Chapter 12 #2
The man in question cupped Nico’s face in his large hand, squeezing slightly in a way that made Nico squawk in indignation. “Definitely nosy. The adorable part is debatable. Look at him—he’s redder than when someone messes with his limited edition controllers.”
“That’s not true,” Nico protested, batting Scott’s hand away like a disgruntled kitten.
He rubbed his chin with an exaggerated pout that undermined his next statement completely.
“And I’m gathering intel for familial purposes, thank you very much.
Also, I’m a man. I’m not adorable. Lan’s the cute one. Our resident Shrine Maiden.”
The nickname sent a jolt through Jaxson’s body, that strange sense of recognition flaring to life. Shrine Maiden. The words resonated in his bones, calling to something within him.
“For the millionth time, I’m not—” Lan started, finally looking up from his intense study of the floor.
“Shrine Maiden extraordinaire,” Colt cut in, appearing at the edge of their little gathering like a particularly brooding shadow.
His sharp eyes fixed on where Lan was practically nestled in Jaxson’s lap, a muscle ticking in his jaw.
His nostrils flared slightly, as if catching Jaxson’s scent on Lan’s skin.
“Though these days he’s more lap dancer than shrine maiden. ”
Lan jerked upright, face flaming, but Jaxson’s arm kept him firmly in place, his fingers now definitely touching the nape of Lan’s neck in a touch that was both possessive and warning.
The territorial claim was clear to everyone except perhaps Lan himself, who seemed oblivious to the silent battle happening over his head.
Xander’s usually easy smile had an edge to it as he approached from the kitchen, two drinks in hand. “Speaking of positions, there’s plenty of room over here, Lan. This couch is more comfortable.”
“He’s fine where he is.” Jaxson’s voice was casual, but his grip tightened possessively, fingers now definitely tangled in the soft hair at Lan’s nape.
“Oh God,” Lan muttered, trying to sink into the couch—and inadvertently closer to Jaxson. Colt’s knuckles went white around his glass, the tension in his frame making him look like he might snap at any moment.
Bree, either oblivious to or deliberately ignoring the testosterone-fueled tension crackling through the air like lightning, perked up with the timing of a sitcom character. “Hold up—Shrine Maiden? How have I never heard this story?”
“Because it’s not—” Lan tried again, his voice taking on that desperate edge that always made Jaxson want to gather him close and shield him from the world.
“Actually,” Wei interrupted, materializing with the stealth of a cat, his eyes dancing between his clearly jealous brothers with unholy glee, “I have photographic evidence. Mom captured his shrine maiden debut when he was four. Give me two minutes.”
He disappeared, leaving Lan trapped between Jaxson’s possessive hold and Colt’s increasingly murderous glare. Xander hovered nearby, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by something more predatory, more calculating.
“I don’t even remember this,” Lan groaned, slumping further into the couch—and by extension, closer to Jaxson, who did nothing to discourage the proximity. The warmth of Lan’s body against his side felt right in a way that defied explanation, like two puzzle pieces clicking into place.
“Oh, I do.” Xander’s voice was light, but his eyes kept tracking Jaxson’s hands on Lan, following the movement of those fingers against Lan’s neck with an intensity that raised Jaxson’s hackles. “Baby Lan looked like one of those priceless porcelain dolls. The kind you’re afraid to breathe near.”
“Wouldn’t want to break him.” Colt’s words carried a double meaning that made Lan shiver, a movement Jaxson felt against his side. The protective instinct that had been his constant companion since meeting Lan flared hotter, more possessive.
Nico, bless his gaming-addled brain, remained cheerfully oblivious to the charged atmosphere. “He was like a living doll! Remember when Mom dressed him up in those traditional robes for the cultural festivals while Wei got to wear the formal ones?”
“You made me wear them,” Lan protested, his embarrassment evident in the deepening flush spreading across his cheeks.
“Ah yes, our adorable shrine maiden.” Xander’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he settled on Lan’s other side, closer than strictly necessary. “The star attraction of every festival.”
“Speaking of memorable moments.” Colt’s thumb scrolled through his phone with deadly purpose, his eyes never leaving Lan, still wrapped in Jaxson’s embrace. “I wonder if those dress-up photos are still around…”
“Don’t you dare,” Nico warned, but Colt’s attention remained fixed on Lan, still wrapped in Jaxson’s embrace.
“What’s wrong with sharing memories?” Colt’s smile was sharp enough to cut glass. “Unless someone’s trying to maintain a different image these days?”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.
Jaxson felt Lan squirm against him, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.
He tried to move away, but Jaxson kept his arm firmly in place, his fingers continuing their gentle exploration of Lan’s nape.
The possessive gesture wasn’t lost on his brothers, judging by the tightening of Colt’s jaw and the subtle hardening of Xander’s eyes.
Jaxson couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him at Lan’s obvious discomfort, earning himself a betrayed look from those dark eyes.
But the memory of tiny Lan in those traditional robes was just too precious to maintain his composure.
Their stepmother had encouraged those dress-up sessions, probably to satisfy her secret wish for a daughter among her six rowdy boys.
Wei burst back in, triumphantly wielding a photo album like it contained state secrets. “Found it!” he announced, dropping onto the coffee table with all the grace of a cat who’d just cornered a particularly juicy mouse. “Behold, the evolution of our Little Fairy!”
Within seconds, everyone was clustered around, cooing over baby photos of Lan and Wei’s life in China.
And there it was—little Lan in pristine white and red, looking absolutely adorable in front of an ancient shrine.
The photo showed him with his tiny hands clasped in prayer, dark eyes serious in his small face, the traditional robes making him look like a doll come to life.
Jaxson watched as Lan stared at the photo like it had personally offended him, his expression a mixture of embarrassment and something deeper, more wistful.
“Brings back memories,” Wei said, his voice softening as he traced the shrine photo with a gentleness that belied his usual sarcastic demeanor. “Uncle Jin keeps asking when his favorite Celestial Peach is coming back. We haven’t visited since Mom and Stepdad…”
The unfinished sentence hung in the air, a reminder of the loss they’d all shared. Jaxson felt Lan tense beside him, the grief still raw even after all these years. His arm tightened instinctively, pulling Lan closer in silent comfort.
“Maybe we should change that,” Jaxson said, his inner calculator already whirring to life like a possessed Excel sheet. Numbers and budgets began arranging themselves in his mind, a skill honed through years of being the family provider.
“Change what?” Wei’s eyebrows shot up, genuine surprise replacing his usual knowing smirk. “Our status as China’s most absent relatives?”
“Visit your uncle,” Jaxson replied, as if proposing a trip to the grocery store instead of herding six chaos-prone brothers across international waters. “All of us.”
“Like, all of us?” Lan perked up, and Jaxson could feel the excitement radiating from him. “Going to China?”
Jaxson smiled down at him, savoring how Lan unconsciously leaned closer in excitement, all previous embarrassment forgotten. The sweet scent of honey, cherry blossoms, and lilies intensified with his happiness, wrapping around Jaxson like a physical embrace. “Mm-hmm.”
Colt’s sharp gaze caught the movement, his eyes narrowing as he watched Lan practically melt against Jaxson’s side. “That’s… ambitious. Especially with our budget.”
“Speaking of budgets,” Xander cut in smoothly, sliding closer to Lan’s other side until their thighs were practically touching, “I could pick up extra shifts at the bar. Tips have been good lately.”
“Oh my God, can we come too?” Sofia practically bounced in her seat, her excitement making Henry roll his eyes fondly. “I need to see where our precious Lan began his journey to cuteness.”
“If you want to join this circus,” Jaxson drawled, subtly adjusting his arm to keep Lan firmly beside him and away from Xander’s encroaching presence, “you’re funding your own ticket, Sofia.”
“Savage,” Henry whispered, earning a playful slap from his wife.
Nico’s head snapped up like a puppy hearing the treat bag rustle. “Hold up. Last I checked, our vacation fund was as empty as Colt’s inbox on Valentine’s Day.”
Colt’s cushion found its target with sniper-like precision, hitting Nico square in the face. “At least I don’t spend my savings on virtual girlfriends.”
“Not yet,” Jaxson admitted, watching with amusement as Lan tried to dodge being caught in the crossfire of flying cushions. “Give it another three to four months.”
“So you’re saying…” Nico leaned forward, vibrating with the energy of a kid who’d discovered the cookie jar. “We can actually afford a proper vacation? Like, overseas? With stuff and things?”
“No, we’re flying to China to meditate in empty rooms,” Colt deadpanned, though his eyes never left Lan’s animated face. “Of course with ‘stuff and things.’”
“Yeah!” Nico punched the air, nearly taking out Scott’s eye in his enthusiasm. “I’m saving every penny! Those gaming stores won’t know what hit them!”
“And here I thought you wanted to explore your cultural heritage,” Xander teased, using the moment to shift incrementally closer to Lan, his thigh now definitely pressed against Lan’s.