𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝒈𝒆𝒈𝒆

It had started as an ordinary day, Xie Lian had been walking alongside Hua Cheng.. their conversation and their footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestones.

"San Lang" Xie Lian said with a small smile, looking up at his companion. "I've been thinking about visiting the old temple ruins. What do you think?"

Hua Cheng flashed him one of his usual and a smile on his face.. "If you think we'll have fun digging through ancient dust then by all means, Gege.. I'm all for it."

But before Xie Lian could respond, something strange happened. A gentle breeze blew and before he knew it, a strange tingling sensation swept over him. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before..his body was growing smaller.. shrinking right before his eyes. He blinked feeling disoriented. Before he could even ask what was going on, the world around him seemed to stretch higher and higher.

Xie Lian stood there.. now no taller than Hua Cheng's ankle.. completely stunned by the bizarre turn of events. He looked up as his gaze meeting the towering form of Hua Cheng.

At first, Hua Cheng didn't seem to notice. He continued walking.. humming a soft tune and unaware of the sudden disappearance of his companion. Xie Lian waved his tiny arms while calling out as loudly as he could.

"San Lang! San Lang!" he called but his voice was now no louder than a mouse's squeak. Xie Lian's heart sank. He tried again..running toward Hua Cheng's foot in an attempt to grab his attention. "San Lang! Please, look down!"

But Hua Cheng's gaze was fixed on the horizon and he walked on.. oblivious to the tiny god scrambling below him.

A few more attempts failed, Xie Lian was starting to feel the sting of frustration when he finally decided to take a different approach. With a sigh, he climbed onto the nearest stone pillar.. much higher than he expected and leaped into the air, landing directly on Hua Cheng's foot.

It was then that Hua Cheng finally noticed. He stopped dead in his tracks.. a puzzled frown crossing his face as he looked down at his foot..and the tiny figure perched on it.

"Gege?" Hua Cheng's voice was low and filled with disbelief. "What in the world...?"

Xie Lian's heart skipped a beat at the familiar sound of his name even though it was tinged with confusion. He waved his arms.. trying to be as dramatic as possible despite his small stature.

"San Lang! It's me!" he shouted, though it was more of a squeak than anything. His cheeks flushed a bright red from the embarrassment of the situation. "I... I've become small! Can you please help me?"

Hua Cheng blinked and then his lips curled up into a smile.. an expression that was both amused and utterly delighted.

"Well, this is a new one..." Hua Cheng said with a chuckle while crouching down to get a better look at Xie Lian. His crimson eye gleaming. "Gege, you're adorable like this.."

Xie Lian's face heated up even more at the teasing. He tried his best to stay composed. "I'm not adorable, San Lang. This is serious! I need to get back to normal!"

Hua Cheng leaned in closer, his face now dangerously close to Xie Lian's tiny form. "How serious is it, really?" he asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I mean.. you do look rather cute this way."

Xie Lian blinked and flustered. "San Lang, I'm serious!"

But Hua Cheng wasn't about to let him off so easily. With a soft laugh, Hua Cheng extended his hand.. gently scooping up Xie Lian and holding him carefully in his palm. "There, there. Let me take care of you, Gege. You're so small.. I'm worried you'll get lost in the grass."

Xie Lian's heart fluttered at Hua Cheng's gentle touch. He wasn't about to admit how comforting it felt. "I'm fine..." he muttered, trying to sound dignified despite his current situation. "Just... don't make fun of me."

Hua Cheng leaned down, his voice teasing. "I won't make fun of you, Gege.. I promise. I'll just admire how cute you are in this form."

"I'm not cute!" Xie Lian protested, his tiny voice squeaking again which only made Hua Cheng chuckle.

"You are" Hua Cheng said, his tone softening slightly. "But don't worry, we'll figure this out. You're not going to be tiny forever."

Xie Lian sighed, his small shoulders sagging. "I hope so..." he mumbled. "I don't think I can stand being this small for much longer. It's so... embarrassing and..uneasy.."

Hua Cheng's expression softened and his thumb gently brushing over Xie Lian's head. "Well, if it makes you feel better.. you're still my Gege.. No matter your size."

Xie Lian looked up at him, blinking in surprise. "You... really mean that?"

"Of course" Hua Cheng said, his voice firm but warm. "I could never think of you as anything less, no matter how small you are."

Xie Lian's heart softened at the words..despite his tiny size, he felt a rush of affection for Hua Cheng. "Thank you, San Lang" he said quietly, his voice full of sincerity.

"Heh.. Well I miss your normal form. Let's wait for you to get back to normal.."
_

A soft silence passed between them and for a brief moment, the world felt calm.

And then, just as quickly as it had happened.. the sensation returned. Xie Lian's body grew, the world around him returning to its original size. Hua Cheng blinked in surprise as Xie Lian was restored to his full height as he now holding Xie Lian in his arms.

Xie Lian stretched, flexing his fingers. "Well, I'm back to normal.. I think."

Hua Cheng grinned. "Still as perfect as ever, Gege."

Xie Lian smiled, reaching out to lightly poke Hua Cheng on the cheek. "I still won't forget you teased me before."

Hua Cheng simply chuckled, pulling him into a brief and warm hug. "I'm glad you're back to your usual self, Gege. But.. honestly, I kind of miss the tiny version of you.. You were adorable. I want to eat you."

Xie Lian blushed deeply. "San Lang!"

Hua Cheng only laughed, the world around them peaceful once more after the unexpected and ridiculous problem.