Chapter Text
You called the wrong person.
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He Xuan isn't sure what to make of the mortal world.
He used to know what a life in this world felt like but after decades it feels so foreign to him now.
He feels at a loss.
He scoffs at the revelation.
He can barely stand the gods realm or any of the bastards that actually walk the golden paths paved for them. He can barely stand the mortal realms indecisive nature and the humans who never seem to change for anything but a spread of luck.
That's why He Xuan prefers the sea.
As everchanging as it might be it's also the only place he's ever truly felt at peace.
Unfortunately for him, he's on a solo mission undercover in the mortal realm. He must report back his findings on any news of the youngest of the ghost kings.
Dark Storm Howling Wind.
Rumors say they have been spotted around these parts. For what reason, he isn't completely sure. He'll be lucky if he can find even a clue of the followers words of their beloved and elusive ghost king.
Somehow that leads him to a bar of all places.
It seems one specific place to spread worship is in the bars and balcony's of inns with plenty of wine to offer. He grimaces at such a undignified scheme of worship. As the water god, himself, he receives many of fishermen who wish safe passage and travelers praying the sea sees fit to their trading. Many of his followers seem to offer a range of things such as the smallest dumpling to glistening golds.
At the bar, it seems busy with talk in all corners of the place and several pits of laughter boast in the relatively average bar. He Xuan to not seem outlandish or singled out by the crowd wears simpler black robes with small embellished gold thread details with his inked hair tied in a high ponytail with only the side bangs to frame his face free of the constraint.
Only the tiniest of gold powder taints his eyelids and his fingernails are still graced by that bastard blacksmith Hua Cheng's attempt at decorating his and the water god's fine fingers.
He sits by himself at a round table with bowls of food served for his empty stomach to finally fill up. As he slurps down his fill, he keeps an ear out for the gossip and talk of mortals to aid him in his mission. He tries not to look so intimidating but he fears his own unmoving face might lead a different impression upon these unsuspecting mortals.
Yet even in his simple attire, it seems he's caught the eye of an admirer already.
A short and relatively lively one at that.
It's a curly haired brown beauty with such a smile that even that of the heavens light must still shine with it. They wear robes of mint green and earth toned brown. Only a few gold pieces adorn their fingers and wrists.
It seems they shared an interest in a single long piece of gold pierced at one ear.
They're also drunk, stumbling their way to his table sitting at the empty unreserved chair.
"You must be Ming-Xiong!" They say with a playful smile and a drink in their hand.
He Xuan blinks but his expression doesn't change.
He has chosen the name of Ming Yi to go by in this mission but he doesn't recall telling any mortal his name in this bar. Who is this mortal? More importantly what do they want if they in fact know that he's a god in disguise?
Slowly he nods, "Yes. I am." he tilts his head slightly at the admittedly attractive mortal in front of him. "But how do you know my name mysterious stranger?"
The mortal lets out a giggling laughter.
"Oh, Ming-Xiong, dearest friend. Like you don't already know." The mortal merely gives him inviting eyes. Are they flirting? Is this a ploy? Do they know?
"Who is your best friend?" He deadpans with a blank stare that conceals a raging sea of uncertain emotion behind those golden eyes of his.
The mortal edges closer and picks up their delicate hands to hover over their mouth as she reaches to whisper something to him excitedly.
"I see you in my dreams," They reveal as they lean back into their seat. "I just knew as soon as I laid my eyes upon you." They're smiling brightly with such a gleaming voice at that. "It must be the man of my dream. Thus, here I am at your side."
He Xuan isn't sure what to make of that.
Instead he asks, "And I am your best friend in these dreams?"
They nod pleased.
He continues, "Are they good dreams?" It makes him wonder things about this mortal.
This question make the mortal hum thinking for a bit before they reply by musing, "I'm not sure" and trailing off into "Some are good. Some are bad. I think it just means it's meant to be." You and me goes unsaid.
He raises a brow. Not quite unimpressed but something similar to intriguing the god. It's hard to believe that is for sure. He only has the words of a mortal to trust and deception is easy to obtain.
"Really?" He says deadpan but they take it for what it masks. Invested but cautious.
The beautiful stranger who claims friendship nods eagerly, "Yup and guess what!!" Their eyes have a bright glinting shine to them.
"What?" He plays along.
"It's my birthday!!!!" They announce excitedly.
What a coincidence, it is also his birthday. Yet somehow, He Xuan suspects the mortal already knows this. Their knowing eye and smirk confirm this.
"We should eat together to celebrate." They suggest.
What harm could a beautiful mortal bring.
"Alright..." He agrees sighing.
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The mortal goes on about stories. Many kinds of stories that involve all kinds of tall tales. Stories filled with fairy tales and myths riddled in them.
In a way it makes He Xuan feel lighthearted.
Younger than what he is now.
He listens attentively no matter the food he continuously chews and devours the plates and bowls before him. The mortals voice soothes him as if it was a gentle breeze on a spring day.
One story about a sea beast and foolish princess makes him scrunch his face in distaste as the mortal looks at him like a glistening charm with an alluring smile and hand under their chin.
"Ever heard about ghosts?" They asks playfully mischievous.
When has he not? It seems to be one of the reoccurring topics of the heavens realm. He's heard so many ghost stories he's not even sure there is one that he has not heard of.
"I've heard some tales." He regards with the tiniest of fondest smiles on his cold face.
The beautiful mortal bites their lower lip.
"What do you know," the lovely mortal asks him slightly slurred.
"They say ghosts are ghastly creatures with no love for the living. That's why they hide their ashes. To no longer feel love." He strings together something from the top of his head.
They give an offended gasp.
"What?! That's not true!" They protested.
He Xuan laughs shaking his head, "And how do you know?" Little mortal. How could you possibly know?
"I've seen it with my own eyes!" The dear mortal insists.
He Xuan hums.
Unfortunately their conversation is cut short by someone rushing to the bar and screaming about some ghost attack. This riles up all the residents who in turn scramble around to run and hide swearing up a storm.
He Xuan's eyes narrow but turns back to the beautiful mortal in worry.
First, he'll get them to safety.
Then, he'll handle the damn ghost that made this mess.
He takes the mint sleeve and tugs the mortal with him to find a secure hiding place for them. They follow with such ease and trusting nature it worries the god a bit. He could be a very bad man and yet this mortal finds that for a dream he is a trusted friend.
Soon something crashes through a wall and he ducks the mortal under him, crouching away from the debris.
"Is that Dark Storm?" He wonders out loud looking at the giant hole in the wooden wall.
His beautiful mortal hums questionably, "Hm? No? I'm Dark Storm."
Silence.
He Xuan turns slowly to the smiling mortal, no, smiling ghost before him.
They put a finger to their mouth.
"Shhhhhhh."
Then with a wink the wind sings and they're gone.
Right before He Xuan's eyes a beautiful ghost vanishes.
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"How could they just do that?!" He Xuan raved.
Hua Cheng hums uninterested.
The blacksmith considers what the water master said and replies coolly, "Maybe they didn't want to see your ugly mug of a fish face."
"Not helping."
"I'm here to be a problem." He quips.
"Why are we friends again?" He Xuan questions out loud.
Despite the blacksmiths unfriendly demeanor he is one of his closest friends and he thinks the fire master secretly thinks so too. But ever since he's become married to that White Flower he's become more unbearable.
He only talks of his husband.
But he also shares his hate of the heavens so it balances out.
"Because everyone is scared of me except you." Hua Cheng smirks.
He Xuan rolls his eyes.
"That's because you're a spoiled fox." One that cackles and cackles.
"And you're a stinking fish! A bone fish!" He screeches pointing at him childishly.
He Xuan arches a brow. "You act like you're the younger one." He deadpans, his arms crossed.
"I am in spirit." Hua Cheng reply's swiftly, clearly proud.
"That's exactly what an old fuck would say." He Xuan counters with a wicked smile.
Hua Cheng tsks.
"Keep it up and I'll put you in the corner." He threatens playfully.
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"Admit it you like me." The beautiful ghost, whose name he's learned is Shi Qingxuan, pokes his cheek.
He Xuan stays seated pouting with both his arms and legs crossed but otherwise refuses to speak.
"You're so adorable when you pout."
He groans.
"I know you like me." She turns his face with her hand to make him face her evergreen eyes. "You know you like me." He traces his lips with those cold dead fingers. "Just admit it." They whisper darkly in his ear.
He closes his eyes as blush rises face.
"Who says I like you!" He barks with no bite to it.
They squeak excitedly, clapping their hands, before hopping into his lap and looping their arms around his neck as he scramble to put his own hands to their waist to steady them.
"Admit it." they sing-a-long leaning over his face as their position over his lap makes them tower over his frame.
"I like you, there! Happy?" He mumbles out trying to turn away in embarrassment but is rewards with a soft kiss at his cheek that travels over his jawline.
"I like you too, He-Xiong." They reveal with a gentle kiss at his lips.
He sinks into the kiss.