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Keqing always found herself gifting Ganyu flowers, and given their busy schedules, it was her favorite way of showing her wife how much she loved her. No matter the occasion, the Yuheng loved nothing more than to lavish her partner with floral arrangements. Qingxin made up a majority of her presents, whether she had hand picked them herself or bought some from Bubu Pharmacy, but Ganyu had always told Keqing that she felt bad about never reciprocating the gesture.
“Oh, don’t worry about it,” Keqing reassured her the first time Ganyu had brought it up. “I personally don’t care that much about flowers.”
Ganyu huffed, not satisfied with Keqing’s response. “What about roses? How do you feel about that?”
“Really, roses?” Keqing teased. “You know I’ve never been one for tradition. I don’t think I’ve ever even given you any roses before.”
“I know,” Ganyu said, feigning exasperation, “but despite that, I can’t think of a flower that would suit you better.”
“Oh?” Now Keqing’s interest was piqued. “Why's that?”
“You’re just as beautiful as one, to start. Roses also represent love.” There’s a mischievous glint in Ganyu’s eyes as she continues. “Not to mention, you used to be like a thorn in my side.”
Keqing rolled her eyes. “Very funny. But seriously, you don’t need to get me flowers.”
Ganyu giggled at her reaction, but still stubbornly refused to change the topic. “Still, there must be some way I can repay you.”
“Our relationship isn’t a transaction,” Keqing reminded her, a lesson she had to learn for herself when they first started dating. “But… if you insist on paying me back, how about a kiss?”
“Oh?” Ganyu fluttered her eyelashes, putting on her best innocent act as she pushed the bouquet aside. “Just a kiss?”
“Well, if a kiss isn’t enough, since you want to return the favor so much, then how about giving me flowers at my grave?” Keqing suggested, only to laugh as the other woman suddenly scowled at her. “I’m just kidding, Ganyu!”
The adeptus pouted, crossing her arms indignantly. “Not funny, Keqing! Don’t joke about that.”
The Yuheng’s eyes widened as she heard Ganyu’s voice crack, not realizing how much it had upset her. “H-hey, it’s okay. I promise I’m not going to die on you any time soon.”
The secretary took a deep, shaky breath before exhaling slowly. “You better not. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”
Keqing frowned, her brow furrowing in concern. It seemed that their lighthearted banter had suddenly taken a turn for the worse.
Way to ruin the mood, dumbass.
The Yuheng suppressed the urge to lambaste herself for being so insensitive about what was obviously an upsetting topic, choosing to prioritize comforting her wife instead. She moved in to embrace Ganyu, pressing a quick kiss onto the other woman’s nose.
“Trust me, you won’t. I’ll always be with you.”
Keqing, as always, woke up bright and early before the sun even began to fully show itself over the horizon. Although she had long since retired from her position as Yuheng, that did not mean she could start slacking in her routine.
Especially not today.
When she finished getting ready, Keqing immediately made her way out the door, although she was in no hurry. Although she had made sure to keep herself in good shape, her body was still subject to the passage of time like any other.
Except the adepti.
Keqing picked up the pace, making sure not to push herself too hard as she walked over to Bubu Pharmacy. It’s not like Ganyu would mind if she were late, but Keqing would. Retired or not, the former Yuheng had a reputation to keep, not to mention an example to set for all the youngins.
She greeted the passersby as they returned her greetings and moved out of the way to give her extra space, although it was completely unnecessary. Even with a cane in hand, she wasn’t that slow now, was she?
Keqing eventually made it to her destination, taking a moment to catch her breath while she waited for the pharmacy to open. Not too long after she’d arrived, Keqing spotted a familiar face.
“Doctor Baizhu, Changsheng,” she greeted.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Lady Keqing herself!” Baizhu greeted as he made his way over to the entrance to unlock it. As he did, the doctor held it open for his first customer of the day. “I have a bundle of the freshest Qingxin waiting for you, and of course, the roses you requested I pick up for you.”
The former Yuheng gave him a grateful smile as he retrieved Keqing’s stuff for her. “Thank you, Baizhu. I appreciate the favor.”
“Of course, Lady Keqing! It’s the least I could do for you.”
But today, he didn’t immediately give her the flowers once he carefully bagged them. Along with Changsheng, the doctor took a moment to give the aged woman a once-over, frowning slightly.
“Yes?” Keqing asked impatiently. Although her time with Ganyu had taught her patience, that did not mean the former Yuheng was fine with wasting time. “If you have something to say, then say it.”
Baizhu blinked, adjusting his glasses. “My apologies, Lady Keqing. If you don’t mind my asking, have you been feeling well lately?”
Keqing scowled. “Not everyone has unlocked the secret to eternal youth and immortality, doctor. Now, my flowers, if you will.”
Baizhu and Changsheng exchanged the briefest glance before he handed them over, not wanting to anger her any further after accidentally bringing up the sensitive topic of questioning her health.
Even though he was a doctor…
“Here,” Baizhu said as he handed the flowers over. “Say hi to Ganyu for me.”
“And me, as well,” Changsheng added.
“Of course,” Keqing said, taking the bag from him.
As she slowly waddled out, Baizhu watched her walk away until she was far enough, and then he began closing the pharmacy.
“She still has some time left.”
“I know, Changsheng. But still, Director Hu needs to know about this. I’ll tell him to get her at the end of the day, so that Lady Keqing can have her privacy. She deserves that much.”
The walk from Bubu Pharmacy never felt as exhausting as it did today. The dull ache in Keqing’s legs did nothing to stop her though, because even if her wizened body wanted to give up, her spirit was as young as ever.
Her muscles screamed at her and her breathing was ragged, but she would return home to Ganyu, even if it killed her.
Finally, Keqing was back by her side, falling to her knees in front of the headstone. Her cane tumbled onto the empty plot beside Ganyu’s, but Keqing didn’t care—that was her spot, anyway.
“Happy birthday,” she whispered, reaching into the bag for the Qingxin with shaky hands. Although she did the same thing every year, Keqing couldn’t help but allow herself to play pretend. She imagined her late wife being surprised by the bouquets she offered, because no matter how many flowers Keqing gave her, Ganyu’s reaction was always so genuine.
As she brought out the roses, Keqing allowed herself to wonder what Ganyu’s reaction to being gifted roses would have been like. When she was still around, Keqing never had the chance to after Ganyu had made the comparison.
That was okay. That wouldn’t stop Keqing from leaving them for her anyway.
“And… red roses, for the love of my life. I will always be with you,” she whispered, setting the second set of flowers down.
Exhausted, the former Yuheng rolled onto the unmarked plot that was just waiting for her to join Ganyu, then began to cloud gaze by her wife’s side. Although the sun had begun to rise in the sky, the world only seemed to grow darker with each passing moment.
Keqing closed her eyes, at peace with her life.
Yes, she was home.