Chapter Text
In truth, Ei’s little fox has always been mysterious in ways. A manipulator in front of the traveller, yes, a highly regarded High Priestess of the shrine, as the other. And, unbeknownst to her, also the only fatal weakness of the electro archon. The gnosis that resided inside of Ei controlled her emotions and locked them away as she attempted to reach eternity. For an archon, feelings shouldn’t exist. She had sliced the plains of her land in half with ease, innocently unaware of the tragedy her puppet had caused, and was always calculating, decisive, and straightforward. Yet in front of her dear Miko, even the gnosis can not control the water as it leaks from the dam. Be that as it may, Ei strangely looked forward to the random times when Yae Miko stepped into the Plane of Euthmiya, a plate of dangos in one hand and the newest light novels in the other. For all the answers that the chess piece gave, it did not solve the bursts of warmth erupting from her chest as she glanced at her Miko.
“I see the traveller has done a good job of welcoming you back to the world, Ei.” Miko chuckled, settling down across from her, “You seem fairly absorbed in the light novels I’ve brought you from last time.”
Ei’s brows furrowed in confusion as she read those words, “It does not make sense, that’s all. I can not comprehend how someone can be reborn as a hilichurl, then become a major figure in a historic battle. Was there an extraordinary leyline which the character has fused with, thus resulting in this shape? And how does one retain their memories after their death? It is beyond my comprehension…”
Her friend stifles a kind laugh, one hand gently lays upon Ei’s, plucking the novel away with ease.
“It seems then, that they have not succeeded in teaching you the latest trends of the world. I shall endeavour to do so. I do hope you will bear with me, dearest archon of mine...”
Ei listens to her talk about the latest trends in light novels. Her unmoving heart seemed to flutter every time Miko’s laugh tinkled around her ears.
In Ei’s eyes, eternity was a long-term goal. Yet, spent so long in the Plane of Euthymia, she had long forgotten for whom the goal was. Meditating for a cherished idea that slowly faded to oblivion as she refused to step outside. A part of her wondered if perhaps this was why she was so desperate to pursue forever. A plane of time and space where her remaining friend and console can live without the worry and doubts of Celestia or mundane troubles.
She hangs on to every word Miko tells her – it is as if she has spun a colourful world out of each syllable, each vowel perfectly enunciated, mirroring Miko’s beautiful face. Without thinking, her fingers reached out tentatively, touching Miko’s cheek. Her fox stops talking,purple eyes focused on her archon, lips curved in an inquisitorial smile.
"Oh Miko,” she laughs softly, one hand cupped as her beloved leans to the touch, “if only we can spend forever like this.”
Yae Miko’s piercing eyes never leave hers, and they are wrapped in this tango of fragile tension. She longed for Ei to realize her true meaning of forever, even if she did not know herself. Perhaps she always had the briefest idea, but for now, she is content to lay by Ei, to share and enjoy what they have at the moment.
As a guide to her archon, she knows Ei may not reciprocate her feelings. She knows, to some extent, of just how much the Archon War had injured her dear friend - and lover’s - soul. The death of her sister had brought on the strengthened resolve for the past to stay, and Miko watched as she closed her emotions from public view. Even for her, it was a challenge to understand Ei.
How she hates the word ‘reciprocate’. She longs for the word to dance upon Ei’s tongue as they stare at Inazuma, its people flashing by like floods. She hates how the single word reminds her of her cowardly behaviours, dodging her wills in fear of rejection. For she may, in the eyes of many and all, want for public attention and love for jest, but she covets for only the attention of one.
Perhaps this is why Miko does not hesitate now, “I wish for the brief glimpses of you to stay longer.” A slight stumble on the words.
Unlike all the other missed chances, she holds onto Ei’s touch. The archon is surprised, but she does not flinch back. Rather, she too is trying to understand the swarm of butterflies that ruptures from her chest, the rapid movement within her, and the boiling blood despite her immovable position on the floor.
She doesn’t want this feeling to fade away. Yae Miko grasps that brief glimmer of hope as much as she can, still waiting for the pit of disappointment that she’s sure will come-
“Very well.” Ei leans in, and gives in to her will. A soft smile quirks on her lips, and Miko wants to wipe it away with a flutter of a kiss, “If this is what you wish for.”
All of her breath is stolen away from her, and Miko is surprised to know her feeling is… requited. Reciprocated. She tears her glance away from Ei’s lips, the very one that uttered those words, and meets her gaze. There is a look of confirmation within those beautiful purple eyes, electric and sparkling.
“After all this time, Miko,” Ei continues, slowly, surely, pinning her fox to the sand, “You are the only one who truly understands me.”
Her heart thunders against her chest, wild with this inexplicable feeling. Ah.
Joy.
Ei keenly presses her forehead against hers, and she takes the opportunity to swipe a chaste kiss on the general’s mouth. A small and sly smirk grows as Ei follows suit.
Oh, how she hates the word reciprocate, filling her heart to its content with sweet happiness.