𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒄𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒍𝒆

The evening was soft and warm, casting an amber glow through Xie Lian's modest little shrine. The rain had just stopped, leaving a crisp scent in the air with droplets clinging to leaves outside and trickling down in rivulets.

Xie Lian sighed contentedly, basking in the peace of the moment. He was busy adjusting a few flowers in a vase when he felt an unmistakable presence..familiar and comforting.

"San Lang?.." Xie Lian said and smiling without turning around. "I thought you were busy tonight."

Hua Cheng appeared beside him in an instant as if conjured by Xie Lian's words alone. Dressed in his usual red, with that red eye glinting mischievously and he looked down at the flowers with a smirk. "Can't I make time for you, Gege? Besides, I could smell your cooking from miles away. Are you trying to tempt me?"

Xie Lian laughed and nudging Hua Cheng gently. "I made your favorite. It's nothing special, just a simple stew. I knew you'd be tired, and I though-"

Before he could finish, Hua Cheng swept him up into a hug and his chin resting on Xie Lian's shoulder. "Gege, you know even the simplest things you make are special to me."

Xie Lian felt his face warm..still unused to Hua Cheng's casual touches and words of affection even after all this time. "You're saying that just to flatter me," he mumbled, but his arms wrapped around Hua Cheng in return, his fingers tracing circles on his back.

Hua Cheng chuckled. "I mean every word, Gege. You work too hard for others. Let me take care of you for a change."

They stayed like that for a long moment, basking in each other's warmth. Finally, Hua Cheng pulled back just enough to look Xie Lian in the eyes, his gaze softer than usual. "Have you been sleeping enough?"

Xie Lian averted his gaze, slightly sheepish. "I... try."

"That's not a yes." Hua Cheng lifted Xie Lian's chin and inspecting him with that same and steady gaze. "You need to rest or I'll be forced to take drastic measures."

"Drastic?" Xie Lian asked and raising an eyebrow. "What are you planning to do, San Lang?"

"Keep you in bed until you've rested enough." Hua Cheng's tone was playful but the sincerity in his eyes left Xie Lian's heart racing.

"That sounds a little dangerous..." Xie Lian teased. "What if I don't listen?"

Hua Cheng's smile grew wicked and his eye flashing. "Then I suppose I'll just have to hold you down and make sure you don't leave."

Xie Lian laughed but a soft blush spread across his cheeks. "Alright..alright. I'll rest. But you're staying with me then."

"Wouldn't dream of leaving." Hua Cheng said, tugging him over to a small nest of blankets and pillows that Xie Lian had set up in the corner.

They settled down and nestled against each other. Xie Lian found himself lying with his head on Hua Cheng's chest..listening to the slow yet steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Hua Cheng's arms wrapped around him protectively, his hand tracing gentle lines along Xie Lian's shoulder.

After a while, Xie Lian murmured. "San Lang... are you comfortable?"

Hua Cheng let out a soft laugh and his voice a low hum that reverberated through Xie Lian. "Of course, Gege. You feel perfect here."

Xie Lian closed his eyes, letting Hua Cheng's warmth soothe him. "You're so sweet to me, San Lang.." he whispered, feeling a gentle happiness settle over him. "Sometimes... I don't feel like I deserve it."

Hua Cheng tightened his arms around him. "Gege, you deserve every bit of kindness in this world and more. Don't ever think otherwise."

Xie Lian tilted his head up to look at him. "Thank you, San Lang." Hua Cheng leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. "There's no need to thank me. Just let me stay by your side."

They drifted into a comfortable silence and before he knew it..Xie Lian found himself dozing off in Hua Cheng's arms. Just as he was slipping into sleep. He heard Hua Cheng whisper softly..almost as if he thought Xie Lian wouldn't hear.

"I'll never leave you, Gege.."

In the quiet of the night with Hua Cheng's gentle words lingering in his mind. Xie Lian smiled, finally letting himself fall into the embrace of sleep, safe in the knowledge that he was loved and cherished beyond measure.