IC Inbox {Seasons}

[disgracedprince]

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[Action]

[heavenlyscourge]

[ There are delicious smells coming from the kitchen of their new little home when Xie Lian comes in one day. Clearly someone has been cooking! Hua Cheng has recently acquired some superb new herbs and spices and is making full use of them.

And when Xie Lian comes looking for him, there's a small box beside where the ghost king is working. ]

[Action]

[disgracedprince]

{Smells that lure Xie Lian like a sire's call! His stomach rumbles hopefully and he follows his nose to the kitchen, pausing in the doorway. They both know his cooking isn't the best - mostly because he doesn't mind eating just about anything (it's not like it's going to kill him!). But he can definitely appreciate a delicious meal. He really hasn't had many of those in...centuries...}

San Lang, what are you making? {He spots the box and edges towards it curiously.}

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Xie Lian was a prince. Who ever thought to dare teach him how to cook properly? Hua Cheng doesn't mind cooking, just as he will always eat anything his god places before him. Even if Xie Lian was the one who made it. He does give pointers, and his beloved had made some improvements...Some.

But Xie Lian is always so happy when Hua Cheng eats what he cooks. That's all the encouragement he needs. ]

Some vegetable soup with steam meat buns. I got some spices today.

[ As for that little box...if Xie Lian opens it, he'll find two rings nestled within. And a small sheet of paper with instructions on how to use the red strings rings. ]

[disgracedprince]

{Another excellent point! Food had been easy for him to order or find in those days. He had taken it for granted and now, sadly, he is a pathetic cook. But it is fun when San Lang gives him lessons! They do make a mess, though.

And of course he likes feeding his San lang! It's just another way to take care of...his future husband.}

You know how to entice me. {He lightly rests a hand on the box, glancing up at San Lang questioningly. When he is given no reason to stop, he opens the box and blinks.}

What are these?

Delivery

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Xie Lian will find a white flower, familiar, waiting on the table when he next goes to fix something in the kitchen. And another, should he head to the room shared with his husband, on the pillows. Perhaps everywhere he looks, in their house, there is another little bloom. ]

[disgracedprince]

{The little surprises are gathered with care and tucked into a vase. He hugs the vase to his chest and sniffs the blooms as he searches for his sweet husband.}

Are you planning something?

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Is there a specific number to the blooms or just pure chance? Perhaps only Hua Cheng knows~ He smiles when his beloved finds him and wraps his arms lovingly around the god and the flowers he'd left to be found. ]

Do I need to?

[disgracedprince]

{Could it be for an anniversary? Xie Lian loves the white blossoms and the second he sees Hua Cheng, he smiles with all of the love in his heart.}

No. You've always known my favorite flower. {He can't help thinking about all of the flowers his San Lang has given him over the years - including the ones he left at his temple when he was a child. They were always chosen with such love and care.}

Did you visit Spring?

[Action]

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Waking up beside his beloved god and husband every morning is a precious gift he'll never grow tired of. He doesn't doubt Xie Lian's love for him, either. Not anymore.

He's just noticed a few...looks, on occasion, concerning their housemate. He knows Xie Lian would do nothing. However.

He waits patiently for those expressive, beautiful eyes to open, fingertips waiting until then to reach out and stroke lovingly over his beloved's handsome face. And smiles softly before leaning in to claim a tender kiss. ]

[Action]

[disgracedprince]

{He shouldn't. Xie Lian's heart belongs to his San Lang. For always. Ellipsa has been good for them and...a little complicated too. Qinghua, aptly name for flowers, is one of those complications and Xie Lian does feel ashamed.

How can he let his husband ever know he feels affection for their housemate?

Waking comes a bit slowly - their nights are amorous - and Xie Lian smiles a split second before San Lang kisses him.}

Mmm good morning.

[heavenlyscourge]

[ It doesn't even occur to him to be upset with Xie Lian.

Hua Cheng chuckles softly and kisses him again simply for the joy of it. ]

Good morning.

[ He does, however, also know his beloved. Xie Lian would never mention it first. Just another reason to love this beautiful man.

Propping himself up on an elbow, he lets his fingers trail tenderly down, admiration and love in every bit of the gentle touch.

How to bring up the suggestion of adding their housemate...? Well. Directly, for this is Xie Lian. ]

Your San Lang has been wondering something.

[disgracedprince]

{Oh he is gorgeous. Xie Lian has done nothing to deserve waking up to his Ghost King's perfect face! He snuggles in close and wraps his arms around his husband, tangling their legs together. They have no reason to hurry~}

Did you sleep well?

{He shivers and grows warm under those fingers, his smile growing.}

My San Lang can ask me anything.

{Wiggling a hand free from the blankets, he lays his palm against Hua Cheng's cheek.}

He can ask anything of me, too.

gift

[roundandaround]

[Rinku sends a Yuletide gift: a seashell and a little potted cactus!]

{Action - Continued}

[disgracedprince]

{Continued from here.

Xie Lian has gotten quite good at disrobing his San Lang. Between the two of them, it's not hard work and he practically purrs when their naked bodies are flush. The rain tickles over his back and down his legs and he stares down at his husband, breathless.}

I sometimes wonder...if...I can give you all you deserve. You've suffered so much - just to be loyal to me - just to be with me. San Lang, I thought about acquiring you all the treasures in our world, but you've pretty much done that. How can I show you that I treasure you most?

<3

[heavenlyscourge]

[ That's part of the thrill, too. To be stripped bare by this beautiful, perfect god. By his god and husband. Hua Cheng sighs when they're naked and pressed together. The rain feels nice, and the sound is pleasant.

His gaze roams slowly over Xie Lian's body before settling back on those enchanting eyes as his beloved speaks. His hands drift just as slowly over the planes of that body, admiration and worship in every motion. Fingers catch strands of wet hair and he brings them down to press a kiss to them, though his gaze remains on Xie Lian. ]

You show me every day. By being with me. By letting me walk beside you. I don't need any silly treasure, they pale beside your endless trust and love.

[disgracedprince]

{He traces over Hua Cheng's features with soft fingers. His thumb smooths over the contours of his beloved's lips and he rubs their legs together with a quiet groan. Just being near his darling is intoxicating and he grows hard between them, his cheeks growing redder at his shamelessness; his audacity. But when he sees how his husband looks at him, he knows his reaction is welcome.

San Lang accepts every part of him - and he always has.}

Darling, you fell into my arms as a sweet little boy. You even tried to follow me then. I remember your broken bones and how I had to urge you to rest.

{He smiles tenderly.}

And then my Wuming. {His smile falters.} I thought I lost you forever - either as a small boy or a brave ghost who took my punishment on himself.

{He rocks their bodies together and his breath catches.}

But you reappeared, more lovely than ever, your loyalty unwavering. If true beauty exists in this world and in our own, it belongs to San Lang.

[heavenlyscourge]

[ His lips part and he licks that thumb. The groan is echoed quietly and his arousal hardens just as Xie Lian's does. He rocks just a little up in invitation, accepting their need for each other.

Each memory is offered and he runs a gentle hand over his beloved's back, aching to sooth him.

And there! His husband rocks against him and he answers, rubbing up against his beloved's perfect body.

But it's those words that steal his breath away and he shudders. ]

The only beauty I need is you. You will never lose me. Not forever. No longer than I can get back to you.

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Hua Cheng knows when his beloved plays with his ashes. He doesn't let this fact be known, however. Just uses it to make sure nothing is wrong. That his god doesn't need his immediate arrival.

And it's reassuring, to know Xie Lian treasures the necklace and touches it as often as he does. This time when he feels those elegant, strong fingers play with it, he can't resist sending a pair of wraith butterflies to flutter around Xie Lian. Perhaps inviting the god to follow them? One will land on a finger if Xie Lian holds out a hand. ]

[disgracedprince]

{Of course he plays with them! The sparkling ring catches his attention multiple times throughout the day - and no matter what he is doing - he will pause and smile. No sword or gift can compare and he kisses those ashes before holding them, warm, against his palm.

He is walking back from market when the butterflies visit him. Xie Lian laughs and nudges his nose against the darling that lights on his hand.}

Are you here to guide me? {He asks the pair gently, nodding as he rearranges his hold on his basket.} I'm ready. Is San Lang alright?

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Every single time his beloved kisses his ashes, heat and desire flood his senses. Really, it's almost all he can handle to keep from pouncing and ravishing his husband every time!

Xie Lian drives him insane.

Delicate wings flutter happily up at Xie Lian, as if reassuring the god that all is well with the ghost king. The other butterfly starts leading the way, though the one on Xie Lian's finger stays put, trusting the god to carry it. Xie Lian is guided not to the cozy home they share, but to a lake surrounded by trees.

In the shade of one is Hua Cheng, legs stretched out before him and arms folded behind him as he watches another of his butterflies. ]

[disgracedprince]

{Please pounce him. Please ravish him! They have eight centuries of lost time to make up for and Xie Lian can't help himself. He truly has the handsomest husband in existence!

Just seeing Hua Cheng smile...for him...is enough for him to exist.

The tickle of cute wings makes him laugh and he holds the little butterfly close. Each creature is part of his love - part of San Lang's soul. He loved them even before he knew the truth. Now he would do anything for them.}

A...Ah... {He flushes to the roots of his hair and swallows his nerves. Seeing Hua Cheng so at ease...}

Am I interrupting him? {That question is posed to the butterflies.}

[Action]

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Whenever Xie Lian wakes, he'll find Hua Cheng watching him with a soft smile. Only for the ghost to lean in when those beautiful eyes open and claim a soft kiss. ]

Happy birthday, beloved.

[ Another kiss lingers as he threads loving fingers through his husband's soft hair. ]

[Action]

[disgracedprince]

{The sensation of being watched isn't unpleasant at all when Hua Cheng is the one doing the watching. But Xie Lian flushes nonetheless and presses into the kiss shyly, bringing the covers up to his chin.}

...my...my what?

{Okay now he's flustered! Sitting up, he tries to smooth down his disheveled hair.}

That couldn't be today, could it? Oh I've forgotten...

{It used to be such a production and now he hasn't celebrated it at all.}

[heavenlyscourge]

[ Hua Cheng stays sprawled on his side when Xie Lian sits up to fuss over his appearance, a fond smile tugs at his lips.

Of course he remembers his precious one's birthday! Just as Xie Lian had remembered his and had celebrated him. How could he possibly do any less in return? ]

What would you like to do today?

[disgracedprince]

I just need to f-find... {What is he doing. What is he looking for? Xie Lian's hands drop from their fussy tasks and he turns to look into a face he loves more than existence itself.}

San Lang, I want to marry you. Here. I mean... Not in the bed, but -

In Ellipsa. With red robes and... I want to look like a prince for you.