Tidal | Neuvillette

XXIX

"Just the usual, thank you," he replied, watching her with a fondness in his eyes as she worked. There was something about her energy that never failed to lift his spirits, and he found himself grateful for her presence in his life.

"You've really grown fond of the strawberry tarts here, huh?"

"Yes... it's the strawberry tarts that bring me here often."

"No other reason..."

As she handed him his coffee and the strawberry tart, their fingers brushed momentarily, sending a jolt of warmth through him. It was a simple gesture, but it made his heart race with anticipation. "Ah— sorry."

"Thank you," he said softly, meeting her gaze with a slight smile.

"Plans today?"

"Well, with the court trial coming up in just a few days, I guess I've been slightly on edge... I've gathered much needed information..." He sat down, accompanying her as he assumed she was taking her lunch break.

"Oh right, I almost forgot..." a slight expression of sadness dwelled on her features.

He reached out to intertwine his fingers with hers, completely forgetting about the coffee beside him. All his thoughts were on her. "I really truly owe you for all the additional information you've provided for me."

"No need to thank me, sir. I... I was just trying to help."

"You can drop the sir, y/n, haven't we grown close enough to drop the titles?"

"I guess it's a habit..."

"Say, y/n..."

"We've spent a lot of time together, haven't we"

"Do you think so...? I guess..."

He tilted his head at her, his pale pink-ish lips tilting into a small smile. He was a little bit fidgety, playing with the bracelets on her wrist. "I mean, I guess I spent a lot of time giving you the information... and coincidentally seeing you around."

"Ah, you're not wrong... maybe because it wasn't by coincidence."

"Don't worry, I knew the whole time."

"Y/n, I was wondering if you'd like to join me... somewhere..."

He hesitated... tapping his chin. "Ah..."

"Monsieur Neuvillette, is it wrong for me to assume you're asking me out?"

"I—"

She understood his hesitancy.. a smile spread across her face as she nodded eagerly. "I'd love to," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's a date."

"A date... I want to take you to the beach."

"The beach? How romantic."

He brought her hand to his cheek, kissing the centre of her wrist only slightly. "I can't say I'm an expert in the subject..."

"...but for you, I'm willing to do my studies."

Wow. What a way with words...

"I—"

Way to make a girl loose her breath, chief. Now I'm a mess internally.

"Neuvillette—"

"Y/n— lunch break is over!" Her colleague shouted from the kitchen.

"Oh god I almost forgot I'm actually supposed to be working..."

"Go. Do your work, y/n, I'm not here to distract you."

"Too late for that."

"Ah..."

He leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a soft whisper as he said, "I suppose I'll see you tonight." The words hung in the air between them, and he watched with satisfaction as a faint blush crept across her cheeks, her eyes widening in surprise at his unexpected compliment.

As she turned to attend to her duties, he couldn't help but smile to himself, pleased with her reaction. He lingered for a moment longer, savoring the sight of her before continuing on his way, the thought of her smile lingering in his mind as he went about his day. "My, she's truly beautiful."

And with that, he took his leave, back to the Palais Mermonia, anticipating his time with her tonight...

...

"Thank— god."

And with that, she broke out of all bounds, in an sudden indescribable pain, a pain she had to mask when she previously was with him. She felt it creeping up on her like a relentless tide, the power seeping into every fiber of her being. At first, it was just a whisper in the back of her mind, a subtle urging that grew stronger with each passing moment. As she navigated through the crowded cafe, she could sense the dark presence looming over her, casting a shadow on her thoughts and clouding her senses.

"I love spending time with you usually..."

"... but I'm sorry Neuvillette, today I can't- I can't think.."

With each step she took, the world around her seemed to blur into a haze of colors and shapes, the voices of the customers blending together into an indistinguishable murmur. Her heart pounded in her chest, a steady rhythm that matched the rising tide of panic threatening to overwhelm her. She knew she had to find refuge, a moment of solitude to gather her thoughts and regain control before the delusion took hold completely. "What is going... on.."

Finally reaching the sanctuary of the bathroom, she leaned against the door, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she struggled to steady herself. Closing her eyes, she focused on the sound of her own heartbeat, willing herself to calm down despite the chaos raging within her. But even in the relative silence of the bathroom, she couldn't escape the insidious grasp of the delusion, its tendrils reaching out to ensnare her in its grasp.

A slight stain of red showed itself present on her arm... and she was slowly but surely loosing her thoughts...

"No... god... no.."

...

As she retreated into the bathroom, Tartaglia's keen eyes followed her every move from his vantage point near the window. A sly grin played on his lips as he observed her distress, the subtle flickers of fear and uncertainty that danced across her features. He leaned casually against the windowsill, his gaze never wavering as he watched the scene unfold with a sense of satisfaction.

To him, it was all just a game, a twisted dance of manipulation and control that he reveled in with a perverse delight. He knew the power of the delusion all too well, its ability to bend the will of even the strongest minds to its whims. And now, as he watched her struggle against its grip, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, knowing that she was just another pawn in his grand scheme.

But for now, he remained content to watch from the shadows, biding his time until the moment was right to make his move. With a low chuckle, he turned away from the window, his thoughts already turning to the next phase of his plan. After all, in his world, there were no heroes, only those willing to embrace the darkness that lurked within.

"Poor girl."

"Date night tonight...? Aw."

He turned to leave. "Let this be a lesson not to let information slip to those who don't need to know it."

And with that, he vanished into the daylight.

                  mrreeeooooooooooooooooooww

                why the chuff is this chap so long 😭