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Chapter Text

Amber ran outside of Mondstadt with all the energy and diplomacy an outrider should when she was told to scout the hilichurl camps that were starting up around Starfell Lake. There had been an unusual amount of activity that it was worrying the knights, so she volunteered to quickly help dispatch the threat.

”We’re not clearing them out right now, alright Amber?” Jean said, her eyes glancing up from her documents, “just scouting them out and seeing if there’s any trouble. If there’s anything very suspicious, I’ll trust you to quickly report it and not run in head first.”

“Yes Master Jean!” Amber responded eagerly.

Huffing as she arrived and slowing down so she didn’t out herself, she started ducking up bushes to conceal herself to count the number of monsters that lurked around. They weren’t kidding when they said the camp was huge… She started running around to start count the smaller camps however she paused when hearing the battlehorn of the hilichurls.

’Oh no! Have I been spotted?!’ Amber panicked, feeling her heart pulse worriedly as she ducked into the bushes again and watching where the hilichurls were running. To her worry, none of them came running towards her at all, in fact they passed her, so likely… Another worry sprouted in her heart, ’does...That mean someone else is in trouble?’

She peeked a little from the bushes, her ribbon twitching in curiosity as she watched where the hilichurls were running. Anxiety pit at the bottom of her stomach, does she disobey Jean or…?

'No! Jean will understand! Of course I’ll help!’  Amber impulsively decided as she at least had to be cautious, running around to see who was being targeted.

A large tornado blew through the hilichurls as if they were dandelions in the wind and the sound of a weapon swished through the air, ’a vision user!’  Amber quickly realized, at least it wasn’t someone harmless. But with this amount… She aimed her bow to quickly mix in with the anemo energy causing their elements to mix then tossed her bunny out to cause a little extra distraction.

Amber ran out to find the user, at the center of the mass stood a young blonde girl with the ends of her white scarf flowing through the wind. A dazzling sight with her sword in hand and a frown painting her expression, mixed with confusion then surprise as she saw Amber running towards her.

“What are you doing!? Let’s run!” Amber yelped as she snatched the confused girl by the hand while the hilichurls were distracted by the fires and her stuffed animal. And like the wind she sprinted with the girl hand in hand until she was sure they were out of sight for the time being.

She huffed while putting her hands on her knees and stood up facing towards the girl who breathed heavily after their long sprint. Now that they’re out of danger… Amber had an easier moment examining the foreigner, the white dress and bright gold eyes, it was almost as if she was from another place.

“S… So...” Amber huffed as she brushed her clothes and quickly did her salute, “ahem, may the anemo archon protect you, stranger.” She said.

“I am Amber, Outrider for the Knights of Favonius. You don’t look like you’re a citizen of Mondstadt, explain yourself! Especially, what were you doing out there messing with hilichurls?”

The girl didn’t say anything, her face staring blankly at Amber for a very long moment before scratching the side of her cheek awkwardly.

“Je suis désolé, quoi?”

“... huh?”

“... Urhm, bonjour?”

“...”

“...”

“Th… Uh… I-I’m sorry?” Amber responded, stunned. It struck Amber instantly that was most definitely not a native around here language, of all the languages she heard… This was most definitely foreign. Unknown. A language barrier. What does she do with a language barrier?

The blonde looked awkwardly as if coming to the same realization before running her fingers through her hair. In fact, she looked far more lost on what to do. She made a vague gesture back towards the hilichurls camps with a sheepish smile but Amber quickly grabbed her hand.

“What!? No! Don’t go back there! I mean… No! Noooo…?” Amber instead shook her head for emphasis and pointed back to Mondstadt, hoping that her body language at least got the message through. The blonde girl took a moment to frown and process what Amber was probably meaning, before slowly nodding as she looked at her.

“Eh bien... Si la belle dame veut vraiment un rendez-vous…” She responded sheepishly, and when Amber got the feeling she was going to follow her she sighed in relief and let go.

“Alright, uhm, let’s… Go to, M o n d s t a d t.” She pointed to the city that was shown in the distance with the windmills that stood high, “you hear me, m o n d s t a d t.”

“Tu es plus belle que le lever du soleil, je te le promets.”

Amber distinctly got the feeling she had no idea what she was saying and sighed dramatically before making a gesture to follow her. She at least had the relief that the foreigner got the hint to follow her.

As they headed back Amber was determined to at least know this strange outlander’s name, if anything else! She had to learn something, even if the language barrier was there.

“Okay so… Amber.” She pointed to herself, then to the girl next, trying to pry out her name. The girl took a moment to look thoughtful then confused and proceeded pointed to herself,

“Amber?”

“No, no, me! Me Amber!” She shook her head for emphasis then pointed to herself when saying her name, then pointed to the girl, “And you?”

She laughed as if she was messing with her before pointing to Amber, “Amber?”

“Yes!” Amber clapped, she almost felt a little ridiculous doing this.

“Un joli nom pour une jolie fille.”

The outrider was starting to wonder what in Teyvat was this outlander saying, that surely wasn’t her name? That’s so long! 

“Un… Un what?”

She laughed again before shaking her head and pointing to herself, “ Lumine. ”

Amber pointed to the girl, “You are… Lumine?”

“Oui.”

Amber looked blankly, before Lumine nodded rapidly.

“Oui, Je suis Lumine .” 

“Oh, okay! Well, may…. Uh, the sentiments are important right…?” Amber said thoughtfully out loud, “Uh, well, welcome to the city of Mondstadt!” Amber gestured excitedly as they reached the front of the bridge, “the city of song and freedom!”

Lumine tilted her head when hearing that, pointing to the city as if the lines clicked together, “Mond…. Stadt?” She responded with an accent, which admittingly Amber found a little… Cuter.

“Yes! This is Mondstadt!” She praised with a nod and a clap, “let’s go! Oh, and I guess I’ll have to report you to Jean… Hmm. Well, we can go eat first, after that trouble.”

“M'emmèneras-tu dans ton lit ensuite?” Lumine said with a giggle, Amber tapped her chin before slowly nodding in confusion.

“Well, I’ll just assume you said something nice and say yes!”

Lumine laughed.

Chapter Text

Now that they were properly acquainted, Amber figured since this stranger probably was super lost! Lumine looked amazed as they entered the gates, it was clear it was her first time here curiously looking around at the architecture as well as the people who passed them giving her a curious glance.

“Pretty cool here, huh?”

“Cela ne correspond pas à votre beauté.”

Amber smiled, at least it seemed Lumine was friendly enough, she didn’t seem dangerous but it was clear she could hold herself in a battle so Amber should remain vigilant. She quickly guided her to the Good Hunter to serve her some of the Mondstadt;s finest Sticky Honey Roast of course, she had to try some if she was visiting here of course!

Lumine looked curiously at the food before looking at Amber to which slid over with an eager nod, “no worries, this is on me!” Amber responded cheerily.

“Merci, Amber.”

She should at least pick up some words, that must’ve meant ‘thank you’ Amber figured as she quickly waved a little ‘no problem’ to her. Lumine gave a cute tilt of her head before digging in. A pleased look came across her expression as she lifted the fork to her mouth and ate, before hooking her finger around her mouth and nodding approvingly. After she had finished chewing she looked up to Amber with a smile.

“Si vous continuez comme ça, je peux juste vous épouser.”

Amber assumed that must’ve meant something positive before nodding with a smile, “I’m glad you like it! There’s lots to show around here… Uh. How old are you? Er… Hmm…” Alcohol was an acceptable recommendation but the probably was that Lumine looked rather young.

An idea lit in Amber’s head as she pulled out a piece of paper and wrote the number ‘21’ and 21 tally marks on it in case Lumine didn’t have the same sort of written number system as her, then pointed to herself.

Lumine frowned in deep thought as if she was puzzling together what Amber wanted, squinting and leaning into the page as if it was a mysterious contraption that she had never seen before. Amber slowly slid the paper to her to see what Lumine would do with it and Lumine picked up the paper mumbling something under her breath, then looking up to the sky as if struggling to remember something before finally scribbling on the paper with a satisfied look.

She lifted up the paper and Amber’s eyes bugged out.

2117.

“Okay, so I’m going to guess you didn’t understand what I meant at all. Uh… I suppose no alcohol for you to be safe!”

“Suis-je trop vieux pour toi?”

Amber shook her head, “it’s okay, we’ll try and figure out another time! For now let’s head to the Knights headquarters to set you out.”

For some reason Lumine laughed again before simply nodding.

Amber had taken Lumine to the Knight’s headquarters, walking to Jean’s office and knocking on the door.

“Come in.”

Amber opened the door, with Lumine curiously following after and looking around the neat and tidy office.

Jean looked up from her paperwork with a surprised look, “oh, is she with you Amber?”

“Uh, yeah, before introductions uhm! Well, you said if there was any strange activity to report it to you and…”

Jean looked curious as she stoof of from her desk to walk over and give a warm smile to Lumine, hand on chest to greet her, “hello, I am the current Grand Acting Master, Jean. How may I help you?”

Lumine looked Jean up and down curiously before finally talking, “Bonjour, je ne comprends rien. Je suis aussi pauvre.”

Jean paused before turning to Amber and Amber shook her head, “I found her fighting the hilichurl camps… I think she’s a vision user at least! But uh, I don’t think she speaks any Teyvatian.”

Jean looked surprised before her face looking concerned, “… Oh, that’s… Unexpected.” She admitted, “thank you for reporting this, do you have anything else on her?”

“I believe her name is ‘Lumine’! I couldn’t figure out her age though... She also wields Anemo! She seems harmless though, she’s really nice!”

Jean looked thoughtful before looking between the two of them, “well… She doesn’t appear to be part of the Fatui…” She conceded before nodding. “For now how about I assign you to give her a tour as well as a place to stay for the night currently. While I figure out how to handle her situation.” 

Jean turned to Lumine, “I’m sorry I can’t understand you, but it was a pleasure to meet you, Lumine.”

Amber pointed to Jean, “thats, J e a n.”

“Jaune?”

“No! J e a n.” And then Amber pointed to herself, “Amber,” and then pointed to Lumine saying, “Lumine. See?”

Lumine laughed a little before waving at Jean, “Bonjour, J e a n.”

Amber put her hands on her hips with a pout, “I may not understand you but I feel like you’re mocking me!”

The foreigner laughed again before shaking her head again, it appeared she was at least lighthearted, despite the strange situation she seemed completely comfortable with herself. 

“C'est bon, mes yeux ne sont que pour toi.”

Jean gave a light chuckle, “I’ll let you see to it then Amber.”

To which now led Amber to giving a tour of Mondstadt to Lumine, or in general trying to as well, the language barrier made things a tad bit difficult. However, Amber refused to be faltered, as long as Lumine got the gist. She seemed to be enjoying herself being led around by Amber for the time being.

“This is the Mondstadt cathedral!” Amber pointed to the large church, Lumine nodded as if she knew what she was saying but clearly had not a single fucking clue.

“Oui, oui. Est-ce là qu'ils vous prient, la déesse de la beauté?”

“This is the plaza, that’s the general store, that’s the good hunter, which has good food as you know! That’s also the Cat’s Tail bar but, well, you’re not allowed in there because I’m not sure you’re underage!”

Lumine looked at her oddly with a cute little smile. It made her heart do flips in a way Amber’s not quite sure she’s felt before.

“Oh, you can also do commissions here but… Well, I guess you’d need to learn how to read first huh?”

Lumine gave a look at Katheryne before looking at Amber, before looking curious about her as if Amber’s explanation would magically answer all her questions. And of course, Amber spoke to Lumine as if she’d understand anything.

“This here is the side gate! There’s not a whole lot here, but if you need an alternate exit… And we have the request boards here!” Amber patted the board while the knight gave a wave to them both.

Lumine looked up the board up and down, “S'agit-il de primes? Je pense que tu devrais être ici pour ta beauté.”

Amber curiously glanced over to the bounties section before nodding, “yep, these are the bounties! So if you wanna team up and fight some we totally can.”

Lumine laughed before following after her.

They finally looped back to the Knights of Favonius and Amber made a gesture to follow her into the dorm rooms where the Knights stayed.

“This is Lisa’s room, Kaeya’s room… You have met them yet but anyway, and this! Is my room!” Amber stood outside with a proud gesture.

Lumine curiously tilted her head before Amber opened it with her keys, making a gesture to allow her in. It was relatively clean, with a lot of clothes tossed around and junk unorganized but overall it was lively with the stuffed animals and lively decor and bright colors.

Lumine coughed awkwardly, her face seemed pink and flushed as she looked away from Amber, “Oh mon dieu, tu m'as amené dans ta chambre...” She uttered while Amber gave a look of bemusement. She then continued as she gestured to her favorite stuffed animal.

“And this is Baron! I made him myself.”

Lumine turned back before huffing with a pout as she stared at the stuffed animal on her bed, “Mon ennemi de lit...”

Amber nodded as if she totally understood what she was saying, but she got the feeling Lumine said something before laughing a little. She tapped her chin,

“We do have a few more rooms, you can have the one next to mines!” She grabbed Lumine’s hand as she pulled her next door, eager to show her the room she will likely have. “Oh! Maybe Lisa will help you study, since she’s a super good teacher and all.” Amber continued to ramble as they walked down the hall, still holding her hand.

///

Lisa did hear about a new person in town, who apparently wasn’t fluent in Teyvat, so when Jean came to ask her about it knowing Lisa had a plethora of language and knowledge, of course she was curious to hear what the actual fluent language of what could possibly be an ancient language from the past sounds like spoken. She sat with Jean talking about this newcomer over tea before pausing and seeing Amber dragging Lumine behind to see her new supposed room.

“Oh, is that them?” Lisa chuckled as Jean nodded.

“Yes, that is, I’m hoping you might be able to teach her the language here so she won’t have as much trouble, I know you don’t like work but…”

“Nonsense, I have to admit, I’m quite curious what this new cutie has to offer…” Lisa said as she lifted the tea to drink.

“Oh, donc nous ne dormirons pas ensemble? J'avais hâte de m'amuser...”

“Don’t look so sad! We can do it again tomorrow!”

Lisa spat out her drink.

Chapter Text

Lumine laid in bed that very night, she had to ponder it was very surreal being here overall. So far everyone she's met has been kind and they have even accommodated her as well as recognizing her situation.

After being alone for so long, she wasn't quite sure what to do. She couldn't even speak their language which was partially the reason she remained hidden for awhile… but now, she had a start! And even…

A cute girl! Sorry Aether, you're going to have to wait.

She covered her face in embarrassment at that thought, she has her priorities in order! Aether can take care of himself for a little, besides! He ditched her first, unbelievable. Have a taste of THAT bro!

She hit the pillow. Nevermind. She missed him terribly. Come back. She can't talk to girls. Especially cute ones.

She sighed a little. I really am hopeless without him. Who else would wingman for her hopeless dates?

But, at least she got the cute girl’s name… she turned to face the ceiling, she wondered what tomorrow will bring? She kind of hoped… seeing that bright smile, that maybe she'd see Amber again tomorrow.

"Guten morgen!" Amber shouted as Lumine blearily opened the door. From context though… Lumine assumed it must've been a greeting of some kind so she tiredly waved at Amber's somehow enthusiastic energy at such ungodly hours.

“Gu… Guten Morgen.” Lumine awkwardly pronounced, the sparkle that came from Amber transcended the heavens. She clapped giddily in response before continuing.

“Ich hoffe du hast gut geschlafen! Wir haben einen langen Tag vor uns.” She excitedly rambled on a few other things as Lumine nodded, absolutely confused. Everything completely flew out the other ear.

She’s cute. Lumine thought. But I have no clue what she is saying literally 99% of the time.

“Yes, I would love to go out on a date with you.” Lumine decidedly answered, perhaps she will get an answer sometime soon. If it went both ways, she had to ponder how long it would take till she got the hint? She stuck her hand out for Amber to take, from previous worlds, Lumine had noted they had similarly knight traditions… So that must mean…

Amber gave her a look, then looked down at her hand, then back at her with a confused look. And slowly put her hand on hers. Lumine smiled and squeezed.

Amber beamed happily, almost like a kid who got the right answer and squeezed back as she pulled Lumine along. Perhaps laws of chivalry aren’t exactly the same? Lumine pondered, or perhaps Amber wasn’t a traditional knight? She allowed Amber to take her to what Lumine had to conclude what were likely the training grounds of the knights.

Amber walked over pulling out 2 wooden swords giving them both a swing and handing one to Lumine. She clacked them together before pointing to Lumine and herself, then out on the field.

“Trainieren wir, Reisender!”

Lumine swung the sword a few times to test its weight, it didn’t take much to guess that Amber likely wanted to spar with the weapons. She gave a simple nod, "I hope I get a kiss if I win." She proclaimed.

Amber came over to lift Lumine's hand and gave it a gentle kiss on her bare knuckles.

"Um keinen Groll zu hegen."

Lumine stared blankly before feeling the heat travel from the start of her cheeks and all the way up to her ears. She sputtered, "i--- wh-- uhm?!"

Amber gave her a confused tilt of her head, holding her hand out to Lumine.

A-A custom! That's what it is!

Lumine gulped, staring down at her hand as if it was a sinful graphics magazine. Filled with wants however absolutely sinful to touch! But this time… it was her majestic hand- oh to kiss a girls hand! Amber's hand!

Amber started to look concerned and walked over, closing the gap between them. Lumine felt her heart fly out of her chest! She wrapped her arm- oh Lord- her muscular arm around Lumine to pull her closer and pressed her forehead on Lumine's.

She could hear it. Aether's stupid little jeer at the back of her head.

Haha gay gay homosexual gay.

I SURE AM! Lumine's screamed in utter gay panic, frozen in place as Amber looked straight into her eyes. Her golden, beach, sunshine, beautiful, stunning, did she say beautiful? AMBER eyes? Although they widened and Amber stepped back, breaking the spell Lumine was in. The space between them was now filled with sadness and despair. How dare the oxygen take the space they could’ve been sharing?

"Du brennst! Hast Du Fieber?" She said worriedly and shook her head, "Oh nein, ich wollte gerade einen Kranken verprügeln! Gehen wir zu Barbara."

Lumine was mourning the loss of contact before Amber took her sword and quickly put them back.

"Wa-wait huh?" Lumine blinked in sad lesbian as well as confusion she supposed, "were we not going to fight the right to date?"

Amber easily scooped Lumine into a bridal carry with a bright look on her face.

HOLY SHIT! Said every lesbian in Mondstadt, cheering for Lumine, but mostly Lumine herself because this must've been a blessing from the gods themselves.

"Kranke sollten nicht laufen! Keine Bange! Ich werde dich tragen."

Lumine nodded in daze, "Wow. Swords. Haha."

Amber quickly jogged up the stairs towards the Cathedral and Lumine didn’t register the whole run because sinful homosexual thoughts like being held in said red girl’s arms took up her entire roughly 5 braincells thoughts. Amber let out a huff before giving a beaming smile towards her which Lumine was pretty sure she saw the heavens at that moment.

“Gut, wir sind da! Setz dich hin!”

Lumine took one look at the church and blinked.

“Marriage? Already?” Lumine gasped in a scandalous tone, not that she would mind. She was complacent with staying in Amber’s arms as they went in. She placed her in one of the pews and jogged off to seemingly get a young girl in the distance. Again, she mourned the contact loss between them. Lumine sighed, of course not. Oh to be married to a cute archer dressed in red, was that not every girl’s dream?

The two girls came over, with one of them looking eerily similar to ‘Jean’ from earlier. Almost like a petit version of her, she leaned over to place her hand on Lumine’s forehead, with brows raised.

“Das ist eine Temperatur.”

Lumine blinked as Amber nodded, both of them exchanging words before Amber nodding and leaving the place, leaving her behind. Lumine couldn’t help the pout that came when that happened before turning to mini Jean who looked at her again. 

“Oh...? Du siehst jetzt gut aus.” She commented looking thoughtful and confused, Lumine raised her brow and looked around. Almost a bit awkward as she still didn’t understand anything that anyone said, almost like in her world but just instead of a thirty percent chance of comprehension it just went to zero now.

The girl looked a bit concerned before placing a smile, “Sind Sie ein Reisender? Wie heißen Sie? Ich bin Barbara, die Diakonin.”

Lumine nodded slowly, “yes. I too. Am a lesbian. Fellow lesbian.” She responded, because so far she’s gotten away with saying a bunch of bullshit it seemed.

An utterly baffled look came across the girl’s face before it turned into a look of recognition, before a small gasp of ‘oh!’ came out of her, “Sie müssen... Nun, ich schätze, Sie können mich nicht verstehen…” She cleared her throat before pointing to herself.

“Barbara!” She said before motioning to Lumine.

Oh, she wants my name. Lumine shifted a bit awkwardly, as she got the feeling this was going to happen a lot before she got the hang of the language, and pointed to herself, “Lumine.”

Barbara smiled, although Lumine got the impression this was going to get awkward really fast. 

She was right, they both sat there awkwardly like a couple of useless kids at their parent’s friends party who had no other people to talk to and they just sat there on their phones but neither of them had phones so it was much worse and they were staring blankly making the worst conversation. No conversation in fact.

“So, uhm. Nice weather.”

“Lord Barbatos, bitte rette mich...” 

“Yeah, Barbatos kinda hot I guess.” Who the hell is Barbatos?

Silence.

Soon, their lord and savior, not Barbatos, but the sun herself, Amber, returned with a sunny look and flowers in hand. And shouted as she rushed to Lumine with the bouquet of flowers. She felt her face heat up as Amber gave them to her.

“Für deine Genesung!”

She felt her face heat up as she sputtered out, “t-thank you…” Feeling Amber’s earnest intentions towards her, taking the flowers.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Barbara giving her a suspicious look between her and Amber. Lumine beamed as Barbara quickly told Amber something with Amber tilting her head in confusion before chuckling and seemingly thanking Barbara. She sighed in relief towards Lumine before taking her hand.

“Ich bin froh, dass es nichts Ernstes ist, lass uns etwas essen gehen! Nichts Anstrengendes.”

“Yes, you may kiss me.” Lumine said, still in a daze by Amber’s literal appearance, that she was now… Holding hands with her.

They bidded Barbara goodbye as they went back, passing the barracks and back to the main square to order some more food. Amber looked at Lumine with a thoughtful look before turning to Sarah. They appeared to get something different this time, it must’ve been to see what Lumine’s food tastes were like… How thoughtful… Lumine sighed internally, in that gross, lovesick, sort of sigh.

She pulled her to the table, with Amber smiling as she started off again, “Ich hoffe, Mondstadt war okay für dich, und Barbara, sie ist voll nett! Sie ist ein Idol, ist das nicht cool?”

Lumine nodded. “Yes, she is. Now you on the other hand...” She nodded sagely, she would definitely love to do more of that ‘hand holding.’ It was a little bit before the food arrived, with Lumine mostly listening to Amber and interjecting once in a while with some flirtatious comment that she was sure flew over Amber’s head.

However, what she didn’t expect was someone to interrupt their date.

A woman radiating sapphic energies came over with a smile, and her large purple hat, almost reminiscent of a witch.

“Hallo Amber, Lumine.”

“Lisa!” Amber said brightly before gesturing to her and turning to Lumine, “Lumine, das ist Lisa! Sie wird dir helfen, die Sprache zu lernen.”

“Hello, Lisa.” Lumine greeted, she assumed which must be her name. Lisa waved to Amber before clearing her throat.

“Hello, Lumine.” Her voice came out carefully, with an accent, clearly unused to the language on her tongue, “is that right?”

Lumine blinked in surprise, “You can understand me?”

Lisa nodded with a smile, before leaning on the table, with a very careful line that nearly blew Lumine’s heart up.

“Yes, I can. And I think you want to score a date with Amber, don’t you?”

Barbara sighed in the church. “Ich kann nicht glauben, dass ich von Lesben umgeben bin.”

Chapter Text

Amber was excited that Lumine and Lisa appeared to be getting along quite well. In fact… Really well that Amber was almost the tiniest bit sad that Lumine was mostly taking lessons from her that they saw each other only in passing for the past few days. She hoped that they managed to hang out a little soon, perhaps she’d like to hear about some stories of the camps this week? It’d help!

Due to their lack of interactions last week however, Amber couldn’t hide her surprise when Lumine appeared as if summoned by Barbatos himself the following morning after hearing her small desire to see her again.

“Oh! Lumine! Good morning!” Amber excitedly greeted, a touch of surprise laced her voice, “are you free today?”

Actually was that purple in the background? Amber squinted, it looked like a suspicious person was-

“Amber.” Lumine said with such confidence. “You.”

Amber snapped her attention back to Lumine with a smile, “Yes, me!”

“Are fire. ” She said while making a chef’s kiss hand gesture, “ SSsssssssss .” She immediately said after as if imitating the noise of a crackling fire. Did that person just fall? Actually that looked like Li-

“Yes?” Lumine said again with a bright smile.

“You’re right! I’m a Pyro vision!” Amber clapped excitedly for Lumine who seemed to radiate confidence in her perfect (not really) speaking, “good job Lumine, you’re getting better!”

Lumine tilted her head to the side though (in a sort of cute way, Amber would say), as if trying to process what Amber had just said to her, before looking a bit disappointed. Did she say something of or…? She frowned before nodding to herself, “Ouais, je n'ai toujours aucune idée de ce que tu viens de dire.” 

“Uhm, hmm… Maybe I should ask Lisa to give me lessons too.” Amber commented thoughtfully, “it would be cool if we were learning together. How did you… Uhm ahem, bonjour! Lumine!”

Lumine shot her head up, she looked stunned with flushed cheeks, “Oh! Oui, bonjour, Amber.” She said sweetly with a smile before frowning and rubbing the back of her head. “You… Bon Dieu. Libre? Quel était le mot encore?”

Amber patiently waited as Lumine rubbed her head with a pout.

“... Oui! Free!” She suddenly said, Amber suddenly felt excited and warm for her when she got her word, “You… Are free?”

“Yes! I am! Do you want to hang out?”

“Yes… Oui, yes. Oui, yes!” Lumine snapped her fingers as if she had connected the dots together (when in reality she didn’t connect shit) then nodded before holding her hand out shyly, “Peut-être, même comme date?”

Amber eagerly took her hand, “I don’t know what that means but sure! Hmm… Oh, we still haven’t shown you the sightseeing attractions of Mondstadt, huh? What do you say? Maybe we can even spar now that you’re feeling better… Hmm… Uhm.” Amber made the gesture as if swinging a sword. “Or!” Then proceeded to act if she was looking around then amazed, “yeah?”

“Je fais la deuxième chose tout le temps quand je te regarde.” Lumine said with a wistful sigh before tilting her head, “Pour ma part, j'adorerais me faire botter le cul par une belle femme. C'est le combat à l'épée.”

She then mimicked a little sword swinging gesture which Amber understood thankfully and nodded.

“Okay! I can’t wait to practice my close combat skills, and show you what I’m made of! I won’t lose!” Amber boasted happily.

“J'espère gagner plus qu'un baiser sur la main…” Lumine commented quietly while looking at Amber with a smile.

“I sure hope that wasn’t a boast! Though…” Amber looked behind Lumine again to search for the suspicious figure before shrugging, perhaps it was just her imagination?

When they had reached the sparring grounds and grabbed their weapons respectively, Amber paused in taking Lumine’s hand. Lumine looked… Nervous to say the least(?) Amber couldn’t get a read but she held out her hand this time, as if prepared.

“Oh! Are you sure?” Amber asked, she knew that some people were often unused to these sorts of actions.

Lumine coughed a bit, “I am okay.” 

Amber chuckled a little, she had to admit the accent was… She shook her head, “okay!” She leaned down to press a kiss on Lumine’s hand before murmuring, “to hold no grudge.”

Lumine gave a lopsided smile as Amber held out hers for Lumine to kiss, Lumine took it quite gently, her fingers curled around hers. Amber almost felt her ears heat up a little with the way Lumine glanced at her as she kissed her knuckles with the tenderness of a well done steak, “to hold no grudge.” She spoke sweetly before learning back.

Amber gave a flustered laugh as she took it back, “anyway! Let’s go!” What in the archons was that?!

She coughed into her hand before putting them on her hips, “oh, we should probably establish some rules huh? Okay, how about… No headshots for one!” She made the gesture of holding the wooden sword to her own neck then pointed upwards, “noooo. Okay?” As she shook her head.

Lumine appeared to understand, giving Amber a little thumbs up for her.

“And uhm… How about the first one to knock the other prone?” Amber imitated falling and dramatically fell to the ground, before looking up at Lumine, “okay?”

“Pfft…” Lumine started with a giggle, covering her mouth as Amber did that before nodding rapidly. “Oui.”

Amber couldn’t help the little fluttery happiness when hearing that laugh before hopping to her feet, “alright, sounds good! Let’s go! On the count to three!”

They each chose their sides and brandished their swords, Lumine took a stance much differently than Amber had seen, between Liyuen and Mondstandt fighting styles it didn’t line up with either. 

Amber quickly ran in with her first move, quickly going on the offensive to overpower Lumine with her swift and strong swings. Lumine responded in kind swiftly parrying each attack and diverting them to the side with a focused gaze. They danced around the field with Amber mostly chasing Lumine to the edges in hopes to overtake her with pure power.

It doesn’t take long however when Lumine seemingly diverted her blade upwards and closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye.

‘Oh no!’

Her feet pulled a clean sweep under Amber’s feet causing her to fall backwards. Amber shut her eyes closed to brace for impact only for her to gasp when feeling the embrace of arms catch her before she hit the solid ground. Her eyes opened up slowly to peek up at Lumine’s gold eyes into hers. A stunning smile painted on her expression before she opened her mouth,

“ Don’t fallen greatly… For I .” 

Amber stared at her.

Lumine smiled.

Amber squinted. (Also did she hear someone crying?)

Lumine seemed to be sparkling as if she said something totally cool.

“I’m sorry what?”

Lumine’s smile fell.

Amber blinked, “oh nonono! Thanks for catching me though!” She clinged closely to her neck as she got back up to her feet with a cheery grin, “great work though! Well, uhm hmmm.. Maybe you meant… ‘Sorry about making you fall?’” Amber offered.

Lumine frowned and tilted her head thoughtfully, “Pourquoi mes charmes n'ont-ils pas fonctionné.”

“Well, it was a good spar! I guess your main weapon is a sword after all. Hmm… I wish I could ask you what you want for the win though.”

Lumine seemed to sigh dramatically, “Si seulement une belle femme comme toi pouvait m'embrasser ou quelque chose comme ça.”

Amber felt like Lumine did want something but had a difficult time conveying it, she crossed her arms in deep thought before brightening up, “I know! What about you drawing it for me?” Lumine perked her head up as she looked towards Amber curiously. Amber shuffled around her packs before pulling out a small notepad and pencil and tapped on it.

“Here! Draw what you want?”

Lumine sparkled as the idea seemed to get across to her before she gently took the pad out of her hand. Amber watched as Lumine proceeded to draw… Amber? It was a very simplistic and cute style but she could recognize the shape of her trademark bow, then Lumine scribbled to draw roses around her with small Amber handing small Lumine a rose. She looked proud of her doodle as she gave it to Amber.

“... Oh? You want to know one of my secrets?” Amber said shockingly, “okay uh… Well…” She chuckled a bit sheepishly. “Hmm… How do I convey this to you…”

Lumine seemed to await her excitedly before Amber made a sheepish smile.  “It’s kind of embarrassing so don’t tell anyone!”

She proceeded to open the notepad and (attempted to) scribble onto it a picture of Kaeya and her. From there she tried to somehow convey that she had stolen an eyepatch from him, the drawing was crude as it wasn’t one of her fortes to her dismay… However it should’ve conveyed it! She showed Lumine who stared at it.

Then back at her with a frown.

Then back at it with a squint.

“TU ES HÉTÉRO ? TU AIMES LES HOMMES?” She exclaimed suddenly with a distraught gasp.

Amber blinked in confusion at the sudden startled yelling Lumine.

“What’s wrong?” Amber responded back with her hands up, “Lumine?!”

Unfortunately for Captain Kaeya who happened to be strolling by and caught a glance of them. Having not met the mysterious traveler nor seen her, his attention was caught. A smile as he and Amber met eyes and for some reason Amber felt like this was not going to go well. Lumine caught sight of him and pointed at him.

“C'EST TON HOMME ?”

Amber and Kaeye both froze in utter confusion.

He gave a loose chuckle as he strolled on over, “did you do something to upset our dear guest, Amber?”

Amber huffed, her hands went to her hips in an annoyed fashion, “no way! I mean-” She grimaced as she was really the only one talking to Lumine, she rubbed her cheek sheepishly, “I don’t think I did…”

It was Lumine’s turn to huff at Kaeya with her hands on her hips, matching Amber almost.

“You.” She said very severely.

Kaeya stared.

“Well, that’s one way to greet me… You didn’t spread any unsavory rumors about me, did you?”

“N-No!” Amber waved her hand, “I uh…”

“Amber, tsk tsk. I didn’t take you to be such a backstabber.”

“Am not!”

Lumine huffed as she crossed her arms interrupting the two of them, “Fight me.”

Kaeya slowly raised a brow, “... So are you sure you didn’t say anything about me-”

“I really didn’t!”

In the distance, no one knew but maybe Lumine, Lisa was watching this entire disaster unfold before her eyes.

“Oh my archons…” She said, covering her face.

Chapter Text

Lisa had to admit, this was far more entertaining than anything that she would be doing in the library of all things. She had made a quick stop to The Good Hunter and archons…

Hiding out in the bush was most certainly suspicious however as long as no one saw he-

"Lisa?" 

She chokes on the nuts she brought, her hands floundering as she nearly dropped everything to the grass, however with quick precision she caught her food before turning her head towards the Acting Grandmaster herself.

“Why, Jean!”

Jean crossed her arms in disapproval, “what are you doing?” Clearly under the implication that Lisa was slacking off, not that she was wrong however, though… She looked a bit softer about it, as Lisa always got her job done anyway.

“Shh!” Lisa held her by the arm, dragging her into the bushes with her, “it’s getting to the best part!”

“Wh- huh?”

Kaeya, if there was anything he knew about fighting, it was that often their fighting tells a lot about a person. Infact, he was absolutely positive this outlander was after his life . After brandishing his sword and the countdown, Lumine was quick to rush into his space and pull as many offensive strikes as possible. 

Oh archons, that was my neck!

“Oof- A-Amber?” Kaeya said as he quickly parried all her attacks, holding far longer than Amber was but he wasn’t sure how much longer he was going to, “Are you positive that she is NOT after my life? You didn’t say anything unsavory?!”

“WOOO! GOOO LUMINE!” Amber cheered loudly, obviously having not heard him, “YOU CAN DO IT!”

“What about me-”

“Les yeux sur moi!” [1] Lumine quickly cut in along with another strike to her words.

“EUGH!”

Lumine twirled around as she essentially danced her way to parrying Kaeya with her sick traveler spinny dance moves from who knows where because it certainly didn’t come from here, okay. She’s showing off. Kaeya immediately concluded, especially with how amazed Amber looked off in the distance. It didn’t take long to connect the dots.

“Vous avez encore peur?” [2] Lumine said in what seemed to be a mocking tone, Kaeya frowned.

“Now, now. No need to be so- Oof!”

“I must admit this is highly entertaining…” Jean muttered as she watched curiously alongside Lisa who was also munching on the snacks with her. She popped one into her mouth with curious intent after Lisa had caught her up with the current affairs.

“Right, right ?”

Jean sighed a little, “I almost feel bad for Lumine. It appears Amber needs a bit of a shove.”

“I know! It’s so frustrating to see her be so blind to poor Lumine!”

“Sis- Erm, Acting Grandmaster? Lisa?”

Both of them yelped in shock, jumping a little as they both swiftly turned to seeing the young nun herself.

“It-it’s not what it looks like, I swear.” Jean quickly cut in, before the librarian coughed.

“Yes it is.”

Jean gave her a swift elbow jab to the side.

Barbara stared at them with a blank expression… 

Which turned to thoughtfulness… 

Before mild disgust and embarrassment. 

And then it was clear she was having a very difficult time to school her features and trying not to judge,

“... I see.”

“NO! NOT LIKE THAT! That’s worse! Why is that your first thought?!”

“I didn’t say anything…” Barbara replied before quickly turning away, “I apologize for interrupting.”

“NO!” Jean quickly pulled Barbara back into the bushes before any passerbys came through.

Kaeya sighed from the floor, seeing the blade pointed directly at him with his hands up. “Alright, you win, you win…” He watched as his tone of voice to indicate his loss and the glower from Lumine slowly turned into a pleased look as she turned over to Amber with a beaming smile.

“Il n'est même pas un match pour moi.” [3] She put her hands on her hips, as if proud to Amber about her win to which Amber cheered as she came over and jumped into Lumine for a hug.

“You did it! You’re so cool Lumine wow!”

Kaeya couldn’t help but turn away, looking into a nonexistent kamera in utter despair. Really? That’s what I am? Chopped liver? A person reduced to being a side character meant to be a rival in a romance I’m not actually even a part of? He sighed before dusting himself and getting up. He couldn’t help but sulk just a little bit.

Amber brightened as she glimmered looking into Lumine’s face then glanced at Kaeya, her face immediately fading as she struggled to keep her expression.

 “Oh uh, you did good. I guess.”

Kaeya put his hand on his chest in offense, “I can see that I’m wanted here.”

“Nooo, I’m just kidding! You did great too!” Amber immediately waved, Kaeya was positive the outlander was living it up just as Amber was hugging her for her victory. And then he watched as the immediate sadness, distraught even, desolate look came over her expression as Amber let go to turn to him. (And murderous intent? Surely not? Towards him?)

“You know what? I think I should leave actually. I need to brush the horses.” Kaeya quickly raised his hands and excused himself. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Outlander.”

“Oawh… Really, okay well, have fun!” Amber waved as Kaeya quickly made his exit, though he paused before he made his total leave.

“Oh, and Amber?”

“Yes?”

“Make it clear to her we’re never going to be a thing.”

“What?!” Amber blanched immediately at the thought, “HEY! WAIT?! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!”

Barbara was now sobbing into her hands, “o-oh my gosh… That’s so sad, poor Lumine. She’s trying SO hard… I-I thought they were already...”

Lisa shook her head in disapproval as she comforted Barbara with a pat on her back, “I know, it appears we will have to work even harder to get Amber to notice.”

Jean rubbed her temples at the two being dramatic, “okay, I admit I can’t deny some investment, but it’s surely not worth that much to interfere with their relationship. I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”

Barbara and Lisa both sighed, while Jean was right…

“Anyway, I think perhaps if Lumine was perhaps… Taken away, then maybe Amber will notice how much she-”

“What?! You want to hide… Lumine away?” Jean immediately hissed at the implications that Lisa was giving.

“Well, I was thinking about flat out kidnapping her?”

“Wh- NO? We’re literally the KNIGHTS? We are not kidnapping anyone!”

“Why not? We already kidnapped Barbara.”

“No. We didn’t. She’s a person with free thoughts, she can do whatever she wants.”

Barbara unfortunately interjected, “I wanna kidnap Lumine.”

“I-...” Jean put a hand on her chest in offense, especially at her own sister, “You-You guys are bonkers ! We are NOT kidnapping an innocent civilian and especially not a guest in our city?!”

Lisa sighed sadly with a shake of her head, Barbara mimicking her gesture from beside her, “okay fine, I’ll come up with something else…”

Jean gave a sigh of relief.

After Kaeya had left, leaving behind an exasperated Amber and confused Lumine.

Lumine tilted her head and grabbed Amber’s hand with a worried look on her face, “Are… You okay?” She asked in a curious and gentle tone. Amber couldn’t help but feel her face heat up a little, before she coughed awkwardly, her own hand squeezing back in reassurance.

“Oh, uh… Yeah I’m fine… Archons, that guy… Anyway, don’t worry about him! You were amazing Lumine!”

Lumine tilted her head but she at least looked placated and nodded, “Alors... Que diriez-vous d'une récompense?” [4]

“You should really teach me some moves! I can’t wait till you see Eula, she’s just as graceful and cool… Ahh…! Actually, I think she should be in town soon, after her expedition.” Amber thoughtfully said, she turned to Lumine with a pondering frown. “I really do wish I could understand you a bit better… Maybe I should start taking Lisa lessons with you!” She sparkled brightly at the thought, she really was curious what Lumine had been offering all this time after all.

Lumine sighed dejectedly, “Encore une fois, mes tentatives pour gagner votre cœur m'ont échoué…” [5]

Amber’s hand slid down to hold Lumine’s, making the outlander perk up instantly, Amber gave her a lopsided and reassuring smile towards her, “no worries, I know it’s tough we can’t understand each other but I’m sure with enough time we will.”

Somehow, despite the lack of actual understanding towards the words, Lumine seemed to understand her and gave a little nod.

“Je vais étudier dur pour apprendre votre langue.” [6] She seemed determined in whatever she said, so Amber got the feeling her words got through.

“Great!” Amber smiled, her hand giving Lumine a confident squeeze, “... Now where is Lisa? I’ll go ask her right now!”

Lumine perked up at the name, “Lisa?” It appeared the two have gotten close whilst studying during their lessons, Amber supposed it must be in her favor since she could actually understand her versus everyone else.

“Yeah! Lisa.”

“Hm… Elle était censée surveiller nos progrès, tu as raison. Où est-elle?” [7] Lumine seemed to ponder the thought before shaking her head, turning to Amber, a very worried look on her face, “... You…”

Amber’s attention turned to Lumine curiously, seeing the traveler try to test her tongue was always sweet. Of course she was going to give her her undivided attention! What was she so worried about?

“... Are not…” Lumine rubbed the back of her head with her free hand, “you and… L'homme. ” [8] She pointed in the direction of where Kaeya had exited, Amber’s lightbulb clicked.

“Kaeya?”

Lumine nodded rapidly, “Oui!”

That means ‘yes’ Amber quickly learned, but gestured for her to go on.

“No…” Lumine seemed to be struggling with how to convey her words, “Not… Mwah? ”

Amber blinked.

Then stared.

She could feel her bow withering at the idea. 

Lumine bursted out into incessant giggling at Amber’s apparent expression because whatever it was it was most certainly not a positive one. 

Amber shook her head wordlessly out of pure shock.

Lumine put a hand over her chest, and gave a very relieved sigh. Amber tilted her head, why on earth…?

“Hey wait.” Amber commented immediately, “we don’t have any horses?”