~Pearl to My Oyster~(WRIOLETTE FIC)

Chapter 26

         I swear, this man will the the death of me...

Wriothesley couldn't help but think, crossing his legs to try and hide that certain physical reaction, forcing a smile and nodding, praying to the Archons that Neuvillette wouldn't notice.

His prayers were heard, for once, and the Iudex simply smiled, continuing on. He'd never taken the Chief Justice to be a chatterbox, but damn, if he needed a listener, Wriothesley was happy to provide. The Duke wouldn't mind listening to that sweet and gentle voice, soft and dainty as a Romaritime Flower ebb in his ears...

Those sweet lips pecking mine, leaving little lipstick marks... his pretty voice crying out and-

WOAH.

Wriothesley gulped. Oh Celestia, he'd messed up with this dinner... big time.

STOP. HAVING. SINFUL. THOUGHTS!

Wriothesley cleared his throat, taking a sip from one of the water glasses near him on the table, gulping nervously.

"Is something the matter, Your Grace? You seem rather perplexed currently."

Oh man, he's so sweet-

"I'm perfectly fine, thank you for the concern."

He nodded, trying to remain calm and composed. One slip-up, and their entire friendly dynamic could collapse in mere seconds.

"Very well."

Neuvillette nodded, picking up the water glass and eyeing it skeptically, before cautiously taking a sip.

His nose scrunched ever so slightly in an expression of disgust, much to the Duke's amusement. He'd known about the Chief Justice's sensitivity and taste preferences, especially in fluids.

Setting the glass down, he sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"I trust Sigewinne has been faring well these days? Might I perturbe as to when her next vacation shall be? The office has been rather bland without a familiar faces, these last few days."

Wriothesley hummed. He knew that although he'd never openly discuss it, Neuvillette could tend to get lonely if nobody visited often, henceforth the reason why he'd always made excuses just to go see the Iudex. Be as complicated as escorting a criminal personally from a trial, or as simple as taking a stroll on a sunny and warm day, the Duke never passed up a chance to visit him. Truth be told, despite all the stereotypes of the Chief Justice being too stoic, impossible to interact with, he'd strangely found solace when near him, comfortable to let down his guard, let his walls fall, even if for just a moment.

"She should be out by next week. She's been preparing stickers for you over the past few days, saying you're going to be the only one who "appreciates her stickers because he can actually see artistic value" or something like that."

Suddenly, Neuvillette covered his mouth with a gloved hand, and a soft laugh, gentle as the wings of a Crystalfly, yet oh so pretty like the Rainbow Roses in full bloom.

Archons, forget in love, he was absolutely smitten.