Chapter 6: A Festive First Date
Right after the sun set Cirno, Daiyousei, and Wriggle Nightbug entered the clearing where Mystia Lorelei had her cart. The clearing was lit with colorful string lights and the smell of grilled lamprey filled the air. There were small groups of tables set up and a few fairies, humans, and Yokai were mingling and eating and drinking together. Daiyousei and Wriggle Nightbug were dressed in their usual outfits but Cirno was wearing a dark blue yukata with a white snowflake pattern and had her hair pulled up with a simple floral hairpin instead of her usual ribbon. On her bare feet were simple geta instead of her usual shoes. As she walked side by side with her two friends she had to force herself to stop fiddling with her hair.
Wriggle gently smacked Cirno's hand away the next time she tried to reach for her hair. "You look fine Cirno. Dai-chan did a great job with your hair and I'm glad the yukata I found for you fit fine." Cirno looking suitably chastised responded, "You're right. I guess I'm just nervous. I know Yukari probably wanted a solo thing but I don't know if I could handle it if it were just the two of us." Daiyousei spoke up next and said, "You and her just have to work up to it. For now let's go catch up with Mystia and then when Yukari gets here we'll all eat and drink and have a great time."
After that the trio approached Mystia's cart and caught her attention. While keeping one eye on the grill Mystia welcomed the three of them. "Hey guys you made it! Hope you are hungry. Also Cirno you look really dressed up. Did something happen?" Daiyousei and Wriggle looked between each other deciding who would explain when Cirno found her courage and spoke up. "I'm meeting Yukari Yakumo here for a group date tonight." Mystia's jaw dropped and she lost focus for a second until the smell of a lamprey burning snapped her out of it. "Really you have a date with Yukari Yakumo? How did that happen? Are you sure you aren't being tricked or something?"
At that both Daiyousei and Wriggle glared at her and Daiyousei rushed to comfort Cirno when she saw her looking troubled and disturbed. "Cirno it's okay. Yukari wants to date you. Remember she confessed to you." Mystia seeing she had misspoken apologized, "I'm sorry Cirno. I was just worried about you and I didn't think about how that would sound. If it's any compensation you and Yukari can have your first servings for free when she gets here." The trio left Mystia with a smile and went to find a place to sit while they waited for Yukari to arrive. Wriggle asked Cirno an important question while they were looking. "Hey Cirno did Yukari say if she was bringing anyone else along? I know Dai-chan said that she's expecting us to be here." Cirno thought for a second and then shook her head. "No she didn't say but why?" Wriggle responded, "this clearing is usually pretty lively and I hope we can find enough chairs…" Wriggle's train of thought was interrupted by a group of fairy maids bringing two tables with four chairs each into the clearing. The other patrons all stopped to watch the fairies set up the chairs and lay out place settings under the direction of Sakuya who had arrived behind them.
Behind Sakuya was Remilia who was chatting with Ran and Chen. Cirno, Daiyousei, and Wriggle watched the group seeing all of them file into the clearing except for the one person they had been waiting for. After a bit more waiting a group of fairy maids led a person shielded by a few parasols into the clearing, and then lifted their parasols as they left revealing Yukari. She was dressed in a purple yukata with a floral pattern and geta. She also had her hair pulled up but with an elegant silver hairpin. She was also wearing light makeup and blush and was carrying her usual parasol.
Cirno was struck speechless at Yukari's beauty and couldn't anything but stare as she approached. Everything around her seemed to slow down and she could feel her heart pounding and knees growing weak. As Yukari finally made her way to Cirno, Daiyousei elbowed Cirno to get her attention whispering, "compliment her". Cirno tried to recover her composure and managed to squeak out, "you look nice Miss Yukari." In her head she thought her compliment sounded weak and was hoping Yukari wouldn't be upset at her. Yukari on the other hand only smiled. "You don't look bad yourself Cirno. Also please just call me Yukari. We are together now after all." After that she handed her parasol to a fairy maid and pulled Cirno into an embrace. "I missed you so much Cirno. I couldn't help but to think of you all day." Cirno let out a surprised squeak at the embrace before relaxing into Yukari's chest and answering, "I missed you too. I was even distracted during the class because you were on my mind". Yukari nuzzled her cheek against Cirno and said, "Oh really you will have to tell me all about it." Cirno was going to continue speaking when her stomach grumbled causing her to blush. "Maybe after we get some food also I think Sakuya has an announcement."
Seeing as the fairy maids had finished their place settings, Sakuya spoke up. "Attention everyone the mistress has an announcement to make and don't worry it will be worth your while to listen". At that Sakuya stepped back and Remilia stepped forward. Seeing everyone's eyes on her she began confidently. "A new partnership has been formed here in our wonderful land of Gensokyo. The great Yokai of the barrier Yukari Yakumo and the ice fairy of Misty Lake have declared their love for one another and tonight here and now is their first date." With that the crowd in the clearing began chattering excitedly. As many of the residents of Gensokyo are long lived or immortal they were gluttons for novelty and this was the most interesting news they had heard in a long time. Waving her hand to calm them down she continued, "And that's not all. As a celebration of their new relationship the Scarlet Devil Mansion is covering tonight's drinks and food for everyone. Let's wish the new couple the best and let the festivities begin!" With that she stepped back and everyone watched Cirno and Yukari who were standing under a spotlight held by a fairy maid. They all stared silently and then a rousing cheer went up and a round of thunderous applause.
And thus the party began. Cirno and Yukari found themselves swarmed with well wishes and their plates and cups were always kept full. Mystia being the entrepreneurial sort she was had gathered all the fairy maids to serve all the tables and even help prepare ingredients. All of the rest of the date were having a good time in their own ways. Daiyousei and Wriggle were talking with Sakuya about working shifts at the mansion. Remilia was driving Ran crazy with long involved stories. Chen was pigging out on the free food. Cirno and Yukari finally found a table to themselves so they could talk. Yukari started by resuming where they left off. "So Cirno you were going to tell me about the class you and your friend attended today weren't you?" After she finished she cradled her head in her hands while staring deeply into Cirno's eyes lovingly.
Cirno skimmed over the rambling history lesson that Keine-Sensei gave before getting to the introductions and questions. Then something came up that she remembered she needed to bring up with Yukari. "You know how me and Daiyousei were the fairy representatives for the class?" After Yukari nodded she continued. "Aya was the one for the Yokai and she seemed really curious about one of the questions that Dai-chan was asked." Yukari thought for a second and realized that Aya being curious about the fairies might be annoying but decided to put it aside for now. "So what was the question? I don't think those kids would have asked anything too suspicious".
Cirno blushed thinking about it and continued, "one of the kids asked Dai-chan if fairies have mommies and daddies. And I couldn't help myself from thinking. What if we had kids together someday?" After finishing Cirno began blushing so hard she was steaming. She also looked anxiously at Yukari trying to gauge her reaction. She looked at Yukari and began to tremble, but was surprised when Yukari began to giggle. "Oh Cirno. That's nothing to be embarrassed by. I admit I've had similar thoughts myself today. I know we just started going out but I do consider you a serious long term partner. I really do hope you feel the same." Cirno nodded and then worked up the courage and spoke up. "I didn't know earlier what these feelings were, but I think I feel the same. I couldn't stop thinking about you all day and I want to feel like this forever. If that's what love is than yes I do love you." With that confession Yukari squealed in glee. And in a burst of excitement she pulled Cirno in close and planted a kiss on her lips.
As they both melted into the kiss neither of them noticed the flash of a camera as Aya Shameimaru captured the romantic moment on film. After the kiss Cirno and Yukari pulled apart holding each other's hands and gazing into each other's eyes. Cirno didn't know what to say or think but she knew already she wanted more of those kisses and she wondered if Yukari felt the same. Unbeknownst to Cirno, Yukari was thinking the same thing. Still holding on to each other's hands the two began to talk. Cirno told Yukari exaggerated stories about her many battles and her drive to grow stronger . The story she was proudest of was the time she defeated Marisa. Yukari told Cirno all about her role in the history of Gensokyo including her time on the moon with Reimu. As they talked music began to be heard. The Prismriver sisters had arrived and were playing music. As more and more people began to dance Yukari pulled Cirno up and smiled and said, "let's dance".
Holding her close Yukari gently led Cirno through the steps of one dance after another. She gently guided Cirno on where to put her hands, where to look, and what steps to take. Cirno was clumsy at first but under the guidance of Yukari they both found a rhythm and began to move in time. Some songs were fast paced and others slower, but as the night progressed the two found themselves closer than ever before. The excitement of the night and the closeness led Cirno to muster up her courage and as one of the songs ended Cirno snatched Yukari's lips for their second kiss as a couple and of the night. Yukari was speechless as Cirno had never been the one to initiate and she almost burst with excitement.
Finally the party began to end and fairies, humans, and Yokai alike all began to peel off to their homes. As they left fairy maids swept up all traces of the party until all that was left was Cirno, her group of friends, Ran and Chen, and the Scarlet Mansion group. Mystia also came to join them as her usual clean up routine had been finished early due to the fairy maid help. Chen, Cirno, Daiyousei, Mystia, and Wriggle took the opportunity to catch up. Of course that didn't take long as they spent most of their days together. Cirno did take note of what Sakuya had told the others about working at the mansion. She was sure that could be useful for her to get Yukari a gift or to pay for future dates.
Sakuya paused from directing her maid crew to wish Cirno and Yukari well but didn't stay long to chat. She was always busy even for a maid who could control time. Remilia came next and had more than a bit of ribbing to do of Cirno and Yukari. "I watched you two all night and I'll admit at first I had my doubts. I was certain Yukari was pulling some kind of scheme to amuse herself at Cirno's expense." Of course Remilia knew that the potion was responsible but she found it more fun to see Cirno and Yukari's glares. "Wow those two have really fallen hard for each other. I definitely need to get that potion from Patchouli. She felt a little bad about her picking at the two of them. She was a bit upset that they had the love that she wanted and that was meant for her." Seeing the two upset Remilia waved her hands apologetically. "Sorry sorry. I was being a bit mean. As an apology I will gladly allow you to use the Scarlet Mansion for your wedding."
The two's glares instantly turned into blushing and bashfulness. With that Remilia gave a bemused chuckle and wandered off taking her maids and Sakuya with her. The last one to approach was a very inebriated Ran. She was swaying and reeked of alcohol. "Cir… Cirno… you and Yukari. You don't. Don't belong together. The potion. Potion. Yukari potion. Only reason. She doesn't want you." After that she fell over snoring.
After Ran collapsed Yukari let out a sigh. She gave Cirno a delicate kiss on the cheek saying, "Don't take what she said too seriously. I haven't the slightest what she's talking about. No potion would ever be needed for me to love you. So be confident. You have the heart of the great Yokai of the gaps in your hands. Take care Cirno. I love you and I will see you soon." Pulling Yukari close Cirno smiled and gently held her hand before letting her leave. "I love you too Yukari." She answered trying her best to be warm and loving, but inside a seed of doubt had been planted by Ran's words. And despite her best intentions that seed would only continue to grow.
Sorry it took so long again. As an apology and also because it was really fun to write this chapter is actually pretty long. Also this story now has a cover image courtesy of NovelAI. I am finding it really fun to play with and I look forward to messing with it more in the future. Well I look forward to seeing you in the next chapter.