Work Text:
Justice. In simple terms, everyone is treated equally among its laws and among its rights.
Yet, every eyes were piercing deep into his being. Small daggers slowly driving deeper into his back.
.
.
.
“ Have I not shown justice by returning the favor back to my “foster” parents?” His fingers intertwined at the hem of his shirt, the chilled air biting deep into his skin.
Sticky. Irony. Bloody.
Blood sticking onto his hands despite washing deeply into his bones. Skins broken and scratches formed.
“ I am guilty.” Voices roused up in the Opera Epiclese. Voices ringing in different emotions of hesitance, confusion and surprise.
“ There was no justice by my side. Just a show for these people.”
He looked up at where the chief justice stood but his vision was a blur, staring right through him. The voices slowly dimmed away as he focused.
Pain. It was pain behind those eyes, the moonlight against the dark blue ocean.
Seconds gone by before a thump rang through the Epiclese, silencing the audience. His mind wandered to the back, already well aware of its result.
Everything was red.
.
.
.
Snapping back into reality, he was brought into a room and sat onto a couch.
“I’ll take it from here, Sedene.” Wriothesley lifted his head up to see the chief justice once again, talking to the melusine standing by the door frame.
Neuvilette turned around after ensuring the door was close to face Wriothesley. His cape flowing gracefully along as he walked to the opposite couch.
As they sat face to face, the room slowly felt suffocating. Wriothesley took a deep breath, in and out.
“Who would have thought I would get a nice visit.” A smirk plastered on his face, wanting time to go quicker.
Silence.
“What do you think of the show that I have planned?” Trying anything to break the ice walls suffocating him.
Rain slowly turned into thunderstorms, each thunder strike striking against the rooftop.
“You… You do not have to act here. Or with me.” His entire body stiffed for a second at Neuvilette’s words.
“ Well chief justice. One should never let their guard down, don’t you think?” Blood begin surrounding around Wriothesley, seeping into Neuvilette’s coat.
“You should leave. (Before you get covered in my sin.) I am fine being alone here.” Hands rubbing roughly onto his shirt, hoping to get rid of the blood on his hand.
Neuvilette walked around the table and held onto Wriothesley's hands.
“ I’m sorry.” Neuvilette crouched in front of Wriothesley and gently embraced him. Without explanation, Wriothesley knew what he was referring to.
Sorry for the outcome. Sorry for not finding out sooner. Sorry for having you shoulder the responsibility. Sorry for leaving you alone.
Seconds turned into minutes. Wriothesley's body started shaking and Neuvillette's shoulder became wetter.
———
Slowly opening his eyes, he saw a concerned facial expression on Neuvillette. About to greet him, he noticed that no sound was made.
Instead, he sniffled and rubbed his eyes with the palm of his hands.
“Are you okay, Wriothesley?” He brought his hand up to sooth and dry up the fallen tears, softly with his thumb.
“Ye. Just a dream.” Wriothesley brought his arms around Neuvillette and pulled them both into a hug.
Neuvillette begun petting his head, along with the hug, spread warmth throughout his body.
“I’m here for you.” Wriothesley smiled deeply at Neuvilette’s words and nuzzled deeper into his chest.
“I know.” Their hands intertwine, Neuvilette planting a kiss on the back of his hand where the scars are.