Work Text:
To say that Furina has had a month is... an understatement...
To start it all off she had her secret revealed in a rather embarrassing, and admittingly traumatic way. On one hand she was happier than she has ever been in 500 years, on the other, she felt intense shame and fear. She would stay locked in her room for days. However after a talk with Lumine, she was able to return to the stage and even got her own vision. She would still avoid the spotlight, fearing the gaze of others but couldn't resist helping actors and playwrights perfect and enhance their craft. She truly enjoyed her new life. Until the sounds of construction kept waking her up. Even from the other side of the Court of Fontaine that noise hit her ears just right to make her angry and ruin her precious sleep time. But even worse than all of that;
she was getting more and more bored.
After being so busy for 500 years, her mind was struggling to find things to do in her downtime. It certainly didn't help that after her show Lumine had seemingly disappeared. She knew Lumine was fine and it was normal for her to be gone for awhile, but never this long, it felt like she was avoiding her. "Perhaps... She didn't like the real me.." She couldn't help but think to herself. Depression hit her like a wave, all her insecurities and self doubts coming up threatening to drown her again. She had forgotten part of the reason she kept herself occupied for so long was to not let her mind wander into the darker thoughts she hated.
Part of her wanted to stay in her room for days and just rest and relax for the first time in centuries, the other part of her wanted to see new things and finally be herself. Alas the first part felt like a poor choice considering all the noise and she had already wallowed in her own depression for years, she was so tired of it. So she forced herself up and did what she would usually do to cheer herself up: bother the chief justice.
---
Neuvillette was a bit surprised when his door opened with a familiar bravado, looking up he saw Furina, who seemed to be struggling to control her old bratty behavior. 500 year old habits are very hard to break.
"Ah, Miss Furina, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He smiled, it was good seeing her again. In truth he missed the lively air she brought with her, but more than anything he was just happy to see she is doing well. It has been a while since her last visit so this was a pleasant surprise.
"Neuviiiiii... I'm soooooo bored!" She whined, kicking herself for falling back into her old habits. "Ah. I mean" She reset herself with a more normal and less bratty tone "apologies for that.." the air around her went from bold and flamboyant to shy and meek in just a moment. "I just wanted to visit you, it has been awhile you know."
He knew she was having issues adjusting to being more 'normal' around him so he chose to not comment, besides, he was able to finally see Furina for who she truly was offstage. "Well, I'm afraid I will not be much in the entertainment department as I'm currently working on the final paperwork for the new café." Normally he wouldn't mention what his work was about but in this case, he figured it could peak the former archons interests. Which naturally it did.
"Oh? A new café?" Her eyes lit up a little "Is that why its been so loud lately?! Honestly how is a lady supposed to sleep with all that racket?"
"...Miss Furina, the construction meks are only operating during the day. How have you been sleeping?" He raised an eyebrow at her.
She looked away and refusing any form of eye contact. "Ah... Well.." She had become quite the night owl lately, staying up all night reading light novels and eating macaroni, something she knew Neuvillette would not approve of. She rubbed her hands together quickly "S-so what can you tell me about this café? Do they have any new sweets?" Not the best topic change but passable. Neuvillette glanced down at the paper.
"Actually yes, the owner is a very skilled baker and has a wide selection of desserts from all over Teyvat. Seems they want to share some of their recipes and let those who can't afford traveling afar taste the-" He stopped as he looked back up at Furina whose eyes were shining with excitement and... She looked like she was about to start drooling. "Are you alright Miss Furina?"
She snapped back out of her daydream, shaking her head slightly "Oh! Y-yes of course I am fine hehe.. Where might one find such a café? Sounds like it would be a perfect change of pace for me!" Sweets always did help her mood, besides today is her cheat day so why not try some new desserts?
"I suppose I could give you their address... If-"
"Oh no... Don't you dare ask-" She knew where this was going...
"If you sleep at a more reasonable hour." He looked at her like a lovely but stern father with the air of 'I'm not mad I'm just disappointed' surrounding him. "Can you do that for me?"
"Ugh... Stupid stupid me and my big mouth.." She looked displeased with this conversation but sheepishly nodded her head "Yes... I suppose these are fair terms." she said in a more softer tone, the more authentic version of her voice Neuvillette supposed.
"Very well." He grabbed an index card from one of his desk drawers and wrote down the address and handed it Furina who gently grabbed it. The difference between how she was and how she is now is like night and day to him. She would usually grab and pull it out of his hand with a touch of extra flair she was used to showing. Now she felt softer and more gentle, almost not wanting to draw attention to herself. He didn't mind, so long as she was safe and happy she could show whatever side she wanted and he would do his best to support her.
"Thank you Neuv- I mean.. Monsieur Neuvillette." She looked a bit shy but smiled gently. She turned on her heel but just as her hand reached the door,
"Oh, by the way Miss Furina..." he started and she turned her head around "You're always welcome to visit at any time." he concluded with a rare but genuine smile. She couldn't help but return the smile.
"Thanks, Neuvi." She said in that softer tone, this time without the nervousness and then proceeded out to her new destination.
---
Thankfully it didn't take long to find, it was a new small café close to the Adventurers Guild. It looks like the construction had finally finished. The building was quite cute, it was mostly a dark wood with all the hallmarks of classic Fontaine aesthetics, gold white and the tainted Fontaine windows. Outside were a few chairs and tables under a large awning that had light blue and white stripes and fixed above the awning was the café sign. 'Sweetflower Café' was written on it in a gold font with a black backdrop and a small sweetflower popping out of the top of the e in café. Furina looked at the dark wood door and saw that it had a sign that said 'Open'. Naturally she let herself in.
Furina noticed the inside was quite causal feeling. Hard wood floors with white panel walls and gold trim. In front of her was a large assortment of baked goods, some she had never seen before! She was eyeing the mochi quite intently. She remembered Lumine telling her she would like it but never had the chance to, she had hoped that Lumine would make her some to try together. Sadly that seemed like that opportunity had past. Furina pushed those thoughts away, "Well.. I did come here to try something new..." She decided to go ahead and see about ordering only to now realize that no one was behind the counter, quickly seeing a small bell. She hated being in this situations, she always felt like she was being impatient and rude by ringing the bell, even though it was there for this reason exactly. She took a breath and gently rung the bell, it being a bit louder than she expected and jumping slightly.
"Coming!" She heard a voice from the back, soon followed by footsteps "Sorry about the-" Furina and the employee both froze once their eyes locked.
It was Lumine.
She was wearing a fancy looking white shirt with a black vest and bowtie, her hair pulled up slightly into a ponytail. Furina felt very conflicted. On one hand, she was excited to see Lumine again after so long. On the other hand, she wanted to leave and hide away. Before she could pick either options, her mouth picked for her
"H-hey..." She felt her nerves catching up to her and her legs choosing to leave right away. "I-I should go.." she turned on her heel only to stopped by a hand on her shoulder.
"Ah no you don't." Lumine said as she pulled the smaller one around "We... Should talk." Hearing that made Furinas heart drop, she had read enough novels to know that such a statement is never good. She was panicking slightly now, at least before she could pretend they were still a thing but now she would have to face the music. Furina looked down at the floor, she knew if she made eye contact she would start to cry, she could already feel her throat start to tighten.
"About what?" Furina tried to sound normal and composed, but she knew it came out more forced as she was trying to not break down. Suddenly she felt a flick to her forehead and looked up.
"Not that kind of talk, stop overthinking it dummy. I've... Missed you." Lumine said, trying to be composed and playful like normal but Furina could see something more melancholic in her eyes.
Furina was now very confused but a bit more grounded and out of her own head, she rubbed her forehead slightly "Then... Why have you been ignoring me..?" Lumine glanced away, seemingly out of guilt.
"I didn't want to, I just..." Lumine stepped back slightly and turned to the door and flipping the sign to 'Closed'. She exhaled and undid her hair. "I'm not good at this..." she mumbled to herself before turning around. "I'm sorry... For everything." Lumine wasn't making eye contact now, Furina rarely saw this side of her.
"What does that mean?" Furina was starting to regain some self control, but she still felt like she was made of glass and could break at any moment.
Lumine turned away again and started to pace a little. "I need to be honest with you. I've missed you so much but... I felt like I would hurt you again." Her hands tighten into fists saying the last words. "I'm so sorry for that trial... I betrayed your trust and made you cry in front of everyone." She could feel tears start to run down her cheeks but couldn't stop now. "And then after all that I barged into your new life and made you do the last thing you wanted. I just-" Suddenly she felt arms wrap around her from behind and could feel Furina bury her face between her shoulder blades.
"Stop." Furina said softly, tears starting to fall "Yes, I was hurt. Yes, I felt betrayed. But you saved me." Her hug tighten "I'm finally free thanks to you. For the first time in centuries I can truly be who I really am." She felt her make up starting to run down her face. "After the trial I hide myself away, wanting to be forgotten. But you helped me get out of that pit and it was my choice to help, you didn't make me do anything." Her voice was cracking as she tried to keep going, her arms falling away and covering her face. Lumine turned around and held her close, her own tears silently falling. "J-just don't leave me alone again.. Please.."
Lumine held her tight and gently rubbed her back as she felt her girlfriend start to break down and wrap her arms around her. "I won't... I'm here for you ma cherie. For as long as you wish."
---
After a while they had both calmed down enough to sit at one of the tables and try to talk once more. Lumine had brought over some tissues for both of them, which Furina used to wipe her stained makeup off her face the best she could. It was quiet in the small café before Furina spoke up first.
"So... You still like me right?" She spoke in almost a whisper, her voice sore from sobbing.
"Of course I do." Lumine replied quickly. "I just felt like... I failed to protect someone I cared about again. Worse than that I ended up hurting them." She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly "I'm used to saving people and being the 'Hero of Teyvat', but even I can't do everything right." She looked back up at Furina who was watching her closely "Sorry I'm rambling. I guess what I'm trying to say is... I was worried I wasn't your hero anymore and would only hurt you if I kept close. Turns out that was clearly the wrong choice as once again I hurt you..." Lumine looked away, a clear sign of guilt still lingered in her.
Furina had never seen this side of Lumine. She didn't feel like a legendary hero who had saved multiple nations, fought countless monsters and criminals and even the very gods themselves. At this moment Furina realized that in front of her was not the Traveler of fame, but Lumine. A woman who had lost her only family in a strange world and would do anything to save them. Something Furina herself deeply resonated with. They both played big roles and wore many masks and would risk life and happiness to help those in need, but at the end of the day, they were both still very much human. With that realization, Furina leaned over the table and flicked the side of Lumines head playfully.
"You're overthinking things dummy." She smiled as Lumine locked eyes with her "Yes the trial did hurt me, but look at it more like ripping a bandage off or putting medicine on a wound, it hurt in the short term but it will be better in the future." She leaned in closer and planted a kiss on Lumines cheek "You're perfectly imperfect and I love you just the way you are. And you'll always be my hero."
Lumine felt a blush creep across her face before she let out a small snort "You're still so cheesy its too cute."
Furina looked overtly offended, "How dare?! I'm trying to be serious here!" she exclaimed being quite over the top.
"I know, calm down princess." She ruffled Furinas hair a bit, earning a groan from the smaller. "I really needed to hear that, thank you dear."
Furina blushed at the comment and finally decided to ask "So I assume this place is yours?"
Lumine nodded, seemingly quite proud of herself. "I have had the urge to make my own little shop for awhile, to be honest the paper work had started around when we started dating. So I picked a dessert café. The café part was actually because I've been told I am a very good barista many times. As for the desserts..." She glanced away for a moment "I had originally planned it as a surprise and bring you here and told you to try anything you want and I would tell you its on the house and then reveal myself as the owner. But um... Then things happened."
Furina couldn't help but chuckle at the thought "And you call me cheesy?"
Lumine put a hand on her chest and looked as over the top as she could "Oh you wound me so! But I must confess I learned it from you mademoiselle~"
Furina groaned but couldn't help but smile. "Your delivery needs work dear." She glanced over at the baked good once more "Though... It's not too late for that idea of yours."
Lumine stood up from her chair "If you're up for it, what would you like to try first?" Furina opened her mouth to speak but was cut off "Ah wait, let me guess... Mochi?" This earned a small huff and a nod from the actress.
"I'm starting to think you know me too well..." She said with a loving smile, earning her a kiss on the cheek.
"Nah, I'm still eager to learn more~" Lumine then proceeded back to the counter as Furina sat there and realized she had fallen in love all over again.