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There was only one window in the entire Fortress. One window that gave all new inmates a last look at their freedom, and all those who finished serving their sentences a chance to feel the light of a new start. To Wriothesley, though, it was how he found respite on days where work left him more tired than usual, but not tired enough to easily fall asleep.
And Wriothesley swore he was wide awake just a few moments ago, but maybe the fatigue had set in quicker than he realized, because it took him an embarrassing amount of time to notice his name was being called. Wriothesley looked up towards the source, a smile beginning to tug at his lips when he saw Lynette lounging on the ledge above the window. Their eyes met and she returned the smile—it was barely noticeable from where Lynette was perched in the dark, but it was there for a split second—before she stretched and began her descent.
It happened in a flash, Lynette’s Vision working in tandem with the shadows to help her quickly and quietly climb down, Wriothesley found it difficult to keep up with her even though she was right there, and before he knew it, Lynette had landed in front of him with a soft thud. Sneaking her way into the Fortress had become a normal thing, and this occasion first felt like any other; a sudden “appearing act” that would very likely be followed by them sitting down for tea. But this time…
“Well, what brings you down here so late?” Wriothesley couldn’t help but notice how she kept one arm behind her back, his smile turning into something of a playful grin. Mild surprise overtook Lynette’s blank expression, like she hadn’t been expecting him to turn the spotlight onto her so suddenly. Her reaction had piqued his interest, and that interest swirled with a bubbling sense of amusement as Lynette’s composure only further dwindled into something more timid, before she finally held out her hand to reveal a small present.
“I… I’ve never given a gift like this before,” she started, watching as Wriothesley took it and smoothed his fingers over the top of the box, careful not to disturb the bow. He held the gift like it was rare and precious, and warm butterflies softly drummed their wings against her chest at the thought. Lynette had to look out the window to keep herself on track. “That’s a new snack from Café Lutece. I was in line for quite a while and managed to grab the last box. I hope you like it.”
The gold ribbons almost seemed silver under the little light that poured in through the window, and as he looked back to Lynette, who still had her gaze focused on some lone fish drifting by, he found himself wishing that the light didn’t hide the blush that was likely decorating her face.
Wriothesley smiled. A new snack, huh? He wouldn't complain about that, and to see this more demure side of Lynette was also a treat in and of itself.
He gently tugged the bow undone and flicked the lid up. Inside of it was maybe about 10 Palets de Dames, but instead of the usual rounded shape, each cookie had been carefully crafted to resemble a heart, with some sporting faint pink icing and others with white. Small sheets of parchment paper were also arranged between every cookie to ensure that no icing was smudged onto one another.
“These are quite lovely, I’ll have to return the favor sometime.” He flashed her a grin as he closed the box back up, even going as far as tying the bow back into place. “If you aren’t busy the rest of the night, would you like to split these over some tea?”
Lynette’s intention had been to leave after giving him the present, and she should’ve declined the offer—it was getting late, and her brothers would be worried if they realized she was gone. But instead, Lynette nodded, feeling her nerves calm back down as she returned her gaze to him. She could already hear the interrogation that Lyney would give her, but it was hardly enough to sway her decision as she followed Wriothesley back to his office.