Archive of Our Own

Neuvillette calls himself a connoisseur of water. As someone who resonates with each and every property of it, it’s only natural that he comes to hold a certain fondness. The taste, for one–he always prefers fresh spring water over water from a jug found mysteriously on his desk. The flow, for another–he tends to relax at the sound of the water trickling down a river.

But, to resonate so deeply with water, comes a bittersweet sentiment. Water certainly has its flaws. It holds intense amounts of emotion, most evidently, through a person’s tears that run down their cheek perhaps when… they’ve lost a loved one. Tears are an indicator that someone is upset. As for Neuvillette on the other hand, it’s the rain.

The rain, the various water droplets that fall over Fontaine, is an indicator that he is upset. It’s not exactly a clear one, as only a number of people know his identity. But still, it is yet another flaw that comes with water: the burden it may provide–the rain that will soil clothes and ruin children’s playdates. Neuvillette hates to burden anyone merely over his own feelings.

And then there is tea–a result of both water and dried tea leaves.

Tea is certainly not Neuvillette’s favorite. He will always choose water over anything else. But despite this, what makes it so special is that he’s brewing tea for someone else. Someone that he’s come to love.

And so here he stands, both hands resting on the counter’s edge, waiting for the tea to finish brewing. There’s a carefully concentrated frown on his face as he makes sure he doesn’t somehow mess up such a simple task.

But just then, the doorbell rings.

Neuvillette smiles.

He straightens up, and approaches the door, ready to welcome the person behind it to his own abode. The door handle clicks and as he pulls it open, he comes face-to-face with the man that he’s been daydreaming constantly about, ever since they kissed that one lovely night.

Wriothesley stands there with a tilted head and a small smile.

Neuvillette’s breath stutters at the sight. He stares. And then he stares some more. He truly is a handsome man.

Wriothesley stares back, a sweet expression on his face.

“How’s it going, Monsieur?” Wriothesley finally speaks first, his tone constructed into one meant strictly for business.

Neuvillette chuckles, slightly embarrassed already. “Quite… well, thank you. And what about you, Your Grace?”

They act polite and professional. The two of them stand there, at Neuvillette’s front door, for all the world to see. After all, who wouldn’t be curious as to why the Warden of the Fortress of Meropide is conversing with the Chief Justice at his very home?

“I’m doing fine myself, thank you for asking.” Wriothesley’s stiff, though his hands twitch. Neuvillette notices and he peeks further out of his door and looks around. He spots no watchful eyes. It’s getting dark after all.

He turns back to Wriothesley and gives him a small nod. A look of realization flashes across Wriothesley’s face and he’s quick to let out a relieved laugh as he falls into Neuvillette, wrapping him into his arms. They both stumble back into Neuvillette’s home, Wriothesley closing the door behind them.

“I missed you,” Wriothesley immediately says, his tone soft and nothing at all professional. He leans back to stare into Neuvillette’s eyes with a fond smile.

“It’s only been a day,” Neuvillette chides though he shares the same smile.

“One day too long.”

“And so you truly couldn’t wait until the door was closed before hugging me?”

“Mmh?” Wriothesley grins. “Sounds like someone didn’t enjoy it.” He tightens his arms around Neuvillette’s waist, eyes sparkling as he notices the way Neuvillette struggles to respond.

“No, I…” Neuvillette sighs, his eyes flickering down to Wriothesley’s lips. “I did.”

“Good.” And then, as if he read his mind, Wriothesley cups his jaw, pulling him into a kiss. They linger there for a moment, in the middle of Neuvillette’s dim-lit home as they relish in each other’s presence. When they pull away, both of their cheeks are flushed, despite the cooler climate outside. Then, Wriothesley looks past him with surprise. “Are you making tea?”

“Indeed I am. Care for a cup?”

Wriothesley responds with a nod though his arms only slightly loosen from Neuvillette’s waist. He clings to his body, reluctant to let go, even if Neuvillette gives him a raise of his eyebrow.

They smile shyly at each other, lost in each other’s eyes. It takes a few moments for them to finally break apart. Afterwards, when Neuvillette finally gets Wriothesley to loosen his grip, he pours a cup of tea for each of them, bringing the tray over to where Wriothesley sits on the nearby couch, waiting patiently.

Neuvillette sits next to him, smiling as Wriothesley shifts even closer.

As they drink, the two of them fall into a calming conversation, catching up on the day’s events, occasionally teasing each other when one of them gets caught stealing lovesick glances at the other.

“Ah, by the way,” Wriothesley starts. “Sigewinne was actually wondering how you are these days. I told her that you’re doing fine. I hope that’s accurate.”

Neuvillette nods. “Of course, I’m doing well. How is she? Has anybody been bothering her?”

Wriothesley shakes his head with a chuckle. “Nope and I make sure of that. Though, she does… keep pestering me about our relationship.”

“Oh?” Neuvillette’s eyes widen.

Wriothesely shrugs, sheepishly, the tips of his ears turning red. “I really don’t know. She keeps asking about how far we’ve gone, saying that it would benefit our emotional health according to a book she read.”

“How far?” Neuvillette raises his eyebrows. “How far as to what?”

“As to…” Wriothesley’s eyes dart away. “...physical affection, I believe.”

“Ah,” Neuvillette breathes. He sets his cup down and Wriothesley follows. They face each other, knees brushing against each other. “Then… I think we’ve gone pretty far, wouldn’t you agree?” Neuvillette eyes Wriothesley teasingly.

“I would guess so, yeah.” Wriothesley’s eyes flicker downwards. Neuvillette lets out a quiet laugh as his hands come up to grab Wriothesley’s tie, pulling him in so that they can press their lips together.

Wriothesley lets out a satisfied hum as he deepens the kiss, his hands roaming over Neuvillette’s sides, making him jerk from the ticklish feeling. Wriothesley smiles against his lips at the reaction, tilting his head further into the kiss. Neuvillette hums back, savoring the taste of the tea on Wriothesley’s mouth.

When they break apart, they’re already panting.

“Quite far,” Neuvillette confirms, his heart pounding.

Wriothesley gives him a suggestive look. “How about farther?”

Neuvillette freezes at that. Suddenly, he is reminded of the ache in his muscles and the constant habit of yawning he’s experienced the whole day. Sedene, as the Melusine she is, noticed when he was leaving work and tried to get him to take a day off. Naturally, he refused.

Still, he is somewhat aware of his limits. And… he would hate to disappoint Wriothesley, especially so early into their relationship.

“Unfortunately not today,” Neuvillette says, his voice quieting with shame. “I’m sorry.”

Wriothesley immediately leans in, his gaze searching Neuvillette’s, a small frown on his face. “Don’t apologize,” he whispers. “Is everything okay?” He scans Neuvillette, a look of worry evident through his puppy-like eyes and his slightly furrowed eyebrows.

Neuvillette winces and glances away, a rush of guilt overcoming him. His mouth opens slightly, about to lie, but then he stops himself. On the second day that they started dating, Wriothesley insisted that he should never try to hide when he’s feeling down.

“I know you always do. But I’m by your side now. There’s no need to lie about how you feel anymore.”

He closes his mouth for a moment as he exhales shakily, nervously. “I’m just feeling more fatigued than usual.”

It’s quiet for a moment. Neuvillette peeks at Wriothesley, expecting to face an odd or bothered look. But instead, Wriothesley stares at him just the same, completely admiring and caring as ever.

“I see,” he simply replies.

Neuvillette gulps, his hands fidgeting. He was supposed to be a good host for Wriothesley. Wriothesley has work as well. This can’t be as serious as he’s making it out to be. He’s ruined the mood. He–

“Let me take care of you,” Wriothesley speaks up again. “Have you taken a bath yet?”

Neuvillette looks at him in shock. He barely manages to get out a “no.”

Wriothesley smiles reassuringly as he stands up. He reaches a hand out, inviting Neuvillette to take it. “Then come on, get up.” He tilts his head. Neuvillette stares at it for a moment before hesitantly taking it, allowing Wriothesley to hoist him up from his seat.

Just then, a wave of dizziness washes over him and he trips. Wriothesley is quick to catch him against his chest, one hand finding its away around his waist and the other hand finding Neuvillette’s own, the warmth sending shivers down his spine.

Neuvillette regains his balance and stands back up. He exhales heavily, looking at Wriothesley with a guilty look. “You don’t have to do all this for me.”

“Why?” Wriothesley gives him a playful smile. “That would make me a pretty bad boyfriend, no?”

Neuvillette huffs out a fond laugh. “Not necessarily.” When Wriothesley gives him a questioning look, he continues, “you’ve always been amazing. I… don’t want to pester you further.”

“Neuvillette,” Wriothesley says, his voice serious now. “I promise it’s fine.” His other hand comes up to brush through Neuvillette’s hair. He winces when it gets caught on a knot. He was much too tired to even brush through it today. “I want to take care of you. So indulge me, sweetness.”

Neuvillette feels a warmth spread through his face. He’s now at a loss for words. He would do anything Wriothesley wants. So, if that means, letting Wriothesley take care of him, then he truly does have no other choice.

“Okay,” he mumbles, avoiding Wriothesley’s eyes. The man sighs fondly before leading him towards the bathroom.

Neuvillette watches, his chest pounding as Wriothesley prepares the bathtub. He makes sure that the water isn’t too hot or too cold. Neuvillette has no sensitivity to water temperature, but it’s still endearing to watch anyway. Then, he arranges all of the products that Neuvillette uses, in order of which he thinks he uses first. He smiles, hiding his face with his hand. He is completely wrong. But that just makes him ten times more endearing.

After gaining his composure, Neuvillette begins to undress, taking off his coat, his accessories, and everything else that accompanies his outfit. He sets them aside, waiting for Wriothesley to finish setting up.

Wriothesley stands up once he’s done. Yet, when he turns around, he immediately covers his eyes. “Oh,” he chokes.

“Is something the matter?” Neuvillette tilts his head curiously.

Wriothesley laughs, his ears a bright red now. He gestures for Neuvillette to climb into the bathtub. “Nothing. It’s just–” He gently pokes Neuvillette’s cheek. “You’re beautiful, Monsieur.”

Neuvillette’s eyes widen at that. “I look disheveled at the moment, Wriothesley.”

“Never.” Wriothesley scrunches his nose. “You’re always breathtaking.”

Neuvillette can’t think of anything else to say or do. Instead, he just sinks further into his bathtub, hoping that his cheeks aren’t pink right now. He observes quietly as Wriothesley brings over a stool. Then, he strips off the outer layer of his clothes, leaving him only in his black dress shirt. Neuvillette tries not to stare too much.

As Wriothesley begins washing his body, his hands gentle as they run over his skin, Neuvillette stares up at the man with soft eyes, blinking slowly as he fights the urge to fall asleep.

Wriothesley bites the inside of his cheek, as he resists the desire to melt and smile at the adorable sight.

“Won’t you join?” Neuvillette eventually asks, looking at the man pleadingly. Oh, how he longs for Wriothesley’s warmth.

Wriothesley swallows thickly. His eyes run over Neuvillette, from his beautiful hair that’s free from the ribbon that always ties it together, down to his slim figure, half concealed by the water.

He’s not quite prepared for this. He’s too pretty. Neuvillette is too pretty.

“No, it’s alright.” Wriothesley smiles as he swipes a thumb over Neuvillette’s bottom lip, marvelling at the plushness of it. “I’ll wash up after, hm? Let me take care of you first.”

Neuvillette doesn’t sulk. And he certainly doesn’t pout. He does not. He is the Hydro Dragon Sovereign. He’s just a bit disappointed that’s all. This is no matter to pout over.

“You’re pouting,” Wriothesley sings, his tone teasing and lilted. “I promise you, another day, dearest.”

Wriothesley continues washing the rest of his body. Then, he moves onto his hair. Gently, he runs his fingers through Neuvillette’s scalp, massaging it with soap. Neuvillette struggles to keep his eyes open.

“Turn around, Neuvi,” Wriothesley mumbles. “I have to wash the rest of your hair.”

Oh, how thorough Wriothesley can be. He never misses a single detail when it comes to caring for Neuvillette. He’s sure that there is no spot on his face that Wriothesley hasn’t kissed.

Neuvillette shifts in the bathtub so that his back faces the man. He feels Wriothesley cautiously picking up his hair, combing through the strands as he spreads product all the way to the very ends.

Neuvillette never once feels a single tug on his hair that makes him wince. Wriothesley is ever so gentle, taking care of his hair just the same as he does with the rest of him.

Neuvillette feels his breath hitch.

Tears spring to his eyes.

Ah.

Even sitting in a bathtub filled with water, it still remains his greatest enemy when it comes to emotions. His vision blurs as he faces the wall. Neuvillette’s body stiffens, praying that Wriothesley doesn’t turn him around at the moment, lest he face a tear-stricken Neuvillette.

Desperately, when he notices that Wriothesley’s finishing up with his hair, he blinks away the tears as best as he can. He’s grateful that his face is slightly damp, concealing any possible tears that may have escaped.

“I’m done, gorgeous,” Wriothesley leans in and whispers into his ear. Neuvillette blinks and turns back around. As the man walks away briefly to retrieve a towel and a set of clothes to change in, Neuvillette quickly reaches the back of his hands up to his eyes, wiping the tears away.

He lets out a breath of relief as Wriothesley leans down to kiss his cheek before walking out of the room. He didn’t notice.

As Wriothesley is busy washing up, Neuvillette sits on the edge of his bed, his head hung low. He still feels that sting in his eyes and it refuses to go away. He combs a hand through his damp hair as he resists the urge to crawl into his sheets and hide from the world. But he can’t. Not when Wriothesley had just given him such a gentle kiss before whispering, “wait right here. I’ll be quick.”

Neuvillette’s sigh is shaky, his chest tight.

“Just relax,” Wriothesley added just before he closed the door behind him. But he can’t. Neuvillette can’t relax. The unshed tears still hold heavy on his tired eyes.

Neuvillette, the almighty Iudex, the Chief Justice of Fontaine, has been alive for a long, long time. He has seen the world change before his eyes. He’s seen people come and go, buildings being built and knocked down, and much, much more.

He’s grown used to it by now. Things change, and that is inevitable. Nothing will last for eternity.

Yet, when it comes to Neuvillette himself, change is a foreign thing. He can never quite get used to it. From being stoic and unaffected by emotions, to growing to learn and understand them. From being unaware of love, to being the one in love, more specifically with Wriothesley.

From having to care for himself, to… being cared for.

Neuvillette cannot seem to wrap his head around it. Of course, there are the few exceptions, like Furina and the Melusines. But to be cared for in his own home? For the many, many years that he’s been alive, he had to stumble his way to the bathroom himself. He had to lather shampoo into his hair all by himself. He had to be the one to face the mirror to tell his own reflection, “You’re tired. Go to sleep.”

Yet now, there is someone. Someone who can do it for him. Someone who can lend him support to the bathroom and wash his hair so gently with shampoo. Someone who tells him to rest and take care of himself.

Neuvillette never knew just how much he yearned for something like this until now. He’s hurt so many people. He once hurt Wriothesley. Yet he is still cared for.

He can’t help the tears that begin to well in his eyes once again. He groans quietly, wiping furiously at them before Wriothesley walks into the room. His heart picks up in panic. He can’t show Wriothesley this side of him. He will only worry him further–the last thing Neuvillette wants.

And then, just on time, Wriothesley clicks the door open and he peeks in. His hair is messy and he’s now dressed in his sleepwear. He relaxes at the sight of Neuvillette still sitting on the same spot on the bed. Neuvillette forces a smile.

“Hey,” Wriothesley says lightly, sitting beside Neuvillette. He leans in to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

“Hello,” Neuvillette replies, his voice showing hints of exhaustion.

Wriothesley simply stares in response. He takes a piece of hair behind his ear so that he can admire Neuvillette’s beautiful features. He will forever, always be entranced by such a beauty. His eyes wander to Neuvillette’s hair. Some pieces poke out and he can tell that some strands are tangled together.

He caresses Neuvillette’s cheek.

“I know you’re tired,” he whispers. “But can I help you brush through your hair, at least?”

Neuvillette practically melts at the question. “Of course.”

Wriothesley brings over a brush as he makes Neuvillette sit more comfortably, facing the window. Then, he takes his place behind Neuvillette. It’s evening already, the streets quiet and the sky dark.

Before he starts though, he wraps his arms around Neuvillette’s waist, nuzzling into his neck, inhaling the scent of the soap that he had smoothed over his skin earlier. He pulls his body back against his chest.

“Sleepy?” He mumbles against his skin.

“Slightly,” Neuvillette whispers.

“I’ll be fast, promise.” Wriothesley presses a quick kiss to the crook of his neck before grabbing the brush. “I just don’t want your hair to be knotted tomorrow morning.”

Neuvillette’s throat tightens again.

Carefully, Wriothesley begins to brush through his hair. He starts at the ends before working his way up, avoiding any unnecessary tugging at Neuvillette’s scalp. He also makes sure to avoid accidentally brushing over his rhinophores.

It’s comforting, Neuvillette thinks. The silence, the simple presence of his lover, everything makes him relax further and further. His eyes even begin to droop.

“You’re falling backwards, Monsieur.”

Neuvillette shoots up, muttering a sheepish apology. Wriothesley only chuckles and whispers a quiet, “it’s alright.”

“Wriothesley,” Neuvillette speaks up this time.

“Hm?”

“Why do you still call me Monsieur, even when there’s no one else around?”

The hand that combs through his hair pauses momentarily, before continuing. Wriothesley laughs softly, “I believe I mean it as more of an affectionate term now. Would you rather I call you sweetness instead?”

Neuvillette fidgets with his fingers, his cheeks suddenly feeling warm. “Whatever you want.” Yet his voice falters.

“Hm…” Wriothesley hums teasingly. “I think you like that one more though, sweetness.”

Neuvillette bites back a smile. “Observant as always.”

It’s silent once more. A feeling of peace befalls them, as Wriothesley works through his hair meticulously but quick, just like he promised. But then, Wriothesley breaks the silence out of pure curiosity.

“Am I the only one whose brushed through your hair like this before?” He chuckles. “Well, besides the Melusines, of course.”

“Yes.”

It’s a blunt reply, but there is no working around the truth. Neuvillette does in fact, spend much time every night brushing through his own hair, as exhausting as it may seem.

Wriothesley’s hands pause again. Neuvillette winces, shutting his eyes.

“Out of all the years that you’ve lived on Teyvat… I’m really the only one? Seriously?”

Neuvillette simply nods. “Yes. You are the only one who’s really cared for me in this way.” His chest feels tight and his breathing ability is becoming increasingly difficult. There’s that familiar sting in his eyes again.

“Well,” Wriotheseley breathes, in disbelief. “I should say it’s quite an honor, don’t you think?”

Neuvillette huffs out a quiet laugh, despite the lump in his throat. “Of course it is. You certainly are a special case.”

Wriothesley hums fondly. Then, he parts his hair in the middle so that he can press a long kiss to the back of his neck. Neuvillette shivers and his breathing grows increasingly shaky.

Then, Wriothesley says something that finally makes Neuvillette’s lip quiver and his eyes burn until tears form in his eyes again.

“It’s truly what you deserve.”

Wriothesley returns to brushing through his hair, finishing up the last pieces. Neuvillette didn’t respond to what he just said earlier, but he doesn’t pay it mind. He tends to show his gratitude through other ways like kisses and a gentle hold of his hand.

But then, his ears pick up a familiar pitter-patter sound. He looks up and finds that on the window–the one that Neuvillette currently is facing–raindrops begin to hit the glass. It isn’t heavy rain, at least not yet, but it certainly makes Wriothesley’s eyebrows furrow.

“Huh.” He looks past Neuvillette, watching as rain continues to fall. “Wasn’t the sky clear just now? Didn’t see this in the weekly weather report…” He wonders to himself, turning back to brushing the very last strand of hair.

But that’s when he hears it. A sound that seizes his heart almost immediately.

A sniffle.

Wriothesley freezes, his grip on the brush tightening. He slowly begins brushing again, just to make sure he wasn’t hearing things. But it comes again.

Another sniffle, accompanied by Neuvillette’s shoulders shuddering.

Now, he fully puts the brush down and pulls Neuvillette back into the back hug from before. He places his chin on his shoulder, peeking at his face, though it isn’t exactly clear from this angle.

“Hey,” he calls, gently. “Are you crying?”

Neuvillette is quick to shake his head, turning away from his view. “No, I’m not.”

Wriothesley frowns further, his hands coming to Neuvillette’s stiff shoulders to try to turn him around. But even so, it seems that he’s too afraid to even show his face, as he twists away with a shuddering breath.

He waits there for a moment, simply watching his figure as it shivers through fallen tears. Wriothesley tries to stay still, he really does, but when Neuvillette sniffles even louder, he caves and he gets up from the bed. He circles it and sits just in front of Neuvillette, peering worriedly at his beautiful face.

Neuvillette looks up from his lap and Wriothesley’s breath is caught in his throat. Staring back at him, are glistening eyes with tears continuously flowing down his cheeks. Pretty, but a heartbreaking sight. Wriothesley hesitantly brings a finger up to swipe some tears away, making Neuvillette’s lips wobble even more.

“Are you sure you’re not crying, dearest?” Wriothesley says tenderly.

All Neuvillette can do is shake his head as he cries even harder, small sobs escaping his throat. The rain grows heavier outside. Wriothesley jumps at that and without even thinking, his hands come up to cup his face, holding him warmly and securely. The tears refuse to stop, even when he repeatedly wipes them away with his thumbs.

“I’m sorry,” Wriothesley rushes to say. “Did I do something wrong?”

Neuvillette hiccups and tries to shake his head, but with Wriothesley’s secure hold on his face, he can’t. He manages a shaky, “not at all.”

“Then tell me what happened,” Wriothesley whispers, shifting his body even closer, allowing Neuvillette the choice to lean in if he would like. He doesn’t, too focused on trying to regulate his own breathing. “Tell me anything,” he asks again. “I will listen to you.”

Neuvillette’s throat sounds strangled, as he holds back more sobs. He opens his mouth yet the only thing that comes out are heavy, wet breaths. “I… I can’t–”

Wriothesley’s eyes soften even more as he shushes him. “It’s alright, gorgeous. Take your time.” He is patient, waiting for Neuvillette to speak first. He never lets go of his face. Instead, he takes it upon himself to lean his forehead against Neuvillette’s.

Neuvillette cries and cries, until the flowing tears finally slow down. All that’s left are flushed cheeks and his sad, sad eyes. Wriothesley’s heart twists at the sight.

“Ready?” He whispers, kindly. “If… you don’t want to tell me though, I’ll respect that.”

Neuvillette swallows thickly. He really does contemplate just keeping everything to himself. But then again, he truly doesn’t want to keep anything from Wriothesley anymore.

“I want to tell you.”

Wriothesley smiles. “Okay then. Lay all your troubles on me. I can handle it.” He gives Neuvillette a playful wink. Neuvillette huffs as a response, though he appreciates the lightened atmosphere.

“It has… been so long,” he mutters. “That I’ve lived, I mean.”

Wriothesley nods encouragingly, completely aware of his identity.

“I’ve never been treated with so much care for all those years.” Neuvillette glances up, his eyes shining still with tears. “Until you… came along.”

“Until I came along,” Wriothesley confirms, gives him a loving smile, swiping away a stray tear.

“It’s…” Neuvillette huffs, his throat tightening again. “It’s… overwhelming when you care for me like this. When you hold me like right now, when you bathed me earlier, and so much more… my emotions tend to go all over the place.”

There’s a crease between Wriothesley’s eyebrows now. He tilts his head and his hold on Neuvillette’s face loosens ever so slightly. “It that’s the case, then you can just tell me to stop, sweetness,” he speaks calmly. His hands fall further from Neuvillette’s cheeks. “I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

Neuvillette widens his eyes and he quickly brings his own hands up to Wriothesley’s, guiding his hands back to cup his face. “No,” he rushes to say. “Keep doing it. I like it.”

Wriothesley raises his eyebrows. After a moment, he looks down, to find that one of Neuvillette’s hands has wandered down to his shirt, gripping the fabric tightly as if to prevent from leaving.

“Then I will.” Wriothesley presses a soft kiss to his lips. “Don’t worry.”

Neuvillette lets out a small sigh of relief. Then, he continues, “I know that you say I deserve your care quite often.”

Wriothesley firmly nods. “Because you do.”

“I know.” A small smile graces Neuvillette’s reddened lips. “I believe you.”

Wriothesley is even more shocked than before. “Then… why are you crying? I hate to see you like this, you know.”

He swears he sees a slight flush appear on Neuvillette’s cheeks at his question. He hesitates before he answers.

“I just can’t control the feeling in my chest.” His lips pout as he holds back tears again. “It is… overwhelmingly joyful. My heart hurts and I can’t control my emotions. So I…”

“So you cry,” Wriothesley finishes for him, his gaze tender.

“Yes,” Neuvillette breathes with shame. “I cry.”

A smile grows uncontrollably on Wriothesley’s face at that. There’s a stupidly fond look on his face as he suddenly leans in to press a soft kiss to Neuvillette’s nose.

“So, let me get this straight,” he chuckles. Though, it isn’t to tease, but rather out of pure love. “You like that I care for you.” He pauses, eyeing Neuvillette questioningly.

Neuvillette nods, slowly.

“And you understand that you are deserving of such care.”

Another pause.

Neuvillette nods again.

“And so… it makes you so happy, that you don’t know what to do with your emotions. And that is why you’re crying?” Wriothesley breathes out in disbelief. “Did I get that right?”

And it seems he did, as Neuvillette’s eyes water once again. Suddenly, he is reminded of how Wriothesley is still taking care of him at the moment. His hands are warm as they cup his cheeks and his eyes are observant yet soft as he watches Neuvillette break down for the second time this evening.

He bites his lip to keep it from quivering, but it’s of no use. He begins sniffling again.

“Yes,” he chokes out. “All I can do is tell you that I love you. But I’m sure that isn’t nearly enoug–”

“It is enough,” Wriothesley immediately replies, his eyes crinkling with an admiring smile. “It is more than enough.”

“Oh.” Neuvillette’s chest is tight.

Wriothesley’s gaze is kind and warm. “This is not a deal sort of thing. I offer to take care of you because I want to. There’s nothing that you have to give back. Telling me that you love me is enough, I promise you. Your words make me happy.”

Neuvillette exhales shakily. “Then… I love you.”

Wriothesley hums. “I love you too, beautiful.” Then, his hands leave Neuvillette’s face. Neuvillette suddenly starts panicking, chasing after his touch. Wriothesley notices this and takes Neuvillette’s hand in his.

“And one more thing,” he says. “If you really don’t know what to do with your emotions, then just… let it out on me. I’m always here.”

He holds an arm out and Neuvillette immediately understands. Soon enough, he finds himself tumbling into Wriothesley’s arms, grasping onto his back as tightly as he can, a few stray tears rolling down his face. Wriothesley holds him tightly, smoothing down his hair gently.

“I vow to always take care of you,” Wriothesley speaks, nuzzling his nose into his neck. Neuvillette listens, though his eyes struggle to stay open. “And if I ever break that promise, then… I believe you may water blast me into the ocean.”

Neuvillette lets out a watery laugh at that. He leans back to stare at Wriothesley’s face, his arms still looped around his neck. Wriothesley stares back, an impossibly lovesick expression on his face.

Tentatively, Neuvillette leans in to press a kiss to Wriothesley’s lips as a silent thank you. Wriothesley smiles against his lips as he reciprocates.

Then, he brings the both of them down to lie down in bed together. They face each other, Wriothesley placing a hand on Neuvillette’s waist to bring him into a warm hug. The two of them continue to gaze at each other with soft smiles and eyes heavy with sleepiness.

“Okay?” Wriothesley whispers, caressing Neuvillette’s cheek.

Neuvillette nods as he whispers back, “okay.”

“So, whenever I see even a drop of rainwater fall, expect me at your door in less than five minutes.”

Neuvillette rolls his eyes though his heart thumps. It thumps for Wriothesley, his lover who currently holds him like he’s the most precious thing ever.

“I’ll hold you to it then.”