Again, expecting some spell and grammar errors xD
Hope everyone like it. Let the show begin:
The Lantern Festival, one of the biggest events in Liyue is holding for over 2 weeks and today is the most important day of the festival. Today is the day where all people and families, friends, and may be some couples gather together and enjoy the big and epic firework.
Only a few more hours till the fireworks.
Somewhere in Liyue Harbor.
A golden hair boy is standing at the Yuehai Pavilion, waiting for someone to come.
"What's taking her so long?" - He's wondering …
A week ago
A certain traveler has been tasked by a certain purple-hair from Qixing by doing a total of 23 quests with completely stranger so they can prepare for the festival.
He couldn't refuse them because he was low on Mora and probably some Primogems for his next adventure (A/N: lol no Hutao for you *kekw*) so he had to accept it. After a long week, it has been finally done and the reward had been paid off. Just about he going to leave, that purple-hair girl from Qixing gave him one more commission. She couldn't ask him directly but told her secretary to give him a letter instead and telling him only to open when he's alone.
"Remember, only to open when you're alone only ok, even with that fairy of your…" She told to him
"Ok, I understand but. Doesn't she just ask me directly?"
"You've known her for a while, right? She's probably having a reason to ask you by this way"
"I wonder what it is? Because it seems like everyone in Liyue are all ready for the festival now, all they need is just wait till midnight for the Grand firework …" he asked himself.
"You need to get it done as soon as possible, ok? Because it needs to be done before the firework start …" The secretary reminded him.
"What!? Isn't is like 6 hours from now …" He's gasped
"Well, you better hurry" she chuckled as he left right away.
Wangshu Inn … only 5 hours till the firework
"So, you are going to do this alone right?" The fairy asked him.
"Yeah, they want me to do this by myself. Don't worry here's some Mora for you, you can go to the Wanmin Restaurant to have some treat, I've already told Xiangling that you will come." He gave her a bag of Mora then begin to move.
"Be careful and good luck! Aether!" The fairy waved to him
"Thanks, Paimon, enjoy the festival!" He waved back and looked at Xiao. "Oh, and Xiao you should join with Paimon too, the festival is going to be special this year"
"You don't need to tell me…Aether" his voice was low.
"Ok then I will see you guy later!" He began to teleport to Liyue Harbor.
….
Back to Liyue Harbor
"So … she wants me to do this alone …?" He questioned himself. Back when he was in the Inn and on his own room, Paimon was having a meal so he was completely alone, he opened the letter to check the commission:
"I will be waiting for you at the gate of the Moon Sea Pavilion in the evening at eight and by you alone and no one else. DO NOT BE LATE OR SUFFERING MY PUNISHMENT!
Keqing"
That was a short message … but to be required with a lot of effort for it that made even more odds… But to be real, it was written very carefully and beautifully by handwriting and it contained by a purple letter.
After 15 minutes of waiting, the purple-hair girl has finally come, her usually working dress was replaced by casual long white skirt with purple sweater and a scarf around her neck but still her cat's ear buns hairstyle is still there and that made her still notable by him.
"So, you have finally come huh?" She asked him.
Got charmed by her beauty, his face blushed by a bit
"… Yeah … umm … so what do you want me to do?"
"Just come with me …" She grabbed his hand and both of them started to go out.
After walked for a while, they've arrived in the Harbor.
The Harbor was full of people's laughter, various games were held, and children are everywhere enjoying their fun with their friend and family. A lot of people releasing lantern and wish for their fortunes for the whole next years.
Aether after released his lantern then ask Keqing: "So what did you wish?"
Keqing released her lantern too and looked at him: "I wish everyone in Liyue can always be happy become more prosperous … and - " She suddenly stop, her face blushed.
"I want to see my sister again and also it would be nice to have a companion to go with me" Aether smiled, looking at her and also blushed.
"Besides Paimon?" She asked
"Yes, … beside Paimon" He slowly answered.
"I see. May your wish come true Aether" A bright smiled on Keqing's face.
After they've done with the Lantern wish, they're visiting some game's booths.
"Let's go play a game Aether. There's a reward I want to have" Keqing pointed at one of the games booths.
Aether looked at the prize's poll and see the Rex Lapis's doll as the 1st Prize "So … you want that doll, right?"
"It's the Limited one! There is only one of them so I must have it!" Keqing really determined about it.
"But it's for couple only, right?" Aether pointed at the board's rule and looking at her … Both of their face flushed …
"What … Whatever! I must do everything to get that doll as long as we play it fair!" She grabbed his hand and rushed to that game's booth. Since when it includes "we" on this …
"We want to register" said by Keqing.
"So … is he your companion?" The booth's owner asked.
"…Y… e…s, Yes he is!" Keqing's grabbing his arm and pulling him close. Their face is so close to each other, they can even hear their each other breaths, both of their face blushed.
"Oh, I see, you two seem close to each other. Sorry for asking, it's rare to see couples like yours these day" … Then the owner continued "There are 2 games and you need to reach it as fast as possible: 2-person jump sack and 3 legged-race"
"Gulp" Aether sweated, most of the time he wanders around Teyvat most likely alone and this is the first time he needs to fully co-operate with his companion.
The situation is the same for Keqing, although she works with here secretary a lot of times, also as a skillful fighter but to be honest … games like these are completely nightmare to her as she has no skill for them.
"So … you still want to do this right?" Aether asked Keqing again and saw her scary face, he can feel the dark's aura is surrounding her. Her eyes sparked and doesn't mind to his words.
"I … must … get … that … doll"
"Do you want to try out first? There are still 15 minutes till the game start though" - The booth's owner said to them
"Yes, please" Aether said.
Keqing and Aether first tried out these two games but it didn't go well, they fell a few times, dirt covered their whole face but Keqing seem like still not given up yet.
"I'm not done with it yet! " Keqing keep shouting, her determined is the one she most proud of.
"May be your skirt is too long for it" Aether pointed out.
"Your right. How about this!" Keqing started to tug her white skirt up to her knee for eaiser walking, showing her beautiful legs with black stocking.
Aether's face redden and tried to look away but Keaing is' keeps pulling him close to her.
"Let's try again! Remember to keep our pace the same" Keqing reminded Aether.
"I know that. Let's win this!" He somehow getting excited too.
They both tried again and this time with their natural talent and their smooth co-operate they have finally mastered it. And just like that when the real contest begins, they've managed to get in to the first place.
"WE WON!" Keqing screamed loud but she didn't notice something.
Just when they reached the finishing line in the last contest, Keqing was so excited and she forgot that her leg still tied with Aether and still keep running. Aether didn't know that so he lost his pace and couldn't keep up with her. After a few meters both of them tripped off each other and fell.
"Woah!" They screamed in the same time.
Aether opened his eyes and only see a pair of amethyst eyes are looking at him, his arms are now holding someone waist and it's so soft, he also feels that person is hugging him too. The smell of the lavender perfume keeping him distracted.
After regained their awareness both of them realized that they are lying down on each other while Keqing is on top of him, only a few a millimeter away their lips will meet.
Both of them quickly get up and trying to cover their flushed face while the people around are applauding and cheering them up. Keqing and Aether then waved back and smile at each other.
Next, Aether and Keqing going to the street food stalls near the port.
"I finally got the doll yay!" Keqing still hyped up, hugging that doll so tightly. "Let's go get some food next, shall we?". She's grabbing his hand while the other still holding the doll.
"Wait a second, look at your face now, it got dirtied up … Let me cleanup for you" Aether took out his handkerchief and clean the dirt in her face from the last game. She somehow gives the "purr" sound like a kitten or maybe she is acting like a kitten now.
"Uhh… Thanks …" Keqing blushed.
After they arrived, Aether ordered some Tianshu Meat and Golden shrimp ball.
"Enjoy the meal, Keqing" Aether give the meal to her.
"How do you know I like Golden shrimp ball? Were you spying on me?" She asked him.
"Well, some friend of you tell me you like it so much"
"Don't tell me is that old hag again …"
"You mean Ningguang? She tells me about you a lot of time every time I enter her office"
"Yeah … right … she is the one who always causing me a lot of headaches beside work" She facepalmed.
"Oh, really I think she praise you a lot, she really admired your work though" Aether said.
"Nah is not about work, she always teasing me when it comes to other stuff, every time I want to go shopping something, she just simply bought everything beforehand"
"Oh, I see, talk about co-worker" Aether giggled.
"Not you too…" Keqing pushed his shoulder lightly.
30 minutes later, they have done with the meal and it's time for the final one.
"It's almost time for the firework. Let's go Aether" Keqing grabbed his arm, pulling him to the Port.
"What about the commission?" Aether asked her.
"This is the commission remember? Let's go, we are wasting time now" She urged him.
"Alright, alright…"
When they arrived, they have the clear view of the sea, the sky is filled with a lot of bright stars, people are gathering to prepare for the firework. The peaceful view of the city is bringing Aether and Keqing feel so relaxed.
"So, this is the result after you and you're the peoples have taken their effort to build the New Liyue huh, quite a view there" Aether said
"Don't forget this also come from you too, we couldn't do it without your help. It still hasn't completed yet but I'm sure it will be" Keqing then continued " I always know together with the person my dream, the dream of the new Liyue will come true"
"One day your dream will come true" He smiled
"I'm sure of it … because one of them is going to come true soon" Keqing said, she started to clench both fist behind her back.
"Oh, so what it is?"
"Do you remember the first time we've met?" She asked
"Oh that … You really wanted to kill me at that time wasn't it" Aether teased her.
"But you were so suspicious! You could have just stayed there and have a proper fight!"
"Didn't you remember the result though?"
"But that was different, I've trained so hard after that so I can have my revenge but somehow we're just ending up getting stuck together" Keqing laughed.
"So, did you enjoy it? For me it was meaningful trip to me and I will always cherish every moment of it" - He looked up the sky, his smile is bright and shining that keep on inspiring her.
"I really enjoy every moment of it". Keqing then start getting closer to him "I feel I have grown immensely from my travels with you … I wonder, will you still be there by my side?"
Aether suddenly startled about her question or that's her confession...And he doesn't know how to reply it. His eyes are keep gazing at Keqing made herself confused about what his answer is. She's waiting and hoping for an answer she has been looking for a quite a time now and today is her chance to do so.
Of course, Aether has helped Keqing so much but she is the one who has helped him during his journey as well in Liyue. She is the one who offered him the chance to get whatever he wants in Liyue. During his hardest time, she is the person who always cheers him up, she is the one who went all over Liyue just to post the missing person poster all by herself. On his birthday she gifted him an Electro lantern and tell him it will help his life always bright and shine … and more importantly …
She is the one who always keeps him on track…He needs her more than ever.
Aether instead of saying anything but going to hug her thin and soft body tightly, Keqing was surprised a little bit then begin to hug him back, sharing their each other warmth and don't want to let go.
Both of them are just doing so for a while then parted, their face flushed so deep and tried to avoid looking at each other's eyes...
A few moments later, Aether looked back at Keqing as he began to speak first: "So … umm I don't know what to describe it, but every time you stay with me, I feel so relaxed and you are the one who always help me when I'm in trouble …"
Before Keqing started to speak, Aether continued: "And there is something I want to give you …" he opened a small well-decorated box and take a pair of Cor Lapis ear's rings.
"I haven't seen any pair of ear's rings like this!? It looks too crystal-clear and well-shaped, even the finest crafter can't even do this! Where did you get it!?" Keqing gasped, so many questions are spinning around her now.
"Let just saying I know a best person who can make such a unique stuff like this" Aether chuckled… "Thank you Zhongli!" he thought …
"So can you put the ear's rings on me please?" She asked him, her face blushed.
"It's my pleasure to do it" He smiled then put them on her.
"How do I look?"
"Gorgeous as ever" Aether said
"Hah you've flattered me too much!" she laughed.
"I mean you already are; I've just added a little bit more to make you look perfect"
"Oh...Aether" Keqing hugged him again.
"You're the one who always bring me a peaceful day, Keqing" He patted her head, the smooth silky lilac hair flow through his hand, especially when he touched her cat's ear hair buns ... it's so soft even it isn't real cat's ear though … He always wanted to do that for a long time ago.
"Uhhh … you've helped me a lot of times now you helped get the doll and this … I don't know what to give you back …" - She low her voice and shyly. She put both her hands on her back and hold them tight again. "How about this? … Can you close your eyes please?" She asked him.
The people in the Harbor started to countdown: "THREE!"
Aether doesn't know what she wants him to do that for but he did like what she said.
"Uhh…. I can … do this …" She's getting closer to him, her face's getting redder, both of her eyes closed tight. Her breath is also heavier.
"TWO!"
After a short moment, Aether even with his eyes closed but with his insists he realizes what see want to do something but still a bit hesitate so he gives her a bit motivative.
Because that's what he wants to do too ...
"ONE!"
He gently pulled her to him, Keqing was a bit surprised but then quickly leaning to him, following his lead. Both holding each other waist tightly.
And the firework has finally started.
The kiss was inexperience, yet it was deep, passion and honest enough for two of them, … Colorful light from firework illuminated the evening sky turned their own stand into a special stage just for them.
It was so warmth enough to melt each other's hearts and yet sharing the same beat too.
After a minute they both let go to get some breath, these two golden eyes locked up on the teary amethyst eyes with both of their face flushed so much.
"That's not fair, you cheated!" Keqing laughed at him, yet the tears on her eyes keep flowing on her face.
"I really wanted to do that a long time ago and today it's a day I'm waiting for" Aether smiled at her and wiped her tear away.
"Thanks for choosing me, Aether, from now on I will be on your care" Her soft words flowing on his ears.
"I always will be and I don't know much about Liyue and Teyvat, but I will try my best for it, please always be with me from now on. I want to rely on you" Aether said to her.
"You will get used to it, don't worry. I will always be with you"
"Shall we go enjoy the firework?" He took his hand to her.
"Let's go see it!" She took his hand then both of them get to the view's spot.
Just right on time, the fireworks show began in the most brilliant phase, a lot of firecrackers launched in the sky then illuminated into a lot of shapes and colorful, the sky was so bright like daylight. The grand final was the huge Mingxiao Lantern that looked like one of the Adeptus in order to honor to their contribution to the city, it started to walk into the sky high then a bright shining light appeared on the sea thus ending the show.
"Woah! I haven't seen something like this before" Aether surprised
"Same here, I haven't seen this firework show that big!" Keqing exclaimed as well.
"So … about the commission, can I have more of these like this one?" Aether asked her, much to his knowledge that one was for.
"I will make another one for you… and it will probably take longer to get it done" Keqing teased him.
"I can take it as long as it's with you" He laughed.
"Don't forget I still want my revenge on you!" She pinched his face.
"I will wait for it, Keqing".
"Let's go home then, it's late now" Keqing grabbed his arm and leaning close to him.
Aether's also holding her hand tight and leaning close to her too, sharing their own warmth and breath along the way. Just like the the sky right now … so peacefully.
"I've finally found you Aether … the person of my dream, thanks for being with me … Please stay with me forever ..." A happy thought through her mind …
Meanwhile somewhere on top of the tall building in the harbor …
Paimon and Xiao are looking at Keqing and Aether are going home together with both of their hand are holding each other.
"Quite a view there, I'm not gonna regret this! Best festival ever!" Paimon excited.
Xiao's standing there, a small smile on his face: "...Best festival ever".
END
P/s: Thanks everyone for supporting me, I really appreciate it. I do this most likely for fun and relaxing after work and I also want to share them with everyone too ^_^
Pspsps: Don't worry she's still holding the doll all the way to home and added it to her shrine xD