When you and Neuvillette first confessed to one another, you both accepted the hardships that came with loving in secret. With Neuvillette, the esteemed Iudex of Fontaine, taking the spotlight, you stood as a humble admirer amidst those subject to his rulings. As a mere citizen of Fontaine, his status far surpassed yours, thus furthering the gap between you two. Despite the distance, your devotion never wavered; longing glances and soft touches bridged the gap, a silent plea for an opportune moment.

With a lifespan like his, time moved by rather slowly, akin to a river eroding rock over several hundred years. But, with a love like yours in his forethoughts, what was once a river had become a running basin; time only seemed to keep slipping away. Alongside the influx of anomalies within Fontaine's borders, each moment spent away from you only deepened his worries. He even began to think irrational thoughts, such as running away and eloping with you in a meadow far from his duties.

A foolish thought. He mused quietly, yet the idea's mirth quirked a smile onto his otherwise stone-faced expression.

After what seemed like forever, an unexpected incident occurred, allowing Neuvillette to shrink away from duties and meet with you in secret. His prayers had been answered!

The man dashed through the halls of Opera Epiclese, hurriedly making his way to the gardens only the two of you visited. He could rest happy if he caught even a glimpse of you.

When he reached the garden and caught sight of you, his heart began to throb. Even if he has eyed you for weeks, it feels like it's been years since he last felt your embrace. He ached for it—ached for you in a way a man thirsts for water.

"Mon cœur..." Neuvillette drew his lower lip between his teeth, his eyes trailing over your distant figure with unspoken praise. Heavenly, as always.

He slipped out of the shadows of the building, his pace slow with drawn-out tension. "It has been some time since I last saw you. Are you busy?"

Please say no. He thought.