𝙃𝙪𝙖 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙜 𝙭 𝙓𝙞𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩 (𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣)

𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓

Narrator:

On a chilly winter morning, Xie Lian wrapped himself tightly in his white cloak, shivering as he stepped out onto the snow-dusted street of a small and quiet town. The air was crisp and the ground was blanketed in a gentle layer of white. He took a deep breath, watching his breath form a misty cloud in front of him and smiled softly at the peaceful scene around him.

"San Lang, it's so quiet here, isn't it?" Xie Lian's voice was gentle yet thoughtful.

Behind him, Hua Cheng materialized and his iconic red robes vivid against the white snow, looking as effortless as ever. "It is.." he agreed. His gaze fixed on Xie Lian. "But I'm only here because you are."

Xie Lian laughed, his cheeks pink from the cold and perhaps something else. "You say that everywhere we go."

"Because it's true everywhere we go, Gege.." Hua Cheng replied smoothly, stepping closer. He reached out and brushing a snowflake from Xie Lian's hair. His fingers lingered for a moment, barely grazing Xie Lian's cheek.

Feeling warmth spread from where Hua Cheng had touched him, Xie Lian quickly turned his attention back to their surroundings because trying to calm the flutter in his chest. "The snow is beautiful.." he murmured while looking up at the sky where more flakes were gently falling.

"Not as beautiful as you" Hua Cheng said without missing a beat. Xie Lian blinked, caught off guard by Hua Cheng's words. "San Lang.. you really are... sweet."

Hua Cheng's lips curved into a sly smile. "When it comes to you Gege... I have no intention of being anything else."

Xie Lian felt his heart skip then quickly cleared his throat. "Well...since we're here, would you like to take a walk with me? It's not often I get to see the view so peacefully in snow."

"I would go anywhere with you, Gege" Hua Cheng replied softly, offering his hand.

Xie Lian hesitated for a moment then placed his hand in Hua Cheng's, finding comfort in the warmth. They strolled through the quiet streets. The only sounds being the crunch of snow underfoot and the occasional distant laughter of children playing in the snow.

As they walked, Xie Lian noticed Hua Cheng was still wearing only his usual red robes, unbothered by the cold. "Aren't you freezing?" he asked with concerned look.

Hua Cheng shook his head. "As long as I'm by your side..no amount of cold will bother me."

Xie Lian chuckled. "But you'll draw attention walking around like this. People will think you're crazy."

"I wouldn't mind if they did" Hua Cheng replied easily, pulling Xie Lian a bit closer. "I would only care if you thought I was crazy."

Xie Lian couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up. "Haha..maybe I do.. just a little."

"Then I'll take that as a compliment," Hua Cheng said with a playful grin. They stopped beneath a tree covered in snow, its branches forming a sort of canopy above them.

Suddenly, Hua Cheng's gaze softened and he brushed his fingers lightly over Xie Lian's cheek again to warming him against the cold. "Gege." he murmured, the tone intimate and warm. "Thank you."

"For what?" Xie Lian asked, a little confused.

"For being here." Hua Cheng replied simply. "For letting me be here with you."

The sincerity in his voice took Xie Lian by surprise and he looked up meeting Hua Cheng's steady and unwavering gaze. "I wouldn't want it any other way.." he whispered back almost afraid to break the moment.

They stood like that for a long time, the silence between them as gentle as the snow falling around them. Xie Lian could feel his heart racing but he didn't want to look away. He wanted to stay in this moment with Hua Cheng's warmth and presence by his side forever.

As the snow began to fall heavier, Xie Lian shifted..looking up at Hua Cheng with a mischievous glint in his eye. "San Lang... do you like snowball fights?"

Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow. "I've never thought about it. Why?"

Before he could react, Xie Lian scooped up a handful of snow and tossed it at him, laughing as it caught Hua Cheng off guard..dusting his shoulder.

"Gege..you.." Hua Cheng said in mock indignation, a smile tugging at his lips.

"What? Scared?" Xie Lian teased, gathering another handful of snow. Hua Cheng's eyes gleamed. "Gege, you're going to regret that."

A playful chase ensued..laughter echoing through the streets as they tossed snow at each other, darting behind trees and laughing until they were breathless. At one point, Hua Cheng caught Xie Lian's wrist, pulling him close..their faces just inches apart. Snow clung to Xie Lian's silky hair and Hua Cheng reached to brushing it away with such tenderness that it made Xie Lian's heart ache.

"Gege.." Hua Cheng said softly, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "Promise me... you'll stay with me like this. Always." Xie Lian felt his breath catch, and he nodded, his eyes soft. "I promise." They stayed close, the winter chill forgotten in the warmth of the moment.