Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It wasn’t particularly hard for Wriothesley to make it to any final bout. Honestly, he felt a little guilty for anyone who placed bets against him, but he also knew the inmates relished the rare chance to fight the Duke himself. Besides, Wriothesley needed the release—after the stress of the Beret Society's disbandment, a good fight was exactly what he craved. He was just glad that the previous members have been recovering well.

“—!” Wriothesley blinked, realizing he hadn’t caught his opponent's name as the fight was about to start. No matter—he was ready when the bell rang, lunging forward to land the first blow.

His opponent was formidable, easily blocking several of his punches even with the added weight of Wriothesley’s gauntlets. Near the end, both fighters were drenched in sweat and breathing hard when something shifted. Wriothesley moved in for a strike, but his vision blurred. And suddenly his opponent looked different, more familiar, his brown hair twisting into the shape of a plaid beret.

Wriothesley froze, eyes widening in shock. He missed his mark, allowing his opponent a near-hit of his own. But Wriothesley’s reflexes kicked in—he dodged swiftly, regained his footing, and pinned the other fighter down just as the final bell rang. He rose to his feet, panting heavily.

Sigewinne was instantly at his side. “What happened? He almost hit you.” Her brows furrowed in concern.

“Wanted to give myself a bit of a challenge,” Wriothesley lied easily. Sigewinne didn’t look convinced but she didn’t pry, focusing instead on tending to the other fighter as Wriothesley retreated to the restroom.

As he opened the door, he nearly bumped into someone.

“Y-your Grace!” A prisoner quickly bowed his head. “What are you doing here?”

Wriothesley raised an eyebrow. “Is it strange to wash up after a fight?”

The prisoner stuttered out an apology. “No, of course not! I was just surprised to see you here.” He adjusted his cap and coughed. “Forgive me.”

Wriothesley gave him an easy smile, trying to lighten the tension. “There’s nothing to forgive, though I understand my presence can be intimidating. Don’t mind me.”

The prisoner bowed again leaving Wriothesley alone.

Wriothesley sighed, turning to the sink and turning on the water. He cupped the water in his hands and washed his face, looking in the reflection to navigate where any cuts and bruises were. When he was done, he turned the faucet off and leaned on the sink, suddenly feeling the weight of what he saw. That man… Wriothesley shook his head. Dougier was still under surveillance, logically, he knew that it wasn’t him. It was pathetic he still had such an effect on him.

His attention then shifted to the inmate he ran into just then, and he scoffed. If he knew what he had done to Dougier, would he still look at him with such respect, despite his intimidation? What right did he have to call himself the Duke, to allow others to revere him and refer to him as “His Grace”? He wasn’t worthy of their praise—only their fear. The realization terrified him.

Suddenly, his reflection seemed different. It wasn’t his face he saw anymore, but the faces of his mother, his father, Dougier—was he any better than them if he crowned himself judge, jury, and executioner? This line of thinking paled in comparison to the horrors he and his siblings had endured, but was he truly better? Wasn’t that the whole reason he stayed? To give others a chance at redemption in an environment that allowed them to? But how could he, when at the slightest provocation, he resorted to violence?

If the Duke wants someone dead, he needs no justification. What kind of reasoning was that? Frustrated, he tangled his hands in his hair, tugging and pulling, as if that could change the face staring back at him.

Wriothesley isn’t a good person. He’d already accepted that, never seeing himself as a saint. But he wanted to try, to prove that he deserved this.

How he handled the matter of Dougier and the Beret Society proved him wrong. The Traveler and Paimon’s reactions afterwards said it all. Despite it being to protect them, once again was he that scared and reckless boy, killing for there was no other way out. Only this time, there should’ve been. He can’t afford to take lives like that, as the warden, he should know better.

Wriothesley closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, he was met with his image staring back at him again. He washed his hands and left, returning to his office.

Monsieur Neuvillette,

I regret to inform you that I’ll be unable to have in-person meetings for the time being for any reason. Do not stress, however, I and the Fortress are doing fine and hopefully, we can see each other soon.

Wriothesley

“Your Grace, I’m heading to the surface to check out some new beauty products that just came out…” Sigewinne’s voice was light as she adjusted her small bag over her shoulder. “Care to join me?”

Wriothesley glanced up from the stack of papers on his desk, his brow furrowing slightly. “Hm? Ah, no, thank you, Sigewinne. I’m afraid I don’t have the time,” he replied, his tone firm but apologetic.

Sigewinne sighed softly, her rhinophores drooping a little. “When was the last time you took a break?” she asked, concern lacing her words as she looked at him. “You’ve been awfully busy these past few weeks…”

“I know,” Wriothesley murmured, his gaze drifting back to his work as his fingers absentmindedly tapped the desk. “I just need to get everything ready.”

Sigewinne’s rhinophores twitched with curiosity, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Ready for what?”

“Ah—” Wriothesley smiled. “Now that’s a secret,” he grinned.

Sigewinne rolled her eyes good-naturedly, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. “I’ll be back in time for your bout—“

“Ah, no need. I won’t be fighting today.”

“Really? That’s unlike you.”

“Thought that would please you,” Wriothesley laughed. “Didn’t you say I was getting too old to fight like that?”

“You’re not that old, Your Grace.”

“You’re right I’m not,” Wriothesley nodded, taking a sip of his tea. “Just haven’t felt like it recently…”

“Alright, I’ll leave you to it then.”

“If you happen to pass by the Palais, do send my regards to Monsieur Neuvillette, won’t you?”

Sigewinne rolled her eyes good-naturedly, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips as she turned to leave. “I’ll pass along your message, Your Grace. But don’t think I’m letting you off the hook for that break.”

Wriothesley chuckled softly, watching her go before turning back to his work with a sigh. His gaze drifted to the calendar on his desk, where he mentally counted down the remaining days. There wasn’t much time left, but he was determined to see this through. If he didn’t, he wasn’t sure he’d have the courage to try again. It was getting harder to keep this secret from Sigewinne, but in just a few more weeks, she wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore… No one would.

He briefly considered retirement, a final decision that wouldn’t cost him so much. But every time he visited the surface, he was reminded of how alien it felt to him now. He had gotten too used to the isolation of the depths and its lifestyle. There was nothing for him on the surface—no family to return to, no place he could call home. He had made his choice all those years ago when he first entered the Fortress. That was his new beginning, and it would also be his end.

Yet, he hadn’t realized how close that end might be or how little time he was giving himself to find a replacement.

The new warden would have to be someone he trusted, someone who understood what the prisoners needed and how to care for them. If Wriothesley began vetting the current staff tomorrow, he might just have enough time to make the final decision.

With that thought, he returned to his work, meticulously drafting his handbook, determined not to overlook a single detail.

“I haven’t seen you on the surface lately,” Clorinde remarked as Wriothesley settled into his seat. She wasted no time with pleasantries, cutting straight to the chase.

“Hey, I’m a busy man,” Wriothesley replied, raising his hands in mock surrender. “But I’m here now, aren’t I?”

“Yes, and naturally, it’s to indulge your tea addiction,” Clorinde retorted, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“In my defense, we’re at a café,” he countered, gesturing to their surroundings.

“One that you chose.”

“Alright, you got me there,” Wriothesley laughed, feeling the weight on his shoulders lift for a brief moment. Despite Clorinde being one of the few people he saw regularly, it had been too long since they’d hung out like this—just the two of them, free from responsibilities. It was a shame this would be the last time.

“Monsieur Neuvillette has asked for you, you know?”

“Has he now?”

“I think our Iudex misses his watchdog.”

Wriothesley barked out a laugh. “Is that what he calls me?”

“No,” Clorinde admitted, taking a sip of her drink. “But it would be amusing if he did.”

“I might just have to pay him a visit, then,” Wriothesley mused, his tone thoughtful.

“So, what’s with the sudden invitation?” Clorinde asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Forgive me for being a bit suspicious, but one can never be too sure what you’re up to.”

Though she meant it as a joke, Wriothesley felt a slight tension creep into his posture. She was hitting closer to the truth than he was comfortable with. “I suddenly had some free time and thought I’d spend it with a friend,” he replied, careful to keep his tone light, though he wasn’t entirely lying.

Clorinde studied him for a moment, then nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer. “I see… Well, I’m glad you did. It’s good to see you,” she said, her smile softening as she relaxed into her chair.

“It’s good to see you too,” Wriothesley said, his smile warm and genuine, hoping his tone conveyed the depth of his affection and gratitude. Their conversation flowed easily, the familiarity comforting, as if it were just another ordinary day. But beneath that ease, Wriothesley harbored a quiet hope—that Clorinde would remember him as fondly as he remembered her. More than anything, he hoped she wouldn’t retreat into isolation after his death, the way she had after Navia’s father passed.

It hurt to part with her, but as he watched Clorinde walk away and join Navia in the distance, a small measure of comfort settled over him, reassuring him that Clorinde would be alright.

“Now, one more visit,” he said to himself, walking in the opposite direction towards the Palais Mermonia. He just hoped that Neuvillette had some time.

“Wriothesley? I was not aware we had a meeting scheduled,” Neuvillette said, his surprise evident as he looked up from his work.

“We don’t,” Wriothesley replied with a casual smile, striding confidently toward Neuvillette’s desk. “But Sedene let me know that you were free. It’s been a while since we last saw each other.”

“It has…”

“I’ve been swamped with matters down in the Fortress, but I found some free time and thought, why not visit our beloved Iudex?”

Neuvillette’s cheeks flushed at the compliment. He cleared his throat, slightly flustered. “Well, I’d be glad to make time for you,” he said, a touch of bashfulness evident.

Wriothesley’s eyes softened as he took in the sight of Neuvillette’s blush. “I brought some water from Mondstadt. Thought we might share a drink, one last time?” He caught himself, realizing the weight of his words.

Neuvillette’s brow furrowed in confusion. “One last time? What do you mean?”

Wriothesley, caught off guard, scrambled to shift the focus. “I’m here not only to offer you a drink but also to make a confession.”

“May I remind you, this isn’t a courtroom,” Neuvillette said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Wriothesley chuckled. “Not that kind of confession.”

“Then please, have a seat. I’ll ask Sedene to bring us some cups.” Neuvillette stood, heading for the door.

When Neuvillette returned, pouring them both a glass of water, he asked, “So, what was this confession you mentioned?”

Wriothesley’s hands trembled slightly as he took a sip, steeling himself. He decided it was best to be straightforward.

“Can I kiss you?”

Neuvillette froze, his eyes widening in surprise. “Pardon?”

Wriothesley rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a rush of awkwardness. “Don’t feel pressured. I might have been misinterpreting our interactions, and I just wanted to be honest about my feelings.”

“No, forgive me,” Neuvillette said, his voice softening as he recovered from the shock. “I was simply caught off guard. You may…”

Wriothesley was slightly surprised, not expecting his impromptu confession to go that well. But it did succeed in distracting Neuvillette from asking any real questions, he could be extremely perceptive, and Wriothesley wasn’t going to give him that chance.

He slowly took Neuvillette’s hand, guiding him to kneel down closer to him. Neuvillette, didn’t resist, allowing Wriothesley to hold his chin and press a gentle kiss to his lips.

Neuvillette’s lips were soft, and slightly trembling. Cute , Wriothesley smiled, admiring how despite the Iudex’s intimidating appearance, he truly had a tender-heart. Their kiss didn’t last long as Wriothesley pulled away. Neuvillette’s eyelids fluttered open. For a moment, he seemed dazed, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush as he attempted to find the words to address what had just happened.

“I must confess that I’m in love with you,” Wriothesley said quietly.

“I see… I must confess that I share the same feelings,” Neuvillette responded, slowly moving to sit next to him on the couch. “May I ask to indulge you in another kiss?”

“Of course.” Wriothesley’s heart raced as Neuvillette tilted his cheek to face him and leaned in, connecting their lips once more. He was so gentle, moving his hands to softly hold onto Wriothesley’s arms. For a moment, all of his troubles seemed to fade away, replaced with this innocent happiness of being with Neuvillette, who seemed so unattainable for someone like him. But in hindsight, he should’ve realized sooner how Neuvillette’s “impartiality” didn’t always apply to him.

“Would you like to have dinner with me?” Neuvillette asked when they broke apart. “Or lunch, if that is more agreeable.”

“Yes—” Wriothesley answered, almost too quickly. Neuvillette’s face lit up.

“I will check with Sedene when my schedule is free, but I believe I may have some time tomorrow evening, if that is passable?”

Wriothesley opened his mouth to respond until he stopped. It was as if cold water had been doused over him, shocking him back to reality. He wasn’t going to ever be able to make it to dinner, or even lunch. He could almost laugh at how tragic it was. Suddenly, the room seemed to dim, and all the colors dulled. This happiness was never meant to be permanent.

“Oh, Monsieur,” Wriothesley murmured softly, a quiet sorrow in his voice. “If only I had known sooner…”

Neuvillette’s grip on him tightened. “I believe we are both guilty of our ignorance.”

That’s not what I meant, Wriothesley thought, his gaze falling to the floor.

“I’ll… make sure you know when I have some free time, then, I’m afraid I must leave,” Wriothesley said, forcing the words out. It pained him to deceive Neuvillette, especially when he looked so genuinely happy. But he couldn’t delay any longer—he had made his decision. Wriothesley pressed a gentle kiss to Neuvillette’s hand. “Until next time, goodbye,” he whispered, fighting to keep his voice steady.

Each step toward the door was a struggle, his body weighed down by the gravity of his choice. He knew he shouldn’t look back, but he did, offering Neuvillette one final, bittersweet smile.

The trip back to the Fortress felt longer than it was and Wriothesley felt a little paranoid. He wondered if the people he walked past knew his plans, and that their passing glance was the last one they’ll get. The sun was setting rather quickly, a warm orange glow illuminating the roads and buildings he walked past. The street lights were just starting to turn on, people were going home. The Court of Fontaine looked beautiful at this time, and soon it would be quiet enough that nobody would see, or more importantly, be able to stop him.

In the Fortress, Wriothesley did a final sweep; greeting the guards, nodding at inmates, and a last meal at the coupon cafeteria. He couldn’t help but swallow down the lump in his throat, trying to not get emotional. But once he saw Avice and Foissolle holding hands and chatting, he was reminded of what it was for.

Checking the clock, it was getting later and later. He left his office and visited the infirmary.

“Sigewinne?” He knocked on the doorframe.

“Your Grace!” She greeted cheerily from her desk. “What brings you here— don’t tell me you’re injured again…”

“Nope, no injuries here. Just wanted to see you.”

“You’re just in time though, I just finished making my milkshakes.”

Wriothesley cringed but a thought struck him — after today, he’d never have another milkshake again.

“You know what, I’ll have one,” he sighed, defeated.

Sigewinne looked at him in surprise. “You will?”

“Give it here before I change my mind.” He took the glass and sipped, trying to hide his face of discontent. “Just as… flavorful as I remember.”

“Not all medicine tastes good, you know.”

“If you say so,” Wriothesley grimaced, reluctantly drinking the rest.

“Well, I’ll be going now… Sigewinne?” He started but trailed off, suddenly not knowing what to say.

Sigewinne cocked her head. “Yes?”

“…Goodnight,” he patted her shoulder, smiling.

“Goodnight, Your Grace!” She called after him as he left and probably out of all of the goodbyes, hers hurt the most.

Wriothesley watched the otters play with the fish outside the window, finding a bittersweet solace in the simple joy they exuded. Soon, he knew, he would join them—not in their play, but in the peace that water always brought him. A melancholy settled in his chest, knowing it was these small, quiet moments he would miss the most. Water had always been a comfort to him; after all, he had spent most of his life surrounded by it, making the idea of permanently returning to the surface feel impossible. And then there was Neuvillette’s obsession with the sea, which had only deepened Wriothesley’s affinity for it.

Even if his Vision was Cryo, the cold never brought him the same peace that water did. And now, he’d find true peace.

The calendar finally came to an end and with it, the end of Wriothesley’s life. On his desk, he left a set of instructions detailing what to do in his… absence. He made sure no stone was left unturned, even finding the courage to confess his true feelings to Neuvillette. He spent his final day with those closest to him, ensuring that nothing was left unsaid. There was nothing left tethering him to this world—he could finally leave.

Wriothesley made sure to savour every moment leading up to his last,  silently bidding farewell to the life he’d known as the elevator ascended to the surface. The night was calm, with only the moon and stars casting their light in the sky. As he stepped out, the scent of salt filled the air, growing thicker with each step towards the edge.

With deliberate slowness, he shrugged off his coat and unclipped his Vision, letting it slip from his fingers. The soft clink as it hit the ground was barely audible over the sound of the waves. He gazed down at the dark water beneath him, watching as the waves crashed against the columns of the bridge.

A fall from this height would be like hitting concrete. He would be dead before he even has a chance to drown. Not that it mattered, he didn’t particularly care about the method.

With one last look to the horizon, Wriothesley murmured his goodbye, before he leaned forward and let himself fall.

Chapter Text

At first, he would cancel their in-person meetings , deny offers to personally escort inmates; Neuvillette didn’t think much of it. With Wriothesley’s status, he assumed the man was simply overwhelmed with responsibilities. As the Iudex and now the highest authority in Fontaine, Neuvillette understood the weight such titles carried.

But as  cancellations became the norm, Neuvillette grew uneasy. A small part of him worried that Wriothesley was avoiding him specifically, though that concern was quickly dispelled when Sigewinne sent a letter confirming that Wriothesley had withdrawn from everyone, not just him. According to her, Wriothesley had become increasingly reclusive within the Fortress, rarely leaving his office.

So when Wriothesley visited him unannounced, acting in ways completely opposite of Sigewinne’s reports, Neuvillette’s suspicions deepened. Wriothesley was a calculated man, rarely one to act without purpose. The unexpected confession and the kiss, though enjoyable, couldn’t be the sole reasons for his visit.

One last time.

The phrase lingered at the forefront of his mind after Wriothesley left, the man’s demeanor oddly somber yet more joyful than Neuvillette had ever seen him. Neuvillette didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but an unsettling feeling gnawed at him.

“Sedene…” he called softly.

“Yes, Monsieur Neuvillette?” she responded, glancing up from her work.

“Did Wriothesley seem… strange to you?”

Sedene paused, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I did find his sudden visit quite odd.”

“Yes…”

“But I think he’s been coming out of his shell recently! I’ve been seeing him more often during my breaks,” she added with a nod.

This was unexpected.

“You have?”

“Yes! I saw him yesterday with the Traveler and Paimon, and today with Clorinde,” she continued. “I think whatever has been troubling him at the Fortress has finally settled.”

Neuvillette’s unease only grew. Something didn’t add up, and he feared the worst.

A knock on the door broke him out of his trance. He looked up to see Clorinde enter.

“Apologies for coming in unannounced,” she bowed her head. “Sedene wasn’t at her desk and this is urgent.”

Neuvillette gestured for her to take a seat.

“It’s about Wriothesley,” she started, instantly grabbing his attention. “Have you seen him? We met today and he mentioned going to see you.”

“I have seen him,” Neuvillette confirmed. “His visit was… unexpected.”

Clorinde swore under her breath. “Did he seem… different? Forgive me but I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong.”

“It is alright… I find myself in the same dilemma. Wriothesley was…” he lightly touched his lips, remembering their kiss.

Clorinde’s eyes widened. “He finally told you, didn’t he?”

Neuvillette paused. “Told me what?”

“I know you can be oblivious but to everyone else, Wriothesley’s crush was too obvious. It was about time…” She shook her head with a light smile.

“Yes, though it was… sudden. He seemed rather conflicted afterwards.”

“Conflicted?”

“Yes, like…”

He had been so busy for weeks, absent from both the surface and the depths. And now, suddenly, he’s spending time with so many people in quick succession, as if it’s his—

One last time .

Neuvillette’s eyes widened, the realization hitting him like a wave. Something was terribly, horribly wrong.

“If I have any late appointments, cancel them immediately,” Neuvillette said abruptly, rising from his seat. “I must leave at once.”

“Monsieur?”

“Sedene. Feel free to go home early,” he walked past her briskly.

Clorinde tailed after him. “Monsieur?”

“Clorinde, summon a medical team and make your way to the Fortress of Meropide immediately . I will meet you there,” Neuvillette ordered, leaving no room for questions. His steps grew wider and wider until he was running out into the streets and to the border of the city.

He didn’t bother taking the aquabus, if Wriothesley was doing what he suspected, there wasn’t time.

Knowing this, he dove into the water, heading towards the Opera Epliclése.

The trip felt longer than usual, every kick of his feet felt like Wriothesley was running out of time. He clawed through the water but felt its pressure push back just as strong. His worry worsened. All he could see were the sands of Wriothesley’s life falling, and he’d be too late. Not yet, he vowed, pushing through the force until he could see the familiar pillars of the bridge.

With a kick, he rose above the water, and landed in front of Meropide’s entrance.

Neuvillette accidentally kicked something in his way, making it skirt away with a light clink . Neuvillette briefly glanced at what it was before stopping in his steps, his breath leaving him.

Wriothesley’s Vision.

He rushed to pick it up, watching the Cryo symbol flicker and slowly start to fade. Wriothesley was still alive, but if he didn’t have his vision that meant that—

Instantly, he turned and dove back into the water.

The water in the surrounding area felt cold, like it knew it was harboring death, and now he knew why. He gripped Wriothesley’s vision tightly, hoping that it would give him his breath.

Wriothesley, let me find you, he begged to no God, but Neuvillette prayed that the Gods wouldn’t forsake him, that they’d save him once more. Wriothesley, come home to me.

A shadow came into view in the distance and Neuvillette’s eyes widened, kicking faster. He could see the vision fading faster and he nearly swallowed a mouthful of water in an attempt to cry out to him.

Wriothesley—!

Surrounding blubberbeasts noticed his distress, and moved quickly, swimming under Wriothesley to push him up.

Finally, he was within reach and Neuvillette pulled him to his chest, before shooting up towards the surface.

He laid him down gently to the ground, and felt his chest, trying to sense how much water had gotten into lungs, and most importantly, if he was still alive.

“Neuvillette!” Clorinde called out to him from the distance.

“Wriothesley…” Neuvillette breathed, cupping his face. It was cold, far too cold.

Clorinde was at his side, followed by a small handful of paramedics. “Monsieur, they’re here.”

Neuvillette was forced to step away, allowing the paramedics to do their job in taking Wriothesley to the hospital.

“Should I get Sigewinne?” Clorinde asked.

Neuvillette nodded.

Only when the elevator to Meropide closed did Neuvillette let the skies open, and let rain fall.

I’m still here, was the first thing Wriothesley thought when he opened his eyes to a bright white ceiling. He blinked several times, trying to make sure his eyes weren’t playing tricks on him. But no, he was still alive.

Wriothesley closed his eyes and wryly smiled with a scoff. What a cruel joke, he just wanted to die in peace and the gods couldn’t even give him that.

“Wriothesley?” 

He froze as regret followed. Neuvillette. Why was he here?

“H-hey—“ he tried to greet him but was cut off by a cough. Neuvillette quickly rushed to his side.

“Please, do not speak. Would you like some water?” He poured a glass and helped Wriothesley sit up and held the cup to his lips.

Wriothesley wasn’t thirsty, but he drank anyway.

“What time is it?”

“It is difficult to say, you have been unconscious for several days now.”

“Days?” Wriothesley echoed and shook his head. “Wait, why are you here, don’t you have a trial or something?”

“I had some free time,” Neuvillette said quietly. Of course, in another universe, they could’ve been having their first date today.

“Ah… a shame our first date was spent with me in the hospital, huh?” He tried to joke but Neuvillette bristled and thunder rumbled outside.

“Wriothesley, I do not find this amusing, I was— I am concerned.” His gaze was firm but his eyes were wet, like at any moment tears could fall.

“Monsieur…”

“You tried to kill yourself. I had to save you from you trying to kill yourself.”

Wriothesley’s eyes widened. “You were the one who saved me?” His stomach churned.

“Only barely… you fractured several bones in your legs and parts of your spine. You were in surgery for 12 hours.”

It was only then Wriothesley took the time to observe the state he was in. While he was sitting up, that was about all he could do as his entire lower half was in a cast. There was a dull ache coming from his back and tingling in his legs. At least his arms seemed fine.

“Have you been here this whole time?” He asked, turning his attention back to Neuvillette.

“Not always but…” Neuvillette trailed off, allowing Wriothesley to see a desk behind him with a glass and a stack of papers.

“Whenever I have time, I bring my work here,” Neuvillette explained, following Wriothesley’s train of thought. “I did not want you to wake up alone.”

“Oh…” was all Wriothesley could say.

“Wriothesley, why?”

“It’s complicated—“

“Forgive me but I cannot accept that answer,” Neuvillette stood up as thunder cracked behind him, his tone akin to when he was in the courtroom.

“Please, I want to understand,” his voice softened. “I want to help.”

Wriothesley sighed, pinching his forehead. There was no weaseling his way out of this.

“I mean, there’s a lot, to be honest. My childhood wasn’t one to be desired but… you remember Dougier, right? From the Beret Society.”

“Yes, if I recall, you and the Traveler uncovered his plans on overthrowing you and torturing his members.”

“Do you know how I stopped him?”

Neuvillette paused. “You had to fight him—”

“I had to strangle him,” Wriothesley corrected.

“...Yes.”

Wriothesley lowered his head, a grim expression hardening his features, and a dark storm clouded his gaze. “I didn’t strangle Dougier just because of what he did,” he admitted, his voice low. “I wanted him dead . Not just so he would never harm anyone again, but because I wanted him dead .” His words left no room for doubt, each one a stark confession, laid bare like a criminal's final plea before judgment.

Neuvillette didn’t answer, patiently waiting for Wriothesley to continue.

“I saw myself in those kids—the ones he tortured. And I want people like him to suffer,” Wriothesley’s voice wavered, raw with emotion. “But I can’t think like that, I’m the fucking warden!” He slammed a fist against the wall, the sharp pain doing little to quell the storm inside him. “My job is to give everyone an equal chance, to protect them, not to dispose of those I find deplorable.”

His hands clenched into his hair, pulling as if the pain might drown out the conflicting voices in his head. “I don’t want to be defending him, but I can’t excuse myself for this! Maybe today it’s Dougier, but tomorrow it could be someone innocent! Someone who doesn’t deserve to die by my hand!” His breath came in ragged bursts, the weight of his words crashing down on him like a tidal wave.

“You were protecting the Traveler, Paimon, and those who have fallen victim to Dougier’s abuse. You only attacked him when their safety was compromised,” Neuvillette’s voice was calm, a steady anchor in the storm.

Wriothesley held up his hand, his voice barely above a whisper, thick with guilt. “Please… don’t defend me.”

Neuvillette stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “You intervened because you needed to. Did you kill Dougier?”

“No,” Wriothesley admitted, his voice trembling with frustration, “but I wish I did, Neuvillette! That’s the fucking problem!”

Neuvillette’s expression remained firm yet gentle. “Then you will act accordingly within the law and not harm him anymore. You are not Dougier, Wriothesley. And you are not your parents. You are not torturing your inmates, and you will not kill without reason.”

“How do you know that?” Wriothesley’s voice broke, a mixture of anger and fear.

“When Meropide was at risk of being flooded with Primordial Seawater, you went to great lengths to prevent it and to evacuate everyone within. You treat those you fight in the ring with respect, offering your hand in peace. When the Fatui infiltrated the fortress, you didn’t kill them; you allowed Sigewinne to tend to their wounds.” Neuvillette gently cupped Wriothesley’s face, his touch grounding. “I trust you; I would not leave Meropide in the hands of someone I did not.”

At the sight of Neuvillette’s gaze, Wriothesley’s eyes teared up and he slumped forward, allowing Neuvillette to envelop him in an embrace, rubbing calm strokes on his back. He was so tired, he could barely even cough up a proper sob as he felt all of the energy to fight back leave him.

“When I saw your Vision, Wriothesley, I—” Neuvillette held his breath, unable to finish his sentence. He didn’t want to think of the alternative outcome. “You’re alive,” he said instead, truly relieved.

I wish I wasn’t , Wriothesley wanted to say but didn’t. Though judging by the tighter grip Neuvillette held onto him, he must’ve known that.

“I cannot pretend to know or understand what it is you go through, but allow me to be selfish and ask you to stay. Please stay.”

“I don’t think I’m going anywhere in this state,” Wriothesley tried to joke but it fell hollow. “What right do I have to perpetuate my own sense of justice?” He murmured, voice void of any emotion.

Neuvillette sat back and took his hands, rubbing small circles into his knuckles.

“There are decisions only you can make; and living with them, I suppose, is your punishment.”

“And if I make the wrong decision?”

“I trust that you won’t.”

Wriothesley scoffed. “That’s not enough.”

“Perhaps not, but that is what we have.” He placed a hand over Wriothesley’s chest. “I know trust is not something you come to find easily, but that is all we can do. Trust ourselves to do what is right,” the hand trembled slightly, “and to right those we have wronged.”

Wriothesley glanced in Neuvillette’s direction. “This is different.”

Neuvillette didn’t answer and they sat in silence. But Wriothesley could see the way Neuvillette looked, how he kept looking between him, his work on the desk and at the door. Clearly, the conversation didn’t go exactly as he had hoped, but there wasn’t much Wriothesley could guarantee with his state of mind. Words couldn't express the itch he had to hold Neuvillette and reassure him that this wouldn't happen again.

“Neuvillette?”

“Yes?” Neuvillette looked at him.

Wriothesley’s throat felt dry and everything hurt, but if he was going to be alive, he too wanted to be selfish. “Won’t you stay with me?”

Wriothesley searched Neuvillette’s eyes, watching them widen slightly, unsure. He hoped with his own gaze he could convey to him what he was too scared to say.

I love you, I’m sorry, I love you.

Neuvillette sat down next to him again, his eyes downcast. “Only if you stay with me.”

I love you too.

Wriothesley squeezed his hand, feeling the gentle pulse in Neuvillette’s wrist and how it quickened when their eyes met. And for a moment, he was happy to be alive to feel it. He was happy to hear his own breathing, to feel Neuvillette’s touch. And with time, he’ll learn to trust himself again.

“Okay,” a tear fell down his face and he smiled. “I will.”