Let Me Ruffle Your Fur a Little

Along the way back, Mu Mu’er keeps stealing glances at Bai Yao’s side profile, who senses it soon enough, and raises his brow at Mu Mu’er.

“What’s up? You haven’t had enough of me seeing me every second of the day?” Chuckling, he makes the boy’s hair into a mess.

Mu Mu’er doesn’t answer to the tease. He is seriously pondering about expressing his gratitude.

He looks at the remaining snacks in his hand after a while, and thinks about giving it to Bai Yao, but he is hesitant.

He has already learned that Bai Yao does not like sweet food, like the dried mango slices he gave Bai Yao last time. He isn’t like him.

… Also, Bai Yao bought him these snacks. He is reluctant to give them out, not even back to Bai Yao.

They arrive at the stairs soon enough, and Mu Mu’er knows this might be the best and last chance to give his thanks for a while. He does not know when the next appropriate time might come.

Bai Yao’s form is lean and tall. His posture is proper, and his wide shoulders and firm waist makes even his silhouette impeccable from the back.

Mu Mu’er really likes what he sees. He also likes his appearance. It is very handsome, and Bai Yao has never shown Mu Mu’er his colder, untamed side, so he has always appeared a gentle giant to the boy.

The Sun is close to the horizon now, giving the horizon a fibre of golden lining. From behind, Mu Mu’er can see the warm, golden aura reflecting off of the man. Any of his sharper edges have been smoothed out into a soft, orange glow.

The Sun really does give the oceans Her most dazzling colours during dusk; the seaside by twilight is one of the most magical scenes one can ever see.

Bai Yao walks slowly ahead of Mu Mu’er, who is slowly following behind, while also closely following the man’s outline with his gaze.

Yaoyao’s ankles are pretty. His slightly short pants only cause him to appear even taller. Mu Mu’er blanks out a little, mesmerised by the scenery, before taking a few quick steps, his subconscious looking for a hand to hold.

When he does, he pulls a little to stop him.

Bai Yao stops, looking back to see what Mu Mu’er is up to.

“Yaoyao treats Mu’er very well. Yaoyao is the best Yaoyao in the world.”

Before Bai Yao can respond, Mu Mu’er looks up towards Bai Yao’s face, and goes for it with instinctual determination. He plants a kiss on the side of the man’s jaw.

After the lips depart, Mu Mu’er smiles meekly, and explains, “this is Mu’er’s thanks. This is what Mu’er means, when Mu’er likes Yaoyao.”

Bai Yao is quite a lot taller than Mu Mu’er, when he stands straight, Mu Mu’er can’t reach where he wanted even if he stands on tiptoes.

So he is unable to kiss Bai Yao on the lips like he wanted, but on the jaw instead.

Finally, he smiles at Bai Yao, and says softly, “Yaoyao is welcome.”

He didn’t need to be taught the meaning of this kiss. He thinks he knows, like an instinct, that the lips touching is an affectionate gesture.

Of course, there was no technique involved. He simply closed his eyes and planted his lips. Rather than a smooch, it’s more like a brush. Brushing his lips on Bai Yao’s jaw.

To Bai Yao, he almost failed to register it. It was like being licked by a loving puppy. His mind is warm, itchy, restless.

More than just a puppy’s lick, but also a paw poking at the tip of his heart, printing a soft little meaty pawprint on his chest, declaring, look! He belongs to him!

Mu Mu’er doesn’t shy away at all, so, after thinking a little, he sticks his face closer to a motionless Bai Yao, to see if he might reciprocate.

“Yaoyao, not going to kiss Mu’er?” He is standing on tiptoes already, doing his best to send his soft cheeks towards Bai Yao’s lips, “Yaoyao, kiss.”

Still, no kiss comes.

Mu Mu’er looks back at Bai Yao’s face. He really is handsome. His eyes, his eyebrows, his nose, his mouth. All of them familiar features of the person he likes.

He remembers what they were talking about. When two people really, really like each other, they have hugs and plant kisses, and stay together. Hmm, Bai Yao didn’t mention ‘staying together,’ but he wants to add it to it.

“Mu’er, also wants to…” Mu Mu’er pauses, trying to recall the exact words. He doesn’t want Bai Yao to misunderstand.

Bai Yao did not say have hugs and plant kisses. Two other words that Mu Mu’er was unfamiliar with; Yaoyao was really soft in his tone when he talked about it, though, making his chest puff up in a sweet warmth.

He remembers, and locks eyes with Bai Yao. He says, with an earnest, adamant tone.

“To embrace and kiss with Yaoyao.”