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As swiftly as the dark clouds parted for golden rays of sun, a tender embrace for a new Fontaine, the troubles that plagued the newly appointed Hydro Sovereign did not quell. With such fresh wounds left unattended, the fluctuation of emotions still remained an unstable mélange. Just beyond the opera house, the Court of Fontaine in view just beyond a shimmering stretch of sea, a small ring of clouds hung high, pouring fair and just rain upon a single dragon laying in wait.
Five hundred years had passed, but Neuvillette was no master of human emotion. His inward feelings often remained oppressed, his outward expression not matching what filled his mind. Only the water around him translated those ancient feelings, swirling in a solemn dance.
Hydro dragon, hydro dragon, don’t cry.
How many lives must etch their place on Neuvillette’s heart, and squeeze terribly when they recede from the realm of Teyvat?
Hydro dragon, hydro dragon, don’t cry.
The Fortress of Meropide, though surrounded by water, was somewhere his grasp could not reach, their futures uncertain still. Doubt rang like a tolling bell, ringing incessantly and with no signs of stopping.
“Hydro dragon, hydro dragon, don’t cry.”
With a voice much too deep for the echo of Focalors to reverberate in his ears, the cranking of metal had gone unnoticed. With not a guard behind him, alone did the Duke stand.
Gong…gong…gong…
“Sigewinne told me you would like to hear that. I can’t imagine why.”
Gong…gong…
“...déjà vu, huh? I feel like I’ve seen this sight before.”
From the Duke’s hand, a black umbrella unfolded. Each thud of heavy boots on smooth, chiseled stone bringing them closer Neuvillette was spared from the onslaught of heavy rainfall by a dark fabric and familiar scent.
Gong…
“A guard informed me of the weather. And it occurred to me that in wanting to refrain from troubling you amidst the chaos, I hadn’t gone back to the surface to…” Wriothesley chuckled mid-sentence. “...check on you. And now I find you here, soaked in the rain.”
Neuvillette reaches out a damp hand, finding not a mirage, an apparition, nor a figment of his imagination. Stubbled warmth melded to his palm, radiating a gentle pulsating heat. No sooner did the signs of life greet him did the bells of doubt finally cease their judgment.
“Well…this is new.” Wriothesley grinned as the rain let up slowly, the pressure in the air dissipating. “You’d normally ask before acting so forward.”
Fear struck Neuvillette’s expression as he pulled his hand away. “My apologies. I did not take your consent into mind.”
“Hey, now.” Wriothesley laughed. “Do you really think if I did not approve the advances of the Iudex, I would simply allow it? I hope you have better faith in my resolve, Neuvillette.”
The rain cleared, gray clouds fading almost as quickly as they had accumulated. Wriothesley glanced up at the sudden change in weather, but he did not mention it aloud. As he tucked the wet umbrella to his hip, Neuvillette frowned.
“I suppose you would like answers.”
Wriothesley hummed. “Hmm.” He cleared his throat, taking on a regal register. “And to that I would say, ‘ The words unspoken are the flower .’”
Neuvillette’s brows raised softly. “Surely this is not the best time for Inazuman proverbs.”
“But perhaps…it is not yet time for the story to unravel just yet.” Wriothesley explained. “Even as a mortal, it’s plain to see the distress clouding your mind.” He rubbed his chin with intrigue. “Though I am positively curious about the full truth behind everything that has transpired, maybe the messenger of such a tale needs time to process after this chapter has closed.”
Neuvillette stood still, his face almost unchanging. Almost. Wriothesley was one of few who noticed the subtle nuances in the Iudex’s small range of expressions.
“We have a lot of work to do.” Wriothesley sighed with a slight slump of shoulders. “The dust has not quite settled. But when it does, why don’t you invite me over for a cup of tea and a story?”
“Kiss me.”
Wriothesley didn’t move, the two words processing extremely slowly before he reacted. “Wow. Neuvillette, just what has changed to make you act so forward? This is…unlike you.”
“Your mortality.” Neuvillette explained softly.
“Well, I didn’t dissolve.” Wriothesley frowned. “I almost wanted to test if the Primordial Sea affected me.”
“Wriothesley.” Neuvillette’s voice was strained.
The Duke gasped ever so quietly, leaning in close to examine Neuvillette and his new facial expression, the panic he rarely let show. “You didn’t know I was alive. Perhaps I dissolved beforehand…” His cheeks flushed faintly. “You would miss me so?”
“The words unspoken are the flower.”
Wriothesley laughed, chest light. “Pleading mum, I see. But…” A devious smirk spread across his lips. “If you want me to kiss you, then a proverb is not an answer I would like to hear.”
Neuvillette sucked in a sharp breath, eyes closed as he felt the abnormal heat rising and cresting at his cheeks. “Terribly.” He admitted with shaky breath. “I…cannot lose anyone else just yet.”
“Mmm.” Wriothesley nodded. “I see. Forgive me for teasing you, dear Iudex.”
“There is nothing to forgive. Your sins have been washed away.”
Wriothesley hummed, Neuvillette finally opening his eyes once more to gaze upon the man before him.
Mortal, yes. Any less deserving of love? Absolutely not.
“Please, Wriothesley, can you kiss me?”
“I would be foolish to deny a humble, earnest request.”
“Only if it is a wish you also hold.” Neuvillette clarified. “You are allowed to say no.”
“When have I ever given that impression?” Wriothesley placed his own hand on the Iudex’s cheek. “Neuvillette, please do not underestimate my resolve.”
Neuvillette did not recall if the press of lips against his own was quick or slow…the Hydro Sovereign could only focus on the dance of parted lips, the gentle sweep of tongue, the faintest tear almost unnoticed were it not for the plea ringing strongly within it.
Hydro dragon, hydro dragon, don’t cry. Please don’t cry anymore.