JC x LXC one-shots

Embers of Love

Spring had come again to the Cloud Recesses, the cherry blossoms decorating the landscape in a sea of delicate pink. The war was finally over, and the scars of battle began to heal, not only on the land but also within the hearts of those who fought bravely. In the peaceful aftermath, Jiang Cheng found himself seeking refuge in the tranquil embrace of the Lan Clan's home.

With tensions eased and old grievances put aside, he found an unexpected kinship with Lan Xichen, the calm and compassionate leader of the Lan Clan. They often sat together beneath the blooming cherry trees, silently watching the petals flutter in the gentle breeze, the unspoken bond between them growing with each shared moment.

One evening, as the sky painted hues of orange and pink, Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng stood atop a cliff overlooking a serene lake. The moon bathed everything in its ethereal light, casting shadows that danced along the water's surface.

"Thank you for inviting me here," Jiang Cheng said, his voice unusually soft as he broke the silence.

Lan Xichen smiled warmly. "It is my pleasure, Jiang Wanyin. I find peace in your company."

The sincerity in Lan Xichen's words caught Jiang Cheng off guard, and his heart fluttered. "Peace, huh? Who would've thought," he muttered.

Lan Xichen turned to him, his gaze tender. "Indeed, life has a way of surprising us."

As the days passed, their connection deepened. They discovered shared interests and memories of their time as disciples, finding comfort in reminiscing about their lost loved ones and the burden of responsibility they both carried. In each other's presence, they learned to let their guards down, revealing vulnerabilities they had never shown to anyone else.

One night, a full moon shone brightly in the sky, casting a silver glow upon the world. Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng took a leisurely stroll through the bamboo groves, the faint rustle of leaves accompanying their footsteps.

"Do you remember when we were young, and I accidentally fell into the lotus pond during training?" Jiang Cheng chuckled, the memory warming his heart.

Lan Xichen chuckled too, a soft sound that mirrored the moon's gentle radiance. "Of course, I do. You were quite angry with me for not warning you about the slippery stones."

They laughed together, the sound harmonizing with the serenity around them. But as the laughter faded, an unspoken tension lingered between them. Jiang Cheng hesitated before he finally spoke about what had been on his mind for weeks.

"Lan Huan, there's something I want to tell you," Jiang Cheng confessed, his heart pounding in his chest.

Lan Xichen stopped walking, turning to face Jiang Cheng fully. "You can tell me anything, Jiang Wanyin. I'm here to listen."

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Cheng looked into Lan Xichen's eyes, finding unwavering support and understanding. "I... I think I'm falling for you. I never expected this to happen, but I can't deny how I feel."

Lan Xichen's expression softened, and he reached out, gently placing a hand on Jiang Cheng's shoulder. "I never expected it either, but I feel the same way. It's as if the blossoms have carried our hearts to this destined moment."

In that instant, Jiang Cheng felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. He leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender and uncertain kiss. It felt like kindling a flame that had been smoldering within their hearts, waiting for the right moment to ignite.

Under the watchful gaze of the moon and amidst the blossoms, Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng embraced their newfound love. They knew that their path together would have its challenges, but they were willing to face them hand in hand, drawing strength from each other's presence.

Their love story bloomed like the cherry blossoms in spring, a serendipitous journey that neither of them could have foreseen. In the tranquil gardens of the Cloud Recesses, they found solace and warmth, weaving their destinies together like the cherry blossom petals gently falling, and the moonlight that guided their way.

And so, they walked forward, hearts entwined, two souls finding love and healing in the most unexpected of places, igniting a fire that would burn brightly for eternity.