Date-saster(get it?)
(Leoklein modern au! Amanises, Huang Tao, and Zhou Mingrui are really close friends)
4.7k words
Huang Tao and Amanises invited Zhou Mingrui to a night out at a bar to celebrate his birthday but Zhou Mingrui had to declined due to ‘work’ despite their persuasion. With nothing else to do, Huang Tao and Amanises decided to go on without the birthday boy, promising to drop by his place later with take out. A few shots later, Huang Tao and Amanises decides to go to the other side of the city where the food stalls are located—a place where most of Zhou Mingrui's favourite foods are(probably because it's cheap), only to find their companion hand in hand, and being lovingly fed a slice of Desi Pie by none other than one of Amanises’s favored employees—Leonard Mitchell.
I STILL don't know how to format on tumblr ueueue....
Happy birthday Klein!!!
_______
The soft clicking of keyboards resounded in the vast office, the sun setting in the distant horizon casting an orange hue. Zhou Mingrui finished troubleshooting the company system with a click and a relieving sigh. He stretched his aching muscles from sitting in a chair for God knows how long, his glasses slipping slightly from his nose. After a good stretch, his hands move mechanically and quickly to pack up his belongings, ready to clock out of work early. His usually ear-full manager surprisingly didn't give him much work today, just a few troubleshooting and software updates here and there(thank the heavens! Zhou Mingrui praised). The corners of his mouth curved upwards. Was it because today is March 4—his birthday? Then Zhou Mingrui wished every day was his birthday! He bid farewell to his co-workers and made his way out of the building.
As Zhou Mingrui waited for a taxi, his phone buzzed with a notification, he already had an inkling of feeling on who it was, his smile only deepened at the thought of a certain green-eyed and dark-haired agent. He grabbed his phone from his shoulder bag to reply, and just as he was about to flag down a taxi, a black sedan pulled over and rolled down the driver's window. Inside, a woman with long black hair and similarly black eyes that puts one in a sense of tranquility, her lips were black as her hair, and in the passenger seat sat a man with long chestnut hair and mustache waving at Zhou Mingrui. It was Amanises and Huang Tao!
The car honked, and Huang Tao shouted from his seat: “Xiao Zhou! Get in!” Zhou Mingrui felt his left eye twitch, and the genuine smile on his face faltered, turning to one of annoyance—of course this was only directed at his senior countryman and not towards his dear sponsor. Not one to decline a free ride, Zhou Mingrui got in at the back seat. The car made its way towards the bustling road.
“Happy birthday, Xiao Zhou! Man, you're getting older and older each year hahaha!” Huang Tao glanced at the back and laughed boisteredly.
Well no shit. Do you expect us to grow younger instead? Zhou Mingrui lampooned, not even hiding his expression.
“I know that look! you're insulting me in that little head of yours!” Huang Tao glared and pointed. “But since it's your birthday, I'll let you off the hook this time!” He crossed his arm.
The corners of Zhou Mingrui's mouth twitched, “...Thank you, Huang.”
Amanises softly laughed at the two men’s interaction. Really, it was never boring whenever these two were together! Amanises couldn't exactly recall how the three of them met, they all popped out of nowhere in each other's lives and naturally grew close together over time, finding each other's company comforting and enjoyable.
“Happy birthday, Zhou.” Amanises glanced at Zhou Mingrui from the rearview mirror and gave him a smile that could put one at ease. Zhou Mingrui sincerely smiled back, “Thank you Amani!”
“Tsk. You always favour Amani over me, hmp!” Huang Tao murmured, his two companions ignoring him. Zhou Mingrui had always been nicer with Amanises, for one, she wasn't a pain in the ass; two, he didn't want to piss her off—God knows how terrifying she is when angry; and three, he practically owed her his life. Amanises had helped Zhou Mingrui through his last two years in college and even offered him a job in her specialized unit agency company as a start up as their IT and to build experience. He wouldn't have gotten to his current job if it wasn't for her.
“We're gonna go drinking at the bar near that one Chinese restaurant. After we eat dinner we can directly fill our stomachs with alcohol!” Roselle exclaimed.
“Today is your day Zhou, I know you're quite stingy with money but don't worry! Amani got us covered!” He turned to give Amanises a wink and thumbs up.
Amanises in return raised her eyebrows and scrutinized her friend from the corner of her eyes. “‘Us?’ Who said I was treating you? This isn't your birthday.”
The birthday boy sat awkwardly in the back of the car as his friends engaged in some friendly banter.
I already made plans with Leonard…I can't suddenly cancel at the last minute! If I had known Huang and Amani would invite me out for drinks I would've managed my schedule better… Zhou Mingrui sighed inwardly. After racking his brain on what he should do, he came to a decision and guiltily declined the offer. “I'm sorry, I have…work to do.” He made up an on the spot excuse.
Amanises and Huang Tao were still unaware Zhou Mingrui had been seeing someone for the past months. It wasn't that he didn't trust his friends, it’s because he still isn't really ready to come out just yet. He wasn't worried they would be disgusted with him or stop being friends—especially with Huang Tao whose personal motto is: “If there's a hole, there's a goal!” and Amanises who had her fair share of female lovers, but because he needed time to prepare. One can never be too prepared! Because it was surely a shock when he—a proclaimed straight man for years—found himself blushing and giggling like a fourteen year-old girl over a man.
“Seriously?! Work?!” Huang Tao whipped his head at a 90 degree angle towards Zhou Mingrui. Even Amanises had her eyes wide open and perked her ears in disbelief.
“Yes, work.” Zhou Mingrui tried to sound less guilty and more exhausted and defeated—just like someone who was forced to work at home on their special day!
“Can't your manager just cut you some slack even for just one day?!” Huang Tao groaned. They were all familiar with Zhou Mingrui's manager giving him piles of work to do, but they didn't expect he would even let his poor employee do overtime even on their birthday!
I am so sorry manager for throwing you under the boss… Zhou Mingrui mentally apologized to his boss who had nothing to do with this.
Amanises sighed and shook her head, “You should've stayed at my agency. I would've treated you better.”
“Just set it aside! Let loose just tonight! You're going to get white hair if you keep over working yourself, Xiao Zhou.” Huang Tao tried to persuade his fellow countryman. Amanises nodding in agreement.
“Plus, we even got off work early just for you.” The latter ribbed.
If Zhou Mingrui felt a pang of guilt earlier, it just got 10 times worse. Biting his cheeks, Zhou Mingrui looked at his friends with obvious signs of guilt but he tried to mask it. “It's due in three days…I have to get it done lest I get an ear full from my manager.
“Next time we go out, it'll be my treat.” He added.
It was the least I could do!
Amanises almost slammed the brakes when he heard the last four words, and Huang Tao stared at him with his mouth agape like he was looking at a stranger who was wearing his friend's skin! Did they hear that right? Zhou Mingrui was TREATING them? The money loving Zhou Mingrui who winces whenever he has to spend anything above 5 soli?
Oh come on! I'm not THAT stingy with money! Zhou Mingrui's eyes twitched.
“Amani, my ears aren't deceiving me, right?” Huang Tao whipped his head towards his other companion.
“I think we both heard that correctly, Huang.” Amanises nodded, a small smile forming on her lips.
“This must be some sort of miracle! Which God has blessed us do you think?” Huang Tao exasperated.
“It's obviously Zhou who was blessed. Why would he treat us anyways if a god didn't personally bestow him blessings?”
“I can hear you two!” Zhou Mingrui from the back couldn't stand it and glared at his friends.
Huang Tao and Amanises let out a laugh.
The car came to a stop at an apartment complex. Zhou Mingrui got out and thanked his friends for the ride and birthday wishes. Unable to persuade their friend, Amanises and Huang Tao promised to drop by later with his favourite foods once they finished grabbing a few drinks at a bar. Zhou Mingrui nodded, waving his hands with a smile at the black sedan that was growing smaller as it moved farther.He turned his heel and made his way towards the apartment building.
Zhou Mingrui unlocked the door with his keys and placed his bag on the couch. He made his way towards the kitchen and poured himself a glass of cold water to dehydrate. With a phone on one hand and a cup of water on the other, Zhou Mingrui reads the latest notification from his phone. The corners of his lips subconsciously curving upwards.
4:19 PM
Just got out of work. I'm so glad my boss let me clock out of work early today.
Btw, I’ll pick you up at your apartment before 6, I have something to give you!
5:04 PM
Yeah, me too. I just got back to my apartment. I'll be ready in 40 minutes.
Zhou Mingrui closed his phone and made his way towards the bathroom, intending to take a hot bath and unwind before his date.
Zhou Mingrui sized up his appearance, although he usually didn't care about what he wore or how he looked, as long as he looked decent and plausible it was okay for him, but knowing this was a date with his partner who was a walking super model, he had to at least put in more effort. He didn't want to over dress himself nor did he want to feel under dressed, so he settled with a simple white shirt, and brown jacket paired with black trousers.
Amidst fixing his hair with his fingers, there was a knock from the door. Already knowing who his guest was, Zhou Mingrui happily walked towards the door and opened it. There, a handsome young man with striking green eyes and long black hair in a half up half down stood, holding a small bouquet of Seville Chrysanthemums and a neatly wrapped gift box. The handsome young man beamed when he saw the familiar pair of hazel eyes.
Too bright! Zhou Mingrui squinted his eyes.
“Zhou!” The handsome young man called out and lunged forward, trapping Zhou Mingrui in a tight hug.
“Huff—Leonard.” Zhou Mingrui wrapped his arms around the young man, the latter had his hands settled on the former’s back.
Leonard squeezed his partner one last time then broke the hug and greeted: “Happy birthday, Zhou!”
Zhou Mingrui couldn't help but picture a pair of wolf ears on top of his partner’s head and a wagging tail. He acts like a dog sometimes. He stiffened a laugh.
“Thank you, my dear agent.”
“Here, I bought this for you.” Leonard handed him the neatly wrapped gift box and bouquet.
“You didn't have to…” Zhou Mingrui sighed but happily took them. He dragged Leonard along with him on the couch and sat down.
The agent let out a short laugh, “Of course I had to! What kind of boyfriend am I if I don't give my boyfriend a gift on his special day?”
Zhou Mingrui mumbled something incoherent in response. He felt his face burn when he heard the word boyfriend. He still wasn't used to such a term. Mostly because he still can't believe he was dating someone—and that someone was this drop dead gorgeous man next to him.
Trying to mask his flusteredness, Zhou Mingrui opened the gift. Inside was a gold bracelet and in the middle was a brown topaz. His eyes widened and turned to look at Leonard with a frown. “Leonard, this is expensive…”
“Its nothing. My job pays me well. Did you forget I'm an agent?” the corner of the agent's mouth curved into crescents and leaned back to the couch casually. But seeing Zhou Mingrui continue to grumble, he gently grabbed his partner’s wrist and clasped the bracelet around his wrist. Leonard gently drew circles in Zhou Mingrui's palm.
“I told you it's nothing, so don't worry, alright? Plus, it reminds me of your eyes.” He reassured and leaned in, giving Zhou Mingrui a peek on the cheek causing the latter to jump and whipped his head towards the former who was grinning from ear to ear. Zhou Mingrui felt his face burn even more and immediately turned away and could only let out a soft mumble: “Thank you…”
Stars covered the night sky with streets and buildings emitting a bright glow. Cars passed by, eager to go home after a long day of work. Zhou Mingrui held Leonard's hand as they made their war towards the bustling roadside food stalls. They had originally planned to go for the classic restaurant date downtown but the chance of encountering Amanises and Huang Tao made Zhou Mingrui abandon the plan and change their location towards the other side of the city instead. Leonard was confused by the sudden change, but when Zhou Mingrui explained he nodded in understanding. He already knew of his partner's hesitation and didn't push.
However he did make a slight fuss on how Zhou Mingrui should've gone with his friends instead and they could've postponed their date to later.
“I've already made my decision. Do you want to come with me or not?” Was all Zhou Mingrui said to get the agent to purse his lips and accept.
Leonard (tried to)sneakily slip his wrists from Zhou Mingrui's grip so they could hold hands instead. The latter who knew his partner all too well shot him a glance, the former pretended not to notice and kept his eyes on the variety of food displayed, suddenly they were all too enticing, he couldn't take his eyes off them!
Oh? What happened to the shameless and coquettish agent? Are you suddenly scared by just mere hand holding? Zhou Mingrui lampooned, shaking his head, a smile unknowingly taking shape. He adjusted his hand in a more comfortable position and intertwined their fingers together—Leonard responding a few heartbeats late.
Despite the endless chatter of the people around them, an awkward silence enveloped between the two for a few seconds before Zhou Mingrui's eyes lit up—his already bright hazel eyes glowing even brighter. He dragged Leonard to a small stand where balls were getting flipped till golden brown, then coated by a red-like brown sauce and white sauce along with other custom ingredients customers desire to be added on top.
“You need to try their Takoyaki, it tastes so good!” Zhou Mingrui swallowed his saliva at the thought.
Leonard stared at his partner and couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh. If there was one thing Zhou Mingrui loved aside from money, it was food! Leonard sometimes wondered if Zhou Mingrui would trade him for a slice of Desi Pie and a few pounds.
He probably would… He thought.
Zhou Mingrui bought two orders of Takoyaki for him and Leonard to share. Immediately after he took a bite at the Takoyaki he swore he saw stars! The food melted in his tongue, the flavour was just right, it was a type of flavour where the spices and ingredients all blend to one perfect balance! Zhou Mingrui let out a content sigh and eagerly popped another piece in his mouth.
Leonard stared at Zhou Mingrui with a smile. Really, his boyfriend was just so cute when he was so focused and excited at the same time!
The one being scrutinized stopped, a piece of Takoyaki halfway from his already wide open mouth. Closing his mouth, he raised his eyebrows and asked: “What? Is there something on my face?”
Leonard smiled sheepishly, not at all ashamed being caught red handed, “No, not really. I just thought you looked adorable.” He answered honestly.
This…Weren't you just acting all shy 30 minutes ago?! Zhou Mingrui speecheless from his partner's switch of attitude. Uncontrollably, he felt his left eye twitch, then shove the piece of Takoyaki that he was about to eat into Leonard's blabbermouth. “Eat.”
“Mhh—!” Leonard, who wasn't expecting Zhou Mingrui's next course of action, was taken aback and quickly bit down the Takoyaki before it falls down the ground.
Leonard's eyes widened as he chewed on the food, Oh, wow, this actually tastes really good. No wonder Zhou was digging into it. he gave a hum of approval.
Seeing Leonard shut his mouth and enjoy the food, Zhou Mingrui grinned triumphantly and was about to grab and eat another piece when he realized…
This is my fourth piece…
Music boosted through the speakers, the smell of alcohol parading in the air. Huang Tao took another sip from his beer and turned to look at Amanises who was leisurely watching the chaotic crowd of drunkards make a fool of themselves. If you were to ask her, she preferred the quieter and less chaotic bars, but since Huang Tao insisted—claiming they served the best cocktails and beers, she could only agree.
Huang Tao was right though, the bar didn't disappoint in terms of beverages.
“Amani, do you think Zhou is alright?” Huang Tao looked at his companion, a hint of concern and suspicion in his voice.
Amanises paused for a moment, as the founder of one of the successful independent special forces(disguised as a security company) in the city and as one of Zhou Mingrui's closest friends who have known each other for years, how could she not recognize her own friend's unnatural behavior?
“...He should be fine.” She replied in a low voice and looked back at Huang Tao, “What time is it?”
The one being asked glanced at the watch on his wrist, “Hmm…It's late. Let's buy that workaholic some food. I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't even had dinner yet.” He shook his head disapprovingly.
Amanises nodded and elegantly chugged down the last bit of her cocktail. “Zhou really liked the food from the food stalls at the far side of the city. Let's order there.”
“Probably because it's cheap, haha!” Huang Tao couldn't help but let out a half-huff and half-laugh at his friend's tightfisted personality when it came to himself. “But I do agree, the food there reminds me of my mother's homemade food after a long day.”
A lady with long black hair and tranquil-like black eyes along with a man with long chestnut hair and a mustache moved along the crowd with a bag of freshly grilled skewers, and barbecue. The aroma from each food stall made both their stomach grumble and swallow a mouthful of saliva.
Amanises stopped at one of the stalls that sell Sweet Iced Tea, planning on buying one for Zhou Mingrui knowing this was his favourite drink. She queued on the relatively short line. The crowd was noticeably fewer than usual during the weekends. It was a Wednesday night, and there was still work the next morning—this wasn't much of a surprise.
As his friend busies herself with the beverages, Huang Tao waits on the sideline, watching people pass by left and right. After a few minutes, Amanises emerged with the drinks.
“Last but not the least, Desi Pie.” Amanises said as she handed over the bag of drinks to Huang Tao.
“Yep, it should be in that stall over there—” Huang Tao pointed at the direction before pausing, his expression going from confusion to stunned silence.
Amanises who was pocketing her change glanced at her friend who had his eyes blown wide and mouth agape. Curious, she moved her gaze towards the direction Huang Tao was staring and what met her eyes had the naturally composed Amanises subconsciously mimicked Huang Tao’s expression.
There in the far left where the crowd was less stood a familiar man with familiar black hair, and familiar hazel eyes—It was their friend, Zhou Mingrui! Not only that but he was hand in hand with a beautifully-handsome young man with similar long black hair, and striking emerald eyes who was lovingly feeding the latter a slice of Desi Pie!
Zhou Mingrui who felt eyes piercing through his soul, subconsciously turned his head towards the source only to be met with the same two people he was trying to avoid with absolute shock written all over their face! He choked on the half chewed Desi Pie that was on his mouth. Leonard paused in surprise before unclasping their intertwined hands and patted his partners back.
As he was about to say something along the lines of: Don't eat too fast! He heard an all too familiar voice call out: “Zhou?!”
The one named whipped his head towards where two familiar figures stood—who were now closer—and saw Amanises’s eyes paused at him before turning towards his right. Zhou Mingrui felt the hand that was patting his back stopped and stiffened.
“Leonard?!”
Huh?! He turned to his partner who had a look of mortification written all over his face.
“Boss?!” Leonard exclaimed.
Boss?! Zhou Mingrui, too, exclaimed inwardly, looking back between his friend and his partner.
“You know Amani?! You work for her?!” Although he knew Leonard worked as a special force agent, he didn't know he worked under Amanises! The agent always kept his work confidential and private due to a contract and of course, safety—which Zhou Mingrui respected.
“I—yes! I didn't know you were friends with my boss!” The green-eyed agent met a pair of hazel.
Zhou Mingrui was about to open his mouth and say something when he noticed everyone's gaze was on them.
“Cough…We should go somewhere with less ears…” He mumbled with burning embarrassment and took Leonard's wrist away from the curious gazes of the crowd. Following behind them was Amanises and a still in a shocked Huang Tao.
They stopped at a nearby park where there was not a single soul present aside from the sound of crickets and the glowing fireflies. On the way, Zhou Mingrui couldn't help but curse silently again as he felt his peaceful days slip in real time. He was sure Huang Tao wouldn't let this day rest and would relentlessly tease him for it!
…Especially since he swore to every existence on the planet he was a walking black and white, straight man.
An awkward silence enveloped the four. Zhou Mingrui couldn't meet the gaze of his friends, Leonard was stiff as a rock under the glare of his boss, and Huang Tao who was scrutinising the two lovers and visibly holding back a laugh with one thought in mind: The proclaimed straight man is dating a man! If Zhou Mingrui could see Huang Tao’s face right now, he would be resisting the urge to flip him off.
Fuck this is so awkward... Zhou Mingrui cursed internally.
“Dating one of my hounds behind my back, huh Zhou?” Amanises had a tone of amusement and slight annoyance.
The one named gulped and with his last bit of composure, turned to face his inevitable fate. Stealing a glance at his partner in crime who was shaking in his boots and drenched in sweat.
“Amani…Uh–you see—” He tried to let out words but his mouth wouldn't work with him making him look like a kid who was just caught doing something they shouldn't have by their mother!
Suddenly a series of provoking chuckles cut through the air, “Ohoho, is this the ‘work’ you were oh so busy with you couldn't hang out with us, Xiao Zhou?”
Zhou Mingrui felt his eyes twitch. The sudden urge to punch a certain fellow countryman was really really irresistible.
A glare from Amanises had Huang Tao purse his lips close, but the slight shake of his shoulders indicated he found this whole ordeal amusing.
The former shook her head and sighed. “Zhou,” she called out, her voice serious yet soft, “We don't care if you're gay. I just wished you hadn't lied to us.”
“Yeah, we wouldn't have cared if you went on a date instead of with us anyway.” Huang Tao had stopped laughing and reassured his friend. “Or we could've invited Mr. Agent here to drink with us.” He gestured towards Leonard—who had remained quiet the whole time.
Zhou Mingrui looked at his friends and let out a sigh. One that someone would only feel when something has been lifted off their chest. A warm smile creeped into his face, “Thank you, Amani, Huang.”
Seeing everything go well for his partner, Leonard's tensed muscles softened and inwardly let out a sigh of relief.
With the atmosphere less awkward, Amanises curled her lips and asked: “Why don't you formally introduce us to your boyfriend, Zhou?” she glanced at her friend before glancing back at her agent who straightened his back and tensed his muscles again under the gaze of his boss.
Zhou Mingrui felt his cheeks go red, he still isn't used to that word!
“You already know Leonard though…” he mumbled, turning his head to the side to hide the red tint.
“Not me!” Huang Tao interjected.
Amanises nodded along, “I only know my little hound inside of work.”
Seeing Leonard still stiff as a rock, Zhou Mingrui gave him a little nudge and offered a comforting nod. The latter, snapping back to his senses, stared at the two pairs of eyes staring expectantly at him. He clumsily extended his hand and let out a nervous smile, “Cough–Uh—Leonard Mitchell. It's nice to meet your acquaintance.”
You're acting like you are meeting with clients instead of my friends… Zhou Mingrui furrowed his brow and lampooned.
Amanises let out a chuckle, and shook Leonard's hand. “No wonder our workaholic captain asked to leave work early.
And don't be so stiff, Leonard. It's not like we bite.”
“Y-yes Ma’am!” He replied, straightening his back like he had received instructions from a sergeant.
A muffled laugh echoed, surprisingly it wasn't from Huang Tao this time but from none other than Zhou Mingrui. Amani, are you sure you aren't training your employees for the military?
Amanises shook her head and replied calmly with a smile, “Just call me Amanises when we're outside of work.”
“Yes Amanises…” Leonard, embarrassed by his sudden action, lowered his voice.
Huang Tao, compared to Amanises’s light handshake, eagerly shook Leonard's hand making the agent almost stumble. After a few more small talk, Amanises invited the three of them to her apartment that was just a few streets away to formally celebrate Zhou Mingrui's birthday.
The clinking of glass resounded in the now silent living room. At the table, there were two bottles of empty, expensive red wine and sat along with empty plates and a few left overs, and in the middle, 1/4th of the chocolate cake was left. Amanises took a sip on her wine, her black lipstick imprinting on the edge of the glass. She glanced at the sofa where two familiar figures were sprawled and intertwined with one another. Zhou Mingrui was on top of Leonard, his glasses forced back up to his eyebrows with his cheeks pressed against the agent's chest. The latter had his hand laying comfortably on the back of Zhou Mingrui's lower back. A quiet snore escaped the two, their breathing matching the other. Compared to her other guest who was sitting on the single seater sofa, manspreaded and head tilted back, mouth wide open as droll trails down his cheek. His thunderous snores shook the walls. Amanise lightly shook her head, finding the two differences humorous.
The four of them had talked all night, the majority of the conversation was about Zhou Mingrui's and Leonard's relationship. One couldn't blame her and Huang Tao for being a bit privy. When your friend who had always been unlucky in the romance department, who wouldn't want to prick a few details here and there?
“Probably because he had always been looking for a woman when he should've been looking for was a man!” Huang Tao joked, which earned him an ice cold glare from Zhou Mingrui.
Amanises couldn't help but steal a few pictures of the two lovers, partially for blackmail and partially because they looked adorable.