Love is a Strange Thing
Lisa took a seat at her desk, having just finished putting away newly returned books. She wasn’t in the mood to read, and it was too late for tea. The librarian thought about Kaeya and Amber's little intervention earlier that day.
'I think you two would make a delightful couple.'
The words rang in her head. She wished she wouldn't be so doubtful of the captain. Would they be a good couple? Would Jean even want to be with her? She sighed, looking around the library inattentively. “I suppose checking on Jean wouldn’t hurt.” She thought. If she remembered correctly, Jean didn’t have many commissions to do today. Lisa stepped out into the hall, walking towards Jean’s office. The soft glow of the moon peeked through the windows, illuminating the hall with a quiet glimmer. She creaked open the door, peering inside. Jean sat at her desk, rereading Vera’s Melancholy once again. She had read that novel so many times that Lisa stopped keeping track. Lisa stepped into the office without a sound, closing the door. “You sure like those romance novels, don’t you, dear?” She teased, leaning on the door. Jean was silent, but not out of embarrassment or annoyance. She was staring down at her book, but Lisa could tell she wasn't reading. She sensed a certain sorrow in Jean. The witch couldn’t think of anything to say to break the silence. She wasn’t sure if she even should. Before Lisa could get lost in her thoughts, Jean finally spoke. “Lisa, what do you think about true love?” Lisa was surprised at the sudden question. What did she think about true love? She had gone on dates during her days in Sumeru, but she had never been in a “real” relationship. She felt as if she was unqualified to answer the question.
“Love is a strange thing, no?” Jean chuckled at her simple response as if expecting such an answer. She closed her book, meeting Lisa’s eyes. Lisa felt herself blush at the sight of the young knight’s eyes.
“Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be in love?” To feel that sense of warmth and joy?” Hearing those words, Lisa realized why Jean enjoyed romance novels so much. Lisa examined the knight's face, who held a genuine smile that was... pained in a way. Lisa had wondered what true love felt like. She had wondered what it was like to be loved,
loved by Jean.
She craved that warm feeling of joy and love, just as Jean did. Deep down, Lisa wanted to fulfill the cravings of the knight who worked so hard to protect her city. Despite these newfound feelings, Lisa could only choke out an empty answer as she averted her eyes.
“Of course I have, dear. I’m sure most, if not everyone, has felt that way at some point.” How sad. The witch couldn’t bring herself to open up to Jean. Jean laughed softly, causing Lisa to blush.
“It must be a beautiful feeling, don’t you think?” She smiled sweetly, seemingly dreaming of such a thing. Seeing the knight smile was a beautiful sight for Lisa, as a warm, joyous feeling fabricated inside of her. She wished she could let Jean experience the same.
“I’m sure of it.” She smiled.
“Good night, Lisa.”
“Good night, Jean.”
Lisa closed the door behind her, leaving her in deafening silence.
~+~
Lisa’s head was filled to the brim with noisy, clattering thoughts. She was laying in bed in her light purple nightgown. Despite being in the perfect position to sleep, she was wide-awake thinking about her conversation with Jean. Why didn’t she confess to her? Why couldn’t she give a genuine answer? Lisa sighed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind wandered, wondering what it would be like to be in a relationship with the Grand Master. In truth, they’d never have time to do any “couple” things, considering Jean’s busy schedule. Still, it wasn’t like they weren’t already constantly in each other’s company.
How pathetic. If Jean could read her thoughts, she’d want to keep her distance, Lisa thought. She frowned as her mood diminished. If only she could fall asleep and forget about everything.