Chapter Text
As the storm begun to pass, Keqing noticed the last rays of sunlight passing through the clouds, announcing the end of another day. She was sitting on the couch, with Ganyu’s head resting on her shoulder. With the window open, they could hear all the sounds of the city, including music being played in the distance. It was a perfect moment, one she wished could last forever. Unfortunately, there was still work to be done today. That was the price of being a member of the Qixing.
“I think your clothes are dry, if you want to leave” Ganyu lifted her head and gave her a reassuring smile “Don’t worry, I know you still have things to do today”
“I wish I could stay here with you, that’s all” Keqing whispered.
“I’ll be organizing some documents tomorrow at the Yuehai Pavilion, so I suppose we will end up meeting there anyway” the girl said, gently tucking a strand of Keqing’s hair behind her ear.
“I suppose we will” Keqing said getting up and picking her clothes from the wire “See you tomorrow then”
She kissed Ganyu goodbye and made her way home. “I’ll have to make an extra effort to focus on work with her on my mind” Keqing thought as she opened her house’s door.
The next seven days were great. Even though she, Ganyu and Ningguang were back to their busy schedules, Keqing always made time to walk Ganyu home at night, kissing her at the doorway. Ganyu would now often stop by Keqing’s office to chat during their breaks or to bring lunch, so they could eat together.
On the seventh day, a Saturday, they were walking home, almost reaching their destination when Keqing suddenly stopped, staring at the starry sky.
“Keqing?” Ganyu called, bringing her back.
“Do you have too much work to do tomorrow?” Keqing asked calmly.
“Not really. Nothing I can’t finish in the morning. Why?” Ganyu questioned with a certain curiosity.
“A date. I want to take you somewhere I think you will like. What do you say?” the Yuheng asked excitedly.
“I think it will be great” Ganyu answered with a huge smile on her face.
“I’ll pick you up at 14h” she said, walking the girl home and kissing her like she had done every night since the lunch at Ningguang’s.
On the morning after, Keqing woke up even happier than she had expected. She arrived at her office before the sunrise to make sure she could finish her job in time. Besides, she still had one place to go before her date with Ganyu.
When the clock struck 13:30, the Yuheng left her office and made her way to Wanmin Restaurant. Arriving there, she paid Xiangling an extra. It was probably hard to come up with 5 different snacks with the things Ganyu allowed herself to eat after all, so she thought the chef deserved a reward. She organized everything inside a bag and walked to the Pavilion to meet Ganyu. A picknick may be a little out of style, but Keqing was sure the Qilin would love it.
When she finally spotted Ganyu, the girl was gasping and had a giant envelope in hands.
“Hey” Keqing greeted and kissed her “Still need to deliver this? I can accompany you if you want”
“This is for you actually. It’s a surprise, I’ll show you when we get there” Ganyu smiled gently “By the way, where are we going?”
“Follow me” Keqing grabbed Ganyu’s free hand and lead her through the streets of Liyue.
They walked for a few minutes before Keqing arrived at the spot she had considered perfect. Away from the town’s noises, high in a mountain, under the shadow of the trees but with a complete view of the harbor and the ocean that bathed the city.
Keqing placed a blanket on the floor so they sit down, then started unpacking the food.
“When did you have time to plan this?” Ganyu questioned her, impressed.
“At night and during breaks, I guess. It’s no big deal, but I wanted to do something special for you. I hope you like it, Ganyu” Keqing said before kissing her cheek.
“It’s wonderful, Keqing” the Qilin giggled happily before giving the Yuheng the large envelope she had been carrying “I made this specially for you”
Keqing carefully opened the envelope, revealing its content. Two A2 sized watercolor paintings, one of Guyun Stone Forest and other of the Qingce Village. She took her time appreciating the all the details, including the signature on the bottom of the page “With love, Ganyu”.
“You told me to surprise you” Ganyu explained, using a hand to stroke Keqing’s back “I wasn’t sure which location to pick, so I decided to make two paintings. I choose these places because, each in their own way, they are special and unique. Just like you, Keqing.”
She was right. Qingce Village was known for its vast flower fields and waterfalls , while Guyun Forest for its large and imposing rock mountains which were the spears Rex Lapis had thrown during the war.
“And you” Keqing smile genuinely at her “If you think about it, the contrast between these two different places reminds the one between you and me. Your kind way contrasts with my…”
“Diligent one I would say” Ganyu completed lovingly “Did you like it?”
“I loved it, thank you so much” Keqing thanked her before getting some courage to say her next words “And I… I love you”
Keqing had been keeping these words for herself for a few days, because she still had't found the right moment to say it. Embarrassed, she quickly tried to turn away to hide her blush, but Ganyu was fast to grab her cheeks and pull her for a loving kiss. When they pulled away, the Qilin had tears on her eyes, a blush on her cheeks and a huge smile on her face.
“I love you too, Keqing” she managed to say before kissing her again.
When they pulled away for the second time, Keqing grabbed Ganyu’s hand and looked her straight in the eyes.
“Will you be my girl then? Officially?” she asked while caressing the soft skin of the girl’s hand.
“I will. Of course, I will!” Ganyu answered excitedly before pulling Keqing for a tight hug.
After that, Keqing smiled widely and kissed Ganyu’s hand. They spent the rest afternoon eating, talking, enjoying the view, and kissing. A perfect date in Keqing’s eyes.
When the sun started to set, she walked Ganyu home as usual and was about to kiss her goodbye when the girl invited her in. That night, while Ganyu rested on her girl’s warm embrace, she was happy to be finally sure that Liyue Harbor was where she belonged, by Keqing’s side.