Strings of Fate || Mafia AU (hiatus)

Ch. 4

Lan Xichen came back to the store in Wei Wuxian's every shift for the past two weeks. By now, he already memorized them, or rather, he got his schedule from a little investigation (or maybe not just a little because he's greedy and he can't help wanting to find out all of his information) on him. 

He goes around the shop with Wangji sometimes but most of the time, he's alone with his guards looking out for him from the cafe next to the store.

They have not scheduled any practice sessions yet. Just like Wangji, Wuxian is also busy with college. 

Wuxian sometimes also receives food deliveries from an unknown person, the delivery riders always tell him that the food was already paid for and he need not trouble himself paying. Though he finds it weird, being a student who needs to pay all his bills and had to be frugal with his spending, free food is such a waste if he doesn't accept them. And so he accepts them without a doubt and thanks whoever gives him free food inside his head, though sometimes, he wishes to know who is it so he can thank them personally because it helps him save a lot from food. 

.

It was a lazy Tuesday morning. 

Despite the lack of motivation to go out of his apartment from short hours of sleep, he forced himself to step outside. 

The reason for the lack of his sleep is an assignment that he needs to turn in early in the morning. Though the task was only given to them online around five in the afternoon, causing him to cram everything after coming home from work, neglecting his dinner and getting a short span of sleep. 

And now, he's hungry and sleep-deprived at the same time, his energy drained and his brain cells already vanishing with the piece of paper that he needs to pass. He dragged his feet outside, eyebags hanging under his eyes, and a sigh every once in a while. 

As he locks his door, the door next door suddenly creaked open. He was too tired to even bother looking for his neighbor going out of his own apartment that he ignores the creaky sound of the door. 

If he's not tired, he would've welcomed his new neighbor, but maybe next time, not today that his mood is too downhill to care for whoever it was.

It was then a familiar voice made him shoot his head up with curiosity.

"Hello, didn't think you were my neighbor!" The other's voice beams. 

A polite smile left his lips though his tired eyes betrayed his facade.

"Morning, you just moved in?" He asked, tiredness visible in his voice. 

His new neighbor watches at him with awe, a smile on his face that is full of fondness though Wuxian was too tired to notice them. "Rough night?" Xichen asked softly, trying not to agitate a foul mood from him.

Wuxian scoffs, "Inconsiderate professors," he grumbles.

Xichen chortles, "felt that. Must be hard, did you already have your breakfast?" 

Wuxian shook his head softly, "Nah, I don't have the time to make them, too tired," he answers, yawning after which Xichen immediately notices. 

"Is that so? Wait here!" he beams and run off to his apartment without waiting for Wuxian to respond, though Wuxian doesn't even have the energy to stop him anyway. 

After a few minutes, Xichen came back with a sandwich, wrapped in foil and a bottle of fruit and vegetable smoothy. "Here, I'm glad I prepared my breakfast early," he utters, handing them to Wuxian.

Wuxian eyes him and then on the food, "I-Uhm... it's your breakfast, I- I can't accept that," he refuses, though his gulping doesn't go unnoticed by the older. If he's honest to himself, he'll gladly accept the offer, but he's also got a bit of shame to hold.

Xichen chuckles, "I can cook another batch for myself. Most importantly, you need to eat since you have class. The lectures won't reach your brain if you have an empty stomach," he reprimands, insisting on handing the food to him.

The hunger got the best of him, and his stomach grumbled upon getting a whiff of the savory smell of the beef egg sandwich. His mouth immediately watered much to his suppression. 

"Th-thank you..." he shyly received the food and smiled sheepishly at the older. 

Xichen grins in satisfaction, "You're always welcome!" he beams, "Oh, before I forget. What time will you get home today?" he asked.

Wuxian thinks for a while, his exhausted brain functioning like an old machine as he recalls his schedule. "Around four?" he answers unsurely.

"Then four it is. I'll be cooking dinner, just a little housewarming." he utters.

Wuxian blinks, "Wangji will join us?" he asked.

He nods, "Yes, just us three. Whadya say?" 

Wuxian's interest is immediately piqued, and so he smiles softly, "sure," he answers. 

"See you later then!" The older beams and waves as he heads back to his apartment.

Wuxian's cheeks unknowingly felt hot, pink blush coating his cheeks visible from his pale skin. 

.

After dismissal, he went straight home. He showered and freshened up a bit to not look haggard and tired in front of them. Then wore his best indoor clothes, trying to look presentable but subtle as much as possible. 

Before he can step out of his apartment, a sudden realization hit him. 

He was not even able to prepare a housewarming gift! How dumb is he to forget the most important thing? 

He slightly panicked as he looked around his apartment, trying to spot something he can give. He rummages in his cabinets, pantry, and even in the living room which clearly doesn't have many items to give for a housewarming. Then lastly on his refrigerator which immediately made him slap his forehead upon opening. 

Maybe he was too occupied with his part-time, his school work, and the fact that he'll see the rare sight of Wangji close up today that he forgot to buy his groceries. And here he thought it was the great day ever!

He sighs exasperatedly, it's a good thing that he has a few cans of booze. Maybe that'll suffice? Well, he had no choice anyway. He'll just have to make up with a better housewarming gift later.

And so he grabs them and put them in a plastic bag, then runs out of his apartment. 

His heart thumps in his chest as he stands outside Xichen's apartment door, anxiously patting his clothes once in a while and fingers fidgeting against the plastic bag. 

He gulps. 

"Here I go," he mumbles to himself, slightly trembling hands reaching for the doorbell.

But before he can press, the door opens. 

His stomach churns unexpectedly and a dash of pink hues dusted his face. 

"You're here. Come in."

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A/N: Heyyoooo! I hope you like the update. I'm a bit slow but I hope you won't get tired of waiting. I'm in the middle of conditioning myself for the approaching field study and practicum. I hope I can somehow overcome my social anxiety because I will be dealing with students in this internship. Thank you for always supporting me. It helps me a lot in getting by my day. Love you all! Take care always <3