Judicial Temptations :: WRIOLLETTE

11 :: A Date, Distress Call and a Delicate Revelation

The café was quaint, the kind of place that made you feel warm just stepping inside. The aroma of various confections and fresh hot chocolate filled the air. Wriothesley had dressed up for the occasion—or at least he'd tried. He was wearing a slightly rumpled dress shirt and a blazer that didn't quite fit him properly, but he had made an effort. His hair was combed back, and he looked unusually nervous, even for someone who was used to handling high-stress situations.

Neuvillette arrived in his usual, meticulously pressed attire, though he looked slightly more relaxed than usual. He had made an effort too, albeit less noticeable, perhaps by simply not looking like he had walked straight out of a courtroom.

As they approached the counter, Wriothesley hesitated, then cleared his throat. "So, Neuvillette, what do you usually like to drink? I mean, besides water."

Neuvillette looked at the menu, clearly out of his comfort zone. "I... don't really drink much beyond water. It's a personal preference."

Wriothesley raised an eyebrow. "Personal preference? You mean like you're one of those people who only drink water and nothing else?"

Neuvillette nodded. "Something like that."

Wriothesley grinned mischievously. "Alright then, I'll get you the best hot chocolate they have. You've got to try it, just this once."

Neuvillette's face remained neutral, but he could barely hide his apprehension. "I appreciate the offer, but I do have a... very specific taste."

Furina, who had joined them, tried not to laugh. "You've heard him, Wriothesley. He's a water purist."

Wriothesley, oblivious to Neuvillette's discomfort, ordered two hot chocolates, one with extra whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon. As they settled at a small table, Wriothesley handed Neuvillette his drink with a flourish.

Neuvillette took a tentative sip and tried to mask his grimace. He was clearly struggling with the rich, sweet flavor that was so different from his usual water.

Wriothesley noticed Neuvillette's discomfort. "Hey, you alright there? You look like you're about to drown in that hot chocolate."

Neuvillette forced a smile. "It's... quite rich. But I appreciate the gesture."

"If it's really that bad," Wriothesley said, "I can get you some water. I wouldn't want to make you suffer."

Neuvillette hesitated, then sighed. "Actually, I'd prefer to stick with water. I only really drink it for... personal reasons."

Wriothesley raised an eyebrow. "Personal reasons, huh? Is there a deep, dark secret behind this water-only policy?"

Neuvillette chuckled softly. "Nothing so dramatic. It's just a preference I've had for a long time. Water is... well, it's just easier for me."

As they chatted about lighter topics, such as Wriothesley's increasingly eccentric attempts to improve his cooking and Neuvillette's ongoing struggle to understand why people enjoyed spicy food, the atmosphere lightened.

"So, this is your idea of a good time?" Neuvillette asked with a wry smile. "Trying to convert a water purist into a hot chocolate enthusiast?"

Wriothesley laughed. "You know it. And I'll keep trying until you admit hot chocolate is the best thing ever."

They talked and laughed, and by the end of their time together, Neuvillette was smiling genuinely. When it was time to leave, Wriothesley took a deep breath, then leaned in with a hesitant grin. "Can I—uh—give you a hug?"

Neuvillette blinked, surprised but not displeased. "A hug? Sure, I suppose."

Wriothesley wrapped his arms around Neuvillette in a warm, lingering hug. Neuvillette, though slightly taken aback, embraced him back. It was a sweet, sincere gesture, and both of them felt a sense of comfort they hadn't quite anticipated.

"Thanks for the company," Neuvillette said, looking down at his feet.

"Anytime," Wriothesley replied, still holding the hug for a moment longer than necessary. "And thanks for putting up with my hot chocolate."

Neuvillette chuckled softly. "It wasn't that bad."

As they parted ways, Neuvillette made his way back to Palais Mermonia, feeling a bit lighter. But as he entered his office, his mood took a sudden turn. He looked at his reflection and saw the scales appearing more prominently on his hands and forehead. He winced and tried to cover them, but it only made things worse. The stress of the day had triggered his hydro dragon features to surface.

Desperate, he reached for his phone and called Furina. "Furina, I need help. It's urgent."

Furina arrived quickly, her face full of concern. "Neuvillette, what's wrong?"

He paced nervously, his scales more visible now. "I don't know what to do."

Furina looked thoughtful, then nodded decisively. "I'll call Wriothesley."

Furina made the call, explaining the urgency and the fact that Neuvillette was in distress, and to try not to worry about his current appearance. She assured Wriothesley that Neuvillette was not violent when in this state, but he was clearly struggling.

Wriothesley, who had been about to settle down for the night, heard the urgency in Furina's voice. Without a second thought, he grabbed his coat and ran out into the pouring rain, not even bothering to grab an umbrella.

When he arrived at Palais Mermonia, his white shirt was drenched and clung to his figure, but he was determined. Furina greeted him and quickly led him to Neuvillette's office.

Wriothesley burst through the door, looking concerned. "Neuvillette!"

Neuvillette looked up, his scales and sharp nails visible and his face flushed with distress. He tried to hide his hands, but it was clear he was overwhelmed.

Wriothesley, trying to keep his composure, walked slowly towards Neuvillette. "Hey, it's okay. I'm here."

Without any more words, he gently wrapped his arms around Neuvillette, pulling him into a comforting hug. Neuvillette tensed at first, but then relaxed, feeling the warmth and reassurance from Wriothesley.

"It's okay," Wriothesley murmured softly. "You don't have to hide from me. I'm not going anywhere."

Neuvillette's voice was barely a whisper. "I didn't want you to see me like this."

Wriothesley pulled back slightly to look Neuvillette in the eye. "Well, now you know. But you're still you. And I'm here for you, no matter what."

Furina, watching from the doorway, couldn't help but feel a pang of relief. The sight of Wriothesley comforting Neuvillette was a step in the right direction.

Neuvillette, feeling a bit more at ease, nodded. "Thank you, Wriothesley. I'm sorry."

Wriothesley gently brushed a lock of wet hair from Neuvillette's face. "There's nothing to be sorry for. We'll figure this out together."

The rain continued to pour outside, but within the office, there was a new sense of calm. As Wriothesley held Neuvillette close, he felt a deeper connection forming, one built on trust and understanding. And Neuvillette, despite the tumultuous emotions, felt a warmth he hadn't realized he needed so desperately.

The night wore on, and with Wriothesley's comforting presence, Neuvillette began to calm down. They stayed there, just holding each other, until the rain outside gradually eased, leaving behind a sense of hopeful tranquility.

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