#mingzhu

‘Stop acting dumb,’ bumping her snout against his cheek, Changsheng jabbed her tail towards the window, coiling tighter around his neck like a noose. ‘I can see the way you’ve been looking at Gaming!’

Knowing that Changsheng would take any denial as confirmation, Baizhu kept silent and instead directed his attention to where she pointed. On the other side of the window was the young man in question—dear little Yip Gaming—as sweet, smiley, and social as ever.  

He stood a few paces behind Qiqi, dutifully mimicking her stretches to the monotonous chants of “one, two, seven, seven, two, two, seven, seven”. He had dropped by just earlier before the pharmacy closed, and while the cut he came for was already settled by Baizhu’s vision, Qiqi kidnapped him for some callisthenics, insisting his injury came from stiff joints just like every other wound. Gaming thankfully did not to mind entertaining her. 

Bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, he looked every part a majestic Suanni: his toned muscles put on a riveting performance of shadows with every flex, his precise movements sharp and sweet even while bogged down with the exhaustion of a workday. Beads of sweat accentuated his golden skin beloved by the day, and a mere glance had Baizhu’s heart thumping like a prayer. 

‘Gaming is wonderfully charming, that I admit,’ choosing his words carefully, Baizhu strolled behind the main counter in search for something to occupy his hands with—he desperately required a distraction that could help prise his eyes from Gaming’s form. ‘But should you really be encouraging me to go after such a young man?’

‘Please, I’ve known you since you were kid; don’t act like you’re some moral saint,’ Changsheng gently smacked his cheek with her tail. ‘Just admit that you have a weakness for young men! Besides, he’s twenty-one to your lonely thirty. It’s not like you’re a sixty-something geezer preying on a kid.’

‘Aren’t you full of excuses?’ Baizhu chuckled, flicking her smooth head with his finger. ‘Not very holy of you, oh venerable lady adeptus.’ 

‘At least this venerable lady adeptus speaks the truth,’ Changsheng hissed and recoiled. ‘It’s so hard to talk to you sometimes.’

Choosing to ignore her, Baizhu busied himself with cleaning the counter, but as Gui had already handled the closing up before going home—bless his hardworking soul—there was nothing much to do. Absentmindedly, he grabbed a large, empty bottle and set it before himself.

His eyes remained glued to the full, glorious view of Gaming’s bent hips and shapely rear, his baggy trousers unable to hide the strain of his thighs. Having patched them up on more than one occasion, Baizhu knew just how much strength Gaming’s legs bore, toned from dancing and fighting. It made him happy to know Gaming had such a healthy body, albeit one he overworked on occasion.

‘You’re totally thinking about going for him, aren’t you?’ Changsheng teased, her previously accusatory tone sliding into a sing-song trill. ‘You’re really infatuated with him, aren’t you?’ 

‘And whose fault is it that I’m thinking about it?’ Baizhu’s sighed, shaking his head at Changsheng’s little victory wriggle around his neck. ‘I’m not the one going on at length about Gaming.’

‘Why, it’s your own fault, obviously!’ Without missing a beat, Changsheng laughed as she slithered off his shoulders, coiling down his arms onto the table. ‘You want him, and all of Liyue Harbour knows Gaming wants you, too! I don’t see why you’re trying to convince yourself otherwise—’

‘What’s this about wanting Dr Baizhu?’

Baizhu and Changsheng turned towards the newcomer’s voice. Gaming, a huge grin plastered across his handsome face, sauntered into the pharmacy, his jacket slung over his bare, sculpted forearm. Baizhu hoped he was not a blushing as he smiled politely in greeting, Changsheng waving her tail at Gaming.

‘Yaoyao showed up,’ Gaming explained before Baizhu could ask him how he escaped Qiqi. ‘She and Qiqi are playing with Man Chai outside.’ 

‘Nice timing, dear boy!’ Changsheng stretched her body out toward Gaming, sounding exactly like a nosy aunty. ‘My little Baizhu has been—’

Baizhu seized Changsheng and dropped her into the large bottle. She shrieked as he corked it, her shrilly voice muffled by her new glass prison. With too little space for her to launch her body against the walls, she was absolutely stuck.

‘Wha—why did you do that?!’ Gaming burst into laughter, his unsympathetic reaction making Changsheng rattle the bottle in annoyance. ‘Won’t she suffocate?’ 

‘She’s an adeptus, remember? Air isn’t an issue for her,’ Baizhu pleasantly answered as if he had not just heartlessly dropped his oldest companion into a glass bottle. ‘She’s been spouting nonsense for some time now.’ 

‘Still, isn’t that too extreme?’ Despite saying that, Gaming walked behind the counter and took the bottle, pushing himself up on his tip-toes to place it on a high shelf. ‘Was she about to say something incriminating?’ 

‘It doesn’t matter. Anyway, thank you for entertaining Qiqi tonight,’ dodging the question, Baizhu placed his hand on Gaming’s shoulder. ‘I’m heartened to see her have more friends.’

‘It’s no problem! Qiqi’s a real cutie,’ ever the pleasant young man, Gaming rubbed the back of his head, eyes gleaming. ‘Besides, I’ll take any excuse to stay here longer with you, Dr Baizhu.’

Gaming stuck his tongue out near the end. Though his flirtatious side was rarely seen, he became quite audacious when it did emerge—Baizhu a frequent recipient of his affections; a classic case of a young, playful man wishing to be pampered by a debonair elder. 

‘Am I really that special to you?’ Baizhu rolled his eyes with a smile, used to Gaming’s antics, but Gaming’s growing grin only told him that he was blushing.  ‘Or is your tongue sweet to everyone?’

‘Of course I’m only like this to Dr Baizhu,’ Gaming responded immediately—a barefaced lie, yet Baizhu found himself flattered nonetheless. ‘Does Dr Baizhu want to taste for himself how sweet his Gaming’s tongue is?’ 

Baizhu could not help but laugh.

‘I set myself up for that one,’ Baizhu hid his smile behind a hand, watching Gaming’s flirtatious expression return to a playful one. ‘Since when did you become so impudent, hm?’ 

Perhaps Changsheng’s words affected him more than he expected. It was one of his better days, so his body was as strong as it could be. The opportunity begged him to seize it, to indulge in the desires he should not be entertaining, the wants he experienced yet let pass when he was younger and healthier. The desire only grew when warm arms wrapped themselves around his torso.

Gaming buried his face into Baizhu’s chest, the sudden, intimate hug the furthest thing from an innocent show of affection. It would have been insolent had Gaming not been abusing the privilege of his youth. Unable to refuse, Baizhu returned the embrace with an exasperated, though fond, sigh.

‘Yip Gaming is kind, reliable, and strong,’ Baizhu ruffled Gaming’s head, mussing up his fluffy hair. Gaming preened at the praise and tightened his embrace. ‘Yet with me he acts so spoilt.’

‘Your Gaming isn’t spoilt!’ Raising his head, Gaming pouted as his chin dug into Baizhu’s chest, doubling down on his pampered act. ‘He just wants Dr Baizhu to know how much he loves him! Is that too much to ask for?’

Baizhu was in trouble. Only one with a heart of stone could remain unfaltering at such an expression. Escaping Gaming’s grip with much difficulty, Baizhu leaned down to peck him on the side of his mouth, shock flashing across Gaming’s features. Before he could respond, Baizhu stepped away.

‘Ah, hey! That surprised me!” Gaming scurried over to hug Baizhu once more, needy hands grabbing at him. ‘I want another one!’ 

‘Who isn’t spoilt now, hm?’ Thoroughly charmed, Baizhu booped him on the nose, Gaming’s pout making a comeback. ‘Please enlighten me, my dear.’ 

‘Okay! I’ll admit it! But you can’t blame me!’ Gaming partially let go of Baizhu to meet his eyes better, hands lingering atop his hips. ‘After all, there’s no one in the world who doesn’t crave Dr Baizhu’s attention!’ 

He laid it on pretty thick, though that only made it all the more adorable. Taking Gaming’s hand, Baizhu guided him to the back of the pharmacy where they could be shielded from the prying eyes of both humans and snakes. Like a lamb to the slaughter, Gaming obediently trailed behind Baizhu into an inconspicuous room. 

To an outsider, it may have looked as if Baizhu was about to imprison and harvest Gaming’s organs, but Gaming was completely unbothered; if anything, he looked ecstatic. Baizhu wondered if he should be concerned by Gaming’s apparent lack of self-preservation. 

Gaming lit up when he realised he was in Baizhu’s bedroom—a modest little thing with a single bed, a desk and chair, and many shelves filled with paperwork and rows upon rows of jars. Staying in the pharmacy had its upsides, with one such perk being an easy, convenient, and—most importantly—discreet space to… entertain sweet young men such as Gaming. 

Baizhu released Gaming’s wrist, shutting and locking the door behind them. Gaming beelined to his bed, plopping down on the soft mattress, kicking his legs like a child on a swing. He beckoned Baizhu closer with his sweet grin and blazing gaze. 

Baizhu settled himself next to Gaming, unsurprised when eager lips met his the moment his rear hit the mattress. For someone who strived to emulate the Suanni, Gaming was far from ferocious, his affection riddled with adorable excitement—though he was a surprisingly good kisser. He devoured Baizhu’s lips with tender fervour, his smile dripping with lust and smug satisfaction. Baizhu detected some hesitation beneath the passion; perhaps Gaming could not believe he was really going to lie with the man he so admired.

Canines ghosted over Baizhu’s bottom lip—a silent plea, begging him to open up. Allowing himself to be swept away by Gaming’s love, Baizhu wrapped an arm around Gaming’s neck, his other hand lacing their fingers together as he parted his lips. Gaming breached Baizhu’s mouth the moment a gap appeared, sweeping up Baizhu’s tongue with his own for a dance.

Gaming grew bolder with each passing second. Shedding any concerns he had, his clumsy excitement made way for mature experience, backed with the immense desire to please. He squeezed Baizhu’s hand hard enough to bruise. Gaming morphed into a raging beast swirled in ribbons of flame, his movements sharp, precise, and graceful like his beloved Wushou dance. He tasted of green tea and plum confectioneries. 

Not to be outdone, Baizhu languidly traced his tongue over Gaming’s sharp teeth, matching Gaming’s ardent greed with mild serenity. Still, he was no match for Gaming’s dancer lungs, Baizhu forced to pull away for a gasp of air.

‘Hm, it’s not that sweet,’ Baizhu folded a hand over Gaming’s mouth, halting his attempt for another kiss. ‘It’s a little bitter, as a matter of fact.’ 

A wet tongue drew itself up Baizhu’s palm in response, spurring him to pull away. The very picture of a lovable puppy, Gaming grinned with tongue stuck out, his excitement prompting Baizhu to look down. Sure enough, a magnificent tent strained against Gaming’s trousers. Baizhu marvelled how quickly Gaming had gotten excited; his sickly body could never.

Following Baizhu’s stare, Gaming’s smile dropped a little. His flushed face tinged with an even deeper red.

‘We don’t have to do anything Dr Baizhu doesn’t want to,’ Gaming hastily added. The staring must have made him self-conscious. ‘I won’t get upset or anything—’

Baizhu cut him off with a kiss, swiftly putting to rest any concerns Gaming had. Gaming’s mouth parted in shock, allowing Baizhu to take Gaming’s tongue between his lips, sucking gently. Only then did Gaming register the implications of their kiss. He grinned wildly, regaining his footing as quickly as he lost it, and dove right in, a sneaky hand slipping down to the front of Baizhu’s trousers, palming and cupping his crotch. Wicked pleasure shot through Baizhu’s body, trapping him between waves of arousal and amusement. 

‘I’m glad Dr Baizhu is just as excited as I am,’ it was Gaming’s turn to break the kiss, but not before he obscenely sucked on Baizhu’s bottom lip for a good two seconds. ‘Your Gaming will give it his all, sir.’

There Baizhu thought it was impossible for Gaming to be any more endearing; the audacity to address him so formerly while shamelessly fondling his body! Gaming coaxed Baizhu’s cock to full mast with both warmth and patience, his impertinence a testament to his affection; he struggled between remaining respectful to the man he adored and chasing his own selfish wants. Baizhu simply had to reward him. 

‘Sit still, then,’ pushing aside his fringe, Baizhu pressed a kiss against the cool metal embedded above Gaming’s eyebrow. ‘Let me indulge myself a little.’

Shifting down to kiss the side of Gaming’s mouth, Baizhu felt kiss-swollen lips quirk up in anticipation. Descending, Baizhu latched his mouth around the mole on Gaming’s neck, scraping his teeth against soft skin, smiling at the shuddering breath he elicited from Gaming. Dizzy with fondness, Baizhu slid off the bed and dropped onto the floor, his knees expertly folding over cold wood. Gaming’s eyes blew wide at the obscene sight. He slowly parted his legs, gifting Baizhu more room to settle comfortably between them.

‘So needy,’ Baizhu traced the outline of Gaming’s bulge before dipping his fingers behind the tight waistband. ‘That’s it… that’s a good boy.’

Gaming lifted his hips, allowing Baizhu to yank off his lower layers in one fell swoop. Freed from its confines, Gaming’s cock sprung out, as hale as hearty as expected. Baizhu loved it the moment he laid eyes on it. It bore the most beautiful colour with the loveliest curve, boasting of an average thickness and length. Yet, Gaming still looked uncomfortable beneath Baizhu’s gaze.

‘I hope it’s adequate, Dr Baizhu’ his shyness returning at full force, Gaming murmured. ‘I mean, I’m not sure what kind of partners you usually take.’

Baizhu never took Gaming to be one who worried about such things. Chuckling, he took Gaming’s cock into his palm, feeling the weight of it as he slotted his lips around the head, pressing the flat of his tongue against Gaming’s dripping urethra. A rough hand grabbed Baizhu’s braid, Gaming winding the hair around his palm. His other hand grasped at Baizhu’s scalp, massaging his fingers into the Baizhu’s skull.

‘Dr Baizhu, it feels—ah—good!’ Gaming struggled to stay still as Baizhu toyed with his body. He moaned at every gentle touch of Baizhu’s tongue against his cock. ‘You’re better than anyone else I ever had…’

Gaming tugged at Baizhu’s hair, clearly impatient yet careful enough for the pressure to only border on mild discomfort—not that Baizhu would have minded if it hurt. Rewarding Gaming for the consideration, Baizhu pushed Gaming deeper into his mouth, swirling his tongue around the length as his throat spasmed in sporadic bursts. One hand held Gaming’s legs open as Baizhu massaged his balls with the other. Under his palm flexed the pure muscle of Gaming’s thighs, tensed from his ministrations.

‘Dr Baizhu looks _so_ beautiful,’ amidst his gasping breaths and pleasured moans, awe dripped from Gaming’s words. ‘I’m the luckiest man alive.’

Seized with a sudden desire to see his face, Baizhu glanced up at Gaming’s flushed face, looking him dead in the eye with a smile. He slammed Gaming’s cock against the back of his throat. Gaming threw his head back with a loud cry, bucking into Baizhu’s eager mouth, nearly yanking the braid wrapped between his fingers. He panted along to Baizhu’s rhythmic swallows, keening as Baizhu slid a rough thumb between his testicles. Torturously slow, Baizhu sucked as he drew his head back, releasing as he pushed Gaming’s cock down his throat again. He worked his tongue expertly around the shaft, relishing in its heady taste, lavishing every inch of it with love. 

Invigorated by the reactions he received, Baizhu renewed his efforts, eyes trained on the beautiful scrunch of Gaming’s face. The blissful expression was heaven on earth: Gaming struggled to meet Baizhu’s teasing gaze, his irises flitting left, right, down, enraptured by the obscene sight of an older man on his knees for him—servicing him. Gaming shallowly thrusted into his mouth, any semblance of composure lost.

‘Dr Baizhu, I’m going to—!’ Gaming gasped as Baizhu took him all the way in, eyes never once leaving Gaming’s teary ones. Baizhu held his position, swallowing deep in silent permission. ‘T-Thank you!’

How cute of him to give his thanks for something like an orgasm. Eyes fluttering shut, Gaming gasped, a burst of searing fluid rushing down Baizhu’s throat. It took everything in Baizhu to not flinch away. Gaming’s cry dissolved into a joyful sigh as he emptied himself in Baizhu’s enveloping warmth, Baizhu expertly swallowing every a single drop, relishing the salty tang that lingered even as his orgasm trickled to a stop. Popping the cock out of his mouth, Baizhu gave the tip one last kiss, licking off the remaining semen. 

Much to Baizhu’s delight, Gaming’s erection barely waned even after his intense climax. Baizhu was a little envious of Gaming’s beautifully fit body, his throat already beginning to ache from the abuse. 

Only when strong arms wrapped around him did Baizhu notice he was shaking. Gaming lifted him onto the bed with utmost care, settling him onto his back like a monk laying an offering out on an altar. Gaming clambered atop Baizhu and pressed their lips together, planting both his hands beside Baizhu’s head on the pillow, uncaring of his own semen still present on his elder’s tongue.

‘That was amazing, Dr Baizhu,’ words muffled by their interlocked mouths, Gaming crooned into the kiss. ‘Let your Gaming return the favour, please.’

Curious hands roamed Baizhu’s body, stroking his exposed stomach, delighting in the way he sucked it in by reflex. Gaming ground his cock against Baizhu’s still-clothed erection. Far too impatient to properly undress them both, Gaming yanked off Baizhu’s sash and trousers, tossing everything haphazardly onto the floor. He did not bother to remove his own shirt, breaking their kiss to bring a hand to his mouth.

Before Gaming could spit in his palm, Baizhu reached for the nightstand beside the bed, pulling a bottle of unscented oil out from the top drawer. Gaming looked ready to snatch the oil away like a child eyeing up a sweet, but instead forced himself to wait and only graciously accept it when offered.

‘You can put it in without preparation,’ Baizhu watched Gaming with much delight, the sweet young man working himself into a frenzy by hurriedly slicking his cock in oil. ‘I took bigger before, so you shouldn’t be too much of a stretch.’ 

‘My ego’s hurt, Dr Baizhu!’ understandably offended, Gaming pouted, his words bearing no real heat. ‘I’ll prove that size doesn’t matter with the proper technique!’ 

Once he was properly slicked up, positively dripping with oil and semen, Gaming pressed the head of his cock against Baizhu’s twitching entrance. He interlaced his dry hand’s fingers with Baizhu’s. As requested, Gaming sunk in without opening Baizhu up first. Baizhu always found the stretch to be the best part; his body split open, parting around the hard cock, he was thoroughly filled as Gaming bottomed out within him, the warm slide against his tightened walls painting a nebula across Baizhu’s vision. He tilted his head back and exposed the pale column of his neck to Gaming, hair splayed around him like a halo. 

If he had any doubts about Gaming’s experience, they were dispelled immediately. Gaming buried his face into the expanse of Baizhu’s skin, teeth poised at Baizhu’s Adam’s apple as he took Baizhu into his oiled fist, calloused fingers encasing the dripping shaft. With a jerk, he pressed his thumb against the tip. 

It became clear that to spoil Gaming was to let Gaming spoil him, so Baizhu coaxed his heaving body to relax, permitting the Gaming to do whatever he pleased. Throwing his free arm around Gaming’s neck, Baizhu lolled his head to the side and cracked open his eyes. The sight of their interlocked hands was somehow the most obscene of all—even more so than the cock buried deep in his body.

‘You can move, dear,’ Baizhu belatedly noticed Gaming had yet to budged an inch to let him adjust. What a gentleman. ‘I’m not made of glass.’ 

Moving was easier said than done as Baizhu could not stop himself from clenching down on Gaming, and as such, Gaming was forced to put more strength into pulling back. The drag of Gaming’s cock against his enveloping walls shot brutal pleasure up Baizhu’s spine. He leaked haplessly into Gaming’s fist, the creeping emptiness of his body only arousing him further, shuddering as Gaming pressed dangerous canines over his throat, filled with blissful promise. Baizhu was being burnt alive; Gaming’s every action set his nerves alight. Stroking Gaming’s hair, Baizhu encouraged him with a gentle peck to his scalp. 

A stark contrast to the bruising kisses he left on Baizhu’s neck, Gaming’s thrusts erred on the side of caution. Back, forth, back, forth, Gaming steadily raised and dropped his hips, attempting a different angle each time. When he hit a particular spot that had Baizhu crying out, he grinned into Baizhu’s shuddering jaw.

Their height difference forced Gaming to nearly fold Baizhu in half, and as they picked up speed, Baizhu was made to wrap his legs around Gaming’s hips for much needed leverage. Gaming was a mating beast, moaning and gasping in clipped, low growls. With Baizhu not half as vocal as Gaming, he found other ways to show his appreciation: thrusting into Gaming’s fist, whispering encouragement whenever he could find his voice, clenching down as hard as he could when his feeble body chose to cooperate… 

Gaming pulled his hips back further and plunged in deeper with every thrust, nearly knocking askew Baizhu’s glasses with each jerk. Gaming was not Baizhu’s most skilled partner by a long shot, but his eagerness more than made up for it; it warmed Baizhu to his very core watching Gaming fall apart from the pleasure, yet still be so intent on providing for him, pleasing him.

After a particularly vicious slam against Baizhu’s prostate, Gaming lifted his face from the burrow of Baizhu’s neck, pressing their foreheads to each other.

‘You’re so tight, Dr Baizhu…!’ Gaming struggled to finish his sentence, bright eyes glazed over with ecstasy. Frustrated at his lack of coherency, he swore in his home dialect, eliciting a soft chuckle from Baizhu. ‘Do you feel good, too? Please tell me you do!’ 

‘With you and your silver tongue—’ Baizhu sucked in a deep breath; an arduous task with Gaming battering right into his prostate. ‘—how can I not feel good?’ 

Baizhu committed Gaming’s triumphant expression to memory before he screwed eyes shut. The assault on his most sensitive areas was far too much for him to bear; pleasure wracked through his body and overwhelmed his senses, and with Gaming confidently jerking him off, he was—

‘C-close, I’m close,’ the quaver in Baizhu’s gasp only encouraged Gaming, his pace growing sloppy and erratic. ‘You can do it inside, my dear—!’ 

Gaming must have truly been holding back: the second permission was granted, he sheathed himself fully inside Baizhu and let go, their cries mixing in a discordant harmony as they hit their limits at the same time. Baizhu released his spend into Gaming’s vice grip, feeble compared to the torrent Gaming unleashed inside him. He was so, SO warm. Never had burning felt so incredible before. 

Gaming naturally recovered first, easing himself out of Baizhu with an obscene pop. Baizhu stole a peek at Gaming’s finally placated cock soaked in semen and oil. Thankfully, there were tissues on the nightstand, which Gaming used to messily wipe them both down. Though it was not enough to fully clean everything, it sufficed for the moment.

‘Dr Baizhu, are you alright?’ Gaming gave Baizhu a once-over, brow furrowed with concern. Baizhu marvelled at how quickly Gaming regained his composure. ‘Do you need water?’

Not even attempting to sit up, Baizhu beckoned Gaming closer, who dove into the hug he offered without preamble. Gaming snuggled into his embrace, nosing at his hickey-ridden neck with a soft laugh, lapping at sweat-soaked skin as Baizhu’s adrenaline faded into heavy exhaustion.

‘Just… give me a moment,’ Baizhu sighed, amused at how pleased the spritely Gaming was with himself. ‘It’s charming how full of energy you are.’

‘Just like how you’re full of me now?’ Gaming looked up, wriggling his eyebrows at Baizhu. ‘You look super charming, too.’ 

‘Shameless,’ Baizhu rolled his eyes, pressing his lips to Gaming’s piercing. ‘Who taught you to be so cheeky?’ 

‘Dr Baizhu did, obviously, by being too handsome,’ mischief and sincerity melded as one in Gaming’s voice, light and sweet with euphoria. ‘Your Gaming couldn’t help himself. Won’t Dr Baizhu forgive him?’

With an exasperated, affectionate, sigh, Baizhu gave in with a kiss. They would need a shower later, but for the moment, Baizhu basked in Gaming’s warmth. He supposed it could be acceptable to act on his impulses every once in a while, for only with Gaming tucked lovingly into his arms did he feel true bliss.

Changsheng could stay in the bottle for a little longer. 

Ending Notes: Gaming tops because we need more younger/smaller tops in the world, plus there’s nothing more hilarious than putting Baizhu’s feeble body through the wringer.

Changsheng gets an apology snack after Baizhu frees her. Everyone wins in the end! Do you think she eats rats? (She definitely eats rats.)

“Alright everyone, stay close to your chaperons! Now, does everyone have a buddy!” A woman with medium-length dirty blonde hair, sun kissed skin, red lips and bright green eyes spoke to the group in front of her. She was dressed in a light khaki jacket with a white blouse, black slacks paired with black flats, and wore light brown rounded frame glasses.

“Yes Ms. Baker!” A group of fourth graders responded.

Ms. Baker nodded approvingly at her students, she looked over to one of her students who was in front of the group.

“Darcy, you must be so excited to be here. Maybe we’ll even see your dad and he will give us a tour!” The woman smiled.

A nine year old girl with long smooth brown hair, sea blue eyes, pale skin, rosy cheeks, and soft pink lips simply nodded at her teacher. She was wearing her school’s uniform, a light grey jumper dress with a long sleeve button up blouse underneath, a matching light grey blazer with deep blue accents along the collar, and her school’s name emblem of a horse with a fishtail over the left pocket in the same shade of blue, white stockings, black converse, and a simple deep blue bow on the side of her head.

Ms. Baker was undeterred by her student’s subdued response, turning her attention back to the rest of the class she smiled wider. “Let’s go!”

The fourth grade teacher walked straight ahead to the Northern Pacific exhibit. Darcy followed along silently, her buddy, a boy called Henry with short strawberry blonde hair and green eyes with freckles and blue rimmed glasses gently pulls her along with the class.

The children stare in awe and whisper among themselves as they go from exhibit to exhibit. Other students from different schools all played with the sea lions, and waddled like the penguins, and cooed at the otters. Darcy's father hadn’t made an appearance.

Next, they entered the underwater tunnel. The children gasped at the sight of the sharks, manta rays, and vibrant colors of the fish. One little boy gasped then pointed near the top of the huge tank.

“Look! A Mermaid!” He exclaimed.

“Where?!”

All the children rushed to where the mermaid dived down to them, she had black hair, and her tail was a shimmering yellow. When she finally reached the children’s eye level, she smiled and waved. Henry watched in wonder, his jaw agape. Darcy simply stared. She did not smile, she did not gasp in excitement.

“Is that a real mermaid?!” One little girl asked. Darcy looked at the girl who had asked Ms. Baker. The fourth grade teacher smiled as she shook her head.

“No Alisa, mermaids are not real, but she’s the closest thing to a real mermaid.”

The child, Alisa, pouted at the teacher, “Well I believe mermaids are real!”

Ms. Baker simply chuckled, and the children returned to watching the show. Darcy silently watched. The mermaid blew bubbles kisses to the children, doing a few tricks and swirls. They watched for a while before Ms. Baker spoke.

“Alright class, let’s move on, we have many other places to see!” She smiled as she urged the groaning and pouting children on. Henry followed until he noticed his shoelaces were untied. Quickly he bent down and tied his shoes. Looking back up, he noticed his class was already far ahead.

“Hey wait up!” He called after them, running to catch up. Unknowingly leaving behind his buddy, Darcy.

The nine year old girl continued to watch the mermaid, and when the mermaid left once everyone else had gone, and still, Darcy remained motionless.

“Do you believe?”

Darcy startled, breaking her reverie. Darcy turned to look at who spoke to her. It was an Asian woman. A very beautiful woman. Dressed in a long traditional pink dress with a darker shade of pink that looked like jellyfish, a dark indigo outer robe, and dark indigo flats. Darcy’s head tilted as she took in the woman’s clothes. She had pale skin, long ink blue hair that looked so soft to touch, bright indigo eyes. Darcy continued to stare at the strange woman.

“Is this not the right tongue?” The woman frowned gently as she looked over the small child.

Darcy shakes her head. She must have been quiet for a long time if the woman thought Darcy didn’t understand her. “Sorry, do I believe in what?

“Do you believe in maidens of the sea?” The woman in strange clothes elaborated. Giving Darcy a gentle smile.

“Do you mean mermaids?”

The woman silently repeated the word, mouthing out mermaid slowly before a nod to Darcy. Darcy looked down to her feet before turning to look back at the swimming fish.

“I used to. But they’re not real.”

“Well, not this one.” The woman looked at the swimming fish. Who seemed rather keen to stay a safe distance away. “And who says mermaids are not real?” She huffs.

Darcy frowns at the woman. “My teacher says they're not real.”

The woman scoffed. “What does she know about mermaids, she didn’t notice one of her disciples is missing”

Darcy blinks curiously at the woman’s words. Although she did have a point, Darcy wasn’t convinced. “My daddy says mermaids aren’t real.”

“Well, he’s wrong because mermaids are real.” The woman smirked at the little girl.

Darcy frowned. “My daddy is a scientist, he studies the ocean. Believe me, he’s looked.”

“Not hard enough, they are elusive creatures.” The woman shrugs her shoulders as she gives Darcy a smile. “And even the most enlightened scholars can be wrong.”

Darcy stared at the woman in bewilderment. There is no such thing as mermaids, everyone knows that. Did this adult really believe in mermaids?

“Are you teasing me?” Darcy asked the woman dubiously.

“No, I am being sincere, I promise.” The woman chuckled.

There was nothing Darcy could do if this woman was adamant about mermaids being real. This wouldn’t be the first time Darcy knew someone who truly believed mermaids existed. Darcy sighed, looking back to the exhibit.

“So if you do not believe in mermaids, which one is your favorite?” The woman leaned forward a bit, tilting her head as she looked at Darcy.

Darcy was silent for a long time, but the woman never urged her for an answer. At long last, Darcy spoke.

“Sea horses.”

The woman smiled, Darcy couldn’t help but smile back.

“Show me.”

And so she did. Taking the woman’s hand, Darcy led her to her favorite place in the entire aquarium. Taking her back near the entrance, passing the main Tropical Reef exhibit, and into a hidden darkened room. All the other visitors had already moved on and the room was near silent. It was how Darcy preferred it.

Still holding the woman’s hand, they wordlessly walked right up to a small exhibit. There, in the blue water, were the golden sea horses that Darcy loved. Softly floating from one rock to the next.

The woman ran her fingertips over the plaque, mouthing out the words. “Leafy Sea Dragons?” The woman looked to Darcy.

“They were my mom’s favorite,” Darcy whispered, her gaze never leaving the sea horses.

The woman said nothing as she gazed gently at Darcy. The little girl’s longing gaze yet gentle smile was enough for the woman to understand. Silently, she returned to look back at them as well, leaving Darcy in peace to reminisce. And there they stayed in silence, simply basking in the beautiful creature’s presence.

With a deep breath, Darcy took the woman’s hand and led them to the cafeteria, where Darcy learned that the woman didn’t have money, nor did she seem to know what money even was. Darcy paid for both of their meals.

“What’s your name?” Darcy asked as she swallowed her ham and cheese sandwich.

“My my, we just met and you’re already asking me such forward questions.” The woman smirked, her eyes seemed to sparkle in mischief. “You don’t even introduce yourself and yet you wish to know my name?”

Darcy couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m Darcy.”

“Darcy,” The woman repeated the name carefully, “It suits you well.”

“Thanks, my mom picked it. My dad wanted to name me Sarah.” Darcy finished as she took another bite of her sandwich.

“Well Darcy, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Mingzhu.”

“Mingzhu? Is that your real name or your cosplay?”

The woman frowned. “Cos-play? What is cosplay?”

Darcy shrugged, “I don’t really know, but my cousin does it sometimes. He dresses up as characters and pretends to be them.”

“Ah, no. No, it is my real name. I do not… Cosplay. I really look like this.” Mingzhu said, “Well when I am in this form anyway.”

Darcy shook her head with a smile. “Are you from Japan? My cousin wants to go to Japan.”

“I’m not surprised, Japan is beautiful. Especially in the spring.” Mingzhu commented. “But no, I am not from Japan.”

“Have you been to Japan?” Darcy stared curiously at her.

“I have. Although I am sure many things have changed by now, it’s been years since I’ve traveled there.”

Darcy pondered on that for a while, “What made you want to come here then?”

“I was drawn here by the water and food, I came here last night actually.” She answered simply.

“No, I mean, why did you come to California?” Darcy clarified.

At that, a smirk crossed Mingzhu’s lips. “Curious little thing aren’t you? Very well, I will tell you if you tell me why you wandered off from your pod.”

“My pod? Oh you mean my class.” Darcy thought it over before she nodded. “Okay. I didn’t mean to, sometimes it just happens.”

“What happens?” Mingzhu pressed.

Darcy shrugged as she looked at her hands. “Sometimes things just make me feel… lost? I don’t know.” Darcy admitted.

Mingzhu hummed thoughtfully, “I understand. I feel that way too sometimes.”

Darcy looked back to the woman, “So… why are you here?”

Mingzhu’s smirk returned, she leaned forward. “I am here to repay a kind act a man showed onto me three years ago.”

“Why did you wait three years?” Darcy asked.

“I was wounded, I had to heal, and then I had to learn where exactly California was.” Mingzhu huffed as she leaned back in her chair, a pout on her lips as she huffed.

“So where are you from?” The little girl asked as she sipped her milk carton.

“From far away.” The woman stabbed her fork into her salad. Darcy mused that she wasn’t used to eating without chopsticks.

“But where?” Darcy pressed.

“A cave.” Mingzhu finally managed to get the food onto the fork.

“A cave?” Darcy asked skeptically.

“A very nice cave. Full of sea glass, pearls, and jewels.”

Darcy shook her head, her shoulders shaking as she laughed. “That sounds like a dragon.”

Mingzhu tilted her head, “Really. How so?”

Darcy shrugged her shoulders, “My cousin plays stuff about dragons, fairies, and stuff with his friends. Dragons are bad, mean, and greedy. They keep treasure in caves.”

Mingzhu grew more horrified the longer she heard Darcy speak of dragons.

“ I saw a movie where a boy found a dragon and they were best friends,” Darcy commented. “That dragon couldn’t talk though.”

Mingzhu shook her head gently as she chuckled. “Well, where I come from. Dragons are benevolent creatures, not evil. Well, most are not.”

“What’s ben-voilent?”

“Ben-eh-voh-lent. It means kind and good. They could fly, and talk to creatures.”

Darcy made an ‘oh’ shape with her lips before looking down to the remainder of her sandwich. “I wish I had a best friend. Maybe then, I wouldn’t feel so lonely.”

Mingzhu’s heart clenched. How could a child already have such a grave look in her eyes? As if the reality of the world was snuffing out the last fragments of magic and wonder in her.

“Darcy, I-”

“DARCY!” Yelled the voice of Ms. Baker who stood at the entrance of the cafeteria. Turning the heads of many visitors who stopped to stare.

Darcy gasped, she quickly gathered her things, speaking hurriedly. “I gotta go, I forgot I had to go back to school,” she grabbed her sandwich, looking to Mingzhu. “It was nice meeting you Mingzhu! I had a good time. I hope to see you soon!” Darcy called out as she ran to rejoin her class, waving goodbye.

Mingzhu smiled softly as she waved goodbye to the child. Her tender gaze never left Darcy until she was gone from her sight.

Ms. Baker was not pleased that Darcy had strayed away from the group. Darcy pleaded with Ms. Baker not to tell her dad, and Ms. Baker only relented since Darcy knew the aquarium. On the way back to Sea Colt Academy, Darcy looked out of the school bus window, thinking about the stranger woman she had met and their conversation.

As she watched the ocean from her window, she saw something large swimming in the water. It sparkled against the blue water and under the sunlight, and when it dived down, a large pink frilly tail splashed against the water, but in a blink of an eye, it was gone. Darcy deemed that she was simply imagining it. She would probably never see it again. Just like she would probably never see Mingzhu again.

Until the very next day, when Darcy looked out of the classroom’s window, there Mingzhu was. Laying on a tree branch, in the same strange clothes, with the same dazzling smile, and giving Darcy a wave hello.

Darcy dropped her pencil.

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