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The sun had been sinking toward the horizon, casting streaks of orange and pink across the sky when Xie Lian realized the wind had shifted. The sea calm just a few minutes ago..now churned restlessly under the boat.
He glanced over at Hua Cheng who was leaning lazily against the side, his one visible crimson eye glinting under the shadow of his black eyepatch. “San Lang” Xie Lian called, his voice soft but tinged with caution. “The tide is turning.”
Hua Cheng smiled, unbothered. “Don’t worry, Gege. If the sea dares to trouble us, I’ll just split it in half.”
“That’s not how the ocean works..” Xie Lian muttered, shaking his head. He couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “You can’t just-”
Before he could finish, the boat lurched violently to the side. The planks groaned under the strain and the next moment a wave crashed over them with the force of a giant’s hand. Xie Lian’s breath caught in his throat as cold water engulfed them. The world became a blur of bubbles and salt. His ears rang..his vision darkened. His instinct screamed for air but the sea had no mercy.
Then..arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
Even without seeing his face, Xie Lian knew. That firm grip, the way his body was shielded, the faint scent of sandalwood even through the salt water..it was Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng pulled him close against his chest. His one arm hooking securely under his shoulders, the other propelling them upward with a strength that seemed to cut through the very currents. They broke the surface in a rush of air and sound. Xie Lian gasped and coughing, his wet hair plastered to his cheeks. Hua Cheng’s expression was unreadable as he kept them afloat with effortless power.
“Gege..” Hua Cheng said, his voice steady despite the storm around them. “I’ve got you.”
Xie Lian wanted to say something like thank you or you shouldn’t have or you’re drenched..but another wave crashed and Hua Cheng held him tighter. The shore wasn’t far. With long, confident strokes, Hua Cheng carried him toward the faint strip of sand ahead.
By the time they reached it, Xie Lian’s limbs were trembling..whether from the cold or the shock he couldn’t tell. Hua Cheng half lifted, half dragged him onto the sand before collapsing onto his back beside him.
“San Lang?” Xie Lian sat up, water dripping from his robes. “San Lang!”
Hua Cheng lay still, his single crimson eye closed. His chest unmoving.
Panic hit Xie Lian like another wave. “No..no, no, no. You can’t!!” He leaned over, pressing an ear to Hua Cheng’s chest. It was silent. Too silent. His mind raced. Without thinking, he tilted Hua Cheng’s head back and began chest compressions while counting under his breath. “One, two, three. San Lang, don’t you dare leave me!” His voice cracked.
He pinched Hua Cheng’s nose, leaned down and breathed into his mouth. Salt stung his lips but he didn’t care. Again. And again.
And then..
A low chuckle.
Xie Lian froze..still hovering over him. Hua Cheng’s eye opened as it glinting with amusement. “Gege” Hua Cheng drawled. “I didn’t know you’d take the first kiss here, of all places.”
Xie Lian’s ears burned instantly. “You!” He pulled back so fast he nearly fell over. “You were faking?!”
Hua Cheng propped himself up on one elbow, smirk tugging at his lips. “You were so worried. I couldn’t resist seeing how much you cared.”
“San Lang!” Xie Lian’s voice cracked between outrage and relief. “I.. I thought you’d drowned!”
“Impossible.” Hua Cheng said simply while sitting up with fluid grace. “Ghosts don’t drown.”
Xie Lian stared at him, speechless. Then he groaned, dropping his face into his hands. “I knew that! I knew that and still..”
Hua Cheng reached out and gently prying Xie Lian’s hands from his face. “Still, you tried to save me” he murmured, a rare softness in his voice. “Thank you, Gege.”
Xie Lian’s heart skipped. He tried to mask it with a glare. “Don’t thank me. Just don’t do that again...” Hua Cheng leaned closer, his grin positively sinful. “Do what? Let you kiss me?”
“That was not!” Xie Lian sputtered, his cheeks heating again. “That was CPR! Life saving measures! I wasn’t..”
“Of course, of course.” Hua Cheng nodded with mock sincerity. “A very noble act. I should faint more often if it means you’ll…” He let the implication hang, his tone shameless.
“San Lang!”
Hua Cheng laughed, the sound warm and rich despite the sea breeze. “Alright, alright. I’ll behave…for now.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the rhythmic hiss of the waves filling the space between them. The sky was streaked with deeper shades of violet now, the last remnants of daylight fading.
“Gege” Hua Cheng said after a pause, more serious this time. “I really am sorry for scaring you.”
Xie Lian looked at him and despite himself, his expression softened. “Just… promise me you won’t do anything like that again. I’ve had enough people vanish from my side.”
The sincerity in his voice made Xie Lian’s chest tighten. He wanted to believe it..no, he did believe it. Hua Cheng wasn’t like the others. Hua Cheng had crossed oceans and centuries for him. “…Good..” Xie Lian said quietly.
A wave lapped at their feet, cool and gentle now as if the sea itself had calmed. Hua Cheng tilted his head, studying him. “You’re still shivering. Gege, come here.”
“I’m fine-” Xie Lian began..but Hua Cheng had already pulled him into his arms and tucking him against his chest. The warmth radiating from him was almost startling.
“You’re wet..” Xie Lian mumbled.
“You’re still colder than me..” Hua Cheng replied, tightening his embrace. “Let me warm you, Gege. Or do you prefer the wind?”
Xie Lian sighed in defeat. “…Fine. But only until we dry off.” Hua Cheng’s smile was audible. “As long as you want, Gege.”
The stars began to peek through the twilight above them. For a moment, Xie Lian thought maybe the sea hadn’t been trying to drown them at all..maybe it had just wanted to bring them here.
