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Xie Lian tucks his head under He Xuan’s chin, his scent sweet and calm. “G’night, San Lang,” he mumbles.
“Goodnight, gege,” Hua Cheng whispers back, pressing a gentle kiss to their mating bite. His hair brushes over He Xuan’s skin.
When he pulls back, He Xuan locks eyes with him.
“I’ll be right back,” Hua Cheng says, his expression still soft, his voice low. He Xuan imagines that it’s for him, and hates himself for it - no, that gentleness is only for Hua Cheng’s beloved. “Keep him company.”
“Mn,” He Xuan says shortly in response, and Hua Cheng draws the blankets over their shoulders, tucking them in.
His hand flattens against He Xuan’s back. He Xuan’s heart aches.
I’m just a replacement, he reminds himself. Just an extra alpha for when he can’t be here.
“Sleep well, didi,” Hua Cheng says, and tosses his dice, leaving in a swirl of red.
“A-Xuan,” Xie Lian sighs. A purr starts up in his chest.
He Xuan hesitates, but swipes his wrist over Xie Lian’s neck, scenting him as he’s been encouraged to do.
Their three scents mix together - Xie Lian’s flowers, He Xuan’s seawater, Hua Cheng’s smoke. He Xuan’s alpha roars in his chest, satisfied. Mine, it says. He ignores it.
Xie Lian’s purr grows louder at the touch, rumbling through He Xuan’s body.
“Go to sleep,” He Xuan whispers, and gradually Xie Lian drifts off, boneless and vulnerable in He Xuan’s arms.
He Xuan closes his eyes and allows himself to imagine. The two men he loves, holding him in their hearts and not just their bed.
But no. This is good. This is enough.