TIAN GUAN CI FU Fan fic stories

I'D GIVE YOU THE SUN IF YOU ASKED ME

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The summer heat makes their robes sticky with sweat. Xie Lian's cheeks flush with the sun's rays - his straw hat does little to protect him. Hua Cheng sulks under the intense sunlight. With his Xiao Hua form, the pout looks especially cute. It's the height of summer, and the hottest time of the day, and they're on their way back from helping a villager fix their roof.

They'd worked through most of the morning helping the elder patch a hole. The old man was too old to climb on top, and had prayed for help fixing it prior to the rainy season. Enlisting Hua Cheng, Xie Lian had promised to help, and the two had arrived early that morning to get to work.

With Xie Lian and Hua Cheng at task, the hole had been easily fixed. Hua Cheng's skills at woodworking had ensured the old man's roof was likely stronger than it had originally been. As the two worked together, Xie Lian couldn't help reminisce about the first time he'd met Hua Cheng all those hundreds of years later. He was wearing the same skin he wore that day. A handsome youth in simple red robes. A lopsided ponytail. Under the sun, and only wearing his white tunic, Hua Cheng looked especially handsome. A small sheen of sweat making his skin glisten.

Hua Cheng caught Xie Lian stealing glances on multiple occasions, and when he knew the old man wasn't looking, he caressed Xie Lian's cheek fondly. He'd been just about to lean down to kiss him when more village elders showed up. A loud ruckus following their wake, as the older women brought with them baskets of fruits, vegetables, and chestnuts.

"Ah, Daozhang! You've brought Xiao Hua with you today!" One of them called to them from the ground. Waving animatedly after putting down the basket.

Xie Lian glimpsed at Hua Cheng, who smirked. Cocking an eyebrow, as if amused.

"Ah, haha, yes, I did," Xie Lian laughed awkwardly as he scratched his cheek. Though many mortals knew of Hua Cheng, and in fact worshipped Xie Lian and him together, it wasn't uncommon for villagers to think Xie Lian was merely a priest who worshipped the god, too. And Xiao Hua? Well, he looked nothing like the imagery of the Ghost King, so one could hardly blame them for not knowing.

"Xiao Hua, when are you going to meet my granddaughter?" Another called out.

"Hm, is your daughter quite beautiful?" Hua Cheng inquired. Xie Lian shot him a look, unamused, but Hua Cheng merely smiled more widely and ignored him.

"En! She's the most beautiful in the village!" The woman, so clearly proud, professed. Xie Lian imagined her going around telling anyone who would listen of the beauty of her granddaughter. He frowned more deeply.

"Ah, but I can't imagine she's more beautiful than my beloved." Hua Cheng's grin was too handsome, and Xie Lian blushed deeply at the compliment. He pretended to hammer nails onto a plank, though he was so flustered he missed a few times. Hua Cheng chuckled beside him. His fingers discretely moved to grab a strand of Xie Lian's loose hair, and he played with it between his fingers.

"Aiyah, I told you he is already married!" Someone reminded. Waving her away before bowing his head to Hua Cheng. The knowing look he gave Xie Lian spoke volumes.

When they had finished, as a thank you, the old man had gifted them a basket of cold produce. A melon freshly sliced for them to enjoy on their way back.

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And now, the afternoon sun hangs high above them - beating mercilessly against their tired bodies.

A simple toss of a dice could have them in Paradise Manor in an instant, but the two choose to walk, shoulder to shoulder, back to Puqi Shrine. They indulge in the very human act of enduring the summer heat, and the joys of commiserating in their shared misery. It feels grounding.