Metamorphosis

Xie Lian knows Hua Cheng.
He Knows when he's hiding something from her, and he knows when she's scared and she knows how easily she gets tangled up in her own head and forgets the truths right in front of her.
Xie Lian is willing to wait till he's ready to tell him what he suspects of his beloved.
Though, knowing Feng Xin and Mu Qing perhaps that day will come sooner then later whether Hua Cheng wants it too or not.

Notes:

For calypsa.

Merry Krismas to my best friend calypsa
! I'm so happy I got to bring this fic to life for you, I had so much fun with this I hope it's everything you hoped for and more <3
For english functionality Xie Lian uses She/He regardless of his form, and is Transmascfem
And Hua Cheng uses he/they/she depending on what form she's using. Up until now She's presented to Xie Lian as mostly masc / neu with occasional fem but actively prefers being a woman which is why this is a coming out fic when their both already gender fuckery.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Metamorphosis

Xie Lian fastens the delicate silver chain to his right ear; it falls with a soft clinking as the ornate butterfly flutters freely at the end of the chain. The face smiling back at him from the mirror is more done up then he usually goes for, but he can't deny that the missed the softer touches of feminine makeup over the previous centuries.

The robes he's chosen are similarly softer than what he's grown used to. A muted red cross-collar ru, with long light flowing sleeves, held in place by a gauzy cream poqun. The entire ensemble is brought together by cream butterflies stitched into the sleeves and collar of the ru. Such delicate beautiful things he could not afford as a wandering scrap god, now close at hand thanks to his Airen.

Xie Lian pushes her sleeves out of the way, taking a comb off of the vanity. Using it to part the top layer of her hair, she starts the arduous process of trying to wrestle it into some semblance of an updo to match. As much as she enjoys doing makeup, the same cannot be said for hair.

As a princess, he'd never been taught how to execute the elaborate styles expected of someone of his rank, and once he'd started cultivating and transitioned he'd had even less reason to learn. No matter how much he twists or pulls, his hair just refuses to cooperate, falling limply out of whatever style he attempts.

He's this close to giving up, his hair a staticky mess, half of it falling into his eyes, when long fingers pull the comb from his hands. Xie Lian lets go of his hair automatically, letting it spill down over his shoulders unrestrained.

Hua Cheng threads their fingers though his hair with ease, combing out the tangles painlessly. Their pointed nails scrape over Xie Lian's scalp gently as they part and braid his hair, pulling it up into an elaborate half bun. Little braids threading though the bun, framing his bangs perfectly.

Once they're content with his hair, Hua Cheng tucks the left side of Xie Lian's bangs back over his ear, making sure the delicate silver butterfly remains visible.

"Gege should have called me to help." Hua Cheng says, leaning down so that their head is next to his. The form she picked today is beautifully feminine, her face slender and sharp, adorned with only the smallest touches of red lining under her eyes for makeup. Short bangs are slicked down to her skin in sharp spirals.

Xie Lian can't help but match her sharp smile with a soft one of her own. Quite a stunning pair they make.

She turns her face toward Hua Cheng's, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. Hua Cheng leans into her, arms wrapping loosely around her waist. Xie Lian giggles, turning to slip her arms around Hua Cheng's neck, drawing her in for a proper kiss.

Her wife's hair is adorned with a set of beautiful silver horns, dripping in delicate charms that tinkle softly every time she moves her head. Her hair flows freely down her back, a soft onyx waterfall, everything held in place by a satin red head cloth.

After the kiss breaks, Xie Lian runs her fingers along the thick embroidered collar of Hua Cheng's robes. A set Xie Lian himself had had made for her.

A meticulously crafted red and black set of Miao Hmong robes tailored perfectly to his wife's tastes. A three part piece: the well fitted black top with bands of heavy red embroidery at the cuff, elbows and neck tucked into a long flowing red skirt hand stitched with beautiful geometric patterns, all fastened tight with a matching black front panel.

"San Lang looks very pretty," Xie Lian beams.

Hua Cheng huffs a laugh, her voice soft and melodic. "Gege wanted to get dressed up tonight, how could I say no?"

Xie Lian hums, considering. "San Lang has been using this form a lot more often recently."

He lets the statement hang in the air, hopeful that Hua Cheng will take the proffered branch.

She does not.

"I feel like switching it up more often, that's all," she shifts in his arms, deflecting nervously. "Besides, it will be fun to watch Nan Yang squirm during dinner. Don't I deserve a little fun?"

He decides not to challenge her on the deflection as Hua Cheng pulls out of his arms.

"I thought we could leave a little early? It's the perfect day for a walk through the city!" she says, gesturing towards the exit.

Xie Lian eyes Hua Cheng with barely concealed suspicion, but takes her offered hand nonetheless, letting her lead him out.

The warm summer air washes over Xie Lian's skin as they step out of paradise manor together. Xie Lian keeps his fingers laced with Hua Cheng's as they walk, basking in the cool touch of her skin cutting though the buzzing warmth of the city.

They make their way to the market streets hand in hand. The air is laced with delicious spices and sweet perfumes of the vendors' wares. The crowed parts for them automatically as they walk, familiar ghostly faces appear from inside shops and street carts to greet them.

"Chengzhu! Chengzhu! Is that you?"

"Dianxia, your makeup is amazing!"

"Chengzhu! Come, come, we have new fried skewers! They're to die for! You and Dianxia simply must take some!"

"Chengzhu! Your form is stunning today!"

"I simply must say—this form suits you so well, Chengzhu! If you ever want the best products for maintaining such a skin please come to my parlor! We have everything a pretty ghost girl could want— free of charge for you, of course, Chengzhu."

"Dianxia, you sure are lucky to have such a stunning woman on your arm tonight. What I wouldn't give to have luck like yours for even one night!"

Xie Lian giggles as the ghost city residents heap praise on them both. He watched with joy as Hua Cheng hides her startled fluster with an easy smile, just enough preening to satisfy the masses.

As they make their way through the lively crowds, Hua Cheng leans down to whisper in her ear.

"If Gege wanted…. we could skip out on dinner and try those skewers instead?"

Xie Lian gives her a chiding look. "San Lang, we can't. Feng Xin and Mu Qing came all the way here to spend time with us."

"But their soooooooo annoying Gege," Hua Cheng pouts. "We could have much more fun with just the two of us."

She smacks Hua Cheng's arm lightly, blushing at the incredibly unsubtle implication. "Insatiable!"

Hua Cheng drapes herself over Xie Lian's back, chin resting carefully on her shoulder as they walk. Her arms wrap loosely around Xie Lian's waist.

"Only for Gege," she sings.

Xie Lian's heart melts just a little, but she doesn't break. She does really want to see her old friends. It's been too long since they had a chance to have a nice meal together.

"San Lang can have as much fun as she wants after the dinner, alright?"

Hua Cheng sighs dramatically against Xie Lian's back before pulling back. "Fiiiineee."

Xie Lian smiles up at her before re-lacing their hands once more and continuing on to their destination. The restaurant she had picked for this dinner was one of the better places for non ghost cuisine in the city; Staffed by mostly human skinned ghosts without a taste for controversial things like human flesh, they served some of the best spicy vermicelli stir-fry Xie Lian had been able to find in a few centuries.

The choice to leave early had been a smart one—navigating the lively streets of Ghost City had taken longer than usual.

By the time they make it to the restaurant, Feng Xin and Mu Qing are standing awkwardly by the entrance waiting for them.

Xie Lian waves as they approach, watching with humor as both men go from relaxing at seeing friendly faces to visibly tense once more when their gazes catch on Hua Cheng's form.

Feng Xin nods stiffly as their groups join, pointedly not looking towards Hua Cheng for more than a moment. "You two—ahem, Look very nice."

"Thank you! You both look well." Xie Lian says with a smile.

Mu Qing coughs, not meeting their eyes. "En, we are. Let's go inside, shall we?"

Hua Cheng snorts, but does not comment. This earns her an elbow from Xie Lian and a dirty look from Mu Qing, before he turns his back on all of them and heads into the restaurant with a swish. Xie Lian sighs quietly before following inside. Hua Cheng's hand, still in his, goes along easily and Feng Xin trails behind silently.

A pretty ghost in long flowing robes leads them to their reserved table in the private dining room. They each take their seats silently: Mu Qing and Feng Xin on one side of the table and Xie Lian and Hua Cheng on the other, the cavernous distance of the four person table between them.

The waitress sets out cups of steaming water for all of them. Xie Lian sips his gently, careful not to smudge his lip stain. He has to try not to choke when Feng Xin takes his cup in hand and downs the whole thing in a second, still unable to meet Hua Cheng's bored gaze.

Xie Lian turns his attention to Mu Qing. "How are things in Heaven these days?"

"They're fine," Mu Qing says, crossing his arms over his chest. "Everyone is still fighting over who should be the new Heavenly Emperor since you declined the role, again."

Hua Cheng scoffs, "When are they not fighting?"

Mu Qing rolls his eyes at Hua Cheng's snark. The instinctual reaction is quickly followed up with a tired sigh and shrug. "True."

He takes a swig of his water. "Ling Wen and Pei Ming have been keeping most of the infighting civil at least. Most people still respect their seniority."

Xie Lian nods his understanding, "Well if you two ever need a break, you're always welcome to come stay here with us for a little while."

"Gege—" Hua Cheng looks at him like he hit her, her eyes wide with faux betrayal.

Mu Qing watches as Xie Lian swats at her gently shushing her protests. "I think we're okay for now… thanks for the offer though."

Xie Lian looks to Feng Xin for confirmation but he's too busy looking anywhere but at him and Hua Cheng to notice until Mu Qing kicks him under the table.

"Huh—!? What was that for!?" He barks, spinning on Mu Qing in an instant.

"Cause you where being stupid." Mu Qing replies coolly.

"STUPID!? I was NOT—"

"Yes, you were."

Feng Xin lunges for Mu Qing, trying to grapple him.

Hua Cheng leans back in her chair, and Xie Lian rubs his temple, feeling the incoming headache already as the two descend into a barely seated brawl.

He presses his forehead against Hua Cheng's shoulder, exasperated. She pats his hair gently enjoying the show for just a little longer.

A waitress knocks politely on the dining room door, carrying five steaming hot plates balanced perfectly in her six spider-like hands. The polite smile on her face freezes as she beholds the scene in front of her.

She catches Hua Cheng's eye, bowing as far as she can manage with her hands full. "Chengzhu."

Hua Cheng nods towards her with a mischievous smile. She holds up one finger for the waitress indicating she wait for just a moment, before her eyes land back on the brawling men across from her. Taking in the entrainment one last time, she sighs wistfully, before snapping her fingers.

Two silver butterflies on Hua Cheng's silver horns flutter to life. Taking off from the delicate chain that used to hold them, they flit across the table. One lands on Feng Xin's shoulder and other on Mu Qing's head. As soon as the butterflies make contact both men go still as stone, locked half falling out of their chairs.

"I think that's enough of that for now," Hua Cheng says mildly, and makes a small gesture, forcing the duo to let go of each other and sit stiffly back in their chairs. She then motions for the waitress to come set down their food.

The poor waitress does so with shaking hands, sticking closer to Hua Cheng's side of the table as if she'll end up exorcised if she gets too close to the two martial gods.

Xie Lian smiles apologetically to her, "Very sorry for all the trouble, miss."

"Oh no Dianxia, its no trouble at all! Please don't apologize. It's an honor to serve Chengzhu and you, as well as your… friends." She blushes, quickly shaking her head.

She bows low and scampers out of the room quickly after setting their plates down. Mu Qing and Feng Xin glare at Hua Cheng as the waitress leaves. Hua Cheng finally looks back at them with lazy disdain. "If I let you go, will you refrain from scaring my citizens with your violent mating rituals?"

The tips of Mu Qing's ears turn pink and his stare becomes laced with killing intent while Feng Xin's face goes bright red. Hua Cheng sighs mildly, snapping her fingers.

The butterflies lift off of them and return to their rightful places on her horns.

Xie Lian claps her hands, "Lets eat, shall we!?"

"Let's," Hua Cheng agrees.

Feng Xin grumbles but doesn't object, while Mu Qing just glares at Hua Cheng for a moment before beginning to serve himself food in icy silence. Hua Cheng ignores both of them, instead turning her focus to piling food on both her and Xie Lian's plates.

Slowly the atmosphere relaxes again, stilted conversation picking up slowly as the waitress brings out more dishes. Feng Xin shovels the vermicelli stir-fry into his mouth like a man starved.

"Heaven's will! I haven't found vermicelli stir-fry like this in over 800 years! Not even the cooks up in heaven can manage to replicate it this well!" Feng Xin all but moans.

Xie Lian laugh out right, a bright happy sound he's only recently rediscovered, "I thought you'd like it."

Feng Xin nods enthusiastically, mouth stained red. Xie Lian flicks his eyes to Mu Qing who gives a subdued nod. "It's… nostalgic."

Xie Lian claps happily. From Mu Qing that's all but shouting his enjoyment from the roof tops. After that, conversation flows more easily; Feng Xin slowly relaxes, only shooting the occasional nervous glance at Hua Cheng as he talks.

Eventually, the waitress comes through to clear their empty dishes with a smile. "The soup will be out in a few minutes," she informs them, six arms full of empty dishes. "Can I grab you more drinks, perhaps?"

"A pot of Da Hong Pao for the table," Hua Cheng answers, ignoring the surprised looks on the two Martial God's faces. The waitress nods serenely, disappearing with the dishes only to quickly reappear carrying the hot pot of expensive tea and four cups. She pours out a cup for each of them before vanishing once again.

Xie Lian sips her tea mildly, savouring the added warmth and rich flavour. Feng Xin fiddles with his cup, shooting glances at Hua Cheng as she drinks serenely from her own cup. Clearly he wants to say something, though what it is Xie Lian cannot tell.

Eventually Feng Xin steels himself and opens his mouth to speak, "Did you, um was this—" he gestures uncomfortably at Hua Cheng's form. "To— for a specific reason?"

Hua Cheng gives Feng Xin a bored look from across the table. "You mean did I choose this form just to antagonize you?"

Feng Xin chokes around his noodles, "That's not—hck I mean— ? What other reason would you pick that form for…" he squirms uncomfortably, his voice petering out mid-sentence.

"Have you considered that I don't take your feelings into consideration when I make my decisions? Perhaps I chose this form because I felt like it, or even because I enjoy it."

"You enjoy looking like a woman?" Mu Qing scoffs, " The scourge of Heaven, Crimson Rain Sought Flower is less intimidating if people know he likes to parade around as a woman, don't you think?"

The air around Hua Cheng turns freezing in an instant. Xie Lian considers the idea that Mu Qing has recently acquired a death wish since the last time they spoke, as Hua Cheng rigidly turns an icy gaze to Mu Qing.

Drip.

"Would you," Hua Cheng asks, her words slow and deliberate. "Like to say that again?"

Drip Drip.

Mu Qing rolls his eyes, although the tension in his shoulders gives away his nerves as he realizes he miss stepped. Cynicism, however, remains his fatal flaw. He cannot help but press on. "If you're going to cross dress so openly you can't actually expect people to take you seriously as a Supreme."

Drip Drip. Drip Drip.

Hua Cheng tilts her head to the side slightly, her face an unnervingly blank mask. "Can't I?"

Drip Drip. Drip Drip.

Feng Xin shifts in his chair.

Drip Drip. Drip Drip. Drip Drip.

Mu Qing holds Hua Cheng's bloody gaze for a long moment.

Drip Drip. Drip Drip. Drip Drip.

His valiant effort cannot keep him from flinching as fat red drops fall from nowhere landing heavy on his head and face.