Work Text:
Both of the two men were extremely important for the region of Fontaine, Monsieur Neuvillette was the Chief of Justice, and Wriothesley a trusted officer.
They always had very busy schedules, started early and finished late as well. Sometimes, they worked even on weekends when they received tons and tons of papers, records, scenes and folders. Pretty much tiring to say the least, and ignore how it was saddening and unmotivating at some points.
What if both Neuvillette and Wriothesley tried something different and new? Perhaps, a picnic? Neuvillette has heard many times that Wriothesley absolutely loves picnics and might never decline an invitation, so it should be a pretty easy shot of Neuvillette deciding to take the other man out for a picnic.
Days and days come and go, finally Friday comes. Probably everyone's favourite day, since work would soon end so you could rest for the end of the day, and of course the weekend that was to come. So, Neuvillette decided to leave his office a little earlier, so he could look for Wriothesley and ask him what he would think of a picnic for the day that was to come.
Neuvillette finally found Wriothesley, all he had to do was to ask him and not panic.
"Ohooo hello hello." But if it wasn't none other than the charming officer Wriothesley, behind his voice the sound of his handcuffs sparkling as he played with them, looking at Neuvillette swiftly.
"Well, hello." He was so lost he didn't know what to do nor say anymore. All he had to do was invite the other man on a picnic.
"What brings you here today, Monsieur Neuvillette?'' He asked with a small smile plastered on his face. Cute.
He built up courage. He came so far and it wasn't for nothing. ''Would you, perhaps, like to go on a picnic together, Duke Wriothesley?" He almost stuttered some words, maybe even wanted to wave it off and go, forget about it and leave. Yet, the officer didn't question him once and only let the man in front of him speak his words and take his time. It wasn't a hurry, nor did it look like it was work related.
Wriothesley was a little taken aback if he were to say the truth, but he wouldn't dare to speak a word against Monsieur Neuvillette since the offer he received was just too good to decline. "Of course, why not! Should it be tomorrow or, do you have another time in mind?"
"Tomorrow would be delightful. What about the meadows from Marcotte Station? The aquabus is perfect to get there." Neuvillette's voice became sure.
"Perfect. Thank you for the visit and for the invitation as well. Is there anything more you wish to add?"
"No, that is all. Goodbye." He got ready to leave, and a smile formed on his face.
"See you tomorrow."
***
The next day, Neuvillette already had a basket with a tea set wrapped very carefully, some patistry foods, and a blanket big enough to put on the ground for when he gets there.
He carefully walked to the aqua bus, the weather was perfect. Shiningful sun and warm rays were laying over the land, birds were happily singing and doing dances as they flew from tree to tree, from house to house.
Normally, Neuvillette would have been alone on the aqua bus, until he noticed The Duke, holding a basket as well, and sitting by one the buses, on a small bench. His face light up, his pace fastened and walked to the man in front of him,
"I did not expect to find you here, Wriothesley. What brings you?"
"Hello. I had some tasks to do earlier, around the town, so I thought I could wait for you as well. I had no reason to leave earlier, to go to Marcotte Station." He actually didn't catch the first aquabus and thought it would be nice if he waited for Neuvillette instead of catching the next one as well.
''I see. Well then, we should take this one in the station, shouldn't we?" Neuvillette asked as he gestured to the aquabus and the Melusine that was looking in their direction.
"Yes. Let's go." Wriothesley sat up and walked alongside The Chief of Justice.
They hopped on the vehicle, talked a little with the Melusine who checked their tickets and then looked for some empty seats. They have decided to sit more to the edge, because the view was one of a kind, their baskets near them as well.
The two men chatted for the whole ride.
*****
As they slowly got off the aquabus at Marcotte Station, they started to look around for the best spot, and one with a brilliant view as well.
The both of them decided they should go to a part from where they could see the shore and the waters of Fontaine.
Neuvillette and Wriothesley have found a very lovely place, all the things they wished to find in a spot they did, and beautiful bright blue flowers were shining next to them as they put down the blanket that Monsieur Neuvillette had brought.
They both sat down and started to unpack everything they had in their baskets. Wriothesley brought some patistry foods, both sweet and salty ones and some home-made sandwiches, while, to The Duke's surprise, the man beside him brang a tea set (the food he got didn't matter anymore to Wriothesley).
Wriothesley's eyes sparkled and the corners of his lips lifted as his whole expression lightened, "You brought tea?"
"Yes, I did." Neuvillette raised an eyebrow and continued, "Wouldn't you like some tea? I think this is your favourite one." He knew that The Duke would never decline an invitation to drink tea. He slowly took out of the basket the teapot, and he put down two plates which had two small cups on top. The tea set was simple, it was white with gold and blue details, very elegant.
When he took the cover off the teapot Wriothesley unconsciously leaned in to smell it and, if it was possible, his face lit up even more from happiness. It was, in fact, his favourite tea. Delightful.
The Iudex carefully poured tea in both cups and Wriothesley started to arrange all the food beside, while Neuvillette slowly pushed a tea cup to The Duke, offering him a homemade sandwich. Wriothesley was over the moon now that he had tea, bonus points it was from Neuvillette.
This was definitely different, as The Duke happened to have a tea party (maybe once every 2-3 months) with some Melusines, but now he had one handsome man beside him, in fact, on a picnic date. With a handsome man beside him.
They exchanged lots of words, of gratitude, relief, simple small discussions or remarks.
The two males spent a long time together, enjoying the food and of course tea, or, in Neuvilette's case, water. The sun started to go down, and so they decided they should pack their baskets (be it empty or not) and go back home.
“Oh, I almost forgot.'' Just as Neuvillette started packing his things, “I have a gift for you. Open it when you get home though, don't risk breaking it now.” Neuvillette handed Wriothesley what seemed like a small tea set, design not being seenable due to the packaging.
“Well then, I'll open it at home and I’ll write you a letter on it?”
“There's no need for a letter, don't worry about it.” Neuvillette smiled.
“Well then should we get going?” Wriothesley returned the smile and took both their baskets in his hand to carry, offering his other arm for Neuvillette.
Which he gladly took, and they started walking towards the aqua bus station.
Just as Neuvilette struggled to know - actually remember what was next said, a few raindrops fell down to his lips.
And once again he found himself helplessly sitting down at Wriothesley's grave, a sad smile on his face reminiscing all the lovely time he got to spend with his lover.