[ the world was cruel, and the only way to deal with that was to be crueler in return, that was what Xue Yang knew to be true. how Xingchen managed to be so kind and good and nice in the face of what the world had to offer was baffling to him. baffling but also precious. which is why he had to make sure that no one ruined it (him, only he could break Xingchen like that, like he did once, a thousand lifetimes ago).

so yes, he makes sure to drive Song Lan away, follows behind Xingchen like a shadow with teeth and claws that can smile oh-so brightly when it needs to. when Xingchen turns around to look at him.

(oh when is a monster not a monster, Xingchen? is it when you love it)

bright laughter fills the street, and found out, Xue Yang pulls himself from the shadows. slides his phone into his pocket as he smiles (no teeth, no bared fangs in sight on this shadow, not when facing his light) and accepts Xingchen's outstretched hand. like he always does.

(can see Song Lan, bloodied and blackened with poison trying to do the same. Xue Yang is smug knowing that he never manages to make it.) ]

Me? Get bored of you? I am not sure I ever could, my light.

[ a featherlight kiss against the corner of his lips, against the smile that sits there for him and him alone. then he is wrapping an arm around Xingchen, pulling him a little closer. for warmth. protection. the desire to keep close. doesn't matter, what matters is that Xue Yang does it and Xingchen lets him.]

And what do you mean someone, you better mean me. I will take you there, right now. Best of both words, right?

[ the words are light, but there is still something sharp there. a fear that he could lose this.

again.]

Tell me how your day was while we walk, and here-- [ Xue Yang shrugs off his jacket (well worn leather in deep green and black) and puts it around Xingchen's shoulders.] It's cold out.

[ mine, the action screams. this is mine, don't touch it. ]