Chapter Text
Didn't I tell you that I can't deny these feelings of love, Beidou?
The last time she had seen Beidou, felt her warmth up and embraced so dearly was a time long forgotten. Beidou sailed over her feet touching the harbor. Gifted Ningguang. Made sure their business remained cordial and warm, in good graces with the Qixing.
In one of their meetings, Ningguang casts a faraway glance, wishful and longing at Beidou in that terrace. The ceremony grounds where they cleaned up and stored the Exuvia from public view. When Beidou turned out of instinct, knowing she was watched by the white-haired woman, her neutral, stern gaze softened and there was a mist, a glaze in her eyes.
Don't tease me with that gaze.
Is it so selfish of me to ask you to stay with me, even a bit longer would do?
"You're making that look again," Beidou noticed, smiling ever so sly. "Like what you see?"
I...
...can't think of anything to feel other than this aching warmth in my chest when you're here. With me.
I'm so embarrassed, yet happy at the same time.
Ningguang breathed in a sigh, half of her face obscured by a fan, her smile so hidden.
"I see only you."
And yet, she regretted saying goodbye to Beidou.
It's hard to swallow that aching anxiety. An imminent threat that will reawaken soon, threatening the future of Liyue now that their god has long passed. The Jade Chamber flying through the storm, now ready to be armed with what they need to face it.
And yet, Ningguang couldn't shake the trembling away. She was strong. The Tianquan of Liyue Qixing is not alone in her endeavor to save the people, she knew that. The disdain of the adepti towards mortals have been set aside for this one, single purpose.
With all the strength we can muster, nothing will be destroyed. The future will be secured.
But then...
...in this high of a battle, where is that woman she loved so?
Beidou? Beidou! Her mind shook. Her eyes swept and right, no ship to be sighted, or even the tall figure defending the ballistas from the Fatui.
Where is she, that Beidou? The waves this god had moved with can eat even the largest ship, breaking it to mere pieces like a small toy on a crushed foot. She better be far away from the battle, far away from the possible fallout that is of the collapse causing so much instability to the waters.
The last thing she would have to hear after all of this?
They couldn't find Beidou.
Don't lose your focus. They're fighting, no matter how they can't take it anymore.
You must continue on.
Beidou will be safe.