Chapter Text
Neuvillette was hooking an arm with Wriothesley as they entered the garden. The Prince and Princess were hosting a lunch for some of the ton. He and Wriothesley had received an invitation, and he had no wish to insult the royal family. He glanced at Wriothesley, who was well-dressed, his cravat straight and jacket well tailored. His hair neatly combed but still had the tousled look so common for him.
The two royals were happily sat with some of their friends and mostly cousins. He spotted however the Viscountess Lawrence with her daughter. He avoided her gaze, he had every reason to dislike her. However, much to his dismay, she approached the two of them.
“Your graces, it is a pleasant surprise to see you two. I thought, given your recent nuptials, you would still be spending time in your country seat.” She said, hiding her expression behind her fan.
“Business and this charming luncheon have brought me to town.” Neuvillette said politely, he was eager to cut the conversation short.
“Well, I shall leave you to greet the others.” She seemingly forced a smile before leaving. Her daughter trailing behind her.
“You certainly have the ability to defend yourself from a sharp witted mama.” Wriothesley smirked slightly, whispering into Neuvillette’s ear.
“I need to in order to defend my sister from the men, a mother is far more scary than a gentleman.” Neuvillette muttered conspiratorially.
“Mm, how gallant you are.”
When they returned home, Neuvillette went riding through the grounds. Wriothesley took the chance to sit with Sigewinne. She had prepared the tea the way she always did, rather strong and with almost no sugar to sweeten the bitter punch that could sometimes be tasted.
“How was your honeymoon?” She asked, taking a sip of her tea as Wriothesley added some more sugar.
“Rather uneventful. We have yet to share a bed.” He chuckled, sipping his now slightly more tolerable tea.
“That is quite odd. I usually hear that most couples will at least spend the wedding night together…” She put down her cup, thinking on his words seemingly.
“Do you wish for more affectionate relations in marriage?” Sigewinne asked tentatively. Her eyes looking deep into Wriothesley’s soul, a look she had seemingly perfected.
Wriothesley thought for a moment, “I do… yes.” He felt after his recent conversation that it perhaps was more likely he thought that Neuvillette felt similar feelings.
“Then you shouldn’t hide any affection. You should be open, not hide anything. Perhaps he’s hiding any possible feelings for fear of no reciprocation. If not, then perhaps he will be able to firmly disabuse you of any idea… I personally hope for your sake that it is the former.”
“… Perhaps I should.” Wriothesley took a sip of his tea.
Neuvillette found himself in the library once more, his gaze on some of the novels it seemed Wriothesley had been reading. His eyes glanced at the contents. It appeared as if he enjoyed similar books to his sister’s tastes. Lurid writing was present, of which he found himself both unable to tear his gaze from and deeply embarrassed about. Was this what Wriothesley had expected of them?
He heard a creak of the door opening, he quickly closed the book. Blood rushing to his cheeks. He coughed slightly, looking away from Wriothesley. “Wr- Guillaume. I did not-”
“Were you reading the same novels I was?” Wriothesley chuckled slightly. Seemingly finding much amusement at the scene.
“Merely… glancing. A brief overview-” Neuvillette kept his gaze on the table. He suddenly found it rather captivating.
“I pass no judgment. I read them for a reason after all.” Wriothesley’s smile was so wide and honest, it almost made Neuvillette feel more flushed.
“Were you looking for me?” Neuvillette changed the subject, eager to get off the topic of those novels.
Wriothesley continued his chuckle before speaking. “We have received an invitation to a wedding. Miss Moreau and Dame Clorinde.”
Neuvillette looked up at Wriothesley. “… They are to marry?” Neuvillette hadn’t picked up on their affections, but he supposed that they would have had time this past month or more.
“Well the Dame is your friend, we should reply that we shall attend.”
Wriothesley smiled and nodded. “Of course, I just thought I would inform you before I responded.”
The next day, Furina’s carriage arrived. One of Neuvillette’s trusted manservants had been dispatched to ensure her safe travel. She was in the typical Focalors colour of blue, a deep rich one for her overcoat.
“Sister, It has been too long.” Neuvillette offered his gloved hand.
Wriothesley smiled, “Welcome. They have prepared a room, I ensured it was near the Library.” Furina smiled widely.
“Thank you Wriothesley.” She walked with a new spring in her step.
That night dinner was rather warm, Neuvillette felt strangely interested in his sister’s activities. He supposed it was due to their separation. He hadn’t been living in a separate home from his sister since his days at Eton.
“Your governess gave you the lessons we agreed on while I was away, yes?” Neuvillette asked.
“Yes, brother, just as you instructed. I believe she is quite pleased with my progress.” She said with a hint of pride.
“… Then I am sure you will have a brilliant season next year.” Neuvillette tried to hide too much brotherly affection.
“Thank you brother! I shall be certain to devote myself to my studies.” She rather enthusiastically began to cut into her lamb.
—
The wedding between the two ladies was rather beautiful. At the breakfast Neuvillette came to talk to Miss – well, he supposed, she was now also Dame Aubert.
“I see you are very happy with your wife.” Neuvillette smiled politely. He respected her, he would have never courted her if he did not.
“Yes, she is a good friend and I believe she will be an ever better partner.” She smiled fondly, gazing at Clorinde. “And you? How is your husband? I have not yet had the chance to talk with him.”
Neuvillette looked over to Wriothesley. He was laughing, clearly enjoying being back in the company of a dear friend. He let a smile grace his lips. “… He is well. I believe he enjoys being home.”
He didn’t notice how Navia smiled slightly after seeing where his gaze was directed. “…. Yes, I can see you hold strong affection for him.”
“Pardon?” Neuvillette turned his head back to Navia’s face quickly after hearing that comment. He hadn’t realised he was staring for so long that she noticed.
“I can tell you care for him.” She smiled, walking off. He felt his heart race a little, he did not know why it felt like he was caught… well he did. He glanced to the ceiling, almost as if he would spot his parents looking down at him from the heavens above. Was it right for him to pay so much mind to what they thought? It was his life after all.
To his surprise, there was dancing. Wriothesley approached him, extending a hand. Like he had all those weeks ago before they were wed. “A dance, your grace?” Wriothesley’s pale blue eyes reflected the candlelight.
“… Of course, your grace.” Neuvillette placed his hand on Wriothesley’s letting the other man's gloved hand envelope his.
The dance began soon after. The two close with time to talk to each other. “Enjoying the celebration?” Neuvillette asked, his voice intended for no one other than the man who he was being led by.
“Very much.” Wriothesley chuckled a little, “How could I not enjoy seeing a dear friend? It would be rather out of character for me. But what about you?”
Neuvillette smiled, it was one thing that he found charming of Wriothesley, his endless care for those around him. “I enjoy it very much…” And a little quieter, almost as if he spoke before he thought. “Especially seeing you in such high spirits.”
Wriothesley paused for a single second before spinning Neuvillette before bringing him back. “… you can tell me your feelings. You need not hide them, we are husbands.” His eyes shone with a tenderness that spoke more than his words did.
“… You make it seem so easy to share your affections so openly.” Neuvillette looked down to their feet.
“… Because I know that life is not always long. I know I should express my emotions so I shan’t regret my actions later.”
It was the day before, Wriothesley had told Neuvillette he wanted to show him something, he led him to a less maintained part of the garden. It was still clearly kept from being overgrown, but he noticed the plants grew more freely. He suddenly spotted a clearly carved double bedstead, on the headstones had years and two names. Neuvillette glanced at Wriothesley. He didn’t seem completely overcome with grief.
Unsure of what to do, he merely took his hand squeezing it gently. The flowers placed on the two graves seemed fresh. Perhaps he visited regularly.
“They were some of the best men I knew.” Wriothesley said quietly.
“… I lost mine at a young age as well. It was not long after I had left Eton.” Neuvillette had not talked much to his father in the days leading up to it. He had taken him to a brothel to ‘sow his wild oats’. He had felt so unnatural in it that he had thrown himself into work. He wondered if perhaps he may have been able to do something if he had been there more…
“There’s no need to feel guilty. There is no way to go back in time so you should not think about what you could have done.” Wriothesley squeezed his hands as he took them in his.
“… You speak from experience?” Neuvillette felt a tear fall down his cheek, perhaps that is how Wriothesley guessed his thoughts.
“Yes.” Wriothesley wiped the tear from Neuvillette’s face. “There is no way to change the past so it is best to not wallow in what ifs.”
“… I suppose you are right.”
—
That night, Wriothesley went to his chamber before spotting Neuvillette nearby.
“Was there something you needed?” Wriothesley hadn’t expected to see him there.
Neuvillette looked at him, his eyes like opals reflected the dance of the candle flame. His hair fell over his form like waves. “… I simply thought… you may wish to share a bed tonight.” His voice was small, almost as if he was nervous.
“… I will always be happy to share a bed with you.” Wriothesley walked up to him. Taking the other's hand in his own.
“… As will I, Wriothesley.” Hearing his name fall off the other's lips made him pause. It was something that made him feel rather warm. Wriothesley could not help himself as he kissed Neuvilette. A small chaste kiss, not too prolonged.
“… I love you Neuvillette.” Wriothesley spoke after he broke their kiss, placing his forehead to the other’s.
Neuvillette’s cheeks flushed, it was endlessly amusing to Wriothesley how easy it was to fluster him. Though he told himself, he should not use this to tease the man too severely.
“... As do I… I love you Wriothesley.” Neuvillette whispered before kissing Wriothesley back.