𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 - Wriothesley x Neuvillette

An overwhelming experience (Chapter 24)

Sorry, they are not going to kiss in this chapter, I decided to move it🤷

Neuvillette's unexpected disappearance had left a haunting sensation in the air, a foreboding reminder of uncertainties yet to unfold. Wriothesley couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that lingered within him. Despite Neuvillette's return, an unspoken heaviness now weighed down their interactions.

When they had returned to Neuvillette's place, it had of course made a big fuss, and Wriothesley could only watch as Neuvillette was bombarded with questions he very clearly did his best to avoid.

Wriothesley stood nearby, his gaze fixed on the floor, resisting the urge to glance up at Neuvillette. The unease was palpable, a heavy silence enveloping the room like a shroud. When everyone finally left, and the two of them were alone, Neuvillette finally spoke,"I apologize," his voice barely above a whisper. "I never intended to cause such concern."

Wriothesley nodded, the tension in his shoulders evident as he struggled to find the right words. "It's just... I didn't know where you had gone. We were worried."

Neuvillette's gaze softened, a flicker of remorse in his eyes. "I should have informed someone. I... I just needed some time alone."

"Alone?" Wriothesley echoed.Neuvillette hesitated, grappling with his thoughts. "I needed... solitude. To clear my mind."

A heavy silence descended upon them, the weight of unspoken emotions lingering between them.

"I understand," Wriothesley said softly, attempting to mask the disappointment in his voice.

But Neuvillette could sense Wriothesley's dissapointement. He wished he could convey the turmoil inside him, the overwhelming emotions that had driven him to seek solace in the hidden cave.

"I truly appreciate your concern," Neuvillette began, his voice tinged with regret. "And I'm sorry for the distress I caused."

Wriothesley nodded, knowing he couldn't do anything but respect his decision. As the room descended into a heavy silence, Neuvillette's thoughts whirled with a tempest of emotions.

"I should go," Neuvillette said softly, a faint weariness lacing his words.

"I'm not even getting an explanation?" Wriothesley asked.

"I told you, I just needed to clear my mind."

"Of what?"

"Have you already forgotten the assassination attempts, the body found at the Fountain of Lucine, and your little betrayal?"

"Of course not, I just thought-... I suppose I thought you would have told me if you were burdened with something."

"I see... My apologies, Wriothesley."

Wriothesley nodded, his gaze still fixed on the ground. He couldn't bring himself to meet Neuvillette's eyes. He understood now. He understood what was causing the growing distance between them again. Of course Neuvillette was still upset about his betrayal. Wriothesley felt horrible for not realizing how much it still affected Neuvillette. He had forgiven him, yes, but not forgotten. He had been stupid to think Neuvillette trusted him enough to talk to him.

As Neuvillette made his way to leave, a pang of regret surged within Wriothesley. He longed to bridge the growing chasm between them, to dissolve the tension that lingered like a thick fog in the room. He decided to just do it. He would go to Neuvillette's room and talk to him. The least he could do was apologize again and be there for him. So he stood up and made his way to Neuvillette's room, the air seeming heavier around him than usual.

"May I come in?" Wriothesley asked, knocking gently on the door.

Neuvillette hesitated. "I... I don't think that's a good idea," he replied softly.

Wriothesley's heart sank at the palpable distance Neuvillette had created. The words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the strained bond between them."I understand," Wriothesley said. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Neuvillette opened the door and looked at Wriothesley, his eyes soft. "I'm fine."

"May I please come in? I just want to talk."

"I... I suppose," Neuvillette said, stepping aside and allowing Wriothesley to enter his room.

He stepped inside and looked at the Iudex. He had healed physically from the episode with the void and that divine torture bubble, or whatever it was, but Wriothesley could see he wasn't fine yet emotionally.

"Neuvillette, I understand I messed up and that you won't ever forget it, and I'm not asking you to. I just want you to know that I've learned from my mistakes back then. There's nothing I will keep from you, and I will never hurt you again. So please don't hesitate to tell me how you feel. I'm here for you, okay? Not just because Furina makes me stay, but because I want to make it up to you."

Neuvillette couldn't deny that it was a relief to hear Wriothesley say that. But he was still hurting. He didn't feel ready to talk to him, and as Wriothesley took a step closer, he couldn't help but feel anxious. The sudden rush of emotions overwhelmed him. In his vulnerability, a surge of anxiety and fear surged within Neuvillette, threatening to engulf him. He took a step back, the rawness of his emotions exposing him in a way he hadn't anticipated.

"I can't, Wriothesley," Neuvillette exclaimed, his voice laced with frustration and panic. "I can't just forget the weight I carry. I can't forget the burden I am."

Wriothesley's brow furrowed with concern. "I don't expect you to forget what happened, not at all. And you aren't a burden. You know just as well as I do how much you do for Fontaine and all the people around you. I just want to help carry the weight. Let me in, Neuvillette."The flood of emotions intensified within Neuvillette, a whirlwind of conflicting feelings tearing at his resolve. But the fear of burdening Wriothesley with his struggles overwhelmed him. In a moment of anguish, he lashed out unintentionally.

"You don't understand!" Neuvillette exclaimed. At that moment, he had no control over his powers. He made a gesture with his hand while speaking, but it sent out a powerful blade of water, knocking Wriothesley backward into the door, which fell off the hinges. Neuvillette looked down at him, horrified at what he had just done. Wriothesley slowly got up, clutching his side. He could feel the impact on his ribs and knew he would have to see Sigewinne."Alright Neuvillette... I'm sorry if I pushed you. I'll leave you be." He walked away, leaving Neuvillette standing there, consumed by guilt.