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“Oh, they’re so cute!” Yun Jin cooed upon seeing the three dolls. She and four of her friends had met at Wangshu Inn to discuss the upcoming Claw Convoy promotion event. As it was sponsored by the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu had asked as many people as he could to assist in the endeavor. This apparently involved making dolls in the likeness of volunteers, including three of the present group: Xingqiu himself, Xinyan, and Hu Tao. The latter beamed proudly as her operatic friend admired the set. “Aren’t they? The Guild’s craftsman did a superb job capturing my charm! It’s almost as cute as the real deal, wouldn’t you say Chongyun?”
The boy in question groaned. “Sure, Hu Tao.” he said, turning his attention back to the dolls. Rolling her eyes, the young woman held up her hands. “Of course, how can I possibly compare to your ‘Beibei’? What was I thinking?” Hu Tao sighed dramatically as she sat down. “Aw don’t tease him Tao,” Xinyan said. “An’ try to stay on subject, these Thank You notes aren’t writin’ themselves!” “Speaking of,” Chongyun interjected “Why did you guys drag Yun Jin and I out here for this?” Unlike the other three, the exorcist and singer had been too busy to volunteer with the organization. Xingqiu’s invitation had subsequently confused the two, yet they were too polite to decline. The bookworm only grinned, before pulling out a large box and placing it on the table.
Xinyan stared in confusion. “Uh, Xingqiu? Don’t tell me you had dolls made for them too.” Squealing in delight, Yun Jin opened the box and pulled out a doll in her own likeness. “I love it! Thank you so much!” She suddenly glared at him. “If this is a prank, so help me-” “It’s not! I just didn’t want you guys feeling left out, promise!” Xingqiu raised his hands defensively, looking over at Chongyun with a ‘help me’ expression. “Wait, but those three are gifts for participants.” the other boy said, lifting his doll out of the box. “Am I just supposed to hold on to a smaller version of me?” Hu Tao snickered before responding “No dummy! They’re gifts for Beidou and Shenhe!”
Chongyun and Yun Jin each blushed profusely at the mention of their girlfriends. “Wha- you mean- WHAT?” the former sputtered out to Xingqiu’s amusement. “That’s right, my liege. Consider this my way of atoning for all the pranks I’ve done till now. And, uh, making amends with your aunt.” It was Xingqiu’s turn to blush, leaving Hu Tao to chime in. “We even know a fantastic miracle courier that can get them delivered no matter where the recipients might be, even on a ship in the middle of the ocean!” “Ya mean Kirara? Yeah I know her!” Xinyan perked up and turned towards the cyan haired boy. “She’s the real deal, Captain Beidou will get your doll in no time!”
He still seemed to have reservations, however. “Will she even like it? She’s never seemed the type to be interested in dolls, even if it looks like me.” “It’s because it looks like you that she’ll love it!” Hu Tao replied. “It can remind her of you while she’s away on voyages, so she doesn’t miss you too much!” Chongyun reevaluated the doll, then nodded. “Alright, if any of you know how to get in touch with Kirara then-” Before he could finish, a nearby cardboard box opened as if on its own. Out jumped a girl with catlike green eyes and two cat tails. “Mrrow! Kirara of Komaniya Express at your service!” He jumped, almost dropping the doll in the process. “H-how long were you in there?” He asked. “The whole time. Miss Hu asked me to!” the nekomata replied cheerfully, as the others collectively glared at Hu Tao.
“If I understand right, you need these dolls delivered to Captain Beidou and a Miss Shenhe, correct?” Kirara continued, ignoring the awkward atmosphere. “No problem! Even if reaching the Alcor involves treading on water, I can get there fairly quickly!” Chongyun perked up at this. “You can run on water? That’s incredible! How much do you charge? WaitAreYouAYoukai? IveNeverSeenOneBefore! IsMyYangEnergyBotheringYou? ImSoSorryIfItIs! YouCanStandBackIfYouNee-” The sound of Yun Jin’s staff hitting the table snapped him out of his excited state. “Ah. Sorry everyone. Um, yes, I need this doll sent to Beibei- er, Captain Beidou as soon as possible.” The courier eyed him warily, before smiling once more. “Of course! And don’t worry about the price, Miss Hu agreed to cover it! As for the delivery for Miss Shenhe though,” “There’s no need, I can give it to her myself.” Yun Jin said. “I’m meeting her family for dinner next week, and want to see her reaction in person.”
“Oh right, I forgot!” Chongyun said as he handed the doll to Kirara. “Sorry in advance if my family makes you uncomfortable, Yun Jin. But I’m positive Shenhe will love it!” Yun Jin smiled, but made a loud ‘ahem’ sound while her eyes gave a slight yet playful glare. He blushed. “R-really?” Sighing, he continued “I know Shenhe will love it, Aunty Jin.” His friends failed to contain their laughter as the singer beamed with pride. “Much better, my dear nephew!” “...You’re not married yet” Chongyun grumbled under his breath.
As Chongyun expected, his family had pestered Yun Jin with questions throughout the meal. She tried to answer them politely at first, but eventually their invasive nature made her clam up. Thankfully Shenhe stepped in to silence them all, and the three Vision bearers found an opportunity to relocate somewhere private. “I’m sorry about my relatives, they’re quite stupid.” Shenhe said, causing her girlfriend to giggle. “They’re still your family, no need to be so mean.” Yun Jin smiled. “Thank you for standing up for me though. Now that we’re alone, I have a present for you.” She pulled out the package and handed it over. The older woman made a nearly invisible smile. “There was no need, but thanks Jin.” Upon seeing the doll, her smile grew. “I love it, thank you so much.” She hugged the doll tight, then pulled in the real Yun Jin for a kiss.
Not wanting to make things awkward, Chongyun quietly retreated to give the couple some privacy. Aunty really liked it huh? I’ve never seen such a big smile on her face before. Reaching his bedroom door, he yawned. I wonder if Beibei got hers yet? I hope she likes it. Oblivious to his surroundings, he walked over to his bed and fell face first- into something soft and warm, as a familiar chuckle rang in his ears. “Didn’t think you had it in ya, Yunyun! Maybe you’re getting a little too bold huh?” Blushing, he lifted his face out of the woman’s cleavage. “B-Beibei!? You’re here?! Really here?” Beidou answered by standing up and hugging him tight. “In the flesh! I missed you too, so I’ll let your antics slide this time!” She bent down and gave him a deep kiss, making him blush further. “I got your present, by the way. He’s so cute! I just had to thank you in person!”
“I-really? But your voyage,” Chongyun looked down guiltily. “Hey, it was a routine trip to Port Ormos! It’s not like I’ve actually bailed on something important.” The woman took his hands. “Besides, since I’m here I may as well bring you with me to Dornman Port!” His head shot back up. “With you? But my parents would never agree!” Beidou smirked. “I know, which is why we’re not telling them! Don’t worry, I’ve got a month’s supply of popsicles in the ship’s ice box.” After a brief moment of hesitation he nodded, so she picked him up and brought him to the window. Scanning outside, she carried him out and stealthily ran to the outskirts of the clan’s property. Glancing back, Chongyun noticed Shenhe watching them from an open window. He panicked for a moment, but his aunt merely gave a thumbs up and closed the shutters.
Once they were aboard the Alcor, Beidou gave the order to prepare for an immediate departure. Leaving Juza to handle the remaining work, she brought Chongyun into her quarters. Looking around he quickly noticed his doll replica on a prominent shelf and blushed. “...You really liked it huh?” he asked, noting the abundance of lipstick marks on the doll’s face. “It, ah, captures your likeness really well.” she replied nervously “It doesn’t compare to the genuine article, of course. Speaking of,” She gently lifted his chin. “Is tonight a good night for, uh, that? Do you need your medicine, or…?” Smiling, Chongyun placed his hands on her waist. “I’ll be alright, I had some before dinner. I-if you really want to tonight, then ah,” He was interrupted by a quick kiss. “Alright, but if your Yang starts to be a problem let me know.”
Beidou pulled away and began to remove her hair ornaments. “The last thing I want on my conscience is feeling like I took advantage of you.” The young man undid his jacket as he watched her remove her qipao, revealing her firm back muscles as they flexed. “O-of course not!” he squeaked out, focused on her figure as the two finished undressing. “Don’t worry, I can handle this! Probably.” The older woman grinned. “‘Probably’ he says! You better hope so if you ever want to see my bedroom again, Yunyun!” She gently pushed him onto the bed and climbed on top, pinning his hands. “S-so tight! Beibe-” she silenced him with another kiss, before sitting back up onto him. “Already hard, eh? No finishing until I say so, got it?” “G-got it! Thank you Beidou!”
The following morning Beidou awoke with Chongyun in her arms, facing away from her. She smiled at the sight; his warmth making her feel at ease. Yunyun, you’re still here she thought to herself as she pulled him in tighter. Huixing, the ship’s navigator, would often tease her for dating a shorter guy; an awkward and introverted one at that. In the captain’s opinion that only made him better for cuddling, plus he could be assertive when he needed to. He was the one to confess his feelings first, after all. Leaning in she kissed his cheek; he began to stir in response. “Bei, Beibei?” he said, still groggy. “Morning Yunyun. Looks like third time’s the charm after all.”
He groaned at the memories of their previous attempts at sex: the first time he hadn’t been able to disrobe before discharging; the second he had passed out mid-thrust, resulting in an awkward visit with the ship’s doctor. At least it finally worked out for once he thought, turning around to look at his girlfriend. “Was I any good, or?” Beidou chuckled. “Nah, no one is at first. You’ll get there with practice, of course.” He sighed, then leaned in for a kiss. “Was I at least better company than the doll?” She smirked. “Leagues better. You make the cutest noises during sex.” Chongyun’s face turned beet red. “HUH?” The woman burst out in laughter, before hugging him tighter. “That’s a good thing, Yunyun! Seriously though, thank you for agreeing to join me.” He leaned into her embrace. “Anytime, Beibei. Anytime.”