Chapter 3:

~ Lan Yue's POV ~

The small face, for once at eye level, seemed to go blank with shock. The long eyelashes fluttered in front of Lan Yue's face as Shen Li blinked repeatedly, unable to process the words.

"I'd be... your brother?"

"Yes... would that be okay?"

A smile stretched over Lan Yue's face as relief settled into him, mirroring the smile on Shen Li's face. He hadn't been totally sure that Shen Li would agree, and had been worrying that he might be adopted by someone else.

"But... what about Mummy? Won't she not let you?"

The boy before him, rather than being happy he could escape his abuser, worried that the person helping him escape might get hurt. Ahh he was too cuuute! Hugging him, Lan Yue rubbed his cheek on the top of Shen Li's head, squeezing him tightly.

"It's fine, I got my aunt to... agree, so she will take care of it."

"So I get to stay with you?"

"As long as you like."

"And you, you'll stay with me too? Always?"

Smiling Lan Yue drew back and looked straight into Shen Li's deep eyes.

"Always. I promise you."

Tears began trailing down Shen Li's face as he clung to Lan Yue, his thin arms shaking as he held on with all the strength he could muster.

~ Two days Later ~

Lan Yue's aunt, half-desperate to get this right because if she didn't there might not be another chance to get the inheritance, had pressured the chief of police so much that two senior detectives were put on the case. After a day and night of collecting evidence (and there was lots since the woman didn't even try to hide it, not knowing she was being investigated), they immediately took Shen Li's mother to court, and Lan Yue's aunt applied to adopt Shen Li. Lan Yue wanted to come, but his aunt felt he would be a nuisance, and promising that she would bring Shen Li home safely, left him behind to worry.

She got into the car, arriving 15 minutes early, and once the court judging was over and it was decided that Shen Li's mother would be deprived of the right to take care of Shen Li, she stepped out, offering to adopt Shen Li. She had already had the relevant police checks done, and was confident that she would be allowed to adopt him. Shen Li peeked over at her, then seemed to recognise her, and joined in with his opinion, supporting her suggestion.

At home, Lan Yue was fretting, pacing back and forth waiting for the two to come home. He hadn't been allowed to go, but he had shown Shen Li a picture of his aunt, so he would know who she was. It was getting late when the door finally opened, and Lan Yue's aunt walked in followed by Shen Li. He immediately opened his arms and hoisted up the drowsy Shen Li.

"...Lan Yue?"

"Hmm?"

"...Nothing."

After saying that, Shen Li looped his arms around Lan Yue's neck and let his eyes drift closed, safe in his now older brother's arms. Letting out a soft chuckle, Lan Yue held him more securely, then turned to his aunt.

"Thank you. I will do what I promised."

"You'd better. He needs to sleep with you tonight, then we'll talk about remodelling one of the other rooms tomorrow."

"Yes, Aunt."

She pin'[ched the bridge of her nose with her fingers, sighing, then walked off to her bedroom, obviously ready to go to bed. As Lan Yue walked down the hallway to his bedroom, he glanced at the little bundle in his arms. He could feel the boy's bones easily through his clothes, and he was too light. So fragile, he thought. I must take care of him.

When they reached the bedroom, Lan Yue slowly woke Shen Li, then convinced him to get changed into one of his old sets of pyjamas, helping the half-asleep boy do his buttons. Bringing him into the bathroom, he convinced Shen Li to brush his teeth. While the boy did so, Lan Yue brought over a wet towel, washing the boy's face and hands before drying them. Picking Shen Li up, he brought him over to the bed, and slipped under the covers, making sure the boy was comfortable before closing his eyes and drifting off.

~ Shen Li's POV ~

Gasping, Shen Li jolted awake, but didn't move for fear that his mum might get angry. Sweating heavily, he shook off the remaining effects of the dream he had just had, slowly calming his breathing down. But it was weird, the surface he was lying on felt much softer than a floor, but he can't think of where it might be. Then memories of the last few days flew in, and he relaxed slightly. Cracking his eyes open the slightest bit, he was startled for a moment, seeing Lan Yue's face right in front of his. After realising who it was, he relaxed, and glanced around curiously, realising that his must be the teenager's room. It was filled with bright but soft colours, creating a lively but comfortable atmosphere, and various photos were hung on the wall. There was a small altar in the corner, with a picture of two smiling people in the centre.

When he realised those people must be Lan Yue's parents, he gazed at the photo for a little longer, trying to see what similarities they had. The woman had long brown hair, and blue eyes, though not as bright as Lan Yue's, he could see the resemblance. He must have gotten his hair from his father, because his father had silky blond hair and looked almost exactly the same as he imagined a grown-up Lan Yue would appear apart from, of course, his eyes.

Looking back at the boy on the bed, he nibbled his lips then very carefully lifted Lan Yue's arm, moving under it and snuggling into his chest. The warmth from his body made him once again feel drowsy, and it felt secure, like nothing could hurt him. Drifting back to sleep, he smiled. He didn't think he would have nightmares again.