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There were some things that Neuvillette did that drove Wriothesley to the brink of insanity, but not in a bad way. In the way that he was hopelessly pining for the Chief Justice, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
He was gone for him, and it was getting worse by the day. Neuvillette could do so much as breathe, and Wriothesley would get hit with such a reaction that he felt like he was being stabbed in the chest.
It was kind of like a roulette, if he was being honest. He had no idea what Neuvillette was going to do, and he had no idea what his reaction would be.
And it sometimes was a dangerous game of roulette.
One time, the roulette wheel spun during a meeting between the Duke and the Iudex about the budget for the Fortress of Meropide in future. Wriothesley was aware he was going to lose it internally at some point during this meeting, he was sure of it.
He just wasn't expecting the roulette to stop the minute Neuvillette entered the room. He wasn't wearing his usual robes, instead a suit of the same blues, with a grey waistcoat underneath. His hair was done up not in a low ponytail, but in a high one at the back of his head that made him look even more effortlessly beautiful than usual.
And once Wriothesley locked eyes with Neuvillette's new look, his brain promptly decided to short circuit.
Oh, I'm so fucked, thought the Duke silently. He looks so hot.
And Neuvillette seemingly had no idea. He looked like he had no idea how Wriothesley was absolutely down bad he was for the Iudex, how much he wanted, but couldn't have.
It was improper for him to wish for the Hydro Sovereign's affection, of course, they were simply coworkers. Nothing more. Because they weren't allowed to be more, and Wrio's affections likely weren't reciprocated, considering the Chief Justice's tendency to shy away from affection of any kind.
So Wriothesley would forever (so he thought) pine in silence.
But… Neuvillette looked amazing. From head to toe, he was a vision, pun intended.
"Bonjour, Your Grace." Neuvillette said kindly, taking a seat across from Wriothesley at the table they'd chosen for their meeting. "Your presence is much appreciated after the tension I must deal with around the courtroom."
And oh, Neuvillette had no idea what those words did to Wriothesley… or perhaps he did? He was smiling ever so slightly. But never mind that, the Duke was easily going insane. Neuvillette had spun the wheel, and picked Wriothesley as his next target.
And the Duke was already dead.
Mentally, not physically, of course.
He stumbled over his words, grappling for a response that wasn't: Heyneuvilletteyou'resohotcanipleasedateyou?
After a couple moments, and a few curious looks from the Iudex, he settled on: "Welcome, Monsieur Neuvillette! It is good to- uh… see you too."
"So, the budget—" Neuvillette began, opening a binder he'd set in front of him, before he noticed Wriothesley shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "Your Grace? Are you alright?"
"Quite alright." the Duke said stiffly, averting his eye's from those of the Iudex.
"I am not inclined to believe you," Neuvillette deadpanned, giving his friend a knowing look. "Would you… like some tea?"
The Duke nodded. "Yes… please."
So Neuvillette beckoned for a servant/worker of le Palais Mermonia to fetch them some tea, then turned back to him. And then they were alone.
"You… aren't subtle… Your Grace." Neuvillette said quietly, now flustered himself. "…and I'm terrible with social cues."
Oh shit.
Neuvillette noticed?
"If you wish to court me, you merely had to ask."
Wriothesley stood up and asked with his mouth all right.
And if anything were to be said of the servant who went to fetch the tea, let's just say that she found them locked in an embrace and promptly backed out, leaving the two men to their affections.