Love is Love

The soft sound of music could be heard coming from inside the kitchen. Yu Hao mother Mrs. Xia ventured from her room to investigate the sound. Yu Hao usually prepared breakfast in the morning after she has worked a 16 hour shift as she did last night. The mouth-watering scents filled her nose once she got closer to the doorway. She wasn't even aware that she was hungry until she got to the kitchen.

Mrs. Xia stood at the entranced and watched her son. She was taking this rare opportunity to observe him unaware.   Yu Hao was moving his hips dancing to the music and pretending to sing with a wooden spoon. This scene was started to be a familiar occurrence in their household recently.  Her baby has always helped around the house as much as he could. Cooking his own meals when she worked late or doing chores around the house if needed.

Just recently Yu Hao starting doing all of the cooking in the house. Even on her days off when she didn't need him too.  He would make breakfast, packed lunches and dinner for the both of them almost every day. What has gotten in to him lately?  Not that she don't appreciate the change in her son. She can tell that he was maturing and acting his age.

Since entering that new school her baby did a 360 degree about face. His grades started to improve if his last midterm was anything to go by.    He joined the volleyball team when she didn't know he was athletic at all. He was also keeping out of trouble no more fights and no more suspended from school.  Mrs. Xia hated receiving calls from the director about all of the trouble Yu Hao cause.

Everyone was a psychiatric and knew why Yu Hao acts out the way that he did. He needs a male role model. He needs a father figure. A single mother can't raise a teen boy on their own.  Everyone knows how to raise her son better than she did.

Does everyone think she planned to become a widow so soon after marriage? She was a stay at home mother and after Yu Hao dad passed she was focused to join the workforce to take care of her child.    

You can't stop me loving myself. Bang Bang Bang. You can't stop me loving myself.

She was brought out of her musing by Yu Hao drum solo with dancing and singing.  Mrs. Xia smiled and sat down at the table she has always been proud of Yu Hao despite his youthful past.

Yu Hao turned around to put the last dish on the table and almost dropped the dish on the floor.

"Mom you scared me I didn't know was up yet. You could have slept a little longer I would have woken you up.", Yu Hao said as he put the dish down.

"How can I sleep sweetie with the one man band in the kitchen."

A guilty look came across Yu Hao face and he frowned,

"Wow my fault. I got a little carried away by the song.  I'm not usually a Kpop fan but that song has a catchy beat to it."

She shrugged. "It's water under the bridge. What are you making?"

Yu Hao smile came back he likes nothing more than to brag about his cooking. He began uncovering all of the dishes on the table.

"I made your favorite breakfast. Congee, steam buns, deep fried dough sticks with soy milk and wheat noodles." He said as he set cutler in front of her.

"Impressive. It's like I'm in a restaurant. So many things to choose from." She smelled the aroma coming from the dishes that he uncovered.

Bringing a lunch container over he also showed her what he made for lunch, "And for lunch we have dumpling, jianbing, gaifan and tofu soup."

"Ok a good lunch and my favorite breakfast what's the occasion. It's not my birthday or yours.  So what is it?" She asked suspiciously.

Yu Hao sat down across from his mother and passed her some food. "No occasion. You work super hard all of the time taking care of me so I want to take care of you for a change."

"I'm not going to get a surprise call from the director of your school telling me you got expelled am I.", she said still not buying it.

Yu Hao placed his hand over his heart and said, "Mom I'm not in trouble.  I swear. You should receive no calls about me."

"Ok honey good. If you say so.   Thank you for the food. Let's eat." She picked up a dough stick and began to eat.

Yu Hao began to eat as well. He hid a smile behind his hand when his mother said yum this is good sweetie try this. As if he wasn't the one that just cooked it.  

Falling in love with Xuan was one of the best things that Yu Hao has ever done in his life.   He was learning new things about himself and becoming the person he was meant to be. Things and goals he wanted to do before meeting him had no meaning anymore. The Yu Hao from a year ago felt like a totally different him.

Cooking which use to be just a little diversion for him.  Something he did just to be a noble son to his mother who waked hard for them.   Cooking now took on a new meaning. Yu Hao has recently been considering going to school to further his culinary skills in becoming a chef.   He always knew he was and ok cook before Xuan came into the picture. Everyone use to say so but after seeing that pleasant look of surprise that comes across his lovers face when he tried one of Yu Hao dishes he became hooked with it. Getting to see that look on Xuan face every day became an obsession, a need, an uncontrollable desire for him. Cooking made him happy as little else did.

Volleyball was also something that he found out that he loved more than he thought he could.  If someone had told him that he would be on a sports team he probably would have beat them up for bothering him.  He never considered himself an athletic. Until volleyball he has never committed himself to anything for any duration. Zi Xuan hit it right on the nose when he once said to him, "there is nothing you consider important right? That's why you don't know what cherish means. And never work hard for anything, right." Having someone call you on your bull when you weren't ready to face yourself yet pissed him off at the time and made him defensive.

He would never tell Cheng En this but he was glad the senior never give up on getting him to join the team despite his disrespectful attitude towards him.  Cheng En introduce him to volleyball but Zi Xuan got him to stay and love it. Zi Xuan's determination to be a part of a team even when he could no longer play spoke to him.

Zi Xuan was someone he truly respected, admired and aspired to be as a person.  Of course he would never tell that to the senior. Zi Xuan would never let Yu Hao live it down.

Cheng En was also someone he admired. He found out from Xuan recently that Cheng En was the person that gave him the courage to accept Yu Hao confession. So not only did the senior get him into volleyball he also made his love accept him. Thanking Cheng En upfront would be too weird and awkward  for the both of them so he just made him a packed lunch all week as a thank you.

"Honey you aren't paying attention.  I was asking you about the bracelet on your arm."

Yu Hao realized that he hasn't hear a thing his mother said for the pass ten minutes as she was talking. "The bracelet yeah mom. It's mine I just bought it." Yu Hao lifted up his arm with the jewelry on it.

"It's really pretty. I don't think I seen anything like that in the store." His mother was staring at his arm.

"I bought it at a jewelry shop." Yu Hao moved his arm under the table.

"It looks like the one that I see most people get engraved. Did you get your engraved as well?"

Where is she going with this line of questioning?  "Yes, I had it made at the store."

"What does yours say?"

"Random junk.  Mom have some more wheat noodles. It's your favorite right." Yu Hao trying to distract his mother from asking anymore question. His bracelet of course says property of Zi Xuan on it.  She usually doesn't notice when he change something about himself. Or notice trends or fashion. Why is she paying attention now?

"I'm good baby don't worry. I'm just amazed at how fast you are growing up.   You're shopping for jewelry, you're cooking got better, and you're improving yourself. If I didn't know any better I say you were in love with someone or something."    She laughed at her own joke.

Yu Hao did an awkward laugh. "Yeah right love." He got up and began to put the food away.  

A quietness goes over the room. If it is one thing Yu Hao isn't good at its lying to his mother.

"Hao are you with someone. You can tell mommy. I won't get upset."

No mother I can't answer you. Yu Hao turned on the water and began washing the dishes.

"Yu Hao."

"Yes." was Yu Hao short answer.

"I asked you a question. Are you dating someone?"

Why is she doing this to him now? How much trouble will he get into if he continues to ignore her. A week's worth of punishment. No cell phone.

"Xia Yu Hao."

No turning back now. She just used the full name. Yu Hao turned off the water, dried his hands on a towel and sat back down at the table.  He knew he was stalling but he couldn't help it.

"Yes mother I am dating someone."  Let this be the end of it. Of course it's not.

"What? How? When? Why didn't you tell me? Is she the one you have been making the packed lunches for every day? Showing her you are good husband material." his mother said moving her chair closer to his.

"It complicated right now mom." Yu Hao said shaking his head.

"Complicated. How is it complicated? Unless it's a one-sided love. Does she not like you? She has bad taste I don't like her.  Its ok honey. First loves never work out. You will fall in love again in college. Than you can marry her." She pats his arm trying to console him.

At another time hearing his mom hate on the imaginary girl that he liked who doesn't like him would be funny.  Today wasn't that time.

"Mom stop it's not that."

"She has a boyfriend right. And refuses to break up with him because he has more money than us. The tramp. I hate her and I will never accept her into the family." Getting upset on his behave. Banging her hand on the table.

"Mom no more watching dramas for you. OK. It's not the relationship that is complicated. We love each other very much." Resting his hand over her to calm her down.

"You love her oh that's sweet.  Your first crush. Then it's her family isn't it.  Is her family upset about your past? You were a little rambunctious when you were younger all boys fight but you grew out of it. I was afraid you were going to be a gangster for a minute but it was just a phase."

"Mom" this is getting out of hand.

"Is it because of your grades? I know you played in school a lot but you have knuckle down since going to the new school.  You are not a straight A student but you didn't have to repeat a grade. They will pass you at the bare minimal. "

. "Mom." Her encouraging words kind of make him seem like a loser.

"Is it because I'm a single parent. I am sorry I became a widow so early. I didn't want to raise you on my own. I could have remarried but taking care of you was more important than taking care of another husband. Now that I think about it this might hinder your future and potential partner."

"Mom it's not that. You are a great parent.  No one could have done better."

"Than what is it? Because my Yu Hao is perfect. You are well behaved. You take care of your elders. There is nothing wrong with my baby."

The questions and everything was getting to him so he just shouted it out. "Mom I'm in love with a guy."

A hush fell over the room.  A complete and painful silence followed that statement. He at least got the rapid fire question to stop.  But at what cost.

"Mom"  Yu Hao tapped his mother's leg.

She looked in a state of shock. All she did was blink as she stared straight ahead.

"Mom" Yu Hao said louder.  Still no response

"Mom did I break you. I will get you some water."

Yu Hao got up and poured a glass of water.  He then placed a glass of water in front of her and placed her hand over it. She automatically lifted it up and drank it. When it was done she got up and walked into her room.

"Mom" Yu Hao tried to follow but she locked herself in.

"Mom" knocking on the door.

***********************************************************************

"What!" The green tea Zhen Wen was drinking got spray into Yu Hao face after confessing to the brothers what happened.

"Thanks for that Wen as if I didn't feel shitty enough." Yu Hao picked up some napkins and wiped the tea off his face.

"But dude. You told your mother you are dating Zi Xuan. I know you and your mother have a closer relationship than others but don't you think it was too soon to tell her that. After only dating for a few months.  Shouldn't this have been a conversation you had after being together for a year or two? Help me out Wu." Tapping his brother for help.

Zhen Wu who was eating his lunch as they talked put his spoon down at his brothers insistence and said. "I agree with Zhen Wen, Yu Hao you should have waited."

Yu Hao pushed his lunch away unable to eat anymore.  "I didn't plan on telling her. She notice the bracelet and the fact that I keep bringing lunches to school after that everything just went downhill. I guess I thought my mother was clueless all this time. Who knew she paid attention to me."

Zhen Wen slammed down his drink. "We aren't going to get into the bracelet that I as you best friend knew nothing about. Since this isn't about me."

"I've notice the matching bracelet you and manager wore were a couples bracelet the next day you wore it." Zhen Wu put in sipping a drink.

Yu Hao pointed to Zhen Wu . "As always the brother with all of the brains. Thank you Zhen Wu for saying that."

"Whatever. It's not about me today it's about idiot boy over here. I'm starting to think you make your life hard on purpose.   Wouldn't the outcome have been different if you had eased her into the conversation a little better?"

"Isn't it better this way anyways?   Everything's out in the open. It's like taking a Band-Aid off fast so it will hurt less right."  Yu Hao threw up his hands. "Whatever. I don't care its done. Now help me fix it because my mom wouldn't talk to me. She just walked into her room grabbed a bag and left. I got a text message from her an hour later saying she was at grandma.  I didn't even disappoint her this much to make her leave when I keep getting expelled."

"You mother left. Wow. Have you talked to senior about it." Zhen Wen asked

"Are you insane? You know his personality if it's a choice between family and each other he would choose family."

"Let's say it did come down to that. Let's say your mom comes to you and say it either him or her. Which one do you choose?"

"I'm not giving up on Zi Xuan. I love him too much. It's a stupid question because I would never let it get to that point. I can have both of them. The two most important people in my world will get along and will like each other." Yu Hao was standing up after his emotional speech.

"Well you are determined I will give you that. Ok. I hope you get everything you want and it work out fine. I mean I get it. I'm in love with my step brother. Not only can our relationship never be public but it can't be privately either.  Our parents would never allow it hell they might separate us. We choose the hard road for love my friend." Patting Yu Hao on the back and resuming eating his lunch.

"As always you provide me with no help and just end up depressing me more after I talk to you. Why do I even talk to you guys?"

"Because normal people would run away after hearing just one of your many problems. They would run away my friend. We stay because we have nothing better to do. Right Zhen Wu."

"I stay for the free food." Zhen Wu chimed in.

After this he will definitely find better friends.

**********************************************************************

Zi Xuan was in a great mode. He and Cheng En just finished talking to the director and the coach about a leisure trip they planned for the team.

"Did the director just promise us win or lose a weekend trip to a hot spring." Cheng En still couldn't wrap his mind around it.

"That's what he said." Zi Xuan said with a smile.

"Are they treating us so well because we are seniors and it's our final year. It good to be recognized for our hard work."

"It's not for what we do ourselves it's for the whole team hard work."

The director and coach were rewarding them for all of their hard work and for having the best season ever.  This season two teammates were voted MVP and they had less loses this year with only 3.

Yes they worked hard this year. They still have five more games until the championship but from the director own mouth he said win or lose he will still give them a trip after their season is over.

"Everyone is going to be so excited about this.  How should we tell them. After practice today or as we see them passing in the hall. Should we call a surprise meeting? I'm so exciting Xuan I'm not sure how long I can keep it a secret."

Cheng En excitement was contiguous. Zi Xuan was ready to run and tell everyone the news now as well. This was a well-deserved treat for all of their hard work.

"Look there are a few of the team right there should we go over there and tell them."

Zi Xuan looked to where Cheng En was pointing. The Zhen brothers were there. If he knows anything about the brothers wherever they are his boyfriend isn't far behind. Sure enough as they got closer to them and turned the corner there was his boyfriend Yu Hao.

Why is it every time he finds his boyfriend a new group of groupies are always surrounding him?

Zi Xuan tried to asset the situation.   Yu Hao was flanked on both sides. Three girls total grabbed his arms giggling and flipping their hair. Why do girls giggle all the time even when nothing was funny?   

Zi Xuan doesn't know what irritates him more the fact that his boyfriend is so popular or the fact that these young ladies and he uses that term loosely are showing so much cleaves. The director continually getting on the boys about their ties being on straight but the girl can dress so provocatively and no one says a word. They also wear too much makeup for girl their age.

Zi Xuan boyfriend being so popular was another problem. He would never tell Yu Hao this but he missed Yu Hao old bad boy persona.  When he caused fights all of the time and had a chip on his shoulder a mile wide no one would approach him. Now that Zi Xuan did all the hard work of taming him into the perfect boyfriend now everybody wanted him.  

Zi Xuan does love one thing about his boyfriend no matter how showy the girls are in front of him, Yu Hao never seems tempted.  Most of the time he looked extremely uncomfortable by all of the attention.

Zi Xuan became and expert at handling his emotions when it came to jealousy.  He had to because Yu Hao was getting more and more attention. He seemed to be getting jealous more frequently than Yu Hao has been recently.   He couldnt show his jealousy after the harsh criticism he give Yu Hao about not trusting him.  He would be a  hypocrite if its found out that he doesnt practice what he preach.

There is another reason why he refuses to show when he is jealous. Unlike Yu Hao who has the ability to push or fight the offending guy he gets jealous of.   Zi Xuan wasn't so lucky since most of the people after his Yu Hao were female. Zi Xuan couldn't exactly push the girl away from Yu Hao or fight them. He was a guy and a guy shouldn't put his hands on a female in violence.

So what do you do when your boyfriend is surrounded by females and you are jealous as hell and can't do a thing about it?  You use your boyfriends love for you against them. Game on ladies.

"Yu Hao aren't you going to introduce us to your new friends." Cheng En asked the question because Zi Xuan didn't care.

"I'm not sure who they are."  Yu Hao said trying to get himself away but unable to.

"We already told you our names silly.  He is just joking with you." The clingiest one said flipping her hair again and playfully patting him on the arm.

Miss do you have the right to touch someone else's boyfriend.  If he yanked her hand away would he be expelled? Probably.

"We were just inviting Yu Hao to an after party at our house after the game tomorrow.  Of course other team members can come to." Another of the girls said.

"You will come won't you Yu Hao." The third and finally girl was whispering it to close to Yu Hao ear getting too close for Zi Xuan liking.  Yu Hao looked pained and was trying in earnest to remove the ladies from his body.

Zi Xuan leaned his shoulder on the wall and said. "I should probably go and sit down. It was a pleasure to meet you ladies."  He said with a grimace. "I think I overdid it today." Leaning over to rub his knee.

Zi Xuan words and action implied that he was in pain. That had a greater effect than he knew on his boyfriend.   Yu Hao instantly snapped to attention and detangled himself from the young ladies arms before Zi Xuan could finish his sentence. Yu Hao was instantly by his side with a worried expression.

"I knew you didn't look right when you walked over here. Didn't I tell you to slow down earlier when you were all over the place? Can you walk do you need me to carry you." Yu Hao came over to Zi Xuan to assess him.   He then put his arm around Zi Xuan and gingerly began walking him to an empty classroom.

Zi Xuan for his part tried to hide the smile on his face by forging another pained expression. He didn't have to look back at the girls to see the shocked looks that were probably on all of their faces.  

They were so smug thinking they had Yu Hao undivided attention. They didn't know what an attentive boyfriend Yu Hao was to him.

Cheng En was just shocked because he was with Zi Xuan for most of the day and this was the most walking that they did today and he never once mentioned that his knee was bothering him.   Confused Cheng En followed them to the classroom.

Zhen Wen and Zhen Wu was shocked that the manager had that kind of power over their friend.  They gave each other a look and thought the same thought that Yu Hao is so whipped. They shook their heads and walked away. Leaving the girls standing there with looks of disappointment on their faces wondering what just happened.

Once in the classroom.  Yu Hao sat Zi Xuan down and began to gently massage his knee.  As always when Zi Xuan was in pain all other thoughts left Yu Hao mind other than to fix the his boyfriend pain.

Now that Yu Hao harem disappeared Zi Xuan no longer had to forge his pain. After about ten minutes of Yu Hao massage Zi Xuan said, "It's better now Yu Hao. You have such magic hands." trying to sound believable as he pulled his leg away.

Yu Hao lifted his hands off and stood up. "Are you sure?" Never seeing the pain go away so soon.

"I'm positive." Zi Xuan said trying not to feel to guilty about lying about the pain.

"Good so you're better. That's great." Yu Hao frowned, "We have to talk. I have been meaning to say something about it before but now I think I should." Yu Hao said soberly.

Oh no, Zi Xuan thought,  Yu Hao realized he was tricked. He should just confess now to get it over with, "Before you say anything I know…" Zi Xuan began standing up and walking to Yu Hao.

"My mother knows about us." Yu Hao said at the same time as Zi Xuan.

"What?" Zi Xuan exclaimed stopping in his tracks.

"What?" Yu Hao said with a shocked expression.

Yu Hao let out a breath. "You know already. Did Zhen Wen tell you or Zhen Wu?  Did my face gave it away? I guess I was worrying for nothing."

"Wait No I didn't know about your mother.  Zhen Wen knows." Zi Xuan was still extremely confused he began to pace.

"But you just said I know before I even said anything. You weren't talking about that." Yu Hao was now confessed he sat down in the nearest chair looking puzzled.

"No I wasn't." Zi Xuan was getting frustrated by the minute.

"Than what were you talking about knowing?"

Zi Xuan turned to face him. "Yu Hao is that even remotely important right now."

"Wait a minute Yu Hao you told your mother you are dating Xuan. I didn't even introduce my family to Xiao until we dated for a year. Mostly because I was afraid my family would scare her away but you get the idea." Cheng En coming into view and taken a seat next to Yu Hao.

Zi Xuan stop pacing and voice the question. "How did auntie take the news?"

"I don't know." Yu Hao said in a small voice with his head down.

"I'm sorry what don't you know." ZI Xuan heard him but couldn't understand what he meant.

"I don't know what her reaction was she didn't give one." Yu Hao said with a shrug.

"Why not?"

"She left four days ago." Yu Hao mumbled.

"Wait Yu Hao you said your mother left home four days ago." Cheng En was more shocked by that statement than anything else.

Zi Xuan didn't have time to be shocked he needed the whole story.  "So you told your mother something this important four days ago without telling me or talking to me about it.  So why tell me now." He couldn't hide the sadness and disappointment from his voice.

Yu Hao hearing it in his voice got up and backed hugged him.  "It's not like that Xuan. She surprised me with asking me all of these repaid fire question all at once.  First she wanted to talk about the engraving on the bracelet."

"I have been meaning to ask you about that Yu Hao where did you get that done.  I want to get one for Xiao Xiao for our anniversary."

Ignoring Cheng En completely Yu Hao turned Zi Xuan around in his arms to face him and continued. "Then she went on and on about a one sided love, a girl with a boyfriend, a family that were snobs."

"Your family is kind of snobbish Xuan."

"Shut up Cheng En." Zi Xuan gave Yu Hao a slight squeeze to continue.

"I kept telling her it was complicated just let it go but she keep digging in there. She finally brought up that fact that she was a single parent and maybe she was hindering my opportunities.  That's when it came out like word vomit." Yu Hao sat down hard in the chair disgusted with himself and the situation.

"I still don't understand.  I thought auntie liked me from my last visit."  Zi Xuan sat down as well.

"Oh I didn't mention you to her."

"What did you say to her then."

"That I was in love with a guy. I didn't get a chance to say anything else she got up and walked out with her bags."

LOL LOL HA HA 555555 Cheng En laughed so hard he fell out his chair.  Even more glad now that he decided to follow them instead of going to boring old fourth period.  This was so much more entertaining.

"He Cheng En this is not funny."   Zi Xuan was getting irate with his best friends.

"No Xiao it's hilarious.  Yu Hao mother must have all kinds of thought running in her head right now.  Of some perverted old man seducing her only innocent baby into the world of sin. "

"I didn't seduce Yu Hao into anything." Zi Xuan venomously denied as if Mrs. Xia was right there listening.

"No my friend we all know who seduced whom.  Hell he continues to seduce you every day if that scene in the hall was any indication."

"What scene in the hall?" Yu Hao questioned.

"Nothing Cheng En is just talking out of his butt again.  It's nothing. We should get back to your mother problem. Do you at least know where she is?" Trying to change the subject from that line of questioning.

"Of course I know where she is. She is at my Nana's farmhouse.  More than likely doing back breaking labor from sun up to sun down.  Every summer when my mama sent me to Nana's that old lady would make me do farm work. 'Doing hard work make you grow and helps the mind' she would tell me.  Now that I'm older I'm pretty sure that Nana only said that to try to justify working your grandchild without pay for the whole summer."

"Ok good.  Asked your mother to come home so that we can talk to her face to face. So we can alleviate her worry."

"do you really mean that Xuan?" Yu Hao hugged Zi Xuan again this time it was a happy hug.  "I should have just talked to you about this sooner. "

Zi Xuan pulled back and asked.  "Why didn't you tell me? Knowing you left me out hurt. You even told the Zhen brothers but not me."

"Now that I think about it the reason seems so stupid.  I wanted to handle it on my own so that when I invited you over next time it would be for and official meeting of my boyfriend and my mother.   I thought that would be a nice surprise for you. I still don't know why I told dumber and dumber before you. They were no help. I was also afraid to tell you."

"Afraid. Do I scare you Yu Hao? Am I scary too you?" That shocked Zi Xuan more than any other of the statements.

"Not afraid of you per say.  Afraid that you would break up with me in some misguided attempt to make me happy. Thinking that I would be happy without you in my life would be your ultimate mistake."

"I promise I won't ever breakup with you.   I mean, you are the mama's boy. Maybe I just want you to be happy with your mother even if that would be away from me."

"See that sentence right there. Don't ever say it again. Alright I'm off."  Yu Hao lean in and kissed Zi Xuan on the cheek before saying. "I will let you know when my mom wants to meet you. Bye"

Cheng En and Zi Xuan watched as he ran out the room.  "So Xuan what's your plan."

He turned sad panic eyes on Cheng En. "I don't have a plan.  I'm flying blind here. What do I say to her to make her truth her son with me?  What can I tell her to accept me into the family? Do I even want to get accepted into the family? I do love Yu Hao but if he had to choose his only parent or me would I be that selfish?  Do I have a right to keep him forever? Will she even accept the invitation to talk or am I just building up false hope?"

"Wow ok that was too many questions at once I didn't hear any of them." Cheng En shook his head and said.

Putting his face in his hands. "What do I do Cheng En?" Zi Xuan said miserably.

"What kind of express is this?  Why did you tell him so confidently that you would talk to her?"

Zi Xuan pleaded "Did you see the look in his eyes? He is breaking without his mother. The confident pose Yu Hao we grown to love is fading and being replace by that.   He doesn't have to worry about me breaking up with him. Who is stopping him from crumbling under the pressure and leaving me?"

Throwing up his hands, "Ok you win. Just be honest with her. Elders love that. Tell her you won't do anything intimate until his 18th birthday or something like that.  Don't' give me that look you want her to trust you of not."

"Not by lying to her." Boy Scout Zi Xuan even comes out now.

"I think you have a little bit more self-control than that Xuan." Cheng En punching Zi Xuan in the arm.

"It's not me I'm worried about Cheng En." Giving him a meaningful look.

"Oh right you are talking about horn dog Yu Hao.  You shouldn't be so attractive Xuan. Boy can't keep his hands off that sexy body. "

"You wish you had what I have." Zi Xuan said assuredly.

"I don't know with great muscles comes great responsibility.  I would like to be able to talk to my girlfriend sometime and not be jumped by her at every opportunity."

"Just say you are jealous when you are."

"Fine you're right. I'm jealous. I'm filled with the green stuff jealous.  Are you better now and back to normal?"

"Yes. I'm better now.  Let's go to class." Zi Xuan grabbed Cheng En arm and left the room.

********************************************************************

The invitation to meet with Mrs. Xia at Yu Hao house came too soon for Zi Xuan liking.  Two days was not enough time to settle his mind.

He kept moving the bouquet of daisy that he brought from hand to hand in a nervous gesture.  He adjusted his glasses for the fifth time since reaching the door. He knew he was procrastinating. Everything was riding on this. His hopes, his dreams, his future, and his happiness all rested on the outcome of this meeting.  No pressures though.

Taking deep calming breaths he raise his hand to knock and the front door swung open before he got a chance to.

Yu Hao was there with a big smile on his face. "I saw you out the window. I was waiting. Come in."

Zi Xuan cautiously walked inside of the house. "I don't see your mother is she here. Did I arrive early? Should we make it another day?"

Yu Hao can sense Zi Xuan nervousness.  Yu Hao was trying to remain calm himself and now he needed to be strong for Zi Xuan as well. He had the smile on his face despite the fact that he haven't talked to his mother since she arrive home yesterday.    He really had no idea what she is thinking or what the outcome will be to this meeting he will just try to remain optimistic for Zi Xuan sake.

This had to be one of the things Yu Hao found so endearing about Xuan.  He is the strong Manager always in change and always take control of the situation 95% of the time but the other 5% he leans on Yu Hao for strength.  He loves to be needed by him. Guiding Zi Xuan to the couch he sat him down and laid the flower on the table and sitting next to him.

Yu Hao gaze was fascinated by Zi Xuan beautiful face. He could never get tired of just looking at him.  Yu Hao put his hand up and stroked the side of Zi Xuan face.

"Zi Xuan." He murmured. "It will be all right.  My mom loves me and I'm sure that she will love you to because I love you."

Zi Xuan closed his eyes and took a deep breath turning his face into Yu Hao offered palm.  Yu Hao tended to have a calming effect on him when he get rattle like this.

Yu Hao took this opportunity to lower his head closer to Zi Xuan and kiss him. It wasn't a hungry kiss just a I'm here with you kiss.  That seems to be the motivation Zi Xuan needed to continue. He opened his eyes and offered Yu Hao a smile. Leaning his forehead on Yu Hao he felt calm for the first time in days.

"Yu Hao is that him." They instantly pulled apart and seat on the opposite ends of the couch when the voice came from the other room.

"Yes mom he's here." Yu Hao said.

"Good." Mrs. Xia stepped out of the kitchen with a plate of cookies. "Yu Hao dear go in your room and let us talk for a minute."

He moved closer to Zi Xuan and grabbed his hand.  "Mom I would rather stay here with Zi Xuan."

"That's nice dear.  But you aren't going to so go in your room."

Zi Xuan squeezed Yu Hao hand.  "Do what you mothers said. I'll be alright" Yu Hao got such a frown on his face and started pouting.   

"But."

"Go."

"Fine. I will be right in there." Pointing toward his room as he walked into it.

"Shut the door. Hao." The door slammed shut.

"He tries to act grown but sometime he is still a kid." Since Zi Xuan agreed with her he smiled at that statement.

Until she turned back to him all traces of a smile left his face.. "ZI Xuan so you are the one my son is in love with."

"Yes Mrs. Xia."

She was quiet for a minute. "Do you love him as well?"

"Yes Mrs. Xia."

"This could be a phase that both of you are going thought. You are just confusing love with lust.  Yu Hao has never had a real father figure and is seeing a father in you. While I heard from Yu Hao you never dated before him. Maybe if you didn't spend so much time together it won't be love." She argued.

"Mrs. Xia it's not just lust that I feel for Yu Hao.  He is smart, warm and very caring. And it's not a phase that I am going through.  Yes this is the first time I'm dating someone but I can assure you that I care deeply for him. " Zi Xuan tried to make her understand.

"What's to say that you won't break his heart and leave him the second you find a girl? Or leave him when it gets to hard or for the sake of appearance. You are both man how can you think to be together. It's just wrong.  You are older you should know better."

"I am older so I know myself very well.   I was raised in a loving household. I feel that you can love whoever you want and gender is never an issue. Love crosses all borders."

"What happens when people that find two man together as unnatural voice their concerns. I don't want my Yu Hao hurt because others dont agree with this."

"I can tell you this Mrs. Xia. I will protect Yu Hao from any harm."

"What if no matter what you say I still tell you no? I don't agree with this. This will never be a forever love."

Zi Xuan knew it would come to this.  "It too late for me to let him go now Mrs. Xia.   I love him too much. I can't imagine a future without him in it.    If I didn't feel so strongly about him and my love for him. I wouldn't have tried to talk to you about it. I came here knowing the risk of you forbidding us from being together but I took the chance for love. " Zi Xuan bowed to Mrs. Xia.  "Auntie please allow me to date Yu Hao. I promised that I will take care of him and make him happy."

With his head bow Zi Xuan didn't see the smile that come over her face after his empowered speech.  "Get up Zi Xuan. I approve of you." Zi Xuan looked up at her stunned.

"What."  

"Mom are you serious." Yu Hao said coming out of his room.

"Yes honey. Boys I learned three important things by being on the farm for a week.  One I can't' live with my mother anymore she is a busy body. Two I can't live on farms anymore. Its' too much work all day and night. I hate the smell and I despise cows. Three I will never stop loving my baby."

"So you are ok that I love Zi Xuan. "

"I never really had a problem with it sweetie."

"Yeah you did.  You ran off to Nana the same day."

"Sweetie I never cared who you loved. My worry is whether the person loves you. You love like I love honey with your whole heart.  You give 110 percent to whoever is lucky enough to have you. I was worry that whoever you choose wouldn't love you the same way. Only willing to put in 50 percent into the relationship and dumped you when the going gets rough.    I feel Zi Xuan sincerity for you so I approve of your relationship."

"Mommy." Yu Hao hugged his mother. "Thank you. "

Zi Xuan whole being was humble by Mrs. Xia words, "thank you Mrs. Xia."

"None of that now.  You are my son as much as Yu Hao is my son now. Call me Auntie."

"OK Auntie."

"Enough of all of this wishy washy stuff."  Wiping tears from her eyes with a tissue. "I have to get ready for work. I took my week long vacation from reality and it sucked big time."

The smile didn't leave Yu Hao face even after his mother went to work 15 minutes later.  Neither of them said anything, to into their own thoughts.

"I guess I made a mountain out of a mule hill."

"We both did.  Your mother is pretty cool."

"I know right. She takes after me. All of this stressing has made me hungry.  Let's eat something."

Yu Hao walked into the kitchen and started taking some fruit and sushi out of the fridge.  Zi Xuan followed and sat at the table. Yu Hao sat a pitcher of water and two cup on the table, placed the sushi on the table and began to cut up apple into slices.

"Did you mean what you say to my mother?" Yu Hao asked as he grabbed and apple with a fork and passed it to Zi Xuan.

"Which part?" Zi Xuan asked as he took a bite out of the apple.

"I don't know the part where you will love me forever.  You Love me too much and you can't image a future without me. That part." Yu Hao popped and apple in his mouth.

ZI Xuan almost crocked on the apple piece.  "You heard all of that." Yu Hao got up and wrapped his arms around ZI Xuan neck.

"Yes every word.  I didn't think it was possible to love you more than I already did but you my love changes and grows for you every day." He laid a kiss on Zi Xuan cheek before sitting back down.

"God Hao your love for me always leaves me speechless."

"Could you give me the tuna sushi over there." Zi Xuan lifted up the place and passed it to Yu Hao.  "Put the plate down special. Just lift up one sushi and feed it to me."

"Feed it to you."

"Yes put it in my mouth.  Ahhhh." Yu Hao leaned over the table and opened his mouth wide.

Zi Xuan hesitated a little before shrugging his shoulder and lifting up a tuna sushi.

Zi Xuan gently placed the sushi into Yu Hao mouth. As he was pulling his hand away. Yu Hao hand grasped his wrist in such a fast move Zi Xuan didn't know how to react.

As Yu Hao chewed the food his mouth he never lost eye contact with Zi Xuan. He remained leaned over with an intense stare until he swallowed.

Chewing a piece of fish should not be this intense Zi Xuan thought as he began to pull his arm back.  Before he could pulled his arm back more than a centimeter. Yu Hao mouth latched on to his index finger and started to suck the sushi trance off his finger. Yu Hao stare never change as his tongue licked all over the finger.



Yu Hao let go of the finger and licked his lips." I almost missed the best part."

Zi Xuan was stunned as he brought his arm back to his side of the table.

"You should try one Xuan. They are pretty tasty."

No response. Zi Xuan just stared at him.

"Come on you have to try it." Yu Hao moved his chair around the table until they were side by side.  Yu Hao picked up a sushi and held it in front of Zi Xuan mouth. "Open your mouth and say ahh."



"Ahh." Why is Zi Xuan following Yu Hao every order as if he was under a spell.  Zi Xuan chewed the piece in his mouth never taking his eyes off of him.

Yu Hao on the other hand was now focused on Zi Xuan lips as he chewed.  Yu Hao grasped Zi Xuan face in between his hands.





Zi Xuan could feel Yu Hao warm breath heating his lips as he got closer. "I want to see if it taste like mine." Yu Hao covered his mouth with a kiss.  His hunger was apparent in the way that he consumed his lips. Moaning softly and pushing his tongue between Zi Xuan lips, sweeping it all around until being released.

When he broke off Yu Hao smile and sat back and said, "Delicious." Before grabbing another kind of sushi and popping that one in his mouth.  "Do you know I made this sushi fresh today? For it to be good you should use fresh ingredient. I got the fish from the farmers market today."

Zi Xuan shouldn't find talks about fish and sushi arousing but coming from Yu Hao it was.  Zi Xuan hand snaked out and grabbed the back of Yu Hao neck. Pulling Yu Hao closer he nuzzled his neck and gave him small nips that sent chills of pleasure racing through them both.  Zi Xuan kissed along his neck before he captured Yu Hao lips in a searing kiss.  Kissing him deeply. Yu Hao wanted more his tongue parted Xi Xuan lips and  flowed into his mouth.  Zi Xuan moaned and arched closer to him.

The both pulled away out of breathe.  Taking deep breaths in trying to grasp for air.



Yu Hao smile pulled away and ate another apple. "Never had someone get excited about me talking about cooking before. Let me find out I discovered one of your kinks Xuan. What else are you into whip and chains?"

Zi Xuan grabbed another sushi looked at Yu Hao. "Wouldn't you like to know?" popping it into his mouth.

"I do want to know that's why I'm asking. I have to do some research and do some shopping. Are you into role playing too?"

Zi Xuan stuffed a sushi into Yu Hao mouth. "Shut up and eat the fish."

"So you do like roleplaying."

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Authors Note: I meant to update sooner but my whole house ended up getting sick. I'm still coughing as i write this. So if its alot of mistakes i apologize.

**There is not alot of skinship in this chapter i know because i plan on making the next chapter something fun. That is something to look forward too.

***If anyone is curious about the song Yu Hao was singing in the kitchen at the beginning. It was BTS Idol. I have become crazy about that song recently.

****If you are wondering about the picture of the two guys that are not Fandy and Zach. Well you know about them as much as i do. I just found their picture online and it looked like the scene i wanted. If you do know who they are please let me know.