Chapter Text
Back in his chamber, Neuvillette was unable to fall asleep. In his many years of existence, he’d never felt something similar. All he could think of was Wriothesley’s dazzling smile. And those eyes were driving him crazy. Not to talk about his broad shoulders… When exactly had his life become one of those cliche romance novels young people loved so much? How was he supposed to proceed?
The Hydro dragon, reduced to this. He was determined to do something about it, but how? Where should he start? He had so many questions.
The sun was beginning to rise when he gave up and prepared for the day, leaving his room early for work for the second day in a row. It wasn’t like he could concentrate any better in his office, but at least the walls weren’t threatening to suffocate him there.
In fact, his workday was packed with meetings and appointments to attend, as usual, so it wouldn’t leave him much time to overthink. He went through all the documents he needed, and as the city set into motion, so did he.
The day stretched on longer than he anticipated, or maybe it was the lack of sleep wearing him off, but Neuvillette was quite tired when he finally could retrieve back to his office, all his pending business in the city now solved.
As he made his way inside the Palais Mermonia, thoughts of descending underwater into the Fortress invaded him, but he resisted them. It was too soon, and it would be beyond embarrassing to show his cards like that. No need for Wriothesley to notice his childish emotions any more than he’d probably already did.
He sighed, confused. He wasn’t sure what counted as too much, and he worried he would be a burden to Wriothesley if he just dumped all these unsolicited feelings on him. These matters took time, that much he knew.
He was too absorbed in his inner debate to notice the other man in the room, at first. His office was out of business hours and he assumed no one would be there waiting for him.
But he was wrong. When he double checked, he saw Wriothesley sitting on one of the benches on his left wall, staring at him. Neuvillette had the decency not to yelp in surprise.
“I thought you’d never show up.” Said Wriothesley, walking towards Neuvillette until they were both standing next to his desk.
The sunset light filtered through the stained glass, hitting Wriothesley’s eyes and making them shine so bright Neuvillette forgot how to speak for a second.
”Wriothesley, what are you doing here? You should be resting.” The Duke appeared to be in good health, better than yesterday. But he still had his right arm covered in bandages.
”I am resting. Sigewinne prescripted me some fresh air and ‘a stroll to clear my head’ whatever that meant. Some other time I would’ve refused, but I took it as a chance to visit you.”
”Haven’t you had enough of me already, after these couple of days?
”As if that could ever happen.”
”Well, how long were you waiting?” Said Neuvillette, eager to change the subject. His face felt hot. “If I had known you were coming, I would clear my schedule for you.” Oh, that didn’t make it any better, he sounded desperate.
”Neuvillette, my friend, you flatter me.” Wriothesley said softly, taking a step forward and entering Neuvillette’s personal space.
The Iudex was ready to combust. Now would be a great time to turn into mist, he thought.
Instead, he turned to grab some papers and started sorting through them, the tension too much to bear.
Neuvillette didn’t need to look up to know Wriothesley had a sheepish grin plastered on his face. He wondered how people could do these things all the time without dying from embarrassment.
Every last of his nerves was tingling. He needed to get it together, for the archon's sake. He was the Iudex, having attended innumerable trials throughout the centuries, had fought for Fontaine, to now let some man make his knees weak.
But Wriothesley made him even weaker when he gently took Neuvillette’s chin in his left hand and made him turn to stare at him.
”Hey. Are you alright?”
Wriothesley retrieved his hand immediately after, for better or for worse. Neuvillette could feel himself blush madly.
”It’s been a long day, that is all.”
“Let’s get out of here.”
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Neuvillette guided Wriothesley through the back door of the Palais Mermonia. Outside, a soft drizzle was starting to fall. Wriothesley noticed how Neuvillette’s hair glowed the wetter it became. He certainly was in his element.
The former aquabus station was deserted except for one melusine.
”Oh! Hello, Monsieur Neuvillette, Your Grace. Are you having a good day?”
“Muirne, it's quite a pleasant evening, is it not?.” Neuvillette glanced at Wriothesley from the corner of his eye. “Are you contemplating the sea?”
”Yes, sir. It relaxes me a lot.” The melusine looked at one man and then the other, as if realizing something. “But… I was just about to head home.”
”You’re not intruding…”
”It’s fine, sir. Enjoy your evening!” And with that she trailed off, leaving them alone by the water of the old line.
The rain pressed on, falling more consistently.
”I’m sorry. You’re getting soaked. I believe you don’t find it as gratifying as I do.” Neuvillette said, his gaze roaming Wriothesley’s wet clothes before resting on his face.
Between the last rays of light and the water, Neuvillette looked ethereal. If Wriothesley didn’t know Neuvillette wasn’t truly human, this would’ve been it. No human could possibly be this beautiful.
Wriothesley was too mesmerized to respond or to care about the rain.
”Wriothesley?”
”You’re breathtaking.” He said with conviction.
Neuvillette’s eyes softened and he opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. Wriothesley took a small step towards him.
”It’s worth it just to spend some time with you.” Wriothesley said in a hushed voice.
Neuvillette took his right hand in his and lifted it, inspecting the bandages.
”Don’t worry about that, I needed some clean ones anyway. I’ll get them changed once I’m back.”
Neuvillette furrowed his brow upon hearing that. Was he upset at the thought of Wriothesley leaving? He rarely was this quiet too, his eyes clouded, a living conflict.
“Hey. I’m here right now, okay? I’m not going anywhere just yet.” Wriothesley lifted his good hand and clumsily cupped Neuvillette’s face, smiling at him.
Neuvillette’s eyes cleared, staring holes into Wriothesley. Their intensity left him so entranced he didn’t process Neuvillette moving closer, until they were mere inches apart. Wriothesley gasped in surprise when Neuvillette closed the gap between them, both literal and metaphorical, and kissed him.
Wriothesley didn’t hesitate to kiss back, his face on fire despite the cold rain. He felt Neuvillette’s hands grabbing at his chest. For a moment, neither of them moved, droplets of water falling down their faces and getting mixed with the taste of Neuvillette’s mouth. It was a chaste kiss, but it electrified Wriothesley’s whole body nonetheless.
Never in a million years could he imagine Neuvillette kissing him first.
A few seconds later, Neuvillette let go of him, to Wriothesley’s disappointment. He was tempted to chase the other man and kiss him again, but didn’t in fear of pushing things too far.
Instead, they stared at each other, Wriothesley’s hands moving down to Neuvillette’s waist and resting there softly, Neuvillette’s hand still holding on to Wriothesley’s chest.
Neuvillette looked at him with a longing he didn’t believe him capable of. One of his hands travelled up to Wriothesley’s face, tracing his right cheek, down to his lips. Neuvillette wore that conflicting expression again. Wriothesley guessed he was debating if he should kiss him again, but didn’t push him, almost holding his breath in fear of breaking the moment.
Neuvillette then released him and went back a step, staring down into the water by his side. Wriothesley went still, waiting for Neuvillette to make up his mind.
”Thank you for visiting today. It was such an unexpected yet welcomed surprise.”
Wriothesley thought Neuvillette would make a run for the Palais, ashamed to even look him in the eye, but caught him off guard again by taking his left hand, lifting it up to his face and placing a small kiss on his knuckles, all without breaking eye contact. Ever the gentleman.
It was then that he turned and walked back towards the doors they had exited just a while before, leaving Wriothesley alone under the last of the rain, breathless and bewildered.
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Neuvillette closed the door to his chamber, trying to calm his raging breaths.
He wasn’t capable of holding back any longer.
Not that he had any regrets, given Wriothesley’s adoring expression after the kiss.
Kissing Wriothesley felt like tasting a completely different kind of water. One that was both hot and addictive, and cold and refreshing.
He needed to do that again, if Wriothesley would have him.
Neuvillette had left the other man standing there, to walk back to the Fortress on his own, when he'd precisely come here to see him.
But Neuvillette also needed to get out of there, afraid he’d say something stupid. A chaste kiss was one thing, losing control and telling Wriothesley that he loved him right then and there was another.
He would pay the Fortress of Meropide a visit come morning, he thought. There was no use getting reeled up about it now. He would pay the Duke a visit and apologize.
Neuvillette was thrilled, thinking of seeing Wriothesley again so soon. Morning couldn't come any faster.
It was still a bit early when Neuvillette marched his way to the aquabus and later to the back of the Opera, as if it had become his routine to get up before sunrise.
By the time he reached the elevator though, sunlight bathed Fontaine.
When Neuvillette made his way up the Duke’s office, he heard the sound of a pencil falling down the desk and on the floor, followed by a chair being dragged against the boards.
“Neuvillette?”
Wriothesley wasn't wearing any bandages anymore, his wounds visible but clearly doing better. Bless Sigewinne again. The Duke was next to the landing in a second, waiting for Neuvillette to finish ascending the stairs.
Neuvillette then stood next to him, taking him in.
“Wriothesley, I’ve come to apologize.”
Wriothesley looked worried. “What for?”
“I’m sorry I left you there alone without even saying goodbye. I was a little overwhelmed.”
Wriothesley relaxed upon hearing that. “I understand. I also had a lot to think about on my way back. I just hope you don't regret what happened.”
“The only thing I do regret about yesterday is cutting our evening short.”
“Well, that only means you didn’t have enough of me.” Wriothesley winked.
“...no, I really didn’t.”
Suddenly, they were kissing again. This time, Wriothesley started it, cupping Neuvillette’s face in his hands and pulling him closer. Neuvillette was not complaining, encircling the other man with his arms.
Neuvillette wanted nothing more than to stay in this moment forever, where he had no obligations for once, and the only thing that mattered was their mouths moving together, his hands roaming Wriothesley’s broad back and the pleasure he felt running through his entire body.
Wriothesley’s hands caressed his jaw, his neck, the back of his head while they kissed, making Neuvillette shiver. It was almost embarrassing, the way Neuvillette’s body reacted to every touch.
Eventually, and reluctantly, they separated, their breaths labored. Neuvillette still didn’t let go of his embrace, and neither did Wriothesley, hugging him tighter and nuzzling his neck. Neuvillette had never felt so out of his element, with how ready he was to catch fire.
”Hey…” Wriothesley said, lifting his head again so they were at eye level. “I’m almost tempted to ask you to stay here all day.”
”You know I can’t do that.” Neuvillette said. “I would love to, honestly, but it's not possible.”
“I know. I just… don’t want you to leave, that's all.” Wriothesley said in a hushed voice, baring himself. “It feels lonely down here when you’re not around.” That last part was merely a whisper, audible only thanks to how close they were standing.
”I’ve… had trouble sleeping these past few days. I can’t possibly get my thoughts of you at bay, I’ve tried and failed miserably. So, even if I don’t stay, I’ll be thinking of you.”
Wriothesley kissed his cheek, then his neck. Neuvillette could feel his smile on his skin. ”I can’t get your beautiful face out of my head either.”
”Wriothesley, please.” Neuvillette blushed.
“You started it.” Wriothesley’s smile turned into a smirk. “Come on, let’s sit for a bit.”
This time, when they sat on the bench, they were so close their legs and arms were touching. Neuvillette had taken off his coat and Wriothesley was only wearing a shirt, so he felt the man’s hot skin through the thin fabric of his outfit. Neuvillette swore he wasn’t leaving this place with his sanity intact.
Neuvillette repositioned himself so they weren’t touching anymore, but could face each other more easily. Wriothesley looked disappointed for a split second before Neuvillette leaned in until their noses were touching.
Wriothesley held his breath and closed his eyes while Neuvillette relished in the moment. The proximity, Wriothesley’s scent, his skin. Even if Neuvillette had said no to staying, it would be so hard to go back home.
Neuvillette leaned in, kissing Wriothesley tenderly. It was slower and more delicate this time, as if nothing could ever interrupt them.
Neuvillette grabbed Wriothesley’s shirt, gently bringing him closer while the other man’s arms circled his waist.
Neuvillette was drowning in his own emotions, having contained them for too long like a dam that was now running free. It was overwhelming, making him tremble, tears forming in his eyes.
But Wriothesley caught on his distress and pulled away slightly, locking eyes with Neuvillette and brushing away the tears with his thumbs. The fondness in Wriothesley’s gaze was enough to anchor him, a reminder that he’d never let Neuvillette’s complicated background be a burden. That this was more than just some physical encounter.
Feeling so cared for, so seen, Neuvillette could not stop the rest of the tears.
He didn’t make a sound while he cried, a constant flow of water pouring down his face.
“I’m here.” Wriothesley whispered.
It was really late in the morning when Neuvillette built up the courage to stand and leave, tears having long stopped. When he’d found his voice, he’d told Wriothesley memories from his past, how it felt to be so alone in the world. Wriothesley, in turn, told him about his life before the Fortress, all while never letting go of him, an arm around Neuvillette’s shoulders or stroking his hair.
Neuvillette kissed Wriothesley goodbye before leaving the office, the guards paying him no mind.
Neuvillette went back home feeling lighter than ever, and finally, that night sleep came easy.
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A few days went by, and Wriothesley was buried in work. After taking a couple of days to rest to heal his injuries, there was so much he had to catch up to. Sigewinne insisted he took some more time off, but he couldn't afford to let some business go unsolved any longer.
As a consequence, he had no time for Neuvillette. He was aware that the Iudex had his own work to take care of, but still. Wriothesley missed him.
This was something he knew would happen when he got into this… situation with Neuvillette. Neither of them could leave their duties unattended, and they’d been lucky enough to see each other for four days straight. Wriothesley had to consider that a win.
The more he thought about everything that had transpired between them, the more he wanted to talk to Neuvillette. Not just for the pleasure of spending time with him, which of course he did, but also because he wanted to know where they stood. Wriothesley knew Neuvillette wasn’t the kind of person to have a trivial affair, this was clearly important to him, but still. He wanted to know all his thoughts, and where to go from there.
Even when he had no time to spare, he wished Neuvillette would come to see him. It didn’t matter if it was business related. At least he could hold his cold hand while he lectured him. Archons, his skin was so soft.
He had to make time to go back to the surface again soon, or he’d go mad.
Lucky for him, a couple of days later the opportunity presented itself.
Wriothesley needed Neuvillette’s approval in some procedures. It was almost time to end his shift, but for this, he didn’t mind the extra hours. He also had enough time to reach Neuvillette’s office before he clocked out for the day.
Approximately half an hour later, Wriothesley was knocking on Neuvillette’s doors, smile so wide his face hurt.
A faint ‘come in’ could be heard from inside the chamber. Wriothesley did as told, closing the door behind him, when he heard a hushed gasp.
”Wriothesley.” Neuvillette’s eyes were wide open and full of awe.
The Duke put some papers on his desk. “Monsieur. I need you to sign these papers, if you are so inclined.” He said, feigning formality.
Neuvillette raised a brow at him, and Wriothesley burst out laughing. “Okay, I do need you to read these, for real, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss you.”
Neuvillette brought his hands to his mouth to hide a grin and a slight blush. Wriothesley was so used to seeing his serious face so many times over the years, that this in comparison made Neuvillette look a lot younger.
”It is maybe possible that I have missed you too.”
”I know you have.” Wriothesley said, smirking. “Hey, how long until you can leave the office?”
”Not much, if you’re willing to wait for me.”
”What’s a few more minutes of waiting?”
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Not long after, Neuvillette exited the Palais through the front door, where Wriothesley was leaning on the railing overlooking the Court of Fontaine. A chill breeze made the summer evening more bearable.
Neuvillette came to rest by Wriothesley’s side.
“What’s on your mind?”
”There’s a few things I wanted to speak to you about.”
”Is there something wrong?” Neuvillette sounded anxious, as if he feared he’d upset him.
“Not really.” Wriothesley turned to face Neuvillette, who lifted his head towards him. “Not that I’m complaining, okay? But we should talk about everything that’s happened, about us.”
“I hope that first kiss wasn’t too sudden for you.” Neuvillette said, after a small pause, looking down into the city again.
”Too sudden? We’ve been dancing around each other for literal years now.” Wriothesley laughed.
”Oh. I suppose you’re right. I must admit I’ve been aware of my feelings for a while, but it was only after the incident that I made the choice not to hide them anymore.” Neuvillette took Wriothesley's right hand, gently turning it around.
His injury was still visible, but subtle, and Neuvillette squeezed his hand, pleased with his recovery.
”I’ve noticed. Thought I was dreaming or something. I was ready to live with the fact that you were unreachable. That there was a wall between us. And then the other day you just… opened up to me.” Wriothesley squeezed back, scanning Neuvillette's eyes.
Neuvillette looked very vulnerable. ”I wanted to show you I care. I’ve been debating it for some time, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I can’t expect myself to always hold back. As you know, my duty is of most importance to me, and I’ve tried to be the personification of impartiality and objectiveness, but you… You’re my weak spot. I tried repressing it, I really did. I don’t want to harm your reputation with petty rumours.”
Wriothesley took both of Neuvillette's hands in his own, not caring if anybody saw. ”Let them talk. There’s more than enough proof I’ve earned my position. And the same goes to you.”
”I’m aware. I wouldn’t have fought so much for you if I didn’t know you were perfectly capable. Still, it wasn’t easy. I’m not oblivious to human relationships, but I have no idea how to make this work.” Neuvillette's hands turned into fists inside Wriothesley's grasp.
Wriothesley released his grip and lifted both of his hands, kissing each knuckle with adoration. ”It may be difficult at times. Our lives are so different, and you’re not even human. You will outlive me, and someday I’ll only be a blur in your memory. But I’m determined to try.”
Neuvillette brought their foreheads together, closing his eyes. ”Let us try, then.” He said, before giving in and kissing Wriothesley right then and there, neither of them caring anymore.
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Neuvillette was in his office when there was a knock on his door. His heart raced, as it always did, hoping for one specific person to be on the other side.
Like the five other times this day, it wasn’t. But some things never changed, and it didn’t matter that on many nights he and the Duke would sneak out to see each other like teenagers in love. Neuvillette still got butterflies thinking it could be Wriothesley visiting.
There was yet another knock on his door. Neuvillette rubbed his temples as it opened, wishing the day would finish already.
He heard footsteps, and his eyes shot up, recognising them. In a second, he was standing and walking around his desk to meet Wriothesley half way.
Neuvillette didn't let the other man talk before he grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him in, kissing him passionately.
“Now that’s what I call being welcomed.” Wriothesley said after they separated. “I hope this isn’t how you greet every person who sets foot in your office.”
“You know you get special treatment, Your Grace.”
“Then why are you calling me by my title?” The Duke raised a brow at him.
“Wriothesley. I wasn't expecting you here today.”
“I take every excuse I can to come see you. For example, my workers have found a few setbacks while reconditioning the abandoned production zone, and I wanted to discuss them with you. Professionally. In person.”
Neuvillette could not help the smile that spread on his face. He loved this man so much he couldn't wrap his head around the fact that it had taken him so long to act on his feelings. He’d missed so much. But he’d cherish every moment together from now on.
“Of course, let’s take a seat and discuss this matter.”
“Only if you’re not too busy.”
“I'm never too busy for you, Wriothesley.”
They went back to the desk and started talking business. And if they kissed every now and then, no one else had to find out.