Omegaverse

@☭ Xiao Zhan While Zhan was cooking for them, Yibo would refill their shot glasses of mare milk. The taste grew on him, and Zhan was right that it was coupled well with the heavier tasting soup broth and meats that shimmered from their natural oils as they finished cooking. Yibo dove into his cooked platter of meats right away, in satisfaction with every bite. There was so much commotion around them that he was pretty sure his reactions were the last thing anyone was looking at right now. When Zhan finally got a chance to set the cooking tongs down to begin eating for himself, Yibo deposited more of the vegetables in with his pair of chopsticks while munching on the cucumber salad to keep himself occupied. The smashed cucumber wasn't quite similar to the taste that he was used to back home, but he supposed it was not to the restaurant's fault. They did, after all, specialize in Mongolian hotpot. Yibo was all too eager to begin again when Zhan started cooking up their next round that were delivered to their table. He picked up the piping hot pieces of beef and lamb, sizing each one up briefly before taking it all in one mouthful. As he chased each bite with a sip of the mare milk, the flavor combination began to grow on him, which seemed to open his appetite more than usual. In between his eating though, he did remember to stop and converse with Zhan. "So...are you gonna accept any major projects after this? Any good offers?"

@☭ Wang Yibo "There's a bit of alcohol, since it's fermented," Zhan said. Since Yibo was nowhere close to being pregnant, Zhan allowed him to drink. "It's quite good," he agreed, even if it was a little sour for his liking. "Would be refreshing for the heavier foods we're eating." As all their side dishes were brought out raw, they didn't have to wait long at all before they could begin cooking. Zhan cooked for the two of them, while he let Yibo cook for himself. The lamb slices were the unexpected hero of their lunch, being much softer than what Zhan was used to eating back home. He heaped a pile of meat and tripe onto Yibo's dish. "Eat."

@☭ Xiao Zhan They had been up since the wee hours in the morning, and this was their first official meal of the day. Yibo was famished, especially since they had just finished a very satisfying walk along the Great Wall. As soon as the broth was brought to a boil, he began to deposit any of the items that were left by their tableside in to start cooking. The sound of mare milk sounded somewhat foreign at first, and the drink that was brought out to them looked like it had been sitting out for a bit too long. Yibo was adventurous though, so he picked up his glass and took a shot. He scrunched his face. What could he say to describe this drink? It tasted somewhat acidic, like there was a sour aftertaste to it. It wasn't a bad thing for Yibo, since he did like sour profiles, but it was unusual. "Hm," he commented, "Why does this drink make me feel like I'm having alcohol?" he asked Zhan, smacking his lips as he waited for his mate's appraisal. "It's not...bad?"

@☭ Wang Yibo Yibo was often like that—making what little demands he wanted and then having Zhan fill in the rest so his precious brain would get a rest. Zhan lived to please Yibo, so he took care in picking the rest of their dishes, making sure it was all things that Yibo liked to eat. While their food was being brought out, Zhan also ordered a small pitcher of fermented mare milk for them, which seemed to be the popular drink of choice amongst the patrons in the restaurant. "This place does the Mongolia atmosphere well," Zhan commented as he poured the milk into small shot glasses for them. "I feel like I'm in a tent."

@☭ Xiao Zhan When there was fun to be had, Yibo could easily forget all about the pain and struggles that came along the way, all as long as he got to go down the slide at full speed and yell to his heart's content. The second time down was just as fun as the first, but Yibo could tell that Zhan was struggling to stand upright with how tall he was and after climbing such a tall flight of stairs. "Let's go eat!" he exclaimed, letting Zhan lead the way to the new restaurant. The spices in the fragrant brother could be smelled from a block away, which Yibo took as a sign that this was going to be one hell of a hot pot meal. They were promptly seated in a crowded corner of the restaurant when they entered, but Yibo figured it was all part of the tourist experience. "That one and...the Spicy House Special," he said, wanting two bases as they normally had it back home. Yibo glanced through the side dishes on the menu. "Smashed cucumber!" he exclaimed, pointing it out to Zhan, "I want this one, and the coriander! And...tripe!" He leaned back satisfied already, "And then you decide the rest Ge."

@☭ Wang Yibo Finding the steps up the wall and then going back up to line up for the slide again delayed their lunch by half an hour, but it was worth it hearing Yibo's delighted cheers. Zhan's thighs burned by the time he stood up at the bottom of the slide for a second time, but he hid it well to take Yibo to the hot pot place he was exciting Yibo about. As if the gods were looking down upon them that day, the last table inside the busy restaurant was given to them. Zhan glanced toward the entrance, milling with all the people who arrived after them, pleased. "What soup base should we get?" Zhan mused, peeling through the sticky menu. "Lamb spine broth is new. We don't have that at home."

@☭ Xiao Zhan Yibo thought they'd be going down side by side, but it turned out the slide wasn't as wide as he thought it'd be. Still, it worked for him to sit in front of Zhan, tucked firmly between his legs. It was almost like he had a tube of his own for the slide. As Zhan used his weight to push them forward, Yibo squeezed his mate's hand and whooped loudly as he felt the wind in his face and his heart drop in excitement from the increasing speed. Zhan's yelling was uncharacteristic, but it was also funny. Halfway down, Yibo stopped cheering and started laughing instead, finding Zhan's reaction to be the highlight of the ride. Once they reached the bottom, he grinned and turned around to see Zhan's reaction. To his bewilderment (and joy), Zhan wanted to go again! "Okay! Let's do it!" he exclaimed, forgetting all about lunch as he stood up, dusted himself off, and looked for the closest way to go back up to the slide once more.

@☭ Wang Yibo The slide was exactly as described—one long, metal slide that would take them to the bottom of the wall within seconds. Once they were given the 'okay' from the slide operator, Zhan sat behind Yibo at the top of the slide, tucking his legs securely around his mate's waist. Since Yibo wanted to hold his hand, Zhan reached around his front so Yibo could grab at them. With their combined weight, flying down the slide was even more exhilarating (and a little terrifying) than Zhan would have expected. He yelled all the way down, never mind that his mouth was right by Yibo's ear, and when they arrived at the bottom Zhan's hair was windswept and his eyes were glittering. It had been a while since he had excitement like that. "Let's go again!"

@☭ Xiao Zhan "Hot pot!" Yibo exclaimed, nodding eagerly. He and Zhan used to frequent a hot pot place near their old apartment, especially after he finished a heat cycle, it was a particularly appetizing place to go to. "I want to," he agreed. In the distance, he saw a small group gathering over an extended ledge. That was the slide that Zhan had mentioned! Yibo's feet seemed to have a mind of their own, and he naturally picked up the pace that he was walking at so that they could approach the slide quicker. "Woah! This is big!" he gasped, seeing how the slide did a gradually slope downwards until it planed evenly at the bottom of the Great Wall. "It's free to go down right?" he asked, joining at the back of the line. "Let's hold hands when we go down, it'll be fun!" he exclaimed, hyping it up for them. He beamed as he shared his excitement with Zhan, eager to do something fun with his mate after they toiled hard as parents for the past two years.

@☭ Wang Yibo "Both?" Zhan took a wild guess. Although they both were often in Beijing for work, they rarely indulged in the cuisine there, preferring tastes of their own respective hometowns. So, even a little excursion like this would be a treat. Zhan changed his mind as the thoughts were halfway out of his mouth, though. "Actually, there's a Mongolian hot pot at the base of the wall. It's near the slides. If we manage to get a spot, do you want to try it?" Suggesting something so outlandish made Zhan feel as though he had travelled back in time, when he and Yibo had nobody to go home to but themselves, no responsibilities but to each other. They could go out all night, do anything during the day. Now, Mongolian hot pot was the most exciting part of their trip. Zhan wouldn't have it any other way.

@☭ Xiao Zhan Zhan's sigh told Yibo that there was a correct option out of the three possible ones, and Yibo had chosen the wrong one. He was conflicted for just a moment, hesitating about asking Zhan if the older wanted to choose another way of getting down. The one Zhan would most likely choose...was probably the helicopter though, and Yibo wanted no part in that big show. "Okay..." he eventually said, suppressing the question and following after Zhan as he was led towards the big slide. "I think we're good on time," Yibo said, "It's still pretty early." He was finding things to talk to Zhan about, but they were doing just fine prior to this! Maybe Yibo shouldn't think too much into the situation, since Zhan didn't look as bothered as he sounded, "What are we gonna eat?" he asked, "Is it touristy food or actual food?"

@☭ Wang Yibo "Mhm," Zhan confirmed, already beginning to regret telling Yibo about the slide. It was a long way down, and he had wild worries about Yibo flying off the side and into the forest and rocks below. He had really been hoping Yibo would find the slide unappealing and opt for the helicopter ride, saving Zhan's legs a hike down, but he often underestimated how 'special' his mate was even after so long. "It's another section down that way. There's a slide that goes all the way down..." Once Yibo set his mind to something, though, he rarely let up. Zhan took Yibo's hand with a sigh. "Come. I hope we can get to the restaurants in the villa before too many people start heading down or arriving for lunch."

@☭ Xiao Zhan There was little time in their busy lives to set aside to doing 'nothing'. Yibo truly appreciated that feeling now more than ever as he and Zhan stayed rooted in their place, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery before them. The roadtrip had been filled with lots of sitting, so he thought it funny that they were doing an equal amount pf standing as well. By the time most tourists began to make their way along the wall to begin their hike, Yibo and Zhan had already gotten their fill. "Get down?" he asked, raising a brow and turning his head back in the direction they had come from. He just assumed they'd be walking the long road back. That was, until Zhan mentioned a slide. The helicopter was clearly too grand of a display for his liking, but the slide idea...oh that sounded fun. "Like an actual slide?" he asked, looking around for it, "I wanna do that!"

@☭ Wang Yibo Since Yibo indulged Zhan with such a sweet smile and gentle kiss, he let up on his groping for the time being, not wanting Yibo to be embarrassed if anyone were to walk up the section of the wall they were enjoying. He simply rested his chin over Yibo's shoulder, his cheek pressed against Yibo's ear as he took in the view before him. They stood there for a long time, until the sun reached its scorching midday point. "How do you want to get down later?" he murmured, using his body to shield Yibo from the sun. "There's a few ways. We can hike down, or there's a slide that goes all the way down, or... I'll call a helicopter."

@☭ Xiao Zhan Between the two of them, Zhan was definitely the sappier one. He always had been, and over time, Yibo had gotten accustomed to it. He could even say that because of Zhan, Yibo had learned to be a little more romantic too. Letting Zhan run his hands as he pleased over Yibo's body, the younger hummed in acknowledgement as he just basked in the gentle breeze coupled with his mate's radiating warmth. "Eo, I love you too," he answered, a smile spreading wide across his face as he turned his head back to meet Zhan eye to eye. His gaze fell upon Zhan's lips, and Yibo leaned in first, taking initiative to share a kiss with with the older. He closed his eyes once their lips made contact, and fell into the gentle lull of Zhan's lips massaging against his ever so lovingly.

@☭ Wang Yibo "I'm living in the moment," Zhan said. While he was the photographer between the two of the, his hands were quite full now with Yibo's plush thighs. When Yibo was pregnant, his thighs— no, his entire body was so thick and full. Zhan couldn't wait to feel it again. He would bring back Yibo's heat himself if he had to, never mind the doctors telling Zhan some omegas just needed more time than others. It had been two years—Yibo had plenty of time already! He kissed the nape of Yibo's neck, speaking softly against it. "Baby, I love you," he murmured, taking advantage of using his endearments for Yibo when Yuning wasn't around. "I'm so happy we get to do this trip."

@☭ Xiao Zhan With the slight breeze atop the Great Wall, Yibo could feel himself almost swaying. Luckily, Zhan was behind him, keeping him in place. "Eo, I like it," he answered, though Zhan could interpret that about another topic that wasn't the view they were getting. He shuddered as Zhan's low voice rumbled against his ear, and Yibo leaned back against the older's chest, easing his stance just enough so that if Zhan were to apply pressure, Yibo would actually be able to spread his legs instead of being rooted in place. "Mm, nobody's here to disturb us," he reminded the older, welcoming Zhan's boldness. Yibo's lips lifted playfully as he asked Zhan, "You like it here too?" he asked, "You're oddly calm, Gege. I thought you'd be taking more pictures."

@☭ Wang Yibo They had been together so long Yibo knew what Zhan wanted to do even from the slightest shift of his weight. Zhan chose to ignore his question. "You like it?" Zhan dropped his hands ever so slightly, massaging the tops of Yibo's thighs, his hand creeping toward the centre as he squeezed. "Then why don't we stay here a bit longer?" He let his lips brush over the shell of Yibo's ear when he spoke, as if he were just casually close enough and not that he was doing it on purpose. He pressed himself against Yibo's backside as well, bold now that there was no one around. "Let's just stay and... enjoy the view a bit longer."

@☭ Xiao Zhan "Don't be a boomer," Yibo huffed at Zhan when his mate chose to finish posting instead of sending him the photo first. Upon seeing it in their shared album though, he downloaded it into his own phone and let Zhan lead him back onto the trail. His head was lowered as he changed the settings in his phone, reimaging and cropping their photo so that it would fit perfectly on his lock screen. Only when he was satisfied did he look up. "Huh-" he commented, realizing that they were a little higher up, in a section that was jutting out of the rest of the Great Wall. Yibo grunted as he was pressed against the edge of the wall, seeing the miles of difference between his feet and the ground below them if he even took one step further outwards. He pocketed his phone to avoid dropping it, then turned back to look at Zhan pointedly, "It looks good...what are you doing, Ge? Hm?" He got the idea when he felt Zhan's hands rest over his hips, and Yibo continued to gaze outwards, playing innocent, "Oh...I actually like the view better from right here."

@☭ Wang Yibo "Be patient," Zhan growled, turning away when Yibo clung onto his arm, messing with the characters in the post Zhan was typing. Once he was done, he dropped the photos into their shared photo album. "Done. Come on, let's walk a bit further." Zhan was hoping to bring them to a section with completely no people, where he'd be free to talk about whatever and do whatever he liked to Yibo in peace. Once they finally found that section, Zhan pressed Yibo up against the rock wall, his chest flush against Yibo's back. "How's the view from here?"

@☭ Xiao Zhan Zhan's profile was so handsome already, but to get a full view of his husband's face, so close to his, Yibo's heart spun like wild again. He smiled even harder when he saw how radiantly Zhan was smiling at him, and didn't look away until the older woman announced that she was finished. Thanking her for taking their photo, Yibo bounded along after Zhan so that they could be alone again. He peered over his mate's shoulder, watching as he chose a photo to post. "The lighting is nice out here," he commented, his lips pressed together in approval, "I want it too. Send it to me." He didn't have many pictures to choose from for his homescreen wallpaper, and now that such a pristine picture had been taken, he couldn't just let it go without using it! "Hurry, hurry, I want it! Send it to me!"

@☭ Wang Yibo Seeing Yibo move out of his peripherals, Zhan looked down instinctively, breaking out into a wider grin when he found Yibo looking directly up at him. He heard the shutter on his phone indicate a photo was taken, bless that woman, and Zhan was even happier when he saw the results of their photos. After thanking the couple, Zhan stopped Yibo on the wall with him while he made his Weibo post. So far, none of his friends or family had leaked his photos, and Zhan was getting more bold with each post with showing off his mate and pup. "Nice," he mumbled. "I want to get this framed, too."

@☭ Xiao Zhan There was a breeze atop the Great Wall, which made the hike bearable when Yibo began to feel sweat collecting on his lower back. He wasn't the type to drip sweat though, so he didn't feel too uncomfortable. They took a few sips of water on their way up, but with no restroom nearby, neither Zhan nor Yibo dared drink too much. Once they reached a suitable high point along the Great Wall, it was time for them to get some pictures taken. Yibo stood still as Zhan fixed his stray hairs, and then put his bag on the ground so that it wouldn't get in the way of their photo. The older couple seemed to come to Great Wall for a simple stroll and not visit as a tourist destination, since they were dressed in casual walking clothes and didn't seem the least bit surprised that someone would ask them for a photo. Yibo nodded his head in thanks when the older woman agreed to help them, and he stood besides Zhan, feeling just a little bit surprised that his husband was holding him so closely. Zhan holding him was no surprise, but to do so in public? Yibo was a little taken aback. He decided now was the time for them to go out, if anything, so he turned his body at an angle to the camera, reaching a hand to rest over Zhan's chest. He smiled for the camera, posing once with his eyes looking at the lens, and then turned to gaze upwards at Zhan for a candid shot next.

@☭ Wang Yibo "I like it too," Zhan said. more interested in watching Yibo admire the forest than watching the forest itself. The farther they walked, the more sparse the wall became, until there were only a few people left. Zhan stopped them, helping Yibo remove his hat and mask and smooth down his hair before doing the same to himself. He chose a slightly older couple, hoping there would be less of a chance they would be recognized, and asked them to take a photo for him and Yibo. While both their arms were long enough for selfies, it was different to have someone else take it for them. Seeing the woman agree without too much fuss or even any recognition in her eyes, Zhan was more than comfortable enough to put his arm around Yibo's waist, drawing him close for the photo.

@☭ Xiao Zhan Yibo used to pride himself in his own stamina. His ability to walk for long distances and endure hours of long training were all part of the reason why he was able to compete with the likes of alphas and betas whose odds were all higher than his. So, when Zhan suggested that they exert themselves just a little more to get to a safer place where they'd be able to get a picture of themselves, Yibo was very eager to follow through. "Oh we definitely can," he said. When it was just the two of them, he still felt a sense of youthfulness that sometimes couldn't be afforded to him in front of everyone else. Yibo looked around, admiring the view of the Great Wall's two contrasting sides. "I like it," he said, "A sea of green is really calm." As they began to scale their way through the Great Wall, Yibo swung their arms lightly, happy to have some quiet time by Zhan's side.

@☭ Wang Yibo Yibo was always a quick thinker. Trying to be discreet as possible in public, Zhan often forgot to take pictures. As a result, there weren't many with just the two of them in it. "Okay," he agreed, clutching Yibo's hand just as tight when he felt his mate squeeze his hand. "We'll walk a little farther up the wall. There's a section not a lot of people go up because it's not restored, but I'm sure we can handle it." They found quickly, though, as they walked up the steps that connected the trail to the Great Wall itself, most people were more preoccupied with taking their own photos than paying attention to the two of leaving, leaving Zhan unwilling to let go of Yibo's hand for even one second. "Wow, we're high up," Zhan said. "It's all greenery if we look on this side, away from the city."

@☭ Xiao Zhan "Well I can't just forget about him for a week!" Yibo said, "I already promised him I'll call every day." Yibo was a little surprised to hear himself say these words when they quieted down from the conversation. He had once been worried that it would be /Zhan/ giving all of his attention to their pup. Not once did he ever consider that he might also fall into the same trap that was Yuning's charm. By the time they arrived at the hotel, Yibo had already received three text updates from his mom that showed Yuning eating his breakfast, teetering to get himself a new toy, and kicking back on the couch back home to watch some TV. Yibo made sure Zhan saw all the pictures once they were back on the road to the Great Wall.

The trail that led up to the Great Wall was a steady ascent that looked rather long to Yibo. He gladly accepted Zhan's offer and secured his hat over his head as they began to walk along the trail. There was a group of people in front of them that he could see, and two groups that eventually joined them from behind, though there was a significant distance between them. Squeezing Zhan's hand as they took their time up the trail, Yibo asked his mate, "If there is no one around later, let's take a picture without our masks, okay?"

@☭ Wang Yibo "Don't," Zhan said with a frown. "It's supposed to be just the two of us! Just pretend Yuning doesn't exist for a week or so." Yibo attention should be solely on Zhan, not always wandering to their pup, who was inevitably being spoiled by his grandparents. Yuning didn't need the two of them for the week, and so all of Zhan's pampering would go straight to Yibo, who should be appreciative instead of worrying about their pup. Once they arrived, Zhan dropped all their luggage off with the hotel reception before they continued the last bit of drive left to one of the parking sites close to the Great Wall. They would have to walk up a bit of a trail before they reached the wall, so Zhan volunteered in carrying a bottle of water for them. Once they were masked, both with a hat on, Zhan was much more confident in offering his hand to Yibo.

@☭ Xiao Zhan Seeing how Zhan softened up with Yuning over the phone, Yibo felt much better about leaving his baby in his mother's care. At least he was reminded that no matter how harsh Zhan could /sound/ sometimes, he always cared about his family. Yibo couldn't wait long before he yanked the phone towards himself, letting Yuning see him. "Hi Ah Ning!" he cooed at his son, earning a happy giggle in response. "Good morning," he greeted, waiting for Yuning to repeat it back. He made small talk with Yuning, trying to bear with the choppy noise as his mother walked around in public. With both parents on screen, Yuning was easily placated and his face will filled with smiles as he babbled his baby talk in response to both Zhan and Yibo's questions. Only when he could see that Yuning was fully awake did Yibo finally address his mother, "Ma, I'm going to hang up now. Zhan-ge has to keep driving if we're going to make it in time." Once they hung up, Yibo had to admit to Zhan, "It'll be our first time leaving Yuning at my parents' for so many days...I think I'm going to miss him more than I thought I would..."

@☭ Wang Yibo Zhan pulled into a parking spot on the side of the road so he could give Yuning his full attention. He did feel a little bad he scolded Yuning before leaving him the day before, and when Yuning's chubby face filled the screen, Zhan was all smiles. "Ah Ning," he called as his pup blinked sleepily through the screen at him. "Are you being a good boy for Grandma?" Yuning nodded sluggishly, then rubbed his eyes. Mrs. Wang explained, "He cried for a while last night, and didn't sleep till late. He didn't want to sleep in this morning, and said he wanted to help Grandma with groceries!" Zhan felt a little pity for his son, but a night or two of sleep deprivation wasn't going to kill him. "Ah Ning, you miss Mama and Baba?" he asked, pushing the phone so Yibo could join him in the frame. "Don't worry, we'll be back very soon."