Eternal Rain - WrioLette

13

Neuvillette stood hesitantly before Wriothesley's house, his hand poised to knock on the door. He had been pacing outside, wrestling with the decision to visit. Today was his day off, and he wanted to spend it with Wriothesley, who had been cooped up at home for so long due to his injury. Surely, he must be feeling restless.

Neuvillette raised his hand to knock, but the door swung open just before he could.

"Monsieur Neuvillette?" Wriothesley's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wriothesley?" Neuvillette responded, equally taken aback.

"What are you doing here?" Wriothesley asked, stepping aside to let Neuvillette in. His attire suggested he had plans to leave.

"Where are you going all dressed up?" Neuvillette asked, noting Wriothesley's attempt to appear ready for an outing.

"I-well, I planned to get out for a while," Wriothesley admitted, his gaze shifting uneasily.

"But your injury?" Neuvillette's concern was evident as he glanced at Wriothesley's still-healing wound.

"I'm doing better," Wriothesley explained. "Please, I appreciate your worry, but being cooped up here is driving me mad."

Neuvillette sighed, his concern palpable. "I came to visit you. I wanted to offer you some company and perhaps help you pass the time."

"Oh..." Wriothesley's expression softened, a mix of gratitude and regret washing over him. "I didn't expect you to come by today. I suppose your visit is more than welcome."

"I'm sorry to intrude," Neuvillette began, unsure of how to address the situation.

"No, in fact, I could use your help," Wriothesley replied, his tone shifting to one of mild relief.

"What do you need?" Neuvillette asked, stepping further into the house.

"I need my bandages changed. Would you mind assisting me?" Wriothesley requested, his gaze earnest.

"Of course," Neuvillette said, stepping forward with a reassuring smile. "I'll take care of it."

Wriothesley nodded gratefully. "Thank you. The bandages are in the bathroom. If you don't mind..."

Neuvillette and Wriothesley moved quietly into the bathroom, where Neuvillette began gathering the bandages and supplies, his hands steady, though his mind was racing. He felt the weight of Wriothesley's eyes on him as he picked up the fresh rolls of gauze and antiseptic cream, preparing to assist.

Wriothesley, sitting on the edge of the bed, had already removed his shirt, revealing the rough patches of skin and the wounds that still had to heal. His muscles tensed slightly as he waited. When Neuvillette returned with the supplies, the room felt smaller, the silence between them intimate.

"Are you ready?" Neuvillette asked, his voice calm, though there was a soft undercurrent of concern.

Wriothesley gave a small nod. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Neuvillette moved closer, carefully beginning to remove the old bandages, his touch light. His fingertips brushed against Wriothesley's skin, eliciting a slight wince from the man. Neuvillette's brow furrowed in concentration, his movements delicate as if he feared causing more pain.

"Is it painful?" Neuvillette asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes flicking up to meet Wriothesley's.

Wriothesley inhaled slowly, his tone low. "A little... but I can handle it."

Neuvillette's hands paused for a moment, then resumed their work, more careful than before. His fingers moved methodically as he cleaned the wounds and applied the fresh bandages. The room felt charged with something unsaid, a heaviness hanging between them.

"You're good at this," Wriothesley murmured, his voice softer than before, eyes following Neuvillette's every movement. "Have you done this often?"

Neuvillette smiled faintly, glancing up. "No, not really. I've picked up some things over the years, but this is new for me. I just want to make sure you're alright."

Wriothesley's heart stirred at the care in Neuvillette's voice. "You're doing more than alright," he said, his voice rougher now, though there was a warmth in his gaze that hadn't been there moments ago. "Thank you."

When Neuvillette finished applying the bandages, he secured them carefully, his hands lingering for a moment on Wriothesley's skin before he pulled back. Their faces were close now, only inches apart, and the silence between them grew thick.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?" Neuvillette asked, his voice low, his breath soft against Wriothesley's cheek.

Wriothesley's gaze held his, unwavering. "You've done more than enough. Just... your being here is enough for me." Slowly, he reached for Neuvillette's hand.

Neuvillette felt the warmth of Wriothesley's hand close over his own, and for a moment, he let it stay there. The room felt suspended in time, quiet and still as if waiting for something to happen. He gently withdrew his hand after a pause, but Wriothesley's grip tightened ever so slightly, enough to make him stay just a moment longer.

"Neuvillette," Wriothesley began, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. "Why don't you stay with me a bit longer tonight? We could talk... or you could help me bake something. It doesn't have to be much, just a little company."

Neuvillette's heart raced at the suggestion, his mind torn. "Wriothesley, I-" he stuttered, trying to compose himself. He gently pulled his hand away. "I'll help you make dinner, but after that, I should go. I-"

"Please," Wriothesley interjected, his voice barely above a whisper, almost pleading. "Just stay a little longer."

Neuvillette smiled, though it was laced with sadness. "I can't," he said softly, taking a step back. "Not tonight."

Wriothesley watched as Neuvillette moved further away, and despite the heaviness in his chest, he nodded, understanding more than he let on.

"Alright," he said quietly, offering a faint smile of his own. "I guess I'll just have to take a rain check."

Neuvillette gave a small, bittersweet smile before turning away, his steps light as he moved toward the kitchen to help with dinner, leaving Wriothesley to sit with the silence between them, a silence that, despite their closeness, now felt far too wide.

970 Words