dear you ..:*☆ (raiden shogun x female reader)

21. glare

The next day was the day of the festival, meaning that you and Ei were getting more dressed up than usual. You wore slightly more makeup than you usually did, and had an outfit ready to change into. Ei also intended on changing, but you furrowed your eyebrows when you heard she wasn't changing her hair.

"Can I style it?" You asked, holding your hands together behind your back. She smiled while crossing her arms.

"Sure, I don't see why not." You smiled, sitting down on the couch in your hotel room. You signaled for her to sit on the floor in between your legs. She complied, crossing her legs as you took out her braid. You were filled with excitement, as this first time styling her hair yourself. Though it wasn't the first time you handled her hair, as she had you run your hands through it when she was stressed. You placed your legs over her shoulders, as it was the most comfortable position for you. You began brushing her long hair, making sure to be gentle.

"[Name]," Ei said, having a monotonous tone.

"Hm?"

"I think you should marry me," she suddenly said, catching you extremely off guard. You halted your movements, trying to think of what to say.

"I'm not asking you to marry me," she said with a laugh, "Just think about it until I do."

"Will do," you replied, feeling sweat beginning to form. You wouldn't have said no if she had asked you, the topic only felt sudden. The two of you began talking about other things as you made a high ponytail with her hair, braiding the sides to give it a different look.

"I'm done," you said. You leaned down, holding her shoulders with your hands to give her a kiss on the cheek. She smiled, and got up to look in the mirror.

"Very well done," she said, pulling you in for a hug. She kissed you as a token of appreciation, which you gladly accepted.

"We have to meet Lumine and some of her friends for dinner," she started, realizing the time. She brought her hand up to move some stray hairs out of your eyes. "Let's get changed and head their way."

After leaving, you and Ei met with Lumine and Paimon who were there alone.

"Not here yet?" You asked, referring to the guests.

"Nope, but you guys are a bit early," Lumine replied, making you nod. You sat down with the two, making conversation.

"Sorry we're late," a woman said, walking up to the table. You looked up to meet her gaze, as she was already glancing at you. She had white hair that was half up with a hair stick, with a blue dress that complemented her figure nicely. Her red eyes pierced through you, sending shivers slightly down your spine. She took a seat next to you before Beidou followed behind her.

"Ningguang, this is Ei and [Name]," Paimon said, introducing you two to the woman. "Ei and [Name], this is Ningguang, the richest person in Teyvat!"

"Please, we're not here to discuss our wealth," Ningguang quickly said, waving her hand. You had certainly gotten the impression that she was loaded with Mora, but you weren't sure if Paimon was being dramatic or not.

"Nice to meet you," you said, slightly nodding your head. Ningguang turned her head to Ei instead of acknowledging your greeting.

"And you are?" Ningguang asked, placing her hands underneath her chin delicately while tilting her head. Five minutes into the dinner, and you were already feeling uncomfortable. You quietly sighed, attempting to signal your frustration.

"Ei," she responded, making you turn your head to look at her. She maintained eye contact with Ningguang, while adjusting her hairpin.

"Stop, Ningguang," Beidou said with a laugh, attempting to break the awkward atmosphere. Even Paimon picked up on your growing uneasiness.

"Are you all ready to order?" A waitress asked, suddenly appearing at your table. She started with Lumine, going in a circle. Ningguang made sure to order the entire menu for herself, attempting to show off. The waitress got to you eventually, and asked what you would like to order.

"I'll...um," you started, "I'll get the..."

Ningguang rolled her eyes at your stuttering, as Ei looked at you with worry.

"Excuse me," You said, abruptly standing from your chair to visit the restroom. You felt your eyes begin to water as you opened the door, making everyone but Ningguang worry. Lumine followed you, as Ningguang began speaking. 

"Back to where we were," she started, wearing a smirk on her face. "You from around here?" She asked Ei, who looked at her with disgust. Ei got up from her seat, following you with Lumine.

"And I thought we had something together," Beidou said, aiming her words at Ningguang. Rumors had gone around that the two had a closer-than-average relationship, while Beidou had began to feel something for Ningguang. Her actions gave Beidou the clear message, that she wasn't truly interested in her. Before Ningguang could speak, Beidou walked away from the table.

You placed your hands down on the counter, looking in the mirror. Once again, you found yourself thinking about Ei's actions, and if they meant what you thought they did. To you, the way she looked at Ningguang was intimate, making you shake your head in frustration. Lumine slowly opened the door, looking around until she saw you. She rushed forward, looking at you with sympathy. 

"Are you okay?" She asked, stepping a bit closer.

"I don't know," you answered truthfully, "It just seemed so..."

"Intimate?" Ei asked, as she was standing a few feet away from you and Lumine. She must've silently opened the door, as the both of you didn't hear her walk in.

"Perfectly worded," you coldly responded, refusing to make eye contact.

"I didn't look at her in that way, [Name]," she said, attempting to calm you. "I was glaring in a I-already-don't-like-you way, not what you think." 

"I beg to differ," you said, crossing your arms while turning to look at Ei. Panic was obvious in her face, as she was worried for what would happen next.

"I know what I saw," you whispered, your voice shaking as the words came out.

"[Name]...." Ei quietly responded, attempting to move towards you, but you were too fast. You ran out of the restroom, passing by the table only Ningguang was at. She looked surprised as she noticed the tears going down your face. You quickly walked past her, trying to find Paimon outside. You saw her talking with Beidou, making you decide that being alone for a few hours until the festival wouldn't be terrible. You began roaming Liyue as Lumine and Ei were still looking for you in the restaurant. Ningguang told them that you passed by, nothing more. Beidou and Paimon didn't see you notice them, so they also came up short. 

"God, it's all my fault," Ei said, putting her hand up to her forehead. She regretted the look she gave Ningguang earlier, not knowing it would lead to your disappearance.

"We'll find her eventually," Paimon said, "Why don't we wait until the music festival? Surely she'll show up there." Ei had no choice to comply with the idea, as the feeling in her stomach worsened.