Work Text:
Wriothesley wasn't one to often come to the surface, not really.
It isn't that he didn't want to, the beautiful sun and fresh air are desired by all but he simply hasn't got the time to indulge in it for too long other than work related travels, which is the exact reason he's here today.
The scenery quickly changed as he got out of the elevator from the fortress, metal pipes and dark stone no more as the fresh breeze hits his face and the sun is visible again after what felt like an eternity, no matter how many times he comes up here he can never get used to it.
Although the travel time to the court of Fontaine isn't terribly long, it's just enough for him to enjoy the scenery, even if his presence is quite noticable, it isn't often the people on the surface get to see the administrator himself walking and admiring the flowers after all.
Unfortunately, his peaceful travel was cut short by a sudden surprise brought by strong winds, almost hitting him in the process.
His strong reflexes kicked in right in time for him to catch the gift, a parasol, someone else's no doubt.
"What in the?"
But before his mind could start asking any more questions a voice from behind caught his attention.
"Pardon me!"
He turned right in time to see a women catching up to him, and wait, isn't that?
"Miss Navia?" He said surprised, not having seen her in a long time.
She now stood right in front of him with all her beauty and elegance, and it was actually quite obvious the parasol was hers now that he took another look, matching her aesthetic perfectly.
"Oh! Duke Wriothesley, my apologies for not recognizing you, I was caught up as my parasol flew away, almost with me if I might add" she chuckled awkwardly at her comment.
"It's no problem at all" he shook his head and smiled politely "and no need for such formalities now, we're not on official business after all"
"But still, you have my thanks for catching it, and about that, may I have it back?" She asked looking between the parasol in his hand and him.
It took him a few seconds to register what she said before responding
"Oh, of course" he said giving her the parasol carefully as to not ruin it or archons forbid poke her with it, that would be embarrassing.
Her smile was bright as she took it back and carefully closed it, not wanting it to fly away again.
An awkward silence fell on them, people walking past and giving them quick glances, Navia was the one to finally break it.
"So, how have things been in the fortress? I haven't heard from you in a while." She played with her necklace while talking, avoiding his gaze a little. Those light blue eyes felt like they could pierce trough her soul even during casual chats.
"Everything's the same as usual, not much to mention to be honest, what about you?"
"Everything's fine as well, although Melus has been pestering me about Spina di Rosula having closer connections with the fortress of Meroptide, and by that also closer to you" her gaze fell on him again.
He raised an eyebrow slightly at that and smiled
"Didn't expect that to be honest, I understand closer relations between the fortress and Spina di Rosula, but he also wants us to get closer?" He chuckled lightly "that doesn't seem bad at all"
"Well maybe he just wants me to make friends with people of high social standing, and that includes you, but I think he also likes the teas you make" Navia smiled remembering Meluse's remarks after trying it for the first time.
"Well I'll be sure to thank him in person, but about the other thing, I don't think there needs to be a reason for us to get closer and be friends? If we like hanging out than sure, even if our meetings have been mostly work related I'd be happy to hang out for fun, when I have the time that is"
In truth, Wriothesley has always wanted to be closer to Navia, but with the whole case related to her father and mainly work related discussions he wasn't sure it was right to just ask, this is a perfect opportunity to change that.
Navia nodded along "I would also love to hang out with you when free, it's probably not gonna be often but I'm glad you feel the same way."
Wriothesley felt his heart flutter for some reason, maybe it was her lovely smile as she agreed to the suggestions, or the way her hair was moving gracefully in the light wind, or maybe he's just happy to finally have the chance to talk to her so casually, for whatever reason this just feels nice.
"Well it's settled, would you like to join me for some tea then?" Of course the first activity on mind would be tea, but you could never go wrong with that.
"I would love that" her hand traced her necklace while talking
"Lovely, I'll send an invitation or letter just in case, so we don't mess up the time or place"
"Alright, I guess I'll be seeing you then, it was nice talking with you Wriothesley" Navia smiled again brightly before opening her parasol
"Likewise, see you soon"
After a quick wave Navia was on her way, every step she took looked so light and easy, and before he realized she was gone.
Wriothesley was left in an almost dazed like state as he saw her leave, taking a few moments to just smile to himself before remember why he was here in the first place.
He hoped he wasn't late, but with what just happened, he doesn't seem to mind even if he was.