Chapter 51 - 51 - The Black Market

"Achoo. Ah God, someone must be thinking of me," Xia mumbled, wiping his itchy nose.

"That's not true." Long Aotian wiped his red nose with his own sleeves. "It's all a myth. What? Do you sneeze every time someone people think about you? that sounds absurd."

"No, it's not." the little crayfish folded his hands and gave him a challenging look.

"Okay then, let me prove it to you," He said flicking his little nose. He stared deeply into his lover's eyes for a while and mumbled, "See, it didn't work."

Xia smirked and softly caressed his lapels. "Maybe... you weren't thinking hard enough,"

"Oh, I was thinking hard alright. Like REALLY HARD," he gazed down at his tight pants.

"Not that Hard," Xia winked and walked ahead into the dusty road.

"Wait up. There might be a lot of dangers ahead," Long Aotian Linked their fingers together. He peered into his eyes with a small smile on his face. "I really like us going on this adventure,"

Xia sighed and stopped walking. "Little Long, this is not an adventure. It's me trying my best to find my mother."

Long Aotian cupped his lover's face and smoothed out the frown on his forehead. "I know. But I still like.... being with you." He softly kissed his forehead and continued, "Before you came into my life I was... Just lost, and spending time with you makes me realised that I have feelings.... too," he stuttered.

Xia Che got onto his tip toes and pecked on his chin. "Little Long, I love spending time with you too." He caressed his sharp chin and buried his head into his sturdy chest, "I was lost as well, before you dropped into my lap."

"Hmm," Long nuzzled into his neck and breathed into his soothing fragrance.

"Literally, I was not expecting a roasted snake." Xia murmured from his chest.

"I was not roasted. Just.... slightly burnt,"

"Whatever you say, little son," Xia smirked and pulled his hands into his.

"Sooo, how do you think I should introduce myself?" Long fiddled with his lover's fingers. His cheeks pink as he gazed at his lover.

"To whom?" Xia gave him a quizzical look.

"To Yukiya. When we find her that is." The golden dragon gulped in nervousness.

Xia pulled his hands and dragged him through the deserted road. "Hmm, of course, as little Long."

Long Aotian wet his dry lips and glanced down at his lover. "Yes... yes... But I wanted to introduce myself as your... Lov." Loud wind chimes echoed through the road, disturbing their conversation.

In the nearby tree, they swayed in the wind, creating a beautiful harmony. A small ray of moon light shone on the dusty road, illuminating a large Torii gate. The gate shimmered red and blue, along with some illuminating pearls encrusted on its beams.

"Oh, the gate has appeared. Black market really is extravagant, wow," Xia exclaimed, pulling his arms.

The golden dragon blinked awkwardly with a small blush on his face. "Yeah, it is," he mumbled.

"What were you saying before," Xia inquired with a quizzical look.

"Nothing... Nothing at all," Long smirked, his face still red from his previous confession.

"Come on, then. I know this will be dangerous, but I will protect you at all costs," Xia whispered. Moonlight shone in his doe-like eyes, reflected his innocence, a sharp contrast to his bold red attire.

Long gazed deeply into his beautiful eyes and whispered, "And so will I,"

"Haha, okay, now let's go before the Torii closes," Xia giggled and pulled him towards the door.

As they stepped past the first step inside the doorway, it led them to a new dimension. Bright sunlight shone inside, almost blinding their eyes.

"No one told me it was a different timeline as well," Xia mumbled, closing his eyes with his long sleeve.

But a long show cast on his face shielding him from the sunlight. The little snake stood in front of him, his long back hiding him from the harsh rays of the sun.

Xia softly caressed his strong shoulder blades and whispered near his ear, "Thank you, little snaky,"

After Xia's sensitive eyes got adjusted to the bright surroundings, they both made their way into the mystical Black Market.

"Fresh Virilois, sir, smell them. They're been known to extend your bedroom performance by twofold," A small street vendor rushed over to Xia Che and started marketing his product.

"We will not be needing that," Long pulled his lover's slender his and led him away from the vendor.

"You definitely don't need that," The street vendor mumbled as he watched the pair walk away. "Wish I had your... uh biceps,"

"Hmm, awkward," Long mumbled.

"You sure we won't need that," Xia questioned with a naughty smirk.

"Oh, I assure you sir, we don't need THAT.. Let's find an Inn; it seems your questioning my talents."