Work Text:
The annual Ghost Festival has come in Ghost City.
Streets that were usually bustling bloomed with so much life, so much excitement, that almost all ghosts who visited did not come out of the gates unscathed.
It was the epitome of hedonism - desires of all flare to a topnotch for this particular occasion.
Yet despite the nature which Xie Lian's cultivation sought to avoid at all costs, he didn't mind it one bit. Because underneath the very acts of 'immorality', the genuine efforts the residents of Ghost City make are all in the name of their lord.
All in the name of what they consider to be love and respect, an honor to the one who kept them safe for centuries.
Xie Lian smiled at the thought. Despite the villainous reputation the ghost king holds, he sure does keep a population of loyal followers.
"Is gege having fun?" His husband whispered in his ear, hand securely wrapped on his waist as they walk their way back to Paradise Manor.
Xie Lian turned his head to gaze at him, smiling brightly, "Oh San Lang, you don't even know." The prince tilted his head, eyes reflecting the lanterns dangling between rows of shops and houses, "I could get used to this."
Hua Cheng plastered a cool smile on his face, pleased to see, know, and feel that happiness oozing from him.
"We should hurry, they're probably already in the manor." Xie Lian said, attempting to quicken his pace but was unable to do so due to Hua Cheng's grip.
The ghost king refrained from rolling his eyes, "Oh, don't worry about them gege, Yin Yu is taking good care of them."
Even as those words slipped out of his mouth, he still did as his highness asked.
As the event is a Festival, of course Xie Lian would think to invite someone over. Although it may be the prince's doing, it still irked Hua Cheng to see the two former servants who were in the middle of a - useless - argument by the time he opened the doors of Paradise Manor. Yin Yu, Hua Cheng's right hand man, was standing on the far corner of the room, the usual mask hidden as he clutched his head as if he was in pain. He breathed in relief upon seeing his employer, practically fleeing on sight as soon as possible.
"Just say you have some sort of stupid plan and be done with this shit!" Feng Xin sneered at his companion.
Mu Qing rolled is eyes, his arms crossed, "It's a fucking festival, who doesn't bring shit?"
"THAT'S NOT EVEN AN EXCUSE!"
"Don't be such a pussy, Feng Xin! It's not even a big of a deal--"
"'COURSE IT'S A BIG DEAL! FUCKING THROW IT AWAY!"
Mu Qing's eye twitched, "ARE YOU HEARING YOURSELF RIGHT NOW?!"
"YES! WANT ME TO REPEAT MYSELF?!"
"YOU--"
Xie Lian sighed, his hand touching his forehead as the second hand embarrassment crept up on his nerves. Hua Cheng merely glowered, but his hand that was placed behind his husband's back slowly rubbed in circles.
It's been eight centuries, probably more than that by now, and yet the two generals still bickered like children.
(Why can't they just get together already?)
"Alright, alright..." Xie Lian paced towards the two, palms stretched upwards as an attempt to get their attention, "Stop this already, you two."
Feng Xin whipped his head to look at the prince, eyes bulging out in shock.
"How long have you been there?"
Xie Lian's shoulders slumped, feeling incredulous. "Quite a while."
Were they truly that immersed in their argument to not notice the presence of the prince and the ghost king?
Feng Xin pointed accusingly at Mu Qing, whose back was now turned at them, "It's his fault, your highness! You see, it was supposed to be a simple visit since you invited us. But this piece of shit just had to go 'Oh, let's make things spicier!' and brought that god forsaken sake!"
Mu Qing abruptly swiveled around, hair whipping as he glared at the latter, "When the fuck did I said that?! It's a fucking festival, it's not like I'll invite you to drink anyway!"
"What's wrong with the drink?" Xie Lian blinked.
Feng Xin turned beet red, making Xie Lian wonder if he asked the wrong thing.
"It's the Blood of the Dragon Phoenix!"
Hua Cheng widened his eyes, but Xie Lian still blinked.
"Where did you get that?" Hua Cheng asked, stepping closer to the three with his hands clasped on his back.
Mu Qing crossed his arms once more, averting his gaze while his chin stubbornly remained lifted, "A mortal got a hold of it, said that he found it in one of the caves in my domain. One of the cultivators in my temple offered it to me the last time I descended."
"Uhh... can someone explain..?"
Hua Cheng glanced at the prince, "It's an extremely rare brew of sake, gege. It is said that a mixture of it contained the blood of the ancient dragon phoenix, making it potent and deadly among mortals especially if they're lightweight. To gods and ghosts, however, it's considered an exquisite treasure."
"That's why prick over here must throw it away!"
Mu Qing took a step closer to Feng Xin, body trembling with anger, "What the actual fuck is wrong with you--"
Xie Lian rubbed his chin thoughtfully, curiosity apparent in his face, "Can I try it?"
"...."
"...."
"...?!"
Feng Xin choked on air, Mu Qing gaped at him, and Hua Cheng suddenly felt cold sweat forming on his forehead.
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!"
"Damn, Xie Lian, it doesn't taste good if that's what you're wondering about."
"Your highness..." Hua Cheng's face turned conflicted, "I have wine stored here that is light and sweet, we can go with that if you want."
"What's wrong?" Xie Lian's brows furrowed as he tilted his head in confusion, "I thought this sake is okay for gods and ghosts?"
Not for you... no... The three simultaneously thought.
"It's still potent, even for gods and ghosts. Not deadly, but potent." Hua Cheng explained carefully.
Xie Lian's head tilted to the other side, brows still furrowed, "...Oh."
"Besides, it would damage your cultivation." Feng Xin commented off handedly, earning a loud groan from Mu Qing.
Xie Lian stiffened at that. Being married to the ghost king would naturally change his cultivation method; it has been that way for years now. Although he does not indulge with liquor, it's still pretty much the same. He wasn't sure if Feng Xin refused to think about it or he failed to think about it?
"Enough of that." Hua Cheng started coldly, sensing the prince's discomfort, "Let's have dinner first, I'm sure gege is hungry."
"I'm surprised your city provides mortal food. I was actually expecting something disturbing." Feng Xin muttered as he leisurely sliced the piece of meat on his plate.
Hua Cheng smiled insincerely, "I don't mind feeding you another kind of meat."
"Feng Xin, how do you think his highness have been eating here in ghost realm if there's no mortal food?" Mu Qing remarked, evidently done with the general's denseness.
"I'm glad you like the food, Feng Xin." Xie Lian said gently. He reached out for the glass in front of him, taking a tentative sip before gulping a larger amount, pleased at the taste of the wine.
Hua Cheng placed another fruit on the prince's plate, gaze tender as he watched his husband enjoy himself.
Xie Lian glanced at him, eyes twinkling, "Thank you, San Lang."
"So," Mu Qing suddenly spoke, apparently cringed out at his friend and the ghost king's 'sweetness', "Crimson Rain, care to taste this sake?" He reached inside his robes to reveal a white jar decorated with gold linings.
Feng Xin dropped his cutlery with a loud thud, causing the table to rattle, "You offer the ghost king this sake but not me?!"
Mu Qing languidly slid his gaze on the fuming general, smirking lazily, "Jealous?"
Feng Xin's eye twitched, "LIKE HELL I AM!"
"Then have a drink, Feng Xin. Stop being a stick in the mud and loosen up."
"I-I AM LOOSEN UP! LET ME HAVE A DRINK TOO!"
"If Feng Xin's gonna drink, then so am I!" Xie Lian suddenly chirped, pleased with himself.
The three froze and looked at him strangely.
"That's a terrible idea, your highness!"
"I'm telling you, this has a bad taste to it!"
"How about a wine, gege?"
Xie Lian's lower lip jutted out, leaning back on the chair in surrender, "Fine, fine! Forget it!"
Deeming everyone done with the food as the chaos ensued once more, Hua Cheng glanced at where the servants stood in wait. Without a word, the servants swiftly carried the food and plates away as they served another set of glass wines. Another one placed a jar of wine and left with the rest.
Xie Lian frowned at this, knowing that the wine was meant for him. It stirred an unpleasant feeling in his gut, unable to stop thinking that the three were treating him like a child. Deep inside, he knew they were just looking out for him; the sake is a strong drink, after all. But he never meant to pull a stunt of a heavy weight, Xie Lian knows his the limits of his body. While there may be people or creatures who prefer to abstain themselves from liquor, the prince no longer felt that way; a simple sip wouldn't hurt, why prevent him from having a mere taste?
It may taste bad, but did that stop Hua Cheng and Mu Qing from indulging in it? Even Feng Xin is willing.
Xie Lian felt like he was being pushed in a corner, like a child who was told that he is not allowed to play with others.
Worse, it has always been like that. Whenever there were parties and liquor is involved, almost everyone would not invite him for a drink. And as ridiculous as it may sound, only the martial god of the North ever invited him for a glass of wine. Xie Lian rejected it, of course, but it was the thought that counted.
He felt left out.
Hua Cheng gazed at him with concern, observing the silent displeasure coloring on his husband's otherwise calm face. He never wanted to upset the prince, but what can he do? It will certainly knock the prince out even with just one sip.
Sighing internally, he reached for the sake after seeing Mu Qing down the liquor in one go, an evident challenge to the pissed off Feng Xin.
Once he finished pouring the contents on his glass, he reached for Xie Lian's and poured a small amount of it.
He'll just watch over his husband instead, make sure he's okay and all that...
The change on his face was instant; Xie Lian snapped his wide eyes on Hua Cheng, who was already smiling at him tenderly.
"If gege wants, this San Lang will indulge. But on one condition." The ghost king placed the glass in front of him, "Gege must remain by my side."
Xie Lian knew his husband meant well. In fact, his heart soared at the thought that Hua Cheng was finally willing to let him go through it.
But it still irritated him, frustrated him because...
"I'm not a child, San Lang." He sighed, gaze softening, "I know you're worried. I'm not that ignorant with the effects of alcohol." His gaze turned to his two friends, who were now both flushed and were still bantering like kids, yet has gotten quite close with their heated glares on one another. "But I'm sure I can handle it."
In a snap, Xie Lian grabbed the white jar, poured more into his glass while blatantly ignoring Hua Cheng's panicked cries, and downed everything in one go.
"HOLY SHIT" Mu Qing and Feng Xin both exclaimed, having gotten their attention with the ghost king's shout.
Mu Qing, suddenly sober, leaned in and looked at Xie Lian's squirming form intently, "Are you okay?"
"He needs a chaser!" Feng Xin said in alarm.
In a flash, a servant was rushing toward them with a pitcher at hand.
Hua Cheng remained frozen in shock, eyes never leaving his husband as he took in every little reaction that went through his face and body.
"I'm.. I'm fine!" Xie Lian squeaked, his fist flying on his mouth, unable to prevent the cough on his stinging throat.
The prince's eyes were squeezed shut, his body tense as he forced himself to calm down.
The reaction was immediate: the moment the contents sloshed down his throat, it felt like he drank a liquid fire that seemed to incinerate him inside out. He felt the sake trickling down his esophagus down to his stomach, which spiked an unknown reaction in his head, hence the squeezing of his eyes.
"Gege, drink this up." Hua Cheng gently placed a cup on his lips, "It will make you feel better."
Xie Lian opened his eyes and held the cup, sighing in relief as another liquid eased the fire inside him.
"How are you feeling?" His husband asked worriedly.
Xie Lian blinked at the three of them innocently, giving them a bright smile as an act of reassurance, "I'm fine really! The drink made it better, thank you San Lang. But what was it?"
"It's a special type of juice meant to ease your stomach after drinking alcohol."
The prince nodded at this, taking the information in. "Well, I'm fine. Don't mind me you three, really!" Xie Lian laughed, content to finally taste the infamous Blood of the Dragon Phoenix without much of a reaction to him..
..Not.
Everyone except Hua Cheng was practically wasted after an hour of drinking the sake. Feng Xin and Mu Qing were in their own world now, mumbling and sniping at each other, heated glares turning way too uncomfortable for Hua Cheng to see the longer it took. Deciding to ignore their existence altogether, he shifted his seat towards Xie Lian who was completely out of it a few minutes after his declaration to feeling okay.
The first reaction of Xie Lian's drunkenness was his sluggish droop to the table. His elbows were propped as he heavily leaned his head on his hand, not answering Hua Cheng's calls of concern.
The second reaction was his sudden incoherent groans which Hua Cheng soon deciphered to be complaints of feeling woozy and hot, which proceed to vowing of never drinking again, all the way to suddenly noticing everything.
"Why does it look like Feng Xin is about to eat Mu Qing with that look?"
"I never realized how... orange-y this room looked like."
"How are you so handsome, San Lang?"
Hua Cheng was flaring his nostrils at the comment.
And now, the third reaction was not what the ghost king was expecting at all.
Xie Lian was now giggly mess, swaying left and right at his seat as a poor attempt to scoot his chair closer to his husband. Deciding to abandon his chair, the prince unsteadily stood up and made his way to the alarmed guy in red, unable to see his outstretched hand as Xie Lian abruptly sat down on his lap and leaned closer to his face.
Hua Cheng's clear and close view of his husband's flushed face and half-lidded eyes was sending somersaults in his dead heart.
"How the hell are you so freakishly handsome?" He murmured slowly.
"Gege, hold on a moment." He gripped Xie Lian's shoulders and slightly pushed him away, just enough to create a distance. "You're drunk."
Xie Lian chuckled, grasping his hands and squeezing it suggestively as he tilted his head, "Am not."
Hua Cheng sighed, gaze turning dark as he observed how Xie Lian caressed his hands.
"Do you want something to do, gege?" He asked quietly.
"Mmm..." Xie Lian's gaze shifted on the ghost king's lips. He lingered on it before absentmindedly leaning in to give a chaste kiss to it.
His hands cupped Hua Cheng's face as he pushed himself away, smiling drunkenly, "That one."
Suddenly, he groaned out loud and buried his face on the ghost king's shoulders, "San Laaaaang." He whined, "You're so far away!"
Hua Cheng blinked, bewildered. He gently placed his hands on the prince's waist and tugged him closer to him, allowing his drunk husband to fully embrace him, "But we're so close now, gege."
"Nooooo" Xie Lian squirmed, "You're not hugging enough!"
Slowly, Hua Cheng smiled amusedly and chuckled, wrapping his arms around him as he squeezed his middle, "I'm already hugging you tight." He murmured softly.
Xie Lian groaned, frustrated.
"Take it off."
"Take what off?"
"I want to feel you."
Hua Cheng raised his eyebrow at this, "You want me to take my clothes off?"
"Because San Lang is so far away, it's pissing me off!"
That signaled the ghost king to retire his husband in their private room. He ordered Yin Yu to bring (he used the word 'throw') the two generals in a guest room as he carried the whining prince away.
He would've carried him in a dignified manner (bridal style) but Xie Lian's legs and arms were on a vice grip around him, leaving Hua Cheng no choice but to hold his weight underneath the back of his knees.
"San Laaaaaang"
"We're almost there, gege."
Hua Cheng let the prince do whatever he wished at him as he walked: Xie Lian sniffed at him, kissed his neck, nuzzled at his face, caressed his hair askew, and dropped a bomb of sloppy kisses all over his face, all the while complaining how he is still far away.
"Does gege want to be under my skin?" He joked.
Xie Lian whined a lot more, words completely gibberish.
It was quite a challenge for the ghost king to lay his husband on the mattress. But when he successfully did, Xie Lian wasted no time to complain about the heat, drunkenly removing his robes.
Hua Cheng's jaw clenched at the sight: brown hair splayed around, face and neck flushed, glossy lips parted, and a thin sheen of sweat forming while he squirmed uncomfortably, it brought a certain kind of tension in the ghost king's gut. He sucked in an unneeded air as an attempt to cool himself down. He dressed himself in night robes and finally helped the now half undressed prince in his turmoil.
"Hot..." Xie Lian mumbled.
"You're completely intoxicated, gege. Would leaving you half dressed make you feel better?" He asked respectfully.
He could've brought his husband for a bath, but that's too late now, not to mention quite a bad idea since drunk Xie Lian is unpredictable.
Xie Lian giggled, "Naughty."
Hua Cheng was absolutely stunned.
Exactly what was the prince thinking for him to say that?
"Do you want me to?"
"Wanna what?"
"Be naughty."
The ghost king watched how the flush on his face and neck deepened, and his breath quickened.
The tension in his gut grew stronger.
"Gege..." Hua Cheng's voice became strained, "Be good for me."
Not wanting to hear more from the prince, he lifted the blankets and lied down beside him, pulling the sluggish prince into his embrace.
He could've done what Xie Lian was suggesting and succumbed to the growing desire in his gut, but he didn't want to take advantage of the prince's intoxication. He's not drunk enough to give in to his desires.
"Off.."
"Hmm?" Hua Cheng asked distractedly, still in the process of calming himself down.
He felt Xie Lian shift closer to him as he nuzzled his face on his exposed chest, "Wanna feel San Lang.."
It took him a moment, but soon enough, the both of them were naked and cuddling.
"Is that enough, gege?" He whispered. "Am I close enough?"
Xie Lian remained silent for a while. Thinking he had fallen asleep, he was about to dim the lights further when his husband shifted again. He draped his leg on Hua Cheng's other side and plopped himself fully on his chest.
Now sprawled on top of the ghost king, Xie Lian finally sighed contentedly.
Hua Cheng chuckled, one hand placed on the prince's bare back, the other stroked his hair, lulling him to sleep.
As he confirmed that Xie Lian was now asleep, he adjusted the lights and willed the canopy to drop, covering the figures inside.
He dropped a kiss on Xie Lian's forehead as he whispered, "Sleep well, love."
It might have been a bad idea to let the prince drink, but the end result was memorable enough for Hua Cheng to finally decide that, a drunk Xie Lian isn't so bad after all. As long as he's there, he will remain safe.
A drunk Xie Lian is actually adorable, flirty to the point of being suggestive, but adorable.
Compared to the last time he saw the prince drunk eight centuries ago, this version was quite addicting to remember - addicting enough for him to probably carve it to memory. But of course, he might do it secretly...
.. Or not.