Chapter Text
Soft light glowed through the overcast sky, shrouding the old Victorian home in a warm golden haze. Wind whipped against the weathered wooden siding, causing the loose shutters to creak and groan as they swayed back and forth. Small birds chirped overhead from their perches along the intricate spindlework adorning the roof and balcony, their songs carrying faintly through the cool morning air.
Xie Lian drew in a long breath as he stepped out of his rundown hatchback, pausing beside the open door. His long hair whipped across his cheeks and over his shoulders as he lifted his gaze to the house before him. Despite the peeling paint and overgrown yard, warmth settled in his chest, a small smile tugging at his lips.
He stepped onto the cracked walkway, moving toward the front porch at an unhurried pace. His fingers drifted along the flowering bushes that had begun creeping up the siding, brushing lightly against the tangled leaves and blossoms. The house looked worn and neglected, but beneath the decay he could still see traces of its former beauty.
“I guess I’m home,” he whispered.
The wind stirred around him, brushing past his ears like a soft melody and catching the hem of his t-shirt. He tilted his head back slightly, letting himself savor the moment before releasing a quiet laugh beneath his breath.
The sound of another car pulling into the driveway drew his attention. Turning around, he watched a middle-aged woman climb out of the driver’s seat with a clipboard tucked beneath one arm and a ring of keys dangling from her fingers.
“Good morning, Xie Lian! Are you excited?”
Xie Lian’s smile widened immediately. He crossed the lawn to meet her, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear as he approached.
“I am,” he admitted, glancing back toward the house. His eyes lingered on the wraparound porch before returning to her. “It’s beautiful. It’ll need a little bit of work, but it has a lot of character.” He accepted the keys when she offered them, turning the ring thoughtfully between his fingers. “I still don’t know why the previous owner abandoned it.”
The realtor’s smile faltered almost imperceptibly. She shifted her weight and glanced toward the house before hesitantly looking back at him. “The house has been on the market for years,” she said carefully. “I couldn’t tell you why the previous owner left, but it appears the house has a high turnover rate.” Her fingers tightened slightly around the clipboard tucked against her side. “Once someone moves in, they don’t stay for very long.”
Xie Lian raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking back toward the house. The wind stirred through the overgrown bushes, rustling the leaves softly against the siding. “That’s unusual,” he said lightly. “No one mentioned that when I signed on the mortgage.”
The realtor’s gaze flickered away for a moment, her brows knitting together as though carefully considering her response. “I’m sure there are many reasons why it didn’t work out,” she replied quickly. “It could just be the remote area. There’s not much to do around here. It’s a small town, and young people like yourself are usually drawn to places with a little more excitement.”
Xie Lian studied her expression for a few seconds longer. Something about her explanation felt rehearsed, but eventually he nodded. “I suppose that won’t be an issue then.” A faint smile tugged at his lips. “I’m not exactly the type to go out often. I’m far too busy with work and school.”
The realtor visibly relaxed. “Well, that certainly helps,” she laughed, falling into step beside him as they made their way toward the front porch. “What are you studying? Do you go to school around here?”
The breeze brushed across Xie Lian’s cheeks, lifting loose strands of hair as he climbed the creaking steps. He reached out absently to steady himself against the railing. “I’m working toward my master’s in education right now,” he explained. “I work as an assistant professor at the university, and they’ve been kind enough to sponsor me, so I don’t have to worry about tuition payments.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” She said, genuine delight brightening her features. “Is the university close by?”
“It’s a bit of a drive,” Xie Lian rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “My old apartment was closer, but it got condemned.” He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “My terrible luck at play.” His gaze drifted toward the front door. “That’s kind of what pushed me to make this purchase. I already had the money on hand, and the house was listed for about a third of what they probably should have asked.”
The realtor laughed, “I was wondering how a young man such as yourself managed such a significant down payment.” She nudged him lightly with her elbow. “An inheritance, I assume?”
The smile on Xie Lian’s face immediately faltered, his fingers stilling around the keys. “Yeah…” he said quietly, forcing a small smile. “Something like that.”
The wind sighed through the trees overhead, rustling the overgrown branches surrounding the house as Xie Lian approached the front door and slid the key into the lock.
Beside him, the realtor visibly stiffened.
Xie Lian paused, glancing over his shoulder just in time to catch the way her shoulders had drawn tight.
“I’m so sorry, Xie Lian,” she blurted suddenly, already taking a step backwards. “I have to go meet another client right now. Give me a call if you need anything.”
Before he could respond, she hurriedly pulled a business card from her pocket and pressed it into his free hand.
Xie Lian stood frozen in the half-open doorway, watching as she practically rushed across the lawn. The car door slammed shut, and moments later she was backing out of the driveway with startling urgency.
“Okay…” he murmured to himself, glancing down at the business card before slipping it into his pocket. With a small shrug, he pushed the door fully open and stepped inside.
The house was eerily silent. Dust hung suspended in shafts of pale light filtering through the windows as the scent of aged wood lingered heavily in the air.
Despite the rough condition, the house was certainly well-crafted. The carved banister curled elegantly along the staircase, the high ceilings making the entryway feel far grander than the house’s price tag had suggested.
Xie Lian slowly turned in a circle, taking everything in, brushing his fingertips along the railing. He lifted his hand, staring at the thick layer of dust clinging to his skin before letting out a quiet sigh. “Looks like I have my work cut out for me.”
As if on cue, his phone began vibrating in his pocket. He fished it out quickly, a small smile returning to his face as he pressed it to his ear. “Hey! I was just going to call you.”
“Xie Lian!” a young woman exclaimed from the other end. “Are you in your house right now? Tell me what you’re feeling! I want to know everything!”
Xie Lian laughed softly as he wandered farther into the foyer. “Qingxuan,” he mused. “It’s honestly beautiful. I’m very happy.” He made his way through the hallway, fingers trailing along the torn wallpaper. “It’s definitely going to need some work, but I guess I shouldn’t complain.”
“Do you need me to come over to put in some elbow grease?” Shi Qingxuan asked immediately. “I can help clean!”
“No need,” Xie Lian replied softly, shifting the phone against his ear as his gaze wandered to the broken cupboard in the kitchen. “It would take you about two hours to get out here, and I should at least have the first floor cleaned by that time. I just want to get everything picked up before the movers arrive.”
“Well… I can’t wait to see it in person. I’ll have to come by next weekend to check it out,” Shi Qingxuan said cheerfully. “When He Xuan and I finally buy a home, we need to get something closer to you. I miss you, and I hope you’re as excited as I am. This is a huge step for you.”
Xie Lian smiled warmly. “I miss you too, Qingxuan. You’ll have to-”
Bang!
Xie Lian jumped, his shoulders jerking as he spun around. His eyes darted across the entranceway, pulse quickening as the sound echoed through the empty house.
“Xie Lian?” Shi Qingxuan said with immediate concern. “Is everything okay?”
Xie Lian shook his head lightly, drawing in a slow breath as he pressed a hand against his chest. “I’m okay… sorry. The wind must have slammed the front door shut. It scared me half to death.”
Shi Qingxuan couldn’t help the laugh that slipped from her lips. “Are you sure you feel comfortable living alone like this?”
“I’ve lived alone for a long time, Qingxuan,” he said helplessly. Still holding the phone to his ear, he wandered past the stairs and into the dining room, opening every door he came across in exploration.
Shi Qingxuan hummed in acknowledgement. “A studio apartment is much different than a huge house. Have you even seen the full thing yet?”
“No,” Xie Lian said with an amused smirk. “I just saw pictures. They didn’t have anyone available to walk me through the house at the time.” He opened another door and blinked in surprise when he stumbled upon a small closet filled with an old broom and mop. “I think I just found some cleaning supplies the previous owners left.”
Shi Qingxuan smiled through the phone, “It seems like your luck is improving. Are you going to go clean now?”
“Don’t jinx me,” Xie Lian mused. “I suppose I probably should. There are cobwebs everywhere. You definitely won’t want to visit if I keep it in this condition.”
Shi Qingxuan let out a mock squeal, “I’ll help clean, but spiders are a no go for me.” She laughed softly before continuing, “I’ll talk to you later. Let me know if you need anything and don’t forget to send me pictures!”
“Deal,” He said with a playful grin. “Goodbye, Qingxuan.”
He hung up the phone and lowered it to his side, glancing around the room again, almost uncertain of where to start. After a moment, he grabbed the mop and bucket and carried them into the kitchen, setting the bucket beneath the sink.
The water sputtered several times as though the line was clogged, coughing and hissing before finally beginning to fill the bucket at an incredibly slow pace. Xie Lian sighed and leaned forward onto his elbows against the dusty counter, a small pout tugging at his lips as he watched the water trickle down.
He waited for a moment as the bucket filled when a cold sensation suddenly grazed the small of his back.
Startled, he twisted around, eyes flickering over the empty kitchen, a faint shiver prickling across his skin and raising the hairs along his arms. “There must be a draft in here,” he said quietly. “I suppose I’ll have to call someone for that after I figure out what’s going on with the water.”
Once the bucket was full enough, he added a bit of soap to the slightly cloudy water before carrying it back into the living room. He lowered it carefully before reaching for the broom to pick up the larger debris, his gaze sweeping across the room once more.
“Huh… wasn’t this just…” Xie Lian crouched down abruptly, fingers trailing over the old hardwood floor before lifting them to eye level. “The floors are spotless…”
His brows furrowed as he stood quickly and hurried back to the staircase. His fingers grazed over the banister only to find smooth, clean wood beneath his touch. The railing was immaculate aside from the two fingerprints Xie Lian himself had left earlier.
He stared for a moment before quickly scrubbing them away. Confusion growing, he made his way through each room in turn. The house that had only moments ago been filled with dust and cobwebs was now completely clean.
“I must be losing my mind,” Xie Lian said quietly. “I should stop staying up so late to study. Clearly it’s turning my brain to mush.” Brushing his hands on his jeans, he began to climb up the staircase.
Each step creaked softly beneath his weight. His hand lingered along the railing while his fingertips traced absentmindedly across the walls beside him.
He stepped onto the upper level, a pleased grin already settling across his lips as he looked around. “This house is so beautiful. I can’t imagine why anyone would ever want to leave it.”
He peeked his head into the bathroom, the guest bedroom, and the study, each room proving just as charming as the last. As he stepped back into the hallway, however, his attention caught on movement at the far end as the door at the end of the hall slowly creaked open.
Tilting his head slightly, he walked forward and made his way toward the room. He pushed the door open a little farther, his gaze immediately settling on the gorgeous space tucked inside.
The walls were adorned with ornate floral paintings, their colors faded but still elegant. A large window overlooked the gardens below, where overgrown wildflowers swayed gently in the breeze. Beneath it sat a cushioned window bench that seemed to invite him closer.
He smiled widely as he turned in a slow circle, taking in every detail of the room. His eyes shone with an unspoken joy, lingering on the painted walls, the window seat, and the view beyond. “I think this room is my favorite,” he said softly.
Drawn toward the sunlight, he crossed the room and settled onto the cushioned bench. His hair spilled down his back and over the seat, swaying faintly as though caught in a gentle current. Tucking his knees close to his chest, he rested his chin atop them and closed his eyes for a moment.
He tilted his head as a warm inviting scent drifted through the room. He breathed it in slowly, cheeks flushing slightly as his smile widened. Opening his eyes again, he glanced around in search of its source. “This room smells nice too,” he mumbled. “I wish the rest of the house smelled this good.”
As if in response, the clouds overhead seemed to part for him alone. Sunlight poured through the glass, bathing his skin in a warm amber glow. Xie Lian leaned lightly against the window frame, a contented breath escaping him.
The curtains in the room softly shifted as a cool current brushed across his cheek, stirring loose strands of hair before gliding down his neck. His fingers twitched slightly as the sensation trailed down his arm, settling against the back of his hand like a gentle caress.
Knock! Knock!
Xie Lian roused from his relaxed position and pushed himself upright as he crossed the room. The cool presence lingered at his side for a moment before fading as he made his way down the staircase.
He opened the front door and was greeted by two men in matching company t-shirts standing on the porch.
“You must be the movers,” Xie Lian said with a soft smile. Leaning slightly past them, he spotted the large truck parked in the driveway. “Can I help bring anything in?”
The older man looked him over before a smug grin spread across his face. “No need, sweetheart. Why don’t you leave the manual labor to the professionals.”
Xie Lian let out a placating laugh, momentarily caught off guard by the man’s brash confidence. “Are you sure? I really don’t mind helping.”
The man merely waved him off before turning back toward the truck.
He had barely taken two steps when his boot seemed to catch on something. His arms spun wildly as he lurched forward, stumbling hard before landing squarely on the ground with a startled grunt.
Xie Lian immediately reached forward. “Are you alright?” he asked, concern etched across his face as he offered the man a hand. “Did you twist your ankle?”
The older man declined the help with an embarrassed grimace, dusting off his pants as he climbed back to his feet. “I… don’t know what happened,” he muttered, glancing back at the walkway. “Could’ve sworn I tripped over something.”
Xie Lian followed his gaze, finding nothing amiss. He stood silently for a moment before stepping forward to grab the remaining things from his own vehicle.
Just as he began to walk through the threshold, he felt a sudden resistance around his wrist. He turned quickly, eyes darting back into the empty house.
Slowly, the sensation ceased, retracting just enough for Xie Lian to pull his wrist to his chest, his other hand joining it as his fingers stroked over the cool skin. “I must be imagining things,” he murmured softly.
Moving forward again, he crossed the porch and headed toward his vehicle. A few minutes later, carrying a duffel bag over one shoulder and a bag of groceries in his hand, Xie Lian returned to the house.
The moment he stepped through the doorway, a cool current swept over him. It curled around his waist and shoulders before brushing gently through his hair, almost as if welcoming him home.
He smiled faintly as he continued into the kitchen. Soon after, the sounds of unpacking echoed throughout the lower floor as he busied himself preparing dinner, chopping vegetables and mixing ingredients in a questionable manner.
As the meal continued cooking, and on occasion combusting into a small fire, the entire house began filling with a deeply concerning smell, smoke lazily drifting through the air.
Xie Lian stared at the pot with growing despair, one hand settling on his hip while the other loosely held a wooden spoon. His shoulders slumped as a defeated puff of air escaped him.
“What is that rancid smell?!” one of the movers shouted from the foyer.
Xie Lian winced. Setting down the spoon, he stepped out of the kitchen. “Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I was just trying to get dinner started, but it seems to have gone a bit awry.”
“A bit?” the mover snapped out a laugh. “Throw that shit away!”
Without warning, a sharp gust of air threw the front door open, slamming into the man’s nose.
“Fuck!” The mover stumbled backward, nearly losing his balance as his hands rose to cover his face. Blood seeped through his fingers, dripping onto his sleeves.
A sudden chill swept through the lower level. The temperature dropped so suddenly that goosebumps rose along Xie Lian’s arms. His gaze lifted, catching the slightest hint of movement on the staircase. He stepped forward quickly, eyes fixed on the shadow as it quickly disappeared.
The younger mover shifted nervously as he followed Xie Lian’s eyes. “Let’s just finish the job and get out of here.”
The movers worked with brisk efficiency, unloading boxes and furniture while keeping close to the front door. Every strange creak or cold draft drew an uneasy glance, and by the time the last box was inside, both men looked eager to leave.
The older mover thrust a clipboard toward Xie Lian, “Everything should be here.”
Xie Lian accepted it with a grateful smile, “Thank you for your help.”
The mover barely spared him a glance as he quickly made his way out of the house.
Watching the man retreat to his vehicle, Xie Lian merely smiled with a tilt of his head as a cool current wrapped around his shoulder.
After closing the front door, he returned to the kitchen. The unfortunate pot was still simmered on the stove exactly where he had left it.
As he approached, he noticed that the smell in the room had changed completely. The burnt, questionable aroma was gone, replaced by the rich scent of a perfectly cooked meal.
Xie Lian hurried to the stove, eyes widening as he peered into the pot. Grabbing a spoon, he lowered it into the soup and carefully scooped out a small portion. He blew on it lightly before bringing it to his lips.
The moment he tasted it, he stepped back, visible surprise spreading across his face.
He stood silently for a moment before spinning in a delighted circle, an impossibly wide smile stretching across his face as he threw both hands into the air. “I knew it!” he declared triumphantly. “It just had to simmer longer!”
Laughing to himself, he immediately stole another spoonful. His cheeks flushed rosy with excitement as he sampled it again, nodding enthusiastically.
The cool current drifting through the kitchen stirred the steam rising from the pot. It curled around him gently, brushing beneath his jaw and along his cheek.
Without thinking, Xie Lian leaned into it, his eyes fluttering closed for the briefest moment as he breathed in the rich scent of the soup. “See?” he said proudly. “I knew I wasn’t hopeless.”
Still grinning, he hurried over to the box containing his dishware and dropped to a crouch beside it. Ceramic dishes clinked softly together as he rummaged through the packing paper until he found a bowl.
Victorious once more, he sprang back to his feet and hurried to the stove, ladling himself a generous portion before setting the spoon aside. Unable to contain himself, he did one final happy dance in front of the pot while filling the bowl, swaying side to side and humming quietly beneath his breath.
Just as he picked it up and held it close to his chest, a soft chuckle brushed against his ear.
Xie Lian stilled for a moment, the smile on his face dimming as confusion crept in. He turned around carefully, eyes sweeping across the empty kitchen.
The sound was gone, replaced by the gentle ticking of the clock and the faint hum of the refrigerator.
Finding nothing, Xie Lian shrugged lightly, “The house must be settling,” he whispered.
His smile returned as he carried the bowl to the dining table and sat down to enjoy his unexpectedly successful dinner.
By the time he finished, the sun had begun sinking lower outside the windows, casting long bands of soft light across the hardwood floors.
Xie Lian gathered his dish and carried it to the sink before returning to his endless sea of boxes. The next several hours passed in a blur of unpacking, and before he realized it, dusk had faded into night.
Xie Lian sighed softly as he slouched back against the couch. He tilted his head back against the cushions, pretending to ignore how the living room was still dominated by towering walls of unpacked boxes.
“Just one more,” he told himself.
With considerable reluctance, he pushed himself upright and reached for a smaller box sitting beside the coffee table. Peeking inside, he found it filled with mugs wrapped carefully in newspaper. Cradling the box in his arms, he carried it into the kitchen and began unloading them one by one.
Slowly, he placed each mug on the shelf, nudging them into place until they all fit. With a satisfied hum, Xie Lian closed the cupboard door. His hand lingered on the handle as a faint crease formed between his brows. After a moment, he pulled the door open and let it swing shut again.
“Wasn’t this door…?” Tilting his head, he wiggled the handle experimentally. The cupboard no longer hung slightly ajar the way it had all afternoon. It sat perfectly aligned, opening and closing without resistance.
Xie Lian blinked at it before letting out a quiet breath through his nose. A small, disbelieving smile tugged at his lips as he shook his head. “That’s my sign to be done for tonight,” he muttered, rubbing tiredly at his eyes. “I’m clearly losing it.”
He walked back to the living room, settling on the couch. The television was playing a romantic comedy on low volume as he moved into a more comfortable position. “I’ll just close my eyes for a moment…” he whispered.
Slowly, his eyes drifted shut as the cool current brushed tenderly against the side of his temple, the rich melody of a young man’s voice filling the silence of the house.
In the heavy haze of sleep, he vaguely felt himself lifted, cradled in strong arms as his head rested against the broad chest of a shadowed figure.
The dream felt incredibly real as he nestled in close beneath the figure’s chin, breathing in that familiar scent. He was laid down on the bed, the figure curling around him, shrouded in shadow. One strong arm rested securely around his back while cold fingers lazily traced against his side.
The figure held him possessively, their bodies flush against one another on the mattress as the hand on his back slid upward to cradle the back of Xie Lian’s head.
Xie Lian’s fingers languidly trailed over the figure’s jaw, lacing through the hair at the nape of his neck as he guided him closer until their lips nearly brushed.
He gasped sharply as cold fingers dug into his soft skin, his lips parting in anticipation.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Xie Lian jolted upright, hand clutching his chest as he fumbled for his alarm clock. He glanced around the dimly lit room, confusion settling over him.
“When did I come back upstairs…” he mumbled.
He shifted beneath the blankets, groaning softly as he pressed a hand to his forehead. The lingering warmth of the dream clung stubbornly to him, vivid enough that it almost felt real.
Xie Lian drew a slow breath. “It was just a dream…” he whispered.
For a long moment, he remained seated in the quiet room, listening to the thundering rhythm of his own heartbeat before finally forcing himself to climb out of bed.