Chapter Text
Xie Lian was sitting in the practice room, playing “Love in the Dark” by Adele on the piano. He thought of lips stained with black lip gloss, of long black hair, and flashing silver. It was astounding how thoroughly Hua Cheng had invaded Xie Lian’s mind, and just how much Xie Lian never wanted him to leave. Jesus fucking Christ.
“Gege?” Xie Lian whipped his head around. Sure enough, Hua Cheng was standing in the doorway. Their faces widened into matching smiles, and Xie Lian instinctively ran over to hug him. Then, realizing what he’d just done, he backed away, blushing furiously. Xie Lian looked up, only to find that Hua Cheng was also blushing. God, Xie Lian wanted to kiss him so badly.
“Sorry, San Lang. I should have asked.”
“It’s alright, Gege. I just wanted to ask if you’d be interested in playing at our concert tonight? We wanted to add some keyboard, and seeing as you know most of our songs, you’re the perfect choice.”
“Oh, I’d love to, San Lang! What do I need to do?”
“Just show up at our usual practice room at 5:30 tonight. Wear whatever you want, as long as you feel good.”
Xie Lian, boldened by the offer, grabbed Hua Cheng’s hand. “I’ll be there, San Lang.” Then, he hugged Hua Cheng one more time, burying his face in Hua Cheng’s chest.
–
Xie Lian pulled on a loose black crop top t-shirt, leaving his binder straps visible. He grabbed his black skinny jeans and Doc Martens, checking his outfit in the mirror. Not bad.
He hoped Hua Cheng liked it. He wondered how Hua Cheng would look tonight. Everything he wore was breathtaking, but Xie Lian was nervous if he’d be able to breathe tonight.
–
Hua Cheng walked into the practice room wearing a black trench coat, black t-shirt, and maroon jeans. His shoes were black Converse with doodles on the sides. Xie Lian gasped when Hua Cheng’s gaze met his. Hua Cheng walked over to Xie Lian’s seat, leaning forward.
“Gege looks good tonight,” he murmured in Xie Lian’s ear. Shivers flooded through Xie Lian’s body.
“Ah, so does San Lang. Really good–” Xie Lian gasped as Hua Cheng nipped his earlobe. Hua Cheng blushed, backing up and sitting across the room.
“Ahem,” Shi Qingxuan cleared his throat. “Alright, guys, let’s start practicing.”
–
All I learned growing up
Was that love chewed me up
Xie Lian played the keyboard as Hua Cheng and Shi Qingxuan played soft notes on their guitars. Hua Cheng kept stealing glances at Xie Lian, and Xie Lian felt a blush creep up his cheeks.
Sweetheart, you are
Changing my mind…
Xie Lian picked up his acoustic guitar, walking over to Hua Cheng as he strummed the strings.
Nobody taught me how to love myself
So how can I love somebody else?
There ain't no excuses
I swear that I'm doing my best
Xie Lian gazed into Hua Cheng’s eyes, wondering how on Earth he would survive if he told Hua Cheng his feelings, and his San Lang left him. Xie Lian poured his heart into the music, playing every chord and every note to perfection.
I won't let you down…
Xie Lian smiled. This, he decided, this I can live with.
–
Around an hour later, Shi Qingxuan stepped up to the microphone as the last notes of “parents” faded into the air. “How’s everyone doing tonight?” The crowd cheered. “Y’all might have noticed someone new with us today. Everyone give a warm welcome to Xie Lian!” The cheers filled the arena. Hua Cheng’s arm wrapped around Xie Lian’s shoulders, and for a moment, Xie Lian forgot to breathe.
He Xuan stepped up next to the microphone, delivering the most monotone speech in history. “He’s been hanging out with us for some time, and we finally decided that his talents shouldn’t be hidden, they should be shared.”
Banyue took the mic next. “So, here he is! Thanks for welcoming him with such open arms!”
Hua Cheng pulled away to grab the mic. “We’re gonna have a brief intermission”. The crowd groaned. “I know, I know, but rest assured, we’ll be back soon.” He handed the microphone to Shi Qingxuan, grabbed Xie Lian’s hand, and walked offstage. Hua Cheng pulled him into an empty room backstage and shut the door.
“Gege, I need to talk to you,” he started. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I like you, Gege. Like, more than a friend. I know you don’t feel the same, and I understand, but I wanted to let you know because I’m gonna be acting so weird, and I just–”
“San Lang–”
“Gege, I’m so sorry if I make you uncomfortable–”
“S-San Lang–”
“–but I’d really love to be friends, at least. I can be happy with that, I–”
“San Lang.” Hua Cheng stopped his rambling. Xie Lian saw the pain painted in his eyes. Xie Lian couldn’t believe this was happening, but…
“San Lang, it’s ok, I–” Fuck it. Xie Lian wrapped his arms around Hua Cheng’s neck and pressed his lips to Hua Cheng’s. Hua Cheng was frozen in shock for a few seconds, but soon started to move his lips with Xie Lian’s. Xie Lian bit his bottom lip, and Hua Cheng whined. Hua Cheng tasted like spice and cinnamon, sending a swirl of warmth through Xie Lian. Hua Cheng pressed Xie Lian up against the wall, cupping his face. Hua Cheng adjusted the angle of the kiss, and Xie Lian whimpered. They pulled apart, breathless.
“Gege, is this okay?” Hua Cheng panted. Xie Lian stayed silent, examining Hua Cheng’s kiss swollen lips, and smiled. Instead of answering, Xie Lian pulled Hua Cheng into another kiss. Hua Cheng groaned, burrowing his fingers into Xie Lian’s hair.
Xie Lian turned their bodies around so he was pinning Hua Cheng to the wall, and trailed kisses down his neck. Hua Cheng groaned, pulling Xie Lian as close as possible.
Knock, knock, knock. “Intermission’s over!” called Shi Qingxuan.
Hua Cheng and Xie Lian pulled apart and pressed their foreheads together. Xie Lian’s face grew into a giddy smile.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for a while,” he giggled. Hua Cheng laughed.
“Me too, Gege.”
They walked back onstage, hand in hand. Xie Lian spotted He Xuan and Banyue hiding their laughter behind their hands, but just rolled his eyes and walked over to the piano.
–
Tonight, I wanna give it all to you
In the darkness, there's so much I wanna do
And tonight, I wanna lay it at your feet
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng played right next to each other, singing their hearts out. Hua Cheng flirted with him shamelessly, smirking every time Xie Lian blushed. Of course this would be the last song of the night.
I was made for lovin' you, baby
You were made for lovin' me
I can't get enough of you, baby
The band jumped around with so much energy, they could power a battery. Smiles wide, voices filling the space. Xie Lian relished in this moment. A year ago, he was a new kid in a new country, and now he had friends and an amazing… boyfriend? They hadn’t quite made things official yet.
I can give it all to you, baby
Can you give it all to me…
Hua Cheng pulled Xie Lian away from the piano and pulled him in for a breathtaking kiss. The spotlight shone on them, and everyone was watching, but Xie Lian couldn’t bring himself to care. I love you, San Lang.