Work Text:
Hua Cheng wakes up in a daze, sensing something was not quite right. There was no hair in his mouth. Shoving off the covers he scans the room, immediately on high alert. Xie Lian was gone. Xie Lian often woke up later than him, and on days where he woke up earlier he would stay in bed, preferring to mess with Hua Chengs’ hair. On rare days, the fools from heaven would call him, or he would leave early to answer prayers. Gege surely would’ve left him a note? Mount Tonglu had been rough on both of them. Xie Lian hadn’t wanted to be apart from him longer than necessary. Hua Cheng hadn’t minded, relishing in the newfound attention. Almost like a puppy. All that to say Hua Cheng had thought he would’ve left him a note or something of the sort.
“Recite the ethics-“
A slimy feeling on his hand froze him mid sentence. A slimy little worm had jumped on his hand, wriggling around the red knot on his finger. Pink, fleshy and oh so small. Dumbfounded, he lifts the worm to his eye.
“… Gege?”
Mentally he curses himself how could Dianxia be a worm? A movement ripped him from his thoughts. The worm pricks up at the sudden mention, his eyes twinkling. Xie Lian the strongest martial god reduced to … a worm? Really? His browns furrow, eyes darken, his usual placid face replaced with one of concern. Who could’ve done this to Xie Lian? Was he hit by a curse of some sort? The scum who did this to him could wait, he had to reverse whatever had happened. Seeing as there was no demonic energy radiating off the little worm, other than his own, he mentally makes note of the fact that it wasn’t a curse.
“Gege, can you understand me?” He asks, Surely his panic wasn't obvious.
Worm Lian slithers into a circular shape.
“Gege, you're cute even as a worm.” As if flustered Xie Lian moves around panicky, he could imagine Xie Lians voice in his head, ‘San Langgg’ Unexpectedly he suddenly stopped slithering around. Shit! Xie Lian was a worm! He has worm requirements! Hua Cheng jumps out of his bed. rising to his feet and wasting no time in contacting the waning moon officer.
“Yin Yu.” He calls out, not wanting to waste any time.
A beat later a familiar voice rings in his head, “Yes Chengzhu?”
“Find out, and get the necessary things for a worm to live. Hurry.”
Abruptly he exits the spiritual array. Dices roll, and a portal opens to a grassy land. Hurriedly Hua Cheng finds the closet stream and puts Xie Lian on damp soil. Worms, they need water right? Admittedly he wasn’t ever concerned about learning about the creatures, he had bigger issues as a street kid. Cupping the water he lets little drip onto Xie Lian. Moments pass with no movement from the worm. What do worms even need, water, shelter… right. Worms do not absorb water… He puts his hand down to let Xie Lian sip some. No movement from the other, He might be hungry and too tired to move. Poor Dianxia. What do worms eat? He looks down at the green blades beneath him. Does he need grass? No way. Right, right! Food, he needs food too, was he too cold? Fuck.
‘One thing at a time’ he reminds himself. He scoops up Xie Lian and tucks him into his pocket. Grass, dirt, paper? What did worms even eat??? He couldn't, no he wouldn’t dare give Xie Lian dirt to eat. He needed something else. reaching back into his array to contact Yin Yu. He was taking his sweet time, how hard was it to find facts on worms???
“Yin Yu, what do worms eat?“ Silence settles into the array as Hua Chengs’ voice fades out.What was taking Yin Yu so long to respond? Tsk. Where was the guy when you needed him? Seconds turn into minutes. Yin Yu’s voice shifts into the array,
“Apologies for the wait Cengzhu, grass, paper dirt, you name it they are decomposers they should be able to eat anything. Chengzhu, if I may ask, what’s with the sudden interest in worms?”
“No.”
He is absolutely not feeding Dianxia fucking grass. he sits there for a minute contemplating. Dianxia would live if he ate grass, he wouldn’t be dead, he couldn’t die, he corrects, but that doesn't mean he should be hungry. But just the thought… Revolting. Lamenting, he scans his brain once more before realizing that ‘oh thats right fruits.‘ Fruits exist. He chucks his dice and steps into paradise manor.
“GET ME SOME FUCKING FRUITS.” He yells out
The manor workers scamper off to the kitchen, not daring to speak. Their employer clearly was in a bad mood today. Hua Cheng strokes Worm Lian gently caressing its small body “You’ll be alright Dianxia. This one will find a way to turn you back.” Worm Lian twitches. ‘Even if you don’t change, everything will be fine, this San Lang will take care of you.’ He doesn't dare voice any of that, the mere thought of manifesting it into reality sends a shiver down his spine.
“Chengzhu.” An attendant appears and leaves a bowl by his side filled to the top with fruits and vegetables. Hua Cheng puts worm Lian into the bowl, ”Here, eat some if you’d like.”
Any worm in his situation would surely be digging in but alas Xie Lian is not a normal worm. He does not move despite the feast laid out in front of him much to Hua Cheng's dismay. What to do, he wishes Yin Yu would hurry up. Speaking of where the hell was he? Demonic energy surges, emanates. Xie Lian twitches at… his spiritual energy?
Things like turning into a smaller animal is quite common with ghosts who lack enough spiritual energy, with them not being able to retain their form. But Xie Lian was a god, the strongest martial god at that, he should have more than enough. Hua Cheng released the tiniest bit of energy and the tiny worm nuzzles closer, seemingly wanting to keep whatever warmth he could get. He nudges Xie Lian closer to himself. A couple of dice clang on the floor.
“Chengzhu,” Yin Yu held out an enclosure that was big enough for a dog, “Apologies for taking a while, we didn’t have most of the required components here.”
Hua Chen stares it down. Some moss tree bark fruits added some sense of homeyness to the encloser but by Dianxia, what the fuck is that . It was so utterly crowded?!
“You… Am I right to assume you put it together by hand?”
Yin Yu regards the floors in deep admiration.
“Yes Chengzhu.”
Now look, Hua Cheng isn't the type to just diss someones’ art
(yes he is)
but the sheer busyness of the terrarium was beyond horrendous. To think of someone living in that, especially his Xie Lian. Chills run down his spine. No way he could let Xie Lian live in that. He would sooner crush his ashes. Hua Cheng grabs his dice and rolls them. Looks like if he wanted something to be done right he would have to do it himself.
Dianxia liked flowers. Lilies, Orchids, Baby’s Breath, were his favorites so Hua Cheng of course needs to get them, vines would add to the aesthetic of the terrarium, he would need to pick those up as well.
“Yin Yu, investigate any rumors of people turning into worms, humans, gods, not demons.”
“Sir?” Yin Yu replies exasperated, before leaving. If Hua Cheng wanted to know about worm rumors, who was he to say anything?
Bees buzz, working hard to make the days worth. A strong floral smell hits hc as soon as he steps foot into the forest.. A sea of color greets him. The sun bounces off of the trees before falling and illuminating the forest floors. First up Orchids. Rain forests had the highest number of Orchids so it was a safe bet. He scopes out the area before making his way deeper into the forest. He passes vines, frogs, ponds, and finally finds a couple of orchids. Snapping them he acquires three different colored Orchids. Xie Lian peeks out. Seeing some very pretty flowers he jumps out, wanting to investigate. Xie Lian takes a stroll around the flowers. Hua Cheng watches him completely immersed, as if a play was playing out in front of him. Worm Lian stiffens and Hua Cheng reaches for him, trying to pick him up but Worm Lian jets out of the way and lunges behind him. He catches a flicker of demonic energy, barely a wisp. Worm Lians body glows with spiritual energy blocking the demonic tiger. Absorbing the energy, Xie Lian grows bigger. The tiger falls to the ground and before it has the chance to get up a swarm of butterflies covers its body. Blood stains the green scenery. Hua Cheng grabs the growing worm and covers him. He makes sure nothing is left of the tiger. He holds Xie Lian tighter.
Next, Lilies. They were easy enough to find. Hua Cheng made his way up to Puqi shrine and strolled behind it. The lake behind Puqi shrine was home to a bunch of little lilies. Xie Lian had taken to tending to them in his absence. He carefully plucked a couple out of the flower beds. Worm Lian jumped out of his pocket and landed on one of the flowers. He lumbered to the flowers. Xie Lian slowly zigzagged around them, as if to check on how they were growing.
“You blend in with the flowers.” Worm Lian flusters. “Even as a worm, gege manages to be so cute” he chuckles. Worm Lian stills. Leaves rustle and a voice calls out. Hua Cheng scoops Xie Lian up.
“Aye San Lang your back? Where’s Daozhang?” An older man approaches him alongside an older woman. He held a bucket of water in his left hand and his other held a cane. It was an older man from Puqi village. His name? Hua Cheng hadn’t bothered to remember. Had he been taking care of the plants in Xie Lian’s absence?
“Gege’s had some things to take care of, ge’s been handling some rumors. Say, have you heard of any rumors of people turning into worms?”
“Can’t say I have.” Has his luck started to fade?
“Then do you know where to find some Baby Breaths?” The last, Baby Breaths. He hadn’t had time to figure out where they were located as normally Yin Yu would be acquiring flowers and finding the sources of things.
“Are you putting a bouquet together for your beloved?” The older woman nods, eyeing the flowers Hua Cheng was gathering.
San Lang nods “Yes!” Well, not exactly but it was close enough. He gleams.
“I'm sure she’ll love it. Ah, to be young and in love.” The older woman wipes a stray tear, turning to her husband. ”Honey, do you remember when you proposed to me, with that bouquet?”
“How could I forget?” He mused leaning on his cane. A starry eyed look fills his eyes, “That was the happiest moment of my life.”
Seeing them act so deeply in love made Hua Cheng want to go home, to Xie Lian. Despite the worm in his pocket it wasn't the same. He couldn't see Xie Lians expressions, his smile, he couldn’t hear his laughs.
They walk down the village nearing the borders. The grass was coarser, less vibrant. Some bushes lined the border between the village and the forests.
“If you continue walking down into the forest you’ll find plenty! It's getting darker, so I would hurry.”
“Thank you for helping Aunt, Uncle.” He bows.
“It's no problem.” She takes Hua Chengs’ hands in hers, “Don’t worry dear, anyone would be grateful to have your affections.” A gentle smile forms on her lips “Take care of yourself, you look as though the sun has been stolen.”
Hua Cheng nods solemnly. He wanders through the forest. Like the older woman had said there were plenty of flower bushes filling up the forest. They brought warmth to the dark forest. Xie Lian nudges Hua Cheng toward a couple of glowing bushes, they had grown on spiritual energy, how strange. Hua Cheng picks them up. The walk back was uneventful. He makes his way back to Paradise Manor with a bundle of flowers. He eyes the terrarium sitting on his desk and starts to get to work. Orchids hang over the top, acting as mini trees. Vines drape over them. Baby's Breath and Lilies line the floor. Petals of the Orchids adorn the floors.
“Gege, do you like it?” Worm Lian wriggles leaning back and forth.
“I’m glad you do!”
Hua Cheng walks to his room. The terrarium burrows into the covers as Hua Cheng puts Xie Lians’ terrarium on his side of the bed. ”Gege, I love you. G’ght” The last thing he sees before he drifts off to sleep is a still, bigger than average worm.
—------------------------
Banging and yelling stirs Hua Cheng awake. Demonic energy fills the room. Sparring no time he sits up. ‘E-Ming’. Whoever the intruders were, they were going to pay. He swiftly marches his way to the source of the ruckus.
“What are these trash doing in my home?” Of course it had to be those fools. Who else in the three realms would dare walk up to a feared Supremes' house and start fighting. The day had barely begun and he was already in a horrible mood.
“Where is Xie Lian! What happened to him?” Mu Qing glares.
Feng Xin elbows Mu Qing in the stomach, “His highness wouldn’t answer in his spiritual array we got worried.”
“If he didn't respond, maybe you should respect his privacy.” Hua Cheng smiles.If he didn't want to talk then they should've respected that. Stupid idiots. Never mind the fact that Xie Lian was a worm… Well they at least had the sense to check up on Xie Lian. Despite being morons they were still heavenly officials, they might know something.
Feng Xin spots a pink fleshy blob slittering on the floor. He crouches to get a better look at it. Worm Lian nuzzles against his finger. “Why's that worm so big?”
Hua Cheng shoves Feng Xin aside and picks up Xie Lian, “Hello Dianxia, I hope they didn’t wake you. As you can see Dianxia is currently afflicted with some sort of spell. If you know anything, spit it out.”
“Are you kidding, that's Xie lian?” Mu Qing makes an exasperated gesturing to the innocent worm on the floor. Feng Xin and Mu Qing exchange a quick glance.
“We don’t know anything. Ling Wen might.” Feng Xin states. Mu Qing quickly adds, “Why are we answering to him?” Feng Xin elbows Mu Qing, in retaliation Mu Qing punches him.
Hua Cheng glares at them. “Don’t forget whose house you're in,” He scoffs. “Obviously I wouldn’t let that happen.” He scoops Worm Lian off the floor. “As an apology, say something nice to Dianxia.”
The two stand confused before Mu Qing glares at Feng Xin.
“Uhm HI, Dianxia you're looking nice today?” Feng Xin tries.
“Dumbass,” Mu Qing sighs and takes Xie Lian in his hands and whispers “Xie Lian if he ever hurts you we got you.” Does he think he can’t hear him? Like he had the right to talk. The audacity?
“Give me back Dianxia and scram .” He glares at them. Hua Cheng catches Xie Lian as both Feng Xin and Mu Qing get blasted out of the manor.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning Hua Cheng is greeted with a red faced Xie Lian who is looking everywhere except for him. Quite hard to do considering how they were face to face on his bed.
“I’m sorry San Lang-“ Before Xie Lian can get another word in Hua Cheng cuts him off.
“It's nothing gege, can you tell me what happened? Even those trash didn’t know anything.” Hua Cheng props his head up with his hand.
“Ahah S, San Lang, promise to not interrupt me if I tell?” Xie Lian pats the empty space of the bed. “Sit, sit.” Hua Cheng gets up and moves to his beloved's side.
“I was walking around the manor before the sun had risen, you know what types of feelings the darkness brings. I was starting to feel… inadequate I guess? I didn’t want to worry San Lang with something silly like that haha.”
“It's not silly.” Xie Lian smiles and presses his index finger on Hua Cheng's lip.
“I was thinking things like, ‘Is this a dream?’, ‘I'm glad he won't leave’, ‘would he still love me if i were an insect, something more lowly?’ “ Xie Lian coughs.
“Quite silly.”
“Gege, what matters is you, not the state you.” Hua Cheng would and did love Xie Lian even as a worm.
“San Lang..” He smiles at his husband, San Lang was very caring. Logically he knows that Hua Cheng would but it didn't feel real to Xie Lian. “After that I guess I turned into a worm? I remember getting back to our room though haha.” He takes a moment to breathe and buries his head in his knees. “I guess even as a worm I wanted your affections hahaha.” Xie Lian feels his face catch fire. He jolts out of the bed, blushing. “I'm a bit hungry, let's go San Lang.” He barely finished that sentence, having already rushed out of the room.
Xie Lian does realize it's a bit silly, Hua Cheng is his husband and he knows Hua Cheng wants to spoil him but he can't help feeling a bit silly for the past couple days' events. Hua Cheng sneaks up behind him and snuggles into his back, embracing him.
“I would love you regardless.”