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The sun was bright. Too bright, even. The Yanshang Teahouse need not turn on any lights indoors- for the sunlight that seeped inside through the blinds was enough to light the room. Indeed, it was a hot, sunny summer day. So hot, that it was almost eerily quiet outside due to many of the fishermen and merchants deciding to take a day off. Only the gentle crashing of the waves against the docked boats and the familiar sounds of birds chirping could be heard outside.
The owner of the teahouse had made a rare appearance at the establishment, serving tea to her lover, the famed archaeologist. There is not much to say- they are simply having tea in each other's presence. No one breaks the silence- no one needs to. Until,
“Have you ever considered marriage?”
The question slips from the navy-haired woman's lips like it was an accident. Perhaps it would have gone unheard if Liyue Harbor were not so quiet and peaceful today. The question goes unacknowledged until a few seconds later, the lover responds.
"Hm, I don't know. Have you?” It's a perfectly vague, neutral question, one that tiptoes on the edge, waiting for the other to fall first.
“Perhaps I have. I'm curious as to whether or not you're open to the idea.”
That was a silly excuse. They've discussed marriage many times. During the six years they've been together, on and off, they'd had countless discussions regarding marriage. It always ended with anything but an agreement. She knew, no, they both knew- that they weren't considering settling down any time soon.
Many others would observe them peculiarly. Many would ask, “Why stay with someone for six years if you haven't decided on marriage yet?” Because it would make sense to not continue this kind of relationship unless they've settled on some kind of mutual agreement, right?
However, the case with these two particular women was that they never seemed to want marriage nor avoid marriage at the same time. If one brought up marriage hoping to finally settle down, the other would say they weren't ready. If the same person who refused earlier would be the one to acknowledge future marriage plans, the other who brought it up beforehand would say they needed more time to think. They would play this little game for six years.
The tan-skinned woman sat across the owner of the teahouse hums, tilting her head playfully. She's not taking this seriously, the taller woman can tell, with the way those lime green eyes glimmer and those lips curl into a small, lighthearted smile.
“Maybe I do want marriage, maybe I don't,” The archaeologist responds, as vague an answer as every other answer she's given in the past few years. “You know, dear lover, that I would be more than happy to marry you if you just ask.” She extends her hand, placing it in front of the sharp turquoise eyes that refuse to break eye contact. It is placed as if to dare the other woman to put a ring on the finger, to put an end to this charade after years of the same game.
“Just ask. It is as simple as that, my love.” The offer is there- light-hearted, teasing, and carrying absolutely no weight to those words at all.
‘More than happy to marry’ is an exaggeration. The pale-skinned woman is smart enough, too familiar with this hell of a woman enough, to know that no, she would not be ‘more than happy’. She would be happy for a moment, perhaps. But content with the marriage? A question the greatest spy of Liyue has yet to answer despite everything.
“Is it truly as simple as that, my heart? Or are you just pulling my leg like always?” The navy-haired woman asks, taking a sip of her tea. She will not fall for this kind of provoking behavior, this kind of act that makes her jump into open arms only to realize no one is there. Her tone isn't accusatory- heavens no, far from it. It is soft and gentle, a clear distinction from her usual voice when addressing her subordinates and colleagues. However, it is not serious- just absent and indulgent, as if to comment on something as simple as the weather.
Yes, that was the truth, wasn't it? Both of them were too scared to try anything. Both of them were too scared to take the first step, scared the other would step away. Both patiently waiting for a move, baiting each other to act first, while they both knew deep inside that it would never happen. A never-ending game of wits where no one truly won.
Silence falls upon them once more. This conversation was as fleeting and meaningless as the one before, and the one before that, and the one before that. Just a simple conversation to check if they were both on the same page- and evidently, they still were. It's a bit after that the silence is broken again.
“Nice weather, isn't it?”
“Mm, it's a bit too hot, in my opinion.”
“I thought we could go outside and visit the beach. Have some fun, perhaps?”
“Under this blazing sun? My heart, please, spare me the tiresome trip. We can have plenty of fun inside.”
…
“But yes, it is nice weather we're having. Very sunny.”
“Ah, but look, I think it might rain soon. Do you see those clouds over there?”
“Don't be silly. The winds aren't blowing in this direction for the clouds to float here.”
It did, in fact, end up raining a few hours later.