in celebration of 450 followers, let's make husbands wangxian fight...
grey 🍁@cheerywhiskey
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Aug 23, 2024
~31 min read
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in celebration of 450 followers, let's make husbands wangxian fight (& make up)
___________
"I'll be there by 8."
LWJ sends the msg and immediately returns to the contract he's making final edits in. He's already annoyed he'll be late in picking WWX up, the request for these—
___________
"I'll be there by 8."
LWJ sends the msg and immediately returns to the contract he's making final edits in. He's already annoyed he'll be late in picking WWX up, the request for these—
2
last minute changes only irk him more.
"Maybe we should reschedule it for tomorrow," WN, his assistant, says with concern. LWJ doesn't know what his face looks like, but schools it anyway. "You don't look well."
"It's alright, Wei Ying is coming home, I will be fine."
"Maybe we should reschedule it for tomorrow," WN, his assistant, says with concern. LWJ doesn't know what his face looks like, but schools it anyway. "You don't look well."
"It's alright, Wei Ying is coming home, I will be fine."
3
WN smiles at him. "It's been hard, hasn't it?"
LWJ doesn't reply, simply returning to work. Because it has. Much more than he'd like to admit. He's supposed to be a self-sufficient adult & yet, the three weeks that WWX has stayed at the Jiang house have been... rather annoying.
LWJ doesn't reply, simply returning to work. Because it has. Much more than he'd like to admit. He's supposed to be a self-sufficient adult & yet, the three weeks that WWX has stayed at the Jiang house have been... rather annoying.
4
He does not know when he became inept at eating alone. All he knows is he hasn't had a proper dinner in quite long because he's found himself despising the silence at the dinner table.
It was still alright the first week because he could see WWX regularly at the—
It was still alright the first week because he could see WWX regularly at the—
5
various functions leading up to JYL's wedding. It had been a grand affair & they'd had a nice time. But WWX was supposed to return home after it was all over. And he hasn't.
Everytime LWJ would call asking if he should pick him up, there would be some or the other thing.
Everytime LWJ would call asking if he should pick him up, there would be some or the other thing.
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guests who couldn't attend showing up belatedly, gifts that had to be delivered to the relatives, the whole chaos a wedding leaves behind to be managed. It couldn't be helped, LWJ understands that. Another week had passed in all of that. But it started grating on him when—
7
WWX's work leave ended and he still wasn't home. Instead, he started going to work and then returning to the Jiang house after it.
The reasons he gives now seems like excuses, which LWJ knows is a less generous way to put it. He knows WWX hates it just as much as he does.
The reasons he gives now seems like excuses, which LWJ knows is a less generous way to put it. He knows WWX hates it just as much as he does.
8
He can hear the exhaustion in his voice on every call—phone calls being the only thing keeping them sane at this point—and he can even sense the irritation within WWX.
Jiangs are well-off enough to have people do their every bidding but LWJ knows how WWX's adoptive mother is.
Jiangs are well-off enough to have people do their every bidding but LWJ knows how WWX's adoptive mother is.
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And he also knows how WWX is. His family dynamics aren't as easy in his mind as he lets on.
But LWJ would be loathe to become the kind of husband who comes between his spouse and his family. So he has endured through it. WWX has full rights to do as he sees fit.
But LWJ would be loathe to become the kind of husband who comes between his spouse and his family. So he has endured through it. WWX has full rights to do as he sees fit.
10
None of that matters anymore anyway. His husband has told him to pick him up on his way back today and the thought of that already lifts LWJ's spirits. Things will be fine soon. He cannot wait to put these exhausting weeks behind them.
"They're being ridiculous."
"They're being ridiculous."
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WN's voice breaks him out of his reverie. LWJ catches him frowning at the contract and sighs. Yao constructions are being unethically obnoxious with this deal. He takes a breath and resumes, not as strained as it would otherwise make him.
WWX would handle this so much better.
WWX would handle this so much better.
12
"I'll be there by 8."
WWX stares at the msg, subconsciously biting his lips, partly upset but mostly, annoyed. He stares some more, then snaps out of it.
"Can't do it," he says turning to his brother. "It's been too long, I miss my home."
JC, as expected, gets upset.
WWX stares at the msg, subconsciously biting his lips, partly upset but mostly, annoyed. He stares some more, then snaps out of it.
"Can't do it," he says turning to his brother. "It's been too long, I miss my home."
JC, as expected, gets upset.
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"Is this not your home?"
WWX knows better than to argue that statement. Never ends well. "A-Cheng," he says instead, "I miss my husband."
"It's been so long already," JC rolls his eyes, "what's three more days?"
WWX sighs. JC doesn't understand but he doesn't expect him to.
WWX knows better than to argue that statement. Never ends well. "A-Cheng," he says instead, "I miss my husband."
"It's been so long already," JC rolls his eyes, "what's three more days?"
WWX sighs. JC doesn't understand but he doesn't expect him to.
14
He hadn't at all expected things to end up like this. It doesn't help that he hasn't slept well in almost three weeks. Even the comfort of his childhood bedroom hasn't made up for LWJ's missing presence. One more day of this, and WWX is sure he'll start hallucinating the scent—
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of sandalwood between the sheets. He cannot take it. Certainly not for some distant cousins from Meishan coming over for the weekend.
"Movie, late-nights, think about it," JC insists, "it'll be just like old times.
Just like old times. Just like old times.
"Movie, late-nights, think about it," JC insists, "it'll be just like old times.
Just like old times. Just like old times.
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That has been the crux of it all this time. WWX appreciated it too, at least in the beginning. The nostalgia of it all. Being with his siblings. But unlike his brother, the old times for WWX are not all good.
He turns to his sister, "Jiejie, make him understand."
He turns to his sister, "Jiejie, make him understand."
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Before JYL can even attempt anything, however, clacks of heels resound in the gallery shutting them up. Shortly, Yu-Ayi appears in the room. She instructs them to retrieve the grill and other articles from the storeroom, then hands WWX a shopping list. "Get them tonight itself."
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Before leaving, she turns to him once more. "For barbecue tomorrow, invite that husband of yours as well." Then she's gone.
WWX willfully unclenches his jaw. He's used to her taking that tone while talking about LWJ. The only mercy is that she stays respectful when he's here.
WWX willfully unclenches his jaw. He's used to her taking that tone while talking about LWJ. The only mercy is that she stays respectful when he's here.
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And he intends to keep it that way. His face must show something coz JC plucks the list from his hand. "Stop making faces, I'll come with you," he says. "It's barely been a year of your marriage and you're already changing priorities."
WWX clenches his fist but says nothing.
WWX clenches his fist but says nothing.
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He takes out his phone instead and walks away. "I need to call Lan Zhan first."
The call gets answered on the second ring, "Wei Ying," LWJ seems to be distracted, there's shuffling and whispering around him.
"Lan Zhan, you busy?"
"Just wrapping up," he sounds tired.
The call gets answered on the second ring, "Wei Ying," LWJ seems to be distracted, there's shuffling and whispering around him.
"Lan Zhan, you busy?"
"Just wrapping up," he sounds tired.
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"The last meeting was.. unpleasant, but it's alright now. I'm about to leave."
"Lan Zhan, listen—
"Do you want to stop for hot noodles," he interrupts, still distracted, "I can get Wen Ning to book us a reservation."
WWX massages his temple, he can feel a headache coming.
"Lan Zhan, listen—
"Do you want to stop for hot noodles," he interrupts, still distracted, "I can get Wen Ning to book us a reservation."
WWX massages his temple, he can feel a headache coming.
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"Lan Zhan, ah baby I can't... leave today, I–I'll have to stay for the weekend."
LWJ goes quiet, the static on the other side being the only remaining sound. "I'm sorry," WWX sighs.
LWJ sighs as well. "What is it this time?"
This time. WWX doesn't miss that.
LWJ goes quiet, the static on the other side being the only remaining sound. "I'm sorry," WWX sighs.
LWJ sighs as well. "What is it this time?"
This time. WWX doesn't miss that.
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LWJ's tone is over-controlled, the kind of control that requires effort. It's not the first time WWX has been on the receiving end of it. More often than not, he has deliberately riled his husband up to elicit that reaction.
But for all that he loves it in bed, he does not—
But for all that he loves it in bed, he does not—
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like it at all when it's for a genuine reason. Especially not when he's already so much on edge.
"Lan Zhan," he groans, "don't be angry. I don't want this either, you know it."
"Then come back." There's a lot of heat in his voice, WWX knows he shouldn't escalate this, but—
"Lan Zhan," he groans, "don't be angry. I don't want this either, you know it."
"Then come back." There's a lot of heat in his voice, WWX knows he shouldn't escalate this, but—
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"You know it's not that simple."
"You're the one who complicates it."
WWX blinks. It's not their first argument or something, but LWJ has never—
"Well I don't expect you to understand," WWX blares, "you're not in my position, are you?" already wincing at his statement.
"You're the one who complicates it."
WWX blinks. It's not their first argument or something, but LWJ has never—
"Well I don't expect you to understand," WWX blares, "you're not in my position, are you?" already wincing at his statement.
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On a different day, it would have made LWJ guilty. Today, it only upsets him.
"Very well," he grits out. "Do as you please."
WWX sighs. "Lan Zhan, let's not do this now. It's just 2-3 days more, then things will be fine."
"Yes I've heard that line of reasoning before."
"Very well," he grits out. "Do as you please."
WWX sighs. "Lan Zhan, let's not do this now. It's just 2-3 days more, then things will be fine."
"Yes I've heard that line of reasoning before."
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"You're being unnecessarily angry."
A part of LWJ knows that, but another part, some twisted part, convinces him he has the right to.
"Should I be happy instead, Wei Ying?" He voices the same. "Should I dance with joy that my husband does not wish to return home?"
A part of LWJ knows that, but another part, some twisted part, convinces him he has the right to.
"Should I be happy instead, Wei Ying?" He voices the same. "Should I dance with joy that my husband does not wish to return home?"
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WWX scowls, increasingly irate at the taunt. He can't believe this. LWJ never talks like this. Never. "It's not my fault, alright?"
"I never said it's your fault." LWJ retorts.
"Still you're mad at me."
"Whom should I be mad at then, enlighten me please? Our neighbours?"
"I never said it's your fault." LWJ retorts.
"Still you're mad at me."
"Whom should I be mad at then, enlighten me please? Our neighbours?"
29
WWX closes his eyes. "It's just 2 fucking days."
"If two days make no difference, then why don't you come back?"
WWX pinches the bridge of his nose. "Lan Zhan, you're being unreasonable."
"No Wei Ying, I do not believe I'm being unreasonable."
"Yes you are!" WWX shouts.
"If two days make no difference, then why don't you come back?"
WWX pinches the bridge of his nose. "Lan Zhan, you're being unreasonable."
"No Wei Ying, I do not believe I'm being unreasonable."
"Yes you are!" WWX shouts.
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A pause. "My apologies you got stuck with such an unreasonable person, must be hard."
WWX's jaw drops. The anger that flares at that statement, that tone, is blinding. He frustratedly cuts the call, because his husband has gone crazy. Totally fucking crazy.
He paces around—
WWX's jaw drops. The anger that flares at that statement, that tone, is blinding. He frustratedly cuts the call, because his husband has gone crazy. Totally fucking crazy.
He paces around—
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then calls back.
Because as much as LWJ has never behaved this way, WWX too has never hung up on him. They both can't afford to go crazy at the same time.
"How dare you!" He blares the moment the call is received, slightly relieved that it was picked up.
"How dare I what?"
Because as much as LWJ has never behaved this way, WWX too has never hung up on him. They both can't afford to go crazy at the same time.
"How dare you!" He blares the moment the call is received, slightly relieved that it was picked up.
"How dare I what?"
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LWJ, infact, had felt a trickle of guilt but it was quickly subdued on being hung up on.
"What the hell did you say?" WWX is faring no better, equally pissed.
"Exactly what you heard," LWJ retorts like a trainwreck. "Keep staying there. No need to come back."
WWX goes quiet.
"What the hell did you say?" WWX is faring no better, equally pissed.
"Exactly what you heard," LWJ retorts like a trainwreck. "Keep staying there. No need to come back."
WWX goes quiet.
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Before LWJ can feel any way about it, he speaks again. "Fine. You keep being unreasonable, I'll keep staying here."
LWJ does not like that one bit. "Should have married someone reasonable if I'm so inconvenient for you."
WWX hangs up again. And does not call back this time.
LWJ does not like that one bit. "Should have married someone reasonable if I'm so inconvenient for you."
WWX hangs up again. And does not call back this time.
34
The rest of the night goes as well as expected.
WWX grittingly backspaces the "love you" from his goodnight msg. And then nearly bangs his phone on the wall when LWJ's reply comes equally devoid of "love you"
Just a cold /goodnight/ staring back at him from the phone screen.
WWX grittingly backspaces the "love you" from his goodnight msg. And then nearly bangs his phone on the wall when LWJ's reply comes equally devoid of "love you"
Just a cold /goodnight/ staring back at him from the phone screen.
35
If WWX shoves the stuff into the shopping cart with enough force to poke a hole into it, if he snaps at the cashier & then mumbles a miserable apology, if he kicks his car's flat tire, and if he tosses and turns all night in bed, that's his business.
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And if LWJ forgoes dinner, sleeping empty stomach that night, if he glares at his bathroom walls for an extended period of time, if his sleep is fitful, well, he's had three weeks to get used to it.
They wake up the next day highly cranky and unrested.
They wake up the next day highly cranky and unrested.
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By sheer habit, WWX's hand reaches for his phone before he even opens his eyes. The memories of last night come back, souring his mood again.
But the anger, as it is wont to do, has thoroughly washed down overnight.
He contemplates for a moment, then calls.
But the anger, as it is wont to do, has thoroughly washed down overnight.
He contemplates for a moment, then calls.
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It is once again picked up on the second ring.
"Had breakfast?" He asks sulkily.
A pause, then, "Mn." It is, again, a very controlled one, as if LWJ is deliberately trying to hang onto the remnants of his anger.
"What did you make?"
A longer pause, then, "Why do you care?"
"Had breakfast?" He asks sulkily.
A pause, then, "Mn." It is, again, a very controlled one, as if LWJ is deliberately trying to hang onto the remnants of his anger.
"What did you make?"
A longer pause, then, "Why do you care?"
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WWX closes his eyes, face still stuffed into his pillow and blanket. "Lan Zhan!" He warns.
"Shouldn't you not care about unreasonable entities?"
WWX hangs up again.
Then lays in bed for a long time blinking and glaring at the ceiling.
"Shouldn't you not care about unreasonable entities?"
WWX hangs up again.
Then lays in bed for a long time blinking and glaring at the ceiling.
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In the afternoon, when his phone rings, he's highly unsurprised.
Perhaps this thing about their fights is the best as well as the worst. Best because even though it comes with anger & resentment, it carries no anxiety with it. No insecurity. WWX has never found himself—
Perhaps this thing about their fights is the best as well as the worst. Best because even though it comes with anger & resentment, it carries no anxiety with it. No insecurity. WWX has never found himself—
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doubting his husband or fearing the future. There's always a strange sense of security no matter how ugly things get.
And the worst because it's the same thing that prolongs their arguments. It's much easier to hold on to the anger when you have nothing to lose.
And the worst because it's the same thing that prolongs their arguments. It's much easier to hold on to the anger when you have nothing to lose.
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"What did you eat?" LWJ asks.
"Your face." WWX responds.
LWJ stays quiet for a moment, then, "I think if you ate my face, Wei Ying, I'd be the first to know."
Despite himself, WWX has to put valiant effort in holding on to the fight and not laugh.
"Your face." WWX responds.
LWJ stays quiet for a moment, then, "I think if you ate my face, Wei Ying, I'd be the first to know."
Despite himself, WWX has to put valiant effort in holding on to the fight and not laugh.
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"Hmmm I guess," he says nonchalantly. "Maybe I ate someone else's face."
This time, LWJ is the one to hang up on him.
He stares at the phone, not liking the feeling of being hung up on. But he supposes, he had no right to take offence in this matter.
This time, LWJ is the one to hang up on him.
He stares at the phone, not liking the feeling of being hung up on. But he supposes, he had no right to take offence in this matter.
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[ aaarrrggghh why is there a tweet limit?????broke my entire flow. 😭 Ugh.
Alright, this will take just one more update to finish. I'll do it in a few hours. ]
Meanwhile, link to the top.
Alright, this will take just one more update to finish. I'll do it in a few hours. ]
Meanwhile, link to the top.
grey 🍁@cheerywhiskey
in celebration of 450 followers, let's make husbands wangxian fight (& make up)
___________
"I'll be there by 8."
LWJ sends the msg and immediately returns to the contract he's making final edits in. He's already annoyed he'll be late in picking WWX up, the request for these—
___________
"I'll be there by 8."
LWJ sends the msg and immediately returns to the contract he's making final edits in. He's already annoyed he'll be late in picking WWX up, the request for these—
45
In all these arguments, WWX had completely forgotten about Yu-Ayi's wish to invite LWJ. So he calls him again in the evening, only half-heartedly because if he's being honest, he's not very fond of having his husband over at the Jiang house.
The call goes unanswered.
The call goes unanswered.
46
He tries again and it repeats. He dials again, frowning. LWJ never ignores his calls. He's set a separate ringtone for WWX's number for this very purpose. Even when he's in meetings, he takes a moment to step out and answer the call. Because he knows WWX won't call unnecessarily—
47
during work hours. Not to mention, WWX keeps a tab on LWJ's important tasks. It's not without reason that Wen Ning is his assistant.
When the third call goes unanswered, he calls WN who tells him LWJ is in his office. It aggravates him further.
If it turns out that LWJ is—
When the third call goes unanswered, he calls WN who tells him LWJ is in his office. It aggravates him further.
If it turns out that LWJ is—
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deliberately ignoring him, he will—
He doesn't know what he'll do. Arguments are fine in their place, but LWJ is well aware WWX doesn't like being ignored by him. Their highschool days bear witness.
The gritting of his teeth is almost painful by the time he hears WN knock—
He doesn't know what he'll do. Arguments are fine in their place, but LWJ is well aware WWX doesn't like being ignored by him. Their highschool days bear witness.
The gritting of his teeth is almost painful by the time he hears WN knock—
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on LWJ's office door.
"He's not answering, I think he's busy with... Oh!"
The abruptness almost takes WWX out, anger and arguments all forgotten within a split second.
"A-Ning, what is it? Is he alright?"
"No no–I mean yes, he's alright, he's just... asleep."
WWX blinks.
"He's not answering, I think he's busy with... Oh!"
The abruptness almost takes WWX out, anger and arguments all forgotten within a split second.
"A-Ning, what is it? Is he alright?"
"No no–I mean yes, he's alright, he's just... asleep."
WWX blinks.
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"Asleep?" LWJ asleep in the middle of work is something as bizzare as aliens.
"Yeah, asleep," WN answers, equally bewildered, "facedown on his... desk."
WWX sighs. "A-Ning, do me a favour. Feel his forehead once, see if he has a fever."
"Ah?!" WN squawks, mildly panicked.
"Yeah, asleep," WN answers, equally bewildered, "facedown on his... desk."
WWX sighs. "A-Ning, do me a favour. Feel his forehead once, see if he has a fever."
"Ah?!" WN squawks, mildly panicked.
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"It's alright, he won't get angry since I'm asking you," WWX assures him. "Do it please, I need to know."
WWX sits shaking his knees as he waits for WN to do as asked, already on the verge of feeling shitty.
"Ah, Xian-ge," WN returns soon enough. "He's perfectly fine."
WWX sits shaking his knees as he waits for WN to do as asked, already on the verge of feeling shitty.
"Ah, Xian-ge," WN returns soon enough. "He's perfectly fine."
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"There's no fever," WN tells him and WWX releases a breath. "It's probably just exhaustion, the recent clients have been giving him trouble."
"Yao group?" WWX asks, incensed.
"Yeah."
He remembers LWJ telling something about contract clauses few days back. He'd warned him—
"Yao group?" WWX asks, incensed.
"Yeah."
He remembers LWJ telling something about contract clauses few days back. He'd warned him—
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even then that they might give him trouble.
"Should I–should I wake him up?" WN asks.
WWX considers that. "Yeah do that, and tell him to call me," he says before hanging up.
Minutes later, his phone lights up again.
"What is it?" LWJ's half sleepy, half tired voice—
"Should I–should I wake him up?" WN asks.
WWX considers that. "Yeah do that, and tell him to call me," he says before hanging up.
Minutes later, his phone lights up again.
"What is it?" LWJ's half sleepy, half tired voice—
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makes his chest squeeze. "Go sleep at home, get some rest."
"Did you call for that?"
"Yes."
"Liar."
For a moment, WWX resists the urge to groan. He's reluctant to inflict crowds on LWJ on a good day, there's no chance he'll do that on a day like this.
"Please go home."
"Did you call for that?"
"Yes."
"Liar."
For a moment, WWX resists the urge to groan. He's reluctant to inflict crowds on LWJ on a good day, there's no chance he'll do that on a day like this.
"Please go home."
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"You're not my boss. Now tell me."
"Yu-Ayi wanted to invite you, nothing much," WWX answers. "And I thought I was your boss. Didn't you tell me you'll always listen to me?"
"I told you that when you were still a loving husband," LWJ retorts. "Do you want me to come?"
"Yu-Ayi wanted to invite you, nothing much," WWX answers. "And I thought I was your boss. Didn't you tell me you'll always listen to me?"
"I told you that when you were still a loving husband," LWJ retorts. "Do you want me to come?"
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WWX sits slack-jawed at that for a moment, increasingly incensed at... whoever this person is in his husband's place. There are a few things he knows LWJ would never say to him. Calling him a bad husband is one of them. And yet—
"You think I'm not a good husband?"
"You think I'm not a good husband?"
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"I believe I used the word "loving"," LWJ says in response. "Those two things aren't interrelated."
"You think I don't love you enough?" He grits out.
"You don't."
WWX feels his eye twitch. The promptness itself tells LWJ doesn't mean it.
"If you did, you'd be home."
"You think I don't love you enough?" He grits out.
"You don't."
WWX feels his eye twitch. The promptness itself tells LWJ doesn't mean it.
"If you did, you'd be home."
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For a moment, the irritation he feels is so intense that if he could migrate through the phone screen, he would. Just to pull his husband's hair out.
Since he cannot do that, he settles on, "Well, you're not a loving husband either then, you're an unreasonable one."
Since he cannot do that, he settles on, "Well, you're not a loving husband either then, you're an unreasonable one."
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He may or may not have used that specific word to rile LWJ up.
LWJ remains quiet and WWX can almost imagine him fuming expressionlessly. "Answer the question," he grits after a moment, "Do you want me to come?"
WWX sighs. "Do you want to come?"
LWJ remains quiet and WWX can almost imagine him fuming expressionlessly. "Answer the question," he grits after a moment, "Do you want me to come?"
WWX sighs. "Do you want to come?"
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"That is not the answer and you already know I will come if you tell me to."
That is true, indeed. WWX does know that. And given their situation, it's almost tempting to do just that. However—
"Go home and rest."
"Like I said before," says LWJ serenely, "you're not my boss."
That is true, indeed. WWX does know that. And given their situation, it's almost tempting to do just that. However—
"Go home and rest."
"Like I said before," says LWJ serenely, "you're not my boss."
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"I thought you were gonna do what I tell you to."
"Do not twist my words," LWJ frowns, then, a bit quieter, "Yu-Ayi will get angry on you, won't she?"
WWX's eyes narrow. "Why do you care?" He throws LWJ's words from before back to him.
"It's my right, isn't it?"
"Do not twist my words," LWJ frowns, then, a bit quieter, "Yu-Ayi will get angry on you, won't she?"
WWX's eyes narrow. "Why do you care?" He throws LWJ's words from before back to him.
"It's my right, isn't it?"
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There he is, the husband WWX knows. Deadly with words when he's angry, and much deadlier when he's... just himself.
"How long are we gonna fight?" WWX asks, kind of tired of it now.
"Answer my question."
"You'll come to pick me up tomorrow, right?"
A pause. "No."
"How long are we gonna fight?" WWX asks, kind of tired of it now.
"Answer my question."
"You'll come to pick me up tomorrow, right?"
A pause. "No."
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It's said in such a hard voice that WWX subconsciously jolts, almost missing the petulance hidden behind the tone.
He waits a moment, then bites out, "I'm not appreciating this attitude you've donned since yesterday, you know?"
"Let's see how you fare after 3 weeks then."
He waits a moment, then bites out, "I'm not appreciating this attitude you've donned since yesterday, you know?"
"Let's see how you fare after 3 weeks then."
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"This again," WWX exclaims. "Seriously, it was just 2 days, since when did you become so—
"So unreasonable?" LWJ finishes for him.
"Yes." WWX bursts out, voice hard & loud.
"You really think it's about a day or two?" LWJ's voice thickens in a way WWX does not like at all—
"So unreasonable?" LWJ finishes for him.
"Yes." WWX bursts out, voice hard & loud.
"You really think it's about a day or two?" LWJ's voice thickens in a way WWX does not like at all—
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his breath coming a bit harsher. "And even if I am being unreasonable, how often do I do that?" He asks, voice terribly frail. "Is it so hard for you to make an exception for me once in a while?"
For a long moment, WWX is so stumped that he cannot form a coherent thought.
For a long moment, WWX is so stumped that he cannot form a coherent thought.
66
On one hand, his husband sounds so small, so miserable that he can't stand it at all. On another hand, these words are cruel.
Cruel because it questions the whole foundation of them. Their relationship is built on them choosing each other, making exceptions for each other.
Cruel because it questions the whole foundation of them. Their relationship is built on them choosing each other, making exceptions for each other.
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WWX has done it countless time, just like LWJ has. To question that—even if he's angry, even if he's upset—to question that is–
"Lan Zhan," he voices, hard but wet, "you're not being fair."
LWJ sighs after a long pause. "I'm sorry."
Somehow, that sounds wrong—
"Lan Zhan," he voices, hard but wet, "you're not being fair."
LWJ sighs after a long pause. "I'm sorry."
Somehow, that sounds wrong—
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much more than what LWJ had said initially. Before WWX can respond, LWJ speaks again. "It's time for the conference."
And just like that, the conversation ends.
Leaving him off-kilter. With a hollow in his chest that he already knows must be there in his husband as well.
And just like that, the conversation ends.
Leaving him off-kilter. With a hollow in his chest that he already knows must be there in his husband as well.
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WWX sits with that for a moment.
Then he retrives his bag and begins packing. He's angry, still upset, but it matters less. LWJ may not have meant his words, but that matters even less.
He's affected enough for his brain to turn in that direction and WWX cannot live with that.
Then he retrives his bag and begins packing. He's angry, still upset, but it matters less. LWJ may not have meant his words, but that matters even less.
He's affected enough for his brain to turn in that direction and WWX cannot live with that.
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Getting out of the Jiang house, as expected, gets him raised eyebrows, his sister being the only one with more concern and less questions.
The lectures around debts and reminders of his misplaced loyalty, unusually, enter through one ear and seep out the other, busy as he is—
The lectures around debts and reminders of his misplaced loyalty, unusually, enter through one ear and seep out the other, busy as he is—
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anticipating seeing his husband after so long. JC makes a comment on his changing priorities once more, and well, it's nothing but true. Been true since longer they can estimate.
"Is this how family behaves?" Yu-Ayi asks, with the kind of coldness nobody wants to be up against.
"Is this how family behaves?" Yu-Ayi asks, with the kind of coldness nobody wants to be up against.
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"I suppose not," he answers with a calmness he does not feel. "Not sparing a thought that one has a partner they've been away from for so long, definitely not how family behaves."
Mouth set firmly, Yu-Ayi orders, "Call him here. We need to have a word."
WWX has dreaded that—
Mouth set firmly, Yu-Ayi orders, "Call him here. We need to have a word."
WWX has dreaded that—
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long enough to not hold back anymore.
"Yu-Ayi," he says with a quiet tone that bears no argument, laying it out once. Reactions and repercussions are a matter for later. "You can treat me however you want, but don't ever make the mistake of extending it to him just because—
"Yu-Ayi," he says with a quiet tone that bears no argument, laying it out once. Reactions and repercussions are a matter for later. "You can treat me however you want, but don't ever make the mistake of extending it to him just because—
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he married me—especially because he married me." A pause. "He owes you nothing."
// refrence to physical abuse
That, unsurprisingly, gets him a litany of choice phrases, all centred around arrogance and filiality. But even Yu-Ayi is well aware of the hell that will unleash—
// refrence to physical abuse
That, unsurprisingly, gets him a litany of choice phrases, all centred around arrogance and filiality. But even Yu-Ayi is well aware of the hell that will unleash—
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if WWX returns home with a single mark anywhere on his body. This isn't the past anymore, nor are they their past selves.
In the end, with lingering unease and still off-balance, WWX finds himself in the parking lot of LWJ's workplace.
In the end, with lingering unease and still off-balance, WWX finds himself in the parking lot of LWJ's workplace.
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He does not barge inside, nor does he call him down. Simply waits for the work hours to be over, keeping a hawk eye on the front gate. When LWJ hasn't emerged even half an hour after his usual time, he calls WN again.
"But he already left," WN tells him. "For Jiang mansion."
"But he already left," WN tells him. "For Jiang mansion."
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The colour drains off WWX's face. Before his heart can jackrabbit, however, his eyes come to rest on a familiar car in the corner.
"But his car is still here A-Ning."
"Oh," WN sounds equally flabbergasted. "Oh wait, he'd ordered some wine & sweets to bring along, maybe he's—
"But his car is still here A-Ning."
"Oh," WN sounds equally flabbergasted. "Oh wait, he'd ordered some wine & sweets to bring along, maybe he's—
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still in the lobby, waiting for delivery."
"Ahh, alright, I'll go check."
WWX is barely out of the cab when he catches his husband's sight. Perhaps, it's a measure of how wound up he is that a single look makes him want to cry and wrap himself on his body like an octopus.
"Ahh, alright, I'll go check."
WWX is barely out of the cab when he catches his husband's sight. Perhaps, it's a measure of how wound up he is that a single look makes him want to cry and wrap himself on his body like an octopus.
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WWX watches him accept the delivery and then exit the gate. It doesn't take long for LWJ to clock him, like an intuitive magnet, his eyes automatically pan sideways and land square on him.
Surprise, vulnerability, rage – one by one all of it passes over LWJ's otherwise—
Surprise, vulnerability, rage – one by one all of it passes over LWJ's otherwise—
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expressionless face, finally settling on barely concealed concern. He walk over, with larger strides.
"Did they say something to you?" He asks, the fury in his eyes, refreshingly, not directed at WWX. "Did they do anything?"
WWX huffs, endeared despite everything.
"Did they say something to you?" He asks, the fury in his eyes, refreshingly, not directed at WWX. "Did they do anything?"
WWX huffs, endeared despite everything.
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And now that he's closer, he can see the bags under his husband's eyes, the slight hollowness in his cheeks. LWJ looks pristine as ever, & yet disheveled in ways only he can, with his amber eyes hurriedly flitting over the entirety of WWX as if that will somehow provide answers.
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"Who'll do anything to me?" He says, lightly punching LWJ's shoulder. "Have you forgotten you've been fighting with me? Can't I come here just to see you?"
"You're here to see me?" LWJ asks suspiciously.
WWX shakes his head. "I'm here to take us home."
"You're here to see me?" LWJ asks suspiciously.
WWX shakes his head. "I'm here to take us home."
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LWJ closely peers at his face, then releases a breath. Once assured and thoroughly convinced that not a hair of his husband is out of place, he finds it easy to return to his grudge.
For in the next moment, he turns around and says, "I do not want to go with you."
For in the next moment, he turns around and says, "I do not want to go with you."
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"Yeah yeah, I don't wanna go with you either," WWX yanks him back, scowling. "But I'm not carrying all this luggage by myself."
LWJ toes into the ground for a moment, then sighs. Glaring and gritting his teeth, he walks over and unloads all the bags from the cab.
LWJ toes into the ground for a moment, then sighs. Glaring and gritting his teeth, he walks over and unloads all the bags from the cab.
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Then he picks up the heavier ones and walks away to his car with WWX following behind carrying his own share of bags and muttering all the while how he's still /very very/ mad and definitely not going to let LWJ off easy.
LWJ pretends he's not hearing him at all.
LWJ pretends he's not hearing him at all.
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[ bear with me some more, I have very annoying classes. we're very close to the end tho, and I will finish it today. ]
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Meanwhile, top of the thread!
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The drive is mostly silent with neither of them willing to break the ice first, except for WWX fidgeting and fiddling with the radio.
The edge in LWJ's mood, the unease & gloom had mostly melted away just at the sight of WWX, but he still finds himself unwilling to talk.
The edge in LWJ's mood, the unease & gloom had mostly melted away just at the sight of WWX, but he still finds himself unwilling to talk.
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No he will not admit to being petty even on his deathbed. He's just very content with driving home with his husband in silence.
WWX, however, grows restless and restless until he can't take the silence anymore. "I want hot noodles," he blurts into the silence after a moment. I
WWX, however, grows restless and restless until he can't take the silence anymore. "I want hot noodles," he blurts into the silence after a moment. I
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It gets no reaction, aggravating him further. Moments later though, LWJ steers the car sideways and halts beside the road. He takes out his phone and places a pick-up order for hot noodles & a few other dishes. All spicy.
"What about you?" WWX asks.
"I'm not hungry," he says.
"What about you?" WWX asks.
"I'm not hungry," he says.
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WWX watches him for a second, then snatches his phone and cancels the order. In response to LWJ's glare, he only flings the phone back into his lap.
"As you wish," LWJ mutters and restarts the car.
"As you wish," LWJ mutters and restarts the car.
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At home, LWJ sets the suitcase near the shoerack and walks away without sparing any glance to where WWX is deliberately being clumsy, flinging his shoes and plopping the bags unceremoniously.
LWJ only disappears into the bedroom. WWX narrows his eyes.
LWJ only disappears into the bedroom. WWX narrows his eyes.
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"In this cruel household, we don't even kiss husbands after a long separation," he says loudly, to no one in particular.
From somewhere within the bedroom, a counter-taunt sounds instantly. "That's what we get when we marry unreasonable husbands."
From somewhere within the bedroom, a counter-taunt sounds instantly. "That's what we get when we marry unreasonable husbands."
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WWX's eyes narrow even more, then he strides over to the bedroom with almost hostile steps.
LWJ has barely taken off his coat when he grabs his tie and turns him. "What did you say?" He asks, brows raised in a challenging curve.
"The truth, Wei Ying," LWJ responds serenely.
LWJ has barely taken off his coat when he grabs his tie and turns him. "What did you say?" He asks, brows raised in a challenging curve.
"The truth, Wei Ying," LWJ responds serenely.
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You do not like unreasonable men so I shouldn't kiss you since I obviously belong to the category."
"You won't kiss me?" WWX backs him against the closet.
LWJ's eyes remain equally menacing even as they sweep down to WWX's lips. "Your wish, my command, remember?"
"You won't kiss me?" WWX backs him against the closet.
LWJ's eyes remain equally menacing even as they sweep down to WWX's lips. "Your wish, my command, remember?"
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"Well guess what," WWX steps forward, pressing onto LWJ more. "My wish is to suck this attitude out of you." Then he kisses him.
LWJ remains unresponsive to the kiss, for all of 3 seconds, before WWX finds himself being turned around and shoved hard against the closet—
LWJ remains unresponsive to the kiss, for all of 3 seconds, before WWX finds himself being turned around and shoved hard against the closet—
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as LWJ presses him so tight as if to fuse him into himself and captures his lips into a kiss that is more teeth & less tongue.
If LWJ digs fingers into his waist, if he pulls on WWX's ponytail, if the kiss is much more bitey than he's used to, WWX supposes it's his punishment.
If LWJ digs fingers into his waist, if he pulls on WWX's ponytail, if the kiss is much more bitey than he's used to, WWX supposes it's his punishment.
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Although, it turns out that it's not. For the real punishment comes much later when the kiss is searingly heated & WWX is hard to the point of aching and LWJ just pulls back, retrives his clothes, and leaves him frustrated without a word.
By the time WWX gathers his bearings—
By the time WWX gathers his bearings—
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LWJ is already closing the bathroom door with a slam–more like a muted thud since it's LWJ but a slam nonetheless.
WWX blinks at the door for embarrassing number of times, then yells, once again to a empty room. "Bitch I'll kill you!"
There's no counter retort this time.
WWX blinks at the door for embarrassing number of times, then yells, once again to a empty room. "Bitch I'll kill you!"
There's no counter retort this time.
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The evening proceeds in the same manner, a cold war brewing between them with both of them navigating their way around each other with a practised ease and doling out silent treatment.
When WWX steps out of shower, however, the aroma wafting throughout is unmistakable.
When WWX steps out of shower, however, the aroma wafting throughout is unmistakable.
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He pads out and sure enough, LWJ is in the kitchen, garnishing a dish of already reddish noodles with seasoning, greens, & even more hot sauce.
WWX stands infront of him on the other side of the counter and folds his arms. "You know well I won't eat if you don't."
WWX stands infront of him on the other side of the counter and folds his arms. "You know well I won't eat if you don't."
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LWJ quietly pushes the dish forward before sweeping his gaze up. "Suit yourself," he says, and once again, disappears into the bedroom.
WWX eyes the noodles subconsciously licking his lips. He knows exactly what LWJ is trying to do by putting together his favourite assortment—
WWX eyes the noodles subconsciously licking his lips. He knows exactly what LWJ is trying to do by putting together his favourite assortment—
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but if he thinks he can win this way, he has another thing coming.
When he enters the bedroom, LWJ is already in bed, lying serenely on his back, staring at the ceiling. Although, seeing WWX return without eating, his expression immediately turns into an imperceptible scowl.
When he enters the bedroom, LWJ is already in bed, lying serenely on his back, staring at the ceiling. Although, seeing WWX return without eating, his expression immediately turns into an imperceptible scowl.
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When WWX gets into bed, he huffily turns away. WWX stares at him for a moment, then lets him be. He can be equally stubborn. He miserably gazes around, then counts the number of inanimate objects in the room, then attempts to determine the fan's angular velocity and momentum—
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and then sighs because he's so thoroughly bored. So he picks up his phone instead. Ten minutes into aimless scrolling, he encounters a genuinely good meme & laughs out loud with a, "Ohmygod Lan Zhan see this—
He grimaces. Lan Zhan too stiffens, clearly awake.
He grimaces. Lan Zhan too stiffens, clearly awake.
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WWX scowls at the ceiling, cursing himself for being so loose-mouthed. Almost as if it's only now that he's realizing how much he's used to vocalizing every mundane thought of his to his husband. It also makes him sad though. If he's being honest, their time apart—
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had served him with a lot of realizations like these. His awareness regarding every aspect of LWJ, his change of habits that occurred due to LWJ, & most of all, his inability to sleep without his husband.
And it's the same for his husband. Never a talker, LWJ has still—
And it's the same for his husband. Never a talker, LWJ has still—
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developed a habit of telling WWX all about his day at dinner. Narrating it like a story from beginning to end.
Staying apart must have been harder on him, made worse by constantly awaiting his return only to be denied at the last minute.
With a sigh, WWX turns on his side—
Staying apart must have been harder on him, made worse by constantly awaiting his return only to be denied at the last minute.
With a sigh, WWX turns on his side—
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and pokes a toe into LWJ's ankle.
It gets no response.
He pokes it again, nudging it insistently.
When it still gets no response, he narrows his eyes and kicks the ankle, hard.
LWJ turns back with a gasp, glaring at him.
"Tell me about your day," says WWX, like a scolding.
It gets no response.
He pokes it again, nudging it insistently.
When it still gets no response, he narrows his eyes and kicks the ankle, hard.
LWJ turns back with a gasp, glaring at him.
"Tell me about your day," says WWX, like a scolding.
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When the only response he gets is LWJ turning back again, he whines a loud, "Zhanzhaaaaan" & turns him again, holding firmly and putting on his deadliest pout, the one he knows always works on his husband.
Sure enough, the husband's eyes linger on it before sweeping up.
Sure enough, the husband's eyes linger on it before sweeping up.
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"What?" LWJ asks irritably, but he doesn't move away.
WWX wiggles forward, moving closer & closer until their noses almost touch, and places a gentle hand on his cheek.
"I missed you too," WWX says, softly.
LWJ's eyes avert back down, although his face softens immensely—
WWX wiggles forward, moving closer & closer until their noses almost touch, and places a gentle hand on his cheek.
"I missed you too," WWX says, softly.
LWJ's eyes avert back down, although his face softens immensely—
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the hard edges blending in, lower lip jutting out slightly with an unconscious pout.
WWX grazes a thumb on it. "You can tell me you missed me too, you know, instead of being so grumpy because of it."
It's almost tangible how the remaining tension slowly ebbs away.
WWX grazes a thumb on it. "You can tell me you missed me too, you know, instead of being so grumpy because of it."
It's almost tangible how the remaining tension slowly ebbs away.
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They stay like that for a few moments, WWX's thumb lazily stroking LWJ's cheek. After a while, his husband finally speaks.
"You stayed there against your wishes," probably his first non-angry sentence in a while. "When will you stop putting yourself last?"
Of all the things—
"You stayed there against your wishes," probably his first non-angry sentence in a while. "When will you stop putting yourself last?"
Of all the things—
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this isn't something WWX had expected him to say.
"I'm glad you know I wanted to be home as much as you." He attempts to deflect.
"Wei Ying." LWJ warns, well aware of his husband's antics.
"Aiyaah," WWX sighs. "I'm trying you know, really. It won't happen overnight—
"I'm glad you know I wanted to be home as much as you." He attempts to deflect.
"Wei Ying." LWJ warns, well aware of his husband's antics.
"Aiyaah," WWX sighs. "I'm trying you know, really. It won't happen overnight—
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but I swear I'm getting better. I did it today, didn't I?"
"You did?" LWJ asks, because he knows however simple it seems, it's not something that comes easy to his beloved.
WWX nods. "Took a stand for us both."
LWJ leans forward and places a kiss on his temple. "I'm glad."
"You did?" LWJ asks, because he knows however simple it seems, it's not something that comes easy to his beloved.
WWX nods. "Took a stand for us both."
LWJ leans forward and places a kiss on his temple. "I'm glad."
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"I haven't stopped trying ever since I promised you," WWX says. "And I don't plan on it either."
"I'm very proud."
WWX grins. "You can reward me by telling about your day, you know?"
Even with heart now settled, LWJ's eyes narrow. "Not unless you eat."
WWX feigns indignation—
"I'm very proud."
WWX grins. "You can reward me by telling about your day, you know?"
Even with heart now settled, LWJ's eyes narrow. "Not unless you eat."
WWX feigns indignation—
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but in reality, he'll be only too happy to waltz out and gobble up that delicious bowl of noodles. It hasn't left his mind ever since he saw it.
"Consider it done," he places a deep, long kiss on LWJ's mouth. "I'll be right back."
He proceeds to slide out of bed—
"Consider it done," he places a deep, long kiss on LWJ's mouth. "I'll be right back."
He proceeds to slide out of bed—
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but then thinking something, stops on the edge of it.
Turning back with wary eyes, he says, "The sorry business is still left, isn't it?"
LWJ primly sits up. "It is."
WWX smiles fondly, "Zhanzhan," he says, sickly sweet. "Sorrys and thankyous don't matter—
Turning back with wary eyes, he says, "The sorry business is still left, isn't it?"
LWJ primly sits up. "It is."
WWX smiles fondly, "Zhanzhan," he says, sickly sweet. "Sorrys and thankyous don't matter—
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between us, but we still need etiquettes don't we? And I'm already so hungry, c'mon, say sorry quickly so I can go eat."
LWJ ominously narrows his eyes. "You say it first."
WWX frowns. "Your fault was bigger so you'll do it first."
"No, you were more wrong."
"No."
"Yes."
LWJ ominously narrows his eyes. "You say it first."
WWX frowns. "Your fault was bigger so you'll do it first."
"No, you were more wrong."
"No."
"Yes."
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"You told me I should have married someone else." WWX glares, the reminder pissing him off again. "Multiple times."
"You called me unreasonable," LWJ retorts, "and then implied that you hate unreasonable people. Which means you said you hate me."
WWX's jaw drops at the—
"You called me unreasonable," LWJ retorts, "and then implied that you hate unreasonable people. Which means you said you hate me."
WWX's jaw drops at the—
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sheer absurdity of the statement. "You called me unloving and un-prioritizing." He grits out.
"You said you ate someone else's face." LWJ counters, face set in a grim line.
WWX blinks, he doesn't know if he should laugh or cry. He settles on incredulity.
"You said you ate someone else's face." LWJ counters, face set in a grim line.
WWX blinks, he doesn't know if he should laugh or cry. He settles on incredulity.
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"You told me I shouldn't come back home," he adds a pout to it. "It made me very sad."
LWJ has been around WWX for too long to not learn a thing or two. Especially when, in WWX's own words, his husband's sad face is the deadliest weapon in the world.
So he widens his eyes—
LWJ has been around WWX for too long to not learn a thing or two. Especially when, in WWX's own words, his husband's sad face is the deadliest weapon in the world.
So he widens his eyes—
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and says, "You left me alone for so long, you would not understand how it feels unless you're in my place."
WWX stares at him for a long, very long moment, then groans. "That's not fair, that's not fucking fair." He stares some more, then partially because he never wants—
WWX stares at him for a long, very long moment, then groans. "That's not fair, that's not fucking fair." He stares some more, then partially because he never wants—
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to be in LWJ's place, and partially because he's famished, he offers a compromise.
"How about we say it together?" He puts on his most placating smile.
"No," LWJ doles out a flat out denial.
WWX glares. "You enjoy being a brat, don't you?"
LWJ raises a brow, as if to say—
"How about we say it together?" He puts on his most placating smile.
"No," LWJ doles out a flat out denial.
WWX glares. "You enjoy being a brat, don't you?"
LWJ raises a brow, as if to say—
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/yes I do, what about it?/
WWX ultimately sighs, so utterly defeated. "I'm sorry."
LWJ smiles through his eyes, almost smug. "I'm sorry too."
Rolling his eyes, WWX gets out of bed. "C'mon gimme a kiss before I go get us dinner."
LWJ is only too pleased to comply.
WWX ultimately sighs, so utterly defeated. "I'm sorry."
LWJ smiles through his eyes, almost smug. "I'm sorry too."
Rolling his eyes, WWX gets out of bed. "C'mon gimme a kiss before I go get us dinner."
LWJ is only too pleased to comply.
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Between noodles, salted chips, cupcakes and youtiao—which WWX had angrily shoved into the cart while shopping that day because everything sweet was reminding him of his husband—he manages to fix them both a nice enough dinner.
"I missed you," LWJ blurts while nibbling on—
"I missed you," LWJ blurts while nibbling on—
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his fourth fried dough. (WWX is assuredly looking away and has sworn to never ever bring this indulgence up in broad daylight).
With a mouthful of burning noodles, WWX grins, "Believe me, I know."
the end ~
With a mouthful of burning noodles, WWX grins, "Believe me, I know."
the end ~
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AND THEY FOUGHT PETTILY EVER AFTER WEEEEE 🥳
no seriously, they lived happily too, but everytime they fought, it was like this. Silly, petty, angry, but never ever devoid of love.
and every time it would end with "best sex ever" so bonus to them there, I guess. *shrugs*
no seriously, they lived happily too, but everytime they fought, it was like this. Silly, petty, angry, but never ever devoid of love.
and every time it would end with "best sex ever" so bonus to them there, I guess. *shrugs*
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Thankyou for reading. <3 Hope you enjoyed it peeps, I sure loved writing it. :)
To the top! 🫶
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To the top! 🫶
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this thread has a much more fleshed out ao3 version now!
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