A few days later…

The dance class had been done way earlier but since he was teaching these days, Lay had decided to practice on his own so he could help his students with their choreography. Yunho had dropped in on his way out, tossing him the keys and telling him to lock up when he left.

That had been at least a couple of hours ago and since then, Lay had been constantly dancing. His muscles were beginning to ache and he was drenched in sweat but he wasn't stopping because the dance helped him think and this new tune had just suddenly popped up inside his head. And his movements had slowed to sync with the melody he was thinking, trying to use his body to figure the tune out.

The studio fell silent as the song came to an end and the stereos stopped booming but Lay didn't notice, slowing almost to a halt as he tried to capture the elusive song. He didn't know how long he'd been standing there, staring unseeingly at his own reflection in the mirror before a loud sound drew him out.

He blinked, slowly coming back to the present and realized it was getting dark outside. Hurriedly throwing on his street clothes, he ran off, almost reached the gates before remembering he had to lock up as well. Turning back, he locked up again and headed back outside, this time forgetting to take his bag. He didn't notice it, already lost in the tune again.

The streets around their temporary quarters were still kind of new to Lay, who'd never been good with directions to begin with so it wasn't really a surprise that he found himself lost and wandering, mind elsewhere, the newly formed melody evolving inside his head.

It wasn't until he tried opening the door to a dilapidated building – and it didn’t budge – that he came out of his day-dream, staring uncomprehendingly at the wooden entry before stepping back to take in the whole edifice.

'Oh?' Looking around, he realized nothing in the area looked even remotely familiar. His hand automatically crept to his pocket, so he could call and ask someone to come over. There weren't even any pedestrians around that he could ask.

Only, his hand came up empty – his phone wasn't in his pocket. Sighing, because now he would have to wander until he accidentally found the right path or Suho got worried enough to send someone, he moved away.

Since he was paying more attention to where he was going – and perhaps because his instincts were leading him as well – he found himself nearing the old football stadium where Luhan practiced and played.

He'd barely gotten there when the team came trudging out, Luhan in the lead, deeply involved in some argument with the captain. He almost passed Lay by before stopping and retracing his steps.

'Lay?'

Lay smiled in welcome, as if it were perfectly normal for him to be waiting for Luhan.

'I'm still not convinced we need to replace him, okay? We'll talk later.' Minho told Luhan, heading towards where the rest of his team were piling inside an old rickety truck. 'And be ready for the match tomorrow.'

'Yeah yeah…' Luhan muttered under his breath before turning to face Lay again, a smile on his face. 'This is new.'

'Be careful when you go out.' Lay told him and Luhan blinked before taking in the way his eyes had gone all eerie and unseeing.

'Is it… him?' Luhan asked, voice dropping to a whisper.

Lay shook his head, eyes still unseeing but a frown of concentration on his face. 'I can't tell… too muddled.'

Luhan nodded, never one to question Lay's warnings. 'Okay, duly noted. Was that why you came here?'

Lay flashed him a sheepish smile, making him laugh. 'You're lost.'

'I'm not lost, I know exactly where we are.' Lay defended himself, grinning lightly.

'Sure you do. Where were you going?'

'Home.'

 'Let's get going then,' Luhan patted his shoulder before heading in the direction of his bike. Mei had told him to give up on that but he was a little bound because he couldn't always borrow Suho's car and while his Shadow was nice enough to offer him a daily trip to and from the stadium, Luhan rather enjoyed his time outside. They'd been spending far too much time cooped up inside the rooms, first because Evil had been messing around and now because none of them were willing to risk their mates.

And the night time shifts didn't give him enough to admire the scenery. He wished Mei was with him, though; it had been a while since he'd taken Mei out on a proper date, her too busy with her studies and him, too busy with his football practice.

The closer the start of the season got, the harder Minho drove them and it left little time for anything but his guard duty. The only time he did get with her, he was too exhausted to do anything but hold her close and doze off before it was his turn. If he was lucky, he managed to kiss her but even that was becoming something of a rare treat.

Geez, he'd thought being married would bring them closer.

'There's a carnival coming up…' Lay muttered quietly, dragging him out of his thoughts. 'Hmm?'

'There's the annual carnival coming up, in a few weeks. I think Mei will like it.'

Luhan stared at him for a moment before grinning, looping an arm around his head and rubbing his knuckles into his scalp. 'You silly romantic, planning dates for me now?'

'I just thought Mei looked rather sad.' His voice muffled, Lay spoke into his armpit. 'And you look like guilt is killing you.'

'Shut up.' Luhan deliberately poked him with his knuckles again before letting go. 'I'm not…'

'I'm sure she understands.' Lay murmured soothingly, patting his back. 'I still think you should take her out. You guys got hitched in a hurry and I doubt you got the chance to celebrate properly.'

Luhan stumbled, feet getting tangled with each other. He managed not to fall on his face but that was because he was staring at his friend, bug-eyed.

'How…?'

Lay blinked. 'I'd say I Saw it but it's pretty obvious.'

Luhan eyed him suspiciously. 'Really?'

'Okay, so I overheard you two talking when you guys returned the night before Suho's wedding.'

'That was you? I thought it was D.O…'

'I sent him off because he looked tired.' Lay smiled beatifically.

'Sly…' Luhan muttered, still eyeing him warily. 'You didn't tell anyone?'

He shook his head, humming a little and staring around curiously. 'Well, keep it that way. Mei wanted to wait until she was ready, so… yeah.' Even though he didn't see what the hush-hush was all about but she'd insisted they not say anything, first because she didn't want to put a damper on Angel's wedding but later… there was no reason to keep it secret, far as he was concerned. If she was worried about her parents, Luhan could convince them.

He jammed the helmet on his head, sighing deeply and kick starting the bike, a few pebbles flying away when the tires churned. He was returning home a bit early today so maybe they could talk about it. After he'd kissed her senseless, that is – he wanted to show her exactly how much he'd been missing her and with the prospect of the next few weeks playing games away from their home base, he wanted to make the most of this unexpected respite.

Right before they stepped inside the threshold of their temporary quarters, Lay stopped, brow furrowed. Luhan looked at him questioningly but the Legend was staring into space, his eyes unseeing like they got when he was having a vision.

Luhan waited patiently when Lay blinked, looking more confused than ever. 'Everything okay?'

He nodded, still frowning and looking up as if it held answers for him. 'Yeah… I suppose.' He didn't sound too sure, 'Just… be careful.'

'What did you see?' Luhan asked, opening the door and gesturing for him to get in. It was unlike Lay to give such vague warnings – usually, he'd be more specific than just a general 'be careful'. He turned to look at the Legend when he didn't move. 'Lay?'  

Lay shook his head, looking baffled. 'Nothing… I saw nothing.'

……………………………

Mei was hunched over her books, the flick that kept dropping in her eyes pulled back in a ponytail and the apple hair made her look dorky and cute, especially with the black frames adorning her eyes. She didn't look up when Luhan entered which gave him a chance to admire her thoroughly.

'Hey Luhan, wassup?' Chanyeol yelled from across the room where he was aggressively engaged in a video-game battle with Kai.

'Hi.' Luhan muttered, smiling a little when Mei jerked at his name. She glanced around, eyes rounding when they landed on him before she shrieked and hid behind Sehun. 'OHMYGOD, don't look at me!!!'

Tiffany smacked her arm, ruthlessly pulling her back, 'Hands off my man,' and Sehun looked torn between preening and making a disgusted face. He settled for nodding at Luhan instead. 'Sup?'

'Mei…?' Luhan was baffled. Why was Mei hiding herself? He tried looking into her thoughts but as was often the case, they were rushing by too quickly for him and what he did catch made no sense. In what world was Mei hideous?

'Don't look at me, I don't look good, okay?' Sehun rolled his eyes before standing up and yanking Tiffany with him so Mei was left curled alone on the floor. She yelped before burying her head in her arms.

Luhan dropped to his knees in front of her. 'Hey…' he muttered softly after making sure Sehun and Tiffany were out of earshot. 'Aren't you going to welcome your husband?'

She shook her head, the cute ponytail bobbing and swaying with the movement. Luhan sighed. 'No welcome home kiss for me?' He pouted, making sure to sound pathetic. 'I was so looking forward to it, you know… Minho made us do front rolls again and I banged my head but I thought you would…'

'Where did you get hit? Does it hurt?' Mei was suddenly in his face, hands cradling his head, looking teary-eyed and ridiculous in those black frames. He'd never seen anything more adorable. He tilted his head, pointing at his brow. 'Here… ow.'

Her fingers feathered over the imaginary bruise and Luhan took the moment to appreciate her up-close and personal. It felt like he hadn't properly looked at her for what felt like years. His baby grew more beautiful every time he saw her. He sighed, feeling a sappy smile spread over his face – only enhanced when she backed up, done with softly blowing on his forehead to make it better, and caught his eyes. 'Feel better?'

She looked so worried, he couldn't help but play it up a bit more. He pouted, jutting his lower lip out. 'Here as well.'

She looked slightly suspicious but he blinked innocently and she slowly leaned forward, hand coming up to rest against his shoulder for balance. Just as she was about to peck the corner of his mouth – it was her firm belief that any bruise could get better if someone kissed it – he twisted his head around, catching with his and kissing her properly.

'Luhan!' she sputtered indignantly before seeming to remember she'd been hiding herself. Flushing, she quickly turned away and would've dashed off if Luhan hadn't caught her around the waist, pulling her back into his lap. 'Where are you running off, dear wife?' He muttered, nuzzling against her neck and making her shiver.

'I… have to study, let go!!!' She flailed her arms around before glaring at him. 'Let go!'

'Not until you explain why you were trying to hide yourself.' He told her, locking his arms in place so she couldn't budge no matter how hard she tried. 'Spill.'

'What… I didn't… I wasn't…' Luhan gave her look, making her slump. She sighed, blushing and looking away. 'Well… I look hideous and I don't want you to see me like this.'

Luhan blinked. 'What?'

'Don't try to deny it, okay? I know I look terrible…' as she spoke, her voice trembled as if she was trying to hold on to her tears. 'I haven't really cleaned up because I was too busy preparing my test and…'

'Mei, you look beautiful.' He interrupted her, catching her face in his hand and turning it so she could look into his eyes and see he meant it. 'Always.'

It was, apparently, the wrong thing to say because her lower lip trembled like it did when she was on the verge of crying and then, the dam burst loose. 'I'm sorry…' He said helplessly as she dissolved against his shoulder.

'Why are you so perfect???' She wailed, looking completely wrecked and Luhan mentally cursed himself for whatever properties he possessed that made him perfect. To hell with perfection that made Mei cry.

'Mei…'

'I don't deserve you, I don't! I don't know what you see in me, I'm stupid and ugly and- and…FAT!' she broke down completely, hiccupping and crying so hard, he was worried she couldn't catch her breathe.

'You're not…' he spoke helplessly. She ignored him, wetting his shoulder thoroughly with her tears and making him feel utterly confused. He glanced around in hopes somebody could help him understand what was going on but the only ones standing there, Baekhyun and Chen, were eyeing him accusingly. As if he'd made her cry.

'What?' he asked over her shoulder. Chen rolled his eyes, looking disappointed and Baekhyun tutted his tongue before turning to leave.

He ignored them, wrapping his arms firmly around her and turning her around so he could cradle her properly and it made her cry worse, apologizing for putting her fat on him. 'You're not fat, Mei, for heavens' sake!'

She sniffled, looking completely adorable with her hair standing up like that as she slowly rubbed her eyes. 'R-really?'

'Yes really, now will you please stop crying?' He pleaded, completely out of his depth. He didn't know what to do with tears. Or Mei, when she got emotional like this.

She sniffled a little but still nodded and thankfully stopped crying. 'Sorry…' she mumbled.

'Can I get my kiss now?' Luhan joked weakly, heart still thrumming in his throat because of her earlier breakdown. She gave a watery laugh before leaning over and kissing his cheek. 'Welcome home, Mr. Mei.'

'That's my girl.'

……………………………………

Sehun wouldn't stop laughing, loud and unrepentant despite the frankly evil glare directed his way. 'She's hilarious!'

'She is the most perfect girl on this entire planet and if you dare to make her insecure again…' Luhan growled, slowly advancing towards him, hands coming to strangle the cub.

It had taken him quite some time to get Mei to spill what had caused her breakdown and all evidence pointed towards a certain Legend, rubbing in Luhan's 'perfection' in her face. That, and the weighing machine which Luhan had decided to throw away.

'It's one kg, for heavens' sake.' He was still baffled as to how that constituted as getting fat as a cow but apparently, one kg meant one ton in girl-speak. 'And why did you have to say I hated dumb girls?' He groused angrily, getting annoyed all over at the sheer ridiculousness of the entire ordeal. 'She's not dumb!'

'I know that, I thought she'd get the joke!' Sehun put his hands up defensively, 'Besides, you have to admit it was funny, the way she reacted to that one quiz. I don’t think I've ever seen her work this hard for her grades.'

'Stay away from her, you hear?' Luhan bit out, resisting the urge to sock his grinning face. He glared at Tiffany instead, 'Keep him away from her, okay?'

Tiffany nodded, looking properly chided and Luhan stalked back to his room – to his wife and mate who'd cried enough to tire herself out and had all but fallen asleep when he'd come out. Ruffling his hair, he sighed before slipping back into bed beside her and smiled softly when she immediately cuddled into his side, arms wrapping around his torso and legs finding their way between his.

He hadn't gotten the chance to tell her he would be leaving for a fortnight, maybe longer, tomorrow but he didn't have the heart to say anything when she looked so peaceful, sleeping next to him. He supposed he could tell her in the morning… would've been nice if she could've come along but with her mid-terms next week and the way she'd cried herself silly over her grades, he wasn't going to ask her to interrupt her studies.

She'd still be upset, though and he knew he shouldn't feel happy about it but how could he not like it when she missed him like this? Although… he'd have to make up to her – probably take Lay's advice and take her to the carnival – she'd love it and he could show her exactly how perfect she was.

Decided, he closed his eyes.

………………………………………

A/N

Hellow 

yeah... this is sort of a filler? I try to make the story move forward in every chapter I write but there are parts where it progresses more than in the others. This is one of the slower chapters and written purely for the Mei/Lu interaction since I promised it to my sister :) I think Mei's insecurities are cute :3 and Sehun is evil. As to why Lay doesn't See anything/anyone, I promise it will be explianed later on. And those of you who want more Lily/Xiumin interactions (myself included) don't worry - this part is more focused on Chanyeol and Nara but I haven't forgotten them and we'll resolve their issue before this is over. In fact, the focus will shift to them, as you'll see hopefully, so we can all satisfy our cravings for my personal favortie couple <3 in the meantime, I hope you're enjoying where this story is going so far. I was stuck in a place for a while but I have figured out what to do and how to get there, so yay! Do comment, put forth ideas and theories, I'd love to hear your opinons :) Laters <3