Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Winter Break

(Art by SerinityAInfernoArt)

Knock, knock.

Aiden put down the cloth he had been using to clean the kitchen, wiping his hand on a dry towel before hurrying to the door. Tahalla raised a brow as the big man moved swiftly across the living room and past her to the door. He stopped, taking a breath and straightening out his t-shirt as if he was wearing a tux. 

"Aiden, it's your partner, not an interviewer," Tahalla grinned as Aiden looked back with a slightly abashed look. 

"I just don't want to look like a slob," Aiden replied, opening the door. Bai Yusheng stood with a couple of luggage bags. Their hair was swept up into a simple ponytail and they wore one of Saalah's hoodies and stylish leggings. It was the most dressed down he had ever seen them outside of going to bed. They only had light, neutral make-up on, looking cute but relaxed. 

"You are too tidy to be a slob," Bai Yusheng hummed, letting Aiden know they had definitely heard him through the door. The big man blushed as they tugged him down to kiss his cheek. 

"Good afternoon, Bai Senior!" Tahalla called, waving to them from her seat. 

"Good afternoon Tahalla. And please, Bai Yusheng is fine. I will be staying for at least a week after all. Senior is too formal." Aiden took the bags from their hands, bringing them to the bedroom. 

"Bai Yusheng it is then. Come in, sit! I was just about to turn on the TV. My show is about to start," Tahalla looked comfortable, a fuzzy throw blanket over her shoulders as she lounged in her pajama shorts and tank top. A bowl of popcorn sat beside her on the side table, filling the air with its buttery scent. 

Bai Yusheng came in, settling on the bigger couch, "What will we be watching?" 

"WWE has a special women's match today. " Tahalla popped a handful of popcorn in her mouth, offering the bowl over. 

Bai Yusheng took a small bit, looking curiously to the TV. "Other than watching our school's matches, I have to admit I don't watch much wrestling." 

Aiden came back in, plopping down beside Bai Yusheng on the couch and throwing a big arm around their shoulders. "It's more performative and scripted on WWE, but it's fun to watch." Tahalla offered him the bowl and he took a handful as well, settling in. "So, did Valges tell you how long he and Saalah would be out of town?" 

"A week, week and a half at most. Saalah has never modeled before, so I am interested to see how the photoshoot turns out." Bai Yusheng leaned into Aiden's side and brushed their hair out of the way so they could get comfortable. 

"He has the cheek bones for it, that's for sure. I'm excited to have you here for the week. With Sega being trapped with his dad since the conference we could only get away with me spending the night there for a few days before Leoidus started getting irritable." Aiden sighed, rubbing his beard that he had gotten freshly trimmed. "Now he has Naki over. I wonder how well that's going?" 

"You big worry wart, stop freaking. Between all your partners I never hear the end of it. Watch the TV!" Tahalla teased, reaching out a tawny leg to kick Aiden's shin. "And here I've struggled to find one partner. Lucky dog." 

"Weren't you spending time with Valas's sister at the conference? That looked like it was going somewhere," Aiden chuckled as Tahalla went red. 

"Vahala? I hear she is a very fierce woman. Her and DaYi are dangerous at the bar together," Bai Yusheng mused. 

"Yeah, well," Tahalla cleared her throat, "we're seeing how it goes. Okay, for real, it's starting now. Either watch with me or go do your mushy stuff in the bedroom. I can only handle so much."