Darkness Retribution

H2o Tasting

The atmosphere around the breakfast table became even more awkward as everyone exchanged nervous glances. Neuvillette's somber expression cast a shadow over the otherwise bright and lively morning. His cup of tea sat untouched in front of him as if it had no appeal at all.

Breaking the silence, you cleared your throat and leaned slightly toward him. "Neuvillette, are you... okay?" you asked, careful not to push too hard.

He didn't look up at first, his gaze still distant. But after a moment, he sighed and muttered, "I'm fine." His tone was flat, but not entirely convincing.

Felix, sitting beside you, squeezed your hand, signaling his concern. He leaned in, whispering, "We've got to cheer him up somehow."

You nodded, mind already racing with ideas. Neuvillette had always been... particular, especially when it came to water. Perhaps that was the key to lightening his mood. You flashed Felix a small smile and leaned back, brainstorming the best approach.

"Hey, Neuvillette," you said after a pause, your voice now filled with playful enthusiasm. "I know you're a bit of a water connoisseur. How about we try something new today? A... water tasting!"
You suggested the water-tasting idea to Neuvillette, and for a moment, he seemed hesitant, his distant gaze softening ever so slightly. As the rest of the team rallied behind the idea, Neuvillette sighed and finally spoke up, "I've done this before, you know. Back in Fontaine, during one of the more... 'refined' gatherings."

Felix's eyes widened, and he stifled a laugh. "You've had a water-tasting event? I mean, of course you have."

Neuvillette gave a small nod, his expression unchanging. "It's more serious than you might think. Each water has its own unique story."

Freddy chuckled, not quite buying the gravity Neuvillette placed on it. "A story in a glass of water? Alright, I'm curious now."

As the team worked together, gathering different types of water—sparkling, mineral, glacier, and more—the atmosphere was light but curious. By the time the bottles were neatly arranged on the table, Neuvillette sat at the head, his posture refined as ever, though with a subtle air of relaxation creeping in.

Freddy leaned over to Emo Jesus, whispering, "Is this really happening? A water-tasting event?" Emo Jesus shrugged, clearly amused.

Neuvillette, unfazed, began the tasting. He took a sip of a particularly clear spring water and, with his usual seriousness, remarked, "This one has a purity reminiscent of high mountain springs. Crisp, like the first snowfall of winter."

You and Felix exchanged a glance, both stifling laughter. Felix, leaning closer to you, whispered with a grin, "I didn't expect him to be this serious about water."

You smiled back, keeping your amusement in check. Neuvillette's deep appreciation for water wasn't something to mock, but the intensity with which he described each one was undeniably entertaining.

Neuvillette continued, providing thoughtful commentary on each glass. "This mineral water has a rich complexity, likely from the volcanic rocks in its source. Quite bold for a water."

Freddy's eyebrows shot up. "Bold water? Now I've heard everything."

Despite the chuckles and playful remarks around him, Neuvillette remained deeply engaged in the experience, and the more he spoke, the more everyone's mood lightened. Even Neuvillette himself seemed to soften as he sipped through the various glasses, his lips curving ever so slightly at the corners.

By the end of the tasting, the room felt lighter. Neuvillette, who normally carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, seemed a bit more at ease. He raised his glass, this time in a relaxed, almost casual manner, and said, "Though I've done this before, this was a far more enjoyable experience. Thank you all."

The group cheered softly, clinking glasses—some filled with water, others with various beverages. Freddy grinned and gave Neuvillette a light nudge on the shoulder. "See? You can have fun with water."

Neuvillette nodded, his serious exterior slightly cracked by the warmth of the group's camaraderie. For once, he looked like he was enjoying himself.

As the evening wound down, you and Felix shared a quiet moment together, snuggled up on the couch. Felix whispered softly, "You know, I think we really did something good for him today."

You smiled, resting your head against his shoulder. "Yeah, we did. It's nice to see him loosen up a bit."

The day had ended on a surprisingly high note, with the entire team feeling closer after the unexpected bonding experience. Even Neuvillette, for all his formality, seemed to enjoy the event more than anyone had expected.