𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒚

In a quiet corner of the mortal realms, a soft rustle from a nearby bush caught Xie Lian's attention. He kneeling down and gently parted the leaves to find a small, grey kitten with wide, curious eyes staring back at him. The kitten tilted its head and let out a soft meow..melting his heart instantly.

"San Lang, come here!" Xie Lian called, his voice filled with excitement.

A familiar figure, with red clothes was already beside him in an instant. "What is it, Gege?" Hua Cheng asked, his gaze softening as he looked down at Xie Lian's bright and delighted expression.

"Look!" Xie Lian held up the little kitten, which squirmed but eventually nestled comfortably in his hands. "Isn't it adorable?"

Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow, hiding a smirk. "Gege has quite an eye for strays."

Xie Lian pouted slightly, giving him a playful glare. "It's not a stray! It's... it's a companion! Look how soft and small it is!"

The kitten mewed again, reaching up to bat at Xie Lian's hair with a tiny paw. Xie Lian chuckled and petting it gently. "It seems to like me, too."

Hua Cheng crossed his arms, pretending to be unimpressed, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of warmth. "I'm afraid that kitten will see you as its mom, Gege"

Xie Lian looked up, eyes bright with laughter. "You're right, San Lang. I might end up giving it all my attention instead."

Hua Cheng narrowed his eyes playfully. "Do you think I'd let a kitten steal my Gege away from me?"

"Oh San Lang.." Xie Lian laughed, the sound light and happy. "Maybe you should try holding it." he suggested, holding the kitten out towards Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng looked skeptical. "I'm not sure it would like me," he said, but before he could protest further...Xie Lian had already placed the kitten in his arms.

The little creature sniffed at Hua Cheng's red robes, then settled down comfortably, purring.

"See? Even the kitten likes you, San Lang." Xie Lian gives a warm smile. Hua Cheng softened, watching as the kitten nestled against him. "Really?.. I doubt that.."

"Don't be like that, San Lang. You're perfect enough for animals love you"

Hua Cheng's gaze softened further as he looked at Xie Lian without responding back. They shared a quiet moment, the kitten's purring filling the silence between them. After a while, Xie Lian tilted his head and asked, "Do you think we could keep it?"

Hua Cheng chuckled. "Are you asking for my permission, Gege?"

Xie Lian shook his head, smiling. "No, but I do value your opinion."

Hua Cheng looked thoughtful. "If it makes you happy, then I'd say it's already decided. The kitten stays."

Xie Lian beamed. "Thank you, San Lang! I'll take good care of it." He then gently scratched the kitten behind the ears, cooing softly, "I'll make sure you're safe and loved, little one."

Hua Cheng watched Xie Lian, his own heart warming at the sight. "You know Gege...seeing you with this kitten reminds me of how kind you are."

Xie Lian blinked and caught off guard. "San Lang... that's... that's kind of you to say."

Hua Cheng's gaze didn't waver. "It's true. You care so much about others even little creatures like this. That's one of the reasons I..." He paused, then continued softly. "...admire you so deeply."

Xie Lian's cheeks turned pink, his heart fluttering at Hua Cheng's words. "San Lang... you're making me blush."

Hua Cheng leaned closer, his voice a gentle murmur. "Then my mission is accomplished."

They stayed close like that their eyes meeting in a shared warmth until the kitten suddenly reached up and batted at Hua Cheng's long, braid hair right on the red pearl. Xie Lian chuckled, breaking the moment as he rescued the red pearl from the kitten's curious claws.

"It seems this one is a little mischievous" Xie Lian said, his eyes twinkling.

"Then it takes after its new owner" Hua Cheng replied as his gaze soft. "Both full of surprises."

Xie Lian leaned his head on Hua Cheng's shoulder, a peaceful sigh escaping him. "Thank you, San Lang... for accepting all the things I love. Including mischievous little strays."

Hua Cheng wrapped an arm around him, his voice gentle. "Anything that makes you smile Gege..is something worth keeping close."

And there, under the soft glow of starlight, Xie Lian, Hua Cheng and their little companion..content in each other's company.