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The moonlight spilled gently into their room in Paradise Manor, bathing the silken sheets in pale silver. The night was quiet, save for the soft rhythm of Xie Lian’s breathing. He was curled around a long, overstuffed pillow, arms wrapped around it protectively, his cheek pressed against its surface.
From the doorway, Hua Cheng stood watching for a long moment, lips twitching in amusement. His gege looked so peaceful, so unguarded, that even a Ghost King’s heart softened. Still, the sight of that pillow receiving what he should be getting made him narrow his eye.
Quiet as mist, he crossed the room and leaned over. Gently, he tugged at the pillow, trying to slip it away without waking Xie Lian. The god murmured faintly, brow furrowing. Hua Cheng froze, then smiled faintly and replaced the pillow with himself, sliding into the space, warm and solid.
The movement made Xie Lian stir. His eyes fluttered open, hazy and confused, before softening as he realized who it was.
“San Lang?” he whispered sleepily.
Hua Cheng smiled. “Gege,” he murmured, voice low, “don’t hold that pillow. Hold me instead.”
Xie Lian chuckled softly, too drowsy to protest. His arms slid naturally around Hua Cheng, pulling him close. He nuzzled into the red silk at Hua Cheng’s shoulder and tilted his head to kiss his forehead, gentle, tender, wordless affection. Hua Cheng’s breath hitched, and he relaxed entirely, pressing closer to listen to his gege’s heartbeat.
After a moment, he nuzzled Xie Lian’s chest and murmured, “Gege, I love you so much.”
He pressed a kiss just above Xie Lian’s collarbone. “You’re the only one who’s ever made eternity feel too short.” Kiss.
“When you smile, I think even the heavens envy me.” Kiss.
“You work so hard, even when no one’s watching… it makes me want to protect you forever.” Kiss.
“You don’t even realize how precious you are, do you?” Kiss.
“You saved me, Gege. Again and again.” Kiss.
“I’d burn the world a thousand times over, just to keep you warm.” Kiss.
His voice dropped to a whisper, rich with devotion and something darker. “And when your heart beats like this…”
He tilted his head, listening smugly against Xie Lian’s chest as that very heartbeat stuttered.
“San Lang!” Xie Lian exclaimed softly, flustered, his face warm. The teasing kisses, the tender words - all of it tangled together until he couldn’t tell where embarrassment ended and affection began.
Hua Cheng’s quiet snicker gave him away.
“You- you were listening on purpose!” Xie Lian scolded, voice halfway between indignation and laughter.
Hua Cheng drew back just enough to flash an unrepentant grin. “Ah, how cruel of me.” His tone was dripping with the fakest remorse imaginable. “Forgive me, Gege. I was simply overwhelmed by your… lively response.”
Xie Lian buried his burning face against Hua Cheng’s shoulder. “San Lang!”
Hua Cheng only laughed quietly, tightening his arms around him. “Mn, I’ll behave… for now.”
And with that, he nestled back against Xie Lian’s chest, listening again... not to tease this time, but simply to be close.