Being the Former Archon's Live-in Cook (Furina x Male reader) *Completed*

Act 21

In the wake of recent turmoil that befell you and Furina, the two of you chose to retreat into a week's reprieve, savoring the tranquility that had eluded you for the past few days. They unfolded in a serene cadence, punctuated only by the occasional visit from the Gardes authorities, whose probing questions became a routine interlude regarding the chaotic incident that overwhelmed your thoughts and heart. Yet, amidst these brief intrusions, life settled into a semblance of normalcy. So far, you were settling back in your normal routine, as if the last few days did not exist, when in fact, they only made you stronger and more aware for future crises. 

The calm that enveloped you was almost deceptive, a lull before an impending storm. You were beginning to get used to the addendum that nothing would go well for you, no matter how hard you persevered or survived. It was as predictable as the seasons, a cycle that assured the calm would soon end, that the more good deeds you'd do, the bad ones would just follow like wolf to their flock of sheep. 

While you and Clorinde saved Furina from detrimental jeopardy, she did not seem like herself when she had set foot inside her abode. Her usual vibrant demeanor was replaced by a palpable weariness, her shoulders slumped under an invisible weight. The sparkle in her eyes had dimmed, and her steps were hesitant, as if each one required immense effort. When you survive getting killed by an individual claiming supplementary modifications to a prophecy everyone wanted to forget inside a house of horrors, the effects it'd transport to a person would be commonsense. 

Then, eventually, Furina had found out that this pro tempore embryonic heretic leader was out to avenge his daughter via eradication due to her failure in saving everyone, using all that religious pile of rubble as a cover-up for his actions . As the former archon who had assured the people of her confidence in protecting the nation, how could she not feel this way after being yelled at of her own incompetence when they were at the fortress? Of being down, being less spirited, and the boulders she'd carry tenfold because of the truth of her past? You already knew what her story was. She did not miss a beat in telling you that night you two beheld the sea by the sands of the coast. The way she flipped her hair behind her ploddingly, your legs and arms visibly touching by mere inches, everything. Everything was there and you would do terrible if you did not step in to support her during this time of necessity.

She moved through the familiar space with an uncharacteristic detachment, her gaze distant and unfocused. You just saved her from an enemy that almost took her life. Now, what? That was a genuine question that popped out of your head. How do you talk to someone after experiencing that? Your masculine instincts told you to just hug her tight, get her in bed with you and talk about it. But that didn't seem to be the case with Furina. It seemed like there was no room for opportunity to slither into her defensive barrier at the moment. She was a closed book, taking on the impression of an emotionless puppet as she sat and wandered around the living room without the usual self-indulgent and overweening character she acted out when she playfully ranted and bickered with you on a daily basis. You did what you could so far, trying to talk to her, offer her space, eating with her, and all the more.

Talking with her on the bed was an option. Though, not completely emotionless, she gave you a disgusted expression when you referred to the word 'bed', as if that word was inappropriate at the current task at hand. Maybe, she was just trying to liven up the room with her reaction, considering you were trying your best to cheer her up.

"One more word and you'll pay for burning the couch yourself."

You just thought the bed was the most comfortable place to express yourself whereas her mind was apparently dirtier and more creative than yours. So, she wasn't completely affected by the ordeal to the point her personality was stolen away, but it still had an impact on her. A big one. You had to tread this carefully, or you probably wouldn't be getting kisses on the cheek with her. Or even worse, you were going to sleep separately if you didn't have anything up your sleeve to help. She wouldn't be that mean, hopefully.