Lighting the Flame

By SMYGO4EVA

As much as he didn't want to think about it, Xie Lian knew that there was so much ahead for him, and for those he cared about.

For Hua Cheng.

And now, that was quite alright.

Looking out the window, the trees held leaves tinted burnt red and brown, with many covering the ground beneath them. The days were shorter, with night falling too soon. The air grew crisp, cold and biting, almost akin to falling into the trenches of the waters.

Xie Lian crossed his arms, his eyes furrowed, the unease settling inside him, the feeling so familiar, and yet so very unknown.

After 800 years, after all that, such a cold ache never truly disappeared.

"Xie Lian, are you alright?"

Xie Lian snapped out of his thoughts, blinking. He turned slowly, hearing a voice he'd come to know and love so dearly.

Hua Cheng gazed upon him, a concerned look in his features. "Is something the matter?"

Xie Lian smiled softly, shaking his head. "Nothing's wrong, it's just…I couldn't help but notice the trees outside."

Hua Cheng walked up to Xie Lian, and placed a comforting hand on the other man's shoulder. "Indeed, they have changed. Time sure does fly, even when it doesn't feel as such."

Xie Lian nodded. "That does sound about right."

"You know, I had thought I was used to the seasons changing, with each passing one just a memory." Xie Lian said aloud, moving himself closer to Hua Cheng. "I thought I had seen all that was there."

"I understand, but there is a difference now." Hua Cheng replied, his voice soft, knowing, and his hand moved down from Xie Lian's shoulder to the prince's own hand..

Xie Lia looked to Hua Cheng's hand upon his, and his fingers squeezed over the ghost king's. He didn't feel the need to ask him why, what that difference was exactly.

"Yes, there is, and it is a better one." The prince answered, lifting his head to meet Hua Cheng's, who then smiled.

The cold unease in his chest began to fade, and then emerged into a low, warm flame.