Eternal Rain - WrioLette

15

"That should be fine," Sigewinne said, swivelling in her chair to face him. "But how are you really coping with the injury, Wriothesley?"

Wriothesley shrugged on his jacket, letting out a frustrated sigh. "It's been a nightmare, honestly. With the whole situation and this illness hanging over me, I feel more unstable than ever."

"You knew it would be like this," Sigewinne replied, her voice firm but laced with concern. "I warned you that pushing yourself would only make things worse. You really should consider retiring."

"I can't retire yet," he said, shaking his head. "There are still things I need to do."

Sigewinne's expression softened, but her eyes were sharp. "It's getting bad, Wriothesley. You can't keep ignoring it. One of these days, it'll be too late."

"I understand, but I have duties to fulfil. I won't abandon them," he said, his tone resolute.

Sigewinne sighed deeply, looking more worried than before. "At least promise me you'll take better care of yourself."

He gave her a reassuring nod, though he knew she could see through the forced smile. "I will, don't worry. I'll see you later, alright?" Wriothesley waved as he left her office, but the concern in her eyes lingered in his thoughts.

Though his injury had healed enough for him to walk without crutches, his body still felt off-balance. Every step was a reminder of how fragile his strength had become, but he pushed through the discomfort, refusing to let it slow him down.

When Wriothesley entered his office, he was surprised to see a familiar figure, a lock of white hair catching the light as Neuvillette stood by his bookshelf, carefully examining a book.

"Monsieur Neuvillette?" Wriothesley called out, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Neuvillette quickly turned, a bit flustered. "Ah, Wriothesley, I'm sorry for rummaging through your things without asking. I didn't mean to intrude."

Wriothesley chuckled softly and walked closer. "It's no problem at all. They're just books- nothing too exciting. But to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

"I came to pick up the report on Keith Laurent," Neuvillette replied, adjusting his gloves. "I would've waited for you to deliver it, but I didn't want you to strain yourself given your condition."

Wriothesley's brow furrowed slightly, but he smiled. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm managing well enough. Please, have a seat." He gestured toward the chair as he moved behind his desk to retrieve the file.

Neuvillette took the offered seat, watching as Wriothesley brought the folder over. As Neuvillette reached for the envelope, Wriothesley's hand unintentionally brushed against his, lingering just a moment too long. Their eyes met, and the air between them shifted into something more charged.

Neuvillette's gaze sharpened slightly. "Is something the matter?"

Wriothesley blinked, pulling his hand back quickly. "No, sorry... I was just going to mention that the report might be lacking in detail compared to my usual work, given the circumstances."

Neuvillette smiled kindly. "I didn't expect you to complete it right away, so I'm grateful for what you managed. Please don't worry."

For a brief moment, Wriothesley found himself lost in Neuvillette's calm expression, his mind wandering. The softness of the man's smile, the warmth of his voice was almost disarming. His face flushed as he realized he'd been staring too long.

"What are your plans after work?" Neuvillette asked, breaking the silence.

"Pardon?" Wriothesley stammered, snapping back to reality.

"After you finish here, what will you do?" Neuvillette clarified. "Will you head straight home?"

Wriothesley hesitated, his thoughts still a bit scattered. "Yes, I've been here since sunrise, so I'll likely head home and rest."

Neuvillette's expression brightened slightly. "Would you mind if I accompany you? I'd feel more at ease knowing you got home safely."

Wriothesley's heart skipped a beat. "That... would be fine, yes," he replied, trying to steady his voice. "I was just about to leave anyway."

Neuvillette stood, smoothing out the fabric of his coat. "Then let's go. I'm ready when you are."

The two walked out together, an odd but comfortable silence settling between them as they exited the building. Though Wriothesley's steps were still cautious and slightly uneven, he felt a strange sense of ease with Neuvillette by his side.

As they arrived at Wriothesley's house, Wriothesley took off his coat, shaking off the evening chill. He then moved to help Neuvillette with his coat, but Neuvillette gently stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"I should be heading home now," Neuvillette said, his voice soft but firm.

"Stay for tea. It's cold outside," Wriothesley urged, his tone more earnest than casual.

Neuvillette hesitated. "I really shouldn't, Wriothesley. You know why."

"Enlighten me, Monsieur," Wriothesley replied, his voice dropping to something deeper

"Pardon?" Neuvillette asked, caught off guard.

"Tell me why you won't stay with me for just a little while longer. Maybe I shouldn't ask because I know you won't-but a part of me still clings to that small glimpse of hope," Wriothesley confessed, his words hanging in the air between them.

Neuvillette's eyes softened, regret pooling in their depths. "Wriothesley, this isn't about the tea."

"I know. I'm not naive," Wriothesley said, his gaze unwavering. "But if you know that too, why do you keep pulling away?"

"Because, Wriothesley, I-" Neuvillette faltered, struggling with the words.

"Because what? Because you know I want your company? I think we've both known that for a while now," Wriothesley pressed, stepping closer.

Neuvillette's expression tightened. "Yes, I've caught on. But-"

"Yet you still choose to ignore it," Wriothesley interrupted, his voice tinged with frustration and hurt.

"It's not that simple," Neuvillette tried to explain.

"Then tell me what it is," Wriothesley demanded, almost pleading now. "Tell me you don't feel the same, and I'll make myself forget- force myself to move on, to stop waiting for you, to stop hoping that we could be something more."

Neuvillette's heart ached at Wriothesley's words, but he remained silent, unable to find a response that would satisfy either of them.

Wriothesley's eyes searched Neuvillette's face for answers. "How would you do that?" Neuvillette finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I don't know," Wriothesley admitted. "But I'd find a way. I'd force myself to stop thinking about you. To stop wishing for things that will never be."

"It's more complicated than you think," Neuvillette said, his voice tight with conflicting emotions.

"Then explain it to me. I'd listen all night if I had to," Wriothesley offered the desperation in his voice barely hidden.

"I can't, Wriothesley," Neuvillette said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, torn between duty and desire.

Wriothesley exhaled slowly, his shoulders sagging in resignation. "I know you can't. I've always known. But that doesn't make it any easier." He stepped back, giving Neuvillette space. "Goodnight, Neuvillette."

With a heavy heart, Neuvillette turned toward the door. "Goodnight, Wriothesley," he murmured, lingering for just a moment before leaving.

As the door clicked shut, the silence that followed felt colder than the winter wind outside. Wriothesley stood alone in the dimly lit room, wrestling with the ache of hope that still refused to die, even when reason told him it should.

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