They walked together before returning to Meropide, still hand in hand. Wriothesley could feel his heart flutter, especially at the thought of people being able to see the Iudex was his. There were of course some whispers, but not loud enough for him to hear anything. He didn't care either way. He wanted people to know he loved Neuvillette.
As they walked, he tightened his grip on Neuvillette's hand and smiled at him but only received a stiff smile from the Iudex. His smile faltered at the sight of the stiffness in the Iudex's expression. A wave of concern washed over him, his mind racing with a torrent of questions. Was something bothering Neuvillette? Had he said or done something to cause him distress?
Neuvillette tried to focus on Wriothesley's grip on his hand as they walked together through Meropide. But with inmates everywhere, whispers wove through the air like threads of intrigue. Neuvillette couldn't help but catch the sharper edges of conversation. He used his enhanced hearing to catch some of their whispers.
"...The Iudex's icy stare could freeze the sun itself..."
"...How can the Duke hold hands with him?"
"...Are they together? What an odd match."
Each quip, delivered with a smirk or a raised eyebrow, sliced through Neuvillette's facade. He couldn't help but tense up, even though he knew people were just curious. He looked at Wriothesley. Oh. He wasn't smiling either now. He swallowed hard and gently squeezed the Duke's hand.
"..They don't even look happy together."
"...The Duke's charm can't smooth over everything, it seems..."
"..Monsiuer Neuvillette's patience must be wearing thin..."
He clenched his jaw and stopped listening, instead focusing on Wriothesley beside him. He increased his pace, determined to get to Wriothesley's office immediately, even if it meant dragging him. They got inside, and Neuvillette immediately pulled Wriothesley close.Inside Wriothesley's office, the air was heavy with unspoken tension, a stark contrast to the whispers that had trailed them through the corridors of Meropide.
As Neuvillette drew him close, Wriothesley could feel the weight of Neuvillette's concerns pressing against his own heart. He met Neuvillette's gaze, searching for the spark of reassurance he so desperately craved.
"Are you alright?" He asked, wanting nothing more than to hear what was causing Neuvillette such distress.
"Did you hear what they said?"
"No, did you?"
Neuvillette looked away, hesitating, and Wriothesley immediately knew what had bothered him."You shouldn't listen to gossip, Neuvi."
"But-"
"No. Just don't listen to them. They know nothing."
"I don't appreciate people thinking I don't love you."
YOU ARE READING
𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 - Wriothesley x Neuvillette
FanfictionAn assassination attempt forces Neuvillette and Wriothesley to work together. But the case ends up getting a lot more complicated than they had thought it would. And so does their feelings towards each other.
