[Fic] Perennial - EXO - 3/3

[coley_merrin]

Title: Perennial
Pairing: Kris/Yixing
Rating: R (this part)
Genre: AU, reincarnation, romance
Warnings: Past life death/angst, sexual situations

Summary: The perennial flower dies, or so it seems. But at its root, it lives. When the seasons change, the flower, the leaves, that come back are not the same. But somehow they are.



***

The window was gone out of the door, he thought. But he hadn't rolled it down. It was funny. The glass he rolled between his fingers. The sirens.

People he didn't recognize, asking him if he was okay. He said yes, because of course he was. He was awake. He hurt. He had to get back to Yixing. His eyes closed for a moment, hand lifting to his forehead. It shook, and he stared at it. He pushed at his door, and was told to stay still, but he needed out. The car had been hit, and he couldn't stay in it. He had mental images of cars exploding, or other cars crashing into it, and he couldn't stay still.

It was a moment, when he wondered why the ambulance was there, when he realized it was there for him. He looked to the other car, the car that had hit him. The driver of that car was sitting beside it. A man, his face bloody.

"Here, sir, sit," a paramedic told him, and got him off his shaking knees.

"Why am I shaking?" he asked.

His head hurt.

"I'll check you out," the paramedic said. "You might be going into shock. But you're alert, and can stand, so that's good. Just relax. Are you having any pain?"

He answered all the paramedic's questions and watched with hollow eyes, as the other driver was checked out.

He spotted movement, tracking it to the side. And then, around the back of his car, Yixing. Yixing in his silver shirt, and wild eyes. He was okay, he just had to say it. He just wanted to touch-

He nearly sat forward, would have had the paramedic not stopped him.

"Yixing."

"Kris."

Yixing looked like he was the one who'd been in a car accident, his face so serious and grim, breath coming in gasps. Hands hovering at his sides as though he wanted to reach for something, but wasn't sure he should.

"I'm okay," Kris said, as though Yixing had asked. He thought he was okay. He was pretty sure. His face made a strange motion that almost felt like a smile, tried to be. And Yixing copied him, almost down to the muscle. Only it was so much prettier on Yixing's face than what he imagined it was on his. All the tension he'd been holding seemed to leech from him as Yixing's hand covered his.

Yixing. He'd needed Yixing.

"I'm glad. I saw the car-"

Yixing sounded choked. He just wanted to touch.

"I was coming back," Kris said. He just had to say it. He'd been coming back for Yixing.

"Do you know him?" the paramedic asked, and Kris wanted to tell him yes. This was Yixing, and Yixing was…his.

"I'm his friend."

"Has he been drinking?"

"No. No, he was with me, so I know he wasn't drinking."

"He hit me," Kris said. "His light was red."

"I know, sir. The police will take your statement."

The neck brace they put on him was awful, and he couldn't see Yixing. His head hurt. He closed his eyes against the light, and squeezed Yixing's hand.

"How did you know what happened?" he asked after a moment, trying to peer down his face. Yixing moved closer, and Kris relaxed a bit.

"I went back in for a while. I heard sirens and didn't even think- I was still talking at you in my head. But I saw the lights, and I walked down a little ways to see what happened, and saw your car. Kris."

"M'not dead," he declared.

"And you'd better not be any time soon," Yixing commanded him.

"Are you cold?"

Forgetting his hand was still in Yixing's, he tried to lift it, to touch Yixing's arm.

"I'm fine. They'll be taking you to the hospital soon, so. Are you cold?"

He felt like his whole body was vibrating, but he didn't feel particularly cold. But maybe when Yixing mentioned it…

There was murmuring, and a blanket was put over him, and straps holding down.

"Getting your seatbelt on," the paramedic told him. "It's just a short ride to the hospital."

"Okay."

But he looked at Yixing, and didn't know what to ask him. Yixing stared back at him, and then up at the paramedic.

"Can I ride with you?"

"Of course."

He wasn't sure which of them were more relieved, but was fairly certain it was him.

***

They had him resting on a bed. The ambulance ride, the x-rays, finally getting the damn brace off.

He'd known the daze had mostly worn off, when he started actually thinking again.

"My wallet? Cell phone?"

"They're here. Don't worry," Yixing said.

"The other driver?"

"That I don't know. But he was walking when I was there, so?"

Kris had been, too. If they both walked away, that was something. And when the doctor had come by, the nurses, Yixing had still been with him.

"We'd like someone with you, just to check up on you now and then. At least for a while until you're sure you're doing all right."

Yixing was nodding even before Kris looked at him. "I can stay with you, if that's okay."

Anything to get him out of the hospital.

***

"You don't have to stay," he told Yixing, as they rode the elevator up to Kris's apartment.

"I do. For me, I do. Unless you're going to bar me from coming in."

His skin felt itchy and wrong, but he accepted Yixing's decision, sharing a smile with him before they made their way to the doorway. He was trying to think steps in advance, while at the same time feeling exhausted. He dug into his drawers, unearthed pajamas.

"If you want to shower…" he offered, trailing off. He could at least make Yixing comfortable. Again that itchy feeling, like his hands couldn't stay still. He touched the bandage on his forehead, and waited for Yixing to close the bathroom door behind himself.

Sehun sounded groggy when Kris called him, but it was the first thing he could think to do when he got home. With the shower running, he was blankly staring around his room with nothing to do but wait. He could have slept, Yixing wouldn't have minded. Yixing.

But Sehun sounded progressively more awake, as Kris told him what had happened. The sounds of horror and immediate demands to know if Kris was okay.

"I'm okay. Well, they think maybe a concussion, but nothing's broken. I'm going to need another car, just something used like what I had. If you get a chance tomorrow-"

"Yeah, sure. I can see what I can find for you. I won't expect to see you tomorrow, but I'll call if I need to. Are you supposed to be alone with a concussion?"

"I'm not alone. Yixing is here."

There was a pause, before Sehun spoke again. "Ohh. I see."

"You don't see. He was there right after, and- Look, I'll tell you later. Just look for me a car, okay?"

"Yeah, I will. Feel better, and I'll call if there are problems. You suck, by the way."

"Yeah, you suck, too. Sehun… Thanks. And sorry for waking you up."

By the time he'd hung up, the shower had turned off, and he looked up at the door. Not because he was trying to look through it. He was almost too tired, though not quite, to appreciate that Yixing was naked behind that door. In his apartment. And despite the fact that Yixing was there, he knew they hadn't resolved anything. If anything, that hurt more than his head did, and he ran a hand across his stomach as though that would erase the sick feelings that came when he remembered the hurt that had crossed Yixing's face. He knew Yixing cared. He'd appeared at Kris's side, and stayed with him.

He'd fallen for Kris. A handsome face and tender eyes, and capable hands.

Kris had fallen for Yixing.

He waited, emotion squirming through him as Yixing emerged in Kris's pajamas. Too big, and his hair a bit fluffy from being washed, but he looked like everything Kris had ever dreamed of. No, not those dreams. His own.

He reached, and Yixing stepped forward in confusion. And then with surprise as he realized what Kris was trying to do. But instead of denying him, Yixing wrapped his arms around Kris's torso and leaned into him. Maybe he thought Kris needed a hug, or maybe he needed the contact to relieve some of the stress, or maybe he wanted to hug Kris. It didn't matter, and it did. Yixing was slender and solid and warm in Kris's arms, and he wondered why he hadn't done that when they had been at the nursery. Just being close to Yixing wasn't a revelation, but it was so real, so tangible. And Kris inhaled.

The laugh kind of rumbled up and he could feel Yixing's curiosity in the movement of his head.

"You smell like me. My shampoo, I mean," Kris said. Smelled like him, dressed in his clothes.

"Thanks for letting me borrow some," Yixing said, his voice an odd note, as though he wasn't sure what emotion he was going for. Maybe he read the tightness in Kris's body, the anxiety, anticipation.

He ran his hand down Yixing's back and felt a tremble, and wasn't sure if it was from him or Yixing. But he kept his hand there, even as he leaned back, needing to see Yixing's face.

"I'm sorry for earlier."

"Don't worry about that now."

"I need to," Kris said. "I didn't get to tell you a lot of things."

Yixing shook his head, confused. "I didn't really expect it to be a crisis. I thought maybe you hoped one day we'd both just think, oops, we're dating."

"I was going to- Here." Instead of letting go, he squeezed Yixing's waist and got a surprised grunt and wide eyes meeting his. "I want to date you. You're the reason I couldn't stay away, Yixing."

Yixing's eyes closed briefly as Kris stroked his back, a little self-deprecation in his tone. "How hard did you hit your head again?"

The laugh exploded out of him. "Not that hard."

Yixing considered him, fingertips brushing Kris's jaw, before curling at his collarbone. "I wondered if it was possible. Then I saw your car I- All I could think was that I'd lost you."

"You were the first thing I thought of."

And Yixing sighed against him. Hope, and reservation both as he met Kris's eyes.

"It's still strange, but… I wanted to say yes. Let's go on date."

Yixing's voice was thick, and it had him squeezing his eyes closed. Yixing. He leaned closer, making Yixing sway into him. And he breathed Yixing's name, and felt what almost could have been a shiver as they squeezed each other.

"How about tonight? I mean, today, tonight," Kris said, fumbling his words in his haste. "As soon as possible."

Yixing hummed. "I think it's my turn to take you out. Or…I'll take you to dinner. You can take me to a movie after."

"Agreed." And a half-formed plan from earlier solidified, one he could not shake. "Actually. Do you mind if we make that lunch?"

He had a place he needed to take Yixing, and it could not be done late at night. He needed to see Yixing's face when they were there, and suddenly the thought thrilled him. They hadn't even slept and he was eager to go.

"I'm supposed to work tomorrow, but I can see if I can switch with a coworker," Yixing said, not even noting how late it was. Yixing sighed, resting his forearms on Kris's shoulders. "So tall."

"You like that?" Kris asked.

Yixing gathered him in, tight and close, their knees knocking and chests brushing as they breathed together. A question in Yixing's eyes that Kris answered with the tilting of his head. Yixing's lips were so soft, firming against his, smiling against his. Yixing's fingers were in his hair, and his hands spread at Yixing's waist, sliding up his ribs. Skin so warm even through the shirt. One more kiss, one more second, and he'd have pressed a hand under to feel Yixing's skin.

But Yixing's finger hit a sore spot on his head, and he hissed against Yixing's mouth, and Yixing pulled away in apology. Fingers skimming Kris's hair, and cupping his cheek.

"You like that, too?"

He heard the throaty little chuckle as Yixing pressed his face against Kris's neck. "I do."

"Me too."

The thoughts that crossed his mind ranged from filthy to filthier, but it was so laced with happiness even with the weight of his own exhaustion that was pressing on him. He hurt, was tired, and Yixing was warm and smelled like dryer sheets and his shampoo. They fit. In all the ways they had tried, they fit.

"We should sleep," Kris murmured, and it was reluctance that he squeezed Yixing hard, before letting Yixing find his own balance as they pulled away.

Yixing squinted at the clock. Almost four in the morning. "Oh. Yeah, maybe I'm definitely not working. Maybe it'll be a late lunch?"

"Sehun knows I won't be in, too. So that sounds good to me."

Kris dragged down the covers on his side of the bed, when Yixing made a sound and darted out to the living room. He came back holding one of the couch pillows.

"Maybe holding this will keep your stomach from hurting too much," Yixing said. Thinking ahead of him, as usual. But Yixing waved him back, turning off all the lights and asking if he needed anything besides water at his bedside, before joining Kris on the bed. The mattress sagged beneath Yixing's weight, just a bit. And Kris let his back relax, his shoulders, only half holding back the groan as things popped and stretched and gave.

"Do you need me to rub your back down again?" Yixing asked, touching his shoulder.

"I don't think I could stand it," Kris admitted. "I think I just need sleep. I might take you up on on that later."

"Anytime."

And after a moment's hesitation, Yixing slid closer, stroking Kris's arm before linking their fingers together. If he turned his head he could almost smell Yixing's hair, but just knowing he was there, touching him, was relaxation in itself. If he had kissed away some of Yixing's fears, perhaps he'd kissed away some of his own as well.

"Sleep well," Yixing said.

Kris thought he replied. But he was asleep too soon to know.

***

Yixing woke him a couple of times to check him as the doctor had recommended. He sank back to sleep just as easily each time, Yixing's hand on his shoulder, or gently rubbing his hand. Moving /hurt./ His shoulder, stomach, neck and back. He turned his head, to see Yixing asleep on the next pillow. Yixing was turned toward him, a hand tucked up near his face. It made him forget his pain for a moment, smiling. Though he didn't turn, not wanting to hurt, and not wanting to wake Yixing, either. It was morning, some variety of morning, but he was in no rush to start the day. He only vaguely remembered Yixing saying he'd texted his coworker, and things were fine.

He wanted to run his fingers, his lips, down the curve of Yixing's cheek. Make that pretty mouth pout for him, see it flushed with kisses. He shuddered a bit inside, and realized how far he'd fallen. Yixing should've been angry with him, but he'd come back down. Yixing never should've been beside him that night, but he had been. It wasn't a dream, or a sign. It just was, and it felt right. He'd almost fallen back asleep, when he heard Yixing take a long inhale. And it was his pleasure to watch Yixing wake, fingers flexing and mouth pursing, before his eyes opened.

It took him a moment to realize Kris was looking back at him, because his eyes first went to Kris's chest - as though to make sure he was still breathing. Happiness sort of spilled through him, mouth already tugging into a smile by the time Yixing's lips had curved.

"Good morning," he said, and cleared his throat when that came out a bit of a croak.

"Good morning," Yixing said, pushing up on one elbow. The strap of the tank top Kris had loaned him sagged, leaving almost his full collarbone and shoulder bare. His eyes were definitely not on Yixing's. "How are you feeling?"

He tightened his stomach experimentally. Yeah, it hurt and way worse than when he'd started sleeping. "Like someone sideswiped my car."

"Oh," Yixing said, touching Kris's arm. "Did you want something for the pain? Tea?"

"Yeah. But I can get up. Need to get up."

Needed to make sure he wasn't broken, more. That and he had his eye on the bathroom.

But his eyes caught on Yixing, all naked arms, and perfect legs beneath the soft shorts. A thought, a memory, passed by him.

"Do you have marks on your side, three in a row, like Orion's belt?"

Yixing's hand rose, touching his ribs on the right side without Kris prompting him.

"I haven't been peeping in your window," Kris told him. "I saw them in dreams." Kissed them. "I was visiting you, and told you they marked you as a warrior."

Yixing chuckled. "Did I laugh you out of the apartment?"

"No," Kris said, and fully was aware what he was about to admit. "You rolled me over and tried to smother me with one of your pillows."

In Yixing's bed, Yixing pale and strong. They had been laughing together, Yixing with his hand in Kris's hair and tipping his face up to where he wanted it.

Kris had woken before their mouths could meet. It seemed he would find no fulfillment there.

"What color were the sheets?" Yixing asked.

He thought for a moment, trying to picture anything that wasn't Yixing. "I don't know. Neutral. The blanket was blue. There were green zigzags, because you were tracing them with your fingers."

"That's… That's right," Yixing said, eyes wide. "You had this dream recently?"

"No. Right after we met. Maybe, the day after you went to the site with me. I haven't had a dream like that in weeks. Not since you brought me the orchid."

And it startled him to realize it. He hadn't had a dream like that, maybe because his subconscious was done. Maybe because he hadn't needed them since he'd had Yixing with him.

He had never kissed Yixing in his dreams, not as a man. Because he'd been able to kiss Yixing in reality, if only he'd taken the chance. Letting Yixing out of the car, any of the times, he could've grabbed Yixing's arm, guided him back.

"It's kind of odd," Yixing said, stepping close. "When I saw you on the stretcher, your face was bloody, and I thought of the blood you told me about from your dream."

"As long as it was me bleeding," Kris said, and Yixing scowled.

"No, that's not how this works. Neither of us should be bleeding."

There was a smile on Yixing's face as Kris traced his jaw with his thumb, and Yixing's hands were in motion as well, massaging Kris's sides. But Yixing stilled, utterly, when Kris leaned in, pressing his lips to Yixing's cheek. Just as Yixing had once done to him.

"Oh," Yixing said on an exhale, almost vibrating against him. "Tease."

Kris chuckled. "We'll save that for…after. Anticipate it."

"Like I haven't been for weeks anyway," Yixing told him, his face half pouty. "But yeah."

"Weeks."

Yixing poked him. "You don't have to sound so pleased."

But he was beyond pleased.

"That means I was stupid for making us wait."

Yixing shook his head. "You're sure now, though?"

Kris nodded, and pulled Yixing close one more time. With his head against Yixing's, he assured him, "I couldn't be more sure."

Even relaxed against him, Yixing's voice was serious. "Then it was worth waiting for."

***

They took the subway to Yixing's apartment after Kris had gotten dressed. He wasn't going to lie, he took in Yixing's dark jeans and pretty blue shirt with interest. Then there was something in his hair that caused it to wave just slightly, and made Kris's fingers itch to touch and feel it between his fingers. An activity best suited for them staying in, and not going out. And he wanted, needed, to give Yixing a first date. To assure him that there was more between them than just a series of dreams for Kris, or internal struggles. He thought - he knew - Yixing wanted him. It was been readily apparent that morning, and probably all along, if he'd let himself see. But all of it came down to a single lunch, and wanting to make it perfect for the man in front of him.

He resisted the urge to rub his palms on his jeans. "Is it silly to be nervous?"

Yixing grinned, hefting his little backpack onto his shoulder. "Maybe only a little. Are you the same guy I went to eat last time with?"

"I think so," Kris said, wry as he followed Yixing out the door.

"Then you have nothing to be nervous about," Yixing told him. "I like that guy. I like that he tried, for me. Even when it was scary."

"And then he ran away."

Yixing hooked their arms together, as he had once done on a sidewalk before Kris had known for certain how they would end up. "But he came back."

***

Yixing had two weeks of stories from the nursery, anecdotes about his roommate, and cooking adventures. He'd seen Yixing be capable in the nursery, but it was another thought to imagine Yixing in the kitchen. Carefully picking through produce with his long fingers, studious with the knife and laughing as Kris teased him.

He could show Yixing his excellent skill with frying an egg and making it different every single time, and maybe kiss the yolk from his lips.

He'd had to swallow hard, around his lunch, just trying to get away from that image. Soon enough. And if Yixing followed his train of thought, he didn't mind. They were able to share a little bit more, about themselves.

Even if they did squabble over who was going to pay the bill, and he'd gotten Yixing's elbow to his still-sore stomach, and Yixing all but wrapped around him in apology.

"Does that mean you'll let me pay?" he whispered.

"No," Yixing said, patting his chest. "My job pays me just fine. Let me have the fun this time."

It made it more real, maybe. Watching Yixing tuck the receipt into his wallet, and walking together down the street to the theater just in time for the movie they'd chosen. He bought popcorn, and Yixing's drink, and spent the movie with his knee rubbing against Yixing's, and holding his hand when Yixing was done snacking.

Kris didn't dare look to see how butter had shined Yixing's lips, or how they molded to the straw. All he had to do was survive the movie without pulling Yixing onto his lap, and then survive getting to their destination. It itched through him, and he half wished they'd gone straight from lunch, but it would've meant he'd missed out hearing Yixing laugh, and in some way relaxing. They were good together. They had fun together. There was really only one other way they hadn't tried themselves in, but he didn't have many doubts there. Apprehensions, but not doubts.

And having the movie to discuss let him distract Yixing from exactly where they were going, for part of the trip at least.

Yixing craned his head around as the taxi drove them, maybe a ten minute drive to a part of the city Kris didn't get to very often. It would've been easier, if he'd had a car, but that was why there were taxis. And he tried to ignore the way Yixing's sneakers pushed at his ankle as though that would make him reveal his secret.

Even when they arrived, it wasn't obvious. He paid the driver, and led Yixing up a short walkway. The area was residential, and the home they approached was set up on a hill, but that wasn't where they were going. He took Yixing's hand with his left, and unlocked the wooden door.

"What do you think it is?" he asked Yixing.

"At this point, I don't know. A dragon? An amusement park?"

Kris chucked, and pushed the door in.

It was an enclosed garden, roughly the size of the house that sat beside it. But not a vegetable garden. It had several fountains, and pathways, and brimmed full of flowers.

"Oh. It's a secret garden," Yixing blurted, stepping forward so far that he nearly tugged their hands apart as Kris was kicking the door back shut.

"The owners use it as a little retreat," Kris said. "I did some work for them, on their house, and they invited me to come back any time. I called them to tell them I had someone I wanted to show this to a few days ago, so they lent me a key."

"It's amazing. Oh, the work that goes into a garden like this. Does this mean I'm Mary?"

Kris blinked at him, brain wondering what exactly he was asking until he caught up. "Oh. Only if I'm Colin."

"Of course." And a thought seemed to occur to Yixing. "Did you bring Joonmyun here?"

Kris hesitated, wondering if that was too much to admit, or if Yixing would take it the wrong way. But he had the truth. "Only professionally."

Yixing smiled. "Yes. I imagine he enjoyed this. But you thought to bring me here, so that's… That's more to me."

"I don't just associate you with flowers, you know," Kris said, and since they were surrounded by flowers and four walls, he pulled Yixing closer.

"You're making me feel like you're courting a princess," Yixing teased.

"Not a princess. I just didn't feel like I could do this at your work. And it's a bit nicer than at your doorstep."

His thumb traced Yixing's jaw, as Yixing's mouth dropped open.

"You're more sentimental than I thought."

But Yixing quieted, eyelids drooping, as he leaned forward to meet Kris's kiss. Yixing's mouth was everything he remembered, full, and giving. And he regretted pulling away even as he did it. Though the confused expression on Yixing's face delighted him.

"That's two," Kris said. But that wasn't all what he wanted. He had things to show Yixing. Dropping his head, and waiting. Waiting for Yixing to realize. For one of Yixing's arms to wrap around his neck and pull him in, and that was the kiss he'd been waiting for. Not polite, but still a bit exploring. Every line of Yixing's body, every insistent press of Yixing's mouth. Yixing was against him, and Yixing was gasping as Kris's teeth grazed his bottom lip. Exactly what he wanted, and what he needed. Not just a man. Yixing who wanted him. Who not only met his kisses, but countered them. When he was unsure, Yixing led the way. And Yixing quite literally held him up, when he would have staggered, catching them both before they sprawled into the flowers.

Careful, Yixing's grumble seemed to say. And Yixing's moan a moment later when Kris flicked his tongue on the inside of Yixing's teeth and invited him in. He wanted a wall to lean up against. Press Yixing into it, or let Yixing pin him like it seemed he was trying to.

Another stumble ended in a laugh, and Kris was the one who steadied Yixing that time. His mouth throbbed, and his eyes went to Yixing's. Wet and red and well-kissed.

"You want me," Yixing said, still sounding surprised even as breathless as he was. And when Kris's eyebrows raised, Yixing sputtered.

"I made you doubt," Kris said, both relieved that Yixing knew the truth, and regretful that he'd ever had cause to wonder.

"You made me hope," Yixing corrected.

“But knowing is different.”

Yixing laughed helplessly, gripping Kris's shirt. "Knowing is wonderful."

Wonderful was Yixing's arms tightening, and the kisses along his jaw. Kisses that, ultimately, led to Kris's mouth, and the almost involuntary tightening, that feeling of being drawn together. The tingling at the base of his spine, the almost overwhelming feeling of Yixing smiling against his mouth as Kris squeezed his neck. He didn't know how long they stood there, trading kisses, trading touches. Slowly drawn breaths and the press of lips, the tease of them. Finally ending on a laugh, as Yixing kissed his chin, and nipped it. It wasn't the place, for more. Not the time yet either. And Yixing's eyes were soft, and yet so alive. Picking up the light from the setting sun, humor crinkling in the corners of his eyes and his curving mouth.

"Now that was a kiss," Yixing murmured.

It'd felt more like immersion, like his skin had been waxed with a sheen of Yixing, even where Yixing hadn't touched. But he couldn't disagree.

"Let's see the rest of this before the light goes," Kris suggested. "You know, that first time you helped me out, you smiled at me."

Had smiled a very polite and greeting smile. But even in that, even with the blurred vision of his past love, Yixing had shone through.

"The first time you smiled, it looked like it was hurting you," Yixing admitted, avoiding Kris's eyes. "Walking around trying to be all cool through the nursery and showing me your work. But when you picked me up to take me to dinner the first time, your whole face changed. That was the first time I thought maybe you wanted more."

"Hoped I wanted more?" Kris asked.

"Yeah. How many hot guys walk in where you work and keep coming back?"

They walked together, arms brushing, his hands reaching for Yixing's shoulder or waist, as they toured the rest of the garden. Yixing told him about the flowers, and Kris listened politely. He didn't know if he'd remember much about rose types, or shady corners, but he knew he liked listening to Yixing's voice, and watching as Yixing got animated or incensed. Insisting he tell the owners that one hardy specimen was starting a decline.

Kris nodded very seriously. "I'll tell them. As soon as you write down what you're talking about, or they'll never know from what I have to say. Though I suspect I'll learn before long."

There had maybe been a small amount of smugness in Yixing's smile, which seemed to suggest Yixing agreed. He made a good teacher, at least. It helped they were in such a nice place.

"This isn't the most fun thing, but I need to visit my car," Kris mused as they locked the garden back up. "Get some stuff out of it anyway, or see what I need to do next. Did you want to go with me?"

"Sounds better than going home." And Yixing reached to take Kris's hand.

"Won't get sick of me?"

Yixing hummed, as though considering the possibility. "I guess we can see how long that takes. And if your dreams were right, you waited a lifetime or more. So if you get sick of me…"

"You're never going to let me forget that I needed a push and you didn't," Kris mused, latching the garden behind them.

And he could hear Yixing's smile in the cheerful, "Never!"

***

There was something stark and scary about seeing his car in the light of day. Sitting in the impound lot, which was where it had been taken, it looked sad and crumpled. The passenger door had been smashed in, glass broken out of it as well. From the impact, and not his head hitting it at least. The passenger door, where Yixing had been sitting only minutes before.

"You know, it's scary to think about," Kris said slowly. "If I hadn't botched things last night… Was it really just last night? If you'd come with me, what if-"

It could have been Yixing sitting there, the full brunt of the impact in his side. Instead of being dazed amidst broken class, he could have been looking over to see Yixing broken instead.

Yixing grabbed his arm, squeezed it, hard. "It doesn't do any good to think about that. Who knows. We might have stayed there and kissed all night. We don't know."

"If something worse was the alternative," Kris said, and cleared his throat when his voice came out too hoarse. "I'm glad it happened the way it did. At least you took the flower pot with you so it didn't break."

Yixing hummed. "I'll have to show it off at the nursery. A present from my-"

Yixing stopped abruptly. They blinked at each other, and Kris was glad to be the one not lost for words for once. "Your boyfriend?"

"Right."

"I know it's not quite small enough to wear for you to show off, but maybe next time…" Kris drug it out, waiting for Yixing to start to look a bit wary with narrowed eyes as though Kris were going to suggest crafting him a wooden necklace. "Next time we might go shopping for something."

He pretty much almost reached to catch Yixing to keep him from collapsing in laughter. "Unless you want a blue hunk of wood hanging around your neck," Kris joked against Yixing's ear.

"That's okay. It'd be from you. Just smaller, please."

He wanted to kiss Yixing then quite desperately, his cheeks a bit flushed, and eyes dancing. The middle of a police lot wasn't that place.

"Let's go before I get us arrested," Kris suggested.

And the once-over that Yixing pinned him with had heat rushing through him in the most pleasurable way.

"I got you a flower, and you made me a flower pot," Yixing mused once they were on the subway. "Will I have to buy you a hammer?"

"Will I have to build you a toolbox then?" And Yixing grinned. "You work tomorrow?"

"Closing shift," Yixing said. "Why?"

"I just wondered if you wanted to stay over. Just… To stay," Kris clarified. Not wanting to put pressure, on either of them. Him moving had kept him from feeling too stiff as the day went on, but he knew he wasn't going to be up for much play. Part of him might, but all the parts that had to move were definitely in favor of a good night's sleep and as little motion as possible.

"I can leave when you got to work, then," Yixing said. "I'll have plenty of time to get ready at home."

"And you won't have to worry about my poor aching head from a distance."

It sounded a bit pitiful but Yixing frowned. "Your head is hurting?"

"No. Not right now. But it could be. But hey, if you're staying, I guess that means I'm taking you to dinner."

"Or we could order in," Yixing suggested.

Ordering in sounded perfect.

***

Kris still wanted everything to be perfect for Yixing. Aware enough to think about how clean his apartment was, or how comfortable Yixing was. But Yixing had nearly pinned him down, leaning into him as they ate and relaxed. It had been a long day, even with sleeping late. A lot of emotions to process. A lot of wants.

A lot to process even then, as he nipped a bite of food out of Yixing's fingers and saw how Yixing's lips curved in satisfaction.

"I've never been more happy to see someone as I was to see you last night. Thank you for staying," Kris said, focusing on Yixing's eyes.

"I'm glad you weren't alone."

No. He wasn't alone. That knowledge was heat through his veins, along his skin. Not trying to move away, but happy to be holding on. It made him feel anchored, where pulling away from Yixing before had made him feel lost.

"Still not," he said, smiling a bit. And then making a soft sound, as Yixing kissed him. He wanted to kiss Yixing back, guide him closer, but the muscles in his neck protested, and Yixing seemed to sense his pain.

"Did you want me to massage you a bit tonight? You can shower, and I can help you relax."

They both avoided the fact that those words could be interpreted a couple of ways. But the way Yixing cleared his throat told Kris he definitely knew.

Still, Kris picked out the thinnest shirt he owned to change into after his shower. If he was getting Yixing's hands on him again - not for the last time he suspected - he was going to enjoy as much of it as he could. He didn't think Yixing would begrudge him that. But he put out a shirt and shorts for Yixing to use as well, and excused himself so he could bask in the relaxing heat of the shower.

He hadn't been back in the bedroom a minute, when Yixing poked his head in.

"Almost set?"

"Yeah," he said, and held out an arm for Yixing to walk into.

A Yixing squeeze, just what he'd been anticipating. And the way Yixing sighed, made him think that Yixing had been wanting that as well.

"If you put me to sleep, I won't be able to tell you goodnight," Kris warned, as they pulled apart and he eased onto the bed.

"That's the thought," Yixing told him. "Just relax."

He tried, anyway. At first tensing and trying to relax, as Yixing hit spots that were sore. But Yixing was cautious, just trying to soothe at first more than anything. Only time would heal part of it, but Yixing was at least getting him to where he could sleep.

"Does that feel okay?" Yixing asked softly, warm and strong hands kneading at his shoulders.

"Mmm. I like your hands on me."

Yixing laughed, the sound soft and bright and Kris felt Yixing lean over his back until Yixing's lips pressed just in front of his ear.

"They like being on you," Yixing told him, and successfully infused his body with a rolling wave of heat.

"So you were taking advantage of me the first time."

"Your shoulders were fascinating to me," Yixing said, and Kris relaxed to the sound of his voice. "And that was before I saw them all sleeveless and sweaty. But I didn't just want to date you for your body."

"Or my grimace." He got the feeling he was being laughed at again. "One day I'll do this for you."

"I'll enjoy that."

He made soft noises as Yixing continued, wobbling through consciousness and only capable of incoherent sounds of approval. Until he felt like putty. Painful still in places, but he wasn't moving unless Yixing moved him.

His eyes opened when he felt a soft kiss to the back of his neck. And his heart steadily picked up as Yixing moved away from him, and closed the bathroom door. Yixing, naked in his apartment again. The chuckle was a bit dirty, and he adjusted his head on his pillow.

He'd definitely fallen asleep, but woke to total darkness and the bed shifting a bit as Yixing arranged himself. He snuck out a hand, getting half a yelp as he closed his fingers around Yixing's arm.

"I thought you were sleeping," Yixing said, laughing. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

Kris hummed. "It's okay."

But a few more wriggles, and it seemed Yixing was satisfied, turning toward Kris and stroking the fingers holding onto him.

"You know, this is the first time I've ever stayed over with someone after a first date," Yixing said, and Kris could hear the smile in his voice.

Kris's brain whispered, the last time. But he didn't say it out loud. He didn't think Yixing was ready to hear it, and he wasn't sure he was ready to say it. On one hand it felt totally normal to think that a relationship would never end. But maybe not normal after the first date.

"I can almost hear you being smug," Yixing said, tapping Kris's arm.

"Your ears are made of magic."

"Maybe they are."

It made him smile, and he knew Yixing was smiling too.

He woke to Yixing in his bed for a second day in a row, and the satisfaction of it made his chest rumble.

But the best part, besides morning kisses and a sleepy snuggle, had been letting Sehun know about the new changes in their relationship. He'd asked Yixing if it was okay, but since Sehun was coming to pick Kris up, he knew they'd be walking down together. The subway was right near Kris's building, so there was no need to drop Yixing off anywhere, but it could hardly be ignored that Yixing followed him out of the building where Sehun could see. And when Kris opened the passenger door, Yixing waved cheerfully and bent down so he could talk to Sehun.

"Don't let him work too hard today, okay?" Yixing requested of Sehun.

Sehun said nothing that Kris could hear, but he was too busy gripping Yixing's arms and kissing the grin off him. Sehun's face must have been amazing.

"I'll talk to you later," he said.

"You will," Yixing agreed.

And Kris tried to keep a straight face as he closed the door and got buckled in.

But Sehun's "Finally!" had him bursting into laughter. But then Sehun was demanding to know everything as Kris waved at Yixing in the mirror, and they pulled away for another exciting day at work. All the anxiety living in him was fear that he’d manage to screw things up. But he had every reason to keep trying.

***

Dating Yixing wasn't so very much different as going to dinner with Yixing had been before. Oh, the fact that they could touch was different, but his stomach still clutched when Yixing brushed his arm or smiled at him. If he'd wondered, worried even, that he'd satisfy his curiosity, or that it might've been a terrible idea.

They explored the dreams together. Explored them, when he wasn't bumbling to ask Yixing out, or feeling scared. The remembrance of the feeling of loss, and the joy of seeing Yixing whole and well in his dreams. How he had come to terms with the reality of wanting Yixing.

"Was I any good in bed?"

Kris's face heated and he stared at the tabletop. "I don't know. There were vague recollections in dreams. I always woke up before anything happened."

"I'm kind of glad. It would be awkward competing with myself. What else did I like?"

"When I talked close to your ear."

"Ooh?"

"Made you shudder," Kris muttered, clearing his throat. "Still does."

"Someone's smug. It's kind of weird, being jealous of myself? But then, you didn't choose to do those things, so. This is the weirdest conversation." But Yixing sighed. "It's good to know about them. At first, when I didn't understand, they scared me. If dreams could make you want me, they could change your mind, too."

But they both knew it wasn't the dreams that had made Kris want. He was grateful for Yixing’s interest, and his gentle teases, and the jolt he still got when he ran across pictures together of them in his phone. As confident as he seemed, as excited as he felt, the nerves still hadn’t quite died. And sometimes just flipping open his phone and seeing a picture of them together helped. Like the one where he had a quirk to his lips, amused by how Yixing had stolen his phone right out of his pocket, and with how Yixing had pressed up against him.

And the one when Yixing had wormed back onto his lap with his own phone in hand. Yixing's weight on him, solid in his arms, he'd been quite content to let that photo session go on for as long as he could. As long as he had feeling in his legs, anyway. They'd taken a few normal pictures, but he'd caught Yixing unawares, dipping his head to kiss Yixing's neck.

So the picture was of Yixing mid-laugh, a bit blurred as his head was flung back. It looked a bit like he was trying to devour Yixing's neck, and Yixing hadn't been put off by that at all. In fact, once they'd had a good laugh over the picture, he'd spent a good chunk of time showing Yixing just what he liked about his neck. The cords of muscle, the arch of it, planes and curves. Hitching Yixing back, closer, with his hands restless over Yixing's stomach and chest. Yixing had gone pliant, curving his head into Kris's, or moving so Kris could have access. Beautiful sounds from his throat, little gasps.

His fingers had ended up lodged under the edge of Yixing's jeans, and it had been temptation and denial. Shuddering as Yixing stroked the back of his hand. It had been up to Yixing, there. Whether he wanted to open his belt, or slide Kris's hand lower.

But not that night. Yixing had turned his head, smiling at him, and they'd kissed almost until it was time for Yixing to go. A lovely end to a night relaxing over dinner, and the television.

One of those nights, when Yixing had been flushed, hair messed up by Kris's hands, he'd looked at Kris with curiosity and a tease in his voice.

"As good as the dream?" Yixing ventured, voice soft.

And Kris squeezed him tighter, pressing his cheek against Yixing's hair. "Better. Real."

***

Kris thought about Yixing when they weren't together, texted him during breaks at work, and occasionally stopped by the nursery just to see Yixing's face light up. Good choice of boyfriend, Yixing told him. Tall, good looking, and if Kris kept buying plants and supplies, it'd mean Yixing was never out of a job. Though Joonmyun had made a few thoughtful comments at their last consultation.

"I could use someone like him. What's the chance I could steal him from the nursery?"

"Just as long as you don't steal him from me," Kris said, and then squinted. "You won't start charging me double?"

Joonmyun patted his back as they walked.

They'd see where that went.

Kris was comfortable alone, able to amuse himself, and keep himself happy. But he liked the way Yixing drew artwork on the back of his shirt as he waited for Kris to unlock the door, and to sit and debate what new part of the city they should explore next. It was almost like they were playing tourist, and it had Kris's mind leaping ahead to possible vacations. Sunny beaches, crowded walkways, roller coasters. As long as Yixing kept ahold of him.

And that night, they rolled together on Yixing's bed, trying not to smash arms, or crush noses, or put knees in soft places as they kissed and squirmed. Yixing was mostly over him when he got both hands up Yixing's shirt, the skin of Yixing's back hot to the touch. Yixing reacted like a cat, arching into the touch and moaning against Kris's skin.

The wriggle of Yixing's hips became not as random, the friction heightening the heat Yixing had already caused. And Yixing rolled with him, hitching Kris close.

"Yes," Yixing moaned against his cheek as their hips rocked together. A different kind of tease, Yixing's flushed face and urging hands. His hair was mussed, and eyes begging. Pleasure numbed his mind as he spread himself a little more fully over Yixing's body and got a panting moan of approval.

He teasing Yixing with kisses, sucking at his tongue. And the timbre of Yixing's moans began to change. Changing in such a way that Kris took notice. He didn't slow the rocking of his hips, adding tension to his body, friction. Yixing moaned brokenly against his cheek, his fingers sharply digging into Kris's neck and back.

He watched as Yixing lost himself to pleasure, and nearly came himself.

Yixing sucked in quick breaths, and Kris watched, fascinated. He turned onto his side, hoping to ease the unfulfilled ache. But he couldn't help but tease.

"Have you thought of me doing that?” he asked, tracing Yixing's collarbone with his thumb.

He could see that Yixing rolled his eyes even from where he was. "Your ego doesn't need to be bigger."

"That's a yes," Kris said.

"Presumptuous."

"No, that's a yes from me."

He grinned as Yixing's face tightened with laughter.

"I need a shower," Yixing said, staring at the ceiling. "Soggy pants wasn't a great idea."

He wasn't sure how he was supposed to apologize for that. But Yixing rolled toward him, propping his head up on one hand as the other rested against Kris's stomach, making him inhale sharply.

"It might be a tight fit, but you could join me."

Yixing, dripping wet. His mind purred in agreement.

But it took twice as long as a normal shower, maybe even three times. Not because they were under the water that long, but because of how long they paused to kiss, and touch, with every bit of cloth they threw aside. Watching Yixing bite his lip as Kris pressed kisses to the inside of his wrist, and Yixing's dirty chuckle as Kris's pants dropped.

But the play in the shower was the best. Because some of it was that, play. Exploration, of what they liked, what made them want, or laugh. Making unattractive shapes with Yixing's shampoo-laden hair, and having to duck for Yixing's frustrated hands to work more easily on his own. Or maybe it had just been because Yixing had wanted to kiss him. It smelled like lemons, and there were hands on slick skin, and basking - in the warm water, and each other. He kissed lines across Yixing's wet shoulders as Yixing stroked his back. He could have spent endless time there.

And with Yixing boxing him in the corner, he learned what it was to moan out ecstasy for Yixing's stroking hand.

"We're even," Yixing said, tone a little too smug in the face of Kris's inability to move his knees.

But Yixing had rested against him, holding him up. Such a trial for both of them.

And he hadn't much gotten his hair dry before Yixing had stolen his towel, Yixing shouting as he made his escape.

"Is this a clever ruse to get me naked in your bed?"

Yixing smirked, resting back against his pillow. "Or because you'd look comical in my pajamas?"

He slid under the covers, and had the true joy of making Yixing shiver under his hands, before they'd fallen into an exhausted sleep.

***

Yixing loved Kris’s kitchen. Which he thought was fitting, since Yixing had moved most of the contents into it when he’d moved. It’d gone through a bit of a reorganization, to Yixing’s tastes, but it suited Kris just fine. Some of the best times, when they weren’t attached at the mouth, were spent there. Either following Yixing’s lead and helping him cook, showing Yixing the things he could make, or just watching. It gave them time to talk to each other, sometimes until they were hoarse, and the food they’d been picking at had gone cold. Yixing had a habit of planting his foot against Kris’s, lining them up and then pouting when Kris made fun of the difference in size. But it wasn’t because he didn’t like it, actually the opposite.

Yixing was exasperating and adorable, and could soothe Kris with a touch. And even when he was perturbed with Kris, he had a way of getting around him.

"The guys want to get together for another movie night," he murmured into Yixing's shoulder, staring with interest as Yixing sliced peaches for them.

"Oh?"

"They're curious. I mean, they've all met you, but we haven't all been together since we started dating."

"So this time they don't just want to meet me, they want to see how we are together."

Kris grinned. "Pretty much."

"At least they don't think it's weird."

"Not weird. Because it's you. They saw us last time." And he gripped Yixing's chin so he could kiss him slow, deliberate, on the cheek. "When you did that to me. It was weird to them that we weren't already."

"I-" Yixing started, and then stopped to reconsider. "No. We could make food for them. Together."

"You don't have to do that," Kris said, amused. Sure, he could help Yixing but Yixing also seemed to be thinking of it as some kind of audition. "The way to my heart is not through my friends' stomachs."

Yixing just kept staring at him, until Kris cleared his throat.

"Unless you want to. They wouldn't say no."

So Kris was a sucker, and Yixing got his way. It was just a little bit more work than ordering in, since they were cooking for three extra. But Yixing had, as he had promised without words, made it worth his while.

And for their guests, Sehun looked at him with Yixing with a combination of amusement, and satisfaction, as though he'd orchestrated the whole thing. Kris was glad he wasn't getting lectures any more. Though the funniest moment, though had come when Kris had pressed into Yixing's side and had gotten a fond look. There had been a chorus of sighs.

"Next time we'll have to bring a date so that we can make them feel uncomfortable," Zitao said to Sehun. And Sehun blinked back at him as Joonmyun laughed.

***

It was nice to relax. They’d put their laptops aside in favor of Kris squeezing against Yixing’s side. He got all sorts of satisfied grins when Yixing could put his arm around Kris’s neck and just rest that way. But it was nice to breathe when his stomach ached from the barrage of funny videos they’d watched. Yixing was an addict. He needed help. But Kris wasn’t sure when he’d laughed more in his life.

The television had just become background noise, when they switched it off. With Yixing teasing his fingers and sending him very pointed looks, he'd lost himself to Yixing's mouth and stroking hands.

"I transplanted a lot of plants today, thinking of this," Yixing said, his hand sliding through Kris's hair.

"Oh?"

"Mm. A while back, I'd wondered what we were going to do about sex."

And Kris stared. "What?"

"I'd never been with a virgin, so…"

"I wasn't," and Kris enunciated very clearly, "a virgin."

"A virgin to men," Yixing corrected easily. “Didn’t want to scare you off."

"I think by this point, that's impossible. And it might surprise you, but you have no parts I'm unfamiliar with."

"That very good to hear," Yixing said, grinning and almost vibrating with suppressed laughter.

"Though I'd like to get more familiar," Kris said, and drilled a finger into Yixing's side. "Once you stop teasing me."

Yixing laughed, squeaking as Kris loomed. "Why would I stop?"

"I could make you."

"Why don't you?" And Yixing bit his bottom lip, glancing at Kris's mouth, and then up.

He had Yixing just where he wanted him, backed into the corner of the couch. Far from intimidated, Yixing was pulling him in by his collar, lips wet and parted and inviting. He tasted the bottom lip that had so fascinated him for weeks, sighing against Yixing's mouth when Yixing began to stroke his neck. One arm sliding slowly, surely around him, and drawing him, so that Yixing had Kris exactly where he was wanted. Right where Kris wanted to be.

"Is this what you were thinking of doing when I was sleeping on you during that movie?" Yixing asked, a bit breathless against his mouth.

"Yes."

"Don't joke.

"I'm not joking," Kris assured him. "I didn't know if I could've stopped myself from kissing you if we'd been alone."

"Oh." Yixing's eyes closed as his lips curved. "I'd have liked that."

It made Kris smile, as he pressed kisses against Yixing's jaw.

Yixing made the softest sound at the wet kiss against his throat. Kris nearly shuddered, and lifted his head to look at Yixing. They stared at each other, wet-mouthed and eager, as Kris began to undo the buttons down Yixing's chest, exposing skin to his fingers. But he also moved with his hands, sliding further down Yixing's body, until he was kneeling between Yixing's legs. He appreciated being tall at times, and that was one of them. Able to reach so much, as he left Yixing's collarbones.

Of course Yixing was barely breathing, and Kris goosed him, and felt the laugh against his hands and mouth. Yixing's chest, and stomach. He felt drunk on expanses of skin, and the way Yixing jolted when Kris's tongue teased his nipples. It was seduction, there was no way else to describe it. Yixing would tell him when to stop, what he didn't like. But the way Yixing moaned for him, he wasn't being asked to stop.

Yixing's thighs parted wider as Kris tugged at the button of his jeans, sliding the zipper but leaving them be as he kissed further down Yixing's body.

"Kris," Yixing said, touching his hair.

It made him pause, pulling his mouth away from Yixing's stomach.

"If you're going to tell me I don't have to do this," Kris said, his tone half a threat.

Yixing met his eyes, lips trembling open, before Yixing did what could only be described as a cackle. Followed by a belly laugh, Yixing's head pressing back into the couch cushion, whole face alight with joy, a smile that had Kris's throat tightening. He was mesmerized, even before Yixing got ahold of himself, mouth curving and dimple deep as his thumb traced Kris's cheek.

"No, I was going to tell you 'more'," Yixing told him.

There was fondness in those eyes, and hope, and desire. And Kris smiled as well, making sure to keep his eyes on Yixing's as he lowered his head and pressed another kiss to Yixing's stomach. It tightened as Yixing inhaled, and Kris continued his journey. He reached for Yixing's hand, lacing finger between finger, and tracked his mouth from hipbone to rib cage. He wanted to savor. There were muscles there, playing under skin, the dip that breathing into had Yixing gasping.

"Kris."

It took the sound of his name to make him smile.

***

It was the scent of earth, plants, and water, that assaulted him as he slipped into the greenhouse. Yixing's coworkers knew him well enough to direct him without thinking he was going to interrupt Yixing's work - too much at least. But he had a good reason, that day. Well, most of the time he had good reason, whether it was dropping off Yixing's forgotten lunch, or stopping in to actually buy something. He was actually going to miss it, when Yixing started working with Joonmyun. Though the excitement in Yixing's eyes every night they talked about it made up for that.

Yixing's hands were dirty, no surprise there. And there was a streak of something on his cheekbone, but his smile shone right through that even before Kris could get the door closed behind himself.

"A little early for dinner," Yixing called, unable to resist the jab as Kris came up on him.

"Not here for dinner," Kris said, tucking his fingers in the back of Yixing's apron and leaning into him. "Hi."

"Hi," Yixing said, leaning his head against Kris's. It'd been a total of four hours since the kissed each other goodbye, but he tilted his head a bit so he could inhale behind Yixing's ear. His soap and his shampoo. He just barely kept himself from pressing a kiss to Yixing's neck, knowing Yixing would stomp on his foot because trying to turn him on at work wasn't fair it seemed.

"Curious why I'm here?"

"Not to see me?" Yixing asked, his voice deceptively light.

Kris untangled his fingers from Yixing's apron strings and turned Yixing around.

"Not just that, this time. I brought a gift."

"Ooh," Yixing hummed, his mouth rounding, and eyes going curious when he realized that Kris wasn't holding anything. "Is it in your car?"

"It's in one of my pockets."

Yixing tilted his head, looking from one of Kris's hips to the other. "I thought we agreed nothing dirty at work."

"I didn't say it was dirty."

Yixing managed to sound very judgmental while he wiped his hands on his apron. "Wrapping a gift in your pockets. Kris."

"You're never going to know if you keep dawdling."

The first pocket Yixing chose was the wrong one, nothing but a bit of lint. Though Kris couldn't resist a teasing "ooh" as Yixing's fingers slid in. He got a smack to his ribs for that. But Yixing's eyes were on Kris's as his fingers fished into pocket on his right side. And he saw when Yixing's eyebrows rose, when he caught hold of his gift. There was the quiet zing of metal chain as Yixing tugged it out.

It was a piece of jade, carved into an infinity symbol and he watched as Yixing's smile spread. He'd had it picked out for weeks, hidden in the back of a drawer he figured Yixing wouldn't be looking in. It had one of the "100 days" ribbons the shop had offered attached to it, so Yixing couldn't miss the reason why he was getting a gift.

Giving it to Yixing at the nursery seemed appropriate, since that was where they'd met.

“Oh, that’s pretty. And you remembered?"

"I think Sehun would've come after me with the nail gun if I'd forgotten."

He probably should've been offended by his employee's lack of faith and his boyfriend's amusement in it, but he wasn't as long as Yixing was happy. And he liked very much the way Yixing's neck looked as Kris put the chain around it. It spoke for something. A hundred days wasn't forever, but it was a start. And Yixing stole a quick kiss.

"Thank you. Your gift isn't here," Yixing said. "But no flower this time."

"I can wait." And they had a date planned that night, anyway.

Yixing rolled his neck, mouth quirking. "We did a lot of lifting today."

"I think we can fix that at home," Kris told him, squeezing Yixing's shoulder. There was little he liked more than a pliant Yixing under his hands.

"I think your favorite shop is having a sale on massage oil."

Yixing's smile was just a bit impish. Yixing on his bed, shirtless, and his hands on-

"When do we start?" Kris asked, and got a laugh.

Yixing leaned against his side and told him about the plants he was tending as he worked. Yixing's hands, covered in soil, a smile lifting to his. And Kris saw nothing but Yixing.

The kiss before he'd left had been very soft, a lingering press of lips and a smile. A promise in Yixing's eyes. He very much suspected he walked out of the nursery with bits of potting soil on the back of his jeans from Yixing's hands, but he pretended that he wasn't going to be pleased if someone noticed.

***

There were words from Yixing that had hurt him.

I worried that you would change your mind. That you would never love me the way that you remembered loving her.

Kris had squeezed his sides. And there were words that helped.

But the more you told me about them, the more I realized that you weren't comparing what we had to your dreams. Your dreams had just shown you how much you could want. How much we could have.

He didn't miss the dreams. A few days a week, depending on Yixing's work schedule, he woke up with Yixing next to him. Some of those times naked. He got to watch Yixing scrub potting soil out from under his nails, and cook for him, and be alarmed at Yixing's contemplative looks at the snack aisle. He was pretty sure it was because of Yixing that the orchid was still alive, and flourishing, and so was the miniature tree that Yixing planted in the pot Kris had made for him. If they moved in together, like he'd been making noises about, the two plants would make an odd couple. Graceful orchid and bulky bush.

If he dreamed at all again, they were sweet ones. One of a family reunited after years apart, a small boy walking between his parents and tragedy far away. A woman's happy smile, as she turned and walked away with them. But it had been followed by something weird about sharks, and Kris did not remember except for waking content, to the sight of Yixing's bare back.

Not that Yixing ever wondered aloud, but if he had, Kris had answers for him without any doubt. He hadn't needed the dreams to fall in love.

***