Chapter Text
Yoimiya took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill her lungs. The shop was opened, and the sun peaked over the ridges of Narukami Island. It was the same routine she followed for years. Later she would head into the hustle of Inazuma city, filled with all it’s beautiful color and noise. Deliveries would be made and the children would ask to be entertained. Afterwards she would venture outside the city to listen to the sounds of the wind and the waves. These quiet moments would remind her why she cherished her home and people. Why she worked hard to bring them beautiful yet fleeting sights.
It would be a lie if she said the routine wasn’t sometimes stifling. After what she experienced with the Vision Hunt Decree and her travels with Lumine and Paimon she couldn’t help but desire more. When she walked by the Adventurer’s Guild there was a new sense of understanding. How the rush of discovery can fill your veins with something that can’t be replaced.
-
The next day there was a change in the routine. A shipment from the Alcor was expected to arrive. Yoimiya was grateful to know the captain, Beidou. The woman was vibrant and has a great sense of humor. She also always brought her the best gunpowder in Liyue. Excitement rushed through her as she made her way to Ritou.
Traveling to Ritou was always simple besides a few hilichurls, and before Yoimiya knew it the sails of the Alcor came into view. She saw Beidou right away with a man in front of her. Beidou’s back was towards her, so she first made eye contact with Kazuha Kaedehara. He acknowledged her with a slight nod before he gestured at Beidou to turn around.
Yoimiya knew who Kazuha was, everyone in Inazuma City knew the stories of the downfall of the Kaedehara house. It always dampened her mood when she overheard the whispered tones. Her family provided services for most of the noble houses in Inazuma. The Kaedehara house declined too far to care about fireworks by the time she started taking over.
Now, she knew more of him through stories from Lumine, who traveled with him a bit after their adventure together ended. The traveling pair had a very high opinion of Kazuha.
Beidou beamed at her, Yoimiya couldn’t help but jog up for a tight hug. Beidou lifted her up into the air and spun a dramatic turn.
“It’s been a couple months Yoimiya?” Beidou laughed in her ear. She returned her greeting with a giggle before letting go.
“Sometimes I wish you’d come every month,” Yoimiya said, “I wouldn’t have to worry about any of my stock then.”
“You’re just lucky I spoil you with the good stuff, sadly I’m not going to be here to assist with unloading.”
Yoimiya frowned. “Aww, why?”
“Business,” she grinned widely, “with Inazuma’s open borders, Ningguang wants me to do some extra scouting. Connections and stuff.”
“So, you’ll be here for longer then?”
“Two months depending on all the contact’s schedules.” Yoimiya’s eyes sparkled at the revelation.
“You should come over to my place then?”
“I wish.” Yoimiya tried not to visibly deflate. “Though, if you want to treat anyone, treat this guy since he’ll be helping you.” She looked towards Kazuha, who silently observed the interaction.
“Ah! I see,” Yoimiya said, “thank you for the help Kazuha.”
“I’m happy to be of assistance,” he said.
“I’ll leave the two of you to it then.” Beidou gave a small wink to Yoimiya and departed with a small wave as she took the other members of the Alcor with her.
“Lets get started then?” He tilted his head towards the ship.
“Yes, of course! I hired a cart so I’ll bring it over.”
As much as Yoimiya wanted to talk, chatter was difficult while lifting the gunpowder and other fuses she ordered. Her eyes kept drifting to the man helping her. Biceps flexed as he lifted the barrels yet he didn’t look like he was breaking a sweat. Kazuha did his work diligently and at the same time managed to look graceful. A thought flickered through her mind, maybe it wasn’t so bad that Beidou left him. Heat flooded up her face as she looked away.
After they finished she paid the cart and sent them back towards Inazuma City. She turned towards Kazuha who leaned against the side of the Alcor. His face always reflected a serene expression. Yoimiya envied how anyone could be so relaxed. It felt like her brain was always shooting sparks.
“Thank you so much Kazuha,” she said.
“Like I said, I’m happy to help. Especially when I know my efforts go to supplying famed Naganohara fireworks.” Yoimiya flushed at the statement. Praise was always welcome for the work she took pride in. When Kazuha said it she couldn’t help but feel bashful.
“I already paid Beidou for the supplies, but let me treat you to something.”
“That won’t be necessary, this was my task after all.”
“So, you deserve a personal reward.” Yoimiya gave him a wide smile. “You must be hungry? Maybe some food in the city that you’re craving? What about Uyuu Restaurant? That place has some of the best fish I’ve ever had, I go there all the time.
Yoimiya wanted to bite back her words. Kazuha was well-traveled, he’s probably tasted other delicacies away from this country. Instead he just looked at her, steady, with a small smile on his lips.
“Okay, if you insist.”
-
The journey back to Inazuma City was smooth and they mostly discussed the Alcor’s journey to Inazuma and where the crew was before. It felt like they arrived at the restaurant in a flash.
“So, what are you going to order Kazuha?”
“What do you usually get?”
Yoimiya felt her mouth water in anticipation, she loved this place.
“Usually sushi.”
“Then we can get that, I enjoy fish.”
Yoimiya placed an order for their best seller, a sushi boat. Various kinds of sushi are displayed on top of a model boat. Ordering this made sense to her since the pair would be eating the same thing anyway.
Though, thoughts drifted to how she wished to go on a date like this with someone. Eyes trailed towards Kazuha who still looked graceful while relaxing, which baffled her. He leaned against the table, fingers thrummed against the wood as his eyes drifted. Maybe he remembered something. She hoped it was something pleasant.
“Have you been here before?” she asked, wanting to cut through the silence.
“A long time ago, I wonder if it’s changed.”
“Besides this sushi boat, it hasn’t changed much. Though, the old man over there would’ve loved if the place stayed the same for eternity.”
“That never truly works out in the end, no?” She laughed at his response.
“I’m sure you’d know that better than anyone, I heard you blocked an attack from the Raiden Shogun herself.”
Kazuha’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink, as his hand reached to rub the back of his neck.
“It was in the spur of the moment, though I’m glad everything was able to work out,” he looked back towards her, “I heard you’re the reason Lumine was able to escape so many guards? They described it as the grandest explosion they’d ever seen.”
“Well of course! You can’t just ask Naganohara Yoimiya for a giant firework and not expect a giant firework.” She pointed towards him. “Keep that in mind if you ever need to make a quick getaway.” He returned her comment with a wider smile.
“I’m glad we are able to speak more Yoimiya,” he said, “despite me living here for most of my life our paths rarely crossed.” It was a shame, she thought to herself. His presence was rather calming and he’s pleasant to talk to. Yoimiya doesn’t dwell on how handsome he was. Or at least she tried to.
“I’m happy too Kazuha, talking to you is really fun.”
As soon as the statement left her lips the sushi boat arrived and took the rest of her attention. She gave Kazuha some of her favorites, and he ate them without questioning. Their conversations continued to drift on into the night and Yoimiya couldn’t help but think if this was a date it would’ve been a nice one.
-
“That was quite pleasant Yoimiya, thanks for taking me. It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten anything in the city.” Kazuha’s voice was smooth. The words always felt like they were flowing into in the breeze. Yoimiya wished she could catch each syllable. The two of them stood in front of the restaurant, surrounded by the lights of Inazuma. She was disappointed the night was going to end so soon.
“It’s no problem! Thanks for helping me out with the shipments and all that. I know they’re super heavy so I always feel bad watching Beidou’s crew carrying them.” He let out a small laugh.
“They are one of the heavier shipments I’ve had to haul. But it’s for a good cause.”
“Have you actually seen my fireworks before?”
Kazuha seemed to ponder the question, his fingers tapped lightly against his leg. “I don’t believe so. I think I was going through some things right when you took over, and then I left when your shows became more common.”
“You’ve got to see one eventually! Pretty please. I work all the big festival and special events in between. I also do special order.”
A smile spread across Kazuha’s face, humored by her enthusiasm.
“I suppose if I’m led back here during the right time I’ll stop by.” His attention turned away from her and towards the night sky. It was a clear night, all the constellations twinkled. Yoimiya wondered what it truly meant to have the stars guide your fate. In some ways it unnerved her. Being held down by something as nebulous as fate.
Kazuha looked back towards her, always so calm. “It’s getting late, I should be heading back.”
“It is late.” Yoimiya frowned, her hands fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. “You’ll be at the Alcor by yourself?”
“Yes, but it’s not an issue. I’ve slept in more unsavory situations.” Thoughts raced through her mind but Yoimiya didn’t want to seem desperate to keep the night going. Kazuha would be perfectly safe if he walked by himself. His fighting prowess is unquestionable.
“Okay, well I suppose this is bye then.” Yoimiya smiled at him. “I hope you have a good night Kazuha.”
His eyes looked so soft under the lights of Inazuma and the glow of the night sky. They looked like embers. Burning bright despite his calm demeanor.
“You as well, Yoimiya.” He started to turn away his clothes flowed behind him leaving a trail of red. If fate did rule Yoimiya’s life, maybe she could give it a little push. Maybe it was foolish, but she wanted to take a little leap.
“Um, Kazuha!” He turned back towards her fully, giving his full attention.
“I know Beidou said she’d be away for a while and I don’t know if you’re meeting with them but if you ever want to kill time here, I’m available. My schedule is pretty much the same daily and I’m always around the city so if you ever need to find me it won’t be hard.” She stopped herself because she felt the words as they tumbled out of her and they were starting to turn into an unattractive ramble.
His gaze seemed to soften more.
“Okay, I’ll take you up on that.”
“R-really?” She stammered.
“You offered,” he chuckled, “I’ll be around.” He then continued to leave without another word. In his absence, the wind flowed through her hair and cooled her burning face.