it when asked at their next show and the entire community exploded.
Bai Yu still worked with other canvases at the studio, but Zhu Yilong became his partner in more ways than one- often hanging around to watch Bai Yu work and helping with the books. All the observation paid off when Zhu Yilong began learning the art of rigging himself. As a student, Zhu Yilong was quick to pick up the various techniques and as a teacher Bai Yu was patient with his pupil. A few times they got side tracked by the way their fingers brushed together, or the feel of their bodies pressed together and abandoned their lesson for more interesting activities. Okay, more than a few.
Once the mannequins had been successfully tied enough times, Zhu Yilong graduated to a live canvas. There was only one person with whom Zhu Yilong wanted to play and Bai Yu wholeheartedly agreed when Zhu Yilong shyly asked him to be his canvas. Weiwei came in to spot the first few times, stepping in and guiding Zhu Yilong when Bai Yu dropped into subspace. It wasn’t long before they were alone while they played and Bai Yu couldn’t be happier.
They still dabbled in suspension, but the scenes were always private and never part of their shows. The subject had come up a few times when it would add to their story in the show, but they agreed that suspension was their love letter to each other. For the time being at least.
The decision to move in together was easy. After Kyle’s vandalism of his front door, Zhu Yilong no longer felt that the extra security measures he paid for in his building were effective. Plus, he was already spending most nights over at Bai Yu’s place anyway. After a bit of research they found a huge loft style condo in a building with tight security which they could easily afford with their combined income. It had exposed beams in the ceiling of their massive living room which Bai Yu could use for suspension. Their kitchen was even more beautiful than Zhu Yilong’s previous home and they tried to use it as much as they could, but still struggled with their meager culinary skills.
Their styles blended into a kind of organized chaos. Bai Yu now put his clothes away in hampers, but his notes and camera equipment often ended up spread out across their entire home. Zhu Yilong still had his collection of trashy romance novels- which Bai Yu teased him for but added to whenever he found one that he thought Zhu Yilong would like.
The bedroom was painted in warm neutral tones and decorated with a modern style furniture set in dark wood that they had purchased the day they moved in together- the assembly of which almost cost them their relationship.
Bai Yu often joked that their night stands were something straight out of The Odd Couple.
Zhu Yilong’s nightstand was always neat with only his book, his phone charger, and the white star plush he had won the day of their first show- he said it reminded him of Bai Yu. Compared to that, Bai Yu’s side was a disaster- he had no less than four books, two empty coffee mugs, crumpled receipts from his pants pockets, and of course his stuffed dragon from their first trip to the arcade. At least Bai Yu was good about putting the sex toys away after he was done using them- or rather when he was done being commanded on what to do with them by Zhu Yilong.
Their intimacy had never stood in the way of their relationship and Bai Yu worked hard to make sure that Zhu Yilong knew that he was supported and loved no matter what. That wasn’t to say it was always perfect, but they were learning to keep their line of communication open at all times. They were happy and that was all that mattered.
Bai Yu quickly learned that Zhu Yilong could qualify for a gold medal in the silent treatment when pissed. Bai Yu would have been impressed- it was not easy to not speak to someone you lived with- if he hadn’t been so heartsick.
After Bai Yu had kept a hand injury secret before a show which nearly required surgery to fix after he did the show with the injury, Zhu Yilong didn’t speak to him for a week. It had taken much begging and many nights of taste bud-searing hot pot to crawl his way out of the doghouse. Even then, Zhu Yilong had given him a verbal flaying that made him wish that he went back to silence. He’d promised to be more careful in the future and to tell Zhu Yilong if he was hurt. The canvas had narrowed his eyes then nodded sharply, kissed Bai Yu once and gone to bed.
Since the silent auction had been such a success at their first show they decided to include one in every show making sure that they always used new pictures. Over the next year and across eight more performances around the world, they donated close to a hundred thousand dollars to various charities all over the globe.
It was after their seventh show when they were approached by a publisher. They had never considered making a book of their photo series, but as soon as the smartly dressed woman pitched the idea Bai Yu and Zhu Yilong couldn’t stop talking about it. It took another six months to gather the pictures and write their story as well as the story of their characters to submit to the publisher.
It was almost a year to the day after they submitted the first draft that the copy of their finished book arrived on their doorstep. The gray hardback book peered back at them when they cracked open the box, white box lettering proclaiming “Love Under the Lines” across the top above a picture of a pile of ropes. There had been a debate over the cover image- the publisher wanted to use a picture of Zhu Yilong’s bare torso in a chest harness with Bai Yu’s hand spread over his heart, but Zhu Yilong had blushingly said that was too much like a romance novel so they settled on something more neutral.
Bai Yu cracked open the copy and smiled down at the very first picture he had taken of Zhu Yilong’s heel. The man himself laid his head on Bai Yu’s shoulder staring down at the picture. The final result was part autobiography and part summary of the story arc that ran through all of their shows.
They flipped through the pages pausing every now and then to admire a particularly good picture. The one Nicholas had taken of Zhu Yilong reaching for Bai Yu’s turned back in their first show was one of Bai Yu’s favorites- it was right before Zhu Yilong took it upon himself to place the flower petals which pulled such a visceral reaction from the audience.
Then they reached the inside of the dust jacket. In stunning black and white was displayed the only picture of suspension that they had included- thanks to Weiwei’s assistance. Zhu Yilong was suspended on his side from multiple points to distribute his weight evenly, completely stretched out as if he were simply laying down on the ground. Wrapped around him and supporting his own weight by holding the silver suspension ring, was Bai Yu. His free arm was curled around Zhu Yilong’s chest to offer additional support, their hands joined over Zhu Yilong’s heart. Their faces were close together, almost kissing and they were gazing into each other’s eyes- so obviously in love.
After that scene they had kicked Weiwei out and made love in Zhu Yilong’s aftercare room.
The blurb below the picture was standard ‘about the authors’ fare- some tidbits about their rise to fame, what city they called home, and so on. Bai Yu stared at the words “the pair live together” and something stirred in his stomach as he reread the words. Somehow they didn’t feel like they were enough.
Two months later Bai Yu had everything planned out: the location, the day, the time, the words… the ring. He wanted it to be perfect. As soon as they got back from New Years celebrations with their families, he was going to tie the ring to a hank of rope and ask Zhu Yilong for a scene, then when he looked back Bai Yu would be on one knee to beg him to be his husband. Now he just had to memorize his list of reasons he would give about why this was a good idea.
It was Weiwei’s fault really. After she had proposed to Sheila and they had such a beautiful wedding, Bai Yu couldn’t get the idea out of his head. He’d listened from his position as best man while they vowed to love each other for the rest of their days and his eyes kept straying to Zhu Yilong where he sat in the audience. Later that night they had been slow dancing after many of the other wedding guests had already called it a night, their suit jackets long abandoned and their ties loosened, simply holding each other and swaying gently to the music. The thought had just clicked into place: I want to marry this man . The next day he had picked out a ring- silver with a rope motif carved into the surface.
Now that ring was all he could think about where it sat hidden at the back of their closet in an old shoe box while they drove down the street towards the house that Zhu Yilong grew up in.
“You’re being oddly quiet. Everything okay?” Zhu Yilong asked, reaching out to lay his hand on Bai Yu’s thigh as he expertly navigated the narrow road. Bai Yu smiled and slid his hand under Zhu Yilong’s, lacing their fingers together.
“All good, just a little tired after the visit to my parent’s place. I’m happy that Bulldog and dajie finally figured their stuff out, but I really didn’t need to see that first hand.” He picked up their joined hands and kissed the back of Zhu Yilong’s who grimaced and nodded, letting the subject drop.
A few minutes later they were pulling up to the house and beginning the unloading process. As soon as Bai Yu closed his car door, the front door swung open and Zhu Yilong’s mother came barreling out with arms flung wide. She cheered and walked directly to Bai Yu, placing her hands on his cheeks and laughing- a sound which she had passed down to her son. He glanced over to Zhu Yilong who was smiling affectionately and shaking his head.
It had been like this since the first time he brought Bai Yu home to meet his family. Zhu Yilong’s mother had nearly dropped the tray of dumplings she’d been carrying when Bai Yu walked in then proceeded to feed him until he nearly burst. That entire first visit she was glued to his side, gushing over how lucky her son was to have such a handsome boyfriend who was also a talented rigger. He had blushed and insisted that he was the lucky one which had only made her smile harder. Even after two years of dating, Zhu Yilong’s mother still doted on him just as much as his own mother did. Bai Yu loved her dearly.
“Hello to you too, mama,” Zhu Yilong called and she just tisked in response.
“Hello boys, it’s so good to see you.” She sent an arch look over her shoulder to her son. “Both of you.” Then she turned back to Bai Yu and squished his cheeks harder. “Happy New Year! Come on, let's get you boys inside before you freeze to death.”
Just like every New Year they caught up with family, ate delicious food, and passed out red envelopes. It was nearing the stroke of midnight when Zhu Yilong pulled him aside from the gathering of Zhu Yilong’s aunts, uncles, and cousins.
“Thank you for pulling us away,” Bai Yu whispered conspiratorially. “I think if I eat one more bite, I’m going to explode.” He patted his bloated belly for emphasis and Zhu Yilong chuckled, pulling the outside door open.
They stepped out onto the porch and Bai Yu smiled up at the fat snowflakes that were slowly spiraling down from the sky. Neither had bothered to grab their coats so Bai Yu snagged Zhu Yilong by the hip and pulled him in for a back hug to keep warm.
They stayed like that for a little while until they heard the commotion of the clock rolling over to midnight. Letting out a deep sigh, Bai Yu kissed Zhu Yilong’s shoulder and leaned back.
“We should probably get back inside. This was nice though, if it’s still snowing when we go home we should pile all the blankets up on the balcony and watch it fall. With lots of coffee, of course.” Bai Yu spun Zhu Yilong around for a quick kiss then took his hand to lead them back inside. A tug on his hand made Bai Yu pause and turn to look inquisitively at his boyfriend.
“Wait, Xiao Bai, I think you have something-” Zhu Yilong told him in a strange tone and Bai Yu rolled his eyes fondly. His boyfriend had rediscovered his love of sleight of hand magic tricks in the last year and had pulled more things from behind his ear than he could count- though he had to admit that he was impressed by the bottle of chili oil.
“What is it this time, Long-ge? My ch-” Bai Yu froze. Hovering in front of his nose, between Zhu Yilong’s fingers was a thick silver ring.
“I don’t always have words to express myself, but I love you and I want to be with you forever,” Zhu Yilong told him while Bai Yu stared at the ring.
The metal gleamed under the streetlights while Bai Yu stood frozen. He glanced up to find Zhu Yilong staring at him with his teeth buried in his lips and the question in his eyes. A scoff escaped his lips before he could think better of it and Zhu Yilong’s hand dipped slightly.
“I had a whole thing planned!” Bai Yu whined in reply, stamping his foot softly and Zhu Yilong blinked at him. He reached up and cupped Zhu Yilong’s cheeks with both hands and felt a prickle in his eyes. “I was going to propose when we got back, but you had to beat me to it, Long-ge. Of course, I’ll marry you.”
Zhu Yilong’s smile was like the first warm breeze of spring after a bitter winter and Bai Yu leaned forward to taste. The joy and elation they shared soared through their hearts and Zhu Yilong almost slipped on the porch when Bai Yu jumped into his arms, wrapping his legs around his waist. Their lips were swollen and their skin was numb from the icy wind when they finally broke apart.
“One condition though,” Bai Yu told him, kissing his nose for good measure. “I still get to do my proposal when we get back.”
“I think that’s fair,” Zhu Yilong told him with a grin.
Bai Yu had one thought as they made their way back inside, hand in hand: they needed to contact their publisher- they had a revision for the next printing of their book.