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Xie Lian hummed, his thumb and index finger fiddling with the buttons on Hua Cheng's shirt. "San Lang, do you want to get some new clothes after this? I feel these barely fit anymore.“
"I can shapeshift into another form if that's what gege prefers," Hua Cheng said, the smirk on his lips telling what kind of answer he expects.
And he was right of course, Xie Lian was quick to refute, "No, no! That's not necessary."
He left the two upper buttons open to save the poor things from misery. It's Hua Cheng's trademark anyway. He carefully slid the vest up to Hua Cheng's shoulders, pulling it across his chest to button it up as well. Gradually reaching higher and higher, Xie Lian focused solely on the task. When finished, he couldn't help but rest his hands for a few moments.
Hua Cheng's chest rumbled with laughter under his palms, "Do you enjoy what you see?"
To give his idle hands a purpose, Xie Lian patted down the fabric, silently thinking how unfair it was that no matter the passing centuries, Hua Cheng still managed to fluster him.
However, he decided to be sincere, "Mn, I told you black is good on you, very handsome."
"So gege does like what he sees," Hua Cheng said, the corner of his lips lifting. Xie Lian was familiar with his ways and hardened his composure to save himself from the momentary weakness that usually followed. He mustn't give in to temptation.
"Yes, yes. But there's no time to fish for compliments, we're in a hurry."
It didn’t help that his eyes seemed to go against his words, roaming over Hua Cheng's fine body, wrapped in a black suit. His eyes weren't the only things that seemed to be in a disagreement too, hands feeling up the texture of the vest, up and down. At the gentle touch, Hua Cheng's chuckles were tamed into a low sound of approval.
Xie Lian himself was fully dressed, knowing he wouldn't be for long if this conversation were to continue. Thus, he took a few stealthy steps to stare out the window of their apartment.
"Time really goes fast…" he murmured, feeling an odd sentiment as he looked at the sky. Which was filled with cultivators flying on swords mere centuries ago, now was only occupied by airplanes, leaving crisscrossing white stripes.
A head came resting on Xie Lian's shoulders, nuzzling himself deep while a pair of strong arms wrapped around his waist. A long, thinly braided strand of hair caressed Xie Lian's neck, the ever-vibrant red coral bead dangling on its end.
"But we're here," Hua Cheng murmured, both reassuring and playful.
"Yeah," Xie Lian breathed, a thumb casually skimming over the red thread on his middle finger. He smiled softly. "We have time."
“Do we, now?" Hua Cheng's voice didn't bother to hide mischief anymore. "Then if we do, can I…?"
As if on cue, something started to vibrate in the pocket of Xie Lian's coat. Hua Cheng made an annoyed click with his tongue. No matter the time and place, it's either the communication array or the phone disturbing them.
Xie Lian fished it out, typed a quick affirmation that they're already on their way, and sank it back to where it belonged. He was just about to speak, but Hua Cheng beat him to it, in a final attempt to sweep him off his feet.
"You're sure you don't want the dice?" Hua Cheng kissed his neck. "A distance shortening array?"
Xie Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He quickly folded himself out of his embrace, reminding him they had an event to attend.
"Wouldn't it be strange to appear out of nowhere?" Xie Lian reasoned. "We better do it the right way."
Hua Cheng sighed and reluctantly detached himself from Xie Lian's back.
"Don't forget to bring an umbrella, San Lang. It looks like it's going to rain."
It wouldn't be very Hua Cheng-like to not have one (although the red, paper one he used to carry around was in one of the chambers of Paradise Manor), yet Xie Lian felt a strong urge to dote on him after his refusal. Hua Cheng retrieved his usual umbrella, stylish and new, from the rack next to the entrance door. He was still sulking while putting on his cloak.
Looking at the pout on his face, Xie Lian couldn't take it anymore, "I'll make it up to you."
"Oh?" Hua Cheng raised a brow.
"I'll cook something when we come back," Xie Lian promised.
"Gege will cook?" Hua Cheng immediately perked up, the gentle expression that was reserved only for Xie Lian spreading across his face. "What is it going to be?"
"One of your favourites," Xie Lian replied, beaming. "Sweet and Sour Eternity."