"Lulu!"
Navia came dashing over, leaping onto Luna. The soft, fragrant scent of her fluffy hair filled Luna's nostrils.
Luna was startled by Navia's sudden embrace, but this wasn't the first time Navia had done this. She patted Navia's back and chuckled, "What's wrong, Nana? Why did you suddenly pounce on me like that?"
"Melus... he..."
Luna's eyes widened slightly. "Melus? What happened to him?"
"He..." Navia's expression turned melancholic.
In the end, he's still heading west, isn't he? Luna thought, just as Navia sighed.
"He said he's retiring."
Luna grabbed Navia's cheek in a pinch.
"Ouch! Lulu, what are you doing?!" Navia exclaimed in surprise.
"I'm punishing you, Nana! With that look on your face, I thought Melus was gone!"
Navia grasped Luna's wrist and grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to worry you. I just feel a little wistful. An uncle who's been like family since I was little suddenly has white hair."
She leaned closer and kissed Luna lightly. "Lulu, you should come to the farewell banquet too!"
Melus was a longtime member of the Spina di Rosula and a trusted confidant. Even if he didn't want one, the spina would insist on holding a farewell banquet in his honor.
She would go.
"Alright, but why the sudden decision to retire?" Luna asked.
"He says he doesn't have the strength anymore," Navia explained. "Ever since his illness, his health has declined significantly. He'd been preparing for retirement for some time, but his illness simply accelerated the timeline."
So that's how it is.
"Then allow me to make a spectacle of myself at the banquet," Luna said. "It would be my way of honoring Mr. Melus. I still remember vividly the sight of him risking his life to save others."
Navia hugged Luna, her face beaming. "You're so kind, Lulu!"
"However, getting me to perform comes at a price, you know."
"I know..."
Luna pressed her index finger against Navia's lips, silencing her mid-sentence. She then slowly slipped her finger between Navia's lips, the soft, warm sensation enveloping her fingertip.
"Shh, I haven't finished. What I want isn't Mora, but something sweet..."
As she spoke, Luna entwined her legs around Navia's.
"...soft and delicious..."
Seeing Navia's face flush crimson, Luna's smile widened.
"...treats."
"Oh, it's just a dessert!"
Navia had thought she was referring to herself.
Wait a minute... am I really less important than dessert?
Navia was about to speak when she saw Luna lick her fingertip, flustered and unsure of how to begin.
"Desserts made by someone you love are priceless treasures, naturally."
"It hasn't been that long since I last had some, but I've been craving Nana's homemade macarons lately. Let's make those my reward for performing."
Navia couldn't help but ask, "Then... what about everything else?"
"Everything else? Ah, we'll definitely need some wine."
Luna said with a mischievous smile.
So devious.
She was clearly waiting for Navia to spell things out, even though she already knew everything. But at this point, there was no need to be overly shy.
Navia chuckled softly, "Don't you want to have a taste of Nana herself?"
Then she fell silent.
"...This is still so embarrassing."
Navia covered her burning face.
Luna's voice was lighthearted: "Nana isn't cut out for sweet talk, is she?"
-
A few days later, a banquet was held at the headquarters of the Spina di Rosula in Poisson.
It might as well have been a retirement ceremony.
Luna's entrance ignited the atmosphere, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
"Miss Luna!"
"Ah, her singing is as beautiful as ever..."
"Tears... are welling up..."
After performing a song, Luna curtsied, placed her hand in Navia's palm. Under Navia's protective escort, she returned to the banquet hall.
Given that this was a Spina di Rosula banquet, no one dared disturb her and Navia.
"That was lovely, Lulu. You never disappoint," Navia said with a smile.
"Shouldn't you be saying 'my Lulu' at this moment? My Nana."
Navia's cheeks flushed slightly. "Ehh, saying such things in front of so many people? Well then—"
She leaned close to Luna's ear, her voice light and cheerful.
"—Just as expected of my Lulu!"
Navia looped her arm contentedly through Luna's.
Just then, Melus and Silver approached.
Melus nodded. "Thank you very much for attending this banquet, Miss Luna. As you know, my strength is waning, and I've decided to retire."
"So, I'm entrusting the Young Miss to your care."
Silver pushed up his sunglasses. "Though we'll be selecting new subordinates to take over Melus's duties, naturally, Miss Luna is the one we trust and rely on most."
Navia: "..."
She seemed about to say more, but when she saw Melus's thinning white hair, memories flooded back—of her childhood mischief, the Spina di Rosula members protecting her, Melus and the others buying her snacks, and them playing with her...
A myriad of emotions ultimately coalesced into a radiant smile.
"Don't worry! With me and Lulu here, no one in the world can stand against the Spina di Rosula!"
Luna chuckled, "That sounds like something a villain would say."
"No way!... Right?"
Melus smiled with relief. "Take care, Young Miss."
"...You too, Uncle Melus. Lulu and I will come visit you often."
"Alright, alright..."
Melus hesitated, but ultimately said nothing, his eyes silently pleading with Luna: Please take good care of the Young Miss. Then he departed with Silver.
As the banquet concluded, Navia led Luna outside.
"Look! The statues are already this far along!"
In front of the Spina di Rosula Headquarters stood the construction site for the statues. The figures were already taking shape, allowing one to vaguely discern who was who. Luna noticed another girl's figure beside Navia's statue.
It was her.
They really added me too, Luna thought.
Still, Navia and she were essentially married, so it wouldn't be wrong to say she was part of the Caspar family... probably. After all, they had never discussed which of them would be the one to move in after marriage.
"In another month, it will surely reach its perfect form," Navia said with a smile, pulling Luna along.
Where are we going? Luna wondered. Even Nana probably doesn't know.
Indeed, after they had been walking for quite a while since leaving Poisson, Navia suddenly seemed to snap out of her reverie and stopped.
"We've unconsciously wandered all the way here," she said.
Reaching the seaside, Navia turned around and bent down with a playful smile. "Lulu, your treats are ready! Ta-da! Behold!"
Navia produced a paper box filled with brightly colored macarons, still steaming slightly, likely made before attending the banquet. No wonder the Spina di Rosula members had mentioned their President was busy when Luna first arrived in Poisson.
"Perfect timing," Navia said. "Let's enjoy the view and these treats together."
Luna nodded slightly.
Luna set out a chair and table by the shore, lighting a lamp that cast a warm glow. Navia sat down first, then patted her lap.
"Lulu, sit here!"
"Okay!"
Without hesitation, Luna settled onto Navia's lap, reaching for a macaron and popping it into her mouth. The sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture lingered delightfully.
"Nana, if you ever retire, you should open a dessert shop! It would definitely become the best in Fontaine."
Navia wrapped her arms around Luna's waist. "That's a great idea! We should open one together! We'd have lines out the door every day and make a fortune, hehe."
She buried her face in Luna's back, taking a deep breath.
Luna's scent always made her feel relaxed.
"You can kiss me too," Luna chuckled softly.
"...You seem awfully experienced at this, Lulu."
"I just know what I want. Kiss me more, touch me more—I love this feeling. And I know you feel the same way, Nana—"
Luna leaned back, pressing her back against Navia's chest.
She tilted her head, gently scratched Navia's chin with her raised hand, and smiled. "So whether it's my back or my chest, they're all yours, Nana."
"Whether you're sad or happy, you can always lean on me."
"Lulu..."
Navia wrapped her arms around Luna's neck, pressed her cheek against Luna's, and whispered, "You always know exactly what I'm thinking."
"Because you're my girlfriend, silly."
"Mm-hmm! I know everyone eventually leaves the Spina di Rosula, even Melus. It's not that I'm sad about my friends retiring, it's just..."
Navia closed her eyes.
"Watching them grow older every day... it's really hard. Their hair turns white, age spots appear on their faces, their once-strong hands begin to tremble, and they forget so much..."
"The only thing that never changes is the way they look at me. In their eyes, I'm still that lively, energetic little girl, just a little grown up."
Luna gently nuzzled her nose against Navia's. "But growing old peacefully like this is a blessing in itself."
"Yes..."
Navia held Luna tightly, feeling her warmth and inhaling her comforting scent. Why does Lulu radiate such a calming aura? she wondered absently, wishing this moment could last forever.
Without Lulu, this fortunate outcome might never have happened...
Many others would have dissolved in the rising tide.
Navia opened her eyes and met Luna's gaze. She parted her lips slightly. "Lulu, can you stay with me tonight?"
"Of course."
She had already made arrangements with Furina beforehand.
As for the price? Naturally, Furina would take the lead for a week.
"That's wonderful! With so much time, we can talk for ages. I have so much I want to discuss with you, but it's not really convenient at the Troupe."
Luna turned and pressed herself against Navia.
"Just talking? Nothing else?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Navia's cheeks flushed, her gaze flickering. "I... I do want to... but this kind of thing is better done in a room, right? It's a little... awkward out here."
"Don't worry, my senses are very broad."
A warmth bloomed in Navia's chest, her heart racing.
If that's the case, then... She gently pressed her hand against the back of Luna's head and leaned in for a kiss. The slightest touch sent her heart pounding even harder, a blush rising on her skin. Even the cool night breeze couldn't extinguish the heat burning within her; she wanted more.
"Lulu, do you have other girls who like you too?" Navia murmured.
"You can punish me, you know."
The answer was a clear yes.
Punishment? Navia hadn't considered it, but to deny feeling any emotion would be a lie. She said nothing, merely continuing to hold Luna's head in place.
I can't breathe.
But this is good. Navia's eyes glazed over. "I love you, Lulu."
"Mm-hmm."
"Can I... take the lead this time?"
Luna gently stroked Navia's cheek. "Why not? Anytime you want, as long as you want it."
Navia's heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. The only thing that could quell this burning heat was Luna's warmth.
Her face flushed crimson, she changed out of Luna's clothes and into her own. In the moonlight, her skin glowed with such beauty, almost tangible... Navia was still lost in her gaze when Luna took her hand.
A sharp sting flashed through her.
Blood must have trickled from the wound.
"Come, Nana, you do it too." Luna raised her left hand.
Navia lifted her gaze, pressed her lips to Luna's fingertip, and gently bit down.
"Not hard enough. Bite harder. Remember all the times we've shared: our first meeting, climbing the Court of Judgement together, becoming partners—cling tightly to those memories."
As Navia bit harder, the metallic tang of blood filled her mouth.
The taste of blood wasn't pleasant, but this rusty flavor gave Navia a visceral sense of reality: they were face-to-face, pressed against each other.
Luna smiled softly and whispered, "I'll always be with you, Nana."
Navia grinned back. "And I'll always be with you, Lulu!"
They cupped each other's faces, drawing closer inch by inch. Their eyelashes fluttered as their lips met. Just that touch sent a tremor through Navia.
Luna's face was reflected in Navia's eyes. Navia knew she would never forget this day.
Just as she would never forget the precious moments they had shared before, she sealed them deep within her heart, where they would never fade.
The lingering echoes of those beautiful moments would shimmer beneath the moonlight, carried away by the sea, leaving behind only pure love and longing.
After a long while, Navia leaned against Luna, whispering softly in each other's ears.
"Come to think of it, I unconsciously brought you here. Maybe I wanted you to see something, Lulu."
"What is it?"
"Let me keep it a secret for now! You'll find out soon enough!" Navia said mysteriously.
Some time later, just as Navia was beginning to drift off, a sliver of light appeared on the horizon.
Her spirit instantly revived, and she stood up.
"It's coming!"
The sun gradually rose from the boundary between earth and sky, its morning light banishing all lingering darkness.
Navia turned her back to the sea, the Anemo breeze lifting her hair.
"This is what I wanted you to see, Lulu! This is the best place to watch the dawn break."
She took Luna's hands in hers.
Luna squinted slightly, dazzled. "It's beautiful."
"Right?"
Navia stepped aside, but kept holding Luna's hand, with no intention of letting go.
It seemed she would keep holding on as long as Luna didn't say anything about it.
"I want to share more of the sights I've seen, the things I love, with you. This view is one of them... And of course, I also want to see the world through your eyes."
"And it will continue like this, even after we 'retire'," Navia said to Luna with a radiant smile.
Luna murmured softly, "When I said 'beautiful,' I meant Nana."
"Me?" Navia fidgeted a little. "Ha ha, you're making me blush. But—"
She gripped Luna's hand tightly, her gaze never leaving hers.
"I think Lulu is beautiful too!"
Navia leaned closer.
"Truly... so beautiful."
Their lips met again.