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Ming Yu 30, Xihan 26, Xiao Bao 7

Mornings and Daily routine

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Three people were snuggling on the bed shying away from the winter weather. 

The little man was in the middle with a smile on his face, pretending to sleep and holding back a giggle. Behind him was his tall Father Xihan hugging his waist while the wide back in front of him was his Dad Ming Yu, deep in his sleep.

His hand would sneakily poke on Ming Yu's neck and the other would grunt even slapping the back of his neck in annoyance. Xiao Bao was having a hard time holding the laugh bubbles in at the sight of this.

Poke.

"Mmn ..."

Poke.

Slap!

Pfft- Poke.

"Ugh ..."

"Naughty kid. What are you doing?"

"AHHHH!!!" Xihan initiated the dreaded tickle battle making him scream and wildly kicked on the air. Ming Yu was startled awake and a tiny foot mercilessly landed on the back of his head pushing him forwards.

The naughty pair didn't even realize the pain inflicted and wrestled with Xihan trapping Xiao Bao in his arms not letting him to escape until he begged.

But then Xiao Bao slipped underneath his hold and grabbed the pillow. He raised it high, a sign of attack and focused each hit on Xihan's face. His legs were suddenly pulled and Xiao Bao fell on his back. There was no stopping this playful sequence of attacks that neither of the two even noticed the figure that had been standing, foul eyes and annoyed to a point that the enjoyable atmosphere couldn't even penetrate his heart.

Hey. I barely had a wink of sleep because of work so how dare you two wake me up with so wildly! (ー_ー ) ...

Xiao Bao stopped when his eyes landed on Ming Yu. It only took him one good look before shying away with a laugh, guilty. "Morning Dad."

"Good morning." Xihan greeted with a happy grin. He pulled Ming Yu back to bed to kiss his forehead coax him back to rest. He didn't forget about the awful stream of customers yesterday so he knew that Ming Yu was still tired. He really just couldn't resist the charms of their naughty little son.

Ming Yu was easy to soothe and weakly kissed him back. He opened his arms welcoming Xiao Bao and kissed his cheek. They cozily hugged for a few seconds before Xihan took their son away to get ready for the morning while Ming Yu continued to close his eyes to sleep.

A big man and a small man in silken pajamas entered the bathroom.

Xihan took their toothbrushes from the cupboard while Xiao Bao placed the foot stool under his feet. They rinsed their mouth and started brushing all the dirt and grime away. Xiao Bao would occasionally smile at the foam the started forming around his Father's mouth and even tried saying the word beard with his mouth full earning him a pinch from Xihan.

 Afterwards, they entered the shower for a quick morning wash to welcome the day.

Breakfast in their family of three for the day was a bowl of rice noodles for each and a plate of delicious Wontons. Xiao Bao actively prepared the table while Xihan busied himself in the kitchen. After Xiao Bao was done, he turned on the TV while waiting for the food to finish. There was a documentary about how swords were made back in the day and this successfully caught his interest, comfortably sitting on the couch and watched.

Cooking took about 15-20 minutes at most and Xihan enjoyed every minute of it. The thought of making a delicious meal for the family kept him going. Most of his days started like this.

When he was about to finish, he called Xiao Bao but the other guy didn't even hear him, fascinated at the ongoing documentary. Xihan left the kitchen to check up on him and what he saw was the little boy, eyes wide at the Katana sword that a person was waving on the screen.

It felt bad to interrupt so he'd rather turn of the stove and wake Ming Yu up. His wifey's sleeping position didn't even change since earlier implying his exhaustion but he still needed to eat.

"Ah Yu, breakfast is ready. Freshen up before the food gets cold. We're waiting for you."

"A little longer ..." It was too comfortable to move.

"No. We're hungry so hurry up okay?"

"Mmn." He frowned in dissatisfaction but did so anyway. Ming Yu hugged his husband first, inhaling his familiar wooden scent that was barely present due to the scent of lemon and vanilla on his skin.

"You ... used Meng Bao's?" Body wash.

"I forgot we ran out of ours so for the day, we'll be smelling like Meng Bao. Is the scent too sweet for me?"

"No ... I kind of ... like it too." Xihan chuckled and patted his back, ushering him to stand up and get ready. He watched his wifey walk while tilting slightly side to side in each steps. He went back to the kitchen to finish up and took their meal to the table. 

Xihan walked up to Xiao Bao and told him to sit on the table. Ming Yu appeared and slowly walked up to them. The entire family were now ready to dine to start the day.

Ming Yu slowly ate and Xihan handed him more Wantons to munch on. Xiao Bao liked staring at the couple while eating, he really loved the every single interactions of the two and would relish it together with his food. He really love his parents and although they've only been together for a few months, just the thought of being their son made him feel proud.

There were not much bickering on the dining table but the morning was peaceful. Xiao Bao finished eating yet he didn't leave his seat, patiently waiting for his parents to finish.

He still had school while Xihan had work. The restaurant was closed for the day so it was Ming Yu's day off and surely, he could sleep the entire day away.

After a while, Xiao Bao and Xihan were both dressed and ready and stood at the doorway. Ming Yu noticed the crooked tie and approached it, untying it before tying it back perfectly. Xihan was easily moved and kissed Ming Yu's lips a bit reluctant to part.

"We'll be home later, till then get all the rest you need. Set an alarm and don't miss lunch."

"Mmn."

"Dad don't just sleep! I'll check on the kitchen dishes and see if you really ate!"

"I'm not that ... lazy." Ming yu didn't forget that he was an adult to this family.

He knelt down to give his precious little Meng Bao a kiss. He stood back up and was caught in the big one's arm who snugly rested his head on the crook of his neck.

" Father we need to go!"

"Mmn. We're going, going." He kissed Ming Yu's lips again before opening the door.

"We're off!"

"Mmn."

Ming Yu's eyes didn't left the door and waited for it to shut itself close.

He finally let out the yawn that he's been keeping and head back to their room. He lied down and reached out for Xihan's pillow, inhaling the now stronger wooden scent with smile.

The mornings of their household were quite fruitful. At this, Ming Yu had nothing more to ask than for their days to continue this way.

With happy thoughts in mind, he slept.

~

Ming Yu 33, Xihan 29, Xiao Bao 10

New years and Family

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"Here, get your red packets." Yue handed it to Xiao Bao. It was both his and Huang's which amounted to quite a sum for a child's pocket money. Xiao Bao thanked him properly with a hug and ran away to look for his grandpa Huang.

It was the new years and the whole family were meeting up at the Ming household. Yue and Huang were already busy with cooking when they arrived and of course, they went up to help. It wasn't just them who were visiting today so there needed to be a lot of food.

Xin and Hong were coming together with Fu Xi who they've adopted years back. Now grown and healthy she even brought her husband and her daughters with her to celebrate so the place was sure to be crowded. Xihan's parents were also coming back from their overseas vacation and should be arriving any time now so they hurried as much as they can.

Xiao Bao waited outside to welcome the guests with his smile. Time passed and they all started arriving in pairs and welcomed each other in excitement. Gatherings like these had been rare for they were all busy with their current lives so this day was precious to them all. Ze Min and Ji Man won't be attending as the two were on their honeymoon in Hawaii under the mercy of the tropical heat.

Everyone fawned on the children and were having a blast when they saw each other's faces. They've gotten old, the Yao and Ming couple now have wrinkles around their eyes and traces of age around their mouths. The youthful flicker in their eyes dimmed a little yet the smiling faces remained bright, something that they all were thankful for.

When you're old, talking about the past just became natural and the elders who all aged beautifully started recounting their memories backwards. 

Yao Ren Jin remained warm, Wan Ke Er was now less energetic due to age but it didn't take away the born tigress that she was at heart. Yue didn't change at all and so did Huang gently and amiable. Hong teased and complained with a smile that the older Xin get, the worse his temper became while on the other hand, Xin complained how as they age, Hong seemed to act more lively and lecherous that he considered it as a crime.

Li Chong An was serving his wife food and Fu Xi didn't forget to feed him using her own chopsticks. Their daughters were playing together with their brother Xiao Bao so the two finally had the chance to share quality time together, even if it was just through  meal.

Ze Min and Ji Man called just before it reached 12 to welcome the new years and everybody stood outside, watching as fire works were blasted onto the sky. The children ran around with sprinklers on hand while laughing while the elders quietly welcomed the night scenery with their loved ones in their arms.

Ming Yu and Xihan were no exception to this and were in each other's embrace. They were a few steps behind the rest for their eyes didn't only savor the beauty of the fireworks but also the smiling faces of the people before them.

Ming Yu as the author felt deeply nostalgic that his eyes reddened as tears were about to fall. He looked up to meet Xihan's eyes and wrapped his arms around his neck. Ever so tender, their lips met and exchange a slow and gentle kiss. 

Xihan wiped his beloved's tears and kissed his beautiful eye.

Ming Yu cupped his beloved's face, engraving Xihan's heated eyes in his heart.

Fireworks are short lived, but it's profound beauty is undeniable beyond belief.

The new year's night passed and it was time to walk another mile in the path called life.

~

Ming Yu 42, Xihan 38, Xiao Bao 22

Meeting the daughter-in-law

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Ming Yu planned to let the restaurant be open for only half a day. All the customers had left and those who specially came already received his apology. The workers who looked up to him meticulously cleaned every corner and politely said their goodbye when they left. 

He was a skillful teacher and cook. His temper wasn't mean which made him famous to the young chefs that searched for work. Not only that, his reputation was on par with famous chefs in their region so they were more delighted to have been accepted and taught under him.

Ironically, the person himself was quite clueless of his fame and had no ambition which was all the reason why people idolized him.

They really wished to stay and help out in the kitchen but were rejected, leaving them no choice but to leave. Just before the last of them came out, Ming Yu's husband came down wearing an apron himself, a sign that would also be helping out.

The staff walked out with a wry smile. The love between the restaurant owners had always been the talk in the kitchen and seeing the jealousy evoking bond of the two, once can only silently eat dog food and happily immerse themselves in it.

Good dog foods are good, no matter how painful it is whenever you compare it to your lonely self.

Back in the kitchen, the two whipped something nice and beautifully set a table. A single rose was placed in the middle and a pair of beautifully decorated gold rimmed plates were set before each chair. The table for two wasn't perfect yet so Ming Yu placed a small scented candle beside the roses' vase to somehow recreate a richer atmosphere.

Everything was ready and just in time, the door rang open.

Xiao Bao came in first and he looked behind him to grab a beautiful hand. The fingers were long and pretty but the person who owned them was even prettier especially when she smiled at them.

"We're here ... Father ... Dad ..." He happily grinned and introduced the lady beside him.

The humble girl was quite shy and even fumbled through her words. Xiao Bao teased her but regretted it when his toes met the force of her shoe. Xihan laughed out loud and Ming Yu joined the chorus of laughter.

They lead them to the table and dragged the tray of food near their table and left, allowing the young ones enjoy their time and headed back upstairs.

"Meng Bao, he really grew up to become quite boring." Xihan clicked his tongue and was met with  slap on the head.

"Don't you think raising him was less exciting? He had always been obedient and didn't even play around, never made trouble or fool around with girls. I couldn't even pick a fight with him and scold him to my heart's content." Ming Yu could really see the trace of disappointment in his eyes but the wide smile on his face was a huge contradiction to it.

"Are you complaining or praising yourself?" Xihan was simply happy that their son grew up well and healthy.

Xihan neared to hug his wifey and trailed light kisses on his neck. 

"It's because you raised him well." 

"I know ... there's no need to tell me." Ming Yu smugly agreed.

"Let's go ... upstairs? Mmn~" Xihan suggestively whispered through his ears.

"Carry me." Xihan chuckled at how lovable his older wifey was acting and willingly held his thighs to carry him off. 

The young ones' can enjoy their youthful an innocent love but aged couples like them were like aged wine... strong at love, distinct in scent and ... tastier.

(a/n:  ( ͡° ͜ ʖ ͡° ) *wiggles brows*)

~

Ming Yu 48, Xihan 44, Xiao Bao 25

Baby sitting

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"We're off! Don't forget to change his diapers! and the formula and everything are in the bag. If you somethings up be sure to call us and-"

"Go! Just go! We know what to do so have fun and take care!"

"Father-in-laws, we're off now!" Her giggle rang loudly amused by his husband's fussy attitude.

Xihan forcefully closed the door on them and sighed. Their Xiao Bao had been constantly nagging like a woman ever since he had his first child. Dang, his poor ears were about to tear itself out.

Walking into the living room, what he saw made him stop, afraid to disturb the beautiful picture before him.

Ming Yu was carrying a baby in his arms and his free hand was poking the baby's plump cheek. The baby grabbed his finger and babbled, aching to a refreshing giggle. He smiled at the cute little thing and his attention made the baby happier that he reached out to touch Ming Yu's face.

Xihan wasn't satisfied to just watch them anymore that he even knocked on the wall to distract him. Ming Yu rolled his eyes and focused his attention on the baby. The disregarded husband raised a brow and pulled on Ming Yu's hair making him yelp. Ming Yu frowned, raising a leg to hit the annoying adult but his hair was again suddenly pulled so he couldn't hit him. 

The baby babbled loudly enjoying it and even reached for the hair on Ming Yu's head.

"Don't teach the baby such mean things ..."

"Sorry." He ran his hand through Ming Yu's head and solemnly stared at the strands of grey hairs.

They were getting old.

"Give me the baby, i'll change his diaper." Xihan opened his arms and gently took the baby away. The precious thing was only six months old so they needed to handle him with extra care. He carefully put the baby on the sofa and took off the heavy diaper. He wiped the bottom clean and powdered it to avoid rashes. With the new diapers on, the baby squealed after feeling a lot more comfortable.

"Be good and don't poop too much."

"How can you say that to a baby?" This was the dumbest thing he'd ever heard from Xihan.

"Baby poop stinks so foul. Let's just hope he understands."

 Unlike most babies, their grandson was well mannered. Cries when he needed pooped, or hungry, wet or uncomfortable. He's easy to quiet down for soon as you took him in his arms and cradle him, he would stop.

Xihan rested his face on the baby's belly and harshly breathed out sending ticklish vibrations that made him babble and laugh. The downside to this was whenever their grandson would grab the hair on his head and pull them out same as plucking weeds. Ming Yu gave him a knowing stare but even so, Xihan enjoy every ring of laughter he could get from the precious baby.

"Hah ... why wasn't Meng Bao a baby when we took him in." Xihan pictured Xiao Bao as a baby and fantasized how cute he could with those big pair of brown and green eyes.

Somewhere in the big city together with his wife, the 25 year old Xiao Bao sneezed loudly.

The parents won't be back till late in the evening so them as grandparents spent every minute tending and bonding with their grandson. Neither missed the chance to snap photos and gathered enough to fill in new photo album.

Ming Yu awkwardly hid behind his hands and quickly opened it which made their little grandson widen his eyes in surprise. Ming Yu wasn't good at making funny faces however it seemed that he didn't need it after all as simply hiding away was enough to make the little one laugh.

Xihan's way of entertaining their grandson was to cautiously raise him up high, wary of his neck, and slowly bringing him down.

Time passed away so quickly for each moment was fun and even exciting. The baby fell asleep in Ming Yu's arms. The entrance creaked open and Xiao Bao and his wife arrived. It was time to let the little one go.

Xiao Bao took his son in his arms however this movement wake him up. The baby slowly blinked and soon as he saw the faces of his parents did he giggle. Xiao Bao dotingly snuggled, inhaling the scent of milk while his wife couldn't help but laugh when she saw her son smile.

They didn't stay for long and headed straight to the door but then the baby suddenly seemed to be confused and started searching for something. When he couldn't find it, he was so sad that he started to wail and cry.

Xiao Bao and his wife hurriedly comforted their son but for once, they couldn't coax him to sleep. Ming Yu and Xihan neared them for help and it was then when the baby reached out his hands trying to grab their hair.

"Be good ... don't trouble your parents." Ming Yu was moved and smiled brightly, giving his finger for the baby to grab.

"Listen to your mom and dad well." Xihan poked the ever so tiny nose and smiled.

Maybe the baby felt that he would see his grandparents again that it stopped crying and snuggled close to his dad. Xiao Bao and his wife sighed in relief and went on their way.

"I miss him already ..." Ming Yu was feeling a bit down and hugged Xihan's waist.

"Let's go visit them next week." He lovingly patted his back and guided them back in.

Parting knowing that you'll see each other was comforting.

~

Ming Yu 50, Xihan 46, Xiao Bao 27

Funeral

-

Yet some partings ... could never be reunited.

The procession of the coffin was almost at its end with Huang together with Ming Yu carried a picture of his beloved Yue in his arms walked at the very front. Following them were Xihan, Xiao Bao and the rest of their families with dark looks on their faces, grieving from their loss. Xin was walking with the help of Hong. The tears just wouldn't stop even if he wanted to send him off with a smile.

Xihan remained strong for Ming Yu. This wasn't their first parting however in the inside, the pin continued to throb however as long as he had Xihan, he was fine.

The atmosphere was solemn. Since the funeral until now, Huang didn't shed a tear. Ming Yu figured that maybe because he had always the type of person who easily came to turn with facts that Huang had already prepared himself for this day to come.

Preparing your heart was good, however hiding one's sadness was also not okay.

There was nothing else in a funeral other than mourning.

It could also be taken as a sign of a new beginning, however in the end, it was an event filled with sadness and for those who lost their love ones, loneliness.

Hours passed and people started to disperse leaving Huang, Xihan and Ming Yu.

Xin wanted to stay but was dragged away by Hong, afraid that it was too much for him to bear. They were the closest of twins after all.

"If you want to, you both can leave and grab something to eat ... i'll stay here a little longer." Huang slowly moved and sat on the grand as he continued to gaze at the fresh grave before him.

Ming Yu guessed right. He had accepted that a time will come for them to part. His head had acknowledge this fact yet his heart ... his heart was still reluctant to part.

Just a few days ago they were talking about their children and now .... hah ...

Huang's wide back had shrunk immensely as the years ate his youth and energy away. The once towering strength of Mt. Tai caved in and never did Huang looked so weak until today.

Ming Yu was lost of what to do. It had always been him and Xihan who parted first so comforting someone for their lost was something that he never did.

"I hate to see him leave yet  it's not like I could keep Yue around forever, growth and change are mostly inevitable so I would rather wish him well on the other side and tell him to wait for me for i'll be joining him soon ..."

"That feeling of emptiness, like you have been robbed of something precious, we all want to avoid it but what is meant to come will come." He smiled and held Ming Yu's hand, gently rubbing his fingers and realized this hand was once so small.

"Go ... i'll call you to pick me up after a while. I just want to talk to Yue for a bit more okay?"

Ming Yu looked straight at Huang's eyes. They were dim yet weren't lifeless and this put his anxious heart at ease.

Although reluctant, the couple decided to leave but when Ming Yu was about to enter the car, he gave Huang's slouching back a lasting look.

The slight tremble of that back was sure due to the dam of tears that finally burst out.

~

Ming Yu 57, Xihan 53, Xiao Bao 34

Date for oldies

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Ming Yu wore the best dark blue suit that he could wear which didn't looked off despite his age. Instead of a handkerchief, a rose was on his breast pocket which was freshly picked the same morning and were still slightly drenched.

He took his sweet time to go down as he was afraid to strain himself. At age 57, one needed to be careful as an awful sprain could be a huge trouble to fix.

It was night and the restaurant floor was surrounded with candle lights and rose petals. The head Chef and his assistants were standing on the right with a wide smile on their faces however they were only the background characters in this date so they obediently kept their mouths shut.

Awaiting beside the table was Xihan in black looking quite suave for a 53. His gray hair was striking on a black attire and his tiny belly was hidden under the illusion of black. Ming Yu never had the problem of gaining weight as he was genetically thin in build so his fitting dark blue made him seem rather elegant.

On cue, one of the background people slowly turned down the volume making sure that it won't hinder whatever lovely conversation the old couple were about to share. Xihan pulled Ming Yu's seat and only went back to his own when his wifey was comfortable. 

Ming Yu chuckled a bit embarrassed at the fact that their dinner date was being set by his own kitchen staff. The teasing glint in their eyes was plain to see which made him blush as he tried his best to ignore them.

Their conversation started casual, light-hearted and nostalgic. There was barely anything new for old men like them to talk about so their conversations ended up riding the memory train. Memories of the past were slowly being recounted which seemed to have widened their smiles further from surprise while some fragments triggered a playful glare, spicing up the already uplift atmosphere.

Their romantic evening wasn't going to end with just some pleasant dinner. After all, the staff and Xihan were all in this so after getting the signal, they switched the music into a love song and Ming Yu hurriedly shook his head in refusal.

He's not gonna dance in front of all these people!

Against his thoughts, the people started to cheer and Xihan stood up, coaxing him to stand. The staff were smart and raised the volume to drown their laughter, thinking it could cancel out their voices somehow. They really didn't wish to miss such a moving romance!

In the end, he couldn't say no anymore and Xihan guided Ming Yu's left arm around his waist and clasped his right hand not allowing him to back away. The song was for a slow dance and they gently swayed side to side in rhythm.

The staff members couldn't keep the giggling in so the head chef decided that they all go back in the kitchen and stay quiet. Without them around, Ming Yu didn't feel as embarrassed and didn't even wander his gaze away from Xihan's. Their foreheads were sticking and Xihan couldn't help but steal a kiss.

The song took three minutes to end but then again, Xihan had another thing planned.

He walked up to the projector at a far corner of the room before turning off the lights. Ming Yu never noticed it until now and the window of a video popped up. He didn't need to wonder for long and the video started to play.

The first thing Ming Yu heard was his own annoyed voice, even glaring.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm cooking. Now don't stand in the way."

"It seems that there's a lot of customers today, are you busy?"

"I am busy, so not now. Xihan-!"

It was a video that was taken during the restaurant's opening day. There were too many people and Xihan who even barely help yet still had the guts to make trouble.

The clips were a compilation of him working in the kitchen but the distinct change was that in each clip, he slowly got older.

His raven hair slowly turned a few strands into grey. From grey it slowly changed into white. Wrinkle creases were now round his eyes and around his mouth and his skin wasn't as smooth as before.

He was getting old, weaker by the years.

But one thing that was clearly portrayed in the clips was that he was not alone. A similar white haired old man aged with him, shared his lifetime with him and cultivated feelings with him.

Xihan was there. And their life was good.

The last clip was even simpler and it was Xihan wearing the same suit saying a simple I love you and happy 31 wedding anniversary.

The video stopped playing and the kitchen doors burst open to surprise him with miniature version of their wedding cake. The idea of reenacting the cutting of the cake came into mind and so they did it under the enthusiastic cheers of the staff. Of course no one forgot to snap a photo.

The small group shared a meal together as they were all too hyped forgetting that it was originally a two person date to begin with but hey, who cares as long as you're happy right?

Time would never stop.

-Ming Yu 60, Xihan 56

Maybe more than half of the people in the real world wished that it could since no matter how happy one could become, in the end you could still feel that your life was slipping away.

-Ming Yu 64, Xihan 60

But fact is whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only amount of time a person could have. No exceptions.

-Ming Yu 78, Xihan 74

Xihan and Ming Yu knew that they could only hold the other's hand for only a while longer. The kisses they could share were limited, the snuggles and the hugs, the warmth of this act was bound to disappear.

But the memories won't. And somewhere in Ming Yu's dreams, he'll see him standing beside him and look at him lovingly with a smile.

-Ming Yu 85, Xihan 81

The love between them was true. No matter what triggered it, no matter what secrets remained locked and kept, it doesn't deny the overwhelming feelings of love that they could feel just from a single hi or hello, good morning, good afternoon or goodnight.

-Ming Yu 89, Xihan 85 

People you love never die. They don't, not completely. They live in your mind, the way they always lived inside you if you remember them well enough and Ming Yu was sure to live on, devoted and only thinking of the husband that he never knew he could ever have.

Every story has it's bitter-sweet end. And Ming Yu was ready.

This world has reached it's end.

~

Ming Yu 91, Xihan 88

Death, Farewells and a Love Letter

to be continued.