Hot As Hell

13

He Tian is not back home by the time it turns dark. Guan Shan tries very very hard to not be worried. He absentmindedly stirs the pot of his beef stew as he occasionally glances at the entrance door.

He should be fine.

He's a demon.

With magic.

He's fine.

A thousand reasons why He Tian would be home late flashes through Guan Shan's head. Not any of them good. Guan Shan's grip on his wooden spoon tightens.

As Guan Shan turns off the stove and watches the beef stew sizzle, he hears a knock at the front door. Guan Shan stares at the door in contemplation.

He Tian has the house keys so he wouldn't have knocked.

Guan Shan takes in a deep breath. He grabs the broomstick and heads towards the door.

He swings the door open, his broomstick ready.

"Wow, you look ridiculous."

Guan Shan sighs in relief, "What the fuck Zheng Xi?"

Zheng Xi lets himself in, "Why did it take you so long to answer the door?"

"Don't you know how to pick locks?"

Zheng Xi looks at him, offended, "I'm not a criminal, I don't just pick everyone's locks."

"Okay, why are you here?" Guan Shan asks abruptly, cutting to the chase.

Zheng Xi shrugs, "He Tian told me to check up on you."

Guan Shan pinches the bridge of his nose, "And why couldn't he come here himself?"

Zheng Xi shrugs again, "There was this package I think, that was sent from hell. Whatever was in it wasn't good, Jian Yi and He Tian are still discussing what to do next."

Guan Shan opens his mouth to ask more questions but Zheng Xi raises his hands up in surrender, "That's all I know dude."

Guan Shan stares at the beef stew on the table in silence and notices how it's too much for a single person to consume. He drums his fingers on the counter as he comes to a decision, "Okay let's go back to your place."

"Uhhh, I don't think that it's a good idea."

Guan Shan ignores him as he walks to the closet to take out his jacket and shoes.

"They told me to make sure you're in one place."

Guan Shan puts on his jacket and jams his feet into his shoes, "Last time I checked none of you are my parents."

Zheng Xi doesn't reply to that instead he stands by the doorway, blocking Guan Shan's way.

"Move, Zheng Xi."

Zheng Xi narrows his eyes, "Did you and He Tian fight?"

The redhead sighs, not knowing how that has to with anything, "None of your business."

"He came to my house looking like someone kicked his puppy."

Guan Shan swallows the guilt and scoffs, "I highly doubt that has anything to do with me."

The other boy tilts his head in thought, "I don't know if you're stupid or in denial."

Guan Shan huffs in irritation, "Are you going to move or should I make you move?"

Zheng Xi rolls his eyes, "I'm not afraid of you, you idiot. But I'm going to move because you are so fucking stubborn."

Once Zheng Xi was out of the way Guan Shan flings the door open, and Zheng Xi, being the most dutiful guard dog he is, follows him out.