Work Text:
It has been a busy day for the people of Fontaine. Some of them go to their work while the others have classes of their own that they needed to attend to so the streets of the nation have been bustling with different kinds of people. The outside world is loud with cheerful people minding their own things but the same couldn’t be said inside the Palais Mermonia as the building is as busy as ever, especially the office of the Chief Justice.
Sedene gently knocks at the door trying her best to not make a lot of noise and when she heard the person inside says ‘come in’ she moved her little feet inside. It was the same as yesterday, Neuvillette is focused on his work that he didn’t even raise his head when the Melusine put down the files from the Fortress of Meropide along with a cup of tea. The aroma of the rose scented tea wafted inside the wide office and it makes Neuvillette raise his head and look at the tea and Sedene. He recognized the aroma of it and he is sure that this tea could only belong to a certain someone.
“The Duke dropped by and handed me these files along with the tea that I brewed here for you. He says that you are too busy and he doesn’t want to bother you so he decided not to go to your office.” Sedene says.
Neuvillette sighed, “Thank you Sedene” he says before nodding at her. The Melusine smiled before walking back at the door and closing it as she goes out of the office. Neuvillette picks up the cup of tea and leaned on his chair, savoring the aroma of it before taking a sip. He let the warm liquid wet his dry throat, humming in satisfaction.
He knows that Wriothesley means well by not going inside his office but he still feel like he have missed the person so much that he wanted to see him right about now. It’s just one of the moments where he’s learning how its like to want something for himself but it’s just thoughts that passed by his mind and he never really actually make them happen. They are both grown adults with work that they needed to suffice and it might have been a couple of days since they last saw each other, no he can’t deny this. He genuinely misses the man who is as busy as him. He quietly sips his tea until it becomes empty just the same as his heart.
Time really do passes by when someone is doing something as he didn’t notice that he have worked overtime again. He finishes the last remaining document in his hand and decided to end his work there and continue tomorrow. Neuvillette noticed on his windows that the moon is being hidden by the clouds and no stars could be seen in the sky. ‘is he overwhelmed by his emotion that he didn’t even notice the sky getting darker.’ He just sighed and started to pack up his things.
When he went out the door he was greeted by the staff, “Have a safe trip Chief Justice” says a lively Sedene. “Apologies Sedene as I didn’t realize the time, go now and have some rest.” Neuvillette said to the hardworking secretary which gave him a nod of approval.
Dark and cold, is the only thing that could describe the interior of his house, he is used to it all his life until just recently when he experienced how nice it is to feel the warmth of that someone that he already can’t let go of. Its been months since they’ve been together but their relationship soon got caught up with their work. They haven’t seen each other for a while and it seems like both of them know how busy the other is so they don’t disturb each other.
Neuvillette drank some water in his kitchen and after washing up proceeded to go to the bedroom, he lay motionless in his bed probably thinking about his lover who is obviously not with him right now. He shakes his head and closed his eyes for he have an early meeting tomorrow.
Today is not as busy, the meeting goes on smoothly and there is no trial to attend to. There is still some paper works but most of them have been sorted and signed already by yours truly. Neuvillette is talking with Imena when they were interrupted by the knock on the door. It was Sedene holding a tray containing a teapot, cups and a container, she smiled and put down the tray.
Sedene noticed that Neuvillette is in a daze looking at the door so she cleared her throat and said “The Duke just dropped these and asked me to bring you the lunch that he prepared, he told me that you have to eat it as he’ll be getting the receipt.” Neuvillette smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes, ‘he’s still busy huh.’ The Melusine noticed this and gave him a reassuring smile and tap.
“Well then, Chief Justice that’s all for today’s report. I would excuse myself, please enjoy your lunch.” Imena says before standing up.
“Oh please, at least have a cup of tea.” Says Neuvillette and Imena smiled at him and politely declined. She bows her head and proceeded to go out, what goes on in her mind at that moment is that ‘a mere human like me can’t possibly take the idea of drinking tea with Monsieur.’
Just like yesterday’s events, Neuvillette just let his work take the lead of his day. Signing important documents and reviewing the details of past and ongoing cases but this time, he actually finished on time and decided to call it a day. He arranged everything on his table and saw the container of food on the side. He took it and planned to throw it outside. He proceeded to go to the door and twisted the knob, what he expected was to see the staff and Melusine for him to bid farewell but what he didn’t expect is to see a person clad in black and red with messy hair, a loose tie and a grin on his face.
‘Wriothesley’
Oh how he restrained himself the urge to run to the other person and hug him like a madman, never letting go and not letting the other person the chance to speak but he composed himself and slowly walked up to his lover.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of being visited by the Duke after a long time.”
“Yes, Neuv I missed you too.”
Neuvillette laughed, he looked at Wriothesley’s eyes and saw his reflection, those icy blue eyes is captivating indeed. Right now, no words could explain what he feels, he wonder if it’s normal for his heart to beat like this, like it’s coming out of his chest. He wanted to calm it down but the longer he stared at those eyes of his, the deeper and faster his heart is falling.
“Monsieur, is the package delightful? You kept looking at it, this package doesn’t have any flaw, I assure you.” says Wriothesley who is clearly teasing. Neuvillette diverted his gaze and cleared his throat, cheeks flushed. When he looked away only then did he realized that they are still inside the office. They are staring at each other longingly, inside the Palais Mermonia, Neuvillette’s workplace.
“Goodness, talk about being unprofessional.” Neuvillette murmured, this is suppose to be a thought but it slipped from his mouth.
“Why? The melusines and people here already know we’re dating.” And as if on cue, Wriothesley looked behind Neuvillette and waved at the working staffs.
Neuvillette can feel his cheeks heat up so he ended the greetings with, “Good work everyone.” Before going out on his own, throwing the container on a near trashcan. Wriothesley is behind him, chuckling and noticed the container. “How was the food Monsieur, is it to your liking?” he asked. Neuvillette smiled and nodded his head.
“I never knew you could cook like that because whenever people ask you if you cook your own food, you always say that you don’t.” He says while walking, Wriothesley catch up with him and grabs his hand, intertwining them with his and sighing in joy.
“That’s because I normally don’t. I only eat the food provided in the cafeteria of the Fortress but ever since we started dating, I found out how you often skip your meals.” He looked at the Iudex beside him and smiled, “So I started learning how to make a certain stubborn man to eat his food on time. Those times when I drag you to eat lunch with me and when I became too busy at the fortress, then I started to cook and today is the first time I sent you something I made”
Wriothesley tightened his grip on Neuvillette’s hand and faced him, his other hand caressing his cheeks, how he missed those soft cheeks of his. The other closed his eyes to take this moment in, he really missed Wriothesley and he would be lying if he says that he doesn’t want to jump onto this man in front of him right now and so he did. He let those weakness show in his eyes and held out his arms, Wriothesley understood and quickly wraps his arm around the others waist and his other hand on the back of his head. Neuvillette buried his face in the crook of the Duke’s neck, registering his scent and warmth into his system. This, this is what he’s been longing for. He could hear Wriothesley humming lowly and he could feel him stroking his hair, he wants to feel every inch of him, be embraced by this man and so he did.
“I’m sorry I came too late, the Fortress have been met with a lot of trouble lately that’s why I’ve been caught up with a lot of things.”
“Why are you apologizing, that’s your duty and you know well how I will react if you ever keep those trouble longer than they should be.”
“Yes my lord. The last time I slacked off and barged into your office I receive a whole damn report about it.” Wriothesley chuckled while reminiscing those times.
“It’s just that…” Neuvillette trailed off.
“Hmm?”
“I missed you.” He heard his voice cracked a little,
“You know damn much how I missed you too.”
“And that I wished to hear not your apology but something else.” Neuvillette is just glad that Wriothesley cant see his expression nor his face.
“Hmm and I wonder what that thing could be,” Wriothesley being a puppy that he is, teased the person in his arms which caused the other to slowly pull away so he regretted it right away and hugged him tighter.
“I’m kidding, Neuvi. Come here.” He held his shoulder and pulled away slightly, he could see Neuvillette’s eyes being moist so he kissed it and showed him his most sincere smile.
“I love you, Mon Cheri and you don’t have to think too much about anything else.” Wriothesley says before leaning into Neuvillette and pressing his lips against the other. Slowly, he moved his hand from the back of Neuvillette’s head to his neck, guiding him in the kiss as they both feel the passion of each other that they have longed for a long time. The air outside is cold but the two people doesn’t feel it as they continue to pass each other their own body heat.
The kiss was slow, maybe because they’ve missed each other so much that they wanted to be lost in the moment or rather another reassurance especially for Neuvillette who’s not going to lie felt neglected for too long. Yes, it’s a thought that keeps bugging him because of the uncertainty of their situation, the thought that just recently been entertained. Neuvillette’s hand traveled from Wriothesley’s shoulder to his chest, with the movement of their lips the kiss goes deeper and at the same moment Neuvillette felt a tear escaped from his eyes. Wriothesley pulled away slightly and looked at him.
“Why are you crying darling, hmmm?” He raised his hands and wiped the tears from the other’s cheek.
“Oh..” says Neuvillette who looked rather surprised, “Pay it no mind. I.. I apologize for being emotional right now.” He says lowering his gaze, he can’t possibly say that he is worried about such little things.
“Now you are the one who’s apologizing. Don’t cry or else the Archon might be angered and banish me, this looks like I made you cry.”
“What absurdity, Lady Furina can’t do that and it’s not like she’s here.” And as if the sky favored this sly wolf it started to get darker and little drops of rain soon reaches the top of their head and hair. Wriothesley chuckled and Neuvillette’s face just keep getting redder and redder, he takes the duke’s hand and dragged him and to his surprise they are only a few steps away from his house. Am I really that preoccupied that I didn’t even notice, or I just don't want to go home and part yet.
“So here we are.” Wriothesley stated neither of the two let go of each other. “You still haven’t told me what made you cry Neuvi, and I refuse to leave until I make sure that it will be sunny tomorrow morning.”
Neuvillette looked at him and thought that if he didn’t tell Wriothesley, how is he suppose to know what to do. If they don’t communicate about their worries how would they know that they have one, and if they are not being honest with each other what’s the difference does it make when they have the title as lovers and not, it would feel like their relationship is just like before who have an invisible wall and not showing anything at all, he knew how hard that is and its just going to make the situation worst.
Am I allowed to demand that at all, we both have duties to upheld and a nation to serve.
This feels wrong-
“Neuvillette.”
He looked at the man in front of him.
“You have that look on your face again.”
“What look?”
“The look of doubt.” Neuvillette looked at the serious expression of Wriothesley. He know what he’s thinking right now and to be honest he felt like he’s the one being judged at this situation.
He really do know me well, Neuvillette thought,
“This might be a request that some people may find unreasonable,” Neuvillette started, Wriothesley didn’t say anything to urge him to continue but he never forgot to draw circles on the man’s hand with his thumb.
“I’ve been the Iudex of Fontaine for as long as I can remember, I have never asked for anything because I have always been focused on my job that I am not interested in anything, but in this moment I have realized that the cycle which I have grown into have developed into something new because of a certain person, right now all I want is to have you, to be with you…”
“I am wondering if I am allowed to be selfish because I feel like I am not giving you the affection that I know full well you deserve because I am torn between my role and my personal life. This is my first time experiencing something like this and it worries me if I’m doing it right, if keeping you by my side is the right decision that I should make.”
This time, it is Wriothesley’s turn to be stunned by those words. It’s not because it’s utterly unbelievable that Neuvillette would say such words but because he recognize this feeling well, that he knows the meaning behind those words.
His position is worrying him again.
He knows this fact from the first time he asked Neuvillette to be his lover, the man made an entire report just to address these situations and because he love him so much he accepted it without a hint of hesitation but Wriothesley guess that it’s still becoming a problem with him. He guess all those times that they are apart have made him realize those things in a much fuller view. Wriothesley smiled, his eyes full of unsaid emotions and he could feel himself being overwhelmed by the sudden gush of affection that he have received from the most beautiful man in Fontaine. He is indeed whipped for this man.
“My lord, you know that you need not to worry about those things. I know those concerns will haunt us every once in a blue moon, but I rather you worry about the things that we have today, worry about how to indulge me every time you have a chance. If you want to elope with me then you know damn much I’ll follow you anywhere and everywhere you go. I love you so much that I would be happy to even see you in court.”
He stared at the one in front of him wondering whatever he did to deserve him, to have him. All he could think about right now is the reason why he fell in love with him in the first place. Yes, he finally remember that those words have no power over Wriothesley and that no matter how much they come across his mind this person will probably make him forget about it easily. Just like right now, Neuvillette can already feel all those thoughts and worries going down the drain. Being washed away by the amount of affection and sincerity that he’s showering right now. Seriously, this man and his mouth full of flattery.
“And what are the chances of that?” ask Neuvillette for the statement of Wriothesley going to court. He’s feeling the atmosphere between them relax a bit.
“Those unreasonable people that you mentioned, I’ll have a talk with them at the underwater prison--“
“Wriothesley.”
“Alright, alright I am joking…” Wriothesley chuckled and pinched his lover’s cheeks, “Come on Monsieur. You have to show me those dashing smile so I’ll have a good rest when I go home.” Neuvillette lowly laughs and smiled at him, holding both his hands and looking at him in the eye.
“Didn’t I just say I’ll be selfish from now on.”
“That yes you did.”
“Then I want you to stay.” Neuvillette says, he is nervous but because of everything that happened between them up to this moment he really just want to let himself go and stop binding himself, restricting himself into wanting Wriothesley. If he could shamelessly say all those things and be brave enough to be honest with what he’s feeling then he too is capable of such boldness.
Wriothesley’s smile became larger and with a swift move he turned his lover around, put his hand on his waist and guide his hand towards the door.
“I thought you’d never asked.” He whispered before going inside Neuvillette’s house.
Inside Neuvillette’s home…
“Go to the bathroom and wash up first.” Says Neuvillette while hanging both their coats in the coat stand. He felt Wriothesley hug him from behind and whispered in his ear.
“I might feel lonely in the bathroom, care to join me?” Wriothesley asked, his voice sweet and innocent but the words certainly is not. Neuvillette laughs and holds his hand.
“Very well.” He agreed which earned him a surprised look from Wriothesley. He meant it as a joke yes and is not actually hoping for- well nevermind he did hope for Neuvillette to agree with him but he didn’t expect it to be that quick.
He kissed his lovers hands before dragging him towards the bathroom and the moment they closed the door their lips clashed once again and this time the kiss is much more passionate, needy and the feeling of wanting more. The heat that they’ve been feeling while they were outside ignited. Wriothesley kissed Neuvillette, licking his lips in order to ask for entrance which the other gladly accepted. His tongue explored the inside of Neuvillette’s mouth and just when he is about to remove the clothes that hides his man’s godly physique he heard Neuvillette hummed and pulled away on the kiss. He saw that his lips are swollen from the biting and his cheeks flushed but more importantly he have a slight frown that shows his eyebrows and his trembling eyelashes.
“Perchance you should shave.” He says touching his chin which clearly is forgotten from the days of nonstop work.
“Huh?” Wriothesley was dumbfounded. Here he is kissing his Iudex to his hearts content and developing a boner in the process but then he got stopped by the stubble on his jaw and chin. The serious and naïve look in Neuvillette’s eyes gave it away and he just laughed wholeheartedly, shaking his head and touched his chin.
“Then would you like to help me get rid of this stubble?” He asked Neuvillette and the other gladly took him near the sink and look for the cream and blade. The sink top is pretty big so when Wriothesley carried Neuvillette to sit him in the sink and settle himself in between his thighs he didn’t protest and started to apply the cream on his jaw and chin and even the top of his lips.
“I cant believe I just got blue balled by this goddamn stubble.” He complained but still with a smile on his face, he is actually joking because right now all he cares is the look on Neuvillette’s face that is so focused on what he is doing afraid that he would get hurt.
“Wriothesley language” he says in a warning tone “You are the Duke of the Fortress of Meropide, you should be presentable at all times and also have you ever considered fixing that habit of yours to wear your tie loosely?” Neuvillette lectured, I mean don’t get him wrong the way he wore his clothes are just so gorgeous that he sometimes ask himself why his man doesn’t fix even his tie and yet still look so good in it. He feels like no matter what he wear he would always find him attractive. He have a very good fashion sense indeed, unlike him who almost have the same pair of clothes everyday.
“Yeah I know but I don’t have to look good in front of anyone cause all I care about is how to look my best in front of you” he says matter of factly. “and also no, I wont ever fix my tie into something that would probably choke me to death, I would only do it on our wedding day.” Wriothesley added. Neuvillette is slowly sliding the blade on top of his jaw, ‘those sharp looking jaw that is probably much more sharper than this blade in my hand’ he removed the thought in his head and answered.
“Are you by any chance, asking my hand in marriage.” Neuvillette says jokingly and Wriothesley smiled, his face red from reasons unknown.
“Neuvillette no matter how much I wanted to put a ring in your finger to tell the whole of Teyvat that you are mine, I won’t do it in your bathroom. I want to do it somewhere that we’ll surely remember and also I want to brag to everyone how my charm caught your attention from the moment you saw me in court, oh those look your giving to this criminal is something that is not safe for work- ow” He stopped his reminiscing when Neuvillette pinched his cheeks then here comes a serious look from Wriothesley the next moment, he held the others waist and slowly whispered, his voice filled with uncertainty.
“Joking aside, that is... if you want to... get married with me.” He says looking like a dejected and afraid puppy. This time it was Neuvillette’s turn to comfort him.
“L’amour de ma vie, do remember that no matter where you ask me, I would always say yes.” Neuvillette smiled and finished what he is doing and after wiping Wriothesley’s face with a clean towel he leaned in and gave a soft sweet kiss. “I would be awaiting for the ring that you promised. Failing to do so, I might have to sue you for it is a crime to propose to someone without a ring.”
“Who in the hell made a law like that but no need, I will come prepared.” Wriothesley laughed maniacally which made Neuvillette laugh as well looking at the bright smile that his lover has he thought.
Maybe in this lifetime, I’ll make myself selfish. I know greediness is a sin but as long as it’s with this man I am willing to fall deeper.