As I said before, it is the tartness of the water trapped within that makes it especially delectable, and luckily, the interior is far more appetizing the bruised exterior would suggest.
[ He takes the second one and breaks it carefully, wishing he had a knife to make this neater. As it is, a lot of the peach juice ends up oozing down his fingers. ]
[ ...neuvillette that's fiendish, whether you realize it or not. he's staring at his hand, so completely focused on the juice running down his fingers that he almost misses his cue to pay attention. ] Help myself, ..? Are you sure?
[ Imagine how torturous it is for himself not being able to lick the water off himself while it's glistening and sweet. However, doing so in public would be considered improper. ]
I would not have offered if I did not intend for you to partake. By all means.
... [ he takes the offered peach half and looks aside, biting into it to distract himself... not that it helps much. ] I'll have to get you a towel. This peach is a lot messier than I imagined it would be.
There is a lake right next to us we can wash our hands in.
[ That still doesn't dampen his desire to lick both his and Wriothesley's hands clean, but he keeps insisting to himself that's his draconic instincts at play. Humans have more decorum than that. ]
I will bring a proper paring knife with me the next time we decide to eat together like this.
I drank from it earlier, though...I may simply be better at handling fresh water than those with a different constitution.
[ Humans are so delicate, he doesn't know if they'd get sick from drinking it straight from the source, but he does hold out his peach-drenched hand curiously, wondering what Wriothesley will do. ]
And my schedule is currently clear and free of appointments. I do not see why not.
[ oh. hm... well, that's good to know, but he's come this far. he takes his hand and ducks his head to hide his smile. ] I'll have to find more than just lipton tea at the store. I doubt it's going to hold a candle to what were were drinking back home. [ he hesitates one last time, ] Forgive me, Neuvillette, but for all the teasing I've done to you... whether you're aware or not you've returned it in kind. [ he's going to lick at his peach drenched fingers. ]
[ Neuvillette makes a soft noise of surprise in the back of his throat, his eyes widening and his body noticeably stilling as he stares in shock. He can't seem the find his voice, his blood turned searing below his skin, making him all too keenly aware of his own quickening heartbeat while trying and failing (as always) to figure out the why behind Wriothesley's actions.
Eventually, he whispersā ]
...This is not necessary nor appropriate, Wriothesley.
[ that reaction is not helping. a part of him was hoping that neuvillette would scold him in some fashion, so he would have to stop, but instead he makes the cutest reaction, which only drives wriothesley to continue. he presses his thumb into his palm, trying to force his hand to flex, so he can tend to each one of his juicy covered fingers. ]
I know. [ his lips quirk into a subtle smirk. ] It's why I apologized. [ as if that apology absolves him of all of his 'sins'. ]
[ Honestly, he probably should, but his thoughts are growing clouded the more Wriothesley licks his hand clean. He'd once read that human fingertips have the highest concentration of nerve endings, and he's sure Wriothesley is doing a good job of stroking every last one at the moment. ]
It was insincere.
[ His breath hitches, slitted pupils starting to expand, utterly enthralled, as he watches Wriothesley's mouth and tongue.
Before he abruptly withdraws his hand because this is neither the time, nor the place for such indulgence, and he's sure Wriothesley is only doing it just to get a rise out of him. ]
[ he shakes his head, looking up through his bangs at neuvillette, ] It was not. [ he doesnāt fight to keep neuvilletteās hand in his own, though he doesnāt immediately straighten up. he is a bit embarrassed, but heād be lying if he said he had regrets. ] ā¦thatās enough. [ he echoes with a nod, as if having to convince himself that, yes, he needs to stop. ]
Iām not sure if itās the the brand or the fact that our identities mean nothing here, but Iām finding you much harder to resist and for that I am truly sorry. [ he does mean that, especially if Neuvillette has no interest, which is possible. he could be barking up the wrong tree, so to speak, but flirting has been ( and always will be ) dangerous. tension rising like the water has driven him to at least *try* to clarify⦠everything. ]
[ Human desire is a confusing beast altogether, one he should try to understand better, considering the body he currently occupies, but he's always ignored any urges that would complicate his position and the position of others within Fontaine. Wriothesley had fit firmly fell into that realm as someone he's always been drawn to yet for whom the risk of developing any conflicts of interest was too great. ]
Our roles will resume meaning something when we return, and neither you and I can predict when that day will come. I am aware how important the Fortress of Meropide is to you as well as all the inmates you have helped in their rehabilitation.
I do not want you to jeopardize any of it.
[ Least of all for someone like himself who struggles to reciprocate Wriothesley's kindness and boldness. ]
[ neuvillette's answer is not one he's surprised to receive, but that doesn't mean he's still not a little disappointed. he's always prioritized reason, logic, and rationale, because that is what someone in his position must do... but he's not asking the chief justice, he's asking neuvillette. ] I know, and we might even be yanked out of this place at different times, depending on their crazy whims, but... [ he takes a deep breath, shutting his eyes, because a part of him tells him just to stop. ]
You wouldn't. [ he smiles softly. ] But that's a discussion for another time. What I'm asking is... here, we have an opportunity to try, so will you?
[ It's a struggle for him to formulate an answer, having to choose between selfishness and duty. This world does provide them an opportunity to explore beyond their stations, but what will happen when they return? They will be bound once more to their roles. ]
I cannot answer yet ānot without knowing and understanding your intentions. Do you seek only immediate sexual satisfaction? Or a deeper intimacy?
[ this is not a conversation he anticipated having this soon... but clearly sending a š related text message is a speed run to seriousness. ] The latter. If one thing ever leads to another I'm certainly not going to complain, but getting to know you better is what I'm interested in.
[ Well, well, if it isn't the consequences of Wriothesley's actions...but it would have been easier if it was a one-time tryst they could take care of and never revisit again. However, Neuvillette doesn't want that either. ]
Then we are in agreement. We will take our time and learn what we can from one another, and should your feelings change as you come to know me further, we will pursue this matter no longer.
[ he doubts that a one night stand would have been just that. there are already some feelings tying them together, and even if they're not particularly strong there's no way to just... sever a bond like that. it's likely that it would have made things 'worse'. ]
Neuvillette. [ said sternly as he gives him a look. ] Do you honestly believe that my getting to know you better is going to result in a negative change of feelings? [ a smirk as he leans in and over his shoulder, ] Have some faith in yourself, silly dragon.
[ His eyes widen slightly, though he's not sure why he's surprised. He never really made an extensive effort to hide his identity. Him controlling the primordial waters with ease was probably a dead giveaway... ]
So you did know. That makes it easier for you to grasp my shortcomings as a potential mate. There are many concepts and emotions that I may never fully understand even after centuries of observing the people of Fontaine, but know that it does not diminish my respect and admiration for you and all you have accomplished nor my attraction.
I had a strong feeling and some concrete evidence. [ that being one of the ones that more or less sealed the deal. but, once again, he sighs. ] Will you stop? [ it sounds more like a plea. ] Do you think I'm any more equipped to tackle something like this? [ he looks aside, all the while reaching for neuvillette's hand. ] We both know my past isn't colored with positive influences for this sort of thing.
[ wow. he tries to keep the color from creeping onto his cheeks, but, for the life of him, he cannot. ] Of course. Let's head back. [ hand in hand. he gets to his feet, pulling neuvillette along with him. ] And thank you, Neuvillette, for... giving this a try.
[ It still makes him apprehensive, thinking of having to end things should they return, but he tries not to fixate on that right now and to enjoy simply being with him in a way he couldn't fathom back home. ]
Should we find time to ourselves once more, I would like to meet like this once more and perhaps share a more substantial meal than peaches.
[ He's determined now to find a more decent tea blend for Wriothesley than Lipton. ]
How about I do you one better and make time? We can do dinner⦠and dessert. And to show you that I have a few more tricks up my sleeve Iāll even cook. [ he can do more than find peaches! although heās a bit of kitchen nightmare, so this can only go āwellā. ]
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[ He takes the second one and breaks it carefully, wishing he had a knife to make this neater. As it is, a lot of the peach juice ends up oozing down his fingers. ]
Here, please help yourself.
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I would not have offered if I did not intend for you to partake. By all means.
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[ That still doesn't dampen his desire to lick both his and Wriothesley's hands clean, but he keeps insisting to himself that's his draconic instincts at play. Humans have more decorum than that. ]
I will bring a proper paring knife with me the next time we decide to eat together like this.
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Oh? Is this going to become a regular thing? [ he cracks a small smile while holding a hand out for one of neuvillette's. ] May I?
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[ Humans are so delicate, he doesn't know if they'd get sick from drinking it straight from the source, but he does hold out his peach-drenched hand curiously, wondering what Wriothesley will do. ]
And my schedule is currently clear and free of appointments. I do not see why not.
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Eventually, he whispersā ]
...This is not necessary nor appropriate, Wriothesley.
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I know. [ his lips quirk into a subtle smirk. ] It's why I apologized. [ as if that apology absolves him of all of his 'sins'. ]
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It was insincere.
[ His breath hitches, slitted pupils starting to expand, utterly enthralled, as he watches Wriothesley's mouth and tongue.
Before he abruptly withdraws his hand because this is neither the time, nor the place for such indulgence, and he's sure Wriothesley is only doing it just to get a rise out of him. ]
...That's enough.
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Iām not sure if itās the the brand or the fact that our identities mean nothing here, but Iām finding you much harder to resist and for that I am truly sorry. [ he does mean that, especially if Neuvillette has no interest, which is possible. he could be barking up the wrong tree, so to speak, but flirting has been ( and always will be ) dangerous. tension rising like the water has driven him to at least *try* to clarify⦠everything. ]
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Our roles will resume meaning something when we return, and neither you and I can predict when that day will come. I am aware how important the Fortress of Meropide is to you as well as all the inmates you have helped in their rehabilitation.
I do not want you to jeopardize any of it.
[ Least of all for someone like himself who struggles to reciprocate Wriothesley's kindness and boldness. ]
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You wouldn't. [ he smiles softly. ] But that's a discussion for another time. What I'm asking is... here, we have an opportunity to try, so will you?
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I cannot answer yet ānot without knowing and understanding your intentions. Do you seek only immediate sexual satisfaction? Or a deeper intimacy?
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Then we are in agreement. We will take our time and learn what we can from one another, and should your feelings change as you come to know me further, we will pursue this matter no longer.
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Neuvillette. [ said sternly as he gives him a look. ] Do you honestly believe that my getting to know you better is going to result in a negative change of feelings? [ a smirk as he leans in and over his shoulder, ] Have some faith in yourself, silly dragon.
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So you did know. That makes it easier for you to grasp my shortcomings as a potential mate. There are many concepts and emotions that I may never fully understand even after centuries of observing the people of Fontaine, but know that it does not diminish my respect and admiration for you and all you have accomplished nor my attraction.
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We'll figure this out.
Together.
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Your past has only served as a foundation to mold you into the man you are now.
[ Someone he cherishes more than makes sense to himself. ]
Thank you, Wriothesley. Will you accompany me back to our respective houses?
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Should we find time to ourselves once more, I would like to meet like this once more and perhaps share a more substantial meal than peaches.
[ He's determined now to find a more decent tea blend for Wriothesley than Lipton. ]
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[ He promises he'll bring something more elaborate than frozen water with a little bit of flavoring... ]
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