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They haven’t gone on dates for a while, Hu Tao mused, when she suddenly got an inspiration in mind.
She was inspired by the time Xiansheng told her to handle a relative of the deceased one afternoon. The two were a couple who owned a tea business, who were reunited by a relative’s death procession in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. As Hu Tao quoted from them, it was nice to have a moment of respite together especially after being apart for long.
Then, it happened that a letter came from Yelan after one of her longest expeditions. Yelan somehow always knew the exact time when Hu Tao missed her the most. Hu Tao would read the newest letter day and night, then she would dream of Yelan as she slept, waiting eagerly for the next time they would be together, hand in hand, face-to-face, lips to lips—
—Ahem. She shouldn’t think of kissing imaginary Yelan in broad daylight, she still has the afternoon Wangsheng Funeral Parlor sessions coming up.
Hu Tao did come in terms with how busy Yelan was, also how secretive she was while writing about her activity and where she was at the moment. She might be in Liyue for a blink, then suddenly she would wander off somewhere. Hu Tao would tiptoe around Yanshang Tea House to see whether she was back and it was no more than once that she would come back empty-handed. Yes, she was used to it, but it couldn’t be said that she was sometimes feeling sad when Yelan was not around.
Hu Tao knew Yelan was an important person in the inner circle of Liyue’s government, though she would never mention it when they were together. Yelan was a cautious person, Hu Tao didn’t want to burden her more than necessary, hoping that their time together would be a form of relaxation rather than something stressful or ‘need to be perfect’.
Okay, back to the date idea.
They haven’t met in a long while, so it was natural for Hu Tao to think of a date to connect loose ends and make up for the time they lost. Yelan has been kind enough to go along with her whims, be it emptying half of the Teahouse when Hu Tao felt like it, or for them to talk all night in the Funeral Parlor. This time, Hu Tao thought of a different approach, something that would sweep Yelan off her feet, something that would be memorable.
For that goal, Hu Tao already has a grand master plan in mind.
The setup would be a dinner date, with freshly made food from the best chef she knew in Liyue, also with a perfect scenery that encompassed the great night landscape of Liyue. And to be particular, it would be on a night of the full moon, since Xiansheng said the full moon was full of a romantic nuance.
However, Hu Tao thought of simply going to a fancy restaurant for their dining experience wouldn't exactly cut it. Thus, Hu Tao scrambled with her collective idea in mind and carefully shaped it into fruition.
“Let me repeat, so you want to rent part of the Jade Chamber for a dinner date?” Ningguang repeated again, with each syllable, she started to look unsure. “With Yelan, no less? Is she even coming back on full moon this month?”
“She is,” Hu Tao answered. She rested her chin on her palm.
They were meeting at Ningguang’s office by the Jade Chamber. By Hu Tao’s request, Ningguang dismissed her three secretaries from around the room so Hu Tao could talk freely. Hu Tao pulled a chair across from Ningguang, who was enjoying a leisurely smoke behind her table.
Hu Tao asked an audience with Ningguang right after she decided to have a dinner date. She thought it would take longer, but after a few days, Hu Tao summoned to the Jade Chamber by one early evening. The Jade Chamber was bustling with people coming and going, but it was said to be pretty empty compared to during midday.
“Why does it have to be Jade Chamber, exactly?”
Ningguang flashed a smile. There was no trace of her getting defensive. Rather, the Lady of Jade Chamber found it quite mesmerizing, or so Hu Tao could guess from the change of her expression. She was likely piqued by the fact that it was also about Yelan, her ‘old friend’ or so Ningguang did say.
While it might be strange at first, Hu Tao found no other suitable place than the newly-rebuilt Jade Chamber. Liyue might have countless rocky mountains and hills overlooking the harbor, but then at night, the place outside of the town might be dangerous. Hu Tao wouldn’t want her date to be ruined by one or two passing Hillichurls, despite finding the idea rather interesting.
As far as Hu Tao knew, Ningguang dislikes someone who’s lying. So, Hu Tao told Ningguang a heartfelt tale about her relationship with Yelan without sugarcoating too much that it might cringe the Tianquan, until Hu Tao arrived at the point why she must have the dinner date there. It was like narrating a business proposal in the most casual way, over the tea and smoke, with Ningguang’s smile only grew at the moment Hu Tao mentioned her cute moments with her beloved Yelan.
“It is indeed interesting, but I don’t think I will allow you to use the inner rooms unless you pay ten times more.”
“Ehh? Then …” Hu Tao’s eyes flitted to the direction of the floating garden front courtyard. There were a lot of scenic spots in Jade Chamber, not only the inner rooms, but also the garden. If Hu Tao remembered correctly, they held the performance of Divine Damsel of Devastation there, tailored for Yun Jin.
“Will it be okay for me to use the central courtyard, the one by the front door of Jade Chamber?”
Ningguang pondered for a bit, she played on her pipe before nodding, “You may,” she then took a long drag of her pipe, a striking glint on her eyes. “Do I get to tease Yelan?”
“You will. A lot.” Hu Tao promised Ningguang with a wink, a merry chuckle rising from her throat.
Ningguang laughed at that. “Then, it is settled.”
✧
With place secured, Hu Tao has yet to rest on her laurels. Dinner means good food, and she knew practically the best chef in Liyue who can fulfill that spot. Said chef also has an affinity to spicy foods, so it would be a treat to Yelan.
“... And so, on that fateful night at Jade Chamber, we’ll be having the best dinner date ever!”
“I know, silly, I’m the one cooking for the two of you!”
Xiangling shot back as Hu Tao came to check up on the cook's preparation. Xiangling took note of dishes to make and consulted Hu Tao continuously about it. Though as Hu Tao and Xiangling were equally busy, they only met from time-to-time to brainstorm about the menu, while Hu Tao always enthused Yelan in every meet up unconsciously that Xiangling got back and teased her for it.
Hu Tao’s diet was mostly vegetables, while Yelan likely would love some meat in the menu. So later, there would be a course where there is meat for Yelan and veggies for Hu Tao, while most of the courses would be of the same meal. But then, making them eat a different meal would dismiss the intimate atmosphere, so eventually they settled for a three course dinner, starting with light bites and ending with a heavier meal.
“I think we should start with soup, how’s Jewelry Soup sound?”
“Ohh, that’s nice!”
A simple soup with tofu and non-stuffy veggies, a brilliant start as soup could be spiced up with grinded Jueyun Chilli and other spices on preference, or being eaten as is. Also the soup itself was ordinary yet named luxuriously, a surefire way to kickstart the night. The warmth of the clear soup would also suit the rather cold night, which should be a good benefit.
Hu Tao was right to pick Xiangling for this! They were on the roll for food preparation!
Xiangling scribbled some ingredients along her notes about preparation that Hu Tao took a glimpse of at times. With Yelan onboard, spicy condiments were a must, not like Hu Tao would mind going for extra miles to get varying types of spice possible. Hu Tao believed in Xiangling’s spice mix and would not rather ask whatever she added to make things seem to be a lot spicier than it should.
All in all, Yelan should be happy with the spicy level.
“Next up, hmm, we got soup, so perhaps we can move to lightly fried stuff?” Xiangling tapped on the note, thinking. “Yelan is not into sweets, isn’t she?”
“Ah yes, she didn’t … wait, what did you think of putting sweets between meals!?” a sudden image of gruesome food Xiangling got Hu Tao to eat one time started to haunt, one that’s worse than facing vengeful ghosts head on.
Xiangling’s body shook in laughter. “Ahaha, I don’t mean it like that! I’m just thinking if Yelan would be up to a sweet savory food, but I guess we’ll just stick to having everything savory.”
“I think I can make different dips for cornbread, the spiciest one for Yelan, and the mild, vegan one for you?”
“That’s great! Let’s add it in second one~”
The second in the menu, Xiangling settled for cornbread. Chili-mince Cornbread was one of Wanmin Restaurant’s specialties, and it was there as a choice to bridge between the soup and heavier dish. A bite-sized food would be nice while engaging in lively conversation, though Hu Tao wasn’t sure how long they would talk while catching up on things. Xiangling didn’t mind to fry up a bunch, but then Hu Tao said to keep the count enough not to overfill as they need room for the main dish.
“And for the wrap up …” Xiangling jotted the notes faster. “Your favorite Vegetarian Abalone, and of course with a separate chili oil dip for Yelan.”
“Ohh? You’ll make a Vegetarian Abalone for us!?” Hu Tao was hyped.
“There’s nothing better than ending the dinner date with that. Also I will use different types of mushrooms and nice grade Matsutake I got from Traveler!” Xiangling raved to the point Hu Tao was close to drool imagining how luscious the food would taste later.
As they had agreed on three food points, Xiangling did a recap of her note to Hu Tao, who happily added things and corrected something for Xiangling. Every ingredient would be from Xiangling, and she would later set up an impromptu kitchen right beside the two would be seating so they would see her cook.
“I don’t think I can make a tea suited for her, how about I leave that part to you, Tao?”
“Mm, yes, that seems right. I can ask Lady Ningguang for some tea tips,” Hu Tao put it in her own mental note when she came up to Jade Chamber to help set up the table later. If there’s anyone she could ask about tea and knew Yelan’s preference, Ningguang would likely be a good start. “I already can tell this will turn out nicely.”
“I can feel your love, Tao~” Xiangling pretended to tear up. “Never I thought I would see a day when you’re madly in— mmph .”
“Xiangling, cut it out! That makes me feel embarrassed!” Hu Tao covered her mouth with her hand, the latter merely giggled even more.
They finished with preparations with each reviewing the key points of the food menu again, then Guoba showed up from the kitchen bringing them two pots of tea.
“Sorry that I only talk to you now, of all the other times, Wanmin was so busy that even Guoba was tired from delivering food …”
Guoba in question waved his hand to Hu Tao’s way, Hu Tao waved at him back.
“It’s okay, anything for my five star chef.”
Xiangling grinned at that, she blushed slightly at the moniker. “You sure you don’t have ulterior motives, Tao? Why the sudden praise?”
“Oh, of course I have an ulterior motive, as you need to cook only the finest for my dinner date.”
“Ah, really, I can feel your lo—stop it, Tao! Or I might choke on my tea!”
They laughed at that, cozying up with the tea while Xiangling sometimes looked over at her notes and scribbles.
It was when Hu Tao spotted a slime-like drawing beside the note saying ‘soup stock’.
“You … don’t add some slime jelly or whatever in it, right?”
“I won’t! Who do you think I am, pranking my friend on her dinner date?” Xiangling laughed. “Oh, but it seems fun, say … russian roulette xiao long bao! I’m sure people over at Northland Bank would love to try one!”
“Xiangling, no! ”
Thankfully, Xiangling was only joking - or not, Hu Tao could only hope she won’t be throwing up rainbows after the supposed-to-be perfect date night…
✧
Another letter came from Yelan that day, saying that she would come home after the expedition just like Hu Tao had expected, and Hu Tao was already eighty percent ready with the date preparation.
With the dish, drinks, and venue in the bag, Hu Tao concentrated on the last aspect of preparation: herself - which actually, the most difficult problem of all.
At times, Hu Tao wasn’t sure if she got enough womanly charm to appease Yelan, and not like Yelan was saying anything about preference. Hu Tao didn’t aim to be striking enough for Yelan to look at her with particular eyes, no, though she would love to be presentable enough that Yelan would just stare at her for long, just like how Hu Tao would look over and admire the taller woman.
Then again, it wasn’t like she could rack her feminine charms magically in a few days, right?
Hu Tao studied people around her, thinking how to apply more to make herself ‘good enough’ for the date night. Though to think it over, she wasn’t Ningguang with her full-bodied charm and charisma, nor was she like Keqing who was striking enough with her hard work and perseverance. Hu Tao wasn’t sure if putting on a lot of makeup would make a difference or two, as though she could ask someone for it.
Then, what was left was her outfit.
It was one afternoon when Hu Tao was handling administration matters of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor on Xiansheng behest as he was absent to do something else. Yanfei, the hired legal advisor, did most of the talking while Hu Tao needed to put a few signatures here and there.
“Well, Yanfei-laoshi, do you happen to have an idea for a nice night outfit for meeting someone?”
“... I think I was called here for legal business and not to talk about fashion, Director Hu?” Yanfei giggled.
Their actual formal business was finished though, papers signed and stamped and all, so it was given to have a small talk, right? Yanfei was up for a talk, though, by how she went quiet and waited instead of trying to change the topic.
Hu Tao scanned the legal adviser in her usual work clothes. Yanfei’s charm lay on her broad knowledge of things; she was likely a walking encyclopedia of law in Liyue, also she was giving out advice to others in her line of work.
“If it is meeting a business partner, won’t it be good to use your usual getup?”
“It’s … it’s a date, hehe.” Hu Tao scratched her cheek nervously.
“Oh,” Yanfei blinked for long, before she eventually giggled. “A date. I surmise that it is with Miss Yelan?”
At that, Hu Tao coughed. “O-Oh? I thought we weren’t that obvious.”
Yanfei held her chin up. “Well, I always happen to pass by this area to Chihu Rock, sometimes I happen to get a glimpse— ah, call it a nice view, if you will—of the two of you at the second floor of Yanshang Teahouse, or at the porch of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, kissing and getting handsy—”
“Woah, woah!” flustered, Hu Tao waved her hands up and about, much to Yanfei’s amusement.
To be fair, they were indeed having a share of PDA around that area, so it was given some people would know, but how come Hu Tao got to be teased by the number one legal adviser of Liyue!?
“Ahaha, you really love Miss Yelan, huh?”
That, Hu Tao did, and she couldn’t help but to blush furiously as Yanfei, of all people, pointed it out.
“A tailor-made outfit might be good for this occasion if you never once had a specific gown to use for casual meetings ,” Yanfei smirked at the innuendo. “I think you might want to see Ying’er of Scent of Spring to help with that, I sadly am not an expert of fashion, as you see.”
“T-Thank you for the advice, Miss Yanfei.”
“It’s alright, and don’t worry, the consultation in my free time like this is considered free of charge,” Yanfei shrugged. “Good luck with Miss Yelan, Director Hu.”
Hu Tao couldn’t help to think whether the half of Harbor knew they were together. When the realization dawned on her like that, especially as a lot of people supported them, made her feel wholly embarrassed.
But oh, well - it’s not like she wasn’t proud to be Yelan’s girlfriend, after all.
✧
In contrast to the dragging preparation days, the dinner date came fast approaching after Yelan said that she would stay in Liyue for a while after the last expedition.
Hu Tao already mentioned about the date, but she kept every pressing detail a secret. She only told Yelan to come to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to ‘pick her up’ and whether the date would be ‘somewhere special with a great setting’.
When the day finally arrived, Hu Tao could say she was so excited that she couldn’t wait for the evening to come. Donning on the outfit she specially prepared for the night, Hu Tao waited for Yelan with a bated breath.
It was like their first date again as a couple, how magical and how special it felt to her.
Yelan came a bit later than the appointed hour, but not too long than expected. She was, unusually, in a hurry. Likely her work made herself late, and she has yet to tidy up let alone picking a wear to date, but it was fine for Hu Tao. Yelan looked dashing anyway in her usual bodysuit and white fur coat.
But then, Hu Tao was wrong - she was not the only one who dressed for the date.
“I’m sorry, is Hu Tao here—oh.”
Hu Tao turned to see Yelan stood in her full height, wearing a sleeveless, halter top long gown past her calf in a color scheme of midnight blue. The sparkles on the dress was like a glittering starlight above them, and the gradient from top to bottom was akin to a transition between evening to deep night. She didn’t forget her treasured white fur coat, of course, it was like a touch to complete her appearance. Her makeup was light, likely as it was a night date, though the choice of her pink lipstick accentuated her kissable lips.
Was Hu Tao imagining things or did Yelan just pause to chew on her lips and her cheeks went redder?
“Why, look at you,” Yelan said with a sigh. “I haven’t seen you for a while and you’re this-”
Hu Tao tilted her head, she turned for a bit, letting the end of her qipao sway. After a discussion with Ying’er, Hu Tao got herself a sleeveless black qipao that was form-fitting. Swirling red spider lily pattern came from every side, hugging on her petite curve. The slit was high enough to not hinder movement. Ying’er said specifically for Hu Tao to let her hair down for the night, then coupled the qipao with a red plum blossom hairpin to tidy her bangs. Ying’er also suggested for Hu Tao to at least do a little makeup and use a bit of fragrance. Hu Tao felt naked without her hexagram hat, but it was only for this particular date night that she should go for such a makeover.
They stared at each other for a long while now, by the way.
“This …?” Confused, Hu Tao brought herself to repeat Yelan, in which Yelan coughed to her fist.
She then walked closer, putting her arms around Hu Tao. The sudden hug startled her to let out a cute yelp.
“ Archons ,” Yelan hissed. “If we’re not going for a date, I think I’m likely to lose it.”
Oh.
Oh.
Hu Tao returned the hug, burying her face in Yelan’s bosom, feeling the thump of the taller woman’s heartbeat. Yelan was not lying about it, Hu Tao mused. She then looked up, meeting with Yelan’s still entranced expression, Yelan then pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Looking from afar, I thought you were someone else earlier, sorry about that.”
Hu Tao giggled, “Hmm, I guess it is mission accomplished, then?”
“What mission?”
“Something personal,” Hu Tao hummed. “To knock you off your feet.”
“Haven’t you done that already before we dated, silly?”
Hu Tao settled with a chaste press on Yelan’s lips. Then, she took Yelan’s hand on hers, in which Yelan squeezed it back. They were walking hand in hand, embracing the night and moving to the destination spot.
“Now, where shall we go?”
Hu Tao winked, “Secret.”
✧
When they arrived at Jade Chamber and met the owner right by the table, Yelan made a face. Hu Tao couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. Just as Hu Tao had promised, Ningguang was free to take a moment of incentive. On the other end of the table, Xiangling has started with prepping the first dish of the three course menu. Hu Tao waved lightly at her, and Xiangling replied with a thumbs up as though saying ‘leave it to me’.
“As the owner, I feel that I need to at least welcome you before the date commences.” Ningguang opened her folding fan, hiding half of her face from Yelan’s scowl.
“What a humble service,” Yelan mocked. “Now you’re running a charity to open this place for public use, huh?”
“Oh, no, no. I’m simply touched by your partner’s dedication on making an unforgettable night. I was moved to tears when hearing about your days together as a lovey-dovey couple. Her dedication and tenacity to make you feel special is so palpable - it makes me rather green with envy.”
If Hu Tao happened to be in Ningguang’s position, she wouldn't be able to hold back laughter. She could see from where she stood that part of Ningguang’s eyes crinkled, meanwhile Yelan’s expression was bland as she tried to make her best glower possible.
Hu Tao was so busy holding her laughter that she let Ningguang roasted Yelan a bit more.
“ Ningguang .”
“Just kidding, well, partially,” Ningguang then looked over to Hu Tao. “I bid you a great night with her , Director Hu.”
Ningguang then made her way back to Jade Chamber, it was when the dam broke on Hu Tao - she couldn’t contain her laughter anymore, much to Yelan’s dismay. Yelan pouted and buried her face in her palms.
Hu Tao borrowed one of the medium-sized tables in the Jade Chamber and decorated it sparsely. A deep red tablecloth, a stalk of rose, also two candles to signify them. She left cutleries and others to Xiangling, likely she should be able to match things with the atmosphere.
Below the full moon night now they seated, lovers who had long separated, in a warm atmosphere of a romantic night.
“To think you’ll rope Ningguang to this …!” Yelan balked, Hu Tao has yet to stop laughing, shaking profusely as she simply couldn’t stop.
“I don’t?” Hu Tao smiled mischievously. “It just happened that I had to secure a nice dating place and Lady Tianquan happened to have the right spot.”
If only she had a Kamera with her, Yelan’s expression of defeat was so priceless!
Yelan heaved a long sigh, “I’ll … let it slide for now.”
Thankfully, Xiangling arrived at their tables carrying the Jewelry Soup for the opening course, luck was on Hu Tao’s side. Hu Tao then offered to pout Yelan a seat, and they enjoyed the bowl of soup while it was hot.
Xiangling served readily near the table, smiling ear-to-ear when seeing the couple. Hu Tao would like to reprimand her later for teasing, but mostly Xiangling only became a good server.
The Jewelry Soup was indeed a blast. It was a simple dish yet Xiangling somehow made it extravagant. The arrangement in the bowl was a treat. The tofu was afloat like clouds and fluffy to taste. The snapdragon was crispy and complimented the broth well. As expected after the first sip, Yelan poured the chili oil and the mixed spice shake on her bowl until the soup turned red. Yelan smiled when Hu Tao looked at her in wonder, offering for Hu Tao to take a sip, though Hu Tao declined. She didn’t want to make a mess of herself just as the date started.
“Did you happen to come from Chasm?” Hu Tao asked midway the meal. Yelan was savoring the spicy soup like it was nothing.
“Eh? How did you know?” Yelan widened her eyes in surprise.
Hu Tao thought for a bit,“Your smell.”
The blue-haired woman was taken aback, “H-Huh? Am I smelly?”
“No, no, it’s not like that,” Hu Tao quickly corrected. “It’s my keen sense of smell. You have an interesting scent in general, so when I went beside you and your scent mixed from where you did spend your time …”
“You make it as though I smell delicious.”
“Well. You—you are?”
Yelan chortled, though she played it cool, despite her sudden change in demeanor. “Now, now. I hope you don’t bait me to anything before I finish eating this … and Xiangling is watching.”
“Oh don’t mind me, Miss Yelan! Just enjoy your date hehe.”
Hu Tao glared at Xiangling, and the chef made it as a cue to start with the second dish. It seemed that Xiangling already prepared everything half done so she could do finishing touches and serve faster. The cornbread smelled heavenly and not so oily. In each bite, it was fluffy and not stuffy. Yelan praised the chef for the mixed chili dip. The blue-haired woman dipped the cornbread almost fully with spice and ate it easily, again Hu Tao had to stop and admire her being mostly unaffected with the spiciness.
They talked about what happened so far in Liyue Harbor after Yelan’s absence; the usual activities in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, then how excited Hu Tao was with every letter she received from Yelan. Yelan promised to write home often, though Hu Tao didn’t mind if Yelan was too busy to write. ‘As long as you’re back home safely’, Hu Tao said.
The third and final course arrived as they were done with the cornbread. Xiangling’s Vegetarian Abalone was colorful, almost Hu Tao mistook the palate for more than just mushrooms and snapdragons. Hu Tao could feel the bitterness from the Violetgrass, then crunchy bits of potatoes adjoined in mushroom slices like a flower crown.
“These tasty dishes almost make me think that we’re eating meat,” Yelan said happily. “The creative dips and chili powder were good, too. You’re spoiling me, little butterfly.”
“I really want to say, ‘anything for you’, but I feel that I may be cornier than the cornbread.”
There was a brief silence before Yelan erupted to laughter. Even Xiangling laughed at that! She escaped again to take a pot and cups for tea, what a convenient excuse as chef de cuisine!
On the other note, Hu Tao was elated by how Yelan was receptive toward the meal, enough for her to praise Xiangling as a chef over and over, and to say her thanks to Hu Tao as the host. The conversation was flowing endlessly as they leisurely ate, it was like they weren’t once separated for a while, but rather just a couple went out to a fancy eatery in a fancy location.
As the night deepened and plates cleared, Xiangling excused from her post, telling the two to enjoy the date. Hu Tao poured Yelan the tea, and they mostly went debrief after stuffing their mouths and hearts in silence, enjoying each other’s presence and the tea.
“Pu’er,” Yelan said after seeing the tea on her cup. “A nice choice.”
“I did ask Lady Ningguang for the input, though.”
“I really have to thank her, huh?” Yelan chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re surprising me so much tonight, little butterfly, not on a bad note, though.”
“I’m glad everything was nice,” Hu Tao responded. “You know, I was nervous all day.”
Yelan folded her arms, “You don’t look like one. Rather, you’re doing great,” Hu Tao smiled warmly at the compliment. “Also you look stunning. Did I say that already?”
“A few times, yes.”
Hu Tao recounted the moment they met in front of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and how Yelan said she mistook Hu Tao for someone else. Then she proceeded to hug her. Recounting it made heat rise to her face again. Anything slipped from Yelan’s lips guaranteed her a swoon, it seemed.
“... Are you cold?” Yelan’s voice went quieter.
“Huh, n-no?”
Yelan stood up from her seat, shed her treasured coat and draped it over Hu Tao’s shoulder. The familiar scent assaulted her nostril, almost close as when Yelan gave her a sudden hug that made her heart race.
Yelan didn’t stop there, as she inched closer to settle her head on Hu Tao’s left shoulder, her lips moved as she whispered in Hu Tao’s ear.
“You said something about scent earlier,” Yelan said quietly, sending shivers down Hu Tao’s spine. “You also smells so good that I almost lost it when I hugged you earlier.”
Yelan, however, inched away, squeezing on Hu Tao’s shoulders instead.
“But I don’t want to ruin our date - the whole dinner that you prepared. Thank you for always making me feel special, little butterfly.”
Though before Yelan broke away completely, Hu Tao pulled on her arm and gave her a full kiss on her lips. A kiss that didn’t progress further, but stayed long for Hu Tao to feel Yelan on her lips. When they parted, Hu Tao was flushed redder than Yelan. Her eyes half-lidded and her mouth closed tight. The taller woman’s chuckle was dark when knowing the intent, but then Yelan dipped once more to reciprocate with the similar kiss.
“What I said earlier about not baiting, little butterfly?” Yelan tilted Hu Tao’s chin up. “I don’t think I might stop when you keep making that face, you know?”
“Then—”
Yelan flicked on her forehead, making Hu Tao double over to wince.
“We shall head back first, I don’t think Ningguang would stomach more PDA in her lawn than enough, also …” Yelan grinned. “I must pay you back for all the embarrassment.”
“Y-Yelan!”
Yelan merely stuck out her tongue as they walked away from the Jade Chamber, heart feeling light yet full at the same time.
✧
On the far corner of Jade Chamber, a vantage point unseen by the two frolicking love birds by the front yard.
Ningguang passed by, finishing up work for the night and ready to take a long bath before sleep. She caught a glimpse of smiling Yelan, which was a rare occasion on its own. Ningguang couldn’t hardly remember the last time Yelan smiled like that, it was rather nostalgic.
It was rather unexpected that Yelan would find the right person in Hu Tao, although Hu Tao wasn’t exactly a resident prankster or troublemaker.
“Ningguang? The papers are done.”
Came behind her, a certain purple-haired Yuheng of Liyue Qixing. Her forehead scrunched in wonder when seeing Ningguang’s soft expression, then she caught a glimpse of the table at the courtyard and the two women talking and sometimes kissing. Ningguang chuckled as Keqing made a face - one with a mix of astonishment and delight.
Keqing was there to finish up a little bit of messy paperwork in Constructions and Real Estate, saying that she wouldn’t back out until everything was done. Ningguang didn’t say anything much and let her work undisturbed.
“... Ningguang?”
“What is it, Keqing?”
“Since when you’re, uhh, renting space for people to date? Are you that desperate of income to the point you resort to-”
“You sure have an active imagination tonight, Little Yuheng.” Ningguang chuckled. “You can say I’m doing the young woman a favor … teasing my old acquaintance is an additional benefit.”
Keqing looked over to the front courtyard again, then sighed.
“Are you perhaps jealous?”
There was a long pause, Ningguang expected a witty, useless retort coming from Keqing, yet nothing was coming.
Instead, it was a firm: “I am.”
“... Huh?”
“We should be out for dinner in that setup sometime, we can also cook ourselves if the idea of hiring a special chef is not to your liking,” as usual, Keqing has planned far ahead - something that was still in Ningguang’s field of vision. Then, her smile returned, along with a blush creeping on her cheeks. “... what now, do you dislike it?”
Ningguang’s answer was a firm kiss on Keqing’s lips, and the night strived to continue for better.