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Chapter Text

Hua Cheng was already a light sleeper, but with Xie Lian by his side he woke with any unusual shift. Especially after his beloved fell off the bed the second night at Paradise Manor- not used to being any higher than the floor for eight centuries.

But the usual roll or shift that would wake him for no longer than a few seconds, assuring that Xie Lian was indeed safe before returning to sleep.

This morning was a stark contrast.

Hua Cheng had thought for just a moment the god had fallen from the bed again, but sleep was quickly wiped from his eye as he watched his exhausted husband bolt from where he had rolled into the floor for the bathroom. Worry heavy on his mind Hua Cheng was quick to follow him, not even regarding the fact that he was in nothing but some loose robes.

His ears plagued by a cacophony of Xie Lian puking his guts out. The ghost king was fast to kneel down and pull sweat streaked hair back from his beloved gods face while he emptied his stomach, concern etched into his brow.

“Gege! Are you alright!” He soothed a gentle hand down the others shaking back as he gasped for air. Soft tears rolling from barely conscious eyes. Fatigue finally dissipating and their judgement no longer clouded Hua Cheng finally understood what was happening.

“Ah.. Gege is..” he paused as Xie Lian finally leaned back from the edge of the toilet, groaning. Hua Cheng felt a smile creeping to his face as he reached for a towel and gently wiped the others face.

“Why is San Lang smiling..” Xie Lian muttered as cold hands wiped warm tears from his face.

“Ah forgive me, I'm just glad it worked!” He chuckled and placed a soft kiss on Xie Lian's cheek who continued to frown in confusion.

“Worked, what worked?” Xie Lian flopped back against the supportive chest of his husband and gripped his stomach, trying to fight off another bout of nausea. But as Hua Cheng gently intertwined their fingers over the god's stomach did reality strike.

Xie Lian spun around with bewilderment in his eyes, his mouth hanging open a little. “Wait- San Lang means-” The sudden motion sending another horrible wave of sickness crashing over him, causing the god to grip the toilet again so strong a crack slowly ran up the side. Hua Cheng's huge smile was quickly wiped clean with worry as he pulled his husband's hair back again. Letting his free hand rub soothing circles over his back. Hua Cheng was astonished that so much could come out of such a small frame. They stayed there for a few minutes in quiet happy agony.

Butterfly light kisses over his back and reassurance on Xie Lian's ear soothed the queasiness. Finally having emptied all the contents of his stomach he was able to sit back again and bask in the gentle care of his dedicated husband. Wiping his mouth clean once again and brushing a hand through his slight bed head.

It was the precipice of the third week after Xie Lian had surprised Hua Cheng with the knowledge that he had in fact taken the child bearing pills. Having no knowledge of if it had worked or not they set out on researching many methods to see. But many options risked letting the other heavenly officials know what they were planning, or too expensive! Despite Hua Cheng reassuring Xie Lian that money was no issue.

So opting to wait and see was what they landed on. Now that they're burning question had officially been answered, tears of joy flowed freely. Xie Lian was with child and neither of them could hold back their elation.

-

Two months had seemed to come and go both too slowly and way too fast. Xie Lian found himself leaving the house less and less each day as everything seemed to make him sick or cry.

The smell of Ghost City- vomit.

The smell of Puqui Shrine- vomit.

The new Heavenly capital- vomit.

He was exhausted beyond measure and was struggling keeping up with his influx of prayers, and as his work began to slip many took notice. Most of which was Mu Quing and Feng Xin.

-

“This place is disgusting… how does his Highness live here?” Mu Quing griped as he avoided the inhabitants of Ghost City. Feng Xin tagged behind him, his eyes sweeping over the chaos of the evening market.

“I doubt he has much to worry about down here. I bet the streets treat him higher than royalty here…” Feng Xin frowned as he wiped off his arm, which was covered in a mysterious grime. Having to pull My Quing from starting fights with anyone that bumped into him, Feng Xin sighed a breath of relief as they reached the front doors of Paradise Manor.

As they both fought over who would knock and possibly draw the wrath of the resident calamity, the grand doors opened as if on que. The two martial gods left floundering their demands after expecting to be greeted by Hua Cheng's assistant and instead being greeted by the man himself. The ghost king looked down at them with pure disdain, ready to slam the door back in their face without a word.

“Where is his Highness?!” Feng Xin finally spit out, reaching out to push the door back open. Hua Cheng paused, looking between the two, as if waiting for them to ask a more compelling question. Mu Quing’s eye twitched as he tried to compose himself, opting to cross his arms so as not to attempt punching the man in front of him.

“We haven't seen Xie Lian in over a month! And the last time we did he looked horrible-” Feng Xin quickly slapped his hand over his companion’s mouth as the already tense air turned sour. Hua Cheng's glare held a clear warning. Choose your next words carefully.

“What he means is that his Highness looked quite under the weather last time.” Feng Xin quickly cut in. Trying not to squirm under that dark black glare and My Quing trying to struggle out of his grip. “We have a right to know he's well!”

Just as Hua Cheng had enough of them as was about to shut the door for good, the soft voice of his God pulled his attention away from the door.

“San Lang, who's here? Ah! Feng Xin, My Quing!” Xie Lian's tired face appearing behind the calamity in loose robes and messy hair. Painting the picture that Xie Lian had seemingly just woken up. Feng Xin’s gaze left the guardian of the door for just a split second but when he looked back he was astonished.

With how fast Crimson Rain’s energy could shift from bubbling resentment to soft adoration and back again, it nearly gave the martial god whiplash.

“Gege should be resting. They were just leaving.” Hua Cheng's tone, although much softer now, was still just as serious as before, and it was laced with something else. Concern.

“I'm fine, I've rested enough. Let them in, I can make lunch.” Before Feng Xin and Mu Quing could object, Hua Cheng was already giving Xie Lian a certain look.

“Gege..” was all he needed to say before Xie Lian sighed and rested his hands on his abdomen.

“Right right. San Lang can make up lunch instead!”

“...”

“...”

The two martial gods had no idea how they truly ended up sitting at a table in the middle of what might as well be hell itself as they watched their friend eat like he had a bottomless pit for a stomach. Feng Xin and Mu Quing glanced at each other and back at the ravenous hungry beast that was Xie Lian. Confusion evident on their faces.

Your Highness.. ah..” Mu Quing tried to start the conversation but all the questions he had seemed to disappear as soon as they walked through the door. But as if Xie Lian could read both their minds he finally set down his food.

“It's been a while, yes. I apologize, I've been quite tired lately.” The scrap god leaned back from his plate, seeming to be finally satisfied with himself. A hand resting protectively on his stomach, Feng Xin and Mu Quing's eyes following the movement.

“13 times.” Mu Quing announced, the other two turning to look at him with eyebrows raised. He crossed his arms and glanced towards Feng Xin with a pointed look. “I know you've been keeping count to…”

“Keeping count of what?” Xie Lian sat back up and looked between his two friends. Feng Xin sighed and nodded, turning his attention to Xie Lian.

“You've touched your stomach 13 times since we've come in. Is his Highness still not feeling well?” Finally down to the real reason they were here. The news of Xie Lian's neglect of his prayers as well as lack of appearance in Heaven was certainly a cause for concern!

Xie Lian smiled lightly, that way he did when he was nervous, his second hand coming to support his stomach as well accepting that he had been caught. “Ah, I guess I haven't been hiding ut as well as I thought I was.” Just as the two gods were about to double down on their questioning, the soft chuckle entered and crossed the room. The ghost king pleased to see his husband was eating well.

Hua Cheng had changed form and now appeared with younger softer features and a lopsided ponytail. He came to sit next to his husband, placing a gentle kiss on his temple and running a hand through his hair. Mu Quing could feel the veins on his forehead throb as he clinched his fist under the table, Feng Xin feigning indifference. Hua Cheng's side-eye proving to the others that he was being overly affectionate on purpose to annoy them.

“Is the food to Gege’s liking?” Xie Lian hummed and smiled, taking Hua Cheng's hand and nodding. Hua Cheng sort and pliable under his gaze.

“Yes, quite lovely.” Xie Lian smiled and squeezed his hand gently before looking back towards the other two heavenly officials. “But I believe our secret has gotten out.” Hua Cheng raised his eyebrow and glanced over towards Feng Xin and Mu Quing.

He let out an exasperated sigh, resting his elbow on the table and placing his chin upon his hand. He was unhappy about sharing the news with anyone from the heavenly capital, but seeing that his beloved was an official himself he knew it was only a matter of time before the news got out.

“I see, then if Gege trusts these two then this one will trust his judgement.” Hua Cheng smiled and turned to look at the other man, bringing up their joined hands up to place a feather light kiss to the back of his beloved's. Mu Quing couldn't help but roll his eyes, Feng Xin just frowned and continued to raise his eyebrow in question.

Xie Lian smiled and let go of Hua Cheng's hand to hold both his hands out towards his friends. Both of them nervous and reluctant to allow their friend to take their hands but each gently put one forth. Having no clue as to where this was going.

“San Lang and I are having a baby!” Xie Lian smiled so wide it felt as if the sun itself was shining on the other two who squinted as to avoid being blinded. The cherry cadence of Xie Lian's voice distracting from the bomb of information dropped between the three heavenly officials.

“...”

“...”

“WAIT A BABY!?” Mu Quing was the first to break out of their stunned silence. His other free hand coming to grip Xie Lian's in tandem with the other. Feng Xin just appeared stunned, all he could muster in response was a blank stare. “Wait, your stomach! And you were sick…. No!? He didn't!?”

Mu Quing let go of Xie Lian's hand, standing to come around the table and inspect him. His only obstacle being the death glare from his protective dog of a husband that only said come any closer and see what happens.

“That's not possible…” Feng Xin mumbled, his eyes seeming to drift off as if he was looking into far distance lands. Xie Lian's smile softened a little and he caressed his stomach, the small barely noticeable bump having formed over the past two months making his heart skip a beat.

“Well it's a bit hard to explain but there's this special medicine and-” Feng Xin stood as well, and since Hua Cheng was preoccupied with keeping Mu Quing at bay, the other martial god just simply walked around the opposite side of the table and pulled the god up from the table, wrapped Xie Lian in a bear hug.

“...”

“Gege!”

Now it was the other two's turn to be surprised. Xie Lian apprehensively returned the embrace, Mu Quing looking between the two still fuming at the possibility of Hua Cheng having put more than just his lips on Xie Lian.

“I'm going to be an uncle?” Feng Xin asked softly, tears threatening to pour forth as he leaned back and held Xie Lian at arms length looking over him with confused pride. Xie Lian's smile faltered before he just chuckled and nodded, his hands instinctively covering his precious cargo.

Mu Quing seemed to want to turn and run, taking his stubborn partner on the verge of becoming a blubbering mess far away from where he could embarrass the both of them. But he too could feel himself get a little choked up. If it weren't the devil incarnates the child he would be overflowing with joy. “How long…?” Mu Quing mumbled, clenching his jaw as to fight back his own emotions.

“Just two months. I'm barely showing at all yet.” Xie Lian sat back down and smiled at the two officials. He had wanted to tell them the second he had found out but was nervous of their reaction. It played out exactly as he expected it would, but thankfully no heads were rolling and there was no blood spilt. Hua Cheng was much more careful around Xie Lian now and rarely carried Eming around the mansion.

“I ask that this stays between us for now though. I'll be back to my duties soon enough, but I'd like to tell everyone on my own terms if that's alright.” Xie Lian reached for his cup of tea that was beginning to run cold. “Ghost City doesn't even know yet, as to avoid any stray officials hearing of anything.”

“Of course your Highness, we'll send some middle officials to take care of your prayers for the time being.” Feng Xin assured and blinked his tears away as he retook his seat.

“Oh there's no need for that-” Xie Lian waved dismissively before My Quing cut in.

“You should rest! We'll handle it!” For the first time Hua Cheng felt a drop of respect for the official but it left as quickly as it came.

With that the two officials discussed the latest news that Xie Lian had missed in his absence before setting back off, both extremely happy for their dear friend but also supremely uncomfortable with the idea of Crimson Rain producing any offspring. But what was done was done and all they could do was keep their mouths shut for the time being and be happy for Xie Lian!

Chapter Text

The gentle caress of sunrise cast a warm orange glow over the small Puqi village. Dew drops collected on leaves as the seasons gave way for spring, leaving the biting cold of winter behind. A quiet cacophony of birds begin their morning call, some still not ready to greet the day. Most mornings at Puqui shrine were like this, the sky a wash with every shade of pink and golden light and the air fresh with new beginnings.

The creek of the tired door broke through the soft calm quiet of early morning. Hua Cheng rubbed sleep from his eye as he gazed upon the rickety table and chairs set up outside the small shack shrine. The glow of the heavens themselves graced soft auburn hair and a slim form dressed in all white. Rolls of steam curling from a fresh cup of tea warming his husband's hands from the crisp air of fading night.

Xie Lian didn't even need to look back to know who was coming to join his early morning routine. The door creaked closed then opened again just a minute later followed by the soft crunch of boots on dirt. Cold slim hands ran themselves through his hair with adoration followed closely by the comfortable weight of a blanket brushing his shoulders.

The god smiled and he brought his hand to hold the one resting on his shoulder, entwining fingers and relishing in the soft contact. The red tinted clouds washed over the small thread connecting two souls.

No words needed to be spoken as Xie Lian pat the chair next to him and began to pour a second cup of tea. Hua Cheng was used to being the last to wake up in the past few months. With each passing day Xie Lian had woken earlier and earlier, but had finally found his plateau an hour before sunrise. Although he often missed waking up to his husband fast asleep in his arms– this was still a welcome view.

He happily took the seat and the new cup offered to him, placing a soft kiss to the crown of his beloved god's head as it came to rest upon his shoulder. Hua Cheng sipped his tea slowly and ran his hand through his husband's hair, softly untangling the effects of sleep with each drag of his fingers.

“I felt them this morning.” Hua Cheng's hand paused its soft caresses and he raised an eyebrow as he glanced down, Xie Lian turning his head to meet his gaze. “The baby.” He clarified, reaching to take Hua Cheng's cup so he could take his hand. Placing it up on his stomach Xie Lian closed his eyes and rested his head back on Hua Cheng's shoulder.

And there it was.

The faintest movement. It was small, easy to mistake as the fluttering of nervous butterflies. But it was there, the softest flutter of a blooming life. Hua Cheng felt a nervous but happy chuckle leave his lips. He wrapped his arms around Xie Lian and pressed his face into the top of his head.

“Gege is so beautiful..” he muttered trying to fight back the growing ache in his throat and the burn of tears in his eyes. Everything was moving so fast yet not fast enough. Each day it seemed Xie Lian's bump grew bigger and their child grew stronger. Hua Cheng felt as if he was missing each moment the second it passed but also too eager for the future to wait.

Xie Lian just smiled, pulling away from Hua Cheng's grasp he reached up tucking a stray piece of raven hair behind his ear. A thumb grazing under a single black eye as the dam broke and tears streamed from the ghost king. Hua Cheng reached up, shadowing Xie Lian's hand on his cheek, closing his eye as he leaned into heaven's grasp.

Happy tears flowed like ambrosia and smiles shown like gold. This quiet moment shared in the early morning of a spring day was the first of many shared experiences to come. Two souls scared from centuries of torment coming to rest in each other's broken embrace healing from the pain of lost time.

Today at this moment. On this quiet morning was the beginning of the end of peace for the foreseeable future. The two immortals basked in the quiet time they had left to themselves where they had no responsibilities to anyone but each other and no other worries than when the next kick would come. As today was the day the news would break and both the ghost realm and heaven would rejoice and quake in fear under the reality of an unborn Calamity's child just upon the horizon.

—————

Having not shown up in Heaven for nearly two months since Xie Lian began to physically show, the heavens grew restless of his absence. The decision of who should become the next heavenly emperor was quickly reaching its end and the final boat was being cast soon. Having taken nearly a year and a half to decide on candidates the final meeting was finally under way. Xie Lian would much rather spend the next few days cooped up in his husband's arms away from the responsibility of the world… But the inevitable could only be put off for so long.

Hua Cheng pouted as he finished brushing a comb through his husband's hair, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and nuzzling into his neck. Having not been separated for more than ten minutes at a time in the past two months he was not ready to let Xie Lian go back.

“Gege, I'm sure this meeting can wait… or those two can report back to you! They can come and go as they please if gege doesn't have to leave…” Hua Cheng ran his nose up Xie Lian's neck, sending a shiver down his husband's spine.

“San Lang- I can't neglect my duties any longer.” He chuckled, reaching back to cup Hua Cheng's face, tilting his head back to gaze at him. Their lips met for just a second, just enough to reassure the worried mess Hua Cheng often worked himself into. Cold hands winding themselves down his body to his soft stomach.

Xie Lian's strong martial form was already lean to begin with, but as the past two months had passed he had softened. His hips and stomach had grown a little weight to them, and continued to grow with each passing day. Thankfully his robes were loose enough to hide most of his form, but it was still obvious he had put on some weight. His bump truly only obvious when he was exposed- but that sight was saved for only one gaze.

With another barge of kisses and gentle pleas to not leave from the dotting Ghost King- Xie Lian set off to the new Heavenly Capital.

Walking down the Grand Avenue of Divine Might, Xie Lian greeted those who passed him by and smiled as he was greeted in return. Middle officials bowed, and upper court officials actually struck up conversation with him. He could get used to having more than a few acquaintances!

“Your Highness!” Xie Lian turned his head and smiled, Feng Xin approached with his hands held behind his back and nodded. “I’m surprised to see you outside of Ghost City.” The martial god fell into pace next to Xie Lian as they walked, struggling to keep his eyes away from Xie Lian's stomach, trying to spy and sense an obvious change.

Thankfully it seemed he and My Quing had kept their word in keeping quiet as no one had out right addressed or congratulated Xie Lian. Although he has to admit he was a little sad, with the amount of gifts and doting affection he received from Hua Cheng it was a stark contrast to just being given a polite wave and greeting by his fellow gods.

“Has Crimson Rain finally taken his paws off you long enough to come to a meeting?” Xie Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry at Mu Quing's comment as he joined the duo in their walk to the Divine Capital. He waved a hand dismissively and smiled.

“Good to see you too Mu Quing, I was requested to attend by Ling Wen.” Mu Quing rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, seeming to not have garnered the reaction he wanted.

Feng Xin cleared his throat trying to disperse the awkward air. “How have you been doing with… your um.. garden..” Xie Lian raised an eyebrow, bringing a hand to hide his laugh as he realized what Feng Xin was getting at.

“His garden!? That's the way you're going to ask about it?” Mu Quing butt in, glaring through Xie Lian to Feng Xin on his opposite side. Xie Lian could almost feel the electricity between them sizzle through him. Wanting to clear the air of hostility he added,

“Ah, quite well. Growing very strong. Thank you for asking.” Xie Lian smiled and brought a hand to his stomach, he has been trying to avoid touching it since he arrived. Having been given away by his habit the first time around! But it felt natural, to protect even subconsciously the life that bloomed within him.

As the grip arrived upon the doorstep of the Divine Capital and found their respective places Xie Lian was bombarded with questions of his absence.

“He surely can't spend the rest of his life locked away with that demon?”

“I almost thought Crimson Ran sealed him away under a mountain-”

“You don't think he's hiding something do you?”

Officials from every cultivation murmured amongst each other, the gossip of the old days still as ripe as before. Xie Lian sighed and attempted to keep his composure, of course he was hiding something! And the longer it could remain hidden the better-

“Your Highness you're glowing! I would almost go to say you were pregnant or something!” Xie Lian felt his thoughts come to a screeching halt as he glanced up to see Pei Ming approaching. Having knocked up who knows how many women, Pei Ming was sure to know the glow of pregnancy when he saw it! Xie Lian could feel his entire air of composure shatter before him.

“Haha, Rain Sought Flower is treating you well I see! I only joke, if the wind master was still here I guarantee they'd be seething with jealousy!” Pei Ming’s laughter faltered as he glanced around. Having just clued into the dead silence that seemed to hang heavy in the room. “Ah, did I misspeak? I'm sure the wind master would have found my joke funny-” he muttered, raising his hands in defense.

But Xie Lian's burning red face told a different story of what had truly caused the crowd's lively chatter to cease in an instant. If he had laughed off Pei Ming’s joke he maybe wouldn't have been such a dead give away… but when was luck ever really on his side?

All hell broke loose in that instant! The gossip only bubbling over to a breaking point. Feng Xin and Mu Quing exchanged glances. Well, so long for keeping it a secret.

“I had heard the rumors but I didn't think it was true!”

“Pregnant? Really? But isn't the Crown Prince.. well a man?”

“Is it really Crimson Rain’s child!? Is that even possible? I thought ghosts were infertile!”

“Well he's a ghost King- so maybe it's different?”

“But to make a man pregnant, that seems truly otherworldly!”

The rumble of the crowd, confused, disgusted, and terrified echoed throughout the hall with such ferocity that the heavens nearly fell for a second time. Xie Lian wished for another more than to be buried alive again just to escape this moment! This is not at all how he wanted the news to get out and there was no salvaging the situation or playing it off as a joke any longer. His long silence was answer enough!

“I was only joking your Highness! I truly was, it's not true is it! I thought my eyes were deceiving me- tell me they're deceiving me!” Pei Ming apologized profusely but Xie Lian just reached for his stomach and looked away. Embarrassment flooding his cheeks and ears with a crimson red.

“Oh, so I was correct-” Pei Ming smiled awkwardly and looked around at the crowd around him whispering and gossiping amongst themselves. “Okay okay! Quiet down everyone! Clearly this was not supposed to be our business!” He shouted, culling the crowd for a moment.

“I sincerely apologize your Highness, I'm sure this isn't how you wanted everyone finding out… is it wrong to congratulate you at this time?” Xie Lian glanced back up at Pei Ming and then to the attentive crowd of onlookers. No wonder Pei Ming was the number one choice for so many to be the next emperor. He commanded a room with little to no effort!

“Oh, uh.. no it's okay.. this isn't how I wanted it to get out, but I guess it was bound to happen this way with my luck!” Xie Lian feigned a smile and tried to straighten himself, collecting any semblance of face he had left.

“Well then, let me be the first to congratulate you then! I'm sure you'll be an amazing parent!” Pei Ming flashed a smile, pressing his fist to his palm with a gentle bow. Xie Lian paused and the genuine smile returned to his face, as he pulled his stomach he returned the bow.

What followed was awkward happiness and congratulations, as it has never crossed anyone else's mind to say anything other than scathing judgment. But Xie Lian was not the laughing stock of the three realms any longer, and this was truly a happy occasion! Despite the fact that the idea of a miniature Crimson Rain Saught Flower running around sounded like every heavenly official’s worst nightmare.

“Alright, quiet down everyone the meeting is commencing. We have a vote to cast, congratulations can wait until afterwards.” King Wen’s tired yet gentle voice cut through the crowd as she entered the hall carrying a small armful of scrolls with her.

Depositing her scrolls onto the table beside the throne she addressed the chamber. “We have the four candidates for heavenly emperor. Prince Tian Quang, Martial God of the far south. General Ming Guang, Martial God of the north. Xiao Ji, Civil God of the west. And finally General Tai Hua, Martial God of the east.”

As each god's name was read aloud they stepped forward from the crowd, bowing to Ling Wen and the throne. “You will have one hour to decide your vote and submit it to me. Let your time begin now.”

The hour came and went with little murmuring throughout the crowd, the quick turn around from one exciting event to the next exhausting many who attended, including Xie Lian. He was exhausted, but having received a few gentle congratulations and offered a seat to rest he was finding the time seemed to go by a bit quicker.

“Time is up. Please submit your vote if you have not and I will tally them together. If you have already submitted your vote you are welcome to leave- but please remain in heaven if you do not have pressing matters.” The final few who took their time submitted their votes, the rest filling out of the Divine Capital like a trickling stream.

“Dose his Highness require assistance standing?” Pei Ming approached the seated Xie Lian who smiled and shook his head. Pressing up from the chair Xie Lian set it aside from where it came.

“I'm quite capable of standing on my own still, thank you General.” Xie Lian bowed gently and Pei Ming responded in kind before filing out of the hall. Feng Xin and Mu Quing approaching after him with uncertainty etched into their faces.

“Well, at least neither of us were the ones to break the news.. it was all General Pei and his big mouth!” Mu Quing crossed his arms, a sour expression folding his lips. Feng Xin sighed and shook his head as he massaged his temple.

“Well.. the news is out I guess. How are you holding up your highness?” Xie Lian smiled as he began to make his way to the exit.

“I'll be alright, thank you both for keeping it secret until now.” As they all were about to leave Xie Lian paused as he heard a tired voice ring through his communication array. He glanced back at Ling Wen who just gave him a curt nod before getting back to her work.

“Congratulations your highness. Get some rest.” He smiled and nodded back before turning to leave, excited to return home.

“Is it a bother to ask one of you to tell me what the vote comes out too? I'm quite tired and San Lang is probably going mad with worry.” Xie Lian sighed as he massaged his neck, the thought of a warm bath awaiting him at Paradise Manor only making him more tired.

“It's no problem, your highness. Get some rest.” Feng Xin responded, My Quing nodding along in his sentiment. Xie Lian smiled and reached into his sleeve to produce two small dice. With one toss he opened the nearest door and found himself back in Paradise Manor, the warm scent of freshly prepared food guiding him to the dining hall.

“Gege! Back so soon, you said it would be a day or two.” Hua Cheng smiled, having prepped two plates of food contradicting his words. Xie Lian just chuckled and took a seat at the table, admiring the warm aroma of spices that engulfed the room.

“I was allowed to leave in ‘urgent business’.”

“Oh, and what was so ‘urgent’ that gege needed to attend to?” Hua Cheng smirked as he took his seat as well.

“Well… our little secret may not be a secret any longer-” just as Xie Lian prepared to describe the events of the distinct sound fireworks could be heard in the distance. And not just any fireworks. These were certainly the same ones the inhabitants of Ghost City had set off on the night of Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s marriage.

The word was out, and was quick to spread to the three realms!

Chapter Text

Delicate laughter filled the room as Xie Lian reached to cover his mouth, trying to save his husband some face.

“It's bothersome!” Hua Cheng tossed the bouquet to the side and glared at it as if his gaze alone would set it ablaze- but they were a gift for his beloved! And therefore he could not bring himself to cause harm to the colorful blooms. Xie Lian grunted softly as he bent over to pick them up from the floor and dusted them off.

“They mean well, at least these ones are alive! And not ‘alive’-” Xie Lian chuckled and set them tenderly on a table as he began to look for a container to keep them.

“Denxia-” Hua Cheng chided as he followed behind his pregnant husband like a worried shadow, reaching to grab a vase from the top of a shelf that Xie Lian struggled to reach. The god took the vase and smiled.

“I'm not chastising you, no need to bring out honorifics.” He turned the slender vase over in his hands. Truly a work of art, and an ancient artifact that truly shouldn't be displayed so casually. “You knew this would be how they react, they're just happy to have an heir.”

“But gege- we're immortal they have no need to celebrate an heir with such fravolity!” Hua Cheng followed behind Xie Lian, waving his hands about as if to demonstrate the degree of impracticality of it all. Xie Lian carried the vase through the long winding hallways of Paradise Manor, passing by familiar decorated halls with perfect memory, and out through two ornate double doors he listened intently to Hua Cheng's rambling with a soft, patient smile.

Xie Lian chuckled as he walked down the meticulously maintained walkways and through fields of colorful plants of various shapes, sizes, colors, and rarity. The warm glow of lantern light the only thing guiding his walk. The flowers had just bloomed and filled the air with the soft fragrance of spring despite Ghost City’s perpetual night. He kneeled beside the small pond that lay at the center and began filling the vase.

“San Lang, how are the ghosts getting me flowers frivolous, but you building me a garden isn't?” Xie Lian stood, bracing himself on his hip as he wobbled. Cold hands reaching out to gingerly grasping his arms to keep him stable.

“Gege-” he paused, moving his hands to his husband's waist and leaning down to meet his eyes. “That's different!” Xie Lian smiled knowingly and placed a soft kiss to his cheek.

“Oh I see. Ah, San Lang I can carry that myself!” He gasped as Hua Cheng took the vase from him and began to walk back up the garden pathway. Silver butterflies fluttering about between each flower like a diligent worker. Xie Lian sighed as he followed behind, reaching out as one of the butterflies rested on his finger. Flapping its wings gently in a greeting before taking off again.

“Gege is quite capable, yes! I'll place their flowers in the vase… but gege should enjoy these flowers as well.” Xie Lian brought his hand to his mouth to stop himself from laughing. Hua Cheng was quite see through when he was jealous, Xie Lian couldn't help but find it endearing.

“Mm, may I ask for some tea when you return?” Xie Lian sighed, relinquishing to husband's doating. He caressed his stomach and reached back as he sat on a bench, the cool stone grounding him.

“Of course, anything for you.” Hua Cheng leaned down, kissing the crown of Xie lian's head before turning to finish up with the bouquet. The god watched as the other disappeared through the double doors and sighed to himself, rubbing soft circles over his stomach.

“So jealous over some little flowers, do you think the garden will be bigger tomorrow?” Xie Lian laughed and leaned back against the stable stone bench, the smooth rock soothing against his increasingly aching back. He could picture his husband glaring at the flowers as he arranged them in a vase, fretting over the perfect placement of the vase and little flourishes to give it his own personal touch. Then waking up in the middle of the night just to expand the garden, make it bigger and grander! Possibly even a divine statue right at the center, a long forgotten God holding a small delicate flower with soft poise and confidence. Perhaps a fountain even?

“Hmm, well he gave me the prettiest flower in the world.” Xie Lian hummed to himself. “What do you think, little flower?” He muttered as he looked down at himself. “That would be a cute name. Xiao Hua. That sounds quite nice.”

Xie Lian drew flowers across his stomach with his finger and closed his eyes. “Or maybe, Xian Hua… But if you're anything like your father's you'll be anything but delicate!” His bump was much more pronounced now although still quite easy to hide under his loose robes. Without knowing he was pregnant he could almost play it off as having eaten a large feast. Four months having come and come seemingly in a flash- and he was finally feeling his energy return in little bursts.

No longer throwing up over the smallest things, Xie Lian's confidence was returning as well. But those occasional days where he still found it hard to stomach anything but plain buns and tea so weak it could barely pass for anything other than warm water we're still always lurking on his peripherals.

“Hah, you are so small but you make me so tired. I guess that means you're growing big and strong!” A small flutter in his stomach the only response. Xie Lian smiled and leaned his head back, letting the cool perpetual night of Ghost City relax his body. A soft breeze blowing along as if the world was cradling him, keeping him safe from outside drama and so called frivolous gifts.

“Xiao Hua… I like that.” Xie Lian opened his eyes and lifted his head, watching Hua Cheng approach with a cup of still steaming tea. He smiled as he accepted the cup, the warmth spreading through the rough terracotta into his smooth hands.

“Were you listening this whole time?” Xie Lian spied the small sliver butterflies fluttering about, trying to pin down the one that had been listening in on his ramblings. Hua Cheng watching his gaze, reaching behind his head, lifting the butterfly perched on the back of the bench and blew on it softly as if sending it off for doing a good job. The little culprit fluttering about happily before returning to its diligent work of tending to the garden.

A small smirk adorned the ghost king's face as he slid into the seat next to Xie Lian who humphed and turned his attention to his tea, enjoying the comforting warmth that settled through his whole body as he drank. Ginger with a hint of peppermint- it was soothing as well as rejuvenating! “Our little flower. Mmm, makes me want to give you a whole bouquet-”

“SAN LANG!?” Xie Lian's face bloomed hot and red, nearly choking on his final sip. Using one hand to push away his flirtatious monster of a husband while he used the other to set aside his now empty cup and hide his face. The ghost king laughed and leaned into his husband's pushing hand, wrapping his arms around his waist.

“My God is so fertile- it took only one try! And we can't just leave our little flower all alone without a friend, can we?” Xie Lian just smothered his burning face deeper into his hands, finding no use in trying to push the devil off of him. A barrage of whispered sweet nothings and flirtatious kisses glided their way along the gods neck up to his ear.

“San Lang.. spare me!” Xie Lian whined, turning away from the cold breath grazing his neck only making the blaze in his cheeks burn hotter. A soft hum reverberated from his husband who thankfully let up, just relenting with a soft kiss to Xie Lian's temple.

“Look at me, gege.” He reached up grasping the flushed god by his chin and turned his head, love and adoration reflected in that brown almost black eye. “This one apologizes for his teasing.” Xie Lian just huffed, not able to even fain being angry.

“Xiao Hua..” Hua Cheng mumbled so softly it was barely audible, his eye trailing down to the hidden treasure within his god. His hand leaving Xie Lian's chin to press softly against his stomach, just enough to feel a comfortable pressure. “Our little flower.” He said once more, looking up from where his hand caressed his husband to meet his eyes.

“All ours.” Xie Lian echoed, leaning forward to press their foreheads together. Their noses brushing against each other in a tentative charade before their lips met. Dancing together with practiced perfection, each one knowing exactly how the other will move and react in flawless show of affection.

“Mm, one second your highness..“ Xie Lian hummed as the kiss broke, his face still a warm but lighter shade of red. His eyes heavy with drunk love. Watching as Hua Cheng raised two fingers to his temple, listing intently to Xie Lian could only guess was Yin Yu on the other side. He raised an eyebrow in concern, but was quickly eased by Hua Cheng slumping against him with an exasperated sigh.

“Ah, another bouquet?” Xie Lian chuckled, his hands rubbing soothing circles over the ghost king's back. Pausing and leaning back to try and hear his husband's mumbling into his chest. “What was that San Lang?”

“Worse…”

“Worse?”

-

“Feng Xin! Mu Quing!” Xie Lian greeted happily, following down the steps of Paradise Manor to meet his friends. The two martial gods glanced behind Xie Lian to the loom of a protective shadow that followed behind him. Annoyance clearly etched into his brow. They had definitely come at a bad time-

“Your highness, we're not here to stay. We just come bearing the news of the vote as well as a gift from Wind Master.” Feng Xin when prompted by the other produced a small poorly wrapped gift that clearly had a lot of effort put into it. It was gaudy and ugly, but it had just the perfect touch to know who it was from.

“Former wind master.” Feng Xin corrected his partner. My Quing repressing the vain he could feel was about to burst just closed his eyes and nodded. Taking all of his will power not to roll his eyes or start something here with that demon watching over his husband like a hawk.

“Yes yes- former, whatever.” Xie Lian smiled awkwardly at the two and thanked them for coming all this way for a gift. He made a note to visit Shi Qingxuan soon to thank them in person since Xie Lian hadn't been the one to break the good news himself.

“Ah, the vote! What were the results?” Xie Lian tucked the poorly wrapped gift into his sleeve to open later and folded his hands in anticipation. This was a decision that would change the three realms for hundreds of years to come and it all came down to-

“Pei Ming…” My Quing didn't even try to hide the disgust in his voice as he crossed his arms and nearly gagged on the very mention of his name. Feng Xin seemed to be a lot more normal about the whole situation and just nodded in agreement of the verdict.

“Really, well I can't say I'm surprised! He's well known throughout the mortal realm and has many temples.” Xie Lian nodded, tapping his chin lightly in thought. He then waved his hand dismissively and just smiled at the two in front of him.

“Would you two like to come in for-” Xie Lian could barely get the sentence out before they were both shaking their heads and waving their hands in denial.
“No no, we really should get going! A lot to do in the um-” Feng Xin stumbled through his words and glanced to Mu Quing for support.

“The mountains! Yes, the mountains, loose spirits!” He added, before they both sped off without looking back. Xie Lian paused, his hand still hanging in the air before he raised an eyebrow, and glanced over at Hua Cheng who just smiled at him innocently.

“Would gege like more tea?” Xie Lian smiled and just nodded, his husband was truly see through indeed.