Spring Showers
Yae snuck out that night to go talk to Ei about the engagement as that was a like a prayer whenever Ei was having a hard time she'd come to Yae and so now Yae was going to Ei. they've known each other since Yae was just a small kitsune after all.
Yae found Ei wandering the dimly lit Chinju forest drinking some dango milk. Ei's favorite, though she was a god she had a spot for sweets which always made Yae smile. They would often go to Yae's home to drink the delicious dango milk together and talk about their past loves and how they'd deal with them if they happen to cross paths with them later on. "hello Ei~" Yae said sitting down next to her drinking her milk. "ah Yae! What a pleasure seeing you here!" Ei smiled fondling her long purple braid, which was Ei's nervous tic, they haven't met in a long time. "so how are you?" Yae asked, Ei looked at her sadly for a second "I miss you." Ei said. She took a sip of her milk before continuing "you're one of my dearest friends, Yae, and I feel like I'm losing my light in life without your presence in mine." Ei chuckled awkwardly "oh, ei.... I'm really sorry..." Yae apologized feeling ashamed for not contacting her and for keeping everything hidden. Yae didn't want to burden Ei with her problems "it's fine, honestly, I am happy to have met you, Yae, even though our meeting was sudden." Ei explained and then continued "I have something to ask you." yae said "what is it Yae?" "I was wondering if you could help me prepare for marriage. You are also my closest friend and you have been through alot with me. Please help me prepare. If I lose her, I won'T recover from that, and I can't bear losing anyone else close to me like that." Yae stammered. Ei stared at her with wide eyes, "but of course I will, Yae, and I promise no matter what happens, I will support you." she swore taking Yae's hand and squeezing it. "thank you Ei" yae smiled leaning over to give Ei a hug. Ei hugged her back tightly. "who is this lucky person Yae?" Ei smiled fondling her braid again. "Her name is Layla and she's from Sumeru. I met her when I went to Sumeru a while ago." Yae smiled thinking of her precious Layla . "oh wow, so it's true" Ei grinned "is she cute? How old is she? Is she pretty? Where did you guys meet? Oh Yae I wanna meet her! You haven't introduced us to any new people so I'm excited!" Ei said excitedly. "she's very cute...and yes..pretty..very pretty.." Yae giggled. "oh, oh! Oh Yae, you gotta introduce me sometime! I would sooo love to meet the girl of your dreams! She must be perfect" Ei said grinning and wiggling her eyebrows. Yae blushed lightly, "she isn't just 'perfect' Ei! She's also super sweet..a total ray of sunshine" Yae said chuckling. Ei gasped "I bet she's soooooo cute! And she has to be a good role model for you to get so cute. You are such a good role model Yae. you're the CEO of your own publishing house, head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine, and you're probably one of the most boss ass bitches I know." Ei grinned but Yae felt a pit form in her stomach, she killed and ate Layla's best friend..no herself was Layla's best friend. no scum scribe would be a friend of her precious Layla. Yae only smiled at Ei after that. "have you proposed yet?" Ei exclaimed "not yet but I have the ring" yae smiled pulling out a beautiful moonstone and diamond ring showing Ei what she has in store for Layla , "it's really beautiful Yae" "thanks, I'm getting ready soon". Ei stood up smiling "I hope I can see her soon" Ei said, "maybe for brunch?" yae smiled , "of course, we both have days off tomorrow right?". "yeah!!!" "okay! Thank you for listening to me!" Yae said hugging Ei tightly. "anytime" Ei smiled hugging back then going their separate ways.
Yae came home to Layla looking at her star mobile sighing happily and playing with the rabbit she had gotten earlier, Yae smiled seeing her precious Layla playing with her favorite toy even though she was an adult . She walked slowly towards her resting her hands on her shoulders gently making Layla lift her head up and turn towards Yae "hey, my moon princess" Yae said giving Layla a quick kiss on the lips. Layla returned the kiss and wrapped her arms around Yae's neck giving her another gentle kiss before pulling away, "yaaaahhh! You smell soooo nice~" she mewled cuddling closer to Yae "I guess you haven't had enough" Yae smirked picking Layla up bridal style. "we're going to sleep because Ei is taking us to brunch in the morning" yae yawned. Layla gasped "YOU MEAN THE ALMIGHTY RAIDEN SHOGUN?!" Layla shrieked making Yae laugh. "yes! You are gonna meet her! she's actually a very dear friend of mine.." Yae explained putting Layla on top of her pillow and climbing onto the bed with her. Yae layed in her side and pulled Layla to her side hugging her
the morning came and the women got dressed. Layla wearing something similar as what she did the day prior, a white frilly mini dress and baby blue cardigan with some thigh highs and blue Mary Jane heels. Yae wore a pink blazer and pants with a bustier with matching stilletos. Yae brushed Layla's near floor length hair putting small bows in it then kissing the small woman's head. Yae put the necklace she bought for Layla around her neck and gave her the bracelet that was wrapped around Layla's wrist. They left Yae's room after doing their makeup and hair. when they arrived to Uyuu Restaurant they met Ei with her signature purple knee length braid. Ei wore a simple purple silk dress nothing too fancy even though she was the god of this nation. Layla was scared to even speak only bowing before her "your excellency. it is a pleasure to meet you" Layla eventually choked out "oh don't be silly Layla, call me Ei" she replied waving her hand dismissively . Ei's eyes then trailed down to where Yae was holding Layla's hand smiling proudly. It was rare for Yae and Layla to hold hands in public so Ei saw it as an opportunity to take it easy and enjoy it as they were walking together. Ei saw how in love Layla and Yae we're making her feel all warm for them . Ei decided to make a comment to try and ease them into this topic. "you two look very cute together!" Ei blurted out before she could stop herself. Yae flushed brightly turning toward Ei quickly, she could feel the blush burning deep in her cheeks as she glanced shyly at Layla who was just staring at her hands clasped tightly in Yae's, almost afraid to let go. Yae cleared her throat and looked back at Ei again, "why thank you Ei!" Yae smiled sipping her oolong tea , Ei smiled and nodded "now then, shall we order?" a waitress smiled at the women "we'll get the Katsu sandwiches, onigiri, miso soups, fried tofu ,and some tri colored dango and dango milk" Yae smiled "put it on my tab" EI smiled "yes your highness. "oh and don't let me forget a boba for my lady" Yae smiled looking at Layla knowing that she liked boba. Layla smiled "sure ma'am, and may I say your majesty, it's such a privilege for me to serve you, " she curtsied "oh, please don't do that, honey...don't be formal with us" Ei grinned. the waitress walked away and they conversated until their food arrived. "these Katsu sandwiches are so good!" Layla cooed eating them happily, Yae smiled "I'm glad you like them." she smiled softly. Ei smiled nodding her head.
The three continued to talk about random topics. Yae enjoyed her fried tofu blissfully and Ei did the same about her tri colored dango.
after their meal the women stepped into the nice spring breeze, sakura petals dancing around them, the air filled with perfume from nearby shrines and flowers blooming in bloom and cherry blossoms drifting in the wind. Layla was admiring the scenery of the city when Yae's kitsune ears popped up sensing something. the rain. the rain started pouring none of the women prepared until a a bunch of the townspeople saw the Shogun and the head priestess all rushing to give them their umbrellas which they gladly accepted. Yae held onto Layla as the rain started coming down harder . Layla shivering not being able to stay still. Yae hugged her tighter "calm down, Layla darling." "please don't leave me alone here" Layla cried clinging to Yae tightly, her body trembling against Yae's. "shh darling..it's okay.." Yae being so much taller than Layla protected her with the umbrella running back to their house bidding their farewells to Ei. Thunder and lightning struck and Layla lost it she put herself in her cryo bubble trying to sleep away the fear but no avail she was too scared. Yae cursed Ei for causing the thunder storm. Yae carried her princess inside and put her to bed, she made her some hot chocolate, then brought her blankets over and tucked Layla in. Yae then went back downstairs and sat outside drinking her hot chocolate. The next thing she knew there was an angelic scream "I'M SO SORRY!" Yae turned to find Ei standing outside the door holding a bouquet of qingxins for Layla. Yae looked at Ei dumbfounded. "why would you start a thunderstorm Ei?" Yae breathed angrily. "I felt there was a threat in Ritou that's why as I am the Archon I must protect my people" Ei explained but Yae rolled her eyes "what's the threat?" Yae finally huffed. "there was a suspect ship from Liyue Harbor that the Kamisatos warned me about" Ei hummed. Yae's heart sunk.
It couldn't be more of Layla's friends...would it..