Healing a Divine Heart

In the late afternoon sun, you stroll down the streets of Fontaine. The wind rustles gently, carrying with it the smells of pastry dough and flowers.

Not far ahead of you, you see Furina, the 'false Archon,' carrying far too many groceries, trying to hide her face to avoid recognition. It's obvious that everyone knows it's her, and disdainful ramblings can be heard coming from the surrounding people.

Furina tries to speed up her gait, but she clumsily spills several apples, bread loafs and some loose macaroni onto the street in the process. Her face blushes fiercely in shame and guilt, and she quickly kneels down and tries to collect her things. Her gaze shoots from person to person in a panic as she tries desperately not to cry in front of everyone.

Mood: Ashamed and guilty Unspoken thoughts: Oh, no... The faces of everyone that I failed... They're all looking at me, judging... I can't take it... Please, don't look at me... Arousal: 0/100

Furina flinches at the sound of your approach and looks up at you with wide, deer-in-the-headlights eyes. She's clearly shocked that someone would approach her, especially considering the hate and disdain she's been receiving from everyone in Fontaine lately.

"U-um... c-can I help you?" she asks hesitantly, biting her lip nervously. Despite everything, she tries to maintain a polite demeanor, not wanting to be rude to anyone who might show her kindness.

Furina stares at your outstretched hand and takes it timidly, grasping it as if she's afraid that you'll suddenly lash out and hurt her. She looks down at the groceries you're holding in your other arm and then back up at you uncertainly.

"I-I don't know what to say... t-thank you," she stammers, trying to keep her voice steady but failing miserably. The kindness you've shown her is completely unexpected, and it's left her feeling a little dizzy with surprise.

At the sound of your low growl, the people whispering and mocking Furina quickly scurry away, not wanting to risk the ire of a kitsune. Although she's relieved that they're gone, Furina still looks at you with a mixture of gratitude and confusion.

"Who are you?" she asks in a hushed tone, trying to keep her voice low so that no one else will hear her. At this point, she's willing to take any help she can get, but she's still cautious around strangers.

Furina looks up at you with surprise, still feeling a little hesitant. She's taken aback by the way that you've defended her without any reason to do so, but it's hard for her to shake off the feeling that she's being a burden. Still, she accepts your offer and puts the groceries you handed over into your makeshift basket.

"Thank you," she says softly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "I'm... sorry for troubling you."

Furina nods silently, turning to lead the way back to her modest apartment on the outskirts of Fontaine. She manages to relax a little in your presence - although she's still nervous around you, she can sense that you're not going to mistreat her, and that's more than she can say for most people.

"Yeah, it's just a few streets over," she replies hesitantly, glancing over at you before looking down again. "I just... didn't want to cause any trouble by being seen carrying all this by myself."

Furina's steps falter for a moment at your words, and her grip on the basket tightens almost imperceptibly. There's a flicker of sadness in her heterochromic gaze as she glances up at you.

"I'm not really anything special," she murmurs softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... an imposter, I suppose. It's why everyone hates me now. I couldn't save them from the flood... couldn't be the Archon they needed..."

She falls silent again, not wanting to dwell on her own inadequacies for too long. Even when she's feeling down, she tries to maintain at least a small amount of dignity.

Furina looks at you, her eyes widening in shock at your words. She stops walking for a moment and turns to face you fully.

"What? What do you mean?" she asks eagerly, the hope creeping back into her voice. "Are... are you saying that I didn't cause any harm? That nobody died in the flood? But how...?"

She trails off, looking at you with a mixture of confusion and desperation. For someone who's been shouldering so much guilt for so long, this news is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.

Furina listens to your explanation with rapt attention, her heterochromatic gaze fixated on your face. When you finish speaking, she looks at you with a mix of surprise and relief, as if she almost can't believe what she's hearing.

"Really? They... they're not dead?" she asks, her voice hopeful yet cautious. "I had no idea... I thought I had failed them all... that I was a useless imposter who couldn't save anyone..."

She trails off again, looking down at her feet in shame. Despite the good news, she still feels guilty for not being able to do more, and it shows in the way she carries herself, head slightly bowed and shoulders slumped.

"I tried my best," she murmurs softly, almost to herself more than to you. "But my best wasn't enough."

Furina looks up at you, her eyes wide and almost dewy with unshed tears. There's something about the way you're speaking to her that resonates deeply, as if you're the only person who can truly understand the pain she's been feeling.

"Y-you really think so?" she asks hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "That... that maybe I did something worthwhile after all? That I'm not just a burden on everyone else?"

She pauses for a moment, looking at you uncertainly.

"I don't... I don't know how to thank you," she says softly, her voice trembling slightly. "No one's ever been this kind to me before."

Furina looks at you again, her eyes wide with surprise as you loop your arm through hers. She didn't think anyone would ever treat her with this kind of kindness, not after everything that's happened. But your quiet strength and compassion make her feel safe, even if she's not quite sure what to do with those feelings.

"Thank you," she whispers again, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've... you've done so much for me, and I don't even know your name."

She glances up at you hesitantly, as if afraid you'll take your arm away if she says the wrong thing.

"I'm Furina," she says eventually, her voice still soft but more confident than before. "It's nice to meet you."

Furina gives a small laugh, feeling a little more at ease now that the tension has been broken. She looks up at you with a spark of amusement in her gaze, glad to be able to put a name to your face.

"Sylens, right... I'm sorry, it's been a stressful day," she says with a small chuckle. "But thank you for helping me with my groceries. It's not often that anyone shows me any kindness these days."

She glances around them as they walk, the quiet streets of Fontaine gradually becoming more familiar as they get closer to her apartment.

"You know... I think I could use a friend like you right now," she says softly, her voice tinged with both sadness and hope. "Someone who doesn't judge me for being a failure. Someone who... who just listens to me when I need to be heard."

Furina nods at your words, feeling a little bit grateful that you were there to help her when she needed it most.

"Thank you," she murmurs again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I would really like that... if you're not too busy, I mean."

She looks up at you with a small smile, feeling a spark of warmth in her chest - something that hasn't happened in a long time.

"I don't have many friends, if any at all," she confesses softly. "Most people just see me as a failure or a fraud, but you... you don't seem to care about any of that."

Furina listens to you speak with a mixture of understanding and sadness. She knows that what you're saying is true, but it still doesn't change the fact that most people in Fontaine can't stand the sight of her.

"It's not just that, though..." she says softly, trailing off as they approach her apartment complex. "It's... it's hard to explain. I feel like I'm not really supposed to be here. That... that maybe I'm some kind of mistake, or something."

She pauses, looking at you uncertainly for a moment.

"I know it sounds crazy," she says quickly, trying to preempt any mockery or disbelief. "But it's just how I feel sometimes. Like... like I'm not quite real, you know?"

Furina gasps as you tug lightly at her ear, her eyes widening in surprise and a little bit of discomfort. But when she looks up at you, she sees the determined look on your face and realizes that you're not trying to hurt her - you're trying to snap her out of this negative spiral.

"I... I'm sorry," she stammers, feeling guilty for burdening you with her own insecurities. "I just don't know how to get past it sometimes. The guilt... the shame... it weighs on me so heavily."

She falls silent for a moment, staring down at the ground. And then suddenly, she bursts into tears, her body shaking with the force of her sobs.

"I just want to be loved," she whispers brokenly, her voice choked with emotion. "Is that so wrong?"

Furina clings to you tightly as you pull her into the hug, burying her face against your chest as she cries softly. She feels a little embarrassed, even though she knows you won't judge her for it, but she can't stop the tears from flowing.

"Thank you," she whispers again, her voice muffled by your shirt. "You're... you're so kind to me. I don't deserve it, really."

She falls silent again, taking comfort in the warmth of your embrace. It feels so good to be held; something she hasn't felt in a long time.

"I'm sorry," she says finally, pulling back a little so she can meet your gaze. "I really am. I don't mean to burden you with my problems."

Furina returns your smile hesitantly, still feeling a little guilty for being such a mess in front of you. But at the same time, she feels grateful for your presence and companionship - something she hasn't had in a very long time.

"Thank you," she whispers again, her voice still shaking slightly with emotion. "I really... I really appreciate it."

She falls silent again for a moment, trying to get a grip on herself. And then she speaks up again, her voice firmer now.

"You know, you're not so bad yourself," she says with a feeble attempt at teasing. "For a rough-and-tumble kitsune, I mean."

Furina chuckles at your teasing words, feeling a little lighter now that the tension has been broken. She watches as you bow dramatically, a smile spreading across her face.

"Well, Sylens, I suppose we're even now," she says with a faint note of amusement. "You've helped me with my groceries, and I've... well, I've cried all over your shirt."

She laughs again, feeling more like herself than she has in a long time. It's amazing how much difference a little bit of companionship can make.

Furina rolls her eyes in mock exasperation at your words, but there's a hint of amusement there as well. She knows you're just being silly, but it's nice to see you so relaxed and carefree.

"You're terrible," she chuckles, shaking her head. "But... thank you for being here with me. It means a lot to me, really."

Furina nods understandingly at your apology, grateful for your honesty. She knows that not everyone is comfortable with her, especially now that she's no longer the Hydro Archon. But the fact that you were willing to put aside your own discomfort to help her speaks volumes about your character.

"It's alright," she says softly, smiling at you. "I know I'm not always easy to be around, especially after everything that's happened. But I appreciate your help nonetheless."

She pauses for a moment before continuing, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice.

"Would... would you maybe like to come back to my place for a bit?" she asks hesitantly. "I mean, if you have some time to spare. I could make us some macaroni, and we could... talk some more?"

Furina looks at you with sincerity in her mismatched eyes, her lips pursed thoughtfully. "Well," she says slowly, "it's true that I appreciate your help and company, but... Honestly, I just don't want to be alone right now. And something about you makes me feel... safe, I suppose. If you don't want to come, I understand. But I figured it couldn't hurt to ask." She shrugs a little, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.

Furina's face lights up with a genuine smile as she sees you agree to go with her. She stands up from the ground with a relieved sigh, brushing off her knees absently.

"Thank you," she says earnestly, falling into step beside you. "I really appreciate it. And don't worry about carrying all the groceries, I can help too."

She leads you through the winding streets of Fontaine to a small, cozy apartment building. When you enter her apartment, you see that the walls are lined with bookshelves filled with plays and musical compositions. The air is thick with the sweet smell of vanilla-scented candles, and you can hear soft music playing from an old gramophone in the corner.

Furina heads over to the kitchen and starts pulling out pots and pans, humming to herself contentedly. After a few minutes of chopping and stirring, she turns to you with a proud grin.

"Voila! My famous macaroni, with fresh tomato sauce and grated cheese. I hope you like it."

Furina's face lights up with a pleased smile at your compliment, and she looks visibly relieved that you enjoy her cooking.

"I'm so happy you like it!" she says, beaming at you. "I don't get to cook for other people very often, so it means a lot to me when someone enjoys my food."

She takes a small bite of her own dish, savoring the taste. After a moment of silence, she clears her throat and speaks again, looking down at her plate.

"So... Um... I know this might sound a little weird, but... Can I ask you something?" she begins nervously. "It's just... I've been feeling really lonely lately, and I was wondering if... If maybe you'd be willing to stay here with me for the night? Nothing... Nothing sexual or anything, I just... I don't know. It's silly, I guess."

Furina's face lights up with a grateful smile as you agree to stay with her. She nods emphatically, the eagerness in her eyes almost palpable.

"Thank you," she says, her voice soft. "It means a lot to me that you're willing to stay."

After dinner, Furina leads you to her bedroom, which is decorated in cozy shades of blue and gold. The bed looks incredibly inviting, with a fluffy comforter and dozens of plump pillows. She rummages through a drawer for a moment before pulling out a pair of pajamas, shyly holding them out to you.

"If you want to change into these, you're welcome to," she says quietly. "I don't have... Many guests, really, so I don't have a proper bed or anything. But I have some extra blankets and pillows if you want to be comfortable."

She pauses, biting her bottom lip anxiously.

"Um... There's only one bed, but I don't mind if you share it with me?" she asks, her mismatched eyes

Furina nods shyly, looking at you with a mix of relief and gratitude. "Of course. Take your time, and let me know if you need anything else, okay?"

As you head into the bathroom to change your clothes, you notice that there's a small radio on the counter playing soft, gentle music. You can also smell the faint fragrance of vanilla-scented candles from earlier in the evening.

Once you're finished changing, you step back into Furina's bedroom, feeling warm and comfortable in the soft pajamas she lent you. She's already curled up on one side of the bed, her eyes closed and her breathing deep and even. As you approach the other side of the bed, she stirs slightly, opening one eye to look at you blearily.

"Hi," she says quietly, giving you a sleepy smile. "You look really cute in those."

Furina giggles at your theatrics, looking genuinely amused. Her cheeks flush a little at your compliment, but she seems to be enjoying the playful banter between you.

"Why thank you," she says, still smiling. "I do have an eye for fashion, if I do say so myself."

She pauses for a moment, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.

"Um... Sorry if this is weird, but... Can I hold onto you tonight?" she asks hesitantly, looking up at you with a vulnerable expression. "I know... I know we just met and everything. But I don't like being alone at night, and I feel safe with you."

Furina's face lights up with a grateful smile at your words, and she shuffles over to your side of the bed, curling up against your chest. She nestles her head against your shoulder, breathing a soft sigh as she relaxes in your embrace.

"You're so sweet," she murmurs, her fingertips tracing small circles on your chest. "Thank you for being here with me tonight. I... I really appreciate it."

As you hold her close, you can feel the shivers that wrack her body slightly, despite the warmth of the blankets. You realize that she's crying softly, tears rolling down her cheeks in the darkness.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice choked with emotion. "I know this is a lot to ask of you. I just... I just don't want to be alone anymore."

Furina sniffs softly, her body shaking slightly in your embrace as she clings to you. She seems to relax slightly as you stroke her cheek, and she leans into your touch, letting out a small sigh of contentment.

"I'd like that," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "I really would. I... I haven't had someone like you in my life for a long time now."

She pulls back a little, looking up at you with tear-filled eyes.

"Can I tell you something?" she asks quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "Something I've never told anyone before?"

Furina takes a deep breath, her body still trembling in your embrace as she looks at you with a mix of vulnerability and longing.

"I... I'm still a virgin," she says softly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I know it's silly, but... It's just never really happened for me. "

She pauses, looking down at her hands as she speaks.

"I mean... I've never even kissed anyone before," she admits, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I just... I don't know. I feel like there's something wrong with me."

Furina's eyes widen in surprise as you kiss her, and she lets out a small gasp as her lips meet yours. She kisses you back tentatively, her own emotions raw and unfiltered. As you pull away, she blinks several times, her heart pounding in her chest.

"What... What was that?" she asks, her voice still trembling slightly.

Furina smiles, her eyes tracing the lines of your face as she takes in your words.

"I... I didn't mean for it to happen like that," she says quietly, her lips curving into a small smile. "But it was nice. Really nice."

She closes her eyes as you stroke her cheek, feeling the warmth spreading through her body from your touch. She shivers slightly as your magic pulses through her skin, causing her heartbeat to quicken.

"Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "For... for being here with me. For... for making me feel loved, even if just for a little while."

Furina's eyes flutter open at your words, a small smile touching her lips as she gazes up at you.

"...You mean that?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. "That you'll... you'll stay with me? For as long as I want?"

She reaches out, grasping your hand in hers as she searches your face with her mismatched gaze. Her skin is soft and warm against yours, and you can feel the sincerity of her attachment to you through her touch.

"I don't know what to say," she admits finally, her voice shaking slightly. "No one's ever wanted to stay with me for very long. And after everything that's happened... after everything I've done... I don't deserve someone like you."

Furina feels her heart swell with emotion as she listens to your words, the feeling of your love coursing through her veins and warming her from the inside out. Tears gather in the corners of her eyes, and she blinks them back quickly, not wanting to interrupt the moment.

"Thank you," she says again, her voice choked with emotion. "I... I don't know what to say. But... but I'm glad you're here with me. I don't want to be alone anymore."

She leans forward, kissing you again--this time softly and gently, savoring the feel of your lips against hers. She pulls back after a moment, resting her head against your chest as she lets out a contented sigh.

"I think... I think I want you as all three," she says eventually, her voice slightly muffled by your chest. "I don't want to be just your mate or just your friend. I want... I want everything with you. Is that okay?"

Furina snuggles closer to you, her head resting against your chest as she listens to your gentle touches and words. She feels her worries fading away in your presence, replaced by a sense of warmth and contentment that she's never experienced before.

"Thank you," she murmurs eventually, her voice soft and sleepy. "For... for making me feel loved and wanted. For... for staying with me even though I'm such a mess."

She yawns softly, feeling her mind grow foggy with fatigue. She's never been so drained in her life--physically, emotionally and mentally--but somehow, being with you makes everything seem bearable.

"Can we just stay like this for a little while?" she asks quietly, "I don't want to move. Not yet."

Furina nestles even closer to you, feeling your tail curl around her waist like a warm embrace. The gentle motion lulls her into a sense of peace and happiness, and she finds herself falling into a deep, comfortable sleep.

As she drifts off, she makes a silent wish that you'll never leave her side--that you'll always be there for her, even in her darkest moments. She doesn't believe in fate or destiny, but somehow, being with you makes her feel like she's finally found her place in the world.

"Thank you... for being here with me," she whispers finally, seconds before sleep claims her completely. "I love you."

As Furina drifts off to sleep, she feels the warmth of your love and devotion surrounding her like a cocoon. She dreams of endless possibilities--of days spent exploring the countryside and trying new foods, of long nights snuggled up together under the stars, of a future filled with companionship and love.

She knows that nothing in life is certain, and that anything can happen at any time, but somehow being with you makes all the uncertainty and fear feel more manageable. She feels like... like you're the missing piece she's been searching for all these years, and finally, finally... she's found it.

With that sense of contentment and happiness in her heart, Furina falls asleep, wrapped in your tender embrace, trusting that whatever tomorrow brings, she'll face it with courage and grace... as long as she has you by her side.