Work Text:
“Gegee” Luo Binghe’s whining voice sounds out as soon as Shen Qingqiu picks up his ringing phone. “He’s done it again!”
“What happened?” Shen Qingqiu asks, holding back the long tired sigh that tries to slip past his lips.
Ever since they met Luo Binghe was insisting on telling his tutor about all the drama that was happening in his life. No matter how small or unimportant it was. Now that they had gotten past the student and tutor relationship and became actual friends it seemed that Luo Binghe’s never-ending complaining only worsened.
“My father happened” Luo Binghe says and Shen Qingqiu already knows what direction this conversation is going to take. His friend is on his way to ramble about whatever shitty thing his father has done this time for the next hour!
“It feels as if we have already had this exact talk a few times this week and, let me remind you, it’s only wednesday” This time Shen Qingqiu can’t stop the sigh from escaping.
“It wouldn’t be happening if he finally learned what it means to respect my privacy!” Luo Binghe bursts out. “He set up one of these stupid blind dates for me once again!”
Shen Qingqiu knows that Luo Binghe’s father has this weird obsession with his son’s love life as if it was his own. The other boy complains about it way too many times than what would be called a normal amount. If only what his father was doing is even able to be called normal. Once in a while he sets him up with one of his friends’ daughters in search for some kind of perfectly matched soulmate. Well one could say that it’s a perk that comes with being a son to a rich man who has way too much free time.
“This time I even tried to talk to him about it calmly as you told me to do last time.” Luo Binghe says with some kind of strained pride in his voice. “But as always it went in a completely wrong direction and he started accusing me of being ungrateful! So we ended up having a pretty bad argument because it’s not that I’m not grateful that he’s actually interested in my life and wants what is best for me but that I’m not interested in any of these girls beyond maybe befriending them! He still asks me what happened between me and Sha Hualing because we stopped talking! Maybe it’s because she got together with one of the other girls he set me up with! You remember Liu Mingyan, right? They’ve been dating for a few months now. Anyways, it all comes down to the point that my father doesn’t understand that I don’t need his help in the dating department and it always ends in these stupid arguments between us.”
After a while of silence Luo Binghe lets out a shaky sigh.
“I just want him to understand, you know? I don’t want to fight” He speaks in a calmer and maybe slightly sadder way than before, all the irritation disappearing from his voice.
“Where are you? Do you want to come to my place for a while until all these bitter feelings settle down?” Shen Qingqiu isn't the best at delivering comforting words so he hopes that Luo Binghe can feel his concern through the offer.
“Yeah, that would be nice” Luo Binghe agrees. “I just ran out of my house because he pissed me off so badly.”
After a fast walk fueled by his anger, Luo Binghe stands before the door to Shen Qingqiu’s apartment. He hopes that the latter’s annoying roommate isn’t at home at this moment. He’s already incredibly infuriated over his father’s behavior and doesn’t want anyone to see him in this state. He’s constantly switching between wanting to cry his eyes out and screaming on top of his lungs about how frustrating his father acts. Shen Qingqiu seeing him is already embarrassing enough for Luo Binghe’s standards. He wants the other man to think the best of him and not see him as an immature child throwing tantrums.
He finally brings himself to ring the doorbell. After a short while he hears Shen Qingqiu yell ‘coming’ from the other side of the doors.
“Oh! Binghe, that was fast” Shen Qingqiu is genuinely surprised when he opens the door to be greeted with the sight of the other man.
“The faster I get as far away from that crazy man the better” Luo Binghe says enraged as he walks past Shen Qingqiu who’s holding the door open for him into the apartment.
Luo Binghe drops face down onto the couch that’s standing in the middle of the small but cozy living room. Shen Qingqiu kneels next to him and gently pats his head. The gesture makes Luo Binghe instinctively relax deeper into the pillows. The other man never fails to make him feel better. His sole presence is enough to bring him a piece of serenity.
“Would you like to sleep here tonight?” Shen Qingqiu offers, continuing the soothing motion on top of Luo Binghe’s hair. “It’s better for you and your father to get some time alone to cool off.”
“What about your roommate? Won’t he have anything against it?” As good as Shen Qingqiu’s proposition sounds, Luo Binghe can’t stop himself from wondering if he’s welcomed by the weird roommate. After all, it's also his apartment. “He doesn’t seem to like me that much. It almost looks like he is afraid of me”
“Shang Qinghua is just as scared of you as he is of everybody else.” Shen Qingqiu shakes his head as if whatever Luo BInghe said was the most absurd thing. In his eyes it’s impossible for his friend to be anything remotely scary. “Besides, he’s out of the city visiting his boyfriend’s hometown, so he won’t be coming back till next week.”
“Okay, I’ll take you up on your offer” Luo Binghe smiles at Shen Qingqiu’s kindness with bright eyes. “But I have nothing on me except my phone so I’ll need to trouble gege with borrowing me something to sleep in.”
“It’s not an issue.” Shen Qingqiu stands up and Luo Binghe already misses the hand that was softly playing with his hair. “You can choose a movie to watch and I’ll go fetch you some clothes.”
Luo BInghe nods and watches as Shen Qingqiu disappears behind his bedroom doors. He can’t believe how good the other man is for him. Bringing him comfort everytime he whines and complains as if it was his highest duty to take care of the younger boy. And Luo Binghe couldn’t be anything but happy at this turn of events.
Somehow during the movie they ended up sitting close to each other, shoulders pressed together. Shen Qingqiu doesn’t seem to notice anything, completely immersed into the movie playing on the TV screen. Luo Binghe feels especially proud because he chose this one in hopes to match Shen Qingqiu’s taste. Lost in the beautiful view of Shen Qingqiu’s side profile colored by the many fastly flashing lights coming from the screen, Luo Binghe leans over and gently places his head on the other man's shoulder. Shen Qingqiu’s eyes dart away from the screen and he looks over at Luo Binghe giving him a small smile.
“Are you tired?” He asks softly. “We can finish the movie any other time.”
“Ah, no no” Luo Binghe is fast to reject. “It’s just that gege’s shoulder is really nice to lay on.”
Luo Binghe doesn’t miss how Shen Qingqiu looks away, slightly flustered at his brash comment. After a while he clears his throat and returns his eyes to look Luo Binghe straight into his two deep black orbs.
“Would you like to maybe talk about what happened today?” Shen Qingqiu poses the question in a gentle tone he only ever uses with Luo Binghe. It never fails to make him feel extremely special. “I know you already said a lot through the phone but maybe talking in person will make it feel better.”
“I don’t think there’s much more left to say.” Luo Binghe says resigned. “I just wish he could take no as an answer. I’m not interested in any of these girls. Yeah, Ying NingNing is nice to talk to but it’s only because we’ve known each other since we were I don’t even remember maybe five? And Sha Hualing is a good gym companion but for fucks sake she’s a lesbian! They’re all nice but there’s no chance for any romantic feelings to be involved”
“And have you tried telling this to your father?” Shen Qingqiu interrupts his monologue.
“What exactly? That Sha Hualing prefers to fuck other girls?” Luo Binghe looks at his friend as if he said something borderline crazy.
“Oh god no!” Shen Qingqiu swats at Luo Binghe’s shoulder. “Telling him that you’re gay. That’s what I meant.”
Luo Binghe’s expression turns into an especially sour one.
“You think I haven’t tried? He just took it as some joke or an experimental phase that I’ll outgrow once I’m older than fifteen.” Luo Binghe shakes his head with overwhelming fatigue.
“Well if you talked about it in the middle of one of your arguments he probably said these things with a mind clouded by his emotions. You know he would never want to hurt you on purpose.” Shen Qingqiu declares with a stern voice not breaking eye-contact with Luo Binghe.
“Maybe he didn’t mean to but it still hurts for it to be taken as some kind of joke.” Luo Binghe fights with the tears slowly filling his eyes. He despises this part of his character that makes him cry like a baby at the slightest inconvenience. Feeling ashamed of showing his highly vulnerable side that collided with his overall image, Luo Binghe drops his head down to prevent Shen Qingqiu from seeing his face.
But what he didn’t expect was for Shen Qingqiu to suddenly place a gentle hand on his cheek and slowly caress it while lifting his head so he would face him again. The warm fingers shifted under his eyes and wiped one stray tear that somehow made its way out of his eyes. His fluttering lashes make the rest of them threaten to follow in its trail.
“Hey” Shen Qingqiu says incredibly softly. “It’s okay to cry if it hurts. There’s no shame.”
Luo Binghe nods and presses harder into the smooth and warm hand which never stops its soft affection. He closes his eyes to focus purely at the overwhelmingly nice sensation of delicate skin brushing against his cheek.
Luo Binghe feels Shen Qingqiu shift slightly next to him. Then suddenly his head is brought to rest in the crook of Shen Qingqiu’s neck and the hand previously cradling his face is now softly brushing through his hair. He hasn't realized that the tears welling in his eyes have already spilled all over his slightly flushed face. Luo Binghe never expected to be so gently and lovingly treated by his friend. His hands raise to take hold of fistfuls of Shen Qingqiu’s shirt at his back. Enveloped in a soft hug Luo Binghe can hear the slow pace of Shen Qingqiu’s beating heart and tries to match his breathing with the one coming from the chest below his head. He feels more at peace than ever before.
“Binghe?” He hears a quiet whisper coming from above his head.
Luo Binghe slowly raises his head realizing that he must have fallen asleep in between all the soft touches and steady heartbeat that seemed to be the only thing worth his attention.
“Hm? Gege?” Luo Binghe says in a sleepy voice. Even though his neck is a bit stiff from lying in this position for who knows how long he never felt more cozy and all warm inside.
“Let’s go to sleep, alright? Sleeping like this can’t be comfortable in any way.” Shen Qingqiu says and it only makes Luo Binghe want to argue.
He never had better sleep than these few moments before. Held by gentle hands of the only man that he cared about and deeply wished for his affections to be reciprocated. He would willingly hand him his whole bare heart served on a silver platter to do whatever he wants with it but just let Luo Binghe beg to not throw him away.
But back to reality at hand.
How was Luo Binghe supposed to go to sleep when he could stay here in Shen Qingqiu’s arms where he felt like he belonged and was supposed to stay till the end of his days.
But everything nice must come to an end because what if he weirds out Shen Qingqiu and he’ll never let him lay his head on his shoulder or he’ll stop patting his head once in a while. Luo Binghe could not handle such a big rejection so he decided that it would be good to go lay down for the night.
“Yeah, I’ll take the couch.” Luo Binghe offers not even willing to entertain the thought of getting Shen Qingqiu’s bed and leaving the man to sleep on the small uncomfy sofa.
“There’s no way. You’re a guest of mine.” But of course Shen Qingqiu won’t make it easy for him. It would be just too perfect for Luo Binghe.
“And that’s why I couldn’t dare to take away my dear host’s bed! You’ve already done too much for me.” Luo Binghe tries to argue.
“Nothing is too much if it makes Binghe feel better.” Shen Qingqiu admits and Luo Binghe swears he feels his heart skip a few beats until it comes back to its regular pace.
But it’s the next statement that comes out of Shen Qingqiu’s mouth that causes Luo Binghe’s brain to stop working.
“Besides, my bed is big enough that we could possibly squeeze in together.”
Static buzz sound fills Luo Binghe’s ears. What do you mean Shen Qingqiu just proposed to share a bed with him!? If he was any weaker of a man Luo Binghe would throw himself at the other man and start bawling his eyes out.
Thankfully he had enough of crying for one day so with steel will he forces the silly tears down.
“If it doesn’t bother you.” Luo Binghe tried to play it off casually pretending that he wasn’t feeling as if a god blessed him with the greatest heavenly gift a mortal could wish upon.
“Of course it doesn’t. Otherwise I wouldn’t be saying anything.” Shen Qingqiu laughs softly and if it wasn’t the finest sound Luo Binghe has ever been blessed to hear.
Although Luo Binghe could bet that Shen Qingqiu is capable of making many more pleasing sounds, but that’s a thought which needs to be tucked away in some dark corner of his mind and left there for some other more suitable time.
When Luo Binghe enters the bedroom after changing into pajamas provided by Shen Qingqiu he feels incredibly nervous. Which is stupid, it's not like it's their first night after marriage and they're up to doing anything naughty! He's just sharing a bed with his caring friend who couldn't let him sleep on the uncomfortable couch. That's all, nothing more!
Still Luo Binghe’s breath gets all punched away from his lungs then he sees as Shen Qingqiu releases his hair from the claw clip that was keeping them up and out of his face. Long dark hair falls softly on his shoulders and Luo Binghe aches to reach out his hand and check if the strands feel as silky as they look. He would love to be able to twist a strand around his finger, maybe bring it to his lips and kiss with ale the delicacy in the world.
Shen Qingqiu lifts the blanket and looks at Luo Binghe as if finally acknowledging his arrival.
“Are you coming?” He asks and it makes Luo Binghe’s insides perform a triple backflip once again.
He's not sure how he'll survive the night lying so close next to Shen Qingqiu. And falling asleep? That probably won't be an option for Luo Binghe.
His poor heart is racing way too fast as he steps closer to the bed. He slowly sits down on the bed and shifts under the covers as far away from Shen Qingqiu as possible. Even though he would die for the opportunity to hold onto his beloved while they lay so close to each other, he knows it's not something he can do.
‘Not now at least’ Luo Binghe cheers himself up.
But maybe it won't be so bad to get a bit closer. Maybe throw an arm around the other man? Other part of Luo Binghe’s mind chimes in. Shen Qingqiu willingly held him before so maybe he won’t be mad at him for scooting a bit closer. Just close enough to feel the heat of the other body laying in the bed.
“Will you stop moving? Some of us are actually trying to sleep” Shen Qingqiu turns around to face restless Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu seems to wonder for a while and then suddenly grabs Luo Binghe’s upper arm.
“You seemed to sleep just fine a while ago so maybe you do require to be hugged in order to fall asleep” Shen Qingqiu wonders more to himself while he drags Luo Binghe closer into his embrace. “Such a big spoiled baby you are.”
For a while Luo Binghe is not completely sure what's happening. He feels like an old computer processing some complicated operation. Shen Qingqiu let him sleep in the same bed as himself and just now he pulled Luo Binghe into a hug to cuddle with him in the very same bed. It was too much for him.
But it doesn't mean that it stopped Luo Binghe from reciprocating the embrace. He slowly wraps his hands around the other's waist and lets his head rest on Shen Qingqiu's chest. Once again near his peacefully beating heart. The same can't be said about Luo Binghe’s one. He feels as if his heart is on its way to combust and free itself from his ribcage.
“Sleep well Binghe” He hears Shen Qingqiu say and at the same time he feels the latter's chin rest on top of his head.
“Goodnight gege” Luo Binghe somehow pushes these words out of himself with the great struggle to not let his voice give away his inner mental torment.
After a long few hours of just laying and listening to Shen Qingqiu’s deep breathing, does Luo Binghe manage to finally fall asleep.
Soft rays of morning sun accompanied by calm steady breathing fills the bedroom. Two bodies lay tangled with one another crammed on the bed.
Luo Binghe slowly opens his eyes and raises his head to stare at sleeping Shen Qingqiu. In his sleepy state the other man seems to be even more beautiful. If that’s even a possible thing. His features lose their usual sharpness, which is instead replaced by an unexpected softness. Deep black hair frames his incredibly pale face creating a starking contrast that only magnifies his beauty.
Luo Binghe could be satisfied with looking at Shen Qingqiu for the rest of his life if only the other man gave him his permission to do so.
Up close he can count every little dark lash that frames his sharp eyes that hold an unusually soft look that’s only reserved for Luo Binghe and no one else.
His perfectly symmetrical pair of brows that lack the usual tense expression, now in a peaceful resting position.
The perfect smooth bridge of his nose.
And Luo Binghe can’t stop himself from staring at Shen Qingqiu’s slightly pink lips. They look so soft and there’s nothing in this world that Luo Binghe would hesitate to give away if only for a possibility to confirm if they’re indeed as pleasant to the touch as they look like.
In a spring of bravery he places his hand on the other’s face, fingers just slightly below the nice curve of Shen Qingqiu’s lips. Not daring to wander any further.
Instead Luo Binghe decides to slowly lower his head and place a chaste kiss to Shen Qingqiu’s other cheek. He didn't let his lips linger for any longer than a second, afraid of what could happen if Shen Qingqiu knew what he was doing.
But in spite of his hopes it’s the exact same moment Shen Qingqiu choses to open his eyes.
Mortified Luo Binghe freezes in his spot so close to Shen Qingqiu’s face. But he’s not sure if the other man felt the delicate kiss so there’s still some hope to save him from the immaculate embarrassment.
“Binghe” Shen Qingqiu says, his voice devoid of any sign of sleepiness.
Yep, he totally felt the kiss.
“Hello gege. Isn’t it such a nice morning? The sun feels so good.” Luo Binghe's tone betrays his distress.
Suddenly Shen Qingqiu avoids looking Luo Binghe straight into eyes and if his cheeks dust with a slight pink it’s totally just the morning light playing with reality.
“If you want to kiss me then do it properly…” His voice is incredibly quiet. If it weren’t for the close proximity of the two men, Luo Binghe wouldn’t be able to hear him at all.
“You want me to kiss you?” Stunned Luo Binghe asks.
“Don’t make me repeat myself.” Shen Qingqiu brings both of his hands to his face in order to hide himself from Luo Binghe’s burning stare. He doesn’t know if his cheeks can grow any hotter and redder.
But Luo Binghe is fast to gently hold Shen Qingqiu’s wrist and tuck them away from his face. Now in full limelight Luo Binghe can admire his lovingly flushed face. That might be his favorite expression he has ever seen on the other man’s face.
“If that’s what you wish for” Luo Binghe face hovers unbelievably close to Shen Qingqiu’s own.
For a while they stare into each other's eyes. Shen Qingqiu is fighting the urge to just look away from all the embarrassment he’s feeling right now. Luo Binghe’s eyes are filled with pure adoration for the man lying below him.
Then he finally leans down. Soft brush of lips against lips. It’s barely there. Delicate like butterfly wings.
Yet it makes Shen Qingqiu suck in a sharp breath of air.
Luo Binghe chuckles and leans down once again. This time their lips interlock for a longer while but it’s not less delicate than before.
Luo Binghe lets go of Shen Qingqiu’s hands to gently hold his face in between his hands. With the newly gained freedom Shen Qingqiu wraps his arms around the others neck keeping him in place. Not that Luo Binghe plans to move away anytime soon. Not now when he finally got all he wanted and even more.
Shen Qingqiu hums with satisfaction when they break away and lets his hands tangle into Luo Binghe’s hair.
“I don’t think your father needs to set up another date for you.” Shen Qingqiu says playfully while returning Luo Binghe’s loving gaze.
“If only you agree to go on one with me.” Luo Binghe says, which earns him another kiss softly placed on his lips.