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Shen Wei buries his overheated face into the messy blankets, hands scrambling for purchase as Yunlan breaches him for the first time. He turns his head just enough to gasp, “Yunlan!”
Yunlan’s whole body jerks, and his first full thrust has Shen Wei biting down his arm in mixed pain and pleasure. Overwhelmed from the start, Shen Wei shifts forward, trying to get a hold of himself, but the man behind him grabs him by the hips, holds him tight, and jerks him back.
Shen Wei yanks on the blankets and braces himself against the push and pull. His breath stutters in his chest and he unconsciously squeezes tightly around the intrusion. Yunlan makes a growly hurt sound, deep in his throat, and he hunches, rides at Shen Wei’s slick entrance, frantic for it.
There is no slow build. He’s in and chasing his pleasure, Shen Wei can barely breath from the intensity. Yunlan’s body presses forward and he pushes back helplessly. They are hot and slick, the blankets under them are in disarray, almost falling to the floor from their desperate movements.
“Shen Wei…”
Shen Wei replies with a wordless groan, tight with Yunlan all rigid inside him. Yunlan finds his shoulder and bites, his body beating against him, an unrelenting torrent. Shen Wei inhales sharply, arches back, knees spreading wide for the man behind him.
Yunlan’s hands traces his skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake. Those calloused hands make their away under him, finds a nipple, pinches it.
The unexpected action jolts Shen Wei and Yunlan chuckles behind him. He trails kisses down his neck in apology, then, in a move Shen Wei doesn’t see coming, he pulls out and flips the man on his back.
Shen Wei looks up at Yunlan’s grinning, hungry face in surprise, but before he could open his mouth to voice his complaints, the other man spreads his legs, puts them over his shoulder and rides his firm sex deep inside him, like they were never parted.
“Ah!” Shen Wei is so swollen, that it almost stings to have Yunlan back inside. He lets out a soft groan as the other man fills up the empty space inside him, hitting a spot that has him clenching on Yunlan almost painfully.
Yunlan flinches on top of him, “Tight-”
Shen Wei relaxes enough to allow the other man to move. He arches up every time Yunlan hits that spot inside of him. The other man pushes into him, sharp jabs that are all racing quick, almost in time with the fast beats of Shen Wei’s heart.
“Please…” Shen Wei whispers, reaching up to hook his arms around Yunlan’s neck.
Yunlan grunts and seizes him, making him gasp as he pins Shen Wei down, rabbits into him faster. Shen Wei whispers pleas and soft words, reaches down to finish himself to Yunlan’s frantic thrusts.
“Yunlan!”
Yunlan grunts and reaches for him. One thumb swipe over the head and Shen Wei’s body spasms, flexing like an eager hand. He’s never felt anything as good as this.
In his pleasure, Yunlan’s breath stutters and he freezes for a moment as he spills hard into the man below him. He groans weakly and tries to thrust a few more times before it becomes too much and he pulls out. He spurts one last time on Shen Wei’s thighs before he falls over him, loose limbed and satisfied.
Shen Wei pants, beads of sweat run down his face and he looks to the man beside him, almost in disbelief at what had transpired.
“Give me a minute and I’ll get something to clean us up,” Yunlan misinterprets his staring. He reaches out a clean hand to touch the side of Shen Wei’s face gently. He leans forward and gives him a deep kiss that makes Shen Wei pant by the end of it.
Shen Wei watches Yunlan stand and stretch, unashamed of his nudity. He finds himself admiring the other man’s backside. Yunlan looks behind and sees him still looking. He gives him a flirtatious wink and Shen Wei flushes, turning away to bury his face into the sheets again.
With his gaze finally turned away from the roguishly handsome man who stole his heart, Shen Wei allows his thoughts to drift. He wonders about the instant connection between them, the indescribable pull that somehow led to them sharing a bed and their hearts with each other, a mere few months after their first meeting.
They were two strangers tied together by an unfortunate incident. Even in the past few months they’ve spent living together, they barely know about each other’s past. Yunlan gives him nothing but vague recollections of his past and he still refuses to share with Shen Wei his full name.
It’s a dangerous game Shen Wei is playing, getting attached to someone who’s practically a stranger. There are so many things that could go wrong and he doesn’t even know what exactly he is getting into. He knows this. He knows this and yet-
Something soft and wet on his legs rouse him from his thoughts and he looks up to see Yunlan smiling down at him fondly. The other man cleans him thoroughly.
“Ah, Shen Wei, you are a sight to behold,” A kiss to his forehead and Shen Wei’s heart trembles. The warnings in his head fall quiet and he allows himself to bask in the care and love of the person beside him. “What do I have to give so that I can see you in my bed every night, and wake up to your lovely smile every morning, for the rest of my life?”
Shen Wei blinks in surprise and looks up to see Yunlan’s serious expression. “Yunlan? Are you…?”
Yunla smiles down at him, though it doesn’t reach his eyes, “I know I don’t have the right to ask this of you. We know each other’s personalities, our likes, our dislikes, but we don’t know anything about each other’s past or backgrounds. We’re still strangers to each other but I find myself giving my heart to you anyway.”
Shen Wei is silent, not knowing what to say. There are still so many unknown factors, they’re giving out vulnerabilities without knowing the consequences. Like he thought before, this is a dangerous game they’re playing between them.
“You don’t have to say anything now,” Yunlan assures him, “You can even wait to answer until you’ve found out all you can about me and I do the same about you… But I want you to know, that no matter what happens, no matter what I find out, my wish to be with you for the rest of our lives will remain the same. I swear this on my life.”
Yunlan traces the edge of his face with warm fingertips, leaning forward for a soft kiss before he goes to wash the rag he used to clean Shen Wei’s body. Eventually, he comes back after a short while. He lies down on the bed, gives Shen Wei a loving smile and turns away from him, to give him time to think.
In mere minutes, Shen Wei hears Yunlan’s soft snores and knows he is asleep. He moves closer, curls protectively around the man who has a firm grasp of his heart.
Shen Wei stays awake for the rest of the night.
The first time Shen Wei meets Yunlan, he is running away from his own wedding.
Shen Wei is dressed in rich, silky, red robes and bedecked in gold jewelry. His face is powdered lightly for the supposed ‘happy’ occasion.
Earliesr, before the ceremony, his soon-to-be ‘husband’ visits him in his room. Zhu Jiu gives Shen Wei an admiring look and dismisses the servants, intent on having him, even before they were officially married.
Unbeknownst to the man, Shen Wei isn’t there to get married. Shen Wei isn’t even supposed to be there in the first place. Ye Zun is the one unfortunate enough to have caught Zhu Jiu’s attention and the other man went as far as to blackmail their family to have his hand.
Ye Zun is quick-witted and smart but he had a frail constitution that kept him in bed most days. Everyone is aware of the reputation in the Zhu household. They mistreat and beat anyone that goes against them. Sending Ye Zun there would be a death sentence for him, but not doing so would bring upon the wrath of the Zhu household.
Thankfully, unknown to Zhu Jiu, the Shen family had another son with the same face. Shen Wei steps forward and volunteers to pretend to be Ye Zun and get married in his place. The younger brother is against it at first, until Shen Wei reveals his plans.
While Shen Wei is pretending to be Ye Zun in the Zhu household, the Shen family will take this opportunity to leave and disappear for a while. Before the wedding ceremony takes place, Shen Wei too will plan his own escape from within the Zhu household and join them.
Zhu Jiu’s unexpected presence and impulsive decision to dismiss the servants gives Shen Wei an opportunity to enact his plans.
The moment the other man gives him a sly smile and steps into his space, Shen Wei reaches out and takes hold of his shoulder. He gives him a look under his lashes and it makes Zhu Jiu’s smirk widen. He tilts Shen Wei’s chin, pressing forward for a devouring kiss.
Shen Wei exploits this vulnerable position and flips him to the ground.
“You-!”
Shen Wei holds him down with his knees and takes off a scarf to stuff it in the other’s mouth. Then he takes off his sash and ties Zhu Jiu’s legs to his wrist so he’s unable to move. He stands up and drags the struggling man into the large closet in the room, closing and locking the door from the outside.
He heads to the window and climbs out carefully, so as not to alert anyone that something is amiss. He walks through the house, chin tilted up as though he didn’t just bind and stuff a man into a large closet. No one notices anything is wrong until he’s nearly to the gates.
A loud bell sounds throughout the siheyuan and Shen Wei ducks into the nearest house structure.
That’s where he finds a man, beaten and tied up inside one of five cages.
Shen Wei holds his breath and realizes he’s accidentally found the Zhu family’s makeshift prison cells. He’s heard rumors that anyone disliked by the Zhu family is taken here to be beaten and starved to death.
Shen Wei looks outside, sees men running around looking for him and retreats further in. He looks at the bound, unconscious man and sees an ally in him. He approaches cautiously, looking to the door then to the cage and back again.
The lock outside is flimsy and rusted. Shen Wei finds a rock and uses it. The lock drops with a thud after six hits and Shen Wei goes inside.
The beaten man stirs when he places a hand on his neck to check if he has a heartbeat. Shen Wei freezes when dark eyes pin him in place.
The man grunts, “I guess I’m dead then.”
Shen Wei blinks in confusion, “I’m sorry?”
“There’s no way someone as beautiful as you would be in this debilitated place,” The man continues to talk, “So I must be in heaven, that’s the only explanation.”
Shen Wei flushes deeply at the obvious flirtation. Who is this man flirting with him, even when he looks to be at death’s door?
“I am sorry to disappoint but you are very much alive,” Shen Wei pinches him on the arm to prove it. The man winces and Shen Wei lets go immediately, apologizing again, “We’re in the Zhu residence and like you, I’m a prisoner here too.”
“The Zhu residence?” The man repeats, “I never saw my attackers so I’m grateful for any additional information on them.” He sits up, grunting at the pain in his back, “As thanks, and because we’re fellow prisoners, I will help you escape.”
He doubts the man can do much in his current condition but Shen Wei inclines his head in gratitude anyway. “Thank you, this is much appreciated.”
The man waves away his thanks, “No need to be so formal, beautiful stranger.” He winks, “My name is Yunlan, by the way. What’s yours?”
Shen Wei looks up at the disheveled man’s smile and can’t help but think that without the bruises, this man would probably be very handsome, “Last name Shen, my full name is Shen Wei.”
And that’s how Shen Wei meets Yunlan on the night of his ‘supposed’ wedding.
Yunlan presents Shen Wei with a small bouquet of wild flowers.
Shen Wei blinks down at the unexpected present and takes them with a small smile, “What’s this for?”
“It’s been three months since you saved this handsome face from being permanently scarred by the Zhu family,” Yunlan tells him, leaning in for a kiss on the cheek.
Shen Wei blushes at the affectionate gesture and clears his throat, “Are you sure it’s for nothing else?”
“What do you mean?”
Shen Wei gives him a look. It takes a few seconds but Yunlan eventually sighs, “I know you’re upset with me.”
Shen Wei’s lips purse at the reminder. Ever since the impromptu proposal after their first time, he’d opened up to Yunlan about his family, his past, and why he was in the Zhu residence that day. To be fair, Yunlan has done the same, giving more details about his past, but still, somehow, managing to remain vague.
Through all of their talks and reminisce, not once has Yunlan given him his full name.
“I was planning to take you out first, on a walk through the forest. Then, after, we could eat by the lake, make conversation, you know, to lighten the mood,” Yunlan starts to babble nervously, “But I know you’ll think this is just another way for me to avoid what’s important.”
“Isn’t it?”
Yunlan deflates and sits in front of him, “Maybe,” He admits, “But I really do want to do all those things with you. We’ve spent most of these months running from the Zhu family. We’ve never really just sat down outside and enjoyed our time with each other.”
Shen Wei softens, “Like a courtship, you mean.”
“Yes! Exactly like a courtship!” Yunlan brightens and Shen Wei smiles at his enthusiasm, “Let me woo you, Xiao Wei.” He extends a hand to the other.
Shen Wei looks up at the hopeful expression on Yunlan’s face. He reaches up and takes hold. He allows the other man to lead him away.
“Ah!” Yunlan grasps Shen Wei’s shoulder, nails digging in as Shen Wei kisses him behind the ear and grounds down against his clothed erection, “Xiao Wei, you-”
“Yunlan,” Shen Wei pulls back from his neck to give him a filthy kiss. He bites the other man’s lower lip, eliciting a moan, “Yunlan, I like you so much.”
“Me too.” Yunlan says immediately, smiling brightly despite his slightly swollen lips, “I love you, Xiao Wei.”
Shen Wei stiffens at the words and then he closes his eyes and trembles, leaning down to bury his face on Yunlan’s shoulder.
“Xiao Wei?”
Shen Wei lets out a small embarrassed sound.
Yunlan traces a hand down the front of his pants. Shen Wei hisses from sensitivity and Yunlan laughs incredulously, “Shen Wei, did you come when I said ‘I love you’?”
Shen Wei’s hips twitch at the words and Yunlan laughs harder.
“Oh, Xiao Wei, you are too precious,” He says in a breathless tone. Shen Wei looks up and Yunlan leans forward to give him a soft kiss.
They are interrupted when the bushes behind them begin to rustle. Shen Wei stands up, eyes narrowed. He grabs his discarded robe and drapes it over Yunlan’s head. He’s thankful he wore two layers of thick robes because of the cold.
Yunlan protests, “Shen Wei-!”
“Who’s there?” There are sounds of voices and footsteps, too many for them to escape from unscathed. Shen Wei’s chest grows cold at the thought that maybe the 'Zhu's have finally caught up with them.
Men dressed in expensive armor step out, pointing their spears in his direction. Shen Wei stands tall, attempting to shield Yunlan behind him.
“Good sirs, how may I be of assistance to you today?” Shen Wei asks politely. Behind him, Yunlan is quiet. Good, he has a better chance of escaping unnoticed as long as he keeps low.
“You are the son of the Shen family,” One of the men raise a scroll with an ink drawing of him, “We’ve been looking for you for three months. The Zhu family demands retribution for the shame you’ve caused by running away and for the harm you’ve done to their son.”
These men seem to only be after him. It means they know nothing about Yunlan or how the Zhu family had another escaped prisoner. No surprise, the Zhu family are also known for taking people from the streets, beating them up away from the eyes of the law, to avoid punishment themselves.
Shen Wei inhales deeply and says, “Very well, I’ll-”
“No.” The authoritative voice behind him stops him in his tracks. Shen Wei reaches back to grab Yunlan and stop him from speaking further.
The men in armor look behind Shen Wei curiously, “Who’s there?”
“Yunlan-”
Yunlan takes off the robe thrown over him, glaring at the soldiers. Shen Wei looks scared for him. However, the most surprising thing happens, the men take one look at Yunlan and pale. They all kneel down in almost perfect sync.
“Lord Kunlun!”
Shen Wei’s eyes widen and he looks up at Yunlan whose lips are pressed together in displeasure. Yunlan looks at him and there is an apologetic expression on his face. He turns back to the men, straightening his posture as he addresses them.
“You are not touching a hair on this man’s head, do you understand?”
“But lord Kunlun-!”
Yunlan- Kunlun, whoever that is, scowls down at them. The man who spoke closes his mouth, “If you’re arresting anyone, it should be the Zhu family themselves” He says but then pauses, “You know what, that’s a great idea right there. I order you to go and arrest the Zhu family for crimes against the crown.”
Shen Wei chokes at the word ‘the crown’. He looks at Yunlan with wide eyes.
The men exchange hesitant looks before one of them stands up and bows, “Very well, my lord Kunlun. We’ll go and do as you say, but please, allow one of us to stay and bring you back to the palace.”
Yunlan purses his lips but doesn’t argue. True to their word, most of the men leave except one. This single guard has the sense to read the atmosphere between the two, so he chooses to stand several feet away with his back turned to them in the guise of keeping a lookout.
“Kunlun?” Shen Wei whispers and Yunlan winces.
“I can explain,” Yunlan inhales deeply, “My birth name is Zhao Yunlan.”
Shen Wei feels lightheaded, “Zhao… as in-?”
“Zhao of the royal Zhao family,” Zhao Yunlan turns to him with a solemn expression before he executes a perfect bow, “I am the first prince, Zhao Yunlan, courtesy name: Kunlun.”
Shen Wei staggers back. Zhao Yunlan straightens immediately, grabs for him before he could fall, “A prince… You’re a prince. Prince Zhao Yunlan.”
Zhao Yunlan frowns, carefully puts his arms around him and pulls him closer, “Yes,” He affirms, “But Xiao Wei, I am also just your Yunlan.”
Shen Wei’s breath stutters and he raises his own arms to return the embrace. Yunlan almost sags against him in relief, “This is why you didn’t tell me. You didn’t want me to treat you differently.”
He feels Yunlan nod against his shoulder, “Shen Wei, being on the run with you these past few months have been the happiest days of my life.”
Shen Wei pulls back, worried, “You say that like we won’t be together anymore.”
Yunlan looks tired, “Won’t we? I’ve kept my name from you all this time and of all the ways you could have found out-” He laughs a bit hysterically, “I’m such a mess, Xiao Wei. There’s no way you’d want to be with someone like me.”
Shen Wei frowns and he pinches Yunlan on the side. The young prince jumps in surprise, “Ow!”
“Stop talking nonsense,” Shen Wei scolds him firmly, “Do you remember a few weeks back when we- when we first-” His cheeks flush and he clears his throat, “When we first s-slept together?”
Yunlan gives him a weak smile as he rubs his sore side, “How could I ever forget?”
Shen Wei nods decisively, “You said that no matter what you found out about me, your wish to be with me will remain the same.”
Yunlan nods, not sure where this is going. “I swear on my life.”
Shen Wei’s expression softens as he reaches out and touches the side of his face, “I was scared when you told me that. I was scared… because it’s the same for me too, Zhao Yunlan.”
Yunlan’s eyes widen.
“It doesn’t make sense, to love someone who won’t even give you their full name and I- I was afraid that by loving you, I was setting myself for heartbreak, right from the very start,” Shen Wei admits, “But even as strangers, you still gave me your heart. Yunlan, how could I not do the same?”
Yunlan’s mouth trembles and he reaches out to pull the other man into a needy kiss. Shen Wei places his hands on Yunlan’s hips and reciprocates gently. He could feel the relief in the way Yunlan holds him and Shen Wei holds on tighter, not willing to let go.
Eventually, the two part. Yunlan kisses him on the cheek, traces the corner of his smile with a finger, “Does that mean you’re willing to become a prince’s consort?”
“No,” Shen Wei says honestly. Before Yunlan’s expression could fall in disappointment, he leans forward and whispers, “But I’m willing to become Yunlan’s husband.”
Shen Wei smiles as he hears the stutter in Yunlan’s breath. He allows himself to be pulled into a tight hug, Yunlan laughing loudly against his ear all the while.
It won’t be easy, Shen Wei knows this. They have get to know each other all over again, now that all the secrets have been revealed. They still have to face the Zhu family, the royal Zhao family, and Shen Wei still has to go looking for his own family but-
But with Zhao Yunlan in his arms, happy and safe, Shen Wei finds that he can face anything for him. He can face anything as long as it’s with him.
It won’t be easy, true. But for the smile on Yunlan’s face? For the happy twinkle in his eyes?
It will all be worth it.
End