Archive of Our Own

“Tsumi.”

“No!” Mei exclaimed, pushing her pieces over. She’d been beaten again, for the third time on this journey.

Kiku smiled decisively. “It’s my game. You can’t beat me.”

“Give up, Mei,” Leon said, his fingers tacking away at the Switch. “It’s like… literally so embarrassing to watch you lose.”

The Taiwanese nation huffed. “Whatever!”

“Are we there yet..?” Yong Soo whined, looking out of the carriage window. “This is so boring…”

The four of them and a currently sleeping Yao were currently on the train from another conference in Amsterdam, where Yao’s boss had argued quite extensively with Tim’s boss regarding some trade deal no one cared about. The rest of them just wanted a holiday before the upcoming world conference - which so happened to be a three hour ride away in Paris. It hadn’t gone well, with Leon and Yong Soo getting high on shrooms during the canal tour and trying to tip the boat over, and Kiku’s food poisoning incident - but Yao was just glad everyone came out relatively unscathed.

But now.. as his eyes awoke to the view of wintering fields, hazy through the train windows, Yao wondered if he’d come out unscathed of this world meeting. Through his dark lashes, the tall grass and animals almost were watercolour, an unreal loveliness, but in full sight, he knew he’d see the grime of the sill, the dust whirring in the ventilator. It was the same with world meetings. Outside, most of them got along, rosy cheeked and grinning when they drank together, but in the board room, he was going to have to get nasty, even at the expense of others. Sometimes with his own siblings. And these days, especially with Alfred.. and his ever-present pest of a supporter-slash-father, Arthur. Him… no, Yao could certainly have lunch with Alfred, but he couldn’t even stand being in the bathroom at the same time as Arthur.

Well, it was no matter. Yao would be professional and calm during the meeting, then perhaps his family would drag him to the nearest karaoke bar, or a cabaret, or whatever fucked up place Kiku wanted to go to next.

“We’re twenty minutes away,” said Kiku, checking his phone, and Yong Soo groaned.

“I always love coming to Paris!” Mei said dreamily. “It’s the city of love, and it really feels like it!”

“It’s the city of piss and dirt,” sniffed Leon. “And it’s been that way since it was made, according to D- Arthur.”

Yao’s skin prickled at the name, but he didn’t say anything. He was more mature than that.

“I agree,” Yong Soo said. “I’ll vouch for the next meeting to be in Seoul!”

“You guys just need to romanticise Paris more,” Mei continued earnestly. “Beauty, wonder, and love are everywhere to behold. And who knows, maybe I’ll meet a really cute guy? In the Notre Dame? Or along the river?”

Was she twelve? How can anyone be so naive? Yao opened his eyes fully, unable to take anymore.

“Aiyah,” he finally said out loud, no longer bothering to pretend to be asleep. “You guys are giving me a headache! Paris is just Paris. It’s just a stupid city. No love, just rats.”

“And Taiwan’s just Taiwan,” said Mei, her eyes glinting.

“I.. save that for later!” he huffed, reaching into his bag for a snack, only to find them all gone. Yong Soo and Leon looked the other way guiltily. “Are you guys serious? You pigs..!”

—

The Eurostar had been as disgusting as usual, but Arthur was finally in Paris again. He tightened his scarf around his neck, his beat-up duffel hanging off his shoulder precariously. The straps were nearly wrung out.

“Artie!” he heard a scream.

“Fuck..” he muttered, turning to see that of course, Alfred and Matthew were waiting for him at the front of Gare du Nord. “I told you that you didn’t have to pick me up.”

“But the hotel’s boring,” Alfred pouted. “And Francis got the three of us kicked out of the bar last night, and we’re still banned!”

“He got kicked out of his own hotel bar?” Arthur said. “Well, he probably deserved it.”

“I forgot how different our French is too..” Matthew said quietly. “It’s a little difficult to talk.”

Arthur sighed, looking around. “Where’s the car? Did you two walk here?”

“We Ubered,” Alfred said, popping a piece of gum into his mouth. “Y’know. The app you keep refusing to use.”

“It’s a ridiculous concept,” hissed Arthur. “Let’s just hail a taxi, or ask for walking directions-“

“I.. I’ll get an Uber,” Matthew quickly said. “The hotel’s pretty far.”

“Chill, dude,” Alfred slung an arm around Arthur’s neck, chewing so loudly that the older blond felt that he was positively about to kill him. “Oh, but the hotel’s soo swanky. I think you’ll love it.”

“Don’t chew with your mouth open!” Arthur could already feel his temper rising, as it always did anytime he visited France. “God.. I just hope you two won’t kill me by the end of this trip..”

“Maybe Francis will!” Alfred chirped happily, and his eyes lit up as he looked across the street. “Ooh, look a tarot card reader! Let’s go see!”

Arthur groaned, but the blond man was already dragging him along, while Matthew trailed behind, checking his phone for their ride.

The reader was just an old lady squatting on the floor with a bunch of Eiffel Tower themed poker cards. She was wearing several shawls and bright green pyjamas - and when she looked up, Arthur almost gasped. Her eyes were milky white.

“Bonjour. I sense you three are tourists,” she rasped out, her English surprisingly unaccented.

“Yeah!” Alfred exclaimed. “How’d you guess?”

“She’s psychic, dumbass,” said Arthur.

“The Uber’s ten minutes away..”

“I’ll make it quick,” said the old woman. “Who wants a reading?”

“Artie!” Alfred said enthusiastically.

“What?!” Arthur sputtered. “I don’t-“

“Pick a card, Artie,” said the woman, flipping the poker cards face down.

This is such bullshit, thought Arthur, but still he picked. He’d already seen it anyway, when it was outright - the five of clubs.

“Wonderful,” said the woman. “Pick another.”

He did.

“Another.”

.. so fucking pointless. And I’m pretty sure she’s going to scam us, thought Arthur as he picked again.

The lady shuffled the rest of the cards and perused the three cards Arthur had picked. “You have a lover.”

“What?!” Arthur sputtered.

Alfred cackled and Matthew giggled. “Who, Artie? Tell us!”

“I don’t!” The Brit protested. “This is such nonsense!”

“Oh.. then you will have a lover,” said the lady, who was obviously making it up as she went along. “It is a person you hate but desire. And in Paris, the fruit of love will be born..”

What the hell? This is bloody ridiculous! Arthur thought, not knowing he’d said it out loud. Alfred was at least pleased by the news, clapping cheerfully for the reader.

“Our Uber’s almost here, by the way,” Matthew said.

“Great, whatever, let’s go,” Arthur muttered.

“Excellent. That’ll be fifty euros please,” said the woman.

“Aw, I didn’t bring any cash..” Alfred pouted. Arthur glared at him.

“Me neither..” Matthew said. “I spent it on the Uber here.”

“I seriously- hate you both,” Arthur gritted out as he fished out a bunch of notes from his coat’s inner pocket - a trick he’d learnt after being pickpocketed in Paris far too many times.

But what’s the point of taking these precautions, when you can just have two useless former wards spending all of your money anyway?

—

If you asked Yao if he would raise any more children, the answer would be no thank you, he’s really had enough. But then the universe would just slap him right back and tell him, actually - you’ll never stop raising children, because they can be hundreds of years old and attempting to parkour off a staircase railing at the dirtiest train station in Paris.

“Yong Soo! Get down!” Yao yelled.

“Yeah! Try again from the top!” Leon shouted from the top of the stairs, his phone filming.

“And try to do a twist!” Mei added.

Kiku was walking down the stairs slowly, as unbothered as always.

Yao scowled, taking Leon’s phone and picking up Yong Soo’s backpack, staring straight at the Korean man. “I’ll throw this away if you don’t get off the railing. I’ll bury it in that disgusting big drain over there. Or maybe I’ll throw it at your face, right now-“

“Fine, fine!” Yong Soo huffed, getting off the rail. “Seriously, I’m just having some fun..”

Yao threw the bag at his face anyway as he came up the stairs. “We’re here for an important world meeting! Not to have fun!”

Mei and Leon rolled their eyes behind him as the older man walked down the stairs, and Yong Soo stuck his tongue out at them - nevertheless, they followed. By the time the four of them reached the foot of the stairs, Kiku was still halfway through.

“And you! Seriously! Hurry up!” Yao yelled.

“It was like this in Amsterdam too,” Mei said patiently. “Take it easy on Kiku, he has bad knees.”

“You need to like, calm down,” Leon told Yao. “This is the city of love.”

“Yeah, and all you’ve been doing is nagging us!” Yong Soo huffed.

Says the guy who almost got us kicked out of the train thrice, thought Yao.

Yao rubbed his temple, a headache coming on. “Fine. Fine! I’m the bad guy! Just take your time, Kiku - I think I’ll just go build another great wall.”

How he wished he hadn’t come here with these people. Granted they were his family, but still… he just wanted these next two days to be over as fast as possible. Or perhaps he’d just jump into the Seine before that.

—

Two cars jerkily pulled up to the Plaza Athenee, one an Uber, and one rented by Kiku. One had a single duffel bag as cargo, and the other carried seven huge luggage bags.

Of course, a few other countries were already hanging around the lobby, namely Francis. He came out to greet his guests happily, ignoring the glum looks on everyone’s faces (except Alfred).

“Mon dieu! You’ve all arrived at once,” Francis smiled charmingly. “How was your journey?”

“Awful,” said Arthur.

“Bad,” said Yao.

“Oh, you two.. grumpy old men as usual,” Francis laughed. “Though you don’t look like one at all, Yao - enchanting as always.”

Yao grimaced as Francis kissed his cheek, muttering an awkward “thanks” while Arthur snorted in irritation. Yao wasn’t all that - sure, he might seem beautiful, but he knew him for who he really was - a petty, vengeful cunt.

Francis guided them in while the lobby boys struggled with the luggages, showing them around the huge, fancy foyer and the outside of the bar, since he still couldn’t enter it.

Arthur just wanted to lie down because he was incredibly tired, and Yao just wanted to sit down because his back kind of ached - but Francis droned on and on until only he was satisfied, then finally handed all the countries their hotel keys.

“Here, you two,” said Francis to Arthur and Yao, handing them one key. Together. “You’ll have the Palace Suite.”

“Excuse me?” Yao said, furrowing his brows in confusion.

“Are we- are we.. two.. sharing?” Arthur asked, a deep fury beginning to rise from within. Francis knew exactly how torrid his and Yao’s relationship was so why in the ever-loving fuck was he-

“Yes,” Francis said cheerfully. “We ran out of rooms and this is how the randomizer split it, so..”

“What randomizer?!” Yao asked.

“Me, I’m the randomizer,” Francis replied, still smiling. “And really, it’s not because you two always get moody and spoil everyone else’s time. Anyway, it’s a nice suite, enjoy your stay.”

Much to their chagrin, Francis stuck the key into Arthur’s hand and simply walked off. Everyone else was already making their way to their rooms, so now it was just Arthur and Yao, standing stupidly in this lobby.

Yao sighed. “Okay. Well-“

“No, absolutely not,” Arthur replied. “I’m getting another room.”

He stormed to the front desk as the Chinese man rolled his eyes.

“Hello, I’m in room 709 and I was wondering-“

“Oh? Are you and your wife finding issues with it?” asked the receptionist, looking at Yao.

“My wife..?” Arthur looked back at Yao and laughed, his eye twitching. “Oh- uh-“

“We’ll upgrade you, no worries,” the receptionist said, taking Arthur’s key and swapping it for another. “This is for the Deluxe Palace Suite.”

“Uh-“

“Have a pleasant stay,” the receptionist said, sounding as if she wanted to be rid of Arthur as soon as possible. “Thank you.”

He walked back to Yao, looking defeated. The Chinese man raised an eyebrow.

“..I got another room, technically,” said Arthur, feeling awkward.

“Okay? Good!” Yao retorted, trying not to sound hurt that Arthur hated him that badly. Seriously, it wasn’t like Yao was a terrible roommate! If anything, Yao should be the one walking up to the front desk and getting a different room-

“I got us upgraded,” Arthur handed Yao the new key that now said 809.

“Us,” Yao deadpanned.

“She.. she thought we were a couple and.. she just..” Arthur said lamely. “I didn’t know how to correct her…”

Yao sighed, pinching his nose bridge. “Fine. Let’s just take it. It’s a free upgrade, don’t waste it.”

Arthur had actually expected the other man to storm over there and take care of the situation himself. He blinked. “Really?”

“Yes, but you sleep on the floor,” said Yao, starting to walk to the elevator.

“Wh- I’ll just take the sofa!” Arthur huffed, following him. “But let’s get this clear.. we’re still-“

“Yes, I get it, you still hate me and I still hate you, you opium bastard. It’s all good,” Yao replied. God, he was still such an asshole after so many years. How did they even- never mind. “I’m bathing first, by the way.”

“Fine, fine,” Arthur said, slightly relieved that the dynamic hadn’t changed too much - they’d most likely be able to stay out of each other’s way most of the time.

The elevator ride was eerily silent. They both tried not to look at each other, but they both swore they could feel the other staring. And maybe, yes, Arthur was just catching a casual glimpse of Yao’s long lashes and rose-dusted lips, and who really cared if Yao was peeking at Arthur’s side profile, the slope of his nose still the same after all these years? No one. This was a normal pair of acquaintances, as they naturally would be after years of fighting, some half-assed treaties, and a whole bunch of conversations going unsaid.

When they finally reached their room, Yao’s jaw nearly dropped. There was a whole living room, and a sectioned wall cordoning off what seemed to be an even grander bedroom. The ceiling was high, and dappled with gold borders and a chandelier. From the large windows and balcony, the Eiffel tower could be seen.

“It’s bloody- huge! Like a palace..” Arthur said, slightly in awe. “And two sofas, good enough for me to sleep on.”

“We can call for a cot too,” said Yao, his eyes shining at the huge king-sized bed. “Wow.. it’s so big.”

“You don’t seriously need all that space,” Arthur said, ticked off.

“Why? You wanted space from me first,” Yao replied. “You should stay far away from me when I’m sleeping then. You can sleep on the balcony too, if you want.”

“I-! I did it to make you.. comfortable,” Arthur said, glaring at him. “Because I’m aware of how we both feel about each other.”

“Are you?” Yao asked, before he could stop himself. He shook his head, looking away. “Never mind. Just sleep on the far end. Give me three quarters of the bed.”

Arthur scowled, and normally he’d be yelling at anyone else talking to him this way, but he was always strangely acquiescent to Yao’s awful demands. “Deal.”

Shortly after, Yao’s luggages and Arthur’s duffel were dropped off in the room, by the front door. The blond stared at the large pink and white bags as Yao begun to fish through them for his clothes and toiletries.

“What?” Yao asked.

“Nothing. Your luggage is just so…” Cute. “Brightly coloured.”

Yao’s cheeks puffed up and Arthur really had to try to control his thoughts, because fuck- “Just a judgemental bastard, as usual.”

Arthur ignored the warmth creeping up his neck, deciding to dump his bag onto a chaise. This proximity was seriously not good for him - he was starting to feel unwell just being around Yao.

He really should’ve just gotten a different room.

—

As Yao bathed in an overly large tub by himself, he felt a foreboding sensation upon him as he thought of the country waiting outside. Aiyah, when had he last felt nervous? This was so disturbing. He needed to control himself, and his emotions.

He knew he’d been kind of a pain for the last week or so during the trip - yes, he knew his family just wanted to have fun, and really.. he should just let them. Yao clutched his reddened knees to his chest, bubbles sifting around him.

“I’m no fun,” said Yao to himself. “I really am a grumpy old man..”

It wasn’t like there was a choice not to be one. In age and spirit, he was an old man. And the slight grumpiness had developed from being alive for far too long. But he was positive and cheerful for most of the time, wasn’t he? Everyone was just being… unfair to him.

But so was he, to everybody else.

“Maybe they’re just sick of me,” Yao muttered to himself, looking up at the ceiling. “I’m just too old..”

When he left the bathroom, Arthur jumped - for Yao only had some elephant pants on, his hair freshly dried and loose over his shoulders.

“Don’t tell me you forgot I’m a man again,” he sneered, as he saw Arthur’s embarrassed face.

“No! I’m just- pissed because I needed to go, and you took far too long in there,” Arthur replied, trying to ignore how pink Yao’s nipples were. Or how smooth his skin was. Or how he looked with water running down his-

The blond rushed into the bathroom quickly, slamming the door behind him.

Yao sighed. Well, it seemed like everyone was especially sick of him today. But no matter - he’d just take a nap before the first meeting.

—

“Yao,” a soft, familiar voice was talking to him. For some reason, he was reminded of the ocean, though he hadn’t been to a beach in a while. “Yao..”

Yao’s eyes fluttered open, meeting green. He loved that green once. He remembered how he ached to see these eyes, for every day of the rest of his-

“Yao, the meeting’s in ten minutes,” said Arthur, and Yao felt a gentle flick against his forehead. “Get ready.”

Yao grumbled as he sat up, fully awake from his slight stupor. “You should’ve woken me earlier.”

“You looked tired.”

“I.. I am, but I wanted to be early.”

“You’re always like this,” Arthur said, turning around and walking away from the bed. Yao watched his retreating back, wishing it wasn’t such a familiar sight. “Always wearing yourself out for the sake of propriety. We’ve all known each other for centuries, no one’s going to care if you’re not early.”

“I’ll care,” Yao replied, getting out of bed. “You don’t have to care. There isn’t as much pressure on you this time round.”

Arthur looked at the other man, who was now dressing himself in the clothes he’d prepared on his nightstand earlier. “Not as much as you, but there’s still some.”

Yao swallowed as he finished buttoning his dress shirt. “Let’s- not talk about it outside of meetings. We’re humans first, here.”

Arthur didn’t respond right away, watching as Yao tied his usual ponytail, nimble fingers weaving in and out of his silkened hair. He stared at the little bit of nape that peered out of his collar, then forced himself to avert his gaze.

“Right,” he finally replied.

They both finished getting ready and left the room together. It was a little strange, walking side by side like this again, when they hadn’t in years. Earlier, Arthur had been trailing behind him on the way up, but now they were so close to each other, their shoulders almost bumping every so often.

In the elevator, they tried to stand as far as they could from each other, and in the meeting, they sat on opposite ends. No, they were rarely on the same side, whether as people or political pawns. It would always be that way.

—

“Are you going out, or back to the room?” Arthur asked Yao afterwards. It was now dinnertime, and tomorrow would be a whole new set of conferences to deal with. “Just asking, since you have the key, and I’m going down for dinner.”

“Back to the room,” Yao said, not really wanting to speak to anyone at the moment - though Kiku and Leon had invited him for dinner. Arguing with Alfred for an hour straight should constitute some kind of award. “I’ll leave the door unlocked.”

“Right, thanks,” Arthur replied. “They really should’ve given us two, huh?”

Yao just made a face and left. He just wanted to order some overpriced room service, charge it to Francis’ card, and rest for a little while more - he’d hardly slept in Amsterdam either, and it’d accumulated.

“He was so mean in today’s meeting,”Alfred grouched next to Arthur. “Actually, he’s been mean every meeting this year..”

“Yeah, but you’re kind of an arse too,” Liam said to Alfred, slinging an arm over his shoulder. “C’mon, let’s go you guys, I’m starving!”

Arthur followed them, but his eyes never left Yao, not until he entered the elevator by himself.

—

When Arthur returned, it was late. The moon was high, and the light of the Eiffel Tower sneaked through the windows - both casting shadows throughout the room.

It’d been a long time since he had seen this sight: Yao, asleep, in his bed. He’d taken nearly the entire blanket, as usual, his inky lashes fanning over his soft cheeks as he slept softly. Yes, this portrait was much lovelier than the still life paintings on the walls.

Arthur hated that he always felt this tender towards Yao. Really, it was illogical, they both had a bad past and they should just.. hate each other. But how could Arthur ever bring himself to truly hate Yao? It was Sisyphean. He’d given up long ago on the idea - he’d just stick with pretending to hate him.

He changed into his nightwear and got onto the other side of the bed, taking whatever blanket he could. Git, he thought towards Yao. He should just snatch his deserved portion of the blanket, leave him to shiver in the cold.

But he didn’t.

—

Yao awoke to the sunrise. Soft light bathed the room, their view of Paris, and upon Arthur himself. He was good-looking like this, when he didn’t speak. Yao used to trace his fingers across his jaw, teasingly on his thick brows, then he’d rub at the pad of his bottom lip, daring him to kiss-

He needed to forget those memories. Yao rubbed his head hard, glaring at the sleeping Arthur. How dare he make him feel this way? He threw the blanket onto the man and stalked to the bathroom to shower.

He looked at his own tired face in the mirror. Yes, Yao knew he was beautiful - but.. as he stretched his own cheek, his eyelid, poked at his nose- he suddenly felt resentful of it. If he didn’t have this face, would Arthur have never pretended to love him in the first place? Could he have avoided all that human torment, the idea that Arthur even actually reciprocated his feelings? Yao could deal with politics, but his emotions were another war altogether.

And.. I’m not winning, he thought, irritated. And I’ve never won, honestly.

Whatever - all of this was just for one more day. One more day, and he wouldn’t see Arthur for the next few months, hopefully the rest of the year. And before the afternoon meetings, he was going to go out with the other Asian nations, including a few from South and Southeast Asia. It would be fun, a big group.. it would distract him, at least. And today he’d try to be less naggy. Unless they were doing something really illegal.

He showered and got changed. Then as he was about to leave the room, he took a final look at Arthur in bed - wishing.. what.. what was he even wishing for? There was nothing between them, even if there used to be. He should stop this, stop looking so wistfully at him… he turned the knob and left at once, determined to have a good day.

“Laoshi!” Mei waved from the table as he entered the hotel’s dining hall. She was already there with Lien and several dishes from the breakfast buffet were already laid out on the table.

“Yao,” Lien greeted. “You look like you slept badly.”

“Ugh,” Yao rubbed his eyes. “I have the stupid opium bastard as a roommate. What do you expect?”

“Aw,” Mei said, not seeming sorry for Yao at all. “Have some toast.”

Yao took it, secretly being annoyed that this was what Arthur usually ate for breakfast as well. “He’s so.. whatever. I just need to get over it.”

“You’re not over .. your feelings for him?” Lien raised a brow. “Wasn’t that centuries ago?”

“I- I’m just having trouble processing them, but they’re all.. strictly in the past!” Yao quickly responded.

“Laoshi never gets over anything,” Mei chirped.

Yao glared at her. “I do! I just..” he munched on his toast angrily. “I don’t know anything!”

“True,” said Lien.

“We had a really fun night together, unlike you,” said Mei. “We went out and danced at a bar!”

“That’s nice,” hummed Yao. “Did you find anyone cute?”

“No,” Lien grimaced. “They’re a little… different here.”

“But I’ll try again tonight!” Mei said optimistically, chewing on a strawberry. “It’s the city of love after all. There’s bound to be someone out there.”

Yao wanted to discourage her at first - but then decided to just let her be. “..good, I hope you find them.”

“Really? You’re not going to lecture me about being a hopeless romantic?”

“What’s the point? I’m jaded enough for the two of us,” Yao said, drinking some of Lien’s coffee and almost sputtering right after. “This- this is so sweet!”

“I put eight sugars and three milks.”

“In one cup? What’s wrong with you?!”

“Get your own then,” Lien said coldly, taking her mug back.

“I will,” Yao said, disturbed.

The rest of the morning passed by fine for Yao, with the usual shenanigans from his family. They distracted him well enough, so much so that he didn’t even flinch when Arthur came down for breakfast, and managed to ignore the blond’s pointed stares throughout his meal.

Lunch was spent on a boat with the other Asian nations, and though there was a lot of bickering, Raj having to save Said from falling into the water, and Leon overeating to the point of sickness, it was all rather tranquil, for Yao’s feelings were at peace like this, far away from Arthur. He just had to maintain this till tomorrow, when he could finally escape back to Shanghai.

When the boat docked, the other countries still wanted to roam around Paris.

“Come shopping with us!” Yong Soo said. “We should add to your wardrobe. It’s been the same for a hundred years.”

“.. no, only fifty,” Yao frowned. “But no, it’s okay. You all go ahead. I’m going back to rest.”

They bid him goodbye and he began his walk back to the hotel. His phone said it was only a ten minute walk after all - and he didn’t really want to sit in another moving vehicle after being on a boat for the last hour.

He buried his face deeper into his gingham scarf. The first breath of winter had fallen upon Paris, and it seemed to have cast Cupid’s spell over its people, because all he saw as he passed by the roads, the river, the streets - nearly everybody he saw was on a date. Holding hands, kissing… but Yao did not begrudge them. They were young and in love, and wasn’t that the best time to be? As he’d gotten older, romantic love had become more of a stranger to him, and he was planning to keep it that way until one day when it could become completely unfamiliar to him, so much so that he wouldn’t feel stupidly alone when he passed by these couples.

As he was about to enter the hotel, Arthur and Francis had just left it. They weren’t a thing, Yao knew, but still - they looked sort of good together. He wondered if he ever looked that good with Arthur.

“Having a good time in Paris, mon cherie?” asked Francis.

“It’s been okay,” said Yao, avoiding looking at Arthur - who was also avoiding looking at him. “See you two later.”

He rushed off without looking back.

—

After back-to-back meetings in the afternoon and evening, Yao dragged himself back to the room in relief. Freedom was at his fingertips, just tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Arthur had gone downstairs to the hotel’s restaurant for dinner with the others once again. As they sat down, Alfred and Matthew were discussing how Alfred dealt with Ivan during the meeting, and Francis was babbling to Liam and Zach about some French pop-star that was going to stay at the hotel.

“She’s so beautiful!” said Francis. “As if created by the heavens and the stars! I’m in love, this time.. really..”

“You’re so annoying,” said Zach. “You fall in love every five minutes.”

“Yeah, don’t you get sick of love?” Liam added.

“No, never,” Francis swore and by the tone of his voice, Arthur knew he was about to start rambling. “Loving someone is the very delineation of one’s soul! It brings out your very essence, your vulnerability - all in exchange for the presence of your lover, and even if unrequited, the act of love alone is revolutionary. How difficult it is for most to even express attraction, so how wonderful it is to be truly, wholly passionate! Mon ami! Love with all your heart!”

“Christ,” Liam muttered. “Alright.”

Arthur suddenly thought of Yao, upstairs alone. He was probably fine, maybe just tired. He thought of Yao, in his slightly too large dress shirt, his tired eyes that had avoided Arthur’s the whole day - yes, he.. he deserved to be alone, with all those stupid remarks about Arthur’s past mistakes, yes, he knew he fucked up but-

“I need to .. go,” said Arthur, unable to think of an excuse. “Goodnight.”

“See you, Artie!” Alfred said, while the rest of them just looked mildly surprised.

Arthur walked off, unable to control his limbs. Whatever he could try to think of right now would not stop his body from pressing the elevator button, hitting his floor number, and going straight to Yao.

I’m just checking on him, he thought to himself, though his head was buzzing. Why? He hadn’t even drank. Just checking on him, just..

Arthur opened the door and Yao was lying on one of the sofas, watching television.

“You’re back early,” Yao said, confused.

“Let’s go out,” said Arthur.

“What?”

“I said.. let’s go out. Explore Paris. And .. and you and I should change into something warmer,” Arthur said quickly, unsure as to what he was even suggesting. He’d just meant to check up on Yao, really, but..

“…sure.”

“Really?” Arthur looked taken aback.

“Yes,” Yao said quietly, getting up from the sofa and turning the television off. “I haven’t really explored the city anyway.”

Arthur stared as Yao got a few clothes out of his luggage, before hurriedly searching his duffel for nicer clothes as well. Of course, this wasn’t a date or anything - it was just.. just in case they dropped by a nice restaurant, or something.

When they left the room, Yao was in a thick puffy coat, a big woollen scarf, and padded boots. 

“It’s not that cold,” said Arthur amusedly, who’d only donned a cashmere coat, his thin scarf, and trousers.

“It might be, for me,” Yao replied. “You’re going to regret it later when you’re cold.”

“No, I won’t,” Arthur said, pressing the elevator button. “I don’t even need this scarf. Just bringing it in case you get cold.”

“You’re such a gentleman,” said Yao. “If only you were this way when we first met.”

“I sort of was.”

“For the first two weeks. Then your real self came out.. like a monster,” Yao shivered.

“Ah, but I only showed you my real self afterwards because I liked you so much.”

The Chinese man rolled his eyes. “I’m so honoured.”

When they stepped out, Yao was dismayed to find that Arthur was right - it wasn’t that cold. But he didn’t want to admit it, of course, so he simply pretended to shiver a little.

Arthur tried not to laugh. “Alright, what do you feel like doing?”

“You’re the one who brought me out!” Yao retorted. “Figure it out.”

Arthur hadn’t planned this far. He hadn’t even expected Yao to say yes, really.

“Honestly.. I haven’t really been out in Paris at night for a while,” admitted Arthur. The last time had been a couple of decades ago.

Yao furrowed his brows. Arthur wished he didn’t look so pretty even with that expression. “So.. you invited me out for what?”

“I don’t know..” Arthur scratched his head. “I mean..”

“Is it because you feel sorry for me? You don’t have to. I’m fine in the room,” said Yao.

“No!” the blond sighed, hoping that the night would hide his flush. “I just- wanted to hang out with you.”

Yao stared at him in disbelief, though his heart did start to race a little. “Uh- I…” he fidgeted awkwardly. “Why? We.. we hate each other. We’re colleagues, but we don’t have to be friends or an-“

“I don’t hate you,” said Arthur, his voice weak as he looked down at Yao. “And I think- you know.. it’s just.. I just.. it’s good for us to be friends.”

The other man had been successfully rendered speechless. He gaped a little at Arthur, staring up at the blond man.

Then, surprisingly, he laughed. It was that same, lilting laugh Arthur had heard so many centuries ago - and wow.. he hadn’t heard Yao laugh in that long?

“Okay. Friends,” Yao said, smiling. “We can try.“

“We can,” Arthur said. Good god, how can someone be so pretty in five layers of winter clothing? “So.. as friends, let’s just walk around the city together and see what we can find. That’s what.. friends do.”

“Or robbers,” suggested Yao.

“Or maybe those dumpster divers,” Arthur said.

“I think they’re doing good work for society. Wasting stuff is bad,” Yao said, as they started to walk along the cobbled streets together.

“Yeah, but- personally.. I simply couldn’t,” replied Arthur.

“I don’t know how you can’t,” Yao said. “I saw your ship the last time. It was so stinky and stuff.”

Arthur groaned. “That was a very different version of me. I probably can’t stay in a filthy cabin for six weeks straight anymore.”

“At least your outfit was cool.”

“Really?“ the blond scoffed. “Your outfit was cooler. You were wearing this.. this really beautiful silk outfit. It was light blue.”

Yao laughed. “You.. you remember that?”

“It was pretty. I couldn’t forget,” Arthur admitted, and Yao’s heartbeat skipped just a little. “Oh, and I remember that cute dog you had..”

Under the moon and street lamps, the pair began to wander the streets. Though they started off reminiscing, Yao was now feeling something else entirely.

“I’m hungry,” he said, tugging on Arthur’s sleeve. “Let’s go to that busy looking restaurant.”

“I think it’s a bar,” said Arthur. “You sure?”

“They probably have those little food things, right? It’ll be okay.”

—

The bar did have little food things, and Arthur ordered every single one of them, as well as two beers for him and Yao.

“When’s the last time you drank?” Arthur asked Yao.

He fluttered his lashes. “Guess.”

Arthur reddened. “Hmm.. last week.”

“Close.”

“Yesterday?”

“No, but I almost did,” said Yao.

“Three days ago?”

“Yes!”

“Ah,” Arthur nodded. “Well - you should have joined us for drinks yesterday.”

Yao shook his head as he took off his scarf. “I don’t like drinking with Alfred or Francis. Too noisy.”

“I get noisy too,” Arthur smirked. “You remember?”

“Yeah, and your butt gets red,” Yao laughed.

“Oi! What the hell? It does?”

“Yes, like a baboon.”

Just then, the waitress set the drinks and numerous tapas on the table. Yao ate a chip as Arthur lifted his beer.

“Well, cheers to me looking like a baboon again,” he said.

Yao lifted his glass as well, and they clinked together before taking their individual swigs.

“But,” Arthur said, his eyes slightly glazed now. “Wait.. I remember how you’re like when you’re drunk.”

Yao smiled. “How?”

“You’d turn.. crazy,” Arthur guffawed. “Suddenly jumping on random people.”

“Oh..” Yao tried to think back to when he had last been drunk. “I think I only do that if I’m really out of it.”

They continued to drink and eat as they wished - and after about an hour, they were both truly high, as everyone else in the bar was.

“So- you..” Yao pointed at Arthur, his ears and neck red. “You.. you beat Francis up for money?”

“Just that one time,” Arthur replied back, giggling at the thought again.

“Oh, it’s… it’s a one time thing,” Yao nodded beguilingly. “I thought it could be like, a job.”

“Ah..” Arthur threw his head back. The dishes on the table were nearly all empty, for in their states they had managed to burrow through most of them. “I’m sick of talking about him actually…”

“Then.. who do you wanna talk about?” Yao asked.

“Just.. you,” Arthur said; his eyes falling upon Yao. “All I wanna talk about is you. But no one will let me.. not even myself..”

Yao hiccuped, smiling dreamily at Arthur. “Me? There’s nothing to talk about.. or.. or you’re saying mean things again, aren’t you, bastard?”

“No.. no.. not mean,” Arthur groaned, running a hand through his head. “I just want to talk about-“ He lurched. “I.. I think I need to go to the bathroom.”

“If you need to vomit, leave,” said a strict waitress. “Pay and go.”

“Alright, alright,” Arthur huffed, taking out his cash. “Thanks for ruining my bloody date.”

Yao snorted at that, and they both left shortly after, Arthur stumbling and Yao walking sideways as the night took them away once more.

The waitress had at least given them a bottle of water before they left, which Arthur was now nursing as they walked along the river.

“Just puke in the river,” said Yao, watching as Arthur swayed.

“No, no.. fine now,” Arthur said, looking back at him. His gorgeous. Friend. Friend.. didn’t seem quite right, not when he was like this, together with him under the lovely moon, near the soft, rushing river. He tried to say it aloud, but his body would not let him. “Yao..”

“I know you’re drunk now,” Yao said. “But whatever you said in that restaurant.. it sounds…”

“What part?”

“You.. talking about me.”

“I don’t need.. I don’t need to talk about you, not when I’m talking to you,” Arthur said, starting to sober with the water. “I like talking to you a lot, actually. But I barely got to do it this trip. And we haven’t at all, in years. And we used to talk all the time.”

Yao blinked softly at him. “We used to talk in a very.. bad way to each other. Isn’t it better that we don’t talk at all?”

The night lights blurred in the distance, from smog or his tipsiness, Yao didn’t know. He felt Arthur’s warmth lingering next to him, as he thought to himself quietly.

“No,” Arthur replied. “Not at all. It might be the worst thing ever, really.”

A sudden breeze encapsulated the two - Arthur’s hair blew, and so did Yao’s ponytail, as they looked at each other.

“Then..” Yao hiccuped, holding out his hand, rosy-cheeked. “Let’s start over.” He swallowed. “Hi, I’m.. I’m Yao.”

Arthur snorted, but shook Yao’s soft hand either way. Their hands seemed to know each other still, the groove of Arthur’s thumb rubbing softly onto Yao’s knuckle. “Nice to meet you, I’m Arthur…”

“We’re strangers here,” Yao giggled. “Nothing bad.. happened. We just met. And you talked to me because.. because you like my scarf.”

“I do,” said Arthur honestly. “I think it’s adorable. You could wear a rubbish bag and it’d be adorable.”

“Oh, and now you’re flirting with me..” Yao knocked his head onto Arthur’s shoulder.

“I’ve been trying to, the whole night,” Arthur mumbled. “But I suck at it. I suck at this date.”

“I had fun..” Yao shrugged, and somehow their fingers had now merged by themselves, and Yao could feel the warm grasp of Arthur’s fingers folding around his. “And the night is still.. young. Look, there’s a gelato stand right there..”

The two men, now not so drunk but still not sober, walked over. Arthur chose chocolate, and Yao vanilla, and the latter paid this time.

“We are boring old men,” Arthur remarked. “These are the most boring flavours.”

“But you always know they’re good though,” Yao said, licking at his cone.

Arthur tried not to look at how Yao’s pink tongue darted in and out of his mouth. Dammit. “Yeah. I guess… but Alfred and Francis are always telling me to be more adventurous. I’m no good at it.”

“Adventurous.. you are,” Yao nodded to himself. “We’re on an adventure right now.. in Paris.”

Arthur pulled up Yao’s hand, still in his own, kissing it - and the latter felt grateful his drunkenness could disguise his blush.

“Yes, we are. We should adventure together more often,” Arthur said, green meeting hazel. “We should… go to the Louvre together. Or to San Paulo. Or to Notting Hill. Or to Fiji. He’s a nice guy.”

Yao’s head was buzzing. “That’s a lot of adventures. Are you sure you can handle that much of me?”

“Please,” Arthur replied, his eyes glinting. “I can handle any amount of you.”

“W-wait,” Yao yelped as the blond suddenly threw his ice cream in the river, in favour of lifting Yao bridal-style, who was still clutching his. “Aiyah! You idiot! Wait- you’re not going to throw me in the river.”

“No,” Arthur said deviously, and then he began to run. “I’m going to see how far I can kidnap you.”

“Are you fucking stupid…” Yao laughed, holding onto Arthur’s neck with one arm, burying his face into that scent.. alcohol, mint.. something. And beneath that winter coat, he could feel a little of the blond’s muscle. “You’re a crazy bastard.”

He looked down at Yao, already panting slightly. “I am, aren’t I? This is how I always feel around you. You just drive me crazy.”

“That’s so .. corny,” Yao replied, and Arthur finally set him down again. “And you only ran for twenty seconds. That’s pretty bad.”

“I know,” Arthur panted heavily, one hand on the railing. “Fuck.”

Yao watched as he finally caught his breath. His pupils were dark. “I guess you can’t handle that much of me after all.”

“Not true,” Arthur breathed.

They were standing very closely now, by the rail that overlooked the Seine. And next to them..

“We’re next to the Eiffel,” Arthur said, the glimmer of lights speckling Yao’s face. “And we’re in the city of love.”

“Oh.. don’t tell me you believe that crap,” Yao laughed.

“I don’t, normally,” Arthur replied. “I just- I just think it’s a good.. adventure moment right now.”

Yao looked at him. “But then we wouldn’t be friends anymore.”

“Were we ever?” Arthur asked, his voice raspy. “Could we ever be?”

The other man shook his head softly. Arthur bent down to kiss him then, softly at first - then roughly, and Yao’s lips met his with that same fervency that had been burning throughout this trip. He dropped his ice cream to the side, and drew his arms around Arthur’s neck, leaning in closer, and closer. Yes, they could feel each other, now, like this - Arthur’s hot and heavy mouth against Yao’s plush lips against his, kissing, kissing. At least, in all these years, they’d never forgotten how to kiss each other. Yao moaned as Arthur’s tongue plunged against his, and then deeper. Fuck. At this rate-

Yao drew back, breathing heavily. “You’re.. you’re so..”

“Sorry.. too much?” Arthur looked a little guilty. He’d been driven by pure instinct, really, with Yao in his arms - how could he have done anything otherwise?

“No.. not at all,” Yao was still holding onto Arthur, his body lit aflame from the kiss. “I mean- I just.. are you still drunk?”

“Not really,” Arthur said, tucking a strand of hair behind Yao’s ear. “Carrying you sort of sobered me up, because it was so exhausting.”

“Are you calling me fat?”

“No! But you’re wearing like, five layers, darling, it’s a little bulky.”

Yao huffed. “Kissing me then calling me fat. You’re no gentleman.”

“Yes, yes, I’m a bastard to you,” Arthur hugged Yao close. “But I swear.. if I could go back..”

“No.. no, we’re supposed to be strangers that just met…” Yao said into Arthur’s neck.

“That’s not possible either. Anyone who’s ever met you would say the same…”

“The same?”

“You’re bloody impossible to forget, that is.”

“…corny, again.”

“And impossible to please,” Arthur said.

“Maybe,” Yao said cheekily, looking up. “You know.. I’ll say something corny too. The light.. it makes your hair glow.” He tilted his head. “You look like an angel, like this.”

“Do I?” Arthur smirked.

“Only your looks…“

“Ah, see? You know me too well, so you keep seeing past my looks. We can’t un-know each other, or ever become strangers again. That’s how it is, darling.”

“Yeah,” Yao swallowed a sudden lump in his throat, trying to imagine Arthur’s face on another body - Yao’s too. Them, as different people, or real humans. But he could not. “But.. I hate it. I hate that.. I still..”

He didn’t have to say anything, simply burying his face into the other man’s chest. Arthur stroked his hair gently.

“It’s not like we can ever actually be together,” Yao said, embittered. “We’ll probably fight again.”

“We can try.”

“Trying’s not good enough.”

“It is, for me,” Arthur said. “I can wait for you.”

“We’re immortal.”

“So?”

“You’re not thinking straight,” the Chinese man sighed, looking up.

“No,” Arthur said softly. “I think- I think I’m done being a bloody coward, too. I.. I couldn’t say so many things I wanted to- but I should have just. I should have just. Even if it’s humiliating. Isn’t that the least I can do for you… to just be honest? After everything?”

He took a deep breath. “I.. I’m still sorry, Yao, and I- I’ll just atone for the rest of my bloody life if I have to, because.. I can, for you, I can- be stubborn. And you don’t even have to forgive me. But I wish we could talk again,” his eyes shone. “I wish we could.. just see each other again. Even if we fight, or fuck up.”

Yao’s heart thudded in his ears as he gazed up at Arthur. A long time ago, when he had been a little dreamier, he used to imagine scenarios like this - them together. Arthur apologizing to him, and meaning it. He looked like a dream too, like this, shimmering under all the lights of the city.

“Am I dreaming?” he murmured to himself, his eyes now slightly bleary.

Arthur blinked.

“I’ve imagined this.. so many times,” Yao muttered, holding Arthur tighter. “Maybe I’m still tipsy. Maybe.”

“You have?” Arthur asked, his breath in Yao’s ear. “How did it go?”

“You apologize to me.. and.. you smile at me like you don’t hate me,” Yao continued. “And then you tell me that you..”

Arthur smiled softly. “That I..”

Yao flushed. “Don’t make me finish it. You know.”

“I still love you, Yao,” Arthur said, and he had known that from long ago - before the tarot reader, before wars, before his first night with Yao had ended, eons ago. His heart was racing as he gulped, forcing himself to face the other man. “And I can’t really pretend not to, anymore. I don’t care if you still want to act like you hate me, but I refuse to, any longer.”

God, please don’t fucking hate me, Arthur thought.

“Ah,” Yao said, blinking. “I really am dreaming.”

He tip-toed and kissed Arthur once again, their bodies pressing firmly together again. He just needed to make sure- just make sure this was real, that Arthur was really here and holding him and kissing him back. Yes, he was real. He ran his hands through his hair, down his back, feeling.. to confirm. He could hear Arthur’s heartbeat, even, when his hand brushed against his neck. Their lips were still together.

“Yes,” Yao said throatily when he pulled anyway. “You.. yes. You’re here.”

“I’m real, yeah?”

Yao nodded, his nose and cheeks still red. Strangely, he felt like crying. Arthur kissed him again.

—

They must have roamed the city for hours, kissing by the Seine, by the Palais Galliera, in the alleyways, Rue de something and something, and then a random park, until a squirrel came out and scared the both of them. And then somehow they stumbled back to their hotel before the sun rose.

“Arthur,” Yao said, in that same way like he used to, with that hazy look in his eyes. Always the Venusian visage, with his dark lashes and eyes and his lips, all aglow with the fact that he was Yao, here, with Arthur. “Let’s…”

“Okay,” Arthur replied softly.

Then they were stripping bare, and they were kissing again, against the wall, then on the bed. Then his fingers were in Yao, and then him.

Arthur knew he would never reach heaven, but he entered it briefly. Yao too, in his loose-limbed glory, his dark hair all over his neck and shoulders, dusted pink all over, warm around Arthur. Both of them had become human in this moment.

“Darling,” he kissed him over and over, feeling Yao’s hands rubbing at his neck as he moved on top of him. “My darling..”

Yao rode him harder. “I.. I’m .. I missed this..”

“My cock, or me?” Arthur breathed, watching as Yao’s face contorted in pleasure as he rode him faster.

“B-both..” Yao moaned, and Arthur’s hand raised to pinch a nipple - causing him to sigh sweetly, his head thrown back.

Yao’s ass was clenching tighter around Arthur - fuck, he wouldn’t last at this rate, not when he had to prolong this, had to prolong Yao. He flipped him over - and then Yao’s back was against the bed, his thighs spread and cock leaking.

“Harder,” he moaned. “There!”

Arthur knew where, of course, and Yao was writhing again, debauched and angelic and only his, right now. He thrusted harder, faster, and then Yao came all over himself - and he shortly climaxed into him after.

But Yao didn’t let Arthur’s cock withdraw from him. He held him tightly against him, rocking his hips gently, fucking his ass back onto Arthur.

“Again?” Arthur kissed Yao’s forehead. “Guess we’re not such old men…”

Yao shook his head, eyes glazed over, his lips red and bitten. “More. More and more.”

“All the time?” Arthur groaned, moving inside him again. Fuck - how was his cock even getting hard again?

Yao nodded, moaning as Arthur bit into his neck, his prostrate aching as the blond aimed at it, over and over again. His legs wrapped around Arthur, imploring him to go deeper. He wanted him deeper, into every crevice of Yao’s body, not just his soul, no-

“Fuck- there..!” Yao breathed. “You’re still so big..”

“Hard not to be in you..”

“.. was that a f-fucking joke..?” Yao arched his back as Arthur thrusted faster. “Ah.. nn.. yes..”

“No.. t-that was me.. fucking you,” groaned Arthur - Yao was getting tighter, and his dick was pulsing madly. “Fuck..”

Yao giggled against Arthur’s mouth. “Stupid..”

They made love like this, until the sky outside turned pink, till the sun rose upon them, and they were countries once more. 

—

Arthur and Yao came down last for check-out, utterly dishevelled. The blond’s hair was messily tussled, and Yao’s hair undone and uncombed. They were still wearing their rumpled clothes from yesterday.

“Laoshi!” Mei said, then looked at Arthur, then back at Yao, her eyes widening. “Seriously?!”

“The tarot reading!” Alfred gasped happily. “You two..! You’re..! Pay up, Mattie.”

Matthew sighed, taking out his wallet.

“Everyone… shut up,” Yao groaned, as Arthur simply ignored the others’ heckling and went to return their key. “Please.”

“Leon! Congrats!” Yong Soo exclaimed. “Your parents are back together!”

Leon didn’t say anything, only looking amusedly at Yao’s frustrated expression.

“Tsk! You’re all so annoying!” Yao gritted out. “So what if we’re together again? It’s no big deal!“

Meanwhile as the others continued to interrogate him, Arthur stood at the reception, yawning.

“Did you have a nice stay?” the receptionist asked.

“..it was good, thank you,” he nodded, feeling a little embarrassed.

She smiled. “Well, you and your wife are welcome back anytime.”

Arthur was about to protest again, really, he should correct her this time - but then he glanced over at the flustered brunette, now being interrogated by their friends.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “We will.”