[ another month brings another full moon, and with the winter solstice, it doesn’t surprise wriothesley that this lunar cycle feels a little more intense—what with the nights stretching longer, and instincts thrumming louder in turn. he can already feel the pulse of his natural soul when he nearly jolts awake with a rough start that morning.
so, to avoid a repeat of last month’s chaos, wriothesley figures it would be better to rely on a bit of imprinting to keep the frenzy at bay. though truth be told, he doesn’t have a long list of imprints he’d trust to keep both the situation—and himself—contained, especially if what that odd stranger said about his scent hitting a fever pitch turns out to be true this time around as well. still, calling on someone is infinitely better than roaming the streets late night again and fighting the pull to completely shift or let certain instincts bleed through in his more human form.
and after carefully—painfully—weighing his limited options, wriothesley settles on reaching out to potentially the only person calm enough to handle it all. it’s not ideal to spring it on neuvillette the day of, but at least it’s still early enough in the day for the other to consider... and for wriothesley to plan accordingly if he really is left with no one to fall back on. ]
Good morning, Neuvillette. Hopefully I caught you at a good time?
[ his cadence carries the usual drawl, but there's no mistaking the edge of exasperation in his tone—less out of irritation and more from trying to quell the strange heat sparking somewhere in his chest. ]
( it has been a few days, and neuvillette is still getting used to the use of instantaneous communication — one of the marvels of this place. there is no need for one to wait for correspondences, and he finds himself fascinated by the remarkable way one can simply turn on a device and hear wriothesley's voice. or see another. or receive telegrams immediately. )
Ah, Wriothesley. Hello.
( simply remarkable. he lifts the device from his ear briefly, inspecting it before putting it back to his ear again. his tone is warm, but he shifts when he picks up on that subtle thread of exasperation in his tone, tilting his head. )
You have. ( wriothesley can never catch him at a bad time: if he has, neuvillette will simply make space. ) Is something the matter?
YOURE BARELY 24 HRS INTO THIS GAME AND WE'RE ALREADY HERE
[ if wriothesley weren’t wrestling with the odd need for warmth and closeness—that hasn’t quite turned mind-numbing just yet—he’d be treating this personal line with neuvillette with far more thought and care. but some things can’t be helped here in karteria, and rather than dwell on what he still can’t fully control, he’s at least grateful for how neuvillette answers plainly, as if it were just any other conversation.
which makes thinking up an equally ‘normal’ response a touch harder, though it gives him something to focus on. there’s no need to dress it up too much, so he lets out a short, barked laugh before continuing. ]
Truth be told, I'm sort of at a loss for how to word it all—but try and bear with me for a moment.
[ there's a low hum on his end. ]
Our last conversation. At the Valentia, when we talked about the changes with my soul. Well, what’s bound to happen tonight is... definitely one of them.
( in the years he has spent in close proximity with this particular personal relationship, neuvillette has learned how to divine the subtle nuances of wriothesley's laugh — the man puts up a fine front often, even if he's markedly less diligent about it in neuvillette's company. and neuvillette, well? he knows nothing else but honesty, which is perhaps why they get along so splendidly.
to hear the duke's admission of being at a loss is a novel thing, too; the man is shrewd and quick on his feet, but perhaps the entire experience of being trapped within karteria brings with it a host of new issues they haven't yet foreseen. neuvillette dreads having to experience the eventuality of it for himself, and appreciates the courage it takes for the wriothesley to admit that he needs help. )
Of course. ( he says, because that why he sounds like that, like he's readying himself for a difficult conversation. he shifts, his own concern for him overriding everything else. ) How may I help?
[ it's not wriothesley's preference to ask for something like this, in this way, but life in karteria—especially as an augmented—has long since taught him that habits and preferences don’t count for much in the long run. imprinting has kept him from being swallowed whole by his soul before, and while corruption is inevitable no matter how strong one's will is, he’s at least learned to brace for it. and while most things he can roll with and adapt to, but when it comes to this—this instinctual craving to be in a pack or, worse, the kind of closeness that turns feral—his body’s already made the decision for him, and he’s just lagging behind. ]
Your help depends on how involved you’d like to be in this. But to put it plainly, I’ll be craving companionship [ no use in dancing around it, though he tries to speak plainly and with a thread of poise—something to anchor himself with, so it still feels like a choice rather than surrender. ] My soul doesn’t rightly care who I share it with, but I’d still like to have some say in the matter.
[ his tone dulls a touch with that last admission, but he doesn’t delve into whether he’s already entertained the alternative. ]
If everything goes well, having you nearby should be enough. But I can’t make any promises it’ll stay that chaste. [ there’s a pause—weighted, but brief. just enough time for the warning to settle, not long enough for neuvillette to cut in just yet. ] So if you don’t mind the risk of me being out of sorts for the night… then I’d like for you to come over. Since if I’m bound to lose myself for a while, I’d rather it be with you than anyone else.
[ he already knows what it’s like to let that impulse take the reins entirely, and he’d rather not make it a habit of filling that space with just any warm, willing body. love and intimacy should be warm—anchored—not easy or fleeting, not just a way to scratch the surface of something deeper either. last month had been all jagged dissonance, all instinct and white noise. but now that he’s grounded, aware, and clearer on what he wants—he trusts neuvillette to hold him through it without fear. ]
( no, it is clearly not of wriothesley's own will that he asks for this — and yet, it's his own as well. it's awfully complicated, with his request layered in his own assertion for his own will, that desire to choose for himself despite the circumstances. neuvillette understands him perfectly, letting the implications sink in.
wriothesley chooses him because he wants to, because more than trust, there are the seeds of something deeper that they have never had the chance to explore back in teyvat, when the prophecy loomed above them like a death sentence. no, karteria is where wriothesley first broaches the subject, and neuvillette knows how much it takes out of him to tell him that he craves companionship, that intimacy is on the table, and that any notions of chastity ought to be set aside.
neuvillette, who prides himself on propriety and a certain measure of gallantry, shifts. he is unused to this, unversed in such a situation, but he must do what he can to alleviate wriothesley's worries, to be worthy of the weight of his trust. but more than that... more than trust lies something far deeper and layered, something neuvillette has allowed himself to think about in his most private moments. intimacy with wriothesley, to protect and hold him not out of obligation, but out of affection and desire, of the love that wriothesley has never had even as a child.
he feels his heart skip a beat, his own ache of quiet yearning, yet unshaped but very much present. here, there are no melusines to be their buffer (not that he wants them to, for something as important as this). here, neuvillette has to breach the distance himself.
suddenly, for all of this advance in technology, wriothesley feels so, so very far away. )
I should like to come over now. Will you see me?
( he asks at last, low and soft, his request gentle as the last of the summer wind. the rest of this conversation should be continued in person, and wriothesley should not be the only one making this request, not when neuvillette finds himself eagerly reciprocating. he wants to make him comfortable, to show him that he is not another task to be accomplished: wriothesley deserves the care and closeness he has so rarely been shown, to be eased into it and comforted. love, indeed, should be warm. )
[ above all else, neuvillette can count on wriothesley’s conviction—unwavering and rarely leaving room for doubt. as the ask alone proves how committed he is and it’s not pure desperation that drives him to reach out or offer, but the willingness to share a vulnerable moment with someone he trusts implicitly. neuvillette is more than a tether; he’s a presence wriothesley has come to respect and yearn for after years of working together.
yet life in karteria has a way of dragging certain feelings to the surface—raw and exposed like a shorn nerve. but even so, it's still sincere. not posturing, not performative. ironically, it’s a kind of pressure wriothesley has grown accustomed to after over a decade spent in a broken fortress as an inmate. neuvillette, on the other hand, isn’t someone who’s often had to sit face-to-face with that kind of stressor or emotional burden. but wriothesley’s worries ease the moment neuvillette hears him out fully and responds with that steady, unmistakable kindness of his. it’s the simplicity of his reply that tells wriothesley he understands—the weight of the situation, and the intent behind the ask. ]
Of course. You're always welcome here, Neuvillette.
[ it’s an honest invitation—one he could never voice back in fontaine, or at least not outright. not while he still wears the titles of duke and warden. and yet, for all the urgency behind it, the words hold steady, sincere. there’s no need to repeat them. and in the background, there’s the soft shuffle of movement as he tries to tidy up the place, at least a little. ]
The front door will be unlocked by the time you arrive, so feel free to let yourself in. I’ll see if I can sleep away some of this fever in the meantime.[ fortunately, they both know the route well—the walk from the valentia to wriothesley’s new apartment by the coast isn’t long. since most of the furnishings were chosen with neuvillette’s help; the space is modest, but respectable, and more than livable despite a few still-empty rooms.
true to his word, wriothesley takes a page from sigewinne’s playbook and tries to sleep through the worst of the heat. she’d probably be proud that some of her advice has stuck after all this time. meanwhile propriety makes a brief appearance in how he tries to dress properly, but wriothesley gives up quickly. it’s far too warm under the sheets. in the end, he dozes off in a loose shirt and shorts, tail freed from the blankets for air, ears flattened in a quiet bid for comfort. ]
( you're always welcome here, neuvillette. the words echo, searing deep into his heart and sparking an inexplicable warmth and surge of affection that he cannot deny. in the absence of pressing national matters, their relationship to each other is front and center, demanding focus and care.
neuvillette is still figuring out the subtleties of such an entanglement, the ramification of it and what it means to be summoned so easily to his side. this time, the primordial sea is out of the picture, and perhaps an argument can be made that the safety of karteria's citizens are of utmost concern, and therefore wriothesley's continued well-being is crucial, but he cannot bring himself to believe it. wriothesley's well-being matters to him, first.
he makes his way to wriothesley's apartment and lets himself in quietly, locking the door behind him. the place is cozy, silent, and unmistakably wriothesley's, even if it's nowhere as spartan as when he had first visited it. he seeks him out and finds him quickly enough, a sleeping, vulnerable man with his tail on full display, ears flattened as if seeking warmth, something, someone.
neuvillette doesn't hesitate, seating himself very gently on the edge of the bed beside him, a large bottle of purified water set on the nightstand just for him. his gloves are the next to be divested, set aside neatly by the bottle. his hand comes to curl in that messy mop of dark hair, stroking those flattened ears. he offers the comfort that wriothesley seeks, tender and unhurried. his thumb smooths over the outline of it, fingers massaging the base.
there, there. he's here. there's nothing for him to worry about. )
[ it's still early in the day, but the winter solstice here offers little of the sun as the turn of the month marches on—with night lingering where morning should be. it stirs a restlessness in his carnivora soul, and now he feels the same sort of hassle navia often complains of when the seasons turn. it's utterly frustrating, to say the least—but not unbearable just yet, not when touch and the welcome calm it brings begin to stir wriothesley out of sleep with a heavy sigh. he tenses briefly to stretch, then instinctively curls in a little closer towards neuvillette.
he unconsciously seeks the imprint through proximity, craning slightly to tilt his head into neuvillette’s bare and warm hand. where one of his ears twitches against the other’s fingers, and even half-asleep, wriothesley still has the presence of mind to brush the back of his hand over his cheek, trying to gauge the worst of the heat that's settled into his features. ]
Hey— [ he manages with a croaked laugh, hoarse but good-humored given the state of him. ] I'm glad you got here without much trouble.
[ the hand at his face turns to roughly rub at his eyes before blinking more awake. and with a softened look of his own, he rests that hand atop neuvillette’s thigh. ]
Thanks for helping me out with this, Neuvillette. I'll do my best to behave while I'm still all here.
( the cold is setting in, and neuvillette feels a little more sluggish than he'd expected, and as eager as wriothesley is in seeking out touch and calm, neuvillette finds his natural soul's instincts gravitating toward the younger man's natural body heat. he seeks him out with a yearning that startles even him, and he can't help but find himself caught on the softness of wriothesley's just-awakened look, helplessly drawn to the soft vulnerability that he has never seen on him.
no, this is wriothesley before all of his defence mechanisms kick in, so young and so open, and he forgets to breathe for a moment.
perhaps it's the effect of the imprinting, pleasant and warm like honey in his veins, warming up corners of himself that he didn't realize were bereft. or perhaps it's just wriothesley, with his hand on his thigh. his hand comes to rest on his cheek, thumb subconsciously smoothing over his bottom lip as he speaks.
warmth, softness. all these things neuvillette has never realized he wanted up until now. )
You don't have to do anything else but be at ease, Wriothesley. ( he tells him softly. ) I came because I wished to. The thought of you being alone and in profound discomfort is... unacceptable to me.
( but he has more he wants to say, so much more he needs to blurt out. ) I understand that you reached out to me because you wanted a choice despite your circumstances, and I, too, hope to make a choice, if you are willing and open.
( so it doesn't have to be forced, so that this can be their way of taking control, together. he takes a breath, and decides to just be honest, because there is no way to lead into this normally when none of what is happening to them is normal: )
I should like to kiss you, while you are still all here.
[ there's a more doubtful part of wriothesley that rears its head sometimes in karteria, where bonds seem forged less from sincerity and more from the need to survive. where they rarely feel genuine—formed more from necessity—and after his own near-disastrous shift, it’s easy to fall into that way of thinking. where the tenderness that follows an imprint feels unnatural, and he's left questioning every bit of attachment he's shared so far on some of the harder nights. and yet, it's neuvillette's presence alone that helps him accept it with less and less suspicion.
it might be unwise to hold the former chief justice in such high regard, but wriothesley knows that neuvillette is unfailingly honest if nothing else. even if they're both still trying to make sense of it all, he wants to offer neuvillette the same certainty he’s been given since the other's arrival—especially in a world and system where so much remains unpredictable.
and so he keeps looking up at neuvillette as he speaks, tilting his chin slightly to rest his cheek further into the other's hand, and letting his lips lightly brush against the pad of his thumb. ]
Now what was it I first said to you, when we crossed paths here? [ there's a grunt as wriothesley shifts, the bed dipping under his weight when he sits up with a cheeky grin, despite the lingering flush on his skin. ] My hero.
[ he takes neuvillette’s words far too seriously for a moment, to be more of himself, just enough to ease some of the tension in the air. but it’s well meant in the way he leans close—foregoing his usual preference for space and formality to show something more vulnerable. something disheveled in his current state, but nevertheless sincere. ]
I appreciate you seeing my plea for help as something more than just a worry to tend to, Neuvillette. You’ve always had a sense for the emotions behind the choices I make, even when I try to keep them hidden. But that’s something I’ve come to respect as well as cherish in you.
[ the earlier grin softens as he speaks while the hand that had rested on neuvillette’s thigh slips into the space between them, if only to brace himself as he leans into the other's shoulder. ]
I can already hear the gears turning in your head, especially in trying to make this all proper. But for what it's worth, you’ve made this one of the easiest confessions one can accept.
[ there’s no grand gesture to it—just wriothesley, straightforward and without the usual masks, pressing a quiet kiss against neuvillette’s bottom lip. it’s meant to be chaste, but the familiar scent of passing rain lingering on the other pulls something deeper from him. his tongue brushes the seam of neuvillette’s mouth before the kiss deepens, though he draws back before either of them are swept too far into it. and in the way wriothesley pulls back, he looks faintly breathless, but pleased in the way his ears excitedly twitch. ]
( wriothesley takes pains to give him clarity. whereas he had often been elusive in the past, mischievous and just out of reach for others, warm but not close, neuvillette has learned that the man has often been more than that for him; and now, he lets him know exactly where they stand, offering transparency in return for neuvillette's earnest honesty.
my hero, he says, and neuvillette feels the tips of his ears turn pink, intensifying when he leans forward so boldly to press his lips to his. neuvillette had asked, and wriothesley has so willingly given, the warmth of his lips chasing all coherent thought from his mind. warm, soft; the swipe of the duke's tongue is sensuous, and he parts his lips to invite him in, deepening the kiss.
neuvillette shifts forward, tongue lightly touching his and savoring the taste of him before he —
— wriothesley's pulling away, and without thinking, the dragon gives chase, lavender eyes dark and focused with the singular desire for more. he barely registers the question, the endearing twitch of his ears, his hungry gaze flicking down to his lips, to those flushed cheeks and ears, then back down to his lips again. he has been given a taste of him, divine and exhilarating. instead of responding, however, neuvillette only lunges forward, a hand cupping the back of wriothesley's head to keep him cradled, and sealing his lips to his again.
this time, words will not do. he's the one who seeks access, to taste and tangle and memorize him for himself. )
[ with more darkness than daylight during the solstice months, wriothesley has been staying fairly active around the clock—or at the very least, rising much earlier and generally being more active than neuvillette, even as the cold always manages to seep into the odd corners of their shared apartment. it’s a shame the winter season seems to be weighing down neuvillette in more ways than one.
nevertheless, when neuvillette wakes and goes through the motions of his morning routine, he’ll find the kitchen table modestly adorned with several items. namely: a small floral arrangement, a folded quilt, and a nearly matching quilted robe (matching more in make than in design, given the fleur-de-lis top-stitching on the former), and a small jewelry box containing cufflinks.
a low whistle hums from the kettle, with the stove set to a small flame to keep the water warm and the kitchen gently heated. but above all else is a decorated card, marked by a familiar scrawl: ]
Good morning, and happy birthday, Neuvillette.
It seems most of my efforts were outshined by the sudden appearance of some of your clothing from home, but it never hurts to have more of a good thing, does it? But before you get too comfortable breaking in the new quilt and robe, though, you’ve got an appointment at Hé Huā this morning for a bit of R&R.
Admittedly, I may have embellished a few of your 'symptoms,’ but I’d argue the work you’ve been putting in during our evenings more than warrants the treatments offered. So take full advantage of them—for the both of us—and let me know how it goes.
The weather hasn't been particularly cooperative, and the sun only makes brief appearances, but I’ve arranged a small get-together this evening with Aether and Miss Navia at the former’s apartment. You’ll have to make the trek, unfortunately, since we’ll all be cooking up until you arrive—but you know how to reach us if you’d like to come by earlier.
Have a wonderful day, Neuvillette. We're all looking forward to seeing you tonight.
I know Wriothesley must have mentioned the small get-together we're having, but I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday on my own before I start cooking. I'm in charge of desserts, obviously, and while we may not be in Fontaine, I am going to try and bring the Hotel Debord's great dessert selection to you! While I may not be as good as Chef Escoffier, I have picked up a few tips from her!
I only hope that we can all make your birthday a nice ray of sunshine while we're here.
[The letter than Neuvillette will find comes with a small bag of cookies that are shaped like little dragons, similar to those found on Saurus Crackers. People of Natlan and Saurians love them, so hopefully Neuvillette will enjoy them as well.
The letter itself is quite simple:]
Happy birthday!
In this special day, the stars send you all the well wishes! We may have found ourselves in a difficult world to be in, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy our time here.
And speaking of! I hope you will accept this little invitation for a birthday party! Location: my apartment. Please feel yourself at home when you're there!
The gathering will be small, with myself, Wriothesley and Navia. We hope you'll enjoy it and we can't wait to see you soon!
-Aether
-------
[Once Neuvillette will reach the apartment for their little gathering, Aether will eagerly open the door for him and usher him inside. The air is full of delicious smells from various dishes prepared by the trio and the traveler is grinning bright, awaiting the Iudex's reaction.]
I hope you didn't get too cold... If so, we'll make sure to warm you up!
[If needed, Aether has a blanket waiting on the couch, just in case their friend needed it. The traveler leads Neuvillette towards Navia and Wriothesley, then leaves for a moment to grab a small box and gift it to the Hydro Dragon.]
And here's a little something from me. It's nothing special, but I hope it'll be useful, especially now.
[Navia's spent most of her day at her place cooking since she knew the boys would be cooking at Aether's. Her macarons were, of course, among the menu items, but with it being Neuvillette's birthday, she couldn't help but want to go a little overboard. What sat on the table next to the macarons was a familiar cake that might have been seen at Hotel Debord. While it wasn't as fancy as the one there, Navia might have tried her hand at it. This was also her second iteration of the cake, because the first one didn't turn out quite as she liked and ended up eating it while she cried.
Her gift box was a little larger, wrapped in a gold bow. Inside, a blue glass chess set, which honestly reminded her of the waters back home. She thought of him the moment she saw it. ]
Me next! Now, with it being so cold, I know we're spending time indoors. This is so you'll have something to keep you occupied.
[ meanwhile, the only thing wriothesley has on hand to offer are the apéritifs and soup he’s still tending to as he holds down the kitchen, leaving the other two cooks to hurry out and greet neuvillette with their gifts in tow. not wanting to take away from either of their moments, wriothesley simply smiles and lifts a hand in greeting as neuvillette is more or less guided to sit in the living room. he does, however, take a quiet moment to lean against the counter and watch it all unfold—content to soak in the easy joy of an evening shared among remarkable friends and warm company. ]
( neuvillette, being a stickler for punctuality amidst other things, arrives a few minutes early, bearing some glass bottles of water that he has purified on his own. the letters and gifts he had received from wriothesley, aether, and navia had cheered him up considerably, drawing him from melancholy to warmth.
he accepts the warm scarf and the beautiful glass chess set (blue as the waters of fontaine) with surprise, delight, and no small amount of gratitude — truly, he had not expected such thoughtful gifts on top of this dinner they have clearly worked hard at preparing for him. how wonderful, to be amidst such friends and enjoy their company, and oh, that cake is indeed familiar!
eyes bright and smile warm, neuvillette actually looks very, very happy, taking in everything and clearly being unable to help but step closer to them both, nodding at wriothesley to acknowledge him as well. )
Thank you, truly. Aether, Navia, Wriothesley... you have gone to great trouble on such a day, and I am truly grateful for your thoughtfulness. These gifts are special to me, as is all the work you have put in. Have you all spent the whole day working on this?
[Navia should've known that Aether would happily help her! And face all the mistakes with her! There's never a need to face hardships on your own (even if it's nothing serious) when they have each other.
Seeing Neuvillette's expression warm up makes Aether grin wide. They managed to cheer the Iudex up and that in turn makes the traveler beam. He moves even closer to Neuvillette, giving him something of a friendly half-hug before stepping away to pull a chair for him to take a seat.]
You have nothing to thank us for. We are simply happy to celebrate this day together with you! And I wouldn't call this work either. We've had a lot of fun cooking.
[He says that he casts a look to Wriothesley, seeking his confirmation.]
[ shhh leave Navia alone right now, this isn't her place to sob about her cake misadventures. she'll tell everyone later!
she's happy. Despite the weather being so cold, despite their circumstances and minus a few friends, they've managed to pull off a nice gathering for a cherished friend. Her roses look brighter, not unlike some of the withered ones previously. With friends, with her emotions being bright, she feels good. ]
It's no trouble at all, so please, don't think that. We wanted you to have a special day - we'd gladly spend all day for you.
[ there’s an exaggerated lift of his brow as the room looks to him for the final word, followed by a sweeping gesture back toward the crowd with one hand. ]
Both chef and pâtissier have spoken, and I’ve been nothing more than their humble helper today.
[ he flashes a tight little smile, then smooths it out with a short huff of laughter. ]
And I have to agree with everything they’ve said. The three of us came together to serve up a little slice of home while we’re all here, and I’d like to think we managed that for you.
[ he exhales softly, as if releasing the weight of the final words now that their little stand-up has come to a close, and his smile shifts—warmer, more at ease. ]
So, with that said—happy birthday, Monsieur Neuvillette.
( yes, indeed. there is never a need to face hardships on your own when there are people around who will be more than happy to help! for the first time in awhile, neuvillette's heart feels incredibly warm, and he can't hide the happiness that bubbles up in his chest. truly, in this cozy moment, he can't help but realize that these three are the closest to his heart.
he returns the half-hug after a split second, awkward only because he hasn't actually hugged anyone before, and he can't help but feel the pleasantness of a budding imprint, warm like honey. and navia, beautiful navia with her roses and the brightness of her smile. he steps toward the cake and macarons, admiring the delicate beauty of the confections. )
This took a lot of work, didn't it? They are truly a feast for the eyes. ( his smile widens when he catches wriothesley's smile, and that little greeting, before he nods his appreciation and gratitude, unable to keep a smile off his usually-dispassionate face. he picks up one macaron, holding it between his fingers delicately. a even more delicate bite follows, and neuvillette blinks. )
... it seems our Patissiere Supreme has competition.
[The joy in the air is easy to sense and Aether's expression shines when Neuvillette praises Navia's creation. The traveler quickly casts a look to his friend as if silent telling her "see? He loves it!" while also being very proud of her.
They all have done an amazing job, he thinks. Neuvillette enjoying his time with them is the greatest prize they could ask for.]
Since the menu is now approved by our estimated guest... it's time to celebrate!
[Aether makes his way to Wriothesley, gently placing a hand on his back to lead him towards the table.]
I'll handle the rest in the kitchen. You should take a break.
[ navia's hands clasp together in front of her, smile bright at the praise. ]
That makes it all the better! I wouldn't say I'm competition with her since the cake was definitely a second time around completion. The first one was more brownie than cake and I... I might have sobbed for an hour earlier today while I ate it.
[She laughs at it, because looking back on it now, it's funny. There was no reason to cry over a bad cake, but she had a moment where she wanted everything perfect and it just wasn't working.]
I'm glad you enjoy them... it fills my heart with joy.
[ leave it to aether to corral him into participating, especially when his part of the dinner course had been finished some time ago. still, wriothesley follows aether's lead and busies himself at the table, caught between watching neuvillette sample navia's macarons and ensuring everything remains in order.
he does, however, laugh alongside navia when she recounts her first attempt at the cake—it reminds him of an old adage. ]
Well, as they say in Snezhnaya: the first pancake is always lumpy. And I'd say it fits in this case in more ways than one.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
forward dated to 12/4; call then action? already CWs for super moon shenanigans and debauchery
so, to avoid a repeat of last month’s chaos, wriothesley figures it would be better to rely on a bit of imprinting to keep the frenzy at bay. though truth be told, he doesn’t have a long list of imprints he’d trust to keep both the situation—and himself—contained, especially if what that odd stranger said about his scent hitting a fever pitch turns out to be true this time around as well. still, calling on someone is infinitely better than roaming the streets late night again and fighting the pull to completely shift or let certain instincts bleed through in his more human form.
and after carefully—painfully—weighing his limited options, wriothesley settles on reaching out to potentially the only person calm enough to handle it all. it’s not ideal to spring it on neuvillette the day of, but at least it’s still early enough in the day for the other to consider... and for wriothesley to plan accordingly if he really is left with no one to fall back on. ]
Good morning, Neuvillette. Hopefully I caught you at a good time?
[ his cadence carries the usual drawl, but there's no mistaking the edge of exasperation in his tone—less out of irritation and more from trying to quell the strange heat sparking somewhere in his chest. ]
YES ABSOLUTELY
Ah, Wriothesley. Hello.
( simply remarkable. he lifts the device from his ear briefly, inspecting it before putting it back to his ear again. his tone is warm, but he shifts when he picks up on that subtle thread of exasperation in his tone, tilting his head. )
You have. ( wriothesley can never catch him at a bad time: if he has, neuvillette will simply make space. ) Is something the matter?
YOURE BARELY 24 HRS INTO THIS GAME AND WE'RE ALREADY HERE
which makes thinking up an equally ‘normal’ response a touch harder, though it gives him something to focus on. there’s no need to dress it up too much, so he lets out a short, barked laugh before continuing. ]
Truth be told, I'm sort of at a loss for how to word it all—but try and bear with me for a moment.
[ there's a low hum on his end. ]
Our last conversation. At the Valentia, when we talked about the changes with my soul. Well, what’s bound to happen tonight is... definitely one of them.
NO REGRETS
to hear the duke's admission of being at a loss is a novel thing, too; the man is shrewd and quick on his feet, but perhaps the entire experience of being trapped within karteria brings with it a host of new issues they haven't yet foreseen. neuvillette dreads having to experience the eventuality of it for himself, and appreciates the courage it takes for the wriothesley to admit that he needs help. )
Of course. ( he says, because that why he sounds like that, like he's readying himself for a difficult conversation. he shifts, his own concern for him overriding everything else. ) How may I help?
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Your help depends on how involved you’d like to be in this. But to put it plainly, I’ll be craving companionship [ no use in dancing around it, though he tries to speak plainly and with a thread of poise—something to anchor himself with, so it still feels like a choice rather than surrender. ] My soul doesn’t rightly care who I share it with, but I’d still like to have some say in the matter.
[ his tone dulls a touch with that last admission, but he doesn’t delve into whether he’s already entertained the alternative. ]
If everything goes well, having you nearby should be enough. But I can’t make any promises it’ll stay that chaste. [ there’s a pause—weighted, but brief. just enough time for the warning to settle, not long enough for neuvillette to cut in just yet. ] So if you don’t mind the risk of me being out of sorts for the night… then I’d like for you to come over. Since if I’m bound to lose myself for a while, I’d rather it be with you than anyone else.
[ he already knows what it’s like to let that impulse take the reins entirely, and he’d rather not make it a habit of filling that space with just any warm, willing body. love and intimacy should be warm—anchored—not easy or fleeting, not just a way to scratch the surface of something deeper either. last month had been all jagged dissonance, all instinct and white noise. but now that he’s grounded, aware, and clearer on what he wants—he trusts neuvillette to hold him through it without fear. ]
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wriothesley chooses him because he wants to, because more than trust, there are the seeds of something deeper that they have never had the chance to explore back in teyvat, when the prophecy loomed above them like a death sentence. no, karteria is where wriothesley first broaches the subject, and neuvillette knows how much it takes out of him to tell him that he craves companionship, that intimacy is on the table, and that any notions of chastity ought to be set aside.
neuvillette, who prides himself on propriety and a certain measure of gallantry, shifts. he is unused to this, unversed in such a situation, but he must do what he can to alleviate wriothesley's worries, to be worthy of the weight of his trust. but more than that... more than trust lies something far deeper and layered, something neuvillette has allowed himself to think about in his most private moments. intimacy with wriothesley, to protect and hold him not out of obligation, but out of affection and desire, of the love that wriothesley has never had even as a child.
he feels his heart skip a beat, his own ache of quiet yearning, yet unshaped but very much present. here, there are no melusines to be their buffer (not that he wants them to, for something as important as this). here, neuvillette has to breach the distance himself.
suddenly, for all of this advance in technology, wriothesley feels so, so very far away. )
I should like to come over now. Will you see me?
( he asks at last, low and soft, his request gentle as the last of the summer wind. the rest of this conversation should be continued in person, and wriothesley should not be the only one making this request, not when neuvillette finds himself eagerly reciprocating. he wants to make him comfortable, to show him that he is not another task to be accomplished: wriothesley deserves the care and closeness he has so rarely been shown, to be eased into it and comforted. love, indeed, should be warm. )
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yet life in karteria has a way of dragging certain feelings to the surface—raw and exposed like a shorn nerve. but even so, it's still sincere. not posturing, not performative. ironically, it’s a kind of pressure wriothesley has grown accustomed to after over a decade spent in a broken fortress as an inmate. neuvillette, on the other hand, isn’t someone who’s often had to sit face-to-face with that kind of stressor or emotional burden. but wriothesley’s worries ease the moment neuvillette hears him out fully and responds with that steady, unmistakable kindness of his. it’s the simplicity of his reply that tells wriothesley he understands—the weight of the situation, and the intent behind the ask. ]
Of course. You're always welcome here, Neuvillette.
[ it’s an honest invitation—one he could never voice back in fontaine, or at least not outright. not while he still wears the titles of duke and warden. and yet, for all the urgency behind it, the words hold steady, sincere. there’s no need to repeat them. and in the background, there’s the soft shuffle of movement as he tries to tidy up the place, at least a little. ]
The front door will be unlocked by the time you arrive, so feel free to let yourself in. I’ll see if I can sleep away some of this fever in the meantime.
[ fortunately, they both know the route well—the walk from the valentia to wriothesley’s new apartment by the coast isn’t long. since most of the furnishings were chosen with neuvillette’s help; the space is modest, but respectable, and more than livable despite a few still-empty rooms.
true to his word, wriothesley takes a page from sigewinne’s playbook and tries to sleep through the worst of the heat. she’d probably be proud that some of her advice has stuck after all this time. meanwhile propriety makes a brief appearance in how he tries to dress properly, but wriothesley gives up quickly. it’s far too warm under the sheets. in the end, he dozes off in a loose shirt and shorts, tail freed from the blankets for air, ears flattened in a quiet bid for comfort. ]
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neuvillette is still figuring out the subtleties of such an entanglement, the ramification of it and what it means to be summoned so easily to his side. this time, the primordial sea is out of the picture, and perhaps an argument can be made that the safety of karteria's citizens are of utmost concern, and therefore wriothesley's continued well-being is crucial, but he cannot bring himself to believe it. wriothesley's well-being matters to him, first.
he makes his way to wriothesley's apartment and lets himself in quietly, locking the door behind him. the place is cozy, silent, and unmistakably wriothesley's, even if it's nowhere as spartan as when he had first visited it. he seeks him out and finds him quickly enough, a sleeping, vulnerable man with his tail on full display, ears flattened as if seeking warmth, something, someone.
neuvillette doesn't hesitate, seating himself very gently on the edge of the bed beside him, a large bottle of purified water set on the nightstand just for him. his gloves are the next to be divested, set aside neatly by the bottle. his hand comes to curl in that messy mop of dark hair, stroking those flattened ears. he offers the comfort that wriothesley seeks, tender and unhurried. his thumb smooths over the outline of it, fingers massaging the base.
there, there. he's here. there's nothing for him to worry about. )
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he unconsciously seeks the imprint through proximity, craning slightly to tilt his head into neuvillette’s bare and warm hand. where one of his ears twitches against the other’s fingers, and even half-asleep, wriothesley still has the presence of mind to brush the back of his hand over his cheek, trying to gauge the worst of the heat that's settled into his features. ]
Hey— [ he manages with a croaked laugh, hoarse but good-humored given the state of him. ] I'm glad you got here without much trouble.
[ the hand at his face turns to roughly rub at his eyes before blinking more awake. and with a softened look of his own, he rests that hand atop neuvillette’s thigh. ]
Thanks for helping me out with this, Neuvillette. I'll do my best to behave while I'm still all here.
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( the cold is setting in, and neuvillette feels a little more sluggish than he'd expected, and as eager as wriothesley is in seeking out touch and calm, neuvillette finds his natural soul's instincts gravitating toward the younger man's natural body heat. he seeks him out with a yearning that startles even him, and he can't help but find himself caught on the softness of wriothesley's just-awakened look, helplessly drawn to the soft vulnerability that he has never seen on him.
no, this is wriothesley before all of his defence mechanisms kick in, so young and so open, and he forgets to breathe for a moment.
perhaps it's the effect of the imprinting, pleasant and warm like honey in his veins, warming up corners of himself that he didn't realize were bereft. or perhaps it's just wriothesley, with his hand on his thigh. his hand comes to rest on his cheek, thumb subconsciously smoothing over his bottom lip as he speaks.
warmth, softness. all these things neuvillette has never realized he wanted up until now. )
You don't have to do anything else but be at ease, Wriothesley. ( he tells him softly. ) I came because I wished to. The thought of you being alone and in profound discomfort is... unacceptable to me.
( but he has more he wants to say, so much more he needs to blurt out. ) I understand that you reached out to me because you wanted a choice despite your circumstances, and I, too, hope to make a choice, if you are willing and open.
( so it doesn't have to be forced, so that this can be their way of taking control, together. he takes a breath, and decides to just be honest, because there is no way to lead into this normally when none of what is happening to them is normal: )
I should like to kiss you, while you are still all here.
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it might be unwise to hold the former chief justice in such high regard, but wriothesley knows that neuvillette is unfailingly honest if nothing else. even if they're both still trying to make sense of it all, he wants to offer neuvillette the same certainty he’s been given since the other's arrival—especially in a world and system where so much remains unpredictable.
and so he keeps looking up at neuvillette as he speaks, tilting his chin slightly to rest his cheek further into the other's hand, and letting his lips lightly brush against the pad of his thumb. ]
Now what was it I first said to you, when we crossed paths here? [ there's a grunt as wriothesley shifts, the bed dipping under his weight when he sits up with a cheeky grin, despite the lingering flush on his skin. ] My hero.
[ he takes neuvillette’s words far too seriously for a moment, to be more of himself, just enough to ease some of the tension in the air. but it’s well meant in the way he leans close—foregoing his usual preference for space and formality to show something more vulnerable. something disheveled in his current state, but nevertheless sincere. ]
I appreciate you seeing my plea for help as something more than just a worry to tend to, Neuvillette. You’ve always had a sense for the emotions behind the choices I make, even when I try to keep them hidden. But that’s something I’ve come to respect as well as cherish in you.
[ the earlier grin softens as he speaks while the hand that had rested on neuvillette’s thigh slips into the space between them, if only to brace himself as he leans into the other's shoulder. ]
I can already hear the gears turning in your head, especially in trying to make this all proper. But for what it's worth, you’ve made this one of the easiest confessions one can accept.
[ there’s no grand gesture to it—just wriothesley, straightforward and without the usual masks, pressing a quiet kiss against neuvillette’s bottom lip. it’s meant to be chaste, but the familiar scent of passing rain lingering on the other pulls something deeper from him. his tongue brushes the seam of neuvillette’s mouth before the kiss deepens, though he draws back before either of them are swept too far into it. and in the way wriothesley pulls back, he looks faintly breathless, but pleased in the way his ears excitedly twitch. ]
So? Was it worth the effort of coming here?
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my hero, he says, and neuvillette feels the tips of his ears turn pink, intensifying when he leans forward so boldly to press his lips to his. neuvillette had asked, and wriothesley has so willingly given, the warmth of his lips chasing all coherent thought from his mind. warm, soft; the swipe of the duke's tongue is sensuous, and he parts his lips to invite him in, deepening the kiss.
neuvillette shifts forward, tongue lightly touching his and savoring the taste of him before he —
— wriothesley's pulling away, and without thinking, the dragon gives chase, lavender eyes dark and focused with the singular desire for more. he barely registers the question, the endearing twitch of his ears, his hungry gaze flicking down to his lips, to those flushed cheeks and ears, then back down to his lips again. he has been given a taste of him, divine and exhilarating. instead of responding, however, neuvillette only lunges forward, a hand cupping the back of wriothesley's head to keep him cradled, and sealing his lips to his again.
this time, words will not do. he's the one who seeks access, to taste and tangle and memorize him for himself. )
the real cw: old man yaoi starts here
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🎀 thnx for the practice bromie MWUAH
12/18; kitchen table
nevertheless, when neuvillette wakes and goes through the motions of his morning routine, he’ll find the kitchen table modestly adorned with several items. namely: a small floral arrangement, a folded quilt, and a nearly matching quilted robe (matching more in make than in design, given the fleur-de-lis top-stitching on the former), and a small jewelry box containing cufflinks.
a low whistle hums from the kettle, with the stove set to a small flame to keep the water warm and the kitchen gently heated. but above all else is a decorated card, marked by a familiar scrawl: ]
Good morning, and happy birthday, Neuvillette.
It seems most of my efforts were outshined by the sudden appearance of some of your clothing from home, but it never hurts to have more of a good thing, does it? But before you get too comfortable breaking in the new quilt and robe, though, you’ve got an appointment at Hé Huā this morning for a bit of R&R.
Admittedly, I may have embellished a few of your 'symptoms,’ but I’d argue the work you’ve been putting in during our evenings more than warrants the treatments offered. So take full advantage of them—for the both of us—and let me know how it goes.
The weather hasn't been particularly cooperative, and the sun only makes brief appearances, but I’ve arranged a small get-together this evening with Aether and Miss Navia at the former’s apartment. You’ll have to make the trek, unfortunately, since we’ll all be cooking up until you arrive—but you know how to reach us if you’d like to come by earlier.
Have a wonderful day, Neuvillette. We're all looking forward to seeing you tonight.
— Wriothesley
12/18, before the party
I know Wriothesley must have mentioned the small get-together we're having, but I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday on my own before I start cooking. I'm in charge of desserts, obviously, and while we may not be in Fontaine, I am going to try and bring the Hotel Debord's great dessert selection to you! While I may not be as good as Chef Escoffier, I have picked up a few tips from her!
I only hope that we can all make your birthday a nice ray of sunshine while we're here.
- Navia ♥
18/12, the invitation + action
The letter itself is quite simple:]
Happy birthday!
In this special day, the stars send you all the well wishes! We may have found ourselves in a difficult world to be in, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy our time here.
And speaking of! I hope you will accept this little invitation for a birthday party! Location: my apartment. Please feel yourself at home when you're there!
The gathering will be small, with myself, Wriothesley and Navia. We hope you'll enjoy it and we can't wait to see you soon!
-Aether
-------
[Once Neuvillette will reach the apartment for their little gathering, Aether will eagerly open the door for him and usher him inside. The air is full of delicious smells from various dishes prepared by the trio and the traveler is grinning bright, awaiting the Iudex's reaction.]
I hope you didn't get too cold... If so, we'll make sure to warm you up!
[If needed, Aether has a blanket waiting on the couch, just in case their friend needed it. The traveler leads Neuvillette towards Navia and Wriothesley, then leaves for a moment to grab a small box and gift it to the Hydro Dragon.]
And here's a little something from me. It's nothing special, but I hope it'll be useful, especially now.
[Inside, Neuvillette will find a a blue and white scarf, soft to the touch and warm.]
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Her gift box was a little larger, wrapped in a gold bow. Inside, a blue glass chess set, which honestly reminded her of the waters back home. She thought of him the moment she saw it. ]
Me next! Now, with it being so cold, I know we're spending time indoors. This is so you'll have something to keep you occupied.
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he accepts the warm scarf and the beautiful glass chess set (blue as the waters of fontaine) with surprise, delight, and no small amount of gratitude — truly, he had not expected such thoughtful gifts on top of this dinner they have clearly worked hard at preparing for him. how wonderful, to be amidst such friends and enjoy their company, and oh, that cake is indeed familiar!
eyes bright and smile warm, neuvillette actually looks very, very happy, taking in everything and clearly being unable to help but step closer to them both, nodding at wriothesley to acknowledge him as well. )
Thank you, truly. Aether, Navia, Wriothesley... you have gone to great trouble on such a day, and I am truly grateful for your thoughtfulness. These gifts are special to me, as is all the work you have put in. Have you all spent the whole day working on this?
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Seeing Neuvillette's expression warm up makes Aether grin wide. They managed to cheer the Iudex up and that in turn makes the traveler beam. He moves even closer to Neuvillette, giving him something of a friendly half-hug before stepping away to pull a chair for him to take a seat.]
You have nothing to thank us for. We are simply happy to celebrate this day together with you! And I wouldn't call this work either. We've had a lot of fun cooking.
[He says that he casts a look to Wriothesley, seeking his confirmation.]
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she's happy. Despite the weather being so cold, despite their circumstances and minus a few friends, they've managed to pull off a nice gathering for a cherished friend. Her roses look brighter, not unlike some of the withered ones previously. With friends, with her emotions being bright, she feels good. ]
It's no trouble at all, so please, don't think that. We wanted you to have a special day - we'd gladly spend all day for you.
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Both chef and pâtissier have spoken, and I’ve been nothing more than their humble helper today.
[ he flashes a tight little smile, then smooths it out with a short huff of laughter. ]
And I have to agree with everything they’ve said. The three of us came together to serve up a little slice of home while we’re all here, and I’d like to think we managed that for you.
[ he exhales softly, as if releasing the weight of the final words now that their little stand-up has come to a close, and his smile shifts—warmer, more at ease. ]
So, with that said—happy birthday, Monsieur Neuvillette.
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he returns the half-hug after a split second, awkward only because he hasn't actually hugged anyone before, and he can't help but feel the pleasantness of a budding imprint, warm like honey. and navia, beautiful navia with her roses and the brightness of her smile. he steps toward the cake and macarons, admiring the delicate beauty of the confections. )
This took a lot of work, didn't it? They are truly a feast for the eyes. ( his smile widens when he catches wriothesley's smile, and that little greeting, before he nods his appreciation and gratitude, unable to keep a smile off his usually-dispassionate face. he picks up one macaron, holding it between his fingers delicately. a even more delicate bite follows, and neuvillette blinks. )
... it seems our Patissiere Supreme has competition.
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They all have done an amazing job, he thinks. Neuvillette enjoying his time with them is the greatest prize they could ask for.]
Since the menu is now approved by our estimated guest... it's time to celebrate!
[Aether makes his way to Wriothesley, gently placing a hand on his back to lead him towards the table.]
I'll handle the rest in the kitchen. You should take a break.
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That makes it all the better! I wouldn't say I'm competition with her since the cake was definitely a second time around completion. The first one was more brownie than cake and I... I might have sobbed for an hour earlier today while I ate it.
[She laughs at it, because looking back on it now, it's funny. There was no reason to cry over a bad cake, but she had a moment where she wanted everything perfect and it just wasn't working.]
I'm glad you enjoy them... it fills my heart with joy.
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he does, however, laugh alongside navia when she recounts her first attempt at the cake—it reminds him of an old adage. ]
Well, as they say in Snezhnaya: the first pancake is always lumpy. And I'd say it fits in this case in more ways than one.
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