Anthologyhmm... what would be the funniest form for Hua Cheng to be wearing when he unexpectedly meets Xie Lian? Tacky rich boy, ratty teen girl, wizened monk, married woman?
Father Knife@crownlessagain.bsky.social snippet:
There's a strange ruffle of air, and Xie Lian turns.
There, in the door, Hua Cheng. Xie Lian tries a stiff smile, suddenly unsure of his welcome after all, despite every dream of the last several centuries. Perhaps he should have stayed a perfect memory instead of coming here. His hair is still atrocious. He's only as clean as rubbing away grit with a dirty hand will get him, starved and dehydrated and still wearing the same clothes he was buried in. Hua Cheng though, this isn't a form he's seen before and certainly not the one the man wears when alone. For one thing, the form takes the shape of a frog, though he stands upright like a human. It's probably quite an inconspicuous disguise around the city.
Xie Lian has seen enough of this man not to be fooled. The way he holds himself is unmistakable, and the soft wonder is an expression he knows well. He can't help but truely smile.
transfemwulian