Work Text:
Beidou sat alone in their bedroom. She just got home from her work and she's grateful it was finished immediately. A sigh came out from her lips as she stared at nothing – it was dark, she was too tired to even bother lighting up the house. Ningguang was still not around, nothing new, Beidou wondered when was the last time both of them had a chance to just sit down or laze around.
She ran her hand over the other, tracing her fingers until it reached her ring and she smiled to herself. It has almost been two years since she proposed.
The best moment of her life was when Ningguang said yes to her in that restaurant. The small smile on her lips started to fade away as she recalls all the time their wedding has been moved, pushed back to later dates, all because of work.
Work. Ningguang's work .
Beidou had no problem with hers, she always finds time — no, she always makes time for Ningguang. She sighed once more, throwing her head back and closing her eyes. How long has this been happening? How long has it been since Ningguang began to choose work over their time together? Beidou couldn't count the times she got stood up anymore, there were nights where they are supposed to dine out but Ningguang canceled because she got held up in a meeting. Or the days when they are supposed to just relax, sleep in, and cuddle but Ningguang would be on calls all day talking about stocks and investment or overseas trade.
Beidou let it be, she allowed Ningguang in her own space because she understood it is what her lover needed. But Beidou can't get it off her chest, would it be selfish to ask for her time? Would it be inappropriate to ask for a day where it's just them? Beidou didn't like this feeling. Felt like Ningguang would only have time for her when the meeting would end, or when her work is over. Feeling that she's being taken for granted.
Beidou bit her lip, ' that hurt .', she didn't want to admit it because it was probably just in her mind, but recently it has plagued her. The idea of being just an option to Ningguang, she didn't like it.
It's getting late and darker, Beidou tried to shake her thoughts away, and then she heard a car driving not from afar, it's probably Ningguang parking. She got up from her position to go and welcome Ningguang. She's probably tired.
When Beidou opened the door she saw a surprised Ningguang rummaging in her purse, Beidou smiled.
"Looking for your key?"
"I didn't want to ring the doorbell because I thought you were asleep."
"Come here."
Beidou pulled Ningguang in and pushed Ningguang on the door as it closed. She buried her face on the crook of Ningguang's neck, while her hands were on Ningguang's slender waist. She heard Ningguang hum into her ear as she felt her head being patted.
"Missed me?"
"Mhmm…"
"Me too. Have you had dinner?"
Beidou shook her head and heard Ningguang's soft voice, "I'll cook something for us."
Beidou hugged her closer, "Let's stay like this for a few more minutes. I'm recharging."
She heard Ningguang's low chuckles along with the soft whispers of 'alright' or 'okay'. She just wants to have Ningguang as close as possible right now. After a few moments passed, the two made their way to the kitchen. The room was filled with white noises as the pair cooked in silence. Sharing smiles and giggles every now and then whenever they would catch each other's gazes.
Beidou missed this. The warm feeling whenever she's with Ningguang.
She now stood behind her lover who was busy mixing and seasoning their food. Beidou rested her chin on Ningguang's shoulder, her head tilted a little so she could look at Ningguang's side profile.
Ningguang smiled, her eyes on the pot still, "How are you today?" she asked.
"Mmmm… nothing new, nothing special." Beidou’s lips made their way to Ningguang’s tender skin just below her jaw and Ningguang could only hum at the action. “How’s yours?”
“Well, one of our recent projects just got approved and will be disseminated to other sister companies as soon as possible...”
Beidou stopped her ministrations for a moment, she took a closer look at Ningguang and when she saw the other woman gave her a bitter smile, Beidou knew.
“Beidou… I’m sorr-”
“No, don’t apologize, it’s fine.” she hugged Ningguang tighter, “It’s not like we’re running out of days .”
Ningguang pouted, she turned off the heat of the stove before turning around to face Beidou, “But we’re putting off our wedding again because of it...”
Ningguang cupped her face and her thumb brushed against Beidou’s lips, “What did I do to deserve you?”
“That’s my line.” Beidou smiled before closing the gap between them, she felt Ningguang smiling against her lips but their soft kiss didn’t last long as they both heard each other’s stomach rumbled and it ended with a laugh.
“That wouldn’t be possible!” Beidou heard Ningguang from a distance, she forced to open her eyes despite still feeling dazed and her gaze landed on the digital clock on their nightstand. 2:48 AM it read, Beidou couldn’t help but yawn and slowly stand up from their bed to look for Ningguang, then she heard her again.
“How could we lose three investors overnight?!” She yelled over the phone again, Beidou hurried her way to where Ningguang was and she found her lover sitting in front of the vanity mirror while pinching the bridge of her nose. “This should not be happening. If this doesn’t get fixed by tomorrow-”
Beidou leaned against the door frame and when Ningguang noticed her presence, she could only sigh. The rest of the conversation over the phone became calmer and Beidou waited until the call ended. Ningguang grunted and put her face on the palm of her hands while letting out a long sigh.
“That bad?” Beidou made her way to Ningguang and hugged her from behind, “Breathe, love.”
“I’m sorry, did I wake you?”
Beidou hummed as she wrapped her arms around Ningguang’s waist, “Hmhmm. Do you want to talk about it?” Beidou kissed Ningguang’s neck and she started to softly nib on the skin.
Ningguang let out a shaky sigh as she answered, “I’d rather not… Hmmm …” Her breath hitched when Beidou sucked bit a little harder than intended on her shoulder and Beidou only chuckled. Without another word, Beidou immediately let go of Ningguang’s waist as she placed her arm below Ningguang’s legs while the other remained to support her lover’s torso. She carried Ningguang back to their bed while they shared a lazy kiss, Ningguang landed softly on her back and just admired the view of Beidou towering her over.
When Beidou bent down to kiss her lips, her hand went underneath Ningguang’s camisole. Ningguang gasped at the sensation of her lover’s slightly cold hand but everything started to feel warmer. It almost seemed like they had forgotten the world, almost, until Ningguang’s phone rang. Both of them were quite startled and stared into each other’s eyes for a second before Ningguang excused herself to take her phone and answer the call.
Beidou just scratched the back of her head, that was unexpected. However this scenario wasn’t new, she just got used to it, though she was a little disappointed – okay, probably a little more than that, but what can she do? Work is work and she can’t do anything about it. She waited for Ningguang to finish the call but she didn’t notice that she fell asleep.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It was never supposed to go on like this. Beidou tried to calm her senses, she just talked to Ningguang’s secretary over the phone and she was informed that Ningguang was in the airport today to catch her flight on the way to Fontaine for a meeting. It’s not a big deal really, it’s not a bad thing but Beidou couldn’t help but feel pissed off by the fact that she knows nothing of Ningguang’s plan, let alone her company calendar. She had asked Baiwen to send her a copy of Ningguang’s schedules but much to her dismay, the secretary have no access to Ningguang’s plans (or that was what she was told).
She couldn’t even call Ningguang right now because she’s probably on the plane and Beidou have to wait for a day or two to receive a reply. Another sigh came out of her lips, she washed her face with cold water. In the past weeks, they have been doing just fine even though Ningguang would still be on the call regarding her company’s issues all day at their home, at least Beidou was able to keep her in check. Ningguang would sometimes forget to eat or take a break and that’s why Biedou’s concern grew more as the days passed by.
And now that Ningguang even ‘forgot’ to tell her that she’s flying out of the country for a business trip, it made Beidou lose her temper - just for a short moment. She understands that it is necessary.
‘But does it always have to be like this?’
Beidou stared at her reflection on the mirror, she heard her thoughts loud and clear, ‘It’ll pass. We’ll be fine.’ she said to herself. One last look before she finally let go of the temper she was holding earlier with a long exhale. She took her phone again and calmly sent a formal apology to Baiwen (she may have been a little impolite on the call earlier) and she also left Ningguang a message.
[B: I hope you travel safely, please reply when you can. Don’t forget to eat and take breaks. I love you.]
She threw her head back and grunted, well there’s that. She also has work to do, at least she could use a distraction. Maybe by tomorrow, she would get an update from Ningguang. Beidou put on a smile on her face, she wouldn’t want to rub off her negative emotions to anyone in her workplace. She continued to go on her day and patiently awaited Ningguang’s response.
The next morning came and there was none. Disappointment swelled in her chest but she tried to tell herself that Ningguang really is just busy. ‘Maybe this afternoon’ is what she thought. But then the evening came when she came back from her work, there was still no reply from Ningguang.
The next morning, it led her to try to call the number but it just went to voicemail. Beidou sat down on the couch and dialed Baixiao this time (Baiwen had told her that Baixiao is the one with Ningguang on the trip).
[Hello, this is Secretary Baixiao, Liyue Co. How may I assist you?]
Beidou cleared her throat, “Baixiao! It’s Beidou, you’re probably busy but I’m just chec-”
[E-ehem, Miss Beidou, please hold your line. I will transfer your call to a different channel.] Baixiao calmly spoke, Beidou did what she was asked and waited for a few moments until she heard a beep and the secretary spoke again.
[Good day Miss Beidou, how may I help you?]
“Oh right, right. I’m uh… just called to check up on Ningguang. Is she there?”
[Lady Ningguang is currently in a meeting right now, I’m afraid I can not interrupt.]
“Oh no! No, please you don’t have to do that. I just want to know if she’s taking care of herself. She hasn’t been skipping meals, right?”
The line went silent for a moment, [My sincerest apologies, Miss Beidou, it seems that I have also not monitored Lady Ningguang’s welfare. However, I will see to it that she would have a proper break after her meeting today.]
Beidou’s pursed her lips together, “Alright. Thank you Baixiao. Please tell her I gave her a call after her rest.”
When the call ended with a beep, Beidou sent another message to Ningguang, the previous one that she sent hadn’t even been read.
[B: Heard from your secretary you haven’t taken a break yet. If you don’t eat your meal, I’ll drag you back here to Liyue… Just kidding, baby, please don’t skip meals. I love you!]
Hit send and Beidou felt the tiredness enveloping her body as she drifted off to sleep.
Five days.
It has been five long days since Ningguang went to Fontaine and she was still there. Beidou has not heard from Ningguang directly, her calls always go directly to voicemail and her messages since the first day were all left unread until now. Baixiao was the only one she got to talk to about Ningguang’s wellbeing, at least, knowing that Ningguang could get some sleep puts her mind at ease but Beidou never once asked why Ningguang wasn’t answering her calls or responding to her messages. She doesn’t want Ningguang to think that she is in constant need of updates. ‘But a little heads up wouldn’t hurt, right?’ Beidou shook her head to get rid of her thoughts and continued to walk around their home today and clean alone.
Ningguang would always nag her about not waking up early on weekends for their weekly cleaning, today was one of those days she got up extra early to start cleaning. She misses Ningguang already. Doing the things that she doesn’t normally do (that results to Ningguang scolding her) makes up for the empty feeling she has.
Beidou mopped the floors, cleaned their bathroom, changed the sheets and pillowcases, vacuumed almost the whole house from top to bottom just to make sure everything is clean – just like how Ningguang likes it. When she finished, both her hands on her hips, she admired her cleaning job and thinks that Ningguang would be proud if she saw how their home looks like right now. So she took a photo and sent it, again.
Beidou also took a bath after that and cooked for herself later that night and before she went to sleep, she sent a good night message to Ningguang and once again wished her lover to stay well and take breaks.
The next morning, Beidou woke up to the smell of coffee being brewed — she left the bedroom door opened which is why the smell from the kitchen could make it in their room. Her brows furrowed until she realized that it could be Ningguang. She immediately washed her face and hurriedly made her way to the kitchen to find her sitting on the stool at the kitchen aisle.
Beidou tried to sneak up on Ningguang but when she got closer, she realized that Ningguang was in a meeting. Her hands dropped to her side as she proceeded to walk past Ningguang, doing her best not to get caught on the camera of the laptop. Ningguang didn’t even bat an eye. Beidou poured herself a cup of coffee before sitting across her lover and observing. Dark circles under her eyes, Beidou could also tell that Ningguang’s lips were probably chapped, she hasn’t been eating or sleeping properly.
Beidou thought the meeting would be longer but when Ningguang turned her laptop off, they finally caught each other’s gaze.
“Hi, stranger.” Beidou started, she beamed Ningguang a smile.
Ningguang pouted, “Baby…”
Beidou stood up and went to Ningguang’s side and put her arms around her lover. Ningguang did the same and they held their position for quite a while.
“I didn’t have my phone with me…” Ningguang murmured.
Beidou let her go to look at her face she chuckled lightly before speaking, “What?”
Ningguang’s face turned light pink as she looked away, “I left my phone in my office… I just saw all of your messages today…” she trailed off, “Beidou I feel bad, I couldn’t even contact you because I always go to sleep right after those dreadful meetings and I-”
“Hey- hey, Ningguang.” Beidou cupped Ningguang’s cheeks, “Look at me baby.”
Ningguang did look at her, “I’m fine. You’re here now aren’t you?” Beidou smiled. Ningguang could only sigh and pull Beidou closer. “What am I going to do without you?” Ningguang whispered to which Beidou hummed in response.
After their hugging session, Beidou prepared them a proper breakfast that’s not coffee or tea.
“Ning, a few days ago, I tried to apply for a promotion but it involves transferring to Inazuma since the work is based there. What do you think?” Beidou handed her lover a plate.
“Hmm… That is actually a good opportunity. Were the results out? Inazuma is a beautiful place. I forgot when we last visited.”
Beidou tried to remember the details but she forgot when the results of the interview would be sent out, “Yeah, I think 3 or 4 years ago?”
“For how many days though? I mean, saying you passed, which you definitely would.” Ningguang asked again.
“Oh that, I actually don’t remember. I’ll let you right away when I passed.” She winked at her lover.
“I’m sure you will.”
Beidou couldn’t stop herself from smiling knowing the fact that Ningguang would always support her on everything she does and vice versa. But then again, good days don’t always happen.
Beidou came home from her work feeling more tired than the other nights. When she entered the house, she searched for a familiar presence. Ningguang was probably in their room already. When she walked around the study room, she heard Ningguang’s voice. She was having a call on the phone again. Beidou didn’t bother her though, she prepared her bath and cleaned herself first before she decided to go back and greet her lover.
When Beidou was dressing up, her phone lit up and she checked her notification. It was an email.
An email that she got accepted on the promotion to Inazuma.
Her heart skipped a beat and she almost jumped and screamed. She could feel the tiredness leaving her body just by seeing the news. Then she remembered that she was still half-naked, and so after she got dressed, she contained her excitement and hurriedly made her way to the study room where Ningguang was.
“Ning!”
Ningguang didn’t seem to hear her so she called her again, “Ning! You won’t believe what I just got!”
“Beidou- please, a moment…” Ningguang said.
“I promise this won’t take long! You have to see this!” Beidou smiled widely as she unlocked her phone to open the mail she received.
“Bei… Oh, damn it.”Ningguang hissed.
Beidou stopped on her track, the smile slowly fading away from her lips, “What?”
“I said I need a moment, I was in a meeting… and now it’s- never mind. What do you want?”
Oh?
Beidou remained silent, her brows furrowed, she didn’t like the tone in Ningguang’s voice. “What the hell was that?”
“What the hell was what?” Ningguang repeated.
“What is wrong with you? I just wanted to tell you something.”
“Couldn’t that wait? I told you I was in a meeting, right?”
Beidou swallowed thickly, “Is that more important than me, Ning?”
Ningguang massaged her temple for a bit, “That’s not… that’s not what I meant.”
“Well, that’s how you’re making me feel recently.” Beidou swallowed harder this time, she wasn’t supposed to say that. At least not out loud.
“Excuse me?” Ningguang’s gaze locked on hers, “Where did that come from?” she added.
“How many hours have been sitting here talking over the phone and being in countless meetings?” Beidou blurted, “You can’t even spare me a minute.”
“Are we seriously going to fight over this, Beidou?”
“Oh, you think we’re fighting? Is this a fight? I’m stating what I feel right now, does that seem like I want to fight you over it?”
“This is not going anywhere Beidou, please, just – just go on and tell me what you were about to tell me so we can get it done. I’m tired-”
“You’re tired? Imagine how I feel.”
“What is that even supposed to mean?”
Beidou clenched her jaw and bit her inner cheeks, “Am I even on the list of your priorities, Ningguang?” she asked, Beidou tried her best to not let her voice break.
Ningguang gasped, “Beidou, you have always been on the top of my priorities. Why are you making it seem like I’m being unfair?!” Her voice raised.
“Aren’t you being unfair right now?! Look at us! Loot at me, fighting for your god damn time with your work!”
Beidou was about to speak but Ningguang’s phone rang and they both stopped for a second.
“Let’s stop this, I can’t with you right now.” Ningguang took her phone to look at the caller.
Beidou felt her chest tighten when she saw Ningguang look at her phone, “Are you seriously going to answer that?”
Ningguang sighed, “It’s an important call I have to take, Beidou. Please understand-”
“Understand? Yeah right, I understand that I’m the less important thing here.”
“Beidou that’s not what I fucking meant-”
Beidou fought her tears back, “Well then what do you mean?”
The phone rang again, this time, Ningguang sighed loudly. “Let’s not do this right now, please. This call is urgent.”
“For fuck’s sake, Ning,” Beidou muttered loud enough for Ningguang to hear. However, Ningguang still pressed the green button.
“Hello, This is Ningguang-”
Ningguang was stopped for a bit before she could finish her sentence when Beidou stared at her and she scoffed before going out of the room. Silence followed right after and Ningguang continued to talk to the person over the phone, fortunately, it didn’t take too long before it ended. She got out of the study room to finally face Beidou but there was no trace of her. She went to their room and to the living room but Beidou wasn’t there either. Not until Ningguang heard the car engine rev, she immediately go to the garage only to catch Beidou leaving.
Ningguang gulped, she felt nauseous but all she could do was sigh. Beidou probably needed the time and space, what she said hurt her and Ningguang feel so shitty after what had happened. She went to the kitchen to get a glass of water, but it wasn’t the only thing she found on her way there.
Ningguang’s eyes widened, “What… Beidou what are you doing-” She couldn’t register what happened a while ago. Her hands were shaking as she spotted the silver ring on the kitchen aisle. Ningguang’s pulse quicken, this has got to be some kind of a slight separation, right? She did her best to think of solutions calmly. She took her phone and tried to call Beidou but her phone was turned off.
‘Calm down, she’s going to come back tomorrow.’ Ningguang assured herself as she kept the ring close to her chest. This is not how it’s supposed to end, they’re not supposed to end like this, right?
Ningguang managed to convince herself that Beidou would come back the next day, and even though she wanted to stay awake and wait for her lover’s return, she fell asleep out of fatigue, falling asleep she thought she would wake up to Beidou’s cooking. However, when she opened her eyes, the house was dark, quiet, and cold.
Her heart clenched. She immediately called Beidou’s phone but there was no response, again. Maybe in a few days, she will come back. It wasn’t the first time they fought like this anyway. Ningguang was complacent about Beidou coming back to her after their fight.
But days turned into more days until it became weeks and eventually, months. Every day that passed, Ningguang called Beidou, sent her messages, and even asked her friends about her whereabouts. All of them had given her an answer ‘I don’t know.' She felt mad, but what rights does she have to be feeling that way? This. All of this – was somehow her fault.
Ningguang sat alone in their bedroom. She just got home from her work and she's grateful it was finished immediately. A sigh came out from her lips as she stared at nothing – it was dark, she was too tired to even bother lighting up the house. Beidou was still nowhere to be found, nothing new, Ningguang wondered when was the last time both of them had a chance to just sit down or laze around until her phone rang.
“Hello?” Ningguang answered weakly.
[Good day, Ma’am! This is Yanfei from Teyvat Wedding Services! I have called to confirm the day of your chosen wedding since it’s on Saturday this week!]
Ningguang bit her lower lip but she could not hold back the tears that fell down her cheeks as she covered her lips to suppress any sound coming from it.
[Hello? May I also just confirm that this is Lady Ningguang and Lady Beidou’s wedding plan?]
Ningguang felt like she had run out of air, her heart ached so badly she wanted to just lie down and cry, she heard the planner again.
[I think I may have called the wrong number… I would like to sincerely apologize for any disturbances this call may have caused.] The call hasn’t ended yet and Ningguang heard a few more lines before it did, [Tao! I think you gave me the wrong number!... Huh? I can’t be wrong, that was the contact of the lady who had been planning their wedding for the past 6 months, right?... You sure Tao? No one was answering- Oh, I haven’t ended it yet! *beep*]
Star shatters. Silence falls.