Chapter Text
Barbara lived in a rather nice house that she used to share with her father before he left on Varka’s crusade. Therefore, she lived alone. She found it terribly lonely, so she spent lots of time out working to keep from being alone for too long. This led to her rarely spending enough time resting at home. She was a workaholic by nature, keeping with the Gunnhildr tradition. Fischl made it a point to spend time with her there often, just so she’d properly relax a little.
Barbara was lying in bed, in some comfy button up pajamas. Her eyes were shut, but she wasn’t ready to fall asleep yet. She was waiting for her favorite sleeping buddy, who soon crawled into bed next to her.
“Hey Fish.”
“Hey.”
Fischl used to object to Barbara calling her that, but the name stuck.
“I uh, wanted to ask you something.” Fischl said.
Barbara opened her eyes. Fischl was also in button up pajamas, sitting up with her knees pulled to her chest. Barbara sat up next to her.
“What is it?”
“About what happened today…with Sister Victoria…do I…am I really that bad?’
Oh, Barbara didn’t even think about how that could’ve affected Fischl. It must’ve been hard to hear.
“What? No, not at all!”
“I mean, I know I’m off-putting, and I’m fine with that.” Fischl held herself tighter. “But do people really hate me like that?”
She carried herself with an air of perfect elegance and composure, but in this moment she looked hauntingly vulnerable. Barbara put a hand on her back.
“Of course not. What about all the people at the Adventurer’s Guild? And Mona, and Razor, and Bennett, and Lisa? Lots of people like you. Sister Victoria was just being really awful, you shouldn’t take her words to heart.”
“Heh, yeah you’re right. I guess negativity just sticks out…”
Barbara placed her hand on Fischl’s cheek and guided her to face her. She took her other hand to brush her bangs out of her face, revealing her uncovered left eye, pale and faded from blindness. Fischl shyly looked away.
“Hey now, it’s not often I get to see your whole face.” Barbara said.
Fischl couldn’t help but smile a little. “You dare gaze into the Auge Der Verurteilung so fearless-”
Barbara shut her up with a kiss. A gentle, comforting one. Fischl melted into it.
“You know I don’t always think highly of myself, but I’ll take your word for it.” Fischl said.
Barbara smiled. “I can settle for that.”
Fischl ran her fingers through Barbara’s hair, and tucked a lock of it behind her ear.
“It’s not often I get to see you with your hair down.”
Barbara laughed. That sound was more beautiful to Fischl than any song she had heard her sing.
“I like your hair a lot. It’s straw colored.” Fischl continued.
“I like your hair too.” Barbara replied. “It’s gold, it compliments your eyes.”
They stared at each other silently for a moment. Barbara took Fischl’s hand.
“You know I love you just the way you are right?” Barbara asked.
“Yeah…”
“And you know I wouldn’t change a thing about you?”
“Yeah.”
They were silent for another moment. Fischl leaned in and hugged her, resting her head on her shoulder.
“I think you’re pretty great, Barbara. And…I’m really proud of you for standing up for yourself today. And…thanks for standing up for me.”
Fischl often recited poetics about how beautiful and amazing Barbara was, but it was simple words like that which struck her to her core.
“Thanks. It was scary, but I’m glad I did it. I think some people just don’t appreciate you enough.”
“They don’t appreciate you enough at that church.” Fischl replied.
“Yeah…you’re probably right.”
Fischl leaned back. Barbara’s pale blue eyes were half lidded and sleepy. She was definitely keeping herself awake on purpose, fighting back slumber by blinking a lot. It reminded Fischl of a tired puppy who leans over as it tries to stay awake. She started laughing.
“Hah! You look soooo sleepy.”
“So do you.” Barbara said with a smile.
Her voice was getting deep and slow from tiredness.
“I guess we should go to bed?” Fischl said.
Barbara’s eyes were shutting, but she grabbed Fischl’s shoulders.
“Hold on…I gotta give you a goodnight kiss first.”
She opened her eyes to choose a target.
“Okay, first you need to close your eyes for a moment.” Barbara said.
Fischl laughed. “Why?”
“Just do it.”
Fischl relented and shut her eyes. “Alright, but you had better not do anything weird-”
Barbara brushed her bangs aside again and kissed her left eyelid, velvet soft. She slowly pulled away, and blinked back at Fischl with the same half asleep expression. Fischl stared at her in quiet shock.
“You know, it’s a shame that my healing magic can’t fix your left eye. But maybe that’ll help a little bit.”
“I…” Fischl had no words. She had to swallow back tears for a moment, she had never been accepted so much, even by her own family.
“Thanks.” Was all she could say.
She leaned in and kissed Barbara’s lips. Barbara lazily kissed back.
“Let’s get some sleep.” Fischl muttered.
“M’kay.”
Barbara haphazardly flopped over to her side, Fischl curled up next to her. Barbara felt around for her hand, and rested hers against it.
“Good night, baby.” Barbara murmured.
Fischl sloppily recited her monologue.
“Sweet shall be thy sleep, spared of the Mares of the Night. For no Night-Mares would dare draw near… to those who are blessed… by the Immernachtreich…and beloved…by her Majesty…”