• They're married _________________________________________________
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The sun filtered gently through the canopy of old trees surrounding Puqi Shrine, their golden light breaking into shimmering fragments across the stone path. The faint hum of cicadas echoed in the air..mingling with the soft rustling of fallen leaves that littered the ground.
Xie Lian bent at the waist, broom in hand and gently sweeping the dry leaves into a neat pile near the old wooden steps. His white sleeves fluttered with every measured movement, the quiet rhythm of his work oddly soothing. His forehead glistened with sweat and now and then he paused to wipe it away with the back of his hand. Despite his divine strength, he insisted on doing such mundane chores by hand. To him..these simple acts carried meaning..an expression of gratitude for the peace he now had.
Behind him, the sound of footsteps was so light it blended seamlessly with the whispers of the wind. Before he could turn, a familiar pair of arms slid around his waist and pulling him into a firm embrace.
“Gege..” a low voice whispered against his ear. The warm breath sending a shiver down his spine. “What are you doing working so hard in this heat?”
Xie Lian startled only slightly before soft laughter escaped his lips. He leaned back against the solid chest behind him. He instantly recognizing the scent. “San Lang” he replied gently as he resting his hand over the one gripping his waist. “I’m just sweeping the leaves. The shrine would look unkempt if I left them lying around.”
Hua Cheng frowned, his single visible eye narrowing. His hand tightened possessively on Xie Lian’s waist as though protesting. “Gege… why do something so trivial? If you want, I can command a thousand spirits to sweep every leaf before it even touches the ground.” His voice dipped with dissatisfaction and it softened when he added. “I don’t want you tiring yourself like this.”
Xie Lian chuckled, turning his head just enough to catch Hua Cheng’s expression. “San Lang, you worry too much. I’m not fragile. Besides, it makes me happy to do these little things myself. Isn’t that enough reason?”
That answer left Hua Cheng defenseless. He sighed and pressed his forehead against Xie Lian’s head, the leather of his black eyepatch grazing the silken strands of hair.
“Gege… you always know how to silence me.” His tone was equal parts adoration and helplessness.
Xie Lian tilted his head back slightly. “And you, San Lang, always appear at the right time. Did you miss me so much you couldn’t wait another moment?”
The ghost king smirked, his eye gleaming with mischief. “Of course. Every moment away from you feels like a thousand years.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping into a mock serious whisper. “Besides… who knows what kind of trouble you’d get into without me watching?”
Xie Lian rolled his eyes with a small huff. “I think I can handle sweeping leaves without causing a disaster.”
“Mm.. but sweeping leaves might cause my Gege to sweat” Hua Cheng teased, running a finger lightly along Xie Lian’s temple where a bead of sweat lingered. “And I can’t allow anything to steal your radiance... not even the sun.”
