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The night was warm, painted in strokes of indigo and silver as the moon hung lazily over the rooftops of the small village. The market had long closed. The air was still alive with the soft murmur of crickets and the occasional bark of a dog somewhere down the road. Lanterns swayed gently on doorways, their orange light casting small halos that danced over cobblestones.
It was here, at the far end of the village square where Hua Cheng had set up something far more extravagant than the locals had likely ever seen in their lives.
Rows of colorful firework sticks, wheels and even delicate sparklers filled several large baskets. A few hefty bundles of large rockets leaned against a wooden bench. And standing in the middle of it all, dressed in his usual black, red and silver with that unmistakable eyepatch, Hua Cheng’s mouth curved in a lazy smile.
“I might have… gone a little overboard” he admitted. The smug glint in his eye suggested he didn’t regret it one bit.
Xie Lian stood a few paces away, his white robes fluttering lightly in the breeze, his long hair tied up in its half knot. His gaze swept over the colorful assortment and he let out a soft laugh. “A little overboard?” he echoed. “San Lang, this could probably light up half the kingdom.”
Hua Cheng’s smile widened. “Perfect. Anything less would be unworthy of Gege.”
Xie Lian coughed lightly, feeling a twinge of warmth creep up his cheeks. “You didn’t have to..”
“I wanted to.” Hua Cheng stepped closer. “Besides, if Gege is going to play with fireworks, I’m going to make sure they’re the best.”
For a moment, Xie Lian simply looked at him..unable to suppress the tiny and fond smile tugging at his lips. Hua Cheng’s words were casual..still there's a warmth in them.
They started with the smaller fireworks..long sticks that whistled and popped in showers of gold and green. Xie Lian held one in each hand, twirling them in the air like sparklers as Hua Cheng stood nearby, arms crossed. His eye never leaving him.
“Careful, Gege” Hua Cheng said as his voice was more teasing than truly worried. “Wouldn’t want my Gege to singe his sleeves.”
Xie Lian chuckled. “I’ve handled weapons in war, San Lang. I think I can handle a firework stick.”
“Oh?” Hua Cheng’s smirk deepened. “Should I give you two more and see if you can duel with them?”
“San Lang” Xie Lian said, shooting him a dry look but he was already smiling.
They moved on to the next round. Wheels of spinning sparks nailed to wooden posts. Xie Lian lit the first one, stepping back as it erupted into a dazzling spiral of red and silver. The light reflected in his eyes and Hua Cheng found himself watching him far more than the firework itself. Xie Lian’s gaze drifted toward a small wooden crate at the edge of the display..the biggest rockets of the lot. His expression lit with interest. “San Lang… what about those?”
