short story pt 4.

170 5 1

by jaskidust

by jaskidust

Feeling a surge of determination, you gently took Neuvillette's hands, holding them in yours. Your fingers intertwined, creating a sense of warmth and solidarity amidst the chilling revelation of Tartaglia's expectations. With a mischievous glint in your eyes, you raised his hands to your head, guiding them to tousle your hair with playful abandon.
"Here, Chief Justice," you said, your voice tinged with amusement, "let's give Tartaglia a performance he won't forget."
Neuvillette's eyes widened in surprise, a faint blush coloring his cheeks at the unexpected intimacy of the gesture. But as he watched you, a sense of relief washed over him, mingled with admiration for your resilience in the face of adversity. As his hands tangled in your hair, you couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. The sound echoed through the room, a brief respite from the heaviness that had settled upon you both.
"This is preposterous," Neuvillette chuckled, his voice laced with amusement as he tousled your hair with gentle care. "But if it means keeping you safe, then I'm all for it."
You smiled up at him, the weight of the world momentarily lifted from your shoulders. "Exactly," you agreed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the Chief Justice in this moment of shared defiance. Together, you continued to playfully mess up your hair, each movement filled with a sense of camaraderie and solidarity. But then, an idea struck you.

You turned to the mirror in the room, examining your reflection. Your makeup was already smudged from the earlier tears, but you decided to take it a step further. With a playful smirk, you rubbed your lipstick to smudge it even further, creating an intentionally disheveled appearance.
"Perfect," you declared with a laugh, examining your reflection. "I look like a clown." Neuvillette joined in your laughter, finding amusement in your antics despite the gravity of the situation. But as he looked at you, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Despite the circumstances, you still managed to find humor in the darkness.
As Neuvillette watched Y/N playfully smudge her makeup and tousle her hair, a thought crossed his mind: despite the intentional disarray, there was a certain charm to her appearance. In that moment, he couldn't help but find her utterly adorable, a contrast to the image Tartaglia expected. But then, you turned your attention to your attire - a short red minidress that screamed Tartaglia's influence. With a determined expression, you addressed Neuvillette once more.
"Chief Justice, please don't mind what I am about to do," you said, your voice resolute. "It must be done to create the impression of used and messy." With a swift motion, you pushed your dress up just above your thighs, tearing the fabric vertically. You also removed one of the shoulder straps, adding to the illusion of disarray.
"There we are," you declared, satisfied with the result.

For a moment, Neuvillette was taken aback by the sudden action, his surprise evident in his widened eyes and parted lips. But as he processed the situation, a realization dawned upon him - this was all part of the plan to convince Tartaglia. And in that moment, a swell of happiness and pride welled up within him. Despite everything, Neuvillette couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for her resourcefulness and quick thinking.
"Bravo, my dear," Neuvillette said, his eyes sparkling with happiness at this solution. "Your ingenuity knows no bounds. It takes a quick wit and a sharp mind to pull off such a stunt." Your cheeks flushed at Neuvillette's praise, a glowy feeling spreading through your chest.
"Thank you, Chief Justice," you replied, your voice tinged with a hint of affection. "I appreciate your kind words." Feeling a wave of exhaustion, you stifled a yawn. "I think I'm ready to call it a night," you admitted, as your eyelids grew heavy. Neuvillette nodded in understanding, concern flickering in his gaze.
"Of course, Y/N. You've been through a lot tonight," he said gently. "I'll have the guest room next door prepared for you. You can rest there for the night." You smiled appreciatively, touched by Neuvillette's thoughtfulness.
"Thank you, Chief Justice," you said softly. With a nod of acknowledgment, Neuvillette escorted you to the guest room, ensuring the room was prepared and that you were comfortable before bidding you goodnight.
"Sleep well, Y/N," he said, his voice warm with sincerity.
"Goodnight, Chief Justice Sir," you replied, returning his sentiment with a small smile. As Neuvillette quietly closed the door behind him, you settled into the soft embrace of the bed, feeling a sense of safety after a long time.