Phoenix and Pegasus 2

Chapter 4

A/N:  Here is a longer chapter for you all.  The author apologizes beforehand for the way her crazy and terrible mind works. 

Zhangfu = husband

~X~

The calm Xiao Zhan was exuding was the exact opposite of the inner turmoil he was feeling. The Dictator's second highest ranking official, General Zhou Mingde, was hosting the charity auction he would be attending this evening. In social circles, it was well known that there were not very many that could resist the charms of the young general. Out of the three, Zhou Mingde was the most charismatic; he drew crowds around him with his roguishly handsome face and witty candor. He also had an uncanny ability to make a person feel like they were the most important person in the world by directing a single-minded focus on them. However, Xiao Zhan knew underneath that charming exterior lurked an extremely intelligent and dangerous man. The young general along with Guo Jingren represented most of the Dictator's military might, and it was due to General Zhou's brilliant military strategies that Li Wuwen was able to dispose of the previous dynasty so easily.

When Xiao Zhan received the invitation it had clearly said he was expected to bring both of his performers with him. In the past few weeks, he had kept his distance from Yibo, not trusting he would be able to keep up the charade with Kitsune if he was present. So he had sent Phoenix back home night after night, trying his best to not look at him when really all he wanted was to drink him in with his eyes, and take him home to hold him while telling him how sorry he was.

Luckily enough between being kept busy with work issues and Kitsune being ill for a few days, he hadn't had to bed the dancer yet. Unfortunately he had a feeling tonight he wouldn't be able to put it off any longer.

His heart sat in his stomach like a rock as he recalled the night he had gone to speak to Yibo about the invitation. Upon hearing that Xiao Zhan had arrived, the younger had appeared in the living room and taken a seat across from him just like the night when Kitsune had been awarded to him. He sat with his back straight and kept his words to a minimal while Xiao Zhan explained how he needed to bring both of them to the event. How the Dictator likely wanted to see how he was handling his two performers.

"If you feel that this will be too difficult, I...I can try to get you out of it," Xiao Zhan frowned. He hated asking Yibo to do this, hated to see the indifference that was currently written on his face.

"I will do as my Patron commands," Yibo said with a shrug.

"Bo'er..." Xiao Zhan said, reaching out a hand towards him.

"Will you be staying the night," Yibo asked, quickly coming to his feet. "Should I prepare myself to service you?"

Xiao Zhan withdrew his hand like he had just been slapped. He stared up at Yibo, and a part of him wanted to say yes just so he could hold him again, but the other part was horrified at the absolute coldness he felt radiating from the other. "No, I won't be staying," he replied, his voice far steadier than he felt.

Yibo had only nodded his acknowledgement before leaving him alone. Xiao Zhan had left soon after, wishing again for some sort of divine intervention to remove Kitsune from their lives.

He adjusted his cuff links and sighed. He knew that Yibo would act his part tonight even if he hated every moment of it.

A small tap on his door had him tensing even more. "Yes," he said.

The door opened and Lu Yao entered. "Laoban, Liu xiansheng is requesting to see you. He's downstairs and said he knows you are preparing for the event tonight, but he has something very urgent that he needs to show you."