Tidal | Neuvillette

XVI

                 - is it bad for me to miss you?  -

The walk home was a cold one, indeed. She wrapped herself tighter in the Chief of Justice's coat, she couldn't shake off the warmth it brought, both physically and emotionally. The night air was slightly cold, but the unexpected gesture had left her feeling a sense of comfort and protection. With each step she took on her way home, she couldn't help but replay the events of the evening in her mind, pondering the significance of the moment and the unexpected connection that had formed between them. She traced the path of his gesture, a simple yet profound offering that spoke volumes beyond words.

Under the canopy of stars, she navigated the dimly lit streets, the city's pulse echoing in the distance. The weight of the coat draped over her shoulders was a tangible reminder of their fleeting encounter, a fleeting interlude in the vast tapestry of fontanian life. With each gust of wind, she felt a shiver run down her spine, but it was not from the cold alone. It also carried the tremor of possibility, the stirring of something unexpected and unspoken between them.

As she walked, she couldn't help but steal glances at the coat's collar, where traces of his scent lingered like a ghostly caress. Memories of their brief exchange danced in her mind, each moment etched with a clarity that belied its brevity. She replayed their conversation, the way his eyes had met hers with a curious intensity, as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the familiar landmarks passing by, the cityscape a blur of lights and shadows. As she roamed further, she felt a sense of anticipation building within her, a yearning for the next encounter, the next chapter in their shared story. And as she finally reached her doorstep, she couldn't help but linger a moment longer, savoring the lingering warmth of his coat and the promise of what lay ahead.

"So well aquatinted with that chief, are you? No surprise I've been found out if you're kissing his ass."
With a smirk playing on his lips, the familiar male tilted his head and said in a mocking tone, "I see no delusion.. not ready to accept your weakness?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, each word laced with a hint of disdain as he emphasized certain syllables, driving home the point with a theatrical flourish. His eyes gleamed with mischief, daring the other person to rise to the challenge, knowing full well the effect his words would have. Of course, it was Tartaglia.

She rolled her eyes, prepared to relive that other day as if it was groundhog.

Her lips curled into a bittersweet smile as she met his gaze head-on. "Ah, Tartaglia, always quick with the jabs," she retorted, her tone tinged with annoyance despite his barbed words. "Such a nerve to show your face." Her words were delivered with confidence, a subtle reminder of her independence and resilience in the face of his taunts. She refused to let his mockery get under her skin, determined to hold her own against his sharp tongue. This was no surprise to her, her gut suggested she'd be seeing him again this week, no doubt.

Tartaglia's smirk widened into a grin, admiring her unwavering spirit even in the face of his provocations.

"Ah, a true independent spirit," he conceded, a glint of respect shining in his eyes. "But don't think for a moment that your charm won't get you everywhere you need to be."

"You're still weak."

With a playful wink, he extended a hand, a silent invitation to join him in a momentary truce. Despite their banter, there was an unspoken awkwardness between them, a bond forged through years of rivalry and mutual respect... and of course betrayal.

She meets his gaze with a furrowed brow, but refused to accept his hand.

"Ah, Tartaglia, always one for flattery, did you come up with such fast puns when you decided to turn on my family?" She quips, her tone playful yet tinged with a hint of distraught.

"But I'll take your words with a grain of salt. After all, I've learned not to trust everything that comes out of that silver tongue of yours. You're a liar and you know it."

"Relax. I'm only passing by."

"That "vacation" is paying off, huh?"

"Soaking up some serious sun."

"It's winter."

... He blinked to himself, but burst out into boisterous laughter.

"Remember that delusion is always your shield from weakness, you know where to find me."

"I have other priorities."

"Like what? Kissing that chief? Ha. I'll see you later, Princess." He joked, his voice laced with sarcasm. And with that, he walked off.

"You too..."

As she watches Tartaglia walk away, a pang of nostalgia washes over her, stirring emotions she had long buried beneath layers of resentment and hurt. Despite the bitterness of their recent falling out, she can't deny the lingering ache of longing for the camaraderie they once shared. Memories of their laughter-filled conversations and shared triumphs flicker through her mind, reminding her of the bond they had once cherished.

But beneath the surface of her wistful reminiscence lies a simmering anger, a reminder of the betrayal that had shattered their friendship and left her feeling betrayed and alone. She clenches her fists, fighting back the wave of sadness threatening to overwhelm her, determined not to let her guard down again.

For now, she pushes aside thoughts of reconciliation, steeling herself against the vulnerability of forgiveness. But deep down, she knows that a part of her will always miss the connection they once shared—a bittersweet reminder of what could have been, if only he hadn't chosen to betray her trust. As she watches him continue to walk away, a sudden gust of wind tugs at the fabric of the coat draped over her shoulders, pulling her back to the present moment. Her fingers instinctively tighten around the soft material, the reminder of the Chief's gesture sending a shiver down her spine. With a fleeting glance down at the coat, she's reminded of the unexpected warmth it had brought. She snapped out her thoughts and recollected what Tartaglia had said.

Hold on.

"Wait— kissing the chief?!" Her eyebrows raised and her jaw dropped.

He'd already left.

...

Not a bad idea, fatui boy.

2 chapters in one night, yena r u crazy? yes I am.

this is a filler chapter since I prob can't upload
cuz yay illness

ANYWAY goodnight bbs I need rest and a lot of
lucozade