有缘千里来相会

by celestialmoonstar, sizhuisturnips

Summary:

Everyone was born with a mark. A mark that would connect them to their soulmate. No one had ever been born without a mark. There had been certain rules to them, a way to keep the food chain safe. No prey had ever ended with a prey and no prey with a predator.

No records of such an atrocity, as some historians had called it, had ever been written. Some had believed it to be a deliberate way to keep the prey and predator away from each other. That even if someone had a soulmate of such would never come forward to keep themselves safe. And it had worked perfectly for thousands of years.

Until that fateful day. Until the two well-loved princes, Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo were born.

Our universe grants every soul a twin-a reflection of themselves - the kindred spirit – And no matter where they are or how far away they are from each other- even if they are in different dimensions, they will always find one another. This is destiny; this is love.

 

-Julie Dillon-

 

PROLOGUE

 

Everyone was born with a mark. A mark that would connect them to their soulmate. No one had ever been born without a mark. There had been certain rules to them, a way to keep the food chain safe. No prey had ever ended with a prey and no prey with a predator.

 

No records of such an atrocity , as some historians had called it, had ever been written. Some had believed it to be a deliberate way to keep the prey and predator away from each other. That even if someone had a soulmate of such would never come forward to keep themselves safe. And it had worked perfectly for thousands of years. 

 

Until that fateful day. Until the two well-loved princes, Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo were born.

 

Xiao Zhan, the prince of the rabbit kingdom, was born with a mark of a large cat of some sort, its stance as if it was prowling on a hunt- indicating fierceness and stealth. 

 

Years later, when the prince of the panther kingdom, Wang Yibo was born, he bore a mark of a bunny on its hind legs, head tilted up as if sniffing around in curiosity- indicating gentleness and curiousness.

 

Wang Yibo’s parents had frowned in distaste of their powerful son having such a fragile species as a soulmate. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s parents had cried, worried for their son having a predator as a soulmate. While hybrids are tamer, it does not mean they are without their animalistic instincts.

 

Both had grown up with their marks hidden, growing up lying in bed and thumbing their marks with curious thoughts about their other half while awake late at night with only the moonlight to illuminate their bedroom and themselves for company.

 

When Xiao Zhan was 12, his jiejie identified Xiao Zhan’s mark as a panther. 

 

From that day on, Xiao Zhan would find himself staring in the distance where the panther’s kingdom was and wondered if his soulmate was out there, wondering about him too.

 

Wang Yibo’s parents never let him even think of soulmates, busying him with other things instead. But sometimes in the dim lighting of his room, he can’t help but wonder what a life with them would be like.

 

Both had vowed to themselves that one day- they will find each other at some point. Even if it would cost them everything. Even if they weren’t wanted in return- they would find their soulmate.

 

THE FIRST MEETING - DAY 1

The sun is setting in the sky when Xiao Zhan enters the forest to take a walk- a respite from the hustle-bustle of the kingdom. It provides him comfort, being in the forest, surrounded by the wilderness. He breathes in the dewy scent and it finally subsides the ongoing onset of something in his body. He isn't sure what it is. Like a constant itch under his skin since last week. 

 

He had run away from the guards around him, turning into his small rabbit form and taking off towards the forest. And now that he is here, he feels like he is home. He doesn't understand this feeling but it is nice. Like a puzzle piece fitting. His body knows that this is where he is supposed to be.

 

But as he keeps walking and walking, deeper and deeper, letting his instincts take over. His body grows hot at every single step he takes. He does not know what is happening to him. Is it his heat? But his heat is not supposed to come anytime soon. 

 

Xiao Zhan looks around, suddenly frantic. A sudden scent prickling his nose. It is pleasant, a soothing balm to his oddly active and hot body. He drifts to it like a moth to a flame. His knees nearly buckle, a sheen of sweat forming on his forehead.

 

"What the hell?" He whispers to himself, hand coming to rest on his frantically beating heart.

 

He has some consciousness to find a safe place to spend his heat in, at least. It wouldn’t be good if he lost complete control of himself now.

 

He is about to move when a deep and hoarse voice reaches him, his ears going taut like a string, “Why are you alone in the middle of your heat?”

 

Xiao Zhan turns around, startled, his brown ears flattening on his head in a form of submission. The person approaching him is clearly a panther, his black ears perked up and his thick tail swishing slowly, eyes narrowed. 

 

Wait- panther- how far did I go into the forest?

 

Xiao Zhan swallows, “I’m sorry I- I didn’t mean to get so close to your territory- I- I went on a walk and- and now I’m... lost.” 

 

The panther hybrid studies him, stepping closer and eyeing him with a look that Xiao Zhan can’t read. Xiao Zhan steps back, his heart racing against his chest. 

 

“You don’t have to look so scared of me, I won’t harm you or anything.” The panther huffs, his tail flicking in minor irritation. 

 

Before Xiao Zhan can move away, the panther shifts in his spot, the sunlight peeking through the trees and highlighting the panther’s features. 

 

And oh-- oh.

 

Xiao Zhan cannot help but admire the man in front of him. His eyes tracing his profile hungrily which the panther does not pay any attention to and instead grabs his wrist, recoiling at the same time Xiao Zhan’s mark starts to tingle and burn.

 

The panther tilts his chin up, “Just as I thought.”

 

Xiao Zhan squeaks quietly in distress, stepping back more. He’d always wanted to meet his soulmate but not like this- not when sometimes mates take advantage of their other mate and Xiao Zhan doesn’t even know where he is so he can’t even run-

“Relax, would you? I’m not doing anything to you. If you keep staying out here, someone might. Come- you can take the cabin for now.”

 

Xiao Zhan lets his soulmate pull him along by the wrist, “What cabin?”

 

The panther’s tail flicks again, “Why are you so nosy?” He snaps but it is more fondness than actual irritation. “The cabin I like to stay in sometimes.” 

 

Xiao Zhan hesitates once they stop in front, “Where...where are you going? I’m better off back at my kingdom or else my scent-“

 

The panther sighs in clear irritation now- as if Xiao Zhan has asked something stupid, “I’m going to be here guarding you. Now go.” 

 

Nodding, Xiao Zhan jumps closer to the cabin and finally steps inside, preparing for the few days of agonizing heat. 

 

It is not as bad as it had always been. Heats are agonizing without a mate. Something that Xiao Zhan can never get used to no matter how many times it happens. But this, this had somehow been different. Comfortable , even. 

 

True to his word, the panther stayed outside the cabin, constantly in his full panther form. If he wasn’t in front of the door, he was pacing or circling the small area. Xiao Zhan could hear his warning growls and soothing purrs whenever the burning need had made him whimper.

The only time he even came near Xiao Zhan was to give him food and water periodically. Xiao Zhan reached out to try and pet his head in thanks, just wanting, needing that touch after the third time but the panther always escaped before he could. 

 

Xiao Zhan watched from one of the windows during a break in his heat as the panther prowled around the edges of the area, looking like the definition of intimidating, and bit his lip, ignoring the feeling of yearning building in him. 

After his heat was over, the panther greeted him in his human form. Xiao Zhan shyly approached him before stopping a small distance away. 

 

“Thank you for guarding me and taking care of me during my heat.” He says shyly, unable to hide his embarrassment.

 

The panther tilts his head, seemingly fond. “No need for thanks. Your family is probably worried about you by now. Do you need guidance to get back?”

 

Xiao Zhan looks at all the trees, hesitating. 

 

“If you go straight down here,” the panther continues without waiting for an answer while pointing, “You’ll make it to the protection of your kingdom. I would imagine you know how to navigate the area.”

 

Xiao Zhan blushes while nodding, “Yes, thank you. I...I don’t think I caught your name.”

 

The panther tilts his chin up, “Wang Yibo.”

 

Their prince…oh- oh I see - Xiao Zhan blinks himself out of his thoughts, bowing slightly.

 

“A-Ah, my name is Xiao Zhan.” 

 

Yibo absentmindedly plays with his tail, “Will I be seeing you again?” 

 

Xiao Zhan looks at him in surprise before coughing to cover it up, “Yeah, I would like to- um- see you.” 

 

A small smile quirks on Yibo’s face when Xiao Zhan blushes harder in embarrassment. “Think you can find your way here again without getting lost?” 

 

Xiao Zhan swallows, nodding. 

 

“Then, I will wait here for you in two days after sundown.” 

 

Xiao Zhan ponders that for a moment before nodding, “I’ll be here.” He will do anything to be here again, meet this panther again. And Xiao Zhan was never a man to back down on his word.

 

BONDING - DAY 3

 

Two days pass anxiously for Xiao Zhan. On the day of their fixed meeting, just a little after sundown, Xiao Zhan hops his way across the forest, his bunny form making sneaking out that much easier. It feels longer without having his long legs to make him reach it quicker, but he quickly picks up Yibo’s scent as he approaches the clearing. His heart beating furiously in his chest.

 

The rustling in the leaves must have startled Yibo, however, a low growl reached Xiao Zhan’s ears as he approached. Xiao Zhan yelps, his heart beginning to race. Before he knew it, Yibo’s panther form stood in front of him. Yibo’s head lowered to sniff Xiao Zhan before lightly nudging him with his nose. 

 

Xiao Zhan settles down somewhat, reassured by Yibo’s calmness, turning his body to groom the side of Yibo’s face affectionately out of instinct. Yibo flinches before leaning into it, his eyes closing before he rumbles in a resemblance of a purr. 

 

Yibo slowly lays on his belly, legs tucked under him to give Xiao Zhan easier access to grooming him, laying his head down on the floor. Xiao Zhan stands on his hind legs to reach Yibo’s ears with ease, humming softly. Yibo’s eyes have long closed, completely relaxed, and at ease. Seeing tousled fur on Yibo’s back, Xiao Zhan carefully places his front paws on Yibo’s neck, kicking off his hind legs to try and jump onto Yibo before tumbling to his back on the grass. 

 

 

Yibo lifts his head, opening his eyes to look at him, huffing in something that shouldn’t sound like laughter but it does. Xiao Zhan steadies himself on his feet again, sulking internally. It shouldn’t be this hard to groom his soulmate but here we are. If you ask him, it’s not fair. When in human form, Yibo is shorter! So why is he bigger now? Not fair. 

 

Yibo had searched the area before settling beside a plank of wood, looking at Xiao Zhan expectantly. Xiao Zhan had stared at him for a few seconds before gasping mentally, hopping onto the wood before successfully hopping on Yibo’s back. Xiao Zhan groomed his fur before settling on Yibo’s back, his eyes fluttering shut with a content sleep, the scent of Yibo surrounding him in the feeling of safety.

 

They had continued to meet up every night to every other night, sharing quiet cuddles and grooming sessions, silent confessions shared in the darkness, lighted only by the moon. Their mental and emotional bond got stronger each time, Xiao Zhan and Yibo beginning to feel anxious until they could see each other again when they were apart.

 

They had not even completed their bond and yet the pull that had been between the two had been undeniably strong.  Their bonding more than anything physical. Usually, the emotional connection between two mates could be formed through a bite mark. 

 

A bite mark right on the bond gland, sealing the two souls together.

 

But for Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, it was different. Since the moment they had met there had been a bridge linking them together. The two had felt the other’s emotions. Like a tingle on the panther that marked Xiao Zhan as Yibo’s and the rabbit that marked Yibo as Xiao Zhan’s. They had not needed a physical bite, for their souls had been connected even before that. 

 

The two had been so lost in the bliss of being with each other that the two princes had failed to realize when someone had picked up on their secret meeting. After all, Xiao Zhan and Yibo never expected someone to find out their secret.

 

THE DAMAGED - DAY 14

 

Xiao Zhan is in the forest again after sundown, but he is oddly restless. While the first day he had felt like this had been due to him being so close to his mate and that closeness triggering his heat. But this is different. Like a tingling fear in the back of his head, the hair on his neck standing up due to the unknown danger. His prey instincts flaring up. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s ears twitch at the sound of a twig breaking, turning around to scan the area. His heart starts pounding in his chest. 

 

I’m not far from the cabin- Yibo should be waiting. You’re fine, Xiao Zhan.

 

He buries the paranoia down- excusing himself for being a mess as an effect from being too far from Yibo for too long and keeps walking, his steps slightly quicker, wanting to reach Yibo as soon as possible. He feels tears burn in his eyes as he rushes to the cabin.

 

Yibo is waiting. It’s okay. Just a little longer. Then you can groom him and he can cuddle you and it will be fine.

 

Xiao Zhan doesn't see when someone gets behind him. He screams when his arm is grabbed and another clasps his mouth. He fights. Keeps fighting against the hand slammed over his mouth. Xiao Zhan releases his scent in panic, shutting his eyes. 

 

Yibo- Yibo- help me-

 

“Shut up!” A voice growls in his ear as Xiao Zhan yelps. He sees a flash of a black tail from the corner of his eye. 

 

Panther?

 

Xiao Zhan starts to panic even more, tears now freely falling on his cheeks, trying to scream, trying to get Yibo to know that he is here. All he feels is a prick on his neck before he’s knocked out.

 

---

 

Wang Yibo wanders in circles, waiting for Xiao Zhan to show up. He is anxious. Every single step of his is filled with concern.

 

Why is he late today? He’s never late. It’s getting dark already.

 

Yibo’s tail swishes uneasily behind him. His panther ears are already turned up to the sky, a habit of his since he was a little cub, too anxious to manage his reflexes. 

 

Something isn’t right.

 

He rubs his face with his palms. He needs to go into the rabbit kingdom. No matter what awaits him. He needs to make sure that he is okay. Although he will be breaking countless laws in the process, nothing is more important than his mate. He will just make sure-- at that exact moment, pain shoots up from his left arm all the way to his back and across his spine, making Yibo let out a painful groan. 

 

What the-

 

The pain is so excruciating that it almost blinds him, he doubles over, clutching his arm. It is so agonizing that it takes him long, too long to understand what is going on. The pain is in the exact place where his mark should be.

 

No! No- no- 

 

Yibo growls. Someone is hurting his mate. Someone is hurting Xiao Zhan rings in his head and he is sprinting in the direction of Xiao Zhan’s kingdom, desperately trying to catch a whiff of his scent. 

 

Xiao Zhan- sweetheart- you have to be okay-

 

Yibo catches a whiff of Xiao Zhan’s scent, soured with fear and distress. There’s something familiar mixed with it but he's not thinking about it. He merely follows the trail, his own scent radiating the promise of death.

 

I’m coming to you, Zhan ge. Please hold on.

 

---

 

Everything is hazy, as if someone had filled his head with cotton. His eyes feel heavy. Xiao Zhan stirs awake again, and feels his wrists tied up above him. Xiao Zhan grinds his teeth, trying to transform into his bunny form and failing. A potion to stop transformation? How? That is forbidden magic.

 

“Relax, you’re fine.” A voice snaps, injecting something into Xiao Zhan’s arm. “How unfortunate you are that you just had to be soulmates with our Yibo.” the voice tuts. 

 

Xiao Zhan whimpers, realizing what's happening and trying to move away. “Stop no- Don't-“ 

 

“Stay still! You’ll live and get to go home and never have to see him again.” 

 

Xiao Zhan yelps, “I’ll stay away from him just please- don’t- it’ll hurt him!” 

 

“Shut up!” 

 

Xiao Zhan cries, yelping in distress. No, please, no. I can’t stop them. Yibo- Yibo- I’m so sorry-

 

Xiao Zhan sobs when pain shoots up his arm. His whole body convulsing in pain.

 

I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, Yibo.

 

---

 

Wang Yibo can sense fear, not only his own but his mate’s as well. And pain. He roars in anger when he can hear Xiao Zhan’s cries, pushing himself further. Yibo follows it to an abandoned building, breaking inside it, near feral. 

 

Mate in danger, mate in danger

 

The moment Yibo’s eyes land on his mate, tied up by a rope in the corner of a dark room, he sees red. Anger like never before fills him up and he growls. 

 

“Yibo!” Xiao Zhan sobs, watching Yibo with wide eyes. Yibo goes after him, a strangled noise coming from him when suddenly a needle sticks right in his thigh. 

 

“Yibo! Bo-di!” 

 

Yibo growls, unable to fight the tranquilizer, falling down to the ground. His body is protesting as he tries to get up and get to Xiao Zhan. The attackers have masks on as they drag a protesting Yibo to the wall behind him. They tie Yibo up in chains, chaining him to the wall before pulling out the tranquilizer.

 

Yibo narrows his eyes at the panthers, growling as one of them walks up to Xiao Zhan.

 

“Be good now, okay?” One of them soothes in a fake tone, petting Xiao Zhan’s head and ears. Xiao Zhan sobs, shuddering, cringing away from the touch. Yibo snarls, fighting the chains. 

 

Stay away from him- fuck—

 

Xiao Zhan groans, sobbing as they inject something into his arm, their bond starting to fade. Yibo growls harsher, pulling against the chains.

 

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, “Yibo, stop! You’ll hurt yourself! Stop fighting!”

 

Yibo yelps in pain when the chains dig into his throat, fighting it anyway. He cannot let this happen. He cannot be weak. 

 

“Yibo! Bo-di! Stop! It’s not- “Xiao Zhan trembles, “please- you’re hurting yourself- “ 

 

Yibo cries harder. Even in such danger, Xiao Zhan, his mate, is thinking about his well-being. 

 

“So sweet and tender. I would have cried seeing you two put on such a lovely moment for us. Too bad this is not going to last any more than it did” 

 

Xiao Zhan cries out in a scream when his ears are pulled, his head hitting the wall. 

 

Yibo roars, fighting harder and harder. The chains creak before they snap under the pressure. Between one blink and the other, Yibo jumps in front of Xiao Zhan, knocking the syringe out of the person's hand. “How dare you interrupt the process?” The person yells but Yibo hears nothing else but his mate. 

 

“Forget it. Trying it again will kill Yibo. It's severely damaged anyway.” The other person’s voice is abuzz in his head over the roaring worry in his head.

 

Yibo curls around Xiao Zhan, worried for the bunny.  Xiao Zhan weakly grooms the side of his head, head butting him weakly.

 

His body feels too fragile like one wrong move and Yibo will lose him forever. But his mate still manages to smile weakly at him. It breaks Yibo’s heart even more. How can Xiao Zhan manage to look so devastatingly beautiful even now? Even as his hair sticks to his sweaty forehead, his eyes barely manage to stay open. 

 

“Hey, Yibo? I never said it” He gulps before continuing, “I love you.” Xiao Zhan manages in a whisper before his eyes roll back and he passes out.

 

Yibo panics, grooming him frantically, nudging him with his head.

 

No- no- Xiao Zhan! Zhan ge! Please! They didn’t complete it- our bond is still there! He screams and screams, trying to get to him. 

 

In his hazy panic, Yibo does not sense the looming presence behind him, only feels a jab of a tranquilizer hit his neck before his vision goes dark and he passes out. 

 

SILENCE - DAY 15

 

It is hazy. A white light blinding his senses, a hollow emptiness sucking his entire being into it.

 

Yibo wakes in his room, curled in his own bed. Memories flashes in his head and his body immediately reacts. He wants to get up but his body is too tired. His room's door opens and he turns to face away instantly.

 

“So not only did you sneak out at night but you’re going to act like a brat too?”

 

Yibo doesn’t respond.

 

“You know, son, we are doing what’s best for you. Prey are prey for a reason. You need to rule with a strong person beside you, not a weak little bunny.”

 

“He’s not weak.” Yibo growls back, “Zhan ge is one of the strongest people I know.” 

 

His mother scoffs, “Zhan ge? You even have a nickname for him? Have you gone mad? What have we taught you?”

 

Yibo’s tail flicks in irritation, “Zhan ge is nothing like the prey you told me about. He’s mine. My mate.” 

 

“Wang Yibo!”

 

“Mother!” Yibo sits up, glaring at his mother. “Where is he?” He had always thought his parents will respect whoever his mate will be, prey or not. But it turns out his parents are going to be the biggest hurdle between his mate and him. 

 

His mother crosses her arms, “in his own kingdom where he belongs. You’re not allowed to leave this room without supervision. Security has been tightened. Sit and think about what you’ve done wrong.”

 

The door slams shut before Yibo can get another word out. He slumps back into the bed, staring blankly at the wall again. He tries to send a small spark through the broken bond between him and Xiao Zhan, holding onto it like a lifeline. The spark blends into the barely there thread before fizzing out and vanishing. 

 

Wang Yibo does not know when the tears come unbidden from his eyes. He covers his eyes with his arm and lets himself cry for the first time in his life. Chanting the name of his beloved, Xiao Zhan. 

 

Pain and sorrow fill his entire being. He is missing something inside, like, someone had plucked his heart out and never put it back.

 

Xiao Zhan wakes up to the feeling of someone cleaning his head. 

 

“Xiao Zhan? You’re awake?” The voice asks, concerned and surprised.

 

Xiao Zhan opens his eyes and tries to sit up, “Chuyue? Where's Yibo?” He asks, hissing as his head sways dangerously, his vision going dark momentarily. 

 

“In his kingdom, Xiao Zhan.” Chuyue replies, avoiding Xiao Zhan’s gaze. His tone is careful like scared to break the news to him.  

 

Xiao Zhan’s ears flatten, his heart-wrenching. “Is he safe?” He asks softly. That is the only thing that matters to him the most, his mate’s safety. 

 

Chuyue nods after a few moments, “I believe so, yes. Come eat.” 

 

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, curling back under his blankets. “Not hungry.”  He does not want to eat. He wants his Yibo. He wants to know if his mate is okay. He wants him by his side, holding him close. Xiao Zhan lets himself cry as soon as he hears his room door shut.

 

---

 

Xiao Zhan refused to eat at every meal, staying in his bed to sulk quietly. He couldn’t do anything without someone watching him. There was no reason to do anything at all.

 

Yibo had reverted to his panther form, angry at anyone who approached too close. He, too, didn’t eat, too depressed to try. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s parents were worried. Xiao Zhan was always a happy little boy. He was the happiest bunny in the kingdom. Yet now, he’s depressed and won’t even eat. They were not sure how to help other than bringing his panther mate to him.

 

Desperate, they reverted to taking Xiao Zhan to the panthers in hopes of reuniting the mates. Xiao Zhan sat in a little carriage, closing his eyes to sleep. 

 

“The king and queen are currently occupied.”

 

“Please, it’s just the prince- my son—"

 

“Your Majesty, with all due respect, our prince no longer has anything to do with your son.”

 

Xiao Zhan scrambles to sit up, are we at the panther kingdom?

 

Xiao Zhan calls out for Yibo in hopes of being heard. He tries to push through the broken bond, sending his scent, his feelings to him.

 

“Zhan-Zhan.” Chuyue scolded lightly from outside the carriage. Xiao Zhan ignored him, calling for his mate desperately, climbing out of the carriage. 

 

"Yibo! Yibo!" 

 

Chuyue guided him, murmuring, “Stop making a commotion.”

 

Yibo, however, had been by the window, looking outside. As soon as he heard his mate's voice, felt his presence, smelled his scent, he took off, shifting to his panther form, refusing to let anyone get in his way. Nobody even dared to stop him.

 

Yibo pushes himself faster as soon as he spots his mate. Xiao Zhan is beautiful. Even with the obvious signs of separation visible in his body.

 

Xiao Zhan has not even turned to the sound of paws smacking against the stone path before Yibo is nuzzling up against him. Before anyone can stop him, he wraps himself around his mate.

 

Xiao Zhan’s parents were startled, terrified by how large Yibo was. Xiao Zhan was unfazed, however, dropping to his knees to wrap his arms around Yibo’s neck. 

 

“Yibo,” he buried his face in Yibo’s neck, shaking as he cried, calmed by Yibo’s purrs. 

 

Xiao Zhan tightens his grip when his abdomen cramps, heat building under his skin. Xiao Zhan winces before nuzzling his face against Yibo’s fur. 

 

Yibo growls, breaking free of Xiao Zhan’s hold to protectively wrap his frame around him. 

 

No one would touch Xiao Zhan if Yibo had anything to say about it. 

 

“ZhanZhan, you’re—” Chuyue gasps, catching a whiff of Xiao Zhan’s rapidly spreading scent. 

 

Xiao Zhan reaches out to brace himself against Yibo, biting back a cry of pain. 

 

“It’s due to him being reunited with his mate. ZhanZhan, are you okay with him?” 

 

Xiao Zhan looks up at his mother with teary eyes before nodding, silently telling her to trust Yibo. 

 

“Wang Yibo!” 

 

Yibo lowers his upper body as if preparing to pounce at his own mother, growling threateningly. 

 

“He’s in heat?” His mother says, nearly in a sneer. 

 

Xiao Zhan whimpers, wrapping his arms tightly around Yibo, breathing in his scent. 

 

“My son isn’t available to be a heat caretaker, I apologize.” His mother is sneering, her own panther ears tilted back in a threatening manner. She is angry, but Yibo’s mate is in heat, the possessive and animalistic part of him not seeing anything beyond that. Not even his mother can stop him, his panther form will not care about any human relationship. He will tear, friends and foes alike. 

 

Yibo’s eyes slant dangerously, his tail swishing. Challenging and daring anyone to take a step forward. 

 

“Her Majesty, if I may, His Highness seems very determined—” one of the guards worried. 

 

“Wang Yibo.”

 

Xiao Zhan tightens his grip before Yibo can pounce. “Bo-di, Yibo—” He coaxes him with gentle words. 

 

Yibo turns his head, grooming Xiao Zhan’s ears affectionately before nudging him down.  Xiao Zhan, understanding immediately, shifts to his rabbit form, squeaking in surprise when Yibo very, very carefully picks him up in his mouth like a mother lifting her kits. 

 

Xiao Zhan settles quickly, letting Yibo make his own way back into his kingdom, closing his eyes as he tries to find some consciousness. 

 

Yibo puts him down at some point, coaxing Xiao Zhan to open his eyes, shifting back to his human form. He stands slowly, looking at Yibo, his instincts screaming at him to run when Yibo takes on a primal stance. 

 

Xiao Zhan instinctively runs, despite knowing Yibo would never cause him harm, chasing where Yibo’s scent is the strongest. Yibo chases after him, his large paws pounding against the floor. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s heart races as his cheeks flush with his heat, running into what must be Yibo’s room. Yibo growls, walking in slowly, eyeing him like he’s meat. Xiao Zhan backs up, only to gasp when Yibo pounces, knocking him on his back. 

 

Yibo shifts back to his human form after pinning him, immediately kissing Xiao Zhan eagerly. Xiao Zhan reaches up to cup Yibo’s face, kissing him in return, his ears flattening submissively. 

 

Xiao Zhan squirms suddenly, moaning when Yibo uses his hips to press him down firmly. Yibo growls, biting kisses from Xiao Zhan’s jaw to his neck. 

 

“Yibo, Yibo- kiss me—” Xiao Zhan begs, moaning happily when Yibo kisses him. “I need you so bad- ngh—" 

 

Yibo growls, his next kiss nearly bruising, his hips bucking into Xiao Zhan’s. Xiao Zhan moans, squirming to try and get out from under Yibo, gasping when he’s suddenly flipped to his stomach and pinned down by a hand on his neck.

 

“Stay still.” Yibo growls, pushing his palm a little more harshly against Xiao Zhan’s nape in a silent warning. Xiao Zhan whimpers in need, subconsciously grinding his hips against the floor for friction.

 

Yibo growls, hovering over his body and grinding his hips against Xiao Zhan’s ass. 

 

“Your fur is so soft,” Yibo comments, his hand cupping Xiao Zhan’s tail in his large hand, stroking his thumb against it.

 

Xiao Zhan gasps, squirming, his face flushing as Yibo grips his neck more firmly. “Be still.”

 

Xiao Zhan closes his eyes, his cheeks burning hot as Yibo strokes his tail. 

 

“Does that feel good?” 

 

Xiao Zhan muffles a moan into his arm when Yibo presses the heel of his hand against his tail, rubbing it. His body betrays him though, his hips pushing back for more. 

 

“Zhan ge, do you know how pretty you look like this? So submissive and at my mercy.” 

 

Xiao Zhan gasps, willing his racing heart and breathing to get back under control. He squirms, inhaling sharply when Yibo hovers over him, leaning close to his ears.

 

“Why must you misbehave right after I praise you?” 

 

Xiao Zhan moans when Yibo pushes his hips into Xiao Zhan’s ass, groaning. Shivers and tingles run down Xiao Zhan’s spine when Yibo brushes his lips against one bunny ear.

 

“Will I have to teach you a lesson? Or will you be a good bunny for me?” 

 

Xiao Zhan gasps, his mind too foggy to think.

 

Mate- mate- Yibo-

 

Yibo trails his lips against both of Xiao Zhan’s ears, licking the ends of them with a smirk, wetting the fur. 

 

Xiao Zhan moans helplessly, shutting his eyes. Yibo props his hips up, pulling down his pants. 

 

“So wet for me already,” Yibo nearly growls, a rasp in his voice. 

 

Xiao Zhan whimpers, gasping when he feels himself spread open, followed by the touch of Yibo’s tongue. 

 

“Taste so good,” Yibo groans, lapping up all of Xiao Zhan’s slick. 

 

Xiao Zhan moans high-pitched, subconsciously grinding his hips back towards Yibo for more. Yibo strips himself down, grinding his cock against Xiao Zhan’s ass. 

 

“Yibo!” He cries, pushing back in an attempt to get what he needs. Yibo rubs the crown of his cock against Xiao Zhan’s rim before grinding inside of him in small thrusts.

 

Xiao Zhan moans, clawing at the floor, his hips pushing back for more. Yibo growls, his lips brushing the shell of Xiao Zhan’s ear, teeth grazing along the fur. 

 

Xiao Zhan winces, whimpering at a sharp feeling as Yibo pushes all the way in, gasping as Yibo bites down on his nape, not hard enough to mark him. He cries out in pain, squirming before submitting with a whimper when Yibo bites down harder. 

 

Yibo growls warningly, his thumbs rubbing his hip bones soothingly as he rocks his hips. Xiao Zhan sniffles as tears run down his cheeks, pleasure and pain shooting up his spine. Yibo’s teeth release the skin of his neck but hover with his teeth bared as he growls, as if warning Xiao Zhan not to move.

 

Xiao Zhan whimpers as he moans, crying out when Yibo thrusts frantically. He claws at the floor, stuck between crying and moaning. Yibo growls, groaning softly in pleasure. 

 

Xiao Zhan gasps as sparks of pleasure shoot up his spine, his abdomen coiling. “Right there- ah- Yibo!” 

 

Xiao Zhan sobs as Yibo moves inside of him without mercy, growling possessively. 

 

“God- Yibo- Fuck- oh—" Xiao Zhan whines, reaching back to try and tug Yibo closer. “Ah- hurts- Fuck-“ 

 

Yibo’s hips stutter momentarily, his thrusts getting more and more sloppy. Yibo strokes Xiao Zhan’s tail and that does it for him. Xiao Zhan comes with a strangled moan mixed with a sob, clenching down on Yibo. 

 

Yibo growls, groaning as he forces his cock as deep as he can get it, shuddering as he comes. He bites down on Xiao Zhan’s nape again as he pulls out, cradling Xiao Zhan’s hips.

 

Xiao Zhan jerks as Yibo catches on his rim, crying out, tears falling down his cheeks again. Yibo releases his nape, pulling Xiao Zhan into his arms. 

 

“It’s over now. Shhh.” He rumbles, scenting Xiao Zhan’s face. Xiao Zhan sniffles, peeking up at Yibo. 

 

“I’m sorry, I wish I could’ve made it not hurt,” Yibo murmurs, pressing his lips to Xiao Zhan’s lips.

 

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, “Didn’t think it’d hurt so I was surprised.”

 

Yibo nods, pressing a kiss to the top of Xiao Zhan’s head. “It’s not depending on the species you’re mating with.” 

 

Xiao Zhan looks up at him confused so Yibo takes his hand, guiding him to feel Yibo’s cock. Xiao Zhan lips part feeling the barbs on his cock. 

 

“It’s a cat thing. It...I guess it hurt a lot. I would imagine it does. I should’ve warned you. That’s my fault, I'm sorry.”

 

Xiao Zhan tucks his head by Yibo’s collarbone, curiously stroking Yibo’s cock, thumbing the two barbs on it. 

 

“Zhan-ge, don’t start things you can’t complete.” Yibo breathed out, his voice strangled. 

 

“Do you think this will get in the way if I put you in my mouth?” Xiao Zhan blurts out, his thumb pushing lightly against the barbs. 

 

Yibo inhales sharply, pressing his lips to Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan wraps his free hand around Yibo’s neck, holding him close, his other hand still messing with Yibo’s cock. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s heat is simmering under the surface, waiting to hit him full force again. Xiao Zhan wants to use his consciousness to his advantage. 

 

“Yibo, I’m serious.”

 

“I know,” Yibo breathes against his lips, “I’m too afraid of hurting you.” 

 

Xiao Zhan hums, stroking Yibo’s cock with the intention of getting him to completion. Yibo growls quietly, grasping Xiao Zhan close to him. Xiao Zhan squirms in place, wincing when a sharp pain shoots up his spine.

 

“Wait, I wanna do something.” Xiao Zhan shimmies off of Yibo’s lap, getting on his knees to hover over Yibo’s cock.

 

“Xiao Zhan-“ 

 

Xiao Zhan licks at the tip of Yibo’s cock, arousal simmering in his abdomen when he tastes saltiness on his tongue, smirking when Yibo moans. Xiao Zhan takes as much of it down as possible, bobbing his head, never taking the barbs in his mouth.

 

Yibo cups the back of his head, his thumb stroking the base of Xiao Zhan’s ears. Xiao Zhan moans around his cock, his free hand stroking everything he can’t and won’t take. 

 

“You look so pretty and it feels so good, sweetheart.” 

 

Xiao Zhan looks up at Yibo through his lashes, his eyes fluttering shut when warm, salty fluid hits his tongue as Yibo groans, his fingers tight in Xiao Zhan’s hair. Xiao Zhan swallows down everything Yibo gives him, pulling off finally with a satisfied smile. 

 

He leans in, nuzzling against Yibo, scenting him. “I missed you.” 

 

Yibo cradles him, standing up carefully, “I missed you too.” 

 

Xiao Zhan lets himself be carried, “Bo-di.” 

 

“Mm?” Yibo gently places Xiao Zhan in his bed, immediately getting in to settle down with him. 

 

Xiao Zhan curls into Yibo, “I love you.”

 

Yibo hums, tilting Xiao Zhan’s chin up for a kiss, “I love you too.”

 

TAKE WHAT’S MINE - DAY 16

 

Xiao Zhan wakes up with a small whimper, overheated and overly aroused, glancing beside him. Yibo is fast asleep, his ears semi-relaxed and his tail lazily draped around them both. Xiao Zhan reaches out slowly brushing his fingers against Yibo’s hip bone, finding his way to Yibo’s cock, pleased to find it hard already. 

 

It’s not like he’d mind..right? After all, it’s just taking what’s mine.

 

He hesitates for a moment, biting his lip before he pumps it twice, watching Yibo for signs of waking up. Carefully, he pushes Yibo to his back, hovering over him, watching him carefully. He hovers over Yibo’s cock, lowering himself against it. He bites down on his lip to not make noise as he’s filled up, silently wincing when the barbs enter him. 

 

Yibo’s tail flicks slightly but otherwise, he doesn’t react, prompting Xiao Zhan to bounce carefully, moaning breathlessly. The barbs still feel like they are scraping him somewhat, but at the adjustment in angle, they press right against his prostate. 

 

Yibo’s lips part in his sleep, his head turning somewhat before he stills. Xiao Zhan’s ears flatten in submission and pleasure, his hips moving desperately. 

 

“Fuck,” he breathes out, trying to stay quiet, “fuck I’m close.” 

 

Yibo’s tail moves again, his ears twitching rapidly but he doesn’t wake up, simply groaning quietly in his sleep. 

 

Xiao Zhan gasps, looking up in surprise as he feels warmth inside of him. Yibo’s face scrunches up slightly before he relaxes, lips parted to let out a soft breathless moan. 

 

Oh my god, he came inside me in his sleep, Xiao Zhan whimpered before shuddering as he came. Xiao Zhan rolls his hips slowly, startling when Yibo’s hands ride up his thighs.

 

His sharp eyes are steadied on him, watching him closely. He doesn’t say anything though, just stays holding Xiao Zhan. 

 

He must’ve woken up after coming. 

 

“I- the heat- it came back and I-“ 

 

“You fucked yourself on me while I was asleep?” 

 

Xiao Zhan blushes, nodding. “I needed it.” 

 

Yibo hums, “while I’m not complaining, you could’ve woken me up. It didn’t hurt, did it?” 

 

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, “Feels really good at this angle.” 

 

“Good. I’m glad. Be careful when you get up.”

 

Xiao Zhan hums, wincing as the barbs catch on him again. He curls next to Yibo, nuzzling under his jaw, purring quietly when Yibo strokes his back. 

 

“Hey, Bo-di?” Xiao Zhan yawns sleepily. 

 

“Hm?” 

 

Xiao Zhan reaches for his tail, “What if this does it?”

 

“Does what?” Yibo’s tail flinched at the touch before Xiao Zhan could carefully grab it. “Get you pregnant?” 

 

Xiao Zhan nods, playing with the fur. There’s no answer from Yibo for a while and Xiao Zhan was about to look up when he spoke.

 

“I can’t focus with you touching my tail like that.”

 

Xiao Zhan looks at him in surprise, registering his lust filled gaze. “Oh, I didn’t- sorry.” 

 

Yibo chuckles, kissing his forehead. “If you get pregnant, then I’m right here with you. I’m not going anywhere. No one can take you and our kitten away from me.” 

 

Xiao Zhan leans into Yibo’s touch, pressing his lips to Yibo’s, purring. He startles when there is a knock on Yibo’s door followed by a hesitant and gentle, “Your Highness?”

 

Yibo covers Xiao Zhan up with the blankets, smiling when Xiao Zhan covers him up possessively. “Come in, Seungyeon. We are covered up.”

 

The door opens as a young man comes in, shutting the door behind him. 

 

“Wenhan prepared stuff for you guys. Like food and water.” He explains, putting the stuff down. Seungyeon pointedly avoids meeting Xiao Zhan’s eyes in respect of how underdressed he is. 

 

“Awe, I knew you guys loved me.” Yibo teases, smirking when Xiao Zhan makes a sound of discontent, scenting Yibo possessively. 

 

Seungyeon ignores it as best as he can, “Whatever, brat. You better appreciate this. I had to sneak around your parents and their snitching little servants.”

 

“Your effort is greatly appreciated.” Yibo chuckles, holding Xiao Zhan close to him. Xiao Zhan occupies himself with dousing Yibo in his scent, possessive. 

 

Seungyeon rolls his eyes, shaking his head. “I know damn well it’s not. I’ll take my leave before his highness becomes stressed by my presence.”

 

Xiao Zhan climbs over Yibo the second the door shuts with Seungyeon's departure, shoving his lips against Yibo’s. Yibo chuckles, his hands sliding up Xiao Zhan’s thighs to his ass. 

 

“Seungyeon seemed like he was going to have a heart attack.”

 

“Good,” Xiao Zhan snaps, possessively biting marks along Yibo’s jaw. Yibo closes his eyes, laughing breathlessly. 

 

“Good?”

 

Xiao Zhan suckles on a patch of skin, “Good. You’re mine.” 

 

Yibo tilts his head to give Xiao Zhan more access to his neck. “Of course, you are. He knows that, believe me.” 

 

“He better.” Xiao Zhan snaps, kissing him. 

 

Yibo grins, “ah, your kisses are starting to taste like vinegar.”

 

Xiao Zhan glares, kissing him harder. “No.”

 

“You sure?” Yibo sniffs, “I think I smell it too.” 

 

Xiao Zhan growls, kissing Yibo harshly. “Your nose is broken.”

 

“My nose is broken?” Yibo laughs, his eyes crinkling. 

 

“Very broken.” 

 

Yibo cups Xiao Zhan’s face, “I still taste it.”

 

Xiao Zhan squints at him, “your tongue is broken too then.” 

 

Yibo laughs gleefully, his body shaking with the force of it before he rolls over, Xiao Zhan laying under him. He grinds his hips to Xiao Zhan’s delight in the way his glare morphs into a moan, his small hands grasping at Yibo’s shoulders and back. 

 

“My tongue is broken?” Yibo kisses down his body, smirking. “You want to test that?” 

 

He doesn’t wait for a response before spreading Xiao Zhan’s legs, his tongue darting out to taste Xiao Zhan’s slick-soaked rim. Xiao Zhan flinches, moaning his hands grasping at the bed sheets. 

 

“Yibo—"

 

“You taste so good, god I can never get enough.” Yibo tilts his head, greedily licking up all of Xiao Zhan’s slick, dipping his tongue inside him. Xiao Zhan’s legs bend so his feet are planted on the bed as he pushes hips down towards Yibo’s head with a sharp cry of pleasure. 

 

“Yibo—Yibo—"

 

Yibo suckles on Xiao Zhan’s rim before shoving his tongue back inside him, his hands grasping Xiao Zhan’s thighs. Xiao Zhan cries out sharply, tossing his head back in pleasure. Yibo reaches under Xiao Zhan, finding his tail and stroking it.

 

Xiao Zhan moans loudly, “oh- oh- Yibo please- oh god-“

 

Yibo grazes his teeth against his rim, thrusting his tongue inside him to taste him again. 

 

Xiao Zhan cries out sharply before coming all over himself, his hips twitching and toes curling. 

 

“My tongue,” Yibo smirks, crawling over Xiao Zhan, “seems to be working fine.”

 

Xiao Zhan, seemingly reminded of why he was upset at all, glared at him again. “I’m not drinking vinegar.”

 

Yibo kisses him, “I didn’t say anything. Just someone is a bit cranky after Seungyeon came in.” 

 

Xiao Zhan drags him into another kiss, “because you’re mine and only mine.”

 

“Vinegar,” Yibo murmurs, sliding his cock inside Xiao Zhan before he could argue. Xiao Zhan’s mouth falls open at the intrusion, hissing slightly when he feels the barbs. 

 

“Not drinking vinegar.” 

 

Yibo thrusts slowly, whispering, “You aren’t? You were dousing me in your scent before. Seungyeon could’ve fought you for that if he really wanted me.” 

 

He’s only teasing, Seungyeon and him are close but they never looked at each other that way. There’s also the underlying message of ‘he didn't fight you so don’t worry too much’.

 

“Let him. He won’t get anywhere.” Xiao Zhan snaps back, a certain fire and competitiveness in his eyes.

 

Yibo raises an eyebrow, “You'll fight a panther?”

 

Xiao Zhan wraps his long legs around Yibo’s waist, “I’ll fight anyone. You’re mine.”

 

Yibo stares at him for a moment before pressing their lips together, thrusting slightly deeper than before. 

 

“You know,” he breathes out, watching how Xiao Zhan moans breathlessly, “you look really hot when you get mad and possessive.” 

 

Xiao Zhan claws his back with his nails, scraping upwards until he cups the back of Yibo’s neck. He doesn’t say anything, staring back at Yibo with a soft flush on his face and his lips parted. 

 

“It makes me tempted to make you jealous more often,” Yibo teases, “you know my family has a lot of gatherings where many kingdoms gather and there’s many—"

 

Xiao Zhan pulls him into a bruising kiss, a low displeased sound coming from his throat. “Mine.”

 

Xiao Zhan trails bites and hickeys down Yibo’s throat, only stopping to moan breathlessly when Yibo thrusts his hips faster, jolting Xiao Zhan with the force. 

 

“Maybe you’ll have to make it clearer that I’m yours.” Yibo murmurs, slightly breathless. “I don’t think people got the idea.” 

 

Xiao Zhan obediently trails his lips over Yibo’s skin, marking him up between moans, his legs tugging Yibo closer. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s nails scrape Yibo’s back as he claws for leverage, jolting with each of Yibo’s harsh thrusts. 

 

“Yibo- Yibo- I—” Xiao Zhan moans, licking the newest mark on Yibo’s skin. 

 

Yibo growled possessively, nipping at Xiao Zhan’s ears lightly. Xiao Zhan trembles in his arms, crying out before coming, continuing to tremble through it. Yibo groans, thrusting twice more before coming, filling Xiao Zhan up. 

 

“Mine,” Xiao Zhan purrs, licking Yibo’s marks to soothe them. 

 

“Yours.” Yibo repeats, kissing the top of his head. 

 

POST HEAT - DAY 21

 

Xiao Zhan’s heat lasts for an entire week. The couple spends it blissfully unaware of everything else around them. Basking in each other’s presence. Even after it subsides, the couple remains in their room, not wanting to separate and face the reality of their situation. 

 

By the second week of their stay in the panther kingdom, Xiao Zhan receives the letter that his parents have returned to the rabbit kingdom. They said they have had some talk with the panther rulers and come to some common ground. And seeing Yibo’s fierce determination in protecting him, they let him stay with his mate and bless the two.  

 

It is a similar morning. Waking up in the arms of his mate, content and happy. 

 

But today he wakes up drowsy with Yibo coaxing him to sleep before promising that he will be back soon. He was half-conscious to hear Yibo quietly ordering Seungyeon and someone else to guard his room before the room door shut.

 

“He’s fine, Yibo. He never spent a heat with a mate before. It’s normal for him to be exhausted.”

 

“Are you sure? He was burning up earlier and—"

 

“Yibo, hey, relax. I’ve never seen you so panicked before. You trust me, right? I promise you he’s fine. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

 

Xiao Zhan stirs, blindly searching for Yibo. He settles as soon as he’s picked up, his face tucked into Yibo’s scent gland. 

 

“Bo-di,” Xiao Zhan whimpered, his ears flattened on his head. 

 

“What is it?” 

 

Xiao Zhan curls up, wincing. “I feel sick.”

 

“Sick how?” 

 

“Tummy hurts and it's hot but cold…” 

 

“It’s normal post heat symptoms, Yibo. Don’t panic. I’ll get him some medicine to help him get through it so he’s not so uncomfortable.”

 

“How long will this last?” 

 

Xiao Zhan blindly cups the side of Yibo’s neck, nuzzling into his scent gland. 

 

“I… I wish I had an answer to that but from what I’m aware of in bunny hybrids, it can vary.”

 

Xiao Zhan feels Yibo nod slowly, “Ge, let me ask you something.”

 

“What is it?” 

 

“What’s...what’s the probability of him being pregnant?”

 

Xiao Zhan makes a weak sound of protest, blushing in his cheeks. 

 

“Ah… bunnies after a heat usually have a 90% chance of pregnancy while felines have approximately 40%. Crossbreeding never really happens much so there are limited sources on it.” 

 

Yibo’s palm rests on Xiao Zhan’s stomach, “I see.” 

 

“I’ll do all the research I can. I’ll get him some medicines that are safe for pregnancy just in case.”

 

Xiao Zhan never hears Yibo’s response because he dozed off again.

 

When he wakes back up, it’s to the room door opening. 

 

“Seungyeon.”

 

“Your Highness. I brought Li Yun’s medical report back.” 

 

“Thank you, Seungyeon.”

 

Xiao Zhan rustles around in bed, quietly searching for Yibo. 

 

“Her majesty requests Your Highness’ presence as soon as possible.” 

 

Xiao Zhan opens his eyes just as arms wrap around him, Yibo’s tail hitting his leg when it flicks in annoyance. “What does she need me for?” 

 

“Your guess is as good as mine.” 

 

“I’ll… I’ll be there after—"

 

Seungyeon shifts uncomfortably, “she actually needs you both.” 

 

Yibo’s arms tighten around Xiao Zhan, his jaw setting. “Fine. Let me finish reading the medical record and we will go.”

 

Now, not in heat, Xiao Zhan actually pays attention to the halls in their palace. It’s large, much larger than he is used to. When he tells that to Yibo, he only chuckles and says, “panthers are larger than bunnies, my love.” 

 

The hall however is the biggest, high roofs and painted a pretty cream color. Xiao Zhan can’t help it when he makes a face, lowering his head to hide it. 

 

“Zhan ge? You, okay?” Yibo murmurs, catching the movement in his peripheral vision.

 

“I’m fine.” That’s if fine means, his nose is really irritated because something here does not work well with a bunny’s nose.

 

Yibo glances at him strangely, as if he doesn’t believe him before facing his parents. 

 

They both kneel, waiting for instruction. 

 

“Rise.”

 

Xiao Zhan stands, scrunching his nose up, deciding to keep his head lowered, it looks like submission anyway. 

 

Yibo stands beside him, his gaze flickering to Xiao Zhan in concern before looking away. 

 

“Your heat went well I hope, Your Highness?” There’s a tinge of something in the Queen's voice that he can’t place. 

 

Xiao Zhan politely bows, “Yes, Your Majesty.” 

 

“Has he been checked for pregnancy?” 

 

“He’s too early to tell, Your Majesty.” Yibo forces out.

 

“I see. Has bond marks been exchanged?” 

 

Yibo tilts his head to Xiao Zhan, silent. Xiao Zhan swallows heavily, “No, Your Majesty.” 

 

“Oh? You marked my son up hideously yet didn’t give him a bond mark?” 

 

Xiao Zhan winces, choosing to keep his mouth shut. Yibo’s fingers twitch by his side, “Mother—"

 

“May I ask why Your Royal Highness didn’t bond with his mate?”

 

Xiao Zhan’s ears flatten subconsciously, “I...I did not wish to burden him with a bond when neither of us were completely coherent. Forgive this thoughtless one if I had caused offense to the royal family.”

 

Yibo turns his head abruptly to look at Xiao Zhan but he doesn’t look back. He feels sick and he doesn’t know if it’s because of anxiety, post heat, or the smell in the room.

 

“Interesting. So, neither of you are bonded and pregnancy is unknown?”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” 

 

Yibo reaches for Xiao Zhan’s hand but he shifts his hand so Yibo can’t reach it, focused on the floor.

 

“Zhan ge,” Yibo whispers but Xiao Zhan ignores him, swallowing the lump in his throat.

 

“May I ask then, why Your Royal Highness has not returned to his kingdom?” His mother asks, leaning against the throne. 

 

“Mother!” Yibo growls, tense. 

 

Xiao Zhan steps back slightly, uneasy. “Forgive me for causing the Royal Family such trouble. I would imagine it has been difficult with my sudden arrival and disturbance.”

 

“Zhan ge,” Yibo starts to argue but Xiao Zhan shakes his head. 

 

“You are welcome to return and inform my son of course if he has an heir. However, and I say this with all the respect I can muster, I do not think His Royal Highness has a place here currently.”

 

Xiao Zhan bows, giving his thanks and requesting to be excused before leaving the hall.

 

The first breath of fresher air felt refreshing but the next burned his lungs.

 

“Zhan ge!” Yibo stopped Xiao Zhan by the shoulders, his tail flicking in irritation, his posture tense. “What was that for?”

 

Xiao Zhan refuses to look at him, “What was what?”

 

“That! Everything! Why would you give in to her so easily?” 

 

“Did I have a choice?” He surprised himself by how slurred his voice sounds.

 

Yibo tilts his head up to make their gazes meet, concern etched on his face.

 

“Xiao Zhan,” Yibo’s voice comes out cautious, “what happened? Are you okay?” 

 

Xiao Zhan stares at him, his head beginning to ache as his stomach twists. He didn’t even realize he began to sway until Yibo frantically wrapped an arm around his waist, “Zhan ge!” Yibo turns his head, “Seungyeon, go get Li Yun now.” 

 

He whimpers when Yibo picks him up, his head spinning, “It’s fine—I’m fine.” Xiao Zhan croaks out, wincing as his throat aches.

 

Yibo ignores him, his ears flattening in his fear and worry. Xiao Zhan must’ve passed out a few times, the way to Yibo’s room seeming like a blur. 

 

“Seungyeon sent it to me, what is it?” 

 

“Something is wrong with Zhan ge.” Yibo suddenly sounds really small, his tail wrapping around his thigh nervously. 

 

“What do you mean something’s wrong? Put him down on the bed, Yibo.” 

 

Xiao Zhan coughs, whimpering and trying to curl into himself. His throat hurts, his head hurts, everything hurts. 

 

“Yibo, go to the other side and guide him. He’s more likely to listen to you.” 

 

The movement on the bed makes Xiao Zhan whimper, even his ears ache. 

 

“Lay back, Zhan ge.” Yibo whispers, his hands in tight fists on his lap, itching to hold Xiao Zhan again. Xiao Zhan whimpers, shaking his head, crying out somewhat when it makes his head hurt more. 

 

“Xiao Zhan, I know you were mainly asleep when I came to check on you before. I’m Li Yun, Yibo’s doctor and close friend. I’m going to guide you to your back, okay?” 

 

Xiao Zhan slowly nods, gritting his teeth when his body aches more with the movement. Despite Li Yun being gentle it hurts.

 

“Breathe in and out for me.” 

 

Xiao Zhan inhales deeply before crying out, sobbing. His lungs burn as if they are on fire, the burn creeping up his throat and in his nose. It hurts to breathe. 

 

“Zhan ge!” 

 

“It’s something in his lungs. It has to be. Xiao Zhan, what are you feeling?” 

 

Xiao Zhan only whimpers, trying to curl into himself. 

 

“Zhan ge, he can only help you if you tell him what’s going on.” Yibo pleads, whimpering, picking Xiao Zhan up into his lap again.

 

“Hurts,” Xiao Zhan whimpers into Yibo’s collarbone.

 

“Hurts where?” 

 

“Everywhere… feel sick…” 

 

Li Yun nods, feeling Xiao Zhan’s forehead. “Seungyeon.”

 

“Yun ge.”

 

“Contact his kingdom’s doctor.” 

 

“Yes, Yun ge.”

 

Yibo tenses, “What is it?” 

 

There’s a pause where only Xiao Zhan’s soft whimpering is the only thing filling the silence. 

 

“I think… your mate needs you right now so I will—for his well-being- keep it to myself.”

 

Xiao Zhan nuzzles under Yibo’s jaw when he tenses more, trying to breathe in his scent but it hurts so much to breathe at all.

 

“I need to go speak with his kingdom’s doctor. You know how to call me if his condition worsens. Let him sleep if he needs to just wake him periodically.” 

 

Xiao Zhan lets his eyes close, his body shutting down for sleep.

 

ILLNESS - DAY 22

 

When he comes to his senses again, it is to Yibo watching him with a frown on his face, “Zhan ge, Zhan ge,” Yibo murmurs, shaking him lightly.

 

Xiao Zhan whimpers as his headache bothers him again. He wants nothing else than going back to sleep. 

 

“I know sweetheart, I’m sorry I had to wake you up.” Yibo soothes quietly, nuzzling Xiao Zhan’s cheek. 

 

Xiao Zhan flinches when a sudden sharp pain comes from his arm, panicking from the familiar feeling. It brings back those horrible memories. He feels the phantom pain of his bond breaking, feels Yibo’s panic and almost runs away and screams—

 

“Your Highness, stop moving. You’ll hurt yourself.”

 

“Zhan ge, it’s okay! it’s okay! They are only taking blood to test! Calm down. I’m right here with you. I’m not going anywhere” Yibo’s voice is gentle as he rubs soft circles on his hip and Xiao Zhan’s body immediately relaxes. 

 

Turning his head, Xiao Zhan sees Yibo is right. He settles, mumbling an apology. 

 

“It’s okay. I should have warned you, my own fault.” Li Yun replies, calmly taking Xiao Zhan’s blood.

 

“Li Yun.” 

 

Xiao Zhan tucks himself against Yibo’s collarbone, nearly falling back asleep.

 

“Your Highness. Yibo, turn his head for me.”

 

“What’s that for?”

 

“To clear his lungs.” 

 

Xiao Zhan whimpers as he’s turned away from Yibo’s collarbone, moving his head as something is placed over his face, “Zhan ge, stay still. This will help you. I’ll hold you I promise.” 

 

They secure the mask around his face, the sweet smell of strawberries hitting his nose. “It’s going to put him to sleep so tuck him back against you, just make sure he doesn’t knock it off.”

 

The second Xiao Zhan’s head is tucked against Yibo’s shoulder, he passes back out.

 

When he wakes up again, he’s tucked against the wall and Yibo, wrapped under blankets. 

 

“Yibo, stop being stubborn. It’s important.” 

 

“You can tell me when they are gone,” Yibo growls, his tail flicking hard enough that it whacks the bed. 

 

“Yibo.”

 

Xiao Zhan squirms in his grip, his ears standing up in subtle alarm. 

 

He squeaks when he’s kissed harshly, melting into it, his cheeks burning red once his brain reminds him people are in the room. 

 

“I’m telling you that rabbit is changing him.” 

 

Yibo kisses Xiao Zhan harder, searching for his ass under the sheets, groping it. 

 

“Yibo- Yibo—" Xiao Zhan whispers, pulling away. “Yibo, quit it.”

 

Yibo glares but stops obediently, caressing Xiao Zhan’s face, “Are you done being stubborn, Yibo?” 

 

Yibo’s tail flicks in annoyance as he stares stubbornly at the wall. Xiao Zhan sighs, sitting up despite Yibo’s protest. 

 

“Sorry, Li Yun. Go ahead, he’s listening.” 

 

“You let him call you familiarly?”

 

Xiao Zhan winces, forgetting Yibo’s parents were in the room. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. This one spoke carelessly.” 

 

Yibo nuzzles into Xiao Zhan’s hip, quiet. 

 

“So, I did some tests on you, blood tests. Multiple tests.” 

 

Xiao Zhan nods, stroking Yibo’s hair, “everything came back, okay right?” 

 

“Well… one test came back positive.” 

 

Yibo pauses, even his tail freezing. Xiao Zhan continues stroking his head, his hand only faltering for a second.

 

“Okay.”

 

Li Yun tosses a small envelope at Yibo’s legs. “Congratulations Yibo, you’re getting your first heir.” 

 

Xiao Zhan’s lip’s part his eyes widening as Yibo sits up so fast that it makes Xiao Zhan dizzy just by watching. 

 

“He’s pregnant?” 

 

Li Yun turns to face Yibo’s parents with a nod, “he is.” 

 

Yibo frantically opens the envelope, reading the document before turning and suddenly pouncing on Xiao Zhan with a hug and kiss. Xiao Zhan startles in surprise before laughing against the kiss, wrapping his arms around Yibo. Yibo purrs happily, breaking away to rest his head against Xiao Zhan’s stomach. 

 

It’s muttered when Yibo’s mother says it but Xiao Zhan still hears it, “are we really sure it’s his? Bunnies are known to be little whores.” 

 

Xiao Zhan freezes, staring at the wall opposite of him. Is that what they think? Does the whole kingdom see him as a whore? Is that what Yibo thinks? 

 

Oh God, does Yibo think that?

 

Xiao Zhan shoves Yibo off, accepting Li Yun’s immediate help to get to the bathroom, throwing up. He trembles, sick to his stomach despite throwing up already. 

 

“Zhan ge!” 

 

“Yibo, give him space.” 

 

“But he’s—"

 

“Pregnant. He’s pregnant. This is normal. Relax, you'll only make him anxious.” 

 

“Pregnancy or guilt?” 

 

“Your Majesty, as a precaution we had already pulled Yibo’s blood and tested it as well as His Royal Highness. By hormones I can assure you this is a child of a panther and His Royal Highness has not been around anybody but us since he arrived. I ask of Her Majesty to not spread false rumors about His Royal Highness.”

 

Xiao Zhan shakily stands, sick. Yibo’s arms wrap around him to help him up. “Yibo, I—"

 

“I know. I don’t believe that. It’s okay, relax.”

 

Xiao Zhan relaxes, nuzzling into his mate’s hold. “Yibo.”

 

“Mm?”

 

“Sleepy.”

 

Yibo bends down to pick Xiao Zhan up as Li Yun checks Xiao Zhan’s pulse. “Get some rest then.”

 

Xiao Zhan floats in and out of consciousness. It feels like that has been the only thing he has been doing in the panther kingdom. He is thankfully conscious enough to pick up the tail of the conversation happening around him. 

 

“...the poison before being neutralized affected him pretty badly.”

 

“If it was poison then why didn’t I—"

 

“I should stop referring to it that way. Your mother as you know has essential oils.”

 

“That she never uses? Yeah. What about—those are poisonous to him?” 

 

“Very. Any longer in that room with that and it’s possible he could have died.”

 

“But… but he’s fine now, right?” 

 

“His pregnancy is labeled high risk. While I don’t fear for his life or the baby’s life currently, I do not wish to be reckless.” 

 

“What’s…”

 

“No excessive exercise, no extra stress, healthy diet- a break in the diet is okay now and then, lots of water- he just really has to take care of himself. His kingdom is sending over some herbs and such that are good for him. He needs you now- I ask you not to be reckless in any decisions.”

 

Xiao Zhan shudders, “cold.” 

 

Within seconds, a wall of fur surrounds Xiao Zhan. If the rumbling is anything to go by, it’s just Yibo in panther form. Xiao Zhan wraps his arms around his mate, petting his head twice before drifting back to sleep.

 

NEW LIFE - DAY 112

 

Time flies and flies. 

 

The first three months of pregnancy was basically the same, morning sickness, drowsiness, and eating when told to.

 

He started showing after the first trimester. Barely but it’s certainly there. His height makes it harder for him to show, Li Yun explained when Xiao Zhan asked, however It’s his first pregnancy so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he got big out of nowhere.

 

Yibo had become obsessed with the small bump, constantly resting his head on it and murmuring to it. If there were a few times that he felt Yibo scenting and grooming his stomach, he decided to not mention it.

 

Xiao Zhan rarely leaves Yibo’s room due to Yibo’s scent being there. However, due to pregnancy and natural anxiety, he often needs physical attention. Seungyeon would always guide him to wherever Yibo is so Xiao Zhan can quietly cling onto him, scenting him. If Yibo is talking to someone, he normally clings to his back but if not, he usually clings to Yibo’s front, nuzzling his collarbone. 

 

Yibo always indulges him, letting him cling to him how he pleases, insisting that Xiao Zhan isn’t bothering anyone and that he’s quiet. 

 

One time, a princess from another kingdom attempted to flirt with Yibo when Xiao Zhan walked in. Xiao Zhan, jealous and now showing a little more noticeably, went to hug Yibo. He nuzzled his head against his mate, mumbling, “are you almost done? I’m bored waiting for you.”

 

Seungyeon and Wenhan still make fun of it, humored by Xiao Zhan’s gentle possessiveness. The princess had apologized, not realizing Yibo had a mate and found him.

 

If they had jealousy sex that night due to Xiao Zhan’s possessiveness, that’s nobody’s business but their own. 

 

He only seems to get more and more possessive and clingy the farther in pregnancy he is. 

 

They had to meet with Li Yun for a pregnancy scan (and hopefully the gender of the baby) but Yibo got caught up on royalty things. Should Xiao Zhan know about this kind of thing? Yes. Does he in a general sense? Probably. Does he currently care for it? No.

 

Xiao Zhan had taken a trip to his kingdom the week before and he’s been impatient to see his baby on a scan again. He found his way to Yibo, draping himself over his mate’s back, cautious with his belly.

 

“Bo-di, are you almost done?” Xiao Zhan whines, resting his chin on Yibo’s shoulder.

 

“Mm, almost, sweetheart.”

 

Xiao Zhan freezes as his stomach flutters oddly with the movement.

 

“What? What is it? Zhan ge?” Yibo turns his body, concerned. Xiao Zhan usually whines or scents him, for him to be still…

 

Xiao Zhan grabs Yibo’s hand, bringing it to his belly. The flutter sensation is back, accompanied by a weak little push against Yibo’s hand. Yibo’s eyes widened in awe, his lips parting. 

 

“They reacted to you.” Xiao Zhan murmurs, stroking Yibo’s cheek. Yibo nuzzles Xiao Zhan’s stomach, purring. 

 

“Die-die really needs to finish this and then all my attention is on you and Baba, okay?” Yibo mumbles into his belly before leaning up to give Xiao Zhan a gentle kiss, turning back to his work. Xiao Zhan’s lips quirk into a gentle smile, realizing Yibo’s tail is swishing playfully, a habit he got for when he’s overly happy and excited.

 

Xiao Zhan quietly sits on a small couch Yibo keeps in his study, grabbing Yibo’s coat off the armrest, burying his face in it to sniff. 

 

He didn’t even realize he fell asleep till he woke back up and Yibo is stroking his thigh with one hand, murmuring to his belly and kissing it.

 

“Baba is awake now so we are going to see you,” Yibo murmurs, glancing up at Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan giggles when Yibo jolts back from kissing Xiao Zhan’s tummy, frowning.

 

“Too many kisses.” Xiao Zhan teases, stroking the area where the baby just hit Yibo.

 

Yibo huffs, standing up to help Xiao Zhan stand. “Never too many.”

 

Xiao Zhan smiles when Yibo kisses him, stroking his hips, giggling when the baby kicks again. 

 

“It looks like we got a panther for sure,” Li Yun chuckles, “there’s the tail and ears.”

 

Yibo grins smugly, whining when Xiao Zhan pinches him. “What are you so smug about? You aren’t growing the baby.” 

 

Yibo rubs his hip, huffing stubbornly. Seungyeon and Chuyue- who came along for the scan as Yibo and Xiao Zhan’s closest friends roll their eyes, hiding their smiles of amusement. 

 

“It’s okay, maybe you’ll get it next time.” Seungyeon teases, yelping when Xiao Zhan grabs a spare pillow and throws it at him. 

 

Li Yun chuckles, “All right, all right settle down. I swear no one would believe any of you are royalty if they really knew you.”

 

Chuyue crosses his arms, “That’s why they don’t.”

 

Xiao Zhan smiles, cupping his hand at the top of his belly. Li Yun shakes his head, moving the monitor stick around. 

 

“Can you see the gender?” Xiao Zhan murmurs, his free hand intertwining with Yibo’s. 

 

Li Yun pauses for a second, “Boy.”

 

Yibo huffs, nearly pouting as Xiao Zhan smiles brightly. “Told you! It’s my intuition.” 

 

That night, Yibo laid with his head on Xiao Zhan’s belly, his tail swishing slowly as he rumbled in a purr. 

 

Xiao Zhan stroked the back of his head, occasionally rubbing his ears. 

 

“How about Suo’er?”

 

“Hm?”

 

Yibo peeks up at Xiao Zhan, “for our son. The name, Suo’er.” 

 

For the first time in the last thirty minutes, Xiao Zhan felt a soft kick in his belly. Yibo smiles, kissing the spot where their son's foot has been just seconds before.

 

“Someone likes it.” Xiao Zhan murmurs, fond. 

 

Yibo’s tail swishes playfully as he grins, “Someone does indeed.”

 

Yibo, taking caution for Xiao Zhan’s stomach, pounces, pressing their lips together. “I love you.”

 

“Mm, I love you too.” Xiao Zhan mumbles, his ears resting on his head in relaxation. Yibo holds himself up by his forearms, trailing open-mouthed and slow kisses down Xiao Zhan’s throat. He

mouths Xiao Zhan’s Adam’s Apple when Xiao Zhan tilts his head back.

 

Yibo tugs Xiao Zhan’s shirt up, latching onto Xiao Zhan’s nipple. Xiao Zhan gasps, clutching Yibo’s hair with a soft moan. Yibo trails his lips down, pressing a feather-like kiss to Xiao Zhan’s tummy. 

 

“I’m sorry, Suo’er. Put up with me for a minute here, okay?” He whispers, smirking slightly. 

 

Xiao Zhan kicks his calf, groaning. “You’re terrible- just hurry up!” 

 

Yibo chuckles, pulling back to strip Xiao Zhan down. “God, you’re so beautiful.” 

 

Xiao Zhan whines, bucking his hips. “Yibo, hurry up.” 

 

Yibo chuckles, wrapping a hand around Xiao Zhan’s cock. “I nearly forgot how needy you are now.”

 

“Yibo!” 

 

“Yes, yes, my prince, I’m hurrying up.” Yibo strokes Xiao Zhan’s cock, sliding two fingers into him. 

 

Xiao Zhan moans breathlessly, pushing his hips down for more. Yibo thrusts his fingers in time while stroking Xiao Zhan’s cock. 

 

Xiao Zhan moans, parting his legs wider to make more space for Yibo, desperate. Yibo leans down to kiss him, groaning into the kiss. 

 

“Sweetheart, do you know how wet you are right now? Holy shit,” Yibo curls his fingers, ramming them inside of Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan kicks out with a cry, shaking as he comes suddenly, catching himself by surprise. 

 

Yibo stares at him, wide-eyed before pressing a firm kiss to his lips. “Holy fuck you’re so hot.” 

 

Xiao Zhan trembles, a soft blush covering his cheeks. His body had become more sensitive and attuned to Yibo the farther in his pregnancy he gets. He gets off with the smallest touch combined with Yibo’s scent but it’s the first time Yibo witnesses his sensitivity himself. 

 

Yibo removes his fingers, pressing kisses along Xiao Zhan’s jaw, sliding his cock inside of him. Xiao Zhan’s back arches as he exhales softly in a silent moan, his legs wrapping around Yibo’s waist. 

 

Yibo’s tail flicks to the side as he growls softly, the only warning Xiao Zhan gets before the barbs enter him, scraping his walls. Xiao Zhan whimpers, his ears flat in submission, adjusted enough to endure the pain better compared to their first time together. 

 

“You okay?” Yibo breathes out against his lips. Xiao Zhan nods, tilting his chin up to press their lips more firmly together. 

 

“Just move, please-” He begs, moaning as Yibo curses under his breath, thrusting slowly before picking up the pace, the sound of their skin slapping together with each thrust filling the room.

 

“You feel so good, Zhan ge. You look so pretty laid out like this and round with my child.”

 

Xiao Zhan whimpers, whining wordlessly, unable to think hard enough to form words. Yibo chuckles breathlessly, gripping his thighs as he thrusts more frantically in search of his own climax.

 

Xiao Zhan chokes on his moan, his orgasm coming from nowhere and hitting him like a truck. He trembles like a leaf in Yibo’s hands, completely pliant and worked to the bone. He makes a face as he feels a soft nudge against his belly button before it goes away, his mind moving on nearly immediately when Yibo hits his prostate.

 

He wails, overstimulated and way too aroused for his own good, nails scraping at Yibo’s skin. “A-Ah, sweetheart, have some mercy on me-” 

 

Yibo chuckles hotly in his ears, “You like it when I treat you roughly. Look at you, you came twice but you’re still hard and leaking all over yourself.”

 

Xiao Zhan’s face burns red in slight humiliation, moans spewing from his lips. Yibo shifts, his thrusts rougher than before, the barbs on his cock rubbing directly against his prostate. Xiao Zhan nearly sobs through his next moan, lightheaded and trembling. 

 

It’s borderline painful to be overstimulated this much but it also feels so good that he can’t bear to beg Yibo to stop. His fingers card into Yibo’s hair, cautious with his ears, pulling him down to moan against his lips.

 

“I’m close, sweetheart, I’m going to fill you up really good.”

 

Xiao Zhan gasps, “please- please-”

 

Yibo groans, nipping at Xiao Zhan’s lip before grunting, his hips stuttering before stilling, releasing inside of Xiao Zhan. Xiao Zhan whimpers, following suit in his own orgasm when Yibo pumps his cock lazily. 

 

Yibo chuckles, amused at whatever expression is on Xiao Zhan’s face. “Did I tire you out my love?”

 

Xiao Zhan nods, catching his breath, eyes shut. Yibo peppers kisses all over his face, pulling out of him. “I’ll clean us up, get some rest, my love.”

 

Xiao Zhan whines in a weak protest before he falls asleep against his will, soft little nudges against his belly letting him sleep with a gentle smile.

NEW ADDITION - DAY 289

 

The day his water had broken, it had utterly scared Yibo. They had been in the garden, with him finally being able to persuade Yibo to let him take a walk after being bed ridden for so long. The contractions had been too sudden. One moment he had been fondly caressing his too round belly and then the other the edges of his vision had gone black and his knees had given out. His hands had protectively wrapped them around his belly.  

 

Yibo had been by his side immediately, eyes wide and his scent panicked. His instincts had sent his own calming pheromones to calm his mate down. It had not helped much, a father’s worry for their to be born child and a mate’s worry for their partner overriding any other sense. 

 

He had been so out of it but had picked some little snippets of Yibo carrying him to their room, not allowing anyone to touch him. Even his friends had failed to calm him. Xiao Zhan vaguely remembers saying something to Yibo who had finally relented.

 

Holding his little Suo’er for the first time was probably the best time of his life, tied with when he met Yibo for the first time. Wang Suo was a quiet baby, only crying for a few moments after his birth, settling as soon as he was placed by Xiao Zhan’s nipples, suckling for milk quietly. Yibo had watched the whole time, snuggled beside him comfortably.

 

Xiao Zhan used him to rest against, exhausted but in awe with their son. Wang Suo’s small black ears twitch when Xiao Zhan touches them with the smallest brush of his fingers, whining slightly before continuing to suckle for milk. Yibo huffs in amusement, pressing a kiss to the side of Xiao Zhan’s neck. 

 

“His ears are sensitive and it feels weird for him when you touch them,” he murmurs fondly.

 

Xiao Zhan hums in agreement, “Can’t help it though.” 

 

Wang Suo falls asleep there, Xiao Zhan’s nipple in his mouth, full from milk. Yibo gently holds their son after that, coaxing Xiao Zhan to sleep. He couldn’t argue for long, too exhausted from the process of labor and having his son to do so. Yibo cradles Wang Suo affectionately, rocking him lightly.

 

When he was born, his father never took care of him, it was solely his mother. It was normal for panthers to be that way—but he doesn’t want it to be. He refuses to be uninvolved in his son's life no matter what anyone tells him. 

 

He knows his parents disapprove; they want him fully focused in doing all he can to be prepared to take the throne. He also knows they don’t like Xiao Zhan and don’t approve their relationship- nor the fact that Xiao Zhan carried his first heir- so, Yibo takes their opinions with a grain of salt. But he will do anything to be with his family. 

Xiao Zhan feels like an outsider. Which technically he is, no matter how much his mate tries to convince him. Every breath he takes, every step he makes is heavily scrutinized. 

 

It has been four years since Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo had been staying in the panther kingdom. Life in the panther kingdom has been draining. Nothing like what he had been used to in his own. He feels a little pity for his mate every time he sees the way his parents are so disconnected from their son’s life, only seeing him as an heir and not a son. 

 

His parents had not let him leave the kingdom after they had Suo-er. They had been proud to have a grandson, a panther at that. And thankfully, the birth of Suo-er had brought the panther ruler’s a sense of safety. Their previous attempts at breaking the two apart shifting into some taunts here and there. 

 

Everyday Xiao Zhan sees Yibo being the best father and yet he has to continuously remind him, get all his insecurities about not being enough away from him. 

 

He can see his mate withering away under the constant stress from his family, protecting Xiao Zhan and being there for his son. He can see the way his shoulders are always tense; eyes always alert even in his own home. Where he should be the safest. 

 

It is one of those days when Yibo for the first time in four years that he loses his temper at their son. 

 

He had been reviewing some paperwork when Suo-er had playfully jumped on his shoulders.

 

“Wang Suo, not now. Go and sit down.” Yibo hisses under his breath, tail flicking to the side in slight irritation. Wang Suo looks over at Xiao Zhan, pouting. 

 

Xiao Zhan tsks lightly, gently guiding Wang Suo to sit down. “Let A-Die work, my love. We will talk about it later.” 

 

Xiao Zhan glances at Yibo from behind their son’s back, “Yibo, maybe you should take a break. Remember he’s only four, sweetheart. He has strong opinions but he doesn’t know how to express them. He just wanted to make you feel better”

 

Yibo glances at their son before nodding, rubbing the back of his head for a moment before looking away and dropping his hand. 

 

They both have their little moments like this. Losing the carefully kept calm always being tested by everyone. But even with all the ups and downs, they are together. 

 

UNEXPECTED - YEAR 4 DAY 30

 

They had not talked about having another kid. 

 

“Even though I want to always keep you filled up with my babies, Zhan-ge. I know we are not ready to have another little one” Yibo had said to him once. 

 

But now that the two of them had mated and their heat and rut cycles had completely aligned. And with the haze of need to be filled and desire to knot, had come another unexpected situation. 

 

It is a regular day, the same routine of Xiao Zhan waking up in his mate’s arms before he kisses him and goes to freshen up. He huffs, rolling to Yibo’s side to inhale his scent.

 

“Ba!” Wang Suo calls out, climbing on the bed to reach Xiao Zhan. “A-Die said it’s time to get up.”

 

Xiao Zhan pulls the blanket over his head, slightly guilty for ignoring Wang Suo. “Ba! Ba, A-Die said you have to get up.”

 

Xiao Zhan groans as Wang Suo pounces lightly on him, his stomach rolling. Wang Suo sits back, ears perked up in sudden concern. “Baba?” 

 

Xiao Zhan doesn’t answer, rushing to the bathroom and barely making it to the toilet before throwing up.

 

“Baba!” Wang Suo cries, rushing to the bathroom, wide-eyed.

 

Xiao Zhan waves him off, fighting off another wave of nausea. Wang Suo rushes out, yelling, “A-Die! A-Die! Baba is sick!”

 

“Shh, don’t yell too loudly. What’s wrong?” 

 

“Baba- he’s sick- and he- he throwing up—"

 

“He’s what? Where?”

 

Xiao Zhan closes his eyes, breathing deeply in an attempt to not throw up again- not that he could, there’s nothing in him to throw up anymore.

 

“Ge? Xiao Zhan?”

 

Xiao Zhan lets himself be guided to lean against Yibo’s chest, nuzzling under his jaw, using his scent to soothe his aching stomach. 

 

“What’s wrong, baby? Are you sick?”

 

Xiao Zhan shakes his head, “I’m fine- think it was just too early to have a baby panther jumping on me.”

 

“Wang Suo.”

 

“He wasn’t getting up!” 

 

“It’s okay, Yibo. Don’t scold him- he’s only a child.” Xiao Zhan murmurs, tired. 

 

Yibo hums, kissing his temple. “Suo’er, can you bring me the blue bottle from the tabletop? Baba should drink some water.” 

 

Wang Suo nods, rushing off to do as asked. Xiao Zhan groans, “I don’t want water, my stomach will hurt with stuff in it.” 

 

Yibo huffs fondly, “It also will hurt if you’re dehydrated. Come, clean out your mouth so the water won't taste bad.”

 

Xiao Zhan leans against Yibo, too fatigued to move around on his own. “Go- you had your meeting.”

 

“Mm, get some rest. Seungyeon will be nearby if you need anything, okay?”

 

“Mhm.”

 

Xiao Zhan passes out as soon as his head hits the pillow.

 

---

 

He’s out on a walk with Chuyue when he falls queasy and fatigued again. Chuyue eventually had to carry him back so he could rest where Yibo and Wang Suo doted on him and worried sick. 

 

If you ask Xiao Zhan any day, he’d say he loves his boys with all his heart and that he’d never ever be sick of them. 

 

If you asked him any other day that is.

 

“Boys! Enough! Please leave me alone.”

 

Wang Suo’s lower lip wobbles from the sudden rise of Xiao Zhan’s voice. Yibo’s ears tilt back but he smooths his hurt expression out to soothe Wang Suo. 

 

“Come, Baba is not in a good mood right now. We all have bad days, hm? Let’s let him get some rest.” Yibo murmurs, guiding Wang Suo out of the room.

 

Xiao Zhan lays down, staring at the ceiling, he never has lost his temper on Wang Suo before- why is he losing his temper now?

 

He doesn’t know how long it’s been before Yibo slips into the room, climbing into bed with him. “Suo’er is asleep. If you don’t want me to hold you then I won’t.”

 

Xiao Zhan turns, curling into Yibo’s embrace. “I yelled at both of you.”

 

“It’s okay.”

 

“I upset you both” Xiao Zhan whimpers, guilty. 

 

Yibo sighs, “You lost your temper, it’s okay, my love. Suo’er had already forgiven you.”

 

“What about you?”

 

Yibo strokes his back, “There’s nothing for me to forgive, you lost your temper. It happens.”

 

“I saw the hurt look on your face, Yibo.” Xiao Zhan snaps back in response. 

 

Yibo nuzzles against his ears, “I said what I said.”

 

“Yibo.”

 

“Mm?”

 

“I love you,” Xiao Zhan murmurs, hating the way his voice sounds shaky.

 

Yibo frowns against his head, “I love you too, my love. Are you crying?”

 

“No.” Xiao Zhan responds stubbornly, holding Yibo tightly. Yibo sighs, kissing his head, choosing not to argue the statement and letting Xiao Zhan cry silently.

 

---

 

“Congratulations, Your Royal Highness, you are with child.” 

 

The words do not come as a surprise, at least to Xiao Zhan.

 

Xiao Zhan automatically touches his stomach, frozen with surprise before a few tears fall down his face. “Thank you, I’m sorry I’ve been so emotional.”

 

“That’s quite alright, your pregnancy this time should be much safer. Be sure to take extra care and let His Highness know soon.”

 

Xiao Zhan nods, thanking him before leaving the clinic. He ponders how to tell Yibo and Wang Suo about it when he overhears that it’s children’s day the next day.

 

Perfect. 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - YEAR 4 DAY 32

 

Xiao Zhan goes to Wang Suo first. Collecting him from the study. His son is delighted as he takes him to his room. To break the news a little nicely, Xiao Zhan pulls out the gift-wrapped box from behind him. 

 

Wang Suo beams at the sight of his gift, looking at Xiao Zhan expectantly. 

 

“Shh, you have to keep this gift from A-Die, okay? It’s our little secret for now.”

 

Wang Suo nods, opening the gift. He beams at the sight of new toys before his eyes settle on something tucked at the bottom. 

 

“Ba, I am too big for this now,” he says bluntly, picking up the baby shoes, followed by the rattle. He spots the shirt, unfolding it and reading slowly and hesitantly.

 

“Upgraded… to… big brother…”

 

Xiao Zhan watches the confusion clear to realization and then shock and excitement. “I’m getting a baby sibling?”

 

Xiao Zhan fondly hushes him, “Mhm. Remember A-Die can’t know yet okay?”

 

Wang Suo nods enthusiastically, wide-eyed.

 

---

 

The same night as Yibo scents him whole, Xiao Zhan tells him everything about his day.

 

“He very much liked the extra attention today.” Yibo huffs, amused. 

 

“Mm, he did. I’m glad to have you and our babies.” Xiao Zhan mumbles into his chest, waiting to see if Yibo catches it.

 

He doesn’t disappoint either. “Babies? We only have Suo’er, what other baby—" 

 

He sharply inhales, gently pushing Xiao Zhan back to look him in the eye, “You’re pregnant?”

 

Xiao Zhan nods, giggling when Yibo kisses him, pulling him closer. “Suo’er is demanding a baby sister.”

 

“He knows? You told him before me? How is that fair?”

 

Xiao Zhan laughs, tangling his legs with Yibo’s as he kisses him. “Hush, stop whining.”

 

Yibo rests his palm against Xiao Zhan’s stomach, enthusiastic. “I hope it’s a girl too.”

 

Xiao Zhan hums, kissing Yibo again, “it feels completely different from when I was pregnant with Suo’er so it’s possible.”

 

“Finally,” Yibo huffs, whining when Xiao Zhan pinches him. “Ouch- ouch- okay okay sorry!”

 

Xiao Zhan giggles before he grinds his hips against Yibo, breathlessly moaning against his lips. Yibo hums, tugging Xiao Zhan closer. Xiao Zhan clutches onto him, slotting their lips together. 

 

Yibo tilts his head, gently kissing along his jawline, “I think it’s safe to assume that you’ve been throwing up because of your pregnancy?”

 

Xiao Zhan hums in affirmation, arms wrapped around Yibo to keep him close.

 

---

 

When they break the news to Yibo’s parents, they take it…..a little better than last time. With not even any taunting. 

 

This pregnancy, Xiao Zhan thoroughly enjoys. Even visiting his own parents for a week before he gets big enough to not be able to move on his own. Everything goes well and in the next few months, Xiao Yuan-er joins their small family. 

 

Wang Suo pounces on the bed, overjoyed. Xiao Zhan looks up in alarm just as Yibo grabs onto him. 

 

“Slow down there, buddy. She’s tinier than you, you have to be careful.” 

 

Wang Suo’s tail swishes slowly as he watches Xiao Yuan carefully. Xiao Zhan reaches a hand out to gently stroke Wang Suo’s hair. 

 

“She has ears like baba. A-Die, she has ears like baba!” 

 

Yibo smiles, holding Wang Suo securely. “Yes, she does. Good noticing, Suo’er.”

 

Xiao Zhan adjusts Xiao Yuan in his arms, leaning back against the bed frame to subtly rest. Yibo- as observant as ever- immediately realizes. 

 

“Baba is tired, buddy. We can have fun with your sister tomorrow, okay?” 

 

Wang Suo pouts but a closer look at Xiao Zhan lets him see whatever Yibo had seen in Xiao Zhan’s face and he nods reluctantly, letting Yibo pick him up. Yibo leans down to press a fond kiss to Xiao Zhan’s forehead, smiling gently at him.

 

“I’ll be back in just a minute,” he assures as Wang Suo also kisses Xiao Zhan but on the cheek. Xiao Zhan smiles assuringly, nodding before turning his attention back to their snoozing daughter. 

 

---

 

Yibo tucks the sheets securely around Wang Suo, kissing the top of his head gently. Wang Suo watches him before snuggling under the blankets. 

 

“A-Die.”

 

Yibo pauses from grabbing Wang Suo’s stuffed animal, “what is it?”

 

“Why is Yuan’er so tiny?”

 

Yibo smiles fondly at the genuine worry in his son’s eyes, bringing his stuffed animal closer. “Because she is a newborn. You were that small too when you were born.”

 

Wang Suo’s eyes widened, “I was?”

 

Yibo nods, tucking his stuffed animal beside him, “You were just a little larger because you’re a panther but you were just about the same size.”

 

Wang Suo stares at Yibo in disbelief, “and then I just grew?”

 

“Yes you did. She will too.”

 

“Woah,” he whispers in awe, his eyes fluttering shut when Yibo places another kiss on his head. 

 

“Get some rest, buddy. Goodnight.”

 

“Goodnight, A-Die.”

 

---

 

Yibo falters upon entering the room before sighing fondly. Xiao Zhan fell asleep with Xiao Yuan nestled in his arms. Yibo moves slowly, taking their daughter from him and placing her in the crib, settling her comfortably before moving back to their bed. 

 

Xiao Zhan stirs as Yibo guides his head forward so it isn’t strained leaning back, settling as soon as Yibo hushes him gently, coaxing him back to sleep. Xiao Zhan tucks himself against Yibo’s chest before visibly startling in his half-asleep state.

 

“Xiao Yuan?”

 

“Shh, my love. I put her in her crib, she’s sleeping and safe.”

 

Xiao Zhan relaxes, nuzzling under Yibo’s jaw, “I’m sorry. Panicked. Didn’t mean to sleep.”

 

Yibo kisses the top of his head, “It’s okay, sweetheart. Get some sleep.”

 

Xiao Zhan hums, mumbling incoherently- visibly trying to stay awake before he quiets down, losing his battle and falling asleep. Yibo sighs fondly, kissing the top of his head again before shifting to a more comfortable position for both him and Xiao Zhan to fall asleep.

 

Xiao Zhan absentmindedly scents him in his sleep before he purrs very, very softly- settling right back into deep sleep.

 

---

 

Yibo’s mother, she cries the moment she cradles Yuan-er to her chest. Nobody had expected that. She had looked at her with so much love that even Yibo had been shocked. 

 

“She is very pretty” She had whispered as if not even herself aware he had said the words out loud. Once she had recovered from it and seen that everyone had heard her, she had cleared her throat, “Even though she is a prey and I do not approve of this relationship, I have to admit she is a beautiful child. Congratulations, my son”

 

Yibo’s ears had perked up, taut like a string, not expecting his mother to act like this, “Ma—”

 

Handing Yuan-er to Yibo, she had turned around before looking over her shoulder at Xiao Zhan and said, “Congratulations to you too” 

 

Yibo and Xiao Zhan had only stared at the now close door and kissed their daughter’s cheek, “Who knew that you would make your grandmother a step closer to accepting us, Yuan-er”

 

---

 

Wang Suo takes his big brother's job way too seriously. He is attentive, overly protective but a caring brother. To say that their Yuan-er is really spoiled by everyone in the kingdom, it is not a lie at all.

 

Yibo had once said that maybe Suo-er would feel that they are paying more attention to Yuan-er than him. But their wonderful son had only smiled and said, “Suo-er does not feel bad, he knows Yuan-er needs you two to grow up nicely like me”

 

By the time Yuan-er turns one and Suo-er turns five, they are a force to be reckoned with. Nobody in the two kingdoms can handle the two of them together. They know every nook and cranny of the palace, knowing full well how to avoid the guards at duty to cause mischief wherever they like.

 

“The palace is lively because of them” Yibo had said as they had watched them run around the main hall, joy gleaming in his eyes.

 

THE NEXT STEP - YEAR 5 DAY 5

 

Shockingly, it is Yibo’s mother who brings up the topic of marriage. They had been at their weekly family dinner when she had had asked Yibo, “Why have you not married this rabbit yet?”

 

Yibo’s spoon had fell on his plate with a loud clunk, staring at her with wide eyes, “What?” He had choked out. 

 

“Oh, do not give me that look Yibo. You heard what I said. You have been together for 5 years and yet I don’t see any wedding ring on Xiao Zhan’s finger. What is the meaning of this? Are you falling out of love?”

 

Yibo immediately shaked his head, frantically, “No! No, it is just—we were waiting for the right time” 

 

She scoffs, “Right time? When will it be? When you have grey hair?”

 

Then she turned her piercing gaze to Xiao Zhan, “And you? Why are you letting him do this?” 

 

Xiao Zhan dips his head, shamefully, “Your Majesty, I—I was no—I don’t—"

 

“Enough. I cannot let you two act like this. Yibo, you are going to the rabbit kingdom right this instant! And I will not hear any excuses. Now shoo” 

 

And that had been how their marriage arrangements had begun.

 

---

 

Xiao Zhan was not allowed to interfere with the betrothal gifts chosen- much to his dismay. Yibo did not hold back- at all. Xiao Zhan was sent to his kingdom with the kids where they and Chuyue were tasked to keep Xiao Zhan busy. Xiao Zhan whined and pouted but there wasn’t any chance of him winning any fight so he went along with it, enjoying the company of his best friend and children.

 

He never really got to know the full extent of the gifts he received until it was time for them to plan the wedding. His mother and Yuan’er helped him get dressed that day. Xiao Zhan watched his mother guide his daughter to brush his hair in the reflection of the mirror. His hair had continued growing while he stayed with Yibo and what was previously just a bit longer than shoulder-length hair; hair just long enough to tie up into fancy buns or braids- is now starting to grow past the middle of his back. 

 

His mother gently braided two sections of his hair, keeping them in place with Xiao Yuan’s help as he ties his hair up in a bun with the braids. Yuan’er delicately retrieves the hair piece resting beside her. 

 

“You know,” his mother spoke softly, letting go of his hair to help Xiao Yuan with the hair piece. “That panther of yours is truly something.”

 

Xiao Zhan met her gaze in the mirror, surprised by the glossiness of her eyes. “Ma.”

 

She shakes her head, smiling fondly at him. “I’m alright. You just grew up so fast. I know I may not have been the most supportive all these years but no matter what, you are still my son. I was worried about you and wanted to protect you, but I handled it inappropriately and only hurt you in the process. For that, Mama is so sorry, ZhanZhan.”

 

Xiao Zhan hates the lump forming in his throat and the burning building in the back of his eyes. His mother sighs, brushing off anything Xiao Zhan could have said. “Look at me, making you sad. I just want you to know that your mama is so proud of you and I’ll support you and your family in any way I can.” 

 

Xiao Zhan’s gaze catches the hair piece as both the most important females in his life attach it to his hair. He doesn’t need anyone to tell him to know this was a gift from Yibo. It’s simple but elegant, just like how Xiao Zhan would normally try to dress. It looks like it’s made with something similar to gold, small designs of red flowers decorating the accessory. 

 

He racked his brain, trying to remember the names of the flowers. His mother adjusted his hair piece, smiling fondly, “Peonies and magnolias. You used to love them when you were around Xiao Yuan’s age.”

 

Xiao Zhan swallowed harshly, carefully turning to face his mother. “Ma.”

 

“Yes, ZhanZhan?”

 

Xiao Zhan looks between the two females staring at him and smiles at his mother. “Thank you.”

 

---

 

Due to tradition, Xiao Zhan and Yibo had to visit a fortune teller for their wedding date to hope for the best luck and outcome. The whole experience went smoothly as can be and the date for their wedding had been settled. 

 

The night before their wedding, Yibo embraced Xiao Zhan in the shower, pressing a gentle and loving kiss to his lips. “Tomorrow is the day.”

 

Xiao Zhan nuzzles against Yibo’s collarbone, humming in content. “I love you.”

 

Yibo smiles lovingly, “I love you more.”

 

Stepping out of the shower, they dress in soft red clothing, taking a deep breath before meeting their mothers. 

 

Xiao Zhan lets go of Yibo’s hand to obediently sit in front of the mirror, half aware of Yibo sitting behind him. Xiao Zhan’s mother grabs the comb from the bedside, gathering all of Xiao Zhan’s hair to flow down his back. Xiao Zhan is half aware that Yibo’s mother lit incense and red taper candles. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s mother seems to take a deep breath before running the comb through Xiao Zhan’s hair, speaking softly as if afraid to be heard. “May the first comb bring you a long-lasted union.” 

 

Xiao Zhan vaguely feels her hands tremble from where they brush against his shoulder, “May the second comb bring you a harmonious union.”

 

Xiao Zhan swallows back the lump in his throat, closing his eyes as she runs the comb through his hair again. “May the third comb bring you an abundance of descendants.”

 

The comb seems to run through his hair much slower, “May the fourth comb bring you prosperity and longevity.”

 

He opened his eyes as the red yarn and cypress leaves were clipped onto his hair, a silent lonely tear slipping down his cheek.

 

---

 

Xiao Zhan huddles under his blankets as soon as he hears the door open. “Xiao Zhan, don’t go hiding. It’s your big day! Come on, even Guang ge found the escape to see you.”

 

Xiao Zhan popped his head out the blankets immediately. A young boy smiles shyly at him from the doorway, “ZhanZhan ge.”

 

Xia Zhiguang was an orphan, brought into the palace to essentially be raised inside the kingdom. When he was small, Xiao Zhan had always kept the young boy company, bringing him up like a little brother. However, once Zhiguang grew up, he- just like Xiao Zhan- was confronted with his own position in the kingdom and unfortunately became too busy to hang around company.

 

“Xia Zhiguang, you’ve grown so big already!” Xiao Zhan exclaims, shocked. The arctic hare hybrid blushes in his cheeks, shaking his head.

 

Chuyue smacks Xiao Zhan’s foot, “get up. It’s your first childless morning and your big day. No time to laze around.”

 

Xiao Zhan rolls his eyes, “Yeah yeah, whatever.”

 

Thankfully Xiao Zhan had both Chuyue and Xia Zhiguang to ease his nerves- and of course his parents. After being dressed and doted on, it nearly became a waiting game for Yibo to arrive. The both of them- after getting dressed- kept Xiao Zhan company, recounting stories of things that have gone on since Xiao Zhan had mainly moved into the panther kingdom. 

 

Xiao Zhan’s ears had perked up as soon as he heard noise from outside but Chuyue pushed him back down when he tried to get up. “Don’t forget tradition, ZhanZhan. We should go meet your mother so we can greet Yibo. Xiao Zhan, I will kill you if you dare leave this room.” 

 

Xiao Zhan pouts, watching them leave the room before he groans to himself. It’s going to be a long wait.

 

---

 

“Your Highness.” Chuyue greets, bowing respectfully. Xia Zhiguang follows suit behind him. 

 

Yibo bows slightly in return, subtly pursing his lips. He misses Xiao Zhan but he knows very well he won’t be able to see him so easily. Yuan’er and Suo’er turn around to face Yibo with matching innocent grins and mischievous looks in their eyes. 

 

“No doubt you wish to see Xiao Zhan, however we have some tests for you first.”

 

Yibo’s gaze flicks from Chuyue to his children and back to Chuyue- an unspoken question in his eyes. 

 

Chuyue smirks subtly, “Your first test was prepared by Xiao Yuan.”

 

Xiao Yuan giggles happily, swaying innocently. “A-Die, are you up for the challenges?”

 

Yibo sharpens his gaze, “Always.”

 

Xiao Yuan’s test was the most expected and probably the simplest to complete. He was aware of the red envelope test and prepared beforehand for it. Giving any money to Xiao Zhan is probably the easiest thing he could be asked to do.

 

Wang Suo grinned, stepping up for his second test. A young boy, Yibo is pretty sure his name was Xia Zhiguang, steps up with him. “In marriage, there’s usually four stages you must endure: the sweet, the sour, the bitter and the spicy.” 

 

Wang Suo grins, walking to a nearby table where they had some things set out. Yibo follows him, narrowing his eyes at his overly excited son. 

 

“A-Die, the sweet.” Wang Suo smiles, holding out a spoon. Yibo obediently lets himself get fed whatever is on the spoon, mentally preparing himself. Thankfully, other than feeling like he’d get diabetes off of pure chocolate, sweet was not too bad.

 

“The sour.”

 

Yibo grit his teeth to not wince or make a face. The lemon juice is strangely extra sour- but he supposes it could have been worse.

 

“The bitter.”

 

Yibo half expected Vinegar and was slightly disappointed to see it was not a liquid. Vinegar he was sure he could handle. It’s only after he took a bite, did he recognize it as a bitter melon. It took longer than it probably should’ve to wash it down- but he managed.

 

“Lastly, the spicy.”

 

Yibo grimances, whatever Wang Suo had prepared- you can tell just by looking at it how spicy it is. 

 

“This,” Xia Zhiguang spoke up, beaming. “Is one of gege’s favorite meals to make and eat. Better to get used to it now.”

 

Yibo chooses not to ask what it is, his throat already irritated from simply inhaling the spices. 

 

Just how spicy is this thing?

 

He reluctantly lets Wang Suo feed him a bite, his tongue nearly burning within seconds. He resists the urge to spit it out, chewing slowly. His eyes water as his face flushes red with the spice.

 

He vaguely hears Wang Suo giggling in amusement, “A-Die, do you need to spit it out?”

 

Yibo shakes his head stubbornly, forcing himself to chew and swallow the food. He mentally prays he never has to eat it ever again in his life before moving on.

 

Xia Zhiguang and Chuyue prepared a Q&A for him, punishment for an incorrect answer being another bite of the spicy meal- he only had his own son to thank for that punishment idea. 

 

Finally, finally, he was allowed to go find Xiao Zhan. Unfortunately, he was forced to restrain himself when he saw his mate- given the task to find Xiao Zhan’s shoe inside the room.

 

Despite how much Xiao Zhan wanted to be in Yibo’s arms, he obediently kept his mouth shut- amused to see his mate searching around for an item as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

 

He finally found it where it devilishly was hidden really well in the back of the closet. He walks back over to his mate, dropping to his knee to slide it on his foot, standing up soon after. 

 

“My prince,” he rumbles, half teasing him and half frustrated from not seeing him all day. Xiao Zhan squeals slightly when Yibo picks him up, blushing prettily in his cheeks. 

 

“Drop me and I’ll kill you.” Xiao Zhan hisses softly in his ear. Yibo only grins, saying nothing in response. 

 

CEREMONIAL EVENT - YEAR 5 DAY 8

 

Xiao Zhan and Yibo both kneel respectively, bowing once before pouring tea for Yibo’s parents. Yibo’s father says nothing but his mother draws a deep sigh. “May your marriage be blessed and prosper.”

 

Yibo accepts the red envelope from his mother, bowing again respectfully.

 

Xiao Zhan’s parents were naturally more easy to pour tea for- his mother smiling fondly at them both and his father not saying anything but radiating calmness and perhaps some pride. 

 

“A-Zhan,” His mother says softly, handing over a red envelope. “We are so proud of you.” 

 

His mother turns to Yibo, “Take care of my son for me.”

 

Yibo nods, “Always.”

 

Xiao Zhan nearly cries with joy when they finally complete their vows, throwing himself into his husband’s arms. Yibo holds him tightly in his embrace, chuckling softly. 

 

“I missed you.”

 

Yibo kisses his cheek fondly, “I missed you too, my love.”

 

Xiao Zhan nuzzled as close to Yibo as appropriately possible, greeting guests respectively but not speaking more than necessary. If it were up to him, he’d go straight back home and consummate his marriage with Yibo, completing their bond for good.

 

Unfortunately it’s not up to him.

 

Yibo feeds him, scenting the top of his head affectionately. Xiao Yuan and Wang Suo bicker with each other playfully just a little distance away from them, smiling happily. 

 

Xiao Zhan groans when his parents insist on showing baby pictures and hides his face against his amused husband’s chest in embarrassment. 

 

He only comes out from hiding to look at Yibo’s baby pictures, cooing teasingly at the child version of his husband- internally admiring how much Suo’er looks like him. 

 

The end of the banquet was like a godsend for Xiao Zhan. While he was upset to say bye to his children for the night- he was more than excited to return back with his husband to complete his bond.

 

Xiao Zhan entered their new room first, lips parting in awe of the elegant decoration and red touches throughout the room. 

 

Yibo wraps his arms around Xiao Zhan from behind, nuzzling into his scent gland before brushing his lips over his nape and bond gland. Xiao Zhan gives a full-body shudder, gasping softly. 

 

“Come to bed with me,” Yibo rumbles, smirking when Xiao Zhan shudders, nodding without any hesitation. 

 

Yibo gently removed his hair piece, watching Xiao Zhan’s hair fall in ripples down his back. Xiao Zhan turned around, placing himself in Yibo’s arms, letting himself be guided to their bed. 

 

Xiao Zhan breathlessly moans when their lips lock, wrapping his arms around Yibo’s neck. Yibo smirks slightly into the kiss, using his weight to gently push Xiao Zhan down onto the bed. Xiao Zhan wraps his legs around Yibo’s waist, melting in Yibo’s embrace. 

 

Yibo blindly unfastens the clothes on Xiao Zhan, pushing them off of him, his hands wandering on his bare skin. Xiao Zhan arches into his touch with a soft moan, his hands slipping under Yibo’s collar to feel under his clothes. 

 

“You looked so beautiful today I nearly took you when I first saw you.” Yibo murmurs, his thumb rubbing over Xiao Zhan’s nipple.

 

Xiao Zhan shudders, blushing in embarrassment. “Stop talking and hurry up.”

 

Yibo chuckles in amusement, grinding his hips against Xiao Zhan’s, eliciting a moan from him. Xiao Zhan fumbles with Yibo’s clothing, frustrated and determined to do everything himself if he has to. He’s been craving to have Yibo to himself all day and he’d be damned if he let it drag out any longer.

 

“You’re so needy today,” Yibo teases, obediently removing his clothing. 

 

Xiao Zhan glares at him, “maybe you just take too long.”

 

Yibo smiles, “You try so hard to glare at me but you look adorable.”

 

He truly does, his rabbit ears have long tilted back in submission, his cheeks tinted a soft pink from embarrassment and his round eyes always makes him seem more adorable.

 

Xiao Zhan growls in irritation, “keep taking long and I won’t let you sleep with me for three months.”

 

Yibo scoffs gently, “As if you can resist that long yourself. One night away from me and look at you.”

 

Xiao Zhan moans as Yibo grinds his hips to prove his point. Xiao Zhan glares at him, removing his arms from around him. 

 

“Stop teasing or I’ll make you stop.”

 

Yibo curls a brow at him, “and how would you do that?” 

 

Xiao Zhan pushes Yibo back slightly to make space before rolling to his hands and knees, hiding his blushing face in the pillows as he arches his back to present to Yibo. He hears Yibo’s sharp intake of breath before smugness blooms in his heart. If there is anything he remembers about his heats- it’s that Yibo will go insane to have Xiao Zhan on his hands and knees, presenting for him. 

 

He feels Yibo’s hands on his ass as he pushes back into the touch, wiggling his hips enticingly. Yibo groans, kneading his ass. “Baobei, this doesn’t seem fair.”

 

“What’s not fair?” Xiao Zhan purrs softly, boldly pushing his ass back to rub against Yibo. 

 

Yibo snarls in a threat, sending shivers up Xiao Zhan’s spine. Xiao Zhan trembles softly, waiting to see what Yibo does.

 

“You are so lucky that I’ve been desperate to claim you all day.” Yibo snaps, a finger sliding inside Xiao Zhan with minimal resistance. Xiao Zhan moans, pushing back into the next two fingers.

 

“See, you take me so well,” Yibo purrs, his fingers scissoring him open, making lewd slicking sounds that makes Xiao Zhan cry out in pleasure. 

 

“More,” He manages to whimper out. Yibo’s replying chuckle is like a wave hitting him. 

 

“So desperate for me. You are so open you can take my fist now baby, can’t you?” 

 

Xiao Zhan only hums, beyond words. Yibo takes that as the confirmation it is, sliding the fourth finger in. Before Xiao Zhan can even process it, his thumb slides in. His walls clenched around it hungrily.

 

“Fuck baby,” Yibo groans, his other hand palming his own painfully hard erection, tongue licking his lips. For a few seconds, nothing happens. The fist stays unmoving inside of him. 

 

Getting desperate, Xiao Zhan tries to raise his head, only to see Yibo admiring his hand inside of him, “Yibo~ Please, move”

 

Xiao Zhan gives a muted sob, as a tentative flex of the fist sends him into a blinding wave of pleasure, slick dripping out of his hungry hole. 

 

Yibo’s gaze does not flicker from where his hand has disappeared inside of him as he leans in, giving his entrance a feather-light lick. Xiao Zhan cries out.

 

“I can never get enough of your taste. I can have you as my meal anytime” He presses a kiss on the inside of his thigh, the muscle quivering under his lips. He suckles and bites the skin, his hand moving inside making Xiao Zhan tip his head, mouth open in a loud moan.

 

"Harder," Xiao Zhan whines, so desperate to feel him. Yibo immediately thrusts his fist into Xiao Zhan with a smug smirk.

 

So deep and so good.  Fisting until he finds the sweet spot leaving Xiao Zhan a whimpering mess.

 

Slick sounds fill the room as Yibo moves his hand in and out with little resistance, each thrust sending him higher and higher. He half considers flipping Xiao Zhan to his back to see his expression before realizing that means he has to take his hand out of Xiao Zhan to do that.

 

The idea immediately gets discarded. He searches with his free hand, gently grabbing onto Xiao Zhan's nipple with his index finger and thumb. With each thrust, he stimulates Xiao Zhan’s nipple without mercy.

 

Xiao Zhan is barely coherent; his eyes dazed, mouth open as if trying to scream. He only manages the little ah ah ah . That seems to encourage Yibo, for the thrust becomes impossible faster and deeper. His fist ruthlessly fucking into him, slick dripping onto the bed under them.

 

“Yibo, I’m close” Xiao Zhan stutters out, breathy and hoarse and oh so desperate. His back arches beautifully. The ache in his belly increases by each thrust.

 

“Yeah?” Yibo whispers, his scent so filled with arousal as he shifts to his neck, sucking the tender skin, his lips a welcome warmth on the shell of his ear, “Then, come for me, Xiao Zhan” 

 

Just as he says that, he bites down on Xiao Zhan’s nape, completing his end of the bond and marking Xiao Zhan as his.

 

That is all it takes for Xiao Zhan to cry out, spilling all over himself. His body shudders, going limp under the ministrations. He barely registers as Yibo’s hand ever so slowly leaves his aching walls. 

 

Yibo curses as Xiao Zhan greedily clenches around his fist, still wanting to be filled, “Fuck. My husband is so desperate, isn’t he?”

 

“You didn’t get off” Xiao Zhan notes, looking at the still straining outline of his husband’s erection. “Let me help” he says coyly, shifting to his knees.

 

His hands are practiced as they remove his clothes away, eyes hungrily tracing the proud and painfully hard cock. He suddenly craves to have it in his mouth.

 

He wraps his small fingers around the base, giving it a tentative turn, thumb stroking the barbs as he moves his hand. Yibo groans musically at that and Xiao Zhan finds his hair fisted in his husband’s palms, “Open your mouth for me”

 

Xiao Zhan parts his lips instantly. The tip of the cock brushes his lips, warm breath tingling the wet skin.

 

“So good” Xiao Zhan mouths the tip again, his hot tongue swirling and lips running over Yibo’s cock.  His mouth dips around the tip, sucking in the leaking pre-cum. “I, too,” He whispers, “Can take you for all of my meals”

 

Yibo pulls his hair and then pushes his head down. Xiao Zhan moans at the sensation of his throat being oh so beautifully filled, just going halfway down at first. 

 

Xiao Zhan doesn’t hesitate to pull himself deeper onto the length, cautious of the barbs, the strain on his jaw a perfect feeling. He sucks him harder and harder, tighter and tighter.

 

He pops his lips to look at his husband’s face, head thrown back, panting at every warm breath that hits his skin, “Is it good for you?” He asks innocently.

 

Yibo’s feral eyes finds him, the grip on his hair tightening making Xiao Zhan’s eyes roll back.

 

“Always” Yibo says and pushes in deeper, the tip of his cock hitting the base of his throat.

 

 Xiao Zhan moans around it, parting his mouth wide and bobbing his head enthusiastically. He groans at being filled so well and Yibo brings his head down until Xiao Zhan’s face is right against the bottom of his stomach.

 

His throat clenches as he swallows the cock, buried right to the hilt. He breathes through his nose and lets Yibo build the pace for the, moving him as he pleases.

 

Yibo thumbs his bottom lip, tracing the skin where it stretches over his humongous cock. He makes a throaty groan, his neck going numb. Drool keeps escaping his lips, down his chin.

“My baby feels so good.”

Yibo fucks his mouth relentlessly. His own cock his once again twitching, his eyes leaking tears from the pressure in his throat. Xiao Zhan brings his other hand to his own cock, pumping himself to Yibo’s pace. He jerks up Yibo’s breath comes faster and Xiao Zhan suckles him in.

 

Yibo speeds up and Xiao Zhan moans, stroking himself. 

 

Xiao Zhan feels his orgasm building him up and with one tug on the base, he is coming all over himself again.

 

That is all it takes for Yibo to come spilling his warmth in his throat and Yibo is moaning beautifully. He struts his spent in long pulses and Xiao Zhan greedily drinks all of him. Some come dripping down his lips and to his chin and the whine that builds in his throat makes Yibo chuckle darkly. 

 

With one swipe, Yibo pushes it back into his lips and Xiao Zhan purrs, going limp over Yibo’s legs. They stay there, just catching their breaths. Xiao Zhan is almost asleep when Yibo kisses his cheek. Xiao Zhan can only smile as he picks him up easily, his arms looping around his neck.

 

“Tired?” Yibo asks as he walks them to the bath, lowering him to the perfectly warm water.

 

He hums and lets Yibo take the charge as he drifts in and out of consciousness. By the time he opens his eyes again, he is warm under the covers, the bed sheets changed and Yibo’s brilliant eyes staring at him. 

 

Xiao Zhan wraps his arms around him, tucking his head on his chest. Yibo curls his hand on his arms, “I love you” He whispers. 

 

“I love you” Xiao Zhan says back and knows that he will never tire of saying it again and again.

 

EPILOGUE - YEAR 5 DAY 25

 

“Be careful, Suo-er”

 

“Aiyah, Yuan-er do not hit your brother” Xiao Zhan chides as Yuan-er chases Suo-er, giggling as she almost topples over them both. 

 

Yibo watches him as he picks Yuan’er up before she falls, tsking fondly.

 

“Xiao Zhan. I—” Yibo continues, feeling the tears prickling his eyes. “I’m so happy”

 

When he turns, a soft smile is gracing Xiao Zhan’s face, glowing under the sunlight. It gives him an ethereal glow, enhancing his beautiful face. He did get too lucky.

 

How things changed from having a mark, a soulmate who everyone thought was not fitting for him to now watching his mate and his kids smiling and laughing, it is much more than what he deserves, than he ever let himself even dream of.

 

“A-Die” Yuan-er calls, motioning him to kneel to her level. She is trying to hide something behind her back, Yibo shakes his head fondly. He can only hope it is not another grasshopper or bug. He has learnt the hard way to never trust Yuan-er whenever she comes back from the gardens. She loves to scare him sometimes. At least, Xiao Zhan and Suo-er are there for him to get it away from him. 

 

“Yes, my princess?” He smiles and Yuan-er only giggles, tucking something in his ear, “A-Die so pretty” She squeals, running away before he can even try to pinch her cheeks. 

 

Yibo feels the flower behind his ears, brushing his fingers carefully to the petals. Xiao Zhan looks at him fondly, his eyes shifting to the flowers. His expression changes nearly so fast Yibo wasn’t sure he caught it or imagined it when Xiao Zhan sighs with a soft, relaxed smile. 

 

“Peonies and Magnolias.” He murmurs, reaching out to brush his fingers against the petals but not removing the flowers from their place. Xiao Zhan vaguely remembers the stories his mother told him after he received that hair piece from Yibo- of his grandfather's old garden filled with Peonies and Magnolias- of the days he spent running through the garden or helping his grandfather tend to it. He remembers the days where he made flower crowns for him, his mother and his grandmother the most.

 

“Yuan’er, Suo’er, come here. Bring the flowers here, let me teach you something.”

 

With both children returned, their little hands filled with all the Peonies and Magnolias they could hold, Xiao Zhan fondly began to rope the stems together. Just like his grandmother used to do. The first flower crown, made by Xiao Zhan, Suo’er and Yuan’er was placed onto Yibo’s head for him to wear. 

 

Unknowingly and accidentally, on that day, Xiao Zhan passed the first of many childhood traditions onto his children for them to relive his old memories and to make new, precious ones.

 

---

 

"In truth, a family is what you make it. It is made strong, not by number of heads counted at the dinner table, but by the rituals you help family members create, by the memories you share, by the commitment of time, caring, and love..."

 

-Marge Kennedy

Notes:

Hopefully you enjoyed the fic! Due to time restraints, we didn't finish writing the whole planned plot so if you liked this fic feel free to stay tuned for an upcoming sequel! Comments and Kudos are as always- greatly appreciated!

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Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Royal Blood