a/n: this is dedicated to my lovely friend, @sacred-things <333 I hope you like it, and I hope everyone else does too!!
warnings/genre: fluff :) takes place after the events of the destruction of the jade chamber
Keqing was always a busy person, but it was much worse now.
Every time you visited Liyue, she was rushing, desperately trying to get a hold of carpenters, organizing the Milileth, attempting to shove in some human necessities while she was at it. You managed to wrangle her into Xinyue Kiosk for dinner, but she was fetched by Jade Chamber secretaries.
“I’m a little worried about Keqing,” you admitted, strolling down the streets of Liyue harbor. The air was crisp, spices wafting as people walked past. Paimon floated by your side, scarfing down some chop suey.
“Paimon ‘finks she’s working foo hard! She’s a lot like Ganyu!” You rolled your eyes, laughing. Her words were muffled, mouth too full.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Paimon. That’s rude.”
You walked to a nearby fence, leaning over and looking over Liyue. The sun was slowly rising, the morning air fresh. You inhaled, stretching. It’s been a while since you enjoyed the view yourself, Teyvat really was one pretty place.
“Traveler,” you turned, Paimon finishing her meal as Keqing smiled faintly. “Pleasure to see you here, I’m sorry I’ve been so busy lately.”
“Oh, you’re alright! Missed you, though. How’s the construction going?” She placed a hand on her chest, sighing.
“Ah, carpenters are truly frustrating. The transition to the new age of Liyue is difficult for everyone, even just regular people. Thankfully, the Qixing is trusted enough to not face too many troubles. Ganyu and I’ve been much too busy for any diplomatic warfare.”
“Keqing, why don’t you take a break? Y/N’s been worrying about you!” You nudged Paimon, Keqing giggling softly.
“Still straightforward, I’m glad your travels haven’t changed you. I’ve come looking for you actually, so we can spend the day together. Ningguang has been gracious enough to give us a break,” Keqing hummed, her eyes twinkling. Paimon rubbed her hands together, laughing.
“Well...I got my own business to attend to, so it seems you and Y/N gotta be stuck together for the day!”
“You’re floating food. What business do you have to attend to-?” Paimon blinked away, purple stars fading with her as you sighed and pinched the bridge of your nose. How embarrassing, yet-You didn’t mind being alone with Keqing. You’ve always thought of her dearly, both of you sharing a similar fondness. You wouldn’t say you were dating, just close enough to feel like it. But, none of you would ever have the courage to ask the other, so it was a mutual love. Words sometimes don’t need to be spoken.
“Apologies, still teaching her manners,” you huffed, crossing your arms. She chuckled into her hand.
“No worries. I enjoy both of your straightforward personalities,” you two began to walk, hands brushing together. Your cheeks heated up, but this was a common interaction. A youthful relationship that was never too serious, but always around. Just a silent affection. “People from this world will always walk on eggshells around me due to my status. I knew you and Paimon were very special when you first came.”
“Keqing, if I’m being honest it took me a bit to warm up to you,” you laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of your neck. “But when you helped me with those Fatui agents, I admired you ever since then. You’re always so brave.”
“You flatter me,” she grabbed two grilled fish, handing you one and paying the stand-keep. You took a bite, as you continued to walk. “Traveler, do you ever feel as if you’re trapped in this world?” You raised a brow, thinking.
“Well, I quite literally am.” She rolled her eyes playfully, nudging you.
“Traveler, I mean like you need a breath of fresh air. Like, everything is always so suffocating. You know?” You pondered for a moment. Keqing and you aren’t exactly alike. You were never chained to tasks before, simply being an adventurer. You didn’t intend on being a hero, you were just someone trying to find their family and accidentally stumbled on becoming an honorary knight and friend of the Liyue Qixing. Keqing didn’t envy you for this, but she admittedly always wanted to join you on adventures. You were as free as the wind, while she was grounded to Liyue and her duties.
“A bit. Even now, work is on my mind. Sometimes, I wish...I wish I wasn’t so chained to duty. My mind is so set on work, even now it’s lingering. Everywhere I look, I see work that could be finished.” You summoned a few constellations during the idle chatter, still thinking about her words.
“Well, doesn’t that mean we just have to make this day off as fun as possible? If our minds are always focused on one thing, we can’t exactly finish anything else.” She tilted her head, staring at you while eating her grilled fish.
“I don’t understand, traveler.”
“I’m saying that we should have as much fun as possible today!” you laughed brightly, grabbing her hand and leading her through the streets. She yelped, cheeks turning pink.
You both made matching cor lapis bracelets, strolled through the fields of Qingce village, ate a brief lunch at Xinyue Kiosk, exploring, talking, and every time you saw her face, her eyes would glimmer so brightly and your heart would beat a little bit faster. She always was beautiful, but when she was smiling and the stress of her days was eased, you could see her smile much easier.
You sat in the grassy fields, staring up at the Liyue moon. There was a sense of calm, as your head fell to her shoulder. Hesitantly, she put an arm around you. It was silent for a moment, as she relaxed to this atmosphere.
“Traveler,” she started. You waited, knowing it was hard for her to articulate words with true meaning. “Thank you for today. I had fun.”
“Of course, Keqing. I’m happy we could spend some time together.” There was another pause, as she gently pulled you closer and stared at her cor lapis bracelet. You’ve taught her so much, and you didn’t even know it. Every moment she spent with you she cherished. Happiness always bloomed within her chest when she was around you.
“I love you too, Keqing.” She smiled in satisfaction, closing her eyes and relaxing in the night atmosphere. No matter what work brings, what challenges are thrown her way, you’re here to support her and help her. And she’ll always be by your side. She loves you, as a companion, friend, idol-She’s just happy you’re trapped in this crazy world with her.
