Mieko worked to make up for the days she hadnt been in the shop, trying to ease her mind by busying herself. She tried to shake off her growing anxiety, looking up at Albedo as he asked if she'd heard him. "I'm sorry, Albedo… What was that?" She asked.
"I was wondering if you had been back to Inazuma since moving to Mondstat, for the Irodori Festival." He said, not minding repeating himself.
"The Irodori Festival?" Mieko shook her head. "I haven't been to one since I was small." She smiled. "I'm sure my parents are hoping I'll come home for one soon, but…"
"But?" Albedo had never heard her talk much about her family, so when she did, he was extra attentive.
"I know my parents are very much concerned for my livelihood not being enough… They have tried more than once to get me to come home, and it has always been a point for them to ask me about in every letter…" She sighed. "But I wouldn't mind, going home just for a little while."
"Shall I get you a dependent pass, then? So you can come with me?" He asked.
"Oh, no need." She smiled, pulling an envelope from her mail bin. "My cousin always sends me an invitation, since she works for the Yashiro Commission, but I have declined every year. I assume it's at my parent's askance that she sends it." she smiled. "I guess I can tell her this year that I'm coming home." The look on her face made Albedo concerned, but he nodded.
"Does it trouble you? Returning home?" He asked.
"No, it's just that I… have been terrified to return home before I had made a name for myself. I'm sure they'll comment on my lack of notoriety being a sign that my wares aren't popular. Or that I'm not making enough so I should come home…" She sighed. "I'm sorry, in any case. I'd love to go with you." She smiled at him.
"Thank you, Mie…" he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I'll still have to get a dependent pass for Klee."
"Oh, you're bringing Klee?" She smiled. "Wonderful. I'll keep an eye on her for you while you work, then."
"Oh? It's like you read my mind." He teased, smiling. "She's excited to go and see a new place, but also I know she is excited to spend time with you."
"With me?" Mieko asked.
"Yes. She's excited to have a big sister." He chuckled, Mieko melting a little at Albedo's laugh. "I'm glad she likes you. I was worried, since she's a little scared of Jean."
"Oh, hehe, well I had to raise 8 cousins growing up, so I got good at talking to kids in a way that makes it easy to get them to listen." She replied. "Let's go take care of that pass first, then."
The day they set out for Liyue Harbor, Klee immediately wanted to go Fish Blasting, but surprisingly she didn't ask to. Albedo was confused until he saw how she was clinging to Mieko. "Big Sis Mie, what's your favorite thing to do?"
"My favorite? Hmm. That's a good question." She pondered for a bit, Klee looking up at her expectantly. "I think my favorite thing to do is to spend time with your brother." She stated, smiling. Klee's eyes sparkled and she jumped around and giggled, rushing to Albedo to tell him even though he was close enough to hear her.
"Did you hear that, Mister Albedo?" Klee giggled as she was picked up by the Chief Alchemist. "Big Sis Mie said spending time with you is her favorite~!"
"I did hear her, Klee." He chuckled, cheeks pink. He hadn't expected that answer at all. He expected her to say one of her hobbies, or making her wares. He watched Mieko walking ahead of them.
"Do you like spending time with her too, Big Brother Albedo?" Klee asked. Albedo nodded, Klee hugging onto him and giggling more. They traveled all the way to Liyue without incident or explosion, and while Albedo told Klee about the harbor, Mieko grabbed them some grilled tigerfish to eat. "Big Sis Mie, have you ever been on a boat before?"
"I have, Klee. When I was young. I came from Inazuma, after all."
"Oh! So you're going home to Inazuma?"
"I am." She smiled. Klee looked down, seeming disappointed for a moment. "Don't worry, though." Mieko pet her head. "I'll go back to Mondstadt with you and Albedo, okay?"
"You will?"
"I will." Mieko smiled. "Inazuma may be my home land, but Mondstadt is home to me now." She said, Klee nodding and taking a few bites of her skewer. Albedo watched Mieko closely for any signs that she wasn't feeling well, worried that she was hiding it around Klee. Once they got on the boat and Klee tired herself out that night, the girl fell asleep in the cabin. Albedo went out on the deck to search for Mieko, finding her staring out at the water.
"How are you faring?" He asked, placing a hand on her back. She jumped a little, turning to him and smiling. "Sorry. Did I startle you?"
"No, I'm alright." She shook her head. "You should try and rest while you can. I'm sure once Klee gets up, she'll have non stop questions about Inazuma for you and I to answer."
"Only if you rest as well." he replied. "The entire time we've been travelling, you hardly slept."
"I'm afraid my insomnia is quite severe right now." She chuckled. "I'll be fine though. I don't sleep well on boats." she reached up to cup his cheek, smiling at him. "Go and get some rest, Albedo." she kissed his forehead. "I think my mind is just very active thanks to going home after so long…"
"If you're sure." He said softly, leaning in to kiss her. "Please come to bed if you get tired."
"I will, don't worry." She smiled, letting him go off to sleep before turning to look back out at the sea. "It's going to be a long night…" she mumbled to herself, sighing.
After arriving in Inazuma and meeting up with Traveler, Klee had been taken off their hands for the day. "Have fun, you two." Traveler said simply to them with a knowing look. Albedo took her hand and walked around with her, Mieko telling him about her past and her family. They went to Inazuma City, enjoying their time together quietly. As they walked, a display in a clothing store caught Albedo's attention.
"Excuse me. How much for this?" He asked the shop keep, Mieko smiling as the woman turned to them.
"Mie!"
"Hi, Mio. Long time no see." She chuckled as the woman walked over.
"Oh, you two know one another?"
"Mio and I grew up together." Mieko chuckled. "I still exchange letters with her."
"I can't believe how long it took you to come back." Mio said, pouting a little at her. "Are you here on business?"
"Ah, no. I'm here because Amane invited me back, and I finally had cause to return." She replied. "Calx here invited me as his companion."
"Oh, your favorite artist?" Mio looked at Albedo and smiled. "A pleasure to meet you."
"And you as well." He smiled. "So this outfit…"
"Oh, yes, this is a brand new set I call Opulent Dreamer."
"Would it be alright if Mieko tried it on?"
"Absolutely!"
"Huh? But it won't match me at all, my hair will clash with the golden tones." Mieko stated. As Mio tried to convince her to try it on, someone else walked into the shop.
"Oh, Ama! Good timing, look who's home?" Mieko turned, eyes wide to see a young woman who resembled her so closely.
"Mie-nee…?"
"Amane…?" Mieko stared as the woman rushed her and hugged onto her. "Ama~"
"Mie-nee! Welcome home!" She hugged tightly onto her, Albedo chuckling.
"You have so many friends and family who missed you." Albedo said, smiling.
"I'm honestly surprised anyone recognizes me, since it's been years." She admitted. "Ama, what are you doing here?"
"Oh. I'm here to pick up something for Ayaka-sama." The woman said, smiling. "Are you headed back to Ritou after this?"
"We are." Albedo intervened.
"Oh, you're Calx." Amane bowed to him. "Then perhaps, once you've completed your business, I could walk back with you two?"
"Of course." Albedo nodded. "Now, Mie, please try on this outfit."
"Ooh, Mie-nee wearing Opulent Dreamer? That would be amazing." Amane said. Now thoroughly outnumbered, Mieko agreed to trying on the outfit. When she emerged, hair done up and all, Albedo couldn't take his eyes off of her. "Absolutely stunning, Mie-nee~"
"It was made for you, Mie." Mio grinned. "I went all out to make sure your hair was done up, so you dont have to worry about seeing the color you think clashes."
"It does though…" Mieko chuckled. "Thanks, Mio…" She turned to see Albedo staring at her, cheeks burning as his gaze bored holes into her.
"We'll take it." Albedo stated.
"Huh?" Mio went off to get the paperwork while Mieko stood stunned, Albedo still staring at her. His gaze didn't waiver once, and he stood in front of her, taking her hand in his. "Y-Yes, Calx?" She couldn't even say anything against him handing Mio the Mora for the outfit and accessories.
"You need to stay in this and model it for me. Please." He said. "And when we go back to the lodgings… I…"
"Oh… A-Alright." She nodded, embarrassed but happy that he was so clearly taken with her in this outfit. Albedo didn't usually show his interest so openly, so having him stare like this embarrassed her. They headed back to Ritou with Amane, and Albedo listened as they caught up, glad that Mieko wasn't apprehensive about seeing all of her family. Amane left them, Mieko standing and watching Albedo inspect where he would be working.
"The publisher won't meet me until the day after tomorrow." Albedo said, turning to look at her. "Shall I take you out on the town tonight?" He smiled at her.
"I think I would prefer to stay in with you." She sighed. "I don't think I can handle going out."
"Worn out already?" He teased, chuckling. "Can you at least hold some poses for me in your new outfit?" He reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear. "I won't take too long."
"I will do so only for you, Albedo." She leaned in and nuzzled him. "I love you."
"And I love you. Now. Let's go and take care of those so you can relax." He lead her into their lodgings, enjoying the evening with her and trying not to do anything too much to her, even though he wished to lay his hands on her. Badly. But he refrained, since she was clearly tired.
The following evening, Albedo was walking past a house with Traveler, looking for Mieko. She had mentioned visiting her family, and gave him general directions. Suddenly he heard yelling and saw someone get thrown to the curb. Little did he expect his dear Mieko to walk over to them and nearly stab him through with her polearm. "You idiot." she said, the cold tone in her voice sending a shiver down Albedo's spine. "What do you think you're doing, harassing my cousin? Huh?" She asked, the young man looking like he would prefer a swift death than whatever Mieko seemed to have planned. "I would run. Now."
"Please have mercy! I won't bother lady Azusa again!" he screeched, scrambling away from her. Mieko let out a sigh and picked up her polearm, turning to a young lady in purple.
"Is that better, Azusa?"
"Thank you, Mie-nee!" The girl hugged onto her. A few others rushed over, crowding Mieko happily and cheering her on. "Oh…? Guests?" Mieko turned, eyes widening to see Albedo and Traveler.
"Traveler. Albedo." She smiled. "Sorry, it's late already. I'll be right there."
"Please, take your time Mie." Traveler said, Albedo still staring at her. "We don't mind waiting."
"Ahaha, well… It might be a while if you say that…"
"Mie-nee, is this… Your husband?!"
"Huh?! A-Azusa, don't jump to conclusions!" She retorted as the others all stared with wonder at Albedo.
"What's this about Mie having a husband?" Mieko turned to see Ayato Kamisato and Amane, sighing. "Oh goodness, Traveler. Hello again."
"Welcome, Kamisato-sama!" The group of younger family said together, Mieko sighing.
"I didn't know you were married already, Mie. Where was my invitation?"
"Don't push your luck, Ayato." She replied. "I guess we don't have a choice now… Come inside." She stated. "Sorry Albedo. I have to play hostess…"
"It's alright. Should I go and get Klee?"
"Ah, if you like." she smiled. "I don't want to drag you into the potential battleground the dinner table might become… Traveler too…"
"Is it that bad…?" Traveler asked.
"It might be." Mieko sighed.
"I won't let it get that bad, Mieko. I don't want Amane to get upset." Ayato smiled, Amane clearly uncomfortable about the situation too.
"... Very well." She sighed. "I'll wait for you out here, Albedo. Ama, sorry…"
"I-It's okay, Mie-nee." Amane smiled. She walked to the door, but Mieko stopped Ayato.
"A word. While I wait for them to retrieve our other companion."
"Of course." Ayato smiled, waiting with her while Albedo and Traveler went to get Klee. "You're angry with me?" he asked, smiling as she exhaled.
"You're scaring Amane. I'll assume you've been pushing the pursuit of her hand in marriage?"
"I don't mean to push… She's very sweet." he stayed, Mieko glaring sideways at him as he chuckled. "Ah, still as scary as ever, Mie."
"Ayato. I will not stand by and allow you to make her uncomfortable." She practically growled.
"I am well aware." Ayato chuckled. "I know she's scared of me… I hoped I could change her mind." he shook his head. "But I know she doesn't love me."
"Then why continue?"
"Our parents want me to sign the marriage contract. I'm trying to buy her time."
"Buy her time?"
"Yes. To make up her mind about going with the vagabond that her lover once called a best friend." This made Mieko freeze. "I'll assume she never told you about Kaedehara-kun, then?"
"Kaedehara… Kazuha?"
"Yes."
"Oh archons, Amane what are you thinking?" Mieko paled, groaning at mention of this. "But… She follows her heart…"
"She does."
"Why scare her while buying her time?"
"Because. I'm desperately hoping that she'll end up choosing me in the end." Ayato smiled at Mieko. "Even though I know she never will."
"... Masochist."
"Haha, I didn't expect to hear that from you, Mieko." He stood and talked with her until the Traveler and Albedo returned with Klee. "Now, let's have dinner." He chuckled. Mieko looked like she could have attacked Ayato right then and there, but she refrained.
"I've lost my appetite."
((Mieko's relations to her family and friends in Inazuma start to emerge~ Ayato only knows her because she is listed as her family's heir. They're more pen pals than anything else, but she also has minor issue with him thanks to his pursuit of her favorite cousin, Amane.
-Winter Cheshire))