#i really like the idea of neuvilette being called uncle okay….

[alsoyooraiyah]

notes; just some simple fluff. au where dola ends up in wrio’s care while she’s still itty bitty + i haven’t listened to neuvilette speak in a while so…

no warnings ig? everything is platonic.

—

“Uh… Hope you don’t mind the extra company today, Monsieur Neuvillette.”

The Iudex couldn’t help but keep staring at the approaching duo before clearing his throat.

“It’s of no issue, Wriothesley,” he says. “I take that there was some trouble with finding someone to care for Dolasach at the Fortress?”

Neuvillette eyes the small child that clings onto Wriothesley’s hand. His gaze is soft, though the lack of a smile seemed to stir some unease in Dolasach as she stares back. Her brows furrow—she bumps into Wriothesley once he stops walking.

He’s reminded of melusines, and suddenly he’s a little less unsure of having her stay with them.

“Oh, careful there.”

Wriothesley looks down at Dolasach and gives her a once over before gently patting her head. She makes a small noise that Neuvillette can’t help but find endearing.

Once he deems her perfectly fine, he faces Neuvillette, a hint of fondness still present in his eyes before the usual professionalism returned.

“Well… Some of the guards volunteered, but Dola didn’t want to stay behind,” he explains. He pats her head another few times. “We were all worried she might start crying if I tried to leave without her, so I just brought her up here with me.”

Neuvillette takes mental note of the new nickname. How delightful—a sign, alongside the child’s clinginess, that the two are growing closer.

“I see. Well, in any case, I’m sure Lady Furina wouldn’t mind her presence while we have our meeting,” he reassures him. “She should be here shortly once she finishes her final appointment for the morning.”

Neuvillette sets down his pen and rises from his seat. He tries not to stare at the child too much as he approaches her. As curious as he is about human children, he didn’t want to scare her—he’s not ignorant of the way some children found his draconic eyes intimidating and intense.

Wriothesley glances between him and Dolasach.

“Do you remember him?” Wriothesley asks her, gesturing at the other man. He speaks to her like she weren’t just another companion of his, though there was a softness to his tone that Neuvilette rarely ever hears. “He’s the Chief Justice, the one who helped me meet you.”

Dolasach doesn’t take her eyes off of Neuvillette as he kneels down to level with her, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

She addresses him quietly, her brows still furrowed.

“Chief Justice….”

“Addressing me by my title is a little too formal for a child,” he says. “You may call me Monsieur Neuvillette. How have you been doing, Dolasach?”

The crease between Dolasach’s brows deepens.

“Mon… Mond-ser….”

“That might be too difficult for her right now,” Wriothesley explains with a chuckle. “She understands Fontainian thanks to her mother, but it seems like they never got to teaching her how to speak the language.”

Neuvillette hums as he watches Dolasach continue trying to say his name.

“Noov… fee-let…”

How cute.

“Her accent is heavily Mondstantian,” he remarks. “And… Admittedly, my name is rather difficult for a child to pronounce…”

“Maybe she can call you ‘uncle’ for now?”

Neuvilette quirks a brow at Wriothesley. He just shrugs.

“It’s what she calls me.”

“Would it not be too familiar for her?”

“Kids like the familiarity,” Wriothesley explains. “Might help with getting her more comfortable around you too, if that’s something you’re concerned about. Doesnt have to be forever, either. Just until she’s a little older.”

Neuvillette turns back to Dolasach.

“If that is the case, would you like to consider me your ‘uncle’ for the time being?”

She smiles, seemingly proving Wriothesley’s point about children liking the familiar feeling.

“Uncle Noovi…”

Neuvillette smiles a little wider. Perhaps he likes it too.