Archive of Our Own ^beta

All her life, Clorinde has always been seen as someone who can keep a level head. From her childhood to her teenage years and to now as an adult, there was little that could scare, rattle, or even anger her. It made Clorinde an unsettling child but also a dependable one nonetheless.

That said, she did have her limits. And right now, in this nice, fancy office in one of Fontaine’s most renowned film studios, her patience was being tested.

“As you can see, Donna, film production is going well. Your money is being put to good use. I wouldn’t dream of wasting the funds provided by the Marechaussee Hunters.” One of the studio executives, Vacher, informed her. Clorinde could only nod and smile before taking a sip of the brandy she was offered.

Unfortunately, as Donna of Fontaine’s most feared mafia families, the Marechaussee Hunters, Clorinde couldn’t just go ape shit on every person that annoys her. She has a reputation to uphold after all.

“And the talents? How are they faring?” She couldn’t help but ask. After all, there was one talent in the film, an actress, that she heavily invests her time in to ensure she succeeds.

“Oh, the talents, yes, they’re doing very well! Everyone’s playing their roles accordingly and perfectly.” Vacher answered. “Especially Miss Caspar. Yes. That girl is very good at what she does despite how she got to where she currently is.”

Clorinde didn’t like how he said that part. Gradually, her grip on her glass tightened.

“May I ask what you mean by that, monsieur?”

“Well…it’s just Miss Caspar is such a lovely girl. A very beautiful one as well. She has blossomed well since her days as a child actress. She’s very talented, yes, but you don’t become a star here in Fontaine without doing a few…favors, if you know what I mean.” He said, his tone and voice taking on a lecherous tone. “Maybe I should proposition her myself. I’m sure she’ll be a great bed warmer. I’ll even cast her in my next movie if she agrees.”

Before Vacher knew it, he felt pain explode on his head as a brandy glass shattered against his skull. Before he could recover, he was forced down on his desk, Clorinde towering over him with a murderous look in her eyes. She raised her fist and in one swift motion, it landed on his face, breaking his nose in the process. If he thought Clorinde was done at one punch, he was wrong.

“Don’t ever speak about Navia that way again!” She furiously demanded, punctuating each word with a punch as she did so. “Do you understand me? Don’t ever talk about her that way!”

After a few more punches, Clorinde was finally satisfied, letting him go and allowing him to fall on the floor in a bloodied heap. She crouched beside him, grabbing him by the hair to get him to look at her as she spoke.

“If I hear that you propositioned, or even looked, at Navia or any other actress in a way that isn’t professional, I will have you tied up, beaten bloody, and stuffed in a drum that I will drop off the Lumidouce Harbor where they won’t find your pathetic corpse until it’s all the way in Chenyu Vale, do you hear me?”

Weakly, Vacher nodded and Clorinde knew that her job was done. She let him fall back to the floor and she stood up once more, straightening and tidying up her blue suit as she did so. Then, she turned on her heel and left the office via the back door where her man awaited her with the car.

“Ready to go, Donna?” Her driver, Lynette, asked. Stiffly, she nodded and without another word, they both entered the car and left the premises.

They were children when they first met; Clorinde, the heiress to a prominent mafia family, and Navia, the heiress of a philanthropic organization that was started by her parents known as the “Spina di Rosula”. At the time, Clorinde’s own father had been looking into philanthropic organizations to donate to and assist. His way of “giving back to the community”, he said. It would be one of their legal ventures. A way to show that while they may be operating on the bad side of the law, they still had their honor and generosity. It just so happened that the Spina fit her father’s criteria.

So, their fathers set a time and place to meet and discuss a covert partnership. After all, it wouldn’t do for the president of a philanthropic organization to be partnered with a man whose rap sheet was longer than a table linen. Her father brought Clorinde and Callas Caspar brought his daughter, Navia.

They became fast friends from that point. With Navia’s boundless energy and boisterousness easily balancing out Clorinde’s quietness and introverted tendencies. Likewise, Clorinde was captivated by the blonde girl who deemed her as a friend. And from then on, where Navia went, Clorinde was sure to be not far behind. They attended the same private schools, went on the same vacations, celebrated each and every holiday together. This went on even as Navia’s renown as a child star grew. It never crossed her mind to leave Clorinde behind and neither did it cross Clorinde’s mind, even when she began to take on even more dangerous jobs to prove her worthiness as a Donna to her father and their men.

And somewhere along the way, when they were on the cusp of adulthood, they fell in love. A love that was so strong it prevails to this day, seven years on. True, there were times when Clorinde would be jealous of Navia’s co-stars but in the end, she was the one Navia (secretly) came home to. And that was what mattered the most to her.

So long as the co-stars knew their boundaries, of course...

“Donna…” She heard Lynette call for her. “We’re here.”

Clorinde blinked rapidly and saw that Lynette spoke true. They were back at the family compound. They exited the car immediately and Clorinde slid a hefty pouch of mora into Lynette’s suit pocket. The girl had always been a reliable driver and errand girl and Clorinde was nothing if not generous to those who worked hard for her.

“Take the rest of the night and tomorrow off, Lynette. I won’t be leaving the compound.” She said as she walked off, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I hear Lyney’s back from his task so go treat your brothers to somewhere nice. Send them my regards, will you.”

“I will. Thank you, Donna.” Lynette stoically responded. Clorinde entered the manor that has been her home her entire life and immediately, she was met with her consigliere, Wriothesley.

“You’re late.” Was the first thing he said upon seeing her. Then he saw the blood on her hands and her suit. “Rough night?”

“Unfortunately.” Clorinde responded as she entered the nearby bathroom and washed her hands. Then she removed the suit jacket and tossed it to the nearest hamper.

“She’s waiting for you, you know. In your room as always.” Wriothesley informed her. Immediately, Clorinde knew who he was talking about and the dark haired donna couldn’t help the small smile that crept on her face.

“Thank you.” She said as she approached the stairs, heading up without another word to him as she shed her coat and shoes along the way. He can complain all he wants about her rudeness later.

Right now, she had a long, romantic night waiting for her.

xxx

When Clorinde arrived at her room, Navia was already waiting for her. Wearing the most tantalizing nightgown, Clorinde was helpless as her body took a mind of its own, compelling her to slot herself behind the blonde in their bed.

“You’re later than usual.” Navia noted with a small smile as she began to feel Clorinde’s lips on her neck, shoulders, anywhere else she could reach really.

“I’m sorry. Business was a drag today.” The dark haired woman whispered, twirling a finger around the strap of the blonde’s nightgown and moving it down her shoulder. “Did you wait long?”

Navia turned around where she lay and shook her head, wrapping her arms around Clorinde’s neck as she did so. 

“I missed you.” Navia said lovingly as she leaned up to press a gentle kiss to her lover’s lips. Clorinde didn’t hesitate to reciprocate, each kiss conveying that she felt the same way Navia did. Before the blonde knew it, each kiss became hungrier and more passionate and suddenly, her nightgown was torn from her body, leaving her exposed to the cool air of their bedroom.

“That was expensive, you know?” Navia remarked as Clorinde’s lips moved from her lips to her neck.

“I’ll make it up to you.” Clorinde whispered as she moved even lower. Navia could only lay down in anticipation of what’s in store for her.

True to her word, Clorinde did make it up to her. More than once.

xxx

Moon, tell me if I could

Send up my heart to you…

“You were unusually rough tonight.” Navia noted as she took a long drag of the cigarette between her fingers, passing it off to Clorinde once she had her hit before settling once more with her back to Clorinde’s chest. Clorinde partook in the cigarette, taking the last few dregs for herself and putting it out on the ashtray on her nightstand.

“Sorry. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” She asked amidst the crooning of the song from the nearby radio. She didn’t like it when she hurt Navia, even if it was accidental or in bed. Even if Navia herself doesn’t mind the latter.

So, when I die, which I must do

Could it shine down here with you?

“No. I rather enjoyed it, really.” The blonde answered with a smile on her face, enjoying the sensation of Clorinde’s fingers tracing patterns down her bare arm, then her rib, and then the toned plains of her abdomen. “What about you? I noticed the bruises on your knuckles, you know. A fight?”

Cause my love is mine all mine,

I love my, my, mine

Clorinde hesitated on answering but she knew Navia would weasel it out of her eventually. At this point, it was better to give her a half-truth than try to keep a secret. Turning to her side to face her, she spoke.

“Just a frustrating business partner. We got into a fight and…hands were thrown.” She responded as she tucked a strand of blonde hair behind Navia’s ear. Navia, for her part, cupped her cheek with her hand. Clorinde took the hand in her own, turning her head to press gentle kisses to her palm.

A half-truth but not the full one. While Navia had long since accepted that violence will always be part of their lives thanks to Clorinde’s duties as a mafia donna, Clorinde would still rather Navia never learn the full details of what she does. And Navia would especially hate it if she found out that Clorinde had been beating people up in her defense.

Nothing in the world belongs to me

But my love, mine, all mine, all mine…

Upon hearing her explanation, Navia only nodded in response. She knew that’s all she was gonna get out of here. Clorinde returned to laying next to her, allowing Navia to cuddle up to her once again with her blonde head laying on her chest. Neither spoke a word, allowing the song on the radio to be the only sound in what would otherwise be a silent room.

My baby, here on Earth

Showed me what my heart was worth

“Just promise me something, Clorinde.” Navia said as she turned her head up to look at her lover. Clorinde met her gaze, lifting her hand to wipe the stray strands of hair away from her face. “Don’t get hurt out there. I can’t lose you too.”

Her dark haired lover nodded in response. She was touched by Navia’s concern for her well-being. It only made her fall in love with her even more.

But just because she was touched, it doesn’t mean she would accept Navia worrying about her. Navia should be able to live free of worries. She should be the one protecting her and not the other way around. After all, that’s what she promised Callas and Clementine when she asked for their permission to court their daughter.

And luckily enough, she had the perfect solution to get her mind off her worries. Without warning, she moved above Navia, trapping the blonde underneath her body as she held herself up by her hands.

“Clorinde, what-”

Her words were immediately cut off when she felt Clorinde’s lips against her own, gradually lowering down to her neck once again.

So, when it comes to be my turn

Could you shine it down here for her?

“‘Cause my love is mine, all mine…” Clorinde softly sang in her ear alongside the radio. Navia giggled upon hearing it; she loved it when Clorinde sang to her, after all. To her delight, as she pressed kisses to whatever skin she could reach, Clorinde continued to sing for her.

“‘I love my, my, mine. Nothing in the world belongs to me. But my love, mine, all mine, all mine...”

Navia couldn’t take it anymore. Before Clorinde could continue, she hungrily pressed her lips against hers and they resumed their earlier bedroom activities in earnest, the song on the radio forgotten and fading into the background as they did so…

Nothing in the world is mine for free

But my love, mine, all mine, all mine…

Usually, whenever Navia and Clorinde have an enjoyable night such as last night, the high would carry on to the next morning. Most of the time, they would cuddle, kiss, spend a few more minutes in bed, and even go for another round. Rinse and repeat until their respective duties finally call for their attention.

So, needless to say, that was the kind of morning Clorinde was expecting. Not one where her beloved was sitting over a balcony, stressed out and hunched over a newspaper.

“They’re onto us, Clori.” Navia said with a hint of despair, grasping one of Clorinde’s hands in her own as she gently put it on her stiff shoulders for comfort. Clorinde looked down at the paper and saw it was from one of Fontaine’s most prominent rag newspapers. Tabloids who have been interested in Navia’s life since she hit puberty and was on her way to reaching the peak of her fame. Clorinde’s eyes fixated on the black and white photo of their recent dinner date a few nights ago, the big bold words accompanying it taunting them to the best of its ability.

SUPERSTAR NAVIA CASPAR: MAFIA MISTRESS?

The article was borderline slander. At first, it spoke of Navia’s current and future projects and that everyone was looking forward to what role she’ll tackle next. But as the article goes on, it speculates more about her and Clorinde’s relationship. And they were so close to the truth, it was uncomfortable. It speculated about her and Navia’s relationship before becoming a speculation that Navia only got to where she is now because she either slept her way to her roles or because she had Clorinde muscle in and “convinced” them to cast her. Absolute slander! Everyone knows how talented Navia is as an actress and if the family’s army of lawyers can’t get the tabloids to acknowledge that, then she’ll definitely use force if she has to.

“I’ll take care of it.” Was all Clorinde said. Any less and she knew that Navia would spiral. Much to her disappointment, it seemed it didn’t work. Because Navia stood in frustration, leaning against the balcony facing the property’s very own lake.

“Talk to me, love.” Clorinde requested, wrapping an arm around her. In response, Navia turned in her arms, leaning her forehead against her collarbone in defeat and resignation.

“I love you.” Navia whispered, voice quivering with unshed tears. “I love you and I want to be with you. I don’t want to hide you and our love. But I know if I reveal us, my career is over. I hate how I can’t win against them.”

Clorinde could do nothing but hold her love close, pressing her lips to her hair in an attempt to comfort her as much as possible. Many nights she wished that she was born into a normal family. That way, she and Navia could live normal lives together. But alas, this was the hand they were dealt and she was going to make sure they’re able to make the best of it no matter what. Slowly, she separated from her, cupping her face in her hands and gently wiping the tears that had fallen from her lovely blue eyes.

“You know I don’t care if you have to hide me right? I don’t care so long as it means I will have you for the rest of my life. I will love you for as long as I breathe no matter what, my princess.” She said, each word a vow of her eternal love and devotion for the woman before her. “So, don’t worry about anything. I will handle this. I swear.”

Navia nodded in response, greatly comforted by her lover’s words. But Clorinde knew it wasn't over yet.

“Something else is bothering you, isn’t there?” Clorinde asked. Before the blonde could speak any denials, however, she cut her off. “Please don’t lie to me. You know I can always tell when something is weighing you down.”

Navia hesitated for a moment but eventually, she spoke.

“I’m tired, Clori. Of acting. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the job but…I feel so tired sometimes that all I can think of is coming back home to you. I’m sorry.”

“For what? Love, you’re tired and that’s okay.” Clorinde insisted. Deep down, however, she was beating herself up. Berating herself for not noticing her lover’s pain earlier. “Tell you what; you’ll take a break. Your shoot ends this Friday right? So, on Saturday, let’s go on a trip. Down to Mondstadt like we always planned? What do you say? Go away with me? If only for a while.”

Navia thought about it for a moment but eventually, she smiled at her lover and nodded. Clorinde couldn’t help but return the smile as she embraced her once more, delighted that she’ll be able to spend some time away with her beloved.

“I love you, Navia. For as long as I breathe.” She whispered in her ear and let out a chuckle when she felt the blonde’s grip tighten and bury her face on the crook of her neck.

This isn’t over. Not by a long shot. Clorinde still had to take care of the pests that caused her lover so much distress.

But for now, she’ll enjoy this moment when Navia can rest in her arms. She can take care of everything later.

xxx

And Clorinde did take care of everything. Before the week was up, most of the newspapers that reported on their potential relationship as well as the false rumors about Navia had retracted their statements and issued apologies one after the other. Everyone knew why it was. They were just afraid to say it. The only one that was spared was The Steambird and only because they were a legitimate newspaper with an army of lawyers that can rival the Marechaussee Hunters’ own.

It wasn’t all easy to convince them to retract those statements. While some editors were cowed by the sight of a mafia enforcer knocking at their door, others weren’t so receptive. Often, it would take a beating from Wriothesley or Clorinde to convince them. Hell, sometimes Lyney and Lynette would even throw their hat in the ring to do some “convincing”. Glorified hostages they may be, they were still sent by their father, a high ranking capo of the Fatui Mafia Family known as The Knave, to learn from Clorinde, after all. While Lyney was personable and can butter anyone up into retracting, Lynette had a deadpan stare that unsettled just about anyone into doing her bidding.

And so, the trouble with the papers ended and almost immediately forgotten, allowing everyone to go about their businesses free of scandal once again.

And if Navia had any suspicions as to why the tabloids were suddenly apologizing to her and Clorinde, she didn’t say anything.

“So, are you all set for the trip?” Wriothesley asked as he and Clorinde watched some of their men load the bags for Navia and Clorinde’s trip to Mondstadt.

“Pretty much, yes. Do you have it?” Clorinde asked, knowing that her right hand man will know what she’s referring to. Without missing a beat, he reached into the inner pocket of his suit and dropped the item into the dark haired woman’s awaiting palm.

“This is it, huh? Nervous?” He asked. Reluctantly, Clorinde nodded as she looked down at her hand, eyes landing on the velvet box that was perched there.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sure she’ll say “yes”.” Wriothesley stated, patting her on the shoulder as an encouragement.

“Thanks, Wrio.” Clorinde answered. Before they could discuss things further, however, she noticed someone lurking by the gates of the compound, taking snapshots of the scenery as she did so. The head of pink hair was familiar to her. After all, she and Navia have had multiple run-ins with her before.

“Charlotte…” She muttered. Before Wriothesley could do anything, she held her hand out and made her approach. Charlotte pretended not to notice Clorinde, instead taking a seat at a nearby bench and fiddling with her camera. Clorinde followed her lead, sitting down next to her.

“You got away with it again. I’m impressed.” Charlotte said after a few moments of silence. Clorinde looked at her, not showing any emotion on her face. She already knew what it was Charlotte was referring to.

“Oh, come on. It’s so easy to put together a five year old could do it. Bunch of rags write a speculative story about you and Navia and suddenly, they’re retracting and apologizing days later? Not even the threat of a day in court from the biggest stars of Fontaine could get them to do that. And that’s not even mentioning the editors who showed up at the hospitals sporting bruises all over their bodies.”

“What’s your point, Charlotte? You know I did this. What are you going to do about it?” She asked, turning her gaze back to the compound just in time to watch Navia exit the house and speak to Wriothesley.

“For now? Nothing. You know Editor Euphrasie has told me to stay away from anything about you and your family.” Charlotte admitted with a smile as she took more pictures of the trees and the flowers nearby. “But how long do you think you can keep this up before Navia herself starts to put the pieces together? Especially the ones you did when your temper was less manageable back in high school and college? The things you did when your daddy was still around to bail you out of trouble? What then?”

Clorinde’s blood ran cold at Charlotte’s words. Navia can never find out what transpired in those days. She can never know about the things she’s done. Before she could ask, Charlotte began to speak again.

“How do I know? Well, I’m a journalist extraordinaire. Not even the most buried of stories can hide from me.” The pink haired journalist bragged. Then, she continued. “Tell you what; I’ll say a few names, what they did, and what happened to them and then at the end of it all, you tell me if I got some of them correct. Let’s start.” 

Charlotte made a show of thinking about it and like a fool, Clorinde stayed silent instead of standing up and walking away. Finally, she spoke.

“Let’s see…Brandon from High School, who was suddenly beaten black and blue on the street after he spread false rumors that Navia slept with him. Beaten so hard that his football career ended in high school because of brain damage and a broken knee. Then Chad from college, who wound up dead in the river with a stab wound after he slapped Navia for refusing his advances. And then there’s Chelsea, who got into a car accident after she flirted with Navia and nabbed a role that she wanted, which then led to Navia being cast in said role. I hear it’s a miracle she even survived…considering how mangled she was after the accident that you caused by damaging her car.”

Finally, Clorinde stood, frustration and anger apparent in her body language. If Charlotte didn’t know any better, she’d say that Clorinde had half a mind to shoot her then and there. The moment Clorinde heard those names, she knew that this was no longer a game to Charlotte. Because she knew that everything she just said was true; by Clorinde’s hand, did those events happen.

Charlotte was taunting her, that much was clear. Goading her into doing something incriminating. It would, after all, completely make her career as a journalist. To be the one to expose the wrongdoings of The Marechaussee Hunters’ Donna.

But Clorinde would not yield. So, instead, she spoke through gritted teeth.

“Be very careful who you say this to, Charlotte. Otherwise, the next edition of The Steambird might be all about how the gardes found your body in the ocean with concrete shoes.”

With her threat issued, she began to walk away, leaving Charlotte behind to yell after her.

“She’ll figure it out soon, you know! Hell, who knows? She probably already has and is just denying it!”

Clorinde ignored the pink haired journalist and continued walking, approaching Navia who was waiting by the car. With a small yet loving smile on her face, she opened the car door for her lady.

“Was that Charlotte? What’d she want to talk to you about?” Navia asked as she got in the car.

“Oh…just wanted to talk about the recent donation we made to the children’s hospital. You know the one.” Clorinde answered as she started the car and left the compound, passing by a still seated Charlotte as they did so.

For a moment, they spent the drive talking about anything and everything. Like they used to when they were children, innocent of the world around them. The only other sound with them was the songs playing on the radio. But Clorinde didn’t mind that; all she listened to was Navia and her lovely voice.

Moon, a hole of light

Through the big top tent up high

Here before and after me

Shinin’ down on me…

“Oh, it’s that song again. I love this one!” Navia said as she turned up the volume on the radio and simply listened to the song.

As they drove with the song crooning on the radio, Clorinde couldn’t help but think back on Charlotte’s words. Her reminders that she had blood on her hands. That she was a possessive monster obsessed with the girl she called her lover. That she would kill anyone who got in her and Navia’s way.

Moon, tell me if I could

Send up my heart to you?

So, when I die, which I must do

Could it shine down here with you?

Clorinde knew that she shouldn’t be like this. That she should temper herself and be more careful, especially with the life she leads. After all, she knew that one day her sins will come to light. The people she had hurt and corpses she had buried just so only she would have Navia’s love would one day claim their retribution.

And yet…she couldn’t find it in herself to care…

‘Cause my love is mine, all mine…

She couldn’t find it in herself to care about all that because Navia turned to her and showed her that smile that she loved so much. And then and there, she decided…

I love my, my, mine

Navia was hers. No one could love Navia as much as she did. Navia belonged to her. And she would damn herself to the deepest pits of hell if it meant that she would have Navia’s love and Navia would love her in return.

She and Navia would live happy lives despite everything. They will live happy lives, raise a happy family, and love each other until the end of their days.

Clorinde will make sure of it…

She will kill for it if she has to…

Nothing in the world belongs to me

But my love, mine, all mine, all mine…