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Hua Cheng, Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Lord of Ghost City and terror of the Heavens, nestled deeper into the blankets as he watched his Dianxia sleep.
It was an unremarkable morning otherwise; he'd convinced Xie Lian to spend the night in Ghost City, so they had enjoyed a calm dinner together and mostly just enjoyed each other's company. It never had to be anything grand or extraordinary for Hua Cheng - though he loved surprising Xie Lian with grand gestures, it never took away from the simple pleasure of knowing he gets to wake up next to this perfect face every morning.
No one would dare disturb them here, no surprise summons or locals barging in to ask for help, so Xie Lian could get some much needed rest. Hua Cheng watched him, his gege's hair fanned over the pillows behind him, his eyes calm and still as he slept deeply for once. Hua Cheng could lie here forever and crumble to dust, and be happy for it all being spent here in his beloved's presence.
Ah… But Xie Lian wouldn't like that. He didn't mind Hua Cheng's need to be near him always, but he also didn't like Hua Cheng ignoring himself for gege's comfort and will. He was entirely too kind-hearted to let his beloved suffer anymore of the slings and arrows of this world, if he could do anything to prevent it.
His gege was such a wonderful person. So perfect, as he drooled a little onto the silken pillow. So elegant, as he sighed in contentment and shifted a little closer to Hua Cheng's warmth. Hua Cheng leaned in to kiss his forehead, feather soft so as not to wake him, enthralled still to watch him and just enjoy this time in his peace and his worship.
It didn't matter the time that passed. He had all the time in the world after all. But eventually Xie Lian stirred, giving a sweet little whine as he rubbed at his eyes. His free hand reached up, instinctively in his half-sleep state, and closed around the ring he wore on a chain around his neck. Hua Cheng's heart could barely stand it, and he didn't even have a heartbeat anymore - not that it stopped him from putting a hand over his chest as if to still the traitorous organ.
But they had been up exceedingly late, and so when Xie Lian gave another satisfied sigh and settled again, Hua Cheng had no heart at all to wake him. He remained where he was, brushing Xie Lian's hair like an inky cascade with his hands, and just relishing the chill moments they had together.