XiCheng: The Last Lotus [AU- OMEGAVERSE]

2

"It sure will."

"Huan-ge! Huan-ge!" Jiang Cheng called, nestling closer to Lan Xichen's side. "When are we getting there?" he whispered, leaning into Xichen's chest.

Lan Xichen chuckled, bringing one hand down to smooth over Jiang Cheng's unruly locks. "Soon, A-Cheng, soon."

"But I want to go now! This boat is moving so slow," he pouted, crossing his arms and huffing in frustration. "I want to get my sword already! Father said I could get one when I go back to Lotus Pier."

"Why does A-Cheng want a sword? Wouldn't it be better to sit with Huan-ge?"

Jiang Cheng frowned. "Yes, but I want to see the rabbits! And it'll take ages at this rate!"

Xichen gave a wry smile. "Is my A-Cheng so desperate to leave me already?"

"No! A-Cheng loves Huan-ge!"

Lan Xichen beamed, positively preening as he pulled Jiang Cheng into a tight hug. "Huan-ge loves A-Cheng too!"

Jiang Cheng grinned, letting himself indulge in the warmth of Lan Xichen's embrace for a while longer before finally pulling away, "Ok, ok Huan-ge, enough hugging. A-Cheng is a big boy. He doesn't need hugs," Jiang Cheng whined, trying to wriggle out of Xichen's grip. But Lan's are famous for their arm strength, and the little Jiang Cheng tried to no avail. Instead, he flopped down, going limp in the older boy's embrace. He pouted, "Hmph! Huan-ge is being mean!"

"Why is A-Cheng so mad? Can Huan-ge not have A-Cheng to himself for a bit longer?"

"No! A-Cheng wants to play!"

Xichen laughed. "Alright then," he conceded, letting go of the pouting mess in his arms. "Where does A-Cheng want to play then?"

Jiang Cheng thought for a moment, eyes narrowing in concentration. "Hm..." he muttered at last, frowning as he shook his head in defeat. "I don't know. There's nothing fun here."

Xichen shot him a winning smile, "Well then, how about I tell you a story instead?"

"Really?" Jiang Cheng's head snapped up, face brightening as he exclaimed, "Huan-ge is the best!"

"I love you too A-Cheng," Lan Xichen giggled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. His beloved immediately blushed, looking down and shuffling his feet in embarrassment. A rosy blush dusted his cheeks, and a small smile bloomed on his lips. "Me too Huan-ge."

Lan Xichen's grin widened, and he made room for himself and Jiang Cheng. His uncle and the other disciples were trying very hard not to look at the pair, and instead focused all their attention on the waters up ahead. 

Xichen didn't mind. The less people that looked at his A-Cheng, the better.

Wrapping an arm around Jiang Cheng, he started...

---------

"So why did the goddess leave her lover?" Jiang Cheng murmured, once the story was done. Confused, he tilted his head. "Don't they love each other?"

Xichen shook his head, eyes saddening as he answered, "Because sometimes it's not just as easy as loving each other. The goddess had to go back to her own world, and her lover was only human."

"But that's not fair! They love each other right? So why should they be forced apart? That's so mean! Huan-ge, I don't like that story. That story was sad."

Xichen chuckled. "Don't be mad A-Cheng. All is not lost."

"Hm?"

"Well you see, every year on the 7th day of the 7th month, the goddess and her lover reunite. It's said that the heavens open and stars shoot through the night sky, creating a bridge made of stardust. On that day, the goddess and her lover can cross the bridge and are permitted to spend one full night with each other. It's said that the goddess of the moon spends all day playing with her rabbit, trying to slow the moon down for the two lovers."