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"Hydro Dragon, don't cry"
Whenever the sky was overcast in Fontaine, it always brought down your mood a little. Working an early morning shift as a Garde was never easy, especially since you were filling in for another co-worker that day, but the weather certainly played a part in influencing how you felt. You were stationed outside on patrol duty from the early hours of pre-dawn to the late morning, with no choice but to be soaked to the bone by the heavy rain pouring down on you, drenching your uniform.
Once home, you checked whether you had any letters posted through your door. You picked up the only envelope that was on the floor and carefully broke the sealing wax, engraved with the Palais Mermonia's stamp. You gently unfolded the letter, trying not to rip the delicate paper, hands still damp from the rain. Your eyes traced over the handwritten note, noticing that the handwriting was quite elegant.
It was from Monsieur Neuvillette! He was inviting you over to accompany him later that afternoon. You gladly accepted it. His company would be much appreciated after a rather wet morning spent working for the Maison Gardiennage.
You went to your room to dry yourself off and change into some more appropriate clothing, making sure to bring the invitation with you. You didn't bring anything else as it didn't seem necessary. Some time passed, and you stepped back outside. You looked up at the sky and saw it was still clouded over. "Ah... I really hope it doesn't rain again," you thought, not wanting to be caught up in the downpour again.
There was a legend about the weather in Fontaine. It was believed that the rain in the nation was actually the Hydro Sovereign's tears, and that every time it rained, it symbolised its despair. Children often sang a rhyme, "Hydro Dragon, don't cry", as a way to comfort the dragon and bring a stop to the deluge of rain.
Though you thought it was childish, you couldn't help but repeat the lines in your head, wondering if it would actually have any effect. You set off, walking in the direction of the station on foot. At times like this, when you had little energy to spare, you wished you were fortunate enough to live within the city.
From your house to the Marcotte Station, it took you roughly thirty minutes to walk there, deciding it would be better to take an Aquabus on the Navia line directly to the Court of Fontaine to save some time. The Aquabus ride would help you gather some energy back after the long morning you had.
Once you arrived at the station, you purchased a ticket and then handed it to Elphane, the Melusine guide who operates the Aquabus you set foot on. "How do you do, [Reader]?" she greeted you, already familiar with your face from your countless travels to and from work.
The two of you exchanged some pleasantries as the Aquabus drifted down the line. During the ride, the weather began to soften, and the heavy clouds above rolled out. You thought back to the rhyme. Surely it was just a coincidence? Your mind started to wander.
You thought about Neuvillette. You had become fairly acquainted with him long ago, which led to discussions about mutual interests spanning a variety of topics over tea, usually sitting upstairs in the Hotel Debord, when there were usually fewer people around for the sake of Neuvillette’s own comfort.
This, however, was the first time he had called you to his office in the administrative building.
Perhaps the Iudex preferred to be inside today, not wanting to make his presence known to the public, or rather, have some peace with a familiar face after a busy morning, just like yourself?
Whatever the case may be, you wondered if he had become more comfortable with your presence. The Aquabus eventually came to a stop, and Elphane announced the arrival at the main hub, allowing the passengers to depart. You stepped off and made your way to the Palais Mermonia. After being checked in by a staff member, you were guided towards Neuvillette's office. The Melusine staff member who took you there knocked on the door, announcing your arrival.
The Melusine waved goodbye, skipping as she parted ways with you. A couple of seconds later, the door to the office opened, and Neuvillette warmly welcomed you in.
"Greetings, [Reader]. Please, make yourself comfortable," he gestured towards the many various muted ocean blue sofas on the other end of the room. As it was your first time being in his office, you looked around, taking in your surroundings. It was definitely a grand office suitable for the Chief of Justice.
In his office were a couple of giant bookshelves made from, no doubt, the finest wood in the nation. They framed the elegantly decorated walls. Large curtains, the same shade as the sofa, draped over the tall windows, as well as a large rug of the same colour, guiding the way into the room towards his desk. You also spotted a couple of grand master clocks positioned in the corners of the room, a record player, and all sorts of other things you deemed fitting for the man. You couldn't even imagine how expensive everything was.
You took a seat near his desk and waited for the other to join you. "I will admit," Neuvillette started, "It has been a while since I have invited a guest over. Usually, all the visitors I receive have been for work-related matters. I have not had the opportunity to enjoy the company of a friend in quite some time."
Though you kept in touch with the man, hearing this made you feel a faint pang of guilt. If it were anybody else, you might've thought of visiting them more often, yet this was the Chief of Justice you were talking about. A busy man with an endless amount of responsibilities. Just as you felt guilty for not offering to visit a long time ago, you would have felt just the same if you were to pull him away from his own work, knowing that he most likely wouldn't refuse your company.
"I truly apologise for not visiting, Monsieur Neuvillette. I didn't want to disturb you..." You gave him an apologetic smile, "Since I'm here now, though, we can make it for all the lost time. I'd love to spend the whole afternoon with you."
Was love too strong a word to use in this situation? Before you were able to let yourself question it any further, Neuvillette sat down by your side, choosing not to sit at his desk.
"You may simply call me Neuvillette, if you wish. It is quite all right. There is no need for formalities now as it is just the two of us, and given that we have known each other for some time now, it seems fitting, does it not?" You had no reason to argue against this, but surely a man of his reputation deserved more respect?
You didn't try to rationalise it any further, "Of course, Neuvillette." His name flowed off your tongue rather easily, as if it had always belonged there. After his name left your mouth, it was as if some hidden tension suddenly seeped away, like water flowing through cracks in a stone.
"Now, shall we begin the reason why I invited you here?" he asked. Neuvillette stood up from the sofa and walked over to his desk, clearing a few pieces of paper and other miscellaneous files. You remember reading about what he had invited you over for, but it completely slipped your mind by accident, his allowing you to use his name completely overshadowing everything else.
Right on time, a Melusine knocked on the door a couple of times before entering.
"Hello, Monsieur Neuvillette! I brought what you asked for!" The little Melusine pushed in a trolley, on which sat a variety of small cakes, pastries, snacks, and other assorted Fontainian goods. You also spotted a pot of tea and a few wine glasses that looked to be empty.
On further inspection, they were all filled with water, and just then, you remembered what was written on one of the lines in your invitation.
"...Later this afternoon, would you care to join me for tea and desserts? I have also arranged for us to sample some water which has come from all corners of Teyvat. I would greatly appreciate your company."
You stood up from the sofa and walked up to the trolley, eyeing it down to see if any of the dessert étagères held any of your favourite cakes. After spending several afternoons with Neuvillette in the past, chatting over tea and desserts, he learned your preferences and made sure the trolley contained everything you liked. It was like a little pâtisserie on wheels made especially just for you.
"These desserts look amazing, Neuvillette," you complimented, while grabbing a small plate and picking out your favourite cake and two small pastries with a set of tongs.
"I am glad. I had them selected out according to your preferences. Please, enjoy as much as you like, [Reader]." Hearing him admit such a thing was heart-warming. It also made a thought quickly flash across your mind.
"This all feels a more personal… It's almost like this is a date-" Your hand froze midway through picking up a cake to inspect. You felt your face turn slightly red at the ludicrous thought. The word 'date' kept flying around your head, taunting and teasing you, and you questioned why you would ever think of such a thing, ignoring that you felt your nerves start to tingle. You desperately tried to shake the thought away.
"Is everything alright, [Reader]? I apologise if any of the desserts are not to your liking. I can have them replaced if you wish." Neuvillette had noticed your behaviour, of course, nothing would get by him.
"Oh, no, no, everything's okay. I just got a little lost in thought," you assured him, not wanting to admit to what crossed your mind. His gaze lingered on you for a second before shifting to the trolley, picking up one of the wine glasses filled with water. The appearance was no different to the water you saw served anywhere else, but you knew better. On many occasions, you had listened to Neuvillette share his thoughts about the different qualities of water and the subtle differences in taste it had from one nation to the next.
"As you know, many regard water tasting to be a rather boring and trivial practice, but I have never found that to be the case. In truth, water tasting is quite sophisticated, and, much like wine tasting, demands both in-depth knowledge and sensitivity to even the faintest changes in the water's flavour, notes and overall profile," he started. Neuvillette was always so passionate about water and everything about it. "What I have prepared for us today is a delightful experience in this art."
Neuvillette took a small sip from the glass and closed his eyes to analyse the water, letting it sit on his palate for a couple of seconds before swallowing. “This sample originates from the glacial waters of Snezhnaya. Just by feeling the glass, even with my gloves on, the water retains an unusually low thermal quality, even after being left out at room temperature. Once it enters the mouth, it has a sharp texture accompanied by a faint metallic note. It leaves a lingering chill in the mouth after swallowing,” he explained in depth every detail to you.
Just as expected, Neuvillette was thorough with what he was most passionate about. It was fascinating that he managed to gather so much information from a small sip like that, especially from water of all things, something you used to consider rather plain and uninteresting.
You continued listening to him talk, finding his voice soothing. “Now, if you may, take this wine glass and have a taste for yourself.” You took it from his hand. You glanced down into the cup. He was right. The glass was unusually cold, and you guessed that if you held it for any longer, your fingers would start to feel the effects of it.
Neuvillette watched as you took a sip from the glass. His eyes lingered on the rim glittering in the sunlight, on the very spot he drank out of. He realised you were about to drink from the same place. He didn't comment on it, choosing to stay quiet instead, but his gaze focused more intently on you.
You took a sip just like he did, letting the water sit in your mouth for a couple of seconds, trying to pick out the hints he had described to you. It was rather difficult because no matter how hard you tried, all you could tell was that the water was cooler, nothing else of what he described to you.
Sensing your trouble, Neuvillette gently took the wine glass from your hand, “It’s alright if you aren’t able to discern the subtleties on your first try, as water tasting requires patience and a keen understanding of each unique quality.”
“It is a little difficult… all I noticed was that the water was a lot colder, just like you said,” you admitted.
Neuvillette let out a small hum and set the glass down, picking up another. “Would you like to attempt this one by yourself?”
You looked at the glass, identical to the one before. You didn’t feel confident at all, yet you still took the glass from his hand, fingers lightly brushing against his. This accidental touch sent a slight warmth spreading through your fingertips and up your arm.
You cleared your throat and took another sip, ignoring that you felt slightly flustered. Due to the unexpected touch, you accidentally swallowed the water right away, not leaving any time for yourself to analyse it. You blinked a couple of times, realising what you did. You caught Neuvillette shifting his gaze away from you for a second to look down and smile to himself at your mistake.
“Ah- that was an accident,” you muttered while quickly taking another sip from the glass.
When you brought the glass back to your mouth and nose, you caught a faint scent that reminded you of Mondstadt’s open skies and fresh mountain air. “This water is from Mondstadt, isn’t it!” you said, feeling a little more confident than before.
“You would be correct, [Reader]. This water comes from Stormbearer Mountains. It leaves a rather refreshing aftertaste, doesn’t it?” You nodded your head in agreement. “Are you able to pick up on any of the other qualities of the water?”
Trying it again, you made sure to take extra time to savour it, but it was hard. You were not like Neuvillette, able to pick up even the subtlest of changes in the taste. You closed your eyes just as he did earlier and took yet another sip.
“It tastes pure, that’s all I can really pick up from it. It’s like there are no impurities in the water at all. I think it’s extremely refreshing.” Neuvillette nodded his head at your judgment.
“You seem to be learning, [Reader]. A keen observation, indeed.”
After going through a couple more wine glasses filled with water from Inazuma and Natlan, Neuvillette suggested taking a break for now, noticing you were starting to become a little unengaged with the activity. You weren’t not enjoying it, but after drinking so much water, trying to pick up on any small differences was borderline impossible for you now. It was all starting to taste the same.
Feeling this morning’s exhaustion creep back in, you sat down on the sofa. A moment later, Neuvillette offered you some tea and a pastry, which you gladly accepted. He sat down next to you.
You bit into the éclair, and suddenly your spark was back. The cream filling was smooth and rich, pairing perfectly with the chocolate icing. You savoured each bite while taking sips of your tea.
Now this is what you were talking about. If you were to become a master of taste-testing anything, it would be for all the delicious and perfectly crafted Fontainian pastries and desserts rather than water. You’d leave that for Neuvillette.
After a few moments, you ate the last bite of the éclair and turned your head to face him, about to compliment the pastry, when an ungloved hand reached out to you, thumb carefully swiping over some cream at the corner of your lips. You noticed just how close his own face was to yours.
It was like both of you realised what exactly had happened at the same moment. You felt your face warm up while Neuvillette looked taken aback by his own actions. It was unlike him to do something so intimate, yet his hand lingered for a few seconds more before he retracted it, wiping his thumb and slipping his glove back on.
Before he was able to get a word out, you spoke first, “Um! The éclair was really delicious, Neuvillette, I admire the maîtres pâtissiers you have working for you! They are extremely skilled at their craft…” you trailed off, not sure if your sudden attempt change the topic was too obvious.
It was unlike Neuvillette to stay this quiet, especially after what had just happened. You glanced back at him and realised he looked conflicted. He was looking at you, but it was as if his eyes never actually reached you. The man was deep in thought, and yet under his intense gaze, even while not directly being the focus, made you shift in your seat.
“Neuvillette…”
Just as if nothing happened at all, he returned to his usual composed self, his expression tightening ever so slightly.
“Ahem,” he cleared his throat, “Excuse my behaviour, [Reader], it appears as if there are no napkins available. Please forgive my impropriety. I’ll ask a member of staff to go fetch some for us.”
Some time passed, and the sun was beginning to shift more towards the horizon, rays of sunlight streaking through the giant windows in the office. By then, you had “taste-tested” a few other desserts, enjoying any topics of conversation he brought up. Just like he said earlier, Neuvillette had asked a little Melusine assistant to bring in napkins for you to use, which you waited for. You kept thinking about the moment you had with him, though.
The more you thought about it, the less shocked you felt about it, and the more endearing the action had actually become to you. It was a rather sweet gesture. If anybody else had done that to you, you definitely would have told them off, but it coming from Neuvillette? You knew the man wouldn’t have any less than favourable ulterior motives, so trusting him came easily to you.
Still, it didn’t change that his personally cleaning the corner of your mouth was somewhat tender, affectionate even. You coughed. “I’m glad you invited me here, to be honest. This morning was pretty exhausting… I had to cover another Garde’s shift, all while Celestia above rained down on me. I must’ve done something to anger the gods.”
Neuvillette thought back to the morning as well. He had spent a few hours sitting at his desk, deep in thought, troubled by his own feelings. Feelings which revolved around you.
Some people who were close to him knew the man was no connoisseur when it came to understanding (human) emotions all that well, but the main point of his concern was that he suspected he may be developing feelings for you. Something he never imagined would happen, let alone to a human, but he truly cherished every single second he spent time with you.
On many occasions, Neuvillette found himself thinking about you, even when he was in the middle of important work. All that was on his mind was the very person who was now sitting in front of him.
“Ah, the heavy rain must’ve been quite the inconvenience for you.”
“It was… It made my shift even more difficult to deal with than usual. Trying to see in the heavy rain while on patrol was nearly impossible. The forecast for the morning indicated no signs of rain, so I hadn’t brought an umbrella with me either, and I wasn’t able to get one since I was already on duty. It was quite the pain,” you admitted.
Neuvillette looked almost guilty hearing this, but it wasn’t as if he could offer an apology for it. He couldn’t just outright admit to someone that he is one of the Seven Sovereigns.
“You know, I heard this legend about the rain. Something about how the rain symbolises the despair coming from Hydro Sovereign's and that it is its tears,” you told him.
Neuvillette held back a sign after hearing this, “Ah, so you have heard of that local legend as well? Who told you about that? Or more pertinently, who was responsible for spreading it in the first place…”
You tilted your head while he looked mildly displeased, “I’m not sure, to be honest, but I did also hear that some children call out a rhyme when it rains, ‘Hydro Dragon, don’t cry’, I’m sure you’ve heard of it. Anyway, I know it’s childish, but I couldn’t help but repeat the same lines before I came here in hopes of it clearing up the weather.”
Hearing this, Neuvillette recalled something. During the time spent sitting at his desk in the morning waiting for your arrival, lost in thought, he remembered hearing this tune. It was as if it was coming from deep within his subconscious.
“Hydro Dragon, don’t cry…
The rain will end soon enough,
Oh, Hydro Dragon, don’t cry…
Let all storms pass you by.”
Your voice faintly called out within his head. Neuvillette’s thoughts, which had been akin to the sea’s currents roughly fighting against one another, eased out upon hearing your voice. They slowed down, turning into a gentle stream, flowing steadily in his mind.
“[Reader]... there is something I must confide in you about,” his voice was steady, yet the faintest touch of hesitance seeped through his otherwise measured and calm tone. “This subject is one that I find rather difficult to articulate… however, I believe that you are the person with whom it is most fitting for me to discuss it.” You watched as he crossed his legs while his hands tugged at the cuffs of his sleeves.
You felt your nerves start to tingle again. For the first time, Neuvillette looked and sounded unsure of himself, which was something you’ve never seen before. The man always had perfect restraint about himself and the words he used, yet, right now, it was like he was trying to show a more open, vulnerable side.
On the many occasions you spent time with him, you did grow fond of the man, talking about anything and everything. He was the one you knew you could go to in times of need, knowing he would do his utmost to provide you with answers to your struggles or offer support in the ways he deemed necessary.
Of course, emotional struggles were an entirely different issue to deal with, but you knew if there was a problem you had, you could still go to him, and he would give you advice to the best of his abilities. Yet now, the roles had reversed. Neuvillette was seeking your trust and guidance.
“Whatever it is, I’ll try to help you, Neuvillette. I hope everything is okay…” You weren’t entirely sure what to say. You knew that if things were really okay, what was happening right now wouldn’t be because Neuvillette wasn’t the type to beat around the bush.
“I have long struggled to understand the concept of emotions and their nuances. I often misinterpret feelings, which has led to a variety of unfortunate misunderstandings, and is what keeps me from going out and facing the public eye. Yet, the struggle I am feeling now is that of an internal conflict, one that I yet to resolve, and one that I require help with.”
Your eyes stayed fixed on him, following his every move, your ears listening to every word intently. “Unlike water, emotion does not settle quickly once agitated, nor is it naturally inclined towards equilibrium; it flows and ebbs like the tide, governed by forces I do not fully grasp,” he began.
You let him continue, “Lately, I have found myself troubled by unfamiliar feelings, those of which I find are not unpleasant, only slightly confusing to me. It is like there is a current of water within me that did not exist before, and it is subtle yet persistent, and one I find difficult to ignore. Something within me has begun to shift…. and I believe that it is tied to you.”
You tried to read between the lines while listening to him. It almost sounded like a confession to you…
A confession?
Was Neuvillette, the Iudex (Chief of Justice), confessing his feelings to you? The man you held in such high regard, who almost felt unobtainable at times, admitting that he felt something towards you?
Your heart began to beat slightly faster. Seeing him try to keep his own composure steady while admitting something so personal made your own fall apart. Like something bursting out of the ocean’s surface, your own feelings towards him that you had been hiding away emerged.
“Do you mean that- Neuvillette, are you saying that…” You almost didn’t want to ask for fear of misunderstanding him. But in that moment, Neuvillette’s eyes met your own.
“I believe I have developed feelings for you, [Reader],” he said quietly, expression softening. His gaze drifted away from your own for a moment. He inhaled slowly, trying to build his composure again.
Just then did you realise how close he was sitting beside you. You noticed his gaze lowering as if the weight of his own words finally settled, like a weight lifting off of his chest.
“Neuvillette, I feel the same way towards you,” you confessed.
His eyes met yours again, and he shifted ever so slightly closer. “[Reader],” he said your name, while taking your hand, delicately wrapping his palm around your own.
“If I may… and only if you desire it as well…” he paused, feeling incredibly hesitant, not wanting to push over any boundaries, “may I… kiss you?”
Your heart rate had spiked, beating uncontrollably in your chest. His hand on your own, the little space between the two of you, his intense gaze… Oh, you felt as if it was too much for your poor heart.
You could barely get the words out, feeling incredibly flustered, “Neuvillette… I would love that.”
The space between you two had finally closed.
Neuvillette slowly lifted his free hand and brought it towards your cheek, thumb resting just below your eye. His thumb softly caressed you. His touch was firm yet gentle. He brought his face towards your own, leaving time to pull away if you really wished, and leaned in slowly. Your eyes met, and your breath intertwined with his own. His lips softly brushed up against yours, and you felt sparks within you ignite. You both had closed your eyes to fully savour the moment.
You also brought a hand up to Neuvillette and rested it on his shoulder, gripping the fabric on his coat. Unconsciously, you pulled him closer to you, wanting more. He could sense that as well. Neuvillette didn’t deny you of your wants, but didn’t rush it either. With his gloved hand still cradling your cheek, he slowly deepened the kiss. His movements were careful and deliberate, trying to savour the moment as much as possible. He didn’t try to completely dominate the kiss, though, instead choosing to mirror your own actions and act accordingly.
Noting your want for more, his lips parted slightly. Then, with a soft exploratory touch, his tongue delicately traced along your bottom lip, like asking permission to enter. When you opened your mouth, he matched you and deepened the kiss even further, now taking his hand away from your own and moving it to the back of your neck to support you.
A part of you couldn’t believe what was happening. Maybe this was all a self-induced illusion created by your fatigue? No… definitely not. This was real. The feeling of his hands on you, his tongue almost teasing you, as if he knew you wanted even more, but choosing not to fully fulfil your wishes, and the feeling of his chest brushing up against your own, it was all too real.
His hand on the back of your neck gripped tighter, desire growing between you. He opened his eyes slightly to observe you. You were starting to look like a mess under him. Your hand was still planted firmly on his shoulder, yet you wanted to explore further. You picked your other hand up, which had been supporting you a little during the kiss, and hesitantly traced up his thigh.
The heat was rising in the room, and just like a kettle about to boil over, the desire and wanting erupted. A noise came from deep within the man, and just as he was about to give you more, a knock came from the other side of the room.
Knock, Knock, Knock, “...-sieur Neuvillette? Monsieur Neuvillette! I brought you the napkins you requested!” a little voice called out, unknowingly interrupting the moment between you two.
The man pulled away from the kiss and removed his hands from you, carefully letting go of you and setting you down. His eyes were still half shut, observing you. Your chest rose and fell, now completely unable to regain your composure. You felt slightly embarrassed by your actions. You couldn’t believe you had put a hand on him, on such an intimate place, during the heat of the moment.
Then, just like he wiped away the cream from the corner of your mouth earlier, he brought a hand up and wiped your mouth again, this time cleaning the saliva from it.
“Let’s not get carried away, shall we?” he said. Another small series of knocks came from the door, and he stood up, flattening the creases in his clothing. He smiled to himself, walking away in the direction of his office door.
Your brain was completely frazzled. You just had a make-out session with the Iudex. Were you really positive this wasn’t a dream? Neuvillette came back with a stack of napkins in hand. He had asked a Melusine assistant to grab them for the two of you earlier, something which completely slipped your mind.
A small wave of fatigue washed over your body. The sun was beginning to slowly lower towards the horizon, and you had now been awake for longer than intended due to being up so early for your shift.
You looked out of the window. “It’s getting late, isn’t it?” Neuvillette said while watching you, “You must be quite tired.”
“A little… I took the Aquabus here. I should probably make sure I don’t miss my last ride home, shouldn’t I?” you said.
A glint appeared in Neuvillette’s eyes. “If you were to stay the night… I would gladly reimburse you for your fare, [Reader]. I suggest we finish off the desserts and water tasting experience and then…” he briefly paused and walked over to you.
“... continue where we left off, could we not?” he was staring down at you.
Hearing this, a subtle heat crept up your neck, and a shiver ran down your spine. A warmth began to stir in the pit of your stomach, and you tightened your legs together, an action which certainly did not go unnoticed.
A faint smirk, undoubtedly an expression you had never seen from him before, tugged at the corner of Neuvillette’s lips, hinting at his satisfaction with your reaction to his words.
“Now then, let’s enjoy the rest of the evening, shall we?”