#147: Push and Shove

[lordchen]

Prompt: #147
Title: Push and Shove
Pairing: Chen/Tao side Chen/Kris, minor side pairings
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: (if any): Referenced infidelity
Word count: 21274
Summary: Chen, as a beta, is good at pounding omega ass. Better than good, great. It's only that he wants somebody to pound his ass even more. Only that the only alpha offering is somebody Chen can't stand at all.

“Dude, watch out!”

Chen feels something connect with his head before there’s a burst of cold water and he’s down on his back. Sputtering, he rubs at his eyes, blinking furiously to get the water out of them.

“Hey, sorry about that. Was aiming for my buddy behind you.” A hand extends in front of his face and Chen takes it, feeling himself be hauled to his feet. He sniffs the air subtly and, yep, definitely an alpha. The boy smiles at him, blonde hair pushed off his head. “I’m Rasa, you?”

“Chen,” he replies eagerly, smiling up at the other boy. It takes all his effort not to preen under the alpha’s attention as the elder rakes his eyes up his body. He steps closer, summoning up his courage. “Do you maybe want to grab-”

“Sorry, my friend’s calling,” the other interrupts, walking away abruptly. Chen feels the smile drop off his face as the other loops an arm around his short friend’s neck. His friend says something and he hears Rasa respond with, “Nah, he’s a beta, don’t bother.” The two walk away and Chen is left soaked to the skin, glaring at the grass. Around him it’s chaos as hordes of half drunk college students celebrate the semester end with the semi-annual water fight, people screaming as they get drenched by super soaker, water bottles and a variety of other creative methods. It’s springtime and the air is clogged with hormones and there’s more than one couple voraciously making out on the ground. The pair near the fountain is practically dry-humping at this point.

He dodges a group of overexcited freshman and begins to trudge to the dorms when he feels a pair of arms wrap around his waist. He twists to look. “Oh, hi Yixing.”

“Hi,” Chen-chen,” Yixing smiles up at him, hair dripping wet.” Are you heading over to the quad for the showcase?”

“Probably not.” Yixing frowns and Chen nudges him. “Why?”

“I want to go see the dance club but people keep hitting on me.” Yixing rolls his eyes as a group of boys whistle at an omega girl from Chen’s theory class. “Its springtime, all the lunkheads are out omega-hunting.” He presses his forehead between Chen’s shoulder blades. “Come with me? Please?” Chen sighs-- but he’s never been able to turn down the sweet omega. “Let’s go.”

The gym is noisy as they enter, people crowding the bleachers and yelling to be heard over the rock music blaring from the speakers. Chen guides Yixing to an empty seat, snapping at any alpha that looks like he’s trying to approach them. They sit in the designated omega section, the air thick with the sweet, cloying scent their hormones give off. Chen sees his friend Sehun grimace at him enviously from across the room in the alpha section, as he and Yixing sit beside Luhan, the Chinese transfer student, and he smirks. Being a beta has a few perks.

The showcase is really just a chance for the school’s various clubs to put on performances and attempt to justify the ridiculous amount of funding the school gives them. Chen sits through performances by the cheerleaders, the basketball team’s demonstration game and the burlesque club (wait when did they get one of those?). By the time the dance team is finally done, he’s sweaty and feeling a bit light headed from the cocktail of hormones in the air. He nudges Yixing in the side. “Ready to go?”

Yixing starts from where’s he’s been busy making moony eyes at dance team captain, Kim Jongin. “Huh? Oh sure, sorry for keeping you here so long.” As they stand up to weave their way through the bleachers, the lights suddenly dim down and loud rock music begins blasting through the speakers. The two freeze and Chen tries to squint in the darkness to find the exit. “What’s going on?” he yells over the music.

He gets his answer when the music halts and a lone spotlight shines upon a tall figure on stage. The crowd starts screaming excitedly as the person lifts his arm, clutching a bo staff. There’s another beat of silence and then he moves.

Chen watches, awestruck as the man spins and kicks with ease, movements simultaneously sharp and graceful. A few other figures come on stage and “challenge” him, one by one running up to aim a kick or a punch at the man. He dodges them all with ease, returning the blows and knocking them over. As the song reaches a crescendo, he switches his staff for a sword and does a series of razor sharp movements before throwing it up in the air. In the blink of an eye, he’s does a double back flip and lands, catching his sword with his right hand. There is silence.

The lights come back on and people let out cheers, bleachers practically vibrating from the noise. Huang Zitao, leader of the school martial arts club and big alpha on campus, bows to the audience alongside the other club members. He really is a wonder to look at, tan skin glistening with sweat as he flips his bangs out of his eyes, making a group of omegas nearby swoon and one girls screams “Knot me, Tao!” Chen rolls his eyes and tugs on Yixing’s elbow. “C’mon.”

It’s already evening when they head outside and Yixing slaps at the mosquitoes in the air. “Wanna grab some food?”

“Can’t.” Chen says, checking his phone for new messages. “Kris and I are meeting up.”

“Oh.” Chen squints at Yixing who is chewing his lip nervously. “Are you and him still…?”

“Yeah.” Chen shrugs unsure as to the cause of the sudden awkwardness between them. “ I mean, it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. Anything wrong with that?”

“Oh no, nothing, nothing at all.” Yixing assures him, stumbling over his Korean. He gives Chen a warm smile. “You should go then, you know how bitchy Kris gets if you’re late.”

“Can you make it back to the O dorms on your own?” Chen asked. He isn’t quite sure he wants Yixing walking around on his own with all the horny alphas around Yixing gives him an affectionate pat on the cheek. “I’ll be fine. But just in case.” He extends his neck and Chen leans in closer, biting down gently at the soft juncture and sucking, pulling away when a small mark appears. Yixing tilts his head to poke at it. “This should be good enough.”

“Still, try to get back as quickly as you can.” Beta claims are far fainter than alpha ones and some tend to ignore them entirely, not seeing them as a significant challenge. Yixing rolls his eyes and ruffles his hair. “I’ll be fine. Go, you have a date.”

Chen feels his phone buzz in his hand and looks down to see a series of unread text messages. “Indeed I do.”


***
There is, Chen thinks as he thrusts upwards, something very satisfying about fucking Kris. The Chinese omega’s tall stature and frightening looks have led many to mistake him for an alpha and he has a reputation on campus for his ferocious fight skills which many an overly persistent alpha and a few betas have had to experience firsthand. For him, puny little beta Chen to have the campus bad boy undulating down on his dick, moaning brokenly as he finds the perfect angle - it’s a great ego boost. Kris had been especially desperate today, jumping Chen as soon as he walked his door, sucking dark bruises all over his neck as he guided the beta’s fingers down his shorts to his already slick hole. They’d stripped each other in the hallway, Chen pressing Kris up against a wall, spreading him open and eating him out as the other man gasped and grounded back against his tongue, letting out those low moans that went straight to Chen’s dick. They’d barely made it to the bedroom and Chen was so glad Kris’ roommate worked night shifts.

He picks up the pace, thigh muscles aching as he fucks up into Kris’ warm, slick heat, the other leaning back on his palms, too far gone to move himself anymore. Chen sits up and wraps an arm around the omega’s waist before moving, the new angle letting him thrust in deeper, drawing a breathy moan from the other man. He traces a line from a sharp clavicle to a dark, pebbled nipple with his tongue, smirking as he feels Kris tighten the hand in his hair. His other hand finds its way down, wrapping around his flushed cock from where it’s trapped between their stomachs and strokes himself in time with Chen’s thrusts, the action making Kris’ hole spasm deliciously around him. The omega moans out his name, once, twice, then with more insistence. “Fuck, Chen … On my back, take me on my back.”

They switch and Chen slides back into Kris, the glide smooth and fuck, he’ll never get over how wet Kris gets every time they do this, thighs soaked in slick and hole leaking. He pushes his legs up until Kris’ knees are pressed to his chest and then starts to thrust in earnest, headboard knocking against the wall from the force. He angles his dick, finding that one spot that has Kris arching off the bed, arms coming to lock around Chen’s neck to pull him down for a messy kiss. It takes a few more thrusts for Kris to come, almost sobbing as he clenches down tight, so tight around him, and Chen feels light headed as he frantically speeds up, thrusts losing all finesse until he’s spilling into the condom, Kris’ tight passage milking him through his orgasm. They stay like that for a few seconds, Chen gasping into the others neck before Kris nudges him and he pulls out, rolling over on his back. He feels the bed shift as Kris stands up, making his way to the bathroom to shower off Chen’s scent. Kris has an aversion to being marked in any form so it’s a normal occurrence. He lies there, lazily counting the glow on stars stuck to the ceiling until a wet rag hits him in the chest. He glares up at Kris. “Ow.”

“Clean yourself up; I don’t have time to do laundry.” Is the only reply he gets. He sighs before tying off the condom to throw in the trashcan. Wiping off his chest, he sits up and sees Kris tugging on a pair of boxers. “So why the sudden need for a booty call? You pre-heat?”

“I don’t see you complaining.” Kris retorts before joining him on the bed, arms coming to wrap around his waist. “But yeah, heat’s due in three days.”

Chen turns to face him, tracing his fingers over the small scar on his eyebrow. “Do you have an alpha?”

Kris ducks his head down and even in the dim light, Chen swears he sees him blush. ”Yeah. Yixing introduced us, actually. It’s Kim Minseok from my sociology class.”

Chen lets out a low whistle. Minseok is co-captain of the football team and one of the most popular guys on campus. “Damn. How did you even ask him?”

“Well,” Kris said, sounding like he was trying to keep the happiness out of his voice. “He actually asked me out first.”

“And lived to tell the tale? Ow!” Chen squeaks as Kris pinches a nipple in retaliation. “Wow, that’s great. How long have you two been going out?”

“Only two dates so far but … I really, really like him Chen.”

“Aww.” He coos, ruffling Kris’ hair, and then pulling his hand away before Kris can bite him. “But seriously, two dates and you’re already spending a heat cycle with him?”

“Alpha-omega relationships work differently from others, you know that.” Kris mumbles. There’s a pause and then he speaks again, tone guilty. “Sorry, I didn’t mean-”

“It’s fine.” Chen interrupts, ignoring the ugly twist of jealousy in his chest, because no, he doesn’t know what a relationship with an alpha would be like, considering he’s never had one. He extricates himself from Kris’ hold gently, sitting up against the headboard. “So, I guess that’s the end of this.” He gestures between the two of them and Kris nods slowly, expression almost pitying. It’s to be expected. No matter how much of a nice guy Minseok is, no alpha would willingly share their partner with another. He swings his legs over the side of the bed, searching the floor for his pants. He hears Kris move behind him as he bends over to grab his pants, standing up to slip into them. “You’re not staying the night?”

“No, early choir rehearsal tomorrow.” He finds his shirt, tugging it over his head. He gives Kris a small smile as he retrieves his phone from the side table. “I’ll see you around then.”

The omega rolls his eyes, tugging him down to press a soft kiss to his temple. “Lock the door on your way out.”

***

It’s late when Chen gets back to the campus. The chilly air leaves him shivering, forcing him to pull his hoodie sleeves over his hands. The grounds are empty, most students already leaving for home and there’s something oddly serene about the place. His stomach grumbles loudly and he groans, clutching it. He’d skipped lunch and his arrangement with Kris didn’t exactly include wining and dining. The regular cafeteria is closed but he knows Sehun is probably still cleaning up at the café in the gym and maybe he can wrangle a few free sandwiches out of the kid. He jogs over to the back door of the gym, well known to the student population for having a broken lock.

The café is closed and he kicks at the door childishly before turning back and weaving his way through the gym’s corridors. The gym is silent and the lights have long been shut off by night staff and it’s almost a bit eerie. He quickens his pace, trying to reach the entrance when he feels something heavy and alive fall on his head. He freezes, frantically wondering what to do, before it starts moving in his hair. Screaming, he breaks into a run, arms flailing wildly as he tries to get whatever it was, off his head. In his panic, he crashes into something solid and falls flat on his back. He tries to sit up when he hears a soft skrtch skrtch as the creature crawls onto his chest, but a weight pushes him back down.

“Stay still.” A deep voice orders him and he panics because, oh that thing he ran into was a person who was most likely a serial killer and his innards are about to get ripped out on the stinking floor of the college gym. At least he got laid one last time.

In the dim light, he sees the tall figure squat down and reach over to hover right above his crotch, right before making a grabbing motion. Chen yelps and there’s a sudden squeaking sound echoing in the cramped space. A sudden beam of light shines out from a cell phone and Chen sees a giant, grey rat dangling by the tail in front of him. He whimpers, scrambling to his feet and the person rises with him. His saviour turns the cell phone around so his face is illuminated and Chen nearly falls to the floor again.

It’s Huang Zitao, smirking down at him, eyes glinting in the blue-white light of his phone screen, rat still dangling in his other hand. “Okay there?”

It takes him a second to find his voice because he’s pretty sure he’s swallowed his tongue at the sound of Tao’s voice which, when he can see the source, is less horror movie and more sexy as hell. “I’m - yeah, fine, it just startled me.” He gestures to the rat that has stopped squealing and now seems more intent on trying to bite Tao’s fingers.

The other boy ignores it, still staring at him. “Why are you here?”

“I could you ask you the same thing.” Chen snaps back, suddenly defensive. He’s dirty and embarrassed and his heart rate is just now returning to normal levels and he doesn’t need some hotshot (very, very hot) alpha judging him.

Tao arches an eyebrow at the sudden attitude. “Late night practice, so I have a key to the gym.” He appraises Chen. “I’m assuming you don’t.”

At that, Chen realizes that Tao could report him for sneaking in. Earlier bravado gone, he blurts, “Please don’t report me, I was only here to see Sehun, he sometimes stays behind at the café and I thought I could mooch some food.” He dusts himself off, before turning to glance at the still mostly dark corridors. “I’ll leave now, sorry to bother you.” He moves to brush past the other but then feels a tight grip on his arm. He’s acutely aware of the strength behind the grip, feeling the heat from his fingers through the thin cotton of his shirt. “W-what?” he squeaks out, mentally berating himself at how breathless he sounds.

Tao turns him around, placing one hand on his lower back. “Wrong way.” He murmurs and Chen nearly jumps because Tao spoke right next to his ear and he could feel his warm breath ghosting over his earlobe. Being so close, Chen couldn’t help but smell Tao more acutely, the strong, sharp scent of an alpha combined with sweat- it makes Chen want to fall to his knees, nuzzle his head into the others thighs, acting just as pathetic and needy as any little omega in heat. He starts when Tao starts walking, leading him along with his hand still on his back. They move in silence, Tao weaving expertly through the darkened corridors till Chen can see the pale moonlight filtering through the back doors. He pushes it open with a sigh of relief, inhaling the cool night air. Out of the corner of his eye he sees Tao release the rat onto the ground and it gives them what he’s pretty sure is the rat equivalent of the middle finger before skittering off.

Tao turns to him, saying, “Do you need someone to walk you back to your dorm or can you manage that much yourself?” He’s smirking and Chen bristles at the condescending tone.

“I’m fine, thank you for your concern.” He turns to leave in a huff and nearly goes flying as he misses a dip in the pavement. An arm wraps around his waist, catching him millimetres from the ground and he’s lifted back up. Tao isn’t even bothering to hide his laughter at this point, eyes screwed up in mirth and Chen has the urge to kick him. He’s about to turn away again (and more carefully this time) when suddenly Tao’s eyes fixate on his shoulder.

“Wow,” he drawls out and Chen looks down to see that his hoodie had slipped down, revealing a dark, plum coloured bruise. He hastily yanks it back up and Tao follows the movement. “What kind of shitty alpha do you have that lets his mate walk around alone at night?”

“Don’t have one.” Chen snaps, beginning to stomp off down the path. He can hear Tao following him and he turns to glare at the other. “And I don’t need one.”

“Don’t have an alpha, huh?” Tao murmurs, ignoring him. “Wait, so you let an omega claim you?” He looks semi-fascinated. “Are you one of those weirdos who’s into omega-doms or what?”

“Oh my god, go away!” Chen yelps, ducking his head down as he heads towards the direction of the B dorms. Tao follows behind him leisurely, so he whirls around again. “Stop following me!”

“Bit presumptuous aren’t we?” Tao inclines his head in the direction of the two buildings. “The ‘A’ dorms are right beside yours.”

“Oh.” Way to look like a damn fool, Chen, he congratulates himself.

They reach the split in the grounds where it splits into two separate paths leading to the apartments. Tao turns to him. “Sure you can make it from here, pretty thing?”

Chen gapes at him before snapping his jaw shut. “Don’t call me that.” He sets off down the path, nose held high, ignoring the laughter he hears behind him.

***

He fully intends to sleep in but gets woken far earlier than he had planned (i.e before noon) by the football team running past his window. Groaning, he drags himself out of bed, stumbling to the showers. He yelps when he rounds the corner and sees a couple going at it in the communal area. “For chrissake!” he yells, throwing a towel at them and the alpha glares at him. He heads to the next shower, studiously ignoring the sounds coming from the two.

In general, the B dorms are the go-to place for horny alphas and omegas to head to for a fix since they aren’t allowed in each other dorms and it isn’t unusual for some kind of sexual activity to be going on at all times. As he makes his way to the kitchen, he hears banging noises coming from Myungsoo’s room and voice shouting “Banana!” which he knows from prior experience is his safe word. What Myungsoo is up to at 10 a.m that requires a safe word, he’s not keen to find out.

The college’s dining hall is emptier than usual this morning, something Chen appreciates when he doesn’t have to fight off several other people for the cinnamon Beta-keritine cereal. Yixing waves at him from the table where he’s shoveling cereal down his throat next to Kyungsoo. He joins them and Yixing leans over to him, conspiratorially. “Look over at the window table to your right,” he murmurs.

Chen knocks his juice box off the table, sneaking a peek as he retrieves it. He glimpses the couple at the table and whirls back to face Yixing, eyes wide. “When did that happen?”

“Apparently, Niel missed check-in last night and our dorm head went looking for him. She found him in Sungyeol’s room but they’d already mated by then. Sungyeol nearly attacked her when she tried to separate them, she had to call for back up.”

“Wow.” Chen sneaks another glance at the couple, noting the large purple bruise on Niel’s neck. Sungyeol has the boy in his lap, one arm wrapped around his middle as he feeds him while shooting hostile looks at any alpha nearby.

Yixing snorts when Sungyeol practically growls at a girl who waves to Niel. “Post mating hormones, he should calm down soon.”

“Do you think there’s a chance Niel could be...?” Chen makes a cupping gesture over his stomach.

“I think he has to go to the nurse for tests later today, I’ll let you know what I can find out.” Yixing sighs happily. “They’d have cute kids though, huh? I’d love to have a baby in the dorms.”

Kyungsoo snorts, drawing the duo’s attention over to him. “They’re both idiots. Getting accidentally mated in this day and age is nothing short of sheer stupidity. They have to go to the Dean’s later today for a disciplinary hearing; they could both get kicked out. Knotting isn’t worth that kind of trouble.”

Yixing gasps out a scandalized “Kyungsoo!” as Chen chokes on his protein bar.

“That’s a crude way to put it,” he gasps out as Yixing thumps him on the back. Kyungsoo shrugs.

“But seriously, Soo.” Yixing leans in closer, curiosity on his features. “You’ve never wanted to be knotted?” He turns to look at Chen. “Do betas ever get those urges?”

Kyungsoo shakes his head. “Nope. Well, at least I never have. I’m perfectly fine being on the taking end. Of course, some do prefer to be dominated.” He indicates his head towards him. “Chen-chen over there is a total bottom beta.”

“Am not!” He protests as Yixing turns to face him. “When Kris and I were together, I topped.”

“And you once came home drunk, threw up over my shoes then spent ten minutes telling me how you watched Kris while you fucked him and wanted to be in his position.” Kyungsoo refutes calmly, ignoring the rather alarming shade of red Yixing was turning at the conversation. “So let me adjust that: Chen is a bottom beta in denial.”

“I’m just curious!” Chen lowers his voice as a few curious stares are aimed at their table. “I mean, you know they say the best part about being a beta is you get the best of both worlds so-” he waves his hands about vaguely.

“Have you ever tried it?” Yixing’s eyes are wide and, really, it feels inappropriate to be discussing this with someone so innocent. Chen shifts under the stare before admitting.

“Well, I dated an omega in high school and I asked him if he would…y’know.”

“What happened?”

“He dumped me.”

“Oh.”

“Kris was up for trying it though but it didn’t work out. He said he couldn’t get off properly so we never really tried switching after that.” Chen rubs his suddenly sweaty palms against the rough denim of his jeans.

“Why don’t you find an alpha so you could try it? You wouldn’t even have to worry about pregnancy, only mating, and anyway, there are condoms for that.”

Chen sighs, crumpling up his trash to throw away. “Let’s just say I’m not the usual alpha’s type?”

“Why?” Yixing tilts his head in confusion, the movement reminiscent of a bunny. “You’re handsome and funny. Why wouldn’t they want to date you?”

“Most alphas,” Kyungsoo interjects, “Aren’t big fans of the loud mouth personality Jongdae has to offer and they’re especially less willing to put up with it when it comes from a beta. He went through this phase in high school where he tried to act all sweet and brainless. It was repulsive.”

“Not all omegas act like that.” Yixing says in a small voice, and Chen shoots Kyungsoo a glare, leaning over to link fingers with the omega.

“He didn’t mean it like that, Xing. It’s the stupid alphas who only like one type of person.” He pulls his hand back, slumping down in his chair and pulling his snapback over his eyes. “I’ve basically accepted I’ll strike out for life.” He stands, taking Yixing’s tray as well. “See you guys at lunch.”

“Where are you going?” Kyungsoo aims his juicebox at the tray, it misses and hits Chen in the forehead.

“Extra tutoring session in the library. It’s some new kid student services sent me.” Tutoring fellow students in literature was something Chen enjoyed about as much as colonoscopies, but it got him extra credit. He waves at his friends, before grabbing his bag and heading for the library.

It’s burning hot outside, summer season having hit Seoul in earnest last week and the short walk from the cafeteria to the library has his shirt soaked in sweat. He practically moans as he enters the building, cool air hitting enveloping his skin. He nods to the librarian and signs in before making his way to the study areas.

His tutee hasn’t shown up yet and he plugs in his headphones, leaning back against his chair. He won’t fall asleep; he’ll just rest his eyes for a bit.

He nearly falls out of his seat a few minutes later when one of his headphones is plucked out and a voice leans into whisper in his ear. “What are you listening to, pretty thing?”

He clutches his chest, turning his head to find himself nose to nose with a smirking Tao. (Really, does he not posses any other facial expression?) He does the logical thing and rears his hand back to slap the alpha. “Don’t fucking do that!”

Tao looks surprised for a second before grinning. “Feisty, I like that.”

Chen groans, shoving the other man away. “Why are you here?”

“Tutoring.”

He stares at him in horror. “You’re shitting me.”

Tao pulls out a piece of paper and reads off it. “Assigned tutor: Kim Jongdae, second year.”

Chen snatches it away from him to see for himself and it unfortunately checks out. He crumples it up, chucking it at Tao’s head. “It’s Chen.”

“What?” Tao bats away the piece of paper with the ease of swatting a fly.

“I go by Chen, not Jongdae. If we’re going to do this, we’re setting some rules. First things first,” he jabs a finger at the seat across from him. “Go sit there.” When Tao opens his mouth to retort, he cuts the alpha off with a hand over his mouth. “No arguments. Go.” In their current positions, Chen is all too aware of the warm bulk of Tao pressed against his arm and his sharp scent, so he deems its best to impose some distance. He squeaks when Tao licks his palm, yanking it away. “Gross!”

Tao shrugs, standing and walking to his new seat. “Quite a few people would kill to have me lick them, pretty thing.”

Chen glares at him, reaching over to wipe his palm off on his hoodie. “I’m not most people, you arrogant prick. And I told you to stop calling me that.”

Tao covers his hand with his own before he can retract it, large palm easily covering his. “Are you sure about that?” he asks, tracing a thin finger along his wrist, nail scraping lightly over the vein. He traces its path up Chen’s forearm., “As for the nickname, I believe in calling things as I see them.” His hands brushes up to his face, tracing slowly along his jaw and he swallows hard, Tao’s eyes following the movement of his Adam’s apple. “And you are so very pretty, Chen.”

Chen can feel his pulse pounding in his ears as he stares at Tao, the alphas eyes hooded, and tries to figure out how he lost control of this session in the space of five minutes. He pushes Tao’s hand away, clearing his throat loudly. “Second rule: no touching.”

Tao snorts. “Oh I think you’ll be breaking that rule before I do, Chen-chen.” He pulls out a notebook. “Shall we begin?”

Scowling, Chen pulls a pen out. “Yeah, fine. What book are we doing?”

Tao flips open his notebook. “I have to write an essay on homoerotic themes in E.M. Forster’s ‘Maurice ’.”

Brilliant, Chen groans inwardly, pulling the book closer to himself. “Okay, how well do you know the material?” Tao responds with a blank look and he sighs. “Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?” He flips the book over to chapter one and stomps on Tao’s foot as he tries to slide it against his leg. “Start reading.”

***
Two weeks in, tutoring sessions with Tao have quickly become the bane of his existence. The Chinese boy is staying on campus for the entire break, saying he can’t afford to go home. Chen himself was staying to avoid his family, particularly his mother and her constant nagging for him to find a mate already. (“Our neighbour has a daughter around your age, a sweet little beta. Or Mr. Lee’s nephew is an omega and he’s single. ‘Course, that might have to do with the warrant but he’s single.”) So he doesn’t even have a valid excuse to avoid the alpha outside of their sessions. Considering how little he’d seen of Tao prior to their gym run-in, it now seems like he can’t turn around without seeing his tan skin and feline eyes.


Tao has a way of getting under his skin, with his sharp humour and easy wit, easily able to match Chen’s snark. It unnerves him, he’s not used to feeling so awkward around someone, especially when said person isn’t exactly subtle about their attraction towards him. Tao never fails to compliment him, always offers to help Chen carry his stuff back to the dorms (despite his staunch refusals each time) and even starts sneaking in cookies when Chen offhandedly mention he doesn’t get to eat before their sessions. He gets to see a different side of Tao, when he lets the smirking, cocky-alpha veneer drop and giggles too loudly at a joke or confides about his fear of ghosts. (Chen sneaks up behind him at their next session and yells “boo!” in his ear,getting nailed in the nose by a panicked Tao as result).

Despite their original friction, there’s an ease to their interactions to the point where Chen could almost say he feels comfortable around Tao but there’s still a part of him that flinches away from the alpha’s attention, suspicious of his intentions and Chen knows better than to dismiss that fear entirely.

It’s a pleasant spring day and he’s decided that treating himself to lunch at the small cafe off campus was in order.He’s seated alone by the window, day dreaming with his fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee, when he hears footsteps approach him and a familiar scent in his vicinity. He groans as a shadow falls over his table “Go away.”

“You wound me.” Tao mock-pouts, depositing a slice of cheesecake in front of him. Chen gives him the evil eye but damn, that cheesecake looks good. He reaches over for it but Tao stops him.

“Hey.” Chen protests, making another grab for it.

Tao picks up a fork and breaks a small piece of the slice off. “Open up.” Chen gives him an unimpressed look.

“What, no ‘here comes an airplane’?” Chen mocks

“If you don’t want any, that’s fine.” Tao shrugs, pulling the plate closer to himself. Chen has a short lived internal battle between his appetite and his dignity, before sighing and leaning forward to take the bite off of the fork. Tao smiles triumphantly.

“I’m going to start wearing a scent masker, soon. I swear, how do you keep finding me?” Chen grumbles, opening his mouth again. Tao obligingly feeds him another bite.

“I’m not finding you through your scent, what kind of creep do you take me for?” Chen gives him another thoroughly unimpressed look around the fork. “Seriously, I’m not. We just have similar schedules.”

“Then how come I never noticed you around before?” Damn this cheesecake is good.

Tao reaches over and wipes away some frosting at the corner of his lips. “Maybe you weren’t looking.” He licks at the frosting on his thumb, eyes dark. It’s a cheesy move straight out of a bad romance drama but it still makes Chen flush and duck his head down. “So,” Tao twists the fork between his fingers., “Are you doing anything this Friday?”

“It’s spring break.” Chen deadpans.

“Excuse me for being polite and asking,” the taller man huffed. “Well then,” Tao leans forward. “Go out with me.”

Chen nearly drops the fork. “What?”

“Go out with me.” Tao repeats, smiling at him, the expression making him look younger. “We can grab dinner in town.”

Chen stares at him, mouth wide because Huang Zitao is asking him out. “Is this a joke?” he finally sputters out. He stares at the other café patrons. “Are you filming a hidden camera or something?”

Tao frowns. “What? No, of course not. Why would I joke about this?”

Chen glares at him, standing up and swinging his bag over one shoulder. “I know your type, Huang, pretty sure everyone on campus does. Thinking any beta would be more than willing to spread their legs for you, because we’re all so desperate for alpha attention. Asshole.” He pushes past him, storming out the doors, ignoring Tao’s yells from behind him.

He stomps all the way back to the dorms, taking a left and heading for the “O” buildings. He barges into Yixing’s room angrily, nearly causing him to topple off his bed with a startled squeak. Luhan, his roommate, looks up over a textbook. “What’s up with you?”

He flops face first onto Yixing’s bed, scooting forward so he can put his face in his lap. “Huang Zitao.” He mumbles into Yixing’s thigh.

“Pardon?”

He lifts his head. “Huang Zitao.” He repeats, shifting into a more comfortable position. Yixing pets his hair and he smiles up at him.

Luhan sits up, hair falling messily over one eye at the mention of the alpha’s name. “Huang Zitao? As in martial arts president Zitao? How do you even know him?”

“Chen’s tutoring him.” Yixing speaks for him, scratching a spot behind Chen’s ear that would have him purring if he was a cat. Luhan lets out a low whistle.

“Wow, you lucky son of a bitch, Kim Jongdae.”

“Chen.” He snaps in reply, “And how am I lucky? He’s an annoying twat.”


“With a body like Adonis and a knot the size of a grapefruit - if the rumours are to be believed.” Both Chen and Yixing make choked off noises at the last part.

“That’s not humanly possible.” Yixing squeaks out.

Chen sits up, glaring at Luhan. “His knot doesn’t make up for his personality.”

“Believe me, Chen-chen, when you’re on your back with a knot up your ass, the last possible thing you care about is who’s fucking you.” Luhan gives him a lascivious grin and Chen briefly entertains the image of Tao pounding into him, arms pinning him down before dragging his mind out of that particular gutter.

“It’s a wonder he manages to get people into his bed in the first place.” Chen sniffs, turning away from Luhan.

“Really? All the people I know who’ve been with him say he’s really sweet.” Yixing pipes up.

Chen scoffs and Luhan pokes him with a toe. “What did he even do to get you all worked up?”

“He asked me out.” Chen grumbled. The sudden silence in the room makes him look up to see Yixing gaping down at him. Luhan is wearing a similar dumbfounded expression.

“Wait, wait back up, he did what?” the blonde boy says slowly.

“He keeps popping up wherever I am lately, it’s so annoying. I was at the café today, minding my own business and he just swoops in, out of nowhere, and starts feeding me cheesecake.”

“He fed you?” Yixing squeals, shaking Chen by the shoulders. “Okay, so he asked you out. What did you say?”

Chen stares at him blankly. “What do you mean?”

Luhan tilts his head. “You said yes, right? Of course you did, it’s Tao we’re talking about.”

“No,” Chen insists, pulling himself up to lean against the headboard. “I didn’t say anything. He was clearly fucking with me.” There’s more silence and it’s unnerving him so he continues on. “I mean, it was clearly a prank. Why on earth would Tao ask me out, first of all?”

“Because he likes you.” Yixing says and Chen sighs, petting him on the head.

“No, Xing, no. Tao’s an alpha. They don’t date betas, you know that.”

“Is that what this is about?” Luhan exclaims and looks like he wants to hit him. “So, you think Tao was fucking with you because you’re a beta?”

“Duh. You know his reputation, he’s worked his way through most of the omegas on campus and a few of the more experimental alphas. He’s probably just hitting a dry spell right now because of spring break and thinks he can get it in easy.”

Luhan is staring at him, agape. “My god, you’re a fucking idiot.”

“What Luhan is trying to say,” Yixing intervenes before Chen can throw a pillow at his roommate. “Is that it’s kind of unfair for you to judge Tao’s motives because of his reputation. Maybe he just genuinely wants to go out with you.”

“Hard as that is to believe.” Luhan calls from the other bed and Yixing is too slow this time to stop Chen from lobbing a pillow at him.

“Xing, I know you’re a romantic, and it’s endearing about 90% of the time, but face it,” Chen stretches as he stands, reaching down to grab his bag. “Guys like him and guys like me never work out. Best to avoid all that trouble from the start.” He heads for the doorway, snagging a bag of chips from the dresser.

“Those are mine.” Luhan calls and he calmly flips him off before leaving.

He eats as he walks, humming to himself as he rounds the corner. He nearly chokes on his mouthful when he sees Tao standing at the gate of the B dorms, eyes fixed on his phone. He hasn’t spotted him yet and Chen sneaks around to the back entrance, hopping the fence. He knocks insistently until an annoyed Ricky lets him in. When he peeks out of his room window, he sees Tao still standing outside, hands in the pockets of his jacket as he stares straight ahead. He sticks his tongue out at the back of Tao’s head, ducking down beneath the window sill when the alpha looks up.

Not that he’s paying attention or anything but Tao stands there for another twenty minutes before leaving. And that niggling feeling in his stomach is not guilt, its indigestion. Tao probably fed him bad cheesecake. Bastard.


***
He vaguely considers skipping out on their tutoring session that afternoon but Tao spots him in the cafeteria at breakfast. He all but runs from the room, dragging a surprised Kyungsoo along with him, the other still carrying his plate of scrambled eggs.

“Pathetic,.” Kyungsoo states as Chen peeks out from the small alcove they’re hiding in, checking for Tao. “You’re acting ridiculous.”

“What?” Chen responds defensively, reaching for Kyungsoo’s eggs but hissing when his hand is slapped away. “I don’t want to talk to him right now.”

“Chen, the guy waited outside the beta dorms for almost an hour yesterday. No alpha would go through that much trouble for an easy lay, especially not Tao.” Kyungsoo chews loudly, judgemental stare fixed on him. “Talk to the guy.”

“No.”

“Well, you’re going to have to see him this afternoon anyways, you can’t avoid the topic anyways.”

“Watch me.”

Chen is trying to channel some of that false bravado he’d displayed with Kyungsoo in the afternoon as he hides behind a bookshelf. Tao is already at their regular table and that’s concerning enough given that he’s never early. He peeks out from a between two books, letting out a startled noise when he sees Tao staring straight at him.

“Are you done skulking around?”

“I was not skulking.” Chen grabs a random book from the shelf, walking over to the table. “I was looking for a book.”

Tao tilts his head, squinting at the book in his hands. “‘The Vagina Monologues.’” He reads out.

Fucking hell. “Hey, vaginas are fascinating okay. Got amazing… stretching capabilities.”

Tao stares back him. “‘ “‘The Vagina Monologues’ is a play.”

“Oh.” He’s not sure whether to address the book or ponder the fact that Tao reads feminist literature. He settles for shoving the tome in his bag. “Right, so today we’re going to do character sketches-“

“Why did you run out on me yesterday?”

Ah. So much for avoiding the subjects. He uncaps and recaps his pen, the clicking noise loud in the awkward silence. “Let’s not get into that, okay.”

“I think I’m owed an explanation as to why I got called an asshole in public, when I did nothing wrong.” Tao hasn’t made a move to open any of the books in front of him, arms crossed over his chest and Chen sighs, realising he’s going to have to address this sooner or later. He mimics Tao’s pose, meeting the other’s gaze.

“You have some nerve pretending that I’m the one in the wrong here.”

Tao quirks an eyebrow, leaning forward and Chen has to struggle not to sink back. “Pray tell me what it is that I did that puts me in the ‘wrong’.” His tone is biting, sarcasm lacking the usual playfulness behind it - and it’s disconcerting.

Chen pauses before speaking. “You think you can just - creep your way into my life and pay a bit of attention to me, woo me with the compliments and the fucking cookies and I’ll automatically fall for you because I’m clearly that attention starved. I know your type, you jock alphas and your over inflated egos.” He remembers grabbing hands, a wide sneer and the laughing jeers of the surrounding people as he stumbled away, and he forces the memory back, keeping his gaze locked on Tao’s. The other boy looks incredulous.

“You - you preemptively judged me because I’m an alpha? ” Tao’s hands are flat on the table now. “What on earth is that kind of logic?”

Chen snorts. “Logic that keeps me from becoming another notch on your headboard. You can stop with the faux-outraged act now.” He pulls his book closer forcibly, nearly ripping the cover off. “We were on chapter 4.”

Tao is still staring at him but he looks less angry now, Chen could swear he almost looks a bit sad. “A notch on my headboard? Do you honestly think that little of me? Do you honestly think that little of yourself?”

“Enough.” Chen flips the book open. “Chapter four.”

Tao stares him at him for a little while longer before shaking his head and opening his book. “If that’s how you want this to be, then fine.” He flips it to the correct chapter and Chen takes a shaky breath and begins to read.

The tutoring session passes mostly in silence and Chen didn’t think he’d ever miss Tao’s bad jokes and barely-disguised attempts at flirting. The Chinese boy ignores him, only occasionally asking a question relating to the material. It’s awkward and stifling and it’s a relief when their hour is up. He fiddles with his pen as Tao shoves his books into his bag. “Hey,” he says quietly. “I can talk to student services about getting you a new tutor if you want.”

Tao doesn’t look back at him. “It’s fine.” He leaves first and Chen never thought he’d miss Tao’s call of “Bye, pretty thing.”

***
It’s the first day back after spring break and most of the students still haven’t quite grasped that they’re back on their regular schedules yet. Chen muffles a laugh into his hand as Sehun slinks into their creative writing class 20 minutes late, still in his hello kitty pajama pants and bows repeatedly to their teacher in apology before heading to his seat beside him. Chen laughs when Sehun buries his face into his arms. “Long night?”

“StarCraft tournaments are the devil.” The younger groans out and Chen pets his head sympathetically. Their teacher drones on about motifs or some shit and Chen can feel his own eyelids beginning to droop. A nap does sound nice. “Hey.” Sehun pokes him in the cheek. “When were you planning on telling me the big news, anyways?”

Chen bats him away. “What news?”

“You know,” Sehun waggles his eyebrows. “You and Tao. Heard from Baekhyun that you two were getting really cosy during break.”

Chen groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We had tutoring together, that’s it.”

“Seriously?” Sehun looks disappointed. “Did you two at least get it on between the stacks?”

“What the hell?” Chen whispers, yanking Sehun closer. “Is that what people are saying? Do people think I’d hook up with Tao of all people, in public?”

“This is Tao we’re talking about, stranger things have happened.” Sehun nudges his side and points to a group of his classmates who are whispering amongst each other, periodically looking up to stare at him. “Most of the omega population is heartbroken, they think the great Huang Zitao is off the market.”

Chen wants to scream.

“But seriously,” Sehun leans in, “you should go after Tao.”

Chen squints at him. “What’s up with you, matchmaker Oh?”

Sehun grins sheepishly. “Well, I think Luhan kind of has a thing for Tao and if he knew Tao was taken, maybe he’d be more inclined to give me a shot.”

“No.” Chen snaps, standing as the teacher dismisses them. “If you want to get laid, you’re going to have to go about it a different way.” He marches out, Sehun’s whiny “hyung” echoing in his ears. He moves with flow of the crowd, heading to the music rooms for choir practice. As he passes the band rooms, he hears loud hooting. Peeking in, he rolls his eyes as he sees as group of alphas, most of the basketball team if he isn’t wrong, fooling around with the instruments. One throws a snare drum across the room towards another, who catches it before it nails a shrieking omega in the face. He sees Kris in the corner, Minseok reclining against him and waves at him. Kris beckons him over with a crooked finger but Chen shakes his head, indicating the choir room. He sees Tao sprawled out on a sofa out the corner of his eye, looking like sin personified in his dark jeans and ripped tank with a guitar in his lap. One of the omegas catches his gaze and smirks, making a lewd hand gesture in Tao’s direction. Chen glares at her before turning away.

Choir is loud as usual, their frazzled director attempting to whip them into some semblance of shape before the state competition in three weeks. She’s especially rough on him, making him go over his solo multiple time until Chen wants to bludgeon either himself or her with a music stand. When the hour is up, she orders him to stay behind and practice a bit more before dismissing the rest of the students. He takes a sip of water before pressing play on the CD player. As the instrumental begins to play, he shuts his eyes and sings.

It’s easier without the judgemental stares of others, scrutinizing his every note for mistakes. His voice echoes across the empty room and Chen isn’t one to brag but he knows he sounds good right now, breathing even, tone steady as he sings. He runs through the entire song once before opening his eyes again, squinting at the bright light. He takes another drink, emptying the rest of the bottle over his head. He flips off the CD player and turns to leave. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees Tao leaning in the doorway, arms folded across his chest, staring at him.

“I didn’t know you could sing.” Tao’s voice echoes over to him. Chen flushes, scratching at the back of his neck.

“I - just - it’s a hobby.”

Tao uncrosses his arms, turning back. “You should do it more often.” And just like that, he leaves and Chen waits till the sound of his footsteps has faded away before leaving. It is, he belatedly realises, the most Tao’s said to him since the disastrous tutoring session a week ago.

***

Spring transitions into the sweltering, muggy months of summer and Chen is fervently counting down the days till break. The AC in the beta dorms is busted so he’s been spending more and more time in Yixing’s room (and being in Luhan’s vicinity for so long is reason enough to make anyone miserable). All his teachers seem to have simultaneously gotten in touch with their sadistic sides as he finds himself buried under a mountain of assignments to be completed before mid-July.

He’s in his music composition class, trying in vain to adjust the bridge of his piece which the teacher has declared “flat". He doesn’t notice Yixing sweating profusely beside him until the other boy nearly uproots the desk while reaching for some loose music sheets. He starts, turning to see what’s wrong. “Xing?”

Yixing’s hair is damp with sweat and he’s tugging harshly on the collar of his shirt, face flushed. Chen leans in and the smell hits him, sweet, seductive and oh- so- tempting; and he feels the blood rush to his face. “Shit, Xing, are you in heat?”

“It wasn’t due for another three days.” Yixing murmurs weakly, fingers clawing at the polished surface of his desk. They’re in one of the back rows and the rest of the class has yet to catch on to his friend’s predicament but the last thing they need is for the smell to spread further. He shoves Yixing’s things into his bag hastily, pointing to the exit at the back of the hall. “Go, I’ll bring your stuff.”

Yixing stumbles up the stairs, heads turning to watch him leave and Chen curses, grabbing his own things as well before taking off him behind him. Yixing’s leaning against the wall, breathing heavy and he looks five seconds away from passing out. Chen loops his arm over his shoulder grunting under the weight. “C’mon, let’s get you to the dorms.”

Their pace is slow, Chen struggling to maneuver them around the college, occasionally taking a detour to avoid a group of alphas. Yixing’s feet are dragging behind him, fingers fisted in Chen’s shirt, slick running down his leg and it’s looking less and less like they’ll make it before Yixing’s heat goes into its peak.

“Is everything okay?” He hears someone call and he looks over. It’s Tao and Kim Jongin standing off to the side. They walk closer and he registers the danger.

“Stay away!” He yells, trying to keep Yixing upright. Tao stops, pulling Jongin back. He sniffs the air, eyes widening. In a few quick steps, he’s over to the two of them, looping Yixing’s other arm around his neck. Chen tries to push him away. “You can’t be near him right now!”

Tao grunts, as he takes on some of Yixing’s weight. “I can control myself. You’re not gonna get him back in time at this rate, anyways.” He gestures to their backpacks. “Drop those, Jongin will bring them.”

“Jongin,” Yixing murmurs from between them, turning his head lazily, eyes glassy. “Is he here?”

“Let’s move, the last thing he wants is Jongin to see him like this.” Chen instructs and Tao follows his orders. The pace is faster now, although the height difference makes it uneven. When Yixing starts making keening noises, tears running down his face, Tao scoops him up fully, carrying him bridal style to the “O” dorms. Chen runs behind him, panting as he tries to keep pace, taking a few moments to admire the amount of strength Tao’s packing. They get to the outside entrance and Chen takes Yixing inside, while Tao waits at the gates. He hands Yixing over to the dorms head who immediately starts barking orders left and right before ordering him out. Even a beta isn’t to be trusted around an omega in heat.

He’s surprised to see Tao still standing there when he exits, slowing his pace as he approaches. Tao pushes his hair out of his eyes. “Is he okay?”

“Yeah, the dorm mother’s got him, they’ll get him his pills or whatever.” He’s close enough now to see the beads of sweat lining Tao’s forehead, which he wipes away with the hem of his tank. He looks amazing as always, hair dyed a reddish shade that brings out the olive of his skin, ear piercings glinting in the sunlight. He and Tao haven’t spoken since their last tutoring session weeks ago after they’d finished Maurice and he’d stiffly informed Chen that he wouldn’t be needing his help anymore. He wasn’t sure at the time why he was so disappointed.

He notices Tao leaning on the fence, breathing hard and approaches, placing one hand cautiously on his arm. “Are you okay?”

Tao looks up and Chen feels his breath catch in his throat at the sight. Tao’s pupils are blown, skin tinted red and suddenly the sweating makes a lot more sense. Tao’s an alpha -, of course Yixing’s heat hormones would affect him to a certain extent and now he can feel his own body begin to react to the pheromones Tao’s emitting, strong and sharp. He takes a step back. “Wait, Tao, maybe you should-”

Tao doesn’t let him finish and grabs hold of his arm, steering him to the side so they’re hidden behind a tree. His hand cups Chen’s cheek, tracing the outline of his cheekbone. “You feel it too, right?” His voice is several octaves lower than normal, deep timbre sending a shiver running through Chen and he nods weakly. It’s all the confirmation Tao needs as he leans down to press his lips against Chen’s, hot and insistent. There’s no preamble, no slow build up, it’s messy and demanding from the very beginning as Tao traces the seam of his lips, demanding access and Chen lets him in, moaning brokenly as he grips onto Tao’s arms, wrapping trembling fingers around firm biceps. Tao is sucking on his tongue, fingers sliding under his shirt, large hands like fire on his skin, and he grips Chen’s waist, lifting him up against the trunk of a tree. Chen’s legs wrap around him instinctively and from this angle he can feel the solidity of Tao’s erection pressing against his thigh and he’s caught off guard by the wave of desire that engulfs him, skin breaking out in goosebumps as Tao redirects his attention to his neck. He thought he knew what desire was but this, this is sheer need , the need to have Tao claim him right there on the dry grass, the warm thrum in his veins as Tao bites bruises into his neck, marking him.

Tao is rutting against his leg harshly now, pushing his shirt up to his collarbones so he can trace a fingernail lightly against a dusky nipple and Chen is so far gone. He barely notices Tao has pulled away until he’s being dropped on to the grass, whining at the loss of contact. Tao stands over him, letting out a string of curses before he reaches down to fix his shirt. Chen tries to pull him in again but he gets pushed back and before he knows it, Tao is walking away, long legs quickly carrying him out of his vision. He lies there on the grass, head leaning against the tree trunk as he tries to catch his breath. His arousal dims after a few minutes to be replaced by embarrassment at how he let Tao practically fuck him in public. This is followed by anger, because how fucking dare Tao just leave him like this. He uses that fury to get himself to his feet, stumbling towards the beta dorms and wishing every misfortune he can think of upon Tao in the process. He passes a wide-eyed Myungsoo in the kitchen as he marches up to his room, slamming the door loud enough to make the window panes rattle. He catches sight of his reflection in the mirror, a large hickey spread wide over his collarbone and he screams. There’s a hesitant tapping on his door and he flings it open. “What?”

Myungsoo cowers in front of him, holding his arm out like a shield. “Huang Zitao was just here, um, he left you this.” he stutters, dropping Chen’s backpack at his feet before skittering away. Chen chucks his bag on his bed, frowning when he sees a post-it note stuck to one of the straps. He peels it off to read, squinting at the large, loopy scrawl.

“Jongin interrupted us this time. Not sure whether I want to kill him or be grateful because we we’re well on our way to a public indecency charge. The point is, I’ve had a taste and I want more of you, all of you. But I’m not going to beg. The ball’s in your court now, pretty thing. Let me know when you want to play.

***

Chen is in agony.

He pushes his sweaty bangs off his forehead with one hand as the other pumps faster on his cock, the friction of his callused palm making his hips stutter and his breath catch. He comes quickly, spilling white strands all over his stomach. The relief is short-lived as he feels arousal once again stirring in his veins and he groans, standing up and stomping out to the showers, uncaring of his nakedness. He turns the tap to cold, teeth chattering as the freezing water rains down over his shoulders but mercifully, the arousal abates.

For the past week he’s had this strange itch under his skin, a slow burning heat that has him persistently horny and desperate for release. It flashes up at inconvenient times during the day, so he’s found himself with more than one uncomfortable erection in the middle of a lecture. He’s tried jerking off, and even went clubbing with Sehun, where he picked up a pretty beta but for some reason, her scent made him physically nauseous and it never went beyond kissing. He’s tired of the constant horniness, his dick is going to start chafing soon and it’s beginning to affect his schoolwork. He knows he’s truly desperate when he goes to ask Luhan for help.

The omega smirks at him from where he’s filing his nails on the couch. “Persistent horniness? You sure you don’t just need to get laid?”

Chen grits his teeth. “No. I told you, I tried that already. Her pheromones made me throw up. Same thing happened with another omega the same night.” He runs his hands through his hair in agitation. “I just need it to go away.”

Luhan hmms, buffing a nail. “Okay, the symptoms are starting to sound familiar. Did you hook up with anyone recently? Prior to the horniness.”

Chen considers lying but that won’t help his situation. He can still be vague though. “Yeah, with an alpha last week.”

Luhan raises his eyebrows, looking impressed. “How far did you go?”

“I really don’t see what relevance that has to the current situation.” Chen sputters.

“Just answer, you idiot, and stop being such a prude.” Luhan is now painting his nails a violent shade of red and Chen squints at him.

“What’s that for?”

“Sehun.” Luhan says breezily, blowing on his fingers. “He keeps staring at my hands during bio lab so might as well give him a focal point.” He lets out a tinkling laugh. “Poor sod’s gonna be fantasizing about my fingers around his dick for weeks.”

“Why are you such a tease with him?” Chen already knows he’s going to be dealing with a whiny, horny Sehun for the immediate future. “Just go out with him already.”

“But what’s the fun in that?” Luhan leans his head on his knees, the perfect image of Lolita coquettishness. “But enough about that, back to you and your mysterious alpha. So did he get it in or not?”

“Not.” Chen grumbles, shoving a handful of cheese puffs into his mouth. “We made out and there was some… humping but we had to stop because someone showed up.”

“Aha,” Luhan points a manicured finger at him. “You have alpha lust!”

“And… so does half the population?”

“No, no, no, alpha lust is what they call your condition. It’s an evolutionary thing alphas used to do. When you have sex - or are in the process anyways - their pheromones kind of like, bond with their partner’s, it heightens knotting, kind of like an aphrodisiac. If you don’t go all the way, then those bonded hormones make you really horny until you finally sleep with them.” Luhan grins at him. “There’s a reason those purity pledge alpha-omega relationships never got very far.”

“Are you fucking serious right now?” He punches a pillow angrily. “How long is this going to last?”

“Depends.” Luhan flops onto his stomach beside him. “I had friend who had a particularly bad case, his lasted almost three weeks.”

“Three weeks? ” Chen is breaking out in cold sweat. “I can’t take another two weeks of this! I almost got arrested because campus security caught me walking around the quad with a boner and thought I was a flasher!”

Luhan shrugs. “Well, either you wait it out or you fuck it out.”

“Fine.” He mutters, standing up and brushing orange cheese powder off his clothes. “So, I just find an alpha and sleep with them?”

“Nope, has to be the same alpha who did the bonding, your body will reject anyone else.”

Fucking perfect. He leaves the O dorms and sets course for the gym. He’s in luck, the martial arts club just finished practice. He storms into the locker room, ignoring the startled yelps and catcalls from the half-naked athletes. “Where’s Tao?” he barks at a freshman who flinches back, pointing towards the showers.

The communal showers are empty save for Tao and another man who takes one look at Chen and skitters away. Tao has his head tipped back under the spray, hair pushed off his forehead. And okay maybe when Chen had envisioned this confrontation it had involved more him slapping Tao upside the head and less of the latter being wet and naked but Chen’s a warrior and he soldiers on. “Huang!”

Tao turns to stare at him in surprise. “Chen?”

He pushes Tao back, and the other slips, back hitting the wall hard and - okay, now Chen feels kind of bad.

He glares up at Tao, craning his head back to properly look at him. “You,” he growled, jabbing Tao in the chest with his forefinger. “You have made my life miserable this past week.”

“What did I do this time?” Tao asks scrunching his face up. “Or did you just preemptively decide I did something?”

“You gave me alpha lust.” Chen glares at him. Tao’s face goes from confused to amused and he bursts into laughter. Chen slaps at the taller man’s chest. “It’s not funny!”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” Tao bows low, the wet tips of his hair dripping onto Chen. “Now can I please finish my shower? I’m getting conditioner in my eyes.”

Oh right, Tao is still naked. He walks over to the shower to rinse his hair out and from this vantage point Chen can see everything. He swallows hard as he watches droplets trail down Tao’s thighs, having the sudden urge to lick them off and yep, he’s hard again. Fucking alpha lust. Tao turns to look at him. “Any reason you’re still here?”

“Apologizing isn’t enough.” Chen tugs his shirt down slightly over his crotch, trying to hide the noticeable tent. “The alpha lust still hasn’t worn off and it’s been a week. I can’t even go to classes because it keeps bothering me.”

“What am I supposed to do about it?” Tao turns the water off and reaches for a towel, knotting it around his hips much to his relief (and slight disappointment).

“Well,” Chen shuffles his feet, suddenly finding the tile pattern very fascinating. “Luhan said there was one way to get rid of it.”

There’s a long silence before Tao responds. “So you’re saying we should sleep together.”

Well, that was awfully blunt. Chen flushes, getting defensive. “Well, this is technically your fault.”

“You weren’t complaining if I recall.” Tao counters. He exits the showers, heading for the now empty locker room and Chen follows. Tao roots around in his locker, back facing him. “Okay.”

“Okay what?”

Tao emerges from his locker. “Okay, I’ll sleep with you. But first,” he crooks a finger at him, beckoning him closer, “Ccome here.”

“Are you planning on mugging me? Because all I have on me is seven dollars and a bus pass.” Chen yelps when Tao comes closer, suddenly picks him up, flailing in the other’s hold. “Hey, put me down!”

“Gladly.” Tao lies him flat on a pile of mats stacked in the corner and Chen suddenly finds himself pinned under six feet of tan skin and solid muscle. Tao sneaks a hand between them, squeezing at Chen’s dick. “Did Luhan mention how alpha lust works for alphas by any chance?”

“N-no,” Chen gasps out, hand flying up to cover his mouth as Tao pulls his shorts down to expose him to the cold air. He’d gone commando and Tao smirks when he sees. He spits in his palm before wrapping it around his cock and Chen stifles a moan.

“Well, alpha lust actually works both ways.” Tao begins to stroke him at a maddeningly slow pace, pushing his hips down as he tries to buck up into his grip. “You’ve been horny all week because of me and I-” He rubs his thumb in the slit, smearing precome and Chen can’t stop the loud cry that escapes him this time. “Have been going fucking insane because of you and your damn scent. Anytime we were even in the same room, I couldn’t focus on anything else.” He sucks at a patch of skin beneath his jaw and it’s probably going to bruise but right now, Chen really doesn’t give a shit. “I was waiting for you to finally give in and find me but you’re so stubborn, pretty thing.” He kisses his way down Chen’s chest, pausing to tongue at his nipples, rolling one between his fingers. “Do you enjoy discomfort, Chen-chen? A masochistic kink perhaps?” He bites at soft flesh of Chen’s stomach, sucking marks onto the pale skin. “We can explore that later if you like.”

“Please, please Tao-” Chen is begging now, driven to the brink by the feeling of Tao’s warm breath ghosting over his cock as Tao presses kisses everywhere but where he wants him. “Don’t tease.”

Tao smiles up at him. “Well, since you asked so nicely.” He props himself up on arm before taking him into his mouth, lips wrapped around the head and Chen claws at the mats, the wet, warm sensation simultaneously too much and not enough.

“Move, please,” He manages to gasp out.

Tao is skilled at this, relaxing his throat and swallowing, sucking hard at his length, hands pumping what he can’t fit it in. Chen comes not long after and Tao works him through it until he’s red and oversensitive and so tired, he can barely keep his eyes open. He has manners though (and maybe, he secretly just wants an excuse to touch Tao) and so he props himself up on his elbows shakily. “I can do you, here let me.”

He’s too tired to get fancy, settling for giving Tao a handjob as they lie side-by-side on the mats, Tao letting him use his arm as a pillow, breathing soft moans into his hair. He’s definitely well-endowed, although Luhan’s fruit analogies may have been a bit exaggerated. He comes quickly, fingers tightening on Chen’s hip hard enough to leave bruises. He cleans them both off with his abandoned towel, letting Chen nap on his arm for a few minutes before gently shaking him. “Don’t you have class?”

Chen groans, rolling over onto his back. “Goddamnit, I don’t wanna get up.” He props himself up on his arms, watching Tao pull on his jeans. “Toss me my shorts.”

Tao chucks them at his head, laughing when Chen pouts at him. “Cute.”

“Shut up.” Chen rolls off the mats, legs still a bit shaky. The itch from the alpha lust has subsided somewhat and he might even be able to get through this class without the urge to hump his desk. He retrieves his backpack, scowling when he sees the bottom got wet. He gives Tao a small wave before turning to leave.

“Hey.” Tao calls and Che pauses at the door. “Is Friday okay? 8 o clock?”

"For what- oh that. Uh, yeah, Friday's fine.” Chen fiddles with the doorknob, not quite able to believe that they’re scheduling sex, like it’s a dentist appointment. “See you then I guess.”


***

To say Chen is nervous would be an understatement- he’s fucking petrified as his sex date with Tao looms closer. Between that and his alpha lust, he ends up accomplishing nothing that week, alternating between pacing his room, stuffing his face and wanking in the showers. On Thursday night he finally gives in and calls his friends in for an emergency meeting. Kyungsoo follows his pacing, leaning over to snag some chips from the bag in Luhan’s lap. “So wait, why am I here again? I have no experience with knotting.”

“Moral support.” He snaps, squeezing a stress ball between his fingers in a futile attempt to calm himself down. Yixing tugs him down by the arm to where he’s sitting cross-legged on the floor and Chen all but crawls into his lap. “Help me, Xing.”

“Yixing’s a virgin, he’s no help to you either.” Luhan drones from the bed, head in Kris’ lap. “Kris and I are the only ones here with any first-hand experience. My time is limited so ask quickly.”

Kris rests his chin on his palms. “I think you’re worrying too much for no reason, Chenzi. Tao’s a good alpha, I’ve never heard any bad things from his other partners. He’ll take care of you.”

“The main thing is to make sure he stretches you well since you don’t self-lubricate. Take your time with prep and relax, the hormones will handle the rest.” Luhan sits up. “Now that we’ve solved Chen’s little sex crisis, can we order pizza?”

“I second this.” Kyungsoo intones, standing up and pulling his phone out. “Whose turn is it to pay?” Everyone simultaneously points at Kris who makes a face but chucks his wallet at Kyungsoo’s head anyways. Chen feels Yixing’s fingers smooth through his hair and he smiles up at the omega, pressing a kiss to his upper arm. “How’s everything going for you, Xing? You’ve been really chipper lately.”

“He’s been spending a lot of time with Jongin lately.” Kris says, tone playful as Yixing ducks his head, flushing red as Chen pokes him in the cheek. “Minseok saw the two of them together at the café this weekend.”

“Ooh, tell us more.” Luhan coos. “Man, Kim Jongin is fucking fine, even for a beta. I’d break my alphas-only rule for him.”

Yixing shrugs, a small happy grin on his face. “We started talking after the heat incident, he came by the dorms to return my backpack and we just kinda hit it off. He’s really sweet.”

Everyone coos obnoxiously at Yixing, before Kris decides it’s time to grill Luhan on his latest conquests. Kyungsoo returns with the pizza mid-story (“I didn’t even know you could find Skittles flavoured lube”) and it turns into a free-for-all for slices. After watching a movie, Luhan and Kyungsoo bow out and Kris and Yixing are left sprawled on his bed, Chen cuddled between them. He nudges Yixing. “Don’t you have to make check in at the dorm?”

“Eh, the dorm mama won’t care as long as I don’t get pregnant.” Yixing leans on his elbow. “What about you, Kris?”

“Too lazy to walk.” Kris pokes Chen in the side of the head. “You should get some sleep, you’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

Chen groans, smushing his face into the pillow. “Every time I think about it, I feel like throwing up.”

“Maybe you should call it off, if it’s giving you that much anxiety.” Kris’ face is serious and Chen shakes his head.

“It’s not like that,” he reassures him, flopping onto his back. “I’m just- what if I’m bad at sex with an alpha? He’s Huang Zitao, he’s probably had a billion partners, and most were probably more experienced than me.”

“Okay, first of all, you’re not bad at sex. Like at all. Seriously, ten out of ten, five star rating on Amazon, you’re good.” Kris pokes him in the nose. “Secondly, I know Tao and he’d never judge you for never having slept with an alpha before. He’ll probably like being your first actually. Goes into their whole ‘claiming’ thing.” Kris rolls over to rifle through his backpack. “I got you some supplies by the way.” He drops a bag on Chen’s chest.

“Oh, those are important.” Yixing pulls out the packet of condoms. “Chances of a beta male getting pregnant their first time with an alpha is rare but still, exercise caution.” He smiles. “Although you and Tao would make really pretty babies.”

“Go hang out with Hyosung if you want a baby Xing, heard she and Yongguk are expecting their second.” Chen pulls out a small tube, squinting at the label. “I’ve never seen this type before.”

“I asked my beta friends, they said it’s the best stuff for knotting.” Kris wraps an arm around his waist, long span easily allowing him to encompass Yixing too. “Any other things you may need, such as lingerie or handcuffs will have to come out of pocket.”

“Thanks guys.” Chen presses a kiss to Kris’ hair, ducking the elder’s punch. “Okay bedtime for us.” He leans over to flick off the lamp. “Please don’t take it personally if I pop a boner in the middle of the night, it’s the alpha lust.”

“Just don’t scent mark me or Minseok will castrate you.” Kris mutters and Chen feels the soft vibrations of Yixing’s laugh against his neck as he leans back against his pillow and shuts his eyes.
***
He’s antsy all the next day, trying in vain to complete some assignments as the clock ticks ominously on the wall beside him. He showers, spending extra time on his hair and even steals some of Dongwoo’s expensive peach body butter (and then promptly feels guilty because Dongwoo ). By seven-thirty he’s out of the dorms, feet dragging the closer he walks to the alpha dorms. He lingers outside the bushes for a long while, hesitating and nearly turning back to the beta dorms. A sudden wave of alpha lust hits him though, most likely from being in such close proximity to them and he finally grits his teeth and walks up to the front door.

Tao is waiting by the front desk, eyes fixed on his phone, although his eyes snap over instantly when Chen walks in and - why does the fact that Tao is that acutely aware of his presence thrill him? It’s the hormones. Definitely.

“Hey.” Tao tugs him closer, placing an arm around his waist and Chen leans in, breathing in the familiar scent of spice and sandalwood that clears his head some. Tao signs him in at the register before leading him to his room, arm positively tight around him and Chen appreciates the gesture that would normally make him bristle. He’s not entirely comfortable being around so many alphas, can feel their eyes following him and Tao curiously, one going so far as to let out a wolf whistle before cowering under Tao’s glare. They make it up to the second floor without incident and Chen is surprised when Tao leads him to one of the larger singles reserved for the dorm heads. Tao grins as he fixes the key into the lock. “My dorm head has an omega girlfriend off campus so I take care of stuff for him while he’s gone. Pain in the ass dealing with so many alphas sometimes but it has its perks.” He opens the door to reveal a large, airy room, with a large bed shoved against a window and Chen’s eyes instantly gravitate towards that and the nervous thrum is back.

He perches gingerly on the edge of the bed as Tao pours him a drink, taking in his surroundings. The room is cleaner than he’d expected, books stacked neatly on a desk in the opposite corner, a laundry basket full of folded clothes by the dresser. By far the most interesting things are the various swords and staffs stacked on pegs on the walls and he reaches up to trace the long blade of the one above his head.

“That’s a katana.” Tao hands him the glass and Chen scrambles to take hold of it, nearly upending the drink over the bed sheets. “Got it as a gift from my dad. He had it commissioned while he was on a business trip to Japan.”

“Oh, that’s sweet.” He sees a framed picture of Tao, towering over his smiling parents and gestures to it with his head. “You must miss them.”

“I do. Strange to go from being the spoilt only child to having to fend for yourself in a foreign country.” Tao reaches over and places the frame face down on the side table. “Anyways.”

Oh right, this isn’t an engagement for making small talk. Chen places his glass on the side table, twisting his fingers nervously together as he focuses on a spot somewhere left of Tao’s knee. The alpha scoots closer and Chen tenses as he feels his arm press into his side, wanting to simultaneously lean in and withdraw from the touch. Tao brings his arm around him, fingers rubbing slow circles on the back of his hand. “You okay?”

“Fine.” Chen clears his throat, turning sideways to face Tao. “So let’s do this, yeah?”

Tao merely stares at him, mostly likely caught off guard by that horrible attempt at dirty talk and so Chen takes initiative, clumsily hooking his arms around Tao’s neck and pulling him down for a kiss.

The kissing is languid, Tao setting the pace and Chen lets himself relax against the taller, this much being familiar to him. It’s only when Tao starts easing him back on the bed that the tension returns, Chen pulling away from the other’s lips, hands coming up to wrap around his forearms. Tao is unperturbed, kissing his way down his neck, mercilessly teasing a sensitive patch of skin under his jawline until he has Chen gasping and pushing his head away. Laughing, he slides his fingers up under the hem of his shirt, cool fingerprints tracing the skin of his abdomen. “Can I take this off?”

“Yeah.” Chen sits up, helping Tao tug the shirt off. He leans back, shivering at the sensation of the cool sheets against his back as Tao’s big hands slowly move up and down his sides. Tao smirks when he sees a hickey by Chen’s right nipple, a remnant of their previous session. “Still hasn’t faded.” He murmurs, a hint of pride in his voice as he brings his fingers up to trace over the darkened skin.

“Don’t act so smug about it.” Chen breathes out, not letting on to that fact that he’s been pressing down on that bruise every time he’s jerked off in the past week, the feeling of being claimed making him come all the much faster. He sighs when Tao leans in to suck on the skin, letting his hands wind themselves in the other’s hair as he alternates between licking and biting, fingers coming up to tease his other nipple. By the time he’s moved his way down, the hickey is now bright purple, a stark contrast against Chen’s pale skin and the sight makes him moan a little, leaning his head back against the pillows.

Tao teases at the waistband of his jeans, fingers dipping in to brush at the skin before he hooks his fingers into the belt loops, tugging them off along with his boxers. Chen helps him, kicking them off and to the side. He fidgets under Tao’s gaze, feeling very exposed. “How come I’m the only one who’s naked?” He mumbles, eliciting a laugh from Tao at the grumpiness in his voice. Tao peels off his t-shirt, leaning over to press a kiss to his ear.

“Better?” He teases.

“Pants too.” Chen orders, laughing and squirming away when Tao tickles his sides playfully before shucking his belt and jeans and oh, no underwear. Chen likes.

Tao tugs him down till he’s near the edge of the bed, spreading his thighs and letting out an appreciative hum at the sight before him. He pushes Chen’s legs up, leaving soft kisses along his thighs until Chen can feel his hot breath ghosting over the head of his cock. He twitches at the sensation, hips rising up to try and get closer to the heat source and Tao laughs before taking the cockhead and sucking leisurely, eyes screwing up in mirth at the yelp Chen releases. He takes him down slowly, sloppy and wet as he tongues the underside, hands stroking the sensitive skin of his ball. He pulls away much too soon and Chen is about to loudly voice his protests when Tao pushes his legs further apart, moving down until he’s pressing his tongue flat at Chen’s perineum and Chen gasps out, not expecting this. Tao props a hand under his ass, tilting it up for better access as he traces his tongue around the rim, slow, teasing laps of his tongue as Chen writhes against the sheets, hips bucking. Tao growls when he tries to stifle his moans, pulling his hand away from his mouth. “Let me hear you, pretty thing.”

Chen is pretty sure the entire dorm can hear him by the time Tao starts working his tongue inside, he’s always been a screamer and Tao seems to relish in how loud he can make him cry out. Chen’s half hard, dick still untouched by the time Tao pulls away, pressing a kiss to his hole and making him kick out in embarrassment. Tao rifles through his side drawer, emerging with an unopened bottle of lube. He snaps open the lid, pouring the sticky gel onto his fingers before moving them between his legs. Chen breathes out, trying to relax his muscles as Tao traces around the rim, applying slight pressure but not pushing in. The alpha is watching his face closely. “You okay, babe?”

Chen flushes at the endearment, nodding. “I’ve done this before, I’m used to it. Just go slow.” Tao nods and begins working in one finger, other hand stroking soothingly down his thigh as he fits it in. Chen squirms, the intrusion is uncomfortable but not painful, lube making the slide easier. He wriggles his hips slightly and Tao takes it as permission to move, fucking his finger in out of him slowly, introducing a second after a few minutes. Tao’s fingers are longer than his own and it’s a tight fit, Tao scissoring him open slowly, pressing kisses to his knee when he lets out a small noise of discomfort. Tao works in a third fingers, pulling out to dribble more lube on his hand and begins to probe around inside of him, rubbing against his walls. Chen tries to help him, bucking his hips in the direction of Tao’s fingers, trying to get them deeper. He chokes on a breath when Tao finally finds that spot, rubbing his finger against the sensitive skin and making Chen’s cock leak precome onto the sheets. He ruts faster, against him, feeling a tingle in the back of his knees every time Tao’s fingers drag over his prostate. He groans when Tao pulls his fingers away, trying to tug him back.

Tao pushes him down, rifling through his drawers, cursing when he doesn’t find what he’s looking for. “Shit, I don’t think I have any condoms.”

“My bag.” Chen squirms, kicking Tao off the bed, towards the direction of his stuff. Tao lets out a pained yelp as his shoulder hits the side table with a painful sounding thump and he shoots Chen a small glare as he rifles through the backpack, emerging with the package. He rips it open with his teeth, surprising amount of finesse in the movement and rolls it on, lubing and pumping his cock a few times. Chen watches him, feeling a steady thrum of anticipation in his veins as Tao climbs over him on the bed, pushing his legs up and bringing them around his waist. He pauses, hands on either side of his head. “If it gets too much, just say so.”

He pushes in slowly, the glide smooth but Chen still gasps out loudly, so unused to the feeling of being stretched by something other than his fingers. Tao goes slow, easing his way in until he’s completely sheathed, knot pressed against his ass and Chen feels so full and open in a way he never has before. Tao is still, rubbing slow circles into his hipbones as he waits for him to adjust. He breathes in deeply, trying to relax before beginning to move slowly, tiny circles of his hips on Tao’s cock as the other hovers above him, breathing getting progressively heavier. Tao begins to move, rocking against him in slow, measured thrusts, the slow drag of his cock over his rim, a delicious friction that makes him keen and raise his hips up to meet his thrusts. Tao notices and shifts slightly, hand gripping his hips and pulling him closer before he speeds up, the sound of skin slapping skin mixing in with his harsh pants as he ruts deeper into him. Chen keens sharply. “Faster, Tao, please.”

Tao pauses, propping Chen’s legs over his shoulders, pulling almost all the way out and thrusting back in one smooth motion. The new angle lets him hit deeper, every pull outward dragging the head of his cock against Chen’s prostate, reducing the beta to a writhing mess under him. Tao’s knot has been steadily swelling, slapping heavily against the back of Chen’s thighs, snagging on his rim with each thrust. He goes faster, practically bending the beta in half as he slams into him at a brutal pace. Chen is writhing, unused to the feeling of the swelling hardness as Tao’s knot grows bigger inside of him. Tao’s thrusts slow after a while, hips moving in a slow, grind, knot too big to pull out now. He runs a hand up Chen’s thigh, bringing his face down to press kisses to the side of his jaw. “You okay, pretty thing?”

“Hurts.” Chen whimpers, the swelling of the knot inside him bordering on painful.

He tries to pull away and Tao stops him, hands pinning his hips down. “Don’t move, it’ll hurt more.”

“It’s too much.” Chen can feel wetness on his face and he turns his head to the side, not wanting Tao to see him crying. The alpha notices anyway, making a soft sound in his throat.

“Here.” He takes him in his arms, turning them over slowly till Chen’s on top, a little of the pressure relieved. Tao wraps a hand around his neglected cock, beginning to pull on it in slow, measured strokes. “Move when you’re comfortable.”

Chen begins to move after a few moments, small bounces while Tao jerks him off and oh , now he understands. The knot is pressing against his prostate, every movement sending sparks up his veins, made even sweeter by Tao’s hands on him. He leans forward, searching for the other’s lips and Tao meets him halfway, licking his way into his mouth in a kiss that is mostly teeth and saliva, more enthusiasm than finesse. He giggles and feels Tao smile against his lips before he thrusts upwards. Chen’s moans pick up as Tao wanks him faster, feeling heat pooling in his stomach as he moves. A few more strokes and he’s coming, clenching tight around Tao’s knot as he grinds down, head thrown back. Tao groans, planting his feet flat on the bed and thrusting up until he finds his own release. Chen moans, eyelids fluttering shut at the feeling of Tao pulsing inside him, almost wishing the thin latex of the condom wasn’t between them, wants to feel Tao’s cum inside him, marking him. They stay like that for a few minutes, linked together by Tao’s knot, still thick and hard inside Chen. Tao eases Chen down, till they’re laying side to side. He pushes Chen’s fringe off his forehead. “So, did that meet your expectations, Chen-chen?”

Chen laughs, still a bit breathless. “I think I may have a new gold standard.” He shifts, pushing his leg between Tao’s. “Suddenly Luhan’s knot obsession makes sense.”

“Suddenly?” Tao frowns a little before his eyes widen. “Was this your first time?”

“First time getting knotted.” Chen flushes burying his head against Tao’s neck, suddenly feeling shy despite the fact that Tao’s cock is still up his ass.

“I wish you’d said something.” Tao brings a hand up to cup the back of his head. “Did I hurt you?”

“It’s nothing.” They lie there a little while longer until Chen wiggles slightly, Tao’s knot finally having shrunk down enough for him to pull away. He rolls onto his back slowly, squinting at the ceiling. “What time is it?”

“Almost ten.” Tao reaches for his cellphone. “Wanna order takeout? I’m hungry.”

“I should probably go.” Chen mumbles, well aware that dinner and pillow talk were not part of his original agenda. He swings his legs over the edge of the bed, making to stand before he’s hit by a sharp pain. “Sweet mother,” He moans, slumping to the floor.

Tao leans over the edge of the bed to stare down at him, corner of his mouth quirked up in amusement. “So. How does Chinese food sound?”

“I want beef lo mein.” Chen mumbles, pulling himself back up on the mattress, fate and his ass having decided he’s not going anywhere.

***
He honestly didn’t think he’d be able to get away without an inquisition from his friends but he’s still not expecting to find the entire gang in his dorm room when he returns the next afternoon. Luhan sits up when he sees him standing frozen in the entranceway. “You’re back!”

He’s dragged to the bed by an overexcited Yixing, Chen complaining loudly as the excessive movement jostles his still slightly sore behind. Someone shoves a juice box in his hand and they wait for him to take a drink, crowding around him. “Well?”

Chen has a flashback to storytime with his nieces before he shrugs, aiming for casual. “I mean, there’s nothing much to tell.”

Kyungsoo snorts. “This is Huang Zitao we’re talking about. Spill.”

Chen sighs. “Okay, what do you wanna know?”

“How big is his dick?” Luhan asks promptly and Chen chokes on his juice. Coughing, he fidgets under their expectant gazes before moving his hands slightly apart to show the estimated length. There’s a low whistle, a few “oohs” and one muttered “as if” from Sehun.

Kris eyes him critically. “How are you feeling?”

“Please, can’t you tell? He’s got that post-sex glow going on.” Luhan pinches his cheek and Chen hisses at him.

“I meant his ass.”

“Sore but it’s not too bad.” Chen assures him. “Thanks for your supplies, they came in handy.”

“So how many times did he get it in?” Sehun shifts forward under the guise of asking, using the opportunity to move closer to Luhan. Luhan gives no indication he notices although Chen sees the corner of his lips quirk up a bit as he subtly shifts himself backward so his ass is pressed against Sehun’s thigh. Chen wants to throw the juicebox at him.

“Only once, I was too wiped out after that.”

“That’s it?” Luhan looks disappointed. “What a wasted opportunity.”

“Don’t be bitter because Tao’s never looked twice at you.” Kris chides, standing up. “Soo, we have our lecture in fifteen.”

“Coming.” Kyungsoo follows Kris out and Sehun and Luhan leave soon after, the former being dragged from the room as Luhan simpers something about how he’s been dying to have dinner at this new cafe in town. Chen feels for Sehun’s wallet, he really does.

Yixing is still stretched out besides him on the bed, hands stroking slow circles into his thighs as he smiles up at Chen. “So, what really happened afterwards?”

And Chen lets out a soft chuckle, because of course Yixing would see right through him. He thinks back to last night, watching bad dance shows in Tao’s bed, the other feeding him chilli beef before pushing him down and pressing soft kisses along his jawline, lips slick with cooking grease and Chen had felt something in his throat catch when he feels Tao press them onto his eyelids, whisper soft against the delicate skin and almost too intimate. Tao had fallen asleep first, cuddled into his side and Chen had lain awake for a very long time, focusing on the sounds of the others breathing as he came to terms with how truly screwed he actually was.

He knows Yixing out of all his friends is the only one who’d give him straightforward advice sans teasing but he wants to hold onto the moments a little longer first, something just between him and Tao. He smiles at Yixing before flopping back against the mattress. “I’ll tell you soon.” he lifts up his right hand. “Pinky promise.”

“Such a kid.” Yixing’s tone is found as he links their pinkies before standing. “I actually have to get to the library, Jongin’s waiting for me.” Chen lets out a muffled “ooh” into his pillow earning a small scoff. Yixing leaves and Chen finds himself, finally, blessedly alone.

***

The sex doesn’t change anything major between them, Chen had been pretty firm from the start on that but he still finds himself slightly disappointed by how blase Tao seems to be about all this. He finds himself looking forward to the rare chances when their eyes meet, the soft quirk of lips and small ‘hi’ the other gives him. It feels weird because he now knows Tao in a way he hadn’t before, knows how the other sounds when he sleeps, how he has a love for spicy food and uses expensive organic soap because the regular stuff gives him a rash. It leaves him grouchy because he knows he wouldn’t normally let himself get this affected, he’s had plenty of one night stands, so if this one’s bothering him it’s because he doesn’t quite want to be done with Tao yet.

The addition of Kim Joonmyun, a mild-mannered senior in the fine arts department, to the scene only serves to further aggravate him. Joonmyun comes on to replace the previous manager of the martial arts club and he and Tao seem to hit it off immediately, constantly spending time together and he sees them together sometimes while he’s crossing the quad, Tao leaning his head on the other’s shoulder, headphones linked between them and the sight causes Chen to walk face first into Yixing, he’s glowering that hard.

Yixing helps him up, craning his head in the direction that Chen’s looking at. He whistles when he sees Tao and Joonmyun together, turning back to face him. “What’s going on there?”

“Nothing.” Chen mutters, taking Yixing’s hand and tugging him so they’re under the shade. “What’s up? Don’t you have class?”

“Professor’s out sick, so free period.” Yixing stretches his arms above his head, metal bracelets glinting in the sunlight. “Feels good to be outside.”

“It’s too damn hot to be outside.” Chen mutters. “Wanna go to the caf? I’ll buy you ice cream.”

“Tempting but I can’t.” Yixing gestures with his head towards the direction of the fountain where Kim Jongin is sitting, immersed in his phone. “Jongin promised to take me to the dance studio and teach me some moves.”

“And this isn’t some secret ploy to see him sweaty and in a tank top?” Chen grins as Yixing lets out a small scoff.

“Of course not. It’s a secret ploy to get him out of that tanktop.” He pushes his hair back, straightening his shirt. “How do I look?”

“Devious. Go get ‘em, tiger.” Yixing growls at him before heading in Jongin’s direction, a sudden sway appearing in his hips and Chen stifles a laugh as he heads to the cafeteria.

He’s barely taken a bite of his chocolate cone when Kris slides into the seat across from him. “Go out with me.” he says abruptly.

Chen lets out a screechy noise as he simultaneously chokes on his bite of ice cream and experiences a brain freeze the likes of which brings tears to his eyes. Tears well up in his eyes as he sputters, coughing loudly. Kris stares at him blankly. “I know I’m hot but there’s no need to get that overexcited.”

“Have you gone fucking mad?” Chen wheezes out in reply, voice hoarse. He clears his throat loudly, cursing when he sees his ice cream has dripped all over his hand. He wipes at it irritably with a napkin. “Is there trouble in paradise? Last I heard, you had a boyfriend.”

“I don’t mean date me, just be my plus one for the athletics banquet this Friday.” Kris leans over to take a bite from the cone, chocolate smearing over his lips.

“Why can’t you take Minseok? He’s soccer captain, he’ll already be going.”

“He’s taking his mom.” Kris smiles. “He’s getting some sort of achievement award and his mom really wanted to see it so I said sure, why not.”

“That’s really sweet actually. Have you met the in laws yet?” Chen pokes him in the forehead.

“No, and I’m shit scared, so you have to come with me. Please Chen-chen.” Kris juts out his lower lip and okay, how does he manage to look simultaneously cute and terrifying. “I gave you moral support during your sex crisis, now return the favour.”

“Fine, fine, just keep your voice down.” Chen hisses at him. Kris smiles and stands, chair screeching loudly against the tiles. “Come to my room around six, we’ll get ready together. Do you have a suit?”

“Why the fuck would I own a suit?, I’m a college sophomore.” Chen states bluntly.

“Eh, we’ll figure something out. See you.” Kris leaves and Chen throws his ice cream wrapper away, pulling his notebooks out to work on a new composition. He notices he’d scrawled Tao’s name into the margin in messy hanja and proceeds to scratch it out with such force that the page tears.

***

It take a supreme force of will to drag himself to Kris’ apartment on Friday after choir rehearsal when he wants nothing more than to collapse into bed. Kris takes one look at his bedraggled state before pushing him into the shower with an order not to emerge until he smells less like an airplane bathroom.

When he emerges from the shower, clean and smelling like Kris’ expensive Bulgari bodywash, he sees Luhan and Yixing in the room, the former sprawled out on the bed besides Kris while the latter is ironing a shirt. They all looks up when he enters and he stares right back. “What are you doing here?”

“Nice to see you too.” Luhan snarks, leaning back against the pillows. “I’m the hair and makeup crew. Yixing is wardrobe.”

Chen barely has a chance to stutter out “what?” when Yixing shoves a white button down and a pair of black slacks in his arms, fabric still warm from the iron. “Try those on, I need to see if they fit properly.”

Bewildered, he tugs the clothes on, fumbling with the buttons on the shirt. Yixing takes over, doing the last few for him and smoothing his collar down. “What do you think, Lu?”

Luhan sits up and appraises him. “Not bad. His shoulders are a bit wider than Kyungsoo’s but overall it’s good. Fix his belt.”

Chen lets out an undignified squawk as Yixing starts fumbling with his belt, batting the other’s hands away from his crotch. “I can do it!”

“Alright, come over here, I need to do your hair before Kris gets out of the shower.” Luhan plugs in a blow dryer, manhandling Chen under it. The hot air stings his scalp and he fights to move away.

“Are you trying to give me third degree burns?”

“Stop squirming!” Luhan starts running a comb through his hair, nearly ripping some strands out by the root and Chen prays fervently to every deity he can think of that he’ll still have hair after this ordeal. Once Luhan has yanked his tresses into something he deems acceptable, he smothers him in a gas cloud of hairspray before starting on his makeup. Chen sits through Luhan poking and prodding and doing things to his face with implements that seem better suited to surgery than makeup. He almost sobs with relief when Luhan backs away with a cheerful “Done!”

Kris comes up behind him, already dressed in his suit. “Damn, you did well Lu. You look great Chen-chen.”

“Thanks” He mumbles in reply, face stiff from the foundation. Yixing passes him a red blazer and he tugs it on. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“Great, we’re leaving now. Lock up behind you and don’t you dare touch my Doritos, Luhan.” Kris fixes the shorter man with a glare before tugging Chen out the door beside him.

“Wait, don’t you need to get your makeup done?” He asks Kris as they wait for the elevator.

Kris gives him a strange look. “Why would I wear makeup? This is a college banquet, not the Oscars. Besides I’d never let Luhan near my face, he’s psychotic.”

Chen sputters in indignation as they ride the elevator down. They take the bus to the small hotel the event is being held at, heads turning to stare after Kris as they move (and Chen would like to think, a few for himself). There’s a line of people outside the hall getting their tickets scanned and Kris starts rifling through his blazer for theirs. He pulls out a crumples slip. “Okay, here’s one.” He continues patting himself down, frowning slightly. “Um….”

“What?” Chen says sharply, watching Kris search his pockets frantically.

“Okay, don’t panic but-” Kris gives him a sheepish smile “but I can’t find the other ticket.”

Chen can feel a vein throbbing in his forehead. “What do you mean you can’t find it?”

“I have no idea, I swore I grabbed both of them off the dresser when we were leaving.”

“So, now what?” Chen resists the urge to stomp his foot. “You got me all dressed up and cattle-prodded by Luhan for nothing?”

“Calm down, I’m sure we can figure something out. Minseok!” Kris waves over Chen’s shoulder and he turns to see Minseok saunter over to them, hands in the pockets of his black suit trouser, hair pushed off his forehead. Kris bends down for a kiss and okay, maybe the height difference is kind of cute.

“Min, we kind of have a problem. I forgot Chen’s ticket back at the apartment.”

Minseok hmms, linking hands with Kris. “I wish you’d texted sooner, I could’ve brought my extra. My mom couldn’t make it down.”

Chen throws his hands up in the air, turning on his heel. “Well, I guess I’ll just head out before the late bus leaves. Have fun you two.”

“Wait!” Minseok grabs him by the back of his collar, tugging him back. “Stay here, I have an idea.”

He disappears into the crowd and Chen alternates between fiddling with his tie and shooting glares at Kris. Incompetent fool.

Minseok returns shortly, a big smile on his face.”Okay, I found someone who had an extra ticket, his date bailed on him.” He turns to gesture at someone. “Tao! Over here!”

Shit, bloody fucking hell, god why. Chen watches, slightly shell-shocked as Tao makes his way through the crowd towards them, legs skyscraper long in his fitted gray slacks. He comes to a halt beside them, eyes widening slightly when they land on him. “Chen?”

“Tao.” He squeaks out in response, just a wee bit distracted by the object of his most recent fantasies standing in front of him, looking like an Armani model with a side dose of sin. Tao looks back and forth between him and Minseok, presumably waiting for an explanation.

Minseok slaps Chen on the back, nearly sending him face first into the carpet. “Chen here was supposed to be Kris’ date but plans change and I’m not that generous, so now he’s yours!” He looks back and forth between them, wide grin on his face. “Any questions?”

Chen tries to catch Kris’ eye but the giant is purposely eluding him. He addresses Minseok instead. “That’s fine, I’m sure Tao didn’t plan on being stuck with me all evening. I’ll just go.”

“I don’t mind.” Tao’s voice is a soft rumble at his side and he turns, finally making proper eye contact with the other, and holy shit, too much gorgeous, bad idea. Tao extends his arm forward. “Shall we?”

He grips it gingerly, letting himself be escorted forward, semi-dazed by the strange turn of events and by being in such close proximity to Tao after so long. The person at the doorway scans their tickets before letting them in. The dining room is beautifully decorated, soft lighting shining down as people mingle around the room. He stands awkwardly by Tao’s side as they’re greeted by the college Dean who pulls Tao over to the small press area for a photo op. Chen stands off to the side, snagging a glass of champagne of the tray of a passing server. He’d prefer something a lot stronger but beggars can't be choosers and he knocks it back in one go.

He’s on his third glass by the time Tao walks back over to him, champagne sending a pleasant thrum through his veins. Tao frowns at him when he flashes the other a smile, reaching for the glass Chen is gripping. “How many of those have you had?”

“Not enough.” Chen giggles because yeah, he’s a lightweight and he feels really floaty right now.

Tao watches exasperated as Chen gulps down the rest of his glass before taking it from him and placing it on the tray of a passing server. “That’s enough.”

“Spoilsport.” Chen mutters but obediently curls his hand around Tao’s arm anyways and lets himself be led to a table. They’re seated with several other members of the martial arts club and Chen slumps down in his seat, content with being ignored as others chat around him. He eyes the champagne bottle on the table but Tao slaps his hand away when he tries to reach for it. Huffing, he crosses his arms over his chest, turning his head to the side. He’s being a petulant brat, he knows that but it seems to be his default mode around Tao lately. The Dean steps up on the small platform at the front of the room and begins to speak, talking a load of nonsense about the relationship between academics and athletics and a whole load of other nonsense. Chen tunes him out, preferring to focus instead on Tao’s profile out of the corner of his eye, the other turned away to face the speaker. He starts visibly when the room rings with applause, clapping along automatically as he cranes his head to see what he’s missed. Tao catches his eye and smiles. “The Dean just said he’d shut up so we could all enjoy our meal.”

Well, that’s a plan Chen can get behind, considering free food is three-quarters of the reason he agreed to this outing. He follows the others to the buffet set up in the corner, trying not to visibly salivate at the food on display. He shovels a bit of everything on to his plate, vaguely wondering if he could sneak some it back home in the pockets of his borrowed suit jacket. (Kyungsoo would kill him) He weaves his way back to the table, plopping down on his seat beside Tao. His eyes widen when he sees the mountain of food on the other’s plate. “Dude, can you seriously finish all that?”

“Don’t underestimate my ability to eat.” Tao replies before digging in and Chen gladly follows suit. The room fills with the sounds of chewing and soft conversation, soft clink of silverware against ceramic and Chen finds himself relaxing slightly, taking on that warm sated feel that comes from a good meal. He’s about to head back for dessert when the person across from him jostles the table slightly, sending a glass of wine toppling.

“Fuck!” Chen jumps back but it’s too late. There’s a large red stain on his previously pristine shirt and he curses himself for not tucking his napkin into his collar. He dabs at the stain, ignoring the fervent apologies of the toppler, and groans when it only serves to spread the stain.

Tao stands, taking his arm and steering him around the chair and toward the exit. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

They wander around a bit before they come upon the men’s room, a large “Out of order” sign tacked to it. Tao shrugs, opening the door and pulling him inside. “We only need to use the taps, it’ll be fine.”

Once inside, Tao stares at him expectantly, hand outstretched until Chen realises he’s waiting for him to hand over his shirt. Flushing, he turns slightly before beginning to undo the buttons, tugging the shirt off. It’s ridiculous to be this self-conscious, Tao’s seen him shirtless before (he’s seen a hell of a lot more actually). But he still has the irrational urge to cover himself. Tao takes the shirt and runs the stained part under the tap, trying to get the stain out. He’s mostly unsuccessful and he shakes his head, turning the tap off. “It’s no good. Just wear button up your jacket over it, no one will notice.”

“Um.” Chen gestures to his empty hands. “I took my jacket off at the table.”
“I’ll get it.” Tao steps around him and tries to open the door. He jiggles the door handle, before yanking hard, to no avail. “Fuck, I think I know why this bathroom is out of order.”

“Let me see that.” Chen pushes him to the side, struggling with the doorknob. When he has no success, he starts banging on it with his fists, yelling at the top of his lungs. “Help, anybody! The door’s stuck!”

He starts feeling silly about a minute later when no one’s arrived so he stops, shoulders slumping in defeat to face a bemused looking Tao. “Great, now what?”

Tao, shrugs before bending down to sit on the floor ( and Chen stares at him in horror because ew ). “Someone will notice we’re missing eventually.”

“That could take hours . We’re missing dessert as it is.” Chen paces the small room in frustration, cursing every deity he can think of for putting him in this situation. He catches Tao’s eyes in the bathroom mirror and the other pats the tile beside him. “C’mon. No point in wearing a hole in the floor.”

He hesitantly sits beside Tao, cringing internally at being in contact with the probably germ-infested floor. “If I catch E Coli or something, I’m blaming you.”

Tao rolls his eyes and they sit in silence for a few minutes, Chen counting the ceiling tiles in boredom. Tao shifts beside him and suddenly he’s placing his suit jacket in Chen’s lap. “You’re shivering.”

He i-, the bathroom is chilly and he gratefully takes garment, shrugging it on. It’s baggy on him, sleeves too long and it envelops him in Tao’s scent and he can’t stop the soft sigh that escapes him. Tao is watching him, a fond look on his face as he leans over and brushes his bangs off his forehead, fingertips soft against his skin. “Never a dull moment with you, is there Chen?”

Chen blushes, mouth dry from the sudden touches. “I don’t seem to be this ridiculous around anyone but you.”

“I’m honoured.” Tao laughs and it breaks the weird sort of tension that’s been between both of them for most of the evening and Chen feels relieved. Emboldened, he leans in slightly until their sides are aligned, legs pressing against each other. They sit in silence until Chen speaks again. “So who was your original date?”

“Joonmyun.” Tao replies, turning slightly to face him and Chen has to fight to keep the look of jealousy off his face at the sound of the name. Tao notices anyways and the corner of his lip quirks up. “You don’t approve.”
“I mean- you’re free to see whoever you want.” Chen says stiffly, focusing on a spot over Tao’s right ear. “It’s not like we’re dating.”

“And whose decision was that?” Tao’s tone is biting and Chen flinches, pulling away. Tao runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in the gesture. “Like, I need you to make up your mind Chen”

“It’s- I've told you it’s complicated.”

Tao’s snorts derisively. “It’s not complicated. We work well together, we fit together but you still hold back on me. But at the same time you get jealous when I’m with other people or keep watching me in class but everytime I try to get close, I get pushed away.”

“I don’t stare.” Tao gives him an unimpressed look. “Much.” Chen amends, ducking his head. It feels absurd to be having this conversation with Tao in a hotel bathroom of all places, hell he never thought they’d be having this conversation at all. But he supposes absurdity is just par for course in their...relationship.

“In highschool,” Chen begins, addressing his knees rather than looking at Tao directly. “I had a boyfriend.”

There’s no reply but he can tell Tao’s paying attention, so he continues. “His name was Park Chanyeol. He was our school’s star basketball player. Tall, handsome, friendly, well liked by all.”

“And an alpha.” Tao states knowingly.

Chen nods. “ Yeah, he was and the kind of guyeveryone wanted to be with, including me. I know it’s hard to believe but I wasn’t always as stunningly handsome as I am now-” Tao snorts and Chen pauses to pinch his thigh. “I was in my ugly freshman phase and attention starved. Chanyeol was always nice to me and I liked the attention. I couldn’t believe it when he first asked me out in my sophomore year. I was so excited.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing. “I thought the relationship was perfect at the beginning but then Kyungsoo began pointing out that Chanyeol never took me out on dates, we always met up at my house or in parks. He didn’t introduce me to his parents or his friends, used to cancel plans abruptly. I ignored it, kept trying to justify it- ‘oh he’s busy’, ‘oh he’s just being a protective alpha’, etc, etc. It didn’t feel right but I was young and stupid and in love and I didn’t want anything to happen. And then one day I got a call.” Chen gives Tao a small, bitter smile. “From his mate.”
He hears Tao draw a shocked breath, eyes wide when they meet his. “He was mated? ”

“Oh, not just mated.” Chen lets out a small, mirthless laugh. “He had a kid.”

“Jesus.” Tao’s hand finds his and he gives him a small squeeze. “How did his mate find you?”

“She was his girlfriend from his previous high school, one town over. They’d been mated for less than a year before he moved and they were doing the long distance thing. She told me she kept smelling someone else’s pheromones on him and then she found my texts on his phone.” Chen leans his head against Tao’s shoulder. “She sounded like it wasn’t the first time it had happened.”

“He is scum.” Tao says, an unusual note of vehemence in his tone. “ That behaviour is unacceptable, for anyone, let alone an alpha with a kid.”

“Yeah, well tell that to the people in my town. When I broke up with Chanyeol, I thought I could expect the least bit of sympathy given the circumstances. Instead I got the whole ‘well, alphas will be alphas, they have needs’ routine. It left a mark.”

“I see.” There’s silence again and Chen closes his eyes, half ready to doze off on Tao’s shoulder and he almost misses the other’s next sentence. “This explain a lot you know.”

“Well, now you know I have a valid excuse for being fucked up.” Chen pulls away.

Tao shakes his head, tugging Chen back. “You’re not fucked up. You’re just… you’ve been hurt and now you’re wary and that’s understandable. But at some point you’re going to have to stop using that as an excuse to push people away. To push me away.” Tao bends down till they’re nose to nose. “Kim Jongdae, I promise never to impregnate you and then run off to find a mistress.”

That breaks the serious atmosphere as Chen lets out one of his trademark hyena laughs, right into Tao’s face. He cover his mouth with his hand apologetically, trying to pull away but Tao tugs him closer, until he’s practically in his lap. “You’re cute.”

“You’re an idiot.” Chen laughs and Tao gives him a mock offended lock before leaning in to press their lips together, in a short chaste kiss. “So Chen,” he says after having pulled away. “Would you like to go out to dinner with me?”

Chen tugs him back in by the shirt collar. “I’d loved to. But be warned, I don’t put out on the first date.”

Tao grins, placing one of his hands on the curve of his waist and leaning in. “Let me see if I can remedy your questionable morals.”

And okay, so maybe Chen would normally judge the shit out of anyone who chooses to make out on the floor of a bathroom but clearly he’ll make exception for one Huang Zitao. A lot of exceptions. He slides his hands up Tao’s thighs teasingly, reveling in the small choked off moan that gets him. He frowns when his fingers make contact with a rectangular object and he pulls away to fish it out from Tao’s pocket. He gasps and aims a punch at the other man’s chest. “You asshole! You had your phone the entire time!”

Tao grins, utterly shameless. “Hey, if deception is what it takes to get you in my lap…”

Chen stands up and punches in Kris’ number, trying to send a disapproving glare at Tao but it’s hard to be angry at him right now. “Manipulative bastard.”

Tao stands, wrapping his arms around Chen’s waist and tugging him closer. He props his head on Chen’s shoulder as their eyes meet in the mirror. “You like me anyways.”

Chen feels a small tightening in his chest, the familiar need to pull away but he pushes it away, taking a deep breath before replying, unable to keep the affection out of his tone (but maybe he doesn’t want to this time). “Yeah, I do.”
***

“Everything hurts,” Luhan whines, throwing himself belly-first onto Chen’s bed. The other frowns, swatting him on the butt with a carton. “Get up, I need to fold the sheets.”

“You suck.” Luhan mutters but obliges, rolling over so Chen can extricate the fitted sheet from underneath him. He gives up on folding it evenly and just shoves it into the bottom of a nearby carton. His pillows go next and he manages to squeeze some books in before pressing the flaps shut. “Hey, get over here and tape this.”

Luhan grumbles but does as he’s told, duct-taping the box. Chen dusts his hands off, looking around his now empty room. “Okay, I think I’m good. Should we go to your room now?”

“I don’t wanna work,” Luhan whines, one hand placed on his lower back. “My ass hurts.”

Chen snorts unsympathetically, labelling the carton “Bedding” with a sharpie. “Serves you right for fucking around the night before moving day.”

“Sehun was being a persistent little shit.” Luhan grumbles. “Where is the little twerp anyways, I’m gonna make him do all the heavy lifting as recompense.”

“I think he’s getting his paycheque from the office, not sure.” Chen grunts out as he carries the last carton outside, dumping it on the small dolly he’d borrow from the mechanics class.

Luhan leans against the wall. “What about Tao?”

“Post office. He’s shipping his stuff back to China.”

“Ah, about that.” Luhan follows behind the dolly as Chen wheels it down the corridor, making a right towards the elevators. “Have you two talked about what’s going to happen to you two?”

Chen waits until everything’s loaded into the elevator, pressing the button for the ground floor before responding. “His exchange year is over and he’s going back to Shanghai.” He plays with the roll of tape in his hands. “We talked about me maybe joining him?”

“Seriously? You’d go to China?” Luhan stares at him incredulously. “You don’t even speak Mandarin.”

“I can take lessons over the summer.” Chen protests as the elevator doors open and Luhan helps him wheel the dolly out of the lobby. “I’ll have to Tao to translate for me anyways.”

“True. But it’s still a pretty big decision.” Luhan looks at him sideways. “How long have you two been together now?”

“Almost two months. And yeah it’s a big decision but I don’t know.” Chen shrugs. “It feels right.”

Luhan slings an arm over his shoulder, ruffling his hair. “Aww. Chen-chen’s in love.”

Chen is in the process of giving Luhan a wedgie when a truck pulls up in front of the B dorms and an amused looking Tao sticks his head out of the window. “Evening, gentleman.”

They pull apart, Chen’s hand still halfways down Luhan’s pants. He extricates it and goes over to press a kiss to Tao’s cheek. “All done with the shipping?”

“Yeah. Do you have your stuff ready?”

Chen indicates the dolly. “Get loading.”

“Am I your boyfriend or your pack mule?” Tao mutters as he begins loading. Chen laughs and smacks him on the ass as he passes him with the “clothes” carton. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

The look Tao gives him in return sends a small thrill down his spine and he mentally calculates whether the width of the back seat will accommodate them both. Luhan, who has recovered from his earlier mauling, stares at them both. “Where are you two headed?”

“I’m meeting the parents.” Tao grins ignoring Chen’s groan beside him. “Chen’s mom insisted I stay with them till my flight.”

“She only did it because she’s nosy as all hell.” Chen mutters.

“Right, I think we’re done here.” Tao pushes the last duffel bag into the trunk. “Are you ready to head out?”

“Yeah, I’ve said goodbye to everyone.”

“Not me.” Luhan calls.

“Everybody important.” Chen amends, grinning at Luhan’s indignant squawk. He gives the other a quick hug before climbing into the front seat, Tao joining him and they both head off.

“This is exciting.” Tao drums his fingers on the steering wheel. “I’ve never been on a road trip before.”

“Well, I’ve never brought a boyfriend home before.” Chen leans his head against the window. “There’s too many damn firsts in this relationship.”

He can see Tao smile out of the corner of his eye. “Isn’t that what makes it amazing?” the other says.

Chen snorts, because wow, his boyfriend is cheesy and overly romantic and he’s never been into that. But maybe there’s a first time for everything.

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Author's note: I remember picking this prompt because I thought I could shortfic it "laughs hollowly". Thank you to my beta/support army: L, M, T, Ji Unnie, S and Jo (who also came up with the summary, I'm not that crude ). Remind me to buy you cheescake.

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