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Chapter Text

Furina was enjoying romance novels these days. While they were never really her first pick (mystery novels had a special place in her heart), the genre of romance was a classic, a style that opened up to the iconic writings of old. The timeless tales made her heart ache, but the books that were being released in the current era made Furina kick her sheets and scream internally. The ticklish feelings, the soft hand-holding, the occasional... spice... made her go red in the face. Though they were only words, Furina felt like she was witnessing a couple develop their love in real time. 

One day, in her cozy new home, Furina put her book down and began to wonder. Where was her real-life romance? Oblivious to the fact that she had excluded herself from the question, Furina began to think of the romance she had witnessed in the past years. Sure, she had seen workers of the Palais Mermonia getting married, and personal bodyguards leave their post for a while to wed a beloved, but she hadn't been privy to those tender moments. She had never asked, after all— only congratulated. 

Weddings were events she would visit on occasion, and even then she was too busy keeping up her act to pay attention to the sacred bonding of lovers. An Archon such as herself had no time nor freedom to understand the emotion known as 'love.'

Furina thought of her closest companions. After stepping down as Archon, her current friends consisted of Clorinde, Navia, and... 

She furrowed her brows. Hm, what was this? Did she really only have two people she could proclaim as friends? Clorinde, Navia... ah yes, the Traveler! She could include the Traveler and Paimon... and... hm, would Escoffier count? But they were more of a cook and customer kind of relationship... 

She thought of Neuvillette. A sigh escaped her mouth. Could she consider Neuvillette a friend? Or was he more of an ex-coworker? But thinking of all the years they knew each other... 

Furina grabbed a pen and some paper. Was it not the rule of women to share juicy romance with other girlfriends? At least, that was what she'd learned recently. 

Clorinde had discovered some feelings as of late.

Her superior was cute.

Correction. Her ex-superior was cute. 

As Lady Furina’s bodyguard, her main role was to guard the Archon's safety during public outings and court trials. By Furina’s side, Clorinde witnessed the divine charms of a god— her joyful laughter, ice cold stares, her powerful voice that commanded the entire Opera House. Day after day she guarded her in the shadows, wondering what thoughts the Hydro Archon could possibly be thinking of. 

And then the throne of the Archon was no more.

The next time Clorinde met Furina, the lady before her was no Archon. She was an ordinary mortal, one who went by the name 'Furina.' It was hard to get out of the habit of calling her "Lady Furina," but she got the hang of it over time.

Clorinde recalled the day she met the now mortal woman for the first time after the great trial. Furina's eyes looked dry and lightless, like a layer of lies had finally been taken off. Clorinde took it upon herself to make sure her ex-Archon was well fed and well dressed until she had enough energy to do so alone. 

The days that followed revealed to Clorinde a side of Furina she had never seen. Furina the mortal was clumsy, a bit naive, and a lover of time spent at home. Clorinde was often greeted by a Furina in pajamas with disheveled hair pulled back by a headband, crumbs littering the side of her mouth. She had become quite the fan of Fonta and macaroni, making sure to have a big bottle and bowl of cheesy delight by her bed when indulging in mystery novels all night. 

Clorinde's eyes told her that this ex-Archon before her was a cluttered, scruffy mess of a person. But her heart on the other hand beat harder at this graceless image reflected upon her pupils. It confused her at first— why was her heart beating so fast? It made such little sense that Clorinde considered getting a health check up.

But the more she visited, watching the white-haired lady greet her happily in fluffy pajamas and blubberbeast slippers, snacks and tea out on the table ready for her— she slowly came to a realization.

She was in love.

Was it the sudden change in demeanor that bewitched her? Or the casual attitude that Furina now treated her with? Regardless, Clorinde knew that this feeling of not wanting to look away while her heart skipped a beat was undoubtedly love. 

So when she received a letter from Furina herself, asking to join her for a "romantic sleepover," Clorinde couldn't help but expect a more... intimate situation. Had Furina caught on? Was she expecting too much? But soon she realized that Navia had also been invited (much to her disappointment... but of course, she didn't let that show). 

"But I have an important appointment on that day, so I can't go! You have a fun time with her in my stead, alright?" Navia later told her.

Clorinde silently cheered in her heart at the news. The day soon arrived, and she slowly walked up to the front door.

Neuvillette had recently discovered something. An emotion that felt heavy, yet also empty— like a big hole punctured in his chest. And there was only one explanation for such feeling.

He missed Furina.

It wasn't long after Furina’s departure that he realised this feeling. During Archonhood, Furina would often invite herself to his office, chat with him a little while before rushing out as suddenly as she entered. She was a staple in his life as Iudex, accompanying him from the Palais to the Opera House for work. 

Truth be told, there wasn't much difference to the workload with or without Furina. She hadn't done much as the governing goddess— the last time she attempted to during her godly days, the melusines had to put a stop to it to prevent the clutter upon important documents. She had governed for a good few years before Neuvillette's arrival in Fontaine, but Furina just didn't seem cut out for the life of an office-Archon. 

Neuvillette found himself calling Furina's name after her leave. Mid-phrase he would pause, realizing his mistake. She was no longer here. Free from the shackles of the divine, she had descended from the stage to the mortal audience. And she seemed happy.

The last time Neuvillette saw her was during the production of 'The Little Oceanid.' For the first time in a while, they had talked together to discuss the venue of the show. She looked different— her smile seemed softer, more genuine. It was because he had never seen that smile on her that he realised that all the ones from before were an act, a desperate disguise.

For a moment he wanted to hold her hand and take her back to the Palais, set a table full of desserts and chat about the weather like they used to. But he didn't have that right anymore. 

When she appeared on the stage, having taken the role of an unfortunately ill lead actress— he saw only light before him, dancing with the swiftness of a butterfly and singing with the voice of a sweet songbird. He knew that all her charm was real and genuine, a shining talent released to its full extent without the chains of a heavy mask. 

Her radiant face, her gentle presence. Now that they were truly out of his reach, he longed for it even more. 

In the past, they were both tied to their respective roles. But now... did Neuvillette have a chance? As a dragon who had only looked upon the love that humans shared, was it possible for him to share the same emotion with another being also? If he could, he wanted it to be with Furina. He thought about his feelings towards her long and hard— and ended up daydreaming a life with Furina as his wife. He was astonished at his own thoughts, but saw this as a definitive confirmation of his feelings.

This was love.

And so he began to brainstorm a plan. In order to get closer to someone, they had to meet more often. So Neuvillette pulled out his calendar and marked the days he could go see her. Not too often but not too infrequently, in a way that seem natural...

He found himself walking to Furina's house one afternoon, a boxed-up cake in his hand. A new release from the trendy shop in the city; all to set up a most fluid meeting.

Just steps away from the house, he saw a familiar figure. It was Clorinde, standing right in front of the door with her hands to her chest. Her face seemed oddly red, and her breathing erratic. Neuvillette's sharp sense of hearing caught the muttering soft words under her breath.

"Don't panic... just look normal. And make sure your face doesn't go red... even if she's even cuter than last time..."

Something clicked in Neuvillette's head. The words she was saying, her red face, the nervous stance...

Clorinde noticed his presence and looked his way. He had an odd expression on his face, like one of both surprise and disbelief. Her gaze wandered to the box in his hand, a neat white gift box with a pink bow tied to the handle. 

Was it because she was so on edge? Or because of the signs she saw in him that she herself had? Something clicked in Clorinde also, a giant, foreboding message looming over her.

Their gazes locked in midair, something like electricity zapping in the air.

They stood opposite one another, each realizing the other was a rival. 

A rival for... Furina's love.

Chapter Text

Clorinde and Neuvillette continued to stare at each other. Their minds ticked like clockwork, processing that the person before them was aiming for the same goal— Furina's love.

Neuvillette was about to approach her when the door swung open. "Clorinde, you're here! I'm so excited to chat. It's a shame that Navia couldn't come though... oh well, it can't be helped. Let's have fun, just the two of us!"

Neuvillette couldn't see, but he heard an enthusiastic Furina bouncing with joy. He saw a pair of hands grab Clorinde's own and drag her inside the house. Clorinde looked flustered but happy, letting herself be pulled inside. Before she disappeared, she turned her head to Neuvillette and smirked.

Neuvillette froze. Did she just... smirk at him? The door slammed shut, leaving him standing awkwardly alone next to the house. He could hear soft giggling from inside. The handle of the cake box crumpled with force as Neuvillette struggled to comprehend what had just happened. 

It was absurd. Just as he had come to realize his feelings, it seemed that Clorinde had figured out her own at the same time. The way Furina welcomed her in... it was definitely not her first time. Even he hadn't had the chance to go inside yet! The closest he had ever gotten was the when he introduced the house to her. All he had done during that time was stand by the door while Furina checked the interior. 

He was seething. He was jealous. He couldn't believe that this goal for love was shared by another, let alone a coworker of all people.

He had to do something. At this rate, Furina was going to be stolen from him right before his very eyes. He etched Clorinde's smirk into his mind, vowing to be the one making the expression next time they met. For now... for now, he had to make plans.

But...

He looked at the house. He was so curious. What were they doing? Why was Clorinde here? They were going to have fun... doing what? 

His feet dragged him towards the windows. It wouldn't hurt to have a little peek, would it? Just a quick look at what they were doing. Because what if— what if they were doing something he'd never forgive himself for ignoring?

"Hm? What's wrong, Clorinde?" Furina asked, looking back from the kitchen counter.

"No, nothing," Clorinde answered. Furina nodded and went back to setting the dessert tray, humming a little tune. Clorinde turned to the window. The curtains were closed, but she could sense that the threatening presence outside was still there. 

The smirk she made just before entering the house— it wasn't intentional. How could she possibly to her superior? But when she saw his lovestruck eyes, she knew he was here for the same reason. It was like an instinct, the way they both realized the two were rivals. In that small moment of victory, Clorinde’s face couldn't help but relish in the success. Hence the smirk.

"Here! I didn't know what you'd like, so I bought a variety." Furina walked out of the kitchen area with a silver tray in her hands, a delectable array of desserts displayed by type. Cookies, cakes, small tarts... Clorinde wasn't exactly a dessert gourmand, but this selection made her mouth water.

"Thank you. Also this setup... it's very creative," Clorinde noted, looking around the room. They were in the space by the front of the kitchen, but where there should've been cold, hard tile, layers of soft mattress and fur blankets were laid out on the floor instead. Cushions and puffy dolls surrounded the edge.

"Thanks! In truth, I've never had anything like a sleepover before... I read about this recently in a book! So I wanted to try it out myself, hehe..." Furina giggled. Clorinde had to hold herself back from crushing the mug in her hand. That smile, the way Furina's face turned a light shade of pink— her heart started to pound, every beat quicker than the last. 

Furina laid the tray down next to Clorinde. "Brr, it's actually pretty cold right now... I'll go make some hot tea for our drinks!" 

"Thank you. I wonder if it's raining outside." Clorinde turned to the wall behind her and parted the curtains.

A pair of purple eyes lit up by the glass. 

Clorinde gasped and shut the curtains again. "Hm? What's wrong Clorinde?" Furina asked, her back to the duelist. Clorinde paused and laughed awkwardly.

"N—Nothing, just a moth. I think it's gone..." She hesitated and pulled back the curtain again.

A pair of purple eyes glared at her.

She shut the curtains and closed her eyes.

... She didn't see anything. There was nothing outside the window. There was a piercing aura from beyond the wall but... nope, she didn't see anything. Nothing at all.

"This will warm us up nicely! And it'll go well with the snacks too, hehe." Furina sat next to Clorinde on the mattress, setting the tea on a separate coffee table. Clorinde nodded, all her attention to the vicious presence outside. 

"...Hm, um, so! What should we talk about?" Clorinde questioned. She tugged at the ends of the curtain for a sense of security. Furina beamed and pulled out a pile of novels from behind a plushie. "I've got a lot of questions for you! And more specifically about..." Furina inched in closer. "Romance."

Clorinde stiffened. The cookie in her hand crumbled. Furina's eyes were curved in crescents, an oblivious smile on her lips. "You see, I've become interested in romance novels these days. But I think I want to hear some stories of real-life romance— can you tell me what kind of romance you've seen?"

Clorinde felt Neuvillette's presence fade. She sighed— he was finally gone. What was that all about? "Of course. I've heard alot, especially about those in the Palais..." she forced a grin. "Real juicy stuff." Furina's eyes sparkled. Clorinde looked away, hoping her face wasn't too red. For now, this distance was enough. She and Furina had only just become close friends after all.

Clorinde cleared her throat and began listing the wild romances of the Palais staff. With every tale told, Furina's face morphed through a full spectrum of awe, shock, and horror. Clorinde's heart fluttered at every expression, her eyes stealing glances at the pale face as she talked about the three-timing mess of a man who was sent to the Fortress after multiple accounts of stalking. 

"I— I can't believe that man! That's not romance, that's a crime!" Furina huffed. Clorinde nodded along. "That's right. Everyone thought it was a cute relationship until his second girlfriend from Mondstadt visited his office with his third girlfriend, an Inazuman, in tow. It was wild." 

"How come I never heard about this? It must've been the hot topic of the time!" 

"Well... even the most craziest drama is silenced in the Palais. Everyone takes their work seriously after all. And I guess the trial bored you," Clorinde answered. Furina looked down for a bit, panicking Clorinde— but she quickly grabbed the duelist by the hand. "That means there must be more like this! Tell me, Clorinde!"

Her hand was soft and warm. Clorinde suddenly felt a surge of adrenaline— and decided to ask a question that had always persisted in her mind.

"Well actually, Furina— what about your own romance?"

Furina stared, eyes wide. "What?"

"Instead of other people's love lives, what about your own? You're no longer held back by your status. You can find your own love."

Furina continued to stare, as if she couldn't understand the question entirely. Just as Clorinde was about to elaborate, she spoke up.

"My romance...? I guess I just... never thought about it. Yeah, that's it. Why would I even think about something I can't achieve?" Clorinde's face darkened. Had she spoken about something she shouldn't have? Furina noticed and flailed her arms. "I mean— it's not something I was stressing over, really! I'm only in the beginning process of finding out about real-life love after all. I don't even know where to start with my own love life."

A revelation flashed through Clorinde's mind. "I have an idea Furina. I think it's only fair that every person gets to experience what being in a loving relationship is like. In your case, I can help you prepare for one before you meet a potential lover."

"Huh?"

"What better for a first time lover than actual experience? We can go to cafes, go on picnics and stroll along the beach— like lovers would." Clorinde was tense. She was taking a risk here. "It's like practice before the actual thing," she continued. "And until then, I'll let you know what real lovers do. That way you can think about who you'd like to do such activities with."

Furina was wordless for a moment. Clorinde immediately began to regret what she said. I totally went off the tracks, she thought. I was overwhelmed by the idea that I could go on dates with her if I used this guise. Thinking back on it, it doesn't even sound that plausible!

"That sounds..."

Clorinde gulped.

"That sounds great! Like a dating simulation, right? It'd be like bringing a romance novel to real life— oh Clorinde, you're so thoughtful!" She grabbed Clorinde’s hands and shook them in excitement. Clorinde's heart skipped a beat. 

"You see, I've been reading this novel— here, have some more cookies— and the plot is that they pretend to be lovers, all to make their other crushes get jealous, but here's the fun part..."

Furina's hair bounced with excitement, her hands waving around in the air in wild gestures. Clorinde listened, her chin leaning in her hand. Furina was like the little sun in her universe, a being that warmed her to the core whenever she was close by. 

She could honestly just retain this relationship forever. Play it safe, inside Furina's little circle of close friends. Take a risk, and she could find herself forever out of Furina’s sight for having tried to cross the line. But...

She recalled Neuvillette's fierce gaze.

Clorinde imagined Furina sitting together with Neuvillette at a cafe, feeding each other cake, wiping cream off each other's cheeks. Furina and Neuvillette on a picnic together, holding hands and laughing about the little things. Furina and Neuvillette strolling along the beach, whispering sweet nothings to each other with a romantic sunset illuminating the sky...

Her chest tightened. Was she selfish for wanting Furina all to herself? Just thinking about her with someone else pained Clorinde's heart. 

To achieve true love, one had to start slow. She looked at Furina, endlessly gushing away about her new favorite story. She didn't think the idea would work, but since Furina seemed to take a liking to it— Clorinde would start there, and build her way up. Slowly but surely, she planned on seducing this innocent ex-Archon before her. 

But she couldn't waste her time. After all, she wasn't alone in this pursuit of love.

Chapter Text

Neuvillette was feeling troubled.

The image of Clorinde and Furina in one room, cozy in a room filled with warmth— it wouldn't leave his mind. It lingered in his sight even when he closed his eyes, almost like the image was printed on the inside of his eyelids. He had only managed to take a glimpse that day, having been quickly intercepted by Clorinde— but it planted a seed of self-doubt in his heart.

Would Furina even find him better than a young, modern woman like Clorinde? Neuvillette knew he was old, a sticker to rules and status— while Clorinde was a fresh child of Fontaine. Perhaps to Furina, the duelist was a better other half for her. 

He shook his head. Forget about everything else. All he had to focus on now was seeing Furina in person. From there, he could make a logical decision.

And so Neuvillette approached the house. The day was slowly coming to a close, the afternoon sunlight kissing the streets golden. He breathed in, and out, and walked up to the door.

Before he could ring the bell, the door opened. Furina looked up at him, clad in a casual white dress. "Neuvillette. I saw you from outside the window. Did you need anything?"

Neuvillette cleared his throat. His gaze hovered over her exposed collarbone before looking into her eyes. "I just thought I'd visit. It's been a while, after all." He lifted his arm to show a boxed cake— bought early this morning, as soon as the bakery opened its doors. Furina's face lit up. "Oh! Thank you! Come on in."

Neuvillette entered, Furina closing the door after him. "Don't look around too much. I'm not much of a neat freak, haha..."

Despite her words, the house didn't seem too particularly cluttered. Furina led him to the area in front of the kitchen, a wide space with tiled floors. Neuvillette remembered this space— it was where Clorinde and Furina had their cozy meet up. There were no longer any warm mattresses, but a coffee table and two soft armchairs. Furina took Neuvillette's cake to get it plated.

She gasped. "A whole cake? Neuvillette, you shouldn't have!" 

Neuvillette smiled. "Store it well and eat it when you feel like something sweet. I've heard it's very delicious."

"Looks like it! Oh, we've got to have this with that iced apple tea Navia brought me recently. You don't mind iced tea, do you Neuvillette?"

"Your house is warm enough to enjoy a cool drink."

"Sit down, it won't take long!"

Furina, in high spirits, hummed a soft tune as she pulled out the glass cups from the cabinet. Neuvillette sat in the armchair and looked around. Beyond the kitchen was a living room that Neuvillette had entered the house from. Two doors were by the far wall, leading to Furina's bedroom and a guest room. He was curious. What did Furina's bedroom look like?

"Here! This looks so good." Furina set a tray down on the table, waking Neuvillette from his daze. The dessert was a sunsettia cheesecake. One of Furina’s favorites.

There was a moment of silence. Then, Furina spoke up.

"So... what did you want to talk about?"

The two didn't acknowledge the awkward tension in the air. A still, cold wall that trapped them together— Neuvillette imagined that this wasn't the case for the two ladies yesterday. Even though he was the one to know Furina longer than that woman! 

His mind paused in shock. Was he being... jealous? No no, even if he was jealous, there was no reason to lash out on the other woman. 

"Um, Neuvillette?" Furina looked at him in concern. "Are you alright? I feel like you were spacing out."

"No, no. I'm alright. My apologies," Neuvillette replied, shaking his head. All these thoughts were making him distracted. No matter where he was or what he was doing, he couldn't stop thinking about Furina. At his office, he would always be thinking: Where could she be? What was she doing? Like a glint of sunshine that always caught the eye, she stayed in every corner of his mind, peering out at any given moment. 

"... You know, I've been been thinking about my life after leaving the Palais." 

Neuvillette stared. Furina's gaze was lowered, her hands clasped. "I've discovered a lot of new things. I may have always been human, but I think I finally understand what it means to be human. I never knew, but life is truly beautiful when you get to enjoy it." She looked up. Neuvillette saw her face full of sincerity. "Now that I think about it, a lot of this was all able to happen thanks to you. We've been through our respective hardships, but... I still wanted to thank you. So... yeah. Thanks Neuvillette. You've done so much for Fontaine, and for me."

She scratched her head. "Gosh, I don't remember if I already said this to you before! If I did, just accept it again, will you? You deserve that much."

Furina had, in fact, said this to Neuvillette already. When she had packed her singular suitcase to leave the Palais after her departure from Archonhood— she had leaned into Neuvillette to whisper a message barely audible.

"Thanks for everything."

To Neuvillette, it felt more like a goodbye than a thank you. He wanted to grab onto her, tell her that she could still stay, that he would give her everything to honor her service to Fontaine— but with his special emotion towards her only barely having been formed, and in consideration of Furina’s own feelings, he couldn't do anything but watch her walk away. 

Perhaps she had forgotten her own words in the daze she was in. Neuvillette wanted to seize this new opportunity and grab her, this time for sure. He wanted her by his side. Before anyone else could take his love away.

Emotions surged— emotions that she had taught him. Neuvillette stood up, his face uncommonly red. "Furina, I—"

Clang—! The two cups of iced tea flipped over flamboyantly as he knocked into the table. The colored liquid splashed all over Furina, completely soaking her white dress. 

The two stood up in a panic. "Furina, I am so sorry— here, let me—"

"No it's okay! Really Neuvillette, I have this covered. I'll just quickly get changed, so—"

"No, I must repay you. Here, what if I just—"

"Woah!"

The tea on the floor made the tiles much more slippery than it already was. Furina's heel wobbled and slid on the patch of liquid, sending her body flying backwards. Out of desperation, she grabbed onto Neuvillette’s coat. 

"Ugh!"

She felt the impact of the floor against her back but not her head. Furina opened her eyes to feel a hand holding the back of her head and a pair of purple pupils staring into her face. He was mere inches away, so close that they could almost touch noses.

She gripped the floor. The tile felt cold on her fingers. "Thanks Neuvillette. That was sudden." 

She expected him to move. But Neuvillette stayed still. His face remained close. 

"... Neuvillette?"

Was his face... red? Furina couldn't tell— Neuvillette had his back against the light from the window. In the shadowy distance between them, his breathing seemed unusually heavy.

"Furina, I..."

From this close, she could see every shine of moisture on his lips. Did that mean he could also see hers? 

The tile against Furina's back was cold, but for some reason she felt hot. Like all the blood in her body had rushed to her face. She didn't know why. Neuvillette leaned in.

"I...!"

ding–dong—

The sound of the doorbell sliced through the two like a knife. Neuvillette lifted himself up and Furina rushed to her feet, her sight having missed Neuvillette's outstretched hand. 

"Yes, coming!"

Furina opened the door. Clorinde smiled. "Furina. Good afternoon."

She looked at the mess on Furina's dress and gasped. "What happened?"

"Just a small accident, haha... it's nothing. What are you here for?"

"Oh, I thought I'd discuss our plans from yesterday— Monsieur Neuvillette?"

"Hello, Miss Clorinde," Neuvillette said as he finished wiping away the remaining tea. "Didn't think I'd meet you here."

"Likewise."

"I think I'll be taking my leave. Furina, I apologize for the mishap just now."

"Already? But you haven't even—"

"I've remembered some important things to cover back at the Palais. Besides, it seems that Miss Clorinde has something to discuss with you?"

Clorinde nodded. Neuvillette smiled. "I've cleaned up the mess. You should get changed before you catch a cold, Furina. Make sure to drink something warm."

"Ah, yeah, I really should... Bye Neuvillette. Clorinde, come on in. Excuse me while I get changed." Furina nodded and dashed to her room. Neuvillette passed the duelist and headed out the door. 

"I saw you."

It was a whisper, but loud enough for Neuvillette to hear. The two locked eyes. Lighting coiled in Clorinde's narrowed gaze. She stared coldly before shutting the door in Neuvillette's face. 

Neuvillette's mind was covered in fog. What just happened? Why did Clorinde show up? What did she mean by that? I saw you?

He took a few empty steps away from the house before looking back. And then he realized.

The window.

The window that he had peered in from yesterday. From that very window, he saw Clorinde’s dark figure, her eyes bearing a quiet fury. Part of the kitchen and the tiles of the floor— though it was a little blurry, Neuvillette could see everything.

Clorinde approached the window, her every movement directed with a sharp edge. In one swift move, she closed the curtains. 

Neuvillette stared. It was like there were ten trains of thought crashing and burning in his mind. And in the midst of it all, he recalled very clearly what he had done.

Furina's lips, it's every shine, so close to his own—

Rain began to fall from the sky. For the first time ever, the Iudex Neuvillette felt like running away.

Chapter Text

Clorinde couldn't believe her eyes. Out of habit, she had strolled over to Furina’s house that afternoon— she had no intention of entering. But through the window she saw something had shocked her to the core.

Neuvillette and Furina were together inside. That itself wasn't too surprising— she knew Neuvillette held the same feelings as she did towards Furina. But the two figures were on top of each other, Neuvillette's coattails layered over Furina’s knee. Their faces were so close, if Clorinde hadn't squinted her eyes she'd think they were kissing. 

The two were unmoving. Clorinde ran up to the door and rang the bell. Furina answered, her white dress drenched in what seemed like iced tea. Neuvillette quietly stared at her from inside.

There seemed to have been an accident. Clorinde watched the Iudex leave, taking note of his expression when he noticed the window. Clearly, he didn't know that she had witnessed everything take place.

An accident. Sure, accidents can happen. But Clorinde had no doubt that Neuvillette tried to seize the opportunity, in the moment where his distance to Furina was close and the tension was high. He was actively seducing her.

Clorinde bit her nail. She wanted to get closer to Furina slowly, naturally. So that they could move on from close friends, best friends, to inseparable lovers. But the obstacle called Neuvillette hindered her long term plan. If he was going to act like that at every opportunity, Furina would be taken away from her before she even knew it!

"Clorinde! I'm done changing. Sorry about that, it was a small accident. Gosh, Neuvillette left awfully fast! He didn't even get to taste the cake he brought!"

Furina was dressed in a laced blouse and short skirt. Clorinde savored the image— her eyes had been blessed. 

Neuvillette would surely feel the same. Clorinde recognized that this rivalry had turned into a race against time. She needed to act just as assertive as him to try for Furina’s love. She clenched her fist. She had to seduce Furina faster than him.

Everything that happened felt like a daze to Furina. Before she knew it, Neuvillette was on top of her. His hand behind her head, and the other against the floor. 

Furina knew he had long lashes, but had never had the chance to see them so up close. A thin, silver outline surrounding the pupil— his eyes seemed resolute, filled with an emotion Furina had never seen on him. One she couldn't exactly put her finger on...

"...rina, Furina?"

Furina snapped out of her haze. Clorinde was staring at her, her expression full of concern. The sun and wind brushed against her face. 

They had ventured outside for a walk after Neuvillette left, Clorinde saying that Furina looked like she "needed some air."

"Sorry Clorinde, I was just... thinking about stuff." Furina looked over the scenery. "We've gotten really far, haven't we?"

The waters along the beach was tinted orange. If they didn't return to the city soon, the sky would turn completely black. "We should turn here. You've accompanied me in silence all this time... thank you, Clorinde. I've wasted your time, haven't I?"

Clorinde shook her head. "I don't mind."

Furina sighed. "I've been thinking about romance these days. I know we've chatted about the topic a while ago, but after your input I've started to think about what I'm going to do with myself." She looked up, her eyes reflecting the stars above. "All my life I've lived alone. That's why I've never even considered a relationship for myself— but now that I'm able to lead a normal, mortal life, I think having someone to live with, sharing small moments with a deep connection... it doesn't sound so bad."

Clorinde listened intently. "I'm going to age normally now," Furina continued, "and during that time, I'd like to finally know what it's like to grow old together with a loved one."

She grinned at Clorinde. "Until then, let's have fun practicing dates together! If I wanna get a lifelong partner, I'm going to have to figure out all there is to the romantic lives of normal people."

The duelist didn't reply. Furina stared curiously. "Clorinde?"

"I can't do this," Clorinde muttered. Furina gasped as Clorinde snatched both her hands and brought them upon her chest.

"C–Clorinde?"

"Can you feel it, Furina?" Clorinde whispered. The rapid thumps of a racing heart fluttered against Furina's captive hands. "H–Huh?" Furina stuttered.

"My heart is beating this fast for you. It takes me everything to keep calm when you're by my side." She tightened her grip around Furina's gloved hands. "I can't keep doing this. I wanted to take it slow, but..."

The wind was picking up. Clorinde’s hair whipped across her face, the harsh evening sunset clouding her skin in a dark orange— yet her eyes, the piercing purple gaze— it was unmoving, set on a single target. Furina felt the pounding of her heart echo throughout her body.

The two had known each other for a long time. There was little interaction between them until only a while ago, after the prophecy came and went. Furina was certain that she had gotten a proper understanding of Clorinde’s personality— she was stoic, but not uncaring, and very warm to the people she held dear. Furina remembered the warmth in the duelist's eyes as she talked to Navia, one that could only arise between the bond of close friends. However...

Clorinde's eyes now burned hot, chillingly still like a resolute tree amongst a storm— yet also seemed so vulnerable, as if one touch would fracture her existence. Furina couldn't move, for if she did— it would feel like the sky was shattering down.

"Furina... I..."

Clorinde stared into her blue eyes.

Time seemed to pause.

"I love you."

The world was still. The two said nothing, only staring at each other as the sun continued to set beyond the horizon. 

The golden light began to fade.

"...Ha..."

After a silent moment, Clorinde broke the stillness by letting out a small sigh, a soft breeze to melt a frozen surface. Furina's two hands were pulled up to Clorinde’s face. She put her cheek against them, feeling the glove's texture and the warmth of soft skin underneath. 

"I'm sorry. I couldn't wait. All this 'dating practice' nonsense... all an excuse for me to get close to you. Because I wanted to become your one and only. But I was so afraid that someone would come and snatch you away while I was busy hesitating."

Furina opened and closed her lips like a goldfish— no words ever came out, for she had so much to say but had no idea how to say it. 

"I don't expect an answer now. I just want you to be aware of me, to think of me all the time. I want thoughts of me to bother you every passing moment." Clorinde grinned. "I want to seduce you, Furina. So you can think of me not just as a friend, but as a proper woman."

Clorinde let Furina’s hands go. They dropped down, still warm from her touch. "Selfish? Yes, I think I am. But Furina... your existence has made me greedy."

Furina’s face turned bright red. "Y–You! Uh, um..."

Clorinde laughed. The husky chuckle filled the air, only making Furina’s red face even redder. "Ah, Furina..." She breathed, brushing a soft hand against the ex-Archon's hot cheek, "you're so cute."

"You! You... when did you become such a smooth talker!" Furina blurted out, a shaking finger pointing at the smiling woman.

"These words just come out when you're with me." Clorinde said. "I'm not going to miss any opportunity to make you fall in love with me too."

She turned around. "Let's head back. We can't stay here all night, can we now?"

The walk back to the city wasn't as quiet as Furina expected— well, she wasn't the one talking, but Clorinde. Like nothing had happened, Clorinde calmly chatted about the weather, new desserts, Navia's new henchmen... for a moment, Furina considered that all that had occurred was a dream. 

They stopped at Furina’s door. The sky was dark, only the streetlights and soft glow from the windows illuminating the Court. 

"I'll see you again next time. Until then, Furina." Clorinde snatched Furina’s hand and kissed it gently. "I hope you dream about me tonight."

She whispered, "go in now, it's getting cold," before shutting the door herself. Furina faced the stained glass, still feeling a hot sensation on the back of her hand. 

Was she dreaming? Was today a giant hallucination? But the feeling on her hand told her otherwise. 

She had never felt about Clorinde that way— in truth, she had never felt any intimate emotion with anyone ever— but for the first time in her 500 years, Furina found out what it felt like to be conscious of someone.

As Furina dug into her bed, her mind filled with nothing but thoughts of Clorinde— she began to relive that moment on the orange-hued beach, the hushed confession and the woman's sly smile.

Why did Clorinde like her, of all people? She had seen many of Furina’s clumiest, most unflattering moments, yet whispered love into her heart. 

The darkness deepened, stars twinkling; and Furina, after a long bout of thinking, fell into an undisturbed slumber.

And sure enough, she dreamed of a certain purple haired duelist that night.

Chapter Text

It had been a week.

A week since Neuvillette held Furina’s head in his hand, their faces close, a love confession creeping up his throat. A week since he left her house when a witness broke their bubble of tension. A week since he left the two with regret dragging his heart down like stone. 

He should've been careful of the drinks to begin with. No, it wasn't that— he shouldn't have gotten too ahead in delivering his feelings. A slow development would've been best, but he ruined the moment by being too assertive. 

He wondered what Furina and Clorinde may have done after his departure. A cozy cake session at home? A walk around the city? He knew that Clorinde was an incredibly charismatic woman, and that was what scared him also. Perhaps if it was someone else that loved Furina as he did, he wouldn't be so worried— but because it was Clorinde, the duelist admired by all, he was truly concerned.

He shook his head. All these thoughts getting to him— as much as they plagued him, he had to put them aside for the matter at hand. Neuvillette looked up, his eyes reflecting the glistening architecture of Poisson. Having stood back up on their feet after the prophecy's devastating flood, Poisson was now majorly under construction to further prioritize safety. Workers clanged away at the hanging bridges above, removing the water-sogged wooden planks to replace them with new, safer planks made of sturdier material. 

He had come to look over the construction site. He never had the chance to, buried in his mountains of paperwork— only after many seals and signatures was he able to come visit the new Poisson. 

"Monsieur Neuvillette!"

Neuvillette turned to see a bouncy blonde woman quickly walk his way. "It's been a while! How have you been? You here to see the construction process?"

"Greetings Miss Navia, it's nice to see you. Yes, I wanted to check how things were doing. Everything seems to be progressing smoothly."

"You could say that," Navia agreed. "It's about time this place got spruced up! It's all thanks to everyone's sense of danger that no one's gotten into a serious injury around this place so far."

Neuvillette nodded. Navia fidgeted around, twirling her fingers and quietly clearing her throat. Just as Neuvillette was about to ask if something was wrong, she spoke up.

"Um, have you heard from Clorinde recently?"

His brows immediate furrowed, but only for a split second. Navia didn't notice and continued to talk. "You see, I heard about something from her and I wanted to know if you knew as well!"

"... No, I haven't been able to meet Miss Clorinde as of late. What's this about?"

Navia raised her hand to her mouth, cupping them around her lips as if telling a big secret— "Did you know? Clorinde has a crush on Furina!"

Neuvillette felt a vein twitch in his temple.

"Isn't that romantic? An ex-bodyguard turned lover for her former superior... right out of a romance novel!"

"... Is that so?"

"And you know what? Apparently Clorinde confessed to her!"

Neuvillette closed his eyes, breathed in, and out, and opened them again. "I had no idea."

"She told me just two days ago. She's letting Furina get to know her better before receiving a response, so I heard. I saw them yesterday at a cafe, having tea together. Oh, you should've seen how red Furina was!"

"I don't mean to reprimand you, but is Miss Clorinde alright with you telling me this?"

"It's alright, I have permission!" Navia chuckled. "When I asked her if she wanted this to all be confidential, she shook her head. She said, and I quote— no problem at all! Daring, isn't she! But still, it'd be an issue if I spread word all around when Furina hasn't even accepted Clorinde’s confession. That's why I'm only telling people who I know are tight-lipped!"

She giggled. "Even the stoic Clorinde has cute crushes! Adorable, right? I'm rooting for them."

Neuvillette was silent. Navia stood in silence alongside him until she realised the stillness was beginning to feel strangely unnerving. 

"Monsieur Neuvillette?"

"I apologize, Miss Navia." Neuvillette turned away, cane held stiffly in hand. "I'm afraid I need to go back to the Palais now."

"O–Okay! That's fine, go on! See you some other time."

The Iudex nodded and headed out, leaving Navia dumbfounded. His face was... interesting, Navia noted. His expressions were always so monotone so she could never tell how exactly he was feeling— but it was as if her words had cracked that stern mask of his. For a second, she saw what seemed like the face of a heartbroken soul.

Navia looked back on her words. What did she say that dulled Neuvillette so?

The realization was quick. 

She gasped. Was that really it? But Neuvillette didn't seem like that kind of person. She never, never in her life thought that the Iudex would involve himself in a romantic relationship.

Wait, which of the two was he going for? Was this his first time hearing about Clorinde's confession?

Oh, this was a messy situation. A tangled and messily knotted real-life love triangle was unfolding before her very eyes. 

She needed some popcorn for this.

Clorinde confessed to Furina.

Clorinde. Confessed. To. Furina!

Neuvillette gritted his teeth, his hand crumpling the document on his desk. Did it happen after he left that day? Curses— he should've never left. 

Was this her plan? To drastically run miles ahead before he could even set his foot on the starting line? 

He dropped his head into his hands.  A wave of doubt crashed over him. A sense of resignation quietly seeped in his mind. 

Suddenly, he didn't feel worthy for Furina. Perhaps this was all for the best. He wasn't even human— would Furina even want to date an ancient dragon like him? When Clorinde, the modern and young human, was right there? 

Surging emotions cascaded within. Maybe... maybe it was right for him to let go of his feelings. His heavy burden would only make Furina uncomfortable. The ex-Archon was now free, and he didn't want to disturb her newly found peace.

It was for Furina. For Furina, he would fold away these feelings and hide them in the furthest depths of his heart, leaving them untouched for the times to come. The decision left Neuvillette feeling quite refreshed. 

I need to take a walk, he thought to himself, a walk to rid my mind of this clutter. And then I'll go back to work. 

He left the Palais through the back door, slowly strolling around the designated pathway. The moon illuminated the darkness, and the crashing sound of the waterfalls seemed to take his emotions with them. His mind had never felt clearer.

"Neuvillette?"

There was a drop in his chest, blunt like the weight of stone. That voice, that one call of his name— it caused an abrupt stop to every motion of his body.

Furina walked up to face him. "Out for a night walk? You did like those."

"... Furina? What are you doing here?"

"Oh, y'know, a nice night walk! It's a new routine of mine— really clears my head you see. That's why you like them too, right?"

She was right. Night walks always cleared his head, especially after an exhausting day. She knew that— of course she knew that. She had been witness to so many, even accompanying him for some. 

"Still, a night walk to the Palais?" Neuvillette asked.

Furina smiled awkwardly. "Well, the view here is nice. I may not like being reminded of the past, but this place has always been refreshing to me."

She hesitated before speaking again. "And... and I guess I missed you, or something."

Neuvillette thought he'd misheard. But Furina’s bashful face seemed to indicate otherwise. "I was thinking I could have the chance to bump into you. I haven't seen you in a while, after all. It's kinda weird to see your face everyday for the last five hundred years and suddenly stop, you know? Uh— I mean, maybe that's just me, and you don't mind at all..."

"No. I felt the same."

Furina’s face lit up. "Oh! Oh goodness, so it wasn't just me. The prophecy's gone, and I'm living a normal life— so I thought: maybe we can become normal friends! We're not colleagues anymore. I'd like you share stories with you, have tea together occasionally— just like with Navia, a–and Clorinde."

"Is that enough?"

"Huh?" Furina blinked. "Yeah, like, close friends! We've known each other for centuries, it'd be a shame to just disregard our time together—"

An exasperated sigh escaped Neuvillette's mouth. Furina flinched. "Neuvillette? Is something wrong?"

"Something wrong? Yes, I suppose there's something wrong with me. I promised myself to forget everything, yet here I am breaking my own vow mere seconds later."

Before Furina could question him, Neuvillette reached out a gloved hand to her face, gently brushing away stray strands of hair. The touch was delicate, almost cautious. 

"You make me break my rules, the laws I set for myself. Tell me, why do I feel this way?"

Furina's lips parted, but no words came out— for she had no idea what the answer to his question was. The man before her shook his head.

"I had all the time in the world, yet I couldn't figure out my own feelings before you left. Only through your absence do I realize where my heart leads." 

The Iudex seemed like one who had surrendered to his burdens. He looked... empty. His demeanor reminded Furina of the void faces in court, the expressions before a confession of guilt. 

The stars, the clouds, the cold air that surrounded the two— they all seemed to dull in the coming moments. Furina stood stiff in the changed atmosphere. This tension. She had felt it before. Not too long ago, in fact.

Neuvillette seemed lost in his own thoughts, muttering to himself in broken phrases that Furina couldn't make out. When their eyes finally met, she twitched.

What does that mean, Neuvillette? she thought bitterly to herself. Why do your eyes scream like that? I can't tell if you're laughing or crying.

He chuckled softly, but the corners of his mouth were turned down. An amalgamation of confused emotions mixed with each other to create a shade unidentifiable through mere sight. 

"Furina. Furina, I'm sorry..."

Furina turned her gaze to the ground.

"I love you."

Furina clenched her eyes shut. 

She could only hear the rustling of fabric and the rush of water in the distance. 

Was she expecting this?

... Yes. 

When the world seemed to come to a pause, and the stars hid their light— she sensed that this was a situation all to familiar. 

Her mind transported her to the tender moment with Clorinde. She remembered her eyes, filled with a sense of light resolution.

The situation differed for Neuvillette. But when she saw his face— even a novice in romance like her knew that this, without a doubt, was the expression of a man in love.

There was no reasoning to her realization. Before she knew it, the decisive words had been uttered, and all she was seeing was the darkness in rejection to the sight before her. 

Silence permeated the air. Furina let out the tense breath she'd been holding.

"... Strangely, I don't feel refreshed at all," Neuvillette muttered, "probably because I've moved all my burdens to you."

Furina remained quiet. Her eyes opened, pointing to the ground.

"I'm selfish. I'm sorry Furina. I wanted to tell you, even if... even if your heart is already taken by someone else."

Furina didn't bother correcting him. She suddenly felt so tired.

"I don't know if I wanted to see you feel for me. Maybe even tell me that you love me too."

He turned his gaze away. 

"But seeing you like this... I must say, it wasn't worth it."

Under the dark blanket of night, Neuvillette walked past Furina towards the door of the Palais. "I apologize for everything that's happened tonight, Furina. I've ruined your night walk. But rest assured, I won't be interrupting your outings again."

The door clicked shut. A flickering streetlight illuminated the lone figure, playing with its shadow as the girl crouched down and hugged her knees.

What was she supposed to say to that? Stupid Neuvillette. He said all he wanted to say just to leave immediately. Never gave her a chance to articulate her feelings.

But to be honest, what would she even say? She was hit with an unexpected tsunami of emotions, all too muddy for her to reply to. 

Her heart was pounding.

First it was Clorinde, now it was Neuvillette. Would they take eternal silence for an answer? Or did she have to confirm their questions before an invisible time limit?

Furina didn't know how to classify their feelings, let alone her own. 

She stood up.

It was time to go home.

Chapter Text

Navia hummed while walking down the street, exchanging smiles with other passersby. In her arms was a box full of macarons, a sizeable amount left after giving away her giant batch to all her friends. Clorinde wasn't at her house, nor was she anywhere she'd usually be, so Navia gave up and headed to her last stop— Furina's house.

She knocked on the door. 

No answer.

She knocked again, more force in her knuckles this time. She heard something inside fall, a rustling sound followed by a thud. "Ow," someone inside hissed, breathing through their teeth before finally walking up to the door.

Navia tossed back her hair and adjusted the box in her hands. The door creaked open, and from within the dark crack she saw Furina— at the sight she saw, Navia couldn't help but let out a gasp. 

"Oh, hi Navia..."

"Furina? What happened?

The ex-Archon looked positively filthy. Navia knew that was  a strong word to describe someone, but nothing else came to mind— Furina was wearing a thin silk nightgown, stained with what seemed like copious amounts of macaroni sauce. White hair that was usually smooth and glossy was stretched out in every possible direction, like ten cows had decided to lick her hair from all sides. 

"What? No, nothing happened, I'm fine. Are those macarons?" Furina mindlessly licked her lips and reached out. "Mm, thank yew."

"No no no, wait!" Navia whipped the box away before Furina could get her hands on it. "You gotta explain first! What's with your look right now? How long has this been going on for?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Furina mumbled.

Navia took a glimpse beyond the door. She could see boxes of cake left open on the kitchen table, unwashed cups abandoned on the counter. Blankets were strewn out on the floor.

She narrowed her eyes. "Excuse my manners. Coming in!" Navia, with the macaron box still tucked under one arm, charged into the house. 

"Wuh— hey, Navia!"

"I can't see you live like this again, Furina. You were doing so well! What caused this?"

Furina avoided eye contact, leaning her back against the front door as it clicked shut. "It's not that bad. I was gonna clean it up later."

"Well, if you were going to clean it up, you don't mind me helping you, do you? Let's get through this together. But before that..."

Navia grabbed onto Furina's wrist. "We gotta get you cleaned up first!" The macaron box tossed onto the coffee table, Navia pulled the helpless lady into the bathroom. An intense scrubbing session proceeded. Navia threw her into the bathtub at the end, filling it with bubbles so high that they almost touched the ceiling. 

"... Was it really that bad?" Furina asked, her chin underwater. 

"You looked just like the first time I saw you right after you got this house. Tired, messy and empty. Alright, I'll leave some clothes out here, get changed once you're done!"

After Navia closed the bathroom door, Furina sank into the bubble bath, letting the heat seep into her skin. Surely Navia was just exaggerating. Furina didn't move around much to be that mess she described. All she did was lie down, eating bowls of macaroni on the bed, sleeping her time away.

Okay, maybe she spilt a few bowls of macaroni. But it didn't really show on her nightgown, so it didnt matter.

When most of the bubbles on the water surface deflated, Furina stepped out of the tub. Surintendante Chevmarin, who had been enjoying the bath with her, quickly popped out of the tub and dressed Furina in her fresh set of clothes. 

"You're out! I just couldn't keep still, so I cleaned up for you! Its not much, just a quick tidy up."

Despite what Navia said, the house was shining spotless. It was probably the cleanest it had been since Furina got the house. 

"You really didn't have to."

"Like I said, I always gotta have something to do instead of just sitting down and twiddling my thumbs."

Navia was sitting snugly on the sofa. She patted the empty space beside her. "Come here."

Furina hesitated a little before plopping down, feeling the stretchy fabric caress her. Navia popped a macaron in Furina’s mouth, beaming when she widened her eyes at the sugary heaven that blessed her tongue.

"So. Let's talk about it. Anything going on?"

Navia placed her hand on top of Furina's. It was warm, welcoming.

"I don't know if this is right," Furina whispered, but she soon  found herself telling the blonde about everything that had happened, the double confession and her complex feelings toward love. Navia listened, seemingly unphased. But with every word Furina uttered, she couldn't help but let out an internal gasp. This was so much more than she had expected.

"So... to sum it up, both Clorinde and Neuvillette have confessed to you, and you don't know what you want to do?"

"Yeah... that's basically it," Furina groaned. "Ugh, it's just so— Navia, you know they're my closest acquaintances right? I just want to get along with everyone, but this is a bit extreme!" 

She suddenly launched her upper body away from Navia. "Wait, Navia— not you too, right?"

Navia shook her hands rapidly. "No, of course not! No romantic feelings at all."

Furina sighed. "I'm sorry, everything's just so burdensome right now. Navia, I'm not wrong for feeling this way, right?"

"Absolutely not, Goodness Furina, this is a lot of emotional baggage you're holding onto right now. Anyone in the same situation would be just as troubled as you are. So tell me— how do you actually feel about the two?" Navia asked as she stuffed another macaron into Furina's mouth.

The question put her into a moment of deep thought. What she truly thought of them...

After a while of thinking and chewing, Furina spoke up. "They're my friends. Or at least, that's what I think of them. Neuvillette I've seen for centuries, I'm familiar with the way he does things. Clorinde, on the other hand, is a more recent friend. She's opened my eyes to new things, together with you, Navia."

She cast her eyes downward. "I've never thought about my own love life, but they definitely forced me into thinking about it. And with their confessions, I've become conscious about how I act around them. It's... weird."

Navia nodded along. She had a hunch about where this was going.

"And, well," Furina continued, "I think I may have developed feelings for one of them."

"Of course of course, I'll help turn them down— wait, what?" Navia did a double take. "You– you actually fell for one of them?"

The Furina Navia knew was a spectator from high above, enjoying the stories through the lens of an opera glass. Tales of the people were for her to create, direct, digest— all while she put a clear wall between the creations and her own personal life.

"It can't be that surprising," Furina pouted, "they were pretty resolute in delivering their feelings to me."

"I guess– I guess so, yeah. I think I still have a lot to find out about you, Furina. So, I just have to ask— which one of the two has stolen your heart?"

Furina recalled her first moments with the one. "In truth, I think I had feelings for them since some time ago. But at that point, I didn't know this emotion was love. But now I know."

She cupped her hand around her mouth, leaning into Navia's ear— "I'll tell you. The one I love is..."

A week later, at the very residence of Furina’s secret beloved, a letter arrived. 

Chapter Text

"These are all the letters addressed to you, Monsieur Neuvillette!"

The little melusine officer piled a heap of sealed envelopes on Neuvillette's desk. Neuvillette saw the melusine off before sighing at the letters waiting to be read. 

"This is irrelevant... this is... for later, and this... hm?" A particularly bright envelope sealed with a pristine blue wax seal caught his eye. He felt a sense of something like a mix of dread and hope— all because he immediately recognized who the letter was from.

He cleared the desk of clutter before pressing his fingers against the envelope. He could feel the light weight of paper inside. The envelope was cut open with a letter opener, and Neuvillette came face to face with a sheet graced with elegant handwriting. There was barely anything to read, but that made Neuvillette's heart race even harder.

Dear Neuvillette,

Meet under the moonlight, the same location where we last parted. 

The letter trailed off with a date and time, finishing with a simple name—

Furina.

It was as if Neuvillette had forgotten how to breathe. The letter trembled in his hands, shaking perilously like a leaf in the wind.

What was the reason? His blank mind couldn't comprehend Furina's thoughts. The date pointed to tomorrow evening, behind the Palais Mermonia. 

Where they had last seen each other.

He remembered her demeanor when the word 'love' left his lips— her face to the ground, eyes clenched shut in disbelief. Her pale lips were quivering, like whispering a prayer. 

One look was all it took for Neuvillette to realize he had made the wrong decision. The emotion called love that haunted his heart— maybe letting it out would bring him a sense of relief, he had thought. But all that returned was a burden on her shoulders and regret weighing him down.

He rubbed his eyes harshly, but the words on the letter didn't change. The words, the envelope— it was all real.

What could she possibly want to say to him? Something so important that she just had to speak to him in person? 

Neuvillette looked out the window. Beyond his state of panic was a sense of disappointment at the early time of day. He still had to wait hours before the promised time.

After everything, he still wanted to see her.

The night had settled. There wasn't a single cloud in the dark sky, the stars shining their brightest. Neuvillette pressed his hand against the window, his eyes nervously pacing the walkway outside. It was empty. He breathed in, then out, and opened the Palais's backdoor.

The air was crisp. He felt the coolness settle into his skin, sinking into the fabric of his clothes. 

There was no plan. He had more than a day to think about what to say, but he came up with nothing. No excuses, no apologies— just a blank mind and cold fingers.

He was alone in the area. While he waited, he looked up at the starry sky and silently traced the dots.

"Neuvillette."

His head snapped towards the presence. Furina stood quietly, clad in a blue winter coat. "Neuvillette," she called again, her voice muffled by the scarf by her mouth.

"Furina. You're here."

"I hope I didn't make you wait too long."

"Not at all."

A silence stretched out between the two figures. Furina looked at him, cleared her throat, and spoke up— "How about we walk around a little. You know, our usual night walk?"

Neuvillette responded with a nod, and the two paced around the walkway slowly, side by side. Neuvillette peered down at Furina. Her ears were red, and so were her fingers. She must've forgotten to bring her mittens.

Just as Neuvillette was about to suggest giving his own pair of gloves, she began to talk. 

"It's been a while, hasn't it? It does feel strange to see you after so long when for centuries, we saw each other's face every morning."

She gave a little chuckle. It made Neuvillette's chest tighten.

"It was too sudden. I apologize— the letter, I mean. I really should've approached you in person, but I didn't really have the courage to do it."

Neuvillette shook his head. "No need to apologize. I understand."

"I've... I've been thinking."

Neuvillette sensed that Furina was getting into her primary objective for today's encounter. His hands tensed.

"I have something I want to say to you." 

They stopped walking. There was no sound other than the thunderous crashing of water in the distance, the occasional cricket chirping from the bushes. Furina breathed out a shaky breath.

"We've known each other for so long, haven't we? But at the same time, I feel like we've only gotten to truly know each other recently."

"... I feel the same. Ever since the prophecy, you've changed for the better. You've broken out of your shell... I'm happy for you, Furina."

Furina giggled softly. "Thanks."

Neuvillette's heart thumped at her smile. 

"Your confession to me..."

Neuvillette's heart dropped.

"It made me think alot. You see, romance was never in my life plan. Are you kidding me? I was too occupied with everything else to even think about a love life. And what kind of god even thinks about romance? I wouldn't know, I never was one."

Neuvillette watched quietly. 

"But thinking back on it, on those days when I acted every single second of every day— there were emotions I had felt repeatedly, but never acknowledged. I didn't stop to think about it. But I think... I think that might've been love."

Furina heard a sharp breath beside her. She continued. "Of course, I didn't know it at the time. But I know it was a strange feeling. Like spilling milk over my mind, or my heart melting into a puddle and collecting at my face. All for one person. Is this how you feel about me, Neuvillette? Because I think... I think I also..."

Her face was red, but not because of the chilly weather. She remained quiet, waiting for the other to reply— but all that awaited was more silence.

She looked up. "Neuvillette?"

And her eyes widened. The ever so stern Iudex, the judge to lay judgement above all— the very dragon himself was staring at her, eyes laden with tears. His face was tightened with restraint, but the mere look in his eyes delivered a deep sadness that Furina had never seen in him before. 

"N-Neuvillette?" she stuttered.

"So you had already experienced love. I'm happy for you, Furina. I truly am." he said, tears still glistening. "I'll always support you, no matter our history— I'm glad you have found your special someone."

"Wait, Neuvillette, I don't think—"

"I know you've already rejected me. But that doesn't mean I'm no longer acquainted to you. I'll support your mortal love life in any way I can." 

Furina shut her mouth, bewildered. But it wasn't long before she found her hand being raised against him.

slap!

A swift hand struck Neuvillette's upper arm. He felt a small sting spread in the area. It was barely a sensation that could even be labeled as 'pain,' but it still left Neuvillette flabbergasted regardless. 

"You idiot! You stupid dragon!" Furina hissed at him, her voice laced with fury. Neuvillette could only look on in stunned silence. 

"How dense can a person get? Goodness, I can't believe you, you... you idiot! Blockhead! Numbskull!"

Neuvillette said nothing, letting the insults fall all over him as he remained in stupefied wordlessness. His tears had long since dried up in shock. Mouth still gaping open, he collected himself and cleared his raspy throat.

"F-Furina? Please, tell me how I've angered you. I never wanted to offend you."

Furina glared at him with daggers for eyes. "I... I..."

As she stumbled over her words, her face began to stain a deep red, cheeks so full of colour Neuvillette worried that they might explode. 

The two stood opposite each other, the moonlight shining on Furina's back like a spotlight. Before Neuvillette could react, the lady in blue lifted herself on her toes. He felt a small peck on his cheek.

Furina, back on her feet, looked away. "I was talking about you, you idiot."

Neuvillette felt the warmth of her kiss flourish on his face. It seemed to call all his blood to gather in his cheeks.

"You're red," Furina whispered. Neuvillette raised his hands to his face. It was hot.

Neuvillette wasn't sure what was going on. Of all the possible scenarios he had imagined, this wasn't one of them. 

"... I don't understand. Are– are you telling me that you love me?"

Furina scoffed, her arms crossed against her chest. "How many times do you need to be told? Okay then, listen well."

She grabbed Neuvillette's shoulders and dragged him forward. "I, Furina de Fontaine, am in love with you. Maybe since a while ago. I never recognized my own emotions back then— but now I know. This is love!"

She stared resolutely into his eyes. "I love you, Neuvillette."

The lady before Neuvillette spoke only the truth. He could tell from her voice— not an ounce of uncertainty tainted her speech.

He opened his mouth with slight hesitation. "But... I thought you rejected me. During our last time together...!"

"Remember Neuvillette. You never even gave any time for me to collect my thoughts and give an answer! You just... upped and left! Leaving me alone!"

Neuvillette recalled the past. Had he really done that?

"Do you even remember? Hmph— ah!"

Furina was suddenly pulled into a tight hug. Neuvillette held her head close to his chest, his hand upon her white hair. She heard the racing of an exhilarated heart in her ear. 

"I was foolish. So foolish, I almost lost you right before my eyes."

Furina let out a sigh, letting herself lean against Neuvillette's frame. He was so warm.

"I'm not dreaming, am I? Do you love me, Furina?"

"Yes, yes. I love you, Neuvillette."

Furina felt the hug tighten. 

They stayed like that for a while, only pulling apart when Furina let out a small yawn. "Are you sleepy, Furina?" 

"Yeah... well, it's unavoidable. It's pretty late after all."

Neuvillette took Furina's hand into his own and tucked it into his coat. "I'll escort you home."

The two walked the distance back to her house, their hands intertwined all the way. It was quiet, but not awkward— rather, it was a comfortable silence. Much to Neuvillette's disappointment, they reached the house within minutes. Their hands parted.

Furina stood by the open doorway. "Thanks for walking along with me. Um, see you next time, I guess." she mumbled. Neuvillette smiled and leaned in for a surprise kiss on the cheek. His smile grew deeper when he saw the lady's face flush red once again. 

"Goodnight Furina. Sweet dreams."

He shut the door for her. Furina slid down to the floor, still unsure about the day's events. 

Her cheeks were hot.

Furina didn't think she'd be able to sleep, but the night lulled her into a deep slumber. The morning light seeped through her blinds, stirring her from rest. 

"Eugh, what time is it?"

The clock pointed to eleven. Furina groaned, but remained slumped in her bed. Well, at least I didn't wake up at noon, she thought. That used to be the norm weeks ago. 

Ding dong

The doorbell rang, making Furina flinch. She hurried, gathering herself and pulling on a cardigan before leaving her room. The silhouette outside was full of silvers and blues— any Fontainian would recognize the figure of Iudex Neuvillette.

She opened the door. Neuvillette greeted her with a box in his hand. "Good morning— though it's almost noon. I brought cake." 

"Wha— oh cake! Come on in." 

After Neuvillette entered, the two enjoyed some slices of cake that he had bought from Hotel Debord. 

Furina looked around sheepishly. "Goodness, it's a bit messy, isn't it? I swear I cleaned it again a while ago— just a second, let me clear this up."

She opened all the blinds and curtains that were blocking the light. Sunshine spilled into the house, filling the room with clarity. "There! A bit better, right?" 

Neuvillette nodded. She sat back down by the dining table, joining him for more cake and tea. The thin nightgown and cardigan was all she was wearing, but Neuvillette didn't seem to mind. Whatever she said, he simply smiled and nodded along. His eyes curved into crescents at her every word. 

From far away, a gaze persisted.

Neuvillette recognized the one that looked upon them. But it was no issue for him— instead, he wiped the cream off Furina's cheek. 

The gaze intensified, weakened, then flared up again. Clorinde clenched her fist, her eyes clinging to the sight of her lady's beaming smile through the window. A smile she would never see together with her. 

She had been prepared to have her heart broken. But to see it like this, not spoken through words but through actions with another... her chest felt infinitely heavy, yet also as fragile and light as shattered glass. 

Furina paused her chewing, eyed an unexpecting Neuvillette before planting a sneaky kiss on his cheek. Neuvillette's eyes widened, but not for long— he quickly returned a revenge kiss, making Furina almost instantaneously combust.

 Clorinde gritted her teeth. She turned away, the house no longer in sight. Tears never formed, but the scene of Furina and Neuvillette burned into her mind, like a scar etched into skin. 

She took one step, and then one more.

And then one more.

She didn't let herself be known. Her presence was like that of a light breeze, weaving amongst the pillars of the world. 

Clorinde retreated quietly. She had no intention to break the peace Furina had finally reached. 

It was enough for her to deliver her feelings. One day, they would return to being the close friends they once were.

But, for now...

She had to take her mind off these unreturned feelings. 

Clorinde vanished into the distance.

Within weeks, word had spread throughout the entirety of Fontaine. A strange yet not entirely unbelievable rumor that the great Iudex Neuvillette and the honorable ex-Archon Furina had become a loving couple. 

In the beginning people laughed at the rumor. "The Monsieur Neuvillette? Dating? Don't be silly. He's never been involved in romance for the centuries he's worked for Fontaine! Besides, can you even imagine Lady Furina being in a relationship?" 

Yet fresh gossip began to form and shift at the sightings that took Fontaine by storm. Word spread that Neuvillette and Furina were seen sharing a secretive kiss behind the Palais Mermonia. 

Furina frowned at the bold headline that decorated the front page of a noisy tabloid. "People saw that? Neuvillette, there's no way you didn't sense them. You just left them be?"

Neuvillette laughed from the kitchen, stirring two cups of hot tea. "I'm not against keeping our relationship a secret. Neither are you, no?"

"I mean, I don't really care. I thought you did though," Furina said, tossing the papers aside.

"Oh? So you don't mind me loving you in public?" Neuvillette placed the two teacups on the coffee table and sat next to Furina on the sofa, leaning towards her. His hands reached under her clothes and brushed against her bare waist. "Even like this?"

Furina blushed and slapped his hands away. "In moderation, Monsieur Neuvillette!" She huffed in an exaggerated manner, making Neuvillette chuckle. 

Even the Steambird didn't know how loving of a couple the two were. But soon enough, the entirety of Fontaine would realize their devotion to each other, making every newspaper release print out an article dedicated to their relationship for invested readers every month.

But that was a story for later.

Furina giggled, and leaned in for a kiss. The dragon eyed her slyly, only love in his curved eyes. 

She reached out to close the last open curtain of the room, the drapes swinging as if to signify the end of a play.

Though of course, her story never ended. It simply slipped into a new beginning, just beyond the stage.

Chapter Text

Pale light shone on the duelist's face. It was moonlight, and only moonlight. In the dimness of her unlit room, Clorinde lay in bed, silently waiting for a slumber that refused to come. She could feel the thumping of her heart echoing in her chest, brought upon by thoughts of a certain white-haired lady.

Clorinde sighed and pulled away her duvet. It was obvious she wasnt going to fall asleep anytime soon. The night was deep, but her mind was all but uncluttered. Perhaps a cup of hot tea would do some help.

While the kettle boiled, Clorinde looked out the window, her gaze resting upon the white moon. White and pale, just like Furina's hair. 

What could she be up to right now? Sleeping, most likely. But perhaps she was looking up at the same moon, her mind deep in thought under the same starlit sky...

Clorinde scoffed at her own lofty thoughts. She shook her head, though admittedly idea made her heart flutter. Now with a cup of hot herbal tea in hand, she sat down on the sofa, mind full of naive, wishful imaginations. 

She awoke not because of the harsh sun that poured in between her curtains, but because the sound of the letterbox flapping open and shut caught her ears. And to no surprise, a single letter on the floor greeted her as she approached the front door.

The envelope was a bright white, a blue wax seal stamped in the center. Clorinde picked it up, a slow realization creeping in. This was from...

She hurriedly cut open the envelope. A neatly folded piece of paper fell into her hand. Adorned in elegant handwriting, it read:

Dear Clorinde,

I hope this letter finds you well. I've decided to write to you to tell you that I think I'm ready to give an answer. 

Clorinde gulped. Her eyes rushed to the next passage.

I could've just told you in this very letter, I suppose. But I didn't think that was right. So I propose that we meet each other in person to have a conversation. The beach where you first told me your feelings—meet me there when the sun begins to set.

The letter enclosed a date and time, ending off with her name—Furina.

Clorinde took a glance at her calendar. That was two days away. She looked back down at the letter, but found the words impossibly hard to read with her hazy vision. Her heart was beating louder than ever, ringing through her head like heavy bells nonstop. 

In the midst of it all, the negative thoughts rushed to the front like crashing waves. Was she going to reject her? Faced with the sudden path of possible rejection, Clorinde found it hard to think straight. 

She leaned against the sofa, rearranging her cluttered thoughts. After much thinking, she came to a conclusion—

Just go. Don't overthink it. And besides, what else could she even do if Furina decided to reject her? If that happened, as much as she hated to imagine it, there was no other option than to suck it up and wish her the best. 

Clorinde looked at the letter again and again. All she could hope for now was for Furina to feel the same way about her.

Clorinde thought two days would pass in the speed of a snail, but she found herself standing on the sandy shores in the blink of an eye. It was early evening, the sun illuminating the sky a bright blue-orange. She was alone, bearing the coastline winds in wait of her white-haired lady. 

She noticed her figure immediately. She emerged from beyond the horizon, her dress waving in the breeze. 

"Furina," Clorinde whispered.

Furina approached slowly, giving Clorinde a slight smile. Soon they were right in front of each other, standing with only silence between them.

"Um—"

"So, I—"

Their voices collided. Furina's eyes widened. "Oh, sorry, you go first."

"No its alright, please go on—"

"But—"

And they were back to silence. 

"Haha..."

Furina broke out in soft laughter. "I thought you were the smooth talker, Clorinde. What's got your tongue in a twist?"

Clorinde could feel her face redden. She hoped the setting sun masked the color arising on her cheeks.

"I have my answer Clorinde."

The duelist felt her heart drop. She stayed quiet, waiting for the other to continue speaking. 

"Love is such a funny thing. I felt love for a lot of things—sweets, animals, the people of Fontaine—but never for a single person, the way normal lovers would."

She hesitated, looking down at her fidgety fingers. Clorinde didnt dare say anything. She was breathing out shallow, rapid breaths—and in her vision was Furina and Furina only. Her fluttering white dress, her lips parting to speak another word...

"I never knew... until recently."

Clorinde felt a warm hand overlap her own.

"This time it's my turn to tell you."

Furina held Clorinde's hands tightly, as if praying to the stars.

"I think I love you, Clorinde."

Her voice shook, but every word was uttered with a sense of resolution. Clorinde stared. Was Furina's face red, or was it just the setting sun?

"... Aren't you going to say anything?" Furina quietly asked, the silence having proceeded for more than a few seconds. Her uncertain blue eyes and lightly quivering lip was so cute, Clorinde couldn't help but breathe out a chuckle.

"Hey!" Furina snapped, flustered. Her face was indeed a bright red, almost like a perfectly ripe tomato. "I'm sorry Furina, it's just," Clorinde laughed, "you think you love me? Is that uncertainty I hear?"

"Huh? No, I—okay, okay! I LOVE you! I'm sure!" Furina blurted out. But the sly smile stayed plastered on Clorinde’s face. Furina was almost about to combust—and in a moment of desperation, she pulled the duelist closer by her shirt and slammed a kiss on her cheek. 

"Wuh—"

Furina let the shirt go, leaving Clorinde stunned. A clear pink print of lips stained her left cheek. The sly smile was long gone.

"How about it. Do you doubt me now?" Furina asked, she herself a little surprised by her own actions. But whatever, she supposed. What's done was done, and at least Clorinde was now just as red as her.

"You—"

Clorinde opened her mouth to speak, but Furina cut her off after one look at the horizon. "It's getting dark. We should start walking back to the city."

After a moment of hesitation, she added: "... Would you like to stay over at my house for a while? Y'know, to chat..."

"If you'll allow me," Clorinde responded at the speed of light, "I'd love to." 

The walk back was quiet, only the chirping of crickets filling the air. By the time they arrived, it was complete night.

"It's so dark. It's also really cold. If you don't mind you can stay over the night?" Furina questioned. Clorinde nodded nervously.

She was nervous out of her mind. Staying over the night she confessed? And they both felt the same way for each other? Was she... was she justified for thinking the thoughts that arose in her head? Should she mentally prepare herself?

Alas, her hopes quickly crumbled down before she could. "I hope three blankets is enough. Good night!" Furina yawned and retired to her own room. Clorinde, freshly washed and changed into a clean set of borrowed pajamas ("I bought them because they looked pretty but I never thought to try it on myself!") lay comfortably on the sofa. Oh well, Clorinde thought to herself, I knew it was too good to be true.

She looked around, at the little trinkets decorating the shelves, the landscape photos hanging from the walls. It was a cozy home, especially so with Furina's presence in every corner. 

Moments passed and sleep refused to grace Clorinde's mind. She lay still with her eyes closed, listening to the occasional tick of the clock. 

creak—

The door opened. Furina's door, to be precise. Clorinde kept her eyes closed but ears alert. Did she come out to drink a cup of water?

But contrary to her expectations, Furina turned away from the kitchen and slowly closed in on Clorinde. She bent her knees and creeped up closer, soon only a hair's breadth away from each other's face. 

Clorinde never intended to stay silent, but hearing Furina crawl up to her like a hamster amused her. What was she planning? She decided to comply with whatever she had in store. 

"..."

Several minutes passed. Clorinde was starting to feel antsy. Furina sat quietly in front of her face, not making a single sound. Soon enough, Clorinde decided to end her act. Just as she was about to peel her eyes open—

chu

she felt softness against her cheek, a warmth fuzzy like soft peaches. Her eyelids snapped back, shocking Furina and causing her to fall back.

"Wah!"

Her bottom fell against the carpeted floor. "You! You were awake?"

Clorinde didn't respond. Her hand moved up to her face, to her cheek. 

"You just let me do that? Wh–why?" Furina was fuming with embarrassment. She couldn't believe it. She thought she was perfectly silent! Mortification painted her face red. "I–I really thought you were asleep, I didn't— woah—!"

Furina never manged to finish her sentence. An arm pulled her towards the sofa, her knees lifting off the floor and her body landing against Clorinde's own in a show of great strength. She felt a rapid heartbeat on her back, seeping through the layers of thin cloth. 

Clorinde's heartbeat...

Furina looked up at the girl lying down behind her. Their eyes met. "Can we... stay like this for tonight?"

The heartbeat had no sign of getting any calmer. Furina nodded. Clorinde pulled her in tighter, letting the other press against the curve of her body. She could hear a sharp breathe in—she thought her reaction was ridiculously cute.

Meanwhile, Furina was astonished at the sudden contact. She was so nervous. The little peck on the cheek was purely out of impulse. Never planned—all she had wanted to do was take a good look at Clorinde's face. She wanted to analyze the face she had fallen in love with. And suddenly she was now in bed (a sofa, to be precise) with her...? 

Oh goodness, Furina thought, how can I even fall asleep now? Clorinde is so close, her skin smells so good, the silk from her gown is tickling my neck...

Clorinde used the same shampoo as me didn’t she? Almost... almost like the way couples do... Oh goodness, is a thought like that still too early to think of? Out relationship just started, after all. We still have so many milestones to achieve as partners, like... like... hm, my mind is all hazy... like...

Clorinde watched the woman slowly ease into drowsiness in her arms. Soon she was completely asleep, her head heavy against Clorinde's arm. 

She snuggled against Furina's head, feeling the white hair slide on her cheek. If happiness had form, it would be this very moment. 

Weeks passed. Though Clorinde and Furina never exactly intended to reveal their relationship, the people around them started to get a general idea. It wasn't an immediate realization though.

When the two were walking home after some grocery shopping, their hands interlocked, the passersby noticed and adored the relationship between the ex-Archon and her ex-bodyguard. The loss of divinity would never tear apart their longstanding friendship, they all figured. But when they started noticing the two sharing small kisses on the lips and cheeks, confusion spread. 

"Do friends usually kiss each other on the lips?" someone had wondered aloud. The residents of Furina’s street had stood outside, gathered together to discuss this new gossip. Suddenly, a child had piped in—"don't kisses on the lips usually mean they're a couple?" 

Realization struck the people, and soon enough the word had spread like wildfire. The ex-Archon and the Champion Duelist were dating!

It wasn't long before the word reached the ears of the Palais Mermonia. "Have you heard?" one of the gestionnaires whispered to her colleague, "Lady Furina and the Champion Duelist are dating!"

Neuvillette, passing by with documents in hand, paused in his tracks. 

So, that was her choice.

If that was what she truly desired, there was nothing he could do but look from afar. These feelings of love—burning painfully in the corner of his heart—he would silence them, only bearing best wishes for the two lovers. 

It hurt. He walked to his office, steps quickening in hopes of hiding his expression from the others. His face was probably... strange, different from his usual demeanor. 

Work was piled on his desk. Neuvillette sat down, his hands reaching for the closest document. What better than work to take his mind off distractions? He lowered his gaze to the printed words.

He couldn't make the words out.

His vision blurred. Neuvillette breathed in, and out, and the tears were gone.

The office was silent. Only the scratching of a pen could be heard for the days following. 

"Honey!"

Clorinde’s head snapped back. Her lovely lady was running towards her, collecting the gazes of passersby to her. Clorinde slid her arm by Furina’s waist as they met.

"Honey? Last time you called me sugar."

"Sometimes it's nice to switch it up! Why, are you embarrassed?" Furina asked teasingly. Clorinde sighed and shook her head.

"You know, I heard something about theater troupes making a play about us. Something about lost divinity and dedicated love..."

Clorinde frowned. "Does that fare well with you, Furina?"

Furina shrugged. "I don't mind. As long as it's accurate, and they make you as cool as you really are." She grinned, poking a cheeky finger at Clorinde's nose. Clorinde chuckled and wrapped Furina in her arms.

"Hey, not so in public—"

"Why, are you embarrassed?" Clorinde asked, her eyes crescents of mischief. Furina felt her face growing hot.

"Save it until we get home. Then you can continue, my duelist." They smiled, leaned in to share a small kiss, and walked down the street.

Time would go on, and a play would be indeed created in likeness of their story—

But that was a tale for another time.