Archive of Our Own

Of all of the gifts Ying had received in the wondrous land of Teyvat, this teapot was her most treasured. To the ignorant, this teapot would just appear to be an ornament. But few knew that an entire world existed inside.

Within this teapot, Ying’s personality truly shone through. The land surrounding the main house was covered in trees, from pine to fir to aralia, all of which loomed over the house. There was an outdoor area specifically designated for food and relaxation. The wind here was always warm and gentle, and the sun was permanently fixed at just above the horizon.

An eternal sunset.

Inside, the house seemed more like a library than anything else. Ying was a voracious reader for multiple reasons. For one, reading books created in Teyvat about Teyvat was the best way to familiarise herself with the continent. Second, reading over the written languages allowed Ying to practice more, with the sing-songy Liyuen to the more direct Inazuman dialects. And finally, Ying simply loved to read. The smell of a new book, the feel of it in her hands, the new knowledge she gained with each turn of the page…

When Ying read books, she could pretend like she existed in simpler times. In a time where her brother wasn’t far from reach and when worries were a thing of the past.

Every night, Ying would fall asleep in her bedroom with a book splayed across her stomach. Paimon would place the book down on the bedside cabinet if she woke up in the middle of the night. The fireplace warmed the room throughout the night, yet still the nightmares came.

Reading made the nights shorter, at least.

With this in mind, Ying had packed a bag filled with books one morning and departed for Inazuma. Destination: the Kamisato Estate.

Ying knew each guard stationed at the estate by name now. She had frequented the estate so often that she had a vague notion about which guards would be on duty at any given time. And each one of them gave her that knowing look when they met.

“Fushiguro-san,” Ying said, bowing her head, “Good evening.”

“Lady Ying, what a surprise.” The guardsman said, that mischievous glint in his eyes as usual.

Ying rolled her eyes, saying, “Mhm, very funny. Enjoy the cold winds tonight.”

She pointedly ignored his chuckles as she walked into the estate. The Kamisato Estate, much like her own land, was more beautiful on the inside. The interior design was a mixture of traditional and modern, and the decor was no different. Somehow, Ying could feel Ayaka’s touch on each surface of this estate. Only she would have such a keen eye for beauty as this.

The further Ying walked, the more people greeted her. From the maids to the cleaners, everyone knew her and she remembered each of their faces. She greeted them warmly as she went.

As she stood outside Ayaka’s bedroom door, Ying felt her heart flutter inside her chest. How long had it been since she had felt this way about someone? Could she even remember their names? What they looked like, even? Then again, none of those who managed to stir up such feelings were as memorable as Kamisato Ayaka.

Ying doubted she would find another soul as remarkable as her in a thousand lifetimes.

Three knocks against the door.

A pause. Then, a voice called from within, “Come in.”

Ying did so. She slid the door open and was greeted with the sight of Ayaka standing by her bedside. It appeared as if she was gathering fresh clothes for the evening when Ying walked in. Ayaka’s expression morphed from one of curiosity to one of delight when she recognised her.

“Ying!” Ayaka breathed out, “What a surprise, I was not expecting you today.”

She smiled as charmingly as she could muster, saying, “I hope it’s a good surprise, at least.”

Ayaka walked towards her as she said, “It is. It is.”

Ying could already smell the lavender lotion that Ayaka was so fond of wearing. The closer she came, the faster Ying’s heart was beating inside her chest.

“To what do I owe this visit?” Ayaka asked, a faint flush in her cheeks.

Ying said, “I brought you a gift. Well, a few gifts.”

Ayaka began to frown and Ying wanted to scream at how adorable she looked.

She said, “There’s really no need, I haven’t even got you anything—”

Ying cut her off, smiling as she said, “This isn’t a business deal, Ayaka. I’m your friend. If I want to give you a gift, I’ll give you a gift. I don’t expect nor want anything in return.”

Was… was Ayaka pouting ? Ying’s heart was about to burst out of her chest.

“But still…” Ayaka murmured.

Ying’s smile grew even wider as she said, “But nothing.”

Ayaka seemed to concede and her eyes wandered to the backpack settled on Ying’s back. Noticing this, Ying slipped off her backpack and emptied the contents of it onto the nearby desk. Stacks of books spilled out on the desk, which earned an audible gasp from Ayaka.

“Oh my goodness,” Ayaka breathed out.

Ying couldn’t wipe the smile off of her face. Clearly, her gift was well-received. She began to organise the books into neat stacks on Ayaka’s desk.

As she organised, Ying said, “These are just a handful of the books I have collected on my journeys. Granted, these are only books from Mondstadt and Liyue but they’re the only places I’ve ever visited. And I doubted that you would want a book from Inazuma.”

With the Sakoku Decree in place, Ying doubted that there was much foreign literature being brought back to Inazuma. Especially some of the newer serials. She just wanted to give Ayaka something else to immerse herself in.

Ayaka’s hands wandered across the hardcover of one of these books, saying, “Some of these books are exceedingly rare, Ying.”

“I know,” Ying said, adding, “I’m part of a book club. Very elite. We like to collect books and discuss the details over tea.”

The members of this book club depended on where the location of the meetings were being held. The last meeting she attended was with Xingqiu, Albedo and Lisa. They were discussing the creation of the very same book Ayaka was touching: an illustrated and signed copy of A Legend of Sword . 

Ayaka was positively glowing with delight. She said, “That sounds wonderful.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Ying said, “That’s why I plan to take you to one of these club meetings once I end the Sakoku Decree.”

Ayaka’s eyes grew wide with surprise. It was as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“You…” Ayaka breathed out, “You want to take me to the mainland?”

Ying had expected this disbelief from Ayaka but was still disappointed by it. Had she not done enough to prove to Ayaka that her company was the one she sought after the most? That the thought of traveling to each corner of Teyvat with her was a dream that motivated her throughout the day?

Softly, Ying siad, “If you would be interested, I’d love nothing more.”

Ayaka chewed on her bottom lip for a moment, watching Ying with appraising eyes. Then she murmured, “I would like that. Very much so.”

Perhaps Ying should take a more direct approach.

Stepping forward, Ying said, “Then it’s a date.”

Ayaka’s cheeks filled with colour within moments. Honestly, it was both alarming and adorable how badly she was blushing. Ayaka blinked a few times before turning back to the desk. Ying would be lying if she said she wasn’t disappointed. Was she reading too much into their interactions?

“I can’t possibly thank you enough for this, Ying.” Ayaka said, a slight tremor to her voice.

“Your happiness is all I ask for.” Ying replied honestly.

Ayaka’s blush (impossibly) darkened further. Ying had to hold herself back from reaching over and cupping Ayaka’s cheeks. She wondered how the easily-flustered girl would react.

Instead of indulging these thoughts, Ying asked, “Were you about to sleep?”

“I was. Well, I was about to read in bed until I fell asleep.” Ayaka said, adding with a smile, “Now I have plenty of options to choose from.”

Ying plucked one of the books out of the pile, saying, “I would like to recommend Records of Jueyen if you’re interested in Liyue, and The Legend of Vennessa for Mondstadt.”

“Did you enjoy both of these books, then?” Ayaka asked.

“I enjoy all books,” Ying said with a shrug, “all books provide knowledge, albeit some more than others.”

When she peered up at Ayaka, the Inazuman woman was looking at her with glittering eyes. Just as an entire world fit inside Ying’s enchanted teapot, an entire galaxy was trapped inside Ayaka’s eyes.

Ayaka’s smile was so soft as she said, “I quite agree.”

If Ying looked at Ayaka for a moment longer she would end up doing something foolish. Instead, Ying joked, “I’m sure you do. Your bookshelf is overflowing.”

They both looked towards the bookshelf nearest to them. Ayaka hummed and said, “I actually have more shelves in my study. This is the one I use to store all of my favourites.”

“It’s a lovely collection.” Ying’s tone shifted as she added, “For a beginner.”

Ayaka paused. Ying met her gaze and found herself grinning at the expression on Ayaka’s face. Petulant, offended, adorable .

Raising an eyebrow at her, Ayaka asked, “Oh? And what are you trying to imply?”

Ying leaned against the desk and smirked, saying, “Nothing. You’ll get more books eventually, I’m sure.”

She was laying on the patronising tone thick. Had she known that Ayaka was both so easy to rile up and so cute when riled up, she would’ve teased her much sooner.

“And how many books do you have, exactly?” Ayaka asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Hm,” Ying said, pretending to think, “well I’ve only been travelling for about eight months so you’ll have to excuse me. I would say… enough to fill this room.”

Ayaka’s eyes widened and her strict posture slackened for a moment.

“Truly?” Ayaka asked.

Ever the bookworm. All Ying had to do was dangle her collection of books in front of Ayaka and she would trail after her.

Earnestly, Ying answered, “Truly. It’s my one passion in life.”

One she prayed she would share with Ayaka soon.

Ayaka asked, “And where exactly do you keep this collection?”

“At home, of course,” Ying said.

Ayaka blinked.

“You have a home?”

Ying let out a bark of laughter at this. In between laughs, she asked, “Did you assume that I camped outside the city walls like a squatter?”

Ayaka began to blush and sputtered out: “I- No, I just…”

Ying decided to show her some mercy. She said, “I can take you to my home. If you’d like.”

Say yes. Let me take you to a place where you’d never go hungry nor thirsty. Let me show you how to relax, how to enjoy your day without worries. Allow me to ensure you never feel lonely again.

These were all the words that Ying had thought of at that moment but was too shy to voice. Instead, she waited for Ayaka’s answer with baited breath.

“How far is it?” Ayaka asked.

Well it wasn’t a no.

Ying grinned mischievously and said, “It’ll ruin the surprise if I tell you.”

Ayaka bit down on her bottom lip and seemed to be mulling over her words. Ying’s heart was beating so hard as she waited.

Finally, Ayaka said, “I would like to see it. You’ve made me curious now.”

Relief spread through Ying’s body like magic. She clapped her hands together and said,  “Great! I’ll take you there tomorrow.”

With that, she gently took Ayaka’s hand in her own and kissed her knuckles. It was a ghost of a kiss, really, but it still left Ying weak in the knees. She knew that it was time to leave: she had delivered the gift, Ayaka had thanked her, and now follow-up plans had been made. Anything more would be overstaying her welcome.

The last thing she wanted to do was overwhelm Ayaka.

However, as Ying straightened up, Ayaka said, “You’re leaving?”

She sounded so damn sad that Ying swore her heart nearly seized in her chest. The way Ayaka was looking at her was not unlike a lost puppy. It was unfair how strong her hold over Ying was — a hold that Ayaka wasn’t even aware of, no less.

Ask me to pull down the moon for you, and I shall. Oceans be damned.

Ying swallowed and asked, “Would you like me to stay?”

Ayaka jumped at these words. She looked away as she said, “I’m sure you have plenty of matters to attend to, I wouldn’t want to keep you from them.”

Oh. Now Ying understood. Ayaka was doing that thing where she sacrificed her own wants and needs for the perceived benefit of others. It was this self-sacrificing attitude, among many other factors, that earned Ayaka her spotless reputation.

Ying would not stand for it.

“Ayaka.”

Noticing the severity of Ying’s tone, she turned to look at her.

Ying repeated her question once more: “Would you like me to stay?”

Ayaka seemed to agonise over these words for some time. An internal battle was happening and Ying could only watch and wait. Finally, Ayaka nodded gently, as if she was going to scare Ying off with any movement faster than that.

Ying’s heart swelled.

Smiling widely, Ying said, “Then I guess we’ll be having a sleepover.”

It was at that moment that Paimon decided to pop back into the material world, asking, “Did someone say sleepover?”

Grateful for Paimon’s interruption, Ying turned to the side and clutched at her chest. Was it safe for her to be around Ayaka if this was how her heart was going to behave?

Ayaka didn’t seem to notice Ying’s behaviour, thankfully. She could hear the smile in Ayaka’s voice as she said, “Hello, Paimon.”

Paimon scratched the back of her head, saying, “Hee-hee, hey, Ayaka.”

Turning back around, Ying looked at Paimon and said, “Ayaka is nice enough to let us stay for a little while.”

She didn’t want to push it. Sleeping in the same bed with Ayaka, near Ayaka, was a dream come true. But the last thing she would want to do was impose on Ayaka or make her feel uncomfortable.

Paimon didn’t feel the same, however.

“Can’t we just stay the night? It’s already kinda late.” Paimon whined as she floated around Ying’s head.

Ayaka piped up, saying, “I agree!”

Both Ying and Paimon turned to look at the young heiress after her little outburst. Even Ayaka seemed surprised at herself, as a gentle blush dusted her cheeks and she placed a hand to her chest to compose herself.

“I mean… I would be remiss to allow you return home at this time of the night. You are my guests and I offer you my home for the evening, as well as any food or drink you should want for.” Ayaka said, the paragon of courtesy.

Ying raised an eyebrow, saying, “That line seems very rehearsed.”

Ayaka didn’t get a chance to respond because Paimon chimed in, saying, “We should stay up and tell ghost stories. Oh, and we can steal some food from the kitchen!”

“Paimon, we just ate dinner.” Ying deadpanned.

“Mm, cream stew.”

There was no getting through to Paimon when she was in this state. That stew was good, though.

“Did you make that, Ying?” Ayaka asked, a small twinkle in her eyes.

Was it possible for eyes to be so blue? Ying had never seen a nicer shade.

Ying shook these thoughts from her mind and said, “I did. I’ll make something for you tomorrow. Any requests?”

Ayaka’s (adorable) blush was only deepening. Looking away from Ying’s gaze, she said,  “I would be grateful for anything you made me.”

Ying held herself back from sighing. Ayaka was the kind of person who wouldn’t voice her own opinions or desires even if it came at the detriment to herself. Ying was both saddened by this mentality of hers, but determined to coax her out of her shell. No matter how long it would take.

“I know that.” Ying said slowly, “But is there anything in particular that you would like? Sweet, sour, savoury? Soup, rice, noodles, anything comes to mind?”

Ayaka mulled over her words for a moment before saying, “I’m fond of a local dish. Ochazuke. It might be difficult to locate a recipe by tomorrow—“

Ying cut her off with a hand on her shoulder. Ayaka jumped minisculely and Ying held back the squeal that threatened to burst out of her. With a small smile and squeeze, Ying said, “That is for me to handle, Ayaka. You have asked and you shall receive. That’s what friends are for.”

Unless her eyes were deceiving her, Ayaka’s breathing seemed to grow shallower. The rise and fall of her chest was so fast now. Ying didn’t realise she had been looking at Ayaka’s chest until she felt cool fingers wrap around her wrist.

Ying was going to explode. 

Paimon swooped in for the rescue, whacking Ying on the back as she said, “Leave it to Ying! There’s a reason she’s the Honorary Knight of Favonius!”

Ying pulled her hand away from Ayaka’s shoulder but (unfortunately for Ying’s poor heart), Ayaka’s hand remained wrapped around Ying’s wrist.

“You’re a knight?” Ayaka asked, tilting her head to the side.

I am never washing this wrist again. Her skin is so soft, this is ridiculous.

“In everything but name.” Ying said, clearing her throat, “Do you have any allergies? Any dietary preferences?”

Ayaka smiled, saying, “No, I can eat anything.”

It was Ayaka’s turn to get whacked on the back by Paimon. Thankfully, Paimon doesn’t hit very hard and Ayaka only giggled at the feeling.

“Paimon likes that attitude!”

Through the giggles, Ayaka said, “Thank you, Paimon. I’m glad you like me. Or, perhaps just my disposition.”

Ying felt warm at the sight of them getting along. After months of violence and deceit and turmoil, these moments of kindness and kinship were few and far between.

On that note, Ayaka bowed lightly and said, “Allow me to gather some clothes for both of you. Ah, it might be a bit difficult to find something for Paimon but we’ll see what we can find.”

“We’ll wait here.” Ying said, smiling as she mirrored her bow.

Their gaze on each other lingered until Ayaka was out of the room. She was only gone for a moment now, and Ying missed her company sorely.

Beside her, Paimon said, “This is gonna be so much fun. We’re gonna stay up so late, right?”

“You say that but you’ll be the first to fall asleep,” Ying teased her, already undoing the zip to her dress.

Paimon blew a raspberry at her before flopping onto the futon laid out onto the floor. What had Thoma called it? A shikibuton ? Whatever it was called, it was unbelievably comfortable. Ying would have to find the blueprints to make one in her teapot home.

She had just pulled off her boots when she heard Ayaka walking back into the room.

“I’ll let you both change out—“ Ayaka cut herself off.

For some reason, it didn’t register in Ying’s mind that getting undressed in Ayaka’s room would mean that Ayaka would see her undressed. And right now, Ying was in nothing but her underclothes.

Ayaka’s bright red face was just a bit worse than Ying’s own burning cheeks. If Ying’s eyes were to be trusted, she swore that Ayaka’s eyes seemed to linger on her body. Specifically, her lower body.

She could possibly be… 

Ying gulped.

“Oh.” Ayaka breathed out.

Paimon wasn’t even paying attention to the growing tension in the room. Using whatever weird pixie magic that she had, she poofed out of her usual garb and donned the pyjamas that Ayaka had been holding for her.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” Ying said, scrambling to get her clothes from off of the floor.

“No, no, it’s fine.” Ayaka said, a little breathlessly, “Friends do this sort of thing.”

Ying nodded and watched as Ayaka set the clothes down on the middle of the futon. She turned away from Ying to begin undressing, but not before shooting her a quick glance.

Swallowing down the lump in her throat, Ying grabbed the clothes from the bed and tried to ignore how her skin felt like it was on fire. She also tried to ignore the soft sounds of metal clicking together, courtesy of Ayaka’s armour being removed piece by piece.

The clothes were a standard Inazuman pyjama set known as jinbei , and they were dyed a dark blue colour. They looked quite breathable and high-quality, which Ying appreciated. Ayaka was endlessly kind to her.

“So, will we be sleeping here or in a different room?” Ying asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“It depends on your preference. Traditionally, you would be allocated to one of the guest bedrooms on the east wing of the estate.” Ayaka paused before she continued, “But it is quite late and… well, I don’t think anyone would object to you both remaining here for the night.”

On the inside, Ying was ecstatic. She would finally get to sleep in the same bed as Ayaka! But on the outside, she pretended as if it didn’t affect her in the slightest.

“It’s not a real sleepover if we don’t hear each other snore.” Ying said, lacing up her jinbei .

Ayaka sputtered for a moment, saying, “I-I don’t snore.”

Ying raised an eyebrow and asked, “You don’t? You really are perfect, then.”

She never got a reply to that comment.

Instead, Paimon giggled as she said, “Ying snores. Sometimes she whistles or talks in her sleep, too.”

Ying threw her bunched up scarf at Paimon, grumbling out:  “Yeah, and you drool. On me!”

Paimon simply dissolved into a fit of laughter as she laid sprawled out on the futon.

“I look forward to tonight.” Ayaka confessed, as softly as the breeze.

Ying nodded, saying, “Same. This will be the first time me and Paimon sleep next to someone else.”

“It’s usually just the two of us.” Paimon added.

Her voice was wistful as she said: “You two must be quite close.”

Ying smiled to herself, one part out of fondness for her relationship with Paimon and one part of sadness for what Ayaka was implying. It was rare that anyone ever acknowledged the bond between the two of them.

“Paimon is a dear friend. My best friend in this world, really.” Ying said, her voice growing fonder with each word.

The pixie in question said, “Aw, you’re gonna make Paimon blush!”

Ying rolled her eyes, saying, “Don’t let it get to your head. You’re still my emergency food.”

“Hey!”

Ayaka laughed and Ying felt the wind being knocked out of her. Was it possible to be so perfect? Was Ayaka even real, or was she some heavenly mirage that Ying conjured in her mind?

Drawing Ying from her thoughts, Ayaka said, “Your friendship is enviable.”

“No need to…” Ying began to say but trailed off.

Why? Well, because she made the foolish decision to look back at Ayaka. Big mistake. Ayaka had stripped off most of her armour and clothing, leaving her only in her underclothes. Her arms were covered till the bicep by black gloves that covered no finger except the thumb and wrapped itself around the knuckle of her middle finger. Her torso and hips were covered by a black leotard that just barely covered her chest. It was far more skin than Ying was ready to see.

And the worst part? The thing that disarmed Ying the most? Ayaka’s hair was finally flowing down her shoulders free of restraint. Ying’s heart skipped several beats.

Ayaka must have noticed the look in Ying’s eyes. She must have because she slowly placed one hand across her stomach and one on her chest, self-conscious. If anything, Ayaka’s tiny movements just made whatever feeling had settled in the pit of Ying’s stomach worse.

“Are you alright, Ying?” Ayaka asked, a slight tremor in her voice.

Ying barely heard her. She could barely hear anything except her own heart beating loud enough to hurt her ears.

“Hm?” Ying snapped herself out of it, saying, “Oh! Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.”

Ayaka didn’t look like she believed her but she nodded and continued getting dressed. Ying felt her knees buckle until she flopped down onto the futon. She really hadn’t anticipated this. She knew that she found Ayaka gorgeous and wonderful but… attractive was not something she prepared for.

Archons, this would be a long night.

***

It was much later that night. True to Ying’s claims, Paimon had been the first one to pass out. After Ying talked her out of sneaking into the estate’s kitchen and stealing the food, the pixie had lost interest and dozed off. She was now sprawled out on Ying’s stomach, drooling. Ying was rubbing her back with one hand while the other was settled behind her head as she stared at the ceiling.

Ayaka’s room had stars painted on the ceiling in a special ink which made it only visible under low-light. Right now, with the room illuminated by the lone oil lamp on the bedside cabinet, they shone.

Speaking of Ayaka, the young heiress was lying on her back as she combed through a book. One of the books that she had been gifted by Ying, no less. She had chosen The Legend of Vennessa . While Ying could sympathise with the heroine and her plight against the aristocracy, she had thought that Ayaka might’ve chosen other books to begin with.

It turned out that Ayaka was full of surprises.

The world seemed to slow down inside that room. No storms, no clashes of steel, no raised voices -- just the three of them in a beautiful, little room.

Ying could get used to this. Knowing that Ayaka was awake beside her was comforting; usually after Paimon would fall asleep, Ying would stare at a blank ceiling and the thoughts would begin. Tonight, all Ying could focus on was Paimon’s weight on her stomach and the occasional page turned by Ayaka.

It was peaceful. Ying never wanted to leave.

The silence was eventually broken. Ayaka’s gentle voice murmured, “Ying?”

With weary bones, Ying turned her head to the side and looked at Ayaka. The heiress had the book pressed flat against her stomach and she was looking at Ying with a curious gaze. In the lamplight, Ayaka looked divine. The urge to lean forward and kiss her was suffocating at times.

Ignoring this, Ying asked, “Yeah?”

Ayaka licked at her lip before asking, “What does Mondstadt look like?”

So many memories flooded back to Ying. The people she had left behind for this seemingly endless trouble: Amber, Jean, Kaeya -- the list would just get longer each passing day. Soon they would all forget her face and only hazy memories would remain, a wisp of a feeling still lingering.

She was leaving behind all of these people who cared for. All to chase after a brother who wasn’t interested in returning to her side.

“Depends where you go,” Ying eventually said, pretending like her eyes weren’t stinging.

The bed dipped by her side and Ayaka set the book down on the bedside cabinet. Then, she turned back and snuggled into the blankets, wide-eyed and attentive. The sight of her eased Ying’s wounded heart.

Barely a murmur, Ying tried to paint a picture as she said, “The central city is filled with red-roofed buildings and white stones. There’s a huge statue of the Anemo god, Barbatos, in the centre of the city. It’s in front of the cathedral dedicated to the very same god. The people of Mondstadt are just what you’d expect of freedom-loving nation: kind, trusting and welcoming to strangers. As long as you aren’t a Lawrence, though.”

Eula. Ying had offered to take Eula away from Mondstadt but the woman had stubbornly refused. No, she would never leave Mondstadt and, more importantly, she would never leave Amber — even if she suffered continuous abuse and neglect by its citizens who would never appreciate her.

Guilt threatened to swallow Ying whole.

“Across the land are smatterings of towns and villages, such as Springvale or the Dawn Winery. They’re surrounded by fir and birch trees, and the hills and cliffs are countless. If you close your eyes and listen close enough, the locals swear they can hear the anemo god playing the lyre softly. It’s a sad tune that ends on a high note,” Ying said, willing herself to go on.

For Ayaka’s sake if nothing else. Ayaka, who had never seen the outside world. Ayaka, who was drawing closer with every word and with stars in her eyes.

Ying continued, saying, “And then there’s Dragonspine. You’ve never experienced winter until you’ve stepped into that place. If you don’t have a fire nearby at all times, you risk frostbite. The land is covered in snow and the winds are icy-cold, it’s like knives against your bare skin. There’s plenty of mysteries to solve and enemies to fight, but there’s immense sadness in its stones. The dragon Durin met his end in those mountains, and I climbed along his ribs. I’ve seen his corrupted heart still beating within the largest and most central mountain.”

When Ying closed her eyes, she could still feel his heart’s thundering beats. His heart bled corruption, yes, but it also weeped and grieved. Corruption was the only logical outcome for violating such a pure soul like that.

“Truly?” Ayaka asked.

Ying’s eyes fluttered open. She wasn’t in Dragonspine. She was lying down in Ayaka’s bed, far from that tragedy made of stone and ice. She breathed a sigh of relief.

“The Knights of Favonius had sectioned off the area under the grounds of it being a historical site. They didn’t want the Fatui meddling with it,” Ying said.

Ayaka hummed to herself, seemingly satisfied. Ying was happy to please, if nothing else.

“You speak like a poet, you know.” Ayaka said.

Ying smiled, asking, “Is that why you put your book away?”

Ayaka shifted closer. Ying felt her rib cage on the right side burn at the proximity. There were only a few inches between them now.

“Legends are well and good, but you’ve seen Mondstadt. You’ve experienced the region with all of your senses, you’ve made friends, memories. I value your words more than a book I can always return to later.” Ayaka’s voice was little more than a whisper at the end of this.

Ying turned her head to the side until they were face to face. Ayaka’s smile was mirrored by her own.

“Now who’s the poet?” Ying asked, her eyebrow twitching.

Instead of responding, Ayaka reached up and pulled Ying’s arm away from behind her head. Soon, Ayaka had returned her arm to her side and had wrapped her hands around Ying’s. The sudden lightheadedness that Ying felt was intoxicating. Ayaka’s face was so close now.

“I’m glad you visited me today,” Ayaka murmured.

Ying licked at her lips, whispering, “Me too. I enjoy your company more than words can describe.”

“You’re the first friend I’ve ever had.” Ayaka whispered back, “I treasure your company, too.”

At that moment, Ying knew that she was a goner.

She watched as Ayaka reached over and combed her fingers through Paimon’s hair. The pixie didn’t so much as stir at the sensation. If anything, she snuggled further into Ying’s stomach. Her touch was so light and gentle, and her smile was fond as she looked at Paimon.

Shirasagi no himegimi . Beloved by all, a princess in all but titles. She was a sign of good luck if you even glimpsed her passing by. A gentle soul who treated everyone with respect and kindness. How had Ying gotten so lucky as to know Kamisato Ayaka?

“Paimon really likes you, you know?” Ying murmured, watching her fingers move.

Ayaka tucked some hair behind Paimon’s ear, saying, “I adore her in return.”

Please. Stop making it so easy to love you .

Ying said, “Some people don’t treat her with the respect she deserves. Some even refer to her as an it, or as if she's not there.”

The rage within her was muted. She knew it was because Ayaka was near her, soothing her down to her very core.

Ayaka’s hand froze. She withdrew her hand as she said, “That’s horrible.”

Ying clenched her jaw, saying, “I know. And I know it hurts Paimon, even if she doesn’t bring it up. So thank you. For being as wonderful as you always are.”

Ayaka’s eyes snapped up to meet her gaze. That familiar pink colour filled her cheeks. Softly, Ayaka asked, “You think I’m wonderful?”

How could she even ask that? Did she not know that the mere mention of Ayaka’s name was like a burst of serotonin to Ying? Did she not realise that Ying’s heart was rendered helpless at the sight of her, much less her touch? How was it possible to think Ying was anything except completely and utterly enamoured with her?

“Ayaka,” Ying said with steel in her voice, “there’s no language in Teyvat that can accurately describe how wonderful you are.”

She gasped. It was so quiet that if the room wasn’t so silent, Ying might’ve missed it. She might’ve also missed the way Ayaka’s breathing picked up and her blush darkened if she hadn’t been this close.

Instead, Ying saw everything. And she could stop herself from leaning in just a little bit. Her eyes fluttered shut and she prayed that Ayaka would meet her halfway.

And then Paimon snorted in her sleep.

Ying nearly jumped out of her skin and Ayaka let out a small yelp. The latter quickly slapped a hand over her mouth and looked from Paimon to Ying. Ying held her gaze for a moment before the two of them broke out into hushed giggles, leaning into each other for support.

As the giggles died down, Ayaka reached down and held onto Ying’s hand. She squeezed it just once, and Ying squeezed back. She never wanted to let go.

“Goodnight, Ying,” Ayaka whispered before closing her eyes.

Ying smiled to herself. In that dark, little room, Ying’s heart swelled as large as the sun itself and threatened to burst.

“Goodnight, Ayaka.”

***

The sun hung low in the sky when Ying finally popped into the Kamisato Estate. She was dressed in a simple yukata , and she prayed that her outfit was acceptable. This was a date, after all. 

No one bothered to escort Ying to Ayaka’s private quarters, knowing that the traveler didn’t need directions. So Ying walked down those long corridors with a bounce in her step.

As she stood outside Ayaka’s room, she knocked thrice against the wooden sliding door. God forbid she was stupid enough to just walk in. She was a swordsman, not a barbarian.

“Come in!” Ayaka called from within the room.

Ying slid the door open. Instead, Ayaka was getting off her bed just as she walked into the room. She was wearing a dark green, Inazuman outfit with her hair up. For once, she wasn’t adorned with jewellery or armour. The only accessories she wore were her usual choker and undergarments. She was dressed simply and it still took Ying’s breath away.

“Hey,” Ying said, “you look nice.”

Ayaka gave her a soft smile, saying, “I’m glad you think so. I wasn’t sure what outfit would be appropriate for this occasion.”

Ying bowed her head at the implication. While she was well-aware of Ayaka’s friendless past, she didn’t enjoy being reminded of this. Perhaps if she had landed in Inazuma rather than Mondstadt, things might’ve been different.

Gently, Ying said, “You would look beautiful in anything, Ayaka. And there’s no need to dress up just for me.”

There was that pretty blush again. Ayaka’s gaze turned away from her, instead falling to her hands which were fidgeting. Ying walked towards her and prayed her knees wouldn’t buckle like they threatened to.

“Ready to go?” Ying asked, hoping she sounded charming rather than anxious.

Ayaka looked back at her, saying, “Of course. How far is it, may I ask?”

Now the fun began.

Ying grinned as she said, “Oh, only two steps.”

Ayaka blinked.

“Pardon?”

Ying didn’t repeat herself. Instead, she held her hand out to Ayaka like how someone would ask to dance. Ayaka glanced between her hand and Ying for a moment, before holding onto it. For once she wasn’t wearing those long gloves. Her cold hands wrapped around Ying’s just as perfectly as Ying remembered.

How could she forget Ayaka holding her hand as she slept last night? It took Ying an hour to calm down after that.

“Do you trust me?” Ying asked, squeezing her hand.

“O-Of course I do,” Ayaka stammered out.

“Close your eyes.”

Ayaka looked a little apprehensive at first but did as she was asked. Ying held herself back from pressing a kiss to Ayaka’s cheek just to surprise her. She could only imagine what flustered reaction she would get from Ayaka.

Instead, Ying summoned the teapot and watched as it materialised into the space before her. All she had to do was rub the side of the teapot once and the world began to shimmer around them. That familiar lurch in her belly came and, in the blink of an eye, they had crossed over worlds.

Ayaka’s eyes were still closed but Ying felt her squeeze even tighter on their intertwined hands. Did she truly have this much trust in Ying already? It was heart-warming to say the least.

“Welcome to my humble abode.” Ying said, unable to keep the smile off her face.

She watched as Ayaka slowly opened her eyes. She gasped as she took in the sights before them. The eternal sunset, the forest encompassing the floating island they stood on, the grand mansion that sat at the heart of it all — it must’ve looked like something out of a fantasy novel.

Ayaka’s reaction was worth everything.

“I… How did…” Ayaka breathed out, seemingly at a loss for words.

Ying reached her free hand out to lie on top of Ayaka’s shoulder. The young heiress was starstruck as her gaze was pulled away from the landscape to Ying.

“This world is filled with magic. Think of this place like a tiny universe existing within your own world. A small pocket universe, if you will.” Ying added that last part with a small wink.

Ayaka was still in awe, murmuring, “I can’t believe this.”

Ying wished she could bottle this moment forever.

“Come,” she said, “Paimon’s waiting for us.”

With that, Ying tugged gently on Ayaka’s hand and led her towards the house. Ayaka followed in silence. Perhaps a better term would be in awe.

The closer they got to the house, the more pungent the smell of tea and food became. The spicy tea recipe she got from Xiangling had done her wonders and it would be criminal not to share it with Ayaka.

Paimon was lounging on the small hammock made specially for her. When she spotted them walking towards her, she popped out of existence only to appear in front of them moments later.

“Ayaka!” Paimon called, smiling from ear to ear.

This managed to snap Ayaka out of the daze she was in. Her face lit up when she saw Paimon, saying, “Hello, Paimon. Is this our dinner?”

She was referring to the cutlery and bowls sitting out on the wooden table. With such perfect weather in the teapot, it would be a waste to not eat outside every now and then.

Paimon giggled, saying, “Yup! I helped Ying make it, ehehe.”

Ying took her hand from Ayaka’s to place it on the small of Ayaka’s back. She began to lead her to the table.

“Take a seat, I’ll serve the food.” Ying said, “Lovely day for a meal outside.”

She sat Ayaka down and began to walk away. As she did so, she heard Paimon whispering to Ayaka, saying, “It’s always nice weather here. Ying keeps it that way.”

“How?” Ayaka asked, practically vibrating with curiosity.

Paimon asked, “Weren’t you listening? It’s magic.”

Oh, Paimon. As if “magic” explained everything. In every world that Ying had been to, magic always had its own laws, and this world was no different. This teapot seemed to defy many known laws of magic in Teyvat.

Thankfully, Ayaka’s pleasant disposition prevented her from calling this out.

“I see,” Ayaka said, “that’s… fascinating.”

Ying began to serve them the food she had prepared for the evening. Paimon, despite her size, ate the same amount as any human. The dinner would be served with water and tea, depending on whatever they wanted. She served Ayaka’s dinner last because she wanted to savour her reaction.

The joy on Ayaka’s face was worth all of the effort Ying put into organising tonight.

“Sake ochazuke.” Ying said, “Or, at least, that’s what I’m told this dish is called.”

Ayaka beamed up at her, saying, “That’s my favourite.”

Ying looked entirely too smug as she said, “I know.”

Now that they were seated for their meals, Ying served Ayaka a glass of water while she poured out tea for herself and Paimon. The latter was already devouring her meal and Ying had no doubt that she’d ask for seconds. Maybe a third, considering how light this dish was.

Noticing that Ayaka had yet to touch her food, Ying said, “Please try some. I’m anxious for your reaction.”

Anxious was an understatement. Ayaka’s reaction would either motivate Ying for a thousand years, or crush her. She watched Ayaka take a bite with a bated breath and a racing heart.

Thankfully, Ayaka’s face lit up as she ate. She didn’t speak until she had swallowed like a proper lady, saying, “This is perfect, Ying. How did you know this is my favourite?”

She could have screamed so loud that the people of Snezhnaya would hear it.

Externally, Ying simply smiled and said, “I have my ways.”

Paimon wasn’t interested in allowing Ying to appear cool and mysterious, apparently. She paused her eating to say,  “She asked everyone in your estate. The chef almost kicked us out because she asked him so many questions.”

“Paimon!” Ying whined, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“Oh my,” Ayaka said before turning to her, “that’s very sweet of you.”

The fond smile she sent Ying’s way was a soothing balm for Ying’s wounded pride. Ying sighed and said, “I wanted you to enjoy the first meal I ever made for you.”

There was a pause. Then, Ayaka said, “The first?”

Ying gave her a firm nod, saying, “I intend to make you many more. If you’ll let me.”

Ayaka pressed her lips together and looked positively delighted at this request. If Ying didn’t know any better, she would’ve thought that Ayaka was flirting with her eyes. She watched as Ayaka went back to her meal, never answering her request. Paimon was oblivious to all of this, of course, because she had gone back to devouring her meal.

Ying, even with her red cheeks, was satisfied. 

***

Several hours after their dinner together, the sky had remained the same golden hue. If Ayaka was thrown off by this, she made mention of it to Ying. Instead, she was eagerly trailing after Ying as she led a tour throughout the house. Paimon was passed out in front of the fireplace, having eaten several bowls and falling into a food coma. So much for those four stomachs she apparently had.

As they walked up the flight of stairs, Ayaka marvelled at the bookshelves situated along the banisters. There were plenty of areas to sit and read, or simply to relax. It was heaven to a bookworm like Ayaka.

“You weren’t lying about your book collection,” Ayaka said, running her fingers along the shelves.

“I’d never lie to you.” Ying replied, “This collection cost me a small fortune and I don’t regret a single mora of it. Knowledge is the most precious resource we have.”

She felt Ayaka tug on her arm until it was nestled against Ayaka’s chest. Quietly, Ayaka said, “I feel the same way.”

Ying continued to walk even though her legs felt like jelly. Had Ayaka always smelled this good or was it just the close proximity?

She will be the death of me, and I will die happy.

“You can come here whenever you want, Ayaka. We’re friends so what is mine is yours,” Ying murmured, leaning entirely too close to Ayaka than necessary.

Ayaka quickly began to say, “I couldn’t possibly--”

Ying cut her off, saying, “Nope. I don’t wanna hear it. I’ve made my mind up. I’d give you a key to the house if it actually needed one.”

That adorable little frown was growing on Ayaka’s face again as she scrambled for excuses. She finally settled on: “I don’t even know how to get here.”

Ying shrugged and said, “That can be remedied. I’ll show you when we go to Liyue.”

When. Not if. Ayaka must’ve noticed her word choice because her ears turned a pretty shade of pink. Ying couldn’t see the rest of her face because she was looking down at the floor now.

“Is that where you found the magic that made this place?” Ayaka asked, still not looking at her.

Ying hummed, saying, “I’ll tell you a secret. This whole world? In Teyvat, it’s no bigger than a teapot.”

Ayaka finally looked up at her, saying, “Truly?”

How easy would it be to just lean over and kiss her? Alas, it would be in poor taste. And a woman like Ayaka deserved a grand, romantic gesture for a first kiss and a spur of the moment decision was exactly not that.

“I was given a magical teapot by a powerful person, and they gifted me this world inside it. When we go to Liyue, I’ll ask them if they can grant you access somehow. If not…” Ying trailed off, a small grin on her face.

“If not?” Ayaka asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

Ying stopped walking and looked over at Ayaka. The mere inch she had over Ayaka was more than enough to achieve the desired effect.

“Then I suppose I must remain at your side for all time,” Ying murmured.

If humans were capable of combustion, Ayaka would have done so. Her blush was so dark and it had spread down to her neck. It made the blue in her eyes stand out all the more.

“You- Why must you say things like this?” Ayaka asked, her voice barely more than a raspy whisper.

Ying titled her head and asked, “Like what?”

Ayaka all-but stomped her feet as she said, “The way you speak, it’s so- so--”

“Honest?” Ying offered.

She settled for a deadpanned: “Sarcastic.”

Ying blinked.

“I’m not familiar with that word,” she said, honestly.

Ayaka sighed and said, “It means that you say things you don’t mean, you joke around too much.”

Ying frowned and firmly said, “Nothing I said was a joke, Ayaka.”

What part of what she said could be taken as a joke? Ying meant every word that she said. Sure, she might be a bit… sarcastic when she called Paimon her pet, for example, but she had never been sarcastic with Ayaka. At least not that she was aware of. Was this a language barrier between them?

“Remaining by my side forever?” Ayaka asked, that cute little frown still in place.

Ying nodded, saying, “I meant that.”

Ayaka froze. She seemed to be searching for something in Ying’s face. Whatever it was that she was looking for, Ying had no idea if she found it.

“You…” Ayaka sighed, “This must be a language barrier.”

It might just be. Because Ying truly had no idea what had caused this… conflict between them. It pained Ying to think that she might’ve offended Ayaka because she wasn’t educated enough on the subtleties of Inazuman language and customs.

Quietly, Ying asked, “Have I upset you?”

“No! Maybe? Oh, I don’t know,” Ayaka said, sounding just as confused as Ying felt.

With that, Ying sighed and withdrew her arm from Ayaka’s grip. Ayaka seemed hurt at this action, until she watched Ying stand in front of her and take both of her hands. Ying held onto her hands, lifted them up and placed a kiss on her knuckles. She didn’t need to open her eyes to hear Ayaka’s small gasp.

Pressing her hands to her forehead, Ying said, “I’m sorry for upsetting you. That was never my intention.”

Ayaka stammered over her words for a moment before saying, “There’s nothing to apologise for.”

And just like that, the tension between them vanished.

Ying offered her arm to Ayaka once more and, once taken, led her through the rest of the house. The tour had ended when they entered the final room: Ying’s study. The room was the visual representation of the “heart of the empire”. It was filled with bookshelves and plants, and had a large desk in the centre of the room. A bulletin board was pinned to the wall with several documents stapled to it, there were calligraphy sets and other tools scattered around the room and an array of sheathed swords mounted above and behind the desk.

“You collect weapons, then?” Ayaka said, gesturing to the mounted set.

Ying said, “Just swords. They are my weapon of choice and these were a few that caught my eye. They’re blades from Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma alike.”

“Can I see?” Ayaka asked.

There was that twinkle in her eyes again. Briefly, she thought that Ayaka would get along famously with Albedo and Sucrose with that curious mind of hers.

After a moment of thought, Ying said, “Uh, there’s a few I’d rather you didn’t know. A few of them are filled with corruption.”

“Oh my…” Ayaka breathed out.

Ying slipped herself out of Ayaka’s grip to grab a stool and dismount some of her blades. These were her small treasures and she was glad to share them with Ayaka. She knew that the heiress would appreciate their craftsmanship and their histories in equal measure.

She chose four blades. Each blade was from a nation Ying had so far travelled to: one from Mondstadt, two from Liyue, and one from Inazuma.

“This one is called the Aquila Favonia.” Ying said as she handed her the first blade.

Ayaka glanced up at her, saying, “Like the Knights of Favonius.”

“The very same.” Ying said, adding, “Legend has it that Vennessa herself wielded this sword.”

She watched as Ayaka’s assessment of the blade came to a halt almost instantly. She slowly looked up at Ying and asked, “And is it?”

“The sword of legend? Who knows.” Ying said with a shrug.

Ayaka didn’t look pleased with Ying’s uncertainty but she didn’t say anything about it. Ying took the blade from her and handed her the second one. This green blade was one of her favourites, visually.

As Ying was mounting the first blade, she said, “This one is from Liyue. The Primordial Jade Cutter, carved from pure jade.”

Ayaka gasped as the blade gleamed under the light, saying, “It’s a gorgeous blade.”

Gently, Ying plucked the blade from her hands. She murmured, “Listen closely.”

With rapt attention, Ayaka watched her. Ying allowed the blade to slice through the air at a light pace. Even at this glacial speed, an audible sigh could be heard and it was produced entirely by the sword. It was the sound of a legendarily sharp sword piercing the air.

“Wow.” Ayaka whispered. There were stars in her eyes as she watched.

Ying smiled at her before swapping the blade with another. This was another Liyuen sword and just as beautiful.

“Another legendary sword. Morax, also known as the God of Contracts, wielded this sword during the Archon War,” Ying said, leaning against the desk as she watched Ayaka.

She’d rather not think about the god who this sword belonged to. Her relationship with him was strained now, and she’d rather not taint this moment with thoughts of him. Instead, she focused on the delighted smile on Ayaka’s face. She felt her own smile grow at the sight of it.

When Ayaka was done, she handed the blade back to Ying and turned her gaze downwards. Gesturing with her chin, she asked, “And that one?”

Ying mounted the blade back onto the rack before quickly handing Ayaka the final blade. She was particularly excited to show Ayaka this one. It would hit close to home, after all.

“The newest addition to my collection.” Ying said, “Mistsplitter Reforged.”

Ayaka’s reaction was priceless.

“I know of this blade.” Ayaka said, giddy, “The shogun gave several weapons to her trusted Hatamoto. This one belonged to Takamine the Mistsplitter.”

Ying nodded, saying, “You have a keen mind for history, Ayaka.”

Ayaka gave her a sultry look through her lashes and Ying’s heart nearly stopped. She said, “You’re not the only one interested in swords.”

It only took Ying a few moments of seeing Ayaka holding that sword to come to a decision.

“Would you like it?” Ying asked.

Ayaka froze.

“What?”

Ying shrugged as she said, “Consider it another gift from me.”

Ayaka seemed to find her footing and she shook her head. She looked certain when she said, “No, thank you. I prefer my own blade. And besides… I would feel odd swinging a blade as legendary as this one.”

With that, she handed Ying the sword back.

“I respect that.” Ying said, almost saddened that Ayaka hadn’t taken it.

She always did love powerful women wielding powerful weapons.

It was only as Ying was mounting the final sword back onto the rack that Ayaka’s voice pierced the silence.

“It’s late. I should probably return home now,” she said, not sounding too pleased with this.

Ying just smirked and climbed down from the step-stool she was on, asking, “How could I let you go home in this terrible rain?”

Ayaka frowned.

“What rain?”

Ying snapped her fingers. The once serene world was suddenly filled with heavy rainfall and the sound of thunder shook the house they stood in.

Ayaka might’ve been upset but the smile on her face betrayed her stern intentions. She huffed and said, “You’re incorrigible.”

Feeling bold, Ying reached down and took Ayaka’s hand in her own. Still cold, but wonderfully so. She began leading Ayaka as she said, “And yet you enjoy my company.”

Ayaka didn’t correct her. That counted as agreement as far as Ying was concerned.

Still, Ayaka said, “I wouldn’t want to impose by staying here.”

Looking back, Ying raised an eyebrow and asked, “Did Paimon and I impose last night when we slept in your room?”

“Not at all!” was Ayaka’s immediate response.

“Then you wouldn’t be imposing by staying here tonight.” Ying said, turning back to face the front.

“Are you sure?” Ayaka asked.

With as much sincerity as she could muster, Ying said, “Nothing would make me happier.”

Ayaka didn’t argue after that.

Ying had shown her to the room that they would be sleeping in that night. She asked Ayaka to wait for a moment so that she could check on Paimon. When she did go check on the pixie, she was snuggled up next to one of the cats in front of the fireplace. Those bowls of food must’ve really knocked her out.

Ying had simply smiled and tucked Paimon in with a blanket before returning to her room. Paimon deserved some undisturbed rest.

Returning to her room, Ying found Ayaka right where she left her. The bedroom was distinctly Liyuen in design and the smell of qingxin lingered in the air around them. The scent was a gift from Ningguang, who said it would aid with the nightmares. It had helped some but not significantly.

Ying appreciated the gesture, though.

She handed Ayaka a change of clothes. They were simply pyjamas but Ayaka accepted them graciously.

When Ying was finished changing, she looked behind her to see Ayaka undoing her ponytail. Her hair fell in waves across her back and Ying was mesmerised. The lustre and length was as impressive as it was beautiful.

She wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers through her hair. Just once.

Softly, Ying said, “Your hair is beautiful.”

Ayaka turned to look back at her, flushed. She touched her hair almost self-consciously.

“Thank you.” Ayaka said, “I find it difficult to manage at times.”

“I envy your dedication. My brother’s hair is quite long, too. He used to labour over it with all of these shampoos and herbal treatments. Granted, it looked good when he was done. I just couldn’t be bothered and cut all of mine off.” Ying said, scratching the back of her head and feeling the thin strands on her fingers.

“Your hairstyle suits you. It gives you a boyish charm.” Ayaka said, her gaze lingering on Ying’s hair.

With a smirk, Ying began walking towards Ayaka and asked, “Have I charmed you, then?”

Ayaka gave her an equally flirtatious look, saying, “Perhaps.”

Ying watched as she gathered all of her hair into one hand in order to comb her fingers through it. Well, that was the intention. In reality, Ayaka seemed to struggle against an imaginary force in a rather uncomfortable-looking position.

“Um, Ying?”

Ying frowned, asking, “Yeah?”

“Do you mind giving me a hand?” Ayaka asked, adding, “I think my sleeve is hooked on my necklace.”

Oh. That made so much sense.

“On it,” Ying said as she made her way over.

Ayaka huffed and faced away from Ying, clearly frustrated with herself. Ying just thought it was adorable. Her wrist was pinned behind her head and, thankfully, she was only slightly shorter than Ying. She smelled faintly floral, just like her bedroom had the night before.

It was only until Ying was standing directly behind that she realised… oh. She had to touch Ayaka. She had to be near Ayaka and touch her.

Archons preserve me.

Inspecting the tangle, she found that the glove’s sleeve had slipped into the hinge that undid the choker. Unless Ying took it out with utmost care, she would probably rip the fabric.

“Now how did you manage this?” Ying murmured, already fiddling.

Ayaka all-but whined, “Don’t tease me, it was an accident.”

Ying let out a small laugh. Soon, she managed to unhook the sleeve from the choker. She gently took hold of Ayaka’s wrist and placed it by her side. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t see Ayaka’s hair standing on end.

Leaning forward to whisper in Ayaka’s ear, she said, “There you go.”

Breathlessly, Ayaka murmured, “Thank you.”

The two of them stood there for some time. It was as if they were frozen in time, afraid to move and allow the clock to continue ticking on. Ying could hear Ayaka’s shallow breaths and see her shoulders bobbing up and down. It would be so easy to kiss the exposed shoulder under her chin. To brush her hair over one shoulder and kiss the other, if only to hear Ayaka’s gasp in her ear.

But Ying restrained herself. Instead, she said, “Ayaka.”

“Yes?” Ayaka asked.

“Would you mind if I braided your hair?”

Ayaka turned back to look at her. That lovely smile was enough to make Ying swoon a thousand times over.

“I…” Ayaka steadied herself, saying, “I would like that very much.”

That’s how they found themselves on Ying’s bed. Ying sat behind her as she combed through Ayaka’s hair with an ivory comb. Ayaka was flipping through Ying’s photo album, enjoying the beautiful landscapes she had captured with her kamera. The room was illuminated with lamp grass set on the cabinets, leaving the room bathed in a blue hue.

And yes: Ayaka’s hair was like threads of silk to touch. It reminded her of times long passed now.

Quietly and filled with melancholy, Ying began to speak: “I used to braid my brother’s hair like this. His name is Kong. My younger brother. He was- is always so particular about his hair, you’d think he’s in love with it. And he’d never let anyone comb or braid his hair. No one except me.”

Ayaka hummed at this. She closed the album and set it aside, giving Ying her full attention.

“You two are very close,” Ayaka said, more of a statement than anything else.

Ying nodded and said, “We’re all we have left. When I was born, he followed me soon after. Now I’m the one following him. I’ll chase him through countless worlds if I have to.”

Her fingers stilled in Ayaka’s hair. So many memories rushed back to her. The Prince of the Abyss he had been called. Where was he now? What was he doing that was so important that he left her behind? Did he not miss her as dearly as she missed him? Why couldn’t he just take her with him?

It was Ayaka’s gentle voice that pulled her from her own thoughts that threatened to spiral once more.

“I understand. My own brother means the world to me, too.” Ayaka confessed, a wistful tone to her voice.

Ying continued her efforts.

“Ayato, right?”

Ayaka nodded, saying, “Yes. He’s been busy these last few years as the Yashiro Commissioner, but he tries to see me when he can.”

Ying could hear the sorrow in her voice as she spoke. It was so familiar to her, having heard it each time in her own voice when she spoke of Kong.

“You miss him.” Ying murmured.

She began to braid Ayaka’s hair. Where Kong’s hair had been thick and wild, Ayaka’s was thin and silky. The ache in her chest was nearly unbearable.

“Every day. It’s so lonely in the estate without him.” Ayaka confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

Ying nodded, saying, “When they’re gone, they take a piece of us with them.”

She wrapped a hair tie around Ayaka’s braid. Withdrawing her hands, she watched as Ayaka turned her body around until they were facing each other. Ying sat cross-legged while Ayaka kneeled before her.

Impossibly, Ayaka was even more beautiful in blue light.

Ayaka murmured, “It’s nice to talk to someone who understands.”

Ying reached out and cupped Ayaka’s face in her hands. They were two sisters who had lost their brothers in different ways, yet the same. Kong had disappeared into the Abyss while Ayato had disappeared from Ayaka’s life, just out of reach. Both were gone just the same.

She knew exactly what this pain Ayaka suffered through felt like. She wanted to take it from Ayaka but if she couldn’t, she would gladly share the burden with her.

Ying whispered, “You don’t have to feel lonely anymore, Ayaka.”

Ayaka shook her head into Ying’s hands.

“I don’t.” Ayaka said, adding, “I don’t feel lonely right now, at least.”

Ying smiled. It was a small smile but a true one.

“I’m happy to hear that.”

With that, Ayaka leaned forward and nestled herself into Ying’s chest. Ying wrapped her up into a tight embrace and held her, content to hold Ayaka for eternity if she asked. Ayaka’s braid draped itself over Ying’s arm.

Neither of them knew how long they sat there, wrapped up in each other. Neither of them cared.

They weren’t lonely anymore.

***

It would be several days later before Ayaka and Ying would spend some quality time together again. Ayaka was wrapped up in her clan’s internal affairs while Ying had been roped into training fresh recruits to the resistance. The distance had been driving Ying crazy, if she was being honest.

Thankfully, she was able to see Ayaka today.

Ying had raced from Yashiori Island to the Kamisato Estate as fast as her legs could take her. Climbing cliffs and leaping over several steps at a time were worth the effort if that meant she could see Ayaka for a moment longer.

Archons, she was in deep.

After composing herself outside, Ying entered the estate as she always did. Ayaka wasn’t in her room today, or in the library, or in the study. Which left only one place where she would be: the dojo .

Sure enough, Ayaka was swinging a wooden blade inside the dojo when Ying checked. She was dressed in a casual, black and white garb and was sweating profusely. Somehow even her sweaty state had a semblance of grace.

It was almost unfair how perfect Ayaka was.

Ayaka continued swinging her sword. Her focus was admirable.

“How long have you been at it?” Ying asked, leaning against the door.

Ayaka jumped a little at the sound of her voice. Once she realised it was Ying, she smiled from ear to ear. She didn’t stop, however. She actually returned to her original position.

“Not long enough.” Ayaka said, her voice hoarse from exertion.

Ying raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, she walked around the dojo and drank in the sights before her. There was an armour set on display, some sheathed swords mounted on walls, some scrolls and parchments on the low desk, even a rack for practice weapons. It was a nice place.

Ayaka’s voice filled the silence, asking, “Where’s Paimon?”

“She’s in her own little dimension.” Ying said, adding, “She’s a bit tired today.”

There was a grunt, then: “Oh, please tell her I said hello.”

She continued her efforts. Ying sighed as she looked at her. Ayaka might’ve tried to power through it but Ying could tell she was exhausted. A tinge of frustration in her voice, Ying asked, “What’s the end goal here?”

Ayaka huffed and said, “A thousand repetitions of the Kamisato sword technique. And if you would like me to finish, try not to make me lose count.”

The thing that stung the most for Ying was that Ayaka wasn’t even looking at her anymore. Ying was greedy: she wanted Ayaka’s attention, exclusively and entirely. It didn’t help that Ayaka was working herself into an early grave in the name of practice .

“This seems a bit excessive, Ayaka.” Ying said, frowning.

Ayaka grunted out: “It is necessary.”

Ying had to figure something out that would get Ayaka to stop. It had to be subtle or inflammatory. Or both. Anything to get Ayaka’s eyes on her again and to stop the blisters from forming on her hands.

Eventually, Ying decided.

Letting out a small chuckle, Ying said, “Ah, I get it.”

Ayaka paused. When their eyes met ( finally ), Ayaka raised an eyebrow at her. Then she continued.

“You can swing that sword a thousand times but you know that you’ll never beat me in a fight.” Ying said, adding with a smirk, “Admirable of you to try, though.”

Ayaka’s eyes seemed to burn in indignation. Gotcha.

“Is that so?” Ayaka asked, standing up straight.

Ying’s smirk remained as she said, “It is.”

Placing the flat of her sword under her arm, Ayaka asked, “Care to wager your theory?”

Ying began to circle the young heiress, feeling very much like a predator as she did so. And Ayaka was her prey who looked incredibly appetising at the moment.

“With blades? I wouldn’t dare to bare steel to the Shirasagi Himegimi.” Ying said, “But hand-to-hand combat? Now that I can get behind.”

“I’m not as delicate as I look, you know?” Ayaka asked, the indignant look only deepening with each word.

“Oh, I know.”

And then Ying winked at her.

Ayaka made quick work of disposing of her wooden sword. Once it was stored away, Ayaka turned back to look at her and returned to a fighting stance. Ying dropped into a stance of her own and the game began.

In all honesty, the sparring match had been close. Ying’s comment about feeling like a predator circling her prey? Yes, well, that prey was very much a predator in her own right. Ayaka was so fucking fast and agile, it had stunned Ying at first. Being the overconfident fool that she was, Ying had underestimated Ayaka as a standard human.

There was nothing standard about Ayaka.

She had given the fight her all and Ying was caught off-guard many times. In the end, though, Ying returned the effort and managed to flip Ayaka onto her back. She landed with a loud grunt and Ying paid her no mind as she pinned her hands over her head before straddling her stomach.

Winded, Ying grinned and said, “I believe I’ve won the wager.”

Ayaka didn’t even look upset about her loss. Actually, she didn’t even seem to care. She was breathing heavily under Ying and the red in her cheeks was… was… 

“Ying,” she breathed out.

She froze. It was like her whole body had been dipped into an icy lake and then set on fire. She was sure that her hands were shaking from the sight of Ayaka below her. Had she really been so wrapped up in their fight that she didn’t realise what position they were in?

Ayaka reached up and slowly, agonisingly-so, trailed her thumb across Ying’s bottom lip. She swore that she felt her lips grow cold at her mere touch. Was that her cryo leaking out from her fingertips? Why was she touching her lips? Did she--

In the blink of an eye, Ayaka had thrown Ying off of her and flipped their positions. Ying fell back against the mats with a groan and barely registered Ayaka climbing on top of her. It was her turn to be pinned.

With a satisfied grin, Ayaka said, “Never allow your enemy to surprise you.”

Ying didn’t care that she lost. She didn’t care that her body ached or that she had been tricked so easily by her. All Ying could think of was--

“You’re beautiful.”

With strands of Ayaka’s hair slipping out of her ponytail and framing her face. With a flushed face and satisfied smile. With a thin layer of sweat sitting on her skin. With those gorgeous blue eyes looking down at her, filled with joy.

Ying was mesmerised.

Ayaka froze on top of her. She stammered out, “W-What… I-“

Ying, both at Ayaka’s reaction and upon realising that she let that slip out, burst out into laughter. Ayaka flushed red before dropping her head onto Ying’s chest, clearly embarrassed. Ying found herself holding the back of Ayaka’s head with her hand as she laughed, while the other sat on her shoulder.

Muffled by Ying’s chest, Ayaka whined: “What happened to not letting your enemy surprise you?”

Ying kissed the top of her head, saying, “You’re not my enemy, that doesn’t count.”

Ayaka just groaned louder and Ying laughed harder. This was what happiness truly felt like. It was only when Ying’s laughter died down and her breathing slowed that she realised Ayaka was still sitting on top of her.

“I mean it, you know?” Ying murmured, “You really are beautiful.”

She felt Ayaka sigh against her chest. She watched the heiress pull her head back and Ying’s hand that had been resting there followed stubbornly.

“You shouldn’t say things like this. Someone might take it the wrong way.” Ayaka said.

It was concealed well enough but Ying saw it all the same. The profound sadness and longing in Ayaka’s voice.

“The wrong…” Ying’s voice trailed off.

It all suddenly clicked into place. Every awkward moment, every conflict blamed on a language barrier, every missed opportunity -- Ayaka didn’t realise that Ying was courting her. She was still convinced that Ying’s intentions were purely platonic and that her words, while appreciated, were misplaced.

Ying leaned up and kissed her. Ayaka’s surprised squeak had been drowned out when their lips met, thankfully. Ying’s hand moved from her shoulder to cup Ayaka’s face, deepening the kiss and earning an appreciative hum from Ayaka. The woman melted into Ying’s body.

Ayaka tasted like salt and sugar and Ying knew that she was in love.

After only a few seconds, Ying pulled away and broke the kiss. Ayaka chased after her lips before pausing. Ying felt like she might collapse at any moment.

Swallowing down the lump in her throat, Ying said, “I… I realise my attempts to court you haven’t been clear. I hope you understand my intentions now.”

Ayaka blinked.

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

Ayaka continued to stare down at Ying. She seemed to be lost in thought, or perhaps just in shock. Ying wanted to be patient, she did, but her own heart was threatening to burst the longer she went without an answer. What if she had completely misread this situation?

“Please say something,” Ying whispered.

Ayaka licked at her lips.

“I’m still confused,” she murmured, “I think you need to explain yourself again.”

Ying breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

“Gladly.”

The two fell into each other once more, and the world around them disappeared. For Ying, the only thing that existed was Ayaka and the warm feeling that spread through her own body. Ayaka liked her back, at the very least. Ying would wait as long as it took for Ayaka to love her too. And she would stay long after that happened.

Ying would stand by her words until the end of her days: there was nothing she had seen or ever would see that would be more beautiful than Kamisato Ayaka.