[Zenless Zone Zero] By Right of Claim [Wise x Yixuan]

[AndrewJTalon]

Wise gets a bit protective of his Shifu at a TOPS Gala. Turns out she doesn't mind at all.

Wise x Yixuan, One Shot.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/82340271

- - -

The gala was held in one of New Eridu's tallest glass towers, a joint celebration between TOPS and the city government for a successful year of Hollow containment. Crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and quiet strings of traditional music filled the air. Yixuan, in an elegant midnight-blue dress, moved through the crowd with serene grace, greeting officials and agents alike. Wise, in the simple but sharp black suit she'd picked out for him, stayed close-close enough to be her shadow, far enough to avoid drawing undue attention.

It had been going well. Polite conversation, a few shared smiles, the occasional proud glance from Yixuan when Wise handled a question about Yunkai Summit with calm precision.

Then came the executive.

Middle-aged, impeccably tailored, and carrying the easy arrogance of someone who had never been told no in his life. He cornered Yixuan near the balcony doors, voice oily with compliments and promises.

"Shifu Yixuan, the work at Yunkai Summit is admirable, truly. But resources are tight these days. A private patron could change everything-new training grounds, better equipment, scholarships for your disciples…" His hand brushed her arm. "All I'd ask in return is a little of your personal time."

Yixuan's smile remained polite, but her eyes cooled. "Your generosity is noted, Executive Director. However-"

He leaned closer. "Come now, a woman of your stature shouldn't have to struggle. Let me take care of you."

Wise had been watching from a few steps away. Something protective and hot flared in his chest. He crossed the floor in three quiet strides and slipped an arm gently around Yixuan's waist.

"Everything all right, my wife?" he asked, voice calm but carrying just enough edge.

Yixuan's eyes flicked to him-surprised, then softly amused. "Thank you, dearest. No need. The executive was just leaving."

The man laughed, disbelieving. "Husband? You expect me to believe the High Preceptor of Yunkai Summit married some… video store clerk? Please!"

He stepped forward, bold and entitled, reaching to cup Yixuan's cheek as if to prove his point with a kiss.

Wise moved first, but Yixuan was faster.

She pulled away easily, taking Wise's hand and guided him close to herself. One hand slid to the back of Wise's neck, pulling him down into a deep, deliberate kiss. Her lips parted against his, warm and certain, body pressing close enough that the executive's outstretched hand froze in mid-air. Whatever surprise Wise felt was suppressed by instinct and his feelings, and he eagerly returned her affection.

The kiss lingered-slow, possessive, unmistakably real. When they finally parted, Yixuan's eyes stayed locked on Wise's, a faint flush on her cheeks, breath slightly quickened.

The executive stood there, mouth open, face turning crimson as nearby guests turned to stare. Someone coughed. A camera flash went off in the distance.

Without a word, the man muttered an excuse and fled toward the bar.

Wise opened his mouth, but Yixuan shook her head.

She then took his hand.

"Come. Let us find somewhere quieter."

They slipped through a side door onto an empty balcony overlooking the city lights. The cool night air helped, but Wise's pulse was still racing.

He bowed deeply. "Master-I'm so sorry. I was impulsive. Seeing the way he looked at you, imagining what he was thinking… I overstepped. Please forgive me."

Yixuan regarded him for a long moment, then smiled-small, warm, and genuinely amused.

"I am not offended in the slightest," she said softly. "In fact… as High Preceptor and Grand Master of Yunkai Summit, I have a sacred duty to ensure the temple's legacy continues. One day, I must choose a husband. I must have children to carry on the teachings."

She stepped closer, fingers brushing his sleeve.

"Your potential, your abilities, your character-all place you very high on that list, Wise. Higher than you perhaps realize."

Wise's mouth went dry.

"More than that," she continued, voice lowering, "my fortune-telling is not always perfect… but our connection has granted me visions. Futures with you in them. Futures I find myself wishing to explore."

Wise flushed scarlet. "Master… I'm-flattered doesn't even begin to cover it… I-I feel… The same way… Um…"

Yixuan's smile turned playful. "You were so confident a moment ago."

He laughed, shaky. "When someone I care about is in trouble, all the worries vanish. Everything else just… falls away."

"That," she said, rising on her toes to kiss him again-gentler this time, lingering, "is one of the things I like most about you."

- - -

The next morning at the temple's dining hall, breakfast was unusually quiet.

Disciples sat in neat rows, eating congee and steamed buns with almost military silence. Even the youngest initiates kept their eyes on their bowls.

Yixuan and Wise entered together. She in her usual outfit, he in his hastily acquired temple tunics. They had arrived separately: Very early, very discreetly…

But apparently not discreetly enough.

Ye Shiyuan cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. "Shifu… about last night's gala…"

Before either could answer, Ju Fufu slapped a freshly printed newspaper onto the table. Front page, above the fold: a crystal-clear photo of Yixuan and Wise locked in that balcony kiss, city lights sparkling behind them.

Headline: "High Preceptor Yixuan's Mystery Husband?"

Fufu smiled widely, her eyes practically sparkling.

"Congratulations, Shifu!"

From across the table, Belle leaned forward with a grin wide enough to eclipse the sun.

"So! When's the wedding? Because I'm calling maid of honor right now."

"Nuh uh! I claimed it!" Fufu declared.

"I claimed it first!" Belle protested. The two began playfully bickering.

Pan Yinhu, already in his apron, nodded eagerly. "I've got menu ideas. Eight courses minimum. Maybe nine."

Wise and Yixuan exchanged a long, resigned look.

Yixuan sighed, pulled out her chair, and sat with perfect poise.

Wise followed suit, face burning. His hand found hers almost by instinct alone.

The disciples finally dared to smile.

Yixuan was tempted to scold them, but one look at Wise and the smile on his face… And she didn't have the heart.

Though she still made them all train doubly hard that afternoon. She had standards to maintain.