Chapter Text
The relationship that the Knave shared with the former puppet of Focalors was by no means a traditionally healthy one.
It stared off with them being fuck buddies. Simple as that. Arlecchino and Furina were both pent up women.
That night, Kaya was unknowingly conceived was supposed to be like any of their other meetings. The Knave would use Furina however she pleased and perhaps if she was feeling nice she would stay the night and get breakfast with the girl. Furina would enjoy the temporary company, content with being used. It was what she was used to.
But when Furina had discovered she was pregnant, by undoubtedly the Knave she had contemplated getting rid of it.
It was absolutely shameful that she let a Fatui Harbinger knock her up. Being pregnant wasn’t particular hard on her but she did feel strange. Furina never imagined herself being a mother, she was always too focused on being an actress.
If the people of Fontaine found out she was pregnant by the Knave of all people, they would definitely lose any remaining respect they had for her.
She hid the pregnancy from everyone. Everyone except Neuvilette. They had so much history together, it would be cruel to keep him in the dark, considering how much he helped her in the past.
She dared not risk anyone seeing her predicament, so she waited until Neuvilette grew concerned for her and visited. When he finally did, to say he was shocked was an understatement.
He lectured her for hours on end, using the tone he used in court. She couldn’t help but giggle at the thought of him sounding like a disappointed dad even though they were nearly the same age. He never once unjustly criticized Furina though, just lectured on how hard it would be to take care of a child, especially in her current situations. She couldn’t cook and the father of her child was in a completely different nation.
Even if Neuvilette greatly disapproved of the “relationship” Furina had with Arlecchino he helped her throughout the entire pregnancy. He brought her nutritious meals and sometimes cooked for her. He always made sure to purchase her favorite deserts and supported her unconditionally.
When Furina gave birth to her child, she was all alone. She was scared but she was so ready to get that baby out of her. Despite, her fear she was confident she knew what to do, as she had meticulously studied about pregnancy. Thank God it was a painless and quick birth, she had squatted in her bathtub and soon she was holding a crying child, with the eyes resembling the gorgeous waters of Fontaine.
When Neuvilette visited her that day, he was in for a shock. The citizens of Fontaine, were certainly shocked at the sudden change from bright and sunny, to pouring rain.
When Arlecchino finally returned to Fontaine, she had stumbled upon a messy house, with a melodic voice singing an old nursery rhyme.
The Knave was stunned to see that she now had a biological child. She was a father of hundreds of children, but not one shared blood with her. It was truly a miracle for her.
Arlecchino and Furina had a quick reunion, and the Knave had informed her of the month long vacation the Tsarista rewarded her with. The month Furina had spent with Arlecchino and their shared bundle of joy was the happiest Furina had ever been. They still had to keep their relationship a secret, so all of their lives public outings were spent in Fatui dominated areas.
Arlecchino was able to keep Furina’s mind off of her past duties, and helped her truly enjoy the present.
Their child, was such a happy baby, always donning a smile and giggling at everything. She never cried, which her parent greatly appreciated, though never vocalized it.
The month Furina shared with the Knave flew by in the blink of an eye. One day she was waking up to a handsome sleeping face with a protective arm around both her and her daughter. And the next she was waking up to a strangely cold bed with only a small body next to her.
Arlecchino must have left in the middle of the night. Furina swallowed down any hint of disdain, she knew how busy the Knave was.
Though she could have left a letter atleast…
Months went by and Furina heard nothing from the Knave. Neuvilette visited very often, as he and Kaja were both mutually fond of each other. He would always bring her a new toy, or a picture book, or just any little trinket for the child and groceries when he visited.
During one of his usual visits, he had criticized the Knave for basically abandoning, but Furina defended her. The Knave was a busy woman.
A few more months passed and it was Kaja’s birthday. Furina was hopeful that Arlecchino would show up. It was her child’s first birthday after all. Furina waited and waited and waited. The only non resident of the house that visited was of course, Neuvilette. They had a grand time and when the little bundle of joy fell asleep, Furina asked Neuvilette a favor.
“Neuvilette….um, would it be possible for you to grant me a favor?” she has cringed at how timidly her voice sounded.
“Why, of course Furina. Whatever your request may be, I will do my utmost best to see it done.” He smiled at her and she could t help but smile back. She was grateful she had such a sincere friendship.
“Can you please ask….Clorinde to pay me a visit. I must admit….I do miss her company terribly, even if i’ve been avoiding her for so long.”
“I will be sure to ask Clorinde as soon as I see her. I am sure she would be absolutely delighted to meet with you after all this time.”
That had brought tears to the short girl’s eyes and she thanked the Hydro Sovereign gracefully.
When Clorinde visited Furina's residence, she was absolutely not expecting to see a white haired child, dressed in a poofy pink dress crawling around. The child's short hair was pulled into a ponytail by a large bow.
"Lady Furina....is this child yours?" The tall woman spoke, mortified. She owed Navia so much.
”Indeed, her name is Kaja and she’s seventeen months old. Say hi to aunty Clorinde, darling” At the sound of the name, that baby babbled and waved to the purple haired woman, letting out a fit of giggles. This was no doubt the cutest thing Clorinde had ever witnessed.
”Also, Clorinde please just call me Furina. We’re friends are we not?” the shorter woman smile was filled with mirth.
As the two women caught up, over tea and cake, Furina recounted everything that led up to her current situation. Clorinde had stayed quiet as she heard all about how that filthy Harbinger, defiled her Lady Furina.
”So, you and this harbinger shared has relations and now she has abandoned you and your child.” Clorinde tried to stay calm, keeping her face in a straight line m, but her grip on her teacup’s handle was dangerously tight.
” She hasn’t abandoned us.” Furina’s sounded as she were trying to convince herself more than she was trying to convince Clorinde. “She’s just busy, I miss her quite a lot I must admit, but I am glad Kaja doesn’t have the capacity to remember her. She only knows I and Neuvilette.”
At the sound of the familiar name, the white haired child perked up and giggled. Clorinde briefly wondered what her and Navia’s child would look like.
”Well she knows you now too.” Furina smiled at her, a sad smile, which made Clorinde ready to duel the Knave. How dare that bitch make her Lady Furina feel this way. “ I do apologize for avoiding you all this time, I hope you hold no resentment towards me.”
”I could never resent you, Furina.” Clorinde responded cooly, enjoying the blush that spread over Furina’s pale face. Gods, Clorinde has missed this woman so badly.
The two women spent the day, chatting away whilst sipping tea and playing with an extremely energetic little girl. Neuvilette, had dropped by briefly to bring Furina some groceries and Kaja some treats. He and Clorinde exchanged greetings and farewells. Clorinde stayed at Furina’s residence until way after the child was bathed and fast asleep.
She helped the short haired, woman clean up and she promised she would return when she was available. Furina had looked at her with such hope and adoration that Clorinde’s heart skipped a few beats.
Clorinde returned home to an angry blonde sprawled over their shared bed.
”Just where have you been, hmm?” the way the blonde woman was staring at Clorinde, made the purple haired woman ready to drop to her knees.
”I was visiting Lady Furina, it has been a great while since we’ve seen each other so we were catching up.” Clorinde averted her gaze, looking everywhere but those angry blue eyes.
”Furina?” now the blonde woman sounded confused. “It took you that long to catch up to her?”
”Like I said, it has been a great while since we’ve seen each other, we were simply catching up and before I left I helped her tidy up.”
That seemed to satiate the blonde, and her usual smile was back in place. “You two were pretty close before everything happened, i’m glad she’s alright.”
”I wouldn’t say she’s alright exactly, i’ll pay her another visit tomorrow.”
”Take me with you!”
”I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Clorinde stated as she undressed, and made her way over to the bathroom to freshen up.
“Why not!” Clorinde could hear the pout in her girlfriend’s voice and smiled.
”To respect her privacy, she’s not archon anymore. She’s just another citizen.”
”Oh, I guess that’s right.”
Navia moved over on the bed, allowing Clorinde to lay down before immediately wrapping herself like a squid around the other woman. “Say hi to her for me.”
”I will.”
Clorinde allowed Navia to adjust her squid grip until their bodies were pressed together, feeling each others warmth. This was such a nice feeling. Clorinde felt a hand play in her hair, lulling her to sleep and she welcomed it.
The next day, after Clorinde finished her work she headed straight towards a vendor and then straight to Furina’s residence. She was greeted by twin smiles from Furina and Kaya.
Clorinde spent her time at the residence, showing Furina how to make a few easy meals.
Furina thanked her over and over, she was definitely fed up of macaroni.
Throughout her visit Clorinde was building up the courage to ask Furina something.
”Furina, you remember Navia, right?”
”Oh, yes I remember your girlfriend. I don’t think i’ll ever forget that trial you guys put me on.” the shorter woman had giggled at that, but a twang of guilt flowed through her.
”Well she says hi….And I was wondering if you would be comfortable with her visiting and helping you out. I haven’t told her of your…situation, but i’m sure she’s suspicious. Navia is a kind person and she’s good with kids. The Spina Di Rosula hasn’t been very busy lately, so I know she’s been bored out of her mind.”
Silence.
Before, Clorinde could think of something to break the awkward silence, Furina responded. “That may actually not be a bad idea, Kaja isn’t much trouble but it’s terrible lonely with just me and her. And I can’t expect you and Neuvilette to always be available to help me out.”
”Are you sure?”
”Very sure, Clorinde. I would love it if Navia would come over.” Furina’s face was filled with visible happiness, “We can even have a tea party!”
”Indeed.”
The next day Clorinde returned to Furina's residence, she was accompanied by a pretty blonde woman.
Navia didn't seem nervous at all, in fact she looked excited. Like a kid in a candy store. One one of her hand was wrapped around Clorinde's right arm and the other was holding onto a ridiculous amount of ingredients.
Upon entering Furina's home, Navia was immediately in love with the adorable bundle if sunshine, dressed in a polka dotted onesie.
"She's cute, isn't she?" Furina asked, also gushing over her child."
"Oh my Archons! She's so adorable Furina, she looks just like you!" The baby cooed at the gushing of the women.
By thr looks of how the two women were acting, you'd think they were the best of friends. Clorinde was amused.
Navia was good with kids, Kala was immediately attached to her and allowed the tall woman to cuddle up with her. This scene was so disgustingly sweet, Clorinde swore she was growing cavities. Eventually, Clorinde gave in and joined Navia in cuddling with the baby.
Furina watched on, amused from her place in her small kitchen as she made some tea for them to share.
After only a little while of being fondled by young couple, Kala seemed to have enough and tried to make her way over to her mother.
It started of as the small child just crawling, then she placed her arms on the floor, in an attempt to get on her two feet. The three women all watched, in quiet anticipation. The child stood on her feet for a second before falling on her butt. Even then, it seemed as she had inherited her mother's resilience as she tried to get up again.
This time she stayed on her feet, though shaky. Cautiously, she placed one stubby foot in front of the other. Furina gasped, instantly dropping to her knees. "That's a good girl Kaja! You can do it, come on! Come to your mommy." The small girl, encouraged by her mother took a shaky step, and another and another.
The baby was doing so good, but then she stopped tears welling up in her eyes. "It's okay honey, you don't need to push yourself." Furina tried to sooth the child.
Kaja seemed to disagree as she, started her shaky steps again. One foot in front of the other and repeat. Furina gushed at the child, encouraging her. "You're doing so good love. Come here." The open arms of Furina was all the baby needed to see, as she immediately began to run clumsily on stubby legs, straight into her mother's arms.
Furina lifted the girl up, spinning her around, causing the little girl to erupt into giggles. Clorinde and Navia were absolutely melting at the cuteness of this situation.
"You're so amazing! So good and talented! My Kaja, mommy loves you so much!" Furina expressed passionately, ravishing the small child's chubby cheeks in kisses.
"Ahhhh, I wished I had gotten that on film, it was too cute!" Navia squealed.
Clorinde agreed. "Indeed. That was a wonderful sight to behold."
"It certainly was! My wonderful child is so amazing." Furina placed one more smooch on Kaya' s forehead, before gently setting her on a dining room chair as she served the previously ignored tea.
“Ahhh kids are so cute.” Navia exclaimed as she started on making, some yummy deserts for them all. “Hey, Clorinde maybe we should get a little one of our own.” This caused the dark haired woman to choke on her hot tea, which she painfully swallowed. Furina and her mini me giggle at this. Their sweet laughter filling the room.
Once Clorinde had composed herself she scolded her teasing girlfriend. “Navia, please don’t say such intense things so casually.”
Navia, who not once stopped whisking the batter of whatever dessert she was about to make simply replied with a wink, “ Just think about it, mmh kay.”
”I will.”
Furina watched in awe, as Navia whisked batter as fast as those expensive equipment they used in factories. No wonder this woman gracefully wielded a claymore. Soon enough the house was filled with a wonderful aroma.
Navia was truly amazing. In just a little while, everyone was enjoying the sweet treats she whipped up.
Even if Furina had to raise Kaja on her own, she was truly grateful that she had such great friends.