𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒂𝒍... 𝒚𝒆𝒕?

The candlelight flickered softly in Puqi Shrine..casting long and wavering shadows across the humble wooden walls. Despite its simplicity, the small temple was warm and filled with the soothing scent of incense also the faint crackling of a fire in the corner.

Xie Lian sat at a low table, carefully sewing up a tear in his sleeve. Across from him, Hua Cheng lounged lazily.. one arm propped against his cheek, watching him with a smirk that spelled mischief.

It had been a peaceful evening. No ghosts causing havoc, no heavenly officials making trouble just the two of them.. enjoying each other's company. Or at least, Xie Lian was trying to enjoy the peace. Hua Cheng, however had other plans.

"Gege" Hua Cheng's voice dripped with amusement. "You should marry me."

The needle in Xie Lian's hand slipped. A deep red blush spread across his cheeks as he snapped his head up and eyes wide. "W-WHAT?"

Hua Cheng looking completely unbothered and leaned forward while resting his chin on his hand. "You heard me."

Xie Lian felt his heartbeat pick up. His mind raced. "Did San Lang just... propose?! Right here? Right now? I wasn't prepared! What was I supposed to say? Oh no, was my hair messy? I suddenly regretted not wearing better robes.. wait.. was he seriously thinking about this?!"

Hua Cheng watched with great amusement as Xie Lian's entire thought process played out on his face. The shocked blinking, the rapid color change from pale to bright red.. the way his lips parted but no words came out. It was adorable.

Finally..after what felt like an eternity, Xie Lian managed to stammer out. "Y-you- this is too sudden! I..I mean, aren't proposals supposed to be more... um..romantic? Thought-out? And w-wouldn't you want a grander setting? I-"

Hua Cheng suddenly burst into laughter, his deep voice filled with pure delight. "Gege, I was joking."

Silence.

The red drained from Xie Lian's face as he processed those words. His mouth opened slightly as if to say something but then he closed it again. His fingers clutched the fabric of his sleeve, his expression shifting from shocked to... disappointed?

Hua Cheng's laughter softened when he saw the way Xie Lian's shoulders slumped ever so slightly.

Xie Lian pouted, turning his gaze down at the fabric in his hands while grumbling under his breath. "Oh... I see. Just a joke, huh..."

Hua Cheng's smirk faltered. Now that was unfair. "How could Gege look so utterly betrayed over a simple tease?.."

Before Hua Cheng could respond, Xie Lian still blushing..muttered, "I was already thinking about what I'd wear..."

Hua Cheng froze. Then like a switch had flipped, his teasing nature returned full force. A slow grin spread across his lips. "Oh? So Gege was considering it?"

Xie Lian's blush deepened. "No! I mean.. yes but not like that! I-I was just.. just surprised! Who wouldn't be?!"

Hua Cheng chuckled, standing up and stepping closer. Before Xie Lian could react, he leaned down and tilting his head slightly. His voice was low. "So, if I had meant it, would you have said yes?"

Xie Lian nearly fell off his chair. "S-SAN LANG!"

Hua Cheng only laughed lightly, clearly pleased with himself. "Alright, alright.. no more teasing... for now." He reached out and brushing a stray strand of hair from Xie Lian's cheek. "But for the record, Gege.. if I ever do propose for real... it won't be a joke."

Xie Lian swallowed hard and staring up at him. His heart was still racing but this time.. it wasn't just from embarrassment.

"...I'll hold you to that." he finally whispered.

Hua Cheng grinned. "Good. You should."

Xie Lian turned his gaze away still pouting slightly but Hua Cheng could see the telltale redness creeping up to his ears. The flickering candlelight only made his flustered expression more endearing.

Hua Cheng chuckled and leaned back, resting his chin on his palm as he watched Xie Lian struggle to compose himself. "Gege.." he mused. "You're really cute when you're embarrassed."

Xie Lian nearly dropped his sewing again. "Stop it, San Lang.."

"But I can't help it" Hua Cheng said smoothly, a teasing lilt in his voice. "You're just so easy to fluster. Should I make it up to you?"

Xie Lian frowned slightly. "...Make what up?"

"For making you think my proposal was real" Hua Cheng said and his grin widening. "You seemed disappointed, after all."

Xie Lian stiffened. "I-I was not!"

Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then why are you still blushing?"

Xie Lian opened his mouth to protest but then quickly closed it.. realizing there was no winning against Hua Cheng when he was like this. Instead, he let out a dramatic sigh and placing his sewing aside. "Fine, fine. How do you plan on 'making it up' to me?"

Hua Cheng thought for a moment before his smirk turned softer. "How about this.. I'll promise you something."

Xie Lian blinked. "A promise?"

Hua Cheng nodded and reaching out and gently taking Xie Lian's hand in his own. His fingers were warm.

"One day.." he said, his voice softer now and more sincere. "When the time is right, I will ask you to marry me for real."

Xie Lian's breath caught. He looked up into those deep crimson eyes, searching for any hint of teasing..but found none. Hua Cheng was serious.

A warmth bloomed in Xie Lian's chest and for a moment.. he forgot how to breathe. Then slowly, a soft smile curved his lips and his earlier embarrassment melting into something gentler and something fond.

"Then... I'll wait for that day, San Lang.." Xie Lian said quietly.. his fingers tightening slightly around Hua Cheng's.

Hua Cheng's smile as his gaze filled with something indescribable and meant for Xie Lian alone.

"You won't have to wait long, Gege.." he whispered while pressing a lingering kiss to the back of Xie Lian's hand..