Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Dan Heng hasn’t made many poor decisions in his life.

He is a good spouse; faithful and attentive. Whenever his husband has his needs, Dan Heng always provides. 

As a pair of warm lips descends onto his neck, teeth softly nipping at his skin, he reminds himself this is not a bad decision.

Even if the circumstances that lead him here were awful.

His hand is forced by his husband after months of endurement.

It is not that Dan Heng doesn’t appreciate the man before him; gorgeous, patient, understanding and knows how to push every single button without crossing limits. Everything Dan Heng has simply wanted from his husband. 

But he still can't help but feel as though he is being adulterous, having another man who isn’t his husband be so intimate with him. 

“Ren,” Dan Heng gasps his name out, fingers curling into his shoulders as he feels the pressure of Ren’s mouth on his skin. “Ren— ah— don’t… Don’t leave a mark…”

Ren’s lips curve into a smirk against his neck after he releases the pressure and drags his tongue over the sensitive spot. 

“Can’t help it,” Ren groans as he presses Dan Heng against the wall of their hotel room. “You’re gorgeous. So beautiful, so breathtaking, so—“

Dan Heng smacks a hand over Ren’s mouth, feeling his face warm up.

“Shut up,” he scolds and glares at him half-heartedly. How often has Dan Heng heard people give such generous compliments but felt no sincerity to it?

Ren, though, seems offended that Dan Heng doesn’t believe him. Dan Heng recoils when he feels a tongue press against his palm but Ren is faster, capturing his wrist and keeping his gaze locked onto Dan Heng as he presses a kiss to his inner wrist, nuzzles his face into his palm and takes his fingers into his mouth. He sucks on the digits lightly, swirling his tongue around the soft flesh before he releases them with a soft pop to return his attention to Dan Heng’s neck. 

“Why? Does your husband not praise you as much as you deserve?” Not waiting for a response, Ren sucks down a bruise on the curve of his throat, much to Dan Heng’s dismay.

“I’m merely telling the truth that your husband is too blind to say.”

Heat creeps up Dan Heng’s neck as he wraps a leg around Ren’s waist, feeling the warmth of Ren’s lower body pressed snug against his.

Like this, he feels the outline of Ren’s clothed arousal against his own clothed cunt and his eyes widen.

Ren is huge.

Dan Heng hasn’t slept with anyone else who isn’t his husband but he knows for a fact that Ren is still bigger than the norm and it scares him.

Each time Ren ruts up to Dan Heng, he feels his body traitorously grow even more aroused. Every inch of his skin feels like it’s on fire and his body is aching to be touched.

And yet, hesitation settles in his belly, almost drowning out the heat and pleasure that sits in the pit of his stomach.

Dan Heng has to remind himself that he can enjoy this. That Ren wants him and he wants Ren.

There is no unfaithfulness here.

His husband knows Dan Heng is here. Knows that Dan Heng is hooking up with someone else.

A low growl pulls Dan Heng out of those thoughts and a hand possessively grips his bare thigh and the other wraps around his waist.

The movement does things to Dan Heng’s brain. Ren’s hand fits around his waist, easily covering up half of him and Dan Heng feels himself grow wetter between his legs. 

“When you’re with me, you’re only going to think of me. Not your husband, not your marriage. Focus on me.”

It’s a little odd for Dan Heng to be with someone who isn’t his husband. But then again, this entire situation is unchartered waters.

Who in a stable marriage would be hooking up with someone outside their own marriage anyway?

“Princess,” Ren growls, grip growing tighter on him. “Stop. Thinking.”

A moan escapes Dan Heng before he can hold it back, earning himself a smirk from Ren.

“There you are.”

Ren’s hands are vicious down Dan Heng’s clothes; agile fingers skillfully undoing every button of his white satin shirt, discarding it somewhere in the dimmed room, hitching his blue hanfu skirt even higher and ruts against Dan Heng’s gradually soaking wet panties. Dan Heng’s own hands fumble with Ren’s shirt, but he gets there, pushing the shirt wide apart enough for him to run a hand down the expanse of a strong, muscled chest.

Then, Ren quickly shrugs out of it once he realises how in the way it is.

“So wet for me,” Ren praised, his hand on Dan Heng’s thigh sneaking higher and higher.

Dan Heng’s skirt bunches around his hip but Ren pays no heed. He goes straight for the soaked panties, fingers gliding teasingly against Dan Heng's plush folds.

The older man throws his head back with a sigh, the back of his head bumping against the wall, and bares his throat for Ren to ravish. 

A tongue licks its way down Dan Heng’s neck before his lips work to find his most sensitive spots and tease him there. Ren draws out small breathy moans with his hand stroking Dan Heng through his panties and his other hand moving to pinch his perky nipples.

Dan Heng rocks down against his two fingers, seeking the spark of pleasure that spikes in his abdomen.

Ren leans up, pressing himself closer to Dan Heng, the cool wall a chilling contrast to how hot Dan Heng feels. Ren roughly tugs his panties to the side and spreads his folds.

Dan Heng clings onto Ren in embarrassment when a loud squelch echoes in the hotel room. Soft gasps blend together with his squelches, delighting Ren as he eases a thick finger into him. stroking his warm, velvety insides. 

“You’re too tight, baby,” Ren murmurs, kissing his cheek reassuringly. “Relax and take a breath for me.”

Dan Heng takes in a breath, feeling his lungs expand and body ease up, much to Ren’s delight. 

“There we go.”

He pumps his finger once more inside of Dan Heng before he pulls out to push another digit into him. The older man tenses at the intrusion, unused to being fucked so slowly and carefully, like Ren wants to take him apart with a tenderness that will sear into his mind as a reminder of his husband’s failures.

He feels Ren’s fingers spread him apart and slick drips down his pussy from how good it feels.

“Good?” Ren asks, pushing another finger in. Dan Heng jolts from how wide he is being spread open and he buries his face into Ren’s shoulder, drool trickling down the corner of his mouth.

He feels the smug huff of laughter under him and Dan Heng glares with a lackluster despite Ren not being able to see.

Ren preps him as though he’s a fragile thing meant to be handled delicately but also spreads him wide with an eagerness to be taken apart. 

The soft pants, the little whimpers; Dan Heng has never heard himself make such noises before. Ren knows how to push his buttons and it’s as though he chases his own pleasure in pleasing Dan Heng.

Ren slowly lowers Dan Heng on his back on the bed, fingers still pumping into his passage, curling and seeking out that sensitive spot until Dan Heng arches against the bed like a taut bowstring, a cry ripping itself out of his throat.

“Found you,” Ren smirks, continuing to press against Dan Heng’s sweet spot until he can’t take it any longer and wants to close his legs.

Ren is faster; his free hand reaching out to push his knees apart and slotting himself in between.

“You’re doing well, baby.”

Dan Heng throws him another weak glare but it is quickly replaced by a long, dragged out moan as Ren curls his fingers against him again.

“No- Ngh , no more, Ren…” Dan Heng pleads, eyes filled with unshed tears. “Inside, please.”

Ren, the insolent brat that he is, widens his smirk and thrusts his fingers deeper. “I am inside you.”

“N-“ Dan Heng’s cheeks are burning hot as he tries to hide his face behind his hands. The unbuckling of a belt is loud in the room that is filled with only Dan Heng’s pants but he is far too embarrassed to look. “I want your cock inside me.”

A moment later, Ren leans over Dan Heng, mouth close to his ear as he says, “since my princess asked so nicely…”

He withdraws his fingers, eliciting a whine from Dan Heng, hands flying to Ren’s wrists, as he feels the emptiness and the throb of his pussy, trying to clench around something . 

“You’re so needy, so spoiled.” Ren huffs into his ear, kissing the soft lobe.

“You’re just as spoiled.” Dan Heng scolds, letting go of Ren so his fingers dig into the sheets to hold back the plea of wanting to be filled. Ren's hands quickly rids him of the remaining of his clothes before his hands are on Dan Heng's knees, spreading him wider. The grip on him is painful but delightful, knowing how badly Ren wants him.

Dan Heng has never felt this desired before. Ren’s eyes are hungry as his gaze roams over him. 

“You’re so beautiful, can’t believe your husband—“

His words cut short as Dan Heng lunges up to kiss him, silencing him. He ends up in Ren’s lap, rubbing his wet folds against the length of Ren’s hard arousal, drenching the both of them in slick. 

With the way Ren’s clean hand moves up to fist Dan Heng’s hair, the older one knows that his partner is pleasantly surprised.

“Don’t talk about him.”

Ren laughs strainedly, hand sliding down to the small of Dan Heng’s back. “How can I when you’re in my lap doing this ?” 

Dan Heng huffs, feeling his pussy clench hungrily from the touch of Ren’s bare cock.

“C… Condoms,” Dan Heng reminds weakly, fingers clawing at Ren’s shoulders.

“Mm.”

Ren reaches out blindly for the pack of condoms they bought to pull out one but Dan Heng, in the meantime, has other plans.

He keeps rutting himself softly against Ren’s thickness, imagining the way his cock would feel inside of him like this.

A slender hand goes down to grip Ren’s shaft, holding it up as he teases the tip of his weeping cock against his folds. 

“Dan Heng,” Ren hisses from above him. “I’m not— The condom…”

Dan Heng hums, tilting his head up to kiss Ren warmly on the lips. Ink black hair spills down his back as he lifts himself up slightly, hovering over Ren as their tongues glide against each other.

“Just the tip,” Dan Heng murmurs, barely lowering himself onto Ren’s cock. Ren’s hands dart out to his waist, the foiled condom digging into his hip as Dan Heng’s pussy welcomes the warm breach.

He is drunk off pleasure that Ren has been giving him since their dinner earlier and Dan Heng wants him so badly. No matter how much his brain reminds him that he is a married man, it is tossed away by his heart who wants this man who is so arrogant and haughty but tender to him. 

The grip Ren has on him will leave bruises and suddenly, Dan Heng doesn’t care if his husband will see them. 

Dan Heng’s small pants and Ren’s stifled grunts are all they can hear as Ren barely fucks into him. It’s a teasing pleasure, spreading him but also not, pushing in but not entirely.

The tip of Ren’s cock is silky smooth, teasing and warm. Pre-cum seeps into Dan Heng’s passage, little by little, and Ren’s hold on him grows harder and rougher.

“Princess- Dan Heng, let me fuck you,” Ren growls, his fingers digging painfully into his hips.

Dan Heng’s legs tremble at how hard he is controlling himself to not slump back down fully on Ren’s cock. 

“…Yeah,” Dan Heng exhales. “Okay.”

The moment Dan Heng says that, his legs give way and he almost drops completely down Ren’s cock, if not for the younger man grabbing him and holding him up.

His reflexes are still slow, enough for Dan Heng to taste an inch of his cock raw inside of him, throbbing, silky and hot.

Dan Heng jolts up in Ren’s hands, eyes wide at how good the tip of his cock feels and he sobs, whining when he’s eased off Ren’s cock to lie on his back down on the bed.

“Sorry, baby,” Ren coos, kissing Dan Heng’s frustrated tears away. “We talked about this.”

Even just the tip is a risky play between them. Dan Heng glares through tears at being denied but he understands.

It is safe sex until something in their situation changes. Even though Dan Heng and Ren’s results are clean, they don’t want to risk anything.

Not when Dan Heng still bears the hideous family heirloom of a wedding ring on his finger and his marital status is still married to another man.

No matter how badly Dan Heng wants to feel Ren inside of him, it’s a precarious game they have to play.

A condom isn’t the safest protection, but it’s the only one Dan Heng will accept.

That inch of Ren’s cock is enough to make Dan Heng greedy for more and he forces himself to remember that they agreed to a condom. 

The tear of a package gently brings Dan Heng back to reality and he is just in time to see Ren pull out the condom from the packet.

Now that he’s on his back and treated to the sight of Ren as a whole, Dan Heng is thankful he didn’t sink all the way down at once so rashly.

Ren’s hard cock is thick and heavy as it curves towards his chiseled stomach, the under veins are prominent and throbbing as though it yearns for the taste of Dan Heng's pussy again. 

That would have broken Dan Heng the moment he sank down completely on it.

He hears Ren’s snicker and tears his gaze away to glare at Ren.

“Liking what you see?”

Dan Heng’s cheeks warms up even more in embarrassment as Ren rolls the condom onto his length, settling snugly around it.

“I’m not going to break you,” Ren says, leaning down to kiss Dan Heng’s ear. “Unless you want me to.”

Dan Heng blinks up to meet dark amber eyes, feeling like he might be swallowed whole if he allows Ren to continue this teasing.

“We’ll see,” he bravely challenges. 

The glimmer in Ren’s eyes is wicked before he kisses Dan Heng hotly on the lips, teeth clashing and tongues curling against each other.

Without breaking their kiss, Dan Heng feels the tip of Ren’s now protected cock line itself against his entrance. His breath hitches at the pressure and his heart races in anticipation. Ren deepens their kiss the same time he pushes himself into Dan Heng, and the older man soon finds himself unable to respond as eagerly to Ren’s kisses as before. 

Dan Heng takes in a struggling inhale and arches his back, feeling Ren stretch him wide apart, his cock far thicker, far longer, far bigger than his husband’s. 

He is throbbing with an ache from feeling breached by Ren and he can feel Ren’s smooth slide into him, inch by inch, bringing tears to his eyes. 

“Shit,” Ren swears. “Are you- Fuck, are you sure you’ve done this with your husband before?”

Tears slide down Dan Heng’s cheeks as his lips part in a silent cry, feeling completely stuffed full from Ren and he’s struggling to take in another breath.

“Shh,” Ren soothes, nuzzling Dan Heng’s cheek with his nose. He gives kitten licks against the tear tracks but his hold on Dan Heng’s hips are deathly tight. “Fuck, are you sure you’re not a virgin still…”

Dan Heng tilts his head back, desperately trying to catch his breath. 

“I- Ren, You… Ah… ”

“Breathe, princess,” Ren murmurs, pressing his lips to Dan Heng’s shoulder. “You’re doing so well.”

A small preen escapes Dan Heng at the compliment. 

Never has his husband ever said anything like that to him. Not even when he leaves his husband completely satiated and basking in that afterglow. 

“You’re thinking too much,” Ren says, still pushing himself into Dan Heng.

Too much—

He’s too full...

“Almost there, princess,” Ren soothes, one hand on his thigh. 

Almost? How much has he taken of Ren for it to be an almost? It already feels so much, like Ren has already stuffed him to the brim and he can’t take anymore. 

“Ren,” Dan Heng exhales, chest tight. “Ren, I don’t think I can… No more…”

Ren’s voice sounds awfully stiff, like he’s resisting the urge to just snap his hips forward and fully sheath himself into Dan Heng. “You’re too tight… Fuck. So wet but so tight… You can. I know you can.” 

Dan Heng hiccups, his hands gripping onto Ren’s forearms for his dear life.

Being stretched so wide hurts, but it also feels so good. So used, so needed, so wanted. 

The moment Ren bottoms out in Dan Heng, they both moan out loud in unison.

Dan Heng’s eyes are blown wide open, his insides already just full from having Ren inside of him, and he can’t believe his ears at the noises Ren manages to wring out of him. 

Dan Heng’s husband hates that Dan Heng is quiet in bed, only occasional sighs and gasps manage to draw themselves out when his husband slips a hand between them to rub his clit, or when Dan Heng is on top, working himself to an orgasm with his husband still in him.

Ren leans down to kiss Dan Heng’s eyelids, warm and soothing before he captures his lips in a slow, restrained kiss.

He knows Ren is holding back. His arms are trembling from need to start moving but he sees his hesitation in his eyes. 

Ren is waiting.

Waiting for Dan Heng to adjust to him.

Something his husband has never done. But to be just, his husband never made Dan Heng feel this full.

As he waits, Ren runs his hands down Dan Heng’s sides, soothing him as he adjusts to Ren’s length, his gaze drinking in the sight of Dan Heng debauched in front of him. His gaze keeps going lower and lower before his eyes widen at where they’re joined. 

“…” Ren is speechless for a moment before he says, “baby, you’re bleeding.”

Bleeding?

That shouldn’t happen.

He has been with his husband for so long and they were still active in bed until just a couple of months ago. There should be no way…

Unless…

“Your husband really couldn’t pleasure you, huh?”

“He…”

What does Dan Heng have to justify his husband’s inability to bring him pleasure?

Sliding his hands up Ren’s forearms, he lifts his upper body slightly, only to gasp when he looks down.

Before he can even see where he is bleeding, without Ren moving, Dan Heng catches sight of the outline of Ren’s length against his stomach. 

Nuzzling Dan Heng’s cheek before he leans up to nibble on his ear, Ren smugly says, “You take me so well."

After glancing down to where they're joint and Dan Heng feels himself grow even wetter, Ren quickly asks, "Do you want to stop?”

Dan Heng’s glare feels like a child being bratty and Ren laughs, dark and hungry.

"Keep going." 

A tight clench around Ren's cock makes him release a guttural groan and his gaze darkens even more, relief evident when Dan Heng doesn’t ask him to stop. "Okay."

He presses a hand down on the outline of his cock against Dan Heng’s stomach. Dan Heng feels Ren’s cock press hard against the soft, sensitive bundle of nerves and he cums, warm liquids squirting out of him and around Ren. His entire body trembles and he can't believe the bodily reaction he just had against the pleasure he was treated to. 

Ren's scarlet eyes are wide and wicked as he carefully stroked Dan Heng's wet inner thigh and smirked. 

“Fuck. You liked that?” Ren asks, leaning down to kiss Dan Heng. It’s harder and more languid but filled with the same fiery passion that sets his heart ablaze, searing every thought of his husband out of his mind. 

Despite the thin layer of condom between them, Dan Heng feels the way Ren throbs inside of him and he briefly wonders how Ren might feel in him without that hindrance.

He wonders if Ren will mind coming inside of him, filling him up to the brim and if Ren will be able to give him the satisfaction he had boasted about earlier of giving Dan Heng a mind blowing time.

“Dan Heng,” Ren exhales shakily, as though he’s fighting against a greater demon and holding it back. “Can I move?”

Dan Heng hooks both his arms around Ren’s neck and pulls him down into a warm, open-mouthed kiss, their tongues gliding against each other. Ren kisses him like he’s the only thing that matters. Each sweep of his tongue, each press of their lips, each breath that they exchange sends Dan Heng’s toes curling and heart ablaze.

“Move.” 

Without another word, Ren slowly pulls back until only the tip of his cock remains inside, the both of them watching as his cock glistens with lube, slick and blood.

“Are you sure?”

Dan Heng nods, clenching lightly around Ren to draw out another hiss and a tight grip on him. Despite how sensitive his body is from his first orgasm, Dan Heng wants this.

He wants Ren .

“I’m… I’m not going to repeat myself. Move.” 

Dan Heng doesn’t think he will be able to repeat himself once more. His eyes sting from how stretched he is and how good it is to feel Ren stuffing him full. The oversensitivity makes Dan Heng even more pliant and more vocal than he has ever been.

Ren fucks as though he wants to knock Dan Heng up; hard and deep, the tip of his cock kissing against his cervix. Belatedly, Dan Heng wonders what it might be like to carry Ren’s child. 

If he might take.

The Aeons know that his husband isn’t able to make him take. 

After all that endless trying, Dan Heng knows it isn’t his fault they can’t conceive. 

Too bad his husband’s fragile ego doesn’t want to acknowledge the truth.

Ren brings a delightful pleasure that blanks out Dan Heng’s mind, leaving his body warm and fuzzy. He feels each drag of Ren’s cock against his insides, twitching from being enveloped in Dan Heng’s warmth. Each thrust into Dan Heng pulls out little, punctured 'ah's, filling the hotel room with Dan Heng's melodic whimpers. 

“You feel… So good,” Ren grunts, thrusting deeper into Dan Heng.

The tip of Ren’s cock brushes against a spot in Dan Heng that makes him see white, making his back arch even further and Dan Heng cries out loud, throat sore from the wonderful noises Ren plucks out of him. 

“Ren–” Dan Heng gasps, fingers clinging feebly to his shoulders as Ren leans down into him, stretching out his legs to adjust his weight on Dan Heng before he fucks hard into Dan Heng, abusing the spot where he is most sensitive until he cries.

Warm tears trail down Dan Heng’s cheeks as he feels Ren's cock spread his walls open and the head of his cock press against his cervix.

“Feels like you’re made just for me,” Ren groans, his thrusts picking up pace. “Shaped just for me.”

He fucks Dan Heng like he wants to rearrange his insides, until he is a mould of Ren’s cock and the only thing he can think of is Ren. 

When he pounds into Dan Heng, Dan Heng sobs out loud, back arched against the bed and pussy pulsating around his cock. He feels the head of Ren’s cock constantly kissing his cervix and in a small spur of clarity, Dan Heng wants Ren to breach deep into him.

Even if he can’t fill him up with his seed, he wants Ren to go into where he is deepest, where his husband hasn’t touched and leave his mark.

“Ren, Ren, Ren,” Dan Heng cries, clawing his nails down Ren’s back as Ren wraps his arms around Dan Heng in a tight embrace, his thrusts never stopping. “Ren, cum inside.”

That makes Ren momentarily stop and Dan Heng whines, feeling Ren’s throbbing cock inside of him. His pussy flutters around Ren and he can’t help but wonder if he has said something wrong. But then Ren starts fucking him even harder and Dan Heng’s relief breaks off into another cry.

Ren’s cock spears him right open, reshapes his insides into the shape of his fat cock and Dan Heng can’t help but wrap his trembling legs around Ren’s waist in an attempt to anchor himself.

“Fuck, you have no fucking idea what kind of influence you have over me…” Ren growls. “Fuck.”

Dan Heng buries his face into Ren’s shoulder, hiccuping at the intense pleasure that Ren brings to him. He aches all over at how hard Ren fucks but he loves it.

The warm coil in his belly and the dig of his heels into Ren’s back is all the warning Dan Heng gets before he says, “Ren, I–”

“I got you,” Ren murmurs, pulling him even closer as he thrusts into Dan Heng, making sure his cock applies the right pressure against where he is most sensitive until Dan Heng’s mind completely blanks out and he cums violently for the second time, the overwhelming pleasure bringing for another round of liquids squirting out of Dan Heng, drenching them both in a warm, wet mess.

His entire body spasms in Ren’s hold as he cries out loud in pleasure, his pussy pulsating and clenching around Ren’s cock in an attempt to keep him in.

He feels Ren’s own thrusts begin to falter and Dan Heng, despite the intense oversensitivity, tries his best to clench tight around Ren and locks his ankles harder around Ren’s waist. Without a chance to pull out, Ren ends up cumming inside of Dan Heng with a growl of his name.

Dan Heng feels Ren fill up the condom while inside of him, hot and heavy and he can only grieve the thin latex that prevents Ren from filling him all the way. 

Ren is panting hard above Dan Heng, crushing him in his embrace but Dan Heng is completely satiated and he doesn’t complain. Even as Ren continues to rut gently inside of him as he rides out his orgasm, Dan Heng can’t help but run his fingers through Ren’s hair and press warm kisses along the side of his face exhaustedly.

By the time they’ve both gotten off the high of their orgasm, they’re a sweaty, sticky mess and the soreness has begun to kick in for Dan Heng.

He unhooks his legs around Ren and gently pushes the man off him, and Ren goes almost without an argument.

When Ren pulls himself out, Dan Heng moans quietly, frowning when his pussy clenches around nothing and he already misses the thick, heavy weight inside of him.

Ren smirks at the sight of his pussy and bends down to kiss Dan Heng once more before he rolls the condom off his slowly softening cock. Dan Heng rolls onto his side to watch, mouth slightly parted at the sight of how heavy the condom is.

Ren came so much.

He wonders how much of it will he be able to take before it leaks out of his pussy and onto the bed in a mess.

The younger scoffs, tossing the now tied up, used condom away and returns to pull Dan Heng back into his arms when he shivers against the cool air from the air conditioner hitting his sweat-covered skin.

“You good?”

Dan Heng buries his face into Ren’s shoulder again and wraps his arms around Ren, nodding.

He feels Ren’s hands trail down his back, rest on the curve of his ass, and also feels the way Ren’s cock slowly starts to fill out again and Dan Heng can’t help but pull back to stare at him in mild concern.

Ren laughs lowly, nipping at his ear. “What’s wrong? Can’t take another round?”

Dan Heng glares at him before he pulls him down for a heated kiss, rolling them until he’s the one hovering above Ren, rocking his hips down against Ren’s length, gasping at how sensitive he feels.

Nonetheless, he feels the corners of his lips curve up in a dark tease as he says, “Keep up, Ren.” 

Morning sunlight seeps through the cracks where the curtains aren’t drawn fully shut, but it doesn’t stop the soft, muffled moans as Ren fucks Dan Heng into a sleepy orgasm and spills into the condom.

Dan Heng pants hard as Ren pulls out to clean up, sleepiness about to take over him again. He hears the weight of something being tossed into the bin and he feels mild embarrassment build inside of him when its landing is muffled; knowing that the bin is filled with used condoms from last night.

He almost dips back to slumber when he feels Ren’s weight on the bed and he is pulled back into his lover’s arms, his back pressed against a broad chest, a warm, damp cloth cleaning his lower regions and making sure he’s comfortable before it’s tossed somewhere on the ground. 

His entire body aches and he isn’t sure if he’ll be able to stand later. But for now, he allows Ren to pepper him in kisses.

Ren is, Dan Heng comes to learn in a night, insatiable, and he, in return, gives and takes just as much.

Dan Heng has never felt anything like that before. He always thought that his husband is enough and the occasional orgasms he indulges when he’s with him is enough.

Stelle might have a laugh out of this when she finds out.

But just one night with Ren has opened a side to Dan Heng that surprised himself. Even now, as they bask in their afterglows, Dan Heng achingly yearns for the time he’ll be actually able to feel Ren without the barrier of latex between them. 

As if aware that his thoughts have wandered, Ren plants kisses down Dan Heng’s shoulder, arms possessively tight around his waist.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you home later?”

Dan Heng presses his weight back into Ren and hides his smile, small and reserved.

“I’m sure. I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

Ren bites down on Dan Heng’s ear, a small growl rumbling from his throat. “You’re no trouble at all. I’ll be the trouble because I don’t think I can take my hands off of you and I don’t want to return you to that shitty excuse of a man.”

Dan Heng frowns, twisting in Ren’s arms until they’re face to face. He places a hand on Ren’s bare chest to put a little distance between them and tilts his head back to glare wordlessly at the younger man.

Ren sighs in exaggeration, irritation marring his handsome face and jerks Dan Heng back into his chest, cheek against muscled chest, fingers carding through his long, silky locks of ink black hair. “Does my princess still hold much affection for his husband?”

Dan Heng rolls his eyes, wrapping his arms around Ren’s shoulders, fingers dipping into the flesh of his shoulder blades. “Don’t say things you know aren't true.”

Ren nuzzles his nose into Dan Heng’s hair, a possessive sound escaping his throat. “Your husband doesn’t know what he’s losing out. Such a beautiful wife who is so good in bed but still cares so much about his delicate ego. The same wife who snuck into my bed and now his wife is mine. ”

A warmth sneaks up his neck and Dan Heng leans up to coyly press his lips to the corner of Ren’s mouth. 

Ren growls, tightening his hold on Dan Heng and covers his mouth with his lips. He kisses Dan Heng with a desperate need, hands gripping so tightly on Dan Heng’s waist that he might leave more bruises, a thought so burning that Dan Heng wants to see it happen.

But his husband won’t like it.

The existing bite marks and hickeys on Dan Heng’s neck and some finger bruises on his body will already test his husband’s patience.

Not that he already cares; his husband lost almost all of his affections the moment he asked for an open marriage. But unlike his husband, Dan Heng has some respect for him, still.

They both pant into each other’s mouth to catch their breath before Ren presses their foreheads against each other.

Upclose, Dan Heng sees how dilated Ren’s pupils are and how hungry and possessive he is.

Ren doesn’t want to let him go.

But at the end of the day, Dan Heng is still someone else’s husband. 

Ren asks, “I’ll see you again soon?”

Dan Heng hides a smile behind the demand in Ren’s question. Ren bites down on his lower lip and kisses him one more time, longer, sweeter, avariciously. 

“Soon.” Dan Heng promises. 

“Good. I still have you all morning.” 

Dan Heng leans back slightly, drinking in the sight of his lover; so casually handsome it makes his heart ache.

Ren is tall, handsome, young, smart and successful. Dan Heng acknowledges the bruises and nail marks that rack down Ren’s chest and back, teeth marks that linger on his shoulder and a small sense of possessiveness flares inside of him.

Three dates.

They’ve only been on three dates but Ren, as infuriating as he can be sometimes, makes Dan Heng happy in ways his husband cannot.

He makes Dan Heng feel seen in ways his husband does not make him feel. 

“All yours,” Dan Heng murmurs, fingers running through the ends of Ren’s long hair.

Dan Heng has never had any reason to seek anyone out of his marriage. He’s raised to be a perfect spouse; even-tempered, patient, loving, kind. Even when he is tired from work, he is expected to cater to his husband’s needs. Needs that Dan Heng also has but will never be addressed.

Ren’s teeth sink into Dan Heng’s shoulder, drawing out a hiss, before it is soothed over by Ren’s tongue. 

“Good,” Ren murmurs, pulling Dan Heng flush to him. “I intend to make full use of the morning.”

Dan Heng has never been someone who is so sex hungry, but as he feels Ren’s arousal slowly fill out against his stomach, he thinks he understands.

A rare laugh blesses Ren’s ears as he pins Dan Heng down to the bed and kisses Dan Heng deep and slowly.

The jingle of keys as Dan Heng opens the doors to his apartment is dreadful.

He doesn’t really want to be home because he already knows what awaits him. Pushing the door open, Dan Heng grimaces at the sight of his husband and his girlfriend standing in the hallway, clinging onto each other as though their lives depended on it.

If this was the Dan Heng months ago, his heart would have absolutely been shattered and his self-esteem would have plummeted to the ground, while inducing a rage that his brother would have been in awe of.

They had an agreement of not bringing their partners back to their apartment and they had both upheld it on each end respectfully until Tianqiong had broken it first.

Dan Heng doesn’t want to bring Ren home for one simple reason; he respects their relationship too much to soil it like this.

But Tianqiong doesn’t seem to care too much about things like that.

Dressed in a body tight tank top and tennis skirt, Tianqiong’s girlfriend looks barely out of high school. But he remembers that this woman works at the same place as Tianqiong and has a few years of experience under her belt.

So Dan Heng figures that she might be the same age as he is, or slightly younger.

Songyan, Dan Heng recalls her name, is petite and beautiful. She has long, dark brown hair that’s held up together in a high ponytail and big, doe eyes that makes her look sweet and innocent.

“Dan Heng! You’re back early.” Tianqiong greets with a relieved smile but it slowly fades as his gaze drops to his neck. His expression sours and Songyan merely clicks her tongue in disapproval.

“Look at how your wife treats you, Qiongqiong. He doesn’t respect you at all. I don't even leave that many obvious marks on you.”

Dan Heng resists the urge to roll his eyes, dropping his keys in the bowl before he takes off his heels and retreats to the living room. He knows that Ren has left marks on his neck, but he has been respectful enough to keep them low and out of sight. How many instances has Dan Heng been treated to the sight of his husband coming back with lipstick stains on his white-collared shirt, overly sweet perfume lingering on his skin and hickeys that are far too high to be hidden by collars?

But instead of focusing on those thoughts, he basks in the soreness and aches of his body, reminding himself of the wonderful night he shared with Ren.

Behind him, he hears Songyan’s sweet voice whispering little things to his husband, and then in a louder voice, she says, “Thank you for such a romantic night, gege. I had lots of fun.”

While he ignores the sounds of exchange of kisses, overly coy giggles, Dan Heng does a sweep of the apartment, an empty rage filling out his chest. 

His phone vibrates in his skirt’s pocket, before another comes in, and another.

As he pulls out his phone, he hears Songyan say, “byebye, gege, Dan Heng. I hope you both have a wonderful day.”

He refuses to engage and chooses to unlock his phone to messages from both Ren and Stelle instead.

[1:08PM] Ren 🩶: did you get back safe?

[1:09PM] Ren 🩶: if your husband gives you smack, just say the word.

[1:09PM] Stelle ✨: you’re going to tell me EVERYTHING.

[1:10PM] Stelle ✨: lunch next wednesday, at our favourite eatery. don’t. be. late.

[1:10PM] Stelle ✨: oh but if your husband gives u shit, tell me rn, ill come over n fight him. 

Dan Heng quickly fires off replies to both Ren and Stelle before locking his phone, in time to hear the shut of the apartment door before the entire apartment is blanketed with silence.

“Did you have a good time?” Dan Heng asks as he removes his earrings, a pair of maple leaves with tassels gifted to him by Ren on their second date, and gently places them on the counter.

“Did you?”

Dan Heng offers no words at how desperate his husband’s tone is and returns to the guest bedroom where he has taken up residence for the last few months.

If his father knows of their arrangement, he would be sent to an early grave.

After all, it is his father who asked Tianqiong’s father to uphold the arrangements of their marriage even before their births.

An arrangement to save Dan Heng’s family business that almost became redundant when Dan Feng married Yingxing but held steady because of the Tianqiong’s family’s connections.

Tianqiong, like Dan Heng, is not the firstborn to the family. In better circumstances, Dan Heng would have married Tianqiong’s elder brother instead and gain much more influence to save the family business.

But as it is, Dan Heng plays the role as an advisor to both his brother-in-law and his own family’s business while staying at home and Tianqiong doesn’t even work for the same business anymore, choosing to work for a rising tech company with millions to its name.

“Darling, you know she means nothing,” Tianqiong says, his voice almost pleading, as he stands outside the guest bedroom, knowing that Dan Heng loathes having Tianqiong in his new personal space. The way he addresses Dan Heng makes his hair stand on its ends and disgust fill his chest.

“You only say that because you know I’m seeing someone else.” Dan Heng says dryly, turning to face his husband. 

All of this could have been avoided if Tianqiong didn’t decide to open their marriage. If only he didn’t develop a crush on his younger coworker and want to venture into something while wanting to remain ‘faithful’ to his spouse, all this misery wouldn’t have happened.

It’s not as though Dan Heng has his heart broken, but it’s the decency of respecting a spouse. Even if they aren’t in love, they were forced to spend this lifetime together.

When Dan Feng hears about this, Dan Heng is very sure his brother will be equally furious and amused and offer Dan Heng a variety of ways out before he brings his ire down on Tianqiong. But in order to save some face for his husband, Dan Heng chose to keep quiet for the last six months.

But he is only human and is almost at his limit too.

Every night his husband chooses to stay out with Songyan and come home the next evening makes his blood boil.

They are not in love, but they have established an amicable relationship that makes them dependent on each other and both families benefit from this marriage.

Over the years, Dan Heng thought they might eventually fall in love because of an arrangement like that, but it has been clear to him that it won’t happen.

The least Tianqiong can do is to save some face for Dan Heng and give him the respect he deserves, but his husband has never.

“Let’s close the marriage. I can break it off with Songyan and you can break up with whoever you’re seeing right now.”

Dan Heng scoffs, glaring at him icily. It's not the first time Dan Heng has heard this request. Ever since he found out that Dan Heng has decided to put the open marriage to his own benefit and had many suitors, he seemed to regret the impulsive decision.

Where was such behaviour when Dan Heng first pleaded to not open the marriage?

He is raised on traditions; to never disgrace his family, to tolerate his spouse and forgive when mistakes are made, and to make sure the family’s reputation stays as pristine as it can be.

Dan Heng suspects the only reason Tianqiong is acting like this now is because he knows his father is only keeping him in the inheritance list because of his marriage.

Dan Heng’s father and Tianqiong’s father are childhood friends. 

Through this marriage, it strengthened their ties but had also allowed Dan Heng’s family business to rise back on their feet so quickly with Dan Feng helming it, that if their marriage falls apart, it is Tianqiong’s family business that will take a huge hit.

Folding his arms across his chest, Dan Heng refuses to allow the iciness in his gaze to melt. “I have no interest in closing the marriage. You can continue to see Songyan and whoever else you want. Besides, we have that agreement signed. Why are you so worried?”

“I–”

Dan Heng puts out a hand, completely disinterested. “Save your breath, Tianqiong. I have no interest in listening to your excuses.”

Tianqiong scoffs pathetically. “Dan Heng, do you think I’m the only one who will lose out on this? Think about your family’s business if the marriage falls apart.”

Dan Heng presses his lips thinly together, angered by the audacity of him bringing him his family. Then, he remembers the way Dan Feng has taught him and he lowers his voice.

“Good thing our brothers are running the show now, aren’t they?”

Tianqiong clenches his jaw so tightly Dan Heng thought he might hear the sound of his teeth grinding against each other. “Don’t worry, darling. Unlike you, I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise this arrangement between our families.” 

Without giving him a chance to say anything, Dan Heng shuts the door in his husband’s face.

He hears Tianqiong call out his name but he doesn’t care. 

Not when Tianqiong is the one who decided to screw two families.

Dan Heng’s phone vibrates in his hands and he almost tosses his phone away, irritated by the conversation with his husband when he sees who it is. Curiosity piqued, Dan Heng can’t resist immediately replying to his brother even though he sees a few more text messages from Ren and Stelle.

[1:32PM] Dan Feng: Lunch next weekend with Yingxing and I?  

[1:32PM] Dan Feng: I might have some news that you’ll be interested in.

[1:33PM] Dan Heng: ?

[1:33PM] Dan Heng: What news?

[1:34PM] Dan Feng: Yingxing and I have been speaking with potential stakeholders.

Dan Heng’s heart leaps to his throat at Dan Feng’s message and he forces himself to lower his expectations, ignoring the way his hands tremble.

[1:37PM] Dan Heng: I’m available.

[1:40PM] Dan Feng: Good. I’ll see you next Saturday.

Chapter Text

three months ago.

Dating apps have never been something up Dan Heng’s alley. He hates how superficial it is and how it’s a constant repeat of an introduction until it lands with the right person.

If it lands with the right person.

But Dan Heng is feeling spiteful after his husband walked out on a supposed date night in.

Perhaps it’s because they’ve been married a few years now that makes ‘date nights’ feel less like a hang-out in their marriage and more like an obligation.

For Tianqiong to repeatedly tell Dan Heng that he’s not available after plans have been made is off-putting, disappointing and infuriating.

It’s the fifth time in three months that Tianqiong has done this to Dan Heng since he forced their marriage open and Dan Heng has had enough.

Since getting married so many years ago, Dan Heng has been isolated. Because of the arrangements, he gave up his simple dream of owning a bookstore and working on cars in his free time.

He lost touch with many friends, only being able to maintain his connection with Stelle, simply because his best friend doesn’t take ‘I’m busy’ for an answer.

She’d rather patiently wait for a response and plan lunch dates and brunches with Dan Heng ahead of time instead of being disappointed and letting their long-term friendship die. 

As he lies on the couch, tucked under his favourite knitted blanket from Yingxing with his knees folded towards him, a glass of wine sitting on the coffee table and his new novel resting on his stomach, he finds himself downloading a dating app and creating a profile. Dan Heng is notoriously bad at taking photos, with most of his own selfies blurred or in poor quality. 

It wouldn’t do either if he puts his face out there. What would his brother think if he finds out that Dan Heng has put himself on a dating app? What would his father think? 

What would anyone think?

If Stelle finds out he’s on a dating app, she might just come over and fight Tianqiong because she knows Dan Heng and he doesn't do anything out of impulse.

In the end, Dan Heng isn’t sure if it’s the spite or alcohol in his system that emboldens him to make such a decision, but he finds himself making a simple profile and throws in a few artfully blurred photos of himself.

Yinyue, 32.

CFO Advisor.

In an open marriage. 

Preference for fantasy-romance novels, occasional wine taster, prefer quiet places. I like tea.

After he sets up his profile, Dan Heng finds himself cringing and closes the app, tossing his phone away. He sinks deeper into the knitted blanket and pulls out the forgotten book in his lap.

He’s not sure how long he has buried himself in his novel, but it is a new book recommended by March that makes Dan Heng excited to read. The book he reads is very much similar to his current situation except it also features a theme that has his husband giving him dirty looks.

While Dan Heng always enjoys his favourite fantasy novels, March had constantly praised the writing, the plot and the emotions she felt while reading it and decided that Dan Heng, as a fellow bookworm, needed to read. 

The plot sweetly follows the life of the main character and then talks about how she meets the love of her life in their first year of college and how they fall deeply in love with each other. When they graduate, they’re married. It’s very sweet and fast-paced for Dan Heng’s liking and he’s very suspicious when he notices how he’s barely a quarter into the book.

At some point, the main character somehow devolves into a housewife despite all her successes in college and soon loses touch with all her friends from college. It’s even worse when her husband, after seven years of being together, asks to open up their marriage because he met someone new at work and wanted to sleep with her despite still being deeply in love with the main character and wanting to come back home to her.

It makes Dan Heng unnecessarily angry and upset at that as he reads it, realising how his marriage is far too similar to the novel and he almost wants to pick up his phone to text March at how terrible his book is. 

He does end up slamming a bookmark in between the pages and shutting the book with a loud snap. He has half a mind to text March about how trashy this novel is but he doesn’t want to pop her bubble like this. She was so eager and excited to share this novel with him and he isn’t the kind to talk poorly about anything.

With a sigh, Dan Heng places the book on the coffee table and picks up the glass of wine next to it to take a sip. 

As he swirls the wine in the glass, he ponders on his marriage and the arrangements that led to tonight. He has never been one to be spiteful or act out in retaliation but Dan Heng has had enough. If his husband can’t even respect their marriage and talk about the arrangements they made properly, there’s no point for him to maintain the façade that Tianqiong is a good or faithful husband.

To others, Dan Heng might seem like the unfaithful one. But he doesn't care. Their whole situation is bizarre. He’s raised with the expectations to be a good spouse regardless of any situation he’s placed in, but no one has warned him of the possibility of an open marriage. 

Cheating, Dan Heng can handle. It’d be simple and clear cut; divorce. 

But an open marriage while sharing the same bed and home as Tianqiong? Dan Heng softly shakes his head. No one can prepare him for that.

His thoughts soon wander towards the potential of Tianqiong even sleeping with Songyan before the idea of an open marriage was proposed, and it made Dan Heng’s skin crawl.

Although he had already tested for diseases, Dan Heng still can’t help but feel disgusted and repulsed. The moment Tianqiong opened his mouth to suggest such an atrocity, Dan Heng moved out of the master bedroom and into their guest bedroom without a second look at his husband. He doesn't care that Tianqiong doesn't bat an eyelash at him and comes home late most of the time, but it still irks Dan Heng that he doesn't have the decency to even be polite to tell Dan Heng in advance that he's cancelling plans.  

Dan Heng isn’t stupid. He already knew it’s the end of whatever friendly bonds they had between them the moment the question blindsided him.

In normal circumstances, it would have been the end of a marriage. But theirs is of an arrangement that can only end if their family calls for it. Not Dan Heng, not Tianqiong. 

Biting on his inner cheek, Dan Heng gently tosses the knitted blanket away and gets up to tidy up the living room. Only when the glass is washed and kept away does Dan Heng recall that his phone is still laying haphazardly on the sofa.

He returns to pick up the now folded knitted blanket and grabs his phone, wedging the blanket close to his chest with his elbows. 

As he stalks back to the guest bedroom, Dan Heng winces at the number of notifications he gained over the span of an hour.

He tries not to think about it as he winds down for the night, brushing his teeth, applying his skincare and combing his hair.

Only when he is finally comfortable under his blanket does Dan Heng gather the courage to open the app. There are slightly over a hundred notifications on it and close to a hundred interests on the app.

Dan Heng gulps, daunted by the response, body going light. But when he skims through the notifications, he finds himself rolling his eyes and swiping right on most of the men.

Too outgoing.

Too wrongly opinionated.

Too narcissistic

Too arrogant.

Too much.

Dan Heng goes through almost a third of the profiles, about to just call it a night and uninstall the app when a particular profile captures his curiosity. 

Blade, 25.

Self-employed.

Looking for something.

tell me your favourite book and i’ll get back to you on it. weekends are for figurines, my bike and my cat. 

Something about Blade’s profile draws Dan Heng in like a bee to a sweet flower. Someone who reads?

Dan Heng can't resist swiping through his profile, mouth almost watering if it isn’t for the fact that his lips are pressed together in hesitation and wariness.

His photos are very much like Dan Heng’s. Blurry in dimmed ambiences, photos carefully angled away to not show off his face but Dan Heng sees the sharp, defined jaw that is accompanied by a pair of thin, full lips and dark, long hair. The way he spreads himself out in the photos to show off those thick, silk-clad thighs and what hangs between makes Dan Heng think he’s out to look for hookups despite his thoughtful profile. 

Judging by the photographs posted by Blade, it is clear to Dan Heng that he’s just like him; hiding in plain sight but yearning to be seen out there. Photos carefully hide away recognisable features and the backgrounds are barely noticeable.

With a little bit of mindfulness, Dan Heng finds himself swiping left and a new screen immediately pops up.

It’s A Match!

Dan Heng almost tosses his phone away at that very message, startled by it. It shouldn’t be surprising, but still, everything is very new to him. Dating apps have never been something he’s into. How can anyone make decisions based on photos and online texting?

Not me, he thinks.

He stares at the empty chatroom, trying to figure out what to send.

Hey sounds simply too boring and casual with almost zero effort at all. What are you hiding from is too intrusive and Nice photos is simply a compliment in hopes of continuing a conversation.

Dan Heng groans, placing his face in his free hand as he stumbles through the first step of talking to someone online. He thinks about it long and hard while considering why people put in so much effort to meet people online and can't seem to find an answer. It shouldn’t be difficult to meet people in person; Stelle met her boyfriend at work. So why can't Dan Heng?

Granted, Dan Heng doesn’t have an actual workplace to find someone in and he also doesn’t think he should be dating a coworker. Stelle’s situation is different; a mechanic and her customer.

He goes back to reading Blade’s profile a few times and something clicks in his head. Palms slightly clammy, Dan Heng takes in a deep breath and finds himself typing and deleting a message a few times before he eventually settles for something casual, as if he hasn’t spent the last fifteen minutes thinking of a message.

Yinyue: Your weekends are for your cat, figurines and bike. Where does that leave you with time to look for something and read books?

Blade’s reply comes in almost immediately and Dan Heng feels his face flush hot. 

Blade: you do realise i can see your typing bubble?

He’s been waiting and watching Dan Heng text? Couldn’t he have shot something off first then instead of making him embarrass himself?

Scoffing, Dan Heng closes the app, but Blade’s next message follows very closely behind his first.

Blade: if i like you enough, i can read fast for you

Dan Heng resists another scoff at how easy this man is and tucks himself carefully under his blankets, flicking the bedside light off.

Phone pressed close to his face, Dan Heng finds himself drafting out a reply and hesitating again. He doesn’t need this, perhaps it's the wine talking but Dan Heng wants this.

Yinyue: So you've just been staring hopelessly for a message instead of sending one to me first.

Blade: i wanted to see what shrouds a person like you

Yinyue: Says the one who is hiding behind anonymity.

Blade: just like you are, sweetheart

He can’t hear his voice. He doesn’t even know what his voice sounds like, but Dan Heng feels his face grow even warmer. This is a man who is much younger than he is but is so confident of himself. Dan Heng goes back to his profile and wonders what kind of person hides behind anonymity and a potentially false name. Surely, he is nothing like Dan Heng—a man who gave up his dreams for the success of his family.

Yinyue: You charm all your partners like that?

Blade: just the ones i like

Dan Heng pulls his lips together, unsure if this is even worth it. But it is late, Dan Heng is alone. Only the heavens will know if his husband is even coming back tonight.

He finds himself typing out a response slowly, carefully, feeling like this is a sort of game that needs meticulous crafting. He types and backspaces, types and backspaces, knowing that there's a possibility of Blade watching the speech bubble pop up and disappear, but the older man isn't sure what is a good response. Eventually, Dan Heng gives up and allows the alcohol in his system to take over. If he screws it up, he can just block the guy, delete the app and pretend this never happened. No one will know except Blade and himself anyway.

Yinyue: Does that actually work on the people you’ve been talking to?

Blade: why don’t you tell me? 

Dan Heng purses his lips in mild annoyance. This Blade guy is great at twisting questions back to him but he is also intriguing.

The need to know how he prioritises his time to read, go for rides, work and still take care of a cat outweighs Dan Heng’s exasperation. It isn’t as if Dan Heng can’t plan his days well, but some days he feels as though he has too many things to do and too little time.

On days he does have the time, he feels exhausted and would rather crawl into bed and rest.

If someone has an answer to his woes, Dan Heng wants to know what it is.

Yinyue: I think you’re just putting yourself out there so you’d have a wider target audience.

Blade: tell me what’s your favourite book? I’ll get back to you in two weeks

Yinyue: And what makes you so sure I'll still be around then?

Blade: oh, you will

Dan Heng snorts uncharacteristically, amazed by Blade’s ego. 

Maybe, Dan Heng thinks, just maybe, he’ll indulge in this online stranger for a bit.

Yinyue: So am I supposed to tell you what my favourite book is?

Blade: of course. I didn’t swipe left for you to not

The scoff that comes out of Dan Heng is filled with disbelief. This man has a confidence that can compete with his brother-in-law. Yingxing is full of confidence and arrogance but he has his successes to back him up.

Blade, though?

Dan Heng wonders what makes him so confident of himself.

Yinyue: …Have you heard of The Song of Achilles?

Blade: yes but i haven’t read it

Yinyue: You will now.

Blade: deal. in the meantime, spare me your time to get to know you

Dan Heng pauses, fingers stilling over his screen with a light frown on his lips.It isn’t that he doesn’t think someone else should get to know him. But this is what he dislikes the most; introducing himself. 

What do people even talk about and how do they even get to know one another?

Dan Heng is stumped. He’s hiding his identity behind anonymity so he doesn’t even know where to begin. 

But Blade is a saving grace and his next text allows Dan Heng to sink into a comfortability that he hasn’t felt in a long time.

Blade: why the song of achilles?

Dan Heng curls himself closer in his bed, pulls his blanket over his head and finds himself spilling out his feelings with a careful lid to restrain his deepest feelings for the book.

It probably won’t help if he ends up scaring away the first man he’s met on a dating app. As Dan Heng rereads the short conversation, he thinks that Blade is a little bit demanding, but it's not off-putting. He knows what he wants and it seems like he is the kind who will cut the chase and get to the point, regardless of people's feelings. So maybe he can entertain this man for a night.

He can try it out for a night and if it falls, then Dan Heng will just blame the alcohol and disappear from Blade's dating app.

Blade, as he turns out to be, is interesting and he makes chatting on dating apps less daunting. 

Once Dan Heng starts talking about his favourite book, Blade indulges him and Dan Heng has to carefully not overshare about the book, in case he does end up spoiling the younger man. If he even will end up reading the book. 

Dan Heng isn’t even sure if he will, but he finds Blade easy to talk to even if he’s a little bit infuriating. But that’s probably part of his charm. Infuriating, easygoing, confident and likes to challenge the social norm.

They still don't know what each other look like, but Dan Heng finds it easier that way. Anonymity tinged with a bit of mysteriousness makes Dan Heng look forward to Blade’s new text. On their first night, they ended up texting till it was almost three in the morning, chatting about Dan Heng’s favourite books, Blade’s cat, best tea places to visit and even a little bit about motorbikes.

Dan Heng can tell that Blade was pleasantly surprised he had the knowledge about bikes. How can Dan Heng not, when his dream was to own one?

Unfortunately for him, with such a traditional family, Dan Heng’s dreams were dashed the moment he voiced it out to their father. But that doesn’t stop Dan Heng from hanging out with Stelle at her workshop in his free time.

“...with flowers and wine.”

Dan Heng blinks at Stelle, frowning. “You don’t even drink that much.”

Stelle laughs, eyes bright with mirth. “It was good wine. Besides, there’s always a first to everything.”

Dan Heng sighs, adjusting his weight on her workstation’s countertop before he crosses one leg over the other, careful of the way his skirt hikes up his calf.

“And?”

Stelle blinks up at him from where she’s lying under a new vehicle sent in for repairs, golden eyes confused. “And… he’s a darling. He’s good to me.”

Dan Heng’s fingers find the edge of his skirt and he plays with it absentmindedly. Jealousy has never really been something Dan Heng feels very often, but he can’t help but feel envious of Stelle’s new relationship.

It’s very new — only a couple of months old, but he is happy for her. After getting out of a shitty relationship last year, Stelle had sworn off dating for a while. But a very attractive man had waltzed into her workshop and literally charmed Stelle off her feet — her words — and was immediately taken to dinner after she had repaired his car.

Everytime Dan Heng thinks about a good relationship, he feels resentful.

His husband hasn’t returned home in a few days and Dan Heng finds himself not bothering anymore.

Tianqiong doesn't even send any text messages to let him know and it leaves a sour taste in Dan Heng’s mouth.

“What about you? How’s your shitty excuse of a husband?”

Dan Heng sighs, fingers moving on to drag across the counter top, only stopping when he comes across a spanner. He picks up the item, spinning it between his fingers.

“I…” He wedges his lip between his teeth, nails picking at his fingers. “I may have ventured onto a dating app.”

Silence embraces the workshop before Stelle pushes herself completely from under the car and stares blankly at him. She wears an oil smudge on her cheek and her white t-shirt is stained with grime and dust, but she doesn’t even seem bothered at all. 

Stelle blinks, blinks again and then her jaw drops. “Shut up. No way.”

Dan Heng presses his lips together nervously before he slips his phone out of his skirt’s pocket to unlock the device. After he turns on the app, he flips it over to show Stelle its loading screen.

She gasps, tools dropping to the floor as she scrambles to her feet in disbelief. Stelle quickly wipes her hands clean on her jumpsuit before snatching the phone out of his hands, little exclamations slipping past her lips as she scrolls.

“Shit, Dan Heng. There has to be at least a hundred men interested in you!” 

That did boost Dan Heng’s ego. Knowing that he’s in his thirties and not showing his face still easily drew in so many responses inflated his self-confidence and Dan Heng almost wants to rub it in Tianqiong's face.

It reiterates something inside Dan Heng; that just because one man can’t see his value doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any. If other men can see it, then this one man simply has a different taste.

“Wait…” Stelle’s fingers fly over his screen and then she gapes. “Boo, you’re only talking to one person?”

Dan Heng panics, hopping off the counter top to snatch his phone back from his best friend, leaning too closely into her space. “Nu-uh—“

She spins on her feet, opening up Blade’s profile and delight spills out of her mouth. Her fingers continue to swipe his profile, eyes wide at his pictures and then she frowns.

“Why does he look so—“

“Stelle, give it back!”

“Nah, just another sec—!”

A third person clears their throat inside Stelle’s workshop and the two best friends stop in their little fight for Dan Heng’s phone.

“Are we interrupting?”

It must have been a sight; Dan Heng stretching upwards with one arm around Stelle’s waist in an attempt to snag his phone back from Stelle who had childishly stuck her arm all the way up. Her other hand clasps Dan Heng’s jaw, pushing him away.

Jing Yuan stands tall and handsome as always with his broad shoulders complimenting every single outfit he puts on. His golden eyes shine brilliantly in amusement at catching the both of them like this.

“Can we join?”

Stelle immediately drops her arms and shoves the phone back to Dan Heng's chest, drawing a small yelp from the man. The latter also removes his hold on Stelle and takes a step back, smoothing down the front of his shirt before adjusting his skirt.

“Jing Yuan!”

We refers to Jing Yuan and a very attractive young man standing next to Jing Yuan, dressed casually in a black sweater and slacks, arms folded across his chest as he blankly looks at Stelle and Dan Heng.

Dan Heng feels his mouth run dry and an embarrassment creeps up his neck. He hasn’t seen Jing Yuan too many times, with both of them being incredibly busy, but the times he does, he is always reminded of how sweet he can be to Stelle. His gaze is tender and soft and his lips curl into a fond smile as Stelle bounds up to him, throwing her arms around him, ignoring the grime stains on her jumpsuit that can potentially ruin his clothes.

But he lives up to the title of Stelle's darling boyfriend—he does not mind.

Thanks to their height difference, Jing Yuan has to catch her and lift her up into a warm embrace before planting her back down. 

“Hi darling,” Jing Yuan murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to Stelle’s temple, much to her delight. 

“You didn’t mention you were coming.”

Jing Yuan laughs, tipping his head towards his companion’s direction. Long, midnight blue hair with tinges of red in its end captures Dan Heng’s attention first. Then, it is the colour of sundown in his eyes framed by long, thick lashes that steals his breath away. Dan Heng hasn’t seen someone this breathtaking before. When their gazes meet, Dan Heng watches as the man’s own curiosity piques, his lips pulling upwards into a half-smirk. Unknowingly, a warmth spreads up Dan Heng’s neck and he can only hope it doesn’t fan out to his cheeks and ears. 

“Dan Heng, I wasn’t expecting you here today.”

Peeling his attention away from Jing Yuan’s companion, Dan Heng turns to look at Jing Yuan with a faint smile. “I had some free time and I thought of coming to see Stelle.”

“Dan Heng’s visits are rare but it’s always welcomed.” Stelle grins. “You, however, did not tell me you were coming and you brought a friend.”

Jing Yuan exchanges looks with his friend and chuckles, wrapping an arm around Stelle’s shoulders. “Ren’s car is having some issues and we were in the vicinity, so I thought we could swing by to have it looked at by the best mechanic in Luofu.”

So his name is Ren.

Ren, Dan Heng finds himself unconsciously mouthing his name before he realises what he’s doing. By the time he catches himself, a pair of cardinal eyes is already watching him, helpless and mesmerised. 

Quickly, Dan Heng ducks his head down, some of his hair tumbling forward to cover where his face feels the warmest.

Not noticing the situation unfolding right next to her, Stelle frowns and says, “Oh no, I have to finish repairing this car today. I might not be able to take a look at it before you guys get off work…”

A car that Stelle doesn’t have time for, while Dan Heng has all the time in the world?

Before he can stop himself, Dan Heng raises his head and asks, “What’s the matter with his car?”

Jing Yuan and Ren both turn to Dan Heng in surprise but he shrugs. Stelle laughs out loud, moving from Jing Yuan’s side to Dan Heng’s and drapes an arm over his shoulder, the other on her hip. “Dan Heng tinkers around with cars and bikes in his free time. You should let him take a look. It might be something he can fix.”

Jing Yuan’s lips part in amazement, but it is Ren who speaks up and his low, husky voice almost blanks Dan Heng’s mind out. “The lady’s been popping some noises out while Jing Yuan took his time at the convenience store.”

"I did not—" Jing Yuan tries to defend himself but it feels like this has been an ongoing bicker between the two friends.

It takes Dan Heng a moment to steady himself before he says, “Could you bring the car in? I can take a look and see if I can help.”

Ren’s gaze sweeps him from head to toe and he frowns. “Dressed like that?”

Dan Heng glances down at his attire and sees Ren’s concerns. Because he came from a work meeting from his in-laws’ company, Dan Heng is in a cream-coloured shirt with a dark brown skirt, with a simple belt cinching his waist. But Dan Heng, if anything, is an expert at avoiding stains on his clothes while doing what he does best.

“Don’t worry. I can take a look.”

When Ren leaves to bring his car in, Dan Heng folds up the sleeves of his shirt and smooths down the front, pressing his lips tightly together. Stelle is watching him with a wicked glint in his eyes before she turns over to Jing Yuan.

“Baobei, is Ren on any dating apps recently?”

Dan Heng stills in his movement, one sleeve half-pushed up to his elbow, as he continues to listen into the conversation.

“He… is, why?”

“No particular reason. A friend was on an app recently and they were showing me a profile that looked awfully familiar.”

The blood drains from Dan Heng’s face as he whirls around in his boots to helplessly throw a look at Stelle, not knowing that Jing Yuan is also looking at him.

“Oh,” Jing Yuan murmurs, his lips curling upwards into a smile. “Ren has been talking about someone he met on a dating app and how he's been enjoying talking to them.”

No, Dan Heng thinks abysmally, it can’t be.

Luofu is huge and the odds of swiping Stelle’s boyfriend’s friend is close to zero.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Dan Heng mumbles, fingers combing through his hair to pull it up into a high ponytail. “I’m–”

Before Dan Heng can finish his sentence, Ren is rolling an expensive sleek black car with red rims into the workshop and Dan Heng’s heart almost falls out of his mouth. 

He has seen something similar before.

It’s in one of the photos Blade posts on his profile; he’s seated on the floor, one knee propped up while the other is stretched out and his head is thrown back to show off the thick, strong column of his neck and the forearms that aren’t covered by the black sleeves of his shirt. Dan Heng doesn't want to know how often he has caught himself staring at that photo to be able to describe it without even pulling out his phone to look at the photo.

Just coincidental. It’s just coincidental.

When Ren steps out of his car, Dan Heng’s gaze can’t help but wander to his thighs, catching a hint of muscle under the soft fabric and he almost wants to back out of helping Ren take a look at his car. It can’t be.

It just simply can’t be.

As if the heavens are trying to play a cruel joke on him, Jing Yuan says, “Ren. You said you’re reading a new book recently because someone recommended it to you. What was it again?”

Ren throws him an irritated look. “It’s called ‘The Song of Achilles’, why?”

Slowly, Dan Heng takes a step back to rest his weight on the counter as he feels faint. It’s been only a few days of chatting with Blade and on top of talking about the book, Dan Heng likes texting him and talking about the mundane things.

Blade is always flirty in his texts but always seems to know where to draw the line and he makes Dan Heng look forward to receiving his messages even if he tries to deny that he isn’t interested at all to the man whom he doesn’t even know looks like and has only spoken to online. 

Stelle claps her hands together, eyes wide in faux surprise. “What a coincidence! Dan Heng, isn’t that your favourite book?” 

“…The Song of Achilles,” Dan Heng answers through gritted teeth, “is a really popular book.” 

Ren looks curiously at Dan Heng, gaze slightly narrowed as he studies him. The older man feels incredibly self-conscious and embarrassed and prays that Ren doesn’t figure Dan Heng out.

If he did, Ren does not voice it out. Instead, Ren leans into his car to shut the engine off before moving over to pop the hood up and says, “my lady is all yours. Handle her with care.”

The car is expensive, Dan Heng notes, as he runs his fingers along the hood of the car. It has been modified and from a quick judgement of the tires, Dan Heng suspects Ren uses the car too often for racing.

While his heart is still stuck in his throat, Dan Heng asks, “You race?”

Ren blinks at him. “You can tell?”

Dan Heng shrugs, taking his hand off the car when he touches the still warm engine. “I wouldn’t be looking at your car if I couldn’t.”

Ren hums in interest, hovering closer to Dan Heng. From the corner of his eye, Dan Heng sees Jing Yuan and Stelle quickly sneaking away to a corner of her workshop to either give them privacy or be in their own bubble. Dan Heng thinks he doesn't want to know which is better. 

Before Dan Heng can say a word, Ren leans down to Dan Heng, gazing intently as he studies the older man. “…Pretty and good with your hands.”

The unintentional spread of warmth goes up to Dan Heng’s cheeks at the compliment and it doesn’t miss Ren’s attention.

A small offence blooms in Dan Heng’s chest no matter how he tries to stomp it out. He can't deny that he isn’t attracted to Blade but as Ren looks at him with this blatant interest, it makes Dan Heng want to throw something at him. 

“Do you talk to everyone like that?”

Ren shrugs. “It’s just a compliment.”

Dan Heng bites down on his lower lip and slides a glance to Stelle, but his best friend has already turned her attention to her boyfriend and their backs are turned to him. 

Tilting his head back a little to take a look at Ren, Dan Heng almost feels intimidated by how tall the man is. This close, Dan Heng is dazzled by the dark red irises and catches whiff of the cologne Ren wears. Musky, spicy, a little bit intoxicating.

Dan Heng swallows and puts up his left hand, showing off a heinous ring on his ring finger. “I’m married.”

As ugly as the ring is, it has always been an easy way to fend off unnecessary attention and men. But when Ren looks at it, it’s with a pinch of his brows and a narrowed look, as though processing his thoughts.

“…Your ring.”

Dan Heng feels his heart stop but he tilts his head to the side, hair sliding off his shoulder. “What about it?”

Ren huffs, straightening his back. “It’s familiar.”

A panic rises in Dan Heng’s throat but he continues to maintain his expression but why does Ren think it’s familiar? Scrambling through his memories, Dan Heng tries to think if he has uploaded any photos that made him recognisable. He doesn't think he did, but he can't remember and he can't even pull out his phone right in front of the man to check.

It isn’t just for the fact that Ren recognises him. But more so the fact that someone recognises the ring makes Dan Heng panic. Tianqiong’s family heirloom is a one of a kind, passed down from generation to generation, back dating to at least five generations ago. 

Dan Heng has heard ample of times from his mother-in-law that the ring is something family friends and relatives all know about. If the ring isn't in any photos on his profile, then is Ren a family friend of theirs?

He would have known if Ren was a relative. Tianqiong and his parents-in-law had paraded Dan Heng everywhere during the wedding reception, with Dan Feng and his father’s encouragement, and made him remember every single family member so as to strengthen ties and build new connections.

Despite all that wine, loud conversations and small touches from his husband, Dan Heng never forgot the faces of his relatives-in-law. 

He doesn’t remember seeing Ren. He would remember if he did. This is a face that not many would forget; piercing red eyes with high cheekbones, sharp jaw and thin, full lips. The linen shirt Ren wears is filled out nicely across his broad shoulders and chest, hints of muscle clinging against the soft fabric. Even if he’s a married man, Dan Heng is still human. He can appreciate a walking sculpture of art, especially when he didn’t marry out of love.

“…This is a family heirloom.”

Ren looks surprised and pulls back, returning Dan Heng back to his space. Arrogance dances like specks of stardust in Ren’s eyes as he says, “I think jade will suit you better.”

Jade?

It has always been one of his favourites. His brother always said it suits him well too. 

Dan Heng’s cheeks are warm and he feels a little breathless and slightly miffed at this man. Has he already figured out who Dan Heng is or is he simply flirting because he wants to?

If it’s the latter, Dan Heng has no interest. But if it’s the former, then Dan Heng has to learn to be a bit more nervous. Either way, Dan Heng knows he has to be wary of Ren.

He has read all about men like Ren in books; dangerous, charming and all knowing. If the fact that he races doesn’t scare Dan Heng off, it is the acknowledgement of Dan Heng’s ring that should. 

“I’m just here to help take a look at your car,” Dan Heng murmurs, turning his gaze away. “I’m not interested in knowing what gems suit me best.”

Ren takes another step back and spreads his arms out to gesture towards his car, his smile carefully hiding away any emotions. “Well, she's all yours.”

Cautiously, Dan Heng moves closer to Ren’s car, his fingers trailing over the roof. 

“She’s a beauty,” Dan Heng exhales.

“You race?”

Dan Heng shakes his head. Sourly, he answers, “The husband doesn’t like it.”

Ren hums smugly, folding his arms over his puffed up chest. Dan Heng can only stare at the motion and then weakly glare at the man. “I can take you out for a ride.”

Dan Heng hesitates. He still wonders if Ren knows who he is. If he doesn’t, does it mean that Ren is just openly flirting with people and all their texts are just casual conversation to him? Does it mean that Ren is okay flirting with a married man?

Where does that put him on the morale list?

“We’ll see,” Dan Heng responds. 

Ren raises a brow with a cocky smile and straightens himself up. “When can I get my car back?”

Dan Heng glances back at the expensive car and says, “When you get off work.”

“Will I see you later?”

There’s a pause as Dan Heng thinks about it. He can’t believe the gorgeous man he’s been talking to online is right here in front of him, but he also can’t believe that the man is so openly flirtatious with him. He really doesn't want to think too hard about this. He just wants to take the car apart to have a look at what's wrong but he also wants to know more about Ren. And yet, he can't help that rationale thought about morality and Dan Heng wants to stomp himself in the foot. 

Dan Heng takes a deep breath. A part of him wants to see Ren again but he doesn’t know if he should. He’s been hurt enough and he isn't sure if he's ready to get to know someone better with the possibility of dating.

All Dan Heng wants to do is take it light and easy. He is in a situation where he shouldn’t be jumping into conclusions about other people’s morality and he’s aware of his judgement against Ren and it's not fair. Dan Heng has too many thoughts clouding his ability to think clearly and he feels an irritation begin to bubble under his skin.

Exhaling the deep breath he held in his chest, Dan Heng answers quietly, “Maybe not.”

Ren clicks his tongue as though in irritation but his cocky smile never eases. “Of course.”

When Ren turns away, Dan Heng is treated to Ren’s dashing side profile and he feels his own dormant heart flutter. His heart fluttered once before, a long time ago, when he had first met Tianqiong. Back then, Dan Heng thought his husband was charming, smart and funny—qualities that Dan Heng could live with for the rest of his life. And then everything fell apart before his very eyes.

“Jing Yuan.”

Ren doesn’t need to raise his voice and Jing Yuan’s name is easily carried across the workshop to interrupt the couple’s conversation. Dan Heng’s heart does another nauseous flutter and he wants to bury himself alive from being attracted to the way Ren carries himself and captures the attention of everyone in a room so easily. 

“Ren?”

“Time to go.”

Dan Heng tries to stamp out the quiver of disappointment at Ren’s words. He has so many more questions for the man and he wants to learn more about him. But as long as Ren doesn’t know who Dan Heng is, he isn’t going to out himself first. Surely, that's the right way to go? 

From where he stands, he sees Stelle throw her arms around Jing Yuan and they exchange a tender kiss. Politely, Dan Heng turns away to see Ren’s eyes on him, watching him with a knowing look that makes his toes curl.

“You…” Dan Heng begins, feeling the warmth of being watched so knowingly spread across his features. He isn’t sure what he wants to say. He doesn’t know what to say. But he knows if this opportunity leaves him, he isn’t sure when’s the next time he’ll see Ren. Will Dan Heng even have the guts to see him again?

He really doesn’t know.

The arrogance dances like wildfire in Ren’s eyes as he holds Dan Heng’s gaze a while longer. It makes Dan Feng feel seen and he isn’t sure if he likes it. Despite all his layers, he feels as though he is stripped naked and left to serve on a silver platter to Ren.

As his saving grace, Jing Yuan appears next to them, looking handsome as always. “You’re leaving your car in the workshop?”

“Mm.”

Jing Yuan’s laughter ends with a soft sigh. “I’m driving. You’re not going to drive my car.”

Ren rolls his eyes as he makes a move to step out of the workshop with his hands in his pockets. “That crappy car of yours?”

Jing Yuan doesn’t take offence. “You wouldn’t understand the importance of my car until you get your own darling to fix it for you.”

Dan Heng thinks he was seeing things when Ren's gaze briefly flickered over to him before he turns away. With a scoff, Ren pulls out his phone from his pocket and stalks out of the workshop before Dan Heng can even get a word in about letting him know when his car is done. He bites down on his lower lip, teeth digging into the soft flesh.

What should I do?

As he watches Ren and Jing Yuan’s bickering retreating figures, Stelle pops right next to Dan Heng, hands on her hips. “Well, looks like your little online escapade has a face and a name, huh?”

Dan Heng throws her a dirty look and resists the urge to watch the two men board Jing Yuan’s car. He refuses to look at the way Ren strides over to the passenger seat while looking at his phone, so casually handsome it makes his heart stutter.

“Can’t you be normal, Stelle?” 

Stelle laughs, her head thrown back, liquid gold eyes shining bright. “Can’t. I’m so excited for you, Dan Heng.”

“We don’t even know if he’s the one,” Dan Heng hisses, turning to look at Stelle. “Don’t jump to conclusions.”

He is horrified when he hears the notification of the dating app ping off his phone and he gets treated to front row seats to the way Stelle’s expression grows in amusement. Dan Heng is very sure he had placed his phone on silent earlier. A flush rushes to Dan Heng’s face and his heart picks up pace as he pulls his phone out of his pocket. 

“Did you unsilent my phone?”

In mock innocence, Stelle puts up both her hands and smiles. “Nu-uh. But since we’re at it," she leans into Dan Heng's space, peering at his still locked phone. "Why don’t we have a peek at who’s texting?”

Dan Heng almost scowls at her but decides that he should take a look at his notifications. Even without unlocking his phone, Dan Heng feels heat spread across his body and he almost wants to bury himself alive.

Blade: jade is pretty 

Blade: but i think red would be devastating for someone like you

Stelle takes one look at Dan Heng’s face and laughs gently. “Oh, Dan Heng, you’re in so deep.”