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Sara stopped in the doorway, attention focused on her girlfriends chatting lightly across the room. Their routine was to have dinner together whenever possible, though thanks to their busy lives it wasn’t as often as they would like. Most often Yae was the last one to dinner, less concerned with timeliness than the other two, but that wasn’t the case today.
So far they hadn’t seen Sara yet. Ei was smiling softly at whatever Yae was saying, hand coming up to cover her mouth when the smile widened into a grin. After a moment Ei leaned forward to press a quick kiss to Yae’s lips, leaning back when the Kitsune made to return it.
Finally, Ei looked over to the doorway, spotting Sara. “Sara! Please, come sit.” She patted the ground to her right where a cushion had been placed for Sara. The table was different from the usual one, round rather than rectangular. Before two of them could sit side by side, leaving the other to sit across from them. Yae and Sara had taken turns being the single person. “You noticed the new table. I thought it would be nice to have a circular one, where we could all sit side by side.”
Sara took a seat on the floor, legs tucked under her. She wasn’t exactly sitting next to Yae, almost across from her really, but she supposed it was the thought that counted. At least this way they could both sit beside Ei. “That’s very kind of you.”
“She’s quite the sweetheart, isn’t she?”
Ei flushed at Yae’s words. “It’s not as if it were any trouble.”
“No, but it's the thought that counts, right little bird?” Yae leaned her elbow on the table, chin in her hand, as she settled her gaze on Sara, giving her the soft playful smile she wore that often meant trouble.
“Of course.”
The meal went as usual. Yae always did most of the talking, not only because she was the most talkative of the trio, but because she was the only one who could talk about something other than work for any length of time. Some nights if Yae had yet to arrive, Sara and Ei could talk business, but once Yae joined them the topic was forbidden. You already spend every waking moment thinking about work. You should take a break once in a while. After the first few nights, the rule had relaxed somewhat. A topic could be mentioned, letting the other party know a future conversation would be required, but the discussion wasn’t to go further than that.
Sara and Yae did most of the eating. Ei didn’t need to eat all that much, so she usually didn’t. Only when Sara or Yae cooked for her did she actually indulge in a proper meal. Throughout the meal, Yae would pluck the mushrooms off of Ei’s plate. At first, Sara thought it was just to tease her, but soon she realized the archon never ate any of the mushrooms that found their way onto her plate, often putting them off to the side just for Yae. On one occasion, Sara had mentioned how much she enjoyed water chestnuts and ever since the other two would occasionally reach over to deposit one on her plate.
Now a month or so into their dinner dates they finally felt like a routine, meaning Sara was far less nervous before them. Perhaps in time, she wouldn’t be nervous at all.
*******
The next time Sara sees Ei and Miko together, the pair are talking just outside of Ei’s rooms. Sara could tell it wasn’t a particularly important conversation, Ei is smiling softly, something she doesn’t do when it comes to business. The conversation ends quickly, with Ei needing to handle some paperwork and other tasks. She doesn’t leave everything to the Shogun anymore, choosing to be involved in a behind the scenes manner. The Shogun or Sara deal with other officials up front, relaying the information back to Ei, then relaying her responses afterward.
As they say their goodbyes, Ei leans down to press a quick kiss to Yae’s lips. The grin remains on Yae’s face even after the doors shut behind Ei.
It only takes a second for Yae to spot Sara, her grin shifting from happy to somewhat devious. She approaches the Tengu, dropping the grin for something softer and decidedly less real. “What a pleasant surprise, little bird. Are you here to see Ei?”
“Yes, I have some updates for her.” Sara knew better than to think the conversation would end there, but she couldn’t help but hope. Though the two of them got along better than they used to, Yae being more genuine with Sara instead of putting up the same front she did with everyone else, there was still some tension between them. The novelty of teasing Sara hadn’t worn off yet. That was when it was just the two of them. With Ei, they both relaxed and Yae’s teasing felt less like a fox teasing its prey and more like the teasing of a loved one.
“Nothing bad I hope.”
“Not at all.”
“Then why do you look so troubled?”
Despite Sara’s attempts to hide her emotions about the previous scene, Yae saw right through her. Sara could lie about it and Yae would drop the conversation for now, likely to bring it up at an awkward time, or she could talk to her. Every bit of Sara said to go for the first one, put off the topic as long as she could, and hope that Yae would forget, but she also wanted answers. She and Yae were also dating, so there was no reason other than her own embarrassment not to be open with her.
“It’s nothing to do with work.”
Yae hummed. “But it's about Ei, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Are you going to enlighten me, little one? Or should I leave you to agonize over it?”
The choice of words almost made Sara change her mind. Almost. “I know Ei and I haven’t been together as long as the two of you have, but our relationship isn’t new either.” When she paused, searching for a better way to put the next bit, Yae waited patiently for her to continue. She couldn’t think of anything else, better to just be direct. “Is there a reason she never kisses me?”
Yae laughed lightly, hand coming up to cover her mouth, but the gaze that settled on Sara was soft, not teasing. “I had that exact same question when Ei and I started dating. I always figured I would let her kiss me first. I would have been happy to kiss her immediately, but I didn’t want to rush her. So I waited. And waited. And waited. I started to wonder if maybe she didn’t want to kiss me at all. Some people don’t care for it after all. So I asked her about it. Turns out she had been waiting on me, not wanting to pressure me.”
“And you think she’s doing the same for me?”
“Most likely, yes. In fact, she’s probably even more worried about overstepping boundaries with you. Our relationship has always been on close to equal terms, but for most of your life, and even now you hold her far above you. A god next to a lowly mortal. She probably thinks you would do whatever she wanted out of a feeling of obligation, rather than genuine desire.”
It was true. Sara did hold Ei far above her. Maybe at one point, she might have done just as Yae said, given Ei whatever she wanted without regard for her own feelings. She couldn’t be certain she wouldn’t do so now, but at least when it came to this she knew fully what she wanted.
*******
Sara’s first chance came one night when Ei decided to walk her back to her rooms. A few weeks ago, Sara moved into the Tenshukaku, allowing her to be closer to Ei both for work and their relationship. She still spent nights at the Kujou estate from time to time, usually after visits with her brothers. Many nights both Ei and Miko would walk Sara to her room, then the pair would go their separate ways, but tonight Miko had business to attend to.
Sara had been telling herself over and over the entire walk to just ask for a good night kiss. It wouldn’t be uncalled for, Ei and Miko always gave her a kiss on the cheek before saying goodbye.
“Are you alright Sara? You seem tense.” Ei asked as they stopped in front of Sara’s door.
“It’s nothing, Ei. I’m just a bit tired.”
Ei beamed at her when Sara said her name. It had taken some time and even now Sara still messed up on occasion, since she still needed to use the title in public, but she’d gotten better at calling Ei by her name when they were in private. “If you are sure. I’ll leave you then, I know you have a busy day tomorrow.” Ei leaned forward to kiss Sara on the cheek, then turned her head to let the Tengu return the favor. “Good Night, Sara.”
Sara pressed a kiss to her cheek, feeling her cheeks flush with warmth. Sometimes she still couldn’t believe how lucky she was to be this close to the Almighty Shogun, to be allowed such intimate interactions. It often felt like a dream. “Good Night, Ei.”
*******
Sara’s second chance came after dinner with Ei and Miko. Ei was leaving a bit early to talk with the Shogun. As per usual she gave Miko a kiss on the lips, then Sara one on the cheek, before standing to go. Despite her wishes, the request stuck in her throat and Ei was gone before Sara could ask for another kiss.
Miko frowned, her tone both teasing and sympathetic. “Missed your chance, did you?”
“I didn’t want to make her wait.”
Miko hummed. “If you say so, though, you know she would never mind waiting for you.”
*******
Tonight would be her third chance. Once again, Ei was walking her back to her room alone. Tonight Miko had to go deal with one of her authors that was several days late with their manuscript. From her mood, it was clear this wasn’t the first time he had done so and the results weren’t likely to be pretty.
Once again they stopped just outside her door. Ei looked over Sara’s form, noticing the slight frown and the tension in her shoulders. “Are you alright? Last time you said you were just tired, but I’m worried it's more than that. You don’t get like this any of the nights Miko comes with us. Have I done something wrong?”
“Of course not, Ei! You’ve never done anything to upset me.”
“Are you sure? You just seem so worried.” Ei’s gaze fell to where one of Sara’s hands was tightly clutching her robes.
Sara quickly let go, but found she couldn’t look directly at Ei. She finally had another chance. Was she going to let it slip by her again this time? “I’m alright, Ei. No need to worry.”
Ei’s frown didn’t fade, but the answer would have to do. She gave Sara her usual kiss, on the forehead this time before turning to go. “Good night, Sara.”
Sara couldn’t believe it. She was so angry at herself. Why was it so hard to ask such a simple question? Did she think Ei would deny her? That Ei would think they weren’t yet close enough? No, she couldn’t let another chance slip by. Before she knew it, she was calling out to Ei. “Ei.”
Ei turned back to look at her, frown now curious rather than worried. “Yes, Sara?”
“Can I have another kiss?”
“Of course.”
Only when Ei was right in front of her did Sara manage to specify what she wanted. “On the lips. Like you give Miko.” When she forced herself to look up she found Ei smiling at her, eyes full of warmth and affection.
“Ah, so that’s it. Is this a one time request or should I keep giving them to you?”
“You can keep giving them to me.” Of course, she wanted as many kisses as she could get, but the fact that Ei asked warmed her heart.
Rather than replying, Ei’s hand came up to hold Sara’s chin, then she pressed a soft kiss to Sara’s lips. It didn’t last long, but it made Sara’s heart soar. Ei had kissed her. Ei wanted to kiss her again. It was almost too much. After a moment Ei pulled away, hand staying at Sara’s chin for just a moment longer. “Good night, Sara.”
Now it was Sara’s turn to beam at her. “Good night, Ei.”
*******
“Ei, you really ought to get some rest.” The three of them were just about to go their separate ways for the night. They would walk back to Sara’s room, then Miko would return to the shrine and Ei would find something to occupy herself for the night. Being an archon, she didn’t need as much sleep as most people did, but the rest could still be good for her mind.
“I’m fine, Miko. There are many matters I need to attend to.”
“All of them can wait. Let the Shogun handle them. You haven’t gotten any sleep since we started dating Sara.” That had been just over two months ago. Sara had no idea how often Ei should have been sleeping, but going without for such a long time couldn’t be good for her. “And before you argue, there’s also the other issue.”
Ei’s slightly open mouth shut as her gaze fell to her lap. Sara thought she could see a flush on the archon’s face.
“What other issue?” Sara asked.
“The fact that we could be snuggled up to Ei all night! Isn’t spoiling us just as important as whatever you planned to spend the night on?” Miko was doing her best to sound angry, though the tone came out far poutier than she intended. Her puffed out cheeks didn’t help the matter.
Now Sara felt her cheeks flush. Staying the night with Ei? She wasn’t opposed to the idea, it sounded wonderful, but she wouldn’t force Ei into anything she didn’t want. “If Ei doesn’t want to, we shouldn’t push her.”
“She wants to. She’s just shy about it, right Ei? That’s why she’s been staring at her lap.”
With both pairs of eyes on her, Ei did not look up as she replied. “I would like that. I just didn’t want to rush Sara.”
“Then ask her! Just like you should have asked to kiss her. Sara’s a big girl, she would turn you down if she was apprehensive.”
Finally, Ei looked up from her lap, but only at Sara. “Would you like to stay the night with me?”
“Of course!”
Miko sighed, shaking her head as she stood. “Really, you two can be quite troublesome, you know that?” Despite the harsh words, she was smiling softly, making it clear she was quite pleased with the results.
*******
Sara almost couldn’t believe it. Here she was in Ei’s personal quarters, dressed for bed. Miko had already made herself at home in the bed. She’d pulled into a braid similar to the one Ei wore and her white robe was already halfway falling off one shoulder. Miko grinned at Sara, patting the bed beside her. “Which side do you want, little one? We’ll have Ei in the middle so she can’t escape.”
That was a good question. Sara usually slept on her right side. Did she want to sleep facing Ei? Or out into the room? Seeing as a decision would have taken her quite some time, Sara went for the easier option, picking the side Miko was not currently on. “The left side is fine.”
Ei came out from behind the screen she had been changing behind, making her way to the bed. Her hair was braided a bit more tightly than usual. Her robe was a darker purple, covered in floral designs in lighter shades, and stopped at her knees. She climbed into bed beside Miko, leaving plenty of room for Sara, who joined them after only a moment’s hesitation.
“So who gets to kiss our little bird good night first?” Miko asked, casting a teasing smile at Sara. The nickname still embarrassed Sara somewhat, but only really when Miko used it in public. In private, she’d come to be quite fond of it. When neither Ei nor Sara answered, Miko, sighed before deciding herself. “I suppose I’ll go first, so she can save her favorite for last.”
Sara flushed, both at the newness of getting to kiss Ei and the implication that she preferred Ei to Miko. She supposed it wasn’t entirely fair to deny the fact. She’d certainly been in love with Ei the longest. Only as they’d actually spent more time together had Sara found herself falling for Miko as well. Saying she didn’t have a favorite though would be a lie. “I still like you too, you know?”
“I know, darling. We both favor Ei in some ways, but that just gives us something to bond over doesn’t it?”
“There’s no reason to favor me. You’re both wonderful.” Ei said with a completely serious expression. It wouldn’t even cross her mind to consider either of them as anything less than her equal.
Miko laughed lightly, leaning over to kiss Ei on the cheek. “You’re so sweet, Ei. I’m sure we could discuss this a while longer, but we should get some sleep.” With that Miko leaned over Ei’s lap, looking expectantly up at Sara. When Sara leaned in, Miko's hand came up to cup her cheek as she pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Then she moved to kiss Ei, before leaning back and shifting that expectant gaze between the two of them. When neither of them moved, Miko laughed lightly. “Sara, aren’t you going to give Ei her kiss?”
Sara’s cheeks flushed a bit deeper. They’d remained warm since earlier in the conversation. She leaned forward and down slightly, pressing a quick and gentle kiss to Ei’s lips. A bit quicker than she really wanted, but she’d grow more comfortable over time. “Good Night, Ei, Miko.”
“Good Night, darlings.”
“Good Night, Sara, Miko.” A quick flick of Ei’s wrist and the candles all went out. She settled under the covers, laying on her back, while each of her girlfriend’s snuggled against her sides, draping an arm over her torso. Ei hadn’t been particularly fond of sleep since leaving Euthymia, but tonight was certain to be far more enjoyable.