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tavvattales · 2 months

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"Shall we?"

Neuvillette x Reader

2k+

Multiple things inspired me when I was writing this.

I hope you Enjoy!

Moon Eclispe obviously is not a real Fontaine event. It's just my excuse to write Neuvi and you dancing at a ball.

The Moonlit Eclipse, a former ball given for the Hydro Archon and her people to commemorate the fall season, was approaching. Things were busier in the Hydro country.

Shops were packed with customers, while melusines and other decorations adorned the streets. Lady Furina travels to the streets, giving little speeches to her people to get them excited for the event. She performs a tiny twirl, which elicits excitement from the spectators.

The ball was a tremendously popular event that everyone wanted to attend, but getting inside was tough for anyone who wasn't noble. Popular Fontaine and paparazzi figures had an easier time attending the event.

Middle- and lower-class people like yourself needed an invitation to even be permitted inside.

Your position as a ticket attendant at the Opera Eclaisse was going well. Given the increased amount of people you've been dealing with, today's trial appears to be quite popular. The salary was good, and the atmosphere was often chaotic, but Monsieur Neuvillette always made sure you and your coworkers were safe. You sighed softly, hoping that nothing goes wrong today.

"Hello, ticket for two?" A foreign couple comes up with funds for the latest trail. They take in the Opera House with astonishment.

"First time here?" They nod as you proceed. "This is the Court House, often called the Opera House. Monsieur Neuvillette and Lady Furina have their troubles here." You react by, giving them their change and tickets.

"Expect a bit of chaos, have a good day." You wave them away as they approach the door, until they notice a criminal being led out of the house near the other exit. He attempted to flee, but was apprehended and held once more. The couple next to you leaps and immediately enters the house.

Monsieur Neuvillette steps in for the next trial, past the man being led out. He passes you by just a single glance, surrounded by a pink aura. As he walks into the entryway where you work, his long white and blue hair sways in without a gust of wind. You gave a smile as you watched him pass you.

His expression changed today, and he appeared to be nearly happy. As you immediately attended to the next customer, a tap on your window disrupted the image.

As you exited the Opera House, the sky was painted in orange. The bell tower in the distance is chiming, signaling the upcoming hour. You stroll outside, exiting just as the bell rings its final chime.

A gathering of people gathered near the fountain to cheer for someone. Fontaine's famed magician performed for the audience, pulling a few items from his hat. It appears that Lyney and Lynette's troupe performed tonight. Squeezing through, you make your way to the ferry back to the city.

"So what are you planning on wearing to the ball?" As you waited for the ferry, a group of girls dressed in elegant attire chatted nearby.

"I want to wear a pink dress with those pearls." Another girl scoffs, suggesting that her attire will resemble that one. A little quarrel breaks out as the girls begin insulting each other loudly.

A few spectators glared them down, but everyone else seemed to ignore them. Things became more severe as one girl was thrust into you. She turns with a humble expression until she scoffs seeing your attire. "Honestly, commoner, pick yourself off the ground; you will look pathetic." The others join in, laughing and shaming you even more.

"Sorry, ma'am, but you ran into me.” You brought up their fight only a few moments ago. One girl's arrogant smirk faded into an ugly frown, wrinkling her brow. She approaches with a pocketbook in her hand, her voice increasing.

"Do you dare to speak back to me? You are nothing but a lousy commoner." She starts swinging and smacks you in the head. Wincing, you try to get away from her, only to return the wrong way, falling into the sea.

Your uniform and hair were immediately ruined, much to your dismay. "Haha, you really needed a swim." The other burst out laughing as you swam your belongings to the platform.

Grab your belongings first, then swim back for your cap. After getting them back to shore, you noticed something was missing: your wallet. Looking around, you see it just underwater.

You dive down and grab it, unaware of the incoming aquabus. As you emerge from the water, your face comes into contact with the approaching boat before you can fully think. Pushing you back towards the platform, squeezed you until you were hauled out of the water by the approaching bus. You were gently placed back on the ground as Elphane raced off the aquabuscar to investigate.

"I am so sorry." The purple melusine bowed profusely to you as they checked over your injuries.

"Please, board, let me take you to the hospital." "Ah, Monsieur Neuvillete, do you plan to return to the city as well?"

Is he here?

Monsieur Neuvillette attends to your injuries while Elphane ensures the boat is still operational. He assists you in carefully standing as she turns the boat right, allowing you both to embark.

"Uhm, Monsieur, I can stand now." He releases go, letting you stand. He looks at your figure before backing off.

"Uhm, you can enter now." The melusine stands at the top of the stairs before returning to position. You nod and swiftly find a seat toward the back of the steps. Monsieur Neuvillette is seated across from you. As the boat takes off, you stare out into the water.

You then sit silently as Elphane begins to speak. She asks if your trip went okay, only to receive an uncomfortable silence before moving on to another issue. You stare at your hands, embarrassed by what happened before.

"Uhm, I apologize if I made you awkward." He looks over at you.

"No, no, it's my fault for falling into the tract like that." You just wanted to curl up up somewhere where they couldn't see you. If Iudex noticed, he probably decided not to remark at all. Elphane continues her brief conversations as the boat glides back toward the court.

You hurriedly leave the dock and return home. You didn't hear anything else from the Iudex as you walked through the city towards your house.

In the days that followed, your routine continued as usual. Since Monsieur Neuvillette's schedule appears to be slightly modified. Now at work in the Opera Eclaisse, you see less of him. The people in today's trial appeared to be less full than normal. Due to those reasons, your task began to slow down after a few hours. During that time, you were tasked with cleaning the windows and entrance. You clean the windows and sweep the floor at the entrance to Opera Eclaisse.

People in the courtroom could be heard whispering and twisting their words. AYou continue your duty until you hear Monsieur's voice calling the courtroom to order. You started blushing as you remembered how you embarrassed yourself in front of him and the Melusine tour leader the other day. You hope not to come across him again anytime soon.

As the day's final trial comes to a close, the day gradually fades into night. You wait for everyone to leave the courthouse before carrying out other responsibilities. You work intently on your tasks as someone descends the stairs. As you look up from your task, high-heeled boots come to a stop next to you.

"Oh, you're working late tonight." The man you were hoping to avoid stopped next to you.

"Ah, greetings, Monsieur Neuvillette." You keep your gaze fixed on the floor, determined not to make another mistake in front of him.

"One of my coworkers got sick, and he asked me to take over his shift, as there was no one else to cover it today." He nods, inspecting the items in your palm. As the conversation grows silent, you stroll over and put them away.

"Is there something that I can do for you, Iudex?"

"Are you attending the moon eclipse?" You stare at him puzzled; certainly he was aware that this event was not open to people of your status, right?

"Monsieur Neuvillette, someone of my status isn't allowed into the ball without an invitation."

"It's a ball for those with higher social standing to attend. Someone like me doesn't have any space there at all." You speak while still completing your responsibilities so that you can look up and return home. The Iudex stands there, watching your movements. When you realized he was tracking you, your movements became more robotic. Why was Monseiur still standing there? You gave him an answer.

"Would you like to attend?" You halt, staring at him with wide eyes. He glances back at you, waiting for your response.

"I'm not against it." He nods as he approaches the Opera Eclaisse's front doors. You shrug, lock the booth, and walk home more slowly than normal.

The night arrived as you prepared for the ball. A letter came in the day before with a gift for you, and a ticket for admission. Monsieur Neuvillette telling you keep the mask with you, should anyone deny you entrance.

You chose your best clothing and made any necessary modifications before picking up the mask that came with your admittance. The mask was the same color as Iudex's hair. You hold the mask up to your face. The mask suprisingly complemented the color of the clothing. You take small, deep breaths to relieve your nervousness before exiting into the night.

"Welcome to the Moon Eclipse." One of the men in charge of the ceremony addressed the audience of aristocrats. You could see upper-class women conversing with one another, and Monsieur Neuvillette himself standing at the front of the gathering, cane in hand. The speaker finishes his statement as music starts playing.

You pick up your dress and go far from the nobles whom were dancing. You keep your head down to avoid drawing attention as you make your way to the balcony.

"Oh, I don't believe that we have had the pleasure of meeting." A man dressed in expensive garments approaches you.

"I am Duke Myris, and you are?" He makes a slight bow before reaching out his hand to you.

"Nice to meet you." You bow to the noble and give him your name. He gives a slight nod before frowning at you.

"Name.. I don't think I've heard of you. Are you a child in the house of (insert name)?" You shake your head as his face shifts to a smug one.

"So a commoner at the Moon Eclipse." His words drew the attention of the noble women around.

"A commoner?"

"Who invited them?"

"They could have stolen an invitation; it's fitting of them to do that."

The women and other nobility slowed the music, focusing their attention on you. Sneers and critical looks were sent your way.

"I was invited." He gave a tiny laugh as the women laughed behind their fans. Your shoulders stiffened as you attempted to prove your worth here. The truth is, you are aware that you do not belong, but you should enjoy it. Monsieur Neuvillette had personally invited you, after all.

The lords and ladies' laughter halted as the man you were thinking about reached you.

"Hello, is there any issue with the person that I invited?" You push the mask closer to your face while the others gaze on in shock. Monsieur Neuvillette approaches, donning an outfit more formally than he usually does. The mask he wore matched the clothing you wore. Seeing the connections, the nobility who mocked you apologized profusely before retreating.

"Good evening, monsieur." You bow to him out of respect.

"Good evening, I see you managed to make it." You gave a slight nod, grasping the end of the mask that was held up near your face.

"Thank you for inviting me, Monsieur Neuvillette." You were ready to walk away when he extended a hand toward you.

"May I request your permission to dance with you?" You swallow anxiously and accept his hand. As you start swaying, the music begins to play. A wave of happiness seized control, and a grin rose to your face. He whirls you around, and you followed in harmony. As you dance, your inner mind screamed with joy. You attempted to calm your heart, thinking he wouldn't hear it. He focuses on the waltz, seemingly not hearing it; the music stops as he dips you.

Silence consumes the room before erupting in cheers. You look up at the Iudex, the mask taken away from your face. His blue eyes stare down at you as he gently lifts you back up.

#genshin fic #neuvillette x reader #genshin neuvillette #neuvillette x you

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tavvattales · 7 months

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performance anxiety.

-> lyney x fem!famous singer!reader

-> warnings: mentions of past bad relationship, anxiety, no use of y/n

-> words: 3.4k

[a/n]: this was not supposed to be this long but. not proofread, idk what universe this is in where all of these characters are friends but shut up. i just started writing, gun to my head i could not tell you what happens in this story

Applause. Roses. Adoration. Entertainment.

You craved the effervescence of the spotlight. The thrill of being on stage. Millions of eyes are on you and you alone– coming together for the sole purpose of viewing you.

It seemed a bit voyeuristic, but you couldn’t care less as the final notes of your song rang out across stages all over the country and applause replaced the roaring in your ears. People stood as they clapped, whooping and hollering. All for you.

You stood before them night after night, baring the roughest edges of yourself on the stage for them all to judge. You were vulnerable to every attack possible– verbal, physical, emotional. Yet none occurred, save for the dozens of flowers that showered you every night as you completed a performance flawlessly once again.

It was only after you made it backstage to your dressing room that you finally took a breath. A very shaky, very exhausted breath. Stagehands ran back and forth, putting up props and fixing light fixtures for someone else’s performance the next night, but they reassured you that nobody could possibly outshine you after you had christened the Opera Epiclese.

Your first performance in Fontaine. In your hometown.

“That was amazing!” Your manager burst through the door, a cup of water in her hands. She passes it to you. “One of your best performances yet– not that the others were bad! Quite the opposite, actually–”

“I get it. Thank you.” You chewed on your lip, gazing at yourself in the mirror. You looked frazzled up close with the stage makeup slightly smeared across your face. Not enough for the audience to notice, though. No, to them, you were perfection. “I hope they thought the same.”

“Are you kidding? You were amazing. I bet you made at least ten men think about leaving their wives for you tonight.” You cut your eyes at her, and she backtracked immediately. “I-I mean! Oh, that was such a bad analogy, wasn’t it? I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.”

It really wasn’t fine, but you weren’t going to make your friend-turned-manager feel any worse than she already does for bringing up the past. You weren’t married– Archons, no– but you lived a fast life that not many were equipped to handle, especially if they were staying home while you traveled Teyvat on a tour.

Your ex couldn’t handle you and your lifestyle, so he handled others in bed instead.

It didn’t sting as bad as you would have expected it to. You couldn’t take the time to grieve, not when there was a performance in Natlan the night you found out. Other performers and those who lived a more nomadic lifestyle had warned you about failed relationships and friendships with those who did not stay close or did not understand the busyness of traveling. You truly believed you were the exception, and now you realize that such relationships are impossible. You chose this life, thus giving up the idea of a simple love. Your friends were your manager and the crew that traveled with you, and that was that. You didn’t stay anywhere long enough to culminate true, meaningful connections with anyone.

“Are you ready for the encore?”

You swiped another layer of lipstick on and fluffed your hair in the mirror before turning back to your manager.

“Born ready.”

—---

Lyney sat on the edge of his seat for the past hour and a half and continues to do so, staring at the dark stage.

His sister keeps a hand near his chair, just in case he somehow leans too far forward and falls out of it completely. She’ll never understand his infatuation with such a famous singer– it’s not like he had a shot with you anyway. Nevertheless, she made sure to surprise him with front-row tickets the minute she learned of your performance at Fontaine’s beloved Opera Epiclese.

Lyney nearly cried in happiness and he’s nearly crying now, praying to every Archon above that you’re going to come out for an encore and that this isn’t the end of your show. The tears almost fall as the spotlight graces the stage once more and music fills the room.

Everyone in Fontaine tried to get tickets for your performance and the most influential of citizens were sure to attend. Furina sat in the VIP box, leaning on her hand as she watched you step back onstage. She was quiet for once, enraptured by your voice. Clorinde was at her side. Neuvillette sat near the twins, seated but smiling. Charlotte and Navia were a bit further back, Charlotte furiously scribbling on her notepad to review the performance. She stopped writing halfway through, though, unable to stop herself from just enjoying the performance. Wriothesley and Sigewinne showed their faces from outside of the Fortress, the former succumbing to the latter’s pleas for tickets. Even Freminet was there, on the other side of Lyney, just happy to see his brother so happy.

And yet there he was, sitting in the middle of the row, front and center. A perfect view. And there you were, in that jaw-dropping dress that sparkled perfectly in the lights, reflecting the same way the stars in the sky shined. Lyney was positive there were also stars in his eyes, but he couldn’t help it.

And when the performance was over, Lyney finally sat back in his seat and exhaled a deep breath– one he had been holding since the minute you appeared onstage.

Lynette looked him over as if to make sure he was okay and happy. She didn’t need any words to tell that he was over the moon. “Are you ready to go?”

“Just– just give me one minute.”

—---

“How long will you be in Fontaine?”

“Probably a week or two, at most.” You hummed, finally eating a snack left for you by the Hydro Archon herself. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been home. I’d like to stay a bit longer.”

“Hmm,” Furina’s finger tapped her chin– a clear sign that she was thinking. About what, nobody could tell. “How about another performance before you leave? Many people didn’t get tickets to this first show. You’ve had so many supporters from here since you started. Why not give them a special thanks? Especially me, since I’ve supported you and been your friend for all these years?”

You squinted at her for a moment, trying to decipher what she could be devising in her head. You weren’t a mind reader, and Furina didn’t necessarily all have it going on in her head, so you opted to just ask her outright. “What could you possibly gain from that?”

She reeled back, feigning offense. “Nothing! It’s-it’s just that it’s great for business. And we’re having special visitors soon who may want to see. Totally not because I want to watch it again– heh.”

“What special visitors?”

“Why, the Traveler and Paimon, of course!” Furina clapped, “Yes, yes. They’d love to see your performance.”

“Hm.” You continued staring at her, unconvinced that the legendary Traveler wanted to see your performance. But, you did get to perform again and get a part of the profits. You didn’t see why not. “Fine.”

The squeal that came out of Furina’s mouth was enough to almost break your glass of water– a feat many singers trained to do for years and could not accomplish. Yet, your friend was close to doing it without even trying out of sheer excitement.

She grabbed your hand once you were done changing clothes and dragged you out of the dressing room. You had no choice but to follow as she led you into the main room, where the audience sat. It looked much different from before with the lights on and the chairs empty.

Except for two chairs, three people still present in the opera house.

At the sound of her voice, the three turned around. There was a pair of twins and a younger blonde boy. The twin boy made eye contact with you and seemed to shoot straight up, becoming entranced as he saw you. This was typically a normal reaction for fans, but there was one difference this time.

You were entranced too.

Furina looked at the three and huffed. “Isn’t it time for you to go home?”

“Sorry, Lady Furina,” The youngest boy spoke and motioned to the other boy, whose face was bright red. “Lyney just needed to sit for a minute.”

“Is he okay?” You tilted your head, gently shaking free of Furina and walking to them. Furina gasped and crossed her arms, almost angry that she didn’t have your attention anymore as your self-titled “best friend”. “Your face is hot.”

The twin girl hid her mouth with her hand. “He’ll be okay eventually. I think he got overheated or something. Got all nauseous and dizzy.”

“Oh my Gods, I’m so sorry!” You felt awful– you had told someone that you felt the air was a bit too hot in the audience, but you were brushed off. This just proved that you were right. “You all come with me, there’s fresh water and everything in the guest house I’m staying in tonight.”

You ushered everyone out of Opera Epiclese and into the small building next to it. It was the guesthouse, built solely for performers without a place to stay as they traveled. You were given it for your time in Fontaine and couldn’t be more grateful, especially at a time like this when someone is in need.

Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet– as you learned their names were– followed you and a pouting Furina into the house. You offered them all a seat on the couches and chairs before running to the kitchen and grabbing a bowl of cool water and a rag. You sat next to Lyney, who was silent the entire time, and neared his face as you put the rag on his forehead. You were a bit confused at Lynette and Furina’s snickering behind you, but you could only worry about the boy in front of you whose face turned even redder at your closeness.

“Say,” Furina spoke up, “Lyney and Lynette here are performing at the Opera Epiclese tomorrow. Fancy a show?”

“Really?” You looked into Lyney’s eyes, “What do you do?”

He swallowed, and you wondered if he needed a glass of water. “Magic.”

“You’re magicians? No way!” You grinned, “I’ve always wanted to see a magic show live! Furina, I think we should go. I’d love to see more of these two.”

“I do too.” Lynette joined, “We can get you on the reservation list for front and center… unless you’d like to sit VIP with Furina?”

“We’ll both sit front row. Neuvillette can have front row if he wishes to attend.” Furina grinned at Lynette, and you couldn’t help but feel like you were missing out of something as you cared for Lyney.

“Wonderful.” Lynette stands up, followed by Freminet. “I think Lyney just needs rest now, but we don’t live far in the Court of Fontaine. We probably need to head out before it gets too late.”

You nod and hold your hand out to Lyney, who takes a second of staring before taking your hand and hoisting himself up. You both definitely hold on a bit too long to be typical for someone you just met, but exceptions could always be made.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then, Lynette.” You glance back at the boy at your side. “Lyney.”

“Y-yes.” He speaks. You like his voice. “Tomorrow evening. I’d love to see you there.”

After the three left, Furina stayed on your couch and stared.

You sat across from her, staring back with a puzzled expression.

This was the longest you’d ever heard her be quiet and it was incredibly unnerving. You couldn’t take much more of this.

“What?”

Another beat of silence. “What do you mean ‘what’?”

“What do you mean ‘what do you mean’? What did I do?”

“You’ve never done that before.”

“Done what, Furina? I don’t have time for this–”

“Gotten all flustered like that. You don’t even dote on me like that and I’m your best friend.”

“Lynette said that he got overheated during the performance.” You defended, “I had to help him, I felt bad. I told the crew that it was too hot in there but they didn’t listen–”

“You’re stupid.” Before you could retort in offense, Furina leaned forward. “You haven’t been that open and nice since…”

You’re glad she doesn’t finish that sentence– doesn’t let his name leave her mouth. Furina is right and you know it, but you definitely don’t want to admit that. Especially not to her.

“I just felt bad.” She doesn’t believe you and you know it. “Fur, you know I can’t. People can’t keep up with my life. He’s cute, but I’m better off alone.”

Furina looks away for a moment as if to think about what she’s going to say next for the first time ever. “He’s different.”

“You don’t know that.”

“First, I know him better than you do. I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with that crew, and I’m the Hydro Archon. I know everyone in Fontaine.” She twirls a finger around her hair– a telltale sign that she’s desperate for someone to listen to her. You want to oblige, but your mind won’t let you. “Lyney understands the life of a performer. Has he traveled? No. But I bet he’d be more than willing to travel with you as like– an opening act or something!” She snaps her fingers as if this is some sort of life-changing revelation.

Your anxiety says otherwise.

“What about Lynette and Freminet?”

“They can go with you!” She says as if it’s the easiest thing in the world. “Lynette is Lyney’s assistant, so she has to go. Freminet would be good with helping with finances or something. Or if you happen to drop your wedding ring in the ocean, he can get it.”

“Wedding ring?”

“Yeah, for when you marry–”

A knock on the door interrupts her and you’ve never been happier. You give each other confused looks before you get up and open the door a crack. Behind it is a face all-too-familiar, and you open it wider.

“I-uh, forgot my hat here.” Lyney, cheeks still rosy, rubs the back of his neck in embarrassment.

“O-oh, of course!” You stammer out, leaving him at the door and finding his hat in one of the other chairs. Furina stares him down in a way that makes him feel like he’s intruding on a very important conversation, but he tries to brush it off as one of her theatrics.

Lyney’s smile returns when you appear again, his hat in your hands, and tries to ignore the jump of his heart as his fingers accidentally brush yours when he takes it. “Thank you so much.” You watch as his figure begins to retreat from the guesthouse, but he quickly turns around and waves. “And I do hope to see you tomorrow.”

—---

Lyney does, in fact, get to see you tomorrow.

Peeking through the curtain, he sees you front and center, sitting in the same exact seat that he was in the night before. Furina is at your side, chatting with you happily and ignoring the questioning whispers of her citizens as they question why she’s on the floor instead of in her box. Their questions cease when they see you.

A bit of jealousy hits him as he sees some citizens ask for your autograph or come up to talk to you, but he can’t dwell on it long before Lynette is behind him.

“Is she here?”

“Yes.” He lets out a nervous breath. “Everything has to be perfect tonight.”

“It will be.” She reassures, “And don’t worry about anything else. I have it all covered. She’s come to see you and you alone, so you just focus on being the best you can be.”

Lyney has never been more grateful for his sister than he is at that moment. Sure, it was one thing when she accepted his schoolgirl crush on a famous singer, but when she was actually here, at their show, watching him, she was the best wingman in Teyvat.

He peeked out of the curtain once more, his breath catching in his throat when he sees you looking directly at him. You wave and send him a soft smile and Lyney can feel his entire body heat up. He’s determined and ready for this show to start.

And with a short countdown, it does.

In most performances, Lyney keeps his eyes above the crowd. It’s an illusion many performers learn– don’t look directly at anyone specifically, it’s easier to quell the anxiety of thousands of eyes being on you, judging your every move. He knows you do this tactic as well, getting to witness it firsthand last night as you wowed the crowd from the very stage he was on tonight. He wondered how he could possibly be equal to such a wonderful performance and his mind gets a bit louder as doubts start plaguing him. As quickly as they come, however, they disappear.

Lyney looks at you.

You’re dressed beautifully, hair and makeup done simply as if to bare the real you. Oh, how Lyney longs to know the real you.

You think it’s a funny coincidence when the first rose comes to you. Just a chance that a draft happened to send it directly into your lap after Lyney throws it into the crowd. Same with the second rose, that he passed off to you personally as he walked by after doing his switch trick with the box. You realize it’s not just some happenstance when the performance ends and you are left with a bouquet of roses in your hands, your face hot as Furina teases you.

“Rainbow roses have special meaning in Fontaine, you know.” She grinned. You swatted her away.

“I know.” You huff, “He probably uses those in every show to make the little lucky audience girl feel special.”

Furina opens her mouth to speak, but a voice from behind speaks up before she can. “I normally use Romaritime Flowers, and only pull one out of my hat, but I thought tonight I could do something a little different.”

Lyney prays you aren’t uncomfortable when you turn around– the adrenaline of the show is the only thing driving him to speak to you steadily right now, and he didn’t know what he’d do if he got rejected. He’s pleasantly surprised when you do turn around and your mouth is slightly agape, your cheeks darker than usual. He did his job.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

“Keep them, they’re yours.” Lyney places his hands on yours to push them back when you go to give him back the bouquet, but he doesn’t remove them when you clutch the flowers to your chest. “This is my official offer– let me treat you to dinner.”

You turn your head to give Furina a look, but she’s long gone. You make a note to curse her out later.

“Lyney, I want to accept your offer. So badly. But I just know it won’t work.”

Seeing Lyney’s face fall almost makes you want to take it back, but you can’t. You can’t get hurt again.

“Please,” His voice has gone soft, “How do you know that?”

“It’s happened before. I’m just protecting you. I’m going to be gone soon and you can forget about this little infatuation–”

“No!” Lyney blurts out but quickly composes himself. “You’re not protecting me, you’re protecting yourself. I’m not whatever man hurt you in the past. I’m a performer too, I can handle all the things that entails.”

“Lyn… This is only my third country on my tour. I have so many more left, I’ll be gone for a very long time. It’s not fair to ask you to wait for me.”

“I think I get to decide what’s fair for me.” You don’t respond, looking away. Lyney takes your chin between his fingers to make you look at him. “And I think that me waiting for you is a fair trade if it means you come back to me in the end. Please, ma chérie. Consider it.”

You took a breath, weighing the options as seriously as the Oratrice. You think back to your conversations– the ones with your manager, the ones with Furina. Finally, you meet his eyes fully. Lyney hasn’t looked away, a softness in his eyes that you were not expecting.

“Let’s go to dinner. I’ve been thinking of hiring an opening act for the rest of the tour anyways. How do you feel about that?”

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