Ultimate Note: The Calling

Xiao Hua's And Xiazi's Bond

Secured in his arms, Zhang Qiling carried Wu Xie toward the tomb, followed by the few who remained to watch as Wu Xie mastered the power of the lightning storm, including Xiao Hua, who was utterly bewildered after witnessing the power they both possessed together.

"Xiao Hua... I swear there's a way for us to achieve something like that too. I know you still have doubts, and family responsibilities to attend to, but it doesn't have to be permanent. A partial one, like the those two have now, works too. We may not be as strong as them, but we can defend ourselves against demons. I have a Qilin spirit I can share with you, and the talisman I gave you with my blood will be enough to temporarily unite us. Think it over carefully..." Xiazi insisted as he reached out and put an arm around Xiao Hua's shoulders.

"Fine, I agree..." Not expecting such a quick positive response, Xiazi stared at Xiao Hua, speechless, mouth open, unsure if he'd heard correctly.

Xiao Hua, meanwhile, gently pressed a finger against Xiazi's jaw to close his mouth. He'd known Xiazi for years, and while they often ended up arguing, it was precisely because they'd grown so close that they'd developed such a deep familiarity. Xiazi had flirted with him for years; most of the time he dismissed it as teasing, other times he subtly let it slide as a nuisance, but there were rare moments when Xiazi's advances affected him physically, as if his heart reacted to his nearness  in ways he never allowed himself to rationalize.

So perhaps that's why, when he kissed Xiazi, it didn't feel wrong, strange, or repulsive. Perhaps, deep down, given the nature of their close relationship and the profound mutual trust they shared when looting tombs together, he already had a place for Xiazi in his heart that he had kept locked away and was now ready to be released.

"Master Hua... are you sick? Did you hurt yourself in some way I don't know about?" Xiazi asked, stopping to get a better look at him, and Xiao Hua sighed in annoyance.

"You hear me, take it or leave it, it's your decision." Xiao Hua resumed walking as Xiazi cheerfully followed, once again putting his arm around his shoulders, a gesture Xiao Hua didn't avoid.

"Master Hua, let me tell you right now that you won't regret this decision. Your kind heart knows no bounds, and for that reason, the gods and I will protect you from all harm." Xiazi insisted, pulling him closer with a broad smile.

"I can perfectly protect myself, and besides, ensuring you all win this war is also in my best interest. If the demons win, we'll all die, so my heart isn't as kind as you think." Xiao Hua retorted, and Xiazi laughed.

"Ah, as always, you're too humble. That means I have a very good eye for choosing a mate. May I kiss you again now?" Xiazi teased with great pleasure.

"Absolutely not! This isn't the time for such behavior." Xiao Hua pushed him away, quickening his pace to keep up with the others ahead, but of course, he could never outrun a half-Qilin, even if he tried his hardest.

"Don't be angry, Hua'er, I was just teasing you. I know you're still hesitant. I swear we'll take it one step at a time. After all, I've waited for you for years. A few more months is nothing." Xiazi confessed, and upon hearing this, Xiao Hua stopped to stare at Xiazi's dark glasses, unable to see beyond them.

"That's nonsense. I didn't kiss you reluctantly, nor did I reluctantly agree to be your partner, so why would you wait months for something that's already begun? Just don't push it. You may have your secrets, but I know you well enough to know how you joke, and you should also, know I'm going to ignore it. That doesn't mean I'm going to break my promise, because I won't."

"So, will you really agree to become a guardian? Even if it's just partially?"

"Since when do I make empty promises? My word is worth my honor as head of the Xie family."