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“I’m gonna marry him, Neuvillette! You hear that?!”
Today was a normal night at the Palais Mermonia. Keyword: was.
Neuvillette didn’t do anything much during the day. There weren’t any trials to be held. The delivered documents weren’t as much. The Traveler and Paimon came to visit him on his small break. He walked around the city for a bit, just checking on each citizen before going back to his place to work.
That was, until a certain someone came barging into his office late into the night, extremely drunk and out of herself.
This was nothing that Neuvillette hadn’t seen in his 500 years of working as the chief justice. In fact, it was almost normal.
But tonight was very different.
Neuvillette massages his temple as he listens to Furina blabbering and ranting about this “guy” that she’s been “planning” to marry. And apparently, it seems that she won’t leave Neuvillette’s office until she’s done talking about this person. He feels like half of his braincells are about to explode if he had to listen more. How long has he been listening to this, you ask? 2 hours.
Yes. 2 whole hours.
Usually, he handles these kinds of situation well. There were huge number of times where Furina would bother him about her drunken blabbering and shenanigans.
But right now, he’s quite literally losing his composure.
“Lady Furina, I don't mean to be rude but,” Neuvillette interrupts her as she was about to continue speaking. “Just who, is this person you’re referring to?”
“What?!” Furina looks at him, offended. “How dare you not know the love of my life? He’s everything to me!”
Neuvillette really wants to go to sleep now.
“I apologize. But that is why I am asking. So, please do tell me about the lucky man that you’d like to spend your eternity with.” Neuvillette rephrases his words, careful not to anger Furina further.
“Hmph. Very well, since you kindly asked. But do not forget again.” Furina says sharply, crossing her arms. Then, her expression turns into a lovestruck one. “The name of my beloved… the man I’m going to spend my every waking hour with… my sweetest, handsome angel… my precious Barbatos!”
Stunned silence.
“...what?”
Surely, he couldn’t have heard that right.
“Barbatos!” Furina shouts, and just to seemingly make sure that Neuvillette heard her loud and clear, she raises her voice even more, “Barbatos is the one I love! I’m going to marry him! We’re going to be together forever! No one is allowed to get between our love!”
Oh.
His ears are definitely… not working right.
Neuvillette’s head was beginning to feel heavy as thoughts were flying in his head.
Barbatos... as in... the Archon... Barbatos...
Barbatos.
The Anemo Archon.
The God of Freedom.
The Wind God.
Barbatos.
The one he swears to cast judgment upon. That Barbatos.
Neuvillette doesn’t respond right away. Not because he couldn’t find any words to say… but because his brain is completely frozen due to the shock over Furina’s confession. After listening to her drunken nonsense for 2 hours, the confession that she suddenly yelled out is that she is in love with Barbatos.
And is going to marry him.
She’s going to marry the Archon of Mondstadt.
She’s going to spend her whole life with her.
And she’s happy about it.
“Lady Fu-”
“Neuvillette!”
It took all of Neuvillette’s willpower not to give her an earful. “What is it, Lady Furina?”
“Arrange our marriage!”
Neuvillette blinks. “...I beg your pardon?”
Furina turns to him, brows furrowed. “I said, Arrange. Our. Marriage! Barbatos and I!”
Neuvillette literally almost chokes air.
“Lady Furina, that’s a bit…”
“TOMORROW!”
What?
“What...?”
“I want our marriage to be tomorrow morning! Make sure to decorate the whole city! It’s an important day!” Furina demands. “Everything has to be perfect. My wedding dress, Venti’s suit, the guests, the banquet… Neuvillette, make sure of that!”
Neuvillette stares at Furina as if he was listening to a mad woman. Because… he does think so. In fact, this drunken Archon of his who stands in front of him right now, he thinks she’s definitely lost her sanity. She is planning on having a wedding tomorrow morning… with the archon, Barbatos. And he’s the coordinator.
“Lady Furina, please hold on a second-” Neuvillette tries his best to talk Furina out of this while she yelled loudly about her marriage with Barbatos.
However, trying to argue back with her was practically useless. In her drunken state, she is absolutely determined on accomplishing her goals.
“That’s an order!” Furina cuts him off. “As the Archon of Fontaine, I order you to marry us!”
Now he’s also the priest?
...what kind of life did Neuvillette live in the past for him to end up like this?
Neuvillette stares at Furina blankly for a few seconds as he ponders about what to do. This is getting really difficult to handle and he doesn’t know how long it will go on.
Finally, he spoke up.
“...Very well. It seems like your mind has been made up.” he says in an almost defeated tone before reaching for his pen to write stuff on his paper. “I’ll have the city decorated by tomorrow and have you and Barbatos’ wedding clothes ready immediately. Rest assured, everything will go just as you wish.”
At that, Furina beams. “I knew I could count on you. You’re the best, Neuvillette!”
Neuvillette doesn’t respond to Furina as he just continues working on his papers.
Hopefully… she’ll remember what she just said by tomorrow.
____________________
Furina woke up with a terrible hangover.
She places her hand on her head, grunting at the horrible headache. It seemed that she’s have had too much to drink yesterday night when Clorinde invited her to the party.
Urgh… I knew it was a bad idea to join her.
She can’t remember anything while she was drunk off her mind. Probably just did some embarrassing stuff she’ll be able to move on from in the next few hours or so. She hopes it wasn’t too embarrassing. Otherwise, she’s never gonna live that crap down.
She groggily gets up from her bed and heads to the bathroom.
After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she went downstairs to get something to eat. She thinks she’ll have some cake along with her breakfast today.
But when she did, she was surprised to find every staff in the Palais in chaos, running around here and there.
What is going on?
“Lady Furina, there you are!” one of the maids comes up to her. “Your wedding gown is ready as well as the other preparations.”
“Wha...?” before Furina could ask what was happening, the maid suddenly drags her away to somewhere. “W-Wait! What’s going on?!”
“What are you talking about, my lady? It’s your most important day!” the maid ‘reminds’ her.
Important day? What?! Is there an event today that she’s forgotten?!
“I- I don’t understand!”
“I understand that you have just woken up, Lady Furina.” the maid tells her as she opens the door to the dressing room. “But surely, you didn’t forget your own wedding day!”
Wedding what?!
But- but she’s not marrying enough though?!
Suddenly, the events of yesterday night came flooding back into her mind.
“Neuvillette!”
“What is it, Lady Furina?”
“Arrange our marriage!”
“I… beg your pardon?”
“I said, Arrange. Our. Marriage! Barbatos and I!”
Furina remembers barging into Neuvillette’s office late at night, demanding that she marry Barbatos… the next day… which is today.
Oh.
Oh no.
Furina swore to the heavenly principles that she’s never, ever, drinking again for the next hundreds of years.
Furina feels her face turn hot from embarrassment, and she begins to panic.
She couldn't back out of it at this point, could she? She’d disappoint all of her people. Neuvillette’s gonna kill her if she were to cancel at the last minute. And speaking of the chief justice… of course he’d comply to what she’s saying, even if it’s an order out of her drunken nonsense. She’s so… so stupid.
Damn it, Furina.
Wait.
Wait a second.
How is she even going to marry Barbatos?! He’s not even here-!
“Ah, I forgot to inform you! Your groom is also getting ready upstairs in another room. Despite the stylist not having measured his size, the suit fits him perfectly!”
Huh?!
“When did… he get here?” Furina asks, gulping a bit. Mondstadt is far away from here, mind you!
“Monsieur Neuvillette went to get him himself, I think just before dawn.” the maid says.
Oh, now she can’t back out anymore.
Great.
Absolutely, fucking, great.
Good job, Furina! A crowd is applauding you right now for being the smartest idiot in all of Teyvat! Keep at it!
Furina tries to steady herself.
Okay. Okay, she has to calm down.
She doesn’t want today to be ruined. She doesn’t want to see the disappointed looks in everyone’s faces once they find out that all of this was just a huge misunderstanding. She still has her self-dignity to keep, for celestia’s sake. She can do this. She definitely can. She faced much more difficulty than this. This is nothing. She’ll walk up there, marry Barbatos, say a heartfelt message that will make everyone tear up (and possible even Barbatos himself), and then the day will be saved. Easy.
That’s it. That’s what she’ll do!
Heh, Furina, you’re such a genius.
With her new profound determination, Furina gets ready for the day, with the other maids helping with applying her makeup and getting her dress ready.
Furina feels her mind calming down gradually as they prepare her for her wedding ceremony.
After they were done, she looks at herself in the mirror. She takes a moment to take in her reflection.
Her gown was a beautiful baby blue with an absolutely stunning design all over it, and it was very comfortable to wear. She also sees how lovely her hair was styled along with all the accessories they put on it. The makeup the maids put on her really complimented her features. A light blue eyeshadow, a delicate blush on her cheeks, a touch of lip gloss on her lips that gives it a healthy sheen. The makeup suits her just right.
She has to admit, she looks extremely good. Neuvillette really made sure to get her the highest quality dress possible.
“You look dazzling, my lady! Lord Barbatos is sure to fall head over heels for you once more when he sees you walking down the aisle.” one of the maids commented happily.
“Lady Furina, we’re truly delighted to see you having found someone you want to spend the rest of your life with.” another maid says with tearful eyes.
Right.
Furina feels the weight of expectations on her shoulders, yet she tries to mask it with a confident smile on her face. She doesn't want to ruin the moment, and doesn't want to look like a scared little child in front of everyone.
“Thank you,” Furina says, trying to sound enthusiastic. “I, too, am elated to finally be able to marry the man of my dreams.”
Even though she never planned this...! Well technically, she did. But that’s beside the point! She wasn’t in her right mind!
She’ll just have to get through this day.
Hopefully, she will.
No, she will get through this day, with flying colors and all that.
A knock came on the door.
“The wedding ceremony will be starting soon. Is Lady Furina ready?”
“Ah, yes! We’ll be there soon!”
“Are you ready, Lady Furina?” her maid asks with a smile.
Furina just smiles back and nods, “Yes.”
No, I’m not.
She tried to calm her trembling nerves that seem to be getting worse the more she thought about it.
She’ll be fine. It’ll be over before she even knew it. It’s alright.
Furina took a deep breath and exits the dressing room, with her maids leading her to the vehicle that will take her to where the wedding is going to take place.
She enters the vehicle, looking out the window as she travels to the wedding venue. Furina sits in silence, her heartbeat continuing to pound wildly in her chest. She looks out the window at the city, taking in the beautiful sights of Fontaine. The whole city was beautifully decorated with flowers and everything. They really went all out for her wedding.
But she still has something to worry about.
Barbatos.
Barbatos and her were friends. When she first became the Archon, Barbatos was the first one to welcome and congratulate her on her ascension to Archonhood. Barbatos was the first god to ever visit her nation to see her and drink with her. He’s the only Archon she hung out with for the past five hundred years. She knows very well that he’s not very keen on being tied down, especially to someone. He isn’t known to be big on relationships either.
To be married to her all of a sudden… she can’t imagine what expression he must’ve been wearing when Neuvillette came to fetch him.
Was it confusion? Horror? Anger? Shock?
She doesn’t know, but it was definitely something negative.
The wedding was going to start soon, and there's nothing she could do but to prepare herself.
Furina takes another deep breath, trying to calm her nerves once more. But the anxiety within her wouldn't leave her no matter how much she tried.
They soon reached the wedding entrance, and Furina feels like her heart is about to jump out of her chest.
This is it. There was no escape to this.
With a shaky breath, Furina exits the vehicle with the driver lending her a hand.
She was immediately greeted by the darling sight of the wedding venue. It was neatly decorated, seemingly carefully planned.
Everything looked… perfect.
Furina gulps as she sees the whole of Fontaine being seated, ready to take part in the ceremony.
Someone places a veil over her head, one matching her gown.
She takes a nervous step towards the aisle, bridal bouquet in hand.
Everyone’s attention was on her.
Furina swallowed a lump in her throat. She can do this.
No screwing up.
She takes another step forward, and then… she sees Barbatos (and Neuvillette, of course).
Furina’s breath almost catches in her throat.
He was wearing a wedding suit that matched the color of her gown, and his gaze meets hers halfway. He smiled at her.
Furina almost trips. Almost.
She was so caught off-guard with his smile that she forgot there were people watching her. Damn it.
What is he smiling about...?! I dragged him into this whole mess!
Surely, he was smiling for the sake of it. She was certain about it. Well, in that case…
Furina smiled back.
She continued walking down the aisle, all while trying to calm her racing heart. Her anxiety was sky-rocketing to different levels.
When she reaches the wedding altar, Barbatos takes a step forward and offers his hand to her. Furina takes it, feeling that warmth of his that she grew to love.
Her hands are shaking, but she managed to get a firm grip of Barbatos hand.
Neuvillette starts his speech.
“Sorry.” Furina whispers to Barbatos as Neuvillette speaks in the background.
“For what?” Barbatos whispers back.
“All of this.” Furina mumbles.
Barbatos smiles a bit. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.”
As Neuvillette continues on with his speech, Furina’s hand squeeze Barbatos’ own. Barbatos squeezed her hand back, relaxing Furina’s nerves. They took their vows to each other, then the rings. And finally…
“You may now... kiss the bride.”
She forgot about this part.
Her cheeks turn red.
Furina, in her life, has never kissed anyone before. Despite having lived for five hundred years, that is. Trust her. She doesn’t know how it works.
Her mind screams at her to back out of the kissing part, but her heart says otherwise. She couldn't just walk away from this now. She looks at Barbatos again, noticing the slight blush on his cheeks. He's just as nervous as she is, and that calms her down a little more.
Barbatos gently takes her veil off and leans in. Furina does too.
And before she knows it, their lips pressed against each other.
It was a short, chaste kiss. But it was sweet. Barbatos tasted of apples and wine, something he probably was having before Neuvillette had taken him away. Furina, somehow, wants to get another taste of it. But she knows she can’t.
So she pulls away.
Everyone applauds and cheers for them as their wedding ceremony finishes.
The wedding reception went smoothly. The two shared a dance. Neuvillette shared another speech. Navia surprisingly also shared her speech, and others as well. Furina and Barbatos talked for a bit during the banquet, but was focused on eating the entire time due to awkwardness.
And after that, the two had retired to the room that Neuvillette had prepared for them beforehand, finally able to wear their comfortable night clothes.
Which is… their wedding night.
This, she had really forgotten all about.
“Tired?” Barbatos asks her as he was sitting on the bed, and she was still standing there like a fool, lost in thought.
“...exhausted.” Furina mutters as she takes a seat beside him.
Awkward. So awkward!
“So… we’re… married now.”
“Seems like it.”
Gods, she never planned this. Especially this.
“I’m sorry. You got caught up in this stupid mess because of me.”
“Oh, was I?” Barbatos chuckled. “I must admit, I was very surprised to see one Neuvillette of all people to visit me all the way in Mondstadt to fetch for this. I wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted, but… can’t say I wasn’t pleasantly surprised to hear what you were saying the night before.”
Furina groans in embarrassment. Neuvillette told him, huh?
“I was really happy when he said you wanted to marry me.” Barbatos says with a small smile.
Wait, what now?
“But… you’re Barbatos. The Anemo Archon. You shouldn’t be tied down to anyone else.” Furina frowns. She doesn’t get it.
“Yeah, I am.” Barbatos nods, but then he turns to her with a warm look in his eyes, “But I’m not saying I don’t want to be married to you.”
“H-Huh?” Furina’s eyes widened.
“In all these years, I’ve seen many mortals marry and settle down with the person they love and build a family.” Venti says softly, “I’ve always been curious as to how it all worked. And whenever I think about it, whenever I think about who I want to experience that with, there’s only one person that seems to come to my mind. It’s you.”
Furina's cheeks turn bright crimson at Barbatos' words.
She was speechless.
He was always the calm and collected one, never saying more than what he needed to.
So, hearing him say that, had taken her by surprise.
Barbatos wanted to be with her. He actually wanted them to be together. He wasn't just agreeing because he didn’t want to hurt her feelings.
Furina stares at the God of Freedom, who was facing her with the gentlest look in his eyes.
He’s serious, she realized. He truly meant what he just said.
Furina felt her head go blank for a moment.
“...I want to kiss you.” was out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Furina curses herself in her head.
Just when she was about to take back her words, Barbatos huffs out a soft laugh.
Before Furina could comprehend what’s happening, Barbatos was already kissing her full on the lips. She could feel her body tremble from the god’s tender kiss, their lips locking with each other.
When they parted, Furina's face was tinted red, her heartbeat racing as they looked into each other's eyes.
And all she could say was, “More.”
This earns her a playful smile from him. “We just married and you’re already so demanding.”
“You’re my husband now, so you should be taking good care of me.” Furina leans in close to the Archon. “Just give me what I want.”
“I’ll give you everything you desire,” Barbatos says before kissing her again.
Furina lets out a soft moan when Barbatos’ tongue slips in her mouth, exploring it hungrily.
Her hands move from Barbatos’ cheek to his hair, enjoying the touch of his soft hair.
This is what it feels like to be with someone. Just this. She doesn't have to pretend to be someone else, to be perfect. She can be herself, and Barbatos will still love her regardless.
Somehow, in between messy kisses, the slowly lays back on the bed together, with Barbatos on top of her.
“Take me.” Furina whispers, voice hoarse. “I’m yours.”
And Barbatos does so.
His lips started trailing kisses and bites on her neck, her shoulder, all while slowly undressing her.
Furina gasps at the feeling of Venti's lips on her skin. Her body is sensitive, making her moans loud and soft at the same time. She lets him disrobe her, slowly taking off half her clothes while he continues his sweet ministrations.
Furina bites her lips, her cheeks now flushed. Her face is heated, and her body is trembling and feeling like it's on fire.
She wanted this. She wanted it so, so badly.
She wanted Barbatos.
“Furina.”
“Mm?”
“I love you.”
Furina feels her body tremble when Barbatos says those three words.
He looks at her as he says it, his face so close to hers. Their lips were only inching apart, their breaths mixing together. Furina doesn't think she has ever heard someone say that to her before, and now that she’s hearing it, she’s glad it to hear it from him. And she’ll only ever hear it from him only from now on.
“I love you too, mon chéri.” Furina finds the courage to say it back, “...and just so you know, you won’t get rid of me.”
Barbatos chuckles. “I don’t plan to.”
“You’ll be stuck with me whether you like it or not.”
“I’d love that.”
“You won’t be able to replace me.”
“No one can replace you.”
“...kiss me again.”
Barbatos does just that.
Furina wraps her arms around him, pulling him even closer as they taste each other, feeling happier than ever.
Maybe being drunk and barging into Neuvillette’s office wasn’t all that bad of an idea after all.