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In hindsight, he should have known this would happen. Toying with memory could be a tricky thing, even for gods and ghosts, and far from an exact science. But last time had gone so well, and well… Hua Cheng will readily admit he's a greedy man.
Through the slits in his mask, he studies Xie Lian. He might seem calm enough at a glance, but his pace is brisk; his shoulders, tense. And who can blame him? Waking up in an unfamiliar place, with no memory of how he had gotten there… It would be enough to rattle anyone, especially an embittered, distrustful Xie Lian.
It was an unexpected boon to not have been present when Xie Lian first woke up. It had given him time to prepare. Changing his appearance had been an easy enough task, and Xie Lian seemed to swallow his excuses for now. All Hua Cheng needed to do now was keep him company while Yin Yu hunted down the runaway creature responsible for this mess.
That damned thing will be lucky if it ever sees the light of day for the next 500 years, Hua Cheng thinks coldly. He wouldn't disperse it, at least not without seeing what Xie Lian would prefer first, but he could and would rough it up a little. That is the bare minimum of punishment it deserved for the current situation.
He isn't entirely sure what Xie Lian remembers. His current form is in no position to ask either. Xie Lian's already on edge; if the only familiar figure asks too many questions, then he's bound to get suspicious.
There isn't any real danger, of course. Despite his appearance, Hua Cheng isn't the same ghost he once was. He's stronger now. He can intervene if Xie Lian starts to lash out because he knows his husband would never forgive himself if he hurt anyone in his amnesiac state.
That isn't the main issue though. The main issue with the situation is the fact that this version of his husband is one that's in pain. He's angry and hurting and despite Hua Cheng's best efforts, there isn't much he can to take it away.
This Xie Lian speaks with a voice like ice— cold and unyielding, but poised to shatter at any moment. An invisible scowl no doubt sits behind that horrid mask. Hua Cheng had procured one for Xie Lian to make him feel more comfortable, but he's quickly regretting his decision. It'd be easier to read Xie Lian's mood if only he could see his face.
Reflex has Hua Cheng's body jerking back just in time to avoid the blade that swings out towards him. It stops just before his throat, the sharp tip pressing into his skin.
"Who are you," Xie Lian demands.
Hua Cheng relaxes. Even if the situation looks dire, he knows his husband would never hurt him. "As I said before, I am but a soldier, the one that Your Highness calls Wu Ming."
Xie Lian scoffs. "Do you take me for a fool? You aren't him."
Hua Cheng blinks at that, confused. "...Your Highness?"
The blade presses harder against his skin. Had he any blood to shed, it would have spilled by now, oozing sluggish and hot from the wound pricked by Xie Lian's sword. But Hua Cheng is a ghost, and so there is only cold air and colder metal.
"Don't call me that." Hua Cheng risks tilting his head, prompting Xie Lian to continue. "I can tell you aren't Wu Ming. Tell me what have you done with him."
A dozen questions flit through his mind, but the one that flies out his mouth first is, "Is your Highness worried about me?"
It's a brazen thing to say. So much so that Hua Cheng expects the outburst that follows. Xie Lian snarls and raises his blade. He seems ready to swing down, but something stills his hand in mid-air. Hua Cheng wishes desperately to see his expression. Instead he dedicates his focus to watching every twitch of Xie Lian's body as he tosses the weapon aside and yanks the front of Hua Cheng's clothes. Hua Cheng lets him, hoping that Xie Lian will recognize his docility as evidence of his identity.
"Y— sir," he says softly. "Why won't you believe it's me?"
"...Your gait. I noticed it while we were walking — your footsteps sound different than his."
He noticed something like that? He knows full well that Xie Lian is a perceptive man, but he hadn't expected him to be quite so… aware of him, not back then.
"...I was lost in thought. I must have forgotten myself in my distraction, and seem to have reverted back to old habits. Pray forgive this humble servant for his indiscretion, sir."
Xie Lian stares at him silently for a few moments. Hua Cheng once again longs to throw off that mask, so he can receive the full force of whatever look Xie Lian is wearing. He tries to imagine it instead, picturing a golden glare, with delicate brows furrowed in stern skepticism.
Xie Lian releases him abruptly. He picks up his discarded weapon and holds it out in warning.
"If I find out you're lying to me, I'll kill you."
Hua Cheng's lips twitch behind his mask. "I accept any punishment your Highness sees fit, although…"
"Although??"
"I believe it was you yourself who reminded me of this once before— I am already dead."
Xie Lian jolts, head turned toward Hua Cheng in what can only be incredulity. After a moment, he huffs and turns on his heels, storming off. Under his breath, he mutters something that sounds like, "When did he get so damn cheeky?"
Hua Cheng bites his lip and follows, wondering just how much he can push his luck before things go back to normal. Maybe they can still have some fun today, after all.