Towering mountain ranges with rolling hills of green stood triumphantly around Guang village. Wide pathways were deserted, the occasional fox or rabbit running along to find a source of food. Small streams ran underneath narrow bridges. Red paper lanterns hung from wooden posts and off of thick balcony railings. Faint traces of candlelight filtered through closed windows without the presence of passing shadows—pointing to inhabitants being asleep.

Ming Yue stared down at the village in silence, hovering directly above the full moon.

A golden silk robe with white flowers etched into the fabric bellowed around her, and a long red dress covered her bare feet. A black sash with trinkets in the shapes of constellations hung around her waist. Long strands of black hair were held back by a bronze clip resembling a crescent. Each charm and piece of jewelry sparkled, outshining the glorious light of a thousand stars.

She was donning her most formal and eye-catching accessories because the person waiting to see her deserved to be surrounded by immense beauty.

After surveying the land to make sure she wouldn't be spotted, Ming Yue glided down until she was inches above sloped rooftops. Glowing scarlet eyes took in the sight of a small gated section of houses belonging to the royal family. All structures were dark and lifeless.

Except for one.

Flying closer, she noticed a warm patch of light illuminating a spacious balcony facing the mountainside. Red paper lanterns hung from decorative wire and on wooden structural columns. Quiet shuffling of paper could be heard above a faint air current. The breeze also pushed along the muted scent of chocolate, metal, and tea.

It seemed that snacks had been prepared for their meeting.

Ming Yue allowed a delicate smile to bloom across her face as she approached the balcony. Landing soundlessly, she took in the sight of a woman sitting in a room with the doors kept open. 

Short, light brown hair draped over her face since her attention was on a thin book. A simple yet elegant silk robe in shades of silver and emerald hung over her shoulders, and a turquoise dress with sheer accents covered the rest of her body. Flickering light from a low candle painted her features in an enchanting shade of orange.

What a stunning sight to behold.

"You look radiant, my dear. Positively breathtaking."

The sudden announcement made the woman look up. Her dark brown eyes widened, and excitement showed on her face in the form of a toothy grin. "Ming Yue."

"Hello, Chun Hua."

Chun Hua placed the book down beside her and rose to her feet. She ran up to the approaching woman, only to greet her with a tight, almost desperate hug.

Ming Yue returned it with the same amount of enthusiasm, taking a moment to inhale deeply. "Forgive me if you've been waiting long. I tried to leave Yu Zhou as early as I could, but it was difficult with other beings questioning me on my whereabouts."

"You're not late at all, don't worry. I was just getting a bit more comfortable. Settling my nerves and all that." The two separated from their embrace. "It's... been a long month. So I prepared us a spread to celebrate our reunion."

"I appreciate the gesture, my flower. Come now, let us relax. You have me for the remainder of the night- all the way until sunrise."

Ming Yue followed Chun Hua back onto the balcony. They sat down beside one another at a floor table. The contents for their late meal consisted of white tea, handmade chocolates, fluffy pork buns, and red bean mooncakes.

The sight of the last item made Ming Yue giggle. "My dearest, I thought we were celebrating Qixi. Mooncakes are normally given during the mid autumn festival- which isn't until next month."

"I know, but I figured you'd like them. They're your favorite, but people only really present them as offerings to you once a year. You deserve to have the things you love without having to wait so long."

"You spoil me."

Ming Yue took a sip of tea before reaching for the cake. It had gotten cold because of the wind, but the dessert was actually preferred that way. The first bite was accompanied by a sigh in satisfaction. A rich yet mildly sweet taste glided across her tongue, and the tinge of a weaker seedy flavor appeared after a few chews.

The pastry was placed down and earned a single nod in approval. Chun Hua lit up at the notion, and her smile grew when bundles of red pooled in the soft flesh of her cheeks.

Ming Yue moved to take a pork bun. "Can you tell me something, Chun Hua."

"Of course."

"Has your family been treating you well? You look tired."

"I..." Chun Hua visibly deflated, her eyes darting to the floor for a moment. "I didn't think you'd notice."

"I notice everything when it comes to you. Especially the little things. The way your skin is slightly pale. The way your shoulders are tense. The way your eyes carry some unspoken pain. I can tell that whatever has happened since we last met has hurt you. Deeply."

"...They've chosen a husband for me."

Ming Yue froze. "What..?"

"My parents- they've chosen a husband for me. My mother has decided that it's time for her to step down and for me to take the throne. I'm expected to be wed within the next two months." Chun Hua gnawed on her bottom lip. She glanced up to gaze into wide glowing eyes. "I don't want it. I don't want the crown- or to rule- or to be wed to a man I hardly even know. I don't- I'm tired of feeling trapped. But I know if I refuse, my clan and the villagers will be disappointed in me."

"...I understand the feeling."

"How so?"

"Just as your people expect you to be wed, the Divine Circle has voiced their expectations about me producing an heir. The elders believe that my abilities are above exceptional and would like me to begin the process of extending my lineage; therefore extending my power. They haven't forced a partner onto me, but I know, in time, they may try."

Ming Yue pursed her lips at the thought.

She didn't want children yet. She didn't want her worth to come from the spectacular anomalies stemming from her bloodline. She didn't want to be forced into a situation where she didn't have control over her partner; or her wants; or her life.

But here she was. Here they both were—stuck at the crossroads between doing what was expected and what was actually wanted.

"I wouldn't blame you if you decided to appease them," Chun Hua stated, her eyes downcast. "It'd be easier for you that way. Being with someone you'd get to cherish all the time. Someone you'd get to see for more than one night a month-"

"I would wait eons just to embrace you. I would swim across seas and trek through the most dangerous of habitats just to hear your voice. The only one taking residence in my heart is you, Chun Hua. Regardless of what the Divine Circle wants. Regardless of what the other members of the Zhou clan want. Please don't disregard my feelings for you."

Ming Yue—full of genuine need to show her honest feelings—took hold of Chun Hua by either side of her face. They leaned toward one another until their lips met for a long kiss.

The affectionate gesture gained momentum with each passing second, both women desperate to be as close as possible. Trembling hands glided across hard bones and soft muscles. Warm air spread across their cheeks with each quick exhale. A sweet taste broke through their kiss, enticing them further.

They hadn't experienced physical stimulation with one another since last month, and they wanted their moment—one of pure, honest, true adoration—to last.

Because their lone evenings with each other rarely did.

"I love you, Chun Hua. My darling. My life. I love you."

Ming Yue's chest ached, her heart and soul crying out for the person she wanted to spend eternity with.

It wasn't fair for either of them to be trapped in the situations they were in. It wasn't fair that their relationship was considered taboo in every conventional sense. It wasn't fair that everyone—both mortal and immortal—were more obsessed with their personal ideologies and beliefs, they didn't care about the possible repercussions which could stem from their demands.

If they changed their ways, life would be so much easier.

But alas—the Divine Circle and the Zhou clan would never understand. Because they would only ever be able to focus on what they wanted to see. As long as they were satisfied, any pain caused along the way would be seen as a necessary sacrifice.

Chun Hua's lower lip trembled, her eyes filling with tears. She pulled back from their embrace and held herself with a tight grip. "I wish we could just... run away. To a world of freedom without expectations and heartache."

"...Why don't we?"

"Huh?"

"Why don't we?" Ming Yue got to her feet, standing tall. "There are other realms that exist in the universe. We could go somewhere- find someplace new to settle down. We could build another life. Just you and I. And we could do and be whatever we'd like. We could... finally be together."

Chun Hua rose to her feet as well. She walked forward and took hold of a pair of outstretched hands. "Would you- you'd really toss everything away? For me?"

"My light, I'd give up my immortal title if it meant I could be with you for the rest of my life. I want you and only you. Forever. But I won't force you to do anything. I know how much your family and people mean to you. I know how much your home means to you. If you can't let go of them, I'll understand. I don't want to lose you... but if I need to for you to be happy, I will."

"Ming Yue..."

"You are the one shred of pleasure bestowed upon my existence. But if my happiness means your pain, then I don't want it."

The simple thought of losing her one fragment of joy nearly made her crumble to her knees.

Ming Yue held back her own tears when her cheeks were cupped. A chaste kiss was placed onto her forehead, the featherlight sensation causing both eyes to flutter shut. Warmth erupted in her chest and bloomed across her skin. Goosebumps formed when small hairs stood on end. Blindly, she took hold of her lover's wrists and held on in silent desperation.

"There's nothing that I want more than you."

Glowing eyes shot open in surprise. They stared directly into shimmering, tear-filled brown ones.

Chun Hua offered a small, wavering smile. "I do love my family. I love being able to bond with my people. Guang village will always be my home. But I know none of the people around me care the way you do. No one worries about my happiness the way you do. No one honestly loves me the way you do.

"My family is more obsessed with fulfilling their own desires- they don't care about mine. They don't care about my wants or dreams. If they did, they'd allow me to live in peace and respect my choices in regard to my livelihood. I'm tired of ignoring my heart. I want to take yours as you would mine- and cherish it with everything I have. Because you're worth that, my love."

Ming Yue let out a quiet laugh, sounding more like a choked sob. She turned and placed a kiss onto the palm holding the left side of her face.

"I've known since you first allowed me into your home that you'd be the one to change my life. Chun Hua, my beautiful flower, I promise to spend every waking moment of my existence making you as happy as can be."

"Where will we go?"

"It doesn't matter. As long as we're together."

"...What will we do about my mortality? I know you're a powerful deity, but I'm not sure if that means you can alter my physical life force."

"We'll figure that out as well. For now, I just want to lead us to a better tomorrow."

Chun Hua nodded in agreement. She took a moment to wrap up their unfinished meal, placing it into a small basket. A quick visual sweep took in the contents of her bedroom. Paintings, books, letters, clothes. They were all given a gentle goodbye as she looked away.

Ming Yue extended her hand out. Her own features softened when a warm, smaller palm settled against hers.

Both women took multiple steps forward until they were at the edge of the balcony. Together, they levitated out of their spots. They flew over the wooden railing, hovering above smaller houses and establishments. 

Following the path of celestial light like a bridge, Ming Yue and Chun Hua continued to ascend. They flew towards the moon until they completely disappeared from sight.