TIAN GUAN CI FU Fan fic stories

WHAT MAKES A HOME IS YOUR WARMTH

Xie Lian wakes up to someone petting his hair in gentle slow strokes, a soothing scent right beside him, and an overwhelming feeling of safety.

Blearily, he blinks his eyes a few times before his gaze lands on the familiar figure sitting next to him.

"Good morning, love", says a low voice brimming with affection, and Xie Lian's heart skips a beat as Hua Cheng smiles down at him.

"Is it morning...?"

"No, it's afternoon. Gege took a good nap." Hua Cheng brushes a strand of Xie Lian's hair off his face and tucks it behind his ear. Xie Lian leans into the tender, calming touch, taking a deep breath of Hua Cheng's scent.

Seeing his beloved so hungry for affection, Hua Cheng chuckles fondly and spreads his arms, offering a hug. Without a moment of hesitation, Xie Lian pushes himself into a half-sitting position and curls up in Hua Cheng's arms.

"This feels a bit silly", Xie Lian says with a small, slightly embarrassed laugh. "I've been doing nothing but taking naps and lazing around for almost two days now..."

"That's perfectly normal." Hua Cheng nuzzles his hair and holds him a bit tighter. "You're going into heat soon. Plenty of omegas are low on energy during these times."

"Mm..." Xie Lian hums in agreement, letting himself be calmed and comforted by his alpha's scent. He knows Hua Cheng is right; it's a normal, healthy reaction for an omega to feel lethargic and overly tired before their heat, and the fact that it's going to be his first heat since he and Hua Cheng became a mated pair, it's to be expected that he would be more affected.

However, despite his prior knowledge and experience of mating cycles, it has surprised Xie Lian a bit to find out just how much more intense his pre-heat days have become now that he is mated to an alpha. His fatigue, aches, and nesting urges have been nothing like those he experienced before — back then, the symptoms were slightly more than an inconvenience, but now they have had him nearly bedridden for several days!

"Don't worry, beloved", Hua Cheng murmurs, as if guessing Xie Lian's concerns. "Gege has nothing to be embarrassed about. You've worked so hard all your life, it's about time you have a good reason to rest properly. And this San Lang will always be here to take care of you."

Hearing his alpha's caring words, Xie Lian is overwhelmed with love so intense and deep that it hurts him almost physically. He buries his face into Hua Cheng's chest, clinging onto him and finding immediate comfort in his warm presence.

"Is gege okay?" Hua Cheng kisses him while holding him tight. He changes the position of his hands so that he can rub his wrist against Xie Lian's arm, gently scenting him. "I made your favourite food. It's in the kitchen, if you're hungry."

"Thank you, San Lang", Xie Lian says. "But I'm okay. I just want to be close to you for a while..."

Hua Cheng lets out another low, fond laugh. "Cuddles it is, then."

Xie Lian closes his eyes and lets his thoughts drift off into a state of sleepiness as he breathes in his mate's scent again. Although he feels thoroughly worn out, even the fatigue turns into a wonderful feeling of deep relaxation whenever Hua Cheng is holding him.

He has truly never felt anything like this before meeting Hua Cheng.

"San Lang..." A small sigh escapes Xie Lian's lips; Hua Cheng seems to sense his delicate mood and holds him tighter. Tiny, soft kisses are pressed on Xie Lian's face, making him smile.

"I love you, gege. My beautiful omega."

Xie Lian curls up in Hua Cheng's arms more snugly. "I'm sorry for keeping you here", he says. "Your gege has gotten a bit selfish, it seems..."