Archive of Our Own

Soft waves of sunlight filter through the gaps between red maple leaves, hitting the ground in distorted shadows. The breeze rustles the dying branches of maple, damaged in a storm a year prior. A chipmunk scampers across one tree to jump to another close by. Moss clings to roughened rocks and stumps. All is quiet.

Soon enough, however, the serene atmosphere is shattered by the cracking of sticks and the frantic fall of footsteps.

"Hong-er! Not so fast!"

The prince giggles as he pushes through overgrown ferns, hopping over a creek in quick pursuit of his friend. He's young at this point, cheeks still resembling that of a toddler, a little pudgy and speckled with soft, faint freckles, flushed with exercise and sunlight. He's small in size for the most part, but healthy the way a prince should be. His dark brown hair had been carefully pinned into a braid this morning by his servant and close friend Mu Qing; but this wild game of chase through the brambles had started to tug out the intricate work, soft hairs capturing his face in a disheveled manner, flying in the wind as he runs.

"I'll catch you either way! Even if I become a god first! Why the effort, huh?" He shouts as he dodges a hanging dead tree, dipping underneath with ease.

His friend laughs, shouting back "Oh yeah? If you're so confident, maybe I'll have to slow down so that our dearest prince can save face!"

The next events happen quickly, the irony of those last words not left on either of the two young boys.

Hong-er backs up to turn, his boots slipping across dead leaves wet with morning dew. See, the young boy has incredible balance, the prince has said so himself. The moisture was not his downfall. No, the fall could be entirely attributed to Hong-er's lack of awareness of the large fallen log behind his ankles. As he turned, his boots caught the edges of the log, causing the boy to fall face first into the mud and over top of the decomposing wood, behind sticking up in the air.

"Oh, Hong-er!"

The prince finally catches up, breathing heavily, but quick to pull at the boy's shoulders.

"Are you okay?" He asks lips pressed tightly together as if holding back laughter.

Hong-er only groans, holding himself up on his elbows. He gives Xie Lian a stern look, "Don't laugh."

"I won't, I won't!" The prince says, promptly falling into a fit of giggles, then snorts, then he positively bursts with infectious laughter.

"I said not to laugh!" Hong-er's face may be covered in mud, but that doesn't stop him from tackling his best friend to the ground, laughing at himself as well.

They tussle in the grass, flipping around for dominance, muddy clothing and all. But Xie Lian, two years senior, is able to pin the other boy down after some admittedly fierce competition.

"Woah woah woah, who's face needs to be saved now, huh?" He smirks.

For a moment, a halo of sunlight graces the prince's hair, soft and vibrant, the edges of his eyes creasing with his smile.

Hong-er takes in a deep breath, eyes a little glossy. His fingers itch to wipe away the mud on the prince's cheek, so he does, his thumb brushing away a small patch of dirt.

It takes him a moment to rise to the teasing, distracted by the way the prince smiles at him. The way his hair falls down to capture the sunlight. The way his—

Hong-er lets out a soft sigh.

"Mine," He whispers.

"What?" Xie Lian murmurs, feeling heat crawl up his neck and pool in his cheeks. Of course, Hong-er isn't talking about him! But the way he said the word it was almost like—

"My face." Hong-er quickly corrects, hand dropping, ears turning a delicate shade of red.

Xie Lian tilts his head, confused, then shakes the tense moment off, rising to his feet with a shrug of his shoulders. The prince extends a hand to Hong-er, pulling the young boy up off the ground.

"Come on! Let's head back before Feng Xin has a fit over us being gone. Mu Qing will be furious as it is."

–

"Xie Lian! What happened to your clothes?!"

"Hong-er!" Her companion scolds.

Side to side are the boy's mothers. Xie Lian's mother, the queen, and San Lang's mother, the lady's maid.

The two had grown up together, separated when Hong-er's father had whisked his pregnant wife to the countryside where Hong Hong-er's older two brothers were born and laid to rest. Both were young when such tragedies struck, taken by fever and infection. However, on the birth date of Hong Hong-er, the third son, his father had gone out riding to find a doctor, terrified about the newborn's blood-red eye. He was afraid the poor child was diseased, the fate that had taken his first and second son, and thus rode off in search of a professional. The man never returned. Remains of a horse and rider were pulled up from a rice field not far away, sunken. Authorities speculated that the missing man was the lady's husband and father of three. The cause of death was deemed suspicious, but no further investigation was done.

Anguished and with only a toddler and no income, Hong-er's mother sought refuge in the kingdom, living on the streets until the queen took notice of her while walking the market. Honger's mother had been caught red-handed stealing a steamed bun from the corner of a vendor's table, attempting to slip the soft doughy treat to her son at her feet. Before Hong-er's small palms had time to clutch it, a passerby swept it from the air, shouting and kicking the boy's mother until she fell to her knees with a pained gasp.

The commotion drew a crowd as people pushed and prodded for a look at the small boy screaming bloody murder. He punched as much of the man as he could, but a blacksmith can be quite strong. Hong-er was only infuriated further seeing the way his punches merely jumped back at him, the man's stomach seeming to spit them right back out.

The blacksmith could hardly even snarl at the pathetic display, laughing at the audacity such a small child had, ruffling the kid's hair as he crushed the bun under his heel. He threw a couple of coins to the owner of the stand and walked away, feeling accomplished in his task. Hong-er had started to chase after him, but the scruff of his robe was gripped by a solid force before he could.

"Hong-er! Stop, stop! It's my fault. He did the right thing okay?" His mother, panic-stricken, tugs on her son's clothes until he is pulled forcibly into her arms, struggling, kicking, and screaming. "I stole. He caught me. It's alright sweetheart! Deep breaths. In… out… no more swearing, that's no good for a young man."

"But he hurt you!!" Hong-er cries, hiccuping into his mother's shoulder. "He's worthless trash for kicking a woman like you."

"Woman like me?" His mother snorts. "Why so specific? What do you mean?"

"Lovely." The little boy mumbles into her shoulder, frowning with indignation as it starts to shake with soft laughter. "What? It's not funny! It's true."

"Oh Hong-er, sweetie, you'll be popular with the girls one day, I foresee it now. You flatter too much."

"... Wenxiu?"

Hong-er's mother had stiffened immediately at that voice, shoulders growing taunt. Hong-er tightened his hold.

"Y-Your Highness… I can explain."

However, in a rather improper display for a queen, royalty embraced a woman in rags, falling to her knees in a tight hug.

"I thought I would never see you again! And oh my, isn't he the cutest little thing?!"

The queen's fingers pinched Hong-er's cheek without a second of hesitation. Hong-er had frowned, turning back into his mother's arms to hide.

"I have one of my own only a little bigger than him. Join me, I insist they meet. Then we'll have tea and discuss the future like we used to!"

"But! Your Highness, while I appreciate the offer, we… aren't the same as when we were young. I could never—"

"No issue." The Queen's lips turned to a stubborn line. "Come along!" The queen took as she had wanted, grabbing Wenxiu's wrist and dragging the young mother.

The public gossip never quite ebbed on how a thief had gotten accepted into the Queen's chambers.

The new family lived in the castle among servant staff, working hard to keep everything polished and proper. Their boys were often seen sneaking around together. Hong-er idolized the prince almost immediately, looking up to the boy. The prince was overjoyed to have a new playmate.

The two became nearly inseparable.

Now, two mothers scold two children, both of whom are covered in mud and twigs. Both are flushed from running, embarrassed as they pick the dirt from their training robes.

A quiet gasp can be heard from the doors as a young teen servant whispers something to two others. Hong-er glances up as a young man appears at the doorway, eyes as cold as ice. His hair is long and black like fine dyed silk, tucked neatly into a military-style bun. However, his robes are that of a servant. A higher ranking servant in fact, as shown by the golden stitching found in the hem work.

The man seems to walk silently, similar to the black cats that Hong-er had met on the streets. Sneaky bastards, but beautiful in a distant, frustrating way. Hong-er's nose crinkles with annoyance.

"Oh! Mu Qing, thank goodness you're here. Take my son to bathe as soon as possible. We have company that are wishing to meet him." The Queen hurries, pushing the prince forward toward his most valued servant.

"But mother—!" He protests.

"Yes, your Majesty." Mu Qing dips his head in acknowledgment before gripping the prince's muddied wrist, not too gently, and pulls the boy into the white-marbled halls of the palace.

Small muddied footprints can be seen on the formerly pristine stairs. The same servants from before now attempt to scrub away the mess, having a hushed conversation.

"Oh, that boy… " The queen sighs, crossing her arms. "I don't know how to handle him sometimes."

"I can't seem to handle my own, it seems. Apologies, your Majesty, I must take care of Hong-er."

"Worry none. Little boys are all the same at heart."

–

Time passes quickly as a prince. The little boy running through the brambles has grown: his footsteps growing heavier, his laugh louder, and his figure broader.

Maidens can't help but cover their blushing cheeks while gossiping about him, quiet while in public, but hidden words scandalous enough to put even Hong-er to shame.

Hong-er, too, has grown. Still shorter than the prince of course, but by a miniscule amount. His black hair has grown long, and wild, but somehow artistic in the way it curls down his back; a waterfall of darkness.

He has been appointed as Xie Lian's bodyguard alongside another boy named Feng Xin, a military general's son. The two, of course, never get along but remain as civil as can be while in the prince's presence.

This adjustment took a while, aided by Xie Lian's pleading to cease arguments.

Their lives were neither quiet nor loud. Xie Lian had grown up being taught about the wars fought by his ancestors, hunger, and poverty. However, Xianle was at its best. The streets were clean, vendors bustling at every corner, and banquets were held often. There was laughter to be heard through open windows. Everything was peaceful.

That was, of course, before the visitor came.

Xie Lian's new mentor.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Bai Wuxiang."

—

The revolt was a slow-coming force, weakening even the strongest of marble pillars.

The first step of revolution, of course, is careless talk.

"Oh, how delighted I am to see our field so luscious and green this time of year!"

"Of course. We water every week against that dreadful sun. I can only imagine how those… people… must feel. That drought has been sending those things into the streets like nothing else. Oh, I just have to tell you about the sight that greeted me the other night while tending to my garden. "

"What was it?"

"A little girl, skin and bones I tell you. A pitiful sight I'd say… if I didn't see her reach into a man's coin purse! I was just minding my own, on my land, I looked out at the market, and there she was: that little thief… "

"Disgusting! It's bad enough those things have started moving onto every street corner, selling such useless items. What do I need with busted pans and scrap metal? My children have had jewels all their lives."

"Perhaps where they came from such dirty items are worth selling— but here? The Yong-an people need to adapt or leave. It is as simple as that."

Such words were spoken in casual conversation between two women walking the market. Their clothes were made of fine, vibrant silk. Their skin remained soft and pale, hands uncalloused.

They pass multiple children in various stages of starvation but only scoff out of annoyance.

Young ears are a powerful force in the acts of change; after all, they were once held captive by the helplessness of youth —a prisoner who has only spent time with their cell has little reason to fear the chain— leaving newer generations stronger than the last. Those who survived the drought, of course, played important roles in the revolt against the kingdom of Xianle. Those who passed were used as examples of cruelty in both human nature and worldly situations.

There was one man who the people looked up to most. His name was never revealed to the masses, leading most to refer to him as Guoshi of the heavens. The man was wise, sure, but he was young and arrogant all the same. His jaw was sharp, his words sharper. He understood exactly how to draw a crowd, create unrest, to take action in the name of "justice". To commoners, he was the perfect person in the midst of tragedy. He held rallies and went impossibly long without drinking water, giving away his rations with a small, emotionless smile. He was very persuasive in his words, gathering a large following of supporters.

However, plans that once spoke of innocent protest started to become more and more violent. Large estates were burned to the ground, and once green grass fell as charred ash. A protest quickly became a riot under the Guoshi's demand to overpower the guards. The resulting stampede killed upwards of two hundred civilians, some of whom were his supporters.

When asked about the incident, the man frowned but said nothing. Instead, the blame started to shift. A new focus was developed, a topic that never went out of style: the crown prince of Xianle.

The events of the next years are recorded in textbooks hundreds of years later. The fall of a kingdom in the hands of a young prince, the outbreak of the human face disease, and the lesser-known story: the separation of two childhood friends who have always been destined for more, lovers chained by circumstance.

Xie Lian lost his family, his closest friends, and any pride he had left.

Hong-er, naturally, lost his life.

—

The first three hundred years were a blur of agony. The two hundred after that remain a, well… complicated pastime. It was only around the six to seven hundred mark that Xie Lian could truly gain some sense of —albeit never lasting— peace.

Xie Lian's dreams, naturally, were plagued by darkness, fear enveloping every vein, burning against his shackles. But truly, he has gotten used to such things. After all, there is a strange fascination with darkness once it becomes familiar. There was almost comfort in the idea that such a simple thing continued to be constant. Darkness was merely the shadow of his wrongdoings. He had no reason to escape the past that haunted his sleep.

He embraces that thought now, bare feet pressing against sunken moss as his fingertips trace the nearest shape he finds, relying on the texture of rough red maple bark to guide him through the pitch black of a late summer's night.

Clouds have started to roll in, blocking any flashes of scattered moonlight. A rumble of thunder can be heard in the distance, inciting a soft sigh from the fallen god.

This is going to be a long night.

"Ruoye, love. Find shelter."

The silk band slithers down his throat, onto his arm, then falls eloquently to the ground, flicking the edge of its "tail" against the god's arm. Such a gesture felt similar to a mother's gentle scolding of "Look at what you got yourself into!" but the action had Xie Lian casting a bittersweet smile toward the ground, watching the faint figure of the spiritual object fade out of vision.

Breathe in. Breathe out. One step at a time.

Breathe in. Step. Breathe out. Step. Brea—

"Ah!"

A pheasant dives into fallen brush, squeaking in surprise as a man just hardly catches himself before falling. If the bird could speak, she surely would be spitting curses, scampering away with squeak after squeak.

Xie Lian groans as he lifts himself back up, regaining his balance, ankle numb. He can feel the root that he tripped over tugging the edge of his robes, but there's little in him that minds enough to care.

"I did not see you there," Xie Lian murmurs in apology, facing the direction in which the pheasant disappeared. "I would have never intruded had I known. "

The pheasant, naturally, does not answer back.

Xie Lian continues to walk, ignoring the wetness trickling down his ankle.

He does not expect Ruoye back so quickly. After all, Xie Lian has been lost in this wilderness for two weeks now. He was not very eager to escape it, as it was prime foraging season, and berries and fruits were abundant. There was a comfort in living off the land, so he never had a reason to leave before. Sure, it got lonely sometimes, but that too became a feeling that Xie Lian was used to. At least here there was comfort in knowing that the plants would continue to pop up through the dark soil, that streams would still fall over rocks, and that there were still places in the world that could remind him of a time and place that has long since fallen to imminent ruin.

However, this time of year was especially awful— storm season. Fallen trees were quite an annoying thing to escape. Xie Lian had been pinned under far too many, starved and frustrated. Lightning was also quite unpleasant. The feeling of being struck felt quite unique, though incredibly inconvenient when it came to the charred clothing that draped his body.

Soon enough, however, there was a gentle tug around Xie Lian's wrist. Xie Lian had initially been startled, having been distracted by the wind's melody, created by broken branches and trees. The sound had wrapped around him like a spirit's fading arms, squeezing his chest, brushing his cheek. Ruoye was warm and sudden, comforting, but a surprise to his distracted mind.

"Ah, Ruoye. Back already?"

The spiritual device nodded, but then seemed to realize the darkness made the movement quite difficult to see, and tapped Xie Lian's wrist once instead.

One tap meant yes. Two taps meant no. This system has helped the two communicate for many years now.

"Show me the way, please." Xie Lian smiled, lifting his wrist to be led away.

Ruoye happily started to tug as the rain started to sprinkle around them. Xie Lian dodged branches, dipping underneath as water dislodged from the creases of their leaves. Initially, the rain was almost pleasant, a trickle that washed away the dust from his skin, but it didn't take long before the thunder became louder, and the rain started to fall harder.

"Ah, Ruoye, " Xie Lian laughed nervously, brushing away water from his eyelashes. "A little faster please!"

The silk obeyed, tugging the man through the forest with faster speed. Xie Lian ran as well as he could, slapped with branches as he did. Water cascaded down his skin, his hair, and his lips. He shivered, but less of cold, and more with adrenaline. A laugh escaped his lips as he hardly dodged falling into an animal's burrow.

"Sorry!" He shouted back, seeing two eyes reflect the lightning's glow. "I didn't see you there!"

The animal disappeared back into it's burrow as Xie Lian turned back around, leaping over a creek, and dodging more branches. He stumbles out of the forest just in time to hear the steady clacking of an ox and carriage.

"Oh, Ruoye, you found a trail?"

Ruoye taps once, wrapping back around Xie Lian's neck.

Ruoye is quite intelligent in these ways, easily able to connect that such paths often lead to shelter. Xie Lian smiles, stroking the silk in thanks before standing straighter, and walking toward the trail.

"Hello?! Shūshu, it seems that I've—"

Xie Lian is cut off by a blast of wind as the carriage goes past him without stopping.

"Well then.." he mutters, brushing a lock of wet hair behind his ear. "No ride tonight, Ruoye! Guess we'll have to walk."

Ruoye shivers against his neck but does nothing. Xie Lian sighs as he starts down the trail.

The rain makes the landscape blurry, despite Xie Lian's hand attempting to shield his eyes from the worst of it.

But it's fine! This is typical. An ordinary day, really. And besides, it's best they didn't stop. A man wandering so late at night, he might as well be a ghost! If it had been anyone else, Xie Lian would have worried for the safety of the driver.

He almost doesn't notice the way the rain seems to ebb and slow or the way the wind no longer whips against his neck. A soft jingle of bells can be heard under the pounding of the rain.

Yet, neither man speaks, standing at a split road, coming to a natural stop.

Xie Lian glances up, gazing at the red umbrella above him, and takes a deep breath. His movements are slow, and calculated. His hands discretely clench. He shifts his head just enough to gaze at the figure of the mysterious man behind him.

It's too dark to see features, but from the shape of his jaw, his height, he… Xie Lian shivers. What's such a beauty doing being in the rain like this? Truly this man must be a vicious spirit wanting to whisk him away, seduce him, he—

"Gege," the man says, head tilting like a curious fox, beads and jewels clicking at the movement. "Are you lost?"

Who knew that four words could send a man's heart racing, cheeks flushing darker? Xie Lian couldn't see the man's face, but his voice— was he smirking?

"I—" Xie Lian coughs, bringing a fist to his lips, embarrassed. "I seem to have… lost my way, that's true."

"Oh, but Gege~" The man moves closer, leaning into Xie Lian's space. "You'll come down with a cold if you stay out here longer. Besides, you're positively soaked. No inn will take you if you look like this."

"I can… I can sleep in the stables… "

"Oh, sweet Gege, you're above that. You deserve a fire, a soft bed, doesn't that sound nice?"

Xie Lian bites his lip, considering his options.

Beautiful, clearly wealthy stranger~

Or horse shit.

Beautiful, wealthy, charming—

"I promise I'll keep you safe. Such vicious creatures out here, how noble would I be to leave you amongst them? "

That was… an admittedly good point. Xie Lian was more than aware of what (and who) often lurked on roadsides. While he can certainly handle his own, it would be a lie to say he wasn't tired. The inconvenience was most definitely something to consider.

Besides, such a man… his pride may be delicate. Perhaps Xie Lian would actually be helping this young master…

"How long until the nearest town?"

The man clicks his tongue, thinking. "Walking? You wouldn't get there till sunrise. As for my residence… the path is right here. I had been looking for one of my rabbits that had escaped. Luckily, I came across a much cuter one." He sends a meaningful glance over. "Indulge me, Gege, let this young servant play house? "

Xie Lian couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips, the warmth on his cheeks, hearing the pout in the man's voice.

"How do I address you?" Xie Lian asks, starting to walk forward again. "Considering you're willing to host me tonight, that is."

The other man takes a sharp breath, catching up to speed, turning onto a less traveled path after being sure Xie Lian was following.

"You may call me San Lang, and you, pretty gege? How do I address you?"

Xie Lian flushes, looking away.

" That's…" he mumbles. "That's fine."

"Pretty?"

"Yes?" Xie Lian blinks, then realizes. "Oh I mean—"

"So I may call you 'Gege'?" San Lang laughs.

"Yes, yes! You can." Xie Lian clarifies, before turning a deeper shade of red. Did he have to sound so desperate for a familiar title?

"I'm delighted," San Lang admits. "I don't have visitors often."

"No?" Xie Lian frowns slightly. "With your charms, it should be no issue at all."

"So you believe I'm charming, Gege? "

Xie Lian's mouth shuts immediately, cheeks turning pink. San Lang just chuckles at his embarrassed silence.

"It's alright, Gege. May I tell you a secret?"

Xie Lian stares at the figure beside him.

"I find people to be quite exhausting." San Lang admits, shrugging. "Few are worth my time."

Xie Lian couldn't but help feel a little guilty. "I hope you are not inconvenienced—"

"Of course not!" San Lang interrupts quickly. "I believe I could never get tired of you."

"But, San Lang, you hardly know me!"

"You find me charming. That's enough."

Xie Lian can't help the shocked laughter that escapes his lips.

"You're so…" he says, shaking his head. "I don't even know what to think of you."

"Oh," San Lang smirks, bumping against Xie Lian's hip jokingly. "I've been given many descriptions over the years. Let me tell you: devil, fox— oh I was once called something quite creative— I believe it was something to do with the way I wore my sleeves—"

"Oh, we're here. " Xie Lian says brightly, diverting the conversation.

That voice truly was dangerous!

"Mn. We are. Let me lead you to the bath, Gege. You'll need to warm up quickly. I have some extra robes for you to borrow." Seeing Xie Lian's shoulders tense, San Lang reassures: "Don't worry, I'll be in a separate area. You can take your time. I will not intrude."

"Thank you, San Lang." Xie Lian murmurs, brushing a lock of hair behind his ear.

He follows the man into the building in front of them. He watches the way San Lang closes his umbrella, leaning it against the steps to dry. He's quick to lead Xie Lian through the doorway, stepping respectfully to the side so that Xie Lian has the chance to glance around.

"Wow, San Lang… "

It's a spacious area, decorated primarily in red, with a fireplace facing the entrance. The fire is low, but bright enough to light up the space. Xie Lian walks forward without thinking, sighing with pleasure at the feel of real heat. He glances back.

"This place is—"

But his voice falters, locking eyes with the man in front of him for the first time.

One wide eye stares back at him, the other hidden behind an eyepatch. The man's lips are parted ever so slightly, as if with wonder. His eyelashes are long and dark. His face speckled with small, almost unnoticeable scars. His hands are grasping the edge of his robes, as if nervous. A silken lock of wavy black hair falls forward when he looks down, almost… shy.

'Oh.' Xie Lian can't help but think, feeling heat return to his cheeks. 'He's almost.. cute. Like this.'

He clears his throat.

"This place… it's beautiful. Thank you, San Lang. For letting me stay, that is."

The man looks up quickly, nodding. "It's no issue at all, Gege. What is mine is yours."

Xie Lian coughs awkwardly into his fist, feeling the warmth spread on his cheeks. "You mentioned a bath?"

"Yes, yes I'll go get everything ready. Feel free to look around in the meantime."

"Thank you, San Lang."

Xie Lian turns back around, allowing his fingertips to brush the mantle, coming up with a fine layer of dust, wishing away the heat in his cheeks.

San Lang must be out quite a lot, mustn't he?

As Xie Lian walks, he finds more and more fine artifacts. From the detailed tapestries on the walls to the ground in which he walks, fine things line every surface.

San Lang must have quite the life to be able to afford such wonders!

As he contemplates this, he hears the soft tread of footsteps, and a man clearing his throat.

"Everything is ready."

"Oh! Of course. Lead the way, please?"

San Lang nods as Xie Lian takes a step forward, then frowns.

"Your ankle… ?"

Xie Lian chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh, nothing. I just tripped, is all. I can't even feel it!"

San Lang seems to grimace for a second, before leading the way down the hall. "Later. " He mutters, but it's so soft that Xie Lian wonders if it had been meant to be said out loud.

"The water should be warm. I laid out new robes on the screen. If you don't mind, I'll take your current ones to dry."

Xie Lian brightens, walking further into the room, and taking a deep breath of the fragrance salts. He turns around with a grin, robes twirling wetly as he does.

"Truly, San Lang, I cannot seem to thank you enough."

San Lang's throat moves silently, and he glances down. Xie Lian can almost see a tinge of pink traveling up to his cheeks.

"It's no bother whatsoever."

Xie Lian smiles but doesn't say more, disappearing behind the privacy screen.

It takes a moment to take off all his wet robes. They're heavy with water, dirt, and other forest elements. When he is left in his thin layer of under robes, he can't help but let out a sigh of relief. He hadn't realized just how heavy everything was. After a moment of thought, he collects the pile into his arms, peeking over the side of the screen.

San Lang, the gentleman he is, is facing the wall. 'Silly', Xie Lian muses to himself, 'It's not as if I hadn't been seen before.'

"San Lang, you mentioned drying these, right?"

San Lang glances over his shoulder quickly, then back at the ground as he starts to walk forward. Xie Lian can almost see the way that handsome face is filled with warmth.

"Yes," he mumbles, stepping forward to gently take the robes before stepping back quickly. Xie Lian can't help the smile that the action brings; he is reminded of a feral kitten receiving food before scuttering away. "I'll take care of these. You may take your time. Call if you need anything at all."

"Yes, San Lang." Xie Lian says obediently, untying the last of his sash. He hears a quiet intake of breath, then the sound of receding footsteps and a door closing.

Xie Lian is quick to enter the bath. Truly, it's been so long since he's bathed in warmth!

The moment his body sinks into the water, Xie Lian is unable to restrain the pleased groan that escapes his lips.

Ruoye is happy to unwrap from Xie Lian's chest, diving into the water and swirling about, creating ripples as their master leans back in the tub.

Xie Lian leans far enough down to wash his hair, but his face does not go completely under. Xie Lian had quite hated the feeling of his head being underwater after the river incident. He had never quite recovered from the stench of corpses, nor the feeling of being treated as one.

But, well, situations happen! And Xie Lian, despite his excellence in the martial arts, never enjoyed the act of killing and war. At least now he's elsewhere!

And this particular "elsewhere" is quite luxurious. Xie Lian can't help but marvel at the quality of the soaps and oils he uses. They remind him of his days as a pampered prince, skin lavished with the highest quality products.

Xie Lian almost —only almost— feels like he's a piece of poultry, being seasoned properly before dinner time arrives.

"I'm being marinated." Xie Lian says in wonder, scrubbing the dirt from his skin as he lets out an un-princely giggle and leans back with a sigh.

It's not as if he hasn't heard the stories of handsome young men who lure unsuspecting maidens to their gruesome deaths. His cousin, Qi Rong, is a prime example. Yet, Xie Lian scoffs, his abductions have less to do with charm and more to do with his crass nature. That disgusting—

Xie Lian frowns a little.

Maybe being eaten is not the way to go.

——

Sitting just inside the door are fresh, dry robes. They are a dark red, silver butterfly embroidery lining the hems. The under robes are a nice opaque cream color, elegant and soft. While the underrobe fits perfectly, the outer seems to hang a bit bigger on Xie Lian's figure.

"This must be San Lang's… " Xie Lian muses, tipping his head to the side to feel the softness against his cheek. "I'll have to keep it clean while I'm here."

He doesn't realize that he's breathing in an oddly familiar scent. That the scent of flaming embers, maple, and jasmine blossoms used to hold him dear.

Nor the way Ruoye seems to sink against the fabric, trembling ever so slightly. Yet, not in an afraid way. No. Almost like a cry…

Xie Lian takes a deep breath one last time, stepping through the doorway and peeking into the hall. In the distance, he can hear the clang of a pan and an annoyed curse as something falls onto the ground. There's the sound of vegetables being chopped and the crackle of oil as a pan heats up.

Curious and undeniably hungry, Xie Lian shuffles forward, leaning against the entrance to a kitchen area. San Lang is in front of a wood stove, frying an assortment of cabbage, shredded pork, and bamboo shoots. The counter has other foods: spiral buns with filling, steamed dumplings bursting with minced meats and vegetables, and a golden hot pot containing a bubbling, fragrant soup laden with chrysanthemum petals.

Xie Lian doesn't realize how far closer he had gotten, lips parted in amazement until San Lang turns and he's suddenly faced with a sliver of muscled skin, his red robes parted ever so slightly, sweat rolling down a pale, hardened bicep.

Blinking, cheeks flushed, Xie Lian takes a nervous step back, attempting to look away casually, laughing.

"A-Ah… you have quite the arrangement of foods here, San Lang. You must think me to be royalty or something... Though really, so expensive! No need to waste your fine things on me, I'm sure someone else—"

San Lang cuts him off with a raised eyebrow, eyes darting down to the fine robes that adorn Xie Lian's figure.

"These fine things are for my very fine guest. There is no waste. You are in my estate, therefore you are my highest priority. No man other than you should experience such, your highness."

Xie Lian is struck speechless for a moment at the familiar title, but with a chuckle, he waves it off as a coincidence. The highest priority, highness, it makes sense! It's not as if the man is saying hello to the prince of Xianle…

"Oh," he says with a dip of his lashes, a small laugh escaping his lips. "I suppose that's… fine."

"Please," San Lang says, voice far softer than before. "Eat with me?"

And how could a man say no to that adorably pouty face? Impossible!

So, they eat together like old friends, laughing and talking the night away. Xie Lian feels as if he has known this beautiful stranger his entire life. It's so strange— he only met this man earlier today, and yet he feels like there's a string unraveling in his chest, fibers reaching out to grasp San Lang's hand in an embrace.

The familiarity makes him almost giddy with delight. Oh, how unusual it is to have someone eagerly listen! There are no expectations, no need to ask for more, only a coy grin and a flirtatious tongue to greet him.

When Xie Lian places vegetables in San Lang's bowl, having exchanged several foods between the two already, he's greeted by a slight pause. Of course, the man is quick to school his expression, but Xie Lian can't help the way that his laugh bubbles up and out of his throat.

"Oh, oh San Lang… you're so similar to a child I once knew. I always had to use my own chopsticks to feed him or he refused to eat his vegetables."

San Lang's eyes brighten, leaning closer.

"Perhaps that's exactly what I need."

"San Lang!" Xie Lian laughs, "How old are you?"

"Too old." San Lang admits before his expression turns to a pout. His voice is almost childish when he asks, "Indulge me?"

Such a clever fox this man is, luring him in with such cuteness!

So, Xie Lian takes some vegetables between his chopsticks, lifting them to the man's parted lips.

What he wasn't prepared for, however, was the way San Lang looked at him when receiving it.

Those lips, once a smirk, are parted obediently, canines glinting in the lantern light. The man leans forward to take the food, and Xie Lian is caught by that dark, gray eye.

It's almost overwhelming the way that his chest constricts at the sight of a pink tongue darting out, or the way those dark lashes flutter ever so slightly when gazing at him. He feels something like electricity dance across his skin, hand trembling ever so slightly before he drops it, flushed, setting down the chopsticks with a clack.

"You should eat more vegetables, you know… muscles… "

San Lang's eyebrow raises, resting his jaw on his palm. His eyes seem to sparkle with amusement. Yet, he doesn't talk, and suddenly Xie Lian has the urge to explain himself further.

"Not! Not that you don't already have muscles already —they're quite nice actually— but a handsome young man such as yourself may want to show himself off to the local girls more, to their fathers." Xie Lian looks down, mumbling. "Good laborer and all that, I bet you could lift many things, many people, ah I mean…"

A snort startles him from his rambling.

"...San Lang, stop laughing!"

"I'm not, I'm not! " San Lang laughs.

"You're so insincere." Xie Lian huffs, looking away.

Yet, he feels the brush of a man's fingers against his jaw, guiding him to look forward. San Lang's voice is deep, almost numbing the way it rumbles Xie Lian's heart with such seriousness.

"Trust me, your highness." He says, his voice somewhat rough. "You will never find anyone as sincere as me."

There's something about the way he says that. There's almost a reverb to it, like the strums of a quiqin echoing in a temple. His hand is gentle, and his gaze is intoxicating. There's almost hunger in that expression, a deep ache that Xie Lian does not understand. It both excites and terrifies him.

And when Xie Lian's eyes fixate on the man's lips, he doesn't see the way that dark eye widens, blinking. Nor the way the palm of his host starts to tremble.

He only sees when San Lang turns away.

"It's getting late. I'll make sure you have adequate chambers."

"O-Oh…" Xie Lian stutters, looking up and leaning back to a respectable distance as San Lang rises to his feet. "Okay, San Lang. Thank you. "

And so, San Lang leaves down the hall.

Flustered and a bit embarrassed at the sudden change of conversation, Xie Lian starts to clean up the table, bringing the empty dishes to their dedicated basin. He organizes what is left, placing the less spoilable items in bamboo containers on top of the table. The rest he places in the dedicated icebox.

As Xie Lian places the last bun into the bamboo container, he is stopped by a stranger's tepid voice.

"No need to clean up, if I had known you were, I would have helped."

When he whips around Xie Lian is greeted by a man who is rather… ordinary.

Perhaps it's because of how extraordinary San Lang is, seeing such a bland appearance is a shock to his system. But, here in front of him was not an extraordinary man, but the most ordinary man Xie Lian had ever seen. It's extraordinary how dull his face is, clothing a murky gray.

Before Xie Lian can ask, the timid man is quick to answer his unasked question.

"I apologize for startling you. I am Yin Yu, a servant of Master Hua. I just got back from an errand, so I apologize for any dust."

"...Master Hua?"

"Oh. Hua Cheng. He–"

"Yin Yu. Leave." Hua Cheng says, voice short. He's standing in the entranceway, a scowl on his lips.

"Yes sir." Yin Yu bows before walking quickly away.

"You didn't need to send him away like that." Xie Lian murmurs, setting down the items in his hands, and walking forward with his hands innocently held behind his back. "After all, I've guessed your identity long ago. "

This gives Hua Cheng pause, stilling immediately. His eye is wide, and it seems his breath is caught in his throat.

Well.

Not quite.

"Why do you say that?"

"While I may not know this area in particular, I have come across many inhuman entities on these lands. Rumors have circulated about the most powerful entity in this territory and yet, not in a negative way. In fact, it seems they almost worship you. I find that very impressive, San Lang."

Hua Cheng does not speak as Xie Lian comes to a stop before him, rolling on the balls of his feet almost playfully.

"I admire it. To go against the heavenly path, yet help others… It's fascinating. I would like to learn more about you, Hua Cheng, and who you are. What you are. How you spend your time. You incite my curiosity."

Hua Cheng is clearly taken aback for a moment before dipping his head.

"Apologies Dianxia, I should have revealed my identity sooner. "

"It's alright, truly." Xie Lian says with a soft smile, pressing a comforting hand on Hua Cheng's forearm. "You figured me out sooner. Besides, I quite enjoy mysteries. They're how I make a living. Now that is out of the way, which name do you prefer?"

"San Lang. I prefer you call me San Lang."

"I like what you call me too." Xie Lian admits. "It feels familiar. "

"It does." Hua Cheng agrees as they walk, side by side, arm in arm, down the hall.

In the kitchen area, Yin Yu sinks against the counter with a heavy, relieved sigh. He slowly slides to the ground.

"It's really him." He says in disbelief, hugging his knees. "It's really him…"

—

"Here, Gege, your room."

There is a large four-post bed, adorned with silken sheets and red blankets, furs on the top to ward off the chilliest of nights. There is a see-through black privacy curtain draped at each post, hanging artfully from each corner, tied with ribbon. The frame is magnificently carved red sandalwood, intricate like lace. Clearly, a bed meant for two.

A water basin is off to the side on a tabletop, still steaming with warmth. Beside it is a fine golden comb. A window is above the table, looking into the rainy atmosphere outside. A cushioned seat is beside it. San Lang must have warmed the water while Xie Lian was in the dining area.

Xie Lian walks forward, looking around with wonder. While the room has been cleaned recently, there's still evidence of a prior tenant.

"Is this your room, San Lang? I wouldn't want to throw you out of somewhere so magnificent. "

"No worries, Dianxia, I will sleep somewhere separate. You are beyond entitled to such an atmosphere. I would feel less than a gentleman to place you anywhere else. "

"But where will you sleep?"

" My study is well furnished, I will be up late for business anyway. It's no trouble."

Xie Lian turns around to face Hua Cheng, a frown on his lips.

"That wouldn't be adequate. You have done so much for me already, and there's enough room. We're both men. I see no issue in sharing a bed."

"You have too much trust in me, Dianxia. " Hua Cheng murmurs.

"You've given me no reason to do the opposite." Xie Lian reassures. " You have only been courteous this entire time. I've given you many opportunities to break that trust, and you haven't. You won't hurt me, will you, San Lang?"

When Hua Cheng shakes his head vehemently, Xie Lian grins.

"Good boy. Now, I'm a little tired. May you help me comb my hair? I will return the favor."

"En." Hua Cheng says, voice hoarse. "I will."

So, Xie Lian washed his face before sitting on the bed, his red outer robe discarded to showcase the soft, opaque, cream-colored robes underneath. Hua Cheng sits behind him, guiding the comb tenderly through his hair, detangling with a lovely scented hair oil.

The position hides Hua Cheng's expression. The way his brows are drawn together in focus, the way his hands tremble when the comb is clean off from the prince's hair. The way he leans close, but not too close, enraptured by the sound of Xie Lian's pleased hum.

While the two aren't paying attention, Ruoye starts to unravel, curiously peeking from Xie Lian's sleeve with a happy wiggle. On Hua Cheng's waist, a scabbard starts to rattle.

At the sound, Xie Lian glances over his shoulder, confused. Hua Cheng, too, looks down, puzzled, before his soft expression turns stormy in an instant.

"E'Ming," he hisses. "Stop pestering his highness."

"Oh, Ruoye, I said for you to stay put!" Xie Lian exclaims, reaching for the white ribbon that has now twisted around Hua Cheng's scabbard. Yet, Ruoye only rises, taking the saber out with a flourish, before wrapping around like a hug before the two drop to the ground.

Terribly embarrassed, Xie Lian looks at Hua Cheng.

"My spiritual device has a mind of its own sometimes, my sincerest apologies."

"Mine can't seem to hold his own either, so no need. At least they seem… happy, like that."

Xie Lian looks down at the ground where the two are rolling, E'Ming's red eye creased in happiness. He laughs.

"They do, don't they, San Lang?"

"Yes," Hua Cheng murmurs, eyes gazing only at Xie Lian. "They look quite happy."

–

One night turns into days. Days turn to weeks. And on a beautiful winter morning, it had been over a month since Xie Lian had joined Hua Cheng's residence.

The joining wasn't very formal. It was a natural process guided by excuses on why not to leave.

Xie Lian liked it here.

The winter was harsh— roads were treacherous.

And Hua Cheng, he…

He felt like home.

–

Their first kiss was when spring finally broke through the confines of a cruel winter.

Hua Cheng was raking leaves, and Xie Lian was attempting to make breakfast.

It all felt very natural.

Xie Lian leaned against a broad chest when he felt skilled hands wrap around his waist, a deep voice outside his ear, complimenting his cooking.

Hua Cheng, despite having seen several fires in the kitchen since Xie Lian moved in, has always been beyond supportive of his culinary adventures.

Yin Yu, not so much.

And Xie Lian laughs, calling him insincere. After all, the purple mass that was supposed to be congee was most definitely not the culinary masterpiece Hua Cheng bragged it to be.

But then he's being turned around, pressed into the countertop, a hand cupping his cheek while the other is braced against the countertop.

"You will never," he says, voice a deep purr as he tips Xie Lian's chin up. "Find anyone as sincere as me."

His hand is gentle, and his gaze is intoxicating. There's hunger in that expression, a deep ache that Xie Lian finally understands. It both excites and terrifies him.

And when Xie Lian's eyes fixate on the man's lips, feeling the other's gaze on his own, he is no longer afraid.

He is completely, invocatively, in love.

He leans forward.

And San Lang feels like heaven.

–

Their marriage came quickly after Hua Cheng's complete confession.

Xie Lian held Hong-er in his arms once again, sobbing for lost time.

And Hua Cheng felt the final piece of his soul come home, kneeling in front of the burial places of their mothers as they announced their engagement.

That night Xie Lian, for once, dreamt of his parents without seeing his life fall apart.

And while he still cries upon waking up, Hua Cheng holds and rocks him tenderly in his arms, soothing voice telling him just how proud they are. How happy their mothers are to see them like this, reunited.

And they talk. They mourn. They make love.

They get married on a rainy day, similar to the one they were reunited in.

And when Xie Lian is being kissed, arms wrapped around Hua Cheng's neck,

He feels like he has finally found peace.

--End--