Work Text:
Neuvillette sighs as Furina steps up to his side, something tense and watchful in him relaxing now that he she is where he can keep her safe. Not that he has any expectation that this particular social outing might result in her needing his protection, but he has been surprised by the time and place of catastrophic events before.
Are you alright? the brush of Furina’s hand and the cut of her eyes asks, and Neuvillette’s head tilts in his own reply as he cuts his eyes to the companion’s Furina has just left and then back to his treasure.
I’m fine. Did you have fun, catching up with the Traveler and Paimon?
Furina huffs slightly in amusement as she leans closer to his side, the look of her eyes wry. As much as I can when the Traveler’s companion sees fit to bring up my trauma at the worst times.
Neuvillette hums and intentionally leaves his body language open, encouraging her to rest against him, uncaring of the fact that they are in a public party with many watchful eyes.
The noble that Neuvillette had been discussing the latest reforms in agriculture with clears his throat uncomfortably and Neuvillette abruptly realizes he’d been ignoring the man. “Ah, I believe I see my wife calling me from over there. Thank you for your time, Iudex Neuvillette. Lovely to see you as always, Lady Furina.”
The man’s wife looks to be very happily engaged in a fit of gossip with a gaggle of fellow Lady’s, but Neuvillette is too glad for the opportunity to be alone with Furina to take any offense, even when he hears the man muttering, “Archons, how have they gotten even worse about it after Lady Furina stepped down from her post?” as he hurries away.
Neuvillette wonders how the man can really think that such a thing is an insult, when the Iudex can only take the regaining of this particular closeness with Furina as a victory. While their silent conversations had been commonplace before, after the trail he hadn’t been sure they would continue. For them to regain such closeness before Neuvillette has completed the invisible bond that links them inseparably…
Well, he is hardly going to discourage it when it is a vital part of his plans to make their courtship finally happen.
Furina sends a wry look after the fleeing noble, burying her face against his shoulder.
This is familiar. She says in her sigh.
Yes. Neuvillette agrees as he wraps his arm around her. Though I can’t say that I mind you discouraging the noble’s desire to linger.
Furina snorts. You never did. I’m going to really get you to stop using me as a social crutch during these things, dragon.
Neuvillette tightens his fingers briefly against his side. Mmmh. No. I don’t think you ever will.
Furina hmphed before finally drawing away slightly and turning her body back toward the Traveler and Paimon, who were staring at them with wide eyes. Come on, I excused myself from them by saying I would bring you back over. This time you can be my crutch against Paimon’s well-meaning but thoughtless words.
I would be glad to. Neuvillette agreed, and their steps were perfectly in time as they rejoined the two travel companions.