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As the Electro Archon, the God of Eternity and the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma, Ei has been through quite a lot throughout her long life - living as her sister’s shadow, cutting down countless enemies to protect her nation, losing her sister and friends, creating a puppet in her pursuit of eternity, her misguided decree to stop people from leaving or entering as she took away their visions, her fight with the traveler who’s ambition alongside those of her people had changed her view of eternity.
Her experiences have taught her a lot and helped her become the Archon she is today. Though nothing had prepared her for something like this - dating three women that all had animal traits.
Her years spent fighting and then locked away in the Plane of Euthymia had left no time for romance, despite all of Miko’s constant flirting. But now that Inazuma was at peace, she had time to focus on herself and her relationships with others. Ei didn’t understand how she managed to acquire one girlfriend, let alone three. Nor was she prepared to deal with the quirks of their animal traits.
Don’t get her wrong, her girlfriend’s animal traits were extremely cute and endearing, but as someone with a body lacking any animal features she was simply not used to all the added quirks. Most of the time it wasn’t a bother and simply made her fall in love with her girlfriends even more. However sometimes it led to problems. Usually they were small and could easily be fixed but sometimes it led to larger problems, especially when the traits conflicted with each other.
It was a mystery each day of what antics her girlfriends' animal traits will cause.
—🐦⬛—
Ei sat on the bed in their shared bedroom in Tenshukaku, simply staring out the window as she enjoyed the warm sun shining upon her and the gentle breeze blowing in through the window. She had just gotten back from an important meeting and was taking a moment to destress after her hard work.
The peaceful moment was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Ei turned and smiled as Sara entered, gesturing for her to come join her. Sara stepped forward slowly, her steps uncharacteristically hesitant, lacking her usual confidence. Sara’s mouth opened as if she wanted to say something but then closed as if she decided against it.
“What’s wrong, dear?” Ei questioned, her brows furrowed in concern. “Did something happen?”
“No, nothing happened.” Sara avoided Ei’s gaze, choosing to stare out the window Ei was looking out just moments ago. “May I ask you something?”
“Of course. You may ask me anything.” Ei assured her, reaching out and taking a hold of her hand.
With Ei’s words and touch, Sara finally turned and met her eyes. The Tengu took a deep breath before speaking.
“I would like to request your help in preening my feathers. I am unable to reach all of them on my own.” Sara asked. “However if you are busy or do not want to then it's alright. I’ll-”
“Of course I’ll help you, dear.” Ei smiled at her, squeezing her hand as she pulled her closer. Sara followed and sat down beside her on the bed.
“May I ask how you preened yourself before?” Ei questioned. “You said you were unable to reach them all by yourself, did you have a friend or family member help you?”
Sara paused for a moment before hesitantly answering.
“No. I was always too busy to do it properly and so was everyone in the Tenryou Commission. When I did have the time I would do the ones I could reach as quickly as I could and then just let the others fall out on their own. Though most of the time I had to just let them all fall out on their own because I was too busy.” Sara admitted, embarrassed that she couldn’t manage to take care of herself.
“Isn’t that painful?” Ei asked, confused on how Sara could go about her day with pain all throughout her wings.
“It was.” Sara’s face fell at the memories. “But there was no time for luxuries such as self care in the middle of a war. Nor was there anyone there that could help me.”
“Well there is no more war, so you have all the time in the world to take care of yourself now.” Ei lifted her hand and pressed a soft kiss across her knuckles. “And you now have three girlfriends that will always be here for you and help you whenever you need it, whether it's for preening your feathers or anything else.”
“Thank you, love.” A small smile graced Sara’s face, touched by her girlfriend’s words.
Sara turned away from her girlfriend, spreading her wings out for her. Ei raised her hand to the raven black feathers, her hands gentle as she preened her wings. Her eyes never strayed from Sara’s wings as she searched for loose feathers, pulling them out and setting them aside. She moved slowly, careful not to accidentally pull too hard and hurt her girlfriend. Ei’s hands, normally strict and unrelenting as she gripped her polearm, were gentle and loving as she straightened out the feathers that were out of place.
A peaceful silence filled the room as Ei worked, the two women not needing words as they savored the tender moment. The more feathers Ei removed and straightened, the more the stress melted out of Sara’s normally stiff frame. The more the Tengu relaxed the more her body slumped forward. It was a gradual decline, just like the sakura blossoms falling outside the window.
The peace was shattered when Sara suddenly jolted up right, the tension returning to her shoulders as she caught herself from falling over.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t even realize I was falling asleep.” Sara apologized, her head lowered in embarrassment. “That’s never happened before, I’m usually more vigilant than that.”
“Nonsense. There’s no need to be vigilant here. You’re in bed with your girlfriend, it's okay to relax.” Ei reassured her. “Besides, I was happy you felt so comfortable with me taking care of you. Plus you looked quite adorable.”
When Sara hesitated to respond, Ei pressed on.
“If you’d like, you’re more than welcome to take a nap while I preen your feathers. It’s been a long day - you deserve to relax, love.” Ei pressed a soft kiss to Sara’s back, right between her wings.
That seemed to finally convince her, as she nodded in agreement. Sara adjusted herself on the bed, moving so that now she was laying down on her stomach, her wings spread out onto Ei’s lap while Sara rested her head on her folded arms.
Ei resumed her gentle preening as Sara drifted off to sleep. Ei watched her peaceful face with a soft smile on her face, happy to see her girlfriend relax like she deserved.
Ei happily spent the next few hours preening her girlfriend’s wings as Sara enjoyed her nap.
—🦊—
One would think an Archon would be above paperwork, years ago that was true - but after the Traveler changed Ei’s definition of Eternity, Ei has put forth an immense effort to guarantee the wellbeing of her people and her nation.
Which unfortunately included mountains of paperwork, who’s height rivaled Mt. Yougou.
Ei is reading through and signing papers when Miko strolled in, as if it was a park in the city and not the Electro Archon’s personal office, not that anyone would prevent the Archon's girlfriend from visiting.
“I hope you’re not working yourself to death, love.” Miko frowned at the enormous stack of unfinished paperwork piled higher than Ei’s head.
“Don’t worry, I’ve fought many vicious advisories and suffered tragic losses. A little paperwork will not be my downfall.” Ei laughed lightly, her eyes never once leaving the paper placed in front of her.
“Never underestimate the ferociousness of a papercut.” Miko warned, the tiny curl at the corner of her mouth revealing her tease.
“I’m sorry, I’d love to keep talking with you but I really need to finish this today.” Ei apologized.
“Are you saying paperwork is more important than your own girlfriend, who you love so much and would do anything for?” Miko asked, fake hurt scrawled across her face as she draped herself across Ei’s lap.
A dangerous question, one that Ei is wise enough not to answer, lest she fall into the yokai’s trap.
“I seriously need to finish these papers tonight.” Ei sighed.
“You can keep working. I’m just going to get comfortable in the meantime since you’re so busy.” There’s a barely concealed smirk in Miko’s words as she buries her face in the crook of Ei’s neck.
Ei resumed her work, the boring paperwork made more bearable with her girlfriend cuddled close. Though with a mischievous yokai in her lap, the peace doesn’t last long.
It starts simple enough that Miko could claim innocence, slight shifts here and there as Miko got comfortable and changed position. Except she’d move to lay on Ei’s arm, preventing her from writing. Ei simply adjusted so that she could continue.
Afterwhile of that not working as she desired, her movements began blocking her view of the paper. At first it was easily solved by resting her head on Miko’s shoulder and then by peering around her, but it quickly grew hard to ignore. Ei solved the problem by holding Miko in place with her free arm.
Her girlfriend was displeased with her mischief being spoiled and so she took a more direct approach to disrupt Ei’s work. Miko’s tails launched their attack, knocking the pen out of Ei’s hand and swatting the paper around.
“Stop that.” Ei demanded, though her voice lacked the commanding tone she held with her people.
“I’m not doing anything.” Miko smiled sweetly, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “I’m just cuddling my lovely girlfriend while she does her boring paperwork.”
Miko’s antics came to a halt and so Ei continued her work. Though she should know by now that the yokai never gave up that easily.
Miko nuzzled her face against Ei’s neck, a soft purr emitting from her. Miko couldn’t contain her smirk, knowing Ei would be unable to resist how cute she was acting.
“It's a cheap trick to use my weakness against me.” Ei sighed in defeat, setting down her pen as she wrapped her arms around her girlfriend.
“All's fair in love and war.” Miko laughed as she leaned in for a kiss.
Ei turned her head, resulting in the yokai’s lips meeting with her cheek instead of their original goal.
“Now now, that’s not very nice.” Miko pretended to pout.
“Like you said, all's fair in love and war.” Ei countered.
“Then I suppose it's war.” Miko smirked.
“I suppose it is.” Ei cupped Miko’s face, launching a surprise attack. Miko gasped dramatically as Ei attacked her with kisses all over her face.
If the Electro Archon spent the rest of the afternoon cuddling her girlfriend instead of doing paperwork, well there was no one with the power to reprimand her.
—🐉—
It wasn’t often the Electro Archon had time for a break, but when she did she would often stroll the gardens around Tenshukaku and just enjoy the pleasant weather. It provided her some time to destress instead of worrying about work.
This time, Ei was pleasantly surprised during her stroll to find Kokomi laying in the middle of the garden, her eyes closed as she rested on the grass, enjoying the sun that shone down upon her. The overworked Divine Priestess looked peaceful so Ei walked quietly to not disturb her. Though it seemed even a time of peace could never dull a military leader’s senses, because Kokomi’s eyes fluttered open and watched as she approached.
“You look quite comfortable.” Ei remarked.
“I am.” Kokomi smiled, one of her hands held up in invitation. “Though I’d be even more comfier if you joined me.”
“Luckily I’m on break and not expected back for at least an hour.” Ei took her hand and joined her. Once she was situated, she helped her girlfriend shift so that her head was resting on her lap.
Kokomi closed her eyes once more, soaking in the warmth of the sun as she enjoyed the peaceful moment with her girlfriend. Ei gently ran her fingers through Kokomi’s long hair, enjoying the softness. Kokomi’s hair, just like the rest of her, smelled like the sea. It was a pleasant scent that helped Ei relax, letting her eyes fall shut as she too enjoyed the sun. She might not have needed the warmth as much as her girlfriend does, but it was certainly a lovely way to destress after meetings that ran for hours on end.
—🐦⬛🦊🐉—
Night time was a time Ei looked forward to most, since it was the time everyday that it was guaranteed her and her girlfriends were free and could spend as much time as they wanted together. Though even then, such a joyous moment still occasionally had its problems.
Typically they all slept in one bed, cuddled close in each other’s arms. Except it was during this that the quirks of Ei’s girlfriend’s animal traits would flair up most.
Tonight they’re struggling because Kokomi is too cold and wants practically a hundred blankets to keep warm, insisting she can’t remove even one or else she’d freeze to death in the middle of the night. On the other hand, Miko overheats easily and complains that even one blanket is much too hot tonight.
“You don’t need so many blankets, dear.” Miko sighed, sweat shining on her brow. Her ears flickered in annoyance. “I’m melting.”
“And I’m freezing.” Kokomi reasoned. “Do you really want to wake up cuddled up with a dragon popsicle?”
“It would be better than a deep fried fox.” Miko grinned, one of her tails slapping her thigh playfully. Kokomi grabbed onto the attacker, clinging to its warmth. Miko attempted to free herself, regretting her choice instantly as she only got warmer from Kokomi’s hold.
Meanwhile Sara was busy stealing blankets while Kokomi was busy arguing with Miko, though not for the same reason as the fox yokai. Instead she arranged them in a specific way around their cuddle pile, forming a nest.
“Well I think a deep fried fox sounds wonderful, it would keep me nice and warm all night.” Kokomi frowned when Miko simply chuckled. “What are you laughing at?”
“Just watching our little thief steal your precious blankets right out from underneath your nose.” Miko pointed at Sara who froze, her hand curled around one of the blankets as she took it from Kokomi’s horde.
“Hey! Give those back!” Kokomi grabbed the blankets that had been arranged.
“Stop! You’re ruining all my hard work!” Sara desperately tried to stop her, stressed that their nest was getting destroyed.
Miko did nothing to help either side, instead choosing to fan the flames.
Ei sighed lovingly, watching her girlfriends argue. She just wanted to cuddle with her girlfriends so she quickly devised a plan and set it into motion.
She swiftly grabbed some of the blankets back from Kokomi and handed them to Sara, helping her arrange some around them into their nest. Thankfully Kokomi was too busy arguing with Miko to notice, but her attention was certainly grabbed when Ei placed whatever blankets remained overtop of her and guided her to lay down. She victoriously smiled at the fox yokai as she got comfortable, snuggled up between Ei and Sara. Though her victory didn’t last long.
Ei guided Miko to lay on top of the blankets, that way she can cuddle everyone without overheating. Finally everyone was happy with the arrangement and settled down, cuddling each other close as they all kissed each other good night.
“I love you all.” Ei whispered.
“We love you too.” Miko responded, Kokomi and Sara were already fast asleep. Though with a yawn she joined them in dreamland.
Ei held her girlfriends close as she drifted off to sleep, grateful to have such amazing girlfriends.