Chapter Text
Fortunately, Monday went as planned. Ling Rui had rented a small van, and they had taken the remaining things and old furniture out of Wang Yue's flat to take to the waste dump.
Once they were done, Lu Fangning had already sent them her lawyer's written termination of Wang Yue's rental contract. They had intended to write it by themselves and only let Lu Fangning's lawyer check it, but she had immediately offered to let her lawyer take care of everything. She had even provided feedback about what to watch out for when handing the termination over together with the keys. Wang Yue was impressed by how helpful and proactive she was, and since it all had happened so quickly, Ling Rui was determined to finish everything regarding Wang Yue's old flat today. Wang Yue saw no reason to drag this out further than necessary either, so they drove to his old landlord, handed him the termination and keys and got his signature to make sure he couldn't complain about not having received everything.
Wang Yue breathed easier after it was finally done, knowing he wouldn't have to meet his old landlord ever again.
Afterwards, they bought a bathroom shelf and sink cabinet before they went shopping for renovation materials in the afternoon. Even though Wang Yue had intended to let Ling Rui make all the decisions, he honestly mentioned his opinion whenever Ling Rui asked or couldn't decide between two wallpapers.
The following days, Wang Yue drove to the flat as soon as he woke up, eager to renovate and create a beautiful new home for him, his brother, and Ling Rui. Ling Zhu was happy to help out by watching over Wang Chao and preparing a lunchbox for Wang Yue every day. Ling Rui always video-called him during his break, and they ate together — often with Peng Bo. Eating was easier with their company, even though Wang Yue still regularly skipped breakfast and often ate his leftovers from lunch for dinner. But Ling Zhu always packed him more lunch than he could eat — even Ling Rui said that it would be too much for him. As always, Ling Zhu was too well meaning. Some things would never change.
Every evening before going to work, Wang Yue showed Ling Rui pictures of his progress, and Ling Rui was impressed and happy every time, praising Wang Yue for his skills. The recognition felt good.
During the week, another real estate agent called, but Ling Rui happily declined their offer.
By the weekend, Wang Yue was already done renovating the living room, so he assembled the big shelves and cabinets together with Ling Rui. Since Ling Rui's family was meeting some friends, Wang Chao was at the new flat, sitting on his new favorite carpet, playing with his toy cars.
After folding and ripping up the packaging of the second shelf, Wang Yue and Ling Rui intended to take out the trash. But after opening their door, they almost ran into a small group of people.
"Oh," the white-haired woman said, her dark eyes wide as she spotted Ling Rui. She was probably a little bit older than him and wore red eyeshadow and lipstick. Despite her obvious surprise, she had a very calm and collected aura. "You're that kind doctor who helped A-Qiao a while ago."
"Doctor Ling," the black-haired woman next to her said. She looked a bit younger but no less beautiful. Two little dark-haired boys hid behind her, clinging to her legs.
"You know them?" Wang Yue asked Ling Rui since he couldn't remember ever hearing about those people.
"We met briefly."
"Doctor Ling was so kind as to carry A-Qiao's bags and steady her after she sprained her ankle," the white-haired woman explained. "He accompanied her all the way from the mall to another store down the street where we had decided to meet up."
Humbly, Ling Rui shook his head, and Wang Yue was sure he would have raised his hands if they weren't full of cardboard packaging. "I just did what anyone would have done."
"That's not true," the black-haired woman said. "Everyone else only ignored me when I tripped and fell. You were the only one who came to help." She bowed. "Thank you for that again."
"It's no trouble!" Ling Rui replied, awkwardly shifting from one leg to the other.
Wang Chao walked over, curiously peeking over Wang Yue's shoulder.
"Are you the new neighbors?" the white-haired woman asked, her voice calm and melodic. "We're living over there." She pointed at the door further down the hallway on the opposite side. Her eyes went wide. "Oh. Where are my manners? I'm Luo Fumeng, this is my wife Liu Qianqiao, and these are our boys—"
"Mom, we're secret agents!" the older one of the boys blurted out.
Luo Fumeng smiled softly. "Our sons, whose names are secret." She chuckled. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise," Ling Rui nodded, bowing as best as he could while carrying all the cardboard pieces. He smiled at the boy who had spoken up, but the kid warily hid behind Liu Qianqiao again. He had to be very shy. "I'm Ling Rui, and that's my boyfriend Wang Yue, and his brother Wang Chao."
"Hello," Wang Yue said. "Nice to meet you." Usually, he was wary when meeting new people, but somehow, this couple made him feel at ease.
"A little car!" Wang Chao suddenly exclaimed, pointing at a blue toy car one of the kids held. Shyly, the boy grabbed Liu Qianqiao's shirt tighter while the other one warily observed the situation. Wang Chao only laughed and quickly ran back into the flat to fetch his yellow toy car. Happily, he returned and held it out. The eyes of the boys went wide, and they let go of their mother's shirt.
"Is he your little brother?" Luo Fumeng asked carefully.
"My big brother actually," Wang Yue explained. Awkwardly, he raked his teeth over his bottom lip. "But he's also kinda seven years old, even though he's not, so maybe he's also my little brother in some ways," he vaguely added in a whisper, remembering the annoyed and disgusted gazes of his old neighbors.
"I'm sure he'll get along well with our boys then," Luo Fumeng replied, smiling. "They are five and six."
The kids and Wang Chao were already crouching and running down the hallway, letting their toy cars race against each other. At first, Wang Yue tensed, afraid that other neighbors might open their doors and scold them because of the noise, but then he remembered how their kind landlady had told them that the kids often played in the hallway. He relaxed.
"When will you move in?" Liu Qianqiao asked.
"On Thursday," Ling Rui said. "We're still in the middle of renovating and assembling furniture."
"Oh. Don't let us keep you for too long then," Liu Qianqiao said. "Once you've settled in, we've gotta invite you for some tea and cake. Right?" She looked at her wife.
"Absolutely," Luo Fumeng replied. "And tell us if you need any help."
"Oh." Humbly, Ling Rui shook his head. "That's not necessary! But thank you for the offer."
"You're welcome." Smiling, Luo Fumeng looked down the hallway. "Alright, boys, time to go home."
"But we wanna play with our new friend!" the taller boy complained. It was only one sentence, but it was enough to make Wang Yue happy. Maybe Wang Chao finally had the chance to make some friends.
"You can do that starting next week," Luo Fumeng explained. "They are busy today."
The kids crossed their arms and pouted but quickly gave in. Blinking, Wang Chao also walked back to Wang Yue.
"Well then," Luo Fumeng said to Wang Yue and Ling Rui. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again."
"Likewise," Ling Rui replied.
"See you," Wang Yue added, and had to admit that he wouldn't mind meeting them again.
The couple waved one last time before they went into their flat with their kids.
"They seem nice," Ling Rui whispered as Wang Chao went back inside while Ling Rui and Wang Yue carried down the trash.
"Yeah," Wang Yue confirmed. "I guess you already left a good impression when you helped her out a while ago."
"I couldn't ignore someone in need."
"I know." Wang Yue smiled. He liked that about Ling Rui. He was kind to everyone who needed help — no matter what.
On Thursday, they finally moved in. Ling Rui had taken the day off from work, and was making sure everyone stayed hydrated and fed with a bunch of steamed buns he had prepared the day before. Their kitchen appliances would only be delivered some days later, but they would make do with Wang Yue's old cooking plate, Ling Rui's buns, and sandwiches until then.
Ling Yunzhi hadn't been lying when she said that Ling Rui's steamed buns were the best. Even though Wang Yue was busy all day, assembling the last remaining furniture and carrying all their boxes from the rented van to the flat, he stole a bun whenever he could. Ling Rui's aunts took turns looking after Wang Chao and cleaning up while Ling Rui and his mother unpacked all the boxes. The new friendly neighbor couple showed up, offering help, and when Ling Rui politely declined they later returned with coffee and cookies for everyone, insisting they had to do at least something.
With the help of everyone, they managed to finish just around sunset. Ling Zhu cried when it was time to say goodbyes, but Ling Rui hugged his mother and aunts tightly, promising to visit them often.
Afterwards, they put Wang Chao to bed, happy that he fell asleep without trouble. Wang Yue hadn't been sure how his brother would react to the new environment, but everything had been fine so far. There was no reason to worry. Wang Chao liked this new flat just as much as they did.
Smiling, Ling Rui and Wang Yue left Wang Chao's bedroom and closed the door behind them. They quietly walked through their flat, taking a look around. The bathroom to the left of Wang Chao's room already looked perfect, towels and toiletries stored in the shelf and placed on the sink, shower gels standing in the shower. The room on the other side was still unoccupied, provisionally serving as a storage room for now. They hadn't decided what to make out of it yet —a workout room, a guest room, an office for Ling Rui— they had several options in mind.
The space where the kitchen was supposed to be still looked a bit shabby, but that would change soon. The living room lacked some decoration in Ling Rui's opinion, but they had a couch and armchairs, Wang Yue's old television, and some shelves and cabinets filled with books, Blu-rays, and other things.
They still needed curtains for all the rooms —something they had entirely forgotten while shopping— and some chairs and a table for their balcony, but those things could wait.
Ling Rui's beige coat hung neatly on the coat rack next to the entrance door whereas Wang Yue couldn't even remember where he had dropped his denim jacket. Ling Rui's black, polished dress shoes stood on the shoe rack, neatly arranged, right next to Wang Yue's dirty, worn-out sneakers, the heel of the left one sticking out over the edge. Those two pairs of shoes looked so different, but somehow, it felt like they belonged together.
Exhausted, Wang Yue went to the bedroom, face-planting on the new soft mattress with a loud sigh. All of his muscles were sore after doing so much physical work for days. He hadn't even noticed how worn out he was until the realization settled in that the most important things were finally done. He groaned when he tried but failed to turn around.
"Are you tired?" Ling Rui asked, the mattress dipping as he sat down.
"You bet," Wang Yue mumbled against the sheets.
Humming, Ling Rui let his hand travel over Wang Yue's back, his fingertips tracing the outline of his vertebrae through his shirt. "Too tired?"
Opening one eye, Wang Yue peeked at Ling Rui. "Too tired for what?"
Ling Rui swallowed —hard— his Adam's apple bobbing. His eyes traveled down Wang Yue's body before he sheepishly looked back up. He kept his eyes on Wang Yue's face as his hand followed the path his eyes had taken just now, brushing over Wang Yue's lower back before slipping even further down, cupping Wang Yue's bottom. He licked his lips as he squeezed Wang Yue's ass cheeks, a silent question reflected in his needy gaze.
Moaning, Wang Yue closed his eyes. "I'm too tired to move," he admitted, "but I'm never too tired for sex."
"That's fine as long as you're in the mood," Ling Rui said, immediately straddling Wang Yue's thighs. He was surprisingly eager — almost as if he had been looking forward to this moment for quite a while. It felt good to be wanted like that. "Let me spoil you for all your hard work these past few days."
Wang Yue gasped as Ling Rui's hands slipped under his shirt, pulling it up until it got stuck around Wang Yue's shoulders. "Are you sure you—"
"Yes," Ling Rui interrupted him immediately. "I'll take care of you, I promise." Humming, he leaned down to pepper Wang Yue's back with kisses. "Let me take you like this," he whispered into Wang Yue's ear. "I want to feel you trembling from pleasure."
"Fuck." Wang Yue's hips twitched as his cock stirred to life. He still wasn't good at letting Ling Rui do all the work, but even if he wanted to move, he couldn't. His body had finally given in, exhaustion taking over. Furthermore, they hadn't had any chance to make out since their quickie one and a half weeks ago after receiving their keys. Wang Yue's body longed for Ling Rui. He loved getting taken from behind, feeling Ling Rui deep inside. Wang Yue didn't know whether or not he could gather enough strength to raise his hips, but maybe Ling Rui would simply grab and lift them. The thought of getting used and manhandled like that made Wang Yue whine in need.
"I love it when you're so aroused that you can't hold back your moans," Ling Rui whispered into Wang Yue's ears. "I'm so glad we don't have to be quiet anymore." After squeezing Wang Yue's ass one last time, Ling Rui let go and scooted over on the mattress to reach for the nightstand. Wang Yue whimpered, missing the possessive grip and the weight on his legs. Ling Rui soothingly stroked his back. "Shh. I've got you."
With a lot of effort, Wang Yue pulled off his shirt that had still been stuck around his shoulders and carelessly dropped it to the floor.
After Ling Rui had put the lube and condom he had fetched on the bed, he reached for the waistband of Wang Yue's pants. "Raise your hips a bit."
Wang Yue groaned, his thighs burning in protest as he raised his hips only far enough for Ling Rui to pull down his pants and underwear. As soon as his clothes were gone, he flopped back down on the mattress, his cock pressing against the soft sheets. Subconsciously, he rolled his hips, seeking friction.
Ling Rui kissed the nape of Wang Yue's neck, his fingers teasingly brushing downwards. Wang Yue arched his back and whined in need.
"Please," he whimpered, his hole twitching and clenching down on nothing. He just wanted to be filled. Ling Rui chuckled, amused, and grabbed Wang Yue's ass, kneading his cheeks. "Rui-ge," Wang Yue complained. It wasn't his intention to push Ling Rui, but his body and mind were exhausted, making him moody.
"Alright, alright," Ling Rui said, reaching for the lube.
Wang Yue shuddered in anticipation as he heard the familiar sound of the bottle being opened.
Once his fingers were coated, Ling Rui grabbed Wang Yue's left ass cheek with his clean hand, pushing it to the side to expose his hole. "Can you spread your legs a bit?"
Groaning, Wang Yue didn't even try. "Just push it in," he mumbled, the left side of his face pressed against the mattress. "I don't mind when it's tight."
"You don't mind or you—"
"I fucking love it," Wang Yue admitted, interrupting Ling Rui's question so he wouldn't hesitate anymore. "Please, Rui-ge." With glistening eyes, he peeked over his shoulder. "You promised to take care of me."
Ling Rui inhaled sharply, a spark of arousal reflected in his eyes. Licking his lips, he brushed his fingertip over Wang Yue's puckering rim, making him shudder. Just as Wang Yue wanted to complain again, Ling Rui finally pushed his finger inside, going deeper, deeper, and deeper.
Rolling his eyes back, Wang Yue allowed a guttural groan to escape his throat. "I love your long fingers," he whispered. Reflexively, he grabbed the sheets, his hips twitching as he sought more friction but lacked the strength to move. "Mor—aah!" Just as Wang Yue started to beg for more, Ling Rui rubbed his fingertip over Wang Yue's sweet spot deep inside of him, sending sparks of arousal through his body. Wang Yue inhaled deeply, his dick throbbing. It had been way too long since he had gotten off.
"Yue'er," Ling Rui said, his voice breathless and filled with need. Why was Ling Rui so aroused? Wang Yue hadn't even touched him yet. "You're so hot," Ling Rui whispered. Leaning down, he kissed Wang Yue's shoulder blade. Without warning, he pushed a second finger inside, coaxing another loud moan to fall from Wang Yue's lips. "I love hearing you."
Ling Rui kissed his way down Wang Yue's back, apparently not minding all the sweat. When Ling Rui reached Wang Yue's ass, the kisses suddenly turned into little bites, gnawing and nibbling on Wang Yue's cheeks, making Wang Yue yelp in surprise first, and then moan in pleasure. Ling Rui continued to suck on Wang Yue's cheeks, raking his teeth over them from time to time while his fingers never stopped spreading Wang Yue's tight hole and massaging his prostate.
The double stimulation caused Wang Yue's cock to twitch and leak precum. Ling Rui's other hand held onto Wang Yue's hip, his thumb digging into his cheek to pull on it. Wang Yue loved that strong and possessive grip.
"Fuck me," Wang Yue begged, too aroused to overthink whether or not it was okay to push Ling Rui. His mind was swirling, and if he hadn't been lying down before, his body would give in now, too overcome by arousal.
Ling Rui's breathing stuttered as he pushed a third finger inside, spreading Wang Yue's rim further, but not far enough, pushing deeper, but not deep enough. Wang Yue whimpered, thrashing his head left and right, rubbing his face against the sheets. It wasn't enough. He needed more. He needed Ling Rui's cock.
Gathering his last remaining strength, Wang Yue blindly reached out with his hand, patting the mattress until he found Ling Rui's knee. He moaned when he felt naked skin under his palm. Ling Rui must have taken off his clothes at some point. Purposefully, Wang Yue raked his fingertips over the sensitive inside of Ling Rui's thigh, feeling him shudder and tense.
"Xiao Yue!"
It was a warning, but Wang Yue didn't heed it. He reached for Ling Rui's groin, fondled his balls, and wrapped his hand around Ling Rui's dick.
"Wait!"
Smirking, Wang Yue stroked Ling Rui's thick cock as best as he could despite the weird angle, relishing the gasp that slipped from Ling Rui's lips. His cock was hard and erect, feeling heavy in Wang Yue's hand. Wang Yue brushed his thumb over the wet tip, smearing a bead of precum.
"Oh my god!" Ling Rui hissed. "Don't make me come!" He scooted further back on the mattress, out of Wang Yue's reach.
Wang Yue opened his eyes to complain —even more so when Ling Rui's fingers suddenly slipped out of him— but when he saw Ling Rui reaching for a condom, Wang Yue could only whine in need, breathing heavily.
"I know," Ling Rui mumbled as he fumbled with the wrapper. He finally managed to open it with the help of his teeth, groaning as he tried to put it on, struggling to pull the tight rubber over the thick head of his cock.
Wang Yue whined. He needed this cock inside him, the broad tip spreading his rim, the long shaft filling him up — now. "Rui-ge!"
"I know," Ling Rui repeated, his voice sounding strained. He finally managed to roll down the condom and immediately reached for the lube. He squeezed more than necessary out of the bottle, hurriedly spreading it on his cock. A second later, he was kneeling left and right of Wang Yue's thighs, digging his thumb into Wang Yue's cheek to pull it to the side, steadying his dick with his other hand.
Wang Yue held his breath in anticipation as he felt the tip rubbing over his rim. Before he could beg again, Ling Rui finally pushed inside, slowly but steadily filling Wang Yue up, spreading him further and reaching deeper than Wang Yue could remember ever having felt before. He cried out in pleasure, curling his toes.
"Fuck!" He gasped, his lungs filling with air. Greedily, he clenched down on Ling Rui's cock.
"Oh my god. You're so tight, Yue'er." Ling Rui let go of Wang Yue's ass cheek to lie down, his chest flush against Wang Yue's back. "It doesn't hurt?" he whispered, his lips brushing Wang Yue's ear.
Wang Yue shook his head, grabbing the sheets. "Feels so fucking good."
"It does," Ling Rui confirmed, slowly but steadily rolling his hips.
Ling Rui's body weight pressed Wang Yue deeper into the soft mattress, Wang Yue's cock trapped underneath him. Moaning, Wang Yue rolled his hips as best as possible, meeting Ling Rui's movements. He never would have thought that such short and slow thrusts could feel so good. Usually, Wang Yue preferred getting fucked hard and wild, feeling Ling Rui's whole cock slipping out and then back in, but today, this leisurely pace was perfect. It was almost too perfect.
Whining, Wang Yue pulled on the sheets, so aroused that he couldn't think clearly anymore. It felt so good and he needed more, but at the same time it already felt overwhelming and like too much.
"Yue'er." Ling Rui's hot breath grazed Wang Yue's ear, tickling him. He grabbed Wang Yue's hands, intertwining their fingers. "You're making me feel so good, Yue'er," he praised, causing Wang Yue to whine and squeeze down on his cock. "Yes!" Ling Rui shuddered against Wang Yue's back. "That."
Wang Yue clenched down on Ling Rui's cock again, relishing the high-pitched whine that fell from Ling Rui's lips in return.
"Yue'er," Ling Rui dragged out the last syllable of Wang Yue's name, rolling his hips with more vigor now. Wang Yue shuddered and whined, thrashing his head left and right. When Ling Rui let go of his right hand to reach under his body instead, long fingers wrapping around his cock, Wang Yue curled his toes and cried out in need.
"Rui-ge!" Pressing his eyes shut, Wang Yue tensed, feeling his orgasm building up inside. Ling Rui kept brushing against his prostate and stroking his dick at the same steady rhythm, driving Wang Yue crazy with need until his arousal finally exploded and he came with a loud, drawn-out scream.
Gasping, Ling Rui immediately followed him over the edge —as if he had only waited for Wang Yue to come first— his cock twitching and pulsing inside Wang Yue.
They both shuddered, trying to catch their breaths as they lay on top of each other, their bodies covered in sweat.
Wang Yue's eyelids felt as heavy as his limbs, but he smiled, blissed out.
"That was so good," Ling Rui mumbled, lazily kissing Wang Yue's shoulder.
Wang Yue only hummed in confirmation, too exhausted to speak.
"I'm so glad we don't have to hold back anymore from now on," Ling Rui whispered. "We'll see each other every day, have a bedroom door we can lock, and thick walls."
Wang Yue smirked. He liked where this was going. "So you'll fuck me more often?" he mumbled against the sheets, his words slurred from exhaustion.
"As often as I can." Ling Rui kissed Wang Yue's cheek. "Promise."
It sounded too good to be true. It was more than Wang Yue could ever have asked for. He had a new home, together with his brother and the man he loved, kind neighbors, and a lovely landlady. Ling Rui's family didn't live far away and supported them whenever and however needed. Wang Yue wasn't alone anymore. He had people he could rely on, and people who cherished him. It would take him a while to realize all that and to learn to depend on others from time to time, but that was a challenge that Wang Yue gladly accepted.
As long as Ling Rui was by his side, Wang Yue would be happy — always.