┊street markets.

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng wasn’t sure how to answer Adam’s questions and to talk about this as his heart was beating fast for the alpha in front of him. He rose his hand to the back of his neck to rub it and let out a hum. “Well, I do not know if he sees me as just a friend and is just being sweet and cuddly to help me or if he sees me as perhaps... something more.” he whispered. “We’ve gone out just the two of us and he has invited me over to his room...” he added. Maybe Adam would get the message without Sicheng saying his name.

The kind words that the cobra hybrid returned to him made him feel all warm inside, like butterflies fluttering their wings and filling his whole being. He glanced up at Adam under his long eyelashes and brushed a hand down the other’s arm. “Thank you~”

Sicheng eyes widened though as he heard Adam’s story. Finally, he felt like he perhaps understood what the alpha was going through. His brows furrowed in concern as he felt sad for the other. “I’m sorry that you are going through this, Adam. Conversation is so important in relationships. You must be hurting a lot.” he whispered and moved to give him a gentle hug. “You know, you can always talk to me if you want to rant or if you need a shoulder to cry on.” he added and patted the alpha’s head. “And to let us also take care of you and protect you. I know that you always care for us and protect us well, but sometimes, you have to let yourself be taken care of too~”

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Adam was quiet, working hard to help Sicheng with his situation; it had been a while since Adam had crush issues and had forgotten about the ones he had in the past. He still wanted to try as he brewed some suggestions.

His low, deep voice finally objects, "You think he knows you like him? If that's the case, ask him on a date, see how he treats or calls it, either a date or a hangout. And maybe try touching on the subject of crushes and dating to see if he'll open up or hint at you."

The alpha's lips parted, a soft sound of awe escaping him; he glanced down at Sicheng, hoping that his heart would fully love this person. Sicheng was already beautiful with his sleepy and cute mannerisms; he knew he'd be glowing when he got to be in love and could be showered with that warm, heartfelt feeling in return. "I hope you get to kiss him soon, Sicheng. You are a blessed person on this planet, and I hope no one dares hurt you...."

He blurts out a cold-sounding laugh when the question is turned to him, an image flashes of his ex, seeing him thrive in the music world while he was patiently waiting like an idiot for him to come back. "Heh....I have...a complicated partner....He ran away....was too afraid to fix an issue together, and..." He trails off, not wanting to say a thing, the last rip of the bandage, the forceful tug of the arrow that stays jabbed in his shoulder. "I'm just in this limbo, of waiting like some fool...But I guess I am loyal to someone I love even if they don't love me.... So no...and yes..." Adam didn't say anything else, lingering in his painful and sad memories of his past lover in the silence till they had retrieved their drinks.

He relaxed once he saw and heard that the omega was fine; he gently guided them off to the side to a nearby bench, in the perfect spot to admire the lit decorations as they drank their warm beverages. "I gotta protect you and everyone I care about~" Taking a seat on one end, he takes his first sip, humming with closed eyes. "ah...this is some good stuff..."

@ᵃ choi soobin. Giggling more so to himself, Sunoo nodding and began ordering for his mate, pausing when he felt those large hands reposition him to stand in front of the taller male. “I’m okay, you’re so cute— also i’ll have the same!” He answered with a swift peck to the older’s cheek, as he finished ordering for them.

@ᵃ adam chng. (aweee <3)

Sicheng’s cheeks were red and hot as he felt Adam’s eyes on him and heard his questions. He wondered what he should do. Perhaps confessing would be the best thing to do, but what if Adam didn’t feel the same way and he got hurt? “Mm well what do you think I should do? I think that the person that I like is suspecting my feelings for him, but I do not exactly know. I’m also... scared of rejection. I’m very loyal when I fall for someone. This person is special to me and has helped me countless times.” he mumbled, meaning when he felt lonely or during his heat with Adam. Maybe the other would get the message that way. “You know... this alpha, I never officially kissed him, but have imagined it so often... making my knees buckle or making me needy.” he admitted. “Sooo... what about you?” he questioned, preparing his heart as he didn’t know what Adam would say.

“Ohh, it will be very tasty I am sure.” he replied, thanking the other hybrid as he got their drinks. The sloth got his own hot chocolate, also enjoying the scent and warmth against his skin. He didn’t leave Adam’s side as the other protected him, ignoring the rude hybrid who had bumped into him. “I’m okay! Thank you. You always protect me~”

@ᵒ dong sicheng. () oof rereading the second paragraph makes me orz

Adam's gaze falls onto Sicheng's orbs; he shows no hint of his emotions or thoughts. This time, he is rather good at disguising himself, only revealing his desire to know more about his companion. "Oh, is that so? Mm, would you try to ask him about his feelings? Or prefer to see how things unfold?"

Gears started turning in the alpha's head, wondering who this person could be. Would he be grateful that it wouldn't be him, or would there be slight jealousy? He clicked his tongue at the thought of jealousy; he shouldn't feel that towards anyone else but his lost mate...And quickly he frowns at the reality, he was lingering on a hopeless idea of his mate returning. Meanwhile, his friend is finding love, and if it goes well with this person they like, he'll be happily in a relationship. Jealously...he was jealous of people seeing and being with their loved ones, even mates. He tightened his grip around the omega's hand, grounding some of his jealously feelings into him, letting it out quickly without shedding a word.

"You always do something cute, you have this cute aura all around you. And good choice, I think we will get ourselves some nice hot cocoa." He lightly bumps Sicheng's shoulder in a playful matter.

He ordered and paid for their drinks, stepping out of the queue line with paper cups of hot cocoa, the warmth melting his gloved hand; he lets out a pleased groan. Only to catch the rude act of someone bumping into the omega and dare growl at him for their actions. Adam wraps an arm around Sicheng to comfort and to protect him, his pheromones of a burnt forest flare up to threaten the who dare upset his companion. "Jerk..." He huffed a little bit, making sure the person would be out of sight before glancing down at Sicheng. "Mm you okay?"

@ᵒ kim sunoo. His eyes sweep over the few options, eyebrows furrowing as he debates the different food combinations and how they would taste right now. Before he can make a decision, someone moves into their bubble, albeit accidental or not, he is quick to move Sunoo in front of himself instead to be safe from someone’s reach. “I think I want two beef skewers.. what about you, light?”

@ᵃ choi soobin. following the trail of the taller male’s sight, his own landing on the stall responsible for capturing his lovers attention. Of course his precious pup would be drawn to that stall first, and the fox was all too happy to oblige. “How much should we get?” He chimes as they reach their destination.

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng could hear the sounds that Adam made, smiling to himself as he found it relaxing. He kept moving his thumb against the alpha’s hand, following the other’s eyes as he glanced around the crowd and the cute stalls.

As he heard the other hybrid’s question though, he got a bit taken back. He wasn’t sure what this was to Adam. Did the other hybrid only see him as a friend or did he want something more out of this? The omega glanced up, searching for Adam’s eyes as he tried to read his expression. “Well... not for now. There’s someone I have my eyes on though, but I do not know how he feels about me.”
he commented, talking about Adam.

“Oh? I did something cute?” he asked and chuckled, wondering what it was. “Oh, yes! I remember you told me that you liked that.” he answered. As they went to order, Sicheng decided to go with the salted caramel hot cocoa.

As they wanted for their drinks, the sloth hybrid suddenly stumbled a bit as he felt someone bumping into him and growling at Sicheng. The omega bumped into Adam a bit as he stumbled. “Pardon me.” he said, gulping as he looked at the guy who had pushed him, then at the ground.

@ᵒ kim sunoo. As they talk, the scent of beef skewers practically floats a trail of greasy grilled meat directly into his nose, the pup becoming clearly distracted. His eyes lock in on the stall responsible for the odor and he gives a soft, quiet hum to his mate. “I know where to start.” Soobin slides one of their hands together, tugging Sunoo towards the skewers.

@ᵃ choi soobin. That endearing name always brought a lingering warmth to his chest, and watching his mate react to his little surprise made it all feel worth it. “Right? there’s so much we could do i dunno where to start!” Glancing around the area, the smile situated on his face only spreading with the press of Soobin’s lips. “And I love youuu, giant baby.. now shall we?”

@ᵒ dong sicheng. The soft invisible patterns to his hand was soothing, it even made the Alpha start a deep, rumbling hum, almost like he was singing something. As they maneuvered and pushed through the rush, Adam was always on the lookout to keep Sicheng safe by his side. He cleared his throat, taking another but different glance at the atmosphere after hearing Sicheng's comment.

Adam frowned softly, recalling how this time of the year was a perfect time to be with your loved one; for Adam, he was left wondering about his mate. "ah...yes it is very romantic...mm" Not wanting to be the wet blanket during their hangout, he quickly changed to a laidback smile, "These holidays do draw out love, mm do you have a partner or someone you are courting, Sicheng?"

Not sure what it was, the way the sloth hybrid answered his question, but he was dying internally from the cute aggression he was holding back. He lifted his hand and lightly patted the younger man's head. "Heh, too cute. A hazelnut hot cocoa, that's what I'll have."

Being a hot cocoa stand, it didn't take long, despite the line of people ahead of them. In fifteen minutes, they were next to place their orders.

@ᵒ kim sunoo. Soobin took a moment to adjust his eyes to the lights outside, looking around at their surroundings and gasping very lightly with surprise. "Oh wow.. Moonlight, this looks like a lot of fun." He was genuinely excited the more he noticed, storefronts and street-food stalls. People sitting around with beer and different dishes, laughter and joy filling the cold wintry air. His eyes finally fall down on his mate, and he leans in to gently kiss the other between the eyes. "I love it."

@ᵃ choi soobin. A few more careful steps and the pair were standing in the perfect position to view the mass of decorations, finally removing his shielding palms from his mate's sight, Sunoo exclaimed to announce the end of their journey. “Tadaa! isn’t it so pretty? And we can try so many yummy foods too!” His excitement was tangible, practically bouncing in place as his arms wound themselves around that of his mate's.

@ᵒ kim sunoo. Soobin didn’t have much of an idea as to where they were going. All he knew, was that he could hear, and sense multiple bodies around him. The atmosphere seemed busy and happy, the scent of food hitting his nose next and perking up his bottomless stomach. His mate whispering into his ear sidetracks him though, and so he continues to patiently follow the direction of the excited fox, his lips curved into a happy smile.

@ᵃ choi soobin. it was such an impromptu decision to visit the market, yet the young fox was filled with excitement due to the fact that around this time provided the most beautiful displays, lights arranged in varying shapes that represent the festive season. The sight alone was Sunoo’s reason for dragging his mate out to walk the path. “just a little further and you can open your eyes giant baby~” his voiced purred while he pushed up on his toes to direct his voice to the taller’s ear, continuing on to guide his boyfriend towards the middle, where he could see the view in it’s entirety.

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng’s fingers tangled up with Adam’s ones, his fingertips occasionally brushing against the alpha’s gloved hand and tracing light shapes. As he followed him through the crowd, he made sure to hold onto him so that they didn’t get lost from one another. The atmosphere felt so magical. “This feels so... romantic, doesn’t it? The lights- they are pretty.” he commented as he grinned, eyes shining as he glanced around. “Ohh, sounds like a good backup plan.”

When they got in line, Sicheng moved on his tiptoes to see the menu, nodding his head at the alpha’s question. “I can see it, yes, but I am not sure yet what I want. I might ask for their recommendation. And you?”

@ᵒ dong sicheng. His gloved fingers intertwine with the omegas. Once the first step was registered, he tugged his arm closer so their sides would touch. Sharing a gentle glance down at Sicheng, he led them through the busy foot traffic in the market, the sun settling as the Christmas lights became apparent through the trees and lamps, casting the place under a whimsical glow. "I am sure they will. If not, we can make some at home too."

Adam patted his hand for reassurance and stood in the small line of eager and chatty customers. "Can you see the menu from here? Anything that you want in particular or going with the classic?"

@ᵃ adam chng. Sicheng kept admiring the alpha in front of him with a soft expression as he noticed his cute reactions. He couldn’t get enough of Adam’s pretty smile and of their time together. Somehow, he always felt drawn to him. “It seems like it. We fit like a glove!”

As it got crowded, Sicheng started clinging onto Adam a bit more as he felt a bit too clumsy to stay here and preferred when it was quiet and peaceful. The sloth hybrid followed the cobra hybrid to the side area to remove their skates and smiled as Adam offered him his hand to take yet again. Sicheng didn’t even hesitate, quickly taking his hand to hold as he let the alpha take the lead and guide him to the hot cocoa stand. “Hopefully they still have hot cocoa.”

@ᵒ dong sicheng. The alpha is ready to object to his companion's statement but is thrown off guard towards the end, his lips pursed thinly together as he stares at their hand, mainly his own. He never thought he had a soft touch, nor did anyone mention that. "ah...we are just two sweet peas in the same pod."

Maneuvering through the skaters, the ice rink was starting to become more populated at this time; thankfully, the pair was leaving and heading off for a hot cocoa stall.
As Adam helped with putting the skates on, he made sure to remove them for Sicheng, returning their skates to the workers. He reinvites his hand, something he will always do for this precious hybrid he had grown fond of during the couple of weeks together.

@ᵃ adam chng. As Sicheng felt the light touch grazing his hands, he felt his heart skipping a few beats and getting faster when he heard Adam’s sweet words. The omega looked up with a shy look. “You’re very sweet! Thank you. I love your soft touch too~”

“Mm, I am! Ohhh yes~” he replied with a grin and felt the squeeze against his cheek, his eyes closing for a moment. He looked at him shyly as he reopened them.

@ᵒ dong sicheng. Adam lifted their hands up, still skating leisurely by others along the way, his gloved thumb over the back of Sicheng's delicate hand. "You do have a soft touch, Sicheng~ Its a very soothing touch, and its yours."
He quickly lowered their hands and adverted his gaze, wishing he didn't say those words, a habit of his when his heart trailed closely to someone he cherished.

"ah...yes I am super warm, are you? I am good with this speed, but let me know if you are tired and want some hot cocoa~" He reached his other hand to squeeze the sloth's cheek, grinning at how soft and cute those mounds of flesh were between his digits.

@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 )