XiCheng: The Last Lotus [AU- OMEGAVERSE]

28

"I came to inform Young Master Jiang that Young Master Lan has arrived in Qinghe."

Jiang Cheng was flying.

He wasn't sure how he was doing it- but he was.

His feet barely touched the ground as he raced through the courtyards of Qinghe- ignoring all the curious looks and judgmental stares trailing behind him.

For the first time in ages- Jiang Cheng cracked a genuine smile.

Lan Xichen was here. His beloved mate- his darling heart, was finally here.

It had been nearly eight months since Jiang Cheng last saw him.

Eight months of longing and yearning- where he clenched his fists tightly, the phantom presence of his lover the only thing keeping him going. Eight months of uncertainty and hesitation- where Lan Xichen's soft voice rang in his ear, guiding him through his darkest hours. Eight months of fear and trepidation- where he closed his eyes, softly crying under the pale witness of the moon. Eight long months where all Jiang Cheng dreamed about at night- were the soft flutterings of blue robes as a pair of dark-colored eyes gazed tenderly at him.

Eight fucking months. It was enough to make him lose his mind.

A strange thrill raced up his spill as a feeling of heartache and longing pummeled into him- crushing him under its weight. Jiang Cheng's pulse raced, his veins burning with a love and yearning so strong- that it took his breath away.

He ran.

Ran so fast the world started to blur together- in a vivid array of colors.

Jiang Cheng kept his head up, a bright light shining in those brilliant violet eyes.

Joy.

It was pure, unadulterated joy.

And for the first time in ages- a giant smile broke across his face as he skidded the corner of the hallway.

And there he was.

Lan Xichen.

His Huan-ge.

Standing there with his long, silky locks draped down his back. His hands folded carefully across his front.

The very epitome of the perfect gentleman.

Jiang Cheng felt his eyes tear up, a strange mist starting to form.

Lan Xichen.

He was more tired than usual- a weary, haggard look etched across his face. His clothes were ripped, grass stains ruining the pristine blue robes of the past. His hands were bruised, calluses and cuts lining those slender fingers. His skin was pale, an unhealthy shade of white replacing the soft, jade-like appearance.

But there was no doubt about it. He was Lan Xichen.

He had that same beaming smile- the grin that seemed to light up brighter than the sun itself.

"HUAN-GE!" Jiang Cheng cried, launching himself into the older boy's arms. "HUAN-GE YOU'RE HERE!" he screamed, an unmistakable note of delight bleeding into his tone.

The alpha's eyes widened as Lan Xichen turned around, horror and hope a mixed jumble across his face. "A-Cheng," Xichen whispered, a strange light flashing through the dark depths of those mahogany orbs.

"A-Cheng," he murmured again- almost like he was scared that this was too good to be true. "Is it really you?"

Jiang Cheng scowled, a small thread of insecurity blooming to life inside him. "What do you mean 'is it really me?' Who else would it be?!" he cried, trying to mask the slight tremor to his voice.