A/N:  This fic is now finished.  If you've read it, then read it again, as there are now several more scenes.  Also, if you haven't, then please upvote.

The first time Yixing saw you, you were six years old.  He was seven, already well-versed in the ins and outs of the school system, a wise, and seasoned second-year.  Sent to the office to deliver a note to the principal, on behalf of his teacher, Yixing, watched you as he waited for the principal to finish speaking to your—he listened—aunt, about the details surrounding enrolling you in school in the middle of the year. 

As the adults discussed the details of your enrollment, he watched you, watched as you hid behind your aunt’s leg, hands clutching the fabric of her trousers, your face buried against her hip, and a sense of protectiveness surged in his chest.  Yixing had no siblings, but seeing how shy you were made him want to keep you safe. As he watched, you cautiously peeked around your aunt, blackberry eyes wide, curious, and shining.

He didn’t know it then—he was too young to understand—but that’s when he fell in love.

“I’ll take her,” he piped.

The principal and your aunt stopped to look at him.

“You said that you need someone to show her around.  I’ll do it.”

“Would you?” the principal asked, his anxious expression relaxing, as he ran a hand over his shining pate, smoothed down the grizzled hairs on the sides.  “There’s a good boy. But...why are you here?”

Yixing explained his business, gave the principal the note, and within minutes you were given into Yixing's care.  As you silently walked together, he gave you a sidelong glance. “What’s your name?”

You looked down, your chin-length black hair covering your face, but didn’t answer.

He bent down, peeked up into your face.  “Shy?”

Pouting, you nodded. 

“Ah, that’s alright.  I will name you.”

Surprised, you looked at him, sweet dark eyes wide.

Looking back at you, he once more felt that curious surge of protectiveness.  Something about you seemed so familiar, so trusting. “You’re like the baby sheep we saw at the petting zoo.” 

Blinking, you gave him a shy smile, before pointing to a construction paper cutout of a group of animals on the 3rd grade class’s door. 

“You like animals?”

Eyes shining, you nodded.

“Me, too.  How about an animal?  Like a lamb? Little Lamb?”

You looked away, and Yixing’s heart dropped, thinking that he had said the wrong thing.  Looking ahead, he pouted, upset with himself that he had made you unhappy.

Until he felt your hand slip into his. 

He looked back to find you looking steadily back at him, your gaze trusting. 

“I like it.”