Work Text:
Many an occasion, Wriothesley sends specially blended tea to Neuvillette; teas of different flavors and benefits: a light white tea for relaxing if he heard that the Iudex had too many trials; a chamomile blend for calming the heart; a strong black for alertness.
The Duke's fondness and affection is in the tea that he sends, and always a special tea tailored to fit his beloved Iudex's moods. Even if he does not have the kind of emotional resonance Neuvillette has, Wriothesley makes it up with his keen observations.
Of course, Wriothesley's tender and thoughtful offerings are not ignored by Neuvillette; the Iudex may be quiet and private with his thoughts but he's not that much of a fool with feelings of others. Neuvillette only wished to be careful with returning such these feelings.
Truthfully, he did put all these gifts properly away though he might not enjoy the beverage as much as the Duke did. The tea boxes were arranged in his cabinet, sorted by the days that they were sent, and there were hundreds of them, lined up in colors and sizes.
It was one fine evening that Wriothesley visited, and saw Neuvillette putting another box of tea away into the same glass cabinet. He whistled a little, seeing the stock of boxes, every single one unopened.
"Did you not like any of those teas at all?" The Duke asked.
He sounded a little tense, a bit deflated but he looked straight at Neuvillette, his shoulders shrugging, a wry smile on his lips. Neuvillette closed the cabinet door and took a long time to reply. Gathering his thoughts, it may all be.
"I am not able to appreciate the tea the same way as you do, and I do not wish to waste this sentiment this way."
"You kept all the teas I sent you?"
Ah, Wriothesley thought it was quite incredulous.
"Every single one," Neuvillette replied, his head tilted aside, his eyes widening in surprise, "Is that something I should not do?"
"But why? If it's old, then throw it away."
All pragmatic he was saying that, but the Duke felt his heart dull. What some of it was indeed thrown?
Wriothesley sighed, and covered his face with one hand.
Ah, his cheeks burned. It was a good heat in a way, the way his blush travelled from his throat to his ears.
"I'll send you another box tomorrow." He finally said, finding his voice back.
"I will be happy to receive it." Neuvillette replied, though he was quite aware of the Duke suddenly staring in his direction, "Is there something you see on my face?"
Wriothesley shook his head, feeling his heart clamoring.
Oh no, no, he was not going to tell the Iudex how the tips of those pointed ears were blushing too, and the tips of those elegant horns were softly glowing.
His own secret, this was. That his affection was accepted too.