'til death do us part

2

"It's far too cold," Neuvillette, curled up in numerous blankets, muttered to himself. 

"There aren't many more blankets I can provide you with," Wriothesley couldn't stop himself from chuckling. "Should I share the bed with you?" he asked, removing his upper layers to reveal his bare chest. 

"Yes, I would hate to use up firewood resources unnecessarily," Neuvillette nodded. Wriothesley paused, fully expecting to be rejected out of embarrassment. Since that hadn't happened, he was left being embarrassed at his own suggestion. 

"Should I have refused?" Neuvillette studied Wriothesley's expression. 

"No, no, I'm simply surprised," he admitted, covering his slightly flushed face with his hand. "I hadn't expected that such a beautiful man would accept to sleep in the same bed as me when we'd only just met." 

Ah. That was true. Even though Neuvillette had known Wriothesley for years by combining his past lives, he had only just seen him face to face for the first time earlier today. Wait...there was something bigger he'd overlooked here... 

"You think I'm beautiful?" Neuvillette lifted his hand to his face, puzzled. 

"Of course, you're absolutely stunning," Wriothesley nodded, getting under the covers. Neuvillette tossed some of the blankets aside, snuggling up to Wriothesley immediately for body heat. Despite being someone with a cryo affinity, he was just the right temperature. 

"Thank you, you're the first individual to say something like that to me." 

"Really?" Wriothesley found that hard to believe. 

"I am not fond of lying, but I especially wouldn't lie to the one I've pledged loyalty to," Neuvillette replied. 

"Sorry, I didn't intend to imply that you were lying." 

"No need to apologize. I've been told my demeanor is quite off-putting. I don't take offense to such things. I simply consider it a side effect of my personality." 

"What a shame," Wriothesley lifted his hand to run it through Neuvillette's hair. "To think so few people would try to get to know you better. Were you not lonely?" 

Truthfully, he hadn't thought about it before. He was always so busy caught up in serving Lady Furina that he never had the time to contemplate loneliness. Looking back, he felt he must've been. The only companionship he truly had was with Wriothesley via their letters back and forth. 

"Horribly so..." he admitted. 

"I suppose considering that, it's no wonder you came all this way alone after just sending a letter. I'm grateful to have you as my husband, Neuvillette, and I promise to be a good companion so you're never alone again."

"It truly isn't a marriage," Neuvillette let out a small sigh. 

"If you ever find someone you wish to marry, I will allow you to without issue," Wriothesley assured. "Until then, please allow me to think of it as one." 

"Marriage..." Neuvillette hadn't been able to get married in any of his previous lives either. 

"Are you warm enough?" Wriothesley shifted, wrapping an arm around Neuvillette. 

"Yes, thank you," he nodded, closing his eyes. 

"I wonder how many nights I can manage sleeping like this before I lose control..." Wriothesley muttered to himself. 

...

"Looking at these accounts, I believe we should..." Neuvillette's voice trailed off while talking about the affairs of the north and how Wriothesley should make adjustments to benefit the people. 

"Are you listening?" Neuvillette paused, staring at Wriothesley. 

"Why don't you just take care of it?" he suggested. "You seem to have everything under control." 

"I am an outsider, I could never take control of your affairs," Neuvillette shook his head. 

"You're my husband," Wriothesley smiled. "The staff know that much. If you come across any problems with anyone, I'll take care of them. Just let me know." 

"I understand," Neuvillette stared at the papers in his hands. There was always a slight period before people trusted him in every life. It felt odd to be accepted like this so easily. Was this just Wriothesley's nature? Or was it the staff that wouldn't accept him? Maybe the people? 

"You look nervous, is something wrong?" 

"Nervous?" Neuvillette lifted his gaze once again. He'd always been told he was emotionless, too stoic, how could Wriothesley say he looked nervous? 

"I am going to provide the staff with the updated instructions," Neuvillette decided, leaving. 

He heard whispers about himself, some gossiping maids, and had gotten a few concerned glances. For the most part, no one told him to his face that he was unwanted. That usually didn't come until it fully clicked in their heads that he was permanent. 

"Excuse me," a girl ran up behind him. Was she going to tell him off about something? 

"You left this behind," she held out the paper. 

"I see," Neuvillette took it. "Thank you." 

She nodded in response. The two stared at each other for a moment. Both quiet and stoic types. To others it might seem as if they were communicating in their introverted silence. 

"Lynette!" another individual ran up to the two. "I'm so sorry about my sister, Sir," he bowed slightly, grabbing Lynette's hand. "I told you not to run off like that. What if you offended Master Wrio's husband?" he whisper-yelled at Lynette. 

"What are your names?" Neuvillette found himself curious. 

"Lyney. This is Lynette, Sir," he gestured between the two as he spoke. "Please forgive us for coming up to you without permission!" he bowed, grabbing Lynette's head to force her to bow a little too. 

"There is no need to worry," Neuvillette turned to walk away. "I am not angry with either of you."