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“I’ll see you when the cherry blossoms bloom. One by one, the petals fall and make their way to you; way to you. Will you wait for me too?”
- Sakura; Emi Choi
Present – two days for Navia’s birthday
The main city of Inazuma felt much more human than Fontaine’s. No automatons patrolling, no towering buildings and the people moved calm and unhurried, even with the summer festival about to begin.
Looking up to the sky, was like gazing into clouds of leaves and cherry petals. They fell on the stone-paved streets, giving the place even more colour and life.
The idea to visit the land of eternity for Navia’s birthday was Neuvillette’s. Especially when he realised it would be the same day as the summer festival. A perfect birthday, he thought. As the Iudex, getting into Inazuma wasn’t as hard as it would be to others. The Kamisato clan offered one of the inns under their name for the couple to spend their days in there.
“Don’t worry, Monsieur Neuvillette! We keep everything in order here.” He remembered Sedene’s words when he mentioned about the trip. Even though he would soon think about his home, he believed his companions to maintain the control.
The sun was gentle over their skin as they walked through the main city. Navia held the camera Charlotte had gifted her. The young lady wanted exclusive pictures from Inazuma and the upcoming festival and, despite Navia wanting to fulfil her dear friend wish, she found herself so entranced by the beautiful view and often forgot about the task.
Her eyes travelled, interested, around the streets, the people and the buildings. Her curiosity peaked when they walked past a vendor with sweets.
“What is this?” She said, eyes shining as she spotted a three-colour ball-shaped sweet.
“These are called dangos! They are made of rice flour and sugar and the Shogun loves them.”
Navia reached for one, amazed, and looked at Neuvillette with puppy eyes. He had no plans to stop her.
“You may buy it.” He said, looking at the dango.
“Oh, I was planning to. But I want you to try it out with me.” She leaned on his shoulder.
Neuvillette chuckled softly and nodded, tracing her back gently with his fingers. He knew he was about to try every local treat, and he didn’t mind.
Navia paid for two and gave one to Neuvillette. She bit into it and sighed. “So good!” She chewed slowly watched Neuvillette do the same.
“It is good, indeed.” He reached out and wiped the sticky bits from her lips.
Their next stop was the shrine. It already looked beautiful from a distance, but being in that high mountain felt almost magical
“Woah...” She walked in, looking at every corner.
“It’s beautiful here.” He murmured.
A petal from the perpetually blooming cherry blossoms that adorned the shrine, fell on his hair. She chuckled and took a picture of him. Neuvillette looked good without even trying.
They moved forward and one of the shrine maidens called them to try their luck. They saw no reason to refuse. Neuvillette went first.
“What does yours say?” Navia asked, drawing the bamboo stick from the omikuji box and handing it to the maiden.
“Good fortune in all endeavours.” He smiled and looked at her, unfolding the small paper. “And yours?”
“Excellent fortune!” She chuckled. “I am very fortunate to have you.” She laced their fingers, and he brought her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss against the back of it.
“I am also very fortunate to have you, my love.”
After leaving the Narukami Shrine, they returned to the main street, planning their next stop, when a girl bumped into them. She was holding a box filled with fireworks.
“I’m so sorry!” She said, pressing her hands together.
The couple quickly reassured her, and Navia couldn’t help but be curious about her tattoos.
“Oh, you two aren’t from here, right? Welcome to Inazuma! Came for the summer festival? If you want, I can show you the best spots to see the fireworks!” She smirked. “My name is Yoimiya.”
“Nice to meet you, Yoimiya! I’m Navia and this is Neuvillette, my husband.” Navia said, proudly. “Your tattoos are so pretty!”
“Thank you!” Yoimiya chuckled and picked up the box again. “I gotta go now. I am responsible for the fun part, you know.”
Neuvillette nodded and his eyes scanned the many bandages that covered parts of her skin. “Be careful not to hurt yourself.”
Yoimiya nodded and smiled. “I will! Oh, you two should go visit Chinju Forest! A lot of spooky surprises are waiting there. Have fun!” She chuckled and waved at them.
Knowing her adventurous spirit, Neuvillette took Navia’s hand, and headed towards the forest.
Unfortunately — or not — there wasn’t much to be truly scared of, aside from occasional Bake-Danukis trying to prank them. But the scenery was breathtaking. Blue leaves, glowing and illuminating the place that, even in daylight, felt cloaked in night. Navia took the opportunity to photograph every sight that caught her eye.
She walked with him always by her side, holding her hand. They took pictures, bought gifts for their friends, visited a bathhouse to relax, and stopped at a teahouse to sample the local food.
Without noticing, only one day remained until her birthday.
The sun settled slowly, and the wind was gentle. They sat under a tree, holding a basket with some sweets and fruits. He leaned against the trunk and caressed her arm, inviting her to lay on him. Navia didn’t waste time and fell on his arms.
“Chiori and Kirara always said this place is beautiful. They were right.”
“Yes, the view from here is mesmerising.” He stroked her arm. “I love your hair like this.” Neuvillette kissed her temple, his lips lingering there for a little while, as he took in her sweet smell and the softness of her skin, gently played with her curls, tied on a ponytail and decorated with a black ribbon.
Neuvillette embraced her tightly and in that moment, their hearts spoke louder than their words could. In the silence, their love grew stronger. His arms around her and she holding onto them like it was the only thing grounding her to this life.
In the quietness of his embrace, she found comfort and in the warmth of her smile, he understood what loving someone is truly.
“Tomorrow will be a special day.” Finally, he kissed her lips.
“Only because I have you by my side.”