Tidal | Neuvillette

XXIX

                           - if you would, please -

As the morning sun cast its golden rays over the cobblestone streets of Fontaine, Neuvillette walked with purpose, his mind still lingering on the encounter with Tartaglia from the night before. Despite the bustle of the city awakening to another day, his thoughts remained consumed by the cryptic warning and the unsettling feeling that accompanied it.

As he made his way through the winding streets, the familiar sights and sounds of the city greeted him like old friends. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter of merchants hawking their wares and the laughter of children playing in the square.

With each step, Neuvillette's anticipation grew, his destination clear in his mind. He was headed to the bakery where she worked, eager to see her and ensure that she was safe after their encounter with Tartaglia. Despite his stoic exterior, he couldn't shake the nagging worry that lingered in the back of his mind, a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of Fontaine.

As Neuvillette walked through the bustling streets of Fontaine, his mind was consumed by thoughts of the previous night's encounter. Tartaglia's cryptic warning echoed in his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him since their conversation. "Why could he possibly have warned me...?"

Despite his best efforts to push aside his concerns, Neuvillette couldn't help but worry about her safety. The thought of her being in danger sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something sinister was lurking just beyond the city's tranquil facade. As he walked, his thoughts turned to their brief but meaningful interactions, each moment etched into his memory with a clarity that surprised him. He found himself longing to see her again, to ensure that she was safe and to seek solace in her presence.

But beneath his concern for her safety lurked a deeper, more complex emotion. Neuvillette couldn't deny the growing connection he felt with her, a connection that seemed to defy logic and reason. Despite his best efforts to remain aloof and detached, he found himself drawn to her in ways he couldn't explain.

Despite his usual stoic demeanor, Neuvillette couldn't deny the flutter of nerves that accompanied the thought of confessing his feelings to her. He wondered how she would react, whether she would reciprocate his sentiments or if she saw him merely as a colleague and friend.

But as he neared the cafe she worked and caught sight of her through the window, his doubts began to fade away. There was something about her presence that filled him with a sense of warmth and reassurance, and he couldn't ignore the pull that drew him closer to her. Maybe asking her to accompany him to the beach would not be the worst of his ideas.

"Hm..."

How does one ask a human... to go on such a time...?

Quite frankly, he has no idea. But he knows one thing. He was going to do ask her.

With a determined set to his jaw, Neuvillette pushed open the door to the bakery and stepped inside. As he approached her, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he knew that now was the time to seize the opportunity before him.

"Good morning, Neuvillette" she exclaimed with a bright smile, her eyes lighting up as she saw him enter the café. Yet.. there was a sense of unease and ominous pain rooting inside her.

"Good morning," he replied, returning her smile with a nod. "Busy day ahead?"

"Always," she said with a laugh, bustling around behind the counter to prepare his usual order. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. What can I get for you today?"