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In Fontaine, today is not just any day. It is the birthday of what used to be their dearest Archon, but only a handful celebrate it anymore. Everyone still celebrates the holiday, but not many celebrate the birthday, for the exception of a few fortunate ones who got to know Furina was more than her mask. Today, we follow them and see how truly special this day is.
Clorinde and Navia are taking their usual walk together when the clock turns to 10 in the morning and the former remembers something.
"Oh, so that's what I've forgotten..." She stops in place and turns to talk with her companion. "Every year at this exact hour, I'd start preparations for Lady Furina's festivities. Making sure the cake was ready, that a table was booked, anything that was necessary. Sometimes the Iudex would offer a hand too."
Navia claps her hands together and lets out a smile. "It's the perfect chance for you to surprise her! We should grab cake! Make macarons!"
Clorinde can't help but smile back and follow her lead. "Alright then, it's a plan. Let's start heading forward."
The blonde yanks her partner's hand and immediately heads towards a bakery.
"W-Wait! I know her favourite!"
She stops them both in their tracks, but her optimism doesn't waver.
"Oh, right. You lead the way!"
As they make it to the planned spot, they enter and realise the cake platter is already empty.
Clorinde speaks under her breath, "Shoot... I didn't figure they'd be out this early. If only I had remembered sooner..."
Navia rubs her back and comforts her.
"Don't worry, my lumitoille. No one would order the whole thing without it being for a party, correct? Besides, you understimate my baking prowess if you don't think I can satisfy the lass."
Clorinde blushes and smiles again, feeling assured they'll figure something out on time. "I guess we'll be heading over to your place again, then. Right back to where we started. Hopefully returning to your bed is next on the list, it is wonderfully comfortable."
Navia flusters at her words and stutters her own. "N-Not in public! You can't just bring up those things like that..."
The two lovebirds go on their merry way.
Much deeper below where those two stood, two men lie in the Duke's Office of the Prison of Meropide. One of them sits comfortably at his seat, the other paces back and forth.
"It's already been almost a year since I last spoke with her... Surely it would be wildly inappropriate to show up uninvited, would it not? I mean, if she did want me to show up, she would have already spoke wouldn't she?"
"Neuvi, we've been over this a thousand times already..."
Wriothesley puts down his teacup, pondering putting whiskey in it instead. "You're family, if she didn't want you to show up she'd explicitly say so! She isn't a little girl who hides away her feelings anymore."
Neuvilette puts a hand on the desk and another on his forehead. "But even I hide feelings, if I must. How can I be sure she isn't doing the same to protect me from embarrassment?"
"That's the thing about people." He holds the Iudex's hand in his own's grasp and continues. "You can never be sure how someone feels until they say so. You couldn't know I love you until I said so." The dragon blushes blue. "So if she doesn't want you around, let her say so. But if there's a chance showing would make her happy, why not take it? The worst you can get is asked to leave." Neuvi looks down at his feet. A moment of silence passes, the two listening to the commotion and conversating beneath them.
A conclusion strikes Wriothesley with enough force for his expression to change. "Ahhh, I get it now."
Neuvilette stares at him confused.
"You're not used to being the one judged!" He pinches his blue cheeks teasingly.
"Sh-Shtop that!" Neuvillette pulls the hand away, still holding onto the other. "Maybe you're right." He pauses for a bit. "I need to get over this fear, it's something I must inevitably do. And if it makes Furina's day a little better, all the more reason to." Wriothesley places his arm down on Neuvillette's shoulder and lets go of his hand to pat his head. "That's my Iudex! I'll tell Sigewinne to grab my present. You can go get ready, darling."
"Y-You already knew I'd go?!"
We pan once more to a much more distant scene, deep inside the House of the Hearth. So distant in fact, that this took place a whole day before anything previously shown.
Twins and their older sibling stand in their Father's office, while said Father remains seated. The boy in the middle, Lyney, speaks up. "It's been quiet for a while now... Do you actually have something planned for us? We don't mind keeping you company if that's what you're ask-"
"The usual cake." Arlecchino abruptly interrupts. "I need you to order the whole thing tomorrow." Lynette's eyes momentarily glitter and the orders continue. "I want you there at sunrise, the moment the store opens it's doors. Every slice must be there, preferably before they're even cut."
Feeling the odd amount of pressure in her voice, Freminet speaks up.
"W-Why is this so urgent? Has it been accidentally poisoned?!" Lynette quickly retorts with crossed arms, "Sometimes it's better you don't ask questions and let a girl enjoy her task. You're being ordered into a pastry shop, be grateful."
Lyney scratches behind his neck and nervously speaks up.
"They kind of have a point... Is this about Lady Furina again?"
Arlecchino grumbles something under his breath. "...So what if Miss Furina is of matter to this? You shall follow orders and we shall travel to Fontaine right this evening. Understood, children?"
They speak simultaneously, "Yes, Father."
Back to the present day at the same time as before, Furina slouches in bed and takes her time getting up, showering, brushing her hair, checking up on the Salon Solitaire and struggling to find the energy to make her bed. She goes to her calendar to mark the date and remembers it's significance.
"...Shit, already? I guess I'll atleast try to look good today, even if it is a Sunday. I mean... maybe I'll get visits?" As she thinks to herself, she walks to her kitchen to grab a comfort treat when she gets rudely interrupted by the door knocking. She gathers herself and answers the door, still in her pyjamas. Lyney, Lynette and Freminet stand on the other side, witnessing her long blue pants and matching oversized shirt and nightcap.
"O-Oh, it's you kids! I wasn't expecting you so early, otherwise I would've actually gotten dressed, y-you know!"
Lyney leads the conversation for his siblings as he's accustomed to. "Don't worry, Lady Furina, we understand. We came unannounced because we wanted to show up again later today, actually. Father just asked for us to deliver you this, beforehand. He also requested you be present here in the evening, since she's planning to visit then too."
He hands over a suitcase, and Furina accepts, if only a bit confused at the situation.
"Thank you, children. I'd say have a nice day, but I suppose I'll be seeing you here again soon enough?"
Freminet nods, "That's right. And happy birthday, Lady Furina." Lynette also nods and Furina flusters for a moment. "T-Thank you, again." They leave and she closes the door.
She walks back to her room, this time sure to properly present herself later. She sits on her bed and opens the suitcase that was presented to her earlier. Inside it lay a gorgeous, finely tailored black suit, adorned with blue accents and embroidery and a vest with the colour to match. Her eyes widen and she immediately gasps, reaching her hand to feel out the luxurious fabric when she notices a note right on top of everything. Too shocked by the quality of this ostentatious present, she hadn't even noticed the writing right on the center.
"Tailor made for my droplet", signed by the Knave.
Just the value and thoughtfulness of the gift was enough to make her tear up, but she quickly wiped them off to try it on.
She stood next to a mirror, appreciating the lapel pin of her insignia on the tailcoat, the flashiness of the tail, the subtle design on the buttons on both the vest and coat, the comfort of the shirt and the faultlessness of the shorts. It felt like a truly perfect attire. Reaching out and laying a hand on the mirror, she felt a true love and admiration she had only dreamed of for centuries. She takes a deep breath.
"I think you'd be most proud to see where I stand now, mirror me... I hope somewhere our rhere, you're happy for me. Just as much as I am." She takes a seat and hugs Mademoiselle Crabaletta. In the comfort of her pets and in the comfort of her friends' minds, she rested until evening struck.
The next time the door knocked she was still adourned in her new outfit when she answered it to Arlecchino herself. They both layed eyes on eachother, awestruck at eachother's radiance. The Knave had also got himself a matching attire to boot, the blues replaced with reds and insignias traded with his own. Furina leaped out for a hug and they both stood on the street squeezing eachother for an embarrassing amount of time.
"M-Miss Furina, it's getting cold out..."
She looks up at her and smiles smugly. "Not even Fontaine flooding over again could stop me, handsome."
Arlecchino blushes (and melts) a bit before dragging her inside. The children awkwardly follow them in, Lyney carrying the cake.
Very quickly, they set the tables, tie down balloons and sing some songs to set the festive mood.
Not too long after, the door knocks again. Clorinde and Navia also make their appearance, the former carrying a plate of freshly out of the oven macarons, somehow still warm.
"It's been a while, Lady Fu-"
"Happy birthday!!!" Navia interrupts and sets off a very large party popper, leaving confetti on both Clorinde's hat and the doorstep. She then gasped and put away her sunglasses. "You look adorable!! And so handsome!! Can I take a picture?!"
Arlecchino creeps into view next to her.
"You have my profound knowledge of her taste and Chiori's expertise to thank for that."
She gasps and speaks again.
"You're both dashing!"
She rummages through her pockets in a panic.
"I borrowed a camera-" "Stole a camera from Charlotte." Clorinde interjects. "W-Well, I have a camera and film roll! Please let me take a picture of you two!"
They hear out her plea and pose holding eachother, Furina smiling widely and Arlecchino subtly, the kids next to both their sides as Lyney fruitlessly points two fingers behind Lynette's head in the picture, just barely poking out in the picture. Freminet is looking away, distracted by something no one else was paying attention to. Probably a stray cat by the window that Furina had grown accustomed to feeding. After the picture is done, they walk away and do just that.
One last time, the door knocks again. Furina comes answering with her guardian angel by her side and meets with Neuvilette accompanied by Wriothesley. There's a short silence as Neuvilette's eyes widen, seeing her so happy and well accompanied. Even if he personally doesn't enjoy half of said company, he's putting that aside for today and simply smiling about it. She's come so far after all.
"I know I wasn't invited, but regardless I felt the need to pass by and congratulate you. You're doing better than I could've ever expected after this turbulent year-"
"The old man is saying happy birthday to you, Prince Charming. Can we come in for a bit?"
Furina giggles and agrees, "Of course you may! I see not even the grand Iudex has come along unaccompanied... For once."
Neuvilette keeps smiling, seeing she's managed to keep her attitude through everything. They come in, Sigewinne walking behind them carrying two handbags. A familiar scene, Furina thinks to herself.
Everyone sits down together. Navia and Lyney discuss stories they've heard running around the streets, Clorinde smiles holding Navia's hand happy to see her get along with new friends, Lynette plays with Sigewinne, Wriothesley tries to keep himself lowkey to not make the kids uncomfortable, Neuvilette watches over the commotion and Arlecchino, after a while of holding Furina in her arms, gets up to bring the cake to the table. He clears his throat and speaks up.
"Today, we come to celebrate another year passing by for Miss Furina. A year spent not as an Archon, but as my dearest prince. Even after departing from the stage, she's remained a star, lighting up not only my life but the lives of everyone in this room, even if we may have misjudged her a year ago. For her selflessness and bravery, for her talent and loveliness, I congratulate Misses-... Miss Furina. Happy birthday, my droplet."
He sits back down next to Furina, both blushing at the implication of his mistake. No one pays too much mind though, and everyone attempts to synchronise a "Happy birthday!" afterwards.
The night goes on and on, but eventually the amount of guests start trimming down until it's just Furina and the House of the Hearth. The Knave, however, feels as though they've stayed up for long enough once he spots Lynette falling asleep. She gathers them up and follows them to the door. "You may stay over at our base here or go back to the orphanage. Tonight you may do as you please, but I trust you can make your way home safely." They nod along and depart, leaving Furina and Arlecchino alone to their own vices. Before he sits down again though, he grabs a bag that was left unnoticed on the couch.
"I couldn't help myself, so... I decided to offer you one last gift tonight. Although, many more are sure to come." She hands it over but gets hugged before trading away the present. He rubs her back and takes a seat with her once they're done.
Upon opening the box, Furina finds herself holding a plushie. A stuffed toy made in the visage of both her husband and a bunny. Or was it a hare? Either way, she's ecstatic.
"I thought with all the letters you write missing me, you could have your very own... imitation Knave to hold onto. Until my job is done, it's the best I can do for my droplet." He lays a hand on her cheek, but is confused once it's met with a tear.
"T-Thank you... Arle, my Knave, you didn't need to go through all of this."
"But I did."
"I love you no matter what, you know?"
"Precisely why, Misses Furina. I love you too."
They hug eachother tight, more intimately than they have any other time tonight.
Arlecchino speaks up again, quietly this time.
"I've never... put this much effort into a celebration before. I'm not sure it's much, but it's the the only kind of life I can offer. I hope it's enough to make you happy."
There's a moment of silence as Furina wipes her tears and clings onto Arlecchino.
"Silly... I'm the happiest I've ever been."
They both smile gently, but Furina's turns smug as she sits on her lap. She whispers into her ear:
"There iiisss one more thing you can offer me though~"
Arlecchino's ears and cheeks turn red.
"Of course. I brought drinks too."
She holds Furina and carries her into her room.
The End~