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When she first heard the rumors about how Furina has been living she didn’t believe them. The thought that the once childish, dramatic, happy woman has turned into an empty shell of her former self was too far-fetched. It was unbelievable, so she chalked it up to local gossip. She was able to fool herself that these were just baseless rumors until she saw it. Dealing with a fight that broke out in the street she sees from the corner of her eye a sickly thin Furina. Despite every bone in her body telling her to chase after the other woman she ignores it. Instead she focuses on the fight hoping to rid her mind of the new image of Furina.
Clorinde regrets not chasing after her all those days ago. The image haunts her mind. Anxiety filling her body when she remembers how different the other woman looks. How sick she seems. How sad she was. She can’t forget about her, so instead she throws herself into her work.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Ever since the flood Clorinde has been busy. Property and lives were lost, and while all know it could have been worse the damage was still done. Petty fights are constantly breaking out, the amount of thefts has skyrocketed, and now she has to deal with people digging through the trash in broad daylight causing a disturbance. As she gets closer to the apartment her heart breaks as she can see trash being thrown frantically from the dumpster. Just another reminder that the people of Fontaine are continuing to suffer.
When she gets closer and catches sight of blue hair amongst the trash she feels the air leave her lungs and her heart start to race. “Furina?” She can barely get the name out, voice soft as if she is speaking to a frightened animal. The other woman looks at her wide eyes and mouth agape. Her clothes filled with dirt and mold. Arms covered in blood and liquid from the dumpster. Her hands are shaking as she holds on to what seems to be a rotting piece of fruit, and Clorinde doesn’t think she seems to notice. She tries keeping a calm expression not wanting to scare the already panicked woman. Biting the inside of her cheek she can taste a little bit of blood, but can still feel her eyes widened slightly despite her best efforts. The woman just keeps staring at her. Mouth opening and closing, constantly shaking, and looking like she’s seconds away from passing out.
“Furina? What are you doing?”
The woman suddenly stands up, mouth open wide as Clorinde hears a slight squeak come from it. As if she’s trying to get the words out yet has no voice to do so. Closing her mouth she licks her dry lips getting ready to try again, only this time vomit comes out instead. Painting the front of her outfit, her legs give out and she falls back into the dumpster. “Furina!” Closing the distance Clorinde reaches over to help the girl out. Her eyes are glazed over as if she is no longer aware of what’s happening. Letting out a shaky sigh she begins getting the other woman out whispering a soft, “It’s okay.”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
It took some effort but she is able to get Furina out of the dumpster safely. With even more effort, such as questioning all the neighbors she saw to find Furina’s apartment, she was able to get the girl home. The door was unlocked, and while at the moment she is thankful for that, Clorinde can’t help but worry about how dangerous it is to do that now. The apartment is bare, and while her own home isn’t packed to the brim with decorations it still feels lived in at least. Furina’s home feels more like a prison. The kitchen has a single fork and bowl in the sink. There’s a pot on the stove, and from the looks of it it’s been sitting there dirty for some time now. The small living room has a sofa as well as a coffee table holding nothing but a stack of envelopes. Judging from the state Furina is in and the way her home is, Clorinde can guess what is in those envelopes. She wants to ask, to get an answer, for Furina to tell her that she’s wrong and those aren’t suicide notes she written, but she doesn’t. She knows exactly what they are, and she knows in her current state Furina won’t be able to handle that conversation.
Instead she tells her she needs to clean the cuts, and when she tries sitting on the sofa Clorinde guides her to the floor instead. She speaks softly and makes sure her moves are shape and obvious so as to not frighten Furina. Whispering a “be right back” she begins her search for a first aid kit. The bathroom is where she decides to look first and the sight of the dried toothbrush, empty shower, and hairbrush on the floor next to the toilet makes her stomach twist. Closing the door as quickly and quietly as she can, she checks the bedroom instead. The room contains a pillow and blanket laid out next to a luggage. She lets out a shaky breath leaving the room to go back to Furina. The other woman has not moved in the time she's been away. Sitting there on her knees staring down at her hands, Clorinde notices her shaking has lessened slightly.
Slowly reaching out her hand she places it upon Furina’s leg.
“Do you have anything to wrap your wounds?” No answer.
“I didn't see anything. You also have nothing in the bath.” Again nothing is said.
“Would you like me to get you some?” There’s nothing said for a bit. Clorinde is prepared to be ignored. Expecting it even, but instead Furina gives a slight nod. Slightly squeezing her leg, Clorinde nods before telling her she’ll be back. Leaving the house she ignores the little voice in her head telling her to stay. She convinces herself this is what needs to be done.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The market is chaotic. She makes way for the first aid kit first. She grabs the biggest one not noticing or even caring about the price. She proceeds to throw body wash, hair care products, and toothpaste into her basket as well. She tries to remember which ones Furina used to use yet finds her mind drawing a blank. Letting out a sigh of annoyance at herself she makes way to grab some food.
Clorinde finds shopping for food to be a difficult task. Seeing the state Furina is currently in she knows the other woman is in no shape to be making herself full meals. Which leaves her with prepackaged meals. While Clorinde knows food is food she isn't too happy with the fact that that'll be all Furina will eat. With this thought in mind she finds herself picking out an equal mix of fresh and processed foods.
Paying for everything she grabs all the bags and prepares to begin walking back to the apartment. Before she leaves something catches her eye. It's small, childish, cute, something she knows Furina will absolutely love. “Excuse me, how much for that?”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The walk back was uneventful. She walks carrying the bags with ease, mind drifting to the woman sitting alone in her apartment. The streets are bustling with life, children playing, couples strolling, people walking or playing with their dogs. It's loud, but not in an overstimulating way like most would assume. She finds herself thinking about before. Before the trial, before the flood, before everything went downhill. The times when Furina would randomly come to grab her, stating she needs her bodyguard for a “very important job.” Only to find themselves at the park with Furina walking by her side. This was a common occurrence, and the walks always ended the same way.
“You seemed stressed so I figured a walk through our lovely parks would do you some good. You're gonna tell me I'm wrong Clorinde? You can't because I've never been wrong!”
Before she knows it Clorinde finds herself face to face with a door. The only thing separating herself and the once bright happy woman she once knew. “How much of that was a performance?” She finds herself thinking that bitter thought feeling a small frown on her face. She, of course, knows better than to enter the building looking like that though. Putting on a calm face she tries the door knob, hoping the other woman didn't lock it in her time away.
The door creaks open, and there sits Furina not having moved an inch. Clorinde ignores her despite feeling the other woman's eyes bore into her. Instead she busies herself with unpacking the items. Furina is watching her every move, almost like a frightened animal. It continues that way until the toothpaste is pulled out. She tries not to look but she can see the rising blush on Furina's face as she turns to stare at the curtains.
Pulling out the last two items Clorinde walks over, her steps soft but still presenting some noise to alert Furina she's coming. She places the first aid kit on the table as well as a small Blubberbeast figure. Furina hasn't turned back to look at her, it doesn't matter though as Clorinde can tell she's eyeing the figure.
“The place needs some personality, and I know you like them.” She begins opening the first aid kit as she feels Furina's eyes on her again. At the moment it doesn't matter to Clorinde. Now having a better look at Furina she decides any conversation can wait till after her wounds are clean and wrapped.
“It'll sting. You should bathe and change clothes. I'll wrap them afterwards.” She carefully grabs Furina's hand, they're different, so unlike how she used to remember. It wasn't often that she initiated physical touch with people, that never mattered much to Furina though. With her wrist grabs, shoulder touches, slight touches to the back, even the occasional headpats; no matter how irritating those ones were are not uncommon. She knows her hands. What they feel like. If she were to go blind and deaf one day she would still be able to pinpoint Furina with a simple touch. She knows them as if they were her own, and these are not them. No longer smooth and soft with the perfect nails, but now dry and rough. Nails broken and cuticles peeling she has skin missing from the side of her fingers. Obviously painful but Clorinde isn't sure Furina is even aware they look like that. They're so unlike what she knows, yet she finds herself wondering if this was what they were meant to be.
She cleans each wound. Tenderly pressing an alcohol soaked towel she watches as Furina slightly flinches each time. It doesn't take long to clean all the cuts. Grabbing Furina's shoulders she helps the other woman stand slowly walking her to the bathroom. “I'll be out there if you need me. Take a bath, we can talk when you're done.” Despite her heart telling her to stay, Clorinde forces herself to leave.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Clorinde isn't a master chef by any means. She can cook enough to make semi-decent meals but nothing extreme or extravagant. She hopes to lose herself in the process of cooking the meal. To have her mind fully occupied with each step, yet she can't help but keep picturing Furina. Wondering if she's behind the closed bathroom door silently falling apart once again.
Snapping out of her thoughts she pours two bowls for them, one significantly smaller than the other. Notifying the other woman with a knock on the door she sits on the sofa waiting for her to appear. She holds the bowl, taking small bites hoping Furina will follow.
“I'll bandage you once you finish eating. Is that okay?”
She gets a small nod as an answer. She watches Furina eat, taking in every inch of her appearance. Her fingers slightly pruning due to the time in her bath. Hair no longer as greasy as before, but still tangled almost matted even. Eyes staring intensely at the bowl of soup that was made. Each time she lifts her spoon there's a slight shake and whether it's from nervousness or exhaustion Clorinde can't tell.
“Your hair is tangled. Would.” she stops herself wondering if it would be insulting to ask what she so desperately wants to. Faking a small cough she continues, “Would you like me to help?”
The voice she so badly has been missing finally speaks.
“Yes please….”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Clorinde makes it a habit to check on Furina after that fateful day. She appears for minutes, hours if she has time, with different books in hands and different recipes in mind to attempt. They eat dinner together, and afterwards they'll sit at the table together discussing the latest book she brought for Furina.
“You don't get it Clorinde, they are in love! It's a tragedy!”
They are together, plates long forgotten as Furina now goes on a rant about the newest book she was given. It's some romance story, the normal rom com cliches filling the book with mediocre writing and bland characters. Clorinde only got five chapters in before she dropped it, but on her last visit she brought it for Furina hoping the other woman would find the story equally as ridiculous as she did so they can laugh about it. Unfortunately that was not the case.
“I didn't say they were nor that it wasn't a tragedy. I just said it was basic.”
The other woman groans as she pushes her chair out to grab her copy of the book, which in reality was Clorinde’s copy but she's okay with not getting it back. Opening it she slams it on the table in front of Clorinde. The page is covered in comments, circles, and passages are underlined or highlighted in what looks to be colored pencil. Annotations. She knew Furina enjoyed reading, but not to this extent, and certainly not recently. Her eyes pass over the comments. Each one filled with more life. There's little faces drawn next to certain comments, since the capitalization wasn't enough to express her anger or distress apparently. It reminds her of the times they shared before.
“And that is why despite it being a cliche it's not as you said, “basic.’”
She's glaring at Clorinde though there is no real heat behind it. Clorinde wasn’t even aware that the other woman was currently on a rant about this god awful book. Too lost in the comments and marking of the woman she thought was lost. She can tell that Furina is fighting back a smile. She gestures with her hand for Clorinde to speak. Most likely wanting her to feed into her dramatics.
“We'll yes you are so right Lady Furina. How could I not see it? This is a classic, greatest literature Fontaine has to offer.”
She watches as Furina grabs the book back, laughing loudly, clearly pleased to hear Clorinde say that. “See I'm so glad you agree!”
Clorinde stops reminiscing when the timer for the chicken goes off. She begins plating their food as she watches Furina frown when she reads. Clearly not enjoying the book, but she decides not to comment on it. This meal, she can tell, will be eaten in silence. She is proven right when Furina sits up on the sofa shoving the book off the coffee table.
The only sound is the scraping of forks against the glass plates. They continue eating in silence when Clorinde finally decides to break it with the statement she's been holding in for a while now.
“Let's go shopping together.”
“What?”
Clorinde knows she should have approached this topic with more caution. Furina's eyes are wide mouth slightly agape. Sighing slightly she pushes her plate away. Her eyes briefly glance over Furina's, noticing the small amount the other woman has been eating. She wasn't going to bring it up, deciding to save that conversation for another day. In fact she was trying to be discreet about it.
“I wanted to let you suggest it on your own terms, but I can't let this continue. You need a dining table, you need more than just a sofa and coffee table, you need a bed Furina.” Her mind wanders to the room that is only a few feet away from them. Covered in dust, room freezing, Clorinde hates to think that that's how Furina has been spending every night. She watches and Furina flinches a little when Clorinde emphasizes the “bed” in her statement.
“I like it here. It….homey” Clorinde has to fight back a scoff. She knows how delicate the current situation is. One wrong motion, word, face expression, anything of the sort could cause Furina to spiral.
“It's empty. It's cold. You don't deserve this.” She doesn't think it'll work. Fully expects Furina to refuse, maybe even start a fight, but when she answers with a quiet “okay” she can't help the small smile she feels on her face.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The market is busy, it's a hot day and the amount of people isn't helping with the heat. It's loud and with how soft Furina has been speaking lately it's almost impossible to hear anything from her. Clorinde goes through a checklist in her mind as they get anything Furina needs. They make for the bed first, going to a furniture shop. They weren't there long as Furina just agreed to the first option she saw. Clorinde tried getting her to look at more options, wanting her to pick something she'd truly wanted. Though watching the other woman pick and peel at her cuticles she decides to leave it as is.
They go get some food next. Clorinde watches as Furina sneaks random sweets into her basket. “You realize that you're a grown up who doesn't need to sneak candy right?”
“I don't know what you mean.” Clorinde just gives her a soft hum as an answer. She watches as Furina “hides” a candy apple behind a small bag of oranges . Then as Furina makes eye contact with Clorinde she says, “I just really want oranges.” Letting out a laugh at the ridiculous statement Furina gives her a smile.
As they walk around Clorinde notices Furina looks much calmer now. They walk in silence letting the noise from the busy market wash over them. It’s nice but before Clorinde can get lost in her thoughts Furina lets out a quiet gasp. She watches as Furina's eyes light up, following where the other woman is glancing; she is greeted by a white hat. Before she can even say anything she is dragged over to the shop and the hat is being bought.
“Ta-da! Doesn't the white do wonders for my eyes?”
It does. The white makes the blue of her eyes shine, the happiness in them clear and obvious. It's the look Clorinde misses, and so desperately wants to protect. She nods and uses her head to gesture to a scarf that's not too far from them. “You should get the scarf too then.”
“Hmm, maybe in winter. We can do some winter shopping! Uh, if that's okay….with….you?”
Winter. It's months from now, and though she won't admit it after that fateful day, after seeing those letters , Clorinde feared if Furina would ever make it to see it. She's been watching the other woman improve slowly, and hearing that comment she can't help but have hope.
“A scarf and a nice coat.”
They leave the shop and this time it's Clorinde turn to drag her around. She has Furina wait by a bench with the bags from all the past shops. She walks away occasionally glancing back at Furina just to make sure she's okay.
The bell above the door lets out a soft ding as Clorinde slowly pushes it open. The shop she enters is empty. Cases of jewelry fill the small room; each case looks more expensive than the next. “Madam-” She is cut off by a long bang from the back of the shop and the call of her name.
She's greeted by the sight of a short woman. Hair black with her gray roots showing. Wrinkles paint her face and hands, in said hands a small black velvet box. Smiling at Clorinde she lifts the box high by her head and gives it an excited shake.
“The chain has been repaired dear! Good as new! It's a lovely charm you made dear.”
As the old woman goes on and on about the craftsmen's ship of the charm she cracks the box open to get a better look at it. The charm is a small silver sword accompanied by a silver chain. The swords pommel is a small pearl, the grip having hints of blue on it. On the blade in small cursive letters reads the name ‘Furina.’ The charm took her a week to make, in between spending time with Furina and working she used any ounce of free time to work on it. The only reason she came to a jeweler for the chain is due to the abundance of work she's been getting lately. Snapping the box close, she finally tunes back into the woman's rambling. Expecting to hear more facts about the piece, or some other piece she's currently working on, Clorinde is surprised to hear a gasp. “Oh my what's going on out there?”
Glancing out the window, eyes wide, Clorinde only has one name on her mind.
‘Furina’
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To say Clorinde is pissed is putting it lightly. Rushing out of the shop and back to the beach where Furina once was, she is greeted with a horrifying sight. On her knees sits Furina, hyperventilating, one hand grabbing her chest the other aggressively scratching her neck till it's red and raw. In front of her sits Charlotte. Speaking quickly it's difficult to make out what she's saying. She watches her forcibly grab Furina's hands trying to stop the other woman from hurting herself and trying to calm her down.
Before she knows it Clorinde is falling to her knees next to Furina. Bringing her hand slowly to the woman's hair she begins running her fingers through it. “Furina? Furina, please you have to breathe.” She notices her eyes are unfocused, her words clearly not registering in Furina's mind. Before she knows it Charlotte is activating her vision slightly and placing her hands on Furina's face.
“What are you doing?”
“The cold might help her! At least I hope so. Clorinde I'm sorry I didn't mean to-”
“Don't apologize to me. I'm not the one panicking.”
“I don't know what I said….” Clorinde can't help but scoff at the statement. She notices Furina's breathing has slowed a bit, and the shaking has lessened. ‘'Don't know what I said” please what don't you say.’ Before she can say anything Furina speaks. It's soft and in the nosey environment neither of them can hear what she said.
“What was that?”
“I don't know the real me.”
Both Clorinde and Charlotte share a worried look and Furina stares down at her hands repeating the statement over and over.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The walk home is quiet. Charlotte is with them holding the bags while Clorinde is busy holding up Furina. They stop at Furina's house and Charlotte leaves the bags by the door.
“Clorinde….I'm so sorry. Again I really didn't mean to cause her to-”
“Enough Charlotte. Like I told you I'm not the one who needs an apology. If you're really sorry you'll do something about this.”
“I know. I will. Do you-”
“Goodbye Charlotte.” Cutting the woman off she ushers Furina inside grabbing the backs that were now on the floor. She closes the door and lets out a heavy sigh. Furina is just standing there, eyes still unfocused, picking at her nails, cuticles, anything she can pull at. The rest of the evening goes by in a haze. They eat dinner in silence. It hurts to think that just the other day Furina was occupied with a stupid book she wasn't enjoying. That just a few hours ago they were together laughing, making happy memories with each other.
Clorinde knows what she has to tell Furina. She really didn't want to. Not after today, not after what happened at the market, but she knows that if she doesn't, that if she just leaves again the woman will break.
“I won't be able to visit for a while. I have something to do.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“...I can't tell you.”
When Clorinde leaves that night the necklace, that was long forgotten about, felt heavy in her pocket.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Five days. Five days and Clorinde feels like she's slowly losing her mind. Her oh so important job is to be the bodyguard to some diplomats. She follows them around, listens to them talk about god knows what, and has to stop them from doing idiotic things. She would compare them to toddlers to anyone who would ask. Following them as they walk through the market looking at all the shops, Clorinde hears someone call out to her. Wriothesley. He smiles as he approaches her, giving a side eye to the diplomats who are intrigued by a children's toy.
“Got you on babysitting duty I see.”
“Unfortunately so. As if I don't have better things to do.”
“Really? Like what, do tell”
The image of the little velvet black box flashes through her mind.
“Wriothesley?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you want to meet someone?”
“I'm sorry, what?”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Eight days. It's been eight days since Clorinde has been in front of this door. Usually she would just enter, but after the last time she saw Furina she decided to knock.
Door open, she's greeted by a calm, peaceful Furina. Peeking past the woman she sees a stack of letters on the table again. She can feel her throat tighten a bit, but quickly snaps her eyes back to Furina's.
“I would like to take you to meet some friends of mine.”
“Friend?”
“Yes…in a way.”
She waits for the other woman to get ready. Eyeing the letters she fights the urge to rip them up. To destroy them. Fights the urge to grab Furina's shoulders, to shake her, ask her why she would do that. She takes a step towards them when she hears the bathroom door open.
“Okay Clorinde! I'm ready!”
The walk there was peaceful. There was a slight breeze, clouds covering half the sun as they walked down to the cafe.
If Clorinde had to be honest it was awkward. Furina was barely speaking, and Wriothesley kept giving Clorinde these looks. Clearly wanting her to help with the conversation. It's okay though, she'll just have to make them get together again.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
“Get up.”
“How did you get in my house!?”
“Get ready. We are going to see Furina.”
“Answer the question Clorinde!”
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Standing at the door with a tired Wriothesley, Clorinde waits for Furina to open up. She can hear mumbling from the other side before she is greeted with a still half asleep Furina. Not bothering to say anything she pushes past her to begin cooking breakfast for them all with the food that she brought. She notices the man standing at the door, both him and Furina just staring at each other, and finds she has the urge to roll her eyes or say something mean. She ignores the feeling and focuses on cooking.
She hears Furina invite him in, and the two begin discussing the tea he brought. The conversation quickly grows and soon they are discussing one of Furina's books. As she sets the table she looks and the book, smiles at the other woman and says “Well you are aware it's just a cheap cliche romance right?” Yelling quickly fills to air to defend the poor author that Clorinde continues to attack whenever she can. She expected Furina to get defensive, she even pulls out some old notes she took about the book, but Wriothesley was a surprise.
When the two leave a few hours later, after she got an ear full of the “greatest romance book ever written,” she can't help but glance at the letters still taunting her on the table.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Wriothesley quickly joins them in their routine. Every other day the three are sharing a meal together. Sometimes they make it at Furina's place other times they bring take out. Each time they enter the apartment Clorinde is taunted by those letters. She wants to say something, ask if they are really what they think they are, but she can't force the words out. The small pile seems slightly bigger. Clorinde hyper focuses on them, counts them each time shes there. To see if grows or shrink. There's one more she notices. For who or what she's unsure but she has a few thoughts in mind.
Clorinde has been able to avoid the topic. She watches Furina, notices when things start getting a little too much for her. She stays over more often when that's the case, afraid to leave her alone. Of course things can only be avoid for so long. She wants to curse at Wriothesley when he brings up the topic. Making it so she's no longer able to run from it. From what's quickly becoming her greatest fear everytime she sees those letters.
“Are those letters what I think they are?”
They just left Furina's place after having lunch with her. It was calm and peaceful. Today was supposed to be a good day.
“I'm not sure. She may just be scared to send them out.”
“Clorinde.”
“She just hasn't sent them out yet.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“It's what I'm choosing to believe.”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The first time Clorinde saw Neuvillette in Furina's house she had to bite her tongue. She's alone this time, Wriothesley busy with some professional business, so she enters without knocking like she used to. Sitting at the coffee table play with the baby crab Furina has come to love is Neuvillette. They stare at each other for a before he greets her. She gives him a slight nod before going to the kitchen to make some tea.
“So this is what I've currently been doing, hi Clorinde, recently and I'm super happy about it.”
Clorinde joins the two on the sofa while the water boils. She grabs a piece of paper and begins reading it off.
Eve enters stage right, bumping into Angelina. Both women fall to the floor.
“Furina is this a play?”
Both Neuvillette & her look at the woman to get a response. Her cheeks are slightly red as she slightly nods. “I've been working on it for a little while now.”
Reading some of the dialogue Clorinde can't fight the urge to ask, “Will this be a cliche romance as well?”
Furina playfully grabs a random pillow that started being use as decoration to smoother Clorinde. Neuvillette watches in confusion unaware of the on going joke. A high pitch squeal fills the apartment as the water reaches a boil.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
As Clorinde leaves she feels the weight lift from her shoulder. There's a play being made. That takes time, passion, it shows improvement. She can't help but smile as the look on Furina's face from when she talks about it flashes through her mind. Neuvillette leaves with her as they both walk in silence not yet arriving to where they separate.
It isn't long before they need to split ways she goes to bid him goodbye, but be is faster with her question. “Clorinde, do you know what those envelopes contain?”
She thinks of the stack, thinks of the pet, thinks of the future winter trip, thinks of all the improvement Furina has recently shown.
“No, but I'm sure she just hasn't sent them out yet.”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Three weeks. It's been three weeks since Clorinde got to spend more than half an hour with Furina. She's been busy lately, getting her updates on the other womans well being from Neuvillette and Wriothesley. They are meeting for coffee today, and she can't help but feel a bit childish with the excitement she's feeling. She's the first to arrive and she keeps watching every person who is coming and going. Watching like a hawk hoping to spot Furina. When Neuvillette comes next she's not surprised. In most occasions he might have even been the one to show up first. Then Wriothesley comes, who laughs when he gets a good look at Clorinde. Then five minutes past. Ten. Twenty. Half an hour goes by and she's still not here. Just as she's about to get up she sees a blob of blue rushing towards them.
“I'm sorry! I overslept!”
The whole interaction is weird. The entire time they are together Furina zones out. Her hands slightly shake, but she seems to be unaware of the fact. They question her. Each one hoping to get an honest answer.
“Oh yes! I woke up five minutes before leaving, so I'm still a little tired.”
Clorinde can tell it's a lie. It's okay she tells herself, she'll just spend more time with her. Pay more attention to her mood. To her actions.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
It's been a week since they've last seen each other. Each day more nerve wrecking than the last. She can't calm her nerves, the closer she gets to Furina's place the more anxious she gets. As she gets closer to the building she sees it. The Maison Gardiennage by Furina's building. By Furina's door. Her body moves on it's own as she rushes over there. Given her status it isn't hard for her to push her way through. The sight that greats her makes her stomach twist.
The crab's, mademoiselle crabaletta, tank is destroyed. On the coffee table sits a little flower pot, a makeshift tombstone on top of the dirt that fills it. The glass from the tanks is still on the floor. The glass has a tint of red on some places. Her breathing quickens, her throat tightens, swallowing some vomit that was making its way up. She needs to calm down. She's letting her mind run wild. She sees some people leaving Furina's bedroom with a camera in hand. Her body moves, almost as if she's in a trance.
When she enters the room she is not greeted with the sight of Furina's bloody body which helps calm her. The feeling doesn't last for long as she sees the word “liar” written across her wall. It's red, but too bright to be blood, which means someone brought paint in to do this. Someone broke in to kill her grab, vandalize her home, and for what? To torment her? To make her suffer? She lets out a shaky breath, feeling her nails dig into her hand, drawing blood as she squeezes harder to regulate her emotions. A hand lands upon her shoulder and she quickly turns around. She greeted by Wriothesley. Before she can question why he's even here she's being lead out of the apartment.
“You can't be here. You're too close to this.”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
They give her the letter. Five days after the investigation started she's given the letter and the verdict.
Suicide.
Her letter was opened when handed over. Apparently they had to read them to make sure it wasn't a ransom note or something similar. She knew they weren't. Of course she knew they weren't. She's seen this letters daily. She knew what they are. Suicide. She doesn't believe it. She can't. She doesn't care what anyone says, this isn't her being in denial, the whole situation is weird. Furina's home gets broken into, everything destroyed, and they want to rule it a suicide. It's almost as if they wanna just close the case. Clorinde decides, if they don't wanna take it, she will.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
It's caused a lot of arguments in the past few months. She's trying to keep it together. To keep a clear mind and think about the case logically. The first argument was between her and Wriothesley when he came to her home unannounced and caught her working on the case.
“Well Clorinde this sure is….something.”
“I had a lead but it went cold.” She twirls her pen in her hand and she stares down at her table. Case notes scattered across it as well as a map of Fontaine. On her living room floor there's a map of tevyat and polaroid pictures. It's almost impossible to walk without stepping on something.
“Of course it went cold. It's been month. Clorinde you need to-”
“What I need is peace and quiet to work on this case.”
“There is no case! We have the letters! Clorinde this isn't healthy. What you think she ran off to Natlan? To Liyue? Faked her death?”
“No I think someone crazy broke into her home and took her! She's probably out there waiting for us to help her and everyone just gave up. We failed her once do you really wanna fail her again?”
“Clorinde we did fail her! She's de-” Wriothesley isn't allowed to finish before Clorinde throws the nearest thing to his face, which happens to be a tape dispenser. With a now bleeding nose, Wriothesley looks at Clorinde with pity in his eyes before shaking his head and walking out.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The next argument isn't really a full argument per say. It ends up being more so her losing her cool, yelling at Neuvillette, and then him saying something that just pissed her off. Whether is was intentionally or not she’s not sure. It's been three months since Furina went missing. Two weeks since Clorinde broke Wriothesley nose. There's still no leads and at this point.
Neuvillette is in her house. She's not sure how, and she's wondering if this is what Furina felt like when she would randomly show up.
“Can I help you with something Neuvillette?”
“I just came to check on you. It's not everyday you break a friends nose.”
Letting out a huff she rolls her eyes. She continues to ignore him focusing on a new possible lead she found. It's not the most believable but it's something.
“Have you read your letter?”
She freezes. Slowly turning to look at him he's holding her letter. She hasn't touched it since it was given to her. Thrown in the corner somewhere it continues to taunt her. Just like when it was seated on Furina's coffee table. For all those months. “Put it down Neuvillette. It's not needed.”
“Read the letter Clorinde. You're disrespecting her memory.”
She blacks out. What happens next blocked from her memory. She remembers standing up. Screaming at him. By the time she's finished her head hurts, throat raw, a metallic taste in her mouth from the abuse she just put it through, and her hands are shaking. He doesn't say anything. He just takes it before placing the letter down. He goes to leave, but before he turns to tell her one more thing.
“Visit her grave Clorinde. If you can't go alone Wriothesley or I can take you.”
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
The last time isn't even an argument. She's just plain rude. It's Charlotte who comes next. Why, she does not know. Clorinde opens the door and is greeted with a sad smile from the pink haired girl. She's carrying a container of what looks like soup as she asks to come in. Clorinde lets her seeing no reason to turn the girl away.
She hears Charlotte speak, as she focuses on cleaning up the papers from another dead lead. She lets her ramble on about god knows what, giving the occasional hum as a response. It’s when she hears a slight gasp does she finally look at the girl.
Standing there eyes wide and a bit teary is Charlotte holding a small black velvet box in one hand and the silver sword necklace in the other. Clorinde sees red and before Charlotte can even say anything the necklace and box are ripped from her hand.
“Don't touch that. What are you even doing here Charlotte? Being a greedy vulture trying to dish out the latest story?”
“What!? Clorinde no I-”
“Well you aren't getting shit from me Charlotte. Get out.”
“Clorinde, I'm not here for a story. Why would you even think that? I'm here because-”
“Because you're a fucking pest. Get. Out.”
She can tell Charlotte wants to say something else. Probably to fight from leaving. Instead though the girl nods her head and leaves. She looks at Clorinde one last time, the look in her eyes making her want to scream.
It's pity.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
It's late fall when she begins going out to blindly search for Furina. Charlotte no longer seeks her out after the last visit. Wriothesley and Neuvillette occasionally drop by, neither offering her help. She's leaving the city again today trying a different path.
She leaves to search just as the sun begins to rise and begins home long after its set. Just another if section to cross off her map.
The next morning Wriothesley is at her door again just before she can leave, giving her the same look she has grown accustomed to.
Pity.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
It's mid winter, or what can be considered winter in Fontaine, when Clorinde has lost all hope. She is searching another part of Fontaine again, for what at this point she is not sure.
‘A campsite ’ her heart whispers.
‘A body’ her brain screams.
It's dark out, the sun being gone for hours, and yet Clorinde can't find it in herself to go home. She's running out of places to look. She slowly strolled the beach of the Liffey Region. She's keeping an eye out for any little sign. Just as she's about to call it quits she steps on something buried beneath the sand.
She catches herself before she can fall, but that doesn't matter when she sees something blue peeking out. Sharply inhaling she falls to her knees and starts digging out the item.
A broken ugly laugh escapes her as a familiar hat and pair of shoes stare up at her.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
Her body feels heavy on the walk home. She can barely remember the trip, body moving on autopilot as she clutches the found items to her chest. The streets of Fontaine are dead. Not a single soul in sight. The street lights barely provide enough to brighten up the roads. Clorinde can't help but wonder if this is what Fontaine looked like when Furina left. So cold and unwelcoming, or if she left during the day, when the streets are full of life, taking in her home one last time.
By the time Clorinde is home her body is exhausted. She can barely make it to her sofa before her legs give out. On the table next to the sofa lays the letter, the black velvet box placed carefully on top. Taking a shaky breath she grabs the letter.
Dear Clorinde,
It's crossed out and next to it are three very squished words.
My Dearest Clorinde,
Where to begin with you. This isn't my first draft, not even my first letter, but as I write this I hope that your eyes will never fall upon it. Though of course if you are seeing this that hope wasn't there for long was it? And for I must say, I'm sorry.
In my first letter ever written it was full of rage. It was ugly, incomprehensible, it didn't read as if I wrote it. If course those are long gone, never to reach anyone's eyes but my own.
I don't know what else to say to you. I wish to thank you for the times before, I wish to curse you for the times during, and recently I wish to cherish all the new memories, never letting them go. Ah, sorry bit of a run on there I know.
I don't want you to blame yourself. Please don't blame yourself for what ever happened. You helped me you know. I got better for a bit of time. You, Neuvillette, Wriothesley, you all made me wanna fight. Fight those stupid voices in my head. Force myself to get better, not just for you, but for me. I can never thank you three enough for making my last moments here filled with joy. Despite all you three did I fear this may have always been my fate. I think whatever pushed me to this again was really just fate telling me it's time.
In another life,
Furina.
The sun shines on Clorinde's red tear ridden face. Outside she can hear the shouts of children, laughter of teens, and yelling of parents.
It's just another day.