Chapter Text
Cafeteria tables. New Year's Tournament. Stone oven. Nanba.
That heavenly smell immediately transported Rock back to the day he had received his prize for besting Liang in the mochi pounding-daruma drop event. The New Year's Tournament had been the first time he had seen the man after being transferred to another building, and even though the two weren't on good terms then, it was still an exciting encounter. Rock reminisced and thought about how different he and his now-husband were compared to back then and couldn't help but crack a smile. Sure, they got off on the wrong foot as inmates, but somehow they were able to turn things around and grow their relationship into a healthy and mature one. While, of course, Liang and Rock's joint efforts were essential to starting anew and fostering an honest bond, the shòutáo bao was really what brought them together. No. 69 experiencing the dish for the very first time while No. 02 was welcomed by the familiar taste of it had drawn their hearts together in ways nobody could have predicted. They had gone from exchanging fists to sharing meals, to finally spending their lives together, and neither of them would have it any other way.
Rock was snapped back to reality by a gentle palm cupping his face.
"Baobei?" Liang uttered with a certain tenderness and awe in his voice. "Do you remember when you invited me to your building for the first time? It was the shòutáo bao that we ate together that opened my heart to you...that led us to the life we have now."
"How could I ever forget? I didn't expect to fall for you right then and there and I certainly didn't think you would too, haha. But, you know what they say: 'The best way to a man's heart...'"
"Is through his stomach, yes yes." Liang sighed contently as he wrapped both his arms around his husband's shoulders while Rock's carefully rested on the other's waist. "Rock, I am so lucky to have you in my life."
Liang slowly lifted his head to press his lips against his spouse's, feeling his eyelids flutter closed when their mouths met. His hands traveled up to Rock's hair and slowly tugged, desperately trying to ground himself before he seemingly floated away. The taller man gasped at the flow of his partner's lips and pulled Liang's hips forward so their chests were flush against each other. No. 69 let his right hand trail up to cradle his lover's neck while the other slipped down and embraced his back, tracing delicate circles onto the other's skin all the while. The two were sincere in their kisses, fueled by the idea of a family created all on their own. The all-consuming devotion they both felt was that of storybooks and fairy tales; there was nothing they wouldn't do to make the other happy, no lengths they wouldn't go to make their precious dreams come true.
As the lengthy kisses slowed into light pecks, Liang paused to bury his face into Rock's neck.
"I really... really want this with you Rock," Liang whispered into his partner's skin. "I had always dreamt of starting a family of my own one day, especially since mine was...taken from me. I didn't think it was possible, I never even held hope that I'd be released from prison but now-"
"Shhhh, I know baby, I know. I'm here, dōu huì guò-qu de.*" Rock murmured as he planted a kiss on Liang's forehead and laid his cheek on top of it, breathing in the airy fragrance of his silken, dark hair. "I know you want this just as badly as I do. You and I both have our share of family issues, hell, my dad was the reason I got into crime in the first place, but there's not a doubt in my mind that you'll be an amazing father. I just..." No. 69 trailed off as he nuzzled deeper into his beloved's locks and held him tighter. He had to bite his lip to stop his voice from shaking. "I just don't wanna be the kind of dad that he was. What if I'm not good enough? What if I end up becoming just like him-"
"You won't.” Liang asserted. His gaze was fierce yet warm and he refused to break eye contact so that Rock could see how serious he was. "Listen, I know you. It's been almost 3 years since you put this ring on my finger and I have never felt threatened, apprehensive, or fearful in your presence, not even once. I truly feel the most secure when it's you by my side Rock, so please don't limit your future just because you're stuck in the past."
Rock gulped and inhaled sharply, his bottom lip quivering ever so slightly. His eyes were darting all over Liang's features in search of some hesitance or uncertainty, but there was none to be found on his face or in his words. He was telling the truth. Rock wondered how his husband could possibly look at him that way. You'd think he was some sort of angel sent from above the way the black-haired man's pupils dilated and his hands gripped at his chest. How could he, a once fugitive, a convicted criminal, be regarded with such sincere adoration? How is it that Liang saw the good in Rock when he wasn't even sure it existed? He had so many questions, so many doubts, so many emotions that were just begging to slip out as his breath started to hitch and his hands began to tremble. He couldn't speak, he couldn't even blink for fear of causing the pooling tears in his eyes to fall.
And then...he said it.
"You're good enough for me, you'll be more than good enough for our child. "
Rock's lips parted in disbelief as he let out the breath he had been stifling for so long. Tears streaked freely down his face and fell onto his dress shirt, leaving behind tiny pearls of moisture. Liang outstretched his arms to cradle Rock's shivering, wet face, peppering kiss after kiss across his jaw, temple, cheeks, and nose.
"You are beautiful, my love. Promise me you'll never change."
Puffy, red eyes met Liang's soft ones as he nodded and placed his hands over the ones holding him with such care.
"I swear it, as long as you promise me something too."
"Anything."
"Just promise me you'll never stop looking at me like that, Liang..." Rock's voice shuddered as he tentatively entangled their fingers. "And promise me you'll look at our child with even more love when they finally arrive."
Liang leaned forward to press his forehead against Rock's lowered one and said with an emotional, yet determined tone...
"I give you my word."