I Can't Say I'm In Love

3 years ago…

Rain pelted the ambulance window, the raging orange of fire cutting through the night as Clorinde watched the car burn. As the vehicle got further away the flames blurred, Clorinde felt numb. She couldn’t even register the feeling of Callas’s cold hand in hers. The echoes of his last words drowned out the melody of “How You Get the Girl” that rang from her phone.

It’s my fault. I did this.

Two teenagers: one blonde and one with purple hair, the blonde had her arm around the other and was grinning triumphantly at the camera. The other girl was not smiling at the camera but instead at her friend. Around their necks were matching necklaces each with two charms: A silver feather and a navy rose. Without looking down, her finger slide to the power button.

—---

Clorinde leaned forward, flicking the switch off of a large spotlight camera. She scooted her chair to the lightboard letting the wheels glide on the floor. Her hands hovered over it as she began tinkering with the switches and adjusting the knobs back into their original positions. A loud knock echoed through the tiny light booth.

“For the last time Furina I’m not going to “help you wingman” to get you and Arlecchino together. It’s not a date if you haven’t asked the other person out. No,” Clorinde turned her back to the door. She dropped to the floor and pulled out the power cord, wrapping the cables around her hand as she rolled her shoulders back and cracked her neck. The person stayed silent as Clorinde finished collecting the cable into a neat circle and rummaged through the pockets of her slick black pants. Her fingers waved in the pockets wildly, feeling for a twist tie or rubber band. She dug through the back ones letting out an annoyed huff when she came out empty handed.

“I wasn’t aware Furina was trying to court our dear Knave?” Neuvilllette coughed as he smoothed down his hair and his pristine blue suit. He shifted awkwardly on his feet unsure how to process the new information.

“Oh Neuvillette, how are you? Clorinde straightens up in the chair and turns towards him. ‘Is there a task you need me to do?” She lifted her chin in greeting and quickly broke eye contact, choosing to not comment on the embarrassed blush that appeared on Neuvilettes cheeks.

“Ah yes, my sisters love life aside, I wanted to inquire about the stage manager posting for our next production. You haven’t signed up for it yet and I’m afraid the deadline is swiftly approaching.” Neuvillette turned to his right, noticing the wire connecting the spotlight to the outlet, he squatted down and unplugged it.

When Furina had told him of the empty spot the technical director immediately thought of Clorinde if only to spare him some stress. In the same refined motion as Clorinde he wrapped the cable into a neat circle and set it to the side.

“You must be mistaken. I have no intention of applying for that position. My current schedule barely allows time for me to spend afternoons in the booth.” Swiveling the corner of the room, Clorinde collected her things from under a desk covered in sheets of paper. She straightened a few that had wrinkles and thought of her bed. A long overnight stakeout and double shows left the young bodyguard yearning for a cup of coffee. She scoffed, imagining her adoptive mother scolding her for not picking one up earlier in the day.

Clorinde rose from her chair and headed towards the door. Neuvillette followed her closely the sound of their voices and heels echoed through the small staircase. “Please I must implore you to reconsider, you are the most qualified for the job and Furina recommended you highly for this production. She mentioned your impeccable organization skills and you’re frankly overqualified.”

“Furina just wants me to be out of the lighting booth so she can complain about her love life.” Clorinde ignored Neuvillette’s disappointment. “While I usually find her gossip entertaining, it is unprofessional during working hours.”

Clorinde opened the door and politely held it as he passed the threshold into the house of the theater. Clorinde closed it behind him and dove her hand into her purse.

“Please take it as a favor to me, I don’t think this place could stand if Hu Tao becomes stage manager again.” Both techies shivered at the thought. Last show Hu Tao had volunteered to be stage manager. The show ended a day early with two near deaths, which Chiori swears was on purpose to bring business to Hu Tao’s funeral parlor. Not to mention the many fires that had occurred during rehearsals and especially tech week.

Clorinde turned the key in the door, locking it shut before pulling it out and tossing her set of keys to Neuvillette. “You raise a good point, is there truly no one else?”

The tall man nodded. Clorinde exhaled slowly, “Very well Monsieur, I'll be your stage manager. May I ask what show?”

“Hercules.” Neuviellte smirked uncharacteristically as Clorinde walked away satisfied with his answer. As soon as the doors creaked and shuddered Nevuillettte pulled out his phone and texted someone “Got her, operation girl failure go!” before following after her.

—--

“Chiori please~” Navia pouted as her friend took her waist measurements. “I wanna know who the stage manager is! Please please, I haven’t gotten to greet her properly yet!”

“Be patient-” Chiori smacked her shoulder as Navia whipped around “And stop moving unless you wanna be pricked.” She brandished one of her needles as she held the measuring tape. She had been trying to take the restless actress's waist measurement for twenty minutes. To be fair they spent the first 10 minutes of the fitting catching up. Either way Chiori was getting frustrated.

Navia stood up straight knowing full well that Chiori had no qualms about pricking her, accident or otherwise. “It’s impolite you know, not saying please,” A large grin stretched across the demoiselle's face.

“Do you want your dress to look perfect or do you want me to be nice?” Chiori said, pulling the tape tighter over her waist. She sighed, feeling Navia’s curious eyes, “I don’t know either but I heard she’s coming in this evening. Apparently, she had a work emergency during lead auditions.”

“How exciting!” Navia squealed, nearly jumping off the ground. The measuring tape slipped off her waist once more. Chiori’s eyes darkened as a vein popped out of her forehead. “FOR FUCKS SAKE NAVIA GET OUT!”

Navia giggled as she skipped out of the dressing room “I’ll be back at the same time tomorrow POOKIE!”

Instead of meeting the freedom of the mold scented theater Navia collided with the scent of roses and sea salt. Her hands found muscular arms as her face was engulfed by soft cotton. She didn’t even look up before she jumped back and screamed.

“CLoRINDE!”

Clorinde brushed out the imprint of Navia’s face from her shirt. “Hello Miss Caspar, what are you doing here?” Her face was emotionless as always, as Navia’s eyes pinched into a death glare.

“I could say the same for you,” Navia growled. It had been a few months since they bumped into each other. A miracle considering they both volunteer their free time to the same community theater program. There were many troupes around the city of Poisson, but both had agreed that their history should not interfere with their hobbies. Especially when those hobbies involved working in the same vicinity as Furina.

“I was called for a meeting with Chiori and Furina about the costumes,” Clorinde’s usual impeccable posture withering under Navia’s gaze. Guilt and protectiveness wafted off her, she wanted nothing more than to hug Navia glad to be near her at all. Navia opened her mouth to let out a snarky comment only for Clorinde to continue, “I was not aware you were here.”

Navia conceded grumbling, “I guess that’s fair just get out of my sight and don’t talk to me ever.” She strutted past Clorinde flipping her hair ignoring the pitiful longing look Clorinde seemed to be intent on burning into the back of her head.

“FURINA~” Navia gleefully called, seeing Furina turn the corner into the room. Furina squealed and sprinted towards Navia, nearly jumping into Navia’s arms as they hugged.

“Navia, my star, it's been so long,” Furina flourished her signature top hat dramatically as they let go of each other. “Please tell me you have some tea; my brother has been as drab as usual. You’d think having a boyfriend would make him a little more energetic!”

“Furina, it's been two days,” Navia giggled as Furina excitedly rocked on her feet.

“Oh please, two days is more than enough for you to get into trouble.” Furina flapped her hand at Navia.

“You know me so well,” Navia giggled. “Speaking of trouble, I heard the stage manager was quite dashing. I haven’t seen them around. If they're as charming as Charlotte says they are, I'd be a bit disappointed that my best friend and designated wingwoman didn’t introduce me.” A cough interrupted them from the doorway. Clorinde fidgeted as the largest shit eating grin spread across Furina’s face.

“Oh right sorry Navia, as much as I’d love to gossip about the juicy lives of THE Navia Caspar and this attractive stage manager - your words not mine - I must join said woman with business!” Furina tipped her hat to Navia. “Don’t forget to do your consent checks with Arle!”

Clorinde blinked her face paling as she processed. “She’s the talented lead you're talking about?!” she pointed at Navia. Navia was one of the best actors in the troupe, in Clorinde’s opinion she was the best, but Clorinde couldn't help but feel conflicted.

Ignoring Clorinde entirely, Navia dramatically slid to the ground “The betrayal, I didn’t know you wanted to keep her for yourself. Now I must fight my dearest friend for the affections of my one TRUE love!”

Furina had to stifle her giggles as she pushed Clorinde into the costumes room. “Oh, come on Navia’s one true love we have costumes to sort out for the show.”

Navia’s face was engulfed with a deep blush, her mouth open to argue but no words came.

—---

“Hey Lyney, you mind throwing up a water bottle,” Navia called from the stage. Lyney leaned down to grab from the pile next to him. Before he could toss it to Navia, Clorinde appeared behind her and pushed a bottle into her hands. “Here, you already opened this one earlier.”

Navia snapped at her “Hey, did I ask for your help Chlorine?” Clorinde slinked back into the shadows of the stage curtains unfazed by Navia’s annoyed tone.

“You asked for water.” She responded dryly, rolling up the sleeves of her cream-colored blouse.

Navia scoffed as she went back to working with the stagehands with the set. Even while covered in the shadows Clorinde’s defined arms were impressive, Navia snuck a quick look. She grumbled “damn I guess she still works out or something.”

Clorinde lifted her head toward her “pardon?”

“Nothing oh honorable stage manager.” Navia bowed dramatically. Clorinde blinked before turning back to the stagehand she was talking to. Once Navia faced away from her she took a drink of the water as Clorinde ears were painted red.

—

Clunk.

Navia lifted her head from the desk she was napping on, her laptop open to her criminology assignment. Her eyes met with a large cup of steaming coffee and a croissant from her favorite bakery across the street. Behind her Clorinde spoke, “A mocha latte with skim milk and a pump of pumpkin spice syrup with a croissant.”

Navia squeaked, “Shit! Don’t sneak up on people like that. Especially when they are getting their beauty rest. Plus, you got my order wrong. I always get a chocolate croissant with sprinkles!” Navia’s eye twitched, the lie slipping through her clenched teeth. Clorinde got it perfect, but she didn’t want to admit that. She clenched her hands pushing down that weird tight feeling in her chest.

Clorinde blinked, hands still outstretched. Navia tucked her laptop under her arm and grabbed the gift, walking past her with her cheeks lightly dusted in pink.

—--

“Woah, heads up!”

Navia felt herself pushed into the wall, the box of props she was trying to grab from on top of her costume locker clattering on the ground. The person embracing her grunted as a few of the heavier props fell on her. Their faces close to each other as the person’s arms trapped Navia between their body and the empty space in the corner of the dressing room. Roses and salt filled her nostrils and Navia’s face heated up instantly.

Navia cursed Furina out internally as she realized who had saved her from a potential concussion. With her face heart pounding close Clorinde breathed out a gentle question, “Are you okay, Navia?”

Her voice was whispery and fond as she said her name, just like when they had their sleepovers and stayed up past their bedtimes. Her eyes were dilated, electric purple pupils peered into blue. Clorinde’s usual stiff expression was nowhere to be seen, replaced with soft cheeks and an upward curve of her lips. She seemed unfazed but the tips of her ears were dusted red, and her breath was even, too even. Navia could tell she was trying too hard to hide how nervous and flustered she was.

It was almost cute.

Heart thumping loudly in her chest she pushed Clorinde’s shoulder and walked past. Before she left the dressing room she paused. Her hand wrapped around the doorframe. Navia couldn’t help but think of nights wrapped in her embrace and tight hugs in hallways.

She felt as though a cold bucket of water had been poured over her. Their recent proximity had brought back the aching feeling she had felt after the incident. There was a gap in her life. She knew that, but didn’t realize how much she missed those moments so dearly. Loneliness stirred in her stomach. When did she get so used to feeling incomplete? She knew that at some point Clorinde had loved her, was it still true even after all this time?

She knew the answer deep down. Her gaze held softness that was never there for anything or anybody else. Even during the last three years Clorinde had looked at her like she was her world, just one she’d never touch. Guilt crept through her body, knowing that she refused to do anything about it.

“I’m fine,” Navia tightened her grip. “I had it handled.” Her hand tensed harder, putting more pressure on the frame, veins popping out as she struggled to let her words out. She didn’t want this anymore but couldn’t bring herself to say anything else. She wasn’t the one who started this anyways.

Clorinde stared at her owlishly, her arms close to her sides. She questioned herself; did I make Navia uncomfortable? That wasn’t my intention. Before Clorinde could apologize for the unnecessary rescue, Navia spat out a grumble.

“Pardon?”

Navia let go of the frame, her right hand picking at the tips of her left fingers. She inhaled deeply “I said, thank you..” The women blinked at each other. Navia couldn’t control the curve of her lips as Clorinde blinked cluelessly.

“What?”

Navia quickly schooled her expression into one of cold indifference, “You're not hearing it again Chlorine.”

She threw a halfhearted glare over her shoulder as she headed towards the green room. Clorinde smiled but the joy quickly faded as fire flashed before her eyes.
—-
“Look I just think it's kind of weird that she shows up next to me all the time!” Navia whined as Chiori finally got her waist measurement. “WITH SNACKS TOO!”

“It's really not.” Chiori paced round her temporary studio looking for a specific piece of purple fabric. “She’s popped up next to you- what, three times this week? Considering she’s always by the stage I would’ve assumed it’d happen more often.” Navia gave her legs a little shake, finally getting a break from standing deadly still.

“Some people might find it charming but honestly, it’s annoying. We agreed to interact as little as possible, “She stepped down from the stool and grabbed her lipstick from her purse. Chiori hummed in response, disappearing into a closet. Navia opened up a little hand mirror checking for any smudges and reapplying her lipstick.

She looked fondly at the name of the brand, reminiscing of Clorinde gifting her a lipstick from the same brand a few weeks before their junior prom. Navia shook the smile from her face and an expression of melancholy replaced it.

Before she could continue to think about her happy highschool years a satisfied laugh echoed through the small room. “AHA this’ll work!” Chiori came out of the closet arms full of purple linens and cotton fabrics.

“Are you even listening?” Navia groaned, shoveling her feelings of their past down.

“Unlike you I have actual work to do, so if you would please stop whinging about your high school ex that would be much appreciated.” Chiori laid down the fabrics and started sorting them.

“We never actually dated!” Navia threw her hands into the air, “And I told you about that in confidence!” Chiori shrugged as she measured out a piece of dark purple linen.

A soft knock on the door interrupted Chiori’s no doubt snarky remark as Clorinde’s signature white gloves turned the knob. “Furina is asking for you, Navia-” she said, not even glancing into the room before carefully shutting the door. The repetitive tap of her heels indicated that she was walking back towards the stage.

“See! How she could possibly have known I was in here???” Navia waved her hands at the door as if it was some type of proof.

“Oh no how could the love of my twenty-two-year existence possibly recognize my voice through the paper-thin walls of this decaying building.” Chiori responded, rolling her eyes as

Navia flushed arms crossed as she mumbled, “No macarons for you this month.”

Chiori's eyes widened but she didn’t fire a comment back at the blonde. She couldn’t help but pity her, to still be so in love but unwilling to admit it.

—

Clorinde sighed, sweeping up another pile of dust that seemed to appear randomly on the black paint of the stage. Her arms felt like steel after pulling some large pieces of wood and a couple of the troupe's metal platforms out of storage. She grumbled, Cherveuse just likes seeing her sweat after that one time she called her hat lame.

She took a walk around, ensuring the stage was clear of dust for the cleaning tomorrow. Once the black tape was actually black instead of gray, she moved to the house picking up wrappers hidden between the seats. She reminded herself to talk to Paimon and the Viatrix twins about their snacking habits.

While it had been a long few weeks the show was coming along swimmingly. Most of the choreography for the larger numbers was completed and learned. Half the set was constructed and safe, approval from Neuvillette and all. There had been no incidents with Hu Tao, Venti or Bennett, which Clorinde considered a genuine miracle granted by the archons. But Navia’s less frequent death glares stoked the fires of her guilt. If it was because she had given up on being completely confrontational or because she simply got used to Clorinde being around she didn’t know. Either way she felt shitty about it.

As she finished her rounds footsteps came from the stage. The left stage door swung open as Navia’s voice echoed through the house. “Fufu can you help me with the green room? It's a damn mess!”

She stopped in her tracks as she spotted Clorinde towering over a trash can with at least twenty empty bags of “Sara’s sweet madame flavored potato chips” in her arms. She was surrounded by bottles of premium Snezhnayan firewater, they were virgin, but she didn’t know if Navia knew that. Her eyes were wide as she stuttered dropping some of the bags, “It's uh it’s uh, not what it looks like I swear!?”

“Oh for fuck’s safe why are you here?” Navia questioned, rolling her eyes, her lips set in a straight line hiding a smile. Clorinde floundered with bottles and the bags trying to dispose of them as fast as possible. Clorinde coughed into her and flatten her hair. “I’m cleaning.” Her posture tensed and straightened.

“No shit genius,” Navia gestured with her hands. “Why specifically are you here and not Furina.”

“We alternate who cleans,” Clorinde sped walked across the house. “I’ll help with the green room.”

Navia rolled her eyes again, letting the door shut in Clorinde's face.

—-

Navia kept as much distance as possible between them. Yet again she was stuck with Clorinde. In private for the second time this week. An uncontrollable blush appeared on her face as she remembered the dressing room incident.

She had thought she’d done a good job of avoiding Clorinde and her conflicting feelings about her ex best friend. But thoughts of that incident and every moment in the last few weeks that proved Clorinde cared made her furious. She was tired of these mixed messages, tired of trying to hide but couldn’t bring herself to close the distance. She had a part in the distance too.

As rage and frustration boiled in Navia, Clorinde was minding her own business wiping down the desks in the green room. The action made Navia even more furious, like seriously she’s gonna act like everything is fine. EVERYTHING IS NOT FINE.

Lost in her thoughts, Navia didn’t notice the large box teetering on the edge of the shelf as she struggled to pull out another. Her eyes widened as it came crashing down, she closed her eyes bracing herself for the impact. She didn’t wanna give up on this show not now, she was so close. Closer than she had for years, it hurt but it wasn’t as empty as the last few years.

The impact never came.

When she opened her eyes Clorinde was standing next to her, securing the package on the shelf and gracefully pulling the one she needed out. Clorinde held the box out to her and Navia exploded.

“WHY?” Clorinde stumbled back, eyes wide. “Why are you always fucking here?” Tears pricked the edges of Navia’s eyes.

Clorinde's expression became glossy and downturned. The usual bright electricity that seemed to crinkle through her pupils dimmed. Guilt drooped in the curves of her features along with stern protectiveness.

Navia hit Clorinde’s chest. “Why are you still here? I told you to leave me fucking alone!” Another halfhearted punch landed on the fencer's arm. Navia refused to meet her gaze, throwing weak punch after another. “Don’t you act like you care!”

“Why are you here now when you weren-” Navia cut herself out and finally looked up at Clorinde, tears streaming down her face. She stopped punching her and sniffled, “When you weren’t there when I needed you..”

Clorinde’s gaze refocused as she put the box down. Navia wrapped her arms around herself protectively. “May I hug you?” she asked softly. The walls broke, she needed that damn hug.

Navia nodded slowly, letting her arms untangle and be replaced with the security of Clorinde.
She buried her face into the curve of the bodyguard's neck, her nose filled with the scent of roses. Count on Clorinde to never change the scent of shampoo she uses. Navia sobbed while Clorinde rubbed reassuring circles on her back and played with the edges of her hair. As the sobbing slowly died down Clorinde’s breath tickled Navia’s ears.

“I will always take care of you, even when you don’t want me to.” Navia pulled back from her neck. Her eyebrows furrowed, “that doesn’t answer my question or explain why you let me ruin your favorite shirt-” Clorinde opened her mouth to object, “Nu uh uh, don’t even deny it!”

Navia crossed her arms and puffed. Clorinde let out a strained laugh, edges of her eyes tensed, “Right.”

Navia laughed, pulling away from their embrace, “you still can’t act for shit huh?”

Clorinde immediately missed the warmth of her arms. “Um yeah that’s why I stick to tech.” She smiled. Neither of them said anything; they just stood there in silence.

Navia reached out to grab Clorinde’s hand but chickened out and put her hands behind her back. Insecurity wormed its way into Navia’s head, she desperately wanted the fencer back into her life, to be able to be as close as they used to be.

Navia forced a smile, hiding her fear behind that star studded expression. “Friends?”

Clorinde blinked before those purple eyes brightened. “Yes.”

“And thanks for helping me out,” Navia sheepishly scratched her cheek.

“Always. I promised your father that I’d keep you out of trouble,” Clorinde said, her mouth flattened into a line as her pupils focused.

Navia immediately raised her guard when her late father was mentioned. Was Clorinde only here because of some sense of honor? Navia shook away that thought, she wanted to believe that Clorinde was here because she wanted to be and nothing else. It didn’t matter if she was lying to herself, she couldn’t take it anymore. Even just this little bit of Clorinde was better than nothing.

Her fingers thumbed over the necklace Clorinde gave her for her 16th birthday. Every cell in her body screamed that they wanted to be around Clorinde and Navia wasn’t gonna ignore it, not anymore.
—-

“Soo .... those two are awfully close,” Wriothesley pointed at Navia and Clorinde who were eating lunch together. Furina always set aside an all-crew break in the green room - fair workers' rights and all. He was sitting with Furina and Chiori, an empty seat next to him. Neuvillette usually joined them as well as the pair. But those two were occupied… and the tech director had to deal with the multiple fires that needed to be put out. Literally. Bennett had somehow tracked fire into the docking bay.

Furina had stars in her eyes, “Yes! That means the plan worked!” She fist pumped the air. Neuvillette slid into the chair next to Wriothesley, giving his boyfriend a peck on the forehead as he unpacked his meal. “I believe it has, dear sister.”

“What plan?” Wriothesleythesleyesthley asked, peeling a tangerine and handing it to Neuvillete. “Thank you love,” Neuvilette grabbed the tangerine and carefully ate a few of the slices. “She’s referring to one to get those two to stop fighting and be friends again.” He handed the other half of the tangerine to Wriothesley, “Though it seems that it has worked, and you can stop skipping cleaning duty.”

Furina pouted, “But I hate cleaning duty.”

Chiori rolled her eyes “It’s not like Clorinde will be available to do it in your stead,” Chiori trailed off lifting her head towards the pair across the room. Clorinde dabbed a napkin to the side of Navia’s lips and chastised her messiness while Navia laughed.

Furina faked a gag, “God their worse now than when they were in high school.”

“Weren’t they dating in high school,” Wriothesley lifted his legs onto the table showing off all the adorable stickers his adopted daughter used to decorate his boots. “I swear Clorinde used to gush about her all the time when she first started working with me?”

Chiori rubbed her eyebrows and Furina deflated onto the table as they both groaned, “Somehow they weren’t.”

“I still don’t believe it..” Chiori took a bite of her taiyaki as Navia almost took Clorinde’s hand under the table before retreating it into her own lap. Clorinde fiddled with a fresh napkin fashioning it into a paper ring which she placed next to Navia who slid it on with a chuckle.

“The other day they came into costumes wearing matching jackets,” Chiori grumbled, turning to Furina who was rubbing her eyebrows and questioning her choices of friends. She did not wanna be the third wheel again.

“At least those two aren’t as destructive as the twins' thing?” Wrioesthely offered. Before he could continue Furina interrupted him, “Ssh don’t talk about that!”

“Why not?” Wrioesthely popped the last slice of tangerine into his mouth.

“The twins keep breaking the damn costumes with their whole will they won’t they schtick,” Chirori growled. “I don't know what's worse? Listening to Navia rant about Clorinde or doing a fitting with Aether or Lyney!”

“Where are those two anyway?” the director asked. Nevuilette pointed towards the right corner of the stage where Aether was napping in Lyney’s lap.

“Wait hold up Chiori,” Furina grabbed her arm as the seamstress got up to scold the boys. “Are you talking about the jacket Navia keeps in the back of her closet that she thinks I don’t know about,” Furina said. She flung her fork around causing a piece of macaroni to fly into Neuvilletes face who wiped it off with a napkin. He flicked her forehead in reprimand, and she let out a whine and pouted at her older brother.

“The one with the purple patch on the back?” Chiori lifted a brow turning back toward the table, rampage avoided for now. Furina deflated, rubbing her forehead, “Yep that’s the one.”

Wriothesley interrupted them, “Isn’t that Clorindes jacket though?”

Both ladies whirled around flailing their arms, “EXACTLY!”

The poor man lifted his hands up in surrender.
—--

“SUCK IT Clorinde 20!” Navia fist pumped as the die landed. Clorinde coughed into her hand.

“Right sorry, Suckth my,” Navia rubbed her chin “exquisite dagger ye dungeon master for my hand has been toucheth by Fortuna!”

Clorinde smiled, “Your belt of persuasion breaks,” she rolls the die which lands on 20. “The dragon resists your bard’s seduction. It lifts its head to breathe fire.” She paused again and rolled the die which landed on 20 again.

“Oh, fuck me-”

“All your armor breaks with the heat of the flames. How much hp do you have left?”

“Twenty.”

“The dragon uses fire breath landing an instant kill hit-”

—--

“The flour is supposed to go in the bowl Clorinde,” Navia giggled, handing a wet towel to her friend. She took it, wiping down her face, arms and most of her outfit.

“Sorry.” She kept trying to clean the flour off, but it kept clumping and sticking. The kitchen was a mess. Sugar and flour splatter everywhere like it was a crime scene, the dishes were stacked up and batter was globbed in Navia’s hair.

Navia smacked her. “Don’t apologize, the mess is a part of baking!” She laughed as Clorinde's eyes and lips drooped like a sad puppy.

“Please it means that these macarons were made with passion and are going to taste amazing!” She flourished her hands gleefully pointing to a tray of delicately shaped batter circles.

“But they should be perfect,” Clorinde vigorously rubbed at her shirt, the flour clumping even more.

Navia grabbed her hands, “And they will be once cooked.” She cocked her head to the side smiling. “Oh, stop that,” she snatched the paper towel away from Clorinde. “For archons sake just grab something from my closet.”

Clorinde fiddled with her hands, “uh where is your room?”

“Ah right you haven’t been here since..” Navia trailed off awkwardly. Clorinde coughed before the silence became too intimidating. “Right, down the hall to your left.”

“Ah-um thanks,” Clorinde turned and practically ran down the hall. Navia sighed, there was still an air of awkwardness that prevented the closeness she craved. They hadn’t talked about it, not really.

It was a little stiff, surely, they just needed a bit more time to get used to each other. It’s not exactly easy to go back to normal after three years of minimal contact. They did see and hang out one way or another every day. Yeah, time Navia assured herself fiddling with her necklace, that's what we need.

Soft pattering started hitting the roof as Navia put the tray into the pre-heated oven. She set the cream into the fridge for later as she reminisced. When they were kiddos the two had spent evenings in this kitchen together making all kinds of stuff. Navia was the one who did most of the actual baking while Clorinde mixed and did the dishes. Her hands folded up in her lap as she sat down on her couch. She laughed, Clorinde had always gotten messy when she helped, often getting batter in her violet hair or, like today, getting covered in flour.

“I see you kept the jacket?” Clorinde startled Navia out of her thoughts. “What- jacket I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Navia jumped up from the couch.

“It’s raining!” She turned to the window above the sink. The actress grabbed Clorinde’s hand as the other women sputtered. “Come on, let's go play like we used to!” Navia smiled. Clorinde couldn’t help but liken it to the dazzling shine of the stars.

The purple haired woman trailed after Navia as she skipped through the door. Clorinde let go as Navia twirled in the rain. She reached out to join her but pulled back when water dropped on her hands.

Navia danced in the rain, her dressing spinning like an open flower as she giggled drenched. Clorinde gazed at her fondly wanting to watch her enjoy the rain and preserve the memory. To Clorinde, Navia looked like a fairy, blonde hair shining brighter than the moonlight that illuminating the street.

Droplets of water washed away any stress as Navia twirled and stomped into puddles like a child. The streetlights seemed to be just for them as Clorinde watched from the safety of the doorframe.

“Come on, Clorinde, dance with me!” Navia grinned. Clorinde smiled, the thought of the last time she saw this image filled her vision. Young Navia with a missing tooth begging her to join her in the rain. Only this time Clorinde wanted to slap herself, she didn’t deserve this.

“We’re gonna get sick!” Clorinde cupped her hands around her mouth. Navia just smirked “Maybe, maybe not come join me!” her lips curved upward tightly, wrinkles forming around her eyes as she laughed.

“What reasoning could you possibly have besides being sick to not enjoy this!” She waved her arms around the rain that looked like starlight as it reflected the light from the street.

Because if I joined you, I don’t know if I could stop the feelings, Clorinde thought to herself. From the doorway several feet away Clorinde was squashing down the desire to kiss the smile off Navia’s face; just to see the expression that would replace it.

She didn’t deserve Navia. She didn’t deserve to even be next to her. But she selfishly stayed because…well she didn’t know anymore. Maybe it was because the one thing she could never do would be to deny her. Her nails dug into her hand. How dare she try to be close to Navia after what she did. Memories of herself crying in her room Navia’s fencing jacket wrapped around her. She pinched herself to get out of it.

No matter how much she tried to resist, cracks in her resolve started to form as Navia continued to laugh and twirl under the falling rain. She’s the most beautiful star she thought, giving in with a chuckle as Navia pulled her into the showers.

They played in the rain with no thoughts of awkwardness and the past. Macarons in the oven forgotten as well as the upcoming stress of tech week.

—--

“Di-did you fall from the sky cuz you look-” Lyney slurred, his arms wrapped around Aether’s shoulders as the poor boy tried to get him to drink water. “Ravishing~ darling!”

“Brother, that's not how pickup lines work.” Lynette said, catching him before he fell off the chair. Aether did not have such help and rolled onto the dirty bar floor. He stood up and brushed dirt off his outfit. Lynette held out a drink which he threw back before sitting by Lyney once more. The sloshed boy laid on the table giggling uncontrollably and muttering about abs and crop tops.

The twins' “Father” ignored their commotion mostly because she trusted Lynette’s ability to cover it up but partly because her gaze was locked on Furina’s hands. They had been trailing up and down Clorinde's body progressively more intimately as the director drank more throughout the night. Next to the imposing diplomat Chiori was nursing Wrioesthely who was choking on an olive after Navia had dared him to fit as many as possible in his mouth. He got to twenty.

“I can’t believe Furina is being so clingy, she’s my best friend,” Navia said with a cocktail in hand. Arlecchino ruffled beside her red nails tapping the glass of her own drink. “Why didn’t she sit next to me since we’re besties and all?”

“Maybe she wanted time with her other best-” Arlecchino offered gaze locked on the pair as Furina whispered into Clorinde’s ear. Navia interrupted her condolences, “but I've been her number one bestie since like forever!”

Clorinde wrapped her hands around Furina’s waist as she teetered in her chair. Her arms flexed the cloth tightening around the firmness of her biceps, Navia peeled her eyes away. She turned to the Knave as she complained about inappropriate work attire. Once Wrioselthey finished coughing he elbowed Chiori pointing to Navia and Arlecchino with his head. Both were glaring at where Furina’s hands had ended up to keep her upright; intertwined with the collar of Clorinde’s shirt. A small smirk appeared on Chiori’s face. “Furina, truth or dare!”

“DAre, I ain’t no pussy~” Furina slurred, attached to Clorinde’s side hand sliding across her chest. “Pussy.” she spat at Chiori.

“Rude,” Chiori responded, taking a sip of her drink.

She took a look around the table. Lynette was on her phone and asking advice from Aether. Lyney was muttering, still lost to the world of the more sober. But her gaze stopped on Clorinde, who was a little too calm for someone who had been drinking shots of liquor since their arrival. She watched as the duelist's eyes flicked towards Navia who had been leaning towards Arlecchino more and shooting looks at the duelist. They seemed to miss each other by a millisecond each time.

Chiori smirked while Wriosethely gave her a thumbs up and cheeky grin. Clorinde was nonchalant about the increasing closeness of Furina but couldn’t quite mask her unease at Arlecchino and Navia closeness. Her shoulders were slumped and eyes gave off her signature wet cat look. The pair had scooted closer together unconsciously throughout the night, oblivious to the jealousy wafting off the stage manager and director.

Chiori cleared her throat “Ahem, Furina I dare you to kiss the person at the table you have or had a crush on!”

Navia and Arlecchino looked up from their conversation. Clorinde assumed she was safe and relaxed in her chair before someone’s breath tickled her ear.

“You down for some revenge? I’m getting sick of watching them act so close.” Furina whispered. Clorinde nodded alcohol and jealousy fueling her thoughts. Their lips met, Clorinde stiff while Furina played it up for show wrapping her arms around her friends shoulders and deepening the kiss. Clorinde locked on to Navia, suddenly it wasn’t Furina kissing her it was Navia. She closed her eyes, grabbing Furina’s waist and pulling her close instinctively.

Everyone except Navia and Arlecchino whooped at the two. When they finally broke apart Furina laughed, “I used to think about that way too much! You’re better kisser than we theorized Clori~”

She winked at Navia, blowing her a kiss. Navia picked up her cocktail and took a long sip. Arlecchino remained unfazed; the only thing revealing her feelings was a crack in the glass she was holding.

“Arle~Arle~darling do you want another drink?” Furina slurred, taking the broken glass and pulling away from Clorinde who wiped excess lipstick off her face. The fencer refused to look at Navia, embarrassed by her rash decision fueled by emotion and whiskey.

—--

Clorinde had felt the warmth of Furina glued to her side practically all night. She wanted so badly to sit next to Navia but her friend dragged her next to her as soon as they got to the bar. When she protested Furina had simply asked if she could trust herself next to Navia inebriated and Clorinde had stopped. She knew she’d do something stupid like hold her hand and she couldn’t have that. She didn’t deserve it.

The whole group had squeezed into the same table in the corner. Wriosethely and Lyney had immediately started ordering food and alcohol. Wriothesley to be responsible and Lyney to ease the nerves of sitting next to Aether. The boy in question had been dropping hints that Lumine, who was stuck at home babysitting their little sister, was interested in Lynette.

“Brother, stop, you don’t even like wine,” Lynette ripped the menu from Lyney’s hands. He snatched it back “Lynette, please I need this” he squeaked as Aether leaned to look over his shoulder.

Navia and Arlecchino struck up a conversation about a recent court case involving manslaughter while Chiori laid defeatedly on the table. She had pulled the short straw and was designated driver for the night.

After the dare Clorinde had kept to herself and drank water to get the alcohol out of the system. Navia had been talking to Chiori since Arlecchino moved to sit next to Furina. They were wrapped up in each other, the harbinger glaring daggers at her since the dare. Furina was having a great time being doted on by Arlecchino as she got more sloppy.

“You doing okay, champ?” Wriosethley asked, pushing a side of french fries in front of her. “Do I look okay?” Clorinde sneered. Wriosethley gasped exaggeratedly “You’re so mean~”

“Sorry sorry I’m just thinking about-,” she was cut off by the sound of Navia’s laughter who was poking Chiori’s face.

“Navia.” Wrioseltehy’s eyes softened as he finished for her. She nodded then buried her face into the wood of the table blush painted across her cheeks. After letting out a pathetic whine she turned back to him, “I feel terrible.”

“Tell me about it,” Wrioethely shoved his phone into her face. A picture of a blue haired toddler curled into the pastels of Neuvillette’s pajamas. She’s snuggling a large husky plush with a bandaid tapped around its paws, reminecent of Wrioesthekly's own boxing wraps. The picture was sent along with a message that said: she seems to me missing someone in bed just like me, otter emoji. Cuddles later?

Clorinde raised an eyebrow, silently asking him how the heck the image would help. “Solidarity Clorinde, solidarity my friend.”

She sighed longly staring at Navia.

“Is this a stage 3 or stage 4?” He pocketed the phone. “This is none of those,” Clorinde grumbled, gaze never leaving the blonde across the room. Even in the dim lighting of the bar Navia shined.

“So stage 4,” Wriosethely turned to Furina and shouted. “Wet cat alert!”

The entire table turned to them and Clorinde stiffened in her chair. “Uhhh, I had to schedule Clorinde in the morning tomorrow!” Wirosethely saves. Furina immediately jumps over the table and starts pressing kisses on Clorindes face as she hugs her friend.

Navia stands up and whispers something to Chiori who nods. Clorinde watches bombarded by kisses and hugs as a lisp of blonde hair ducks behind the swinging bar door. Once the bombing stops Clorinde excuses herself from the table, leaving a swinging door behind her.

—---

“Your bone structure gives my bone structure~” Lyney slurred. Before Lynette could scold him for that line he hiccuped. Then proceeded to empty his guts onto the table. Lynette immediately took out her phone as her twin brother nearly passed out into his own vomit only saved by Aether’s quick reflexes. The clicking of the camera echoed through the horrified looks of everyone else in the room.

Furina started sobbing. The smell was so bad, it was a mix of pizza, spicy chicken and margaritas that Lyney had been stealing. Arlecchino rubbed the bridge of her nose calling over the poor busser to help clean up the mess. Wriosethely cackled, while Chiori, who had been on her phone, walked away from the group, flipping the group off.

Aether sprinted to the bathroom Lyney in his arms bridal style. The young magician covered his mouth, holding in more sick.

Furina shouted through her sobs “WHERE THE FOCALORS FUCK ARE NAVIA AND CLORINDE!”
—-

Navia wrapped her arms around herself with tears in her eyes. She was pissed, it felt so childish to be jealous. Clorinde was her friend but that didn’t mean she had the right to get possessive over her especially with Furina. They had been friends since highschool and Furina was a touchy person in general. Of course they were comfortable with intimate displays of affection.

She knew Furina was trying to rile her up with that dare. The wink said everything, she shouldn’t have told her about her crush on Clorinde. But it worked. That fact infuriated Navia. What they had was fine, they made progress, they were friends again.

She wiped the tears away walking a bit farther down the streets of Poisson. Her thoughts were interrupted by a gruff voice.

“Hey darling, you need a pick me up cause I got one right here!” A group of guys surrounded her, the main guy and had his hair tucked under a baseball cap.

“No thanks,” Navia kept walking, ignoring their wolf whistles and jeers. The guy grabbed her arm, stopping her from walking away.

“Darling something with as much beauty as you shouldn’t be crying. Stay with me I can make you see stars,” the guy winked.

“Uh boss that doesn’t sound quite right,” one of the goons commented. The main guy turned to him, “Shut up man.”

He turned back to Navia, “Lemme buy you a drink, m’lady.”

Navia tensed at the nickname, all too familiar with the pet name but with a more kind tone. She tried tugging her arm back but was met with resistance from the stranger. “Please let go, I’m not really in the mood for another drink.”

“Come on babe, free drinks! Plus me and my boys are experienced with treating beautiful ladies.” He pulled Navia towards him. “I said no, let go.” Navia growled.

The group cut off her exit and started badgering her about coming with them. She finally had enough and kicked the guy who held her arm in the crotch. He stumbled back into the arms of another dude. “What the fuck was that for!”

“I said let go,” She turned to walk away. One of the guy's friends stopped in front of her. “Seems like the little lady here wants a fight, let's give her a lesson boys.”

“Bring it!” Navia lifted her arms in a come hither motion. He cracked his knuckles and threw a punch. Navia dodged it and tripped him with a leg swipe. Another guy ran towards her aiming for her stomach. She tried dodging but was blocked by another dude who drunkenly tried to grab her. She was able to avoid his grab but the second guy's blow hit and knocked the wind out of Navia. She gasped for air curled on the sidewalk, her hand braced her as she coughed. One of the guys lifted his leg to kick her in the stomach. She rolled away hopping to her feet ready to throw a fist in his face.

Clunk

The guy fell to his knees revealing Clorinde behind him glaring at the guys, wielding a baton. She brandished it like a sword and the guys ran away not wanting to end up like their friend on the ground.

“Navia, are you okay?” Clorinde rushed to her side.

“Yeah I’m fine. Just heading home,” Navia turned away from her. She didn’t want to look at her, she was feeling weird enough without that pitiful look Clorinde always shot at her. Clorindes eyes darted around her face, eyebrows pinched in worry.

Yeah that one. Clorinde removed her arm from her shoulder. “Can I walk with you?”

“Why? Shouldn’t you be with your best friend Furina,” Navia grabbed her arms rubbing up and down in a soothing motion. Hurt flashed through Clorinde's features and she dropped her arms to her sides. “Sorry, I’m fine, I just want to be alone right now.”

“Just to your house, like old times,” Clorinde's lips stretched into a line as her hands clenched. She felt guilty that she wasn’t there earlier. Clorinde had followed Navia out of the bar and found her lying on the ground surrounded by some dudes. Her instincts had taken over and next thing she knew she was unsheathing the baton she had for work. “To make sure you’re safe.”

Navia bristled at the comment, “I don’t need you to protect me, Clorinde.”

“I-I have to, I promised your father” Navia interjected with a frustrated shout. “STOP! Just stop Clorinde.” Tears started flowing from her eyes.

“I can’t stop Navia,” Clorinde said softly, refusing to meet her tearful expression. “I can’t stop and will not stop trying to protect you.”

“What is wrong with you? I’m telling you to stop. You don’t need to fulfill whatever promise you made to my father. Because he is gone! He is gone and he’s not coming back!” Navia stormed off.

Clorinde ran after her and stopped in front of her. “You're right he’s not coming back. He’s not coming back because of me!” She pointed at herself, her voice wavering. “His death is on my hands which means I will never stop trying to protect you. Because if I can do that maybe just maybe I can atone for taking him away from you.” Her whole body started shaking as her nails dug into her palms. “I will watch over you in his place because I owe that to him.” She looked at Navia resolve swirling in her eyes.

“What about me?” Navia’s voice quivered. “Have you ever considered what I would’ve wanted?”

“You told me to stay away from you, I know you blame me for what happened.” Clorinde’s eye hardened, “But I will not stop protecting you even if it's from the shadows-”

“You didn’t answer when I called you!” She stepped forward angrily, “You weren’t at the funeral, you never called back, you acted like I didn’t matter to you!” Tears streamed down her face and she poked Clorinde's shoulder hard.

“Stop sprouting this nonsense about protection, you know I don’t need it.” She pushed Clorinde to walk past anger boiling in her chest. Clorinde stumbled back but made no resistance, instead she glared holes into her feet.

“What about just now?” Her voice was soft and scared.

Navia whirled around, “I would’ve handled it and you know it. How many times did you see me get up and kick ass in high school? Or how I was just fine after you left and my father was gone,” she paused, inhaling deeply as she blinked away her tears. “I didn’t have you then and I don’t need you now.”

Clorinde squeezed her hands and nails making indents in her skin.

Navia met her gaze, shoulders dropping as her chest rose in a deep breath. “I never should have blamed you for it but I did,” she paused. Her chest relaxed, she was so quiet it almost came out as a whisper: “I lost you and my father that night.”

Silence filled the street as Navia wiped away tears only for more to pour out. “I wanted you to fight for me…. I would have. But you didn’t. You broke my heart!”

That’s why I pushed you away, Navia thought. I just wanted you to stay, Clorinde, but you didn’t. I just wanted my best friend, but you were already gone.

Clorinde stayed silent and in place with no hand trying to reach out to Navia and no effort to try and stop her if she walked away.

"I don’t hate you Clorinde, but I will never forgive the fact that you were in the car that night. I will never forgive you for letting me put distance between us.”

Navia started walking down the street, it’s not like they could be friends. It felt obvious to Navia now, Clorinde didn’t actually want her around. Just stubbornly trying to appease her sense of honor. She felt a tight grip wrap around her wrist. Not tight enough to completely stop her exit but enough to feel grounded in place. She sniffled, intent on pulling her hand away. She didn’t need any more of this tonight.

“I’m sorry,” Clorinde said, tears finally falling from her face. They evolved into full on sobs. Navia stiffened, “Please let me make it up to you,” Clorinde begged, grip tightening. I thought that you- I’m sorry-”

Navia pulled her into a hug, as Clorinde pleaded. The bodyguard gripped hard, never relaxing or releasing like without Navia she’d drown. Navia couldn’t do anything but hug her. Nothing seemed to console the woman in her arms as she sobbed out apologies.

“I don’t need you to protect me, I want you to want to be in my life. Just as Clorinde.”
—-
The sun casted it rays through the white curtains billowing in the breeze. Clorinde’s eyelashes flickered, and tension ran across her temples as she squeezed her eyes closed. She let out a soft whimper before squeezing her arms tightly cuddling into the soft silk sheets.

The blanket ruffled as Clorinde succumbed to the sunlight. She lifted her arms up, sore muscles and tight joints cracked. She looked down to her bed partner, Navia lay facing away from the sun golden locks spread across the pillow with drool running down her lips. Clorinde smiled, they were wearing matching D&D inspired pajamas.

She still didn’t believe she deserved this view, not after everything she did to harm Navia, but Navia wanted her around. Even if she didn’t know why, this was enough to ease her guilt for now.

The blonde made that very clear after last night insisting on the use of the truth bear and a romcom marathon. It was their tradition after arguments that they were required by friendship law to have a sleepover and eat ice cream until they vomited. Born after Clorinde had accidently cut Navia during a fencing competition when they were children.

Navia used it as an excuse to get Clorinde to do whatever she wanted. Which was to rope Clorinde into convincing her poor father into getting ice cream and pizza under disguise of a “special” celebratory sleepover. And of course, introduce the younger fencer the “epitome of art”; rom coms.

Clorinde always tried to change the genre of their movie nights to something else but secretly loved them. Which was why Navia insisted on watching them even though she grew to like action romances more.

Clorinde gently brushed some large knots out of Navia’s hair.

One time when they were nine, Navia had convinced her to try and cut her hair during one of their sleepovers. She was tired of waking up with messy knots and figured that Clorinde could probably give her a good haircut considering her aptitude for blades. That assumption was quickly proven wrong when instead of cutting a fashionable pixie cut it looked like Navia had been mauled by a bear. As revenge Navia had cut off her ponytail and gave her mismatched bangs. The look on her master’s face was priceless while Callas tried to keep a straight face in front of the two crying pre-teens.

“Clori stop that,” The investigator slapped her hand out of her hair and nuzzled into the pillow. “Five more minutes.”

Clorinde smiled, slipping out of bed. She lifted to pull the blanket over Navia, which was snatched away by the blonde. “Five minutes papa!” she groaned. Clorinde stifled a laugh, even though she felt a bit guilty at the mention of Callas, Navia always hated being woken up on weekends. She had always complained when Clorinde woke with the sun and tried to get breakfast after sleepovers. Ever the cuddler.

The officer made sure to close the door as she left and set on making something for breakfast. She usually bought breakfast or just had a banana but today was special, which meant pancakes. Hopefully it wouldn’t be as bad as her attempts at baking without supervision.

After getting the mixture in her hair, albeit less than last time. She had finished the batter, washed a few blueberries and took out a packet of bacon. Her hands shook as she poured the batter into a buttered pan, she placed blueberries for eyes and a stripe of bacon for a smile. Before she could flip it, arms wrapped around her waist and tired grumbles were nuzzled into her neck.

“Why’d you leave,” Navia whined. Her voice was a bit raspy from all the action last night. “You scared me. I thought you broke your promise”

Clorinde chuckled a bit, Navia was adorable when she was tired. She reminded her of Balazar, her old pet Doberman who always wanted snuggles but was far too big for them. “Sorry mon macaron, just making breakfast, which I kind of need you to let go to keep doing.”

“Mmm-no,” the arms tightened. Clorinde unlatched the hands off her waist, "I’m making smiley cakes.”

Navia interlocked her fingers and Clorinde could feel Navia’s chest brush against her back. “Stay.”

Clorinde sighed and grabbed the spatula and flipped the pancake. It was burnt. She snorted and gnawed on her cheek.

“The heat is too high silly,” Navia mumbled into her shoulder. “Oh,” Clorinde blinked. Her fingers wrapped around the dial twisting it. “Other way.”

The purple haired women huffed, embarrassed. “Maybe I wouldn’t burn it if I was distracted.”

“So you admit I’m distracting,” Clorinde could feel the grin on her shoulder. She was glad Navia couldn't see the red in her ears. She was very distracting and Clorinde was definitely Navia deprived for a little too long as she tried not to melt into Navia’s embrace too much. Instead, she just hummed, pouring more batter into the pan with the proper heat.

—--

“You’ll stay?” Navia looked at her hair scattered over the pillows.

Clorinde lifted her pinky finger which Navia took with hers. She shook their locked fingers. Tears formed in blue and purple eyes.

“Always.”
—

“I crap, where’s the proper shade of lipstick,” Navia shuffled around her bags. A crack of thunder echoed in the theater’s house signifying the start of One Last Hope.

“Megara on in 5,” Clorinde announced from around the corner. Navia groaned frantically, throwing things around trying to touch up her makeup. She threw her hands up, giving up and just hoping any smudges weren’t that noticeable.

As she walked out to the wings a hand stopped here. “Hey, hey wait!” Clorinde ran up to her pulling a lipstick out of her pocket. “Makeup! you need to look perfect. The first night is always crazy, but I swear it's never been this bad.”

Bennet had almost dropped the one glass vial they had when he almost missed his cue. Then he almost stepped on it trying to exit. That’s not even mentioning Hu Tao almost drowning a child and the spotlight breaking down, requiring Neuvillette to disappear into the booth for emergency repairs.

This left Clorinde to shoulder props, costumes, cues and miscellaneous mishaps like Lyney nearly ripping his corset again and Aether getting stuck behind a set piece for five minutes. The hecticness showed as her hair stuck out at odd angles and her usually pristine perfectly smooth blouse was wrinkled to all hell.

“It’s fine, it's just a bit of makeup,” Navia shrugged trying to get to the wings. Clorinde put her hand on Navia’s shoulder to stop her and opened her mouth but whatever she was going to say was cut off by her earpiece buzzing. Navia could hear the frantic voice of Furina calling for Clorinde. “Furina’s going to have an aneurysum if anything else goes wrong, I’d prefer to be alive this time tomorrow.”

They chuckled, Furina was sure to go on a rampage. Not even through act one with this many mishaps, someone’s head was going to get separated from their body and donated to Hu Tao. At this rate Clorinde’s was top bounty.

Clorinde cupped Navia’s chin as she redid her lip stick. Her breath tickled Navia’s cheeks as her eyes focused on the curve of her friend's lips. Navia's heart thumped in her chest as a few too many images of Clorinde helping her get lipstick on in a different way entered her thoughts.

Furina and Chiori had both made fun of them when they had found Clorinde straddling Navia while getting ready for prom. Both had countered the teasing with the fact that the position allowed Clorinde to get the perfect angles with her makeup. Just normal bestie things.

"Alright, perfect, you got two minutes!” Clorinde pulled away and rushed to the back. Navia turned on her mic and dipped into the wings.

“Bennett stay clear of all glass until the end of the show!”
—-

“Clori can I have one of your pancakes,” Furina pouted arm intertwined with Clorinde's again. Clorinde silently pushed her plate towards the director. Navia gripped the tablecloth; she was the one who came up with the nickname why was Furina using it.

Lumine elbowed her, “Doing okay their partner?” She took a bite of her eggs and cut a piece to place on Paimon’s child plate.

“Paimon is hungrier than that!” The toddler huffed. Lumine shot Aether a look across the table. Her twin turned to Paimon, “Uncle Dain only said you could come with us if you behaved,” He scolded his hand in Lyney’s who was sitting next to him. “Besides, you already had dinner. Uncle made some dessert at home; you need to save room!”

“Paimon is sorry, she’s just hungry now,” she pouted, shoveling food into her mouth. Aether chuckled before bending over the table to use a napkin to clean her cheek. Satisfied Lumine faced her coworker.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just tired,” Navia said, turning to face her. Lumine eyes flicked between her and Clorinde. An eyebrow raised with doubt. “Please I just need some sleep, you know how it is being on stage for a while.”

Clorinde placed her hand over Navia’s. “Would you like a ride home? I’m quite tired as well and Furina has kindly taken my meal off my hands.”

“Hey-” Furina grumbled, food still in her mouth.

“Sure, as long as you sleepover like when we were kids,” Navia took her hand and stood up. Clorinde smirked, “I thought you were tired.”

“I am I just want to fall asleep next to you!” She grinned, pulling her with her as they left the Denny’s. Clorinde followed gladly with love written between her eyebrows and cheeks.

The entire table was silent.

And then the groaning started from the entire table.

“Oh, MY fUcKING GOd!” Chiori growled at the door. Lynette and Lumine had deflated their souls visibly leaving their bodies. Aether and Lyney were gagging, not that they were much better.

Arlecchino’s dad sigh made an appearance. Pure disappointment dripped in her words, “How blind can you be?”

“Paimon wants to remove her eyeballs,” the toddler had forgotten her food.

“Lady Furina, I don’t think I can continue with the production that was just-” Lumine paused, “sad.”

“Actually, that would be perfect!” Furina smiled. Through the years of being Navia’s and Clorindes confidante in their feelings this particular display of disastrous lesbianism was nothing. Her mind flashed to the time she had caught the two straddling each other to put on makeup. Her eyes and ears have heard worse.

Lumine whipped her head towards Furina, “What?”

“I might as well get you guys in on this,” Furina finished chewing. “I have a plan to get those two together, but I’ll need all of you guys on board!”

The entire table turned to her and nodded vigorously.

“Please, I'll do anything.”

“They have been a bad influence on my children, the twins have been whinging for ages!”

“And I thought Aether and I were bad”

“I’m with brother on this one.”

“I’ll get Neuvi and Wriosley on it too,” Furina smirked and pulled out a binder. This plan was a long time coming. She spread it across the table, delicately; the edges were worn and stained.

“We’ll be the Clorivia Squad, this is the plan.”
—-

Of course, the final night was the fucking worst. Clorinde rubbed her temples as Furina paced in front of her.

“Shit! We’re so fucking screwed!” Furina chewed on her nails, a nervous habit. “How the fuck are Aether, Lyney and Lumine are out on the LAST night of the SHOW!”

The director’s pacing could have burned tracks into the carpet as she paced, “We have literally 20 minutes until the doors open!” Neuvillette, Clorinde and Wriothesley were sitting in the cramped office. “What in Focalors name happened?”

“Aether and Lyney have been unresponsive for the last hour. Lumine explained that there was an emergency with Paimon, and she needed to be rushed to the ER. I assume that Aether is with her,” Clorinde scrolled through her messages desperately. “None of the Rosselands have been able to get into touch with Lyney. Not even Arlecchino.”

“So, no go on the lead or the backup?” Wriosethely sighed. “Biscuits and tea.”

Three despaired groans rang out from the office. Furina stopped pacing and deflated, “I guess it can’t be helped; I'll send out an immediate announcement that the show is canceled.”

“Wait wait,” Neuvilette interjected he turned to Clorinde. “Can’t you sing?”

“I-no, yes-kind of?” She flushed beet red. Before she could completely deny Wriothesley piped up, “Dude yeah, Clorinde can sing! She belts Phantom whenever we go get karaoke after work!”

Clorinde flushed through her neck, “Wait guys-”

Furina grabbed her hands. “I know you're used to being backstage but you're the only other person who knows the lines-” Clorinde opened her mouth to argue but Furina shushed her with a finger. “Please, I know you memorize the whole script to help the newbies.”

Deep blue met purple, a silent plea. Clorinde broke eye contact, Furina pumped her fist, “Fine.”

Clorinde could never let Furina down, not after being her friend and confidant for so long. Aside from Navia, Furina was one of the closest people to her in her life. A “small” part of her accepted just to play Navia’s love interest but she pushed that thought down.

—--

“Pardon me, my good, uh, uh…sir? I’ll have to ask you to release that young-” Clorinde said her line, her hands were sweaty. She had managed to get through One Last Hope but she was still getting used to the whole get up. Didn’t help that Navia was across the stage from her.

“Keep movin’, junior,” Navia said, voice a little raspy.

“...Lady. But you —are-aren’t you a,” she swallowed thickly her nervousness lending itself well to the insecurity in the line, “damsel in distress?”

Navia struggled against Garde Mark, “I am a damsel,” she sucked in a breath. “I am in distress.” She pushed down on the poor guy's arms. “I can handle this.” She let her body flop over the arms before giving Clorinde an exaggerated smile. “Have a nice day.”

She waved goodbye. Clorinde felt her insides turn to mush as she stuttered through her line.
Focalors, this is the day she dies.

—

Navia was panicking, on stage she could keep it together but Archons every time she saw Clorinde on stage she wanted to grab her face and kiss her. The Hercules outfit showed off quite a bit even if it was meant to make Clorinde look more masculine. She was already handsome as is so that part was expected. What was not expected was the way her heart jumped uncontrollably whenever Clorinde was acting all awkward as Hercules or just the way she looked at her.

Clorinde had been a terrible actor in the past so maybe some of this blubbering was real. Maybe Clorinde viewed her as a potential love interest to be nervous around. The actress pushed that thought away, not point in hoping. Besides it was possible she had gotten better in the years they weren’t talking.

She couldn’t think about that while being in Clorindes lap. Clorinde moved away, “Afraid I’m fit as a fiddle.”

Navia immediately thought of the rows of abs under the tunic she was wearing.

“Wonderboy, you’re perfect,” Navia rolled her eyes. Clorinde threw the rock at the set piece completely missing it. Lynette quickly broke the arm off before ducking behind the set again. “Whoops.”

Navia chuckled, a little out of character but she couldn’t help it. The look of panic from Clorinde’s face was genuine. “It looks better that way, seriously!”

Clorinde paused, walking towards the fountain. “You know when I was a kid I would have given anything,” she made her voice softer on anything. “To be like everyone else.”

Navia raised her eyebrow, “You wanted to be petty and dishonest?” She felt like laughing, it felt weird telling implying that Clorinde could be dishonest, petty yes but dishonest. Hah.

“Not everybody’s like that.” Clorinde turned to her eyes open and hopefully.

“Yes they are,” Navia turned away.

“You’re not like that.”

Navia could believe Clorinde. But she knew she was. There was a secret and she just couldn’t say it. And when Furina was around, damn she was even pettier. She should apologize to her about last night.

“How do you know what I’m like?” Navia internally laughed. The irony.

“All I know is.. You're the most amazing person with... weak ankles I've ever met.” Clorinde approached her. Her back pressed against the statute of a baby with a bow. God if only she knew. Heart tipped arrow dug into her back. Clorinde pupils dilated and Navia felt the electricity in the dark purple orbs gazing into her sole. “Meg, when I'm with you I-I don't feel so... alone.”

“Sometimes it's better to be alone.” Navia gaze dropped. And she walked away from Hercules.

“What do you mean?” Clorinde trailed after her.

Navia spat her line out, a little of her feelings slipping out. “Nobody can hurt you.” You can’t hurt me.

“Meg? I would never hurt you.” Clorinde held her hand and gave it a squeeze. I wouldn’t hurt you again.

A realization hit Navia like lightning. She’s not acting around me.

“And I don't wanna hurt you,” They inched closer together. Navia wanted nothing more to actually kiss her-fuck. “so... let's both do ourselves a favor and.. stop this... um.. before... we–” Navia’s eyes closed imagining being able to lock lips. It wouldn’t be real but she would take what she could get.

—--

“If there’s a prize for rotten judgment,” she fiddled with the yellow rose. “I guess I’ve already won that.”

She slouched down as she continued.

Furina and Chiori appeared followed by Wrioselthely, Melus and Silver. “Who d’ya think you’re kidding?”

Navia repressed the urge to roll her eyes. Of course Furina and Chiori became muses for this in the whole shuffle. “She’s the Earth and Heaven to you,” Navia’s eyebrows raised and weakly glanced into the wings. Clorinde was there talking to Neuvillete. “Try to keep it hidden, honey, We can see right through you!”

They all gave her knowing looks. Maybe she won’t apologize to Furina. Navia took a deep breath and compressed her diaphragm letting out a belt, ”Oh no.”

She paced around the stage, “It’s too cliche, I won’t say it, no no”

I mean, please falling for your best friend isn’t that a classic. She glanced into the wings again this time making brief eye contact with said friend. Navia felt her heart squeeze as she sang her heart out. She didn’t even need to try to get the emotions right. It all felt so true.

“My head is screaming, get a grip, girl,” She raised her hands. “Unless you’re dying to cry your heart out, oh.”

She imagined holding hands and kissing Clorinde. Bile rose from her stomach. Dates at Hotel Debord, sleepovers cuddling without the weird awkwardness they refused to address. Navia wasn’t completely oblivious; she knew Clorinde felt something. Not that she would do anything; she felt that their friendship was too precious. They needed to be satisfied with what they had. It was so new too.

In her head she visualied Clorinde in the rain, electric eyes sparkled with tears as she confessed. Before she could get the full phrase out Navia would tackle her into a kiss and say “I love you too”,

“This scene won’t play, I won’t say I’m in love!”

Melus and Silver made eye contact with her reassurance. They knew about the complicated feelings she had about Clorinde. They had been around when they were children and teenagers. They saw her feelings blossom into romance. “You're doing flips, read our lips. You're in love!”

She broke eye contact with the muses. She couldn’t face them. Instead her gaze ran to the comfort of Clorinde. They made eye contact, and Navia felt her heart snap. She couldn’t lose her not again.

“You’re way off base, I can’t say it,” Clorinde was soft and fond. It was so precious, she was happy no more sad puppy dog eyes all the damn time.

“At least out loud I can’t say I’m in…love~” she trailed off and kept eye contact with Clorinde who’s eyes widened. It was then she was finally able to tear herself away.

Navia deflated as the curtain closed for intermission. She turned and was immediately met with Clorinde’s concerned purple eyes. “Are you okay, what was that!”

“It was nothing,” Navia tried to brush past her. “Don’t lie.”

Navia stopped. “You’re usually totally focused during a performance but tonights different,” Clorinde’s eyebrows pinched. “Please let me help.”

Navia clenched her teeth. Right like tell her that she’s been distracted all night because she wants to kiss Clorinde and go on dates and do everything and anything that would not be considered platonic in any universe.

“I said I’m fine.” She walked into the green room, Clorinde behind her. She went to Arlecchino, interrupting Furina as she was explaining something to them. Her heart thumped in her ears. She needed to get out of here. It was like all the feelings she used to have were being magnified with the newfound closeness and friendship they had.

“Okay I just-” her friend had caught up. Navia begged Arlecchino with her eyes. Please get me out.

“Oh Navia, I wanted to ask about something for the next scene, mind if we go over it in the hallway. I must admit the light in here is bothering my eyes.” Navia nodded, ignoring Clorinde protests. As they walked out Arlecchino turned and nodded at Clorinde and Furina. The director turned to Clorinde painting a pout over her face. “Ugh I was having such a good talk with Arle~”

Furina grabbed Clorinde and dragged her to a secluded corner. “Ah why does she keep doing that?” Her friend sighed, already knowing there was a rant incoming. She really didn’t want to deal with this right now. She needed to figure out what was up with Navia. “I don’t butt in when she’s flirting with you,” The director crossed her arms and huffed, pinning Clorinde to their corner with a questioning eyebrow.

“WHat?-we don’t flirt.”

Furina rolled her eyes, “Oh please, what's with the paper rings?”

“That’s just a thing we do okay,” Clorinde responded. Please they were always around each other giving each other gifts. That’s just what friends do even if Clorinde wished they meant more.

“Right….” Furina picked at her nails. “Because friends totally cuddle every second they can, give each other lovesick puppy eyes,” she had two fingers up as she listed things. “and give each other pet names and then get super jealous when a friend they've known for almost as long uses it.”

“Oh please that doesn’t mean anything,” Clorinde rolled her eyes. “I thought we’ve been over this. I love Navia but she doesn’t. Not in this way.”

“You know I used to be jealous,” She tilted her head in confusion at the blue eyed woman. “Of you and Navia.” Furina just shrugged, ”I thought it was so easy for you guys. You loved each other so much.”

“I was mostly jealous of Navia. She had your whole heart,” She chuckled bitterly, eyes locked to the floor. “I wanted someone like that, someone who loved me so devotedly.”

“We love you too, you know that,” Clorinde put a hand on her shoulder.

Furina covered it and squeezed, “Yeah I know now, but at the time I didn’t so I tried messing with Navia.”

“You know just little things,” she removed Clorinde’s hand. “You know what the only thing that was able to get under her skin.”

“No.” Clorinde could feel the sweat trickling down her neck. She had some suspicions but it didn’t matter.

“Please, it's so easy!” Furina chuckled.

Clorinde tugged at her shirt, “I really don’t.”

She just sighed, “It was you.” Clorinde’s jaw clenched. “It still is, you know.”

“She’d always give me this look whenever I’d touch you. I mean even if it was just a hug. Oh course I got over the jealousy she’s too easy to love,” Furina grinned. “But do you know what got me over it?”

“I think I’ve made myself clear that I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Clorinde raised her hands in disbelief while Furina let out a belly laugh. Tears pricked the edges of her eyelids.

“How pathetic both of you are when it comes to your feelings,” Furina wiped away tears. “Do you know how long I’ve been listening to her talk about how in love she is with you.” Furina got up as she saw Arlecchino walk back into the green room. The harbinger looked up and smiled. The director leaned down and whispered into her. Her lips spread into a large grin, teeth shiny and white, “Longer than I’ve listened to you!”

She left Clorinde there to stew as she jumped into Arlecchino’s arms and kissed her cheek. As soon as the words were processed Clorinde flushed. “Over ten years?!”

Furina threw her a wink.

—--

“Okay what was that about?” Arlecchino cornered her immediately when they made it to the hallway.

Navia sidestepped the harbinger. The Knave’s dead eyes narrowed, “You can’t expect me to bail you out and not answer my questions. I have children to check on.”

“I’m in love with Clorinde,” Navia said desperately. “But I don’t want to be.”

“Tsarsita, I thought you were gonna say that you're pregnant?!” Arlecchino giggled. Navia glared at her. The Knave shrugged, “What was that not funny? Droplet said I needed to work on being more charismatic, she said jokes would make me more approachable so I won’t scare the children.”

“Dude no!” Navia rubbed her forehead.

“Oh well my apologies, gyat! I thought I was improving.” Navia’s jaw dropped, “I’m sorry, gyat?”

Arlecchino ignored her confusion, “Tell me something I don’t know. You being in love with Clorinde is old news.”

“Apparently there's a lot of things you don’t know,” Navia tried to deflect.

“Look it’s not the end of the world so what if you’re in love with her just tell her,” Arlecchino’s dead eyes stared into Navia’s. She shivered, Navia could never understand what Furina thought was so attractive about those creepy things.

“I can’t lose her,” Navia glared.

“Oh please, you don’t know that,” Arlecchino stared dead at her as if trying to pick apart the molecules in her body. “You’re just scared of your own feelings.”

“What no-”

“Please anyone who has any sense that works knows how much she loves you,” Navia growled trying to enter the green room. She wanted to stop this conversation; this was already hard enough she didn’t need Arlecchino picking her apart. But the Knave slipped past her and leaned on the doorframe. “If you let this keep going you might lose her forever.”

“Lying to her, repressing your feelings and saying you’re fine with friendship is going to bite you in the ass later,” Arlecchino turned around but kept her claws on the doorframe. “That line of reasoning is not going to work. One day you're going to look back and wish you told that her how much you cared.”

She slipped through the door leaving Navia alone. She backed up to the wall and slid down. Tears streamed down her face.

“Papa, what should I do?” She stared at the ceiling trying to keep the tears in their ducts.

—---

Clorinde's head perked up as soon as she heard the door close. Her eyes met Navia’s who was disassociating. Her eyes were blank with none of her usual shine. Clorinde felt a stab in her heart. This was her fault.

She got up and made a beeline for the wings, knowing that Navia was on immediately. When she got there Navia was fixing her dress. “Navia, please,” she begged. “Tell me what's wrong.”

Navia finally looked at her and recognized something in her eyes. There was hope just like what Navia felt whenever her heart skipped a beat. Or when her stomach flipped. Even just hearing Clorinde’s laugh.

“You already know don’t you,” Navia smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Yes,” Clorinde said breathlessly. She could feel herself shaking. “I know but I need you to say it.”

Navia cupped Clorindes face before dropping her hand as if the touched seared skin. “I can’t,” Her voice cracked.

Clorinde reached out trying to stop her as she tried to walk away, “I lov-”

“ON IN 5! ACTORS ON STAGE NOW,” Neuvilette whispered yelled. He gave them a look of pity and silently apologized.

The show must go on.

—-

Navia gave it her all. She poured everything into her performance. She was no longer acting. Desperately, she was trying to reach out to Clorinde on stage. To get her to understand. She needed Clorinde to understand. As much as she wanted to say something she wasn’t ready.

How could she be? Even knowing the outcome of the confession there were too many things to be afraid of. She couldn’t process it. She just couldn’t.

Instead she hoped that Clorinde would get it. Get that all the touches were real. The guilt was real. She ignored the concerned looks of castmates and friends. This was different from all the other performances she's done. It was all too real. Too dangerous.

Which was why it was only onstage. Navia couldn’t bring herself around Clorinde. She knew that if she relaxed for a second it’d spill out and she just wasn’t ready. Luckily for her Clorinde was on stage for most of the last act.

Clorinde on the other hand was a mess. It hurt so much to have Navia in her arms but not in the way she wanted. Why can’t she say it? I love her too and she knows it. She doesn’t love me like that then. Otherwise what could she be afraid of. I will stand by her, I promised.

So her words felt hollow when she said that she belonged with Meg. She did belong with Navia. But if Navia didn’t want her. She would leave. She would do whatever she asked. So when she felt her beloved lips on hers she felt numb.

It wasn’t real.

Even when Navia tugged her closer and cradled her like she meant the world Clorinde didn’t feel it.

All she could think was: it isn’t real. It isn’t real. Megara is kissing Hercules. Megara is kissing Hercules. Navia isn’t kissing her. It’s not real. Navia isn’t in love with Clorinde. This isn’t real. It can’t be.

Navia tugged the collar of the tunic as the curtains closed. Please Clorinde, please know how much I love you.

The audience applauded and the lights turned off. It was just them behind the curtain in the dark. Clorinde tried to tear herself away, hiding her tears. It wasn’t real. Instead she was planted into the ground, Navia refused to let her go.

“I want you to stay,” Water built up in the corners of Navias eyes. “I want you to stay no matter what. I want to say it.”

“Then please say what's on your mind. I will be with you always no matter what.” Clorinde’s voice shook with emotion. “That is my promise to you.”

“I want to kiss you again,” Navia breathed out in a whisper.

“Can you please sa-”

“I love you.” Navia states. Her hands somehow grip Clorinde’s collar harder. “I love you, I’ve loved you since I was 10 and I don’t think I could ever stop. So please show-”

Clorinde surged forward, their lips met as tears streamed down their faces. They melted into each other, years of tension washed away.

It was real.

The lights flashed on and applause echoed throughout the auditorium. The curtains opened as the actors in front of the stage finished their bows. The noise tripled as the leads were revealed, lips locked and wrapped tightly in each other's embrace.

“FUCKING YES!!!!” Lumine screamed from the sound booth. She pressed a button on the sound board. Taylor Swift’s “How You Get the Girl” blared through the speakers.

The entire cast burst out in whoops and yells. Furina fainted into Arlecchino's arms. Finally she could rest. As the cacophony of the cast, crew and audience echoed throughout the theater Aether and Lyney stumbled out on stage. Both were disheveled and clueless as Navia and Clorinde continued to kiss as if they would disappear as soon as they let go.

When they broke apart for air Clorinde caressed Navia’s face wiping away all the tears. Once she was done Navia pressed kisses all over her face and replaced the salty tears with mauve lipstick.

“Oh come I said it, now it’s your turn,” Navia smirked as she pecked Clorindes lips once again.

“You’re insatiable,” Clorinde shook her head.

“You wouldn’t have me any other way.”

“Yeah, I love you too much to deny you anything,” Clorinde kissed her forehead.

“Hey that doesn’t count, mine was all dramatic! You’re an actor now, come on!” Navia teased, not really caring. They loved each other, it was real and nothing was going to keep them apart. Celestia be damned if they tried.

“Navia Caspar, I am so desperately in love with you,” Clorinde said, seriously kissing the inside of Navia’s wrist as she did so. Navia turned tomato red. “Such a charmer but you owe me a real kiss~”

Clorinde started to lean forward eager to fulfill the request but before the gap closed Navia grabbed her collar and wrapped her arm around her. She swept one of Clorinde’s legs away and dipped her. Pressing a kiss to her lips and deepening it once the surprise wore off.

Cacophony exploded through the theater once more. Mostly from those who dubbed themselves the Clorivia squad.

—-
“You know you should really stay away from shelves,” Clorinde smiled as she secured a box of papers over Navia’s head. The victim in question had her back against the dressing room closet doors as she twirled her hair.

“Oh mon coeur, I just wanted you to save me,” She batted her eyelashes. “I find that you are an excellent meat shield for any wayward containers who disagree with gravity.”

“What happened to Ms. I can protect myself?” Clorinde had a playful glint in her eye, pitching her tone to match Navia’s. She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around the demoiselle's waist.

“Why should I when I have a wonderful girlfriend to do it for me?” She gently rubbed Clorinde‘s cheek.

Clorinde puffed her chest out at the word. Girlfriends finally. She felt sparks in her throat. That was gonna need time to get used to. She pouted, keeping up the playfulness “Is that all I am to you, a meat shield girlfriend.”

“Yes, but you're so excellent at it you deserve a reward,” Navia’s eyes darkened as she pulled Clorinde in. Their lips met as they smiled into one another. They stayed there until Clorinde broke the kiss for air. After a short breath she dived back in only to be stopped by two fingers.

“As much as I’d like to continue this little treat, I do actually need that box.” Navia giggled when Clorinde slouched her eyes widening into pools of purple and a slight pout. “Don’t give me that I need to grab something for Silver.”

Her girlfriend’s pout shifted into a grin and she pointed to her cheek, ”Please?”

Navia smiled softly and pecked her cheek, “Come on the sooner I get this back the sooner we can go back to the tasting menu.” She licked her lips as Clorinde eyes lit on fire.

Clorinde grabbed the box and gave it to Navia who shuffled around. After finding what she needed she handed it back before it could pass between their arms Navia paused. “Is that?”

With one hand she dug through the bottom of the papers and lifted a large three ring binder. Across the top was a label that said “Operation Girl Failure True Mission: Get Codename NaCl together aka Operation Clorivia Squad feat the entire cast of Hercules aka time to end the yearning aka god just fucking kiss already aka ’they were best friends’ aka kill me now Jesus”. The front was bedazzled and decorated with water crabs and other ocean creatures. At the bottom it was signed in neat cursive: Furina de Fontaine.

“FURINA!!!”