#f.gi

Ayato, himself, didn’t much care for that line of thinking. He had known (Name) since they were young and would honestly say he had been in love with them since they were young teenagers. But Inazuma’s inner politics were fraught for some time, so he and (Name) proceeded through their relationship slowly and quietly. So slowly, in fact, that this was the pair’s first night sleeping in the same room.

He put his comb down on the night stand and extsinguished the lantern light. Finally, Ayato turned to (Name) and reached out to brush his hand across their cheek. Knowing each other since childhood did nothing to dim the warm, tender expression that Ayato saved only for (Name). They leaned into his hand shamelessly, eyes closed as a warmth spread through their chest.

For as restless as (Name) was waiting earlier, they wordlessly yielded to Ayato’s embrace as he eased onto the futon beside them. (Name) curled against Ayato, desperate to fit into the spaces they always longed for. Ayato wasn’t any less clingy, wrapping his arms around them and pulling them close enough to vanquish that distance that had always been their enemy. Still, he couldn’t help but smirk against (Name)’s temple.

“Someone is quite eager,” he mused, like he didn’t just cross a leg over (Name)’s to ensure they were sufficiently trapped in his grasp.

(Name) scoffed against his chest. “Oh, shove it. I am simply accepting my reward for being so patient for years. It’s not easy to fall in love with a prince.”

Ayato squeezed (Name)’s hip like some sort of apology. “It sounds dreadful. How lucky am I, then, that your patience lasted this long.”

“My patience would have lasted lifetimes,” (Name) whispered, their forehead brushing against Ayato’s collarbone. “Knowing we would reach this point eventually.”

The tenderness in (Name)’s voice nearly undid Ayato. He let out a short breath before tilting (Name)’s chin up with gentle fingers to kiss them, slow and languid. (Name) kissed back with the same patience they had just spoke about, savoring the moment they had both been waiting for as they clutched the back of Ayato’s yukata.

It was far from their first kiss, but it marked a new beginning; a new normal where they could hold each other every night for the rest of their lives together. 

When they broke the kiss, Ayato looked at (Name) with pure admiration and love, eyes radiant and unguarded. In (Name)’s presence, he wasn’t a prince, and his only responsibility was to make sure (Name) was loved.

“I would do anything you asked of me,” Ayato confessed. His voice was quiet but certain— more certain than he had been about anything in his life. He couldn’t tell where his heartbeat ended and where (Name)’s began. “Anything, (Name). Just say the word.”

(Name) brushed their thumb across Ayato’s lips, their smile illuminated by the pale moonlight. “All I want is you. Us.”

Ayato wasn’t going to deny such a loving request. He reached for their hand on his lips and entwined their fingers, pressing a kiss to (Name)’s forehead. Sleep did not come for them any time soon; the pair stayed awake for hours, tangled together, exchanging whispers and laughter, kissing like they had just entered the honeymoon phase years into their relationship. Happily, restlessly, in love.

By the time dawn broke, Ayato was the only one to stir, despite the lack of actual sleep he got. He wouldn’t trade those hours lying awake with (Name) for anything, though. Even then, his arm was draped firmly around their waist as they continued to doze against his chest.

Ayato had responsibilities and obligations, however much he would rather stay in and rest. He moved just slightly, testing the waters of what would awake (Name) by removing his arm as slowly as possible. 

He thought (Name) was deep in sleep, but he was proven wrong as their grip tightened on the fabric of his yukata. “No,” they mumbled, voice still thick with sleep. “You’re not leaving.”

A small laugh escaped Ayato’s lips, gentle but cautious. “It’s morning, my dear. I have things to do—”

“You don’t.” (Name) didn’t let him finish. They clutched onto his body like their life depended on it. And, if someone were to ask them, they would have said their life depended on it. More than breathing. “You have me. Right here.”

Again, Ayato tried to escape (Name)’s iron grasp, but it was a futile endeavor. He was starting to wonder if (Name) was training behind his back. “Everyone will be quite upset with me if I stay in bed all day.”

“And I will be upset if you leave me. This is my ultimatum,” (Name) insisted, somewhere between teasing and threatening. They moved closer, tucking themself against Ayato’s neck with all the stubborn flair of someone who knew they were being impossible. “I trust you will not let me down.”

Despite himself, Ayato laughed. “Incorrigible.”

He felt them smirk, and in that moment Ayato realized he had already surrendered. He breathed an exasperated sigh that was betrayed by the warm smile he had as he fell back into place along (Name)’s side. They shifted closer until their chin was propped on top of Ayato’s chest, looking at him with bleary eyes that were struggling to stay open. “Stay with me. Please?”

A genuine, fragile plea. Ayato’s heart might have just melted. His hand traced circles into (Name)’s back, lulling them both back to sleep. He really did have pressing things to get to, but maybe they could wait. Just a bit. “For now,” he teased.

“Forever.” (Name)’s smug correction was their last word before they drifted back into slumber, pinning Ayato beneath him lest he wake them up. Sufficiently trapped.

Ayato was more than content to watch (Name) in their sleep; admiring their beauty in the early morning sunlight until he had no choice but to leave. But, if he would have to leave this paradise eventually, he might as well take the opportunity for some extra rest.

He kissed the top of their head before closing his eyes, content and in peace.

He thought back to the day (Name) signed up. He looked over their shoulder and scoffed, “seriously? Inazuma?”

(Name) leaned back and laughed, nose brushing with Wanderer’s. “That’s harsh. What do you have against Inazuma?”

The silence that followed was poignant. Wanderer liked to think he didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, but (Name) was always great at noticing the subtle changes of his expression that let them know they hit a topic Wanderer didn’t want to talk about.

He had no clue why (Name) bothered with him. He was a brick wall when it came to opening up about his past; there was nothing good he had to say about it, and even if he wanted to, there was no way to ease into a conversation about how he was nothing but a discarded puppet that foolishly chased divinity. In spite of that, though, (Name) saw something in him that he couldn’t see for himself.

Another beat of silence flattened the curve of (Name)’s smile. “Well,” (Name) sighed, changing the subject after sensing Wanderer’s discomfort. “I’ve never been. So, I’m pretty excited to study there for two months. Will you miss me?”

They tilted their head to bump their forehead against Wanderer’s. He rolled his eyes but snaked his arms around (Name)’s shoulders, clutching the fabric of their top to keep them close. “That’s a stupid question.”

It was a stupid question because (Name) already knew the answer. The past two months without them were utter torture for Wanderer and no amount of heartfelt letters exchanged between them could change that. That didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate the small bits of communication they provided— Wanderer nearly withered away in embarassment when Nahida walked in on him attempting a second draft at a reply when (Name) wrote a passionate paragraph about how much they missed him. But it was no subsititute for actually being together.

He waited outside of (Name)’s home, where he could be frequently found the last two months looking even more annoyed than normal. Wanderer paced back and forth, repeatedly glancing at the crowds on Treasures Street hoping to finally catch the sight of (Name)’s grand return to Sumeru.

The footsteps behind him didn’t even make it within 2 meters of him before Wanderer whipped his head around at the noise. An intense glare softened instantly at the sight of (Name), looking startled but not too upset that their sneak attack was thwarted.

“Aw, I wanted to surprise you. I walked the long way around for nothing!” (Name) grinned, some of the tension in their travel weary body dissipating at the sight of their partner. They threw their bag aside and beckoned Wanderer for a hug. “I’m home!”

Wanderer’s face turned a vibrant shade of red, and if he weren’t so happy to see (Name) again, he had half a mind to pinch their cheek for beckoning him for a public display of affection in such a crowded place. (Name) loved to tease, and Wanderer liked that about them more than he cared to let on.

So he scoffed and closed the distance, pulling (Name) into a tight embrace and burying his face in the crook of their neck. Wanderer squeezed (Name) so tightly in some vain attempt to stop (Name) from leaving his side ever again. They squeaked out a breathless whisper, “I missed you too, but I’m gonna suffocate if you keep holding on this tight!”

He loosened his grip just enough for (Name) to take a deep breath. Their arms found respite resting over his shoulders, one hand playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. It was strange that, even though he wasn’t the one to leave, Wanderer thought that Sumeru only felt like home if (Name) was there with him. Something about their presence just made things click into place. If there was a word to express that, Wanderer wasn’t ready to say it.

The embrace didn’t last long enough for Wanderer’s taste, who thought that maybe he would have liked to hold on to them forever. (Name) tugged on his cape, wriggling away from him and taking the opportunity to kiss him when he looked up in annoyance. It was a chaste kiss, short like the hug but with a sweet warmth that eased him in a way that the Sumeru heat couldn’t compete with. “You were gone for too long,” Wanderer said.

(Name) shrugged. “I was gone for exactly as long as I said I would be! If it weren’t for the storm, I would’ve even gotten home early!” Their hand traced circles along his shoulder blades. “You have such a silly way of saying you missed me.”

Silly probably wasn’t the way most people would describe Wanderer’s attitude, but the fact that (Name) thought fondly of it was a blessing he didn’t quite understand. Wanderer retorted, “I didn’t say anything like that.”

Because saying things like that wasn’t Wanderer’s thing. The brick wall around his psyche was an obstacle he struggled to overcome, too. Sometimes he really wanted to return the same affection (Name) gave, but all he could do in response was sputter out some harsh words. 

At the very least, he could rely on his actions. Wanderer kissed them again, his lips lingering on theirs and savoring the sensation. He might have released his death grip, but his hands were still sturdy on (Name)’s hips, grounding them both.

“I got you—” (Name) was interrupted by Wanderer pushing forward for another kiss, and another one after that. Their words come out as breathless whispers between them. “— A gift!”

He didn’t think there was any gift from Inazuma he would want, but he kept that thought to himself because (Name) excitedly broke away from their kiss to rifle through their bag. Just one glance was enough for Wanderer to see that it was filled to the brim with all sorts of Inazuman goodies and treats. 

“I don’t need a gift.” Wanderer hoped that (Name) could fill in the last part of his statement: because all I needed was you.

They laughed. “Of course you don’t. But, I got you one anyway because I really like you.”

Are some people just born with the confidence to say such things out loud? Another explosion of red spread across Wanderer’s face and he was glad (Name) had their back turned to him in that moment. Whatever gift they had gotten him was buried underneath an, in Wanderer’s opinion, unreasonable amount of souvenirs. 

After enough digging, (Name) struck gold. “There it is!” Their arm emerged from the bag with leather bound book. It looked worn, but in a way that highlighted that it was a well loved book for a long time. 

When they handed it to Wanderer, he read the title: The Byakuyakoku Collection. “I saw a really beautiful place called Enkanomiya! It was unlike anything else in Inazuma. I found this book on their folklore, so I’m not sure how much of it is actual history… But, you like discerning that stuff, right?”

Wanderer hesitated to take the book. He had never ventured to Enkanomiya during his time in Inazuma, so it was almost foreign to him— it didn’t carry the same weight of his past like anything else from Inazuma would. He wasn’t sure what he would do if (Name) had brought back a book from that fox’s publishing house.

If (Name) picked up a book from Enkanomiya with that in mind, Wanderer didn’t even know how to begin expressing appreciation in a way that wasn’t behind harsh words. He took the book while also grabbing onto (Name)’s hand.

“... Thanks.” Wanderer struggled to push out the bare minimum and he wanted to smack himself for it. So he brought their hand to his chest and squeezed gently and tried to get a kinder message across. 

Their eyes lit up, so Wanderer felt a bit better about his response. “I’m glad you like it! Open it, though. There’s more!”

Wanderer raised a brow, and (Name) laughed again at his skepticism. “It turned spring while I was there. The cherry blossoms were really beautiful!”

Most people loved cherry blossom season in Inazuma, but Wanderer cared little for it now. In his deep cynicism, he would go as far to say that they were overrated. They were just flowers and they bloomed every year— what was special about them?

But they made (Name) happy, so Wanderer supposed he could concede on that. He opened the book at (Name)’s behest and it naturally fell open to a page that had flower blossoms tucked in between them, pressed flat and preserved in their splendor. They weren’t the cherry blossoms (Name) just mentioned, though— they were plum blossoms.

Wanderer looked up at (Name), who looked quite proud of themself. “I didn’t think cherry blossoms would be your thing, though. I saved some plum blossoms for you instead!”

There was something painful about being seen; it burned Wanderer inside to know that (Name) knew him this well because they weren’t afraid to confront parts of him that he thought he locked away. The world was so cruel, so why did he deserve this?

He trembled, and pulled (Name) back to him again, cradling the back of their head with his free hand. The words came easier that time.

“Thank you… Really.” He whispered against (Name)’s skin, pouring everything he felt into those few words.

If only he knew how lucky (Name) felt, too. “Of course. Anything for you.”

Kazuha poured (Name) a cup of tea and nudged the cup carefully between their stacks of books and papers. It would have been easy to get discouraged with how slow the learning process became once (Name) began with kanji— and they did. Upon messing up stroke order on a simple kanji for the third time in a row, (Name) pressed their face into the table long enough to leave a red mark on their forehead. Kazuha’s gentle encouragement, rubbing circles onto (Name)’s back and assuring them that kanji could be difficult even for native Inazumans, was the only thing that kept (Name) motivated to keep learning.

Even if they still did want to bash their head against the table sometimes. 

(Name) enjoyed the sip of hot tea gratefully. The weather hadn’t fully dipped into cold, but the breeze could have been described as chilly. “The change of seasons made me want to study kanji related to autumn. I’m not exactly following the language books, but…”

It only took a moment before (Name)’s doubt faded away with Kazuha’s hand finding their shoulder to squeeze. “Don’t worry about that. You will see this kanji on signs for the entire season, so it will be helpful.” Kazuha peered over (Name) to see what they were reading, bumping heads gently. “I imagine ‘kaede’ has appeared quite often.”

They nodded, “very much so! When I saw the same kanji in your name, I decided to translate the rest. Your name paints such a vivid, beautiful picture…”

An autumn-tinged red dusted Kazuha’s face, and he shyly buried his nose against (Name)’s temple. “The imagery is one of the best parts about kanji. Does that get you to forgive the difficulty?”

“Hardly! Will you help me study?” (Name) didn’t actually need to ask— that’s why Kazuha visited in the first place. They just enjoyed the way his face lit up whenever they asked to do something together.

He slid his hand from (Name)’s shoulder to their waist, pulling them closer until there was no space left in between. “Of course.”

Kazuha’s poetic propensity made him a great tutor for an alphabet as visual and rich in meaning as kanji. He pointed out the way any kanji relating to autumn and its foliage had strokes that looked like a tree or falling leaves, how the kanji for autumn itself doubled in meaning as a time of change, and did not fault (Name) for making mistakes on the stroke order. That had little to do with his skill as a poet and more with his kindness and compassion, but (Name) appreciated it nonetheless.

“This is ‘Momichi,’ or yellow leaves, and this is ‘Momiji,’ or red leaves.” Kazuha demonstrated the stroke order for (Name) to copy in their own notebook. They were certainly not going to pick up calligraphy as a hobby any time soon, but Kazuha watched with pride as they successfully but shakily transcribed the kanji in their own writing.

(Name) glanced at their book about the autumn season in Inazuma again, looking for other instances of the new kanji they just learned. They pointed at the use of red leaves with unfamiliar kanji attached. “What’s this one? ‘Momiji…’”

“‘Momijigari,’” Kazuha finished. “It’s autumn leaf viewing— though, I suppose the direct translation would be ‘red leaves hunting.’”

Red leaves hunting was copied down into their notebook before (Name) realized they didn’t even know what it meant. “Autumn leaf viewing?”

“It’s a popular activity during autumn. You go into the forest to appreciate the changing foliage.” 

(Name) blinked. “There’s a whole term for that? That’s wonderful. Can we do that together, sometime?”

Kazuha put down his pencil to fully wrap (Name) in a hug, pressing a kiss to their cheek. “Absolutely. It will take some time before the leaves start to change color, though. Autumn has barely started.”

The leaves were still green and most days were warm, but the early signs of autumn began to show; the days were beginning to get shorter and the sunlight was less bright.

(Name) pouted, leaning their weight onto Kazuha. “But, now I’m so excited for it! We can make a whole day of it… picnic among the falling leaves… but we have to wait at least a month! How cruel.”

All because (Name) was eager to learn autumn terms. No good deed went unpunished, Kazuha supposed. He tucked himself into (Name)’s shoulder, lips moving against their skin as he chuckled. “We can walk through nature and have a picnic whenever you’d like. We don’t need the seasons to change just for that.”

It’s hard to be upset while Kazuha doted on them so gently. Their hand found Kazuha’s, curling their fingers around his palm. “I know…” (Name) mumbled as Kazuha kissed their shoulder once more. “Still, I’ll be waiting impatiently! I have red leaves to hunt.”

“Is that so? Kazuha raised his head from their shoulder with a warm smile. “I’ll have you know, it’s more about appreciating beauty than hunting for leaves. Red leaves will be everywhere— not much of a hunt.”

He intended to transition back into (Name)’s studies with that, but the comment sparked something in them, their smile turning sharp as they met Kazuha’s gaze. “I will not take any disparaging remarks about my ability to hunt red leaves. I’m the best in the business!”

Kazuha tilted his head. “You sound experienced for someone who just learned about Momijigari.”

Twisting to face him more directly, (Name) reached for Kazuha’s chin, brushing their thumb across his jaw. “Very experienced! In fact, I have the best red leaf in all of Teyvat right here.”

That autumntide shade bloomed across Kazuha’s face again. His lips parted, but no words came out; it was rare for Kazuha, of all people, to be rendered speechless, but (Name) had that effect on him more easily than most. Where words failed, actions could speak louder. He closed the short distance between them, a reverent kiss with the power to change seasons and the resilient fragility of a falling maple leaf. Precious and sacred.

Kazuha was slow to part, lips lingering on (Name)’s for another breath. When he opened his eyes again, he was sure he fell in love with (Name) all over again. “When did you turn into such a flirt?”

(Name) laughed. “Its the natural outcome of having a poet as a partner.”

That was being obtuse. People cared because (Name) was a common folk courting the likes of Navia. It made for an interesting story to whisper about as (Name) tried to take a leisurely stroll through the city. Everyone stared and under those intense gazes, (Name) couldn’t help but wonder what everyone was thinking. Were they happy that Navia found a partner after all the hardships in her life, or were they thinking that a gorgeous woman like her could do better?

If (Name) was forced to think about that any longer, they would’ve curled up in the middle of the street in despair, so they were lucky that Navia spotted them from down the road and ran to close the distance. She grabbed (Name)’s hands and pulled them forward for a delicate kiss on the cheek, unable to stop smiling into the kiss. Navia radiated warmth and cheer like the sun and it did wonders to soothe (Name)’s worries. But doubts like that are not easily quelled.

“(Name)!” Navia beamed and swung her partner’s arms side to side. “I’m glad I could catch you this early in the day!”

They swallowed their insecurities and hoped they would stay buried forever. “Ah, were you looking for me? My apologies…”

The noise Navia let out was somewhere between a laugh and a scoff, “no need to apologize, my dear (Name)! I simply had an idea for how we could spend time together tonight and I wanted to know if you were up for it!”

The idea that anyone, partner or not, would say no to such a cheerful offer was preposterous. (Name) squeezed her hands. “Navia, I would never turn down the chance to spend more time with you. What did you have in mind?”

The date Navia began to describe was quite extravagant and detailed in the way she knew best, and (Name) listened intently at the start but was sidetracked by some passerbys who should learn to regulate the volume of their whispers. “That’s Navia’s partner?” One asked, and the other nodded. “Strange,” they continued, “I always thought Navia would end up with someone more… important?”

The comment was a dagger to (Name)’s heart that they didn’t have the courage to ignore. They watched Navia’s animated explanation of a wonderful date filled with sightseeing and good food and saw the most beautiful woman in the entire world. How could (Name) compare? The people of Fontaine cared deeply about Navia and everything she did, so it wasn’t like they could just brush off their opinion. The court of public opinion was intimidating and (Name) didn’t enjoy being stared at and judged by everyone. Would they continue to make comments like that? Was (Name) supposed to simply endure?

Navia’s hands were a warm and welcome surprise as they cupped around (Name)’s face. The concern in her expression made (Name) realize that they must have gotten lost in their own thoughts while Navia was talking. “Are you alright? It seems like there’s something on your mind.”

She didn’t hear the comments of the passerbys but Navia was more than capable of reading her partner’s expressions. It was comforting yet frustrating— the last thing (Name) wanted Navia to worry about was their own insecurities. If Navia could relate to such thoughts, she didn’t make it obvious. Her optimism could turn even the greatest of pessimists to seeing the glass half full and she definitely seemed secure when confessing their feelings to (Name) a short while ago.

“Oh, please don’t worry about me. I got lost in my thoughts while you were talking, forgive me…”

“Again with the apologies,” Navia pouted, brushing her thumb over (Name)’s lips. “Something is definitely bothering you! Let me help.”

Deflection was never going to work, but (Name) couldn’t help but try. They drew the line there, though, because lying to Navia was a sin that could never be forgiven. Besides, who better to decide if (Name) was worthy of her love than Navia herself? There was no greater expert, so (Name) sighed and closed their eyes.

“Well…” they began. “It’s just… I feel a little… insecure, I believe? People have been making comments about us and… You’re the most beautiful, sweet, elegant lady I’ve ever met and I can’t help but wonder if I truly deserve to be at your side like this…”

With their eyes closed tight, (Name) had no idea what Navia’s reaction was. The silence that followed their confession was quite scary and their mind spiraled into a series of worst-case scenarios. What if Navia realized she deserved better? What if Navia realized how much brighter she burned than (Name)?

Instead, Navia whined and completely engulfed (Name) in her embrace, her arms holding them tightly against her chest. She pressed kisses to the top of their head over and over again, and even when (Name) tried to escape her grasp for air, she continued. (Name) thought that this was probably the best way to be suffocated.

“My one and only (Name),” Navia chimed between kisses. “Don’t let comments from strangers mean more than what we say to each other! You’re wondering if you deserve to be my partner? Without a doubt. You are worth the world and more, and don’t, even for a second, think otherwise. I want to stand side by side forever, alright? We are equals, no more of this ‘deserving’ nonsense.”

At such kind and earnest words, (Name)’s face burned against Navia’s chest. The sweetness of her response almost made (Name) forget they were standing in the middle of a busy Fontaine street. Almost. They seized the chance to straighten their posture so the scene was less Navia smothers (Name) to death with affection and more Navia and (Name) share a loving embrace. And with their head raised, they saw how many passerbys were looking at the pair with curiosity and mild disdain for taking up part of the pathway.

And, honestly? After what Navia said? (Name) couldn’t be too bothered about the stares.

“Thank you for reassuring me,” (Name) smiled. “You’re amazing, Navia, truly.”

“I am at my best with you by my side!”

All their negative thoughts were washed away as Navia took the opportunity to place a gentle kiss on (Name)’s lips, her hands resting on their waist as they savored the feeling of her unabashed love. A moment passed before she pulled away with a smile brighter than the sun.

“Now, back to that date…”

Reading the rest of the flyer for himself, it was not only an advertisement for the festival that would have fireworks by the famed Naganohara family, but also for a new selection of romance novels by the Yae Publishing House that would be releasing on the eve of the festival. Alhaitham could see (Name) and Kaveh picking up a copy, which he would read over their shoulders only to be unimpressed with the quality of the writing and story.

Alhaitham handed the flyer back to (Name). “Why the sudden interest?”

They pointed at the top of the paper, which had colorful illustrations of fireworks bursting off the page. “The traveler said the festival is fun and that he knows the girl who sets up the fireworks. The fireworks are supposed to be the very best there is! Isn’t there academic value in seeing them?”

“Please elaborate on this supposed academic value.”

That was the last question they hoped he’d ask. (Name) took a step forward, dragging Kaveh with them, and gave their best puppy-dog eyes. “The academic value of taking a well-earned break with your two most favorite people in the world!”

Kaveh nuzzled his nose into (Name)’s hair, bringing one hand up to squish their face. “Aw, they look so sad!” Ever the empath. “We don’t have any choice but to say yes, right?”

“I’m sure you’d be singing a different tune if you fronted most of the expenses.” That comment made Kaveh join in on (Name)’s watery eyed expression, much to Alhaitham’s amusement. “Oh no, now both of my partners are pouting. How shall I rectify this?“

“Inazuma Summer Festival,” (Name) and Kaveh said in unison.

Alhaitham sighed, but had a smile on his face. “I suppose I’m left with no other choice to make some time for it. Now, sit down already. The food is getting cold.”

Getting to Inazuma, though the travel was sort of long and tedious, wasn’t as difficult as (Name) thought it would be. They thought there would be a lot more convincing involved, because they didn’t realize just how wrapped around their finger Alhaitham and Kaveh were.

(Name) had never been to Inazuma— it was quite far off the beaten path, so to speak, even though several years had passed since they opened their borders again. So excitement for fun festival activities also doubled as excitement to try new things in a new place, and (Name) could hardly hold still on the way there.

Alhaitham and Kaveh were also excited, though you would have to read deeply into the former’s expression to get that. But the festival itself was not their highest priority; they had something else on their mind.

“Ta~da!” (Name) leaped out from behind their inn room’s shoji screen. They had shoved parcels of clothing into their partners’ arms the second they had arrived in Inazuma. They were sets of Inazuman summer wear that Kaveh was quite sure he saw them buy from Dori shortly before they left— though (Name) refused to explain what they were at the time. “Apparently they’re called jinbei and they’re popular in the summer. How do I look?”

They struck a pose and Kaveh gasped like he just fell in love all over again. He and Alhaitham had also swapped outfits for the jinbei and were taking photos with Kaveh’s kamera while waiting for (Name). He turned the lens toward them, grinning ear to ear. “Hold the pose! You look adorable!”

The praise made them shine even more and they blew a kiss to Kaveh for the picture. Only for that kiss to be intercepted by Alhaitham when he caught it in his palm and brought it to his lips.

“Hey! That was meant for me, jerk!” Kaveh didn’t get far in complaining; he was silenced by Alhaitham pressing a kiss to his lips. It didn’t matter how many times Kaveh was kissed by Alhaitham or (Name)— each time made his heart flutter with joy and temporarily ceased brain functions.

There was the tiniest hint of a smirk on Alhaitham’s face when he pulled away. “It’s equal,” was all he said. He reached his arm out toward (Name), beckoning them to take his hand. “The sun is starting to set, let’s start looking around the festival.”

That was an offer (Name) couldn’t refuse. They grabbed Alhaitham’s hand and locked arms with Kaveh. “Time to sightsee!”

It was hard to keep up with (Name) at the speed they were rushing around the festival stalls. They had no knack for goldfish scooping (Kaveh triumphed with the highest score in the end, saying something about his delicate handiwork) but a voracious appetite that had them trying everything from takoyaki to candy apples.

Trying the food finally forced (Name) to stay in one place, much to Kaveh’s relief. They managed to find an unoccupied bench to rest their legs and devour all the treats they were picking up. Alhaitham returned from a different food vendor with freshly cooked karaage, holding a piece on the toothpick for (Name) to try. “It’s fried chicken, you’ll like it.”

(Name) didn’t hesitate to eat the entire large piece, even though they really should have. It was still freshly fried enough to instantly burn the roof of their mouth. They recoiled, but it was still delicious, so they kept eating. “It’s hot!”

“I said it was fried,” Alhaitham sighed.

Kaveh pat (Name) on the back with his free hand as they continued to struggle chewing. “How are you not tired of trying more savory food? I have some shaved ice you can use to soothe the burn.”

“Eating when you’re traveling places is the best part! Can’t risk missing out on good food.” (Name) talked with their mouth still half full. They eyed the colorful cup of ice Kaveh had picked up with great interest. “So, I’ll gladly take some!”

Again, Alhaitham intercepted; he snatched Kaveh’s cup before he could hand it to (Name). “Ice is not a good treatment for burns.”

It was (Name)’s turn to feel betrayed. They looked up at him with wide eyes and a probably-too-harsh-for-the-circumstances grimace. “What!? It’s not like I got set on fire! Some shaved ice wouldn’t hurt!”

In the back of their mind, (Name) knew they were arguing with a brick wall. Alhaitham enjoyed his own scoop of shaved ice while all (Name) could do was stare in contempt. “Your health isn’t worth the risk. Besides, I’m already eating this.”

“It’s Kaveh’s!”

“I don’t know, he might have a point,” Kaveh disagreed. (Name) whipped their head back towards him, utter heartbreak in their expression as Kaveh abandoned them in the crusade against the tyrant Alhaitham. He laughed and wrapped his arms around their shoulders, kissing their cheek. Kaveh could never keep up an act like that for long. “You’re so cute when you’re pouting!”

(Name) remained unmoved. They crossed their arms and sulked. “I thought two partners meant I was going to get double the love and affection! I think you like to see me suffer sometimes.”

Kaveh left another wet kiss on their cheek and squeezed them tighter. “I could say the same thing,” he laughed.

There was a pause as Alhaitham considered the possibility. Rather than deny it, he finally gave (Name) a spoonful of the shaved ice.

By the time the fireworks show had started, the trio found a less crowded spot overlooked by the other festival goers. The trees parted to give a wide view of the night sky as colors exploded in the air and fell back down to Earth.

Fireworks had become commonplace around Teyvat, but Inazuma wasn’t exaggerating when they bragged about their fireworks shows; the sky was illuminated in vibrant arrays of colors that reflected in (Name)’s equally as shiny eyes as they stared up in awe at the display.

Next to them, Kaveh watched the fireworks with a warm smile on his face. But his eyes truly lit up every time he glanced towards Alhaitham and (Name).

Alhaitham nudged (Name)’s arm, teasing, “so, what was the academic value of fireworks again?”

“Surely a feeble scholar like yourself would be able to figure it out!” Their retort came through a smug grin as they took the opportunity to grab his arm and pull him closer. “I think it’s obvious!”

He couldn’t believe how distracted he was by the fireworks reflecting in their eyes. “Enlighten me.”

(Name) was more than ready to. They pulled Kaveh closer as well, until the trio were practically huddled in their own little world. Other festival goers faded into the background until there was nothing left but the three of them under a sky lit by fireworks.

“The academic value,” they started. “Is how clear your mind feels when you’re in a beautiful place with your favorite people in the world!”

Kaveh looked about ready to tear up, but (Name) gave him a chaste kiss before he could, then another to Alhaitham, who could hardly suppress the smile on his lips. Nothing could break his stoicism like his two favorite people in the world.

Kaveh was the first person (Name) befriended after entering university. He was kind and friendly, a wonderful person to be around, and made nights at the bar very lively. If not for him being a dramatic and loud drunk, then for his enigmatic group of friends that (Name) also became quite close with over time.

In those few years, (Name) had become great friends with Kaveh, Cyno, and Tighnari, but especially Alhaitham. The other three found that relationship quite interesting; most were put off by Alhaitham’s attitude but (Name) appreciated the challenge. They’ve overheard other students call Alhaitham unfriendly but he hadn’t been anything less than polite to (Name). Maybe that was because he was a kind person at heart, but sometimes (Name) drifted off into a daydream where Alhaitham liked them more than just a friend.

Alhaitham appreciated honesty and rationality. What was more rational than being straightforward with their feelings? “Well… I just… y’know! I like him! So I wanted to tell him…”

(Name) hoped the look of shock on Kaveh’s face was because he hated (not really) Alhaitham and hated (not really) when good things happened to him. But after the shock wore off his expression morphed into something more of concern. “Well, uh, I really hate to break it to you, (Name), but we went drinking last night and I got drunk and started giving him a hard time.. the usual! Somehow we got onto the topic of relationships and I was lamenting about my life and I was complaining that girls keep trying to get me to pass confession letters to him—”

“Kaveh, is there… like… a point to this?”

He took another deep breath, “there is, I swear! Since I was complaining about all that I asked him why he keeps rejecting confessions and he said he didn’t have any time for a relationship!”

(Name)’s heartbeat flatlined at Kaveh’s words, the weight of the bouquet suddenly becoming all too heavy. The optimistic smile on their face had dropped into a frown. “Oh,” was their only response. What were they supposed to say? (Name) suddenly felt very silly.

“I’m really sorry, (Name)!” Kaveh bowed his head in shame as if he was to blame for any of this. “I feel really bad!”

(Name) shook their head and smiled. Much too empathetic for his own good, Kaveh could easily see that their smile didn’t quite reach their eyes. He felt terrible, he really did; he wished Alhaitham liked (Name), they were so perfect for each other! Kaveh was even sure that Alhaitham had a crush on (Name), and was shocked to learn that he didn’t.

“Hey, relax,” (Name) hummed. They appreciated the comfort and care from their friend and kept their smile unwavering for Kaveh’s sake. The last thing they wanted was for him to feel guilty about telling them— he had done them a favor, after all. Saving them from having their confession rejected by Alhaitham himself. But there was something equally disheartening about knowing that their feelings never even stood a chance. “I’m glad you told me. Saves me from the heartache, right? It’s no big deal, anyway... Just a crush.”

The bouquet fell to their side, petals floating to the ground.

It had been an odd week for Alhaitham.

(Name) was one of his closest friends and he quite enjoyed being around them. He was sure (Name) felt the same way— until they were suddenly avoiding him at all costs..

They had classes together so they couldn’t always avoid him, but even then they were trying their best. Alhaitham looked across the lecture hall, where (Name) had found a seat completely opposite of him. If his texts being ignored wasn’t enough to make the point clear, the empty seat next to him cemented it.

They had been sitting there for day. Initially, Alhaitham let it go on, unsure how to approach the situation. He was book smart, yes, but for all his research into human nature he felt clueless about what to do when a friend began ghosting you out of nowhere. They didn’t write scholarly articles about that. But, he had to at least try himself.

The class ended and as students began filing out of the classroom Alhaitham managed to catch (Name) as they were putting books back into their backpack. Something was clearly wrong. (Name) looked taken aback at Alhaitham’s presence, and they couldn’t even look him in the eye. He felt quite awkward, but he pushed past that. “(Name)... Did you see Tighnari’s message? We’re watching a movie tonight. Are you going to join?”

(Name) gave Alhaitham a smile, though it seemed a bit forced. “Sorry, Alhaitham, but I am just swamped with homework tonight. I’d love to join you guys, I really would, but I just need to focus right now!”

And, with that (Name) rushed out of the room without even saying goodbye, leaving Alhaitham in the dust. He stood there for a few moments, an unpleasant feeling attacking his heart. Did he do something wrong? Alhaitham had no idea and it had been eating away at him all week. He sighed and left the lecture hall to make his way towards his friends, who had already been waiting for him to show up.

“There you are. We’re gonna miss the previews.” Cyno admonished Alhaitham as he approached the group waiting at the quad.

“Only you want to see those,” Tighnari rolled his eyes. He looked behind Alhaitham once he noticed someone was missing. “Where’s (Name)?”

“(Name) said they were too busy.” There was a tangible dejection in his words that felt all too earnest coming from Alhaitham of all people. The sound of disappointment even surprised Alhaitham himself.

“Are you sure they’re busy? Aren’t they mad at you?” Tighnari’s comment piqued Alhaitham’s interest and made Kaveh’s heart stop. Mad!? Sure, Kaveh overheard Cyno and Tighnari’s whispered conversations over the past week about (Name) acting weird around Alhaitham. But who said (Name) was mad!? No one knew about (Name)’s crush, right?

Alhaitham tapped his chin in thought. “Are they mad? They have been trying to avoid me lately…”

It was so sudden. Alhaitham hadn’t realized how practically attached at the hip he and (Name) were until they began to distance themself lately. Had he done something to make them upset? He thought about it, nothing came to mind; (Name) didn’t act angry around him and smiled like usual.

Cyno blinked. “They’re mad? I thought they liked you.”

Kaveh looked like he entered catatonic shock while Alhaitham mulled over the idea in his head. He did not react for the first few moments. (Name), liking him? Romantically?

People either treated Alhaitham like he was a jerk or like he was the unattainable man of someone’s dreams. (Name), though, never cared for those labels and treated him like he was regular person from the very start. What was the line between platonic and romantic? Alhaitham tried to think about the differences. (Name) always stopped by the library to give Alhaitham some snacks during his long study sessions. (Name) always sat next to Alhaitham when they went out to drink. (Name) always listened to Alhaitham talk about his research, no matter how boring it might have been to the average person.

Did that mean something?

“What are you talking about! (Name) totally doesn’t have a crush on Alhaitham anymore!” Kaveh waved his arms frantically to distract from the situation. And upon realizing what he said only stoked the fire, increased intensity. “Not that (Name) ever had a crush on Alhaitham! They don’t even like him! Well— I mean, that’s not true, obviously, but it doesn’t even matter, because Alhaitham doesn’t like them back!”

The silence had never been so loud. Cyno and Tighnari stared at Kaveh in disbelief, the latter shaking his head at the outburst that seemed to reveal a bit too much information.

A light bulb went off. Alhaitham recalled telling Kaveh he had no time for a relationship when they went drinking a week ago. Alhaitham was confident in that declaration initially, but (Name) becoming so distant made Alhaitham feel like he was missing something. He didn’t realize how much he appreciated their company, and he didn’t realize how much he took them for granted until they were avoiding him.

Everything finally fell into place in his mind. “Oh, I see. I do like (Name).”

“Are you KIDDING ME!?” Kaveh let out an exasperated groan and fell to his knees in the middle of the bustling quad. Some other students walking by looked at the group in confusion. “I told them that you didn’t like them! That’s why they’ve been trying to avoid you all this week!”

The other 3 guys stared at him in disappointment. “Wow, Kaveh,” Cyno chided, shaking his head. “Not a great wingman. You left (Name) and Alhaitham on the ground.”

Walking away from Alhaitham made them feel terrible. (Name) hated to avoid him, but just being around him and knowing their stupid feelings were unrequited made their heart hurt. Alhaitham was a great friend and it felt awful to abandon that, but was it wrong to wish for something more?

Shaking their head at the thought, (Name) continued walking down the street. It wasn’t fair to any of their friends to let this silly crush get in the way. They’d have to get over it soon, to avoid suspicion but also because they just missed hanging out with all their friends.

They turned the corner and was startled at the sight of Alhaitham waiting at their bus stop. Aside from all the circumstances that made this an awkward encounter, (Name) also left campus much earlier than Alhaitham did. “Alhaitham? How did you get here?”

“I ran.”

That did answer (Name)’s question but they were hoping for a little more elaboration. “Okay… why? I thought you and everyone else were going to go watch a movie.”

The absurdity of the situation made it easier to talk to Alhaitham, even after avoiding him for so long. And (Name) was quick to realize that they really missed being able to talk to him like a normal person and not feel their heart breaking knowing the feeble scholar who just ran across campus at a breakneck pace would never like them back.

Alhaitham walked towards (Name) while keeping a comfortable distance between them. “We were, but I learned something important from Kaveh and I needed to talk to you—”

(Name) couldn’t let him continue his sentence without feeling like their heart was going to explode. “Oh, God— did Kaveh tell you..?” All this trouble to try and avoid him and their feelings get spilled anyway; how miserable! (Name) waved their hand frantically and forced a smile onto their lips. “Listen, don’t worry about that! It’s just a stupid crush. I know that you don’t like me back... and that’s okay! I promise, it’s okay!”

Hopefully Alhaitham would believe their words because the quiver in their voice pointed to the idea that it was, in fact, not okay. Did Alhaitham run all the down here just to tell them this? Sometimes he could come off a bit rude, but that would be pretty cruel.

They waited to hear something heartbreaking; ’I’m sorry,’ Alhaitham might say. But, instead of anything terrible, (Name)’s vision was flooded with vibrant colors as Alhaitham held out a bouquet of flowers that were previously hidden behind his back. A variety of carnations and daisies tied neatly together with a red ribbon. Some of the flowers slumped with fallen petals as a result of his race across campus. Deja vu.

“Kaveh did tell you that I had no time for a relationship, yes.” Alhaitham’s voice was surprisingly gentle. (Name) peeked around the flowers and noticed Alhaitham was blushing. It was faint and barely visible in the pink hued sunset, but unmistakable. “I was sure about that, until I realized how much I missed your company this week.”

He looked into (Name)’s eyes with an intensity that left them captured in his gaze. Was this real? Their feelings being reciprocated? This had to be some sort of sick joke. But the sincerity in Alhaitham’s voice accompanied by the delicate bouquet of flowers was reality, and (Name) couldn’t believe it.

For all the daydreams (Name) had about Alhaitham as a partner, they always struggled to imagine him being romantic. They were sure he was capable of it, but they had never seen that side of him so they couldn’t be sure. But Alhaitham stepped forward, grasping (Name)’s hand in his. He brushed his thumb over the back of their palm and (Name) was pretty sure they stopped breathing. “I’m trying to say that I have feelings for you. Romantic feelings, to be clear.”

(Name) wasn’t sure how a relatively clunky confession brought them to tears, but it did, and pulled Alhaitham into a hug. They felt him stiffen and move the flowers out of the way to save them from being crushed, but after a moment he wrapped his free arm around their torso to reciprocate. The hug was warm and Alhaitham held them tight in a way that felt secure.

“... This means you accept, right?”

They laughed against his chest. “Of course it does! You need to study more about relationships, geez.”

Alhaitham smiled, “I hope you can teach me.”

— BONUS

From around the corner, their friends tried to get a good view of the confession scene. If they weren’t going to see a movie that night, they could at least watch this.

“He gave them the bouquet,” Cyno exclaimed before being pushed out of the way by Tighnari.

“See! Flowers were a good idea. He better thank Collei later for making a bouquet on such short notice.” Looking all too pleased with himself, Tighnari watched the two in the distance intently, while fighting Cyno from moving him out of the way.

Kaveh shoved both Cyno and Tighnari out of the way. “They’re hugging! See, it all worked out! I’m a pretty good wingman after all!”

The three didn’t last long watching the scene until Alhaitham and (Name) noticed them. They called them creepy.