The Flower God

Part 2

Hua Cheng's crimson robe billowed behind him as he strode purposefully through the archway, cradling the injured Xie Lian in his arms like a fragile treasure.

"San Lang," murmured Xie Lian weakly, his voice barely audible above the faint whisper of the wind.

"Shh, gege, don't worry. I've got you," Hua Cheng reassured him, his voice tender and protective. He felt Xie Lian's body tense with pain against his chest, and it only served to fuel his determination to care for his beloved.

"Let me lay you down, gege," Hua Cheng whispered gently, guiding Xie Lian's battered body onto the soft, inviting bed. The plush mattress seemed to embrace them both, providing comfort in their time of need.

Xie Lian winced as he settled into the bed, but the firm, yet gentle support of Hua Cheng's arms prevented him from sinking too deeply into the cushions. His eyes fluttered closed, the exhaustion of his ordeal evident on his bruised and bloodied face.

"San Lang... I'm sorry..." Xie Lian managed to say, guilt weighing heavily on his heart.

"Apologies are unnecessary, gege. All that matters is your well-being." Hua Cheng's voice carried the weight of his devotion, his silver eye reflecting the love he held for the man in his arms.

He brushed a stray lock of hair from Xie Lian's forehead, his touch feather-light to avoid causing any further discomfort.

Hua Cheng's gaze lingered on Xie Lian as he lay in the bed, his chest moving with shallow breaths. The sight of his beloved marred by injuries tugged at something deep within him. He could not waste any more time. With a silent determination, Hua Cheng moved to gather what was needed.

"Gege, I'll be right back," he whispered, though he knew Xie Lian was already lost to sleep.

The warm water sloshed gently in the basin as Hua Cheng carried it back to the bedroom, a clean cloth draped over his arm. He set these items on the bedside table before turning his attention to Xie Lian's clothes. Torn and stained with blood, they were a painful reminder.

His fingers moved with practiced precision, deftly undoing the fastenings and easing Xie Lian's clothing from his body. Each new injury revealed sent a pang through Hua Cheng's heart, but he steeled himself for the task ahead. He couldn't allow his emotions to interfere with his duty to care of his husband.

"San Lang...?" Xie Lian's voice, weak and uncertain, broke the silence.

"Shh, it's alright, gege. I'm just going to clean your wounds," Hua Cheng reassured him, his voice a gentle balm. "Just relax. I won't let anything hurt you further."

"Thank you, San Lang." The gratitude in Xie Lian's voice was faint, as if each syllable weighed heavily upon him.

With a nod, Hua Cheng focused on the task at hand. He dipped the cloth into the warm water, wringing out the excess before turning his attention back to Xie Lian. As he cleaned each wound, Hua Cheng marveled at the resilience of the man he loved. Despite the pain and exhaustion, Xie Lian remained a beacon of strength and determination.

"San Lang... your touch... it's so gentle," Xie Lian whispered, his eyes fluttering open briefly.

"Anything for you, gege," Hua Cheng replied, his voice filled with affection. "Now rest. You need your strength."

As Xie Lian's eyes closed once more, Hua Cheng continued his ministrations, determined to do all in his power to aid his beloved's recovery.

A soft glow emanated from the jar of healing salve Hua Cheng held, casting a warm light onto Xie Lian's bruised and battered form. As he scooped a generous dollop onto his fingers, the scent of soothing herbs filled the room.