The B mafia (BL)

"Dammit!" 

As if knowing his exact thoughts, Lily rushed towards the cages and Ding pulled out his gun covering her movements. Being a professional burglar, it wasn't exactly challenging for her to have the lock open. She walked into the space and the kids scurried away in fright with tears breaming in their eyes.

"Poor things, must have been terrified," she said to herself.

Gunshots echoed around them and she moved over to the kids using her body as a shield. With her body pressed against theirs, she could tell they were afraid given their bodies trembled.

"Sshh… it's okay… everything is okay," she said in an attempt to soothe them down.

After a few minutes, everything became silent aside from some distant breathes which echoed around them. Ding kicked the limp body from the path and walked towards the cage. He stopped by the door and watched at the trembling kids and Lily.

"You okay?" he asked and Lily gave him a quick nod.

"They are a bit shaken, but they'll be fine."

"Let's get going then."

With Ding on the lead, they safely made it out and by dusk, they were all in front of the gate leading to an orphanage. The kids were still shaken but they seemed less nervous than they did earlier probably because they were exhausted.

"Miss Lily!"

The few kids who were playing around rushed towards her nearly knocking her down in their haste and she chuckled heartily.

"Goodness! Careful children!"

A woman who looked in her mid fifties walked from the entrance of the building and the kids bowed their heads.

"Sorry," they said in unison and Lily covered her mouth and chuckled into the palm of her hand.

"There, there don't be too hard on them aunty."

"Welcome home dear," she said and embraced Lily and pat her back," it's been long."

They broke the hug and the lady noticed the kids cowering behind an elegant man. Lily noticed this and cleared her throat.

"Aunt, this is Ding, a distant friend of mine."

"Hello aunty," he said and bowed his head in respect.

"My, what a handsome and respectful young lad… you two aren't dating are ye?"

"What!" they exclaimed in unison and the lady chuckled.

"And who are these lovelies?" she asked her hand stretched out.

The kids ran towards her tugging on her dress and Lily and Ding were taken a back at how quick they accepted her.

"You know aunty, it took us quite sometime to make these children trust us and follow us but they instantly…"

"Maybe they were afraid, you two are covered in blood. I wouldn't trust you either."

"Ouch! Harsh much."

She chuckled and they all walked through the gates and into the building.

"I'll prepare a bath for you," Lily said and disappeared from the room.

Ding let out a sigh and removed the blood stained shirt he had on. He tied a towel around his waist and sat on the small bed. Part of him was relieved the children were safe and sound but somehow, there was an uneasy feeling settling in his gut and he couldn't shake it off. A knock sounded on the door and Lily walked in clothes in hand.

"Go ahead and shower now. I borrowed these clothes from aunt, am not sure if they are your size but…"

"Thank you," he said and took the clothes from her.

"Join us for dinner once you're done."

"Mmh."

She closed the door and Ding headed to the shower room where a large wooden tub stood filled with water to the brim. He dropped the towel and sank into the tub causing some water to pour out. The warm sensation felt great against his bare skin and his tense muscles relaxed. After a quick shower, he quickly got dressed in the old shirt and pants, slipped into some slippers and headed out of his room. It didn't take him long to find the dining room since all he had to do was follow the loud laughter of the children echoing through the hall. He stood by the door way and in silence watched the children talking and laughing as they ate. Lily looked up and caught a glimpse of his figure.

"Ding? What are you doing over there? Come over here."

Ding obediently walked towards her and took a seat between two kids whom he assumed were six years or so. Lily served him some food and passed it to him, he nodded his head in gratitude and took the plate. Dinner went by quickly in a comfortable atmosphere, with everyone feeling at ease and enjoying each other's company.

"That was the most lovely dinner the kids and I have ever had. I think it's because of your presence here."

"You flatter us aunt," Lily said," but I think it's all because of your cooking. Isn't that right?"

Everyone acknowledged this with a nod of their heads.

"Today's meal was delicious ma'am."

"This is the best food I've ever eaten."

The kids kept showering her with praises and this filled her heart with love.

"Okay okay.. enough with the praises, it's almost bed time kids."

They all groaned in response and the boy who was seated next to Ding grabbed the hem of his shirt causing Ding to turn to him.

"Brother, can you read us a story?"

"Um.."

In an instant, all the kids surrounded him and Lily chuckled at his concerned face.

"Kids, don't disturb big brother," Lily said as she wiped the tears from her eyelids," he needs to rest."

"No!"

They tugged fiercely onto his legs and he let out a defeated sigh and carried one boy from the ground and onto his arms.

"Okay then. Let's go."

"Their room is down the right from your room," the lady shouted after him.

"… and the prince asked in a booming voice,' Who was that?' The guards hid away in fear at his terrifying voice…"

His voice slowly retracted into a whisper once the kid's light breathes surrounded him. He ensured they were all tucked in bed and walked out softly closing the door behind him.

"How was it?"

"They all fell asleep."

"You should rest too, am sure you're exhausted."

"Okay. Goodnight Lily."

Lily stood on her tippy toes, moved his bangs from his forehead and kissed him lightly," Goodnight, sleep well."

Ding lay on the bed and allowed his thoughts to wander around. He grabbed his forehead where Lily had kissed and a warm emotion welled up inside him. That single action was little but it reminded him of his late sister when they were still kids. Every night before they retired to bed, she would always kiss him on the forehead, tuck him in bed and stay with him until he fell asleep. As he was reminiscing over his past, he heard a small tap on the window. After a few seconds, the rain which started as tiny, hesitant droplets, gradually increased in size and frequency and he brought the blanket to his shoulders and curled up seeking warmth. The soft, familiar melody of the rain brought an emotional remembrance of the time when life was carefree and full of promise, it brought back the memories he had buried away deep in his heart.

"Sister..."