[曦澄 | XiCheng]: The Fear Of Falling In Love [~PART 1~]

[67.] Lovers' talk.

- Are you happy, my sweetest?

Zewu-Jun and Sandu Shengshou were observing the servants fuss about cleaning the Hall now for the Masters' lunch, having fun with discussing and joking with the pompous and meaningless gifts that most of the guests had brought. 

As it was going to be just the two of them for a while, Lan Xichen had ordered the chamber to be made optimally comfortable for his pregnant spouse, providing for a multitude of  pillows and cushions to be brought in, so that they could be cozy and relaxed at all times, and also  –  for the windows to be draped, just in case.

Jiang Cheng had been watching the changes being implemented swiftly  –  the servants really wanted to please their Master, and hurried with their tasks. He was thinking that now it looked a lot like an Oriental saray,  all gentle silk, and transparent veils, half-hidden in dimmed light and discreet candlelight. It was so very different from before, from what he remembered of the strict and ascetic Gusu House that it felt like a waking dream. He was pretty sure that most of the guests had been outraged by the new design. But Zewu-Jun didn't seem to care, at all. He was quite amused by the fact that none of them knew about his husband's... unusual, almost exotic tastes.

- I am very happy, husband. No one has ever taken such great care of me...  -   he murmured.

- Did you like anything from your numerous birthday gifts, love?  –  Lan Xichen smirked, content.

- Just your kisses, husband. Nothing can ever be better...  -  he said shyly.

- You never asked for my gift to you,  kitten.  –   he said quietly.

Jiang Wanyin looked at his face sharply. He now remembered that Lan Huan had said something about a surprise; he had totally forgotten about it, the last days were too stressful and eventful. He blushed  –  no matter what the gift was, he was absolutely certain that it was going to be splendid. He knew how much Lan Xichen loved him.

- Nothing can possibly be better than you, my love. You, Zewu-Jun, are my birthday gift. I don't need anything else.  –  he looked away, all flushed.

Lan Xichen looked down. His husband was sitting on soft cushions at his feet, relaxing into his open body, hugging his waist from time to time, or just resting his head in his lap, his hair flowing freely now that they were alone, and falling gently over his face. How could his uncle possibly offer him a woman? Which woman could compare to this delicate lover, someone so beautiful, and loyal, and adoring him? He understood his words well; he, too, didn't want for any other gifts  –  just to be with his beloved was enough. 

He smiled.

- I guess, most husbands love it when their wives say those words, Wanyin. But I feel what you're saying with my soul, as I feel the same way, my lovely.

- Oh, Zewu-Jun...  -  Jiang Cheng looked up lovingly, but it wasn't enough any more  –  he stood up and now straddled Lan Huan's hips, making him laugh happily.

- What is it?  –  he tilted his head, curious.  –  Is it here? Somewhere in this room?  –  he pouted and looked around.

- Mmmm. Can you guess?  –  Lan Xichen leaned in and kissed the tip of his nose, making him pout some more.

- Is it some jewel? No? Hmm. Is it new robes!?  –  he asked excitedly.  –  I really loved wearing matching robes with you, my love...  -  he hid his face in Lan Xichen's neck.

- No, love. You can have all those things without occasion.  –  Lan Huan smiled gently, caressing his back. –  Guess again.

- I am not good at this, Huan... -  Jiang Cheng sulked. –  Is it something to eat? No? Hmm... Is it a hunt? A trip? A weapon? A new set of daggers?! I really wanted new ones!!!  –  he exclaimed.

- No, love, but I will remember this.  –  Zewu-Jun pursed his lips, enjoying the confused look on his husband's face.

- So, it's not clothes... it's not food... it's not an event... not a weapon...  -  he was counting in his head. –  This leaves only...  -  he fell speechless.

Sandu Shengshou was blushing severely, now staring at his husband's face, biting his lips. 

Lan Xichen was flushed too, not taking his eyes off him, and then he panted:

- Say it.