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Chapter Text

Ling groaned. Tang Xuan was the opposite of selfish in regards of everything besides sharing the fucking blanket and despite Xuan’s body being pretty damn warm Ling was still pretty damn cold. Why? Because it was fucking December. Hmm his brain was into saying ‘fucking’ today…
“国王, Please give me the blanket.” Ling loudly sighed in his boyfriend’s ear.
“Shut up. I bought the blanket. It’s mine.” Tang Xuan mercilessly whispered, even pulling the tiny section Ling had gotten to cover his feet over himself instead.
The four armed man whimpered miserably
“Xuannnnnn! Please it’s so cold!”
“Fine.” The red head humphed, finally releasing half of the blanket to Ling. He got closer to his lover, he wasn’t sure if Xuan did that for affection or because he thought if he got close to Ling he would get more blanket.

———我的毯子 >:(———

Ling rushed around, he had figured out how to make Jianbing yesterday afternoon in 45 minutes while Xuan was at work, because he wanted to. It wasn’t because he wanted to impress his boyfriend who are you? The FBI? Fuck off.

He mixed the stupid types of flour (like seriously his brain only comprehended different types of tomato a year ago. Like what the fuck is millet flour?) and the water, five spice powder and salt. Damn he was a good cook, he had no fears of him burning down the kitchen. He grabbed the chilli sauce and mixed whatever weird sauce the guy in the video he watched made (sweet bean paste,sugar and red fermented tofu).

…

Tang Xuan woke back up to the smell of smoke and the sound of the alarm screaming at him. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, only picking himself up upon hearing Ling loudly swearing. He quietly groaned upon seeing it was 7am and not the usual 10am he got up at during his breaks. He smacked his face.
“Ling! What did you set on fire?” Xuan yelled.
“Honestly, I can’t remember where it started.”
“For fuck’s sake!” The red head swiftly but begrudgingly leapt up. He marched into the kitchen, cast a fire-repellent charm and without hesitating grabbed the on fire, burning hot pan. He then threw it into the sink and turned it on.

———唐轩下次会放火烧凌———

“Well obviously you’re banned from cooking if I’m not observing you-“
“Okay Sir-“
“Shut the fuck up Ling.”
“I love it when you discipline me.”
Tang Xuan only sighed in reply, disappointed with Ling, as he always was.
He turned to wash the counter but the other man pinned his against the counter from behind.
“Ling this isn’t happening. The smell of vanilla in our bedroom might make me aroused, but the smell of our burnt down kitchen…. Isn’t doing it.”
“But I thought you loved the smell of fire.”
“No I like the smell of pure chaos.”
“You’re fucking epic.” Ling released Xuan gently and sadly, although the smirk on his lover’s face quickly returned one to his own “I’m sorry… for burning the kitchen down…”
“It’s all forgiven… if you get another blanket for yourself.”
“Or we could just stay close to each other?”
“That doesn’t sound bad actually”

———家庭主妇唐轩———

“How about you get on top?”
“Shut up, destroy me.”
“Are you able to shut that mouth? Do you need me to help you?”

Holy Christ why was Xuan so sexual at the holidays? boredom or maybe he had too much energy knowing his love, probably both. Li Ling tiredly threw himself down beside Xuan, gasping for air. His boyfriend wasn’t just sexual but extremely impressive (in multiple ways) he needed to tell Tang that more often.

“Thanks..” the redhead whispered
“Of course.”
“I can still smell smoke from last week.”
“It wasn’t even a week ago, it was days ago.” He giggled softly.
“You’re lucky I got over it.”
“Yeah I am. I have to admit I wasn’t expecting you to. In fact you’re way more into me than I was expecting.”
“Me too.”
“I’ll go make dinner-“
“How about you just snuggle up to me in bed?”
“Is this a gay thing or a burning the house now thing?”
“It’s a fire thing.”
“Yeah I figured.”

Chapter Text

“Est-ce lui ? Votre petit la célébrité ? Il est assez adorable.” The young blonde woman whispered to her friend.
“Je sais !” Another woman excitedly,quietly and breathlessly said.
Tang Xuan kept his wide eyes straight forward, acting like he didn’t understand what the women were gossiping about as he walked by. He pulled his fluffy white jacket closer to his puffed out chest and watched as his breath came out like the smoke of an inferno.

“Pretending you’re a dragon?”
Tang Xuan yelped as Raven came out of nowhere before swiftly smiling.
“No no!”
“Those girls are excited over you eh?”
Xuan’s face flushed a shocking rouge
“You speak French?”
“Yes, and from your face you can too?”
He nodded at his boss, flustered.
Raven laughed “I bet Ling wouldn’t be happy about that!”
Xuan giggled in response “he wouldn’t.”
“How’s your Christmas going?”
“Alright. Yours?”
“Well. Do you know what’s happening with the fundraiser announcement?”
“Sally is meant to be doing it, correct?”
“Unlucky for everyone, she got sick. You were our backup, you know what you have to do right?”
“Of course I do!” He grinned
“Thank you Tang Xuan. You’re always so reliable.”
“Thanks for the compliment Boss!”
Raven gratefully smiled at the young man and waved him goodbye which Xuan immediately reciprocated.

———Tang Xuan est si beau———

Xuan happily grinned upon seeing Gabrielle, the woman for once following his advice to wear appropriate winter clothes. The commander widened her own smile at the sight of the younger.
“Tang Xuan! How is life treating you buddy?” She beamed
“Fine, Ling did set the kitchen on fire again but oh well. Are you good?”
“I’m bloody great!

After 10 minutes of talking, a gaggle of teenagers walked past, likely union members’ children or the kids of VIPS. The furthest boy from him giggled to the closest girl “هل هذا هو الرجل الذي تريد أختك السيطرة عليه؟”
“نعم.” أو أنها تريده أن يهيمن عليها. لا أستطيع أن أتذكر أبدا.” The girl quietly said, squinting in an attempt to remember. Xuan’s ears turned red.
“You know what they’re on about?” Gabrielle whispered, amused “are they talking about fucking you,Ling or Raven?”
“Are they really that predictable? Of course they are.”
“Didn’t know you spoke Arabic”
“My mum hated the fact we were Chinese of course I speak other languages.”

—تانغ شوان في طريقه لمعرفة خمس لغات—

Xuan happily sat down, fulfilled by having not bombed his announcement. A small smile rested on his face at the sight of an impressed recruit, with a look on his face saying ‘I want to do that, I will do what it takes to get to do that’. Another recruit sat behind him, a little older but seemingly reluctant to chat. Xuan strolled over to the younger, delighting in the trainee’s enraptured expression.
“Hello! How are you doing mate?” Xuan smiled at the man.
”こんにちは！Shit- I mean hello. I’m good. H-how are you?” He hid his face in shame.
“I’m pretty good.” Not even Xuan could find a way to fill in the awkward space in conversation.
「アオト! この同性愛者は誰ですか？」A man ran up to the trainee.
「私はタン・スアンです」Xuan told the seemingly older gentleman, admittedly he enjoyed the look of regret and confusion on both their faces「そして、あなたは？」he continued
「私は研修生の林、オプスチーフです。」The older stuttered
「オプスチーフ？」 The youngest’s eyes widened.
「オプスチーフを同性愛者と呼ぶのは幸運です。」Xuan giggled.
「すみません、オプスチーフ。」The two recruits said in union. Xuan simply nodded and smiling turned away. He was just able to hear from one of the men
「ファック、それは魅力的だった」
He blushed, what was with everyone today?!

———称賛の的———

The man happily squeaked upon being pressed against the wall, the two aggressively ripping at each others clothes. Xuan smiled at Ling.
“ 我没有意识到有多少人嫉妒你”He stared forcefully, grinning and humoured by Ling’s confused face.
“有人要求操你吗？”
“没有人当着我的面说。”
“很好” Ling humphed
Xuan laughed.

Chapter Text

Xuan eyes filled with tears, his breath coming out ragged and broken. His lips tasted like iron and his heart beat was irregular yet slow. The last miramon fell, 8 trainees taking it down.
“Tang Tzu! Are you okay?” One of his students yelped, panicked by the despondent look on her teacher’s face. The other students’ concerned murmurs faded into unintelligible noise. When he coughed, blood spurted from his mouth and nose, making the noise around him grow exponentially in volume. His eyes fluttered shut when he slowly exhaled, reopening when he was forced to painfully inhale.

He could hear his eldest student, Liu Qian, calling the union which gave him a little comfort. Meanwhile the youngest, Amina, cried into her brother’s arms. They were like that for 10 minutes. 10 minutes of burning pain every time he breathed, 10 minutes of his students stopping him from choking on his own blood, 10 minutes of red hot pain and dark cold misery.

He finally felt a cool hand on his head, seeing Ye Suhua’s gentle blue eyes looking down on him in an extremely perturbed manner, she bent down, tapping his collarbones and softly whispered
“Tang Xuan? Can you hear me?”
He could only nod his head before letting his eyes fall shut.

———疼痛撕裂了我的心———

“What happened Xuan?” Chang Pu kindly asked the older man.
“We were told to do fieldwork with our students in a yellow zone so that’s what I did, then it suddenly became a red one. I took on the stronger miramon that arrived and my students managed to take on the weaker ones.” He whispered
“Okay Xuan. We just wanted to know you didn’t purposely take trainees into high risk areas. Are you in pain still?”
“Not right now.” He wistfully smiled
“That’s good.”
“Yeah, merry fucking Christmas to me.” The man laughed.
“Well… you should be fine for the tree decorating in 23 days and in 25 days you should be able… to get up to your usual… fun with Li Ling…”
Tang Xuan aggressively blushed at that and sighing, said “thank you.”
“No problem.” Chang Pu smiled.

———事情开始疼了———

The blood contrasted horrifically with the white toilet seat. Tang Xuan gasped over it, his eyes almost shut and his eyelashes stained with tears. A knock could be heard from the door.
“Tang Xuan? 天使？are you… okay?” Ling’s voice resonated, concerned.
“Is this to do with what happened on Thursday?” Mona’s tone was also laced with worry.
“What happened Thursday?” Ling asked
“Just some miramon, it was nothing.” Xuan spluttered out, almost choking on his blood. Exhaustion tugged at his shoulders even upon Ling breaking the lock and storming in. The loud gasp Ling let out hurt Xuan’s heart more than his ears.
“Shit! Mona can you call someone?” The man yelped at the terrified woman standing in the doorway, who instantly complied with the older’s wishes.

The sound of Sally responding soothed Xuan, as did Ling’s hand on his aching back. He almost fell forward but was saved by Ling who placed the younger on the cold floor on his side. He could feel the esper’s fingers running through his hair and holding his face softly. He could still feel it when he fell asleep.

———伤害不会摧毁爱———

He woke up in the med bay, with Ling staring down at him. A stern and strict look on the man’s face. Five recruits were also there, 4 of his own and the one Ling was trusted with. Amina was quite close (not as close as Ling) and her eyes were teary, by which Xuan meant she was sobbing aggressively. He tried to speak, but Sally gently pressed a hand to his cheek, a maternal and wistful smile resting on her mouth. Ling’s student took a look at her teacher’s harsh stare and left the room. Amina was dragged away by another of Xuan’s trainees, only Liu Qian, Kacper and obviously Li Ling remained.
“Tang Xuan.” The man’s voice severe tone frightened Kacper a little and guilted the younger instructor. He looked away from the men.

———我会照顾你的———

It was just the two now, as Xuan always unconsciously wanted it to be.
“You scared me. A lot.” Ling sighed, his boyfriend didn’t respond “why didn’t you just tell me you got hurt?”
“I didn’t think it was that bad.”
“I talked to your students, apparently it looked pretty bad.”
“I guess it did.”
“You were choking on your own blood Tang.” Shit Ling only called him by his last name when he was pissed “You… could’ve died. What would I do if you died?”
“I wouldn’t have died, probably.”
“You had internal bleeding.”
“Correction. I have internal bleeding.” Xuan smugly laughed
“For fucks sake.”
“Admit it was funny.”
“You should’ve just told me then I would’ve have had……”
“Relax I’ll be fine, I’ll be fine in time for Christmas at least.

———康复-Two days later———

Tang Xuan smiled at his trainees that entered the training ground. He leant slightly on his staff, still tired especially since he’d up all night getting treated.
“Mr Tang!” Amina wailed “are you okay?!”
Xuan hesitated, used to the girl being emotional but now it was just crazy.
“Amina! Calm!” He yelped
She breathed heavily and still crying whimpered “Sorry Mr Tang.”
“Be normal Amina! Tang Tzu doesn’t want to hear your bullsh- your weeping.” Tao Qiuran yelled at the older girl.
“Qiuran! Be nice.” Xuan sighed, although his face flashed a smile at the sight of Ling walking across the grounds.
“李老师! 你好吗?”He grinned
“太好了，现在我已经看到你了。” Ling lustfully smirked.
“哦,你们两个是同性恋吗？” Liu Qian Called from the back of the group.
“Shit. I forgot you have a Chinese speaking student.”
“I have multiple”
“I also understood and am slightly disturbed.” Qiuran monotonously announced.
“Merry Christmas kid. Your present from me is imagining me fucking your teach-“
“Ling if you don’t shut up, I will sell your rips on the dark web.”

Chapter Text

That nagging feeling that tugged on Ling’s stomach was the most annoying feeling he’d ever felt. Tang Xuan’s presence besides him acted as a Sun that the feeling was pulled towards, and what a pretty Sun he was. Ling’s eyes might’ve been staring at the ceiling but he was listening to Xuan’s breathing and how it accompanied his own. He had a feeling that the man didn’t realise how much he loved him and an extremely strong urge to tell him. He sighed at his inability to and instead admired the beautiful Christmas lights they’d put on their shelves, not as beautiful as Xuan His Mind supplied (Fuck he was gay).

“Tang Xuan, Tang Xuan.” He whispered
“Why are you whispering?” The red head whimpered quietly.
“Because I don’t want to disturb you- oh wait no that’s exactly what I’m trying to do” he murmured
“It’s….” He checked his phone placed on the bedside table “Four in the fuckin morning!”
“I love you.” Ling smiled
“eh?” The sound was pretty and small “What?” Xuan hummed
“I said that I love you?”
Tang Xuan’s face, illuminated by the light of his phone, turned to Ling’s “I love you too 王子. But why right now?”
“Because I’m gay.”
“How about you become less gay at 12pm afterwards until like 7.00am?”
“Oh please Xuan, you know I’m only get more gay when it’s dark-“
“Yeah yeah… I’m well aware…..”
Ling giggled smugly but after a few seconds of silence said “you’re the only present I want for Christmas-“
“That’s so corny.”

Chapter Text

“He’s hard to buy for.” Ling sighed
“You’re only nervous to buy his present because he makes you hard.” Lewis loudly laughed in the seat next to him.
“Shut the fuck up Lewis”
“Am I wrong?”
“………No.” Ling bashfully smiled.
“You two are disgusting.” Mona groaned
“You know it!” Ling grinned
“Know what?” Tang Xuan asked as he sat down at the lunch table
“Nothing. That’s what Ling knows!”
“Well he figured out he was gay yesterday!” Xuan laughed loudly
“Mmmmm I had help with that….” Ling stared into his boyfriend’s eyes.
“Fucking hell.” Mona moaned
“That’s the same way he speaks to me when we’re-“
“Please be quiet!” She cried
The group giggled quietly, allowing carefree smiles to dance on their faces.

。。。。。。

”I’m still stuck.” Ling miserably placed his head on the cafe table
Opposite him Leora sipped her black coffee “Ling. There’s 6 days till Christmas.” She amusedly hummed,which elicited a groan from the younger man “Just buy him some jewellery.” She sighed.
“Xuan isn’t a crazy jewellery wearer…. But he does have long hair… I could always find a hair comb….. is that what they’re called? You know the combs you wear in your hair?” Ling mused
“I think that’s what they’re called.”
“Hell yeah! I finally know shit.”
A mother opposite them shushed him, covering her son’s ears.
“Ling………”
“Sorry.”

。。。。。。。

Ling scanned the shop for a posh hair comb, his eyes reflecting the petite rubies, pearls and emeralds that covered the room. His eyebrows were raised, clearly impressed and stunned by the gemstones.
“Holy shit…” he whispered.
An older woman appeared on his right, amiably smiling “What are you looking for sweetheart?”
“Oh! H-hello. I’m looking for one of those posh hair combs… I don’t know if you-“
“Don’t worry Érzi, it’s all fine! We have some in that corner.” She pointed
“Thank you very much.” He nodded gratefully to the woman.

He placed a hand over a Shubi (he’d searched up what they were called). It was a resplendent gold, dotted with… yeah he didn’t know what that was but it was green. Green was not Tang Xuan’s colour. His hands brushed over another 5. The first one’s gems were a good colour for Xuan but the dark colour of the metal didn’t work with any of his boyfriend’s clothes. The second was too blue, the next was a dark purple and the next was too plain. Finally there was one that felt complete, golden,carved and covered in Citrine jewels (as the woman told him, like you really thought he knew what they were called?) he looked at the price and it was a lot, but he figured out he didn’t care

。。。。。。。

“When is he gonna wear that?” Raven smacked her hand to her head
“Hell if I know but He likes pretty things.”
“It is quite pretty.” She smiled
“Yeah it is, let’s fucking go! I know what pretty things are.”
“Stop cursing.”
“Okay muummmm.”
“Love you son.” Ling happily squeaked in reponse “also Xuan bought your present in November-“
“Shit.”

Chapter Text

“Li Ling!” Tang Xuan’s voice rang out cheerfully “We’re decorating the Christmas tree at 6.30ish tonight! do you wanna join us?”
“Not particularly” Ling coldly looked down on the other, gods it was hard to say no to the younger when he looked at him so warmly and joyously.
“Oh… okay.” Xuan slowly stuttered out.
“……Sorry” he murmured.
“It’s no problem really.” Xuan nervously brushed a lock of hair behind his right ear.
Ling swiftly turned his back to the smaller and quickly walked away, his rings and arms flying around him. He wasn’t willing to hear Xuan’s quiet and despondent sigh.

“He’s pretty cold isn’t he?”
“Eh?” Xuan startled “Oh Ms.-“
“It’s just Gabrielle, Mr Tang.” She laughed.
“Of course. What were we talking about?”
“I was just saying that your little friend was a bit cold, personality wise obviously.”
“He’s taller than both of us but- yeah he is a bit distant.” Xuan mused
“Oh buddy… anyone younger than me I consider little.” Gabrielle chuckled. “Are you coming to decorate the tree?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for anything Ma’am- Gabrielle.”
“You’re learning kid.”
“I’m sixteen.”
“So?”

。。。。。。。。。

Tang Xuan desperately reached for a higher branch, attempting to hook a golden bauble on it to no avail. Loosing balance he began to fall forwards, only being stopped by a rough hand aggressively snatching his jumper.
“Shit- Thanks-“
“No problem” Ling muttered monotonously.
“I thought you weren’t coming-“
“Ms Raven forced me.” ah yes Raven, the only elder Union member that the rebellious boy even came close to respecting. Xuan giggled at the disgruntled tone hidden in the elder’s voice, surprised when Ling bashfully smiled due to the quiet laughter.

He was gently released from the other’s grasp, dropping almost silently onto the floor. He beamed up at the taller, optimistically offering out his bauble before pointing at the branch.
“You’re so short.” Ling smugly chuckled, slowly taking the decoration from the other trainee and easily putting it on the tree.
“Maybe you’re just tall” Xuan hissed, under his breath muttering “wanker.”
“I’m not deaf.”
“But you are stupid.”
“I can’t argue with that but I can be offended by it.”
“Good for you.” The red haired boy retorted, thoroughly enjoying their banter.
Then Ling caught himself, reminding his brain that he was meant to be serious when at The Union, as his father advised him to be.
“Are you sure that’s what he meant? Being serious about your training doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to have fun while you’re with Union People?” Lewis’ words from their lunch rang through his head. He mentally sighed.

“Li Ling?” Xuan hummed “Are you alright?”
Fuck the younger’s voice was so sophisticated and neat.
“Hm? Yeah?” He mumbled.
“Oh, you were just spaced out.”
Silence blanketed the two as Xuan turned to pick up another bauble, a heart shaped one of a dusty pink colour.
“You know you can just call me Ling.” He spluttered gods he was gonna regret warming up to this bastard.
“Really?” Tang Xuan smiled.
“Really.” Ling sighed.

Tang Xuan leant down and picked up another decoration, handing it to the man beside him. That was the start of something, when that fire patterned heart was placed in his palm.

Chapter Text

Xuan had been texted Yun every hour. It was already the 23rd and His brother wasn’t responding to any of his invitations to dinner on Christmas Eve. He despondently whimpered into the side of his sofa, miserable at his inability to contact his own twin.
“What’s up with you?” Ling hummed.
“My brother isn’t texting me back…” his brittle voice barely audible through the pillows. Ling sighed, sat down next to him and ran a hand through Xuan’s hair. He centred the golden comb that pinned it up.
“I’m sure he will Xuan.”
The younger sat up, nervously holding his left shoulder with his right arm. Ling removed his boyfriend’s hand from his shoulder and continued to run his hands through the man’s hair, still long despite it being pinned up.
“I’m trying to invite him to dinner.”
“At ours? Man I’m gonna get murdered.”
“My brother does hate you huh?-“
“A lot.” Ling groaned. Yun was the only Shadow Decree member he was actually particularly scared of.

。。。。。。。。。

Yun tiredly threw himself into his bed, finally back from his 4pm-7pm mission. He picked up his communicator, seeing about 13 texts from his brother. He slowly scrolled through them, musing over the excitable messages Xuan had sent. A mix of loving wishes for him to have a good Christmas and invitations to dinner tomorrow. He typed a succinct “I can come” and put his phone down on his bedside table.

。。。。。。。。。

“Li Ling” Yun’s voice was taut with anger.
“Tang Yun” Ling’s tone was flat.
“Xuan.” Yun happily yet quietly greeted his brother as he walked around the corner, festooned in reds. The elder twin flung himself merrily at his sibling, hugging him with all his strength (more strength than you would’ve expected for the man).
He only released Yun when the man started to make choking sounds.
“Sorry…” Xuan gently apologised.
“It’s fine”

。。。。。。。。。

An awkward silence laid over the three as they noiselessly ate the Jiaozi that Xuan had made. Yun could only be frustrated that while Xuan had arguably abandoned him, the man was amazing at cooking.
“Did you do anything today?” His brother modulated voice rang around the room.
“I went on another mission, can’t really say anymore than that.”
“I went on a mission with your brother, just me and him-“ Ling might’ve been afraid of Yun but he also loved pissing him off.
The blue haired man stared angrily at his brother’s boyfriend, a murderous intent in his eyes.
“Stop it-“ Xuan moaned.

。。。。。。。。。。

“Thank you.” Yun bashfully beamed.
“For what?” His twin tipped his head to the right in confusion.
“For dinner…. And for inviting me.”
Silence hung over them again, but this silence was perfectly comfortable.
“Merry Christmas Yun.”
“Merry Christmas to you too.”

Chapter Text

“Look Ling! It’s that fire heart bauble from when we were in the academy!” Xuan’s silvery voice loudly reverberated around the Union Hall as they explored the decorations in the cardboard boxes. Some trainees had bought ‘toys’, Put a hole and a ribbon in them and put them in with the normal Christmas tree ornaments. Tang Xuan and Li Ling were given the responsibility of finding them and removing them while Yun Chuan searched for the recruits who were responsible.
Safe to say Ling had made some humorous comments upon the pair finding one of the ‘toys’, which normally ended with Xuan becoming extremely flustered.
At one point the multi-armed esper tried to put one In his pocket and Xuan had to take his shubi out of his hair to stab him just to get him to put it down.

“That fire decoration was always my favourite.” Ling lightly chuckled.
“Mine too” the shorter grinned.

。。。。。。。。。

Mona dragged Arcana into the Union Hall having convinced him to come decorate with Xuan,Ling and Lewis. Since there were so many people in the Union now, there were multiple trees in the hall and The five had been allowed to decorate one together. She grew flustered at the sight of Ling holding up Xuan by the hips so he could reach a higher branch, god why was she friends with the most unsanitary gay couple in the entire union? And no saying that it was just Ling being nice, because his face was extremely shifty (when wasn’t it, I mean like turn it off buddy)
“Stop being so gay.” Lewis yawned as he dragged his feet on the way towards the two. The two giggled as Ling put his boyfriend down gently, before the latter leant down to grab another decoration.
“Look what’s shown up again.” Xuan laughed, holding up the fiery heart ornament with a grin on his face.
“Fuck yeah!” Ling beamed.

。。。。。。。。。

“我是一个神” Tang Xuan slurred
“Did he- he get drunk too?” Lewis muttered.
“No he just- of course he’s drunk.” Ling sniggered at the man’s comment.
The entire group laughed, carefreeness infecting their flushed faces.
“What did he even say?” Mona giggled.
“He said he was a god.” The six armed esper grinned “I think he’s an Angel-“
“Shut up Ling.” Arcana laughed.
Lewis caught Xuan as he nearly toppled into their tree and murmured “I think we need to sit down somewhere.”
“Merry-merry fucking chr-Christmas.” Xuan stuttered, eliciting a cacophony of laughter to erupt within their friend group.

The laughter was loud. The chaos was calming.

Chapter Text

“Where’s Tang Xuan?” Ling angrily asked the random med team member, who could only nervously wave his hands and insist the man that he didn’t know.
“Xuan is in the room down the hall, you’re not allowed in yet so you might as well sit down Ling.” Clara sighed. Ling’s eyebrows arched down in an even more furious manner, he swore under his breath as he lowered himself into one of the uncomfortable chairs.

He had been there for hours before they finally let him see Xuan.

His forehead sported a bandage,his breathing came out ragged and his smile had long been absent. Even the brightness of his amber eyes had faded into abatement due to his exhaustion. The man’s entire body was lax, unresponsive to the owner’s commands to move in order to comfort Ling whose head lay beside his own. For once, the six armed esper seemed to be absorbed in some form of prayer. For once, the powerful ‘Chief Li’ seemed to place his hopes in someone beside himself.

“Ling…..” Tang Xuan wheezed, it didn’t even take a millisecond for the other to lift his head from his mourning position.
“Tang Xuan?” He whispered.
“Are you still going to the Christmas tree lighting in the city?” The man spluttered.
Ling was shocked into silence for a short moment, confused on why that out of all possible questions that could be asked was the one that had come out his boyfriend’s mouth. He shook his head. “Why not?” Xuan fretted.
“What’s the point of going without you?”
“There’s a point Ling, you should go have fun. You don’t need me to do that.”
Ling chuckled “Yes I do.”
“I’m literally imploring you to go, please~”
“I-“ Li Ling began.
“You know I find people who obey really handsome right? And you’re so suave and strong and powerful-“ Xuan wheedled.
“Stop!” Ling quietly laughed.
“Never~”

。。。。。。。。。

Li Ling lonesomely walked around the stalls, his eyes stared uninterestedly at the purchasable decorations. The joys of winter were all drowned out by his sorrows. No matter the strength of the smell of mulled wine, he paid no attention to the endless chatter of the small children running joyfully around his legs, he couldn’t focus on what was here only what wasn’t. He held his hands to his forearms miserably, remembering the battered state Tang Xuan had been in just yesterday.

“Li Laoshi?”
The man shot to attention as he turned to look at the owner of that orotund voice.
“Ma Xuesheng?” He muttered. His least favourite student looked at him mockingly, Ma Dongmei presence made him only feel more alone.
“Aren’t you meant to be here with Tang Laoshi-“ the girl started.
“He- none of your business.” Ling bitterly responded and swiftly turned once more to leave.
“Wait!-“ Dongmei stared at him wistfully “I’m sorry.” She stuttered. There was a long,awkward pause.
“Thank you.” The elder continued to walk, disguising his faint smile.

。。。。。。。。。

”You enjoyed yourself didn’t you?” Tang Xuan loudly laughed.
“For the record I hated most of it but that brat in my class apologised for being a little shit so I consider that a win.” Ling gloated. Xuan smiled joyously.
“Why did you hate most of it?”
“You weren’t there! And Everyone else went to dinner as soon as the tree lighting finished. All I did was wander around.”
“Well guess you’ll have to find someone else to hang out with tonight as well-“
“You’re still stuck in here?” Ling moaned.
“I got stabbed pretty deeply plus the concussion isn’t helpful.”
“You’ll be out by Christmas Eve?”
“Of course.”
“Really?”
“I promise.”

Chapter Text

“Where the hell did you get that jacket?” Lewis poked Ling.
“Hm? This?” The man pointed to his pure white jacket, adorned with orange. “I found it at that woman’s shop, y’know white hair, wearing purple?”
“Chloe? She’s cool.” Mona chipped in.
“She’s alright.” Ling hummed.
“Tang Xuan needs to get some flamboyant clothing and then we’re set-“ Lewis taunted the man to his right.
“You don’t need flashy clothes to help people!” Xuan objected “I’m fine with just my black jumpsuit.”
“You could buy yourself something to wear for Christmas.” Mona suggested.
“Again. I don’t see a point in doing that.”

。。。。。。。。。

“What should I get for Tang Xuan?” Ling sighed, flipping through a magazine that Heng Yue had handed him.
“Give him that jacket off your back. It really doesn’t suit you.” She pointed at him, clearly disappointed in his lack of ability to dress himself “The white works fine but the orange is-“
“I get the idea! Man you love judging people.” He grumpily humphed.
“Correct. I really do. I love it more than I love fashion to be honest.”
“It’s not a terrible idea though. Giving Xuan the jacket, orange does suit him.”
“Agreed.”

。。。。。。。。。

Xuan slowly and gracefully unwrapped the present Li Ling had given him on Christmas Eve, delighting in the sound the paper made as it ripped. He pulled white, shiny fabric from it, a confused expression infiltrating his face. This was Ling’s jacket?
It was pretty sure but it was Ling’s.

He pulled out his communicator and typed a message to the older man
‘Hey? Did you mean to give me ur jacket orrr was that a mistake?’
It didn’t even take him a minute to respond
‘You’re so innocent ;) I don’t make mistakes! It’s for you.’
‘I disagree with the second claim but thank you :D’
He held up the jacket, smiling at the little lotus charm. Li Ling’s jacket, His jacket.