Judicial Temptations :: WRIOLLETTE

30 :: The Annual Ball

The evening of the annual police precinct ball had finally arrived, and the air in Wriothesley and Neuvillette's shared home was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Both men were preparing for the event in their own ways—Neuvillette quietly focused on selecting his formal attire, while Wriothesley, ever the bundle of energy, moved about the room with the enthusiasm of someone who hadn't been to a formal event in years.

Neuvillette sat on the edge of their bed, watching Wriothesley shuffle through his closet. "Are you planning to pack your entire wardrobe for tonight?" he asked dryly, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Wriothesley huffed in mock exasperation. "I just want to make sure I look good tonight. It's my first big event as deputy chief. First impressions matter, you know?"

Neuvillette chuckled, setting down the polished black shoes he had been inspecting. "Wriothesley, you could wear anything and still steal the spotlight."

Wriothesley turned around, holding up two options—a sleek black tuxedo and a slightly more daring navy velvet suit. "Which one do you think?" He held them both out, waiting for Neuvillette's judgment.

Neuvillette stood, gliding over to examine the options. After a moment of contemplation, he pointed to the navy velvet suit. "That one. The color brings out your eyes... and highlights those hickeys quite nicely," he added with a smirk, his fingers gently brushing over the visible marks on Wriothesley's neck.

Wriothesley grinned proudly. "Oh, so you like them on display? I thought you might be embarrassed."

"Embarrassed? Never," Neuvillette replied smoothly, though the faintest hint of color tinted his cheeks. "But it might distract people from your promotion speech if they're too obvious."

Wriothesley laughed, shaking his head. "If they notice, let them. I'm not ashamed of being loved by the Chief Justice himself." He leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Neuvillette's lips before stepping back to get dressed.

As Wriothesley adjusted his outfit, Neuvillette slipped into his own formal wear—a deep, ocean-blue suit with silver accents that shimmered subtly in the light. Unlike his usual flowing robes, the fitted suit accentuated his tall frame and elegant posture. He adjusted his cufflinks, catching Wriothesley staring at him in the reflection of the mirror.

"You know," Wriothesley said, stepping closer to stand behind Neuvillette, "you look absolutely incredible in this. It's a shame you don't dress like this more often."

Neuvillette raised an eyebrow. "Is that your way of saying I should ditch my usual robes?"

"Not at all," Wriothesley chuckled, reaching around to gently straighten Neuvillette's bow tie. "But you should definitely keep this in the rotation. I'd say you look good enough to be in a magazine."

Neuvillette laughed softly. "You're flattering me far too much tonight."

"Not at all," Wriothesley murmured, his voice lower as he pressed a kiss to Neuvillette's cheek. "Just telling the truth."

They exchanged a few more playful remarks as they finished dressing, but soon it was time to leave. As they stepped out of their home and into the cool evening air, Neuvillette caught himself glancing at Wriothesley more than once. His partner looked both elegant and rugged in his tailored suit, with his usual carefree air somehow blending perfectly with the formal setting.

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The ballroom was an impressive sight, decorated with elegant chandeliers and shimmering curtains that cascaded from the high ceiling. Officers and staff from the police precinct were already milling about, engaging in light conversation and laughter. Wriothesley and Neuvillette stepped inside together, immediately drawing eyes from across the room.