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“Lady Furina, Miss Furina! There’s one more person that still needs to make a wish.” Miss-matched eyes blinked blearily down at the group of Melusines around her. The girls were giggling as they gently patted her fins. Her gaze trailed through the crowd, past the quieting citizens, and then at an all too familiar figure being escorted by a much more familiar one.
Furina froze.
Since the recent debut of the musical about a dragon and a knight, both the show's acclaim and the popularity of its main character -particularly the scaly one- have skyrocketed. It made perfect sense; after all, this was a country that had its song dedicated to their Hydro Dragon, so it was no surprise they were captivated by a fantastical tale about another dragon. That was why they had planned post-release events from the start. And that was also why Furina found herself squeezed into a too-big dragon costume, perched on a chest in the center of her 'hoard'. The other reason was because the actress who was supposed to play this part had unfortunately fallen ill. Furina had no choice but to step in and take on the role —the last thing she wanted to do was let down all the fans who had made time in their schedule to come to today’s promotional event.
But the last thing she expected was to see Neuvillette being towed her way by one very eager-looking Sedene. As if her seat was not already small enough, the much taller man was suddenly pushed into it, his long leg awkwardly draped over hers to avoid falling off. She felt heat rush to her face.
"Girls?!" She scolded, but her words were met with a chorus of giggles. They looked at her with bright and curious eyes, and her reprimand faded away at the sight of their not-quite-innocent faces. It was so hard to stay mad when they looked at her like that. Feeling her will waver, Furina instead turned towards the person she could be mad at.
How could a grown dragon be roped into something so…so…improper!
That reprimand also died on her tongue at the gaze Neuvillette sent her. Her gloved hand was captured in his.
“Lady…Furina, if I may be so bold as to say, I think being a dragon suits you.” Through the glove, she could feel the warmth of his breath.
The heat on her face crept down her neck. Even the hood of her dragon suit could not hide it. Neuvillette's eyes bore into Furina's, the unmistakeable fondness did nothing to hide the rare spark of mischievous dancing in their depths. The true dragon leaned in closer, his warm breath tickling her cheek even through the thick fabric of the dragon suit. This close together, Furina could feel his warmth seeping into her side, as he shifted his leg to…hook against hers.
"Are you alright, Lady Furina?" Neuvillette's voice cut through her thoughts.
Furina swallowed hard. "I-I'm fine," she stammered.
“Lady Furina, his wish!” Sedene prodded. Furina jolted at the touch before she cleared her throat, “W-wish? Oh uhm…” The weight of expectation was hard to deny. The white-haired woman cleared her throat as she straightened her back. She refused to be cowed, not with her pride as an actress, director, and professional on the line. “You, who dare brave my lair, tell me what it is your heart so desire and perhaps it may be fulfilled!”
“A kiss.” The words were out without a second of hesitation. Furina blinked up at the man on her lap. “I desire a kiss from the kindest dragon in the land.” The Melusines around her gasped in excitement, their giggles growing louder. This incorrigible dragon of hers— impishness sparked in her own eyes. She waved him closer and like a moth drawn to a flame, he leaned down.
“W-well then, I do have a mirror here if you want,” her voice was just above a whisper. “To kiss—” Her cheek brushed him as she turned her head. The crowd gasped.
Furina felt Neuvillette’s lips on her own. His tongue traced the shape of her lips and for a second she forgot how to breathe. Just as sudden as it occurred, the man was already drawn back. The faintest hint of pink dusted his cheek but his eyes were anything but shy as it soaked up the dazed expression that was on her face.
“W-what—”
“Thank you, kind dragon, for granting me my wish.” She barely registered the pleased grumble. Even the giggles of the Melusines seemed distant, drowned out by the rush of blood in her ears.
Furina blinked rapidly, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to regain her composure and still her rapidly beating heart.
"Quite the impromptu display, my dear dragon," she managed, her voice slightly breathless.
"It seemed only fair to make use of the opportunity, wouldn't you agree?"
Furina groaned. The Steambird was going to have a field day.