Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Now please all say cheese!”

The photographer shouted his voice barely cutting through the applause for the winners of the Fontinalia Festival.

Furina felt just as happy as she was embarrassed. Just why did she have to hold the trophy with her miniature? It was somewhat uncomfortable for her, however her argument was one against six.

So, holding her head up high she waited for the moment when the camera’s flash would go out.

Bright light blinded them for a split second followed by pleased laughter from her coworkers.

Yet, unlike them a giggle did not escape Furina’s throat.

The moment the flash went out the first thing her eyes spotted was a glint of platinum like light. Someone, whose hair was of that shade, was hastily making their way through the crowd. Slim figure of average height, well defined shoulders and…

The figure looked towards the stage and their eyes met with hers.

Purple-pink eyes with cat like pupil narrowing their gaze onto the woman dressed in blue.

It was just a split second, yet Furina could tell how badly her knees began to shake.

“Furina? Is everything alright?”

Gently a hand of a well trusted friend found its place on the frozen shoulder. Upon hearing Lumine’s concerned voice Furina gaze turned to her side.

Inhaling she forced the corners of her mouth to lift.

“Yes, it is! Why wouldn’t it be?”

To her own dismay the answer could never trick someone who had seen her at the lowest of the low.

Luckily, Lumine would not question further. They were standing in front of a large crowd after all. Any words could get overheard.

“Lady Furina, could we request an interview please?” one of the reporters hastily pushed through the growing crowd.

Furina let out a breath she didn’t know her lungs were holding. Maybe by retelling the nerve-wracking adventure they just experienced her mind would let go of the other trivial matter.

There were just two people she never wished to meet.
Due to their complicated history she hoped to limit as much contact with Neuvillette as possible. Might it be that he held no grudges against her and certainly did not desire to put her to a trial for her deceitful play, but Furina just couldn’t bring herself to face him yet. Lumine also spoke for Neuvillette’s behalf that all he wished for her was to find happiness.

But all those painful memories and the fact he was also still providing for her financially brought nothing else than embarrassment.

And the second person being someone who won two trials against her, tricked, fooled her and had her dance on top of his palm. The great magician and liar Lyney. The sole idea she would cross paths with him again made number of contradicting emotions surface.

Anger, fear, frustration.

But,
Also thrill and puzzling restless heart.

But time was now that was then. Straightening her posture Furina gathered herself. Dwelling on the past she wouldn’t.

“Coming!” with even wider pretentious smile on her lips she began to strut towards the crowd of the gathering journalists.

Number of reporters stopped by Furina. Each with a great number of questions and requests for photos. Furina was well practiced in delivering the ideal idol to her people, but even she had her limits. The moment when the eighth or tenth journalist left (she was too tired to keep up with the numbers anymore) she had to lean on a nearby pillar.

Her face was stiff from the constant smiling and throat dry from the never ending talking.

Water or lemonade was all she hoped for.

“Please for a moment Lady Furina if I could trouble you?”

Furina looked up and her heart skipped a beat. A tall blonde journalist was standing in front of her, dressed in black vest.

Of course it wasn’t him. Lyney wouldn’t dare to approach her.

‘Indeed, he wouldn’t dare, why would he?’

She already finished playing the part in his play. The character of the naïve goddess who was all so easy to trick in the limelight.

But, at the same time, something in her crushed. The weight of the reality was immense which made her lungs shrink.

“Please I need a break for a moment. I have given out too many interviews to count and I do have my limits.”

The young journalist’s face frowned in disappointment, but luckily, he wasn’t one of those pushy annoying “professionals”. He stepped aside making a path for Furina.

On her way she stopped by Xavier and handed him the trophy. Few words were exchanged as he was already drunk in all the attention and, undeniably, alcohol as well. Furina sighed but it also pleased her. The road was a rocky one, but they did make it in the end.

Everyone played their part, contributed to the final product so now more than ever they all deserved to celebrate.

And she was happy that she was given the chance to be the part of it.

Leaving Xavier behind finally she made her way to one of the stalls with drinks. Number of endearing beverages, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, appealed to her. She scanned the menu at least twice deciding whether to be responsible or to steam off slightly.

For a moment she looked up and once again someone with blonde hair walked by.

This time it was a woman with a short haircut, but the annoying feeling once again fluttered in her core.

Alcoholic drink it was then!

Time passed and couple of people stopped by the stall to have the honor of exchanging couple of words with the renowned lady herself.

How much time had passed Furina had no clue, however she could estimate it somewhat by the growing heat in her cheeks.

“I would have never expected that such luck would fall upon me. Lady Furina, you seem to be quite content with the party it appears.” A deep voice of a man suddenly brought the tipsy girl out from her hazy thoughts.

The milky blue eyes looked up. The man by her side was tall, with black hair sleekly tucked behind his ears. He wore simple tuxedo and the whole look was completed by a cunning expression he wore on his handsome face. He had deep hazel eyes in which Furina could almost make out her reflection.

“Ah- Yes! Certainly, a feast! Winners or losers all shall rejoice!” more she could not pronounce. She reached out for her glass and took a sip.

“Haha- certainly. Happy to hear you also take us the losers into account.” The man narrowed his gaze on her.

“???” Furina’s eyes widened.

“I am one of the losers your film managed to make.
But do not worry. I hold no grudges against you or your troupe. This was a fair fight and we have lost. Now all that is left for us is to watch your movie repeatedly and look for your secret tactics which got you the trophy.”

The man leaned on his left arm gaze still glued on Furina. His eyes shone in light Furina wasn’t able to decipher.

Compassion?
Admiration?

Whatever it was it was all aimed at her and her only. Strange aura emitted from the man binding Furina in place. Normally she would pull out from the conversation and seek out a friend in the crowd.

But after all that had happened recently, her being just a puppet in a show of people she thought she could trust made her question her ability of reading people. Maybe her prejudice towards the man was again missing its mark.

The complexity of it all was too confusing and the exchange challenged Furina’s foggy mind even more. Plus, the unpleasant emotions evoked by the doubts were biting on the innards like merciless frost.

Desire for another drink painted itself on her face. Naturally it had not escaped the cunning gaze of the man.

“However, wouldn’t the winner mind sharing some tips for a loser like me. In exchange for a drink of course. Let me entertain today’s star. It would certainly honor a lowly citizen like me.” The tone in which he said it was of the type that seek out pity.

“Nobody is lowly in arts! Do not speak of yourself like that!
Naturally I will be more than happy to oblige. Shoot your questions!” did the hazy mind willingly play into the man’s cards.

The conversation was on the innocent side. The man would ask questions and Furina replied in forward manner. Meanwhile without noticing new glasses were put in front of her before she even finished the previous.

The man was rather sneaky and terrifyingly patient in his approach.

Naturally, the more Furina drank the less conscious she got. Soon her legs felt like on a cloud and thoughts could barely be arranged into coherent sentences.

Finally did the drunk brain, with its last working braincells, notice that the glass wasn’t empty once again.

“Ain’t these glasses funny? Hahaha- my hasn’t run out yet! What a magic trick!” She burst out laughing.

She bent down in her waist holding tightly onto her aching belly.

Lustful light suddenly glinted in the man’s eyes. While the drunk woman wasn’t looking, he took a small packet out of his sleeves and hovered it above Furina’s drink.

Yet, before the white powder could spill from it an arm violently grabbed the man’s wrist out of nowhere.

The sudden intrusion froze the time, and the two participants of the conversation were left stunned in their positions.

Furina’s blurry eyes looked up. Immediately they were blinded by the light of the streetlamps which outlined a figure of a slim man with blonde hair. A man she would recognize anywhere anytime.

“And may I request dear sir what were you about to do?” while cheerful Lyney’s voice was it was also threatening. Deadly threatening.

“Mr. Lyney when did you?” The man stood petrified.

“I was just passing by looking for my sister when I heard someone scream ‘magic’. Naturally any magician like myself would grow curious and search for the source.” The grip on the man’s wrist painfully tightened. The stunned pale expression of the man twisted in pain.

“And were I to tell myself I am relieved to have followed.” Almost a growl had escaped from the mouth which would normally spill nothing but pleasantry.

Furina couldn’t exactly focus on what was happening and barely understood a single word uttered. What interested her more were the hovering hands above the glasses. She narrowed her posture leaning closer to them as it was the white packet that piqued her interest.

Noticing her movements Lyney’s right arm immediately reached out, enveloped her waist, and pulled the tipsy woman close to him. Her hot breath brushed the skin of his jaw and the strong scent of alcohol alarmed him. Just from the scent itself he could get drunk.

For Archon’s sake! Was she really that drunk not to notice?!
Forget that- The scum had to be dealt with first!

The subtle scent of rainbow roses gently enveloped Furina’s drunk senses. A scent she remembered. A scent she knew. All accompanied by a warmth that had no equal.

Furina’s figure leaned closer her face nuzzling in the crook of Lyney’s neck. Lyney was angry and it appeared he was angry for her sake. Something about that pleased Furina’s drunk senses.

The arm that held her assured her of one undeniable fact.

She was safe.

“What is going on?” finally the stall’s owner noticed the commotion.
“Mr. Lyney, may I request an explanation?”

Not letting go of the man’s wrist the furious lad turned to the owner.

“Please call the Special Security Captain. I believe she is hasn’t left yet. We have just caught the criminal behind the series of violations that was on the rise recently.”

Without uttering a word, the stunned stall owner did as she was requested. Clearly, she wished not to argue with Lyney whose aura emitted nothing but the feel of raging flames.

Every nerve, every muscle tissue and every thought boiled in Lyney. If he hated something the most it was undeniably vermin like this man. Those bastards which could not keep the thing in their pants driven by revolting lust.

Luckily before he had the chance to break or twist the man’s arm Chevreuse came to the place with two other officers behind her.

“Thank you, Mr. Lyney. We shall take it from here.” The two men cuffed the criminal and began to drag him away.

“Thank you.” Even if the danger was prevented and culprit caught Lyney still wasn’t satisfied.

‘Vermin! Cursed vermin is he!
And many more like him roam in the streets daily. Threatening the lives because their own lustful sick desires.’

His expression was glued to the two of glasses before him.

How many girls have fallen victim to this man?
Were those numbers that The Steambird published where it ended or were there more victims?
How many?
How long?
Were there also boys? Boys who fell victim like he did once in the past?

Lyney felt like he wanted to throw up. His gut hurt painfully, and stomach was set ablaze. Even the arm which was so resolute to hurt the criminal not even a second ago was still shaking in desire to catch up and strangle the man.

“Poke!”

A cold finger touched his right cheek. Pleasant coolness spread from that one place bringing his angered awareness back to reality.

“You a’e really anwgy! Don’t be angwy! We are safe!” drunk yet compassionate voice called out to him.

Only then did Lyney remember that Furina was still tightly in his embrace. Her cold palm was now placed over his heart.

“Mr. Lyney, I understand you are still angry. You have all the right to be but let me on the behalf of Fontaine’s safety now thank you.” Chevreuse expressed her gratitude.

“He only got what criminals like him deserve.” Lyney muttered.

“We will inform Monsieur Neuvillette of the case. Certainly, now it will be held with even greater importance since-“

Chevreuse didn’t need to finish as Lyney understood. The gazes of the two sober ones turned to Furina.

She blinked once at Chevreuse and then her gaze shifted to Lyney.

The moment when the cold tip of her nose brushed against his did Lyney realize how close their faces were. Immediately his gaze shifted away.

“Ne- Neu- Neuvillette will come?! He can’t come! He mustn’t come!” Furina began to plead.

She grabbed Lyney by the collar of his shirt and pulled him even closer to her demanding attention. Her breath was hot, eyes blurry, cheeks red, lips plump and her body rubbed on all the wrong places as she leaned on him even harder.

Lyney wanted to die on the spot.

“Ehm-
Lady Furina, please calm down. He will not come.” Lyney pulled away putting distance between them. Gently his hands took hold of Furina’s shoulders. His thumbs began moving in circular motion massaging the skin through the rough suit fabric.

But to Chevreuse and Lyney’s terror the drunk Furina wasn’t done. Heavy tears began rolling down her cheeks. The two stood absolutely petrified.

“I WANT TO GO HOME! TAKE ME HOME!” She continued the tantrum.

Many onlookers began to whisper among themselves. Chevreuse wasted no second and approached the weeping figure.

"Certainly, my Lady. Now please give me your ha-“

“NO!” surprisingly Furina slapped Chevreuse’s hand and latched onto Lyney. Her arms tightly wrapped around his slim waist.

“Lyney will take me! He owes it to me!”

And so the hopeless lad escorted the drunk woman. But, to his surprise not a sound came from Furina during their stroll. She merrily held his hand, peacefully walking by his side.

Hadn’t he just experienced what he had Lyney would never say that Furina was drunk.

Slow was their stroll, bathing in the orange light of the streetlamps enveloped in soothing tranquility. Before they knew it, they reached Furina’s place.

Now Lyney’s mind really began to work. They walked a distance, but it was hard to tell whether it was enough to lower the level of the alcohol.

Plus, another question he kept on asking was- had she drunk some water or at least eaten something?

He was more than certain that asking Furina directly would be futile. Escorting her up to her apartment’s door would be the least he could do. Normally his strong morals would be against the thought, but safety of a slightly intoxicated person was at question.

“We have arrived.
Lady Furina, do you have your keys?” Lyney asked.

“Yeap!
Got them right here!” with her left hand she reached into a hidden pocket of her jacket.

Once she dug them out Lyney got to see just three keys on the key ring.

“Allow me to help you.” The lad requested and opened his palm. Without any hesitation the girl handed him the tiny bundle.

Lyney opened the doors and then attentively followed Furina to the floor where her apartment was.

As he had expected, the house was built for ordinary citizens. Narrow staircase and hallways, walls with cheap wallpaper and old wooden floor that made a sound with every step they took.

Lyney was right behind Furina in case where she to stumble or lose her balance (primarily on the stairs). Nonetheless, he was relieved to see that Furina could navigate herself effortlessly. She must had grown accustomed to the new accommodation by now.

The pair followed to one of the doors on the third floor.

Reaching their goal Furina spun on the heel and stretched out her palm.

For a split second Lyney hesitated, but it was her apartment and it would definitely be rude of him to open it for her.

Plus, he could observe her movements and from that determine whether
Further assistance of his was required.

The keys were handed to her and to Lyney’s dismay Furina was still drunk. The keys scraped the wood of the door and missed the target repeatedly.

Heavy sigh escaped the troubled lad’s lips.

“Please let me.” Taking a step closer to the woman his hand carefully enveloped hers.

Easily he judged which key was the one to open the door and together they pushed them open.

“HA-“ a victorious giggle came from her. Furina looked over her shoulder and the mesmerizing eyes met with the pink cat-like pair.

For a moment everything in Lyney’s mind went completely blank. No voices in his consciousness which kept on reminding him how dangerous the current situation was. All senses and voices in him halted as it all was dazzled by Furina’s beauty.

Still flushed from the alcohol Furina’s face was dusted with pink tone. Her eyes slightly glassy, but at the same time so clear and radiant. Lips red and corners of the mouth lifted in a smile of a trickster.

She was beautiful. And that terrified Lyney.

“Lady Furina, I-
AHH! “

The surprisingly calculative woman didn’t give him a chance.

By the time he had the opportunity to pull away or to take just a simple step back Furina had already expected his getaway. In a blink of one’s eye she pulled him into her room.

The door behind them shut with great noise.

The position they found themselves in was unique to both sides.

Bamboozled was the magician, stuck with cool door against his back and the daring drunk woman in front of him, pinning him to the door.

Never was he thrown off guard like this. The practiced mind spun and spun, the cogs in it getting overheated from the tiring motion.

Furina’s mind might have been still drunk, but no substance in Teyvat would dull her strong feelings for the man in front of her.

Hatred.
Anger.
Desire for payback for all he had done to her.

The thoughts were deeply rooted in her mind and the alcohol was only a substance which enabled her to exercise such risky moves.

Might Lyney be scared for all she cared. For once she wanted him to experience the embarrassing position of a dancer on someone’s palm.

She did not care.

Knowing him by now not even a split second ago he was looking for the most efficient exit.
Leaving unpunished for his past crimes once again.

Anger gave birth to fire in her core and fire caused drought.

“Water… I want water….”

Finally came out of the woman.

Lyney’s eyes couldn’t get any wider. Were it possible they would fall out of their sockets.

“I- Uhm-
YES!”

Now panic had really taken over the magician’s mind. His hands very carefully pushed Furina aside and with disorganized steps he began to roam the tiny apartment.

How he had found the kitchen, the glasses, the jug of water or the bedroom Lyney certainly had no clue.

By the time he finished Furina had already seated herself on the bed. Absentmindedly she was looking outside the window.

Her short white locks glistened in the silver light of the night as if tiny snowflakes were woven into her hair. The dark colors of her clothes only further highlighted her radiant pale skin.

Frozen in place the lad stood. Her undeniable grace had once again thrown him into speechless admiration.

She appealed so fragile, so innocent. Her skin was akin to the finest paper which only asked to be attentively marked.

Terrible thoughts crossed Lyney’s mind. Feelings he swore to kill after their last interaction. To bury them deeply into a corner of his heart and never reach for the again.

Because it was wrong.
In the position where he stood, where they stood, it was impossible.

A wish unreachable no matter how many times did the person wish upon a shooting star.

Feeling the curious gaze on her the unfocused eyes turned to him slowly.

Seeing him being out of his character, flustered and shy, Furina desired to make this view available only to her.

Lyney stepped forward and placed the glasses on the bedside table.

“Please lady Furina I will leave now. Do drink the water so you feel better tomorrow. I will ask Lumine to come and see you in the morning.”

He had to leave. He couldn’t stay a second longer. Prolonging his visit was dangerous.

Were he to hurt her again never would he forgive himself. He hadn’t even forgiven himself for the last act of unfairness he did to her. The greatest sin he had ever committed in his already shameful life.

A month ago, he had forgotten his place and desired for a flower which was meant to be protected. He harmed its petals; their delicate texture was almost ruined by his irresponsible touch. His greed forgot its bounds and the selfish acts had almost caused irreparable damage.

A flower fresh in its bloom should be left alone.

And that was a rule Lyney decided to obey.

His words were unclear to Furina, but the melody of the sentences rung in her ears. The tone of the broken voice, hesitant and terrified.

He was about to do it again!
Disappear from the crime scene after causing great havoc.

As Lyney turned around Furina’s cold fingers tucked on his shirt.

“Will you leave? Will you leave me again without a word?
Leaving me on the stage full of lies while only you get to know the truth?” Came from her.

“Furina… Please, I-
You have to understand this is wrong… You don’t know me and don’t know what I am capable of.” Maybe if he threatened her slightly, she would let go.

“No. NO!”

Furina now pulled on Lyney’s shirt even harder. The tuck caused the lad to lose his balance, as he hadn’t anticipated the amount of strength, tripping over his own feet falling onto the bed.

As soon as his back fell into the white sheets, he hastily tried to get up but was once again found at Furina’s mercy.

Despite still being drunk her reactions were extremely fast and precise pinning the stuttered lad beneath her.

“Furina… This is a mistake I cannot hurt-“

“Loneliness is painful….” And then she collapsed on top of him.

Silence filled the room. Specks of dust swirled in the air, glistening in the silver light.

Couple of voices could have been heard as people passed below the room’s windows.

A lovable couple.
A drunk singer.
Jolly group of loud friends.

Yet the pair lying in the safety and warmth of the bed’s sheets weren’t listening to those voices.

Their ears were occupied by a different melody. The most precious melody of lifetime possible to witness at the rarest moments.

The duet of the connected heartbeats which now were closer to each other than ever before. In union they were singing the song with their loud thuds complimenting each other perfectly.

In pain they were beating. And for the other’s attention they fought.

Just as Lyney could hear Furina’s in the same volume could Furina hear his.

A conversation which couldn’t be carried in words as the two were not able to vocalize their inner thoughts yet.

This was enough for the moment.

“We are idiots.” Lyney gave up on resisting. His arms, which were so far lifelessly glued to his sides, lifted and pressed the lying figure closer to him.

‘Hugging people is strange…’ Lyney thought to himself.

‘Some hugs are clumsy, and they feel like an ordeal which is greatly uncomfortable to both sides.’

His right arm gently began to move up and down Furina’s side.

‘But some people fall into a hug like a missing jigsaw puzzle piece. They have their precise spot where they belong perfectly filling the empty space.’

And Furina in his arms was that missing piece. Just like before her touch didn’t feel unnatural. It never did; at balls or other formal events where their paths crossed. Play or not this truth was undeniable.

“The coat is heavy…” Furina murmured into Lyney’s chest.

“Excuse me?” puzzled he was.

Furina swiftly untangled herself from his embrace and began to take off her heavy blue coat.

Upon seeing her movements Lyney flushed into a color of the reddest tomato in Teyvat.

“La- Lady Fu-“

But before he could finish Furina had already taken off her black vest as well and then her tie followed. She bent down over the edge of the bed and kicked her shoes off her feet.

“Lyney!
Sleeping with shoes on is unacceptable.”

As she was bended her hands reached out to his heavy boots.

“Lady Furina!”

Hastily he sat up.

“Do lay down. I will do it myself.” Taking a careful hold of her shoulder again he nudged her to lay back down.

“You will not leave, will you?” she asked with hurt voice still refusing to let go of the hem of his boot.

Deep inside Furina was terrified. Were she to give him just one second the liar could use it to flawlessly slip away.

Lyney sighed again. Furina would be the death of him for sure.

“No. I will not.
Tonight not…”

Selection of words was absolutely critical because Lyney still perceived this night as another big mistake which he had already once sworn not to repeat.

Great overstep that would, once again, end up causing great problems in its aftermath.

But, as much as he desired to leave that much he craved to hold Furina in his arms. Not to touch her like many would imagine, but only to feel her presence, drown in the scent of lakelight lilies and bathe in her warmth.

All the ingredients necessary to brew the poisonous potion.

The delicious poison he could drink numerous challises of.

He let her hand rest on his boot and his fingers proceeded to untie the laces.

Furina observed his slim fingers clumsily toying with the laces. She was not sure whether it was because of her slightly unfocused vision but the fingers were clearly nervous. The strands would slip between them and the knot wasn’t loosing itself either.

“Are you nervous?” she asked rather bluntly.

“It would be strange if I said I wasn’t.” the truth was replied to her.

“Are you nervous like this with everyone?” Furina kept on asking questions that Lyney had little to no energy for. It terrified him what the drunk brain could come up with.

“Are you like this also around people you fancy? Around Lumine?”

Now Lyney was truly concerned about the directions of the questions.

Finally, his battle with the stubborn shoelaces came to an end and quickly did he straighten his posture.

“No. I am not nervous like this in Lumine’s presence. Lumine is a friend.”

“Is she?”

“…” Cat got Lyney’s tongue. He was aware of the gossips flying around the Court and he did on number of occasions flirt with Lumine. However, it is always easier to play with those towards which no feelings were cherished.

Did he admire the fabled Traveler?
Yes.
Did he hope to find common ground with her? Yes. Did he like her in romantic sense?
No.

To his own misfortune his heart craved for someone more complicated. Someone whose steps and actions he failed to predict again and again. Someone who challenged his skills and continuously pushed him to improve.

“Have you ever loved anyone?” Furina whispered. Her face was growing paler and more hurt with each question.

Lyney’s mouth was becoming more and more dry and his mind strained. He hoped to divert the course of the “conversation”, but now being asked such serious question left him mute.

He couldn’t reply. He just couldn’t. Admitting to that parasitic flower in his heart would only allow it to spread its roots.

So, silence he chose again.

And that tipped Furina over the edge...

“Have you ever kissed anyone you loved?” Furina asked. She did not want to give up.

Lyney gulped the dry air in his mouth. Could it be possible that Furina in her current state wasn’t able to remember.

Deducing that her mind wouldn’t let go of the topic Lyney’s began to dance with the truth.

“I have. Once.” Lyney exhaled and his pink gems rested on the flushed girl in front of him.

The words clearly had not pleased her. Her figure shrunk and eyes turned to her hands. Even more desperately did she clutch the cotton covers of the bed.

“And how was it?” Her voice attempted to stay calm and collected, however it could never fool Lyney.

“It was the most wonderful deadly experience I have ever had.
A kiss from a loved one. It was just as wonderful as it was poisonous. Because that kiss reminded me that I as a Fatui soldier have no right to request it. A love from someone who deserves only happiness and freedom.”

“How did that poison taste like?” the mesmerizing glassy pair of blue eyes once again looked up at him. She was on the edge of breaking but deep within her the sober consciousness held its last strands vigorously together.

“The poison’s taste?
It was sweet and warm. And also little bit salty.” Lyney attentively with pure smitten gaze observed the reaction.

Furina contemplated hard about his words, but it was obvious the message between the lines slipped her attention.

Lyney sighed and battled with himself whether to cry or laugh. Unfortunately, that was his goal to begin with.

So much he desired to reach out and cup those pinkish cheeks, but he managed to keep his posture as much as he detested it. His position did not lean closer or further. It stayed perfectly in place.

While his mind kept on praising himself how well had he managed to play around he was abruptly and forcefully tackled to the mattress of the bed.

Again…

With the utter shock Lyney’s lips were left open.

“Lady Furina-“

“I also have someone I love.
He is liar, trickster, he continuously has me dancing on the top of his palm and leaves me whenever I need him the most!”

Lyney froze. His body couldn’t move, limbs as if made of steel.

Drunk people had the tendency to confess the truths which were normally hidden in the depths of their hearts.

However, as the ridiculous night kept on progressing Lyney continued to question whether Furina had a milliliter of alcohol left in her body. Whether by any chance hadn’t the interaction become just a play.

To further Lyney’s terror the woman wasn’t done.

“And yet he cares!
He cares so so much that his love causes him nothing but pain. He distances himself from all because he believes that is the right way to achieve his ultimate wish.
Just that he doesn’t realize the loads of *cough* he is lying to himself!”

“I am certain he has his reasons.” Lyney wanted to argue back without giving away that he had caught up with her play.

“Well, those reasons are stupid! He is stupid!” Furina heavily fell on top of Lyney with her head placed in the crook of his neck.

The fragrance of the rainbow rose perfume, Lyney’s significant scent, was now deeply engraved in her memory. The scent now meant the presence of the loved one.

“Haha-“
But Lyney couldn’t speak anymore. Not a single sound came out.

He was more aware of his stupidity than anyone else could ever be. An ugly side he wasn’t proud of but at the same time something which was impossible to get rid of.

Were he to protect those he loved, Lynette, Freminet or Furina, stupidity was absolutely necessary.

“He perceives the world only black and white. As if it all was a movie, an illusion, overlooking the fact that all the characters he meets are real people with real feelings. He is an idiot who refuses to ask for help despite needing it.”

Furina’s voice was turning hazy with every new word. The emotions which now surfaced drained her of the remaining energy.

Lyney very carefully began to reposition them. He helped Furina to distribute her body weight evenly on top of him. His left hand clumsily reached out for the cotton covers and proceeded to cover them both. Immediately the body heat was trapped beneath it.

Silence filled the room and Lyney too was growing very sleepy.

“I know better than anyone what is it like to be held in captivity of one owns responsibilities.
I don’t want him to suffer any longer that pain. I want to be by his side even if I cannot resolve the problems he faces.” A faint murmur confessed.

The tears that rolled down from the corners of his eyes surprised Lyney. And more followed.

He pulled sleeping Furina even closer to him. Desiring to give her every ounce of his warmth.

“I am certain he does love you. It is just some flowers aren’t meant to bloom in shadows. And the man’s life is in the shadows.
But you are correct he is stupid. Because he all so desires for the flower to bloom in the light where she belongs.”

First rays of sun entered the bedroom landing straight on Lyney’s eyelids.

The annoying ticklish sensation on his face had the lad open his eyes. As he stared blankly at the white ceiling of the bedroom his mind got to work.

The new environment luckily had not surprised him. He remembered all the events of the previous night clearly. One ridiculous situation right after the other all connecting into one bizarre and emotionally intense night.

Him panicking, being constantly pinned by Furina and also…

Lyney came to notice that his body was in weird tension like it hadn’t been in a very long time. That sensation snapped the lad’s eyes wide open.

‘Oh no!
NO NO NO NO!’

Now fully was he feeling the current predicament that his body prepared for him.

Tightly in his embrace peacefully slept Furina. Innocent it was on the outside, but it was her unfortunate position under the covers that caused it all.

She was turned with her back to him however, her lower half was pressing at the worst place possible.

Lyney quickly pulled himself away loosening the tight embrace. But as much as he wrestled with himself that one part of him was becoming painfully stubborn.

‘No! Stop it immediately you stupid piece of me!' the lad gritted his teeth.

When was the last time he woke up like this? Lyney searched his mind, but nothing was coming to him. Months or even years ago maybe.

Yes, he was experienced in the field, and yes he knew exactly what it meant. But no pleasant memories were tied to it. Never did he find it as the enjoyable experience as many described it to be…

Lyney looked at Furina.

For the first time it felt different.

His hands wanted to reach down but couldn’t.

Naturally they couldn’t! Never in his sane state would he do something like that!

‘Idiot!’ he cursed himself.

“Hmm-mm…” Furina’s sleeping mind noticed the absence of his warmth. She turned her position in order to locate missing Lyney.

As she was still half asleep her hands aimlessly searched until, to Lyney’s terror, they brushed against the spot.

To shame would Lyney put the other professional magicians were they to see the swiftness and precision with which Lyney’s hands grasped Furina’s.

Revealing his position the sleepy girl wanted to position closer to him.

Lyney panicked. She mustn’t touch him further.

“Furina!” the yelp that came from his throat surprised even him.

“HUH!” her eyes shot open panic mirroring in them.

Certainly not a loving morning greeting Lyney would normally gift her. Or anyone to say the least.

“Lyney wha-“

“Restroom! Where do you have restroom?” Lyney couldn’t wait any longer. He had to get rid of that unfortunate painful predicament as soon as possible.

“Huh?
Right those doors” Furina pointed with a finger.

“Thank you!”

The young man literally jumped up, rushed to the bathroom and hastily closed the doors behind him.

“???” Furina blankly stared at the shut door.

Well, that is certainly one way to wake up…

‘Wait… What is Lyney doing here?!’

Redness spread into those cold cheeks. The girl sprung up and hugged her knees. Diving into her foggy memory she began. It hurt immensely but she needed to remember.

The group photo, him in the crowd and she getting too conscious of his presence afterwards.

Getting drunk. Getting drunk in the company of that weird man and then…

And then?

Furina couldn’t piece anything together. Her memories were so foggy almost nonexistent. Normally she would panic, however for some strange reason her rationale knew she had no reason to.

Warmth spread across her body and her gaze turned to her side.

The only things noticeable were the heavy boots which weren’t hers and slightly messy bed.

Of course that Lyney wouldn’t have done that. May she have the opinions about him as she had, none of them were portraying him as a perverted criminal.

Sigh of relief escaped her lips. Down the hazy journey she continued.

Slowly more pictures were becoming clear.

The streets late at night, Lyney’s flushed face with wide eyes and…

Something about salty taste.

‘What?’

Furina tried to dig deeper… But nothing was coming to her.

The bathroom door opened and Lyney emerged in the frame. He looked exhausted. Very very exhausted.

“I am sorry… You must have a lot of questions…” Slowly the embarrassed lad walked to her but stopped his steps just before the bed.

“May I sit?” politely he asked.

“Yes…” Furina hesitantly gave her reply and turned her gaze to the window.

The two sat in suffocating silence for a while. Both had number of questions and puzzling thoughts weighing on their mind, but speaking up first was once again the toughest step.

“Lyney last night you and I…” Furina needed to have it confirmed even though she was absolutely certain nothing of that sort happened.

Shifting her look to him, she noticed that Lyney had been nervously fidgeting with his fingers in the lap. Like a small child that was aware of their wrongdoings and awaited the deserved punishment.

“Yes I did sleep here, but I swear I didn’t touch you in that way.” And then Lyney began to retell the story of the previous night.

About the criminal, about her tantrum, and why he decided to spend the night.

The whole time his gaze had not lifted from his fingers and that told Furina he was purposely leaving something out. His embarrassed body language, hesitation to lift his gaze was a clear giveaway of what she must have said.

The words she confidently must have spat out last night that were of such impact that they couldn't leave Lyney's mind. There was only one option.

Once his monologue finished Furina decided not to step around the hotpot. It was clearly weighing on Lyney’s mind badly and it wasn’t in her nature either to let such statement be left hanging in the air. If she had done it then she wouldn't play the immature child and pretend it did not happen.

Their relationship, if one could even call these meetings like that, were already too complex and difficult to put up with that anything new added would just make it all the more unbearable.

“Lyney… Last night I confessed, didn’t I?” She tackle the problem at its root.

Lyney’s pink eyes opened wide in terror. He tried to leave that part out and yet once again he couldn't hold his ground against her.

But, did she remember that? Or deduced it from his narration somehow?

And if she did, did Furina remember only her part?

“I… Uhm… Furina-“

“You don’t have to say anything.” Their eyes finally met. While her were growing more and more glassy, and tears began gathering in their corners Furina did feel relieved.

“You hurt me and you keep on hurting me.
Because you are stupid.” Her posture straightened and slowly confidence gathered in her core.

Lyney could only attentively listen. Just that bad he was with these sorts of conversation.

“But, I am glad it is off my chest and you know. Call me selfish for all you need, but I feel relieved that you know.
I do not expect you to answer and neither do I demand it of you now.”

Her voice was soft. It was hurt, but at the same time the hint of relief was present.

Lyney’s innards drowned in cold water.

“I am sorry…”

But Furina knew. Maybe against his own wishes, to her he was like an open book.

Birds of the same feather they were.

The reality that he couldn't hold the eye contact, the radiant blush on his cheeks, the nervous fidgeting of his fingers and the undeniable body language, it all gave his honest emotions away.

He decided to escort her because he was concerned and felt responsible. But to stay afterwards, to embrace her after she confessed and to hold her tightly during the night wasn't out of responsibility.

It was a choice. A choice of happiness he made even though he was painfully aware of the aftermath which now awaited him.

However, due to his twisted background, the sacrificial nature and Fatui responsibilities, which all tied him to the ground, he was not allowed to pursue this path. Too bad for him that the person he got stuck with was the most stubborn and dedicated one in all of Teyvat.

“Aaaah-“ she yawned. Stretching her arms above her head was a signal that dwelling on it further was useless.

“My head hurts slightly, but it appears today will be a beautiful day.”

And correct she was.

Lyney’s teary eyes finally looked at her, however this time hers did not. As she observed the blue sky and the birds which were soaring through it she began to speak.

"I know you will now try to distance yourself from me, because you are a Fatui and one very closely related to... Her... That it is your way how you wish to protect me.
But Lyney, the longer you try to distance yourself from all of us, the people who genuinely care about you, the more you will burden yourself.
You yourself must see how much it strains you already.
None of us are that delicate as you perceive us.
You need people by your side. And this comes from someone who once stood in the position where you will find yourself soon. I don’t want you to ever experience that."

Her silhouette was outlined by the morning sunshine rays. Her beautiful thick white crown was messy, strands of hair sticking into every direction imaginable. Faint streak of saliva got dried on her cheek and eyes were still glassy.

But beautiful she was. Radiant she was.

Lyney couldn’t help only to stare blankly at her.

To embrace he wanted her. Sweetly treat her he wished. Drown her in his warmth, hear he laugh and…

He tightly held his hands together because if he hadn’t they would have already pinned her to the bed.

He silently wished that this would be the first sight he would wake up to.