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Yae Miko is a proud kitsune– a descendant of Hakushin’s lineage– never would she be one to tuck her tails and run, for her vanity forbids it. With a life that spans over five hundred years, she has done it all. In that time, Yae has lived through the Cataclysm, met youkai of types unimaginable, bargained with the Fatui, and schemed against God herself.
To survive for five centuries is no easy feat, and Yae looks forward to growing a couple more tails at the very least. Ten would be pretty. More than that would be amazing.
But reality has no regard for ideals, and at the current moment— admittedly one of her more humiliating ones— Yae finds herself frantically running for her life from the heavy footsteps and snapping jaws of the wild beast chasing her.
The festival decorations and lights are a blur of yellows and purples as she winds through them and the gasps of surprised citizens she dashes by are impossible to hear over the vicious growls from the predator behind. Yae would love nothing other than to electrocute it— just turn around and give that filthy creature a piece of her mind; but, that would mean exposing herself, the true identity of the intimidating Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, to the unsuspecting crowds around her.
Thus, Yae finds herself running as fast as short legs and tiny pink paws can carry her.
Exhaustion is catching up quicker than she can run, though, and Yae gasps for air as she pushes the last drops of her energy into a desperate, final sprint. Worst case scenario, she will have to go all the way to the Tenshukaku. Although, she doubts it is possible to make it there in time. At her current pace she will definitely collapse before safe refuge is within reach.
Please…
Being the Guuji must have ensured her prayers were heard because a familiar pair of feet in front of Yae suddenly bring her to a screeching halt. Steady legs clad in black thigh-high stockings, high-heeled sandals, and an anklet with purple flowers easily step over her small form. A barrier between her and the impending doom charging from behind.
Ei squats down and begins petting the shiba, scratching its head and ears. “Who’s a good boy?” she softly coos, squishing its pudgy face and running her hands along its pointy ears. “Yes you are, aren’t you?” Ei asks in her soothing voice.
How wonderful it would be for Ei to use her Musou no Hitotachi on it.
She does not, though, and Yae sits at the side panting with her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she makes wheezy raspy noises. Watching, while the stupid mutt happily receives Ei’s affections instead.
Yae is not jealous. Definitely not. Jealous? Of a mere dog ? Never. Could not be her. Not even if her life depended on it.
She eyes the little spawn of Satan as it dumbly gives Ei a short woof and licks her face, tail aloft and cheerfully wagging like the simple-minded, unintelligent animal it is. Ei whispers praises into its ears and scratches it some more before giving it a few final pats on the rump and sending it off.
Archons, I wish that had been me.
The Shogun stands up again, brushing the dust off her knees before briefly eyeing the awestruck crowd that had gathered around the scene. She gives them a curt nod before scooping up the trembling pink fox and promptly leaving.
Ei slips into a dark alleyway and Yae is thankful for the time to catch her breath; sturdy, protective arms holding her as Ei walks to a hidden nook between the buildings. Once they are sufficiently hidden, she is set down on the floor again and playful fingers momentarily brush through her numerous fluffy tails before Ei straightens back to her full height.
“What happened, Miko? What are you doing here?”
Yae takes her time turning back to her usual form and Ei patiently waits for an explanation— but gets none. Her face breaks into an amused smile when she realizes the silent treatment is because Yae is pouting instead, arms crossed across her chest and refusing to meet Ei’s gaze.
Ei steps closer and loosely wraps her arms around Yae’s neck, tilts her head and looks at stormy eyes that reluctantly make contact. “You were jealous?”
“No,” Yae lies.
“There there.” Ei raises her hands and gently combs her fingers through her hair, petting and thumbing the tips of her ears just the way Yae likes it. “You will always be my favorite,” she reassures.
Ei knows exactly what she is doing, and Yae cannot help it. She leans into her touch, revels in it and shuts her eyes, arms dropping as she releases an involuntary purr.
“So cute, so easy ,” Ei giggles.
Yae likes Ei enough to pretend she did not hear that remark. “I thought you said you were busy tonight?”
“I was, originally.” Her hands slide lower to rub Yae’s shoulders, still staring at her. “But then there were some last-minute changes and I ended up having free time. So I went to your publishing house to look for you, but you weren’t there. It was a pleasant surprise to find you getting chased through the streets instead.”
Ei’s nonchalant tone makes the situation sound like Yae was not about to be chewed apart and tossed around. As if she was playing a game of her own free will and not about to be eaten alive. Though, Yae supposes it is always easier to laugh when the misfortune is somebody else’s.
“... I… accidentally stepped on its tail,” Yae mutters, embarrassment creating a flush on her face and causing her to turn away. “I could have handled it myself.”
“Mhmm.” Ei’s twinkling eyes stare at her akin to how she would a child, caught with their hand in the cookie jar. She is really downplaying Yae’s near-death experience. “And why were you here in your fox form?”
With the adrenaline pumping through her veins now dissipated, Yae’s initial irritation comes back and she heaves out a sigh. “My employees seem to have an endless list of issues I need to address,” Yae huffs, dissatisfaction only growing now that she recalls them again. “They are always hot on my heels. I want to enjoy the festival without someone trying to hunt me down.”
Or some thing . Yae does not want to be hunted down by any other creatures either.
Despite her meticulous planning, human fallibility always seems to reign supreme. How unlucky she has to be the one to deal with their shortcomings this time, though such is the cost of organizing an event. On the bright side, at least she can make it a little entertaining sometimes. Like the situation with that young boy. The author, Zhenyu. What was his actual name? Xingqiu?
The narrow space rings with the sound of Ei’s lively laugh and it snaps Yae out of her wandering thoughts.
“It is rare to see you sulk this much, Miko.”
“Hmm?” Yae crosses her arms. “I have my limits too, you know.”
“Of course I know. I know you better than anyone else.” Ei looks at her fondly before proving her claim and suggesting exactly what Yae wants. “How about we go together?”
“Then… you need to hold me, Ei. Surely you do not wish for me to be crushed? I am going to get trampled if I have to walk through another crowd in that pathetic form.”
That is, of course, entirely untrue. Yae is perfectly adept at traversing through crowds— even more so when she is smaller, more agile. Though, she really really just wants to be held, and ignoring that makes for a better excuse.
Ei chuckles knowingly at her response. “Whatever you want.” She steps back, hands falling, waiting.
Yae closes her eyes, a familiar shrinking sensation enveloping her body as she sees white. Seconds later, with just another blink, everything appears bigger, the pavement under her paws feeling solid and cool.
The legs in front of her now tower high above and Ei bends down to bring herself back within Yae’s view. She smiles and reaches out to scratch behind Yae’s ears. “You are so precious like this,” she gushes, affectionate.
Pure bliss. Droopy ears twitch and heavy earrings swing back and forth, jingling with the motion. Yae lets out happy squeaks.
Once Ei has had enough she withdraws her hands, opening her arms instead. “Come on,” she encourages, “up.”
Yae immediately leaps into them, shifting a bit before settling down into the warmth around her. She could be tasked with assisting every citizen in Inazuma and this would still make it worth it.
*
It is evening; banners, streams of ribbons, and other vibrant decorations shine beautifully in the twilight. The light breeze is accompanied by a soft chime of bells and the slight swaying of glowing lantern strings.
Festival-goers hustle around them, thronging the streets and stands. Though, despite the large crowds, it is already less than usual. Today is one of the last days of the Irodori Festival and many eager shoppers have already purchased their desired items. Ei gets a few shocked stares but for the most part people are far more invested in the novel stands and food vendors around. Ever since Ei left her Plane of Euthymia, people seem to be more accustomed to her occasional appearance in the city.
“Miko! I cannot believe you.” Ei scolds her quietly enough that only Yae can hear, the people excitedly talking around them also helping to drown out her voice. “You put up so many banners of us.”
Of course Yae did. An Inazuman festival ought to be decorated with banners of the two most important people in Inazuma. And besides, they look good together. There is nothing to hide. She has no regrets.
Ei languidly makes her way past fan fiction novel stalls, reading the atrocious titles. “How unfortunate,” she murmurs sympathetically. “Perhaps I should buy some, they do not appear to be selling too well.”
Yae would be lying if she said she didn’t expect that. She is glad Ei has been spared, though. Some of the fan works Yae has seen were extremely memorable— as in, they made it onto her list of ‘worst things I have ever read’. And in her time as owner of the Yae Publishing House, Yae has read a lot .
For once in her life, ironically, Ei’s habit of not carrying mora pays off.
Just then, familiar silver-blue hair catches Yae’s eye and Ei turns to see when she notices Yae looking. Ayato, truly a family man, has his hand on Ayaka’s shoulder and is gently steering her toward the tanuki photo board whilst chatting with the Kamisato housekeeper. The one who wears tomato red, with the name that also reminds her of tomatoes: Thoma. Ayaka appears particularly small when next to the two tall men and in the back of her mind Yae takes note to tease her about it later.
Thoma is holding a kamera and instructing the siblings into place. Ei is studying them intently and Yae feels Ei stifling a laugh when she sees Ayaka moving to stand in the lower spot.
“I have never seen the Kamisatos besides when they are handling Yashiro Commission affairs. It feels strange to see them in this type of environment,” Ei manages to say.
Even if Yae is not particularly fond of Ayato, she will admit the Kamisato sibling relationship is rather wholesome to watch. She rarely sees them together also, only interacting with one at a time for most occasions.
After Thoma finishes their photo, they finally notice Ei watching from a distance. Ayato flashes a polite smile and nod while Ayaka’s eyes widen and she hurriedly manages a brief bow. Thoma, surprisingly, also respectfully bows. Perhaps he has forgiven Ei— well, the puppet who he thought was Ei— for the Vision Hunt Ceremony. The news of that incident spread across Inazuma like a wildfire. If only all the Yae Publishing House light novels could take off like that, she should have him write one.
“Ah, Miko, looks like we were noticed.” Ei moves Yae to get a better grip before raising her other hand in a gesture of acknowledgement.
Ayato laughs at Ayaka’s bashful reaction before Ei turns away and continues on.
The next stop is just as amusing.
“H-how can I help you, S-Shogun-sama?”
Ei is at the Yae Publishing House stall for children— the charming one with picture books and kitsune pillows and plushies. The terrified editor managing the stall is shaking so much Yae fears she might collapse right then and there while Ei, as usual, is either oblivious to or uncaring of the effect she is having on the poor woman. Probably a mixture of both.
“Just looking, thank you,” Ei says.
Picture books would not be to Ei’s interest, which means something else at the stand is capturing her attention. The kitsune-shaped pillows? The lovely kitsune plush? The handmade kitsune teru teru bozu? Or maybe it really is the kitsune picture books, Yae cannot tell. Ei’s expression is unreadable. She will just bring leftover samples of each to Ei later and she can have her pick. Or, if Ei wants, she can have all of them. Anything for Ei.
In the middle of Yae’s planning Ei makes a sharp turn away and immediately starts heading forward in a rush. Yae is unable to ask why right now and so she climbs herself up along Ei’s chest to peek over her shoulder at what could possibly make the Electro Archon so repulsed.
Oh
Of course, the only thing that could make the Electro Archon do that is another Archon. In this case, the Anemo Archon. What a shame, Yae had chatted up a storm with him the other day. She hadn’t met him before that and the one or two times she heard Ei talk about him made her pray she never would. But, when she finally did, Yae had enjoyed her conversation with Venti immensely; although she can definitely see why Ei isn’t particularly fond of him. He is not really her type.
“Miko,” Ei sternly warns, holding her tighter. “Don’t move too suddenly.”
Not wanting to fall, Yae moves back into Ei’s hold properly.
They’re at the Outlander Affairs Agency now. Yae recommended it to Ei ahead of time, and it gladdens her to see there is still enough stock for books to be lining the shelves. Ei leans down to look at the titles on the table.
“ Teyvat Travel Guide - Inazuma this is from Alice?” Ei cringes as she skims it.
Frankly, Yae was not too eager to publish it either (not only is she called “Little Yae”, it goes on to say she used to cry easily) but that woman is nearly impossible to refuse. Though, besides a select few parts, Yae does think the book is of literary value; and, it sells well.
“Yes, this one comes with a short volume from her daughter, Klee, as well.” Murata is much better at keeping her composure compared to the previous employee. Yae needs to praise her for a job well done later.
“Oh?” Ei picks up the thin book and flips through.
“When she heard Klee wanted to publish a story, Lady Yae was gracious enough to allow it on short notice. Even pairing it as a bonus with every purchase of the travel guide.”
Yae is met with a raised eyebrow of surprise from Ei, and she stares straight back.
What? Making a child cry is the ultimate sin. Even I know I should be nice to children.
Ei blinks. “I will take one. Send the book and the bill to the Tenryou Commission.”
“Of course. I hope you enjoy it, Your Excellency.”
Ei thanks her before taking her leave. Night has fallen now and the streets are brightly lit from lanterns and the light spilling out from windows. The lively festival buzz is a dull, white, background noise once adjusted to.
The rocking of Ei’s practiced steps, the sound of her soles on the stone, the comfort of Ei’s warmth, they all begin to make Yae drowsy. It is too early to sleep but Yae does begin to zone out, eyelids drooping a bit as she snuggles closer to Ei who keeps moving but also starts softly scratching her.
“Do you want a snack?” Ei asks, stopping at a food stall to buy some dango for herself. “Fried tofu.”
Yae snaps her head up at the mention of her favorite and Ei melts at her reaction. “Of course you do, I knew even without asking.”
While waiting for their food to be prepared, something unfamiliar touches Yae’s tails. She instinctively flicks it up and away while Ei glances down, hoisting Yae higher out of reach when she sees a little girl sticking her hand up.
“No touching.” Ei’s gentle reprimand makes the girl draw back. Apparently this child is braver than most Inazuman adults, well, more ignorant than brave.
“What is it?”
“A kitsune.”
“It doesn’t look like the other ones.”
“Yes, she is special.”
The girl is unfazed and way too curious for her own good. On the other hand, Yae is beginning to feel a slight bit miffed and wondering where her parents are.
“I want one too!”
“Ah…” Ei falters, a blank look on her face and Yae wants to bite the girl for stumping her. Ei blinks a couple times, thinking of a suitable response. When she finally answers, it comes out like she had rehearsed it in her head. “This one belongs to me… but wouldn’t a sweet girl like you would rather have a cat or dog? Kitsune can be rather troublesome pets.”
…Huh?
“Okay! I’ll go ask my mom.”
The girl runs off just when their food is done.
*
The secluded patch of lush grass they rest on is soft and springy and Yae excitedly scampers in circles around Ei, who is sitting and eating dango under a tree. Nobody else is around to see her right now, might as well have a stretch.
Since she put her down, Ei has been focused only on her dango. Too focused– and it makes Yae needy for her attention. She pounces on her braid.
“So cute,” Ei coos, reaching to pet Yae, again.
Ei cannot seem to get enough of her today, and Yae likes it when Ei calls her cute.
Praise me. More.
Yae rolls over, shows her stomach, and wiggles around. It immediately draws a laugh from Ei.
And she said I was easy.
“Do you want your fried tofu yet?”
At those words, Yae remembers Ei’s exchange with the child earlier.
“Feeling brave now?” Ei teases when Yae returns to her human form. Having finished her dango, Ei stretches her hand out to pick a few blades of grass out of Yae’s hair.
“I am always brave.” Yae accepts the fried tofu offered to her. “You are a bit awkward with children,” she notes through her bites.
Ei rolls her eyes. “It is not my strong suit.”
Oh well, not like Ei needs to interact with them often. Yae is much more interested in something else. “I am special?”
“Yes, you are,” Ei affirms.
“I belong to you?”
“Do you not?”
Fair, Yae wants nothing else.
“I am a troublesome pet.” Yae gives Ei a sidelong glare while she eats.
Ei huffs, the exhale heavy with exasperation. “Miko! I was just explaining to a child. I had to make sure she would not go out and pick up random wild animals, you know how bad that would be.”
“And now she will go tell her parents the Narukami Ogosho herself said she should get a pet cat or dog. Congratulations, Ei, someone out there just got a new best friend.”
“Well,” Ei strokes Yae as she eats, “having a companion is always a good thing.”
The tofu is finished by now and Yae hugs Ei from the side, nuzzling her shoulder.
“Did you ever have any pets?”
“No, I did not have time.”
Yae expected that. Ei does not seem like the type to care much for pets either.
“But you were so nice to the dog that was chasing me,” Yae mutters under her breath, suffering from the tiniest twinge of bitterness.
“I had to. Shibas are different, you know, Makoto greatly adored that breed and kept several.”
“And not you?”
“She tried to convince me several times but I still never ended up taking in a pet.” Ei pauses, thoughtful, recollecting. “Being around you when you were younger felt a bit like having one, though.”
“…Ei…” Something sinister is creeping into Yae’s tone. “You love me, right?”
“I do.”
“Good. Never speak of that again, then.”
“That is how you want me to show my love for you?”
“One of the ways, yes.”
“And how about the others?”
“Well,” Yae leans closer and raises her mouth directly next to Ei’s ear, lowering her voice, “also…” she whispers.
… … …
“We are in a public space right now, Miko.”
“So?” Yae pulls away from Ei, looking at the crowd of people at the festival a distance away. “Nobody else heard it.”
Ei’s displeasure is swiftly dismissed the instant Yae spies a glimpse of someone she has absolutely been dying to see.
“Is there something you saw?” Ei asks, noticing her perk up.
“You have no idea.”
Yae gets up and briskly begins making her way towards them, Ei following close behind.
To Yae’s dismay, Gorou is no longer there when she reaches where she saw him. Her eyes search her surroundings and she spots him with Kokomi down the street.
Gorou is with Kokomi… Yae is with Ei…
Kokomi… Ei…
That is fine, Yae had been planning to let him enjoy his trip anyways. After all, the loyal dog deserves some time with his precious Kokomi after Yae stole her away from him for an entire afternoon. His tail is wagging rapidly and he is carrying a large stack of books.
Yae turns around before Ei can catch sight of Watatsumi’s Divine Priestess and firmly places a hand on her shoulder.
“Miko?” Ei frowns at the abrupt stop.
“It is better for you to see it next time.”
“Okay…” Ei is hesitant but goes along in the direction she is pushed in instead.
Yae steers her away and eventually the disappointment of missing Gorou is replaced with something else— significantly less entertaining.
Sara is standing guard, as still as a statue, near the stairs by the Eipekkusu shop. Next to her beloved Statues of Her Excellency, the Almighty Narukami Ogosho, God of Thunder.
Her eyes narrow when she sees Yae but then she stiffens when she sees Ei with her.
“Y-Your Excellency!” Sara sharply raises her arm in front.
“Hello, Sara,” Ei greets.
“Hello, Sara.” Yae says the same words but it could not sound more different. “Enjoying yourself?”
“There is nothing to ‘enjoy’, I am simply doing my job, Guuji.”
“Of course.” Yae sighs. Typical Sara, so uptight. Her life as a human is going to be so tragically short, she could use some more fun. Especially during her youth.
Ei ignores her general’s rigidity, too busy observing Eippekkusu’s display statues. “I heard from the traveler that there is quite a fuss over these figurines, Miko.” She turns to peer at Yae over her shoulder. “I thought you would have mentioned it to me.”
“It did not occur to me,” Yae says, curiosity tilting her head. “You wanted to hear?”
“Yes,” Ei nods.
“I will next time.” Yae looks back at Sara. “By the way, was my professional able to provide her assistance sufficiently?”
“There were… some difficulties.”
Yae holds back her laugh. At best, Sayu’s reliability is hit or miss when it comes to simple tasks like this. Of course, Yae was aware of that when she assigned her to this.
“Oh, I apologize for any issues there might have been.” Yae is not really sorry, though. “I hope you managed to get one in the end.”
For some reason, Yae senses Ei shift behind her trying to suppress laughter.
“Not in the manner I anticipated, but yes. I did manage to acquire one,” Sara says, bemused. She is tense, too uneasy to say anything about Yae and Ei’s behavior.
“Glad to hear.” In their short conversation of a couple minutes, boredom has already taken over and Yae is leaving.
Ei pauses before leaving with Yae. “I wish you a pleasant and enjoyable Irodori Festival, Sara.”
“Yes… Your Excellency.”
*
“Is that all?” Ei asks.
It has been a few hours and at this point they have seen the noteworthy places already.
Given it is nighttime, most people have already left save for a few stragglers here and there. The festival atmosphere has died down considerably and Yae feels herself itching to leave as well. The pressure to leave hangs in the air, but there is still something left to do.
“One more place.” Yae takes Ei’s hand and pulls her toward the Sailing Breeze shop.
“Welcome back, Almighty Shogun!” The girl in the costume, Rika, blurts it out for what must be the millionth time in the past few days. Her eyes are glazed over.
Eyeballs bulge when Rika concentrates enough to see Yae with the actual Almighty Shogun.
Ei raises a hand to her chin, eying up and down, inspecting the alarmed girl’s attire. “What is with those ears…? You look like Miko.”
Rika is flustered and Yae giggles at her hesitation. “Go on,” she encourages her employee.
“…It is a costume for the new Yae Publishing House novel. I am to act as one of the characters to advertise the collaborative drink.”
“Novel? Drink?” Ei studies the cups on the counter more carefully. “Tell me more.”
“ Pretty Please, Kitsune Guuji? Is the tale of a… Shogun and the Kitsune Guuji.”
That is hardly a sufficient explanation– all she did was list the two characters. Her description omits the crucial ‘loser Shogun’ and ’Kitsune Guiji who can do it all’ parts but Yae doubts Rika has the nerve to elaborate on that so she lets it slide.
“In the story,” Rika hurriedly continues, “the Rainbow Aster is the drink that the Kitsune Guuji made for the ill Shogun.”
“A whole drink to promote a novel, it must have been well-received,” Ei concludes.
Yae decides to spare Rika from her discomfort; she is proud of the novel’s success, after all. “It did. It sold quite well, actually.”
Karpillia had already begun preparing a Rainbow Aster when they showed up, and she offers it now that it is done.
The drink is sparkly, minty, cool, and sweet. It should be to Ei’s liking. Lavender melon and milk, mint, and Mondstadt’s special calla lily.
There is a sound of surprise when Ei sips the drink. “It is not what I was expecting, but still good nonetheless.” She takes another sip, more slowly this time. “What is that flavor?”
“Calla lily,” Karpillia informs.
“A wonderful combo indeed.” Ei drinks a bit more before setting down the cup, letting out a small sigh. “Can I see the novel?”
Rika looks downright mortified while she hands a copy to Ei with her shaky hands. She looks at Yae with an expression that clearly asks ‘ is this okay?’
It is, Yae is not worried at all. She will get away with it, she always does.
Ei half-heartedly studies the cover for a moment before beckoning one of the nearby guards over and handing him the drink and book. “Bring this to Tenshukaku. I will be there shortly.”
“Not reading it now, Ei?” Yae asks. They are walking away from the shop and to the docks.
“The festive mood has left and I find myself wanting to leave as well.”
Ei sits down on the wooden pier, legs dangling above the water and Yae joins her, brushing Ei’s hand as she sits.
“You did a good job with organizing the festival, Miko. And the Yashiro Commission too, of course.”
“It is only possible now that there is no more Sakoku Decree.”
“Change is inevitable… but I like Inazuma better like this.” A line Ei would have never said before, a testament of her own change.
Yae slumps over, leaning on Ei next to her. “I missed being with you,” she whispers. “Eternity is not the same without you.”
Ei wraps an arm around her. “I missed you too.”
The moonlight reflects on the surface of the water, illuminating the area around them. It is silent for a while, only the sounds of ripples and waves before Ei talks again. “Tired now, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Even though I carried you for half of it.”
“Even though you carried me for half of it,” Yae confirms dryly. Unashamed.
“I find myself burnt out as well,” Ei admits with a chuckle. “Let’s go back.”
*
The Tenshukaku is always the best place to rest. Flawless maintenance means it is always clean and well-lit, every inch meticulously inspected. Yae has been there often, and the familiarity of Ei’s home became comforting long ago. And, most important of all, it is quiet and private.
Yae takes off her earrings, headpiece, and the ribbon to tie her hair, laying them next to her necklace and the Rainbow Aster on the low table. Then, she proceeds to bonelessly flop over and starfish on the pristine tatami floor of Ei’s bedchamber. Melting into a puddle, a puddle of satisfaction.
Braid undone, Ei sits on the floor next to her, watching, and utterly enraptured. “So cute,” she coos, again, reaching her hand out to fluffy ears, again.
“Ei, so affectionate today–” Yae purrs when Ei runs a finger along the underside of it with a delicate touch. “You are spoiling me.”
“For some reason, I cannot help it. You are so charming today, love.” A hand moves to push tousled bangs out of Yae’s eyes so Ei can clearly meet them. “Maybe it is because when I found you this evening, you appeared so helpless.”
“I had it under control.” The weak protest has no bite, a content sigh escaping instead; this is the type of happy day Yae treasures the most. “Hurry and read the book,” she says dreamily.
“Why so eager?”
“It is a proclamation of my love.”
“...Let’s see what this new bestseller is, then.” There is an expression of mild concern as Ei opens the book, eyes scanning across the page. Yae tries to be patient and wait for her reaction— considering Ei’s particularly good mood, this might go even better than she expected. It is silent for a few long seconds, leaving Yae stewing in suspense.
Finally, Ei chokes. “‘I, the Raiden Shogun, whose signature line is “Yay!” and whose favorite food is Butter Crab’ And Miko, you… I presume, are supposed to be ‘Yae Masako, Guuji of the Grand Kaminaru Shrine.’”
Hearing Ei say it in her voice is as good as Yae had hoped for.
“Very good, Ei.”
“Archons, Miko. That is so obvious, who would not pick up on that?”
“It is supposed to be obvious, yes.”
Yae gets a glare in her direction from over the book. This is going well.
Ei keeps reading, raising an eyebrow. “You are really singing your own praises,” she notes.
“Of course, I deserve it.” Yae flashes a simpering smile.
A few more minutes, and Ei starts laughing. “The Almighty Shogun is invincible, but the invincible Almighty Shogun could be defeated by a cold,” she quotes. “You know, that is simply not true. Not even a cold can defeat me,” Ei declares.
Yae cannot help giggling too. “It is only a narrative device.”
The novel is short and Ei finishes it rather soon, closing it and holding it in her lap. “I would not call it a literary masterpiece, but it is a sweet story nonetheless,” she sums up.
As Yae anticipated, Ei is not too bothered by it. She tends to be fairly lenient on novels of this nature since they differ so much from reality– there is no reason to be offended.
“Is that all you have to say?” Yae shifts closer, wanting to be touched, and Ei obliges by putting the book aside and gently running fingers through her scalp. Droopy ears twitch.
“Well, there is one thing I am curious about. What did you mean by feeding me the Rainbow Aster ‘in a way that I'd never dare to imagine’?”
Yae smirks. Here is the opportunity she has been waiting for.
“I can show you.” Yae sits up, pushing Ei down against the smooth floor with a light thud before slowly crawling over her and sitting on her midsection. Yae runs a finger along Ei’s jaw. “Ready?”
“…Yes.” Ei seems to at least have a vague idea of what is going on, her pupils dilating slightly as she looks at Yae on top of her.
The cup of Rainbow Aster is grabbed off the table. Yae tilts it up and takes a sip, holding it in her mouth and placing the beverage back down. It tastes good, and Yae has to resist her natural urge to swallow, gingerly leaning forward to kiss Ei instead.
Ei’s lips easily part for her and Yae dribbles the refreshing drink to Ei, locking their lips tightly together in an attempt to prevent any mess. Yae hears Ei quietly groan as she kisses her back, the sound of nails scraping against the tatami, a gulp to swallow the drink. Ei goes limp under her which only makes Yae push for more, continuing even when no liquid remains, cupping Ei’s face and taking her time to enjoy the sweet, lingering taste on her lips. She could do this forever, she wants to— but the need for air intervenes and forces Yae to reluctantly pry her lips away. Ei lets out a soft sound of consternation.
A drop remains at the corner of Yae’s mouth and she instinctively raises a wrist to wipe it away. Ei is panting, subtly, but Yae can still feel every inhale and exhale underneath her. She looks better like this, Ei, with her lips slightly parted, face considerably more flushed, beautiful, dark locks splayed out around and framing her fair complexion.
“Ei,” Yae needily breathes out, overtaken, overwhelmed, by something indescribable. “Do you know why it is called Rainbow Aster?”
Ei shakes her head, “No,” and waits for her, tracing hands upwards along Yae’s thighs to rest on her hips.
“Violet asters.” Yae grasps Ei’s robes, feeling the silky material against her skin. “For wisdom, royalty,” she whispers.
“White asters.” Yae trails her hand higher, tenderly caressing Ei’s cheek. “Purity and innocence.” Yae leans down again, voice softening as she gets closer.
“Red asters.” Ei’s breath hitches when Yae ghosts the tips of her fingers over her lips. “Undying devotion,” she murmurs.
“And, pink asters.” Yae is close enough that her hair is cascading over Ei now, a waterfall of Yae’s own vibrant shade. Ei shivers when strands tickle her skin, the grip on Yae’s waist trembles. “For sensitivity… and love.” Yae gazes into midnight eyes, losing herself in adoration.
In the end, Ei is the one that breaks her trance by tugging her down into another kiss. Messier this time, feverish surprise causing teeth to briefly clash. Her arms wrap around Yae who unsuccessfully bites back a whimper before reciprocating with equal intensity.
Ei’s lips are curving into a smile against hers and Yae breaks away to ask why; but, Ei rolls them onto their sides, hugging her firmly before Yae can disentangle any further from her embrace.
“Ei?”
“You are so adorable, Miko. Absolutely irresistible, my darling kitsune.” Ei laughs delightfully and Yae feels like she is about to be squeezed to death. Ei always underestimates her own strength.
Yae grunts. “Ei, I need you to let go.”
The grip around her does not loosen, Ei only clutches her closer. Yae thinks she smells nice.
“No,” Ei huffs, far too enamored to listen.
“But we are on the floor,” Yae whines.
“And? Will you not stay with me?”
She will, for however long Ei wants. Yae sighs and gets comfortable, cuddling against her to wait it out.