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Ah. Has Heaven always been this bright? Xie Lian thought as he blinked his eyes open. He stood at the ascension point at the very bottom of the new Grand Avenue of Divine Might. He’d come straight from Ghost City, where the dim, muted sky ensconced the lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to the shimmering yet despondent opulence of the Heavenly Capital.
He hadn’t had the chance to visit in a while, he usually answered his own prayers in the mortal realm. For the first few years after… everything that had happened, Xie Lian felt rather responsible for restoring the Heavenly realm to its original state. Hua Cheng had a few choice words to say about this, though he didn’t protest financing the restoration, especially as it meant the majority of Heavenly Officials were still indebted to him.
With the rebuilding complete and the introduction of the Heavenly Council, Xie Lian began spending less time in Heaven, settling at his husband’s side in Ghost City.
Today was an exception to this, though the other Heavenly Officials still seemed surprised to see him as he made his way to the Council Chambers. He nodded in acknowledgement as he passed, some nodding back but most staring at him with wide eyes. Xie Lian sighed internally. No matter his standing, whether it be the ‘Flower Crowned Martial God’, ‘Laughing Stock of the Heavens’, or ‘The Flower Crimson Rain Had Sought’, his reputation always seemed to proceed him here. He once again felt a rush of gratitude that he was able to find a home where he wasn’t judged based on his notoriety.
Reaching the doorway to the Council’s Hall, he felt his lips tug into a sincere smile as he spotted Mu Qing conversing with one of his senior Deputies. It wasn’t a surprise to see either of them, Mu Qing had been on the Heavenly Council since it was formed, and with the topic of discussion today pertaining to the auditing of Middle Heaven, it made sense he would invite one of his own Deputies to give testimony. It was also the reason why Xie Lian was asked to consult on this particular topic. As one of the only Heavenly Officials of the Upper Court with no Middle Officials working under him, he was considered a neutral party in the matter.
“Mu Qing,” He greeted his old friend, nodding his head to acknowledge the Deputy by his side. “I hope I’m not interrupting?”
“No, we’ve been waiting.” Mu Qing replied, taking a moment to dismiss the man at his side. He flicked his gaze over Xie Lian’s appearance, as he often did. Xie Lian never took offence to this action. He supposed it might be an unconscious habit, and Mu Qing had never made a comment about his updated wardrobe since Hua Cheng had taken it upon himself to refresh Xie Lian’s style a bit. His taoist robes hardly seemed appropriate for his new lifestyle, though he still did enjoy wearing mainly white.
Today wasn’t an exception, and he’d chosen to wear some of the elegant yet understated silk robes Hua Cheng had gifted him last year. Paired with his normal white hair ribbon, there was nothing out of the ordinary about his appearance, yet Mu Qing pursed his lips and rolled his eyes, a reaction usually reserved for the few times Xie Lian had worn his husband’s colours. Yes, white still remained as his everyday style, but crimson was now his go-to for special occasions.
“That husband of yours is hardly subtle.” Mu Qing stated, and while Xie Lian could wholeheartedly agree, he wasn’t sure what prompted his friend’s observation. Mu Qing must have noticed his confusion, as he reached to pick something out of his hair.
A red dahlia. Smaller than normal, and so delicate looking that he almost wanted to reach out and take it back from Mu Qing, who was twirling the stem in his fingers.
“Did you not know these were here?” Mu Qing asked dryly, “Surely you must have checked your reflection at some point today.”
“Well, when I did my hair this morning they weren’t there.” Xie Lian reached up to try and pat around for any more that might be resting on top of his head. His fingers brushed along the soft petals and coarse stems that seemed to surround his bun. He retracted his hand carefully, not wanting to damage any of the flowers. Had Hua Cheng put them in his hair without him noticing?
“That ghost is still causing you trouble,” Mu Qing commented, “Dahlias hold the meaning of ‘commitment’, and the red will of course be associated with himself. He’s clearly trying to lay some sort of claim on you for all of Heaven to see.”
Ah. Well yes, Hua Cheng was undeniably keen about making it clear that Xie Lian was spoken for. Some might find that kind of attention overwhelming or uncomfortable, but after many, many, many years of solitude and drifting, Xie Lian reveled in the knowledge that he’d found a place where he belongs. And a person he can belong to.
“Is it really such an issue Mu Qing? San Lang probably just thought they’d look nice.”
Even Xie Lian himself could agree that this excuse was not at all convincing, but the thought of having to take the flowers out was rather upsetting.
Mu Qing rolled his eyes again, and clicked his tongue.
“You really indulge him far too much, Xie Lian. That demon will take advantage of the allowances you’ve given him and start thinking he can do whatever he wants with you.”
Haha. Really, Xie Lian was happy that his friend still held him in such high regard, but that kind of situation was already the norm in their relationship. It’s not that Xie Lian couldn’t refuse Hua Cheng, it’s that the choice to refuse didn’t even register as an option. Indulging his beloved somehow also equated to his own self-indulgence.
“Ha Ha,” Xie Lian coughed, “That’s not it at all. San Lang just likes flowers, you know? Haha…”
Mu Qing didn’t seem to know how to respond. He sighed, looking back down at the flower still in his hand.
“Don’t tell me I never warned you.”
Just when Xie Lian thought he would turn and enter the Council Chambers, Mu Qing paused, reaching back up to Xie Lian’s hair and putting the dahlia in its original place.
“It didn’t look right with a gap in the arrangement.” Mu Qing answered his questioning gaze.
After giving him one last look over, he turned towards the doors, no doubt expecting Xie Lian to follow.
-----------------
The meeting was scheduled to take the entire day, but even still, Xie Lian had hoped to be excused early. No such luck even after he stood in front of the Council to give his views, he was asked to stay and listen to the outcome of today's findings.
He understood the matter to be important, too many Middle Officials had been taking advantage of their station in the mortal realm, demanding money, offerings, and even their own prayers. Xie Lian couldn’t really understand why these Middle Officials would want prayers as the only people who could benefit from such things would be somebody who had ascended to Upper Heaven on their own merit. But then again Xie Lian also didn’t understand the desperation for power and status so many in Heaven seemed to covet, especially after the downfall of Jun Wu.
One could blame his disregard for these things on the fact that Xie Lian and his husband were considered the most powerful beings in the three realms, but even as a lowly scrap collector Xie Lian didn’t aspire to these ambitions. To add to this, after getting his spiritual power back, he rarely actually used it and still preferred a peaceful resolution. In worst case scenarios he was much more likely to take up his sword than engaging his spiritual essence. Though he did still feel a passion for helping people when they were in need, he knew he also wouldn’t feel all that begrudged if his ability to hear their prayers were to be taken away again.
The only thing he’d truly grown attached to in that regard was hearing his husband's own hushed and reverent prayers flow through his consciousness. Usually, he wouldn’t be able to pick individuals apart from the rush of spiritual power the prayers bring, but somehow he’s always able to parse his husband's unique and deferential worship.
Like right now, for example.
The eb of energy starts slow, and Xie Lian can almost picture it in his mind's eye. Hua Cheng, standing silently in the middle of Qiandeng temple with his head bowed and eye closed.
This was a familiar sight to Xie Lian, as Hua Cheng had asked a few times to pray to him directly rather than a statue on an altar. He stated that it was because no matter how many statues he carved, none of them would come close to the reality of his God being before him. Xie Lian had of course agreed to his husband's request; he would do pretty much anything that would bring Hua Cheng happiness and fulfilment.
The setback of this kind of personal policy meant that his playful and mischievous husband became spoiled from Xie Lian’s attention, even after only 4 years of marriage. Interrupting Xie Lian in the middle of a Heavenly meeting was par for the course, Xie Lian was even a little bit surprised it had taken him this long.
Sitting in the Council Chambers, he allowed the rush of spiritual energy to wash over him, making no effort to pick up on the words, just the sincerity and dedication that they conveyed. He’d rather wait for a private moment to hear his husband's innermost thoughts, he knew this was just Hua Cheng’s way of getting his attention.
He briefly considered opening their communication array to reassure Hua Cheng of his well-being, but ultimately decided against it. He’d done that in a previous meeting and consequently had to sit still and poised while his husband’s teasing voice begged him to come home.
He sighed, shifting in his seat so he could cup his hands together under the table and play with the red string tied to his third finger. He made a silent promise to make up for his lack of response to Hua Cheng when he got home, tuning back into his surroundings in time for a new speaker to start their testimony.
------------
After the meeting was over even the most stoic civil gods seemed to breathe out a sigh of relief. It wasn’t unusual for the Council or other prosiding gods to stay for a more informal chat about the proceedings, but Xie Lian was keen to get back to Ghost City.
He stood, making his way towards the door, acknowledging a few of the other officials on his way out. He’d almost made his escape when he heard someone calling for him, though it wasn’t his usual form of address.
“Goushi!” Lang Qianqiu called out, briskly walking towards him. Xie Lian had once asked him why he still insisted on using the term, to which Qianqiu had replied that calling Xie Lian by name was a strange thought, and calling him ‘Your Highness’ was even stranger. Xie Lian could agree to both of these sentiments, so decided to just let it be.
“Goushi, will you be coming to the sparring match next week? You said you’d come this time.” While Qianqiu’s temperament had mellowed since Xie Lian’s first year of his third ascension, his enthusiasm remained relatively unmarred, to which Xie Lian was grateful for. It didn’t mean that things between them were easy, but Qianqiu seemed keen to leave their past behind them.
“Yes, I’ll be there. I’ve asked Yin Yu to remind me in case I forget.”
“In case you forget again . Goushi has become forgetful in his old age.” Qianqiu remarked cheekily and Xie Lian huffed a laugh.
“Really, it’s not forgetfulness… it’s. Uhm.” It’s that he had a very clinging husband at home that knew all the best ways to distract him. Thoroughly.
He went to rub this thumb on his forehead to stave off the awkwardness but surprisingly found his hand full of something.
“Oh.” He stared down at the small red dahlia resting in his palm. What? Had it fallen out of his hair? But in that case, it would have ended up on the floor, not in his hand. Had he picked it out subconsciously?
“Are you okay Goushi?” Qianqiu was frowning at him in confusion.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just. It must have fallen out during the meeting.” He indicated towards the flower in his hand. “Could you put it back?”
He lifted the flower towards Qianqiu who looked even more surprised at his request. Was it really so strange to ask one’s former student to fix the flower crown in his hair in the middle of the Heavenly Council's Chambers after a meeting? Ah yes, now he thought about it, it probably was.
Nevertheless, Qianqiu took the flower delicately, glancing up at Xie Lian’s hair. He turned this way and that, even walking a few steps to look at the back of his head.
“There doesn’t seem to be any missing.” He frowned down at the flower, then back to Xie Lian’s hair, “They all seem to be arranged perfectly.”
…Maybe Qianqiu wasn’t the best person to ask to fix his hair.
Just as he was thinking this, Mu Qing approached again.
“You’re still here? I thought you’d be back in your husband’s lair by now.”
Xie Lian coughed awkwardly at the word ‘lair’ but he couldn’t honestly begrudge Mu Qing for thinking that way.
“I’m on my way now, but I just found a flower that had fallen out of my hair. Lang Qianqiu was just helping me put it back.”
Mu Qing glanced at his hair passively. “There aren’t any missing, it’s just as it was when you arrived.”
Huh? But… then where did the flower come from during the meeting? One moment he was fussing with his red string, and the next thing he knew, he was clutching a red dahlia.
A flower that symbolises commitment… The colour commonly associated with marriage and also the man he chose to marry.
Really? Was it possible that-
“You’re a flower god, aren’t you?” Mu Qing interrupted his train of thought. “Is it so surprising that flowers pop up at random times around you?”
“Well no, but it hasn’t happened before.” Xie Lian said pensively.
Mu Qing rolled his eyes, “Or you haven’t noticed it happening before. And before you ask, you’re not in Heaven enough for me to notice either.”
If he was the one growing the flowers, then how did they end up in his hair? Really, there was only one answer to that question, especially considering Hua Cheng had given him a rather thorough kiss just before he’d ascended to the heavens. Even if he wasn’t the one who’d put them there, he’d surely noticed them.
Xie Lian cleared his throat awkwardly. “I should probably go home and speak with my husband.”
“Yes, you do that.” Mu Qing drawled. “I hope he lets you out of his sight long enough for you to attend the sparring match next week.”
“Oh, but I was hoping to bring him along.” Xie Lian said entirely in jest, satisfied when Mu Qing let out a huff before stalking off to his Palace.
Xie Lian smiled after him, nearly forgetting Lang Qianqiu standing to his left, still clutching the flower. Xie Lian reached out and took it gently, tucking it behind his ear for safe keeping. It probably didn’t match the rest of the arrangement in his hair but it would really be a shame to discard it.
“I’ll see you next week?” Xie Lian said tentatively.
“Yes, next week.” Qianqiu blinked as if coming out of a stupor. “And if you’re not there I might just come to Ghost City to find you.”
Xie Lian smiled at the conviction in his voice, “Just make sure you don’t cause a scene like last time, hm?”
Qianqiu’s face flushed, and Xie Lian chuckled while waving him goodbye.
The journey back down the Grand Avenue of Divine Might was a much more pleasant experience at twilight. The harsh jade and gold glow didn’t pierce the back of his eye lids and the street was empty which meant no one was staring this time. Despite this, Xie Lian hurried along at almost twice the speed of his usual walking pace. He had someone to get home to, and really, it just wouldn’t do to keep him waiting any longer.
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Xie Lian landed just outside the gates of the city, he’d gotten used to descending from Heaven, so no more tripping over clouds on his way down thank you!
He flitted through the streets, calling out his acknowledgements to the residents clamouring for his attention. He’d usually stop, but often that meant he was held up by throngs of avid ghosts wanting the chance to personally say hello to their Granduncle.
“Granduncle! Granduncle! Please come and visit my tea house!”
“Not today, I’ll try and visit soon!” Xie Lian skipped past a few vendors on the street.
“It’s Chengzhu’s wife! He seems in a hurry.” He waved as he passed another group, scurrying up an alleyway.
“Is there something going on?”
“Look, Chengzhu’s butterflies are following him!”
Xie Lian chuckled as he noticed something silver flutter in the corner of his eye. As soon as he turned his head it was gone. Was his husband toying with him? No matter, Xie Lian continued on, he’d be at this destination soon enough.
He was passing by a jewellery shop when one of the residents said something that actually made him pause.
“My Lord looks lovely with that head piece on! He’d look lovely in my wares as well!”
Head piece? He hadn’t checked his reflection since discovering the flowers but it’s hard to imagine they could be mistaken for an ornamental guan. His curiosity got the best of him, so he turned to the seller, who seemed to fluster at his attention, even though she was the one calling for him.
“Do you have a mirror I could use?”
“Of course, of course, right this way my Lord.” She ushered him through the door and pointed towards a floor length mirror in the corner of the room.
“My Lord can take as much time as he’d like!”
His appearance looked the same as when he’d left his dresser this morning, with the exception of his admittedly eye-catching hair accessories. The shopkeeper was right, it really did look like a head piece. The dahlias were startlingly red against the pure white of his robes, and since entering the city, two silver butterflies had made their home amongst the blossoms. Without looking too intently it really did seem like he was wearing an elaborate guan, but upon closer inspection it was clear that instead of garnet and silver, the headpiece was made from fresh flowers and animated butterflies.
The shopkeeper was right, it really was lovely.
Biting his lip, he turned to her and thanked her for letting him use the mirror, before once again joining the streets of the city.
The closer he got to his destination, the busier the crowds became and he found himself ducking and weaving through the hordes of ghosts that no doubt were trying to get to the same place as Xie Lian was. Hua Cheng had told him that morning he would be taking bets in the Gambler’s Den while Xie Lian was in Heaven, and it seemed word had gotten out.
Approaching the doors was no mean feat. There was no formal queue or order of entry, just a vying crowd against the Den’s biggest security officers. Xie Lian managed to catch the eye of one of them, a tall man with the horn of a rhinoceros that made him rather intimidating.
“Make way!” He called to the crowd as soon as he spotted Xie Lian. “Make way! I won’t tell you again!”
Xie Lian smiled at him gratefully, scurrying up the steps before the mass of ghosts became too rowdy again.
“Oi! Who’s getting special treatment?!” An indistinct voice called.
“Idiot, do you want Chengzhu to take your tongue before you even place a bet?!” Replied another voice close to the original speaker. Xie Lian huffed a laugh but didn’t stop to set things right, just bowed in thanks to the guard before striding through the doors.
The Den looked similar to when he first visited, though it had gone through regular cosmetic updates as a result of the usual rowdy crowd. He teased Lang Qianqiu about causing a scene on their mission but that kind of display wasn’t unheard of, especially when Hua Cheng was taking bets. He never let things go too far, but Xie Lian knew his husband enjoyed the extra entertainment from time to time.
One thing that remained consistent throughout the Den’s minor changes was the large dais that sat in the centre of the room. Xie Lian’s eyes were drawn to it immediately, and even through the translucent curtains, he could make out the silhouette of Hua Cheng lounging in their divan.
Xie Lian felt his breath hitch in his throat, his heart beating a little faster than before. Even after four years of marriage, his body still responded to Hua Cheng’s presence like it did at the very start of their relationship. The feelings and reactions that he didn’t understand back then became everyday occurrences. The way his stomach swooped when Hua Cheng gently tugged on the hair at the nape of his neck, the way his cheeks flushed red when his husband took pleasure in playfully provoking him. The way his heart raced faster and faster in his chest, anticipating the moment they would meet again, even if they’d only been separated for an incense time.
But today wasn’t just an incense time, it was far longer, and just seeing his husband’s silhouette had made him all the more impatient.
He crossed the room quickly, and the patrons of the Den must have seen him and gotten out of his way. He was too focused on Hua Cheng to notice.
His husband hadn’t moved since he’d entered the building, which was rare indeed. He would usually get up to greet Xie Lian at the door and lead him to their divan, ordering his staff to bring tea and snacks and whatever else Xie Lian might fancy. The fact Hua Cheng had yet to acknowledge him most likely meant he was in a teasing mood.
Xie Lian reached the top of the stairs, drawing back the curtain to reveal his husband. He was wearing his true form, which was becoming more of a regular occurrence even when Xie Lian wasn’t present. He was dressed in black robes, with intricate red embroidery stitched into the fabric. His hair was loose as usual, and flowed down the arm of the divan he was leaning against. He was playing with the red jade earring hanging from his braid.
Xie Lian felt his lips break into a wide smile as soon as their eyes met.
“San Lang.” He greeted his husband, who returned his smile with a slightly fanged grin.
“Nice of you to join me, Gege.” He said impishly, gesturing for Xie Lian to come closer, a request that he would never refuse.
“I would have come sooner if I could.” He murmured, “Even Ling Wen was falling asleep by the end of the meeting.”
Xie Lian reached the side of the divan that he usually sat on and waited for Hua Cheng to move aside, which he did not.
“It sounds like Gege has been working hard.” Hua Cheng drawled after a short pause, still not moving for Xie Lian to sit down. The outcome to this ploy was rather obvious but he still played along.
“San Lang seems to have worked harder, it looks like he can barely sit up.” He raised his eyebrows to convey his disbelief.
“Quite right Gege, this husband has been working like a dog the whole time Gege has been away.” Hua Cheng lets out a sigh, “I’m sure I couldn’t move even a single muscle. And to make matters worse, my wife all but abandoned me.”
Xie Lian could feel his lips twitch at his husband’s dramatics. “And what can this wife do to make it up to San La-”
Before he had even finished his sentence he found himself pulled down across his husband’s lap, Hua Cheng’s strong hands hovering at his waist to deter any attempt at escape.
“Really, my wife is the cure to all my ailments, so he should be good and stay right here.”
Ah. As he thought, his husband really was in a teasing mood. He glanced at the curtains self-consciously, but was glad to see an extra layer had been pulled shut to deter any onlookers. Though Hua Cheng and Xie Lian could see out as normal, the other side of the curtains were completely opaque.
He didn’t protest the arrangement, though he did shuffle his position slightly so his legs draped over the divan, and he could rest his head on his husband’s collarbone.
“Gege must be tired after dealing with that trash all day.” Hua Cheng muttered, and Xie Lian could feel the vibrations of his deep voice along Hua Cheng’s throat and in his chest. His form was truly impressive.
“I didn’t realise how tiring it was to sit in a chair all day until I started doing it.”
Hua Cheng hummed in acknowledgement and took Xie Lian’s hand in his, pressing a kiss to his palm. “This husband did try to help Gege escape but he got no response.”
Xia Lian smiled, “Oh? Was that the reason for the prayer? And here I thought San Lang might have been trying to distract me.”
“Do I drive Gege to distraction with my prayers? How sacrilegious.” Hua Cheng’s voice both soothed and flustered him in equal measure.
“San Lang already knows the effect he has on me.” Xie Lian replied petulantly and tried to hide his flushing cheeks from his husband by looking away. Hua Cheng didn’t let him, instead cupping his jaw to coax him into a lingering kiss.
Resisting his husband was futile as after only a few moments Xie Lian moved their bodies closer instinctively, any amount of distance between them was unacceptable. He gripped Hua Cheng’s robes tightly in his fists even as the kiss ended far earlier than he’d have liked.
“If Your Highness has had a tiring day then this devoted husband will take him to bed.” Hua Cheng’s breath whispered past his ear, causing him to shiver. Xie Lian took note that his husband hadn’t made any mention of going to sleep.
In truth, Xie Lian had only seen his husband sparingly since waking up that morning, and wasn't ready for the day to be over. Spending time with Hua Cheng in their marital bed sounded more heavenly than anything he’d experienced in actual Heaven. He nodded his agreement against Hua Cheng’s shoulder, who kissed the crown of his head, before standing with Xie Lian still cradled in his arms. Xie Lian hadn’t let go of his robes since their kiss, so barely moved while Hua Cheng rummaged in his pockets for his dice.
In less than a moment, Hua Cheng had stepped forward into their bedroom in Paradise Manor, the buzz of the Gambler’s Den left behind.
“Bath?” Hua Cheng asked lightly. Xie Lian thought about it for a second, but shook his head. He’d bathed that morning, and they would probably be getting filthy together before the night was through.
Hua Cheng hummed but didn’t comment on his response, instead lowering him to his feet gently. This meant that Xie Lian regretfully had to let his husband's robes go, smoothing them back into place. As he did, he started paying more attention to the patterns on the fabric.
The black silk outer layer was incredibly thin, causing a shimmering effect, broken up by the red embroidery that started at the shoulders and tapered out as the robe reached the floor. Xie Lian hadn’t noticed at first, but the embroidery included very fine details, the majority of which were tiny red dahlias.
Xie Lian blinked at the realisation. The mystery of the flowers in his hair had slipped to the back of his mind since reuniting with his husband, but now he was wondering if Hua Cheng wearing these robes was a coincidence. Knowing his husband, surely not.
“Are these robes new?” Xie Lian asked curiously. Hua Cheng was well known for being impeccably dressed, and even though they’d lived together for years now, it was entirely possible that Hua Cheng owned a large amount of clothing he’d yet to see.
“Does Gege like them?” Hua Cheng didn’t answer the question in the slightest, “Gege can wear them on his next visit to Heaven if he wishes.”
Xie Lian laughed at the mischief shining through his husband’s eye.
“I like them on San Lang.” He said, leaning over to kiss one of the flowers on the shoulder of his robe. “It reminds me though…”
He reached up, removing the lone flower from behind his ear and presenting it to his husband.
“Does San Lang happen to know where these came from?”
Hua Cheng cupped Xie Lian’s outstretched hand with both of his own, bringing the flower closer to his eye line and tugging Xie Lian along with it. The sudden movement had him nearly toppling over but was saved by Hua Cheng winding an arm around his waist, in a no-doubt intentional manoeuvre. He huffed lightly at this, but didn’t make any protests.
Hua Cheng was studying the flower closely, and seemed to carefully consider the question Xie Lian had posed.
“I can see why Gege would be asking such a thing,” Hua Cheng said in a grave tone, and Xie Lian blinked in confusion. Hua Cheng went on, “A flower so perfect couldn’t possibly have grown by natural means in the earth’s soil. An impeccable specimen such as this could only have originated from a source of beauty so divine it could pierce Heaven thrice and bring the most hideous of demons to his knees. A beauty that could change the seasons as easily as changing the fate of a man destined for a tragic death, if only he could glimpse at its radiance one more time. A beauty so profound that it could make a King of a street rat and topple the oldest of dynasties.”
The more Hua Cheng spoke, the redder Xie Lian’s cheeks became.
“Isn’t that going a bit too far?” He asked in embarrassment.
“Did I exaggerate Gege’s achievements?” Hua Cheng rebuked, and Xie Lian just shook his head, knowing that engaging in such a debate with his most devoted believer would be fruitless.
“But the flowers seemed to have appeared out of nowhere,” He said, returning to the matter at hand, “How could I have created them without even knowing?”
“Hm. I was wondering when Gege would notice.”
“Notice?”
Hua Cheng was still holding him by the waist and began leading him out of the room. “Let me show you.”
They travelled through their private wing of Paradise Manor, the further they went the more confused he felt, until finally they’d stopped in front of their destination.
Hua Cheng’s studio.
Hua Cheng wasted no time in opening the door and leading him inside. It looked just the same as usual, with paintings leaning up against each wall, most unfinished. There was also a block of jade in the centre of the room yet to be worked on, and a clutter of tools, paints, and equipment scattered about the space.
His husband had explained to him once that his artistry had changed dramatically since they’d reunited. During their 800 years of separation, he would try to recreate memories of Xie Lian over and over again until he was satisfied with the outcome. Now that Xie Lian was here, he had an abundance of inspiration for his artwork and often couldn’t choose what he wanted to paint or sculpt first, and so a lot of the time he was working on five or six pieces at once.
Xie Lian wasn’t as passionate about the arts as Hua Cheng, but he had been trained in them as a Crown Prince, so tried to offer his advice and suggestions. Though he’d never said it outright, he knew Hua Cheng was very pleased at his interest in his hobby, and their chats about it usually ended up with an impromptu modelling session. He had previously sat for paintings and sculptures before, of course, but sitting for Hua Cheng was different. Predominantly because there wasn’t a lot of ‘sitting’ involved… his husband was rather creative when it came to posing him.
Xie Lian really only visited the studio in these circumstances, so he was curious as to why his husband had led him here after the conversation in their bedroom.
It was clear Hua Cheng’s goal was not anything to do with his paintings, as he directed them past each of his work stations. Instead, they approached a pair of large curtains that hung across one of the windows. Hua Cheng rarely ever opened these as he preferred painting under the light of his butterflies.
He drew the curtain back with a sharp tug, revealing a narrow alcove with a table tucked against the window. On the table were a handful of various jars and vases, each with a different type of flower arranged perfectly and clearly well cared for. There was also an assortment of gardening equipment laid out, and Hua Cheng reached for one of the empty vases towards the back of the table.
He filled it with water from a jug laying off to the side, and after a quick glance at the other flowers on display, he topped up two of the other vases. He then picked up a set of shears, deftly snipping the stem of the dahlia he still had in his hand, and placed it in the newly prepared vase. His motions were precise and assured, as his husband usually was when working with his hands, though it was clear he was putting a great amount of care into his work.
Hua Cheng surveyed the rest of the flowers, pulling out a pink carnation and trimming its stem as well, before placing it back in the water.
Seemingly done with his task, his husband turned back to him, but Xie Lian hardly knew what to say.
“How long has San Lang been…” He didn’t really know how to finish his question. How long has San Lang been secretly cultivating flowers that he’d been unknowingly conjuring out of thin air?
“The first time I noticed Gege’s new special talent was two seasons ago.” Hua Cheng explained softly, “It was cold out, so the garden was rather bare, but we’d taken a walk through the grounds anyway. Gege insisted we take a bath together to warm up,” the lascivious smirk on his husband’s lips at these words caused a flush to Xie Lian’s cheeks, but he ignored it, wanting to pay attention to the story. “Gege had stripped rather hastily and jumped in the water, so probably didn’t notice a handful of petals falling out of the sleeves of his robes.”
Xie Lian shook his head, trying to remember the specific day. Even in winter they had a habit of taking walks together, and fighting the cold with a shared bath was also not unusual. Hua Cheng tucked a finger under his chin to lift his head, and planted a soft kiss between his brow to smooth his frown.
“At first it was just petals that appeared in strange places,” Hua Cheng continued, “Not every day. Not even once a week. But the pattern continued until this husband found a full red rose in our bed after working Gege to exhaustion.”
Ah, really he shouldn’t encourage Hua Cheng to speak like that but the reaction it caused in him only emboldened his husband further.
“San Lang didn’t tell me?” He questioned, wanting to keep the conversation on track.
“Hmm.” Hua Cheng hummed in agreement. “Your Highness knows this by now, but your husband is a selfish man. It was clear that Gege was making the flowers without knowing, so perhaps if he were to be made aware of them, he’d stop producing them subconsciously.”
This was rather a stretch, but he could understand his husband’s thought process. Finding small tokens like that from him must have been enjoyable for Hua Cheng, and Xie Lian couldn’t ignore the implications regarding the types of flowers he’d unintentionally produced.
Red dahlias meaning unwavering commitment. Pink carnations meaning a love never to be forgotten. Red roses meaning passionate romance.
Xie Lian scratched his cheek in embarrassment. Really, he could hardly blame his husband for avoiding the possibility these blatant declarations would come to an end.
“And San Land has been keeping them?” He glanced towards the vases on the table. There were around ten buds in total, some on their own and some paired up. In comparison there seemed to be six or seven in his hair when he’d checked in the mirror.
“I’ve been taking great care of Gege’s creations.” His husband confirmed, cupping his head gently and gesturing to the crown of blossoms resting there. “May I?”
Xie Lian nodded in his hold, and Hua Cheng began carefully picking them out. He placed each of them on the table and got to work pruning them as he had for the first one.
“There seem to be more today.” He stated, not really knowing how to ask. Hua Cheng nodded in agreement.
“I believe they’re connected to Gege’s spiritual energy.” He explained, “When the petals first appeared, there were only a few at a time. I can’t be sure that I was present for every instance, but they seemed to increase in number until it resulted in a full rose being produced after being intimate together. The pattern remained consistent with the amount of flowers Gege would produce. The more spiritual energy Gege accumulates, the more flowers appear. Since Gege hardly uses his energy, I believe it’s his body's way of expelling anything that overspills.”
Xie Lian took a moment to absorb that information, nodding in acknowledgement. Could it be true? He hadn’t really noticed any change in his spiritual energy, but then again he was hardly keeping track. Before and during his first accession, he’d cultivated almost to an obsessive degree, always keeping track of his body and power levels. After he’d fallen from grace and had no access to his energy, he’d let the habit go. But now his divinity had been restored along with his powers, he rarely thought to check it, nevermind regular maintenance through meditation.
Hua Cheng’s theory made sense in this context, but it definitely warranted further investigation.
He surveyed the flowers on the table before looking up at his husband. “Which is San Lang’s favourite?”
The question caused a playful smile to dance across Hua Cheng’s lips, “How could I pick when each one is so preciously made from my wife’s innermost feelings towards me?”
“San Lang…”
Something in his voice caused Hua Cheng to chuckle, and he stepped forward into Xie Lian’s space, wrapping them together in a loose hug. “Does Gege really want me to pick?” With how close they were standing Xie Lian’s head nodded into his chin. He craned his neck in order to look into his husband’s eyes.
“If San Lang enjoys these gifts then this wife will work hard to make them on purpose.” Hua Cheng seemed to blink in surprise at his declaration. “I’d like to know San Lang’s favorite so it can be the first one I learn to make.”
Before hearing his husband’s answer Xie Lian found himself pushed up against the wall behind him, hot lips covering his own in a claiming kiss. Despite the speed at which he was manhandled, he felt his husband’s hand at the back of his head to shield him from any impact, and an arm around his waist to ensure they weren’t separated. Hua Cheng barely gave him a moment to react before ending the kiss. Xie Lian’s mind was in disarray, but he still tried to chase his husband’s mouth out of pure instinct. He felt Hua Cheng breathe out a laugh before yielding to his wordless request.
The kisses they exchanged were passionate, and Hua Cheng pulled away once or twice to cover his face in small pecks and butterfly kisses. Xie Lian’s heart was beating furiously in his chest and caused his breath to stutter and cheeks to flush as Hua Cheng brushed against them.
He felt rather than heard Hua Cheng’s pleased hum.
“Lilies.”
It took a second for Xie Lian to register the fact that Hua Cheng had spoken again, and a moment more to interpret what was said.
“Lilies?”
“Hm.” Hua Cheng confirmed. “Gege made me eight lilies once.”
Xie Lian's mouth dropped in surprise and stared at his husband, trying to determine if Hua Cheng was teasing him again. But there wasn’t a trace of mischief, just sincere affection shining from his one dark eye.
“Okay.” He agreed breathlessly. “I’ll learn lilies first.”
And he would, but not tonight… Tonight he’d really rather spend time with his husband without any other distractions.