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Neuvillette's heart fluttered as he approached Vasari Passage, his usual composure faltering with each step. The bouquet in his arms felt impossibly heavy, laden with the weight of unspoken emotions. Lakelight Lilies, their blue petals shimmering like captured moonlight, nestled against pure white blossoms as delicate as Furina's laughter. A golden ribbon, carefully chosen to match the warmth in her smile, held the arrangement together…
It was gorgeous, but was it enough for someone so deserving of the whole world…?
His fingers trembled as he raised them to knock, the box of commissioned, gourmet chocolates tucked under his arm threatening to slip. The sun's rays danced across the stained glass, casting ethereal patterns on the street before it. And Neuvillette drew a deep breath, steeling himself for the moment he’d been thinking about for weeks.
His first visit to her home since she’d settled in. He’d checked on her, had brought her meals and gifts, but never had it been… as personal as he preferred. It was long overdue.
The heavy door pushed open, and there she stood – Furina, radiant as ever, her mismatched blue eyes widening in surprise. And the dragon felt his breath catch in his throat, shaken by how stunning she always was. 500 years, and she still reduced him to staring.
"Neuvillette?" Her voice was soft, tinged with wonder. "What's all this?"
And swallowed hard, willing his voice not to betray the tempest of emotions swirling within. But he missed her, so terribly much. “Good afternoon, Furina," he managed, extending the bouquet. "I... had thought of you when I saw these on a walk. I thought you might like to see them."
Furina's gaze drifted from the flowers to his face, her expression softening into something that made his stuttering heart ache with longing. She reached out, fingertips brushing against a Lakelight Lily with reverence.
"They're beautiful," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I've never seen such a healthy bouquet of them…!”
And he felt a warmth bloom in his chest, chasing away the lingering chill of his uncertainty. Perhaps… she didn’t mind. "The blue... it reminded me of your eyes. Both of them, equally captivating... I’ve imbued Hydro energy into them, so they’ll stay beautiful for you."
At his words, Furina's eyes began to glisten. These flowers withered away from their water source, so she rarely got to see them. But on lonely nights she’d make the journey to the willow tree just to enjoy them glittering in the moonlight - but now, she could enjoy them whenever she wanted…?
She blinked rapidly, a tremulous smile gracing her lips. "Oh, Neuvillette…!" She breathed, her voice barely audible. "You wonderful, thoughtful dragon."
Before he could respond, Furina's small hand moved to his cravat. With gentle insistence, she tugged him closer. And Neuvillette's world narrowed to the feeling of her fingers against his chest, the warmth of her breath on his skin. Then, her lips met his in a kiss so tender it threatened to unravel him completely…
Time seemed to stand still. The bouquet pressed between them, a fragrant barrier of silk petals and whispered promises. Neuvillette's free arm encircled Furina's waist, drawing her closer as if she might disappear should he let go. The kiss deepened, slow and sweet, filled with all the words they'd been too afraid to say.
And when they finally parted, both were breathless, cheeks flushed and eyes shining. Furina's fingers remained curled in Neuvillette's midnight and teal cravat, as if reluctant to break the connection…
"I hope... I hope that wasn't too much," she murmured, her gaze searching his face. “I know it’s been awhile…”
And Neuvillette shook his head, a rare, unguarded smile tugging at his lips. "It was perfect," he replied, his voice rough with emotion. "You're perfect…"
Furina's answering grin was like sunlight breaking through clouds, warm and bright and full of promise. She gently took the bouquet from his arms, her touch lingering. "Come inside," she invited, her voice soft and intimate, a blush on her cheeks. "Let's find a home for these lovely flowers, and perhaps... perhaps we can share the chocolates? With water, of course."
”Yes, I would like nothing more…”
And as Neuvillette followed her into the apartment, he felt as though he were stepping into a new world - one where the walls he'd built around his heart began to crumble. It was decorated modestly so far, but every part of it was her, down to the mugs in the sink and the half finished croissant abandoned on the table. And the afternoon sun painted everything in a warm glow, turning Furina's hair into spun gold…
They moved about the kitchen in comfortable silence, finding a crystal vase for the flowers. Neuvillette watched, mesmerized, as Furina arranged the blooms with care, her fingers caressing each petal as if it were precious. The Lakelight Lilies gently pulsed with an inner light, the Hydro coursing through them, their ethereal blue a stark contrast to the pure white blossoms surrounding them.
And they settled on the couch, chocolates and wineglasses of water between them, Neuvillette found himself opening up in ways he never had before as she did the same. Words that had always felt stuck in his throat flowed freely, encouraged by Furina's gentle giggles and attentive gaze. They spoke of hopes and dreams, of fears and vulnerabilities, each revelation bringing them closer.
For the first time, catching up…
Furina's bright, lovely voice filled the air, a melody that Neuvillette wanted to capture and hold close to his heart. Her mismatched eyes shone with a happiness that made his breath catch, especially when her gaze drifted to the bouquet or met his own, getting shy for just a moment before the conversation swept her back in.
And as the sun began to set, painting the sky in deep pinks and reds, Neuvillette realized that this day had become one of his favorites so easily. In Furina's presence, he felt a sense of belonging he had never known he was missing without her at his side - as if that secret piece of himself had finally slotted into place…
It wasn’t his Authority’s return, it was her freedom. To rest, to heal, and to finally be herself to him.
When the time came for him to return to work as sleepiness settled over her, Furina walked him to the door pressed close to his side. She rose on her tiptoes, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, my dragon," she murmured, her breath warm against his skin. "For the flowers, the chocolates, and most of all, for sharing yourself with me… I rather liked listening.”
And Neuvillette felt his heart swell with an emotion too vast to name. He took Furina's hand in his, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "The pleasure was all mine, my droplet," he replied, his voice low and tender. He kissed the top her head, her messy hair tickling his skin. "And thank you, for letting me in…"
”Of course…! You’ll come over again soon, right…?”
”If you’ll have me, Furina.”
”Always…!”
And as he walked home under a sky full of stars, Neuvillette's heart felt lighter than it ever had. The memory of Furina's kiss, the scent of her favorite flowers, and the sweetness of shared chocolates lingered – a promise of many more beautiful days to come, and a new, old love that had only just begun to bloom anew.