Forever Vows
Title: Forever Vows
Romance, Fluff, Drama | R
Warning: Please don’t take the plot too seriously; some unexplained medical situations may occur.
Summary: They still exchanged their vows of love for each other even though they know in minutes the other will be gone forever.
Vows to be Kept Until the End
“I love you forever.” Wufan says sincerely to his lover as they walk the snowy road towards their apartment.
“Forever and Always?” Yixing asks back as he held on that cheeky smile, slipping his right hand in Wufan’s left coat pocket for warmth while the other held Wufan’s left hand.
“Forever and Always,” Wufan assured with that small smile which showed how he felt for Yixing. With his free right hand, he brushed a few strands of hair from Yixing’s forehead and placed a light peck there.
“I wonder if you’ll be able to stay cheesy like that for forever,” Yixing joked as he cuddled closer to Wufan’s warm side.
“As long you want me to,” Wufan only replied and chuckled.
They were always like that - sweet and giving to each other. It was convenient to say for them how forever and always sounded so easy...
“Don’t worry, Wufan, I’d believe we’d be able to surpass any problems in the future,” Yixing assured once again as he showed confidence within that gesture, that made Wufan’s hiding doubt vanish in second.
It all started years back.
***
Three years ago,
Wufan was known as the most unapproachable person in their office. They all felt intimidated by him. And he didn’t like it. He used to have fun back in college. It was rather new for him to meet new people in his work. Being in a firm meant competition and Wufan didn’t know if he’ll be able to have real buddies here. Especially when he knows he was being glared at behind his back whenever he wins another case. And secrets he never wanted to share with these people are the things he is very careful of.
Perhaps seeing friends from his school were the only times he let out his stress.
Until he met this clumsy young guy around his age trip over in front of him and landed face contact with the ground.
Wufan was on his way back to his firm when Yixing came running towards his direction but tripped. He was in sneakers and chequered red dress-shirt with worn-out jeans.
“Are you alright?!” Wufan immediately offered assistance and the guy with a guitar on his back stood up. Bending down was the worst decision because as the guitar guy stood, the edge of the guitar hit Wufan’s chin.
Wufan let out a sound of pain as he stomped a few steps back from the impact.
“Oh my, I’m very sorry, mister!” Yixing approaches and felt more worried for the guy in suit instead of his own scratched nose.
“I-I’m fine,” Wufan assures him while he waved a hand up and down to let Yixing stay in his place as he rubbed his chin. “I guess you should look at your nose more,” Wufan saw a clear sight of Yixing and immediately noticed a red patch of scratch on the latter’s nose.
“Oh shit I hope it isn’t broken,” Yixing carefully looks in between and tried touching it but felt stinging pain instead. He yelps in surprise and Wufan shook his head in defeat. “What are you doing running here though? You alright?”
And then he saw Yixing smile so brightly.
“My cousin told me to meet someone in this firm for him since he can’t go due to his cold,” Yixing answered and Wufan inquired, “What’s his name? Your cousin, I mean, because I could check on the appointments in the reception if you would like.”
He started walking and Yixing followed suit.
“Oh how thoughtful of you!” Yixing clasp his hands together and smiled more. He started, “His name’s Lu Han! I think the lawyer he wants me to meet is named... Wu Yifan. He wants me to give him this,” and shows a yellow medium-sized envelope. Wufan stopped suddenly.
“Is that so?” Wufan smiled for the first time and Yixing blinked few times before answering, “Yes. Why did you stop?”
“Because my name’s Wu Yifan. You can call me Wufan though, and Lu Han’s my colleague who’s asking my guidance for his right to the lot he bought just recently.” Wufan said with amused expression. He then just watched Yixing’s sudden realization of the event, reaching for the envelope as he did so.
“Oh damn. I’m really sorry awhile ago! My cousin will kill me if he knew what I’ve done clumsily again. He told me to be as formal as I could...” Yixing sounded like a kid in trouble and Wufan couldn’t help but laugh.
Yixing looked at him bewilderingly and Wufan just answered, “Don’t worry. I’ve always met my clients formally inside that building but I guess consider earlier an accidental meeting.”
Yixing sighed in relief and whispered, “Just don’t tell my cousin. He’s so nagging whenever it comes to me defying his suggestions about being a grown-up. By the way, I’m Zhang Yixing.”
Wufan nodded and both exchanged a handshake. Then Wufan pointed his thumb towards the parking lot instead of the building, “Well then, Yixing, my car’s over there. I would really appreciate it if we talked in a coffee shop or any place you like and buy you some band aid for that nose.”
Yixing fiddled with his fingers as he blows air up to his fringes, “I guess I should have considered dressing up formally so that you won’t be having problems with me entering your office with this get-up.”
Wufan raised a brow to realize what Yixing was talking about and suddenly chuckled. Yixing looks at him and then the former explained, “I don’t particularly choose my clients’ get-up when they meet me, Yixing. It was just because my office’s too cluttered right now because of someone.”
“Oh?” Yixing shot him a curious look but Wufan just gestured him to follow him towards his car.
“What happened?” Yixing asks and Wufan sighed, “Well, there’s this lawyer of a different firm who lost to me in a case. The securities seemed to accidentally let him pass and went to my office, causing chaos there, throwing anything while I tried restraining him.”
“Why would he do that to you? I mean, aren’t lawyers supposed to be professionals?” Yixing just asked and Wufan answered him, “Yes, we are. But this one seemed to be out of his mind and losing is a major crush on his ego. I guess I intimidated him too much.”
“What a lame guy,” Yixing whistles when they reached Wufan’s car.
Once they’re inside the car, after having their seatbelts on, Wufan placed the envelope on the backseat before he turns to ask Yixing, “What about you, don’t I intimidate you?”
Yixing shook his head and replied merrily, “Nah, not my thing to be intimidated with people. I easily become comfortable with new acquaintances especially when they’re nice to me. Actually, I don’t even care about levelling of people in statuses. But hey, don’t accuse me of an informal guy all the time though, because I could act civil whenever needed to.”
Wufan smiled and thought Yixing’s answer subtle.
“So before we go to your cousin’s case, tell me about yourself, Yixing,” Wufan started while he pulled out from the building’s lot.
“I’m a music teacher for children and I’m pretty good at what I do,” Yixing said proudly and Wufan nods in understanding.
They talked more and eventually forgot why they even needed to meet that time.
After stopping by a pharmacy store, Wufan drove to the nearest restaurant and led Yixing inside. Once in, Wufan was smiling suspiciously and Yixing raises a brow at him, “Why’re you smiling like that?”
Wufan sighed at first but in the end, grinned, “I forgot to tell you the only thing I could discuss to you about the case is nothing since you’ve given me the document. I e-mailed them for Lu Han to print and sign and give me personally but I guess it’s all done and I just need to wait for him to meet me.”
Yixing was dumbfounded and the waiter came to get their orders. Wufan ordered for them and when the waiter went away, Yixing was still confused.
“Why did you make me follow you here then?” Yixing asks Wufan. The latter just smiled half-shyly and modestly as he replied, “Would it be too honest for a lawyer like me to say I just want to talk to you?”
“I like honest people,” Yixing just grinned widely and Wufan couldn’t help but smile in relief.
Maybe that was the time their love started...
***
Two years ago,
“Oops!” Yixing trips again and almost fell on the floor if not Wufan catching him on time.
“You’re too clumsy,” Wufan scolds and Yixing just grinned sheepishly, “It’s the reason you and I met, for your information.”
“We’d still meet that time even if you didn’t trip, for your information also,” Wufan smirks at the grinning Yixing and the latter counters back, “But it’ll minus the dramatic effect of our meeting if it weren’t for my clumsiness.”
Wufan laughs at his lover for being stubborn and the latter just pouted at him.
They started going out after some few dates and today’s supposed to be their anniversary after their first meeting. And Wufan didn’t want a scratched nosed Yixing for their date.
“Here, it would be safer if you place your hand in my pocket and stay close.” Wufan started as he pulls Yixing’s left hand into his front pants pocket and his own left hand holding on Yixing’s right one.
“See?” Wufan smiles as he led the walk.
“This is too close, people might stare,” Yixing blushes crimson but he only felt the vibrating sound of Wufan’s laugh. “Let them stare then, at least they’ll know you’re mine.”
Yixing smiled softly as he leaned on Wufan’s shoulder, “I’m glad I agreed to migrate here in Canada.”
“I’m thankful your mom was very persuasive.” Wufan replies and both fell into a light laughter.
When they had stirred, Wufan looks at their destination and pleased to see they’re coming near. Then, he remembered something and asked his lover, “My parents said they missed you, would you like to visit some time?”
“I’d love to. Mine are pretty busy these days so I guess it’s fine being someone’s son for awhile,” Yixing answers back and chuckled. Wufan just smiled as he nudges Yixing, “I’ll call mom. And there’s the restaurant we first spent our first lunch, Yixing,” pointing at the said establishment.
Yixing couldn’t help but feel nostalgia inside him and recall the time Wufan lured him to have lunch together when it wasn’t necessary to meet and he just needed to deliver the papers from Lu Han only.
Sometimes he thinks what he had done in his previous life to deserve Wufan? Wufan was a hard-working lawyer and an honest man, though he could play a story around to win a case. He specializes in business problems, where Yixing understood Wufan dealt with Estafa cases and such. The ironic part of their relationship was even though Wufan is a lawyer, he never lied to Yixing. He told the latter every little thing about him and so as the other also.
However, Yixing always knew when Wufan is stressed. The latter would hug and cuddle him more than the usual times he did, and that is the cue for Yixing to ask what the problem is. Every time stress overcomes Wufan, Yixing always felt special when Wufan would look for him and hold him, telling Yixing how much he really loved him
For Wufan, Yixing was a gift from heaven. Yixing was always there for him. How he never felt different within Yixing’s view. Yixing wasn’t like the other people who thought wrong of Wufan. In fact, Yixing was right about himself; he never gets intimidated nor is affected by people that easily.
And that is the part Wufan loved about him also. Yixing was understanding and always had that cheerful vibes around him that makes people go along with it. Even the strict cousin of his, Lu Han, can’t help but soften to Yixing whenever the latter does something wrong or mostly clumsy.
The time Wufan enjoyed though was when Yixing will go to his class and will be oblivious to the fact Wufan was watching him from the window of the class door. Wufan would always end up staying there until the first subject ended because the way Yixing smiled and taught his students so passionately never fails to move him.
Of course the misunderstanding and fights couldn’t be avoided.
Like when Wufan got jealous of Yixing’s ex-boyfriend, Jongin, visiting the school Yixing worked for. He asked Lu Han about a certain guy he saw walking around the school and he realized it was Jongin, Yixing’s ex-lover. Wufan was furious that time. He ended up confronting Yixing that night but got dumbfounded when Yixing told him about Jongin’s younger brother attending the school and the latter’s only fetching the boy.
Yixing assured him there was nothing more in their relationship now and the way his eyes showed sincerity as he said those words were the reason why Wufan’s heart gushed out relief.
So many things happened, many people they met, fights they had encountered, and make-ups that always end up with them in bed, holding each other like there was no tomorrow.
***
Present,
They had reached their apartment and were ready for work. It had become a habit of them to walk to their favourite coffee shop to have their breakfast and walk back to their shared place to get dressed for their jobs. Perhaps it means it’ll stay like that for the rest of their lives.
“I’ll see you later then,” Wufan waves goodbye from his lover after he had dropped him off to school and Yixing smiles as he leans in to kiss his boyfriend deeply.
“See you,” Yixing gave him a goofy smile before going out the car, leaving Wufan asking for more.
“Damn tease,” Wufan cursed inside his mind as he watched Yixing waves once more before going in the building. Wufan then sighed and drives towards his own workplace.
Several hours passed and Yixing got home before Wufan did. Yixing concluded it might be the busy days in the office again so he settled on cooking their dinner first.
But hours passed by again and it was already past midnight. No Wufan entered the apartment yet nor did Yixing receive a call. He tried calling him but Wufan’s own phone was off also.
Sitting at the table, the hours get later
He was supposed to be here
Sure he would have called
He waits a little longer, there's no one in the driveway
Yixing then decided to call the office. He’s getting worried, worried sick.
But when he called, the firm only told him that Wufan had just gotten out half-an-hour ago. And the drive from the office to their apartment doesn’t even reach a whole damn ten minute range of time. Yixing tried calling friends who always meet Wufan on his way home but they all answered they didn’t see him.
Yixing grew pale as he didn’t know what to do.
No one's said they seen him
Why, is something wrong?
He looks back to the window
Suddenly the phone rings
And that was when Yixing swiftly goes to their home phone, miraculously avoiding tripping over the smooth floor.
“Hello?” Yixing answers the call as his hands shook with no reason, feeling a bit nervous.
‘Is this Wu Yifan’s home phone?’ a voice said over the line, mainly an older woman’s voice.
Yixing tried sounding calm, “Yes, this is his roommate.”
‘Oh, he left his wallet here in my flower shop so I thought he is home. Could you tell him once he gets there?’
“Sure.” Yixing didn’t feel relieved.
When the woman was already hanging up, Yixing managed to ask once more, “Wait! Uhm, could you tell me where is that place?”
With his handphone on his hand, Yixing listed the address immediately.
After the call, Yixing grabs his coat and ran outside the apartment where he hailed a taxi.
There is so many reasons he could believe Wufan is just fine. His phone might be in dead battery or he was just on his way home now.
But within Yixing’s mind, a voice says something’s happened, that he should come right now.
Upon reaching the flower shop in five minutes, he immediately recognized the old woman behind the counter by her voice. “Oh dear, you’re fast on coming here,” the old woman commented but was also surprised by Yixing’s sudden appearance.
“Uhm, what time did he leave, ma’am?” Yixing asked politely and the woman thought for awhile before answering, “When I called you, it was just a minute he left. I’m sorry I couldn’t catch up with him in my state.”
That was when Yixing saw the woman was crippled and was only relying on a wheel chair.
“It’s already midnight and I’m the only shop that goes open after two.” The woman explained further as she was really sorry because Yixing looked worried for his roommate.
“I’d still catch him. Thank you, ma’am,” Yixing abruptly puts Wufan’s wallet in his pocket while he goes out the shop. When he got out, he immediately saw Wufan’s car parked across the road since the shop didn’t have any parking space.
But where’s Wufan?
Yixing’s heartbeat pumped abnormally in nervousness. He ran across the street and then heard noises.
‘Where’s your fucking wallet?!’, ‘Son of a bitch didn’t have any money on him!’, ‘Should we just get his car?’, ‘Let’s wait for Bry. The bastard’s taking long to get his bat for this motherfucker.’ ‘You going to kill him with a bat?’, ‘More fun than knives, asshole.’
When Yixing saw a police officer coming by, he immediately made a scene.
“Officer! Help! Someone’s going to kill my friend there!” Yixing shouted pleadingly as the officer immediately pulled out his gun and asked for arrest on his radio, clearly calling back-up. Yixing felt adrenaline inside him and in few seconds; police officers added and came in the alley.
‘Oh Shit the police!’ Yixing heard as he couldn’t get past to the alley to see what was happening since one officer was holding him back. He heard running, cursing, and handcuffs.
When the police arrested five thugs, Yixing couldn’t eye them when they were closed in a police car. Yixing only cared for the victim in that alley.
“Yi..xing,” a voice called and Yixing knew who it was. He ran inside the alley and saw Wufan, refusing to be assisted by an officer as he held on the brick wall for support. Yixing’s eyes began to ache while he didn’t notice the tears coming out from the start. Wufan, bleeding, and the floor covered from his blood-spits - red roses scattered around and white pills spilled from a medicine bottle.
“Are you alright?!” Yixing asks as he got near a beat up Wufan, his body limping and his face full of wounds. The police officer left them and joined the crew interrogating the thieves. Yixing looked at Wufan worriedly and touched the unhurt part of his face. “Does it hurt?” Yixing asks and he placed his hand on Wufan’s chest.
And then they heard one officer, “Shit! Behind you!”
Yixing saw it despite the darkness. A figure approaching Wufan from behind holding a long thing on his hands, planning to hit Wufan.
And all Yixing could think of is not losing Wufan as he turned their positions around, taking the blow instead.
Sound of an aluminium bat hitting his head hard echoed through that dark alley as Wufan caught him in his arms despite his own sore body. Police trapped the person on the ground as they harshly pulled his hands behind to handcuff him while others came to the two and called ambulance.
Wufan’s hearing ability diminished when he realized that Yixing was snapping out of consciousness.
“Yixing! Yixing! Don’t you dare... Yixing!” Wufan kept shouting his name as the latter’s eyes came drooping and only saw Wufan. The latter tried waking him to consciousness but only felt blood on his hands from holding Yixing’s head.
Yixing didn’t know what to feel or see or care now. His aching head... or an anguished Wufan crying in front of him - he could only smile now... as his mind goes to December, he thinks of when he asked him.
He bent down on his knees first. And he said
“I, I want you forever, forever and always. Through the good and the bad and the ugly. We'll grow old together. Forever and always... Yixing, will you marry me? Baby, please?” Wufan’s eyes showed how much he meant every word and showed a ring to Yixing; still placed in a velvet box, a white gold ring with a crystal-like stud in the center, Yixing didn’t know if it was diamond or what for he’s afraid to know Wufan would spend too much for him to just say yes.
“Of course, I will marry you, Wufan. But... are you really sure I’m the one you want to grow old with? Knowing I can’t give you a family of your own?” Yixing asks cautiously but Wufan merely shook his head as he slips the ring on his ring finger.
“You are enough. And I would be happy if you want to adopt...” Wufan smiled hopefully and Yixing’s face told him he couldn’t agree more.
“Thank you,” Yixing smiled earnestly as Wufan stood up and pulled him for a kiss.
“For marrying you?” Wufan asks teasingly while those amused eyes kept steady on Yixing. The latter just stifled a giggle and said, “For keeping up from my clumsiness and everything about me.”
“Its part of the package I’m receiving,” Wufan smiles back and placed a long kiss on Yixing’s forehead.
“I wonder how many times you’ll say forever and always?” Yixing asks and Wufan could only grin wider, “Much as long as you want me to.”
Yixing felt the time stop by then. Wufan always said that, as much as he wants to... as long as he wants to. Wishing it would last for a lifetime. Wishing it’ll stop there...
“Yixing!”
A voice called him suddenly. What? It was Wufan’s voice. But Wufan’s in front of him... And he’s smiling... back to the beach where he proposed, isn’t he supposed to be here?
“Yixing, please! Stay alive, okay?!”
Now Yixing was confused. No. He chooses to be here with Wufan, he can’t leave. No matter whom that person who’s calling him, he couldn’t leave Wufan here. This is his sanctuary, where every memory of Wufan lies to be only seen by him. He couldn’t leave. He couldn’t.
***
He pulls up to the entrance
He walks right to the front desk
They lead him down a million halls a maze that's never ending
They talk about what happened but he can barely hear them
He tries to keep a straight face as he walks into the room
He sits by his bedside, holds his hand too tight.
“Wufan, you need to sleep,” Mrs. Zhang tried persuading the unmoving Wufan who’s been beside Yixing all this while. Two days of no waking Yixing and Wufan almost lived in the hospital as his clothes were packed there to guard Yixing, the only time he’ll leave was when he’ll shower or eat.
“I’m fine, auntie. I could still stay,” Wufan assured her lifelessly and the older lady couldn’t do anything but sigh.
Wufan felt his tears coming back as he thought of a simple surprise of flowers for his fiancé could turn into something dreadful like this - Yixing lying on a hospital bed, sleeping with no sure time of his waking up. He shouldn’t have let this happen; he should have received that blow instead. And he knows anytime now he will feel the tightening feeling inside his chest...
“But you should take your medication also,” Mrs. Zhang sounded worried as she also knows another truth about Wufan. Wufan clenched his jaw in realization and couldn’t anything but stand up slowly. He bowed to Yixing’s mom before walking out the room reluctantly, taking a last glimpse on Yixing and the ring Wufan slipped in his ring finger earlier.
He might have missed some information but the doctor talked about Yixing’s condition as unstable. The aluminium bat hit him hard and it was said it was even a miracle for Yixing to survive the impact, now the consequences the doctor warned them was the fact that Yixing might remember and forget some things when he wakes up.
Wufan sighed as he wished for the best and not the worst. He was already thankful enough that Yixing’s alive, any consequence he’ll face he’ll surely overcome it as long as Yixing is there.
It was few floors and sideways before Wufan then reached the hospital’s room of specialized doctors. He entered one office which had a silver plate carved in a name ‘Dr. Julian Carpe, M.D - Specialist in Heart and Lung Diseases.’
“Wufan, I thought you’d forgotten.” Dr. Carpe held his brown gaze towards Wufan who sat across him.
“Some...-thing happened,” Wufan tried explaining but the middle-aged doctor just replied nonchalantly, “I can see why,” pointing at the bruises on his face. Wufan remained quiet as Dr. Carpe looked at him and finally sighed as he puts down his glasses on his table.
“Wufan, you do understand your condition is not compatible with stress and too much physical injuries,” he clearly reminded the man in front of him but only gained a nod.
Dr. Carpe didn’t say anything else but pulled out some bottled pills from his medicine drawer from his desk.
“Here, same intake as before.” He gave the bottle to Wufan and the latter accepted it with a thank you.
“But you never really had any specific name for my illness,” Wufan suddenly asked and the doctor merely answered, “There is still no agreed name since it’s only hundreds of you in the whole world for that unknown sickness.”
“I’m going to die young,” Wufan stated it more as a sure sentence instead of a question.
“Why are you so negative, Wufan? I told you, your illness is predictable as far as I know and as long as you take these medicines, you’re safe. But too much stress will of course cause you heart attack, I mean, the way your chest will tighten inside you is the same feeling but believe me when I say it isn’t literal heart attack.” Dr. Carpe tried to explain in a more comprehensible way but Wufan just shrugged him off, “It isn’t heart attack but a tightening feeling inside my chest and you still don’t have a name for that symptom. All I know is these pills prevent these feelings.”
“I just hope this fiancé of yours knows that,” Dr. Carpe said calmly and Wufan answered, “That’s the hard part, Julian. He accepted everything about me even this useless illness of mine which you refuse to explain detail by detail to me. And now I see him comatose from a hit I should have received.”
“No one deserved to be hit, Wufan. And yes I won’t explain about it since my terms won’t be understood by you anyways. Remember, you signed the papers of agreeing with it,” Dr. Carpe whom Wufan had addressed as Julian already only smiled.
“I just wish it’s not a bad truth you’re hiding from me,” Wufan sighs and pops a pill in his mouth, then accepted a glass of water from Julian’s assistant.
“It’s not. I won’t be even smiling to you if I’m hiding something unacceptable,” Julian said amusedly and Wufan only stared at him.
“I can’t lie, Wufan, and that is why I dropped law and went for medicine, right?” Julian stated and Wufan just nodded in agreement. After realizing to have stayed enough, Wufan had declared his cue to go back to Yixing’s room already.
Dr. Carpe walked him out and Wufan immediately went to Yixing’s room on the sixth floor. Wufan was then confused as he saw Yixing’s doctor went out his room and goes the opposite direction from Wufan.
Upon entering the room, Yixing’s mom and Wufan’s were there, jumping in joy as they props a woken Yixing in a sitting position. Wufan widens his eyes in surprise as he hurriedly walked in front of Yixing.
“Yixing, are you okay now?” Wufan asks frantically and Mrs. Zhang was smiling in joy as she answered for his son, “Oh Wufan, he remembers me and everything I know he knows so we’re all lucky to have Yixing back. And I already called Lu Han since he’s been worried…”
Wufan nodded while he patiently waited for Yixing’s reply.
“Mom?” Yixing calls his mother as he never left Wufan’s burning stare but tilted his head in confusion.
“Yes, honey?” Mrs. Zhang asks in intuition as she continues fixing the flowers on the vase on his bedside table.
“Yixing,” Wufan calls again and Yixing finally asked, “Mom, who is this guy?”
And that was when every eye landed on Yixing and the most tormented gaze came from the paralyzed Wufan.
Panic rushed inside Wufan while he remained still on his place.
“H-honey, Yixing, don’t you remember Wufan at all?” Mrs. Zhang tried coaxing his son and left the flowers to sit beside her son.
Yixing simply shook his head and turned to ask, “I don’t. Why am I here at the first place? Aren’t I supposed to be in class for my music major now?”
Mrs. Zhang’s lips turned in a grim line as realization hit her. Wufan was still standing still and Mrs. Wu decided to call the Doctor then.
“Yixing, what exactly do you remember the last time before you woke up here?” Mrs. Zhang calmly asked his son and the latter only replied, “I’m on my way to my new school. I’m already in my first year college, aren’t I?”
Wufan then knew immediately what part of Yixing’s life was that time. What Yixing told him about himself, Wufan now found it more difficult since this is the crucial timeline of Yixing’s life memory.
Mrs. Zhang was in quiet agony as she finds herself and her son in this phase again.
Part 2
Romance, Fluff, Drama | R
Warning: Please don’t take the plot too seriously; some unexplained medical situations may occur.
Summary: They still exchanged their vows of love for each other even though they know in minutes the other will be gone forever.
Vows to be Kept Until the End
“I love you forever.” Wufan says sincerely to his lover as they walk the snowy road towards their apartment.
“Forever and Always?” Yixing asks back as he held on that cheeky smile, slipping his right hand in Wufan’s left coat pocket for warmth while the other held Wufan’s left hand.
“Forever and Always,” Wufan assured with that small smile which showed how he felt for Yixing. With his free right hand, he brushed a few strands of hair from Yixing’s forehead and placed a light peck there.
“I wonder if you’ll be able to stay cheesy like that for forever,” Yixing joked as he cuddled closer to Wufan’s warm side.
“As long you want me to,” Wufan only replied and chuckled.
They were always like that - sweet and giving to each other. It was convenient to say for them how forever and always sounded so easy...
“Don’t worry, Wufan, I’d believe we’d be able to surpass any problems in the future,” Yixing assured once again as he showed confidence within that gesture, that made Wufan’s hiding doubt vanish in second.
It all started years back.
***
Three years ago,
Wufan was known as the most unapproachable person in their office. They all felt intimidated by him. And he didn’t like it. He used to have fun back in college. It was rather new for him to meet new people in his work. Being in a firm meant competition and Wufan didn’t know if he’ll be able to have real buddies here. Especially when he knows he was being glared at behind his back whenever he wins another case. And secrets he never wanted to share with these people are the things he is very careful of.
Perhaps seeing friends from his school were the only times he let out his stress.
Until he met this clumsy young guy around his age trip over in front of him and landed face contact with the ground.
Wufan was on his way back to his firm when Yixing came running towards his direction but tripped. He was in sneakers and chequered red dress-shirt with worn-out jeans.
“Are you alright?!” Wufan immediately offered assistance and the guy with a guitar on his back stood up. Bending down was the worst decision because as the guitar guy stood, the edge of the guitar hit Wufan’s chin.
Wufan let out a sound of pain as he stomped a few steps back from the impact.
“Oh my, I’m very sorry, mister!” Yixing approaches and felt more worried for the guy in suit instead of his own scratched nose.
“I-I’m fine,” Wufan assures him while he waved a hand up and down to let Yixing stay in his place as he rubbed his chin. “I guess you should look at your nose more,” Wufan saw a clear sight of Yixing and immediately noticed a red patch of scratch on the latter’s nose.
“Oh shit I hope it isn’t broken,” Yixing carefully looks in between and tried touching it but felt stinging pain instead. He yelps in surprise and Wufan shook his head in defeat. “What are you doing running here though? You alright?”
And then he saw Yixing smile so brightly.
“My cousin told me to meet someone in this firm for him since he can’t go due to his cold,” Yixing answered and Wufan inquired, “What’s his name? Your cousin, I mean, because I could check on the appointments in the reception if you would like.”
He started walking and Yixing followed suit.
“Oh how thoughtful of you!” Yixing clasp his hands together and smiled more. He started, “His name’s Lu Han! I think the lawyer he wants me to meet is named... Wu Yifan. He wants me to give him this,” and shows a yellow medium-sized envelope. Wufan stopped suddenly.
“Is that so?” Wufan smiled for the first time and Yixing blinked few times before answering, “Yes. Why did you stop?”
“Because my name’s Wu Yifan. You can call me Wufan though, and Lu Han’s my colleague who’s asking my guidance for his right to the lot he bought just recently.” Wufan said with amused expression. He then just watched Yixing’s sudden realization of the event, reaching for the envelope as he did so.
“Oh damn. I’m really sorry awhile ago! My cousin will kill me if he knew what I’ve done clumsily again. He told me to be as formal as I could...” Yixing sounded like a kid in trouble and Wufan couldn’t help but laugh.
Yixing looked at him bewilderingly and Wufan just answered, “Don’t worry. I’ve always met my clients formally inside that building but I guess consider earlier an accidental meeting.”
Yixing sighed in relief and whispered, “Just don’t tell my cousin. He’s so nagging whenever it comes to me defying his suggestions about being a grown-up. By the way, I’m Zhang Yixing.”
Wufan nodded and both exchanged a handshake. Then Wufan pointed his thumb towards the parking lot instead of the building, “Well then, Yixing, my car’s over there. I would really appreciate it if we talked in a coffee shop or any place you like and buy you some band aid for that nose.”
Yixing fiddled with his fingers as he blows air up to his fringes, “I guess I should have considered dressing up formally so that you won’t be having problems with me entering your office with this get-up.”
Wufan raised a brow to realize what Yixing was talking about and suddenly chuckled. Yixing looks at him and then the former explained, “I don’t particularly choose my clients’ get-up when they meet me, Yixing. It was just because my office’s too cluttered right now because of someone.”
“Oh?” Yixing shot him a curious look but Wufan just gestured him to follow him towards his car.
“What happened?” Yixing asks and Wufan sighed, “Well, there’s this lawyer of a different firm who lost to me in a case. The securities seemed to accidentally let him pass and went to my office, causing chaos there, throwing anything while I tried restraining him.”
“Why would he do that to you? I mean, aren’t lawyers supposed to be professionals?” Yixing just asked and Wufan answered him, “Yes, we are. But this one seemed to be out of his mind and losing is a major crush on his ego. I guess I intimidated him too much.”
“What a lame guy,” Yixing whistles when they reached Wufan’s car.
Once they’re inside the car, after having their seatbelts on, Wufan placed the envelope on the backseat before he turns to ask Yixing, “What about you, don’t I intimidate you?”
Yixing shook his head and replied merrily, “Nah, not my thing to be intimidated with people. I easily become comfortable with new acquaintances especially when they’re nice to me. Actually, I don’t even care about levelling of people in statuses. But hey, don’t accuse me of an informal guy all the time though, because I could act civil whenever needed to.”
Wufan smiled and thought Yixing’s answer subtle.
“So before we go to your cousin’s case, tell me about yourself, Yixing,” Wufan started while he pulled out from the building’s lot.
“I’m a music teacher for children and I’m pretty good at what I do,” Yixing said proudly and Wufan nods in understanding.
They talked more and eventually forgot why they even needed to meet that time.
After stopping by a pharmacy store, Wufan drove to the nearest restaurant and led Yixing inside. Once in, Wufan was smiling suspiciously and Yixing raises a brow at him, “Why’re you smiling like that?”
Wufan sighed at first but in the end, grinned, “I forgot to tell you the only thing I could discuss to you about the case is nothing since you’ve given me the document. I e-mailed them for Lu Han to print and sign and give me personally but I guess it’s all done and I just need to wait for him to meet me.”
Yixing was dumbfounded and the waiter came to get their orders. Wufan ordered for them and when the waiter went away, Yixing was still confused.
“Why did you make me follow you here then?” Yixing asks Wufan. The latter just smiled half-shyly and modestly as he replied, “Would it be too honest for a lawyer like me to say I just want to talk to you?”
“I like honest people,” Yixing just grinned widely and Wufan couldn’t help but smile in relief.
Maybe that was the time their love started...
***
Two years ago,
“Oops!” Yixing trips again and almost fell on the floor if not Wufan catching him on time.
“You’re too clumsy,” Wufan scolds and Yixing just grinned sheepishly, “It’s the reason you and I met, for your information.”
“We’d still meet that time even if you didn’t trip, for your information also,” Wufan smirks at the grinning Yixing and the latter counters back, “But it’ll minus the dramatic effect of our meeting if it weren’t for my clumsiness.”
Wufan laughs at his lover for being stubborn and the latter just pouted at him.
They started going out after some few dates and today’s supposed to be their anniversary after their first meeting. And Wufan didn’t want a scratched nosed Yixing for their date.
“Here, it would be safer if you place your hand in my pocket and stay close.” Wufan started as he pulls Yixing’s left hand into his front pants pocket and his own left hand holding on Yixing’s right one.
“See?” Wufan smiles as he led the walk.
“This is too close, people might stare,” Yixing blushes crimson but he only felt the vibrating sound of Wufan’s laugh. “Let them stare then, at least they’ll know you’re mine.”
Yixing smiled softly as he leaned on Wufan’s shoulder, “I’m glad I agreed to migrate here in Canada.”
“I’m thankful your mom was very persuasive.” Wufan replies and both fell into a light laughter.
When they had stirred, Wufan looks at their destination and pleased to see they’re coming near. Then, he remembered something and asked his lover, “My parents said they missed you, would you like to visit some time?”
“I’d love to. Mine are pretty busy these days so I guess it’s fine being someone’s son for awhile,” Yixing answers back and chuckled. Wufan just smiled as he nudges Yixing, “I’ll call mom. And there’s the restaurant we first spent our first lunch, Yixing,” pointing at the said establishment.
Yixing couldn’t help but feel nostalgia inside him and recall the time Wufan lured him to have lunch together when it wasn’t necessary to meet and he just needed to deliver the papers from Lu Han only.
Sometimes he thinks what he had done in his previous life to deserve Wufan? Wufan was a hard-working lawyer and an honest man, though he could play a story around to win a case. He specializes in business problems, where Yixing understood Wufan dealt with Estafa cases and such. The ironic part of their relationship was even though Wufan is a lawyer, he never lied to Yixing. He told the latter every little thing about him and so as the other also.
However, Yixing always knew when Wufan is stressed. The latter would hug and cuddle him more than the usual times he did, and that is the cue for Yixing to ask what the problem is. Every time stress overcomes Wufan, Yixing always felt special when Wufan would look for him and hold him, telling Yixing how much he really loved him
For Wufan, Yixing was a gift from heaven. Yixing was always there for him. How he never felt different within Yixing’s view. Yixing wasn’t like the other people who thought wrong of Wufan. In fact, Yixing was right about himself; he never gets intimidated nor is affected by people that easily.
And that is the part Wufan loved about him also. Yixing was understanding and always had that cheerful vibes around him that makes people go along with it. Even the strict cousin of his, Lu Han, can’t help but soften to Yixing whenever the latter does something wrong or mostly clumsy.
The time Wufan enjoyed though was when Yixing will go to his class and will be oblivious to the fact Wufan was watching him from the window of the class door. Wufan would always end up staying there until the first subject ended because the way Yixing smiled and taught his students so passionately never fails to move him.
Of course the misunderstanding and fights couldn’t be avoided.
Like when Wufan got jealous of Yixing’s ex-boyfriend, Jongin, visiting the school Yixing worked for. He asked Lu Han about a certain guy he saw walking around the school and he realized it was Jongin, Yixing’s ex-lover. Wufan was furious that time. He ended up confronting Yixing that night but got dumbfounded when Yixing told him about Jongin’s younger brother attending the school and the latter’s only fetching the boy.
Yixing assured him there was nothing more in their relationship now and the way his eyes showed sincerity as he said those words were the reason why Wufan’s heart gushed out relief.
So many things happened, many people they met, fights they had encountered, and make-ups that always end up with them in bed, holding each other like there was no tomorrow.
***
Present,
They had reached their apartment and were ready for work. It had become a habit of them to walk to their favourite coffee shop to have their breakfast and walk back to their shared place to get dressed for their jobs. Perhaps it means it’ll stay like that for the rest of their lives.
“I’ll see you later then,” Wufan waves goodbye from his lover after he had dropped him off to school and Yixing smiles as he leans in to kiss his boyfriend deeply.
“See you,” Yixing gave him a goofy smile before going out the car, leaving Wufan asking for more.
“Damn tease,” Wufan cursed inside his mind as he watched Yixing waves once more before going in the building. Wufan then sighed and drives towards his own workplace.
Several hours passed and Yixing got home before Wufan did. Yixing concluded it might be the busy days in the office again so he settled on cooking their dinner first.
But hours passed by again and it was already past midnight. No Wufan entered the apartment yet nor did Yixing receive a call. He tried calling him but Wufan’s own phone was off also.
Sitting at the table, the hours get later
He was supposed to be here
Sure he would have called
He waits a little longer, there's no one in the driveway
Yixing then decided to call the office. He’s getting worried, worried sick.
But when he called, the firm only told him that Wufan had just gotten out half-an-hour ago. And the drive from the office to their apartment doesn’t even reach a whole damn ten minute range of time. Yixing tried calling friends who always meet Wufan on his way home but they all answered they didn’t see him.
Yixing grew pale as he didn’t know what to do.
No one's said they seen him
Why, is something wrong?
He looks back to the window
Suddenly the phone rings
And that was when Yixing swiftly goes to their home phone, miraculously avoiding tripping over the smooth floor.
“Hello?” Yixing answers the call as his hands shook with no reason, feeling a bit nervous.
‘Is this Wu Yifan’s home phone?’ a voice said over the line, mainly an older woman’s voice.
Yixing tried sounding calm, “Yes, this is his roommate.”
‘Oh, he left his wallet here in my flower shop so I thought he is home. Could you tell him once he gets there?’
“Sure.” Yixing didn’t feel relieved.
When the woman was already hanging up, Yixing managed to ask once more, “Wait! Uhm, could you tell me where is that place?”
With his handphone on his hand, Yixing listed the address immediately.
After the call, Yixing grabs his coat and ran outside the apartment where he hailed a taxi.
There is so many reasons he could believe Wufan is just fine. His phone might be in dead battery or he was just on his way home now.
But within Yixing’s mind, a voice says something’s happened, that he should come right now.
Upon reaching the flower shop in five minutes, he immediately recognized the old woman behind the counter by her voice. “Oh dear, you’re fast on coming here,” the old woman commented but was also surprised by Yixing’s sudden appearance.
“Uhm, what time did he leave, ma’am?” Yixing asked politely and the woman thought for awhile before answering, “When I called you, it was just a minute he left. I’m sorry I couldn’t catch up with him in my state.”
That was when Yixing saw the woman was crippled and was only relying on a wheel chair.
“It’s already midnight and I’m the only shop that goes open after two.” The woman explained further as she was really sorry because Yixing looked worried for his roommate.
“I’d still catch him. Thank you, ma’am,” Yixing abruptly puts Wufan’s wallet in his pocket while he goes out the shop. When he got out, he immediately saw Wufan’s car parked across the road since the shop didn’t have any parking space.
But where’s Wufan?
Yixing’s heartbeat pumped abnormally in nervousness. He ran across the street and then heard noises.
‘Where’s your fucking wallet?!’, ‘Son of a bitch didn’t have any money on him!’, ‘Should we just get his car?’, ‘Let’s wait for Bry. The bastard’s taking long to get his bat for this motherfucker.’ ‘You going to kill him with a bat?’, ‘More fun than knives, asshole.’
When Yixing saw a police officer coming by, he immediately made a scene.
“Officer! Help! Someone’s going to kill my friend there!” Yixing shouted pleadingly as the officer immediately pulled out his gun and asked for arrest on his radio, clearly calling back-up. Yixing felt adrenaline inside him and in few seconds; police officers added and came in the alley.
‘Oh Shit the police!’ Yixing heard as he couldn’t get past to the alley to see what was happening since one officer was holding him back. He heard running, cursing, and handcuffs.
When the police arrested five thugs, Yixing couldn’t eye them when they were closed in a police car. Yixing only cared for the victim in that alley.
“Yi..xing,” a voice called and Yixing knew who it was. He ran inside the alley and saw Wufan, refusing to be assisted by an officer as he held on the brick wall for support. Yixing’s eyes began to ache while he didn’t notice the tears coming out from the start. Wufan, bleeding, and the floor covered from his blood-spits - red roses scattered around and white pills spilled from a medicine bottle.
“Are you alright?!” Yixing asks as he got near a beat up Wufan, his body limping and his face full of wounds. The police officer left them and joined the crew interrogating the thieves. Yixing looked at Wufan worriedly and touched the unhurt part of his face. “Does it hurt?” Yixing asks and he placed his hand on Wufan’s chest.
And then they heard one officer, “Shit! Behind you!”
Yixing saw it despite the darkness. A figure approaching Wufan from behind holding a long thing on his hands, planning to hit Wufan.
And all Yixing could think of is not losing Wufan as he turned their positions around, taking the blow instead.
Sound of an aluminium bat hitting his head hard echoed through that dark alley as Wufan caught him in his arms despite his own sore body. Police trapped the person on the ground as they harshly pulled his hands behind to handcuff him while others came to the two and called ambulance.
Wufan’s hearing ability diminished when he realized that Yixing was snapping out of consciousness.
“Yixing! Yixing! Don’t you dare... Yixing!” Wufan kept shouting his name as the latter’s eyes came drooping and only saw Wufan. The latter tried waking him to consciousness but only felt blood on his hands from holding Yixing’s head.
Yixing didn’t know what to feel or see or care now. His aching head... or an anguished Wufan crying in front of him - he could only smile now... as his mind goes to December, he thinks of when he asked him.
He bent down on his knees first. And he said
“I, I want you forever, forever and always. Through the good and the bad and the ugly. We'll grow old together. Forever and always... Yixing, will you marry me? Baby, please?” Wufan’s eyes showed how much he meant every word and showed a ring to Yixing; still placed in a velvet box, a white gold ring with a crystal-like stud in the center, Yixing didn’t know if it was diamond or what for he’s afraid to know Wufan would spend too much for him to just say yes.
“Of course, I will marry you, Wufan. But... are you really sure I’m the one you want to grow old with? Knowing I can’t give you a family of your own?” Yixing asks cautiously but Wufan merely shook his head as he slips the ring on his ring finger.
“You are enough. And I would be happy if you want to adopt...” Wufan smiled hopefully and Yixing’s face told him he couldn’t agree more.
“Thank you,” Yixing smiled earnestly as Wufan stood up and pulled him for a kiss.
“For marrying you?” Wufan asks teasingly while those amused eyes kept steady on Yixing. The latter just stifled a giggle and said, “For keeping up from my clumsiness and everything about me.”
“Its part of the package I’m receiving,” Wufan smiles back and placed a long kiss on Yixing’s forehead.
“I wonder how many times you’ll say forever and always?” Yixing asks and Wufan could only grin wider, “Much as long as you want me to.”
Yixing felt the time stop by then. Wufan always said that, as much as he wants to... as long as he wants to. Wishing it would last for a lifetime. Wishing it’ll stop there...
“Yixing!”
A voice called him suddenly. What? It was Wufan’s voice. But Wufan’s in front of him... And he’s smiling... back to the beach where he proposed, isn’t he supposed to be here?
“Yixing, please! Stay alive, okay?!”
Now Yixing was confused. No. He chooses to be here with Wufan, he can’t leave. No matter whom that person who’s calling him, he couldn’t leave Wufan here. This is his sanctuary, where every memory of Wufan lies to be only seen by him. He couldn’t leave. He couldn’t.
***
He pulls up to the entrance
He walks right to the front desk
They lead him down a million halls a maze that's never ending
They talk about what happened but he can barely hear them
He tries to keep a straight face as he walks into the room
He sits by his bedside, holds his hand too tight.
“Wufan, you need to sleep,” Mrs. Zhang tried persuading the unmoving Wufan who’s been beside Yixing all this while. Two days of no waking Yixing and Wufan almost lived in the hospital as his clothes were packed there to guard Yixing, the only time he’ll leave was when he’ll shower or eat.
“I’m fine, auntie. I could still stay,” Wufan assured her lifelessly and the older lady couldn’t do anything but sigh.
Wufan felt his tears coming back as he thought of a simple surprise of flowers for his fiancé could turn into something dreadful like this - Yixing lying on a hospital bed, sleeping with no sure time of his waking up. He shouldn’t have let this happen; he should have received that blow instead. And he knows anytime now he will feel the tightening feeling inside his chest...
“But you should take your medication also,” Mrs. Zhang sounded worried as she also knows another truth about Wufan. Wufan clenched his jaw in realization and couldn’t anything but stand up slowly. He bowed to Yixing’s mom before walking out the room reluctantly, taking a last glimpse on Yixing and the ring Wufan slipped in his ring finger earlier.
He might have missed some information but the doctor talked about Yixing’s condition as unstable. The aluminium bat hit him hard and it was said it was even a miracle for Yixing to survive the impact, now the consequences the doctor warned them was the fact that Yixing might remember and forget some things when he wakes up.
Wufan sighed as he wished for the best and not the worst. He was already thankful enough that Yixing’s alive, any consequence he’ll face he’ll surely overcome it as long as Yixing is there.
It was few floors and sideways before Wufan then reached the hospital’s room of specialized doctors. He entered one office which had a silver plate carved in a name ‘Dr. Julian Carpe, M.D - Specialist in Heart and Lung Diseases.’
“Wufan, I thought you’d forgotten.” Dr. Carpe held his brown gaze towards Wufan who sat across him.
“Some...-thing happened,” Wufan tried explaining but the middle-aged doctor just replied nonchalantly, “I can see why,” pointing at the bruises on his face. Wufan remained quiet as Dr. Carpe looked at him and finally sighed as he puts down his glasses on his table.
“Wufan, you do understand your condition is not compatible with stress and too much physical injuries,” he clearly reminded the man in front of him but only gained a nod.
Dr. Carpe didn’t say anything else but pulled out some bottled pills from his medicine drawer from his desk.
“Here, same intake as before.” He gave the bottle to Wufan and the latter accepted it with a thank you.
“But you never really had any specific name for my illness,” Wufan suddenly asked and the doctor merely answered, “There is still no agreed name since it’s only hundreds of you in the whole world for that unknown sickness.”
“I’m going to die young,” Wufan stated it more as a sure sentence instead of a question.
“Why are you so negative, Wufan? I told you, your illness is predictable as far as I know and as long as you take these medicines, you’re safe. But too much stress will of course cause you heart attack, I mean, the way your chest will tighten inside you is the same feeling but believe me when I say it isn’t literal heart attack.” Dr. Carpe tried to explain in a more comprehensible way but Wufan just shrugged him off, “It isn’t heart attack but a tightening feeling inside my chest and you still don’t have a name for that symptom. All I know is these pills prevent these feelings.”
“I just hope this fiancé of yours knows that,” Dr. Carpe said calmly and Wufan answered, “That’s the hard part, Julian. He accepted everything about me even this useless illness of mine which you refuse to explain detail by detail to me. And now I see him comatose from a hit I should have received.”
“No one deserved to be hit, Wufan. And yes I won’t explain about it since my terms won’t be understood by you anyways. Remember, you signed the papers of agreeing with it,” Dr. Carpe whom Wufan had addressed as Julian already only smiled.
“I just wish it’s not a bad truth you’re hiding from me,” Wufan sighs and pops a pill in his mouth, then accepted a glass of water from Julian’s assistant.
“It’s not. I won’t be even smiling to you if I’m hiding something unacceptable,” Julian said amusedly and Wufan only stared at him.
“I can’t lie, Wufan, and that is why I dropped law and went for medicine, right?” Julian stated and Wufan just nodded in agreement. After realizing to have stayed enough, Wufan had declared his cue to go back to Yixing’s room already.
Dr. Carpe walked him out and Wufan immediately went to Yixing’s room on the sixth floor. Wufan was then confused as he saw Yixing’s doctor went out his room and goes the opposite direction from Wufan.
Upon entering the room, Yixing’s mom and Wufan’s were there, jumping in joy as they props a woken Yixing in a sitting position. Wufan widens his eyes in surprise as he hurriedly walked in front of Yixing.
“Yixing, are you okay now?” Wufan asks frantically and Mrs. Zhang was smiling in joy as she answered for his son, “Oh Wufan, he remembers me and everything I know he knows so we’re all lucky to have Yixing back. And I already called Lu Han since he’s been worried…”
Wufan nodded while he patiently waited for Yixing’s reply.
“Mom?” Yixing calls his mother as he never left Wufan’s burning stare but tilted his head in confusion.
“Yes, honey?” Mrs. Zhang asks in intuition as she continues fixing the flowers on the vase on his bedside table.
“Yixing,” Wufan calls again and Yixing finally asked, “Mom, who is this guy?”
And that was when every eye landed on Yixing and the most tormented gaze came from the paralyzed Wufan.
Panic rushed inside Wufan while he remained still on his place.
“H-honey, Yixing, don’t you remember Wufan at all?” Mrs. Zhang tried coaxing his son and left the flowers to sit beside her son.
Yixing simply shook his head and turned to ask, “I don’t. Why am I here at the first place? Aren’t I supposed to be in class for my music major now?”
Mrs. Zhang’s lips turned in a grim line as realization hit her. Wufan was still standing still and Mrs. Wu decided to call the Doctor then.
“Yixing, what exactly do you remember the last time before you woke up here?” Mrs. Zhang calmly asked his son and the latter only replied, “I’m on my way to my new school. I’m already in my first year college, aren’t I?”
Wufan then knew immediately what part of Yixing’s life was that time. What Yixing told him about himself, Wufan now found it more difficult since this is the crucial timeline of Yixing’s life memory.
Mrs. Zhang was in quiet agony as she finds herself and her son in this phase again.
Part 2