-8- Together

When Yibo's alarm clock rang, the first thing that came to his mind was the question of how he could fall asleep so quickly after Zhan's visit? He would have rather suspected that he had been lying awake for quite some time and missed Zhan. But instead, he fell asleep immediately, had no nightmares and felt recovered.

He took a shower, got dressed and then went to the parking garage where his car was parked. He doesn't need it very often because he is rarely far from home. But today he has to go downtown to the office, to his family doctor and to the psychologist.

The first thing he did was to go to his boss' office. And as always, he ignored the questioning and confused looks of his colleagues. Fortunately, he didn't have to see them often and none of them spoke to him. His boss, a man in his mid-fifties whose hair was getting thinner and grayer, smiled when he saw Yibo and greeted him cheerfully.

Even when Yibo first met him, his boss was always very friendly towards him. He already knew Yibo's story and always pretended to know nothing. As always, he asked about Yibo's whereabouts, whether he still enjoyed his work and curiously asked him if anything had happened in his love life.

Yibo got red cheeks when he asked, but nodded and said: "Mhm, I have met someone."

"I am very happy for you Yibo. You also look much better than last time. Not so pale around the nose anymore, tired and shy. Love seems to be good for you."

"Yes, it does." Yibo replied. He knew that it was probably more because of the serum he was drinking, but also because of his love for Zhan. Most of all, knowing that Zhan loves him is the best thing for him.

After some small talk Yibo got his paycheck, said goodbye to his boss again and went on to his family doctor. The doctor did his examinations as a matter of routine and then said: "So since your last visit here, your health has really improved. I don't know what you've done, but I suggest you keep doing it."

"I will doctor." Yibo replied. Apparently what Zhan said was true. The serum makes him healthier.

Since his psychologist has his practice in the same building, he only had to take the elevator three floors up to get to him. Yibo spoke to the psychologist for 40 minutes and answered his questions. At the end of the session, the psychologist said: "I think your father overreacted. You are obviously doing much better and you seem to finally come out of yourself and open up more. I don't think you need regular sessions with me again. Unless you want to."

"Not really. I feel much stronger and more confident inside. I've met someone and I'm happy." Explained Yibo.

"Then I would say, enjoy your happiness and when your father gets in touch with me again, I will tell him to give you more space and be happy that you finally want to leave your past behind."

Before Yibo set off again on his way home, he made a stopover. He drove to a bistro, ordered the special of the day and ate in peace. At the moment he was much hungrier than usual. Especially for real meals, not just those ready meals.

He thought again about the dream of the previous night and his cave from back then. Unfortunately it was already blocked up years ago and it is no longer possible to enter it. And when they filled it up, it kept Yibo's treasures for itself. At that time he couldn't go back and get it because his father took him with him and they lived in a different town.

Although he had asked his father several times if he could take him there, since many of his treasures might not be worth anything, but as far as his memories were concerned, they were the most valuable treasures he possessed. But his father was always against it and never did him this favor. And when he went there years later with Hai Kuan, it was already too late.

After his lunch, Yibo drove back home. There he took a short nap before he sat down at his computer and did his work.

This time, however, he did not turn off the computer immediately after he finished his work. This time he decided to do some research. Mainly about people with low body temperature, quick healing abilities, pale skin and the ability to enter his dreams. And how could Zhan even hear Yibo's rapid heartbeat a few nights ago without Zhan putting his ear to Yibo's chest?

He was also interested to know if anything is known on the Internet about this serum.

His fingers practically flew over the keyboard and his eyes over the texts. But all he found regarding his search for Zhan was fantasy stuff he didn't believe. There was written about vampires and they don't really exist. They're an invention of the film industry and a legend about a count who drank blood.

And because it was so absurd for him that Zhan might be a vampire, he just wanted to forget all that. But, then he remembered the bloodless corpses. What was that all about?

He hadn't found out anything about the serum. Without a name for the serum, he probably couldn't find anything anyway.

Around 6 pm Yibo ran to the supermarket again. He bought some fruits and vegetables, two new teas, condoms and lubricant. He did not know whether he would need the latter again. But it is better to have it there in case he and Zhan get intimate again. And at least Yibo wouldn't object. He just hopes that if they do it again, it won't hurt so much afterwards.

Thinking about what might happen this night, Yibo suddenly became very euphoric. It also immediately started to tingle in his belly when he imagined it.

Back home, Yibo started to cook dinner for himself, ate a piece of melon and listened to the radio. He called his father and told him what the psychologist said and also that his family doctor is very enthusiastic about his health, but his father did not seem to be completely convinced yet.

So Yibo just put the cards on the table (German saying) and said: "Dad, I'm in love and I feel just great. It feels great to know that I am in love and that I am loved by a wonderful person".

"So tell me who you're in love with." His father asked him.

"And what for? Why do you care? Shouldn't it matter most to you that I'm happy?"

"Of course Yibo. But I still care."

"Well, I've fallen in love with a really, really handsome man."

"You what? You, you're with a man? You're kidding, right?"

"No, Dad. I'm in love with a man, and I don't care what you think. I love him and I want to be with him."

"Not that I don't want you to be happy. But are you sure you love this man? Couldn't it just be a phase?"

"Weren't you listening to me, Dad? I LOVE him. And it's not just a phase. I've never felt anything like this before. All I have to do is think about him and my tummy tickles. He's good for me, he makes me happy. I know he loves me and he's always there for me."

"I have to process this first. But it's your business. I can't talk you into it. I just hope one day you don't regret it."

"I won't. Well, my dinner is ready. I'll say goodbye now. And remember, Dad. I'm happy, that's all you should care about."

Yibo ate his dinner in peace, watched a show on TV and went out to the balcony just before midnight. He sat in his chair and waited for Zhan. That night the wind was pleasant and fresh. After the thunderstorm the day before, the temperature dropped by almost 10 degrees and finally Yibo stopped sweating, just from breathing.

Punctually at midnight, there was a knock at Yibo's apartment door. Yibo almost stormed from the balcony through the living room and to the door. He opened it, saw Zhan standing there and immediately threw his arms around him. He pulled Zhan towards him and kissed him. He didn't care if anyone could see it. He was just happy that Zhan was there.

"What shall we do today, Zhan?"

"We're going for a walk. I know you miss walking through the forest and into the park. So I thought we'd walk this path together tonight."

"Mmm, I miss it a lot. Let me put on my shoes and we can go."

Zhan nodded. Yibo ran into his bedroom, put the condoms in his pocket and also the little tube of lubricant. One never knows what's going to happen.

When he got back to Zhan, he looked at Zhan and asked, "What are you and I to each other now?"

" What do you think we are to each other now? A couple!" Zhan replied.

"So we're really together?"

"I hope so. Or don't you want me?"

"I want you, Zhan. I want you so much." Yibo replied, grinning.

Zhan took Yibo by the hand and together they headed downstairs. They might have gotten down faster if Yibo hadn't stopped after every staircase to kiss Zhan. But much to Yibo's delight, Zhan didn't mind and was happy to do so.

A/N: Remember that although the story is a mystery story, there will be some erotic content as well. Of course I'll let you know in advance, as always, so that no one is suddenly surprised. And I will also write it in such a way that if you don't want to read eroticism (or hard eroticism) you can skip a chapter without missing anything important.