--------------
Ghost City is a beautiful place, objectively. And this is San Lang’s domain, and a good half of the residents still call Xie Lian “Grand-uncle”. But the thing about Ghost City is that it is a bustling metropolis. And, usually, this isn’t an issue. Usually, Xie Lian can walk beside San Lang and talk and laugh and know that nothing can happen to him in Ghost City. His San Lang wouldn’t let anything happen to him in Ghost City.
Usually, however, does not mean always, and today he is clutching San Lang’s hand like a lifeline. Ruoye binds their wrists together as well, for extra security. He doesn’t say anything about this, but San Lang has clearly noticed. His husband guides them toward quieter streets, and Xie Lian leans into his side. He knows San Lang will know what he means, and he knows what San Lang means when he wraps his arm around Xie Lian’s shoulders, pressing him further into his side. It's a bit awkward, since Ruoye still binds their hands, meaning Xie Lian’s left hand now hung more-or-less limply at his right shoulder, but it feels like home when he burrows his face into San Lang’s side, and San Lang laughs, and then he laughs, too. San Lang’s always been able to make him laugh.
-------------