If someone were to tell her that trying to hide a relationship in public would've been a walk in the park, Keqing would've probably believed them. With the thought that she would never have to actually go through such an expedition herself.

But here she is, on the eve of the Moonchase Festival. Barely able to hold herself from idly making her way to his side in the times they have spent investigating the origins of the stone they had fished out of the water. She had planned for them to be alone, but there was no way she could reject Xiangling's request to join them. Not only would that look like she had given the chef a cold shoulder, but it might draw some more unwanted suspicion towards their relationship.

Or maybe, she had just been overthinking to herself. Still, it's not something that she was willing to take a risk on. Not without getting his two Moras on the matter.

It was only when Xiangling asked if he had something to do, did she finally pounce at the opportunity.

"I'll go get everything ready! Traveler, what about you? Are you gonna do your own thing for a while, or do you wanna come in and have a seat?"

She interjected before Aether could answer, "I actually have something to discuss with him. You go on ahead, we'll join you later."

It didn't take long for Aether to recognize her intentions, and quickly followed up with a nod towards Paimon as well.

"Paimon, why don't you go join Xiangling? It might take a while for us to find what we're looking for."

The fairy looked back with confusion, "But, Paimon thought that we were going to-,"

"You can go on and accompany her, right?"

Keqing spotted the odd motions he was trying to achieve with his eyes. A series of blinks and a nudge of his head was enough to tell her that the man had been trying to get his companion to identify a hidden message.

Which, judging by how Paimon's eyes had widened afterwards, she could only assume that the fairy eventually understood whatever it is that he had been trying to tell her.

"O-Ooooh… Right, Paimon can definitely do that!" She floated over to Xiangling. Snapping her fingers with aplomb, "Let's go to Wanmin first, Xiangling. Paimon also have some questions for you."

The girl in question somehow remained oblivious in the face of such an odd chain of interactions.

"Alright. We'll see you two at the restaurant then!"

"Right." Keqing replied in an instant, with a short wave to accompany her words.

Of course, she had also spotted the subtle thumbs-up that Paimon had flashed towards the Traveler. With him replying with a similar gesture.

As soon as Keqing was sure that the two of them had been out of earshot, she lightly nudged his arm. Making sure her voice was barely above a whisper.

"She knows about us?"

"Only her, I promise." His voice equally as low. The distance between them almost disappearing completely, "Think it would better this way. It helps having someone who can create space for us, don't you think?"

Always thinking ahead. As expected of an adventurer of his calibre. Though she had doubts about having Paimon as the first choice for such a task, she couldn't think of a better option in the short time she had to think about it.

"I guess it would've been inevitable anyways." Her reasoning more of a justification to her own self. "You two are basically joined at the hip with one another."

He smiled. Thankful for her understanding. Gesturing towards the Terrace whilst shifting his body to move aside.

"Shall we go look for your grandfather's notes then, milady?"

A smile of her own appeared on her lips, followed by the stride of her feet ahead of him.

"We shall."

He fell into step swiftly beside her. Keeping his eyes on her while he matched her pace. Noticing the questions that was ladened within her orbs.

"Thinking 'bout the investigation?"

"On the contrary, I was just wondering about Xiangling." She now noticed the quizzical look that grew on his features, "It's just… I'm just not used to dealing with people who are so warm right from the get-go. How exactly am I supposed to respond to that?"

"Don't worry. You're doing just fine." He assured her. Thinking of the energetic chef compared with the Yuheng's reverie, "It was a tiny bit funny, seeing the two of you interact. Your energy levels for conversations can't be any more different, and sometimes, she could be quite a bundle of chaos to deal with."

Bundle of chaos. From stories she's heard about the young chef, that didn't seem too far off of a description by any means.

"I suppose so, but it still felt like I hadn't been able to match the friendship that she was showering me with."

"And there's no need to match it. It's enough to just let the other person know that you're accepting their friendship." He waved his hand around, "Besides… Not exactly friends if we keep expecting something from each other, right?"

Right. He got her there. True friendship isn't built above what one could get out of the other.

"Alright… I'll accept that explanation for now, Traveler."

He couldn't help but to cringe. It's been a long while since she had to formally address him with his usual title. Turns out, there are dangers to having been accommodated to referring to one another on a first-name basis. It made it quite difficult to not react when one of them had to revert to their previous level of interaction.

His dismay had been plainly showcased on his face. Ardent laughter from Keqing telling him that she hadn't missed his expression.

"Be patient. We'll get to our destination soon enough."

"As you say, Lady Yuheng."

Being in the public eye can be such a pain at times.

Dutifully following her up the steps, they soon found their selves at the Terrace complex. He made a beeline towards where he thought their destination had been, before she tapped him lightly on the shoulder. Pointing towards a building, two doors from where he had thought to be her house.

"You moved?"

"No. You were heading to my house." She replied, leading him towards the other building, "This is my grandfather's. Through the final stipulations of his will, he left this house for me to take care of."

Aether simply hummed in understanding. Any further questions he had; he knew that it wasn't the time to ask. Not in the middle of a bustling city complex.

She materialized a key in her hand. Inserting it into the keyhole, before the door opened with a click of the lock and the turn of its handle. She motioned for him to go inside, to which he did so with no further orders.

The moment he stepped in. He knew that the house had held a great deal of history. The walls seemed like they have aged, but had been treated with good care. Some chipping had appeared on the wooden pillars, but nothing that took away from its structural value. In fact, people likely would have thought that it might have added to its historical atmosphere. Various books had been placed sporadically, yet neatly across the expanses of the first floor. Though many of them sat at attention in their respective places within the shelf – there are one or two coupled around in certain reading spots of the living room.

A desk stood proudly in the middle of the study. The wooden surface at centre of its countertop having lost its original shade due to the amount of activity that had layered itself on top of the table, whether it be from books or from writing parchments. The rest of it remained in pristine condition. Each curvature that decoratively carved the sides – still as sharp as Aether would expect, if he were to see an identical model been displayed for sale in an artisan's shop.

Everything about the place felt old. But one that had been refined with the touch of someone new. Someone with the care to remember what the space had stood for, yet still able to leave behind a gentle touch of what they had perceived to be their own stamp in the history of the place.

A gentle touch, that had slowly begun to embrace him from behind.

Her hold around him had been tight at first. Loosening within moments, urging him to turn and face her. Which he once again, did without any further orders. Her body melting into his own embrace, while she sunk her features into the crook of his neck.

With a hand running through the strands of her hair, he left a soft peck on the top of her head.

"Miss me?"

"Mhmm." He could almost feel a slight purr coming from within her, "I'll be honest. Holding back had been a lot more difficult than I would've initially admitted."

"And here you are admitting it." He chuckled, bowing his head, "I'm honoured to have been on the receiving end of your sincerity."

"Hush. You save those playful words for later." She placed a finger on his lips, moving her face away from his chest, "Need I remind you that we are in the middle of investigating a case?"

"But-," He unzipped his lips. Another look of dismay on his face, "You hugged me first…"

She leaned closer into his ear, her hand snaking its way onto his cheek.

"You're in my property, remember?"

Her voice is nothing but a hot whisper. A tease as it tickles his reddening ear.

"Though you are an esteemed guest. It still wouldn't be proper to go against the words of the owner herself, hmm?"

Aether had suddenly lost any semblance of his vocabulary.

"I-, I mean… I was-, Uhm… Y-You… Uhhh, yes… Ma'am?"

She kept her gaze on him. Unmoving as he awaited her response.

Only to have a barrel of laughter implode right in front of his face.

It dawned on him right there and there. She had just been fishing for one of his expressions. And by the Archons was she able to get a good one.

The moment his lips shifted to a pout, Keqing cooed as he turned his attention away. His reaction another one that she could put on the list of things she wouldn't mind seeing every day.

"Aww… I'm sorry. I couldn't resist!" She directed his face back towards her, both hands on his cheeks, "I haven't seen any of your reactions recently. Didn't think you'd get all flustered just like that."

Exasperation filled his sigh, "Blame my biological instincts. Not entirely human, but I'm still a guy." He murmured, "Have an extremely attractive young woman whispering things inches from my ears – then the things you see me do may not exactly be voluntary."

"So, you're saying that if you were to think about it…" Keqing feigned a thoughtful pose, "You wouldn't be all that attracted to me?"

"Still attracted, verily so. Just would be more rational in how I express it."

She hummed for a moment, a chuckle to follow suit.

"Fair enough. Then as compensation, just so that I'm not the only one having fun…" She traced the smoothness of his jawline, "Why don't I treat you to dinner after all of this is done? Then – we'd be even."

Finally, he couldn't resist a smile himself.

"Sounds like a good deal, Lady Yuheng."

Releasing herself from the warmth of his hold, she took a brief look around the study. "Now, time to find those notes. It should be in the archives regarding his research of adeptal history." Her eyes tracked through the rows of the nearest bookcase, "If I recall correctly, then it should around here somewhere."

He knew that she hadn't really needed him there to help her find the notes. Having him rummage around archives of which he had no knowledge of organizing would just serve to impede her investigation. So, he opted to remain right where he is. Leaning onto the table while he watched her search through books as if it had been her own.

"You were very close to your grandfather, weren't you?" he asked, almost tentatively, "At least, compared to the rest of your family."

Though he couldn't see it from his angle. He could hear the smile from the change of her tone, "I was. The time I spent with him through my childhood – you could say that it was somewhat of a hidden blessing." She plucked a book out of the shelf, "If he hadn't been around, I would've probably turned out with a lot less of my humanity still intact."

The topic of her family has always brought about a sour aftertaste, and that was through his point of view. He couldn't even begin to imagine what sort of pain it would've brought up for her heart.

"Sorry, you don't have to talk about it…"

"Oh no, don't worry." She turned towards him. A couple of heavy-looking books in tow, "When it comes to my grandfather, it's nothing but happy times. Being with him was the only time in my life where I had the privilege to be a child."

Without words, he took some of the books from her hold. A pat of her hand on his being her silent form of gratitude while they placed the books on the table with a thud.

"I've never told you how I dealt with being left behind by my parents, have I?"

"Can't say that I haven't wondered." Of course, it was something that bothered him. Aside from the fact that they left an albeit capable fourteen-year-old to fend for herself – she was still, just fourteen years-old. "Just didn't think it was my place to ask."

His voice was cautious. Careful as to not accidentally prompt any old wounds to reopen. A gesture she could never get enough of from the man who had always cared so much.

"With you, it's something I wouldn't mind sharing. Seeing as we are standing within the topic of the conversation after all." She gestured towards the structure surrounding them, "Like I said before, he left me this house in his will. Along with everything that was in it." She scoffed, "I guess even he understood that leaving it behind to my parents would just result in its immediate sale."

"Whereas you'd keep it around." He concluded.

"Well in the end, I didn't exactly have a choice."

"Regardless, you would've kept it around." A smile fettered on his lips as he leant over the books, "I'm sure he left it behind with that thought in his mind. I highly doubt that he would've accounted for your parents to take such drastic measures."

"Who knows? He did raise one of them." Keqing mused apathetically, "Though I was never certain of how it became that way. My mother was far cry from how my grandfather had been – while my father tended to follow whatever she said."

He could hear how her voice had tightened at the mention of her parents. His hands moved towards the books in hand, wanting to move away from the topic that might bring down her spirits in a time of celebration.

"Well, I'm sure he'd be glad to see that you've been taking care of yourself and his belongings without sacrificing one another." Aether motioned to some old parchments, satisfied with her eyes finally back off of the ground, "He must've left you a great deal of things alongside this place, right?"

She knew what he was doing, and as always – she can only be grateful.

Turning her attention to the books herself, she gently ran a finger on the surface of the old documents, "Many things. Maybe a bit too many to count." She grinned at the thought of all her grandfather had left behind, "These notes. Some of them he wrote while I sat there on his lap. I'd like to think that within these pages – are bits of my happy memories within. Strewn across seemingly endless lines of scriptures and drawings."

Though Aether had noticed, that the particular book they were examining had not entirely received the kindness of time.

"A lot of these are quite banged up." He commented. Struggling to even make out a shape out of the Liyuean scriptures within. "Some of them are also damaged. Do you think you can still get anything out of it?"

"I'd probably transcribe the parts that I can still understand." She replied. Taking a closer look at some of the faded texts, "Thankfully, I'm familiar with his writing. It shouldn't take long to identify which one of these pages hold the recipe."

Again, another task that he couldn't entirely help her with.

"Sorry I can't be of more help."

She shook her head vehemently. Her instinct quickly finding his hand in her own.

"You being here is help enough." She assured him. Her eyes wandering from scouring across the room to finding itself within his vision, "Besides, I brought you here to share a piece of me with you. You can leave the tedious bits of the investigation to yours truly."

He'd always come to admire her honesty. A factor that most definitely helped with how they've been communicating in these early stages of their relationship. He can take everything she say in face value, with no further deduction of his own needed to decipher any messages.

So, he conceded silently.

"Alright. I'll be right here." He spoke. Watching as she finally found the page she had been looking for, and began transcribing the texts on to another fresh piece of paper. His eyes then began to wander around the room, taking in all the random trinkets and artifacts that stood in their respective stands, "Some of these things look quite valuable. Any of them I should take note of?"

"Hmm."

Her eyes stuck onto the focus of her task. Her answer seemingly blurted out absentmindedly.

"They are antiques that hold quite a value. But the insignia that I gave to you would most likely be the most valuable of them all."

Aether halted his steps.

"What?"

She still kept her eyes down on the transcription, "Well, it is the personal insignia of the Yuheng. At least, the one that my grandfather passed on to me was." She stated, "It was made during his partnership with the Yuheng of his time. A sign meant to showcase an individual's affinity with the one associated with the title or the insignia. To others, it was either a priceless antique, or a tool that can cause their family's status to skyrocket."

"W-Wait…. So, you're saying…" He materialized the insignia in his hand. The bright gem radiating warmly in the soft light of the room, "That you gave me what is essentially – a family heirloom?"

Pausing her writing for a moment, she puckered her lips in thought. Before shrugging back into continuing her writing.

"You can put it that way, yeah."

"But then… Why?" He wondered aloud. Moving to her side, trying to get her attention from the paper, "If it was supposed to be a family relic, then why give it to me?"

His hand laid on her shoulder. Finally grabbing hold of her amethyst orbs. It was then did she noticed that he had a look of worry and confusion. Uncomprehending of her decision to give away a piece of her family, to a person who didn't even come from the world her nation had resided in.

But to her heart, it all made sense from the very beginning. How she had uttered her answer, only made it feel all so natural for not only her soul, but his as well.

"You're the closest person I have now, that I can earnestly call as my family."

He couldn't find the words within him.

His mind was astray before he felt her hand clasped around the insignia within his own. Their fingers intertwining with one another.

"It is a sign of affinity. The Yuheng before, saw fit to bequeath it upon my grandfather – for the bond that their partnership had created." She softly nudged his shoulder, "He told me that it was a symbol for someone who is dear to you. Someone who you are willing to entrust a piece of you to. Someone who you know, is capable of carrying that trust with pride."

She brought their mingling hands closer to her chest.

"Now that he has left the symbol for me to hold, coupled with the fact that I am also the Yuheng. I can safely consider it to be a sign of my own trust." She fondly added, "And out of everyone I've met in my life, the one person that I can unequivocally trust with such an important part of who I am – had been you, and only you."

His heart grew with the love that he has for this brilliant individual. Just when he thought that he had seen the extent of her love, she would always be ready to pull him deeper into the warmth she had always so graciously provided for him.

Some parts of his mind would voice their doubts. Lingering around the veil of uncertainty that constantly shrouds his heart.

Had he deserved such a trust?

Would he really be enough for her?

Above all, would he be worthy of carrying such a pivotal aspect of someone's trust?

But here she is. The grip on his hand – all that he needed to quash all the whispering doubts. The steadiness and assurance within her gaze bolstering that conviction that he had sorely needed for the sake of himself.

Yet, it never hurts to be sure.

He leaned closer, "Are you sure?"

Without missing a beat, she replied with a smile.

"Positive." She nuzzled his chest affectionately, "Besides, I'm sure my grandfather would've loved you, and he'd be glad that I have someone like you by my side."

He could only echo her sentiment, "I'm sure he would've been very proud of you all the same."

She looked up to the sky. Wondrous hope filling her thoughts, thinking if her grandfather had been watching over her since his departure to the heavens.

"I'd like to think so."

They contemplated in silence. Aether providing her with the space that she had needed to reminisce and gather her thoughts. Observing the way her eyes glistened for a brief moment, before taking a deep breath. Turning her gaze back towards the paper filled with her transcription.

"Okay. That's enough of that – for now." She softly declared. Neatly folding the piece of paper then dematerializing it away. "Let's not keep Paimon and Xiangling waiting any longer."

He nodded in reply, "Sure. I'll get the door-,"

Her hold on his arm stopped him in his tracks, "Hold on. Before I forget…"

Materializing another item in her hand, it didn't take long for Aether to see that it had been a key. Similar, or even identical to the one that she had used to enter this house.

"A spare key to this place." Placing it in his palm, she clasped his hand together with hers, "If you can't find me in my own place, or in the Pavilion. Then you'll know where to go. The millelith does not have any rounds to guard this area, so you shouldn't have a problem with being mistaken as a trespasser."

"And if there ever was an issue." He brought forth the insignia once more, "This should help clear things up."

"Exactly." She confirmed with a grin.

Guiding her back towards the front door, he opened the door and bowed dramatically, "After you, Lady Yuheng."

She couldn't help but flash one last smile. Reverting to her public mannerism the moment her feet left the premise.

"Thank you, Traveler."

The Next Day…

The Moonchase Festival went off with a bang. With the entertainment that Yanxiao and Xiangling were able to provide throughout their respective runs through the tournament, the main event itself had been a massive success. Though Xiangling had won in the end, it hadn't detracted anything from people's recognition of Wangshu Inn's resident chef.

Whilst the people of Liyue celebrated the festivities, the group had reconvened in Wanmin Restaurant. Keqing had excused herself, citing that she had other work to be done.

But he hadn't missed the sly wink that she had sneaked in before she turned away towards the Terrace. She definitely had not forgotten about the promise she made the day before.

After excusing himself from Zhongli and Guoba's reunion, he went off to find his date's location – and as he had initially suspected, she was nowhere to be found both in the Pavilion, nor in her own residence. A simple question of her whereabouts to the millelith stationed in each respective location was all he needed to solidify his convictions.

Making his way towards her grandfather's residence, he made sure to give his surroundings a quick look around – before slotting the spare key and swiftly making his way into the building. Shutting the door gently behind him, sparing extra thought to the infrastructure's age.

"Keqing?"

With a quick scan, he could immediately tell that she hadn't been in the first floor. Most of the doors had been left open and there had been no sign of movement from any of the room that he could see from the study. Plus, she would have responded to his call, if she had been anywhere near him.

Which leaves the second floor to inspect.

The stairs creaked with every other step that he took on its trail. Even so, the rigidity of the wood beneath him and the railings supporting his side gave him enough confidence that it should be safe to traverse its steps without a need for increased cautiousness.

"…Keqing?"

Still no response.

Maybe he had been wrong to guess that she'd be here.

But then, a fade ray of light coming through the slim gap of a sliding door caught his attention. The warm colour wavering like the waves of the ocean, as if it had been controlled by the wind. Her everyday heels placed neatly right in front of the opening.

Silently walking towards the door, he peeked through the gap. Finally spotting his target for the evening.

There was Keqing. Sat on a floor cushion, a lit incense faced her on the small table. A picture of someone who had bore some resemblance to her also present, surrounded by the cacophony of candles shining brightly in the otherwise lightless room. Her hands clasped together in a form of prayer.

By now, he was sure that she had been notified of his presence. So, he opted to slide the door further open. Leaning on its frame as he quietly observed the tranquil sight.

Some peaceful silence, always a welcome change after a whole day of being around the chaos of a public crowd.

And in the middle of all the serenity, was her silent form. Her eyes closed whilst she uttered her prayers for the person who have cared for her now in the realms of the heavens. Focused to ensure that her heart manages to convey all the hopes and wishes that she has from within.

He could honestly do this all day.

Busy as she is, there are very few occasions that would draw such a calming expression from her features. Every time such an occasion was to arrive, he would always make sure to remember it. Putting it on the list of things that he could use in order to give her the peace that she sorely needs after days of hard work.

For once, he's glad that he hadn't needed to do anything for this occasion.

Eventually, it seemed like he had been caught red-handed.

"How long were you planning to just stand there and stare?" She called out, "I thought you'd be more rational in how you'd express your interest in me, now that you aren't caught off guard."

A hearty chuckle rose from within him, "Excuse me. Didn't want to interrupt the moment."

His response elicited a brief giggle from her. She leant to her side to grab another one of the cushions and placed it by her side. Patting its uneven surface, motioning for him to take a seat.

Wasting no more time, he promptly took off his boots. Placing it adjacent to her heels, and made his way into the room.

The moment he found a comfortable seating position, she immediately seized his hand and leant onto the support of his body.

His smile was light, and so was his question.

"It's been quite a day, huh?"

"It really has been." She sighed. Keeping her eyes on the portrait of her grandfather, "I never would have thought that the ancient being that my grandfather spent almost half of his life researching, had been staring at my face beside an eccentric young chef, every other day."

"To be fair, I don't think any of us would've ever guessed it." He countered. Scoffing at the thought of the chili teddy bear, "That thing would've rolled off into the sea if Xiangling hadn't been there to keep it on a proper track."

"Hey, have some respect!" She playfully flicked his arm, "He's still an ancient adepti. You should honour him with the respect of one."

He laughed aloud. Nudging her shoulder in reply, "If he stops stealing your food and almost burning my pants off every time I borrow Xiangling's stove, then maybe I'd reconsider my choice of salutations."

This time, she couldn't hold her laughter inside. Leaning further on to him as she let her voice loose throughout the premise. Aether joining her after his own pause. Content exhalation from the two of them when the spasms ended.

When they had both collected their breaths, her grip on his hand tightened.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Their eyes connected when they both turned to each other. Her eyes full of expectation, glimmering when he nodded in affirmative.

"When you said that he would've been proud of who I am now…" A hesitant pause arose before she continued, "Did you really mean it?"

He didn't need to think of an answer.

"Of course. Especially after all that you've been through, I think anyone would've been proud of you." His words delivered tenderly. Caressing her longing heart, "I feel like most people would've just given up had they gone through a fraction of what you faced. You've become compassionate, understanding, resilient, and above all – an incredibly kind person."

Sometimes, she wondered how he can make every word sound as truthful and as sincere, as he had been able to profess them, in the time they have spent together. She kept her fond stare while he continued his mini-speech.

"No doubt, he would definitely be proud of who you are. Regardless of what you end up achieving."

And that is the most important part. It was all about who she is as a person. It was never about her occupation, it was never about her achievements, and it was certainly never about her titles.

It was always about her, as Keqing.

Through him, it felt like the world had finally made sense.

He held her closer. His heartbeat steady, calming the erratic patterns of her own.

"I'm sure my words don't equate to that of your grandfather's, but I can only say that I'm glad that you are the way you are."

A chaste kiss on her hair accompanied his words of finality.

"And if it's all the same to you, then I'm also proud of who you are."

Yet another one of her lifelong burdens that he had alleviate just like that.

She's long casted away the expectations that her parents had unfairly bestowed upon her, and she had long since ignored the expectations of others – since she had never seen any reason to truly take them to heart. But what she had always wanted was to make sure that she becomes a person that her late grandfather could accept. Someone who would be worthy of the trust that his kind heart was always willing to graciously provide.

And now – she could add this man by her side, into the very short list of people that she would want to be accepted by.

With simple words and actions, he was able to show that he had accepted her. Better than the many amount of people in her past who have tried to fake such acceptance, just to appeal to her sense of morality. Just to gain something for their own sake.

All sorts of intentions, which Aether had none of.

Only genuine sincerity, becoming the basis of his assurance.

With the hold that he had surrounded her with, she couldn't help but to feel an extent amount of relief. Releasing a breath that she didn't know to have held.

"Thank you…"

"And never doubt that, okay?" Their foreheads joined. His hands by the side of her head, "Keep that pride, and hold it high in your heart."

"I will." She assured him. Her hands finding his once more, "You always know what to say – it's kind of unfair at this point."

"What can I say?" he held his chin up dramatically, "It's safe to say that you can consider me a linguistics expert."

Before she could chime in with her playful counter, a loud grumble reverberated throughout the room. Her senses instantly pinpointing his stomach to be the culprit.

Though they both went wide-eyed, she was the first to recover.

"A hungry one, might I add…"

He feigned an exasperated sigh.

"…Well, there goes all my style points."

"Indeed." She replied with a chuckle. Ruffling his hair with a languid motion, "Though you can recuperate some of them if you were to cook dinner for us."

Another feign, this time of reluctance, was deployed by his acting arsenal. "I thought I heard you mentioning that it was going to be your treat?"

"It technically is. I got you all the ingredients!" She reasoned. A knowing grin now on her lips, "And don't try to trick me. I know your ecstatic at the fact that you get to cook without having to worry about the cost of precuring the materials."

He clicked his tongue. Knowing she had definitely caught him out.

"Drats. How'd you know?"

Taking the opportunity to stand up, she bopped his nose as the pep returned to her step.

"I always know."

Shaking his head with smile, he had attempted to follow her footsteps by standing up.

Only to fall back down onto the carpet flooring, inciting another bout of laughter from the woman who knew very well of what had happened to him.

"Your legs turned into jelly, I assume?"

"Verily so."

Eventually, his legs got back into working condition. The menu of the night having been decided to have consist of a variety of their favourites – with a steaming hot side of Chili-Mince Cornbread Buns. Though he had insisted that she rest up and watch while he cooked up the meal, nothing was stopping her from fully enjoying some quality kitchen time with the man who she had sorely missed over the past few days.

While Aether was busy going through most of the ingredients, Keqing took the time to take few steps back, and just… admire.

Admire what she has.

The house, everything in it, herself, and the man who is now lost in the thoughts of his culinary adventure.

She closed her eyes, and lifted a prayer within her heart. In the hopes that her grandfather would be listening to his forever grateful granddaughter.

Thank you, and rest well… Grandpa. You don't have to worry about me anymore.

Sidling up to Aether's side, her final thoughts resonated from within her.

I've found someone who has made my life all the more worthwhile.