Chapter Text
Liyue Harbor shimmered like a dream — glowing lanterns floating upward in waves, laughter spilling through the streets, music weaving through the night air like incense. But high above it all, on a private terrace gilded with silk and light, stood Ningguang — untouchable, serene, and sharp as ever.
Beidou arrived late, naturally, her coat flaring behind her, a lazy smirk already tugging at her lips.
“Did I miss the part where you smile at commoners and pretend to enjoy crowds?” she asked, stepping into the warm glow of the terrace.
Ningguang didn't even look up from her wine. “You missed the part where I enjoyed the silence before you arrived.”
Beidou whistled, low and appreciative. “And here I thought you'd be thrilled to see me.”
“I did leave that vague invitation with the secretary,” Ningguang said smoothly. “I suppose I should’ve been more specific if I didn’t want a pirate crashing my Lantern Rite.”
Beidou leaned against the railing beside her, arms folded, eyes scanning the sky. “A pirate, huh? You wound me. I prefer free-spirited entrepreneur of the sea.”
Ningguang arched a brow. “Your spirit is only ‘free’ when you're not being dragged in for property damage.”
“Hey, I only cracked one dock that time,” Beidou said with mock indignation. “You still sent me silk and wine after.”
“That was a bribe to stay away from the Harbor.”
Beidou stepped a little closer, lowering her voice. “Well, you picked the wrong wine. It tasted like an invitation.”
Ningguang finally turned to face her, lips curved in the barest smile. “And yet you still needed a festival as an excuse to come see me?”
“Oh, I’ve never needed an excuse,” Beidou said, eyes gleaming. “But lanterns, wine, and you in that dress? Even the stars might get jealous.”
For just a moment, Ningguang’s fan paused mid-motion — then snapped open with practiced grace, hiding the faintest curl of her lips.
“Careful, Captain,” she murmured behind it. “You’re dangerously close to being charming.”
Beidou leaned in, voice husky with mischief. “Dangerous is my specialty.”
Ningguang didn't protest when Beidou offered her arm. She merely slid her hand into the crook of the captain’s elbow with effortless elegance — as though it was Beidou’s honor to escort her, not the other way around.
They walked together through the soft hum of the celebration, slipping between lantern vendors and firecracker stalls, the crowd parting as people recognized the Tianquan’s unmistakable poise... and Beidou’s unmistakable swagger.
"You're surprisingly well-behaved tonight," Ningguang noted, casting a sideways glance at her companion. "Not a single mug of wine spilled or stall flipped over. I might start to believe you're trying to impress me."
Beidou chuckled. “Would it be working?”
“Not yet.”
“Oh? I could always arm-wrestle a Millelith for you. Or tell the story of the sea beast I slayed with one hand.”
“I’ve heard all your stories,” Ningguang replied coolly. “The beast gets larger every year.”
“That’s just how memory works,” Beidou said, feigning deep thought. “But the part where I came back to Liyue and brought you coral silk? That was real.”
Ningguang hummed. “Sentimental for a pirate.”
Beidou leaned in just slightly, her breath warm against Ningguang’s cheek. “Sentimental for you.”
Ningguang didn't flinch, though her fingers curled ever so slightly around Beidou’s sleeve. “Keep talking like that and I’ll have to charge you rent for living in my good graces.”
“I’d rather barter,” Beidou said, eyes glinting. “How many flirtatious compliments does it cost to earn a private wish lantern?”
That drew a soft laugh from Ningguang — rare, low, and silken. She nodded toward a nearby booth where artisans were carefully folding lotus-shaped lanterns.
“Then earn it.”
Beidou grinned like she’d just been dared to chase a thunderstorm.
A few moments later, the two of them stood on a quiet overlook, a single wish lantern floating between them, painted in red and gold. The wind tugged gently at the paper, carrying the scent of incense and fireworks.
“You know,” Beidou murmured, “I didn’t write a wish.”
Ningguang glanced at her. “Too many to fit?”
“Nah,” Beidou said, stepping behind her. “I figured the moment was already perfect. No need to wish for something I already have.”
There was a pause , then Ningguang, composed as ever, tilted her head just enough to meet her gaze.
“Captain,” she said, voice low and amused, “if you’re not careful, I might think you're being sincere.”
Beidou’s grin softened, just for a second. “What if I am?”
Ningguang’s fan tapped her chin. “Then I suppose I’ll have to reconsider raising your rent.”
And between them, the lantern lifted — warm, gold, glowing, disappearing slowly into the sky, where wishes go to be judged.