┊street markets.

@ᵃ adam chng. Unaware of the other’s current thought process and where his mind was going - how hard this was for him - Sicheng skated over to the alpha to meet him and to stay near his side. He shot him a soft smile and as he heard the thoughtful suggestion, the sloth let out a soft chuckle. “That would be a smart idea! Maybe that is smarter than rubbing my . I do not give the strongest massages too... People always tease because they say it feels more like light touch.” he added with a shy expression. Sicheng met Adam’s eyes, not noticing the issue that he was currently going through with the other’s coat being long. “Are you warm enough?” he questioned and made his way over to catch up with him. “Mm yes! This is perfect. Do you prefer to go slow or fast?” he asked. “I’ll try and keep up with you~”

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Once Sicheng recovered and Adam offered a supportive hand to hold, he slid his right foot in front, pushing his left to remeet it, gliding the two around the rink slowly and carefully. Today, he felt either the god up on their mighty throne snickering at this poor alpha, testing his strength, or wishing for him to be a tortured soul. First, the alpha had to stop thinking and feeling with his heart; he couldn't fall for the pretty omega before him; he had to lock away any feelings he had.

That left his other headstrong organ to take charge of the scenario; neither his heart nor his ual desires were the lenses he wished to use when hanging out with his companion, but it was too late. The image of Sicheng massaging his bruised , whining softly at the kneading of his plump flesh, was vividly haunting the alpha, and he had to make sure his ed thoughts wouldn't leak out through his expression or body.

Thankfully, he was wearing his long trench coat, serving its purpose of warmth but also a shield to hide his heated arousal between his legs. Adam cleared his throat and decided not to linger too much on the topic of Sicheng's , if he wanted to make it out today with some dignity left. "Maybe you should take a salt bath later too, I hope you won't be in too much pain the next few days."

His strides became longer, increasing the pace to a light 'jog', and he glanced over to meet Sicheng's gaze, "Are you comfortable with this speed? Shall I slow down or go faster?"

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng was mostly surprised from the fall and only a bit hurt. It wasn’t as bad as it had seemed at first. The omega glanced up with wide eyes as he noticed the alpha’s reaction to his fall, not wanting him to feel bad or worry as he had helped him quite a bit at first. “It’s okay!” he promised him with a smile. “Don’t worry~” he added and he nodded his head, noticing Adam’s red cheeks.

With the other’s help, the sloth hybrid got back up on the ice, careful so that he didn’t slip and fall once more. He held onto Adam, his eyes remaining on him. “Thank you. Mm, I trust you.” he whispered and gently grabbed his hand to hold. “I’ll have to massage my tonight.” he said with a chuckle.

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Adam could sense the stability through their linked hands; he moved closer to support his companion as they got on the ice together. Once he pulled away to give Sicheng the space he needed to experiment and to take his first 'step', his arms and posture ready to rush over and to catch him, if he were to slip.

He becomes distracted quite quickly at the pickup line, which makes his ear tips become rosy once more. Too flustered, he is delayed in reacting to Sicheng falling, he is unable to catch and stop him from meeting the hard, cold surface. Half his face winced, picturing the pain bestowed on the omega, and hurried over to help him back up. "Ah.... Sicheng, sorry are you okay?"

His arm wraps around his lower back, his hand resting on his hip to keep him sturdy and safe. He clears his throat, trying his best not to picture the bruise that would form on the omega's bottom, he couldn't stop picturing it vividly since he had seen his companion almost . Adam knew he had to stop thinking like a and to make sure Sicheng wouldn't keep falling. "I'll be here by your side, I won't let you fall again, okay?"

He unravels his arm to offer his hand to the younger man.

@ᵃ kim youngdae. Sungchan laughs sheepishly, a little embarrassed. "I have a bit more free time now, I'll make sure to stop by the gym every now and then," he says, sounding just a slight bit more determined. He perks up as the other procured his phone from his pocket, looking over curiously as he regarded the image on the screen. "Ah—we could try over there," he points out, gesturing to a stall slightly bigger than the rest, seemingly filled with all sorts of knick knacks among plenty of other things. "We might find a pretty one packed somewhere in there."

@ᵃ jung sungchan. Youngdae nodded at Sungchan’s reply, understanding but unable to imagine the routine of the other. “Practice.. must be tough. No wonder I rarely see you around in the gym now.” Lifted a small smile to reciprocate the other’s laugh, the actor whipped out his phone to show a picture of a very specific dreamcatcher. “My sister wanted a dreamcatcher as her Christmas gift. I’m trying to see if there is this specific design for her in one of the stalls.”

@ᵃ kim youngdae. Sungchan steps fall into pace with Youngdae's as they walk, unhurried as they made their way through the crowd. "I don't remember, must've been a while," he says thoughtfully, only able to recall what they did but not when they did it. "And yeah, I think I might have. Practice hasn't been light on me and I've yet to return to the gym," he replies a little regretfully, but he waves it off with a laugh. "Anyways, where are we headed exactly?"

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng was a bit surprised by Adam’s reaction as he wasn’t exactly aware of the other still being mated, not necessarily having seen the mating mark on him or smelled the other hybrid on the other. Perhaps he was being a bit too touchy, but then again, Adam had never stopped him from hugging him or cuddling him. Maybe this was just a misunderstanding. He pushed it aside for now, wanting to take it one step at a time as well and he took Adam’s hand to hold as he got on the ice rink, almost falling right away at the new slippery feeling under his feet. “You know, if I fall today, I can maybe say that I fell... head over heels for you.” he let out with a light giggle and teasing tone.

The sloth hybrid noticed how Adam seemed to be good at this as he was quite fast, trying to follow behind only to stumble back a bit and suddenly, fall on his . A small gasp and whine left his lips as he did and he looked up with a sheepish smile. “Here I go... My will be bruised.” he let out, pouting a bit, but then smiling to show that he was fine.

(Awee it is okay :3 yes it will be nice! hehe)

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Adam jolts slightly, his eyes widening at the questions as his breathing becomes shallow. What was he doing? Why would he even say that? Surely, Sicheng only teased the alpha as he panicked slightly and his guilt kicked in. He winced from the phantom pain of his shoulder and shifted his head to the side, avoiding eye contact.
"Ah I'm yours as a friend, yes that's what I mean." He knew those words would hurt Sicheng, as it also hurt him, pulling at his heartstrings. He didn't want this to sour their day and cleared his throat, tugging him over to the entrance of the ice rink. He did like Sicheng, a lot....but he was loyal and stubborn to his missing mate.

Adam was the first to get onto the ice, quickly skating on the cold surface. He opened his arms for Sicheng, ready to catch him if he were to fall. "you got this~"

(THIS KILLED ME TO WRITE....bruh the moment adam gets the truth bomb about taemin ooof......the tension between adam and sicheng is gonna be *chefs kiss* desperate and rough kissing hehe )

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng’s lips remained curled into a smile as he heard him and his eyes widened for a moment. “You’re all mine? All of you?” he asked and moved a bit closer.

The omega’s scent grew stronger as he saw Adam’s eyelashes fluttering and he leaned down to try and help him with the lace of his skates, gently tapping Adam’s hands as a way to thank him. His eyes remained on the alpha as he admired his red cheeks and his cute actions, finding then endearing from an alpha. When the other hybrid got ready with his skates on as well, Sicheng got up with his help. “Yes, all ready~”

@ᵒ dong sicheng. "Check, check, check. You got everything on my list, I'm all yours."He jokes around though he wasn't kidding about hanging out with him.

The alpha fluttered his lashes, his fingertips struggling with tying the knot as the omega's scent cast a haze spell around him, trying his best to collect himself, to keep his composure collected and gentleman-like. He manages to focus and put the other skate on, his heart racing in his chest and pounding in his ears. "G-good." His deep voice manages to crack, betraying him as it adds more heat to his face; the pat on his head makes the flustered alpha tuck his chin to his chest.

Straightening himself back up, he sits beside Sicheng and puts his skate on, testing them before offering his hand. "Ready to skate?"

@ᵃ adam chng. “That sounds perfect to me. Nice warm cuddles under a blanket and a cheesy or funny movie maybe?” he offered, stretching his legs out a bit.

As Sicheng noticed Adam’s scent getting a bit stronger, his eyes softened and his eyes met the alpha’s ones for a moment. He looked around, noticing the workers glancing at them and got a bit shy, now trying to focus only on the other hybrid, his own scent growing stronger.

The sloth then blinked a few times as he saw Adam’s expression, feeling his heart beating fast and his palms getting a bit sweaty. “I-“ he began, smiling widely. “It feels great! Thank you for the help~” he reassured him and leaned over to lightly pat Adam’s head with a light giggle.

@ᵒ dong sicheng. The older man couldn't contain the nervous fit of laughter behind his fist when he caught the redness of Sicheng's ears; at least now they were matching with their current flustered state. "yes, maybe once we are done with being out in the cold, we can relax and cuddle."

Adam cleared his throat, the corners of his brims tugging upward on their own from the peck he received; a brief flare of his scent made the workers smile at the pair in a playful manner, assuming the two were in a newly formed relationship that still dealt with butterflies and shyness.

He shifted his gaze to meet Sicheng's soft orbs once he was seated; he held his breath, not realizing how pretty Sicheng looked from this point of view; he was always so used to looking down at him.....this was a rather lovely surprise. His cheeks become faintly painted with a rosy rouge as he carefully takes Sicheng's foot to line it up with the skate; once in position, he pulls the skate up onto his foot. He pulls on the string, tightening and testing them out by rolling his ankle. "How does that feel? not too tight or is it loose fitting?'

() hehey I am glad munchkin

@ᵃ adam chng. As he heard Adam’s words, Sicheng’s eyes widened in realization and he let out a light chuckle. “Oh, that does sound like it would be looked at in a weird way. But for the record and for what it means, I would really enjoy being in your arms. Perhaps... later we can cuddle.” he offered, his own ears now red.

As they got their skates, he leaned over to thank Adam for paying with a light peck on his cheek, Sicheng’s lips curled in a smile. The sloth hybrid followed as Adam led him through the crowd and to the seating area. “This will be fun!” he whispered as he slipped off his shoes, already noticing the alpha undoing the strings of the skates. “You’re such a gentleman!”

(ohh it wasn’t :3 i got to see family and eat good food. nothing more to ask for. Awee that’s nice for today!)

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Adam stretches his other arm in front; his fingers curled to paint the image of him carrying and supporting an invisible Sicheng, "Well, the only way we can walk through the market and stay super warm with your help is if I am carrying you. I think people would stare as to why I am carrying you." He clears his throat, lowering his hand to his side, pretending not to notice his ear tips burning.

The alpha takes them to the front table and pays for their skates; once the worker asks for their sizes, they hand him the two pairs of skates, which isn't a task to take and hold with one hand.
"let's find somewhere we can sit down." Still guiding and protecting Sicheng, they find a free wooden bench to borrow as Adam kneels down, untying and loosening the strings of the smaller skates.

() oh hey but that's not bad. Eve was crazy and long, and the day was pretty chill ouo

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng glanced up, a bit confused and let out a small chuckle, head tilted. “Oh? Why would people stare?” he asked and peeked at Adam’s eyes, swinging their arms a bit. As he felt the gentle squeeze, he smiled at the alpha and hummed. “I’m glad to hear that~”

“That sounds good! Let’s go~” he agreed as he let the other lead him to the rink. He wondered how he would do on the ice as he hadn’t skated in a while. “I’d really love the help.” he added, noticing the timid smile and finding it cute.

(thank you :3 yes, a bit more quiet than usual and short, but it is all good! you?
and no worries <3)

@ᵒ dong sicheng. It didn't occur to the alpha that the way he was being stared at would raise specific questions; perhaps he was simply in his own daze that he couldn't realize. Adam tipped his head to one side, laughter rushing out of him as his breath became visible in the cold air, "I don't think I can just hug you the whole time, I think we would get a lot of stares and I am sure it would be embarrassing to do that."

He offered a firm squeeze around the omega's hand, muttering, looking straight ahead, "I'm plentiful warm with this."

Adam's eyes pick up on the ice rink, with a few people skating around it; with a tug of urgency, he brings Sicheng closer to the rink. "We need to get some ice skates on our bad boys, I'll help put yours on, if you like." He gives a cheeky yet timid grin.

(hehe merry Christmas cutie ouo Did you have a good one? ate well?
also I apologize I can't bring adam out just yet when taemin is in the room but soon he will)

@ᵃ adam chng. The omega’s eyes remained on Adam as he forgot that they were in public for a moment, having only eyes for him. As he felt the hug, he let out a happy sigh, his eyes closing for a moment. “Oh, well I can also keep you warm~”

Sicheng grinned at him and agreed as he held his hand, gently giving it a squeeze and following him inside. “That sounds lovely! Thank you. How are you today, Adam mm?”

The sloth hybrid noticed how protective Adam was being and felt his cheeks warm up a bit, a tint of red on them as he didn’t leave his side. He glanced around the stalls, curiously.

(Merry Christmas:3 <3)

@ᵃ jung sungchan. "Alright." letting out a soft chuckle, youngdae gave a nod before taking the lead to guide them through the street towards the christmas market. "so, how have you been? the last time we met was.. when again?" he looks over his shoulder towards the other. "and looks like you've lost some weight?" the male squinted his eyes before looking ahead, careful not to bump into the other pedestrians.

@ᵃ kim youngdae. "I tried my best," he laughs, ignoring the fact that it had taken him a considerable amount of time to look for the other, but he didn't need to know that. Sungchan responds with a gentle wave of his hand before gesturing to the crowd with a nod of his head. "Let's," he huffs as he turns toward the sea of people. "After you."

@ᵃ jung sungchan. Turning his head to the familiar voice, youngdae straightened his back off the wall before giving a wave towards sungchan. “You made it.” Youngdae lifted a smile. “Shall we head to the Christmas market? I have some last minute shopping and errands to do.” He gestured towards a rather crowded area.

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Everything seemed to slow down for the alpha as he studied and mentally stole a picture of the smile that was flashed in his direction. Without hesitation he embraces Sicheng, offering a gentle yet firm hug before freeing him.
"A snake gotta keep warm."

Adam fake coughed into his gloved fist, and offers his other hand, taking the smaller one into his grasp.
" Me too, me too...Sicheng. let's head in, if you see anything you like or any stalls you wanna stop by, let me know. The ice rink is in the midst of the market."

The alpha tugs him close to his side so the traffic of strangers would bump or push Sicheng away from him, he protective watched over the sloth hybrid as they submerged into the busy market area.

@ᵃ kim youngdae. Sungchan casually slipped through the crowds as he set off to find their designated meeting place, guided by nothing but an image on his phone. Eventually he does spot Youngdae off in the distance, weaving through the throngs of people to approach him. "Hyung—aha—for a sec, I thought I was lost," he says, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

@ᵃ jung sungchan. Leaning against a wall of a building, Youngdae glanced at his watch before bringing his hand up to adjust his black face mask. Looking at the people passing, he kept his eyes out for the familiar face in the sea of crowd.

@ᵃ adam chng. As soon as Sicheng heard the other’s voice, his lips curled into a smile and he felt his heart beating faster. He turned to face Adam with a sweet expression, walking closer to the other hybrid with open arms. “You look all cozy with these warm clothes.” he mumbled to him.

“I’m so happy to finally spend more time with you. Any honestly... quite excited to have some time alone.” he commented and held out his hand to the alpha. His skin was a bit cool, but being warm-blooded, it probably wasn’t as bad as for the alpha.

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Adam arrive at the market, layered up head to toe, almost every part of him was covered up from the harsh, cruel coldness attacking his cold-blooded self. He waited at the entrance and scrunched his shoulders up to his ears, his eyes searching the crowd of people for a specific person.

The snake hybrid stuck just the tip of his tongue out, and a flood of scent became more apparently but then he finally caught win of Sicheng's, he was here, somewhere. He followed the scent and there he saw him, dressed in a rather cute outfit that would have had this alpha drop to his knees, but he knew better not to do so in the midst of foot traffic.

He called out softly from behind, wanting to hug him but didn't want to give the sloth a heart attack.

"Sicheng?"

@ᵃ adam chng. *sicheng waits for adam at the entrance of the market, wearing a cute and warm oversized sweater, black combat boots and black slacks. he glances around and looks at his phone. his cheeks are a bit red because of the cool temperature*