Hello everyone! I apologise profusely for not updating in a couple of months. *gives several apologetic bows* I got caught up watching The Untamed/Chen Qing Ling again then found Douluo Dalu to start watching. But I also had a lot of stuff to help out with my mother around the house and get a bunch of artwork done for an upcoming arts and crafts show in two weeks from now. Anyways, here's another chapter for you!
-Chapter Eleven-
Feeling his senses waken, golden hazel eyes slowly opened to see Xie Lian sound asleep beside him the next morning. His warmth felt nice as the other boy sighed softly while he continued to sleep. He reached up and gently brushed his fingers through the soft, lighter hair.
'Gege,' he thought to himself as he lightly ran the tip of his finger gently across the sleeping boy's brow, down along his nose, and under his eye over his cheek.
Thinking back to yesterday, he couldn't help but smile to himself. It had been a great day spending it with the other boy showing him how to make another dish for lunch after watching some television. It felt a little like how a couple might be living together. After all, it was just him in this house alone. He'd made it look enough like a mother was around to pass off to the humans since he was considered underage by today's records as San Lang. He definitely didn't miss the old days when you could just wander around and no one cared as much. All the strict tracking and family history of the modern age was definitely a hassle. Back in Gui Shi, they didn't have all that.
Smiling softly as he thought of the festival and enjoying it together, it had almost felt like an actual date. He'd felt giddy inside as they'd played a few of the booth games, looked at the items being sold, and above all, the costume contest. Without a doubt he knew they'd win. While the others had good costumes, theirs were authentic. After all, they had been worn by both of them back then. Well, Xie Lian's past life at least.
Then there had been the part of Xie Lian going into the woods. He'd heard the small commotion from the girl's mother and one of the festival's security people. When she'd mentioned about having help from a boy dressed up with a golden mask, he'd come over to see what was up. Then another woman mentioned she had pointed out seeing the girl going in the direction towards the woods and the young man going that way as well. Immediately San Lang had called to his butterflies to go in and start searching for Xie Lian.
Getting Fu Yao and Nan Feng to help with the security guy and the mother, they'd gone into the woods to look for the two missing people. He'd had a few of his butterflies keep watch on the four of them. In reality, he could have gone in and found Xie Lian and the girl easily by himself but that would stir up questions, which he'd rather keep to a minimum for now.
As soon as they'd gotten into the woods a little ways, San Lang had ducked behind a tree out of sight. He'd clicked off his flashlight just as one of his butterflies had come back to him to report where Xie Lian was and that there were four ghost wolves eyeing him. He'd immediately shifted to his normal form and used his magic to teleport to the area the butterflies had indicated. It had thankfully been in time as the wolves were going to attack. But as soon as the wolves had seen him standing between them and Xie Lian, they'd immediately backed down. They knew their place and picking a fight with him would result in their demise.
Hearing Xie Lian's soft voice call his name, he'd turned to find him shielding the young girl. It had brought a small smile to his lips because it was like the old Xie Lian from back then. He'd been the same, willing to protect the innocent children especially from danger.
Giving a silent sigh to himself, he wanted to stay with Xie Lian to make sure he'd be alright. However, he was still unsure about what the teen actually thought if he knew that he'd been at his side the whole time as his alter ego, San Lang. It seemed more or less that Xie Lian was oblivious, despite all the hints he'd been giving. Yet there were a few times since that morning when he'd woken up that made him wonder about if the lighter haired teen had realised it. But for now, he'd return back to being San Lang as he stepped away and called to his butterflies to make it appear he'd dispersed into them while teleporting back to where he'd been earlier. He'd left one to help guide the two of them back and keep an eye on those wolves or any other ghosts that decided to meddle with their safe passage.
As soon as he'd gotten back to the spot he'd been, he had pulled out his flashlight once more and made a path straight in the direction they were coming with the butterfly. He wanted to get to them first and foremost. He almost considered hugging him, glad that he was safe, but he played it down since Xie Lian was holding the young girl in his arms. However, he'd been surprised as they made their way back that the other teen had taken his hand. The other boy's hand had been warm while his own still had the coolness to it from having shifted between his normal form and alter ego. But the other boy hadn't seemed to mind as he laced his fingers with his.
"I'm sure Hua Cheng will keep an eye on you two as you walk home. Right, San Lang?"
Smiling softly at how Xie Lian had been worried about their friends, he'd already planned on sending a butterfly to follow them home. Though it had been a little surprising that the brown eyed boy had looked at him to confirm that Hua Cheng would send a butterfly. If that wasn't proof that the teen knew who he was, he didn't know what would explain his thinking.
'I suppose I'll just keep watching and seeing what he does,' he thought to himself as he smiled at the sleeping boy. He moved his head forward until his forehead lightly touched the other boy's. This was the most he could afford to give his affection while Xie Lian remained asleep. But he was fine with it. He'd kept his feelings to himself back then with Xie Lian in his old life. He could do the same now, especially if this Xie Lian didn't reciprocate his feelings.
Suddenly, Xie Lian gave a soft sigh in his sleep as he reached forward, cuddling closer to him, and curled up so his head was tucked under his chin.
"...San Lang…." he muttered sleepily. San Lang felt his cheeks flush with warmth as the boy went still. He definitely had not expected this, however, the fact that he'd called his name while asleep meant he must be dreaming about him.
'Gege.'
Laying there as he gently ran his hands through his hair for a few minutes, the darker haired teen brought his arm down to wrap around the boy's back. He closed his eyes and smiled, letting himself rest a little longer, feeling the other's soft breath against his lower neck through his shirt.
'Mmm...so warm…'
Xie Lian felt himself waking up and the first thing he noticed was warmth all around him, though mostly along the front of his body. An earthy scent permeated his nose reminding him of both Hua Cheng and San Lang. Memories of yesterday also flickered through his mind. Spending the day with San Lang teaching him another dish then enjoying the festival like they were on a date together. Or that Hua Cheng had come to save him in the forest and San Lang had been the first to get to him afterwards. It still had puzzled him that if San Lang was Hua Cheng, how had he gotten there so quickly?
'Duh. Magic of course. He's probably powerful enough to teleport right?'
Giving a small furrow of his brow, his thoughts scattered as a soft throb beat against his forehead. He was suddenly also aware that he was clinging to something to go with the warmth in front of him. Slowly opening his eyes, he noticed his face was close to red fabric that contained that earthy scent of his friend. He could hear soft breathing that was steady and light.
Feeling his cheeks flush with warmth, he realised that San Lang's arm was draped over his waist and holding him close to him. His eyes widened slightly as he slowly pulled back a little, feeling his friend's arm give no resistance. Was he still asleep? Had he pulled him in while they'd been sleeping?
"Morning Gege." His voice was soft with a hint of playfulness. Xie Lian felt his cheeks flush with more warmth as he looked to closed eyes that slowly opened to those honey coloured orbs. "Sleep well?"
"I...I..." A playful smirk tugged at San Lang's lips at the embarrassed frustration of the lighter haired boy. He pulled back out of the darker haired boy's arms as he sat up. "D-did you.…?"
"You were the one that cuddled closer to me while asleep about forty minutes or so ago," San Lang chuckled as he slowly sat up; the smirk still playing on his lips. The other boy's cheeks flushed pinker before he put his hands up in front of his face in embarrassment. San Lang chuckled again as he brought his hands up and gently pulled Xie Lian's hands away. "I didn't mind. You were warm and I didn't want to wake you."
"That's even worse," Xie Lian said, still embarrassed as he squeezed his eyes shut trying to disappear. How could he have done that in his sleep? And San Lang was okay with it? Granted, if his friend was Hua Cheng and he was a reincarnated Hua Xie whom San Lang had feelings for, then was that why he didn't mind? After all, he had noticed how the darker haired boy did flirt with him at times. Though he also noted how even San Lang got embarrassed too.
Chuckling again, the darker haired boy gave another smirk. He debated on telling him about how he'd said his name in his sleep. No doubt that Xie Lian's cheeks would be so red if he knew that. Maybe he'd tease him a little.
"What were you dreaming about?"
"Huh?" Brown eyes opened again to look at him surprised. "Dreaming?" He vaguely recalled he'd been having a pleasant dream of him and San Lang spending it together on a nice date just like they'd had together at the festival. But in his dream, he'd gotten up the nerve to kiss the darker haired teen before cuddling into his arms. "I uh...um…" He felt his cheeks warm a little.
"It's okay if you don't want to tell me," the darker haired boy chuckled as he turned and stood up, albeit reluctantly. He took a couple steps away from the bed before turning his head to look over his shoulder. "But you did say my name."
Brown eyes widened at hearing the words come from the other teen's mouth as a small smirk tugged at his lips. Warmth flooded to his cheeks again and he couldn't help but turn away as he laid down and pulled one of the pillows over his head. He'd said San Lang's name out loud while he slept? And he'd heard it? This was the epitome of embarrassment.
Chuckling softly, San Lang went back over to the bed and leaned over, placing his hand to hold himself up near the other teen's shoulder. Then reaching out, he pulled the pillow off his head. Xie Lian turned his face more into the other pillow.
"You shouldn't be embarrassed," San Lang spoke softly as he leaned down closer to Xie Lian so his dark hair brushed against the other boy's neck. "I think it's cute." The lighter haired boy continued to hide his face. "If it makes any difference, I dreamt of you too."
Stunned at the words he heard, Xie Lian turned his head out of the pillow and looked up to San Lang's face near his. He gave a blink as warmth still flooded his cheeks. San Lang had dreamt of him too? The other boy's cheeks flushed slightly pink as he averted his gaze a little before pulling back away from him and stood; holding the pillow in his hands.
Slowly sitting up, the lighter haired boy gave a blink at the other boy that kept his gaze averted while squeezing the pillow slightly in his hands. His face also remained having a slight flush of pink across his cheeks. It left him a little surprised seeing San Lang this embarrassed as well.
Scooting to the edge of the bed, Xie Lian stood up facing the darker haired teen as golden hazel eyes finally turned to look at him. Both stood there looking at each other for a couple of moments unsure what to say. They glanced away before looking back to each other again.
"San Lang I…"
"Gege I…"
Both blinked as they spoke their words together.
"You go first, Gege."
Feeling his cheeks warm again, Xie Lian gave a small lick to his lips as he tried to piece his thoughts together into what he wanted to say. Then again, what did he want to say? That he thought San Lang was possibly Hua Cheng and Xiao Hua? Or that he thought he was Hua Xie's reincarnation? Part of him wanted to ask that but he still wasn't sure.
Then there was the fact that all the time they'd been spending together, he'd begun having feelings for the darker haired teen as well. Even before the possibility of him also being Hua Cheng. It was why he dreamt of him at times. Maybe if he just started with if the other boy did like him, he could work up the courage to ask him about Hua Cheng. But he'd still need a little more proof. It would be so awkward if he asked and it turned out it was just his imagination.
"S-San Lang….I…" He averted his gaze as warmth flooded his cheeks again before looking back at the waiting teen in front of him. Flickers of his dream where he'd been bold enough to kiss the other crossed his thoughts.
Bringing his hands up to either side of San Lang's cheeks, he stepped forward and pressed his lips gently against the other teen's lips. The kiss lasted only a brief moment before he pulled away again; the sound of the pillow softly hitting the floor as San Lang dropped it from the surprise of being kissed. His cheeks were tinged with pink as golden hazel eyes stared widened in surprise.
"I…I like you, San Lang." His heart pounded in his chest as he slowly pulled his hands away from the stunned teen. He couldn't help but glance away while fidgeting with his fingers. "I have for a little while now. Just...I...I didn't know how to express it. Or if you felt the same." He glanced back up towards the other boy while keeping his head turned a little.
San Lang gave a blink at the other boy's words. Had he really heard him right? Xie Lian really reciprocated the feelings he'd had for him all this time? And that kiss. It hadn't been his imagination?
"Gege I…" He scrambled for the words he wanted to say in return. Those chocolate eyes were watching and waiting for his response. Could he really...?
Reaching up, he placed a hand against the other teen's cheek that was slightly turned away. Xie Lian blinked as his head was guided gently to look back at the other boy before he leaned in and kissed him back. His cheeks flushed with warmth as soft lips pressed against his gently for a moment.
"Gege, I...I really like you too," the darker haired boy replied after pulling away from the kiss but remained a few centimetres from his lips. He gently touched his forehead to the other boy's; a small colour of pink tinging his cheeks. "I also have for a while."
Feeling his cheeks flush with warmth again, Xie Lian couldn't help but smile softly at the words. He supposed that part of his confession was out of the way and that the darker haired boy also reciprocated his feelings. It made him happy, whether he was Hua Cheng or not.
"It seems both of your fates are interconnected."
"Interconnected?"
"Yes. It's very strong. As strong as a red ribbon. It's a very long lasting fate spread across many centuries and many lifetimes. There's been some sadness I see from the past. However, this time there seems to be blessed fortune to you both that will be everlasting."
Xie Lian recalled the fortune teller's words. Strong like a red ribbon of fate spread across centuries and lifetimes. Did that mean this time San Lang wouldn't be sad anymore?
Moving his head forward a little, the lighter haired teen pressed his lips against San Lang's again. The darker haired boy deepened the kiss a little, albeit awkwardly, as he slid his hand from Xie Lian's cheek back so his fingers threaded up into the soft hair at the back of his neck. The younger teen brought his hand up to the other boy's shoulder where the braid was still at.
Breaking the kiss to catch their breaths, both had flushed cheeks as San Lang kept his forehead lightly pressed against the other boy's. The darker haired teen kept his fingers gently intertwined into Xie Lian's hair while the other boy gently played with the braid between his fingers. They stayed like that for a few minutes before San Lang reluctantly pulled back while moving his hand away from the other boy's head.
"We should probably go get breakfast," San Lang said softly. While he wanted to pull the other boy into his arms and cuddle the rest of the day, he knew Xie Lian's mother was expecting him home sometime soon.
"Do we have to?" Xie Lian asked. While he was starting to feel hungry, he also wanted to just curl up in San Lang's arms.
"I did promise your mother I'd send you home sometime today," the other boy replied but gave a small chuckle at the pout he got in return. "But we could still hang out the rest of the day after you check in with her at home."
"Really?" San Lang nodded. "Well...I guess so."
Following the darker haired boy downstairs after he picked up the pillow from the floor and tossed it back on the bed, they headed to the kitchen to get breakfast started. San Lang again helped show him how to cook the food before sitting to eat together. Afterwards, Xie Lian got dressed in a borrowed regular styled outfit of San Lang's since his only other clothes he'd worn over had been his school outfit that had been washed and hung to dry. The darker haired boy changed into his usual red and white outfit he liked to wear all the time.
"Do you need help taking that ribbon out of your hair?" the lighter haired teen asked the other boy as he pulled his hair up into his usual ponytail and wound the red string he usually wore with it. He indicated the single plaited braid he'd done up for him before going to the festival.
"Oh...no. I think I'll leave it in for now," the darker haired boy smiled, twisting it slightly in his fingers before letting it sit forward over his shoulder where the other strip of hair that sat in front of his ear was. "I quite like it."
"Alright. I thought I'd ask." He gave a small smile, glad that he had liked that idea to go as Hua Cheng for his protector last night.
"Don't forget your mask, earring, and medal," San Lang pointed out as he nodded at the desk where the two sat.
"Oh yeah." He went over and picked up the mask and medal before setting it in the bag that San Lang had given him to put his clothes in. He then picked up the earring that still had the top part the clip on while the other part that required having a piercing sat on the desk.
"Here." The darker haired teen came over and pulled open a drawer before producing a small bag that could be sealed closed. He picked up the piercing part and put it inside before holding it open for the other boy to put the earring in. "That way you don't lose it."
"Thanks."
Setting the earring in the bag, San Lang closed it before handing it to Xie Lian, who set it in the bag. Then making their way downstairs after San Lang grabbed the red umbrella he'd gotten for Xie Lian, they headed to the front door to get on their shoes. San Lang started to reach for the door but Xie Lian stopped him long enough to get another kiss. The darker haired boy gave a small blush but smiled before they headed out the door together.
Walking hand in hand back the way to Xie Lian's house, it seemed short and long at the same time. When they got to the door, the lighter haired teen unlocked the door and stepped inside with San Lang.
"Mom, I'm home." Only silence came from inside.
"Maybe she stepped out?" San Lang shrugged.
"Probably."
Slipping their shoes off, they made their way down the hall towards Xie Lian's room. He paused as they passed by the dining area, noticing a piece of paper on the table, which he went over to look at.
"Ah. She went to the greenhouse to grab a few plants for the front yard," the lighter haired teen said after reading the note. San Lang looked at it from over his shoulder. "She'll be home sometime soon. I guess that leaves us to do whatever."
Grabbing a pen, Xie Lian flipped the paper over and wrote a note that he and San Lang were going out for a walk but he did stop home. He left it there before they headed the rest of the way to his room to take care of his stuff.
Setting the mask, medal, and earring on his desk, he had San Lang set the umbrella up against the side of his bookshelf. He took care of his school uniform and hung it back up since it was clean. Then he set the bag down next to his trash bin to use for later. He turned only to have San Lang come up and kiss him again before leaning his forehead against the other's and holding his hands.
Feeling his cheeks flush with warmth, Xie Lian couldn't help but smile softly. While he wanted to cuddle with the red clad boy the rest of the day, he had no idea what his mother would say to them being together. And he really didn't want to push the issue right now when they'd only just confessed their feelings to each other.
"Why don't we go for a walk outside and enjoy the day together?" Xie Lian suggested softly as he pulled his head back from the other's.
"Alright." San Lang gave a smile as they turned and headed for the front door to grab their shoes. "Where did you want to go?"
"Oh! First we could light some incense for Hua Cheng and Hua Xie." The lighter haired teen smiled as he grabbed his shoes and carried them back down to his room. San Lang followed after grabbing his shoes as well.
Grabbing four incense and a book of matches, Xie Lian turned and headed for the back door with the other boy. They slid on their shoes before heading outside, across the open field, and to the edge of the woods where the tree with the red ribbon was.
"Hua Cheng must have come to honour Hua Xie too," the brown eyed boy spoke up with a soft smile.
"Oh?" San Lang raised an eyebrow at him.
"I noticed right after we left the flowers, he must have come to put a red ribbon around them and the jar." He knelt down and pointed out the two ribbons tied in a bow around each. "The flowers also haven't died away yet." He gave a smile before handing two incense to the red clad teen.
Kneeling down next to the lighter haired boy, San Lang gave a small smile as Xie Lian lit a match then the four incense. He set his two into the jar after the other boy did. The younger teen then clasped his hands together and closed his eyes.
"I hope you enjoy the incense Hua Cheng and Hua Xie," Xie Lian said. "And I wanted to say thank you Hua Cheng for protecting me last night. I know I shouldn't have gone into the woods that late, but I couldn't leave the little girl defenceless to face those ghost wolves alone. So thank you for watching out for us. And thank you for watching over Nan Feng and Fu Yao as they went home." He gave another smile before opening his eyes again.
"How do you know he watched over them?" San Lang asked curiously as brown eyes turned towards him.
"I have a feeling he did," Xie Lian replied with a soft smile before standing and brushing himself off. San Lang did the same.
"So where to now?"
"Well...I actually wanted to see if I could find that cave that Hua Cheng took me to," the brown eyed teen said sheepishly. Golden hazel eyes blinked in surprise.
"Do you even know which direction it's in?"
Xie Lian gave an embarrassed laugh. "Not really." He tapped his chin. "But since we have the rest of the day to explore, it'll give us time to try to find it before it gets dark."
"I suppose that's not a bad idea," San Lang chuckled.
Taking the red clad boy's hand, Xie Lian headed further into the trees. They wandered for a little bit, before the lighter haired boy stopped and looked around in confusion.
"We're lost." San Lang gave a chuckle as Xie Lian hung his head slightly. "I knew I should have grabbed something to mark the way back."
"Not to worry." Brown eyes looked towards him. The red clad teen turned and pointed in the general direction they came from. "That way is out. I've been keeping track."
"Really? The trees all look the same to me."
San Lang chuckled again. "Nope. Each tree has a unique shape to them. And the foliage too." He gave a pause as he glanced around. "The trees are a bit thicker over that way. And it's a bit more hilly too. I'll bet if we keep heading in that direction, we'll come to some small hills, which would be where we might find that cave you were talking about."
"Really? You can tell?" San Lang nodded. "Okay, then I guess you can lead the way."
Chuckling, San Lang took his hand and laced their fingers together. He started walking along, pausing now and again to glance around like he was assessing the surroundings. However, he knew just where he was going. A little while later, they came wandering towards a thicker cluster of trees as the wind shifted a little. He paused, glancing around again. He knew the cave was just around this bunch of trees.
"Ah! There it is!" Xie Lian said as they came through the cluster. He pointed ahead where a hill inlet into some rock. He let go of San Lang's hand as he ran forward to the entrance and put his hand to the rock.
"This is it huh?"
"Yeah. I'm sure it is. Hold on." The younger teen made his way inside, found the ledge where he'd sat with Hua Cheng that night, and also slept. "It is!" San Lang followed in and over to where the other was. "I slept on this ledge. It wasn't the most comfortable but it was better than outside in the storm."
"Oh I'll bet," San Lang chuckled as he turned around so his back faced the ledge and jumped up to sit down. He moved his legs a little back and forth as he relaxed back on his arms.
Jumping up next to him, Xie Lian fidgeted with his hands in his lap for a moment before looking towards the other boy. "San Lang?"
"Hm?" The other boy turned his head a little while leaning back to look at him.
"Can I borrow your lap for a moment?"
Blinking at the request, San Lang gave a small smile. "Sure."
Shifting himself so he could stretch out like that night, Xie Lian laid his head down on San Lang's lap. That night's memory of laying his head on Hua Cheng's lap came back as he turned his head a little and looked up at the golden hazel eyes looking down at him. Warmth flooded his cheeks a bit. This definitely felt a lot like that night.
Turning his head away still blushing, he closed his eyes for a moment. Yes, this definitely reminded him of Hua Cheng that night.
"So is my lap comfy, Gege?"
Sitting up in surprise, the lighter haired boy gave an embarrassed look. The red clad teen gave a chuckle at his slight frustration.
"I um...well…" Xie Lian slid off the ledge and took a step away. The other teen still chuckled before sliding down off the ledge. "I'm just trying to figure out how it was that Hua Cheng was able to make it seem like the logs and ashes that I clearly woke up to disappear upon leaving the cave the next morning after I heard my name being called by the others looking for me. And the plate of dumplings he left me too."
"Hmm. That is a good question," San Lang pondered as he tapped his chin in thought. He glanced around the small cave. "I mean, there doesn't seem to be anything in here that would indicate anything unusual." He paused then headed for the outside of the cave. Xie Lian followed after him as he looked around at the entrance. "Ah. I think I see why."
"Why what?" The brown eyed boy went over to where the other stood off to the side at the entrance.
"Why those things seemed to disappear," San Lang stated as he pointed to the rock. He brushed back a little dirt that somewhat covered some indentations into the rock revealing what appeared to be carvings of words into the stone.
"Ghost Gate?" Xie Lian asked, reading the writing. He looked at the other boy.
"It's a gateway to the Ghost Realm," San Lang explained. "This cave is an entrance."
"Entrance?" Brown eyes blinked as they looked to the opening of the cave. "You mean like to Gui Shi?" San Lang nodded as Xie Lian's eyes widened in surprise. "But it seems like such an ordinary cave. How could it be an entrance?" He gave a furrow of his brow. "And how do you open it?"
Golden hazel eyes blinked before the red clad teen smiled softly. "Magic opens it." Brown eyes turned towards him in puzzlement. "I've heard of these gates before."
"So you just need the right magic words or something?"
"No. The gates open for the ghosts to pass through without hassle," San Lang pointed out. "Humans don't have the magic required to open them."
"Oh. I see." The younger teen gave a small deflated look of disappointment.
"However, the gates can open for humans under the right conditions." Xie Lian raised his gaze to the red clad boy in interest. "Only by the full moon's magic does this work."
"R-really?"
"Yup. Only then can a human pass into the Ghost Realm." He paused and held up a finger in front of him. "However, the human that enters the Ghost Realm must return back through the gate before dawn."
"Why's that?"
"If they don't, they'll be stuck in the Ghost Realm."
"Oh you mean like until the next full moon when it opens again?"
"No. They can never leave." Brown eyes widened in surprise. "At least, never as a human again."
"W-what do you mean?"
"As soon as the gate closes, a human can't survive in the Ghost Realm. Within a few hours, their body begins to die and it's pretty painful." He gave a pause. "So I've heard." Brown eyes stared at him in surprise. "Once they die, that's it. However, some also come back as ghosts too, albeit they'd start out being just Fierce level. If they learn enough magic, they could pass back through to the living world here."
"Could they ever go back to their family and friends?"
"Well, it's not usually something that happens," San Lang pointed out. "After all, they're ghosts now. And it would be hard to explain their changed state."
"Changed state?" Brows furrowed in confusion.
"Well, ghosts don't always look completely human. Skin colour, hair, and even palm prints are signs that give away they're not technically alive anymore."
Xie Lian gave a blink before furrowing his brow. He thought back to that night when Hua Cheng had been carrying him. He'd lacked warmth. And when he thought about it, there had been the absence of a heartbeat and breathing as the Ghost King had made his way through the dark forest. He reached up and placed a hand against San Lang's warm chest, feeling the steady throb of a heartbeat within. This made the other boy blink at the action.
"Hua Cheng didn't have warmth or a heartbeat while he carried me here either," he spoke softly. So how did San Lang have these if he was Hua Cheng? Could his magic really be that powerful to transform him to look and feel human? After all, San Lang had said to them yesterday at the Ghost Festival that Hua Cheng had more than enough magic to transform and blend into the crowd. "But he looked human to me."
Golden hazel eyes blinked at the other boy's words. Was he figuring it out? "Well, he is a Ghost King, remember? He has more than enough magic to appear human." He averted his gaze slightly and lowered his voice a little. "Though, who's to say he's not some hideous monster underneath that appearance."
"He's not a monster," Xie Lian spoke up, getting honey coloured eyes to look at him. He shook his head. "He's a lot nicer than some people I know. And he has more heart too." He paused looking down at his hand placed against San Lang's chest. "Whether it's beating or not."
San Lang blinked at Xie Lian's words. It still baffled him if the other boy seemed to know or not about his real identity. But he still didn't confront him about it. He wanted to ask but at the same time he also didn't want to destroy the possibility that it might also upset Xie Lian. Sure he might find himself as Hua Cheng cool, but what would he say if one of his best friends was really the legendary Ghost King?
"San Lang?"
"Hm?" He blinked out of his thoughts as Xie Lian pulled his hand back from his chest.
"I want to go to Gui Shi on the next full moon. I want to see how it looks. And maybe I might see Hua Cheng there and can thank him in person for everything he's done."
Golden hazel eyes widened in surprise. "W-what? B-but….that would be crazy. You'd have to come here in the middle of the night since the gate opens when the moon is high in the sky around midnight. The woods are dangerous at night. You know this and promised me you wouldn't go in them at night."
"No, you had me promise not to go alone at night," Xie Lian pointed out, recalling that warning he'd given him that day he stayed for dinner the first time. Golden hazel eyes blinked at him. "I wouldn't be alone." He smiled. "You'd be with me. And well...you're the one I trust the most to protect me besides Hua Cheng."
San Lang went to open his mouth to protest then shut it. The other boy had a point. He had said not to go alone. And trusting him to protect him against the other ghosts wandering around. Besides, it wasn't like he'd allow Xie Lian to be trapped in the Ghost Realm. He'd make sure to get him back through the gate well before dawn.
"Okay, fine. We'll try to get through the gate the next full moon." Xie Lian's eyes widened in excitement as he practically tackled the other teen. "However, there will be rules."
"What rules?"
"We'll go for only a couple of hours before coming back. That way there's no risk of getting anywhere near dawn. And that way your mother doesn't find out we went into the woods in the middle of the night either. I'm sure she definitely won't like that."
"She would be furious if she found out." Xie Lian gave a small groan. "I'd be grounded to the house for the rest of my life! I could just see it now."
"My point exactly." The darker haired teen chuckled then gave a shake of his head. "And you'll have to wear something else than your usual clothes."
"Why's that?"
"It's to blend in better. If you go wearing modern clothes, the other ghosts will certainly know you're human," he pointed out.
"So I'll wear that one outfit like last night to go?"
"No, we'll go with something simpler. I have another outfit that will work well."
"Okay. So you'll be wearing that black robe again?"
"Actually I could just wear this." He held his arms out with his red outfit he wore. "It's designed for times back then. So I can blend in fairly well." He gave another chuckle then held up a finger and gave a more serious look. "Also, whatever you do, do not trade with anything other than money." This made the other boy furrow his brow in confusion. "Some use spiritual powers as revenue. Though in the Gambler's Den, anything goes. Even your life."
"R-really?" Xie Lian gulped.
"Yup. So only use money and don't take any bribes." He gave a pause in thought. "Also, don't leave my side. Getting separated would be a bad thing. If you can agree to those, we can go."
"I agree! I promise to follow all of those rules," Xie Lian nodded.
"Alright. Then we'll make preparations to go." San Lang gave a smile as he turned and started back the way they came. Xie Lian quickly followed.
"How will we find our way back here? Especially in the middle of the night?" He glanced back over his shoulder as the cave fell behind them.
"I can find it again and mark a trail that only we'll know about," San Lang pointed out. "And since the full moon isn't for another couple of weeks, we should have plenty of time to get everything ready."
"You think so?"
"Yeah. I've got it covered."
"I'm so excited!" The lighter haired teen grinned as he turned while walking backwards a little, a couple of paces ahead of the red clad teen. "What should we see first? You said there were lots of shops." He paused. "Wait, do they take modern money? Or is it like the old-fashioned kind with all the silver and gold coins and such?"
"I'm sure they'll take anything they can get. Money is money."
"Oh okay. I should have a little of my allowance to take with me then. It's not much but it would be cool to have a souvenir from Gui Shi. I mean, who can say they actually were able to go to a ghost city?" He gave a laugh as the other boy also chuckled.
Suddenly, Xie Lian stepped into a small dip of the ground and went down with a yelp. San Lang quickly knelt down by his side.
"Are you alright, Gege?"
"Y-yeah." Xie Lian gave a wince in pain as he reached for his left ankle. "Ouch."
Looking down at his foot, San Lang untied his shoe and gently pulled it off. The lighter haired teen grimaced in pain as the darker haired teen lifted it a little to examine it.
"Looks like you twisted it pretty badly," he spoke, seeing how swollen it was already getting.
"Just great," Xie Lian groaned as he leaned back to lay on the ground and put his arm over his eyes. "Mom's going to wonder how I did this. 'Oh yeah. We were in the woods and I twisted my ankle.' That's going to go great." He sighed before sitting up again. "It'll take forever getting out of the woods with me hobbling back."
Blinking as San Lang gave him his shoe to hold, the red clad boy shifted himself before putting an arm around Xie Lian's back while the other went underneath his knees. He then stood back up, lifting the injured teen in his arms.
"S-San Lang." Xie Lian felt his cheeks warm a little.
"It's alright. I'll carry you back, Gege."
"I-I'm too heavy to carry all the way back. I can hobble."
"Nonsense. You don't need to hurt yourself any more than this." A small smile graced his lips. "Besides, you're not that heavy."
Feeling his cheeks flush with more warmth, Xie Lian decided it wasn't worth it to protest more. After all, it really wouldn't be worth it to get hurt further. And hobbling the rest of the way would be really tiring. He gave a silent sigh as San Lang continued to walk through the trees. Curiosity got the better of him as he slowly lowered his head to rest on the red clad teen's shoulder and closed his eyes.
Remembering back to that night that Hua Cheng carried him, he took a breath in, as San Lang's earthy scent permeated his nose. Just like when he'd woken up sleeping next to the darker haired teen, it definitely was just like Hua Cheng's. He slowly opened his eyes to look across to his opposite shoulder. The same red just like that night. All that was missing were the silver butterflies and the soft sound of metal clinking as he walked.
Blinking as San Lang stopped for a moment, Xie Lian stayed still just like that night as the other teen shifted him slightly in his arms before continuing on. The only thing that was different was the warmth San Lang was giving off. Or the steady throbbing beat of his heart and even breathing.
Wait. Steady heartbeat and breathing? That didn't seem right. Wouldn't his heartbeat be a little faster than it was now? And his breathing a little more laboured from carrying him? Did he find the flaw in San Lang's disguise after all?
Lifting his head a little, he looked at the teen as those honey coloured eyes glanced at him. "Something wrong, Gege?" The other boy stopped for a moment and turned his full attention to him.
"N-no." Xie Lian turned his head away, a small bit of warmth filled his cheeks. "B-but if you need to stop and rest, that's fine."
"It's alright. We're almost out anyway." He nodded his head towards the trees where houses could just be seen vaguely through them.
Blinking, Xie Lian hadn't noticed how long time had passed while he'd laid his head on San Lang's shoulder. Had it been that long? Or had the other walked quicker through the woods than he thought? It seemed weird a bit. After all, spending time around San Lang always seemed to skew his sense of time. That morning and afternoon on the day of the festival had seemed like no time had passed at all while they made breakfast, watched some television, and also learned that dish for lunch. But he'd been happy the entire time.
Coming closer to the edge of the woods, the lighter haired teen gave a shake of his head. "If we come from the back of the house and my mom is home, she's going to wonder where I twisted my ankle. And I'm sure she'll guess the woods. Then I'll really be in trouble."
"I suppose that is a possibility," San Lang noted before turning and walking along going further down until they came to the park area that the festival had been at. Everything had been torn down and packed up though. "How about we come out here and head back up to your house that way?"
"I...I guess." Pink tinged his cheeks as he looked at how he was being carried. "B-but maybe you should carry me differently?" The other boy raised an eyebrow at him. "Like maybe on your back? That way it doesn't look odd to others. Especially my mom."
"I guess I can understand that." The darker haired teen gave a small nod. "Alright. I'll set you down, Gege. Just use the tree to steady yourself and stay off your foot."
Nodding, Xie Lian waited until San Lang went to a tree and lowered him slowly to the ground. He put his hand up against the trunk to steady himself while the red clad teen came around in front of him. Then stooping down, he waited for Xie Lian to bring his arms around his neck in front before helping to lift him up into his back; his hands gripping his thighs to support him.
Heading out of the trees to the park, San Lang carried him back towards Xie Lian's house. The lighter haired teen's mother was outside in front, kneeling down with her back turned towards them. The plants she'd gone to get were next to her as she dug a small hole for one and buried the roots.
Looking up at the sound of footsteps from behind, she turned to see San Lang carrying her son on his back while he held his shoe. She quickly stood up after setting her small hand shovel to the side.
"What happened?" she asked, coming over to the two as they stopped outside the front door. She opened it and let them inside.
"I tripped while we were walking," Xie Lian said while San Lang slid his shoes off, as did his mother, before heading for the living room. The red clad teen took him to the couch and gently set him down before taking his shoe he was holding then the one still on his foot. "Just being clumsy I guess."
"It's not broken," San Lang mentioned as he stepped back and Xie Lian's mom went to look at it. She put her hand to it after taking off her gloves, causing the younger teen to wince slightly.
"You need to be more careful," his mother spoke, chiding him a little. "You're lucky school's not going this week. If you had to miss all that class time, you'd fall behind."
"I'd help him catch up," San Lang offered as he came back into the room with a bag of ice and a small towel in his hands; the shoes having already been set at the front door.
"You've done enough already," she replied as she stood and took the towel and ice from the darker haired teen. "Please leave."
"But Mom," Xie Lian started to protest. He didn't want his friend to go just yet.
"It's alright, Gege." San Lang gave a small smile at him. "I hope you'll feel better."
Watching the other boy turn and head to the front door, golden hazel eyes looked back at him for a brief moment as he mouthed silently that he'd see him later. He then disappeared from sight before the sound of the front door shutting a moment later finalised him having left.
"You're going to sit here and let this ice lay on your ankle for a while," his mother said as she put it on his ankle after laying the towel down. "No buts."
Sighing that he knew there was no arguing with his mother, Xie Lian stayed quiet. She grabbed her gloves before saying she was going to go back outside and finish the plants. She'd be in to check on him shortly, but in the meantime just stay put. He gave a sigh as he reached over to the coffee table, grabbed the remote, and turned on the television to try to pass the time. His mother came back in about an hour later, having finished planting the rest of her plants. She took the bag of ice that was mostly melted and was sitting on the towel on the floor since Xie Lian had taken it off after about a half hour. She also grabbed a cloth wrap bandage and wound it around his foot for support.
Making some food to eat for both of them, he hobbled to the table and put his foot up while they ate. Then excusing himself, he hobbled to his room to lay down on his bed and read for a little bit.
Suddenly, there was a soft tap to his window and he turned to look over towards it. Honey coloured eyes looked in as a smile graced the darker haired boy's lips. He slid the window open slowly, letting in the soft breeze.
"S-San Lang?" the brown eyed teen asked in a hushed whisper as the other teen came climbing through the window. He had a bag slung up on his back. "W-what are you doing here?"
"I told you I'd be back," he replied in the same hushed whisper before glancing to the door that was open. He slid off his shoes, setting them underneath Xie Lian's desk out of sight, before going to the door and shut it silently.
"What's in the bag?" The lighter haired teen asked quietly as the other boy came over and set it down.
"I brought that outfit to wear when we go to the Ghost Realm," he replied, untying the bag and opening it. He pulled out a long, plain white robe and matching white shoes to go with it before holding it up.
"Oh wow." Xie Lian reached his hand out as the other boy came forward to let him touch it. "Did your friend wear this one too?"
"It was his favourite outfit actually," he replied with a smile. "It's something simple but nice to wear. He always looked nice in it."
"I'll bet." Xie Lian gave a smile. So this was his favourite outfit in his past life then? He wished he could remember the memories from then.
"I'll just hang it up in your closet, okay Gege?" The brown eyed teen nodded. The other boy took it over and hung it up while setting the shoes down on the floor inside the doors. Then coming back over he pulled out the hair extensions in a container and set them on the desk.
"What else is in there?" Xie Lian asked as he came back over to the bag and stuck his hand inside.
"I brought some ointment that'll help with the pain," San Lang said as he pulled out a small, glass bottle with a greenish brown creamy substance in it. He came over, sat down on the bed, and handed it to the other boy.
Reaching to his ankle, the darker haired boy undid the wrap and gently unwound the bandage from his foot. Xie Lian gave a small wince, which San Lang apologised for, before setting the wrap aside. The younger teen gave a small gasp at the feel of San Lang's hands since they were actually cold.
"Sorry, Gege. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"N-no. Just your hands are cold." The boy gave a small shake of his head and smiled. "But it feels nice."
"You want me to keep them on your ankle for a few minutes?" Xie Lian nodded. "Alright, Gege."
Gently wrapping his cooler hands around his ankle, the lighter haired boy sighed slightly at how good it felt. He closed his eyes while continuing to hold onto the bottle in his hands. After a few moments, he felt San Lang pull his hands away. He opened his eyes again as the other boy held out his hand for the bottle.
Placing it into his hand, Xie Lian watched him open it and pour some onto the tips of his fingers. He gave a small furrow of his brow at the smell of it. It had a light herbal and earthy scent mixed together.
"What's in that?" he asked curiously as the honey eyed teen gently put it on his ankle.
"It's an old recipe of a few herbs that help with pain," he replied as he gently applied it before putting a little more on his fingers and rubbing it in. "It's a bit more effective than some of the modern medicine of today."
While he wanted to have his butterflies help heal his ankle, having it suddenly get better that fast might alert his mother that something was going on. That and despite telling the other boy that he had his ways of knowing things as Hua Cheng, having one come now would certainly signal who he was. Still unsure about what Xie Lian would think of him being the very person he wanted to go see in Gui Shi had him decide on using the ointment instead.
Blinking as the other boy continued to gently rub the ointment in, he noticed that the pain was already starting to dull. Even with taking some pain medicine earlier, this definitely worked quicker than the other stuff.
"Wow. It barely hurts now," he spoke up in surprise as San Lang finished and capped the bottle again.
"You still should keep your foot up for a day or two," he replied as he handed the bottle back to Xie Lian. Grabbing the wrap, he gently wound it back up and secured it. "But if you put more of this on before bed then throughout the day tomorrow, by the following day, it should be good enough to start walking on it." He gave a somewhat worried look. "But do take it slow. You wouldn't want to re-injure it before we go to Gui Shi."
"Okay. I promise I'll behave and stay off it as much as possible."
"Good." San Lang smiled softly before taking the bottle and set it over on Xie Lian's desk. He started to come back over to the bed but stopped and looked towards the door.
Kicking his bag quickly to slide under the bed, he backed up to the closet and put a finger to his lips as he slipped inside. Xie Lian gave a small furrow of his brow as the other teen shut the closet door. A moment later there was a knock at his door before it opened to his mother.
"What's with the door being shut?" she asked curiously then looked to the window that was still open.
"Oh, um….it ended up shutting after I opened the window for a fresh breeze," the younger teen lied while keeping from looking towards his closet where his friend hid. "I wanted to stay sitting and off my ankle." He motioned to it before picking up his book he'd been reading he set aside.
"Do you need more ice on it?"
"Um…" He glanced to his closet where it was ever so slightly ajar and could see San Lang give a nod. "Sure. It wouldn't hurt. Keep the swelling down and all."
"Alright." She turned and left for a moment. He glanced to the closet where he could just see San Lang's eye watching.
"Do you think you could shut the door when you leave?" he asked after she returned with the ice and a towel. She furrowed her brow. "The wind will just end up shutting it anyway."
"I guess so," she replied with a small sigh. 'I'll check on you in a little bit. Is there anything else you need?"
"Not that I can think of." He shook his head. She then turned and headed back out the door, shutting it behind her. San Lang slipped out of the closet a moment later and came back over to the bed as the other boy sighed.
"That was a close call," the darker haired boy chuckled softly.
"Yeah." The other boy furrowed his brow slightly. "How did you know she was coming?"
San Lang pointed to his ear. "I could hear her." In reality, he'd had one of his butterflies watching from above out of her sight and had relayed to him she was coming.
"You must have really good hearing. I didn't even hear her."
"Yeah. I guess I do." He gave a small smile before coming over to sit down on the bed beside Xie Lian, who scooted over to make room for him. "So what are you reading?"
"Oh, well, just a little story I've always liked." He held up the book.
"Mind if I read it with you?"
"Uh..s-sure. Though you probably won't understand unless you start from the beginning."
"I'm sure I'll figure it out," San Lang chuckled softly as he took the book and held it open while leaning back against the pillows he propped up behind them. Xie Lian leaned against him a little as they sat there and read together; San Lang softly and quietly read the words aloud to Xie Lian.
Feeling the lighter haired teen rest his head on his shoulder, San Lang looked to see the other boy having fallen asleep. He gave a small smile as he set the book down and gently shifted the other boy so his head laid down on the pillows that he moved a bit. He reluctantly got up and went over to the desk, grabbed a piece of paper, and wrote a small note. Then going back over, he slipped it into the book where they'd left off, setting the sleeping boy's hand over the book.
Brushing his fingers through the sleeping boy's hair for a moment as he stood there, San Lang leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his temple. He pulled back reluctantly before grabbing his bag and tied it shut again. Then grabbing his shoes, he took them over to the window, slipped them on, and climbed out the window into the mid-evening air.
"Goodnight Gege. Sweet dreams." Giving a last look, he stepped back and made his way towards home.
Well that's the chapter. Finally they confessed their feelings to each other! *grins* And I couldn't resist having them go find the cave. Naturally, San Lang's going to know all about it. *laughs*
Also, I figured the way to Gui Shi and the Ghost Realm would be a little different so that way not just anyone can find their way there. Makes it a little more challenging. *grins*
Poor Xie Lian twisting his ankle. He just can't catch a break can he? Luckily San Lang was there and carried him home. And reading to him. *smiles*
Anyways, thanks again for reading! I'll update again soon!