the butterfly lovers
a hualian soulmates AU | canon divergent | 37K | mature | happy ending!
By seventeen, Xie Lian has accepted not having a fated partner, only to feel the connection form the day of the God-Pleasing Festival. While he can’t understand a word of what the person writes at first, following Xie Lian’s ascension, San Lang becomes his most trusted confidant. No matter how many times Xie Lian asks to meet, however, San Lang refuses.
Years later, when war finally brings them face to face, the circumstances are tragic.
Banished to the mortal realm and cut off from San Lang, Xie Lian struggles to support his parents, gradually slipping into despair. San Lang’s spirit returns to him, refusing to leave the mortal realm while Xie Lian is in it. But after only a brief happiness together, the faceless ghost who destroyed his kingdom returns, taking San Lang from him again, and Xie Lian has to trust that their connection is strong enough to bring him back.
Based on art by @ammoniium for the @mxtxbigbang
Read on AO3 | ammy’s art post
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Caution: This fic reimagines several upsetting canon events. Please please please check the tags and opening notes before reading!