Chapter Text
Xie Lian lay upon the altar, among the blankets and pillows that made up their bed, watching as Hua Cheng dressed.
“Official Ghost King business?” Xie Lian asked again, sceptical.
Hua Cheng could barely hide the smirk on his face as he fastened his robes in place, and E’Ming to his hip.
“As I said last night, I have some duties I need to tend to, outside of Ghost City. I will only be gone for a day or two.”
“Why can’t I come again?” Xie Lian asked as he sat up. The blankets fell over his naked pale body, landing in his lap. Hua Cheng sighed inwardly at the sight. “You’ve never not allowed me to come on ‘Official Ghost King Business’ before, so what is so different about this case?”
“It is for my safety,” Hua Cheng replied as he approached, and took a seat beside Xie Lian. “For my safety, Your Highness, I am asking that you either stay here, or, if you would like, to return to the Heavenly Court, and I can send for you once I have returned?”
“Your safety?” Xie Lian asked, gently stroking a hand down Hua Cheng’s face. “San Lang, whatever are you up to?”
“Nothing for you to be concerned over, I promise. It is simply some Ghost causing unnecessary trouble. I will resolve this quickly.”
Xie Lian gave a pout.
“Your Highness,” Hua Cheng would not budge on his position of leaving Xie Lian behind on his errand.
“I would rather stay here,” Xie Lian said quietly, giving in. “I can go visit Piqu Shrine, check on how the village is doing, and see to things here while you are gone.”
Hua Cheng smiled sweetly, as he took one of Xie Lian’s hands, kissing the inside of his wrist. “Alright then, I will leave you in charge of Ghost City while I am gone. Please, try not to burn anything down while I am gone?” He smirked.
“That was an accident!” Xie Lian pulled his hand away and Hua Cheng couldn’t help but laugh.
“Of course. I will be leaving Yin Yu with you, to ensure you are cared for.”
“I can manage on my own for a day or two, or do you plan to be gone longer?”
“Do I ever lie to Gege?”
“No,” Xie Lian gave a soft shake of his head.
“Then I will be back in no more than a day or two. Promise to stay out of trouble for that long?”
“I will not burn anything down in Ghost City, and I have not had much trouble at Piqu Shrine, so I do believe everything will be well. The most trouble I could find may be in answering an interesting prayer.”
“Take Yin Yu with you, should that be the case, if you cannot wait until I return.”
“I will be fine,” Xie Lian took Hua Cheng’s face in his hands, gently kissing him. “You have nothing to worry about. In the worst case scenario, I have your dice with me, and should I roll them?”
“I will always come to you.”
“Go, do your ‘Official Ghost King Business,’ and return to me quickly,” Xie Lian said as he kissed him once more before releasing him.
“I will see you in a day or two,” Hua Cheng said as he rose, and Xie Lian gave a nod in agreement.