Love and Hearts

"You want all of us to go on a date?" Questioned Tang Wulin with a raised brow at Na'er who was staring at him with her eyes shining dazzlingly.

Tang Wulin along with Wu Siduo has been cultivating the body sect's innate secret Golden Arhat Body for the past two weeks. Although he did recall Mu Ye being shocked, he was a lot slower than Wu Siduo. Although that was because he was training his Devil Slayer, Spearmanship, and Annihilation.

"Yes. A festival is going to be host later in the day in celebration of the completion of the city. So, we can use that festival as our first date." Said Na'er with an enormous smile.

Tang Wulin lips twitch as he began to recall Wang Tong mentioning that the workers and people of Tenrou City were properly planning a Festival a few days back. Wang Tong asked him if he was going to go but he told him he was too busy with the training.

Tang Wulin was about to tell Na'er another time but then Zeref and Sleipnir appeared next to him with deadpan looks.

"Don't you dare refuse." Said Sleipnir as she glared fiercely at Tang Wulin causing him to arch a brow.

'Why not?' Thought Tang Wulin causing Zeref to sigh and put a hand on his face.

"This is the ideal place for your first date with them. While I understand we are busy with other stuff and our other plans. You have to learn to relax." Said Zeref causing Tang Wulin to fall into thought.

"I know you want to regain your strength as fast as possible but you should at least enjoy the journey to the top. Go have fun with the friends you have made and the lovely girls you have come to love." Said Zeref.

"Remember Wulin, you promise to compromise." Said Sleipnir causing Zeref to nod his head with her.

Tang Wulin glance at Na'er face that was still beaming with a smile and her eager eyes were glittering with the thought of going on the date with Wulin.

'She looks pretty ecstatic.'

Tang Wulin began getting up from his seat, drawing Na'er out of her daydreaming. He moved his hand to her face and began stroking her head.

"Alright, let's attend the festival."

#

"Ohh! My baby girl is going on her first date!" Screamed Mu Bao'er as she stared thoughtfully at her adorable daughter who was blushing.

"Stop it, mom!" Yelled Mu Xi at her beloved mother who only lightly laugh. She was going to say something more but her shoulder was grab and she was forcibly turned around by her Dad.

"My dear daughter! Even though I trust Wulin, you must remember to never let your guard down near him!" Roared Mu Chen.

"All men are-."

"Damn it Dad shut up."

Mu Bao'er had a faint smile on her face as she watches those two duos arguing. She hopes Mu Xi has a pleasant time on her first date.

'Now if only they could stop arguing, so we all can get ready too.'

#

"My little girl! Is going on her first date!"

Na'er giggles as her mom began rubbing her cheeks on hers. She was wearing a long silvery-blue kimono that was cut off the lovely shoulder with the flowing sleeves being filled with dragons floral designs and the kimono itself was lavishly decorated with golden texture patterns.

She glances to the side to see Wulin and their dad waiting passively for them at the door. Her brother was wearing his Dragon God Robe with black pants which she and Lang Yue believe to amplify his already handsome look.

"Alright honey, they have to go now." Said Tang Ziran causing Lang Yue to pout but nonetheless to nod her head.

"You're not coming to the festival?" Questioned Tang Wulin but Tang Ziran and Lang Yue shook their head.

"We still have some stuff to do. We will meet you guys there." Said Tang Ziran causing Tang Wulin to glance at both of them with a raised brow.

Lang Yue wink at Na'er causing her to giggle and run up to Tang Wulin who was still staring at their parents. She secures her arm around his and started moving to the door with him.

"See you later mom and dad." Said Na'er as she went out of the house with Tang Wulin.

"Be safe!"

"Have fun guys!"

Na'er was humming as she and Tang Wulin began walking leisurely towards the center of the city where the grand festival was being held. They both saw the dazzling arrays of lanterns lighting up the area and creating amazing scenery that allowed one to get lost in its radiant beauty.

"Amazing." Mutter Na'er her eyes were shining.

The people around them were flinging glances at the duo but got dazed by the extraordinary beauty of Na'er who looks were consider to be divine. The people were somewhat used to Tang Wulin looks as he made the occasional journey and walks through the town, to evaluate its progress.

So the people were already used to his looks after a month but Na'er on the other hand. Mostly spent her time in the school or with Tang Wulin when he was in the Pavilion.

"Isn't that Tang Wulin?"

"I wonder who he is with? Could that be his girlfriend?"

"It would make sense. They do look good together."

Na'er smiled became even bigger from the words of the people around and causing Tang Wulin to arch a brow at her improved mood. As they were coming close to the festival, Tang Wulin saw a food stand that was selling meat buns.

"Let's get something to eat." Said Tang Wulin as he motions for her to go toward that small food stand.

Na'er blinks her eyes as her brother purchases some meat buns and then came back with a bag of them that was steaming.

"Wulin?"

"Have some." Said Tang Wulin as he stuffs the bun in her rosy mouth surprising her. But then as she began chewing the bun, her body begins to relax.

Na'er couldn't help but fondly recall how she and Wulin would eat these after they were done training when they were both younger.

'The simple days.' Thought Na'er as she grabs her brother and began walking with him.

While she dearly loves and enjoys her life the way it was now. With the number of friends and people, she had the chance to get to know. She still couldn't help but happily remember when it was just her and Wulin simply enjoying their life with their parents.

Her musing was ended when they were nearing the entrance of the town and she could feel a tug on her soul.

'Gu Yue.'

#

Gu Yue was leaning gracefully on the wall of the entrance to the festival. She was wearing a purple kimono with petal designs on the end and a purple sash around her waist.

She could feel her heart beating fast and didn't know how to stop it.

'It's just a simple date.' Thought Gu Yue.

'With the man, you dearly love.'

She blew a sigh as she knew she was still getting used to the fact that she and Wulin were now dating. Something she thought would never happen or even work out. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice the occasional glances of the men who walk by.

While Gu Yue wasn't as beautiful as someone like Xu Xiaoyan or Na'er. But she did have the aura of someone who was beyond the reach of all, that was able to capture the attention of most who saw her.

"Gu Yue." A voice rang out causing her to look up to see Na'er and Wulin.

A faint smile broke out on her face, that she couldn't control, and started moving toward them. Gu Yue sent a meaningful glance at Na'er who only smiled at her.

As she looks up to Tang Wulin, she was delightfully surprised to see his normal stoic look being a bit soft as he stared at her.

'Now or never.'

With nimble movements, she moved toward Tang Wulin and swiftly went to capture his lips. She didn't end it there as she curled her arm around his neck and after a few seconds, she felt his arms curling around hers.

The kiss only lasted for a few seconds and then they lean back from apart from each other. Gue Yue had a faint smile on her face and Na'er just pouted but didn't say anything.

Tang Wulin himself was surprised Gu Yue was the one who initiates their kiss. Yet he didn't mind as all three of them began walking to the meeting area.

Gu Yue held onto his sleeves and gently lean her head onto his sides, as they walk. Tang Wulin gradually moved his arms around her, while Na'er leads them to the meeting area.

It didn't take them long to arrive at the area as they witness all of the other girls there were waiting for them. Na'er just called out to them.

Mu Xi was wearing a long red kimono decorated with sun symbols with black floral stockings. Her usual ponytail hair was cascaded down upon her back to her waist, yet she still found some way to keep her ribbon in her flowing hair.

Xu Xiaoyan was wearing a yellow-white kimono with white stockings underneath and two gold ribbons tied around her twin tails. Wu Siduo was wearing a black kimono with a black stocking on one leg and white on the other.

Ye Xinglan was wearing a blue and white kimono. Her clothing was simple and yet it did nothing to take away her ice-cold beauty.

They all have been waiting in this spot for a while for everyone. They all turned their head to the sound of Na'er voice.

"You guys are finally here." Said Mu Xi with a cheerful grin.

"Sorry about that." Said Na'er as they finally met up with everyone. They all greeted each other and then with Mu Xi leading them.

They began moving with typically Xu Xiaoyan, Mu Xi, and Na'er talking. Wu Siduo and Ye Xinglan would usually chime in from time to time. Gu Yue said nothing but there was a faint smile on her face as she listens in.

Tang Wulin felt at peace as he walked leisurely with them.

"You have changed a lot." Said Gu Yue as she glances wistfully at Tang Wulin with a gentle smile.

"Change?"

"Yes. Compared to when we first met and now? The difference is worlds apart." Said Gu Yue as she begins thinking.

"And your not the only one. I, Na'er, and everyone in our group seem to be changing." Said Gu Yue as she shifts her head to the girls in front of her.

"I'm glad I went to Eastsea Academy. Because meeting you and Xie Xie was the beginning of everything for me." Said Gu Yue as she gave Tang Wulin a peck on the cheek with a smile.

Tang Wulin didn't say anything and Gu Yue didn't mind as they continued following the group. They finally stop when Mu Xi found them a stand with a game. Gu Yue was dragged away from Tang Wulin by Na'er and Wu Siduo was dragged by Xu Xiaoyan.

Ye Xinglan moved toward Tang Wulin while giving him a side glance and then poke his cheek with her fingers.

"We haven't sparred in a while." Said Ye Xinglan lightly causing Tang Wulin to chuckle and nodded his head.

"It won't be the same as last time. I have gotten better with my spearmanship." Said Tang Wulin causing Ye Xinglan battle lust to be ignited.

"We are sparring tomorrow." Said Ye Xinglan as a grin sprouted on her face.

"Sure."

Ye Xinglan then moves toward Tang Wulin embrace and gently rested her head, while closing her eyes. She didn't say anything and neither did Tang Wulin who curled his arm around, to bring her closer in.

"Still, I do miss this sensation." Mutter Ye Xinglan causing Tang Wulin to glance down at her. She looks up at him, allowing her to see his golden-blue eyes more closely.

'His eyes really are alluring.'

Tang Wulin saw her beautiful blue eyes that were staring at him and her soft lips. Remembering the pleasant sensation of her lips, he began to move closer to capture them, and Ye Xinglan followed. As their lips made contact, electricity rang through both of their body.

Their kiss lasted longer than last time and was strangely better than the first time. Ye Xinglan let out a content sigh and laid back into Tang Wulin embrace.

#

"So they really seem to be having fun." Said Xie Xie as he saw Tang Wulin with all of the girls. The captain told them separately about his complex relationship with the girl as they were coming off the teaching duty over the week.

To say Xie Xie was shocked was an understatement as he didn't think his captain was a playboy or someone like that. Yet he couldn't help but hope their relationship work out for both Wulin and the girl's sake.

He shifted his head toward Yue Zhengyu and Xu Lizhi who were looking at the group, with varying expressions.

"Are you guys, ok?" Questioned Xie Xie.

Yet they didn't say anything as they were too focused on the pleasant smiles that were present on the faces of the girls. Shaking his head, Yue Zhengyu turned around and left the area, not saying anything to Xie Xie.

"You idiot." Said Yuanen Yehui causing Xie Xie to flinch as he knew she was right.

"Yuanen can you watch over Xu Lizhi, I will go talk to him." Said Xie Xie as he ran off without hearing Yuanen's reply.

Yuanen Yehui sighed and then glance at Xu Lizhi who had a look of acceptance on his face. She didn't know why but that look on his face made her a bit frustrated.

"What is with that look on your face." Said Yuanen Yehui to Xu Lizhi who only sighed and lowered his head.

"...I should have known you know. That someone as perfect as she could never love someone like me the way she does Wulin. Seeing them together has made me realize how much they complement each other and how good they are together." Said Xu Lizhi yet Yuanen Yehui said nothing.

"Look at me. I'm so fat while she is so gorgeous. If there was a choice of course-"

"You are an idiot." Said Yuanen Yehui with a sigh causing Xu Lizhi to blink his eyes.

"You think she wouldn't like you because you are fat? Not worthy? She and Wulin look better?" Questioned Yuanen Yehui.

Xu Lizhi was going to comment, but he flinches when he saw Yuanen glaring fiercely at him.

"Who decides that? Isn't it her that decides who she loves? Do you think she would care about all that stuff if she genuinely loved you?" Xu Lizhi became genuinely shocked at the words of Yuanen.

"Isn't that right Xinglan." Said Yuanen Yehui as she turned her head to see Ye Xinglan standing behind them.

"Of course." Said Ye Xingan as she nodded towards Yuanen and mouthed some words to her. Next, she turned her eyes to Xu Lizhi who was frozen in shock at her appearance.

"Good luck." Said Yuanen Yehui as she got up to leave to go enjoy the festival. She wanted to check on something.

"Big sister..."

"Fatty...You idiot!"

Ye Xinglan smacks Xu Lizhi in the head causing him to blink his eyes and hold his head in pain. Seeing him hold his head, Ye Xinglan let out a sigh then cup his face and gently lifted it toward hers.

"If I ever hear you speaking badly about you ever again. It won't just end with a smack fatty but a beating." Said Ye Xinglan causing Xu Lizhi's eyes to widen.

"Now then, about your feelings for me."

"I don't feel the same way." Said Ye Xinglan bluntly without even trying to lessen the damage on Xu Lizhi.

Yet, strangely enough, Xu Lizhi chuckles as he knew this was how his big sister and the women, he dearly loved acted.

"Can you at least answer me this?" Question Xu Lizhi causing Ye Xinglan to arch a brow.

"What is it?"

"Are you happy?" Questioned Xu Lizhi as he stared seriously at Ye Xinglan causing her to blink in surprise and then laughing.

"H-Hey I'm being serious here big sis Xinglan!"

Yet Ye Xinglan shook her head and advanced her hands to pinch Xu Lizhi's cheeks.

"You sure are amazing Lizhi." Said Ye Xinglan causing Xu Lizhi to blink his eyes in surprise at his big sis calling his name and not saying fatty.

"Even though you're in pain, you are still worried about me. But for your question, I'm not fully sure yet as this is something new for me." Said Ye Xinglan honestly.

"But when I'm with him. I feel a sense of unspeakable comfort and peace that I don't find anywhere else." Said Ye Xinglan with a tender expression on her face that shock Xu Lizhi.

'I-I have never seen that type of look on big sis face before.' Thought Xu Lizhi.

He only sighed as he knew he couldn't compete with Tang Wulin anymore. But he still looks at his big sis and gave her another serious look.

"Promise me something, big sis." Said Xu Lizhi causing Ye Xinglan to blink her eyes.

"Promise me that no matter what, you will always have big brother Wulin back. No matter where he goes, you will always be with him." Said Xu Lizhi causing Ye Xinglan's eyes to widen and to be shocked.

'Xu Lizhi...You...'

Ye Xinglan was genuinely shocked at how much Xu Lizhi cared for Wulin, even after he was going out with the person he loved. Yet this wasn't surprising as Wulin was not only the first-person Xu Lizhi found that could eat as much as him but also his second real friend.

To him, Wulin wasn't that much lower than Ye Xinglan on how much he properly valued him. Ye Xinglan's face softens as she sighed with a faint smile and brought Xu Lizhi into an affectionate hug.

'You silly idiot. The girl that is able to gain your love in the future, will really be one lucky one.'

"I promise."

#

Yue Zhengyu was sitting down on the bench that was under a budding tree. He was naturally thinking over what he saw with his hands clench together, lost in thought.

"You still sulking over here." A voice rang out causing him to shift his head and see Xie Xie walking thoughtfully toward him.

"I'm not in the mood." Said Yue Zhengyu but that did nothing to deter Xie Xie who only chuckle and sat down next to Yue Zhengyu.

Xie Xie said nothing as he remains sitting down next to Yue Zhengyu. He said nothing even as Yue Zhengyu's hands were clench and his body was trembling.

He said nothing even as Yue Zhengyu was gritting his pearly teeth or as tears started to fall from his eyes. He merely moved his hands over to Yue Zhengyu's shoulder and held it.

He said nothing for words were unneeded. He knew Yue Zhengyu was similar to him and that they both didn't want to show their vulnerable side to anyone.

Especially to the people who they dearly love and care for. Call them weird if you will but they constantly want to give off a sense of confidence and reassurance to them.

"I knew."

"I knew she had feelings for him." Said Yue Zhengyu yet Xie Xie still said nothing.

"I just didn't think too much of it or maybe it was I didn't care?" Questioned Yue Zhengyu as he knew he was very prideful.

"Maybe I felt the feelings that I had for her were just something fleeting at best. It's not like it wasn't the same with the other girls I flirted or met before." Said Yue Zhengyu causing Xie Xie to furrow his brows.

"But strangely enough these distinct feelings didn't stop growing but continued to fester. They grew and grew until finally I didn't feel much attraction to other girls but her. Yet I kept playing it off and telling myself it will go away as time went by." Said Yue Zhengyu.

Xie Xie could hear the genuine pain in his voice and the tensing of his body.

"It was supposed to be a fleeting thing...And so I never tried pursuing her, I never tried gaining her favor. It wasn't until I saw them together that I realize what I felt for her was real."

"Seeing Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan broke something inside of me. I have never felt this type of pain in my life before." Said Yue Zhengyu.

"And all I feel now, as I watch them together was bitter regret."

"Maybe if I had, just tried and threw away this damn pride. Maybe If I hadn't just given in. Then just maybe, I would be in his place."

Xie Xie said nothing as he kept on holding on to Yue Zhengyu with his face still being indifferent. As he knew his friend did not want anyone's response but just a willing listener.

'I wonder...'

'Will this be Yuanen and me?'

Xie Xie didn't know what to do with the relationship between Yuanen and himself. When he saw his boss and his girlfriends, he felt jealous.

Not at them but how they were together and how happy they look. He wishes that was him and Yuanen.

Strangely enough none of them notice a girl with red hair leaning behind the tree. Wearing a complicated look on her face as if she was in thought.

And then she was gone.

#

"Huh, where did Xinglan go?" Questioned Xu Xiaoyan.

"She said she had something important to do and will be back soon." Said Tang Wulin causing Xu Xiaoyan to slowly nod her head.

"This is nice." Said Xu Xiaoyan as she turned back to see the girls competing against each other.

Gu Yue and Na'er were going hard in one of the games against each other, while the other two were trying to win a prize in the other game.

"So you told Na'er about the organized festival." Said Tang Wulin causing Xu Xiaoyan to look at him in considerable shock.

"How did you..."

"It would have to be you. Only you in our entire group other than Xie Xie would be interested in doing something thing like this. And since Xie Xie has been so busy with Yuanen, it would have to be you."

"Sorry about that." Said Xu Xiaoyan with a light chuckle but Tang Wulin simply shook his head.

"You don't need to ask me or get someone to ask if I want to go to places like this." Commented Tang Wulin causing Xu Xiaoyan to blink her eyes.

"Because I will gladly go with you." Said Tang Wulin causing her to be genuinely shocked.

"Xu Xiaoyan what are you doing! Hurry up and come over here!"Yelled Mu Xi as she was competing fiercely with Wu Siduo.

"Coming!" Shouted Xu Xiaoyan as she began moving away from Tang Wulin but then she turned her head to Tang Wulin.

"You should come and join us. After all, we all should be enjoying this." Said Xu Xiaoyan and then she went over to Mu Xi.

Tang Wulin didn't utter anything to her response as he just stayed back and watches them play.

'...Having fun, huh.'

Tang Wulin was about to fall into thought but it was then broken as he felt someone coming up behind him and hugging him from behind. He could feel their head resting on his back and their asset pressing down.

He didn't say anything as he continued observing the match with Mu Xi, Xu Xiaoyan, and Wu Siduo. He knew it was Ye Xinglan, but he didn't call out to her or say anything.

"Thank you. For telling me he was there." Said Ye Xinglan but he could tell her voice was trembling.

"I have been taking care of him since we were young and so I was always worried about him. Of course, because of this, I could tell he was developing feelings for me. Yet, that was also the same time I was developing feelings for you." Said Ye Xinglin softly behind Tang Wulin back as he merely listens to her.

"I should have told him how I felt and that we couldn't work earlier. Maybe, it could have lessened the unspeakable pain and torture he was going true..." Said Ye Xinglan.

"You didn't stay with him?" Questioned Tang Wulin causing Ye Xinglan to shake her head.

"Yuanen told me she would stay with him. And that I should go enjoy myself with the person I sincerely love the most. I really am fortunate to have people like you all in my life." Said Ye Xinglan.

People pass by the both of them, with some throwing them odd glances at the way they look or what exactly they were doing.

Tang Wulin didn't turn around to comfort Ye Xinglan as he knew she didn't wish for him to see this side of her.

After a while, she removed herself from his back and began to walk resolutely towards the front. But not before she turned around, allowing him to see her face.

"I love you." Said Ye Xinglan softly with a radiant smile that brilliantly lit up the whole area around her. The stable lanterns behind her seem to instantly make her golden hair glow even more brilliantly with her blue eyes.

Then she turns back around and went towards the girls as they were coming towards them. Tang Wulin glance at the faces of every single one of them and then a faint smile appeared on his face.

#

"They all seem to be doing ok." Said Lang Yue as she saw her son with his girlfriends. While she was walking through the festival, she coincidentally saw them going to the various food and gaming stands.

"See dear, there wasn't anything to be worried about. Back me up here Bao'er." Said Tang Ziran with a pleading look to Mu Bao'er who only lightly laugh.

"I'm not being roped into this." Said Mu Bao'er causing Tang Ziran to sigh and Lang Yue to gently roll her eyes with a pout.

"Smiling more." Said Mu Chen causing all of them to blink their eyes.

"Smiling more?"

"Wulin, he seems to be enjoying himself. In fact, he seems to be smiling more." Said Mu Chen as he could see from a distance the distinct smile on Wulin face.

"...You are right." Said Tang Ziran as he glances at his son's expression.

The parents of Wulin and Mu Xi knew each other from both of the group's daughters introducing each other over the last two weeks. They easily hit it off with Lang Yue and Mu Bao'er exploring the town together whenever they were free.

While Tang Ziran and Mu Chen would talk for hours about a variety of stuff from blacksmithing to mecha design. Sometimes even their relationship with their kids and their overprotectiveness of their beloved daughters.

"Let's go." Said Lang Yue as she begins turning and walking away.

"Hm? You're not going to observe them longer?" Questioned Tang Ziran, causing Lang Yue to shake her head.

"Nope. Let's go enjoy the festival." Said Lang Yue causing Mu Bao'er to giggle and then follow behind her friend.

"Come on boys, you're our escort through this lovely place."

#

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Look, guys! The fireworks are going off!" Shouted Xu Xiaoyan as she pointed upward.

The group looks up to the moonlit sky to see some small fireworks going off one by one in the air. They weren't the only ones seeing the fireworks as Xie Xie and Yue Zhengyu were watching the firework together.

Yuanen Yehui stayed with Xu Lizhi and was with him for the rest of the festival. While the parents were watching it from a food stand.

"Quickly let's go find a good spot." Said Na'er as she begins looking around for an excellent place where they can stand and watch.

"Over there." Said Tang Wulin as he pointed over to the curved bridge that was a little bit over to the side.

"Nice." Said Mu Xi as she began shuffling everyone over to the bridge.

They made it just in time to see the bigger fireworks going off one by one. They were all enchanted by the fireworks because of the comfortable and joyful mood they were all in, whether it be the indifferent Ye Xinglan or the cold Gu Yue.

"Oh look that is a phoenix, oh and that one is a toad." Said Xu Xiaoyan as she begins listing off all of the fireworks.

"And that one is a spear." Said Na'er as she joined in on the fun.

"Is that a Hell Civet?" Questioned Wu Siduo.

Both girls were listing off the fireworks with Wu Siduo joining in from seeing her spirit, while everyone except Tang Wulin and Mu Xi just watched on.

"Thank You." Said Mu Xi causing Tang Wulin to shift his head to her with a questioning glance.

"Thanks for agreeing to come out and have fun with us at the festival. I know you have many things to do and it must have been annoying to drop everything for this." Said Mu Xi as her glittering eyes were still on the fireworks.

"Still, I don't regret it at all. As you seem to be enjoying yourself because of this festival and your time with us." Said Mu Xi.

The fireworks went on for a while with even more massive explosions and continuous chains. Then they started letting off lanterns in the air to fly away with the added bonus of more fireworks.

"I have always been grateful."

Mu Xi blinks her eyes and turned her head to see Tang Wulin smiling with a softness in his eyes that she had never seen before.

"For everything."

"You all have done for me."