𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒈

The early morning sun filtered through the windows of Xie Lian's cozy shrine, bathing everything in a soft golden glow. Xie Lian hummed a tune as he swept the floor, the peaceful atmosphere making his heart feel light.

Hua Cheng had promised to stop by for tea that morning and Xie Lian had already laid out the finest teacups and a fresh batch of pastries he had tried baking for the occasion. He couldn't help but smile, thinking of Hua Cheng's charming grin and playful banter.

Just as Xie Lian adjusted the vase of white camellias on the table, a small sound interrupted his thoughts.

"Gege..."

The voice was high-pitched and hesitant, startling Xie Lian. He turned around, his broom clattering to the floor when he saw the source of the sound.

Standing in the doorway, holding the edge of his oversized sleeve, was a small child. His crimson eyes gleamed with a mixture of embarrassment and stubbornness and his dark hair fell messily over his forehead. Xie Lian would recognize that gaze anywhere.

"..San Lang?"

Hua Cheng shuffled his tiny feet, looking anywhere but at Xie Lian. "It's... temporary. Don't laugh."

Xie Lian immediately crouched down, his heart melting as he examined the child-sized version of his loyal protector. "San Lang, what happened? You're...so small!"

Hua Cheng puffed out his cheeks, crossing his arms. "Just want to play around as a kid" He hesitated, his voice softening. "It'll wear off soon."

Instead of laughing, Xie Lian's face broke into a delighted smile. "You're adorable!"

"Gege.." Hua Cheng's cheeks turned a deep red. "Don't say that.. I'm still me"

"I know, I know" Xie Lian said quickly, trying to stifle his chuckles. "But look at you! You're so cute!" He couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle Hua Cheng's messy hair.

Hua Cheng touch his hand, though his pout only made him look more endearing. "Gege, stop treating me like a child."

"But you are a child right now" Xie Lian teased gently, scooping Hua Cheng up before he could protest. "Come on, let's get you something to eat. You must be hungry."

Hua Cheng sat on the edge of the table, his tiny legs swinging as Xie Lian placed a plate of pastries in front of him.

"Do you want tea or should I get you some juice?" Xie Lian asked, a soft glint in his eyes. "Tea" Hua Cheng replied firmly, trying to sound mature despite his squeaky voice.

"Are you sure? Juice might be more fun" Xie Lian said, holding back a laugh.

Hua Cheng gave him a chuckled and sigh as well. "Gege..."

"Alright, alright" Xie Lian said, pouring a small cup of tea and setting it carefully in front of him. "Here you go, San Lang."

Hua Cheng sipped the tea with exaggerated seriousness, trying to reclaim some dignity. But the teacup was too large for his tiny hands and Xie Lian couldn't help but giggle at the sight.

"San Lang" Xie Lian said, resting his chin on his hand as he watched him. "You're even more precious than usual."

Hua Cheng nearly choked on his tea, setting the cup down with a dramatic sigh. "Gege, you're teasing me too much today."

"Am I?" Xie Lian asked innocently. "I'm just admiring how cute you are."

Hua Cheng groaned, burying his face in his small hands. "I'm supposed to protect you, not the other way around."

Xie Lian reached out and gently pulled Hua Cheng's hands away from his face. "You still do, San Lang. No matter what size you are."

Later in the day, Xie Lian decided to take Hua Cheng outside for some fresh air. The two strolled through the quiet fields surrounding the shrine with Xie Lian holding Hua Cheng's tiny hand.

"Gege, I can walk on my own.." Hua Cheng muttered, though he didn't pull his hand away.

"I know.." Xie Lian said with a smile. "But I like holding your hand. It's warm."

Hua Cheng's small face flushed and he looked away, mumbling, "You're too kind to me, Gege."

"Am I?" Xie Lian replied, his voice soft. "You've done so much for me, San Lang. Let me take care of you for a change."

They paused by a small stream and Xie Lian knelt down to point out the fish darting through the water. Hua Cheng leaned closer, his wide eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Look at that one" Xie Lian said, pointing to a particularly colorful fish. "Doesn't it remind you of your crimson armor?"

Hua Cheng tilted his head. "Maybe. But it's not as strong as I am."

Xie Lian laughed, his voice bright like the sunlight filtering through the trees. "Even as a child, you're so confident." Hua Cheng smirked, his tiny fangs peeking out. "Of course, Gege. I have to be."

As the sun began to set, the two returned to the shrine. Xie Lian wrapped Hua Cheng in a soft blanket, setting him down on the couch with a book.

"Do you need anything else, San Lang?" Xie Lian asked, brushing a stray lock of hair from Hua Cheng's forehead.

Hua Cheng looked up at him, his crimson eyes shining with affection. "Just stay close, Gege. That's all I need."

Xie Lian smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Hua Cheng's forehead. "Always, San Lang."

Hua Cheng's small hand reached out to hold Xie Lian's. "I'll be back to normal soon.." he murmured. "But I wouldn't mind staying like this...if it means more time with you."

Xie Lian's heart melted at his words. "You'll always have all my time, San Lang." The two sat together in the quiet warmth of the shrine..