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Ah, the first time he laid his eyes on that boy something ignited inside him. An insatiable curiosity provoked simply by an exchange of glances changed the entire course of that day, at least.
The Chief Justice always took some time out to relax on Fontaine's beautiful beaches, to observe the horizon of that vast land that had changed so much over the years and to rethink the future of that nation. That day, however, he came across a peculiar figure; a young blond man with blue orbs staring at him while the remaining half of his body was in the water. The stare was not unfamiliar to him, he was used to being glared at by all sorts of people, but the moment the boy seemed to realize that he was being stared back at, he immersed into the water again.
What a shame.
He would have started a brief friendly conversation if the other hadn't been intimidated "Maybe I should smile more..." he thought as laughed to himself at the sudden situation.
---
Another day, Freminet once again saw the grandiose figure of authority of his nation in the same way as before... except that a heavy rainstorm was falling from the skies, drenching the older man's elegant clothes and shaking Fontaine's surroundings. Confused, the diver tries to understand why the Chief Justice is standing there alone in the rain. Maybe he shouldn't bother him, go back to his lonely, cozy corner in the sea, immerse himself in his own world again to escape all the negativity outside...
Well, this plan doesn't even come close to being executed when the boy notices Neuvillette's incisive gaze on him, feeling his heart pound with shock.
The rain suddenly becomes a little less intense, as if the skies are calming down. As if the Hydro Dragon had stopped shedding its tears.
"Hello" the face that had previously expressed a certain astonishment turned into something more light-hearted, a smile that didn't show much joy lingered on the older man's lips; his tone was deep enough to carry through the rain "You're Freminet, correct?"
There was no way he could repeat what he did last time, immerse himself in the water and run away from his problems. Conversation wasn't his strong suit by any means, but he wasn't going to disrespect the Chief Justice like that, especially when the situation he was in didn't seem to be the best. He was curious, in a way.
"Y-yes, Monsieur Neuvillette," he says, unable not to feel intimidated by the iudex penetrating gaze, as if he were reading his soul "Are you all right?" he risks asking, given the obvious circumstances.
Neuvillette is a little taken aback by the question, but tries to respond in accordance with the conversation and others' expectations "I'm fine, I appreciate your concern"
But his eyes don't match his words, Freminet senses that. If it weren't for the rain, he might even deduce that the Chief Justice had been crying. A strange feeling spread through the diver's chest- no, he knew exactly what that feeling was. The other orbs were like a vast, dark ocean, full of secrets and mysteries, hidden feelings and extreme loneliness.
He might not know it, but the feeling was familiar.
"I suppose I'm interrupting you on your adventure. Please don't feel pressured to stay." The blond boy is snapped out of his thoughts when he hears the honest suggestion, feeling cowed by such a direct answer. He focuses on Neuvillette again, finding no sign of discomfort on the other's face, but unable to dispel the previous feeling from his chest.
Neuvillette's politeness and quick understanding of him were greatly appreciated... though perhaps staying wasn't as bad as he thought. There were no real obstacles, the rain wouldn't affect him since he was always on the seas (although he truly disliked rain) and his company wasn't noisy, let alone invasive. Even if it was slightly intimidating to be near the Chief Justice, the few words they exchanged showed that he shouldn't be so afraid, and the man's expressions also caught his attention.
It wasn't his style, but it didn't hurt to try a little.
"I don't have anything in particular to do, so I can stay. I just can't promise to talk..."
Neuvillette smiled genuinely at the unexpected answer and watched as the blond man approached, coming out of the water still wearing his wetsuit, watching him silently as if calculating his own actions and sitting down on the sand. Even though it wasn't exactly appropriate, the iudex also sat down, catching the other's surprised look and feeling the smile forming on his lips once again.
Suddenly, the drops falling from the sky slowed down more and more quickly, bringing another surprised look to Freminet's expression.
Although there was no verbal demonstration, both of them were happy that the rain was over.