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“Laoshi!”
Sooner or later, Tianlang-Jun is going to remember to lock the bedroom door. “Yuan is still sleeping.”
Shift beside him. “Yuan was still sleeping. Binghe, we’ve had this conversation before. It’s too early. And don’t call me that at home.”
The scene is too familiar for Tianlang-Jun to bother looking. His son’s eyes will have filled with unshed tears by now. “Laoshi doesn’t want to see me?”
Tianlang-Jun resolves to consider the whole day lost. His son has Shen Yuan wrapped around his little finger. Binghe will convince him to let him make breakfast, then he’ll want help he doesn’t need with his homework, and then will drag Shen Yuan to the park, to a restaurant, to get groceries, and before they’ll know it, it’ll be Binghe’s bed time.
When he’d decided to seduce his son’s beloved teacher, the only person Binghe seemed to warm up to after his beloved nanny’s death, he had fully expected Binghe to prefer Shen Yuan’s company to his, but he hadn’t expected he’d mind. Worse, he hadn’t expected he’d end up jealous of his own son.
Tianlang-Jun has always been a very busy man. He couldn’t be an active presence in his son’s life. It was fine; the old woman he’d hired to care for him had been more than happy to treat him like her own son, and Binghe had loved her in return. But she died like the mother he’d never known did, and Binghe did not react well to Tianlang-Jun’s attempts to replace her. He’d been angry, sad and withdrawn until he started school.
Tianlang-Jun had hoped being around new people and making friends would help him get over his grief. Instead, Binghe became enamoured with his teacher. His son, who had spent most of his time morose and silent, had changed right back to the chatterbox he had been around his nanny, telling Tianlang-Jun all about Shen-laoshi until he’d felt like he knew the man better than he ever did his own mother.
Then Binghe spent another weekend refusing to eat his desserts, sulking and crying when he thought Tianlang-Jun couldn’t see him, and Tianlang-Jun figured that if his dear Shen-laoshi was here, he would still be happily talking his ear off instead of stress cleaning, something a six-year-old should not be doing.
Tianlang-Jun hasn’t bothered looking for another partner after Xiyan’s death. The prospect held little appeal. But offering a stable home life to his one and only son was the bare minimum he could do to honor her memory. She’s never been the jealous type; she’d understand.
Whoever Shen-laoshi was, he’d been confident he could conquer him if he felt like it. Tianlang-Jun is a very attractive, very charming, very rich man. He’s only single because he chooses to. If he put his mind to it, a mere school teacher stood no chance.
He’d decided he’d show up to the next parent-teacher conference and see where that took him.
Luckily for him, Shen-laoshi turned out to be a fairly attractive young man, cute enough for Tianlang-Jun to flirt with him, and to continue when Shen-laoshi flustered so prettily.
His son had not been a fan at first. He had always been very smart, and noticed his teacher’s discomfort, though he didn’t understand it. Tianlang-Jun had only managed to turn him to his side when he’d explained to Binghe that if everything worked out, he’d see Shen-laoshi much more often.
Still, the way Shen-laoshi had soothed Luo Binghe’s anxiety when he’d first noticed it had proved something he’d already deduced; that Binghe’s teacher was as fond of him as Binghe was. He’d be a perfect addition to their household, Tianlang-Jun just knew it.
It had taken a few times, a few visits to pick Binghe up after school or bring him something he just happened to have forgotten, but he’d managed to get Shen Yuan’s number, and the rest was history. Shen Yuan is a pushover. Once Tianlang-Jun had overcome his initial resistance, getting him to agree to another date, and another, hadn’t been hard. He’d kept pushing until Shen Yuan moved in, which brings them to this moment: Shen Yuan having left their bed to take Binghe out for the day, leaving his supposed partner behind without a second thought, again.
Tianlang-Jun shouldn’t be this annoyed. Everything is going perfectly fine. He wanted his son to be happy again, and to have someone to care for him while Tianlang-Jun was at work.
He just hadn’t expected to like that person. He’d known he’d have to be able to stand them, and he wouldn’t have taken to bed someone he wasn’t attracted to, but more than that? It wasn’t the plan.
It happened anyway. When he wasn’t in direct contact with young, impressionable children or parents he felt he needed to impress, he had a sarcastic wit Tianlang-Jun rather enjoyed. Tianlang-Jun found he enjoyed the diners he hadn’t exactly looked forward to. Spending time away with an adult he didn’t employ was nice once in a while. And he didn’t exactly mind having a regular sex partner.
The thing is, now that Shen Yuan moved in, Binghe refuses to let them have time alone. Any attempts at dates are thwarted by Binghe’s tears. Shen Yuan has no resistance to those. And if Tianlang-Jun, who is the actual parent here, tries to join his own son and his partner in their activities, Binghe whines and does everything he can to monopolise Shen Yuan’s attention, something Shen Yuan himself is oblivious to. Binghe has even started sneaking into their bed at night. There, Tianlang-Jun put his foot down. Night is the only time he gets Shen Yuan all to himself. Shen Yuan might say Binghe is still young and lost someone dear to him, but Tianlang-Jun knows his son is only pushing to try to find Shen Yuan’s boundaries.
He has a feeling Binghe won’t ever find them.
Tianlang-Jun thinks his son might be biding his time until he’s old enough to pursue Shen Yuan himself, but considering Binghe is only six years old, maybe he’s imagining things.
Anyway, if things go Tianlang-Jun’s way, Shen Yuan will be completely off the market by then. He has bought a ring. Marriage will bond Shen Yuan to him and, by extension, to Binghe. It’s the logical next step to ensure his son’s happiness. Once Binghe is done with this school year, Tianlang-Jun will start hinting that his spouse doesn’t need to work. Providing for him wouldn’t even begin to set him back. Binghe will help him argue his point when he realises his laoshi’s attention would be his and his only. Shen Yuan can’t tell Binghe no; he’ll be the perfect stay-at-home mother before he knows it.
All he has to do to ensure it is ask Shen Yuan to marry him, a task he keeps postponing for reasons he doesn’t quite understand.
He’s not reluctant because he himself doesn’t want to be married. He really does enjoy his new life, despite how unexpected it was. Each morning lively, with a cheerful son and a still sleepy, gentle partner humouring him. The overly put-upon greeting Shen Yuan forces Binghe through when Tianlang-Jun returns home, and his son’s disgusted face when it’s Shen Yuan’s turn to greet him. The noises around the house when he’s working from his home office. The bed never cold when he turns in for the night. He wants all of this. He’s certain Shen Yuan enjoys it, too. That’s not the problem.
Shen Yuan has gone along with his whims easily enough, but this might be too much. The last thing he wants is to scare him off now. All the therapy in the world won’t be enough to mend his son’s heart if he’s abandoned again.
He’s thought about weaponizing Binghe instead and making him an accessory to the proposal so his laoshi can’t say no, but even he thinks that would be too mean.
Shen Yuan won’t want a public demonstration. He’d be mortified. No, a quiet evening at home would be the easiest way of doing this. He just has to send Binghe off somewhere. His cousin would probably babysit him if Tianlang-Jun asked. Or maybe he could arrange a sleepover with one of his school friends. Again, the when and how aren’t really the issue.
What Tianlang-Jun has to do is face the person he’s chosen for his son’s sake first and foremost, and convince him that he’s asking for their sake instead. Which he can do, as it is what he has been doing for months now. It’s unpleasant business; has grown more and more unpleasant as Shen Yuan integrated himself into his life to the point that he can barely consider returning to a sulking child and a silent house, but it has to be done.
At some point.
____________
Tianlang-Jun notices Shen Yuan’s embarrassment before he even speaks.
It’s not necessarily a bad sign? He’s easily embarrassed, where Binghe does not know the meaning of the word and Tianlang-Jun does not feel it. It’s probably nothing.
“So Binghe got into your room earlier tonight…”
Tianlang-Jun waits. He’s not the best father, but he has childproofed his home. Anything Binghe shouldn’t get to is behind lock and key.
Plus, Shen Yuan isn’t embarrassed enough for Binghe to have gotten into their sex toys. He’ll be fine. “And?”
“He gave me this.”
Ah. His fault. He shouldn’t have been so careless. It’s just that Shen Yuan never goes through his personal things, so he hasn’t bothered hiding the ring. It had been waiting to be used in one of his personal drawers.
Binghe never had such respect for his father’s privacy. “Did he propose? Will I be giving my son away at the altar?”
“Of course you’re going to make a joke out of this. Of course you are. What else should I have expected.”
“I’m serious. Did he? You’re his favorite person. I wouldn’t be surprised he tried to get a jump on me.”
“He might have tried, but I scolded him for taking something from your room. He’s been sulking because I didn’t accept his gift.”
“My son, only six years old and already heartbroken. A tragedy.”
Shen Yuan’s hands fly into the air. “Go soothe him then! You can do that! He’s your son after all!”
Tianlang-Jun makes sure to keep his tone light and joking. “Oh, it’s my son now that he’s angry at you for once?”
“Are we really not going to talk about the ring?” Shen Yuan’s voice drops an octave. “It wasn’t Binghe’s mother’s, was it?”
Tianlang-Jun sighs. “No, it wasn’t Xiyan’s. We never married.” She thought she was too young. That she still had her life in front of her. That she wasn’t opposed to the idea, but not yet.
Tianlang-Jun had accepted it.
From her, he would have accepted anything.
“Look, it might not be my place, but just because you’ve lost someone important too soon doesn’t mean it will happen again. You’ve been going through this relationship like it’s a race, and I’ve been letting you for some reason, but you’re going too fast, and you know it. You haven’t given me this yet, right?” Shen Yuan hands him back the box. “Take it back. It’ll keep.”
Tianlang-Jun stares at the box. “You don’t want it?”
“We have literally known each other for less than a year. You’ve already moved me in and saddled me with a kid. Give me a chance to breathe.”
It’s not the first time that Tianlang-Jun thinks Su Xiyan would have gotten along with Shen Yuan splendidly. “You love Binghe.”
“I do. He was my favorite student before I even knew you, and he deserves a parent figure who does not work 80% of the day.”
At least they’re on the same page. “I couldn’t agree more. Aren’t you the perfect candidate?” Since things are what they are, why not have a little fun. “I’ll admit it was my carelessness that led to my son ruining my grand romantic gesture, but I can try again later if you’d prefer. Expect to be surprised.”
Shen Yuan blanches. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Aren’t you worth that much?”
“If you really want me to say no, you’re doing everything right.”
“Why would I buy what I assure you is an expensive piece of jewelry for it to be rejected? To be honest, my plans for the proposal weren’t quite concrete, but I was, am, serious about it.” Tianlang-Jun did not come where he is by not rolling with the punches. The topic is at hand. He might as well try. “I would love nothing more than putting this on your finger, if you were to allow me.”
Shen Yuan visibly softens, and for a moment Tianlang-Jun thinks he might have gotten through. “I’m touched, but no. Maybe when Binghe is old enough not to throw a tantrum during the wedding.”
Damn it. He’s not sure that’s a realistic goal. “We could also elope.”
“Tempting, but Binghe would feel excluded.”
This is what happens when you pick someone because they care for your son. Even when planning a hypothetical wedding his partner hasn’t agreed to, Binghe’s feelings are the priority. “I would be happy to meet all your expectations if you were to agree to the wedding.”
“Is this going to be a thing? Now that the cat is out of the bag, are you going to push until I say yes to this too?”
Yes. Yes he is. The choice has been taken out of his hands. Any subtle approach is impossible now that Shen Yuan knows. He can only charge forward and pray for the best. “Since when I have ever backed down from a challenge?”
“Fuck. Maybe I should say yes just to save myself.”
“Please do.” This would make things so much easier.
“And reward your bad behavior? No. I’m doing enough of that with Binghe. You’re old enough to understand the meaning of “no”, especially when it’s not even a definite no. Wait like a good boy and you’ll get yours.”
The worst thing is, it’s not even flirting. Shen Yuan does not do innuendo. Oh, he gets it when Tianlang-Jun laid it thick enough, and can make the occasional crass joke, but he can’t flirt to save his life.
That doesn't mean Tianlang-Jun is going to let it slide. "Oh, I'll get mine if I'm a good boy? Interesting twist on our usual dynamics, but I'm willing to try anything once, Daddy."
Shen Yuan chokes and turns bring red, just as he expected. "That's not what I- I can't believe I am considering marrying you even a little bit."
As far as Tianlang-Jun is concerned, this is an admission of weakness. It means the battle is half won. There's no way Shen Yuan is going to run for the hills.
He just needs to deliver the killing blow, and he knows just how to do it.
____________
"No."
"Why not? You love Yuan. Don't you want him to live with us forever?"
“Laoshi is mine!”
He had expected nothing less. “He would be. Your mother, and no one else’s. That would be nice, no? You could tell everyone that he goes home with you.”
Binghe visibly falters. Having to keep mum about the fact that his teacher was also his family has not been easy for him.
Alas, his looks aren’t the only thing he inherited from Xiyan. He shares her famous stubborn streak. “But I want him to be my bride too!”
Of course he does. “But later, right? For now, if you want to take care of Yuan and for him to live with us, he has to be your mom. And my wife. Because if he isn’t and something were to happen to me, you would end up living with your cousin.”
He refuses to laugh at his son’s horrified face. Really, Zhuzhi-Lang does not deserve Binghe’s enmity, but his son never warmed up to him. “No! I don’t want to!”
“So you should tell Yuan you want him to marry me.”
“If you died, it would be just me and Laoshi?”
He knew this would happen, but he can’t help but feeling a bit hurt at his son’s eagerness. “Yes. After we’re married.” He’s not pushing for adoption just yet. He’s afraid Binghe won’t forgive him when he’s old enough to realise he’ll never be allowed to marry his laoshi.
“…Okay. But I’m making the cake!”
Binghe is a very good cook. For a six-year-old. “If you take baking lessons.” Shen Yuan would probably be delighted even if Binghe presented him with a bowl of half-baked dough and a birthday candle, but Tianlang-Jun wouldn’t.
“Laoshi likes sweets!”
That’s obviously the most important point to him. “You can make him all the sweets you want once he’s officially your mother, so let’s make it happen.”
____________
“Laoshi should marry my dad.”
Shen Yuan does not choke, but it’s very close. “Excuse me.”
“Laoshi should marry my dad. That way, we can live together even if he dies!”
“Binghe, that’s morbid.”
“What does morbid means?”
“It means it’s an unpleasant topic. I’d be sad if your father died, and so would you. Anyway, he’s not going to die. He’s very healthy.”
“It could happen! My nanny died!”
Shen Yuan taking his son into his arms is cute enough to make him coo. “It won’t. I promise.”
“Please marry my dad anyway? I want you to be my mom.”
“I would not be your mom. I could be your other father, but not your mom.”
“Why not? I’d like Laoshi to be my mom since I don’t have one.”
“That’s not how it works.”
“Laoshi doesn’t want to be my mom?”
Three. Two. One. “Of course I want to be Binghe’s parent! Who wouldn’t want to call a child as wonderful as Binghe theirs!”
“Then he’ll marry my father?”
Shen Yuan’s sigh is loud enough the neighbors probably heard. “I can’t win with the two of you ganging up on me. Fine. If it makes Binghe happy.” And then proceeds to prove that he can indeed win, at least against Tianlang-Jun. “Does Binghe know that after getting married, people usually go on nice vacations overseas? Where does Binghe want to go?”
So Binghe will follow them even on their honeymoon.
Well, he’ll have to make sure Shen Yuan deeply regrets that decision when Binghe barges into their room at six in the morning.
It should not be too hard.