TIAN GUAN CI FU Fan fic stories

FETISH PRAISES

First part:  WORDS OF LOVE

During his long life that has already spanned several centuries, Xie Lian has never really considered himself an impatient person. Having spent many long years as a humble scrap collector, he is used to accepting each day as it comes, not making too many plans for the future and enjoying the small things that bring him joy right here and now.

But it turns out, falling in love can change a person rather fundamentally.

Gazing absently out of the window and letting his gaze linger on Paradise Manor's courtyard that is bathing in moonlight, Xie Lian gives a small sigh. No longer than a few years ago, a wait of mere two weeks would have been nothing for him, just another tiny drop in the endless stream of time he has at his disposal in his immortal state; but somehow, the past fourteen days have felt like a small eternity now that he has a beloved husband to miss when they have to be apart.

It isn't like doing things separately would be anything new to Xie Lian and Hua Cheng. Xie Lian often has to answer prayers and visit the Heavenly Realm for whatever tasks he receives as a god; and Hua Cheng always has his hands full with keeping watch over the chaotic Ghost City, no matter how much the citizens adore him. But this time, circumstances forced them to be apart for half a month, each occupied with urgent things that required travelling in completely different areas, and Xie Lian was surprised to notice how much he started missing his husband as soon as barely a week had passed.

San Lang, Xie Lian thinks wistfully, almost opening the spiritual communication link between himself and Hua Cheng, but stopping himself at the last minute. Who knows if Hua Cheng is still busy with his tasks? Xie Lian doesn't want to bother him too much; after all, he's supposed to return tonight. They will see each other again soon enough.

Ruoye shifts underneath Xie Lian's sleeve and peeks out, apparently sensing its master's unhappiness. The silk band unloops itself from his arm and slides up to hover in front of his face, as if asking him what is wrong.

Xie Lian soothes Ruoye with a small smile. "Don't worry, Ruoye. I'm just thinking of San Lang... he should be here any minute now." A small sigh falls from his lips as he turns his gaze to the window again. "It's been a long couple of weeks", he says quietly.

Ruoye nuzzles his cheek, apparently in agreement, and Xie Lian gives it some comforting pats. He feels sudden sympathy for his loyal companion; Ruoye must be missing E'Ming too.

When Xie Lian finally, at long last, catches the sight of someone moving in the moonlit courtyard, he stands up from the luxurious chair immediately. Leaning eagerly towards the window to see better in the darkness, he finds himself breaking into a wide smile. There is no mistaking those red robes and confident strides of the tall slender figure approaching the manor, and Xie Lian can even make out silvery accessories twinkling softly in the moonlight. Unable to wait any longer, he hurries to the main entrance hallway, his steps suddenly lighter than in a long time.

"San Lang!"

As soon as the doors open, Xie Lian throws himself at the precious person behind them, his heart bursting with pure joy. Hua Cheng seems to have been expecting him; he is smiling warmly as he holds out his arms, ready to catch his beloved.

Hua Cheng wraps his arms around Xie Lian, nuzzling his hair and pressing soft kisses onto his face. "Gege", he murmurs. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Xie Lian holds Hua Cheng tight, taking a deep breath and feeling like his chest is being slowly filled with warmth and happiness as he inhales Hua Cheng's pleasant smell. Once again he is reminded of something that meeting Hua Cheng taught him: true happiness really is found in the simplest things, such as feeling a loved one's touch.