Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It all started on a movie night.

The lights had been turned off. The TV was set at a low volume so as to not disturb Hua Sheng and so they’d be able to hear him if he ended up crying.

Hua Yong had picked up extra blankets and pillows, setting them up on the couch and bringing in popcorn and snacks. He had put on a historical drama.

Shaoyou glanced at Hua Yong seated beside him. The faint colours from the TV reflected beautifully across his face, dusting his cheeks in shades of purple and pink. Shaoyou's breath caught in his throat.

There was a distance of two pillows between them.

Too far.

It had been four months since they had sex.

Three months since Hua Sheng was born. Three months of waking to soft midnight wails, warming milk half-asleep, and sleeping at odd hours whenever Hua Sheng granted them peace.

If Shaoyou was being honest, he had been grateful at first. Hua Yong always left him utterly wrecked the day after. He had welcomed the rest. Welcomed the chance for his body to reset.

The doctor had told him to wait six weeks after childbirth before doing anything ‘strenuous’.

But nearly twelve weeks had passed now, and Hua Yong still had not touched him like that again.

He still kissed Shaoyou on the forehead every night before bed. Still kissed him before Shaoyou left for work in the morning. Gentle, lingering presses of lips against skin.

But never deep. Never consuming.

Not like before.

During the pregnancy, Hua Yong had touched him like he could never get enough. Even thinking about it now made heat creep up the back of his neck.

Black hair damp with sweat, hanging low over his forehead, moving back and forth with his thrusts. Hands gripping Shaoyou’s thighs tight enough to leave marks. Soft gasps filled the room as he moved deep inside him.

Every time Shaoyou glanced up through teary eyes, Hua Yong would already be looking at him, gaze fixed on his face like he was trying to memorize every expression. Then he’d lean down to kiss him, swallowing every sound whole.

Shaoyou blinked back to the present, suddenly aware of the familiar heat coiling low in his stomach.

He really, really wanted to do it.

Hua Yong, however, rested against the couch like he had no idea, calmly watching the TV and munching on popcorn.

Shaoyou swallowed, then tried to focus on the TV again, only for the dialogue to blur and his attention to drift back to Hua Yong again and again.

He removed the pillow, settling it on his stomach instead. Right over the scars from the caesarean. He scooted closer. His eyes were fixed on Hua Yong now.

He rested a hand on the pillow between them, fingers sinking into the softness. He leaned in, until only inches separated them.

Hua Yong turned.

Shaoyou wished Hua Yong would just get on top of him and–

“Sheng xiansheng,” Hua Yong smiled sweetly and held out the bowl in his hands.

“Did you want some popcorn?”

Popcorn?

“Yeah.” Shaoyou nodded quickly, his earlier confidence melting into embarrassment. He
grabbed a handful of popcorn and chucked it piece by piece into his mouth, sinking lower into the couch. He wanted to bury himself.

Hua Yong chuckled. The sound echoed softly in the room. He then picked up a piece of popcorn and brought it to Shaoyou's lips.

“Sheng xiansheng, if you wanted me to feed you, you could've just asked."

Fine. Hua Yong wanted to act oblivious. Shaoyou would too.

Shaoyou turned and bit the popcorn, holding Hua Yong's gaze. But he didn't stop there. Instead, he took the two fingers holding the popcorn into his mouth. His lips closed around them past the second knuckle. He swirled his tongue, licking them up thoroughly. It tasted of salt and butter, like popcorn.

Hua Yong's breath hitched so softly Shaoyou almost missed it.

His fingers flexed against Shaoyou’s tongue, thin and long.

He kept his eyes fixed on Hua Yong's, feigning innocence. For a moment, Shaoyou saw Hua Yong's eyes darken like they did whenever desire took over them.

But it was gone as soon as it had come. Hua Yong turned away sharply. Then, he pulled back his hand.

Disappointment flashed openly across Shaoyou's face. But he quickly steeled himself. No. He wasn't giving up just yet.

"Hua Yong," Shaoyou drawled. "I'm cold."

Then he swallowed and dropped his voice a little lower.

"Can you warm me up?"

Shaoyou wanted to add alpha at the end, but he hesitated and let it go.

He stared expectantly at Hua Yong and watched his throat bob.

For one hopeful second, he thought Hua Yong would finally kiss him.

Before Shaoyou could react further, he was tugged flush against Hua Yong's chest, his face pressed against him

The soothing ghost orchid pheromones flooded the room, enveloping Shaoyou in a tender embrace. His eyes felt droopy almost immediately, reacting to his mate's scent. A thick blanket landed over Shaoyou’s shoulders.

This is so unfair. Hua Yong knew exactly what his scent did to him.

Shaoyou really didn't want to sleep.

But Hua Yong’s chest was warm against his cheek. His scent curled around him, soothing and grounding all at once. The blanket was soft. The room was dim.

Shaoyou wanted kisses that stole his breath. Wanted Hua Yong's lips. Wanted–

Sleep dragged him under before he could finish that thought.

Hua Yong watched Shaoyou sleep and smiled to himself. Shaoyou had gotten softer after pregnancy. He turned off the TV and gently shifted them both sideways on the couch.

Mr. Sheng hadn't slept properly in a while. Insisting on taking care of the baby when they could've hired a nanny instead.

His hand came up slowly to brush the loose strands of hair away from Shaoyou’s forehead. The dark hair was soft beneath his fingers. A little messy from sleep. Pink lips parted with soft puffs of air against his chest.

Beautiful.

His hand raised towards Shaoyou’s waist. Then he froze.

Shaoyou's shirt had ridden up, showing the scar across his abdomen.

Hua Yong's heart clenched painfully tight.

It was almost fully healed now, but the gash still rose faintly against Shaoyou's skin. Enough to drag Hua Yong straight back to that dreadful day.

A shiver ran down his spine.

Please don't leave me, Shaoyou.

Then he lowered his hand and wrapped both arms around Shaoyou’s shoulders instead.

He kept them there all night. Afraid Shaoyou might disappear if he loosened his hold.

And he never once let himself touch beyond Shaoyou's shoulders.

Chapter Text

Shaoyou knew that he needed to get creative. 

Hua Yong had been acting completely oblivious to his every advance, and Shaoyou refused to lose this ridiculous game. He would be the one to make Hua Yong lose control. 

Because if he didn’t… then maybe the distance growing between them was real. Maybe the near-death experience and the baby had changed everything. Maybe Hua Yong no longer wanted him the same way.

He sat in the chair in his study, laptop open in front of him. He had been reviewing work documents, but every few minutes his eyes would drift from the screen as his thoughts circled back to Hua Yong. 

With a frustrated sigh, he ruffled a hand through his hair. 

It had always been effortless before. Hua Yong had always been the one to approach first, to get him in the mood, until they ended up tangled together, breathless and satisfied. Shaoyou had never needed to try. 

This was proving much harder than he’d expected. 

Shaoyou knew that if he simply asked Hua Yong to touch him, he would. But that wasn't what he wanted. 

He wanted to see Hua Yong break. He wanted to watch that steady composure crack apart. He wanted to watch Hua Yong lose control because of him. To prove that the fire between them hadn't died. 

With a quiet breath, Shaoyou opened a new tab and typed in: How to seduce an alpha?

The search results loaded with several blogs written by omegas.

Shaoyou double-checked that the study door was closed before he clicked the first one: 10 Successful Ways to Seduce an Alpha

He murmured to himself as he read. The tips included prolonged eye contact, casual physical touch, tracking the Alpha's rut cycle, wearing the Alpha's clothes, and more. Shaoyou’s ears grew redder by the minute. He quickly realized that Hua Yong had already done most of these things for him. The suggestions grew bolder by the number. 

Number eight recommended wearing a sexy outfit. When he clicked on the linked examples, Shaoyou almost choked. He refreshed the page repeatedly, but it only got more… sexy as it went on. 

Wear a maid outfit? 

Wear an apron and nothing underneath? 

Wear a collar with cat ears and kneel with your tongue out? 

Okay, was the omega who wrote this drunk or fully sober? Shaoyou didn't know which was worse. 

His cheeks burned. But he steeled himself and scrolled to the final two tips. 

The ninth suggested getting into the mating position “unintentionally” around the alpha. 

Unintentionally? 

A picture of himself strutting up to Hua Yong in the kitchen came to mind. He imagined dropping on all fours, nearly planting his face against the floor and moaning Hua Yong’s name seductively… while Hua Yong was simply washing dishes. 

Shaoyou shook his head, scrunching his face. That was absurd. 

The last one was labeled Secret Weapon. Unlike the previous ones, it had no explanation beneath the title, only a few links attached.

Curious, Shaoyou clicked the first link.

In the afternoon, Hua Sheng had cried for a while. Shaoyou volunteered to take over, but Hua Yong gently declined. Instead, he cradled their son against his chest, releasing soothing pheromones until the baby quietened, tiny hands clutching the soft fabric of Hua Yong's sweatshirt.

Hua Yong watched cartoons with him briefly until Hua Sheng fell asleep. He then placed the little peanut in his crib and turned off the lights.

He wanted to see his husband. The few hours apart had felt like days. 

He went to the kitchen first. The rich aroma of chicken soup soon filled the air. His baobei hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch, buried in work all day. Even though Hua Yong had tried to bring him snacks, Shaoyou had refused and taken yet another call.

If Shaoyou allowed it, Hua Yong would keep him close and pamper him endlessly. A soft, unconscious smile touched his lips as he tasted the soup. 

He washed his hands and walked to the study, heart lighter. If he was still busy, Hua Yong would make sure to feed his alpha himself. 

He knocked once before opening the door with a grin. The sound of something slamming shut echoed through the room. Hua Yong's instincts flared with concern as he stepped inside.

He was met with a flustered Shaoyou. Ears and cheeks pink. His eyes wide and unblinking. Laptop clutched tightly on his lap.

"Hua Yong,” Shaoyou asked, eyes darting everywhere except at him. “ What do you want?”

A telltale sign that the alpha was hiding something.

Hua Yong eyed the laptop and blinked a few times, confused by Shaoyou's reaction. 

Shaoyou's heart hammered violently in his chest. 

The page had opened to lacy panties and silk lingerie in various colours.

He slammed the laptop shut just in time. He would die if Hua Yong ever saw that. 

"Sheng xiansheng,” Hua Yong said softly. “I made chicken soup for dinner. Shall we eat?"

He hadn't seen Hua Yong give in to his primal side much since Shaoyou gave birth. That only made him want it more. 

Hua Yong stepped closer, "Sheng xiansheng, are you alright?"

Shaoyou leaned back, shielding the laptop. 

He grabbed Hua Yong's arm, smiling brightly, and practically dragged him out, turning off the lights on the way.

"Let's eat, A-Yong."

He was hungry, yes. but hungrier for something else. Tonight, he would make Hua Yong crack.

At the counter, Shaoyou stared openly while Hua Yong served tender pieces of chicken into his bowl. When Hua Yong looked over, Shaoyou was still watching him, barely blinking.

So adorable.

“Sheng xiansheng, do you want me to feed you?”

Shaoyou thought for a moment, though his eyes never strayed from Hua Yong. He hadn't glanced at the soup even once, though it was his favourite comfort food. If Hua Yong said that he disliked the attention from Shaoyou, he would be lying to himself.

Well, that works. Shaoyou would have opportunities to...seduce Hua Yong. It was a little embarrassing to admit it to himself.

Shaoyou nodded and tried to edge closer to Hua Yong, struggling to drag the stool forward while still sitting on it.

“Sheng xiansheng, wait a moment,” Hua Yong murmured, setting the bowl down before reaching for the stool.

Before Shaoyou could respond, Hua Yong slipped a hand beneath it and pulled with ease. The sudden movement nearly sent Shaoyou tumbling into him. He caught himself at the last second, both hands braced on either side of Hua Yong’s shoulders to steady himself.

That...that was supposed to be his move!

Shaoyou's legs were bracketed by Hua Yong's own. Like this, Shaoyou looked smaller than he was. His hands in fists on his thighs. Cute with his dark hair slightly messy. Hua Yong wanted to hug him.

But he didn't deserve that, did he? Not after he almost got Shaoyou killed.

Hua Yong's face betrayed none of the thoughts in his mind. He smiled instead and picked up the spoon. He scooped the soup into the spoon along with pieces of chicken and gently blew on it. Then brought it to Shaoyou's lips.

Shaoyou drank it. He almost melted from the warmth. It tasted heavenly. Hua Yong cooks so well for him. The spices, the broth and the chicken were a perfect balance. So comforting to an empty stomach.

Shaoyou never told Hua Yong but he lost his appetite quite often after the pregnancy. He skipped lunch most of the days when he was in his office. Hua Yong would try to bring him food but he was preoccupied with Hua Sheng mostly.

It had been almost ten more spoons of soup before Shaoyou realized that he completely forgot about his goal. And that Hua Yong wasn't eating at all, staring at Shaoyou with a fond smile as if he was fulfilled with just the sight.

Shaoyou took the bowl from Hua Yong. Not before slowly dragging his fingers over his palm and wrist. He shushed Hua Yong's protests.

He stirred the soup once before smirking to himself. He let go of the spoon and grabbed Hua Yong's thighs, pulling him closer under the guise of wanting to feed his mate. Hua Yong gasped and held the counter.

They were so close now. Hua Yong's crotch was almost nestled against Shaoyou's knees. Just millimetres apart from contact.

Shaoyou wanted to move his knees. It would be so easy to make Hua Yong hard. But not yet, he needed to wait for the right moment and catch him off guard.

He fed Hua Yong the soup, maintaining eye contact and glancing at his lips all the while. Soon, the bowl was over. Hua Yong took it from his hands, standing up to fill it with soup again.

Shaoyou took the opportunity and got up, standing behind Hua Yong. His chest and legs brushed against Hua Yong. He leaned closer so that he was pressed against Hua Yong's back.

From the angle, Shaoyou could feel Hua Yong's body warmth seeping through his sweatshirt. He felt Hua Yong's body stiffen with his heartbeat getting faster by the second. The hand holding the ladle had paused mid-air.

Shaoyou nestled his nose against Huang Yong's scent gland. He used his teeth to slowly rip off the scent patch there. The patch fell to the ground and Shaoyou licked a broad stripe across the sensitive gland. He took a deep inhale. His eyes closed with his lashes trembling uncontrollably from the intensity. 

Shaoyou felt like he was high. High on the pleasant ghost orchid pheromones of Hua Yong. He inhaled more, greedier this time.

Shaoyou's own pheromones were released. Not the normal orange blossom and rum scent. It was richer and deeper. Intoxicating almost.

Hua Yong realised with a jolt that Shaoyou was trying to scent him. It was the first time that Shaoyou was scenting him.

His eyes flashed purple for a split second. The fact that his inner enigma was elated at having his exclusive omega take the initiative to scent him only made it worse.

Shaoyou let out a low sound, pressing Hua Yong harder against the counter. His hands rested on either side of Hua Yong. Caging Hua Yong effectively against the counter.

The constant friction against the counter made Hua Yong almost groan. He was getting hard. That's bad.

Was Shaoyou even aware of the things he was doing to Hua Yong?

Shaoyou whispered, "A-Yong.." Rubbing his cheeks on Hua Yong’s neck.

Hua Yong almost lost it. The bowl was abandoned on the counter. The hold on the ladle loosened and it fell to the floor with a clink. 

The sound brought them out of the trance. Both of them were breathing heavily, equally affected.

Shaoyou smirked against his neck. Four down. Perhaps the Omega was experienced after all. Seeing how affected Hua Yong was. Time to cross out another.

Before Hua Yong could move, Shaoyou picked up a paper towel and knelt to the floor immediately. 

"I got it."

Hua Yong’s earlier reaction only spurred Shaoyou further. Dressed in a casual light blue-and-white striped shirt and loose white pants, he lowered himself onto all fours on the kitchen floor. The white fabric clung to the swell of his ass as Shaoyou spread his legs slowly. He leaned down. 

He picked up the ladle and leaned onto one hand. With a paper towel in the other, he wiped at the drops of soup on the floor. He scrubbed a little harder after a moment, brows faintly drawn together, as if frustrated by a stain that was no longer there.

Hua Yong stared, mouth parted. Hunger clawed at him. He wanted to drop down, rip those pants away, fuck Shaoyou right there on the kitchen floor until he was sobbing, marked, full of his knot and his seed again. Until he was–

No.

The guilt crashed in. Not when his recklessness had almost gotten Shaoyou killed. Not when Shaoyou’s body had already suffered so much because of him. He didn’t deserve to touch him like that. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

Shaoyou dared to sneak a glance at Hua Yong. He saw Hua Yong stare fixedly at his waist. At first, Shaoyou had felt triumphant. Then he quickly realised that something was wrong. Hua Yong's expression was not one of desire. It was almost… repulsion. 

Shaoyou felt his breath leave his body. He knew that he didn't look as fit as before the pregnancy. The sharp panes of his muscles had softened and he had stretchmarks on the sides from the stretch of the baby. 

But did he really look that bad? Had the evidence of carrying their son become something Hua Yong found distasteful?

No. He was overthinking it. He had to be.

Shaoyou yanked the hem of his shirt down sharply and scrambled to his feet, cheeks burning with humiliation. He couldn’t stay like this another second.

“Wait—” he started, voice rough.

But Hua Yong was already stepping back, expression shifting back into that careful mask. 

“I should change Hua Sheng’s diaper,” he said quietly. “You should finish eating, Sheng xiansheng. I’ll… see you in the bedroom.”

Shaoyou opened his mouth to protest, to ask him to stay, but Hua Yong had already turned and walked out. The kitchen felt suddenly colder, emptier.

He stood there for a long moment, ladle and paper towel forgotten on the counter, stomach twisting with a messy knot of embarrassment and doubt. The confident smirk he’d worn earlier had completely vanished.

By the time Shaoyou finally returned to the bedroom after forcing himself through a couple of work calls to steady his nerves, Hua Yong was already asleep. His face was peaceful in the low lamplight, breathing slow and even, one arm stretched toward Shaoyou’s side of the bed as if by habit.

Shaoyou stood in the doorway, arms wrapped around himself, feeling deeply unsettled. 

He had spent the whole evening trying to prove Hua Yong still wanted him.

Somehow he felt farther away than before.

Chapter Text

The curtains were parted. A ray of sunlight spilled into their bedroom, casting a warm glow on Shaoyou. 

Hua Yong was lying sideways, his head propped on his elbow. He was staring at his sleeping laopo with a slight pout on his lips. 

Sheng Shaoyou had been keeping his distance from Hua Yong. For a week now. 

And to say Hua Yong was in distress would be an understatement. 

He had already asked twice if something was wrong. Each time, irritation had flickered in Shaoyou’s eyes, even though his alpha was never truly harsh with him. So Hua Yong had stopped asking. 

Instead he had to come up with other ways to understand his Shaoyou, like he used to before. Sensing his pheromones closely and watching every twitch in his expression like a hawk. 

Shaoyou's pheromones were muted. The usually bright citrus scent wafting throughout the house was dulled with the use of scent patches. Shaoyou usually removed his scent patches as soon as he got home, claiming that he disliked the restraining patches. But Hua Yong knew that the alpha simply liked to let his scent linger, marking his territory. 

Hua Yong resisted the urge to thread his fingers through Shaoyou's hair, to pull him closer until he was against his chest and embrace him. Every time these desires surged, an equal wave of crushing guilt followed. 

Shaoyou skipped meals more often than before. Hua Yong tried cooking Shaoyou's favourite dishes, hoping his baobei would eat at least then. Then he resorted to cooking appetizing meals. Warm and comforting. And blinking up at Shaoyou with hopeful eyes. It didn't work like it used to. Shaoyou barely batted an eye to him, focused on fixing his cufflinks instead. 

And that wasn't all, Shaoyou's posture was not as sharp. It would be barely noticeable to others but Hua Yong could see it. See the slight sag in his shoulder blades. 

He had come to the conclusion that Sheng Shaoyou was tired. Too tired. Fatigued and without rest due to his heavy workload and everything that came with childbirth. Hua Yong sighed seeing Shaoyou's pale face. He felt a pang of guilt at the sight. 

It was all because of him. He hadn’t taken care of Shaoyou better. He hadn't loved the alpha as much as he should. He would do anything right now to relieve Shaoyou's stress. To make the alpha feel well-rested and fed. 

He was abruptly pulled out of his thoughts when Shaoyou stirred under the blanket. He went closer instinctively, examining his expression for the source of discomfort. 

He noticed the fluttering movement of Shaoyou's eyes under the eyelids. His lips were parted with quiet puffs of air. His breathing grew increasingly laboured, his chest starting to heave slowly. His fingers clutched the blanket tight. 

Was Shaoyou having a nightmare? 

Hua Yong released soothing pheromones immediately. The orchids circled Shaoyou in a comforting embrace. His breathing slowed down gradually. His right hand patted the bed beside him, moving as if trying to find the comforting presence. 

Hua Yong grabbed his hands, bringing them up to his lips and kissing them. Then he lowered his head and kissed Shaoyou's forehead, brushing his hair back from his eyes. He leaned down to his ears then, whispering:

“Sheng xiansheng, I'm here with you. It's alright.”

Shaoyou turned his head vaguely to the right, guided by Hua Yong's soft voice. His closed eyes clenched tightly, eyebrows drawn tight as if in tension. Then, a low sound escaped his lips. It was almost imperceptible but Hua Yong caught it. 

“Ngh…Hah…”

Was his alpha… moaning? 

Hua Yong leaned closer to hear better. He froze when he inhaled. The sweet scent of Shaoyou's slick filled his senses. His alpha was producing slick. 

The enigma's eyes flashed purple. He lifted the blanket with predatory focus. There was a wet patch on the outline of Shaoyou's pyjama pants. 

Fuck.

Hua Yong was slotted between his thighs. Hands gripping his thighs hard and hiking them higher. 

Above all, Hua Yong's cock–thick, long and curved just right–dragged through his inner walls. Shaoyou briefly felt a part of him rejoice. Finally, his enigma was inside him, right where he belonged. 

Hua Yong gasped into his ears with each thrust, sounding just as affected as Shaoyou was. 

The air was heavy. Shaoyou could almost feel the tantalizing mix of their pheromones in the heated room. He panted harder, wanting the sweet release. 

He moaned more, trying to lift his hips to meet the thrusts. 

Shaoyou moaned, more pronounced now. His chest trembled with his pants. His eyes were still closed. Still trapped in his ecstatic dream. 

Hua Yong had climbed over the alpha after sneaking under the blanket. He'll make his alpha feel good. He must be stressed and sleepless enough to have a dream like this. 

The enigma hooked a finger into the waistband and dragged the fabric lower in an excruciatingly slow pace. Just enough to let Shaoyou's hardness spring free. The head was flushed red and leaking precum steadily. It's been quite a while. 

Hua Yong refused to look further down. Though he saw in his peripheral vision how the slick had pooled in the fabric and he thought he vaguely saw the slightly widened furl of muscle twitch. 

Gosh, how he wanted to spread Shaoyou on their bed and eat him out till he came and leaked slick all over again. Then he’d fuck him deep–

The enigma closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Shame coiled inside him at his thoughts. 

No. This was purely about relieving Shaoyou's fatigue and helping him de-stress. 

Hua Yong was on all fours on the bed. Shaoyou was caged underneath him, hips moving slightly. It was dark underneath the blanket and he couldn't see Shaoyou's face or expression. But it was probably for the best. Hua Yong wouldn't be able to control himself if he saw that. 

He braced his hands on either side of Shaoyou's thighs, clutching the bed for balance and leverage. Then he brought his lips closer to Shaoyou's cock, teasing it with hot puffs of air. Kitten licks against the head and then a broad stripe with his tongue flat from the base of the cock to the tip. Hua Yong almost growled.

Sheng xiansheng tasted heavenly.  

Salty with a pleasant note of sweetness. He gave the cock a few more licks. Watching with satisfaction as Shaoyou's hips jerked forward, twitching on the bed. Hua Yong heard another shaky moan. 

He lathered the cock in spit thoroughly. Then he felt Shaoyou stir underneath him.

Hua Yong smirked then swallowed his cock down to the root without wasting another second. 

“Ah!” 

Shaoyou moaned loudly as his eyes opened fully to the white ceiling. His hips jerked forward in pleasure and his whole body keened, almost folding in half. His cock was enveloped in a warm wetness.

There was a figure underneath his blanket. Hua Yong. Shaoyou hurriedly pulled off the blanket. His mind barely had time to adjust to the surroundings. The first thing he registered was the head of black hair between his thighs. 

The thick thighs pressed together instinctively and almost crushed Hua Yong's head. Though he didn't seem to mind, rather simply grabbing them and spreading them to his will. His grip was as hard as it was in Shaoyou's dream. 

Shaoyou's thighs were pillowy, super soft in the enigma’s hands. 

Hua Yong wanted to kiss those alluring thighs. Leave red and purple hickies littered there. 

Then Hua Yong glanced up at him, with that teary, innocent gaze. Completely unlike his actions. And fuck. Shaoyou almost came right then. 

Hua Yong maintained eye contact, mouth stuffed full with Shaoyou's cock. The enigma groaned, sending vibrations that went straight to the base. Shaoyou threw his head back with a moan. His hands found the way to his husband's hair, clutching it like it's a lifeline. 

Fuck, he can't believe that this is happening. He must be right. He must have been overthinking the past few days. Nothing in that lunatic’s expression suggested any hate towards him or his body. Though his clothes still stayed on…

Any coherent thoughts that Shaoyou had, left when Hua Yong started to bob his head up and down. His body arched beautifully against the bed, almost forming a bow. His hands guided Hua Yong deeper into his cock with his hips bucking into him. Desperate for the release. 

Orange blossoms, barely present under the deep, rich notes of rum and the ghost orchid pheromones entangled in the air. It created an enticing scent.

Shaoyou's ah ah ah echoed throughout the room along with the wet, slurping noises from Hua Yong. His reddish and saliva-coated lips were stretched around Shaoyou's cock prettily. 

He had lifted his legs onto Hua Yong's back. Knees planted on his shoulder blades. 

Hua Yong sucked the life out of Shaoyou. His cock was sensitive, touched after a while. 

Hua Yong dragged his lips back to the head and sucked on the tip. His tongue swirled and licked around the slit expertly. 

“Hua Yong…” Shaoyou whimpered, his hands now fisted the black hair. 

He was so close. 

Hua Yong went back down and set a faster pace. Shaoyou felt the familiar pressure coil low in his stomach. His hips are bucking into him wildly now. 

“A-Yong… Ah.. A-Yong, I'm gonna– gonna.” He tried to pull off his head, tugging on the hair a few times. But Hua Yong didn’t budge. Shaoyou's eyes rolled back and he came with a drawn out groan. His vision whitened out. 

Shaoyou came so hard. 

His back lifted from the bed and he was almost in a sitting position. His toes curled and the muscles on his thighs twitched from the intensity. 

His chest heaved and he inhaled with large gasps. 

Hua Yong swallowed everything. All down the throat. Not a single drop was wasted. He pulled off Shaoyou's cock, giving it a few more licks as if comforting him. 

He took a few deep breaths. When he came out of the high, Hua Yong abruptly let go of the thighs. He almost lost control. 

Hua Yong glanced up at Shaoyou again. His eyes were unfocused and cast down. The lashes were wet with tears from the overwhelming sensation. 

He looked so inviting. 

Hua Yong looked away quickly. The smell of orange blossoms in the air was pleasant again. It smelled… aroused? 

All of a sudden, Hua Yong was flipped onto his back. Shaoyou straddled him, seemingly out of the haze of pleasure now. 

It was then that Hua Yong noticed the red handprints on the alpha’s thighs. He felt another wave of guilt, it stripped away any of the horny thoughts he had. He had hurt Shaoyou again. 

Shaoyou closed his eyes and leaned down to kiss Hua Yong. The enigma tried to respond but he couldn't. Shaoyou didn't seem to notice, happily kissing him. 

Hua Yong almost felt paralyzed with the thought of hurting Shaoyou. His limbs felt heavy. 

The tension in the air was broken by the beep-beep of the baby monitor beside the bed. 

Xiao peanut was crying. Shaoyou let go of his husband. Really, no better time than now? But he grinned and placed a chaste kiss on the corner of Hua Yong's lips. They were swollen and slick from being stretched. 

Shaoyou smiled against his lips then pulled back to rest his forehead against Hua Yong's. 

His smile was breathtaking. 

Finally, after days of distance, Sheng xiansheng was smiling at him. Hua Yong felt dazed. 

“Let’s continue later. Go take care of our baby, Enigma.” Shaoyou murmured, nudging Hua Yong's nose with his own. 

His pheromones smelled brighter now. It wrapped around him like forgiveness he didn't deserve. Hua Yong smiled at his mate despite the cold terror gnawing at him inside. 

He pecked Shaoyou once. The alpha got off him with a smile, tucking his pants back on with a stumble on the corner of the bed. 

Shaoyou had moaned so beautifully, had come apart so trustingly under his mouth, and all Hua Yong could think about now was the hospital again. The blood. The monitors screaming. The way Shaoyou had looked so small and pale on that operating table because Hua Yong couldn’t control himself.

Shaoyou’s still healing. His body went through hell because of him. Because Hua Yong was too selfish to wait. And here he was again, taking what he wants the moment his alpha shows the slightest need.

Hua Yong swallowed hard, forcing a gentle smile when Shaoyou glanced back at him.

The baby monitor beeped again, pulling him back. Hua Yong stood on slightly unsteady legs, the taste of Shaoyou still lingering on his tongue.

He pressed one last soft kiss to Shaoyou’s forehead before heading to the nursery, heart heavy with love and guilt twisted so tightly together he could barely breathe.

Shaoyou leaned back against the couch, tablet resting loosely in his lap. A smile kept tugging at his lips no matter how many times he tried to focus on the quarterly report glowing on the screen.

Hua Yong on his knees under the blanket. Those teary eyes looking up at him while his mouth was full. The way his throat worked when he swallowed every drop.

Heat curled low in Shaoyou’s stomach again. His thighs pressed together instinctively at the memory. The ghost orchid scent still lingered faintly on his skin from this morning, mixed with the bright burst of his own orange blossom. For the first time in weeks, he felt… wanted. Desired. Not fragile. Not something to be handled with guilt and distance.

Finally, he thought, biting the inside of his cheek to stop the grin from widening. 

The wall is starting to crack. 

The soft pad of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Hua Yong appeared from the kitchen, carrying a glass bowl filled with bright red strawberries. They looked plump and juicy, freshly washed, glistening under the light.

“Sheng xiansheng,” Hua Yong said gently, setting the bowl on the coffee table. “You barely ate lunch. These are sweet today. Try some.”

Shaoyou looked up at him, eyes softening. Hua Yong was still in his casual home clothes and his hair was slightly tousled from playing with Hua Sheng earlier. He looked nervous, Shaoyou could tell, even if he hid it well.

“Thank you,” Shaoyou murmured. He picked one strawberry by the green stem and brought it to his lips, biting into it slowly. Sweetness burst across his tongue. “Mmm. Really good.”

Hua Yong sat down on the other end of the couch, watching him with that fond, careful gaze. Shaoyou’s mind wandered again. 

He made me feel so good this morning. I should reward him. 

The thought of climbing into Hua Yong’s lap, sinking down on him right here on the couch, made fresh slick threaten to spill again.

He picked up another strawberry and held it out toward Hua Yong’s mouth.

“Here. You haven’t eaten much either.”

Hua Yong leaned forward obediently, but just before his lips closed around it, Shaoyou pulled it back to his own mouth with a teasing grin, biting into it instead. Juice ran down his lower lip. He licked it away slowly, eyes locked on Hua Yong’s.

Hua Yong’s throat bobbed.

Shaoyou did it again with the next one. He offered, then stole it for himself with a playful glint in his eyes. Hua Yong only smiled, soft and indulgent, though his scent was starting to deepen, ghost orchid curling warmer in the air.

“If you want the strawberries,” Shaoyou said, voice dropping lower, “you’ll have to get them yourself.”

He placed a particularly plump strawberry between his own lips, the tip of it poking out invitingly. Then he shifted closer on the couch until only a few inches separated their faces. His heart hammered. He stared expectantly into Hua Yong’s eyes, waiting.

Seconds stretched. Hua Yong didn’t move. His expression was unreadable.

Doubt crept into Shaoyou. He must look ridiculous. Like a needy alpha trying too hard. Heat rushed to his cheeks. He started to pull back, embarrassed. 

A hand suddenly cupped the back of his neck and pulled him back in. 

Hua Yong's lips closed around the strawberry, brushing against Shaoyou’s in the process. He bit down, taking half, and the sweet juice spilled between their mouths. Shaoyou's breath hitched. He melted, flushed and happy, hands coming up to catch Hua Yong's sweater. 

The kiss had barely ended when Hua Yong's phone rang on the table. He glanced at the screen before picking it up. 

“It's Chang Yu. I have to take this.”

Shaoyou didn’t let him get up. Instead, he swung a leg over and climbed fully into Hua Yong’s lap, straddling him. Hua Yong’s eyes widened slightly, but he had already answered the call. He forced his voice to be steady and professional as he greeted his secretary.

Shaoyou didn’t care. He leaned in and smothered kisses all over Hua Yong’s face. His cheeks, his jaw, the corner of his mouth. Nothing was left untouched. Then he moved to his neck, nibbling and licking at the sensitive skin just above the scent gland. He left a trail of reddish bites, deliberate and possessive. The red marks bloomed darker into a shade of purple. 

“Yes. Reschedule the Thursday meeting. I’ll review the documents tonight.”

Shaoyou smiled against his neck and rolled his hips once, teasing. Hua Yong’s breath hitched audibly. He kept his hand tightly clenched on the side, hips threatening to buckle up to the heat. The ghost orchid scent spiked sharply in the air. 

“Understood. I’ll call you back later.”

Hua Yong ended the call and set the phone aside. His eyes were dark when they met Shaoyou.

“Sheng xiansheng…”

Shaoyou pressed one last soft kiss to his swollen lips and climbed off willingly, legs a little shaky.

“Go handle your work, Enigma,” he said, voice light and playful. 

He cocked an eyebrow further with a smirk. “We have all the time to make up for it.”

Hua Yong gave a slight smile. Then he stood, his arm raised and he hesitated for a second before brushing a gentle palm over Shaoyou’s cheek. Then he headed toward his study.

Shaoyou dropped back onto the couch. His cheeks were still warm from the touch. He grinned to himself and laid down. He popped another strawberry into his mouth. 

The game was back on. 

Chapter Text

Sheng Shaoyou was a patient man. Really. 

That day, he had waited for Hua Yong to finish his work. He sat on the bed, unable to focus on the book he was reading. He was already imagining what positions they could do it. 

And then, Hua Yong came in, slumped on the bed and…went to sleep. 

Nothing bad. They could do it tomorrow. 

Unfortunately, Shaoyou had to repeat this to himself for a week before he finally got fed up. 

How long is this lunatic going to play?

Shaoyou was taking a shower that day. The one before bed. The warm water cascaded down his body. He ignored the dull headache that flared with every slight movement.

He had purposefully forgotten his bath robe outside, intending to call Hua Yong for it later. 

He had starved himself the whole day, skipping breakfast and lunch. He wanted nothing heavy in his system, nothing that could distract from the pleasure he was gonna get from his enigma. He had also taken the time to prepare himself properly in the shower. The process was a little foreign since he hadn’t done much of the sort in the past. It had been far too long since Hua Yong had been inside him. Tonight, he wanted to be perfect, clean, and ready.

Hua Sheng had just fallen asleep. Shaoyou gives it two hours before the toddler is wailing again.

Well, he can utilize the two hours. 

Shaoyou lathered the soap over his body. He could almost imagine Hua Yong's hands gliding on his body instead. Well, soon.

He dried himself with a fibre towel, remembering to leave a few water droplets lingering on his neck and chest. 

Then he called out, "Hua Yong!"

He heard a muffled reply from Hua Yong, "Sheng xiansheng, what do you want?"

"A-Yong, my bath robe–"

"Ah, I'll bring it over."

Shaoyou checked himself one more time in the mirror before facing the door of the bathroom.

Now, if he doesn't get railed by tonight–

Shaoyou opened the door fully, his body naked and bare for Hua Yong. 

Hua Yong... was staring at his phone in one hand while holding out the bath robe to Shaoyou in the other hand.

Not even a glance spared to Shaoyou. Shaoyou cleared his throat. 

If he had done this a few months ago, Hua Yong would have dragged him inside for another "shower". 

Shaoyou huffed and grabbed Hua Yong, his phone falling to the carpet with a dull thud. Hua Yong yelped as he was pulled in and the door was slammed shut behind him. He was pinned against the sink and he finally looked up. His eyes widened in shock. 

Hua yong's mouth dried at the sight. Shaoyou's hair was wet. The droplets of water dripped from his hair, traveling from the side of his neck down to his neck and trickling down his chest, disappearing under the robe. Hua Yong gulped. His pupils were blown wide from desire.

"Hua Yong, my eyes are up here." Shaoyou whispered in his ears, then nibbled them between his teeth. He felt Hua Yong's breath stutter.

Good. 

Shaoyou moved to his lips, his right hand coming up to close around his nape, pulling him closer.

He pressed a soft lingering peck on Hua Yong's lips. Shaoyou saw in the corner of his eyes how Hua Yong's knuckles were white because he was holding onto the counter tight. Though Hua Yong's eyes were closed. Shaoyou tilted his head, kissing him deeper and closing his own eyes.

He couldn't think much after. Focused on the taste of Hua Yong's lips. 

Hua Yong had been doing a good job till now. He stayed at just the right distance from Mr. Sheng. He made sure to take care of Hua Sheng every time. He made sure to drop Shaoyou off to Sheng Fang biotech personally. 

But underneath it all, he knew that his mate wasn't satisfied. Beneath his Shaoyou's beautiful smiles and simple affection, he knew that his husband wanted more. 

He was more agitated that he couldn't satisfy his mate. His inner enigma wanted to claim his mate, make him feel good and content beside him. 

Hua Yong found that acting came to him like breathing. But when it came to Shaoyou, Hua Yong didn't want to do that. He could fake desire if he had to, but he wanted his beloved mate to feel truly loved and cherished. Faking something as intimate as mating felt unforgivable.

Shaoyou wanted to be closer. Wanted to press himself to Hua Yong until there was no space between them at all.

He wanted Hua Yong to push him against the wall and kiss him deeper like he did a few months back. He wanted Hua Yong to initiate sex. 

It felt so good to kiss him, tongue and teeth, like this. Shaoyou sighed into the kiss, almost melting. His hand found Hua Yong's chest and clutched it, bunching the fabric in his fist. Then he unclenched it, tracing his hands downward.

If Shaoyou was right, Hua Yong must be hard by now.

He was right.

Finally, after months of waiting and playing around, fuck–

Shaoyou gripped him hard through the thin fabric of his sweatpants. Hua Yong groaned into the kiss. The thick girth almost made Shaoyou whine. He wanted to taste it. He wanted to feel it inside him.

All of a sudden, Shaoyou shoved his hands past his waistband. His hand came in touch with the erection and he curled his hand into a fist around the cock. 

"Shaoyou!" Hua Yong gasped into the kiss. His thoughts reeled to a stop. 

He pulled back immediately. He looked down and his hand found Shaoyou's wrist, gripping it tightly. His eyes flicked involuntarily toward Shaoyou’s lower abdomen, where the C-section scar lay hidden just beneath the robe. 

Shaoyou paid him no mind. His lips found Hua Young's pale and smooth neck instead. Untouched. Shaoyou wanted to mark him up. Show the world that Hua Yong belonged to him and only him.

His alpha instincts surged and he resisted the urge to growl. He kissed his neck and bit the patch of skin there, sucking on it till they were a nice cherry red. Slowly darkening to purple. He moved to another patch. 

Hua Yong's mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts. He should stop this. He needed to stop this. He can't trust himself. One thing would lead to another, and then he would hurt Shaoyou again. He wondered how the scar was healing. Had his alpha been applying the ointment the doctor had suggested? The same one Hua Yong had been too afraid to put on him himself, terrified of causing more pain.

Yet Hua Yong’s thoughts melted once more when his Alpha started to move his hand slowly. His thumb swiping over the slit on the head a few times. Then he took it out of the restraining fabric and covered the warm meat with his hand, moving them from the base to the tip in a slow and teasing pace. 

Hua Yong's grip tightened on his wrist. Shaoyou didn't falter. The Enigma's mind scrambled for an excuse to stop this. 

"Sheng xiansh–ngh–” His words cut off with a moan as Shaoyou tightened his grip at the base. Then fastened his pace. Hua Yong threw his head back with soft moans and groans. Precum trickled out of the head.

Then, Shaoyou slipped his other hand inside Hua Yong's sweatshirt, wanting to touch him more. He caressed his smooth back. Usually, there would be scratch marks there.

Hua Yong had done research. He had learned to steady himself with deep breaths, to count to ten when the horrible, shameful guilt crashed over him. He wanted to let Shaoyou in. He wanted to show his alpha just how much he was loved. But every time he tried to go through with it, the memory of blood and emergency lights flashed behind his eyes. The terrifying fear that Hua Yong would end up causing pain to his mate again. 

All of a sudden, Shaoyou moved his head to kiss Hua Yong and he felt the world tilt underneath him. His vision was dark and fuzzy at the edges. 

Not now, he thought desperately. Not when I’m finally–

He tried to focus on Hua Yong’s face, using it as an anchor. Hua Yong was saying something, Shaoyou saw his lips move but the words sounded distant and blurred. Shaoyou couldn’t make them out. His eyelids felt impossibly heavy. Every time he blinked, it took longer and longer to force them open again. His body was screaming at him.

“Shaoyou?” Hua Yong’s voice finally cut through, sounding alarmed. Right before his ears started to ring. 

Shaoyou tried to answer. He really did. But his tongue felt heavy and uncooperative. His hand, still wrapped around Hua Yong’s cock, gradually lost strength. His grip loosened, then slipped away completely. Shaoyou's knees buckled and his body swayed. He didn't have the strength to ground himself. 

The last thing he registered was the sensation of falling forward. The edge of the sink cool against his hip, and then nothing but darkness.

Hua Yong didn’t think. He acted on pure instinct.

He caught Shaoyou before he could hit the floor, heart hammering violently in his chest. “Shaoyou? Shaoyou!” 

His mate was completely limp in his arms, face pale, lashes dark against ashen skin. The sight sent a spike of pure terror through Hua Yong. Too pale. Almost as pale as he looked on that…that day. 

He carried Shaoyou out of the bathroom with careful, urgent steps and laid him gently on their bed. His hands were shaking when they cradled Shaoyou's face. He had to aggressively reign in the wilting smell of his own distressed pheromones. He released soothing pheromones instead. 

Hua Yong grabbed his phone with trembling fingers and called Cai Hong, his voice barely recognizable. Small, strained, and edged with panic. He didn’t even register what he was saying. 

All the while, he held Shaoyou's hand tightly. Thumb pressed on his pulse point on the wrist, counting every beat like a lifeline. As soon as he cut the call, Hua Yong leaned closer to Shaoyou. He pressed his ear against Shaoyou's chest to hear the steady heartbeat. 

It was all his fault. He should have monitored Shaoyou more closely. He should have paid attention to his mate and he felt, instead of rutting against his palm like an animal in heat. 

Cai Hong arrived soon after. Hua Yong couldn't understand anything that came out of his mouth. He only knew that he wanted to keep Shaoyou safe. He growled low in his throat when the nurse tried to get closer, his inner enigma bristling at anyone else touching his vulnerable mate. He had to be coaxed even to let them check on his mate.

When the doctor finally left, assuring him it was exhaustion and low blood sugar, Hua Yong still didn’t relax. He stayed glued to Shaoyou’s side the entire night, periodically checking his breathing, adjusting the blanket around him, and releasing more soothing pheromones. Every time Shaoyou shifted even slightly, Hua Yong was there stroking his hair, murmuring soft reassurances, and pressing gentle kisses to his forehead. Every second that Shaoyou stayed unconscious made Hua Yong spiral further.

Shaoyou's eye lids felt heavy when he tried to blink them open. When he finally did, he was met with a familiar white ceiling. It took him a second to realize where he was and the weight on his wrist. 

Shaoyou turned slightly to see that Hua Yong was sitting beside him, eyes bloodshot and unfocused, hair messy, looking like he hadn’t slept at all. The moment Shaoyou stirred a bit, Hua Yong leaned forward immediately, one hand cupping his cheek.

“Sheng xiansheng… how do you feel? Does anything hurt? Should I call Cai Hong again?”

Shaoyou tried to sit up, but Hua Yong gently pressed him back down. “Don’t move too fast. You fainted.”

There was clear fear and guilt in Hua Yong’s eyes. For the rest of the week, he refused to let Shaoyou do anything. He brought water, light food, adjusted pillows, and hovered constantly. Even when Shaoyou insisted that he was fine. 

It wasn't too bad. Shaoyou ended up cuddling his husband most of the time, staying tucked close against him. Hua Yong’s hands remained firmly on his shoulders, never wandering any lower. The enigma stroked his back to soothe him, but never took it any further.

He was careful. Way too careful. 

And Shaoyou hated it.