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It’s a day like any other; A false sun shines bright over Teyvat, and Lumine is walking by her brother’s side when he speaks up. “Hey, Lu… Could you maybe do a teensy, tiny favor for me?”
“What do you need?” Lumine asks before looking to see a pair of shining, golden puppy dog eyes staring back at her.
“Well-” Aether starts before trailing off, his voice far too tentative for Lumine’s liking. She didn’t like where this was going at all.
“What did you do?” Lumine stops walking, her gaze narrowing.
Aether’s body deflates, and his eyes are cast downward. “Well… I may or may not have promised Venti we’d go to a party with him this Saturday.”
“You what?” Lumine cries.
“I know you said you’d ‘never be caught dead’ at one of Venti’s parties ever again, but he was really convincing and-”
Lumine shakes her head. “I’m not going. I meant what I said before. I’m never going to one of his parties again. The dress from that night is still stained with his vomit five months later.”
“But, Lu-” Aether tries.
“No,” Lumine reiterates, turning on her heel to continue their walk to Liyue.
“You haven’t even-” Aether tries again, following after Lumine.
“No.”
“Lumine! Would you just listen to me for a moment?” Aether pleads.
Lumine thinks for a moment, before shaking her head again. “No.”
“Luuuumine!” Aether cries. “Please, I’ll do whatever you want!”
“Whatever I want?” Lumine stops in her tracks, considering this promise Aether was offering to make.
Aether gulps. “Whatever you want. Just, please hear me out.”
“I’ll be holding you to that, but…” Lumine sighs, trailing off. “Fine. Go on, tell me why I should consider getting another one of my dresses stained with Venti’s puke.”
“I won’t let that happen, okay! If anything, he’ll stain my suit this time around, okay?” Aether bargains. “Anyway, what I was trying to say is that this party’s gonna be different from the other parties Venti has invited us to. It’s not some college dorm party with liters of alcohol, it’s more sophisticated. He even told me that Zhongli’s the one planning it, and you know he would never plan a party like the one we went to before.”
Lumine hums. “Zhongli’s planning a party, huh? Where’d he get that kind of money?”
“No idea,” Aether laughs. “I heard a rumor he has a rich Snezhnayan boyfriend sponsoring the event, but I don’t know if I believe that.”
“Yeah, I doubt it. I can’t imagine a square like Zhongli getting a boyfriend.”
“My thoughts exactly. Anyhow, about the party… It’s supposed to be like a gala event. Everyone’s going to be dressed up super fancy, and there will be money raised for charity,” Aether explains. “I think Venti wants us both to go because he knows we have a lot of connections and… Other stuff. I was… A little distracted when he was telling me.”
Lumine’s face scrunches up. “You two are so gross.”
“Oh, please. You’re just jealous that you don’t have a cute girl distracting you all the time.”
“I’m not jealous,” Lumine squeaks. “I could totally get any cute girl if I wanted. I’m just, y’know… Not interested in that sort of thing.”
“Sure,” Aether snickers. “Then, why don’t you get one to bring with you to Zhongli’s gala? If it’s that easy for you.”
Lumine frowns. “You’re trying to rile me up. Stop it.”
“Oh, I get it. You don’t actually think you can get any girls in time… That’s fine. Poor Lumine…” Aether mocks.
“Of course I can get a girl in time for the gala! Just you watch,” Lumine declares, stomping off and doing her best to ignore Aether’s laughter as she goes.
☆
Lumine was starting to think she could not, in fact, get a girl in time for the gala. But, in her defense, she didn’t realize the gala was in all but-
“Two days?” Lumine screeches. It’s just a bit later, and they’re sitting in Wanmin Restaurant. Lumine tries her best to keep her voice down, but...
“Oh, sorry, did I forget to mention that?” Aether asks, but the question isn’t genuine. Lumine can tell he’s biting back the world’s biggest shit-eating grin right now.
“I hate you,” Lumine hisses, her voice as low as she can get it when she feels this mad.
“What? Are you concerned you won’t get a date in time?” Aether snarks.
“Um, yeah! How the heck am I supposed to get a girl in two days? It took you months to get Venti to go out with you,” Lumine shoots back, though she knows it’s a little under the belt.
“Hey! It may have taken us a while, but at least we did start dating!” Aether argues.
“I hate you,” Lumine says once more, this time through clenched teeth as Xiangling brings their order over.
She was almost certain there was no way for her to get a date in two days, but… She would die trying.
☆
And so even with such a short deadline… Lumine did try. She did honestly try to find a date for the gala but… Her efforts bore no fruit.
As it worked out, almost every girl in Teyvat she came across was either unabashedly heterosexual, or already very taken. It didn’t take long for the subtle rejections she received to weigh her down...
She thought about resorting to desperate measures, like maybe putting out an ad for a fake date, but she knew that Aether would find out, so… It just wasn’t worth it.
She would just have to go to the gala alone, no matter how humiliating it would be after her declaration to Aether.
It’s going to be okay, though, she reassures herself as she struggles to curl short locks of golden hair. Everything is going to be fine.
Because while she might not have a date for the event, she is determined to look good for it anyway. She had the most beautiful dress in her closet just waiting for such an event; A large, flowing ball gown made with ivory tulle, perfectly tailored with a corset to cinch her waist and a generous but safe sweetheart neckline. The sleeves are long and puffy, and the skirt has a single slit that helps the garment feel more elevated, whilst still retaining it’s classic elegance.
The makeup Lumine has already padded onto her face is perfect, too; Nothing too fancy, as she wanted to keep the look soft, but it’s still enough to enhance her natural facial structures. And whilst she may or may not have burnt her hand once or twice on the curling iron, her hair is coming out really nice, too.
When she was done, she had a plethora of accessories to add too. She already had her nails done, it’s glossy white pigment a perfect match for her dress, but the silver rings she’d throw on her fingers would complete the look. She had a silver necklace with a dangling diamond heart as it’s pendant, and a silver pin to clip onto her curled hair.
With all the thought she’s put into this look… She was going to pull on her best pair of heels, and be okay tonight. Or, at least she really, really hoped she’d be okay. She didn’t want to ruin her mascara, after all.
“Knock, knock,” She hears her brother call through the door, and god, his voice is the last one Lumine wants to hear right now.
“Go away,” She sulks.
“Aw, don’t be mad,” Aether says as he opens the door anyway. “It’s okay, I didn’t expect you to actually get a date in two days. You can just hang out with me and Venti.”
“Oh, great, I can play third-wheel with you and your boyfriend. I’m sure that’ll cheer me up,” Lumine scowls.
“You could hang out with Zhongli and his supposed Sneznayan boyfriend instead? Or, I heard Ningguang and Beidou are gonna be there,” Aether suggests.
“Third-wheeling with them wouldn’t be much better,” Lumine sighs. “Now, get out, I need to get dressed.”
☆
“Well, don’t you both just look lovely tonight?” Venti smiles when he arrives at the twin’s door.
“You think so?” Aether giggles and Lumine gags.
“Would you guys keep it in your pants until we get there? I don’t want to be in the vehicle with you while you’re flirting,” Lumine groans.
“She’s just bitter because she couldn’t find a date,” Aether tells Venti.
“No! I just don’t want to hear or see you two being gross!” Lumine yelps.
Venti laughs. “I’ll behave just for you, Lumi! But only while we’re in the limo. After that, I’m afraid I can't keep any promises… Your brother looks absolutely ravishing tonight.”
It was going to be a long night, Lumine swears as she lifts her dress and steps into the limousine Venti rented for the night.
☆
It was, indeed, turning out to be a rather long night.
Lumine spent the first hour with her brother and Venti. Things were fine at first, as Lumine could tell they both pitied her and as such, they kept their hands to themselves for the most part. But eventually, the two still ended up a little too buzzed and touchy for her tastes, so she was quick to wander off.
From there, she did in fact run into Zhongli and his supposed Sneznayan boyfriend. Childe was his name, if Lumine remembered right… And, well, she was a little more than confused as to why Zhongli would willingly date such a menace. Maybe it’s the deep pockets? Either way, Lumine doubted that such a thing would be worth it, considering the fact that she couldn’t stand to be in his presence for much longer than 7 minutes.
She spent some time chatting with Ningguang and Beidou, who were both as delightful as always. They had enough decency to keep their hands to themselves, and neither of them tried to egg Lumine into sparring in the middle of a gala. However, their bickering did start to put her in this awkward spot where she couldn’t get a word in, so Lumine didn’t linger for too long.
Now, she finds herself lingering in the back of the event hall, quietly sipping at her wine. She knows she should probably get back out there and socialize, especially since Aether claims they were invited because of their “connections,” but… She was honestly not really in the mood.
She didn’t like being a sore loser, but unfortunately such bitter feelings don’t just up and leave because you don’t like experiencing them. She just… She really wishes she could have found a girl to attend this event with.
All the couples chattering make the world feel so much more lonely. Even though she likes to think of herself as an independent woman, and even though she more than knows that there are many great benefits that come with being single, Lumine can’t muster up any reassuring thoughts to soothe herself.
She just felt… Alone.
“Um… Excuse me?” A soft, feminine voice calls out, drawing Lumine from her stupid little lonely stupor with a start. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you… I just wanted to tell you that I really like your dress.”
The woman addressing Lumine had to be an angel. From the silky, silver locks she had pinned up, to the icy, blue skies found in her wide, tentative eyes… The soft pink of her beautiful face sought to match with the elegant ball gown she wore. Her smile looked uneasy, but Lumine couldn’t help it if her eyes were drawn to it’s glossy rose shade.
Wait… Lumine needs to snap out of it! She was staring at this poor girl’s lips when all she did was compliment her dress! And Lumine hadn’t even bothered to muster up a response yet… Ugh, how embarrassing could she get!
“Sorry, I uh… Uh… Your dress is pretty, too,” Lumine replies, and winces when it comes out lame.
The woman giggles, but it’s not taunting or teasing. Instead, it rings out soft and kind… Like the squint of her eyes “Thank you. I’m glad you think so. Um… Sorry, I should be introducing myself. My name is Kamisato Ayaka, but you may call me Ayaka. I’m delighted to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise,” Lumine nods. “I’m Lumine.”
“I know,” Ayaka says, before her eyes widen. “Oh no, I’m sorry, that probably sounds really weird! I just mean that I’ve heard of your deeds in Mondstadt and Liyue. I’ve wanted to meet you and your brother in person for a long time now, so to be able to meet you both at this event… Well, it’s an honor.”
“Oh, no, the honor is mine!” Lumine shakes her head. “Me and my brother… We don’t really do anything all that special anyways. We just help out where we can.”
“You’re very humble, I see. But, you shouldn’t diminish your own accomplishments… It is always a special thing to help out those in need,” Ayaka argues, but there’s no heat behind her tone. Lumine’s starting to doubt that Ayaka could ever even raise her voice in the first place.
Lumine flusters. “That’s really sweet of you to say…”
“I mean every word,” Ayaka insists, before breaking eye contact. “Um… Sorry, I didn’t mean to come off too strong.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Lumine is quick to say. “I just… Heh, I guess I’m just not used to such kind words.”
“Really? But as such a renowned traveler, with rumors about your deeds spreading as far as Inazuma, I’d imagine plenty of people would be lined up and ready to offer their praises. I was actually quite shocked to see you alone before I came over,” Ayaka says.
“Well, it’s not like people are mean or unappreciative or anything! It’s just... Heh, I guess my brother’s always been the more sociable one between us,” Lumine admits. “I like to talk to people and all, and I have plenty of friends in Teyvat… But when people want to talk to ‘The Travelers,’ they kind of flock towards my brother. He’s always kinda been the more popular one.”
“I see,” Ayaka hums. “If I’m being honest, I’ve never been the most sociable myself. I-I mean, I always uphold my composure as I must as the Shirasagi Himegimi, but… Ah, sorry. I’ve already said far too much. How embarrassing.”
“It’s okay. I just told you about how my brother gets more attention than I ever do, I think you’re more than within your right to tell me about yourself,” Lumine says. Then, she takes a deep breath. There’s no use in holding back all the words building in her throat… So she decides to say what she actually wants to say for once. “Actually… I’d really like to hear more about you. About anything you’re willing to share.”
“You… Want to know more about me?” Ayaka stares.
“Why wouldn’t I? You’ve got to be the kindest, most courteous person I’ve met all night… You’re actually willing to listen to me talk, and you’re really, really pretty.”
“Oh,” Ayaka gasps. “Wait, are you…?”
“Flirting with you? Trying to ask you out? Well, it depends on how you’d react,” Lumine says.
“I… This is all so sudden,” Ayaka diverts her eyes. “Well, I… I have to admit, I’m very interested in you, Lumine. But, I think it would cause quite the political uproar if I agreed to such a thing in public like this…”
“Oh, wait, that’s right! You mentioned being the Shirasagi Himegimi? Doesn’t that translate to…?”
“It means ‘White Heron Princess’... But, I’m not actually a princess! People just call me that. I am, however, the sister of the Yashiro Commissioner, and the eldest daughter of the Kamisato clan.”
“Oh!” Lumine exclaims, feeling her face start to burn. To think, she’d tried propositioning one of Inazuma’s most important political figures…! “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”
“Ah, no, you don’t have to apologize or start treating me differently! I’m actually… Really happy that you’re interested in me. I’ve been interested in you for so long, even before I was able to put a face to your name, but I just never thought you’d be interested in me as well. I’d… Well, let’s not call it a date yet, especially not in polite company like this, but… I’d love to spend time with you outside of this event,” Ayaka smiles, and it’s the most delicate, sweet thing she could have done to accompany her delicate, sweet words and…
Lumine just melts.
“Alright, let’s do that,” Lumine gets out.
Although she hadn’t been able to get a date before the gala, she was still able to find herself a girl before the night was over, and Lumine’s pretty sure that’s good enough. Especially considering just how beautiful the girl in question was, and just how polite and sweet her voice sounded… Any amount of waiting would surely have been worth it for someone like Kamisato Ayaka.
When Aether’s no longer drunk and making out with his bard boyfriend, Lumine will definitely be talking his ear off about this, a bragging smile on her lips and a confident hand on her hip. But, until then… Well, forgive Lumine if she and the Shirasagi Himegimi sneak off to become acquainted with one another’s lips in the event’s restrooms.