Chapter 1: Hua Cheng's jealousy.
Summary:
Something stirs deep within Hua Cheng. He tries to hide it, but he couldn't.
How will Xie Lian react to it?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Hua Cheng is a simple man.
He doesn't need things that are out of the world. He doesn't require extra care or support with anything at all. And most importantly, he always gets what he wants.
That's why, when one fine morning he wakes up alone in his bed, it doesn't sit right with him.
Having married his beloved a little over a year ago, he had been quite accustomed to the warm feeling of waking up next to him. The soft flutter of his lashes before he opens his honey golden eyes, the gentle frown on his eyebrows, the tired smile when he looks at Hua Cheng the first thing in the morning. He had gotten so used to it that he forgot the cold feeling of waking up alone.
Not that ghosts need sleep anyways, but sometimes, it's nice to just let go.
Hua Cheng sits up with a groan, scratching the back of his head and looking around for his eyepatch.
It's not like him to get this cross when things don't go the way he likes (It is very rare for things not to go his way.) And of course, his beloved can go wherever he likes but this is just the first time he didn't tell Hua Cheng before leaving.
Hua Cheng gets dressed as quickly as possible before leaving to head out and find Xie Lian. But something stops him. If Xie Lian didn't bother telling him before he left, that probably means he wants Hua Cheng to stay out of whatever nuisance he's dealing with.
‘How useless.’ He thinks to himself.
However, before his thoughts could spiral a bit more someone interrupts him inside his head.
“San Lang, are you awake yet?”
Hua Cheng lets out a deep breath he didn't know he was holding. Bringing his index and middle finger to his temple, he replies.
“Your highness, where have you been all morning?”
“Ah, San Lang, forgive me. Ling Wen reached out to me with an emergency message that a new person had ascended, I had no choice but to leave in a hurry.”
Hua Cheng clenches his jaw for some unknown reason, “That's alright, do you need me to assist you with anything?”
His beloved chuckles, “No, no. I already handled everything. Just need to report back to Ling Wen, then I'll be home soon.”
“Alright.”
That ‘alright’ came out a bit more sternly than expected, but before Xie Lian could reply, Hua Cheng cut off the connection.
He spends the rest of his morning cooped up in his study, clearing out all the useless piles of scrolls that took up half the space on his desk. Yin Yu would come in occasionally, adding more scrolls on top of the old ones, bowing deeply before leaving. Seriously, at this point, it seems like Yin Yu is just so relieved that Hua Cheng is finally doing some paperwork and is giving him all the scrolls for the rest of the year.
Hua Cheng pays it no mind. After all, Yin Yu has to redo half of them, thanks to his chicken scratch handwriting.
Just an hour before the sun sets, the door of his study creaks open, “San Lang, I'm home.”
Hua Cheng looks up from where he was hunched at the table. “Welcome home, your highness.”
Xie Lian smiles and walks towards Hua Cheng, “What are you doing?”
“Just sorting out some paperwork that needs to be done. How was your day?”
Xie Lian stares at him for moment, then replies, “Oh, just the usual. Although, the person who just ascended was quite young, so it took some time for me to get him to adjust with his surroundings.”
“What kind of an official is he?”
“An official for.. love.” Xie Lian bashfully said.
Hua Cheng huffs, “How nice.”
“Well, he did ascend because of his overflowing love and kindness for almost everyone in his life.” Xie Lian said with a smile. “He's quite a nice guy.”
‘Quite a nice guy.’ Those words lingered in Hua Cheng’s mind for a while before he abruptly stood up. “You must be tired, let's have something to eat and retire to bed early.”
Xie Lian parted his lips to say something but decided against it, “S-Sure.”
Dinner ends quicker than usual and is quieter than usual. So does bath time.
Xie Lian lays awake on their lavish bed. Twiddling his thumbs as Hua Cheng climbed in next to him. He steals a few glances at his husband and musters up the courage to speak to him.
“San Lang, have I done something wrong?”
Hua Cheng looks at him, “Of course not. Why would you ask that?”
“I mean, you seemed so mad at me the whole day.” Xie Lian said with more frustration than intended. “You cut off our connection so abruptly this morning and when I got home you didn't even… kiss me like you usually do.” He looked away from Hua Cheng, “you didn't talk to me while having dinner nor did you ask if you could join me in the bathtub. Even now–! ” He glares at the unnecessary distance between the two of them on the bed, “you're laying so far away from me!”
Hua Cheng felt like someone just poured a whole bucket of ice water in his head. He quickly gets off the bed and takes long strides towards Xie Lian’s side of the bed. However he doesn't climb up, he kneels down next to Xie Lian and apologizes. “Forgive me, your highness. I've been foolish.”
“S-San Lang!” Xie Lian quickly sits up, “what are you doing? Don't kneel, get up!”
Hua Cheng doesn't move an inch, “No, your highness. Please let me apologize properly for making you sad.”
“San Lang…”
“I'm sorry for how I behaved. I don't know why or what's wrong with me for how I act. I just… I was just so frustrated when I woke up alone this morning.”
Xie Lian gapes at him then speaks in a soft tone. “Did you not want me to leave? Did we have something planned? I'm sorry I didn't–”
“Don't apologize. We didn't have anything planned. I was just so used to waking next to you, feeling your warmth that when I woke up alone… I didn't like it.”
Xie Lian lets out a sigh, “Oh, San Lang.” He guides Hua Cheng up to sit next to him on the bed. He tucks a lock of his hair behind his ear and gently cradles his cheek with his palm. “I'm sorry I left without telling you. Next time, I'll be sure to wake you up before I leave.”
“Your highness..” Hua Cheng leans into his touch.
“Don't call me that. I really can't bear it when you're so distant from me.”
Hua Cheng gently kisses his wrist. “My beloved.”
Xie Lian’s points at his mouth, cheeks flushed, “M-My lips are right here, you know!”
Hua Cheng is a simple man. His beloved didn't need to say it twice before he pounced on him, devouring him like a hungry beast.
That night, Hua Cheng worked Xie Lian a bit harder than usual.
–✿☆–
The second time something like this happened, it took both Hua Cheng and Xie Lian by surprise.
For two completely different reasons.
It went something like this.
One fine morning, Xie Lian had left for some business in the heavens, kissing Hua Cheng goodbye (a bit more than necessary.) He had promised to be back for lunch.
But just as he was about to leave, something… someone held him up. It was that love official who Xie Lian had described as ‘quite a nice guy.’
The same fiery feeling started to pool in Hua Cheng’s mind. How dare he stop his beloved from returning back to him?
Without thinking any further, two dices clacked loudly on the ground and Hua Cheng entered the heavens. Silver butterflies shrieking everywhere leaving the other officials cowering on the streets.
“Crimson Rain, long time no see!” One brave official– Pei Ming, calls out to him.
Hua Cheng doesn't spare him a glance, “Where is his highness?”
“Xie Lian? I saw him over there talking to Zhang Ran. Why do you– huh – where did he go?”
Hua Cheng walks towards the direction Pei Ming pointed out and that's when he spots his beloved. Talking to another man. Holding the arm of another man. Zhang Ran bashfully smiles, looking at Xie Lian in a way that made Hua Cheng grit his teeth.
In a split second, Hua Cheng is standing next to Xie Lian. Gripping his wrist tightly and glaring at Zhang Ran.
“San Lang? What are you doing here?”
Hua Cheng doesn't look back at Xie Lian. “You said you'd be back before lunch.”
Xie Lian tries to twist his wrist but to no avail, Hua Cheng wouldn't budge. “I just got held up talking to Zhang Ran. He's the official who ascended last month.”
“I know.” Hua Cheng glanced back at Xie Lian then threw his dice on the floor, “we are going home.”
Xie Lian hurriedly looks back to Zhang Ran who was left stupefied by the view in front of him. “ Uhm–! I'll talk to you next time, Zhang Ran!”
Before Zhang Ran could reply, Hua Chebg had closed the array and cornered him against Qiandeng temple's massive door, still gripping his wrist. His other hand had come to grip his hip, keeping him in place. “Talk to him again? Why do you want to talk to him again?”
Hua Cheng’s tone wasn't cold or filled with contempt, but something about the rough way he spoke Xie Lian sent a shiver down his spine.
“San Lang, Zhang Ran is someone who needs help. He just ascended three months ago.. and I–”
“So what?” Hua Cheng raises an eyebrow, “he isn't a child. He's a grown man, he could very well figure it out on his own.”
He pulls Xie Lian closer by his wrist, looking directly into his eyes, “That asshole was eyeing you as if you were his. But you are not his. You are mine .”
Xie Lian visibly swallowed, heat pooling at his gut.
“ You belong to me .” Hua Cheng growls.
But just as he said it, his eye widens and he immediately let go of Xie Lian. Lips trembling, he looks down, “Y-Your highness! I'm sorry. W-Why did I do that?”
He backs away from Xie Lian, “I don't know what came over me. Forgive me.. I… forgive–”
His words were cut short as soft lips enveloped his own. He wraps his arms around his beloved’s waist on instinct. When Xie Lian showed no sign of pulling back, he melted into the touch. Angling his head sideways to deepen the kiss. Xie Lian starts grabbing at his outer robe, pulling them open with precision as Hua Cheng carries him upward. Kissing him all the way until he seats Xie Lian on the altar.
When Hua Cheng pulled back, Xie Lian whined, “Don't stop..”
And Hua Cheng doesn't stop. All the worries and apologies dying on his tongue and turning into the bruises and bites he bestows upon his beloved’s skin.
Something about Xie Lian was different. The way he begged for more even after hours of going at it, the way he clung to Hua Cheng, not letting go for even a minute. And especially when he took the lead the other half of the night, gripping Hua Cheng’s shoulders as he moved his hips up and down.
Much later, when their woes of their passion died down leaving their appetites sated. Xie Lian shifts on Hua Cheng’s lap, comfortably resting his face on Hua Cheng’s broad shoulder.
Hua Cheng absentmindedly plays with Xie Lian’s hair. “Does gege want to go take a bath?”
“Not right now. I want to stay like this for a while.” Xie Lian replied.
Hua Cheng grabs Xie Lian’s wrist where reddish fingerprint shaped bruises were starting to form. “I'm so sorry about how I acted.”
“Don't.” Xie Lian sits up to look at Hua Cheng. “Don't apologize about this.”
When Hua Cheng stared at him in a daze, Xie Lian continued with a blush on his face, “I-I liked it.”
The ghost king chuckles, “Your highness, you really are full of surprises.”
His beloved laid back down to rest his head on Hua Cheng’s shoulder again. After a moment slowly whispered, “Say it again? What you said before?”
Something inside Hua Cheng shifts, his brain turning into a mush.
“You belong to me.” he whispered.
Notes:
Hua Cheng, menacingly: im going to attic wife you and never let you talk to anyone else.
Xie Lian, dripping wet: hngh
Chapter 2: Xie Lian's envy.
Summary:
Xie Lian shows a side of him that he thought was long gone.
How will Hua Cheng react to it?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Xie Lian had walked into an empty paradise manor.
Which isn't unusual at all. But most of the time, his husband would be welcoming him, wrapping his long arms around his waist.
He didn't think much of it though. Maybe Hua Cheng was busy in the study?
He toys with the hem of his sleeves, excited to tell Hua Cheng about his day. And honestly, he had missed his husband so much . So much that he just wanted those hands to pin him down and have his way with him.
He opens the door to Hua Cheng’s study with a smile, “San–” only to find it empty, “Lang?”
‘Where did he go?’ He wonders, gently closing the door and walking down the hallway.
Passing by the kitchen, he hears two voices engaged in a conversation which isn't really alarming but one of the voices sounds like Hua Cheng. So, Xie Lian decides to enter and check.
Inside, Hua Cheng stood next to the cook while he explained to him something written on a scroll.
The cook had been new, recently recruited from the gambler’s den. He had been dead for quite a while but his body was that of a young youth. He was slender, tall, with long hair and elegant features. Although his form was poorly built as a low ranking ghost, any normal humans wouldn't be able to differentiate between him and a formidable young master of a sect.
The closeness between Hua Cheng and the cook unsettled Xie Lian. Even if Hua Cheng was staring at the scroll and reading its contents, the cook had been staring at his husband with rapt attention. Nodding along to every word he said was like a puppet obeying its master.
Xie Lian couldn't take it anymore and called out. “San Lang!”
Hua Cheng’s gaze instantly set on Xie Lian, a big grin on his face. “Gege, you're home!” He walked over Xie Lian, pulling him into a hug.
After a moment, they let go. Xie Lian pouted, “I thought San Lang would greet me by the door. I looked everywhere for you.”
Hua Cheng brings Xie Lian’s hand to his lips, kissing every knuckle. “Many apologies to his highness. This San Lang was a little occupied.”
“What were you two talking about?” Xie Lian peeked behind Hua Cheng to look at the cook who clearly felt uncomfortable by their blatant display of affection.
“Me and Yao Yao were just discussing something. I'll tell you later.” Hua Cheng said.
‘Yao Yao?’ Xie Lian bitterly thought. ‘How close do you both have to be to call him Yao Yao ?’
Later while they lounged on the divan, Xie Lian made himself comfortable on Hua Cheng’s lap. Feeding him pieces of fruits and a handful of desserts laid out in front of them on a smaller table.
“Beloved, give me another piece of grape.” Hua Cheng requested.
Xie Lian was just about to offer him a piece with his hand when he detected Yao Yao looking at them from outside the door. Xie Lian put the grape in between his lips and kissed Hua Cheng.
Pulling back, Hua Cheng was left stunned, the green grape in between his teeth.
Xie Lian giggled, “You have to chew it in order to swallow!”
“My, my. When did his highness learn to become so bold?” Hua Cheng smirked after swallowing the grape.
Xie Lian grinned. “I just learned from the best.” He tilts his head to look up at Hua Cheng, “Hopefully my San Lang-Gege liked it?”
Hua Cheng’s eye widened. In an instant, their positions were switched. With him underneath Hua Cheng, he found himself unable to voice out any complaints, only harsh moans and whimpers as his ghost king showed him no mercy.
He had taken Xie Lian right then and there. Not even caring about the plates of desserts and fruits in front of them or anyone outside the door. Who would even dare interrupt the esteemed Chengzu and his beloved’s intimate moments?
Whether Yao Yao had seen them or not, Xie Lian didn't care. As long as he knew who this ghost king belonged to.
–✿☆–
It isn't unlikely for Xie Lian to get jealous. He had always been very protective of things that he deemed his.
Ever since he was a young boy, there would be certain things that he wouldn't let anyone touch. For example his very first wooden sword. He wouldn't let anyone touch it, not even the maids who would come around to clean. Anything else was fine, just not his sword.
Or another example, when he had gotten super protective over his nanny. No one would be allowed to come close to her. Although he doesn't even remember how she looked anymore, just a gentle smile from deep within his memories. It would be quite embarrassing to recall the tantrums he threw every time his nanny talked to someone that wasn't him.
But of course, as he grew up and life had thrown so many mishaps at him, he naturally let go of all the possessiveness to people or materialistic things.
He just didn't expect this deep feeling of jealousy to appear now of all times.
Eight centuries later, he thought he had let go of all unnecessary feelings. Keyword: he thought .
Tapping his index finger on the dining table, he stares at his husband talking to the cook– Yao Yao– once again. Hua Chebg told him that they were coming up with some sort of a stall for both humans and ghosts, making sure the food is a right blend to satisfy both the living and dead.
Of course, it's not like Hua Cheng would care about all this. It's just that this Yao Yao had made a humble request to Chengzu to help him out with the cuisines so he could develop his stall and make money elsewhere rather than working in paradise manor where he isn’t really needed.
And of course, it's not like Hua Cheng willingly agreed. Yao Yao had won a bet in the gambler’s den, not against Hua Cheng, but against one of his officers. So naturally, the ghost king had no choice but to offer his advice.
They were just having dinner, talking about what not to do when Yao Yao had to come in. Hua Cheng was just going to dismiss him when Xie Lian had urged him to listen instead, the faster he gets the job done, the faster he leaves. Xie Lian doesn't really mind all this, really. It's just that the way this cook would look at his husband, the faint blush on his cheeks, the way he'd pitch up his tone talking to Hua Cheng. It just made him roll his eyes.
He stood up from the table, his food gone cold. “I'm going to bed.” He announced without looking back, leaving both Hua Cheng and Yao Yao stupefied.
Hau Cheng had followed him obviously (which made Xie Lian feel a little smug, his husband is wrapped around his finger after all.)
“Gege.” Hua Cheng called out as soon as he was able to catch up to Xie Lian.
Xie Lian just huffed as he took off his outer robe and threw it on a chair. “Why did you follow me? Weren't you talking to your Yao Yao?”
“My.. what?” Hua Cheng falters. “Gege, what are you even saying?”
“I don't know, you tell me.” He glared at Hua Cheng. “Lately, all that you say is Yao Yao this, Yao Yao that. Why do you even call Yao Yao? Does that guy not have a name? Or are you both just so close and just so happy with each other that you're on nickname basis !?”
Hua Cheng stands there, mouth agape. Then, he chuckles.
“What's so funny?!” Xie Lian demands.
“Gege, he doesn't have a name. Yao Yao is his name.”
Xie Liam flushes red. “I don't care.” He said, biting his lip.
Hua Cheng approaches him. “Now, now. Why didn't gege tell me that you didn't like me and that guy talking, hm?”
“I-I don't care.” Xie Lian repeats.
“I'm sure you do.” Hua Cheng wraps his arms around Xie Lian's waist, trapping him. “Look at this adorable frown on your forehead. You only do that when you care.”
Xie Lian places his palms on Hua Cheng’s chest. “Yeah, I care. It was bothering me, so what?” He lightly smacks Hua Cheng.
“Care to tell me exactly what was bothering you?”
Xie Lian huffs again. “That guy. The way he talked to you, the way he looked at you… why was he blushing talking to someone else's husband?!”
Hua Cheng tilts his head and grins, “But didn't gege do the same once? Kissing me so shamelessly every opportunity he had even when he thought I had a beloved elsewhere?”
“T-That's different!” Xie Lian turns red, “it was me anyway so who cares!”
Hua Cheng laughed but he didn't laugh long before he got pulled by his collar to face Xie Lian.
“Listen here, Hua Chengzu.” Xie Lian said in a stern tone. “You told me that I belong to you. So you rightfully belong to me!”
Hua Cheng opens his mouth, then closes it, finding no words to say.
“I don't like others touching what's mine.” Much less even looking at it!” Xie Lian furrows his brows. “You belong to me , so don't you dare let anyone else even graze at what mine. Am I clear, Crimson Rain?”
“Y-Yes.” Hua Cheng's voice staggers.
Xie Lian raises an eyebrow. “Yes what?”
“Yes, your highness.”
Xie Lian sighs, “Let go of me now, I'm sleepy.”
“No way.” Hua Cheng says. “No way am I letting you sleep after leaving me rock hard.”
This time, it was Xie Lian’s turn to stagger, “W-What?” He looks down then jerks his head up. “You really…”
All protests die down at the top of his tongue and his husband carries him to bed, hastily discarding their robes on the floor.
The next day, Yao Yao was nowhere to be seen. Probably stationed somewhere else or better yet, working outside paradise manor.
Hua Cheng stands in front of their calligraphy table, drawing a portrait of the person he loves. Still in his inner robes but when creativity strikes, his brush creates strokes.
“San Lang…” Xie Lian’s sweet, tired voice comes from their bed. “Come back to bed, it's still so early.” He stretches out a hand.
Hua Cheng smiled, walking over to his beloved, taking his hand and laying next to him.
He places a kiss on top of Xie Lian’s head, bringing him closer and relishing in his warmth.
There is a very thin line between love and possession.
Xie Lian knows that many people admire his husband, but he can't stop them from doing so. After all, he is one of his biggest admirers. There is some insecurity deep under his heart, worrying if Hua Cheng would ever leave him. But when his San Lang holds him with so much love, shows him what devotion is by his kisses, how could he ever get the benefit of doubt?
Hua Cheng tries not to cross the line of possession and love. He would never want to cage his highness. His beloved’s wings are meant to fly, meant to soar high up in the sky. But his beloved is his . And no one else. It took some time for him to get used to the fact that Xie Lian would only ever want him, but when he did, he felt like the world was just a tiny little trinket in his palms. He doesn't need anything else at all.
Because Hua Cheng is a simple man.
But alas, he is a man.
Notes:
Xie Lian: why am I getting jealous over nothing stupid stupid stupid FUCK me (metaphorically)
Hua Cheng: ok (literally)
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