ㅤㅤDESPITE the years they've spent together, it was ironic thinking about how it was only now that the two were able to open their hearts like this. It certainly paved the way for their relationship to bloom in unforeseen ways ... of course, with the unexpected came about rather unusual feelings that were a bit troublesome to deal with. Not that she particularly disliked these feelings that sprouted from their renewed bond. Although with that being said ... she supposed they didn't have much of a bond before given that she spent all her time playing a role, keeping Neuvillette at arms' length but now, things had changed ... undoubtedly for the better. Still, she wasn't sure how to deal with these ... strange feelings that made her heart flutter in ways she's never felt before ... perhaps it was due to the intimate change in their dynamic that caused her to feel much more self-conscious than before ( not only that ... the constant reminder of how much Neuvillette cared for her as not the former Hydro Archon ... but as a person was more than enough for her to fluster at the thought ).

ㅤㅤShe nodded meekly in agreement with her gaze stubbornly fixed upon her tea ( she prayed that Neuvillette couldn't see the look on her face right now ). " ... If there's anyone I trust, it's always been you, Neuvillette. I ... wouldn't dream of living a life without you ... even if it doesn't seem that way at first. My mirror self would say the same, I'm sure. And ... don't feel like you could've done more for me. You've already done so much for me these past 500 years -- that hasn't changed even now. Besides, you now know why I didn't ask you for help at the time; my mirror self told you as much, didn't she ? " Although Focalors and Furina were one and the same, she couldn't help but wonder if Neuvillette separated the two in his mind. Was he looking at Furina merely because she was the shadow of her former divinity ? No, she couldn't think like that. While she had her insecurities but she promised herself that she wouldn't let herself keep making these assumptions lest she would cause a rift between them again.

ㅤㅤ( Keep it inside like you always do. )

ㅤㅤDeciding to focus on the topic of her vision, she barely managed to tear her thoughts away from her creeping doubts and offered Neuvillette a half-smile albeit forced. " W - well either way, visions certainly aren't powers to be trifled with. I like to think I've managed to get the hang of it by now -- although, I do occasionally underestimate how long I can walk on water before I inevitably plunge into the waters. " Yet another embarrassment to reflect on but it was still a learning experience nonetheless. " H - huh ? Show you ? " She looked at him, almost astounded by the suggestion. " Well ... I suppose there wouldn't be any harm in showing you in case while we're out and about ... perhaps I can introduce you to Surintendante Chevalmarin, Gentilhomme Usher and Mademoiselle Crabaletta some time. They're my most trusted aides when I do get into trouble. But speaking of which ... what do you exactly mean when you say my Vision is a ' touch different ' from the rest ? I assumed most Visions were this powerful ... "

It's an intimate moment of vulnerability when Neuvillette notices the flustering expression dusting Furina's fair skin. It's eye-catching-- and the more the chief justice would watch her bumble over her words, the more he found himself studying her. Not out of habit, but out of fascination over how much she's allowed for him to open the door to her soul bit by bit.

There's something about her and the way she looks right now that's speaking to me. He thinks to himself before the gentle steam of his tea graces his lips again with a simple slow sip.

"Of course, and likewise, Furina. I realize that there is more I could have done, but i'm glad that you trusted me enough to offer your presence with my own. Despite everything… I feel as if time together would allow us to bond more freely. Away from the eyes of the public audience." Just because they both were now no longer working under the same roof did not mean that he did not miss or desire less of her presence. No-- In fact, it's the exact opposite.

Oh, this feeling is so foreign to him.

The Iudex's attention switches back to Furina when she mentions the flooding incident involving her whole apartment. A hint of surprise could be picked out based on the lifted brow and a slight fall of his lips. Oh- that certainly was unexpected. The way he heard her voice waver yet hold such strong emotion, her adverted gaze of two pools of blue hues. He could tell she felt embarrassed to tell him about it.

In fact, his judgement on the whole thing had him gently settle his cup down back onto the small saucer that coupled it. Primordial eyes resting on her fidgeting form, yet no judgement could be seen in the surface. Only gentleness, as well as an apologetic nod in her direction.

"Hm… I have never considered any sort of aftermath beforehand when I had begun distributing a vision. Perhaps it had escaped my mind since my own power did not require too much practice…but it seems as if you were able to become more aware of its strength. I apologize that you had to experience difficulties in that event- but i'm glad that you and everyone weren't injured during its sudden evoked power."

He looked at Furina with earnest. A mistake is learned, and he felt proud to see her handle things so well like this. She has learned, but at the same time she has much to learn while living her life the way she envisioned it.

"I don't expect for you to show me this instant, but perhaps sometime when we have another opportunity to spend more time with each other, would you be against the idea showing me what your power with your vision? After all, the vision you possess is certainly a touch different compared to other visions found in Fontain."

He's curious, no doubt, but he's also taking another sip of tea with the sincere quirk of his brow. He himself had no idea just how different Furina's vision was without seeing it first-hand, but it's certainly something he has thought about since the day he had bestowed it to her.

ㅤㅤA faint blush heated her cheeks the moment she realized Neuvillette was calling her out on her eagerness back when she extended an invitation to him. Furina quickly averted her gaze, hastily settling her view upon her reflection atop of her steaming tea. " I ... of course I wanted to see you. I realize I've been the sole reason why we've grown so distant these past hundreds of years b - but things have changed now so I wanted to close the distance between us ... after all, I don't think I've ever spoke my heart to you until that night ... so erm ... in short, I wanted to make things right between us. "

ㅤㅤUpon hearing those reciprocated words, Furina's face flustered even deeper and she hung her head, eyes now trained on the floor. Why was she embarrassed all of the sudden ?! Was it because she's never heard him speak so candidly until recently ?! She wasn't sure how to handle it ... if anything, she wasn't sure if she could even look Neuvillette in the face with how quickly her heart was pounding ( why was she even reacting like this in the first place ) ! She put a hand over her own racing heart and attempted to compose herself while she did all she could to focus on Neuvillette's words.

ㅤㅤ" Ah ... right ... uhm ... my vision. " Wait. " M - my vision ? " The mere mention of it was more than enough for the all-too-familiar shame wash over her as she recalled a certain incident months ago ( she could feel her embarrassing rising to levels she never thought possible before ). " I ... er ... well ! I have been steadily getting used to having a vision but not without trial and error of course ..." She cleared her throat. " ... Perhaps I may have accidentally flooded the entire building during the first night I received it. I knew visions were powers not to be trifled with but I didn't expect it to flood the entire apartment ! After that I received a warning from my apartment manager ... they were absolutely furious with me. " Thinking on it now ... it was quite a laughable experience wasn't it ? Thanks to that, she was able to at least wield her vision with a bit more understanding now. What was important was that she was learning from her mistakes !

When the tea was prepared and properly steeped, the Iudex would politely accept the offered teacup with a polite and sincere smile. It's the little moments like this, even in a setting all by themselves, that he missed since that day. The fact that it felt like they were both normal people, under a normal roof, having a typical conversation despite it all- Neuvillette's concerns were soon drowned away by a subtle sip of his tea once cooled. When he was finished with his sip, he looks at Furina in the meantime while she answered. Watching her fiddle and think over her experience while they stay settled at the table.

"Of course I would not miss our plans, even with so much work I do have my options to help assist with papers and appointments if it means I may sit with you for a while. From what it sounded like, and this is an assumption on my part, but you seemed like you genuinely wanted to see me again when you asked me." His voice holds once more when he sips his tea, and then continues.

"I wanted to see you again, too, Furina. You are correct, the transition wasn't too difficult, but it still has its drawbacks. Sometimes the silence is a reminder that I need away from the forefront for a bit… and to be home somewhere. It's one thing to take a break from work, but it is another thing to be able to pardon from it in order to experience enjoyment." It makes sense now why he seems to enjoy this atmosphere. A home isn't a house, nor a bed, but somewhere with someone he felt genuinely close to. In this case, Furina.

He cared about her, as he knew she cared about him, too. In their own ways.

"You mentioned taking up interest in cooking alongside becoming a director. It sounds like you're slowly learning to allow yourself to make mistakes as you learn from them during your experiments- and I can't help but ask if that also involves the vision you had received, as well?" Ah yes, he never forgot about the grand ending of the little mermaid. Beautiful and touching.

ㅤㅤ" YOU almost make it sound like you wouldn't miss our dinner plans for the world but if I were you, I wouldn't get your hopes up too high. I'm not much of a culinary master after all but at the very least, I decided to make something other than macaroni for this occasion ! " With that being said ... she wasn't quite done with preparing their dinner yet considering that it was still baking in the oven. She had finished up the side dishes at the very least and well, all that was left to do now was to wait and brew some tea. Speaking of which, the water was about to boil ! She promptly took the kettle off the heat and poured the steaming water into the teapot to steep for a few minutes. She took this time to get the teacups ready for the both of them while she contemplated her response.

ㅤㅤ" Ah well ... I wanted to invite you as a way to show my gratitude after all you've done for me ... as well apologize for all I've done. I know it isn't much but I figured that if we're going to start things fresh, we might as well do it properly. " The only reason why it took her so long to even invite Neuvillette over in the first place was due to her cowardice of approaching him directly all the while knowing that his schedule was packed to the brim. She barely mustered up the courage to send him a letter and almost immediately, he responded with a resounding yes which made her heart flutter with joy.

ㅤㅤ" Mm ... I suppose my life has been quite busy ever since my final performance at the Opera Epiclese. People have been clamouring for my counsel so my schedule's been packed than ever but not that I dislike my lot in life at the moment. It's not what I envisioned in the slightest but it's been refreshing working backstage as the artistic advisor. Apart from that I have been trying to experiment with cooking more but truthfully, I'm rarely home these days. I'm glad to hear that you seem to be handling yourself quite well despite the myriad of responsibilities in the office these days. Although ... I suppose it wasn't too much of a transition for you considering that you took on the majority of my responsibilities even before I left ... but still ! I certainly hope you're taking breaks every now and then ! I know how dedicated you can be to your work after all. "

When one would invite the Iudex to attend a specific meeting or celebration, it was normally passed up by him due to the urgency in the matter. Most knew that of all people, Neuvillette would be the type to forego the pleasures of these 'meet and greets' in order to continue giving his full attention to the livelihood of fontaine. The court system does not run by itself, as one would assume, and there was much to settle by his fair jurisdiction alone on matters. No matter how trivial they may seem.

…and yet, despite such dedication, the Iudex could never for the life of him deny an invitation from Miss Furina herself to a private dinner. In fact, he even showed up rather early to Miss Furina's apartment with a hidden form of humbled eagerness in those pearlescent eyes of his. Of all the people in Fontaine that he has served throughout the years, Furina truly is one of the few that he would move his own schedule around in order to attend her invite with his presence.

A gentle soft smile greets her as he's welcomed in.

"I apologize for being so early, I had finished my work earlier than usual so I made my way here to avoid additional inquiries that would keep me from making it on time." Being late to Furina's invitation was simply out of the question on his list of priorities.

The atmosphere was simply homely. Unlike the upheld cleanliness in an orderly grandiose setting, the environment he sees before him felt welcoming. He could see how Furina has grown accustomed to living in a place like this, it's small enough to manage without overexerting one's self and it felt more like… her. He found it hard to put it into words, but when he nodded along with her request to seat himself at the table, it felt very her.

"I appreciate that you've thought of me to consider it in the first place, Miss Furina. It isn't too often that I am summoned to share my quality time with you, with all things considered. I think this gives us an excellent opportunity to catch up with eachother."

Voice as smooth as velvet, Neuvillette's gaze is now on Furina's tea, watching her prepare with careful attention.

"Our lives have truly become busy for both of us in our new environments. I myself have adjusted to the court on my own… although things are a lot more demanding of my attention to detail than anything. As for you, however, Furina… i'm curious what you've been up to. How are you enjoying your lifestyle in here?" Was she happy here, he wondered sincerely.

ㅤㅤ" OYA ? I never anticipated you would develop an interest in these kinds things ... you often used to decline event invitations in favour of working ... but more importantly, I didn't expect you'd ever have someone in mind to invite someone to an event. Surely this will be the talk of the town. " She couldn't help but jest but that aside, " In any case, I suppose either method is reasonable depending on the recipient but if it were me, I'd probably opt to ask them directly. It's straight to the point and not to mention, you can avoid the anxiety of waiting for a response. "

"Hm... as a general question for my curiosity, do you find it respectable to invite someone to an event by formally writing them a letter, or do you prefer a more vocal approach in such a situation?"

Yes, maybe he has plans. No, he isn't going to specify for who or what or why.

@ouroborius || closed starter. (for neuvillette.)

ㅤㅤ" Y - YOU showed up rather early didn't you ? I was somewhat hoping that you'd at least arrive in 30 minutes since I'm not quite done with dinner but well ... not that I can turn you away now. Come on in. My place isn't all that impressive but it's at the very least comfortable. " With that, she showed Neuvillette into her apartment. Upon entering, Neuvillette would notice that while the place didn't have much, it was quite tidy ( thanks to her cleaning up the place in haste after recalling that Neuvillette was coming by for dinner tonight ). It was simple but yet comfortable enough for Furina to live in ... certainly a step down from the grand life that she once lived in the Opera Epiclese with him but it was clear she much preferred this life nowadays.

ㅤㅤ" Make yourself at home or well ... feel free to sit at the dining table. I'll brew some tea in a moment. " She made her way to the kitchen to pull out a batch of surprisingly high quality tea leaves ( there was no way she could run out of them after being gifted a rather copious amount from a certain Duke but well at least she had the opportunity to serve them to a guest who was sure to enjoy them. ) " I honestly didn't think you'd consider my offer so soon ... n - not that I'm not delighted of course ... it's just well ... we haven't spoken much since that night at the Opera Epiclese so I figured you must have your hands full. "

nyewwo folks. will do some furina writing tonight!

I JUST WANNA SAY THAT i am not caught up with genshin but idc i adore ur furina and i wanna give her a polite smooch on da cheek so bad 🥺😚💕

LYNNNNN OMG PLS IM GONNA EAT YOU AFFECTIONATELY!!!!! OMG PLEASE TAKE UR TIME WITH GENSHIN ... ITS A LONG ASS STORYLINE BUT AAAAAA THANK YOUUU!! I FEEL VERY HONOURED AT HOW MUCH YOU ADORE HER ... I DONT THINK IM THE MOST IC FURINA BUT I AM TRYING !!!

PLEASE!! she'll give u a lil smoochy smooch on the cheek back ... i would die for u lynn ... UR SO SWEET

ㅤㅤ" SPEAKING of which, I've caught up with your recent magazine shoots in the Steambird's fashion section ! As always, you're so radiant, Marie but of course nowhere near as dazzling as I ! I do have to say, Rêves de Velours is quite the trendsetter. Even I'm tempted to try out some of the outfits you modelled for but with my own flare of course ! " A touch of arrogance to ascertain her performance as the Hydro Archon.

ㅤㅤIt wasn't long before the two arrived at the boutique, lined with all sorts of luxury fashion and the two excitedly made their way over to the swimwear section. Furina put a hand to her chin in thought as she listened in on Marie's suggestions with careful consideration. Appealing choices but what would be the most befitting of her status as the Regina of Waters ? " Hm, hm ... It's true I do currently possess swimwear with the white and black accents. The contrast is what made it the most appealing but the black with the blue accents does make for a rather bold look ... it's settled then ! We shall go with the black ! " With that, she snapped for the clerk to attend to her and help prepare her swimsuit. The employee appeared to be quite nervous in the presence of the Hydro Archon but of course, he delivered everything with impeccable service before she put it on. Of course, she came out of the fitting rooms with a flourishing pose in order to showcase her new swimsuit; a black frilly two-piece with royal blue accents -- befitting of Focalors. And of course, she had her signature hat settled atop her head to complement her swimsuit.

ㅤㅤ" So, how do I look ? Splendid, aren't I ? In any case, we shan't waste any more time ! Let's get going. "

"Time seems to love our attention, it seems! Rêves de Velours has been quite finicky for the next photoshoot on a weekly basis, but for now I would say my time for more personal time is a priority! Ah, speaking of which! The boutique is just this way, and I heard there's a new collection many have been dying to get their eyes and hands on~!"

A heart filled laughter, Marie excitedly struts through the doors with Furina beside her. A smile gracing her lips, she immediately knows exactly where to go.

"Now, now, Furina! Let's decide what color you're feeling today, shall we? I think the last time you chose white with black accents, are you still feeling the same theme- or perhaps changing it up a bit?" Marie's already filing through the area in the back with expert percision.

"Oh, I think you would look wonderfully glorious in black this time around!"

thinkin alot about this hyv-funded neuvillette response to la vaguelette

ㅤㅤ" THE first step, huh ... ? " Thinking about it now, it was still hard to believe that the curtain had finally fallen on her performance but at the same time, those tormented days felt like nothing more than a dream of the past ( a nightmare that would haunt her mind for years on end but it was a burden she would have to live with so as long she remained human ).

ㅤㅤHer gaze raised further up towards the heavens, Furina's sight landing upon the unattainable divine throne. While such matters was of no concern to her any longer ... what transpired for the past five hundred -- no thousands of years was all because of the mercilessness of the Heavenly Principles ( the punishment bestowed upon Egeria and the prophecy that was meant to follow ... it was all a cruel tragedy that Celestia was just waiting to see unfold but it became nothing more than a performance in the end ). She lowered her view to the horizon as she listened onto to his words, her heart determined to set on the presence. Just as Thoma said, she was right here ... moving forward in her own path towards the unknown.

ㅤㅤShe glanced back over to her new companion and a sheepish smile took her lips as her acknowledgement to his words. " ... I suppose you're right. It is rather insulting to the both of us to compare our convictions -- " Despite what she went through, she wanted to desperately believe it came to mean something in the end ( by no means was it something she was proud of -- in fact, she wish she could forget about it but she resolved herself to uphold her duty until the bitter end ). " ... Still, there's truly no denying that we're right here. Together. " The prospect of enjoying part of her journey with a new friend made her heart flutter in a mixture of excitement and anxiety towards the unknown. While she wasn't sure how long she would remain in Mondstadt, there was no harm in enjoying her time now ( it was unusual this was the most certain she's felt after everything ). " But say, was there anything you wanted to do in specific while you're here in Mondstadt ? You did mention tying some loose ends but well ... perhaps I can offer you my companionship for the time being. I have no intentions of prying of course but perhaps it would be easier with a companion at your side. " Perhaps that went double for her.

Unknowingly at the moment, this shared instance where he just felt bare managed to leave its impact. His heart felt the rusted weights of a chapter that bonded more with the dead, the bastardizations of life, of confusion and strife finally began to shudder and move as those pools of cerulean and royal blue hadn't left him. It felt different compared to finding the shoulder, voice and ear of someone who found themselves plunged into the same sorrows.

Thoma could selfishly admit that he didn't want anyone who could relate to this one for one, to be the one to hear him speak on such a matter.

"I did." Even the roaming pedestrians would find themselves hazed out of his attention span. A tinge of gray splotches over the colors of Mondstadt, just for the moment, allowing for her myriad shades of blue to remain the color at attention, to settle as the color his state of reason wants to interact with. Thus he listens, allowing for sturdy supports and gradual foundation of their bridge to form.

Much as he'd wish to fill in the blanks, to counter what she thought, he wouldn't. A warrior's conduct guides him into letting her finish this expression of the soul to the very end. Regardless of how a light, breezy feeling finds itself snagging alongside the pinches and pricks in his chest, the foundation made through that very resolve she praised made him hold it all with a clenched fist. A slow, shaken breath easing from him as she begins to explain her growing wave that was her wish.

"If it's any consideration.. I think you got one of the hardest parts out of the way. Many people, from the struggling straits to the best highs I've seen always refer to the 'First Step' as one of the biggest trials."

"And Furina? ..We moved." The once shared glance towards the Heavens, where a stronghold of the Divine finds itself carried by clouds and the boundless sky was turned away from. The sight of gods wasn't what he needs.

No, it was the very human Furina's companionship, another walker of beaten paths.

"Teyvat has its secrets lying in wait, not just about its history, but those connected to us as well. If you keep with the courage that you've used so far, I think there will hardly be anything to worry about, for either of us."

"Sides!" A bit bashful, he rubs at his head.

"I don't like the idea of our convictions being compared.. Wouldn't it be nicer if they were kinda like us right now? Just walking together?"

ㅤㅤDEEP down, she knew that her fears were nothing more than her own insecurities consuming her rationale but it didn't change the fact the pair have never been honest about their own feelings for the past few hundred years. How was she supposed to know what Neuvillette thought of her when all their encounters were based on falsehoods ? She spent all this time desperately trying to play the part of someone she wasn't and in turn, that mask of Focalors was the one he only came to know all these years. Didn't he find it exhausting? Despite being the one at her side through all these years ... she realized she knew nothing about his feelings ( only the torment she's caused him from the injustices of Fontaine that she couldn't stop ) and so the only way for her to truly understand was to confirm if her fears were truly unfounded. Before she could lose herself in her anxieties, it was as if her world had suddenly come to a halt when arms came to pull her in a tender embrace.

ㅤㅤHer eyes slowly widened in disbelief, lips parted ever so slightly as she was rendered absolutely speechless ( when was the last time anyone's ever held her like this ? Rather ... has anyone ever embraced her at all ? ). Despite the rain ... his embrace was warm. He held her as if she was all that mattered in this world; desperate to convey his own loneliness ... the sorrow of having Furina no longer by his side. There was a sense of relief that her fears were unfounded but the consolation was soon drowned with the melancholy of the rain; their true selves laid bare at long last.

ㅤㅤFurina's expression softened and she stood there, gazing up at the clouded skies with tears now trickling down her cheeks, each drop easily washed away by the pouring rain. Why was he blaming himself when it was something that couldn't be helped ? It was finally over and yet ... was this what was hiding beneath his heart all this time ? No ... she just chose to be ignorant out of fear that her own vulnerabilities would be exposed in the process. It tore her heart apart thinking about how deeply he cared for her but yet she was never able to do anything for him in return.

ㅤㅤ" ... I've always wondered all this time if you were fed up with me. I knew the way I was acting frustrated you so I thought -- " She couldn't bring herself to voice those words she was afraid of being reality, " ... I'm sorry. " She apologized in a trembling whisper, her voice faltering as she did everything she could not to break down. " ... There wasn't anything that anyone could do. If you knew anything then everything I did would've been all for naught so I tried ... tried so hard to become an Archon that you and everyone else could respect but ... you saw how it all turned out in the end. " Even if this was all according to how Focalors planned it, it still felt like she failed everyone as she sat there helpless upon the throne ( the ghost of her powerlessness would haunt her for years on end ).

ㅤㅤ" But I ... I was so scared. Afraid of what you thought of me ... afraid that you already had enough of me but ... I didn't realize how much pain I was causing you too ... " She slowly raised her arms to grip onto the fabric of his coat, pulling herself closer to him. Even after regaining his authority ... he was still thinking of her. " ... How much more do I have to keep asking of you ? I've never been strong enough to do anything for you ... You've done so much for not only me but for the people of Fontaine ... "

As their conversation continued, it was noted by Neuvillette's attention that the weighted melancholy of fate draped heavily over the shoulders of the once-ruled hydro archon. Even standing there with her, her voice still holding the same strength as before, he could tell that there was a hidden feeling of dread somewhere. Perhaps it was because of his ability to sense emotions of others around him that caused him to notice it- but this time it was a lot clearer to him.

It certainly was because what Furina had went through that he finally was able to notice this shift. She hid this so well for such a long time, and with each moment the chief justice began to mull over it, the more he seemed to reflect such worry in his eyes as he continued to share his presence with her.

It was a heavy, lonely kind of feeling. A dark ocean that would sweep around and pull down its victim until they suffocated under immense pressure. Bubbles foaming upward, air running out with no escape in sight. He couldn't fathom just how Furina felt right now.

He still couldn't believe he failed to recognize anything happening- but he can't mull over it now. His priority in this moment was focusing on the future. To help Furina on her journey to experience humans. To help himself experience humans now that the loom of fate had missed its opportunity of a doomsday.

His eyes (softened with pearlescent colors) lowered to her own as he noticed her drift off in insecurity and uncertainty. Like a veil being lifted, so had been the vulnerability of Furina when the opportunity had presented itself. She sounded hesitated. Scared- frightened? Unsure?

"Furina..." He began as he feels himself move to reach for her. He feels it, he can literally feel the weight of anxious dread radiating off of her- even if he couldn't explain or dissect it specifically, he knew for certain that this was something both she and himself needed.

An arm coming around her, and soon the other one, Neuvillette gently pulled her towards him in an embrace. Something he should have done a long, long time ago. Sadness. Loneliness. Anxiety. Emotions that even he couldn't process himself and yet it felt like a deep sinking feeling in his chest. All were enough to cause the hydro sovereign to bring a tear to his eye.

With a gentle whisper of 'plop', it suddenly began to rain.

"Furina... It is quiet inside the premise, but that does not mean that I am relieved that you are gone. Furina, please don't take such thought has an absolute that i'm glad you are gone, because I would argue the opposite."

Another tear, and Neuvillette closes his eyes while bringing Furina closer. He's gentle, of course, but he also does not want to leave her feeling that she does not matter to him. The hydro dragon's face could easily be mistaken for being drenched from the rain water, but the genuine tears falling from him and unto the ground at their feet was absolute certain.

"I care about you deeply. I have noticed you, but I never noticed just how much you were suffering. Deep down, I wish I could have done something to help prevent the pain you've endured. I want to be here for you, if you will allow me to be."

ㅤㅤSOMEHOW, bringing this up to Albedo almost seemed like a bad idea but well, he was glad that the alchemist at least acknowledged that the Primordial Seawater wasn't exactly the most safest specimen to consume. " I do happen to have a jar here ... it's not much since I was genuinely curious about it. Just ... don't do anything reckless with it. "

"Hm. I see... I guess that it wouldn't be healthy for anyone to drink leisurely. On the contrary- I have to wonder if it has any special qualities if you try using it for water coloring in paint..." Ok, maybe he's considering it now. Give him the jar of primordial sea water, Aether.

ㅤㅤ" THAT'S enough eggs to feed you for a whole week straight. At least you're getting a lot of that protein in. " Not that Blue Bird needed extra protein anyways but well, that was besides the point.

ㅤㅤ" Need me to take some off your hands ? Paimon does sure eat like a glutton so we could always use more food. What did you even do to earn a whole basket of eggs anyways ? I'm assuming it was some overly generous old man who didn't know what to do with all these eggs so he just dumped it on you. "

"Oh, these?" He looks over at Aether, and then at the eggs in his arms. Ah, yeah maybe he should've thought about how many eggs he was willing to take as a reward. "They're for helping that one guy down the street over there, and he promised free food- but honestly... I didn't think that far into this. I, uh... I might need some help, actually."

ㅤㅤ" I suppose a doctor does have places to be but very well then ! It'll be our very own outing without the boys ! I must say, it's been quite awhile since we've spent some time together. With trials piling up and the packed schedule of visitations from my fans, I feel as if I haven't had any time to myself recently. Anywho, forget my old wardrobe, why don't you help pick out a swimsuit for me ? Your fashion sense is far too impeccable to pass up the opportunity. Come then ! I look forward to what you have in store, Marie. "

ㅤㅤ" Shall we stop by the boutique ? Then perhaps I can buy us some refreshments on the way to the beach. "

"O-la la~! That's such a brilliant and beautiful idea, mon amie! All the company is most CERTAINLY welcome to join us and our little rendezvous~! It is sad to say that Monsieur Sanson won't be joining this time. I think he mentioned something about his scheduling?" A shame, Marie really did enjoy her time with her friends- but when they're busy, well...

"Any who~! I'd love for you to come join me, Furina~! I'm very excited to see your choice of swimsuit, I bet it's as glamorous as it is cute! Monsieur Sanson and Monsieur Neuvillette truly will be missing out on a fun evening!"

@arlquin replied:

Sinthe.

ㅤㅤWELL, that was a landmine he accidentally stepped on. " Ahh well ... no but also, I was more so thinking if there was a way to distill the effects of it ... or something like that, haha ! "

@ouroborius replied:

Albedo vc: Do you think it tastes like sparkling water or more like oil?

ㅤㅤ" WELL according to Paimon, it tastes salty and icky so I would assume it tastes like seawater but worse. Then again maybe this is a bad idea given the effects of the Primordial Sea ... "

ㅤㅤ" THEORETICALLY, do you think I can make Primordial Seawater into a tasty drink ? "