Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Barbatos was no stranger to strange scented wind. It was a sign. It was his spy, so clear. Nobody could tell the difference, it was all around them, mortals knew no better.

He hears and sees all. Alas, this becomes overwhelming, for the wind follows like a persistent puppy. Alcohol helps with this. It's been his remedy for as long as the young archon could remember.

On this day, he sits atop a roof weaving tales, while he did so, the sky'd been clear as fresh tears. On this day an all too familiar saltiness could be tasted perhaps only by the proxy of freedom. It irked him. Too familiar, too dangerous and tragic that as the essence spreads about his cavern, it nearly brings sweat to his eyes as they dampen. 

Barbatos himself becomes scarce, like smoke, becoming one with the very wind, and drifts. He glides throughout his land, pleased with how it regulated, his people carefree and gleeful. Yes, Mondstadt was indeed the land of freedom and the sight below proved as such. However, the new winds…those sang a different ballad that was not in tune with Barbatos' orchestra. It was necessary to eliminate the outlier but how? He couldn't very well do much if he knew not where either. 

With haste, he cries into his ever so faithful skies, beckons the winds to carry his notes, singing for his companions, the Electro and Geo Archons.

Arriving upon the meeting hearth, the young man heartily welcomes his comrades. "You've come!" He crows happily.

Ei rolls her eyes in dismissal and Morax grunts as a greeting. Typical of them. 

"What do you want now?" The Electro archon grumbles, crossing her arms beneath her chest in irritation.

 Barbatos furrows his brows at their behavior, he didn't have the best history with either god or goddess. "Hear me out, please? I'm worried."

"Get on with it then," Morax rumbles. 

Barbatos gulps. "It's regarding Khaenri'ah."

Ei and Morax share a look. Barbatos couldn't tell what they were thinking but he'd hoped he caught their attention at least and planned to keep his acquaintances somewhat hooked with the hopes of gaining their assistance. 

"What of it?" Ei utters tentatively. Morax lays a gentle hand on her to steady her. Barbatos knew why but continued.

"I smell traces of it within my nation. There's Khaenri'ian roaches crawling and I fear they'll stir the pot, if you catch my drift," the Anemo archon hints. 

Ei's lips pressed into a fine line and Morax's eyes hardened. It was understandable seeing as they both lost dear companions to the bloodbath known to many as Khaenri'ih's downfall 

"If what you say is the truth, there can only be one reason they would be present," Morax observes.

"For vengeance," Barbatos and Ei synchronize. 

Morax firmly nods. "Correct," he confirms.

"What'll we do?" The young archon laments, "what if war breaks out once more! We cannot have such a thing, there's too much at stake now with the Abyss and their prince and princess roaming. Our people are at peace for now as well."

"If not all that nonsense, you know who is constantly speculating. Wherever I am, minus Euthimiya, I feel as if there are a million eyes upon me in every room I walk into," Ei says in distaste. 

Morax raises his hand to calm his fellow distressed archons and motions them to come closer, to which they obey, and he drops his deep voice to a whisper. "We will discuss this matter with the other four archons in a private place," he tells them, then looks to Ei, hope is sparkling in his amber eyes, "perhaps…?

She nods briskly. "Consider it done. I intend to preserve my Inazuma and I'm unable to if the very world crumbles. I won't have 'you know who' breathing down our necks if we can help it." 

Barbatos suddenly freezes then slowly turns to Morax. "You no longer have authority over Liyue," he says.

Morax tuts. "I have my ways, Barbatos, be still. If all else fails I'll speak with the Qixing myself and hope they'll be wise enough to maturely handle the situation. I have my people stationed within as well if it eases you." 

"I question if human or even otherworldly creatures would be able to handle such pressure though, we ought to keep this disclosed between us archons," Ei advises despite her rekindled love for humankind. Just because she could coexist did not mean she fully entrusted such fragile creatures to handle such gruesome matters. 

When all is said and done and agreements have been decided, the three archons let their hands join as they make a circle and begin to chant:

"One of a kind yet one of the same

"Water into wine, wine into blood

"Rock into sand, sand into pearls

"What thou desires nought be held, those Khaenri'ians must feel what their ancestors felt

"May this punishment be dream-like, pillowy, tease their shallow minds into a hoax, let their mind slowly unravel and tangle all prickly like," they pray then step back in confusion until Morax speaks up.

"Ah," Morax clicks his tongue.

"What!?" Ei growls, "that should've worked!"

"We need all seven of us to conduct this," he replies wryly, "we'll meet upon the grounds of Mount Yougou and proceed further with help this time.

Chapter Text

Diluc sleepily pokes at his breakfast that sat in front of him at the dining room table. The estate was slowly waking up with the sun as it peeks over the cloud of the early morning, its light shining through the clear, glassy windows of his abode, spilling onto the wood flooring.

Without the maids bustling around and other winery employees coming in and out, the house was pleasantly silent, allowing Diluc to be alone with his thoughts, something he didn’t find himself minding. These days, he had come to realize only as of late that his thoughts were scrambled and in constant turmoil due to the overwhelming amount of orders not just coming from Monstadt’s pubs and taverns, but now even more from abroad since the Traveler made an appearance. While he enjoyed the surplus of work and incoming money, he had unfortunately burnt himself out, nothing out of the ordinary, though.

Food didn’t quite appeal to the master of Dawn Winery since he felt himself spiral down this rabbit hole of exhaustion and said exhaustion weighs heavily on his shoulders and the scandalous eye bags that developed. He could’ve passed as Rosaria’s twin if he spent some time around the cathedral with dark eye bags under his eyes. He felt like a raccoon.

Diluc soon grew bored with his meal and picked up the plate to discard the food and wash his items in the sink. As he finished, a loud knock could be heard from the front doorway, grabbing his attention. The noise startled him more than usual, causing him to drop the utensil he was cleaning. Instead, he chooses to discard the fork and storms to the door, hurling it open, and wears a deep scowl.

The sight before him made Diluc drop the expression immediately, though. None other than Kaeya, whom he forfeited communication with for nearly two years, even with the Traveler around, and standing next to him was Klee, holding his hand in hers. In her other was a messy bouquet that suspiciously resembled the planted flowers on his premises.

Instead of regarding Kaeya, he chose Klee. He’d select the young girl any day over his former brother in arms.

“Miss Klee, I take it you went gardening as of late?” he starts easily, allowing his face to soften. He wasn’t trying to scare the girl despite his dislike for small, loud children.

She beams up at him and thrusts the bouquet out to the red head. "Sure did! Kaeya said these would convince you since you love lamp grass," she tells him.

This makes Diluc raise a brow at this and finally look at Kaeya who, as he looked closer, also looked exhausted. "May I ask what you're trying to convince me of?"

Kaeya heaves a heavy sigh. "To take Klee for the day. I'm stuck in my office with mountains of paperwork Jean has been harping on me for weeks. I can't exactly take her out for the day when I'm cooped up inside," he explains.

Klee nods to add to Kaeya's sob story.

"There are plenty of other knights that can handle Klee, why is it me of all people you come to?"

Kaeya shrugs. "Oddly, Albedo said he trusted you the most." He leans in closer, almost whispering in Diluc's ear. Diluc has to fight the urge to take a step back. "Albedo saw how well you interacted with Klee during the Golden Apple Archipelago vacation, clearly he was pleased with what he saw. Plus, everyone else he trusts to look after Klee is busy too," He pauses. "Please consider, Diluc, I really need a break from babysitting," Kaeya begs.

Diluc presses his lips into a fine line and narrows his crimson eyes at Kaeya. "I'm doing this as a personal favor for Albedo, I couldn't care less about your conditions," he bites, causing Kaeya's eyes to widen for a brief moment before making his face devoid of any hurt he felt.

That still didn't disperse the waver evident in his voice. "I-I see. I'm sure Albedo will be most appreciative," he says taughtly. He turns to Klee to bid her farewell only to find her plucking more flowers from the pots outside. "Klee!" He cries and turns to Diluc, apology ready at his lips.

Diluc only brushes it off and beckons Klee inside.

Kaeya says his temporary goodbye and makes Klee promise to be good while Diluc watches her. "I'll be back at sunset," he reassures her with a forced smile.

Klee being Klee didn’t think much of Kaeya's sorrowful state and darts into the mansion after a tight embrace with him.

Diluc easily closes the door in Kaeya's face without a single goodbye.

Chapter Text

It doesn't take long for Klee to start poking and touching all of the valuable items in Diluc's grand estate, but each time calmly waves off her curious hands.

"Do you have any games to play in your house?" Klee asks after she's stopped in her tracks once more.

Diluc thinks hard about his predicament. He also had his fair share of work to complete, but he didn't see why he couldn't take a break likewise, especially if this break was at the expense of helping someone. Plus, he's warmed up to Klee and Albedo considerably since the Golden Apple Archipelago trip.

After the trip, Albedo had paid many visits to Diluc's estate asking for ingredients to use for his own personal experience. The chief alchemist seemed intrigued with Diluc and he couldn't help but suspect Albedo actually wanted to be in his company...in his own socially awkward way. Later on, Diluc realized Albedo had also been trying to make jokes. The thought of him trying made Diluc inwardly smile at his attempts, and it also felt nice to have a new acquaintance; even if he was a part of the Knights of Favonius.

He finally turns to Klee who awaits his answer. “How about we ask Adeline, she’ll know if I have any of my childhood memorabilia.”

Together, the duo walk up the stairs, Klee taking two or more at a time while Diluc went at his own pace. Suddenly, Klee asks, “what was it like growing up with Mister Kaeya? Did you two get along?”

Diluc was clearly irked by the question but answers it nonetheless as they climb to the top in search of his head maid. “Here and there,” he begins. “After my father took him in, I recall I’d been very shy. Kaeya was too, but he came around far quicker than I did. He liked to play tricks on the staff frequently and would always ask me to participate in the activities.”

Klee’s eyes brightened. “Well, did you?”

Diluc feels a weird smile make itself known as he reminisces. “Sometimes,” he answers.

“We should play tricks on your staff too!” the young girl exclaims.

Diluc immediately recoils at the idea. “I can’t disturb my employees and get away with it,” he tells her, “I’m not young anymore.”

When Klee looks disheartened, he reminds her of the games they were on a mission to find. It seemed to lift her spirits a little, but she couldn’t help but think about young Diluc and Kaeya getting along and being mischievous. Despite her young age, she was able to understand the two were not close and never missed how tense the air became when they were in the same room.

She was thankful she and Albedo were nothing like that and hoped their bond would remain as such as they grew.

Adeline is delighted to see Klee once they locate her on the top floor with some of the other maids, most likely planning their daily course. However, the news isn’t good when Diluc asks about his old games. She gently reminds him that he’d gotten rid of just about everything after his father’s accident and the Kaeya debacle not too long after his dear father’s death.

The two descend back down the stairs. Klee pipes up not too long after the uncomfortable silence, noticing Diluc’s depressed state, “It’s alright Mr. Diluc, I don’t have a mom…or a dad either,” she says, patting his shoulder once they sat on one of the couches in the lounge. She hoped she was right about what was causing his sadness. “Well, my mom is here, but she’s also not. I’m not sure where she is, or my dad,” she admits.

Diluc nods slowly, thinking back to when Klee’s mother revealed her doing of the vacation. He wasn’t sure what to say to her confession, but he knew he no longer wanted to dwell on the lack of parents in both of their lives. “Would you like to learn how to ride a horse?” Diluc asks after contemplating.

Klee is jittery in her seat and once again, her sunny smile is plastered on her face. “You’ll teach me?”

Diluc shrugs as his own small smile graced his lips. “My father taught me when I was around your age. I think you’ll enjoy it a lot with the right teacher and guidance.”
‘It’ll keep her busy and wear her out too’ The winery master thinks to himself.

Even though Kaeya had the intention to work on his papers, one thing lingers in his mind after seeing his late brother in arms. At this rate Diluc was in someone else's arms.

It was clear to him that Albedo had been paying frequent visits to not only the tavern, which was something Kaeya waved off as coincidence at first, but also to the actual winery that took a good four hours by foot to get there. Never had Kaeya seen Albedo request a horse for him and Klee to visit.

Bitterness swallows the cavalry captain as he skims the texts. It all blends together until the thought is too much to bear.

Slamming the pen and papers down, Kaeya rises from his chair and strides to his window to catch his breath. It was painful to think of his past lovers getting cozy with each other. Even if Albedo was a rebound to help him get over Diluc, droplets of feelings still remain for the chief alchemist after all this time.

Albedo had only been a bandaid to cover the wound Diluc tore into Kaeya after he left, came, then left once more. However, this was something Kaeya would never bring himself to verbally admit. It was easier to think of Albedo as his love, for it pained his poor heart too much to so much as think of Diluc and the wonderful memories they created.

A violent wave of jealousy crashes over the man as he thinks further into the matter; not just towards Albedo though.

It was no secret Diluc despised the Knights of Favonius, yet, he could make an exception for everyone he had history with, all but Kaeya? Especially when he grew up with Diluc, shared dreams, witnessed each other's blood, sweat, and tears until it all came to a screeching stop.

Kaeya long forgot how to express his genuine feelings after Diluc cursed his name after his father's death. It was the one-time Kaeya felt pure shame, wallowed in it, and it hadn't even been his damn fault. It wasn’t either of their faults, but he supposed in order to process the tragedy it helped Diluc if he had someone to blame.

In that instant, it was as if the clouds parted for Kaeya as he stared at the stone and green scenery below. The urge to laugh bubbled inside him, now finding himself smiling at the discovery; his own precious, secret discovery that had the ability to make his heart sing and soar at the same time.

The burden of being the center of Diluc’s resentment and hate boiled down into one thing.

Of course Diluc would place the blame on him of all people. It was out of comfort, familiarity, and best of all…love.

It had to be.

With this happy thought swimming in his brain, Kaeya could finally sit down and focus.

Never had he felt so relieved and so free.

Chapter Text

“Klee, Klee! Pull on the reigns to make her stop!” Diluc hollers at the top of his lungs as he tries to get his horse to pick up the pace to help Klee, whose horse was currently galloping, making the small girl bounce up and down in the saddle. Diluc could hear her screams, but he couldn’t tell if they were joyful or fearful for not having heard nor done it himself. Not only was he scared for her but he also wanted to avoid having to answer to Albedo if something did happen to her.

Diluc makes his steed skid to a sudden halt when Klee’s horse stops as well, making him puff out a sigh of relief and brush his sweaty bangs out of his eyes. “Klee, are you alright?” he asks, coming up to the young girl who was breathing heavily. He couldn’t see the girl’s face due to how her hair covered her expression, but Diluc hoped she wasn’t upset.

She picks up her head, still catching her breath, and looks to Diluc with an unreadable expression in her eyes. “That. Was-”

Diluc prepped himself to get reamed by the tiny elven girl.

“Amazing!” she squeals so loudly, the birds from the trees squawk in fright and fly away. Any wild animals nearby also scattered as Klee continues raving about how much fun she had. While Diluc was relieved and glad, he prayed he wasn’t deaf from the experience, making him wring both ears until the sound came in clear again.

“You did great for your first lesson. You handled yourself well when Maybelle broke into a gallop as well,” he compliments. “Let’s take a break for now and we can try again some other time,” he promises once he’s off his horse and sturdy on the ground. He notices Klee’s hesitation and extends his hands, offering to help her get down, but she retracts to his surprise.

“I want to learn how you get off the horse too,” she responds, leaning away from Diluc’s grasp.

“Very well,” he agrees. “I suppose that is important. Alright then, watch close, and be mindful of your step…”

Of cours

Without warning, Klee drops like a weight from the horse, landing with a heavy thud to the ground beneath her. Theres's only a second inbetween the reaction time of the inncident. Diluc doesn’t have the chance to react or dismount and make sure she’s alright before his horse takes off into the wood, bucking and throwing his body around like a ragdoll until he was flung off and crashed into the soil.

When he eventually hobbles his way back to Klee, she doesn’t even appear to be injured by her fall. Diluc on the other hand isn’t so fortunate.

with Klee's assistence, Diluc is able to relocate his horse and uses it to help him walk, brushing himself off weakly and letting out little groans off pain as it blossomed internally. When he sees Klee’s worried expression, he waves it off with a forced laugh and smile, reassuring her that he's only a bit spooked. Klee only looks half convinced, but she knew one thing for sure. It was going to be awhile before she got on horseback again after witnessing what happened to Diluc, regardless of how exciting the experience was.

Together, they trek back to the manor, Klee talking a mile a minute about how much fun she had horseback riding for the very first time; it almost makes Diluc forget about the searing pain that tore through his body from the impact of his fall, but with every step, the pain worsens.

Once they arrive, Klee leaves Diluc to tie up the steed, which he does with the help of some helpful staff members lingering about the grounds of the estate and follows Klee inside to assist her in getting the snack she’d been raving about.

As he enters, the young girl is sitting at the dining table talking a maid’s ear off about anything and everything. The maid sets a bowl of fresh fruit down in front of Klee who digs in but instantly regards Diluc as he makes his way to a nearby couch and sags into it, boots and coat still on.

The maid comes to him tentatively and asks if he’s alright. He gives a look as if to ask ‘does it look like I’m fine?’

“Please call Adelinde,” he asks, resting his hand on his chest and his head in his hand. The maid obeys her master’s orders and runs off to find the head maid. However, Klee’s attention is hooked by the lack of her new friend’s presence, and leaves the table with her bowl of fruits in hand. She thankfully doesn’t have to search long to find Diluc ready to take a nap on the couch with a solemn face.

She sits next to him and he still doesn’t open his ruby eyes. She opts to poke his arm and offer some fruit to the man who wheezily declines. “What’s the matter with you?” she asks, putting the bowl on her lap.

Diluc sighs. “I must’ve over-exerted myself today. I should’ve been mindful of the activity. I haven’t been on a horse in years,” he says, curling into himself.

“I bet that nasty fall didn’t help either,” Klee points out, patting his shoulder, “maybe you broke a rib?”

A wave of nausea makes Diluc’s stomach roll at the thought, but then calmed himself by convincing himself, it couldn’t be so. How could he break a bone, any bone, much less his rib, while babysitting?

Kaeya miserably trudges behind Albedo as they make their way to his old home.

It felt like he just left Klee with his former brother in arms and made his way to Mondstadt with Diluc’s cruel words echoing in his head.

“I'm doing this as a personal favor for Albedo, I couldn't care less about your conditions”.

So, Diluc means to say Albedo was more important?

It didn’t make sense to Kaeya, especially since Diluc despised the knights. It was hard for him to believe that Diluc returned Albedo’s feelings as well, being as cold and stony as he is nowadays. Kaeya couldn’t remember the last time he saw Diluc smile genuinely.

He had such a beautiful one too, as bright as his flaming red hair and eyes. Kaeya was able to see that smile often when the two were going up together, but it seemed as time went on, it became more scarce. Kaeya would've tried to give Diluc the world on a silver platter if it garaunteed a pretty smile from him.

“Are you alright, Kaeya?” came Albedo’s gentle voice, “you’ve been quiet these past hours.”

Kaeya jolts as if he had been woken from a deep sleep. “I’m fine,” he dismisses airily, “work has been piling up, and I guess I’m not too used to focusing on it.”

Albedo smiles one of his adorably rare smiles and nods in understanding. “Jeans’ certainly been off this week, on the contrary, I'm sure it doesn’t help that you deliberately avoid your duties frequently.”

Kaeya, for once, wasn’t sure whether to take Albedo’s comment seriously or laugh it off as teasing. Either way, it was bizarre for the homunculus to attempt humor. If this is what Diluc was falling in love with, Kaeya hoped the honeymoon phase would soon pass and that Diluc would dump Albedo on his ass.

“Can you blame me? It’s so boring,” he responds lightly, hoping to keep neutral grounds. If it got tense, it would be an awkward journey back to the city. Still, that doesn’t help how repulsed, and resentful Kaeya felt towards his co-worker-ex-love, whatever Albedo was.

“If you love your job,” Albedo begins, “you’ll never have to work a day in your life, as the saying goes. Perhaps you should consider another branch within the ranks. You might get some satisfaction out of your job,” he advises.

“Well, maybe if our little nuisance Diluc hadn’t been such a pansy and stomped out of headquarters like a grown child, maybe I would’ve been able to land a more enjoyable position,” Kaeya spits. He surprises himself with his own venom, but it almost felt amazing to say.

Albedo only stares at him in bewilderment and Kaeya felt satisfaction well up inside him seeing the typically emotionless alchemist show some form of expression. "Kaeya...how could you say something like that? His father died and you expect him to act rationally?"

Kaeya scoffs. "Easily. Since when did you care to defend him anyway?" Albedo turns his face and continues walking as if Kaeya never said anything causing Kaeya to make chase. "Well? Since when? Tell me now!"

Albedo comes to a sudden halt and swerved around to face his friend. "Since I realized he's not all that bad. While we were together, you filled my head with loads of lies about Diluc.

"When I had the chance to observe him at the Golden Apple Archipelago, I realized none of what you said was true, that he's mean, cold, and selfish. He's everything but that. If anything, it's a mask to cover up his hurt, and I daresay the mask you've conjured is to also hide your pain."

After a heavy silence, all Kaeya could think to ask was, "what is Diluc to you?"

"He's my good friend," Albedo states firmly. "And I'll be damned by Barbatos if you have a say in who I am friends with." His face softens when he picks up on Kaeya's deflated state making the alchemist feel a sense of guilt. He reaches to touch Kaeya's arm affectionately. "I don't want to fight with you, Kae, let's go pick up Klee and put this behind us, okay?"

Kaeya numbly nods, he wasn't really paying attention but he follows Albedo like a mindless doll through the woods nonetheless.

As the lit up manor comes into view, Kaeya only feels a sense of relief at the thought of resting. Maybe Albedo, being such great friends with Diluc, could convince him to loan them a horse.

Albedo knocks on the lantern lit door and it's opened by one of the maids. "May I help you?" She asks politely.

"I'm here to pick up my sister, Klee, from Master Diluc. Mr. Alberich dropped her off here earlier this morning." Albedo prompts.

The maid nods in understanding, but something seems off. "Come in and I'll be right back with her," she invites them, opening the door wider to let the two men in.

Kaeya couldn’t remember the last time he'd stepped foot in the familiar establishment. A part of him missed his old lifestyle, but he knew it was best he let that go, all but Diluc that was.

When the maid leaves them in the main room that is warmly lit by a crackling fire casting shadows against the homey oak of the walls. The house was eerily quiet, too quiet when someone like Klee was inside. Maybe Diluc had somehow found a spectacular way to keep her busy and it was a quiet activity that simultaneously kept her entertained. But still, there had to be some cheers of excitement, and yet none were to be heard.

The silence is only broken by the fireplace and nothing more, making Kaeya’s skin crawl. He’s drawn from his trance when the same maid approaches the duo again with a nervous smile and Klee at her skirt. “Albedo!” she squeals and throws herself at the alchemist. She then hugs Kaeya and looks up at the maid, “see you next time!”

The maid gives her a tight smile, but Kaeya could help himself, knowing something was wrong. “Where’s Mater Diluc?”

Before the maid could answer, Klee was quicker. “He’s in bed.”

“In bed,” Kaeya repeats softly, “why?”

This time the maid beats Klee to the punch. “He unfortunately has a headache and was advised to lay down,” she tells them hurriedly. “It’s best that he gets as much rest as possible. I’ll see you folks off now-”

“That won’t be necessary,” Kaeya dismisses. “I have something I need to discuss with him. I won’t take long, I promise.” Albedo fixes him with a shrewd look and shakes his head in disappointment. His eyes agreed with the maid, knowing it was in their best interest to leave things be.

The maid is unable to stop Kaeya from pushing past her up the stairs to where Diluc was kept. Albedo knew it was pointless to catch up with the other man and just nudged Klee out the door without further acknowledgement of the maid.

“Why are we leaving without Kaeya?” Klee asks. “Is he in trouble?”

Albedo clears his throat. “Something like that. But it’s none of your concern, I don’t want you to worry about silly things like this.

Kaeya peeks inside a few rooms before locating Diluc.

He was in bed as the maid said, the covers were drawn up to his chest and he was fast asleep.

Kaeya steps in, mesmerized by how enchanting Diluc looked with such a content and tranquil atmosphere. The sight made his heart thud in his chest and it made him want to swoop down, like a knight to his princess, and shield Diluc from all the bad and ugly in the world. So many things put them against each other, drawing them farther and farther apart, it made it near impossible to be there in such a way for his friend.

Kaeya invites himself inside the dimly lit room to investigate, tip toeing over to the bed and Diluc whose breathing was slowed and controlled, but Kaeya didn’t miss the wince that would lace his breathing pattern every few breathes as he drew closer. He leans in to inspect the red head, even allowing himself to touch here and there in search for his answer.

And soon, he finds it.

Diluc’s chest and some of his abdomen are bandaged tightly and the sight makes kaeya inwardly panic. Was there something seriously wrong with Diluc? Will he die soon?

“Good gracious…” Kaeya sighs, rubbing his temples. “Oh Diluc. I love you to the point where it makes me sick, and you will yet tell me you have a detrimental, fatal disease, and that your days are limited.”

The scoff that puffs out from Diluc’s lips surprise’s Kaeya enough that he falls out of the stool he had pulled up. On the floor he swears he hears laughter from Diluc, but he couldn’t be sure. It didn’t help that he wanted to bury himself into the ground knowing Diluc heard what he said. Perhaps, if he was lucky, he could talk his way out of it as a misunderstanding or a joke.

Yes, that’ll do nicely.

“Kaeya, that had to be the cheesiest thing I’ve heard out of your mouth since we were in training together. It was so embarrassing having to be associated with you when you tried picking up girls…and boys,” Diluc says. Kaeya swears he sees a smirk on the red head’s lips, but he couldn’t be sure.

Kaeya takes his chance and plays along, savoring the heartfelt moment. "Speak for yourself, you’re a flat out prude. You’re almost…what-forty? And you still don’t have a wife or a husband.”

Diluc rolls his eyes. “I don’t care. I’m happy just the way I am. It’s too much work.”

“You don’t even want intimacy? Those…more intimate nights all tangled and tight with your beloved?” Kaeya asks. He wished that it could be him and Diluc keeping each other warm at night.

Diluc shrugs. “It sounds nice, but like I said, I don’t have the time to chase fairytales. Those days are long gone and I have a business to look after. It’s not like I haven’t tried,” he points out.

Kaeya throws his hands in the air in disbelief. “You tried once and it was with Jean of all people-”

Diluc chimes in quickly though. “She was just fine for your information. We just didn’t have that chemistry that was needed to fuel a relationship like that. Just because I’m not a part of the knights anymore doesn’t mean I can’t have some respect for Jean as a person,” he defends briskly.

Kaeya smiles bitterly. “Apparently you feel that way towards Albedo too,” he seethes.

Naturally, Diluc doesn’t take the hint. It’s not like Kaeya made it any easier “Why not? He also has a respectable character and work ethic.”

Kaeya feels the steam coming out of his ears as the pot that was once simmering inside of him turns into a rapid boil at the casualness of Diluc’s statement. “Speaking of Albedo, how was everything with Klee?” he asks, opting to partially distract himself by twirling a piece of thread that belonged to the bedding in his nimble fingers.

Diluc settles back into his little bouquet of pillows with a yawn that he covers with his mouth. “She’s very spritely but a good soul to be around nonetheless,” he starts, looking up at the ceiling. “We went on some adventures and all that until it got too late.”

Kaeya leans into Diluc’s space and quirks a brow up at him in suspicion. “You mean until you got injured? Was it one of Klee’s bombs? I could’ve sworn I confiscated them from her before we arrived,” he says, letting his hand crawl towards the furnace that was Diluc’s body when he wasn't looking, toying with the bandages with his finger.

Diluc explains the accident to Kaeya in brief detail and now Kaeya feels like shit for even asking him to watch the child in the first place. He knew what it was like to get thrown off your horse, and it was quite the adrenaline rush and typically unpleasant.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Kaeya asks. If Diluc felt his fingers at his side, he never acknowledged it.

“Nothing at all,” Diluc declines, “it’s best you start heading back though, it’s getting late.”

Kaeya turns his attention to the window in the room, proving Diluc right. There was no light left in the sky and the only thing that kept the outside lit were the lanterns on Diluc’s property. “It is late isn’t it,” Kaeya agreed, “I bet Albedo got a head start with Klee by now. How time flies,” he humms.

“Indeed, it does,” Diluc notes in a clipped voice. He wasn’t sure if he liked this conversation anymore. The air had taken a sudden change and because this was Kaeya, if he wanted something, he would get it and Diluc probably wouldn’t even know until it hit him square in the face. That was just how Kaeya worked.

“I think it’s best-” Kaeya starts.

“That you leave now to catch up,” Diluc finishes. He was in no mood to be duped by Kaeya this evening. His body and mind ached something awful and he wanted to be left in peace.

“That I leave,” Kaeya repeats to himself softly, as if that was what he was going to do and say the entire time.

It was one of those awkward moments where it was as if Kaeya were the child and Diluc were the parent. Kaeya wanted a toy or sweets he wasn’t supposed to have and tried to worm his way out of confrontation once Diluc caught him in the act. The shame that follows afterwards is enough to have him overly self conscious and humiliated.

Kaeya rises from his place, a littel bit of him hoping Diluc would reach out, grab his wrist, and beg him to stay instead. Kaeya knew he’d laugh in response and say, “I knew you didn’t mean that, you’re such a grouch!”

Of course, that never happened, and Kaeya left with his tail between his legs.

Chapter Text

The bustle that came into the Cat’s Tail never surprised Diona, but the lack of it sure did.

 It didn't help that her father was being stupid thanks to the influence of alcohol, substance she made with her own hands...cursed with the ability to be able to make the perfect drink, no matter the recipe. The thought infuriates the young girl and she is no longer able to watch her father. While he may be one of Monstadt's best hunters, his Achilles heel was none other than the city's specialty, alcohol. Diona was ashamed and beyond embarrassed to have such a lush for a father. No wonder her mother left.

She almost knocks bottles of liquor off the shelves in irritation at the lack of business and her father's loudness making her ears ring. “Stupid Dawn Winery and stupid Diluc,” she hisses. 

“Aw chin up, Di, he’s not all bad,” Klee jests. “I’ve spent some time around him and even Albedo seems to like his company too.” 

“I’m sure he’s a nice guy,” Diona counters, “-but he single-handedly monopolized the wine industry, not just Monstadt but in all of Tevat. I don’t think you understand how this jeopardizes other businesses that deal with alcohol, especially wine," she reasons. 

Klee doesn't seem to catch on to Diona's lament which doesn't surprise Diona either. Klee was carefree and had a warm heart, something Diona thought highly of since knowing the girl, but she also had the tendency to be too blunt with her thoughts and feelings, regardless if they were negative or positive. Diona feared as Klee grew up, this could land her in a decent size of trouble, no matter how kind she was. 

“Diona, I think you should meet Diluc,” Klee blurts out of nowhere. This jostled Diona who dropped the elegant glass she had been polishing, startling her more and additionally made her blood boil further.

“And here’s what I think- that’s a terrible idea! He’s just so…weird and standoffish. Does he even have any other expression other than this face?” Diona emphasizes her point by deepening her frown and scrunching her eyebrows to make a miserable, grouchy expression.

“That’s not even close!” Klee exclaims. “Anyways, he babysat me a few days ago and we had loads of fun, his workers were so nice too. Too bad he ended up in bed.”

Diona froze in her spot. “You’re the reason Diluc broke two ribs, sprained his wrist, and has a black eye?” Despite the shock in her voice, she also could easily believe Klee to be the source. While Klee was the kindest person she’s encountered, she also happened to be dangerous in her child-like way. If it wasn’t her bombs, it was something else. 

Klee tilts her head. “I didn’t know that part, but how did you find out about the accident?” 

“It’s the talk of Monstadt, I think it was either Charles or Kaeya who started up the topic at Angel's Share, and from there it spread. As a bartender, you are prone to hearing all sorts of stories and tall tales, whether you want to or not,” Diona tells her. 

Klee starts to worry, though, and hopes her new friend is alright. She thought Diluc was only being old and tired, as old decrepit people are. Then again, Diluc was pretty strong, or so Klee thinks, and maybe he would be alright. He did have lots of muscles so maybe it wasn't so bad.

"I think I should get Mr. Diluc a present, you know, like to say I'm sorry?" Klee proposes.

Diona raises an eyebrow at this, obviously not onboard. "Why? You didn't do it deliberately to him, right?"

Klee shrugs but then puts her chin in her hand as if to think hard. "Well, he did get hurt because of me. He was teaching me how to dismount my horse, but then I fell. Diluc couldn't get off quick enough, so his horse took off with him, and eventually threw him to the ground. It's the least I could do after how well he treated me."

Diona grumbles about how unnecessary Klee's gift was, but once Klee had her mind set to do something, that was it. Before Diona knew it, she was accompanying Klee to Majorie's trinket store right across the street almost immediately after her shift. 

A part of Diona was relieved to be away from her father, regardless of how much she liked her job when it came to coming up with new recipes and making her regulars happy. As much as she hates what alcohol turned her father into, the Cat's Tail also happened to just be her scene, her territory, and it was nice to feel welcomed in a place that also appreciated her talent. 

Majorie welcomes the girls and asks them what brought them in as they enter the store. 

"I'm looking for a gift for someone!" Klee announces.

Majorie is still smiling when she asks, "and who will it be for?" 

"Why, it'll be for Mr. Diluc!" the young girl answered confidently. Diona watches Majorie's face contort into a facial expression she couldn't explain, but she also didn't want the woman bursting Klee's bubble just because she had her own bias regarding the gentleman. 

"That's right," Diona chimes in, "we weren't looking for anything big, just something special."

"Something special," Majorie mouths. She thinks as she turns her back to the girls and begins to rummage through her store. Klee, however, soon grew bored of waiting around and also started to look through what the store had to offer. Diona stays close to make sure she doesn't break anything too valuable, but also keeps a sharp eye out for anything that Klee would deem fitting to gift to Diluc.

Majorie emerges and admits she has nothing she could offer that Diluc would possibly like, anything she knew of, that is. Alas, Klee isn't easily swayed, she stubbornly presses on for almost forty-five minutes, searching every nook and cranny, until something shiny catches her curious eye.

A small copper brooch, no bigger than her palm in the shape of a bird, sat in a cluttered self, like a diamond in the rough. Tiny red gems bedazzled the pin and Klee is reminded of Diluc's pretty scarlet hair and deep crimson eyes. She had begged him to let her brush and braid his hair, but Diluc had politely declined each time, saying he couldn't risk matted, knotted hair. Klee supposed that made sense when she thought about it, him having so much hair and all. Maybe he'd allow her to cut some off to make it easier for a hair brushing and braiding session. 

Klee snatches up the brooch and skips to the front of the store, making the shelves and items on it tremble in her wake. Diona is frazzled trying to stabilize the furniture and artifacts, but thankfully is relieved when Klee is at the front, handing Majorie her find. 

"This is it?" She asks, inspecting the little copper bird.

"Yep! Do you think you could put it in a pretty box too? Pretty please?" The young girl begs.

Majorie compiles and brandishes a box that has maroon velvet cushioning inside. The outside was a blue violet and decorated with gold trimming and accents of silver. "Will this do?" The woman asks.

"Yes it will!" 

Klee fishes into her backpack to pull out a satchel containing some mora and pays the amount Majorie asks for with glee.

When the girls walk back to the Favonius Headquarters, Klee is practically bouncing off the walls of the building when she and Diona enter. 

Noelle is nearby mopping the floors and waves to them as they approach. "Good afternoon, ladies, it looks like you've been busy today," she greets them warmly. Noelle smiles when Klee starts ranting about their day before Diona could open her mouth to answer, and finally thrusts the little box containing her gift into Noelle's face, who takes a step back in surprise.

"It's very pretty," the maid compliments while observing the box in Klee's hands, "-and this is for Mr. Ragnvindr? I'd make sure it's alright with your brother that you and Diona walk such a distance. If you wait, maybe I could escort you girls? I don't want any harm coming to either of you, " Noelle laments.

Diona's heart melts at hearing this and can't help but to appreciate Noelle's concern.

 It was nice to have someone look out for her and think about her safety, even if she knew Klee would probably decline the offer, wanting to be an independent knight after all. Noelle was a nice girl and at times even acted as an older sister to them when she was excused or finished her duties. Diona admired how determined she was to prove herself to the Knights, and hopefully become one. Such dedication and work ethic were scarce, and Diona couldn't be prouder to know someone like Noelle who held those qualities.

"No thank you, Noelle, I wouldn't want you getting into trouble because of me," Klee says, tucking the box into her backpack. "Maybe next time you have off, we could spend some time together?" 

Noelle nods, her smile still present. "I'd like that very much! I'll see you girls later then," she says with a wave, and then calls out to the duo as they head further into the headquarters. "Be sure to tell Mr. Albedo!"

Sucrose nearly topples over as she walks with an armful of test tubes full of samples for Albedo who was hunched over his absurd pile of messy papers, taking notes on his latest findings.

Her steps are again wavering when Klee bursts through the door of the laboratory, making Sucrose yelp out of shock. "Ms. Klee, you need to be more careful! I wouldn't want you getting hurt," she cries.

Albedo as per usual is nonchalant about the whirlwind that was his dear sister and instead regards her and Diona with a nod without taking his eyes off of his paperwork. "What brings you two in?"

"I would like to walk over to Diluc's house tomorrow morning with Diona after her shift at the tavern, can we go? Pleeeeaaasseeeee?" Klee whines, hanging onto Albedo who doesn't buckle much from her weight. 

He eventually is forced to look away and places one gloved hand onto her shoulder. "I have no problem with that, but-"

"There's a 'but'!?" Klee complains.

"Yes there is a 'but', now please listen to me," Albedo continues.

Diona actually found herself snickering at the exchange but didn't interrupt. She won't even look out of the corner of her eye to see if Sucrose was amused, that girl was too anxious to take a joke. 

"If I let you go, I expect you to be home by five o'clock, do you understand?" Albedo says. 

Klee blows air out of her nose and waves a hand as if to say, 'pfft, yeah, piece of cake, you geezer'. "We'll definitely be home by then, Albedo," Klee assures him, "I'll even check in with you in the morning if you'll be in your office," she offers.

Albedo, despite never showing much expression, surprises Diona when he almost shows relief on his face. "I'd like that very much," he says. "Now off you two go, Sucrose and I are up to our knees in this project."

As Diona opens the door to leave with Klee behind her, they're nearly stepped on by Kaeya who also appears to be startled. "Goodness! Forgive me for not watching my step," he apologizes. "Where are you two going if I may ask?" 

Albedo looks as if he's about to interrupt when Sucrose makes eye contact with him and shakes her head. ' Don't let them tell him'. However, neither girl sees Kaeya as someone to be too cautious of, maybe Diona due to the stories she's heard exchanged in her tavern, but Klee didn't think twice. 

"Oh, Klee and I were just coming to ask Albedo if we could visit Diluc tomorrow," Diona says with a casual shrug and nudges past Kaeya who wore an icy expression at the news. "See you later, Mr. Alberich," she calls over her shoulder, hands in her pockets.

"Bye-bye!" Klee says and bounds after Diona like a puppy.

Kaeya slowly meets Albedo's gaze. If the alchemist is nervous, he doesn't show it, but the look in Kaeya's eye is deadly.

"Why didn't you tell them no?" Kaeya gripes.

"Why not? I saw no issue with Klee being friendly with Diluc and vice versa," Albedo retaliated cooly. "You have no say in any of this, so why do you care? It's none of your business."

Sometimes Kaeya liked how blunt and unfiltered Albedo could be, but this wasn't one of those times. "It's very well my damn business. Diluc doesn’t like the Knights of Favonius, this isn’t new news, so why does Klee get an exception, why do you get an exception? Are you aware that Diona hates his guts!" He exasperates. 

Albedo makes the most irritated expression Kaeya or Sucrose had ever seen, and it makes Kaeya wonder if he was really talking to the real Albedo. "Things change, Captain. Your need to have such an immense amount of control is making you look delusional.

" Let Diluc go and pay no mind to those he develops new relationships with. It's your lack of closure that is doing this to you, distorting your reality. You'll only end up hurting yourself in the end, so I'd tread lightly if I were you, being as unstable and fragile as you are now."

Sucrose couldn't be what her ears were picking up on and Kaeya wasn't sure if he wanted to be angry or cry, maybe both. Albedo was wrong , only jealous that he could never receive the same affection that Kaeya held for Diluc. That had to be it.

"Unstable...? Fragile...?" Kaeya's voice wavers and his tone sharpens as it heightens. 

"Now, Kaeya," Albedo tries to reason, but is unable to go any further. If he thought Kaeya was unreachable now, he was in for a shocker. 

Kaeya practically had smoke coming out of his ears and Albedo feels a hint of fear when he sees the fatal glint in his co-worker's eye. "How dare you accuse me of such lies, spew these meaningless reasons to explain my hurt-"

"Shut up," Albedo deadpans, voice completely monotone, but strict. He pushes Kaeya out of his room and into the hallway, blocking the door with his body. "Kaeya, there is a difference between you, a mad man, and me, a mad scientist. I actually put my madness to good use, you're only disrupting the peace. Good day to you."

And slams the door in Kaeya's face.

Diluc grumbles when he hears a knock at his door and tries to gather the strength to sit up so that his back rests on his pillows. Since the accident, Diluc's body ached from the time he woke till he went to sleep. 

He'd been advised to remain in bed until the swelling in his wrist went down from the sprain and let everything heal properly before he was back on his feet, potentially taking a step back in the process of healing. 

"Come in!" He rasps.

Klee barges in with none other than Diona at her tail, trying to grab her skirt. "Klee, slow down!" She yells. 

Another pair of shoes are heard running against the wood flooring to reveal two of his maids huffing and puffing. Diluc assumes just from the chaos before him, the women had been chasing the girls. "Everyone please settle down and keep the volume to a minimum," he groans miserably while rubbing his temple in agony. "Noise is the last thing I need."

Klee runs to the bed and presents her box proudly. "This is for you, Diluc! I hope you can forgive me for what happened," she says, taking his hand and placing the box in it. 

Diluc's eyes are wide as he looks from the box, to Klee, to Diona who was approaching them, and to the maids. He shakes his head to snap out of his daze and focuses his attention on Klee. "Thank you for the thoughtfulness, Klee, but you have nothing to apologize for in the first place," Diluc assures her gently, "I should've been more careful that day, so please don't worry about me."

Klee still looks remorseful though. "Will you still open the present? Diona and I picked it special for you," she says, leaning her head into the comforter. Diluc could identify her tentative behavior most likely rooted in her being afraid to press on a wound. He found it oddly endearing.

"Klee, I just-" Diluc begins.

"Oh, for Barbatos' sake, Mr. Ragnvindr, just open the darn thing. We were in that musty store looking for it long enough that it would be a waste if you declined it," Diona grumbles from his other side. 

Diluc still presses his lips together in apprehension but takes the ribbon that was tied around the pretty box and unravels it. Before he knew it, a warm smile was forming on his face as he opened the box to reveal the copper bird brooch that was nestled in the velvet cushioning. 

"Do you like it, Diluc?" Klee asks. For once she found herself holding her breath despite the smile she saw on Diluc. Was he going to laugh at her gift?

"Yes, Klee, I love it. Thank you for thinking of me. I'll be sure to wear it on my coat when I leave the manor," he tells her, which makes Klee beam from ear to ear. When Diluc opens his arms for a hug, Klee practically throws her body into his, making the maids, and even Diona, gasp in surprise. 

Despite that pain that surged, Diluc wouldn't let himself show it, not now.

When Diluc spots one of the maids stepping forward with a worried expression, he holds up a hand to halt her, signaling that everything was fine, even if Klee's knee was just shy of digging into his poor broken rib. 

Nonetheless, Klee was holding on tight and for a moment, their embrace seemed to be the only thing that was happening. Nothing mattered as Diluc feels her little hands press him close as he gently hugs her back. "Your hugs are so warm," Klee whispers, cheek resting on his shoulder. Despite her compliment, Diluc's heart aches a little remembering someone else who told him his hugs were warm and safe. 

But, instead of thanking her, as he'd once done with that someone else, Diluc found himself saying, "and so are yours." He knew he meant every syllable because he'd said it with his heart. He was content with knowing that. 

Diona silently watches from the side, almost as still as a statue. She wasn't really sure what she was looking at, she couldn't answer the question if you'd asked her, "young lady, what in the world are your eyes glued to?" To her, everything seemed to blur together. 

She could hear the footsteps of the maids who left the bedroom and their soft chatter as they departed, but nothing else registered until she physically shook her head out of her daze. 

By then, Diluc and Klee had separated, and she was poking and prodding at all of his wounds. To Diona's shock, Diluc not once snapped or been short with her friend as she asked her persistent, and sort of bothersome, questions. He was calm, patient, and took the time to fill Klee on everything without a fuss. It was as if Diluc genuinely enjoyed Klee's company.

The scene tugged on Diona's heartstrings, and she felt the sudden urge to cry just by observing. The need to be embraced tenderly washed over her like a tsunami, but she didn't know who she wanted the hug from. She didn't want Diluc's grubby mitts around her and her father was out of the question. Maybe she could ask Klee or maybe Noelle? 

Even with that thought, the grief didn't cease, instead it hung over her like a rain cloud and drenched her with the ugly feeling of being unloved. It made her wallow in her own world of despairing thoughts in her mind, making the girl wonder if she was really not worth receiving genuine affection or care. Was she incapable of loving? She knew she was the prickly sort, but up until now, Diona had had hope for herself.

Another side of her felt guilty for sulking. This visit was for Klee to apologize to Diluc, but had she known how close they were, Diona most likely would've declined knowing that their bond would open up a can of worms for her, reminding her of what she severely lacked, and probably would forever. And she was only ten, turning eleven in two months. 

When all was said and done, Diluc called for one of his maids to see the girls out of the manor. Klee gives him another big hug goodbye, promising to visit, and Diona awkwardly waves. The Diluc she was witnessing as of now was nothing like she'd painted him in her head despite their minimum interaction.

As they walked, not much was said, but Diona could tell that Klee was over the moon at being able to make her friend happy. Just for now, she allowed that to make her happy too.

Chapter Text

Kaeya wasn't sure what made him want to rip out his hair more, the amount of the work he never realized piled higher than Noelle's tea pancakes, or how he was unable to see Diluc because of said work. The vile words Albedo spewed in his direction also made his stomach churn. So that wasn't really helping. 

A knock on his door alerts Kaeya, making him jump in his skin and pick his head up off the desk, just in time to make eye contact with Jean as she walks in. If she had more papers, he was ready to throw his vision out of the window and live off the grid until he either died or the world came to an end. Maybe he could take Diluc along for the ride if he did go down that path. Surely he too needed the break from everyday burdens.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Alberich, I hope you're making progress with your work?" Jeans quips.

Kaeya inwardly grumbles to himself at her shit attempt at small talk; Jean's social skills were declining at an alarming rate and what Diluc ever saw in her was above him. How could he find that attractive? Diluc might've become quiet and a little awkward as he grew up, but he still had a way with words that kept the other party engaged, and an attractive charisma that nobody was safe from; love him or hate him. In comparison, talking to Jean was like talking to his grandma, if he had one, Kaeya wasn't really sure. 

"It's alright," he responds taughtly, "it would be better if I didn't have so much. May I ask why you're here?"

Jean clears her throat and brushes some imaginary dust off her coat. "I am here to offer a request I think you'll be interested in," she begins, "there are a few Monstadtian merchants in Liuye who got into some trouble. I felt it would be best if you went in to retrieve them and sort things out with the authorities there. I know you're exceptional when it comes to negotiating, so I knew you'd be perfect for the job."

Hah, and all this time Kaeya thought his skills were overlooked. He couldn’t help how his ample chest puffed out at the compliment. Jean might stumble when it comes to general conversation, but when she meant business, she did business. Kaeya had always liked how she was able to get what she wanted in her own subtle way. 

"Well, if you put it that way," Kaeya sing-songs, smirking as such, "I suppose I could be of service. May I make a request though?" 

Jean raises a brow at the proposition. "Go ahead." 

 "I'd like my workload to be cut in half," the man responds, his mischievous smirk going along with his once playful tone. "I need more time to visit Diluc, as you know he's been injured so, with him bedridden, it's a splendid opportunity for me to visit him as I please." 

Kaeya doesn't miss the flash of suspicion in his boss's eyes and he's quick to cover his tracks accordingly. For a moment, he would've beaten himself up over mentioning wanting to see Diluc when it was well known by everyone in Monstadt that their ties were severed, but this could work in Kaeya's favor if he dealt his cards accordingly. "As you know, I don't have much of a family of my own, so when I see him with Klee it reminds me of us when we were children. I believe there could be hope to rekindle a flame from those ashes," he prattles. Just as Jean was about to chime in, Kaeya kept going, not allowing her to interrupt him. "I'm sure you of all people understand my predicament, Jean. I mean, just imagine having such fierce tension between you and Barbara." 

Jean makes a face and Kaeya worries for a moment that he hasn’t sold his lie. Or did he? 

"It's not that I don't understand the circumstances, I just fail to comprehend one thing," she admits.

Intrigued, Kaeya quirks a brow. "Oh? And that would be?"

"You and Diluc aren't actually brothers. You only grew up and worked together. So, my question is, do you see Diluc as your brother despite your history?"

Kaeya scoffs at the question. "Heavens no! With my background, it was hard to ever consider Diluc anymore than a friend I grew up with. Crepus did put the hook in the water, but I never bit it. The simple fact is, I feel nostalgic. It's only natural to want to huddle close with those you're familiar with," Kaeya says. 

Jean seems more lax, she was buying his lie even if he had to admit some truths alongside it. Kaeya realized that too could be risky. If Jean ever unveiled his curtain of lies, those truths just might come along for the ride unintentionally. Alas, Kaeya also couldn’t take back what he said, as he kept telling lies, he had to follow them up with even more lies. It got to the point where he even he found himself questioning what was true and false.

More often than not, Kaeya found the carpet being pulled from beneath him due to his mind being preoccupied with the thoughts of Diluc swimming round and round, as if in orbit. They never stopped though, not like you would expect darkness to cease once the sun rose. 

If Kaeya were honest, those thoughts frightened him each day as they grew more persistent, they nagged, and he found himself unable to do the simplest tasks without Diluc being on his mind. He always fantasized about their interactions and conversation topics, but mistakenly, it only made Kaeya yearn for Diluc's love and attention. He wanted that man's heart, his loving touch and adoration, to bask in it for eternity even and hold on until their last breaths. 

"That's reasonable," Jean replies curtly. "Please just...be mindful around Diluc."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kaeya hisses.

Jean crosses her arm and furrows her brows at the man in front of her. "You don't fool anyone. You love him, Kaeya, I'm not the Acting Grandmaster just for shits and giggles. Besides, it was only a matter of time before I caught on. I thought you'd be more careful, but it appears you underestimate me once more, very foolishly might I add," she tuts

Kaeya's blood was positively boiling with seething hatred as he made eye contact with the Acting Grandmaster. She wore no shit-eating smirk and bore no air of haughtiness at her discovery, if anything, Jean appeared as professional as ever, as if she interfered with a heist of some sort, not some bizarre love triangle, angle, whatever this mess was. 

"Just because I care for Diluc does not point in the direction of me loving him more than a friend," Kaeya reasons unevenly, venom dripping from his voice at the accusation. "Is it such a crime for me to want to look out for the man?" 

Jean shakes her head in disappointment. "The thing is, you’re not doing it for Diluc, you're doing it for your own selfish cause. It's a one-sided infatuation that your obsessive behavior blinds you to. You ought to be ashamed to drag anyone into your inner turmoil." 

"That isn't so!" Kaeya shouts, abruptly rising from his seat, "you know nothing regarding my intentions, and quite frankly, I suggest you keep your nose out of my business and love life. Now that's inappropriate as the Acting Grandmaster," he sneers. Kaeya was utterly repulsed with what he was hearing, almost like the argument with Albedo yesterday. What were his co-workers on? Were they jealous of him and Diluc?

Kaeya never forgot how soft and warm Diluc's hands were, always able to thaw the chill that encased Kaeya's hands, well, his whole body to be exact. He felt Jean was in no place to judge when she'd had the privilege of dating his beloved for quite some time and was on good terms with Diluc. Maybe this whole time, the bitch just wanted him to herself. 

Over Kaeya's dead body. 

Jean presses her lips in a fine line in irritation. "You're troubled, Kaeya, very troubled indeed. I suppose...if neither me or Albedo can talk you out of this, Diluc is no doubt doomed."

Kaeya felt the blood rushing, it was as if he put a shell to his ear and could hear the ocean. "What do you know about Albedo?" 

Jean shrugs defeatedly. "I heard it. I heard you shouting at him and I saw how shaken up Sucrose was. I will say this, Kaeya, you're only hurting yourself and people around you that do care about you. You've lost your touch when it comes to secrecy, all for Diluc. I grieve knowing this is what you've grown into."

"Bullshit," Kaeya spits, "Everyone has multiple sides to themselves. You're a know-it-all."

"Whatever you say, Mr. Alberich. But I will say this, you've too far gone," Jean dismisses, rubbing her temple in agony. "I would get ready for your trip to Liyue and when you return, we'll discuss your position here in the Knights of Favonius."

Chapter Text

"Now listen closely, you must be quiet while fishing or else you'll scare the fish away," Diluc explains to Klee while helping her apply her bait onto the sharp hook of her little pink fishing pole. He looks up at her as she watches him intently. "Does that make sense to you?" 

Klee nods, "it does! I won't scare those fishies away, I promise." For emphasis, Klee crosses her heart and holds her hand up. 

Diluc faintly smiles at the gesture and hands over the pink pole to the girl who takes it and inspects it. He looks behind her to check on Diona's progress, but as Diluc anticipated, the older girl was more experienced in fishing and therefore didn't require his assistance. "Are you girls ready? Let's spread out to avoid tangled lines," Diluc insists. 

The girls agree and separate along the Falcon Coast, not too far, but just enough. 

Diluc takes a seat on a washed up log so as to not put too much strain on his body while standing up. He didn't want to tell the girls no when they came knocking on his door, asking how he was and wanting to go on an adventure. He could tell Diona was more held back than Klee when it came to their interactions, but he still didn't mind the girls' company. He simply deemed her to be shy, just like him. Just because on was a bartender never meant they were as extroverted as they were behind the bar. Most he knew would choose working in a quiet store than deal with the hustle that came with being a bartender.

When thinking of their adventure, Diluc knew how much Klee loved to go 'fish bombing' as she told him in the island vacation, so he suggested another more traditional method as to not drastically decrease the fish population and have their dinner in whole. "Fish bits are not as delicious," he'd told Klee. Additionally, the activity would require less physical energy so that Diluc could continue healing. It was win win. 

That was until he heard a throat clearing behind him, making Dilux turn to identify the source of disruption. A young man with ginger hair and baby blue eyes stares back at him with a cheeky grin, making Diluc shift in uncertainty. He didn't like this man's energy.

"You're Mr. Ragnvindr, aren't you? I've heard much about you," the ginger greets, smile never fading. It irked Diluc but he answers nonetheless, hoping the man would leave him and the girls alone.

"Depends on who's asking," he responds, tone clipped. 

The man laughs as if Diluc told a funny joke. Diluc doesn’t think this situation is humorous though. "Ah, forgive me, I must've frightened you for coming up behind you so wordlessly. My sincere apologies, Master Ragnvindr. My name is Childe." 

"Hehe, creepy Childe has a nice ring to it. Can we call you that?" Klee asks, suddenly appearing next to Diluc with a sunny smile of her own. 

The ginger sputters at the unexpected girl at Diluc's side. Kaeya never mentioned Diluc having children of his own and Childe couldn't help but feel a sense of outrage at the lack of heads-up; not that he didn't like kids, having siblings of his own, but he would've at least come prepared had he known. 

"Childe works just fine," the man replies anxiously, "thanks, though." 

"You're welcome," Klee giggles and then taps Diluc. "Can I have more bait, please? I think the fishies like my food better," she tells him. 

Dilux complies with a nod and cautions her on letting the fish eat too much of her bait, claiming they won't bite if they're too full of snacks. He's not sure if Klee fully understood, but still watches fondly as she skips away to where she once stood. His heart warmed at the sight.

However, the ever-so bothersome and persistent Childe, doesn't let up. "I wasn't aware you had children, Master Ragnvindr."

Diluc tuts, "She's not my daughter, neither of the girls are," he answers, jerking his head in Diona's direction. "Even if I did, what does it matter to you? They're of no concern to you." 

Childe bristles at Diluc's curt behavior, but can't let himself be easily deterred. Kaeya seemed to be upholding his end of the bargain, and Childe wasn't going to complain to coming home to someone warming his bed and having a good fuck after a hard day. Kaeya had warned Childe of Diluc's aloof personality though, so he had to work with what he had. 

"I'm simply a curious man. It's just...I've heard so much about you and to not hear about your heirs would've been perplexing. Glad to clear the misconception though," Childe replies cooly, returning to his unbothered state. 

Diluc is still unimpressed, causing him to scoff in distaste. "Yes, now that your curiosity has been quenched, leave me be. I'm busy."

"With fishing? That's a very stand still sport, Master Ragnvindr, surely you could spare me some of your time? I also happen to be very educated in the art of fishing." Childe was swiftly growing tired of having to play nice to this snooty aristocrat, just for some physical pleasure. Then again, that pleasure was some of the best he'd received in a long time, even if it was until Childe fulfilled his end of the bargain. Maybe he could enlist Kaeya's services some time in the future. 

Diluc still doesn't look convinced. Instead of replying, he turns his back to the ginger and starts preparing his fishing pole with ease. As Childe went to open his mouth though, a shrill shriek cut through the air, making both men turn their heads in the direction of the scream. Diluc throws his rod to the side and bolts to the ocean to dive after Diona who was being dragged through the placid surface of the water. It soon became rough and choppy though as she struggled against whatever she had on the other end of her pole. Yet, she still refused to let go of it.

"Diona, let the pole go! We can buy a new one!" Diluc calls out to her as he frantically swims to her rescue. 

"Dil-," before she can respond, her head is pulled beneath the surface of the water, making Diluc gasp. He perseveres despite the searing pain that shudders through his body due to his sudden burst of activity; and dives under the water.

His vision is blurry as he looks around for the girl, but finds her once a head of pink hair meets his line of vision, and he's propelling in her direction. Diona sees her source of help and reaches out to grab his hand, her little face brightening a little when she realizes she's not alone. Before they swim to the surface, Diona encourages Diluc to grab the pole that was wedged between some rocks, and he finds the humongous fish still hooked on.

Despite the struggle, Diluc drags himself, Diona, and the pole with the fish to shore where they both choke and sputter as water comes flooding out. He lies on his back, gasping for air alongside Diona who still gripped onto his shaggy shirt with a white knuckle. 

"You alright, kid?" 

Diona is still breathing heavily when she responds. "I thought I was gonna die, Diluc." She pauses. "I don't think I've ever been more scared in my entire life." 

She suddenly sits up again and Diluc is up with her, patting her back as she coughs up more water. She whimpers a little, partially out of humiliation of having her sworn enemy save her and also have him watch her vomit up water. The exhaustion hits her after she comes up for air and leans against Diluc, catching her breath. She really couldn't waste her energy on hating Diluc. Not now.

All Diluc does is find a soaked handkerchief in his pocket and wipe at the girl's mouth.

"Thanks," she mumbles to the ever so patient man, who only grunts in return. 

He stays by Diona's side, who was still frazzled, and she clung to him when she caught sight of the gigantic fish flopping on the sand of the beach. 

"It's a monster!" She cries into Diluc's worn out shirt, "put it back!" she sobs.

Before long, Klee is at their side and appears just as frightened as Diona. Childe is next to her, sort of looming over the small party in interest. 

"That was quite the scare earlier," Childe comments evenly.

"Quiet, you!" Diluc and the girls snap at him.

"Let's just get the fish and our supplies and call it quits for a day. I don't know about you girls, but I'm starving," Diluc declares, "I think we should dry up first," he adds, taking note of Diona and his drenched clothes.

"I'll get the fish!' Klee crows proudly.

Diluc frowns at this though. "Childe, since you insist on being a thorn in my side, why don't you assist Ms. Klee with that fish?" 

Childe groans and rolls his eyes like a scolded child but any form of protest dies on his tongue when he sees Diluc' menacing expression.

What had he gotten himself into?

Childe stumbles into Kaeya's office as if he had two left feet and flops onto one of the chairs, absolutely exhausted from the events that occurred today. Kaeya only laughs softly at the gingers state and asks, "how was your first day?"

Childe groans. "I thought you said Diluc moved as much as a sloth would. What the fuck did I witness?" 

"Do enlighten me and perhaps I can offer an explanation," Kaeya attempts to comfort his companion, but is only met with a dirty look from Childe.

"You never told me he was running a daycare! A dangerous one at that with two little girls who-"

"Now stop right there, dear, I'm positive I told you during our wine and dine session back in Liuye. It appears you're not able to hold your alcohol very well," Kaeya tuts, shaking his head in disappointment. He hoped it'd sway him.

Childe looked ready to stomp his foot out of frustration. "I hold my alcohol just fine! Whatever I had must've been stronger than what I usually take."

Kaeya lifts a brow at this. "Stronger than Fontaine's brew?" 

"Ugh, piss off and shut your mouth!" Childe snaps.

Kaeya saunters over, making sure to let his hips roll as he makes his way to Childe who'd gone silent. He reaches out to take his jaw in one hand, making sure to squish his cheeks, and throw a leg over the man so that Kaeya sits in his lap, grinding down on him with a knowing smirk. " Make me shut it, pretty boy," he purrs. "I'm not into pics though, you can find another whore for that," he growls into Childe's ear, licking the lobe and nibbling. 

Childe lets out a squeal of delight and when Kaeya looks up from his task to see the ginger's eyes rolled up into his head, chest puffed out perfectly for him to bite, and back arched in a way that made it so perfect for holding onto.

Kaeya guides Childe's hands, one securing around his waist, and the other cupping his ass. "I won't bite...unless you want me to," he promises. 

It was almost too easy. Before Kaeya knew it, Childe was melting in his hands like cheap chocolate, and Kaeya was sure to match that fake sweetness. Kaeya made it more bearable by picturing Diluc beneath him, gasping softly, whimpering, and inviting Kaeya to touch wherever he pleased. 

He wanted to make that man his worse than bad, even if he had to sleep around to have Diluc in every way possible; his body, his mind, and his very soul.

Chapter Text

Diluc was glad that Childe was out in a hurry. It was clear that the man did not belong and Diluc made it known that he was not welcomed. The girls seemed relieved as well. 

With the help of the staff, Diona's gigantic fish was cut and trimmed. While they dined, Klee assisted Diona when telling her story of how this very fish on their plates dragged her into the water and how Diluc saved the day. It made the red head smile faintly as Klee dramatically recalls his heroism, however, Diona's crestfallen expression makes his smile falter. He wasn’t sure why she was so hostile towards him in the first place, but as of now he could only assume she was embarrassed by having to be rescued. Still, it never explained their previous interactions. 

Overall, the fish had made a wonderful dinner and there was plenty for leftovers to which Diluc sent home with the girls as they'd rightfully earned it, especially Diona after all she'd been through.

When Diluc notices that it's dark out, he accompanies the girls to ensure they get home safe and sound. Naturally, they're terribly cranky due to the high intensity day followed up with having to walk a few miles back to Monstadt after a filling supper. There'd been no way he would be able to mount a horse, especially after the strain he put on to his body earlier. When his staff questioned him, Diluc only gently waved them off and simply said he needed some sort of exercise to make sure he doesn't become too stiff. On the way, Diluc tries to help the girls as best he can by offering piggyback rides. Unfortunately, he couldn’t carry them for too long due to his still-healing body. 

He rejoices jubilantly within his head once he sees the lights of Mondstadt, indicating their arrival. Klee was fast asleep on his back and Diona stumbles alongside him, grumbling and stomping her feet about how tired she was. Diluc knew he had to hold it together, it was not too long until they entered Monstadt and after he dropped them off, he knew he had a place to rest. He was thankful he made the choice to invest in an apartment within the city in case there were ever times his stay was stretched.

Diona follows as he climbs the stairs to the Knight's headquarters and knocks for the man due to his hands being occupied with Klee, who still sleeps soundly. 

They both wait patiently until someone opens the door. To Diluc's delight, it was Noelle who greets the trio with a smile but raises her eyebrow at the sight. 

"How come you guys are back so late?" She asks worriedly.

Diluc shifts his weight from one foot to the other. "We had a long day. We'd gone fishing and afterwards we prepped the fish for dinner. We sat down for supper and by the time we finished, it was dark," he summarizes. 

Noelle nods in understanding and reaches out to take Klee from Diluc, who's clearly struggling to bear both Klee and his own weight. She only fussed a little before settling, nuzzling her face into the crook of Noelle's neck and sighing happily. The sight made Diluc's heart thump in his ribcage and a tiny smile grace his lips.

He never thought he would extract a sense of joy by seeing Klee so content and safe nor would it feel so…fulfilling. 

After bidding the young maid a goodnight and leaving her with Klee's share of fish, Diluc descends the lengthy stairs with Diona in tow. She had the urge to hold his hand as she felt her legs continue to weaken but her pride kept her from calling out for help. Not from Diluc who already had to lend her his aid once today. It was embarrassing! 

As if on cue after she thought that thought, Diona's knees buckle as she steps down the stone stairs and nearly face plants, that was until she feels a hand gasp her by the scruff of her neck tightly. The grip makes her yelp and struggle away to which she falls to the stone and begins to whimper, tears pricking at her eyes for the second time today. She was beyond tired, and her body felt like it was turning into wood from how stiff it was

"Y-you hurt me!" She whines uncharacteristically.

Diluc tries to pacify her. "I'm sorry, Diona, I really didn't mean it. I was only trying to grab what I could," he explains softly, "would you like to walk the rest of the way back to Springvale? 

"We passed it on the way here!" She bellows 

"I intentionally did so that I could get Klee home as quick as I could. I thought you would've been fine." When she still fussed, Diluc kneels, wincing as pain shoots in his chest and abdomen. He takes a deep breath and hopes for the best. He was doing something he was hardly experienced in, for it was something his father rarely did but most likely should've.

 "I'm sorry, I should've walked you back to Springvale first instead of passing it. I… should've been more considerate of how you were feeling." 

Diona, listening to this, slowly uncurls from the ball she wound herself into, turning the man's words over in her head. He was…apologizing? It sounded so meaningful, somehow so genuine and caring, like he actually felt sorry for not taking her into consideration as well. A part of Diona began to feel foolish at the fit she was throwing and now sulked as she picked herself up onto her feet, keeping her head low. 

Diona was foreign to apologies, especially heartfelt ones like the one she received now. She wasn't sure if she wanted to throw herself back onto the stone stairs and cry or just fall into Diluc's ridiculously thick, furry coat and sleep. Her mind reels from the exhaustion and overwhelming hurricane of emotions. Diona had hated him for so long and in her mind the hatred was justified, but during the days she'd spent with the man, Diona realized he was nothing like she'd pictured him in her mind. It felt so weird and likewise, hard to forgive too.

"Let's just get back to my house,' she grumbles, turning on her foot and starts to descend the stairs with her hands shoved into her pockets as if nothing happened. 

Diluc can only blink in surprise at her bristled exterior. Was apologizing the wrong thing to do? What else was left? He wishes he had more experience with young children now that he was in a pickle with one. 

He sighs deeply and trudges after the young girl, keeping himself occupied with the dim lighting of the quiet city and the memories that flow into his mind of when he was in his youth. 

Diona fought her every instinct to collapse from the exhaustion.

The walk back to Springvale was positively miserable for the girl and Diluc only made it worse. The only upside to having him behind her was that she didn't need to worry about bandits or hilichurls ambushing her. Other than that, as far as she was concerned, she wouldn't even have been so gloomy if it weren't for his existence. It was all his fault! 

Diluc made her dad drink lots of liquor and not have time for her, Diluc stole Klee's friendship from her, Diluc single handedly monopolized the enter wine industry, the one thing that expertly sold in Mondstadt and was also Diona's income! And lastly, Diluc embarrassed her, making her fall on the stairs and then apologizing for it as if he cared. It was as if he was laughing in her face.

The audacity.

 If he wasn't here, she wouldn't be feeling as guilty and frustrated as she was now. He was the problem and Diona was tired of not doing anything to make it better. 

She whirls around, pink hair gets into her mouth, making her spit and sputter in his direction. The suddenness makes Diluc stumble. Before he can ask if Diona is alright, she greets him with her fury. 

"Diluc Ragnvindr, I hate you!" She screams, "I wish you never existed, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!" She hollers, stomping her foot on the grass, face beet red, and fists balled up until her knuckles turned white. 

Diluc sputters, unsure of what to say or do. "Diona, I don't understand, why are you so angry with me? If I did something wrong why don't you just say so?"

"You just don't get it, do you? You did everything wrong! The sight of you doing anything makes me sick, you know exactly what you're doing so don't you dare play dumb with me," she growls, "you're probably soooooo happy right now that you got what you wanted, huh? You were just waiting for me to explode this entire time. First you take my dad, then you take my livelihood, and lastly you take my best friend! And then you've got the audacity to mock me when I fall!" She screamed. Diona wasn't even sure what she was saying as she continued to lace into the redhead who dumbly stood above her, still processing the scene in front of him. 

Diluc has to collect his thoughts and digest her words before he can even think of a plausible response. "Diona, if you think I intended to do these things, please understand that was never my intention. I wasn't even aware, is this why you've always been so…distant with me?" He asks. Diluc truly never understood why Diona had always been so cold towards him in the past, he'd only assumed she was shy or felt intimidated for some reason whenever they crossed paths. 

"Yes, you moron! But you were probably so busy being all high and mighty that you probably never even stopped to think once. You just assume that just because your relationship with your father was all fine and dandy just like everything else in your life, that everyone else lives the exact same way! No wonder Eula hates the aristocratic class," Diona spits. 

Diluc stammers in disbelief. "Wh-what? That's hardly the case regarding my father and my life. With all due respect, I think you also shouldn't jump to conclusions without understanding the full story."

Diona pauses. "What do you mean?" she leers. 

"You say my father and I had a great relationship? I say it was tolerable. I understand that he tried to love me in the best way possible, but he and I fought more than I would've cared for. He put a lot of pressure on me at a young age and we rarely spent leisure time together because of how high strung our lives were," he explains with an edge to his voice as he recalls what it was like growing up with his father.

"You severely miscalculated my intentions and relationships with people we're associated with, Diona. My father and I were never picture perfect. I help with Klee because Albedo and the other knights are too busy to make sure she doesn't cause trouble, and I never intended to personally hurt you and how you bring in your income. I won't lie and say I never intended to create a wine tycoon, I heavily pushed for it after I returned to Mondstadt, but it was never personal." 

"You-you," Diona falters, the finger she'd gone to raise at him starts to quake. What does she do? This was all so much to take in. Diluc didn't have a good relationship with his dad? He only was looking after Klee out of a sense of duty? And this entire time, he'd never been thinking of personally hurting Diona's job or even her relationship with her father, he was only doing what his father expected of him, to keep their business strong and healthy. It still wasn't okay for him to monopolize but maybe Diona could change that in the future. 

"Listen, let's just walk back to your cottage and put this in the past. I don't want this plaguing us, not at this hour anyway," Diluc states firmly. He didn't give Diona an option as he marched onward, expecting her to follow. In his mind, he couldn't be sure if she was or if he was making the right decision by being assertive in this case, but it was all he could think of to do. 

Diona was speechless and struggled with her own inner turmoil but followed Diluc despite her conflict. 

As they arrive, Diona isn't quite sure what to do now. Did she just walk ahead without saying anything? Things felt so tense and awkward now it seemed absurd to consider saying goodnight to Diluc. It seemed like he wanted to pretend it never happened.

Diona wordlessly climbs the steps to her cottage, unable to make eye contact with the man as she passes him. As she goes to open the door though, something within her shifts and she instead turns to face Diluc who stood by to make sure she got in safe. 

"Thank you for walking me home, Diluc," she pauses and plays with her gloves for a moment before continuing, "-and for saving me despite your injuries. I-I don't think I would've made it had you not gone after me," she admits sheepishly.

To her shock, Diluc actually gives her a faint smile in return. "Any time, Diona. Your safety is a priority no matter what."

Diona doesn't know how to respond, so he steps into her cottage and peeps out of her window to watch Diluc leave. For once, she notices the gimp in his walk and how unsteady his movements were, no matter how hard he tried to straighten his posture. The aches and pain seem to make him hunker and gave him a pitiful appearance as he rounds the corner out of Diona's sight. 

A part of her wanted to leap out of her abode and offer for him to stay, let himself rest after such a tiring day, but her pride kept her feet grounded and she instead pads to her room to get dressed for bed, her footsteps echoing throughout the empty house. 

Chapter Text

Diluc breathes heavily as he departs, clutching his aching side and trying to breath in a way so that it doesn't hurt anymore than it does, but that didn't seem to be in the cards for the man unfortunately. No matter what he did, his ribs still ached uncontrollably. 

He should've known better than to push himself so hard today between the physical and emotional stress he put upon himself, it didn't help his condition in the slightest bit. All he could think about was getting to his little apartment in Mondstadt and collapsing in the rickety bed and never leaving until someone fetched for him. 

The thought of dealing with anyone made him turn green, not with envy but with sickness. Diluc didn't think of himself prone to anxiety, he was just naturally quiet and reserved, but right now it was as if anxiety itself was coursing through his veins and had its unforgiving hands raking up and down his body, causing weakness, making him ever so vulnerable to a breakdown. For once, Diluc found himself fearful of the possibility of a breakdown. Never had he felt so nervous of that outcome, for despite his notorious, fiery red hair, he was far from hot headed, minus anything that had to do with Kaeya and the Knights. He took his time to analyze and observe before he made a choice. 

As Diluc walks, he swears he can hear another set of footsteps, they're heavy and not too far away from him, but not in too much of a hurry. That's what struck a twinge of fear into his heart. 

Bandits tend to have flighty and quickened foot pace, most wanted to be quick with their ambush before their victim could even realize what was about to happen and have the chance to defend themselves. These footsteps were leisurely though as if they had nowhere else to be and decided to stay close to Diluc too. Yet, they were too heavy to be Diona's or any child's though. 

The additional stress of being followed made Diluc jittery, he hated feeling at risk, not knowing what to expect next. He didn't know why this person was following him or who they were or what they wanted with him. He wanted to whirl around and confront his follower to ask them why they were tormenting him like this. But something stopped him from turning around, almost an invisible force. Something in his mind whispered to him to not do it as if it were a matter of life and death. Diluc wouldn't even let his right hand twitch, should the assault pick up on him not only being right handed but also armed with a pathetic little dagger. If they picked it up, they had the upper hand to plan their attack accordingly to overcome him. 

It was simple. Just keep walking and act normal. 

As Diluc sees the lit bridge leading to Monstadt, the footsteps disperse, as if they became the very air and were never there. Maybe they weren't and Diluc was so consumed with anxiety, it simply got to his head? He couldn't be sure and he didn't like that either. Uncertainty was so foreign, it made him fearful. It reminds him of Kaeya. The entire time he'd been walking, Diluc hated not knowing what else to expect from behind, but figured if he kept on his way and didn't act up, he'd make it to Monstadt in one piece. 

All his life, Diluc had always been able to expect what happened next, except when Kaeya betrayed him. Perhaps, the signs were present and he'd been too trusting to realize it. He'd once loved Kaeya with all his heart at some point and that innocence blinded him to the unknown horrors and agony his dearest brother in arms was capable of. Never could he look at Kaeya and see the same boy he grew up with hand in hand. He wasn’t the same boy he crawled into bed with whenever he had a nightmare, nor was he the boy he'd lied for when Kaeya had done wrong and risked a scornful reprimand. At some point, Diluc would've taken a blade to the chest for Kaeya as much as he would've taken a little lie if it meant him being in good health. 

Suddenly, with little warning, a blade comes seemingly out of nowhere and nearly slices him into two. For the first time in his life, Diluc actually screams, his blood pressure going through the roof as adrenaline rushes through his body and floods his common sense. All he wants to do is escape the danger, run, and hide. He kicks up some dirt and grass, and scrambles like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to take cover. He's unable to make out who his attacker his due to their body and face being concealed in mostly black, that, and Diluc is too frazzled to even think of trying to unveil the individual, he can only think of getting to safety as the assault continues to swing at him with skilled swordsmanship, shiny, curvy blades in each hand. 

In retaliation, Diluc unsheathes his dagger. Regardless of how small the weapon is, he at least has a fighting chance to fend off the foe, but he doesn't have much hope for himself. Between his broken rib, still sore body, and mental state, Diluc was far from focused and severely lacked precision in comparison to the enemy who continued to slash at him. At some point, they knick him, well, perhaps "knick" is too gentle of a word.

All Diluc can feel is the blade slicing through the skin from his upper right shoulder to the middle of his chest. It takes him a moment to process the large, bloody gash that crimson blood spills from almost in ribbons, pouring onto the grass below him. Then, the pain sinks in, positively searing his chest. It  causes Duluc to whimper and let go of the dagger he held, the only source of defense and his last chance of survival. He watches it fall and land on the ground with a metallic thunk, but he can hardly hear that as the blood rushes in his ears and he crumbles to his knees, bringing his arm up to try and cease the bleeding.

"W-why…?" Diluc says softly. Tears prickle at the corner of his eyes and behind to fall as rapidly as the blood once spilt before he thought of covering it. "I've…done…nothing." 

Instead of answering, the aggressor lifts one of their blades into the air, ready to puncture the man who still kneels on the grass, crying so softly, the quacks from the family of swimming ducks that swam in the moat cover it up. They swam so peacefully too, them being the only thing that broke the placid surface of the water, just treading as if it were any other night in the world. Perhaps to them, it was.

To everyone it was.

Diluc ponders his significance as the assailant taunts him from above, by then they'd slashed his face and clothes too. He imagines them grinning with glee as he just sits on the dirt and grass, the great Diluc Ragnvindr, who wept quietly, even until the very end, remaining prideful and would not ugly sob and beg for mercy.

It didn't matter if Diluc survived this. All he had to live for was an inanimate object, his wine tycoon. There was no significance to that though, not all the mora he profited from his business could buy him his father back, his friends, nor his old life. His winery was not Diluc's pride and joy, if only Diona had understood that before she'd laced into him earlier that evening. Maybe they would've started off on the right foot, they didn't have to be best friends, but at least Diona wouldn't harbor that seething hatred.

 In a way, he supposed he could relate to her too, his father was taken from him, Kaeya was lost to him, and the only outlier was that he had money while she struggled. Even so, both were severely unhappy with their lives. Diona, however, had the room to change and mold herself and life into something more while Diluc was too stuck in his old ways; never considering change and expecting the same thing day after day. He simply accepted the good and bad life had thrown at him as he grew up. He hoped Diona would have that sense of initiative he seemed to lack. 

With a start, Diluc's eyes open to look up at an oak wood ceiling.

He takes a moment to process what's happening and slowly moves to lean on his forearms, but buckles and opts to lay back down on his back. He breathes in and out carefully, realizing that his life was not taken from him the night before. He'd been on death's doorstep, his enemy was ready to strike him down and he'd been on his knees, as blood, swear, and tears mixed together. 

Sunlight shines through a glass window and while laying down Diluc takes a moment to inspect the bloody bandages that almost completely cover his chest. Was the gash that large or was his savior just overdoing it? On his face he can feel little bandages as well, but opts to not pick and scratch, especially after they seemed so well applied. 

The room he was kept in was mostly barren, a hotel room by the looks of it due to the lack of decor, but the serious question is, who brought him here? There was no way his assailant took pity on his pathetic display while Diluc sat there tearfully, even ready to accept his fate with open arms as we concluded there really wasn't much he'd be missing out on if he did die that night.

The longer he sits in silence, the more agitated and restless Diluc finds himself becoming. It was as if the loud room was taunting him, laughing at him for letting himself fall to a low point. Why did he have to be saved? Diluc envied the dead, they were peaceful and at rest, minus the wandering ghosts and spirits, but other than those outliers, the dead had no worries, no fears. They didn't have to keep thinking and be a victim to a mind that ceased to give them a break, always pondering about the next thing. Diluc was tired of fighting, sick of trying to make things better and be of service to people only to be unappreciated and considered the 'bad guy' or 'weirdo' in all situations he participated in. He seemed to not ever be able to win.

The clicking of the doorknob across the room catches Diluc's attention, causing him to reel out of his brooding and direct his gaze over to whoever would be stepping into the room, ready to hit them with a million questions. 

Chapter Text

The most bizarre gentleman steps into Diluc's quiet room and offers a gentle smile in his direction. His hair is a loud, deep green and his clothing resembles that of Liyuean clothes, so colorful and even a bit playful yellows and blues.On his nose sat a pair of glamorous eye glasses with a chain. What startled him the most though, were the man's serpentine eyes. Diluc can't offer one back, he feels numb but feels everything at the same time, many questions run through his mind; was this his savior, who was this man, how did either of them get here? It was all so confusing and the more Diluc ponders, the more stressed out he becomes.

"Are you the one they call Diluc Ragnvindr?" The stranger refers to him.

Diluc nods dumbly. 

At this, the stranger's smile widens. "Wonderful! You're just the man I needed to see, your name precedes you, " he compliments. 

"O-oh, thank you…I guess," is all Diluc replies with. What else was he supposed to say to that? 

"I'm sure this is all startling to you, Mr. Ragnvindr, my sincerest apologies. Do you have any questions you'd like to ask me?"

Diluc pauses for a moment before responding. "What's your name?"

"Baizhu, just call me that," 'Baizhu' replies, now slowly moving into the room until he stops at the bedside table and pulls up a chair to sit. Upon the table he lays out a hefty briefcase but doesn't open it yet. "Anything else?" 

"There's plenty," Diluc answers briskly. "What happened last night? How did you even find me and bring me here? Why are you here? It's very obvious that you are not from Mondstadt."

At this, Baizhu lightly chuckles at Diluc and crosses one leg over the other. "I guess those are reasonable questions, I'll answer them as I see fit, but on one condition."

Diluc raises a brow. "Which is?"

"You'll be willing to carry out the favor of taking care of someone precious to me," says Baizhu, smile dropping and replaced with a stony expression. Diluc gulps at the way the man's slit pupils dilate. "It's only for two days. I assure you there's many benefits that will be granted to you if you do agree to this," he promises.

Diluc finds himself hesitating at this despite the task sounding relatively easy, he had to look after an individual for two days while Baizhu did whatever he needed to do. Still, this offer seemed too sketchy, almost too easy. Was he overthinking this? For all Diluc knew it could just be his paranoia creeping up on him the same way it had last night. He needed more details or time to consider this offer. "May I ask who I'll be looking after and what benefits are being promised? I don't want to agree to something that isn't as it seems." 

Baizhu tuts which makes Diluc bristle a little. Surely he was being reasonable? "I understand your concern. I'll answer as I see them to be important and I find you to be rather respectable. You'll be looking after my daughter, Qiqi," Baizhu says, but his face darkened considerably. "If anything happens to her, I can promise your demise, Mr. Ragnvindr."

"I understand," Diluc assures Baizhu quickly. The chilly feeling disperses just as quickly and Diluc has the feeling he's not dealing with any old human. No, this man was of supernatural origins of some sort and it made him all the more dangerous. 

"She's my everything, but unfortunately I can't bring her along. It'll be nothing but long hours of work and despite her being well versed in our profession, she is still a child. I need someone who has a good reputation with young children and you're just the man I need," Baizhu explains. 

Diluc feels his mouth hang open as he listens and only when Baizhu finishes does Diluc clamp it shut. Since when was he good with young children? How did Baizhu ever come to this conclusion? The thought makes his head spin. "I-I-"

Baizhu only laughs at Diluc's attempt to speak. "Please, I don't need the explanation, you're too humble for your own good. I knew you'd be perfect for this, everything will fall into place. As for the benefits, I can properly restore those poor ribs and keep tending to your wounds, how does that sound?"

Diluc shakes his head and Baizhu's eyes widen. "I really appreciate your kind words, but I'm no caretaker. You must've mistaken me for someone else, I own Dawn Winery and make alcohol, I don't look after children," Diluc says.  

"Is that so?" Baizhu muses.

"Yes, sir, I apologize for the confusion."

Baizhu is quiet in his chair and nibbles on his bottom lip, his brows are pulled together and he ponders deeply. Diluc feels a little guilty now as he watches the man who looks a bit crestfallen at his refusal. "I don't understand," Baizhu trails off. "I heard from a gentleman, an exotic young man, that you-that you were looking after two little girls here and I thought to myself how wonderful it would be, knowing I would be coming here to Mondstadt in a few days. I thought I'd have someone reliable to watch over Qiqi."

Diluc knows what Baizhu is doing, but at the same time, not knowing the man, he can't determine if he's guilt tripping him on purpose or if he's that distressed things didn't go according to plan. The more Diluc thinks, he actually starts to feel bad for Baizhu. He knew all too well how stressful it was when things didn't go to plan when he had a tight schedule, things were all the more complicated. Baizhu seemed like a good man too, he went out of way to rescue Diluc, patched him up, and now offered to fully restore him and answer his questions as a reward for looking after his child. 

Diluc only now worried about one thing. "I would take her, but I'm not sure if I'm the right person. The truth is, I-" Diluc isn't sure how to explain his predicament and fears that he'll embarrass himself during his attempt at doing so.

"What is it?" Baizhu asks. 

"I don't know how to describe it, but I haven't exactly felt…normal," Diluc starts hesitantly.

At this, Baizhu quirks a curious brow. "Not normal? Well, I'd assume it's hard to be yourself when you're walking around with unmended ribs. Looks to me as if you haven't been resting up as there's actually not much I can do. My treatment would be to prescribe you some special painkillers I own and order that you rest. Within five or six weeks you'll be fine, but I suggest you limit your activity," he advises.

Diluc shakes his head gently at this. "You're right, I haven't truly rested since the accident, but I feel like it's the pain and something else."

"I checked you all over while you slept, the only other serious injury is that nasty gash left by your assailant," Baizhu answers. 

"Maybe it's just me," Diluc utters more to himself, but Baizhu picks up on it. "Maybe I'm going crazy."

Baizhu stared at Diluc intensely which made the redhead recoil a bit in his bed. He felt like an insect beneath a microscope. Baizhu comes closer until they're almost face to face, he takes ahold of Diluc by his face, squishing the flesh in his fingers, before pulling away. "Mr. Ragnvindr-"

"Just call me Diluc."

"Diluc," Baizhu starts again. "Have you been sleeping at night or taking naps?"

At this, Diluc shakes his head. "Recently, not as much, I feel as if there's something that prevents me from it, like there's mice gnawing at my brain."

"Interesting, well, just by looking at you, anyone could probably deem that you're incredibly stressed out and it shows on your face, from those wrinkles that crease your forehead, to the dark bags beneath your eyes, and the way I saw your eye twitch when I asked if you'd watch my daughter."

Diluc isn't sure what to say. He doesn't like this man who pointed out his weaknesses and imperfections. He didn't even realize it until Baizhu said something. Stressed though? Diluc felt as if he were always stressed, that was just a part of life. "What does stress do?" He finds himself asking. 

Baizhu lightly chuckles at the question. "Many things, Diluc, but in your case, you could be reaching your breaking point, if not soon. People tend to become more prone to irritation, anger, tiredness, or tearfulness."

Diluc grinds his teeth as he thinks about last night when Baizhu mentions tearfulness. "I assure you I don't cry on my knees and remain idle on the daily," he remarks bitterly.

"But it can happen. When you're already in physical pain on top of dismissed mental distress, it's likely that you're more emotional," the doctor counters. 

Diluc didn't like the sound of this at all. For years, he'd been strong and always kept his head screwed tight on his shoulders. Maybe Baizhu was tricking him with this false information to lure him in with a false sense of security and understanding just to get what he wanted, a baby-sitter to drop his kid on. He'd never felt so exposed before, not even last night. 

Diluc's grip tightens on the sheets and his jaw clenched hard as tears of frustration prickle at his eyes. His temples throb and his mouth quivers as he uses every ounce of strength he had to keep it clamped shut. He felt like a small child that just got told he couldn't have something he really wanted. Even as a young boy, he wouldn't dare cry like this or else he'd surely hear it from his father about how Diluc had no right to cry and that he didn't raise a bitch for a son. 

He felt like that bitch. 

His father was probably rolling in his grave the night Diluc had cried. 

For a moment, Diluc swears he can see his father right there and before he knows it, his blood pressure skyrockets and he's breathing quickly as if there wasn't enough oxygen in the room, his grip tightened on the sheets until his knuckles white and his palms felt clammy. 

"I'm sorry,” he whispers. 

“For what?” His father asks.

“I cried,” Diluc chokes out. He feels little wet drops on his hands and sheets. “I need to control myself.” His father is quiet and it makes Diluc more anxious. He wrings the dampened sheets in his hands. “Please forgive me,” he begs. 

Crepus looks slightly alarmed at Diluc’s plea. “You don't need to explain yourself to me. I understand you have a lot going on in your life. I’m sure it’s not easy on you.”

This sounded nothing like his father. Diluc didn’t like how comforting and understanding the man was, not when he didn’t for so long. Crepus didn’t have that instinct. 

“Diluc?” that voice didn’t sound like Crepus. “Qiqi dear, I’ll be there in just a moment, I’m nearly finished.” 

Qiqi? Suddenly everything came rushing back to Diluc and he gasped with a start, blinking wildly. His father was never there. Baizhu looks at him with a face of concern and Diluc meets his gaze with wild eyes. 

“He was-he was just there, right in front of me,” Diluc wheezes. 

Baizhu looks around confused. “Who was?”

“My father, you couldn’t have missed him, I don’t understand it though, he passed away!” Diluc says, raising his voice. Baizhu shushes him and beckons for him to keep it down. 

“There was nobody in this room except for us two, Diluc, I assure you. I’m not sure what struck your nerve, but it sounds like you have unresolved issues with him. You looked like a hilichurl caught in lantern light.” 

“I don’t know what any of this is, but if you ask me, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I'm not stressed, I have no unresolved issues or whatever you want to call it, and I am perfectly content with my life!” Diluc shouts. He shrinks back when he realizes what he’s done. He doesn’t usually yell like that, ever. 

Baizhu sighs, defeatedly. “I can’t force you to get help nor take Qiqi for me. I’m sorry you’re so distressed though, mental health is very new to the medical world and I can only hope for the people of Tevat that it becomes more broadened.”

Diluc shifts uncomfortably in bed, now ashamed and embarrassed he acted out like that. Gentlemen didn’t do things like that and Baizhu didn’t deserve to get roped into his mess when he’d only been trying to help.

 Now was the time to make it up to him though. 

“I’ll watch Qiqi.” 

Baizhu is clearly appalled. “But you just said-”

“I’ve made up my mind,” Diluc states firmly, “I’ll take good care of her.”

Now it was Baizhu’s turn to be very thoughtful. Diluc might’ve had a great reputation with watching children, Baizhu had even asked around Mondstadt just to confirm what he overheard from the navy haired gentleman back home, but now, it was clear Diluc had a few screws loose and it was apparent he didn’t have the intention to address the obvious issue. He worries the man might snap and hurt Qiqi in a fit of rage, he knows she can be a lot to deal with, hence the lack of people willing to look after her. At the same time, Baizhu really had no other choice, the man he was consulting with was not the type to bring young children around. He did threaten Diluc earlier so maybe things would be alright. 

“Alright then, if you’re sure then I appreciate what you’re doing. I promise I’ll take good care of you once I finish my business here.”

Diluc brushed off the man’s praise. ‘“Allow me to clean up and then introduce us.”

Chapter Text

Morax takes one card from the deck and smiles to himself.

"I've decided who will get rid of the Khaenri'ian roach," he announces to the other archons who currently sat in Euthimiya. All of them but the Tsaritsa sat there.

"I think I should be the one to make that decision and you guys agree, but who am I?" Barbatos scoffs as he shifts through his deck. 

"It'll be that Ragnvindr boy, I fancy him a great deal," Morax continued as if he hadn't heard the other god. "He already does plenty of justice work in Tevat so surely he can also deal with that rodent too." He turns to his left to address Kusanali, the archon of dendro. "What are your thoughts? Share your wisdom."

Kusanali had been next to Morax sipping on some sort of drink in her cup and was writing something on a piece of paper instead of holding her cards. Morax tries to keep his patience. "Kusanali?" He tries again.

"I don't know," she sighs without looking away from the task in front of her. "This is all a real headache if you ask me, but I want to meet this kid before we assign him this burden." She was pretty sure the Shogun and Morax had been calling humans weak and incapable not too long ago when the secret archon meeting commenced, and their blatant hypocrisy irritated her a lot. If she had leadership of this whole ordeal, she would've just dealt with the matter discreetly to keep it undercover as much as possible. Humans really didn't need to be involved and she'd seen what this unfortunate human man had been through, he didn't seem like a quality candidate for this operation. 

"Very well then," Morax agrees and Kusanali feels her eyes widen at that, "I agree that we should ensure that the Ragnvindr boy is what we're looking for. We can't afford any hiccups. Our future lies upon this human's shoulders just as much as the entirety of Tevat's."

Barbatos looks like he wants to protest Morax's declaration but he remains quiet, only crossing his arms and frowning at the floor. 

Kusanali snorts to herself at the humorous situation and continues to write.

"Qiqi, this is Diluc, Diluc, meet Qiqi. Mr. Diluc here will be looking after you during the two days I'll be gone," Baizhu explains. 

Qiqi is a zombie with a fickle memory. According to Baizhu, she's far older than she appeared, but still needed some adult supervision as she was able to give herself orders, unlike the typical zombie. She didn't display much expression, but remained very close to Baizhu as he introduced the duo. She hid behind his leg and would peek out at Diluc every now and then while they discussed further details of the exchange. 

Every now and then, Diluc would glance at the girl to find her fingers twirling and brushing down the hair at the end of Baizhu's long green braid. However, whenever they made eye contact, she would bury her face into his pants and tighten her hold on him. 

The reaction made Diluc worry though, how was he even supposed to take care of this kid when she couldn't even look at him? Kids were typically scared of Diluc, he understood that his chilly exterior, despite his pyro vision, and stony expression could be intimidating. Still, he didn't want to mess this up. Aside from wanting to repay Baizhu, the man's warning swam in the back of his head. 

Baizhu kneels down to her height and kisses Qiqi on cheek as he bids her farewell. The girl still shows no expression, but she appeared reluctant to leave his side. "You'll come back for me?" The question made Diluc's heart hammer in his ribcage.

Baizhu smiles tenderly and pinches her cheek playfully. Qiqi cracks the tiniest smile at his display of affection. "Of course I'll be back for you, I always will. Until then, Diluc will take good care of you while I'm away, I'll be back before you even realize I was gone," he assures her. 

Qiqi still doesn't look convinced and she looks up at Diluc. The lack of emotion in her eyes irked him a little, how could someone who inhabited a child-like body not display childish mannerism? It makes him forget she's thousands of years old. 

Qiqi looks back at Baizhu then holds her palm to his mouth. He takes her little hand and kisses her palm, then curls her fingers in as if she held something small. The sight was endearing and the girl looked as if a spark of confidence was ignited within her.

Diluc leaves with Qiqi in tow and on her back she carries a backpack. He didn't know what she kept in there and he didn't think it was his place to ask, as long as there wasn't anything dangerous.

It feels weird having casual business in Mondstadt. Diluc was never one to just walk around for the sake of it. It felt so foreign, he couldn't remember the last time he walked around with no end goal. In a way, he did, but he still wasn't sure what to do during the duration he had to watch over Qiqi. He was surprised that despite being a complete stranger, Baizhu trusted him so much with his daughter. 

Diluc politely clears his throat and addresses her kindly. "So, Miss Qiqi, do you have any hobbies?"

She stares blankly back at him. "No," was her flat response. "Or maybe…I do? I can't remember."

Diluc is a little taken aback but isn't discouraged. He had a job to do, so he tried again. "That's alright. Are you hungry?" 

"Zombies…don't need…to eat," Qiqi replies slowly. Then she looks thoughtful. "Or maybe…we do?" 

"I'm not sure either," Diluc admits, "I've never met a zombie. We don't need to eat much, just a snack to keep us full until lunch." 

"A snack," Qiqi draws out. "Ok".

At least he was getting somewhere with her. Diluc hated feeling so unsure and he felt like every time he tried, he was met with a brick wall. Klee and Diona had been easier to entertain when they marched up to his doorstep, they told him their wants and needs. The more Diluc thinks about it, maybe it was that Qiqi is too shy to do so? Regardless, it wasn't right to compare any of the girls, considering they all came from very different households and had distinct personalities.

Diluc walks slowly through the streets to make sure Qiqi can keep up with him as he makes his way to Good Hunter. Qiqi has zero sense of urgency and to be honest, as different as it was, it was nice too. Diluc's life was so much hustle and bustle that he found it nice to take his time. 

“Qiqi, could I ask you something?”

The girl doesn’t turn to look at Diluc but answers nonetheless. “Go ahead.”

Diluc clears his throat, trying to think of the best way he could word his question. “How did you become a zombie? I was thinking about how there aren’t many I’ve come across, especially ones such as yourself, so I was curious,” he tells her. Diluc wasn’t sure if this was an insensitive or even painful question to ask Qiqi, but at the same time, he was itching to know how she came to be. 

He holds his breath as he watches Qiqi ponder over his question then nods to herself as if affirming her thoughts. “I don't know," she replies finally. Diluc masks his disappointment.

"It's not a problem-"

"But I remember those adepti were involved. Their energy courses through me…I don't need a notebook…to recall that," she follows up bitterly. Qiqi takes a moment, then realizes something she almost forgot to include. "But…I still forgive the past. Why hold such a meaningless grudge when…well…I have so long to live? Only…Hu Tao deserves that," she spits at the end.

Diluc wasn’t sure who this Hu Tao was, but the rest of Qiqi's words stuck with him, about holding a grudge for too long. It was enough to have Diluc reflect on the past few years of his life, how he practically closed himself off from the world out of grief and agony and had it in his head that he was unlikely amongst the citizens of Mondstadt. Was he really though? 

When they finally do get to Good Hunter, Sara seems surprised to see Diluc, and even more shocked when she notices Qiqi trailing behind him. "It's only going to be us two," Diluc states. Then he remembers. "Hi there, Sara," he added a little too late. 

"Hello, Mr. Diluc," Sara replies. "There should be an open table for the two of you." 

"Sounds great, thank you," he says. While he's there, Diluc also places an order for some food then joins Qiqi who had pulled out a notebook and flipped through it. 

"Mr. Diluc, it turns out…I was wrong," Qiqi begins and flips the notebook so that Diluc could see the contents within it. "I do have hobbies…I like…calisthenics," she tells him. "I…like to write when I…do my exercises so that…I can remember how I feel." 

Diluc skims the text, but cannot read it, it's all in Liuyean. Still, he pretends to understand and nods his head as if he was soaking the information in. "That's interesting, I suppose that helps commit important things like that to memory," he muses.

"It really doesn't," the girl counters. "It just…helps to be able to look back, but I never…never seem to remember." She holds the book close to her person after closing it and shrinks in her chair, disheartened. Diluc thinks fast.

"If you can remember your routine, maybe you could teach me? I really need to move around and maintain my figure and mobility, old age and all," he admits somewhat sheepishly. It was hard to admit he was aging but it was worth it as he saw the zombie perk up with interest at his request.

"You would…want me as your instructor?" 

Diluc nods. "Why not? I think it's beneficial for my health and you seem educated about the pratice," he replies.

"Diluc?" A familiar voice calls out to him causing the man to swivel in his chair, eyes widened at being discovered. Then again, it wasn't like he tried hard to stay undercover.

Approaching the table was none other than Eula Lawrence who wore a curious expression. Diluc was pretty confused too, seeing as Eula didn't care to associate herself with anyone of aristocratic status unless she had to. She was also within the city which was also very uncommon. "Good afternoon to you too, Ms. Lawrence, what brings you out here today?"

Eula stops in front of the table and eyes Qiqi then shifts her gaze to meet Diluc's. "Just on patrol today. Nothing special," she answered. "You want to tell me when you decided to adopt a kid?"

Diluc sputters. "No, no, no, Eula, that's hardly the case. I'm doing a favor for a…friend who had business here. He couldn't bring his daughter along so he asked me to look after her until he comes back," Diluc explains to her. 

Eula, however, seems suspicious at hearing his story which irks Diluc. "Since when are you good with children?" She prompts and Dilucs rolls his eyes at the question. He could've sworn she was smarter than this, the only explanation was that Eula was attempting to provoke him.

"If I may be honest, it's really none of your business what I do, this matter doesn't involve you in the slightest, so why don't you go do your job?" Diluc shoots back at her.

Eula scoffs at him. Diluc had never exactly done anything to her on a personal level, he'd always been relatively fair and professional whenever they met, yet, Eula couldn't help how her agenda stopped her from being actually friendly with him. All aristocrats were snooty, money hungry tyrants that only abused their authority that affected those beneath it. Diluc was no different. 

Eula steps closer, looming over the two as if to assert her dominance. "I am doing my job," she corrects, "all I was doing was checking in. Isn't that a part of patrolling around the city? You of all people should know."

Diluc bristled at the jeer and narrowed his eyes at her. "How could I? I was above such menial tasks during my time with the Knights,” he sneers.

Eula huffs and crosses her arms, leaning her weight onto one foot. “How dare you! You talk this talk, yet, you didn’t remain there for long, so something must’ve gone wrong,” she accuses.

“I’ll have you know I left on my own account, I have no reason to explain myself to you. You’re too intransigent, you couldn’t possibly comprehend my sentiments. I’d be wasting the oxygen provided by the oak at Windrise if I attempted."

"Why you little-" Eula is cut off when Sara approaches the table with plated food balancing on her arm.

"Is-is this a bad time?" She asks.

"Not at all," Diluc says, motioning her to come closer with his hand. "My appetite just increased. What will the total come to?"

As Sara places the plates of food down onto the table, she tells Diluc the price to which he doesn't bat an eye at. "Sounds far, I can pay now," he insisted.

Sara shakes her head. "Not at all, just come up when you finish," she says and exits the scene.

Eula huffs but is interrupted again, this time by Qiqi tugging on her cape. “Won’t you…have some with us?” She asks.

Both Diluc and Eula look at Qiqi absolutely astonished. Eula glances to Diluc who just shrugs. “Why not, Eula?”

“B-but we just fought?”

Diluc just grabs some utensils and starts to dig in. “You know, Ive found there’s better things to do than hold a grudge. Might as well make the best of things instead,” is all he says before spooning some food into his mouth. Qiqi watches with the faintest smile on her face. 

Chapter Text

Eula allows herself to sit down after Diluc gets up from his place and brings one more chair over to the table when she complains about the lack of seating.

Him going out of his way had her jaw hitting the floor as she'd watched him. Sitting was the only polite thing to do now, even if she didn't want to…sorta. 

Lunch was pleasant, the trio ate in a comfortable silence, once in a while Diluc would ask Qiqi or Eula if they wanted to try his portion, but other than that, it was peaceful. 

From a distance, Kaeya watches this scene with great interest while chewing on the side of his cheek, contemplating his next move to have Diluc under his thumb. He had Childe at his disposal, but that moron would lose his head if it wasn’t attached to his shoulders. Still, he was a reckless man and cared little regarding the consequences of his actions, so Kaeya did have that in his arsenal along with his cunning schemes. 

He could only work with so much without blowing his cover. If Jean got wind of anything he'd been doing up until this point, Kaeya risked losing his status and respect that allowed him to charm the folks in this town. Sure, stragglers would whisper something foul with his name in the same sentence, but that was mere talk, Jean's word on the other hand held far more value then that of a few petty rumors. 

For now, Kaeya had to play somewhat nice.

After making up his mind, Kaeya saunters up to the table. He has to bite down the laugh that summers in his throat at the sight of Eula's eyes widening when she notices his approach. Before she could swallow the food in her mouth to warm Diluc, Kaeya clamps both hands on his shoulders and smiles widely.

"Good afternoon, sunshine!" Kaeya sings cheerfully.

Diluc chokes on the food he had in his mouth, slamming his hand against the table as he tries to cough up what was lodged into his throat. Qiqi rises from her seat, still unphased, and swats Kaeya's hands away from her caretaker. Without a word, she makes a fist and rams it into Diluc's softened belly with all the strength she could muster.

Eula and Kaeya could only stare in horror at the display. Diluc on the other hand was finally able to cough up the meat, the chunk came flying from his mouth and landing somewhere on the cobblestone street. If anybody walking had seen or noticed, they didn't comment.

Qiqi looks up at Diluc has he groans and holds his stomach, holding back tears from how grueling the pain had become between his ribs, the gashes, choking, and being punched in the stomach by a girl who wields superhuman strength, Diluc wasn’t sure how much more his body could handle. 

He just wanted to have a nice lunch.

Maybe have a walk later on to help with digestion. 

"Are you…alright now, Mr. Diluc?" Qiqi asks, placing a hand on his arm, causing the poor man to unconsciously flinch at the contact.

Diluc groans softly and forces his eyes to meet hers. "Y-yes, yes I am now. Thank you for your help, Qiqi," he replies, now fighting to straighten his back and softly smile at the girl. "I don't know what I would've done had you not been here to help."

"That-that's no human girl…" Kaeya utters, shock still paralyzed his body. 

Eula scoffs. "They should call you Captain Obvious instead of the Calvary Captain, genius." 

"You there!" Calls another voice from a distance. The group directs their attention to the source only to see none other than Diona sprinting towards them at full force, skidding to a stop once she was in front of the table and point her finger at Qiqi who held onto Diluc's arm.

"Just who do you think you are? Publicly assaulting Mr. Diluc like that? I'll have you know with the Knights here you could land at a minimum of five years for that stunt," Diona hollers at the zombie. 

"What…?" Is all Qiqi could even think of the say.

"Don't make me repeat myself," Diona growls.

At this Diluc makes a face and shakes his head. "Diona, that is no way to speak to someone who just helped me, which is an understatement alone, Qiqi here saved my life. Had she not acted as swiftly as she did, I don't even want to think of the aftermath," Diluc defends.

Eula nods in agreement. "It's true, our Calvary Captain here thought it would be humorous to frighten Mr. Diluc while he had food in his mouth. You can fill in the the banks from there," she adds. 

Kaeya shoots a dark glare at Eula who didn't noticed how his eye gazed upon in such distaste. 

Her days were numbered indeed.

When Diona makes the mistake of looking up at Kaeya after hearing this, she shivers at how frigid his aura was and the menacing expression he wore was enough to probably give her nightmares later that night. Something felt off here…and it wasn't Qiqi's presence. It was on a far greater scale than these adults understood. 

"O-oh, that makes sense," Diona coughs, now embarrassed by her actions after shaking off the heart stopping fear that delayed the shame. "Sorry about that, I didn't mean to ruin your lunch," she says solemnly, ears drooping.

Diluc, to everyone but Qiqi's surprise just gives her an awkward smile and waves a dismissive hand. That smile alone was enough to have Kaeya's heart melting and how he so desperately wished he could wisk his sweetheat away from all these people. That smile should've been for him and his eyes only to have the pleasure kf witnessing. "You didn't ruin anything at all, Di, your intentions were good. As a matter of fact-"

He's cut off by the loud growl that could only be from the link haired girl who stood in front of them. The sound makes her flush violently and poke her stomach aggressively with her finger. " Shut up," she whispers to her stomach as if it would comprehend her warning. 

"-I happened to order a little too much food and I couldn't possibly sleep at night knowing it went to waste. You two should join us," Diluc finishes, directing the statement at Kaeya and Diona who seem a little apprehensive. Nonetheless, this was Kaeya's chance to be next to Diluc in a civil atmosphere. He really didn't want to fight with the man, but with Diluc being as pig headed as he is, this opportunity was hard to come by, as Childe liked to say. He ought to size it. 

Aftet agreeing with a toothy grin. Kaeya pulls up two more chairs and Eula helps bring one more table to join with the original. 

Qiqi kept close to Diluc, forcefully keeping her seat next to him. Meeting new people was always hard for her when it didn't have to do with business transactions. It didn't help that Baizhu wasn't there to hold her hand and assure her he'd assist her if she ever at a loss the words. The thought of Baizhu had the girl closing the palm he kissed tight, not caring it by doing that, she'd be leaving marks from how her nails dug into the skin. 

She needed that good luck kiss more than ever and she couldn't risk opening her palm and having it escape. 

From there, lunch proceeded smoothly without interruption, the table was happily quiet once more with only the sounds of eating and the bustle around them being prominent. 

As they near the end of their meal, Eula stretches and stands from her seat, towering over the table. 

"Eula?" Kaeya probes.

She finished her stretch with a chuckle. "I'm fine, eating as much as I did makes me feel tired though. I just need to stretch my legs and drink some more water, I'll be more awake then," she tells them. 

Just as she says this, Qiqi had been taking a big gulp from her glass she'd just filled with said pitcher, leaving it bone dry. However, she didn't seem to notice the predicament, that or she was too shy to look up from her food and drink. 

When Diluc tries to stand, saying he'll get more water, Kaeya yanks him by his arm so that he lands back on his seat. Diluc hisses in pain. "Seriously, Kae?" 

While the table is distracting by the two of them bickering, Eula takes this chance and makes her escape to Sara's counter. 

Chapter Text

In Windblume, Barbatos sighs, a frown resting on his lips as he plucks the strings of his handheld harp.

"Stop that racket!" The Shogun snaps, glaring at the other god as electricity crackles around her as a result of her irritation. 

"Be easy," Morax soothes his friends, "we must wait for the proper moment to approach our friend. Bickering is meaningless."

Barbatos grumbles. "I'm bored, so bored," he grumbles.

All it takes is one glare from Morax for Barbatos to close his mouth and not utter another complaint. 

Eula walks away from Sara's counter with a satisfied smile on her face.

At the table, Diluc finally made peace with Kaeya who was a bit surprised that Diluc didn't continue squabbling. Every time they had contact with each other on the rare occasion, the duo always made sure to throw in back handed compliments towards the other and make snarky comments right to the other's face. One might even consider it a childish feat, but alas, if that was the only way Kaeya could uphold something with Diluc, so be it. 

"Diluc, I meant to ask you earlier but what in the world happened to your chest? You look as if you just escaped from a war," queried Kaeya as he points to the bloody bandages.

Diluc in question was still picking at his food, and kept as still as possible, careful to not disturb Qiqi who leans on him, not asleep but more drowsy after stuffing her face. Her fingers tease some of his rural locks and her blinks are slow and drawn out as she cuddles into his side.

'She warmed up fast,' is what Diluc thinks to himself. Food really was the way to anyone's heart. But Kaeya's question shakes him from this blissful moment.

"It's none of your concern. I'm just fine," Diluc claims, adjusting his shirt to better cover his wounds. 

Kaeya looks suspicious though as he stares. He did not ask Childe to mare the poor thing, only rough him up, just a little. "You didn't think to see Barbara?"

Diluc makes a face. Seeing Barbara meant potentially running into Rosaria and in his current condition, Diluc would prefer to avoid the woman for as long as possible until the next time her and Kaeya came swinging into his bar slurring their words and making fools of themselves. 

"I didn't see a need to bother the girl, she's already swamped with plenty of patrons that cry crocodile tears over a splinter," he guffaws to himself. "Besides, I'm linked with another doctor who offered me his aid." 

Kaeya focuses his attention on his nails instead of making eye contact. He was thinking about how he would approach Childe on not killing Diluc.

 "I was only checking up on your well being. Afterall, someone has to look after you," he insists. With that sentence, it already had Kaeya imagining a married life between them, maybe him as the harried house-husband who's always fretting over his reckless husband and endlessly doting over him. Or maybe would be the other way around, him as the hardworking husband who always had to become rescue his clumsy, but adorable 'wife' whose pride prevented him from seeking help. The thoughts alone were enough to result in a warm feeling blooming within Kaeya and the star in his eye glow. 

He wanted that quiet, married life with Diluc worse than bad. 

Love was such a beautiful thing and Kaeya would do whatever it took to keep that precious feeling forever by his side. 

As Diluc opens his mouth to retaliate, Eula had sat down at the table and presumed with eating whatever was left to quell her enormous appetite.

"Where have you been?" Kaeya jeers when Eula makes herself comfortable.

She shrugs. "Just wanted to stretch my legs," she answers back.

"But you-"

"Kaeya, please, must you interrogate your co-worker? We just had a fulfilling lunch and I'd like us all to leave it on a good note," Diluc says sharply, cutting him off from whatever he was amping up to say. 

Embarrassed, Kaeya just rolls his eyes, scoffs, and stands from his chair, reaching into his pocket to throw some loose change onto the table without saying anything else. He could only think of one thing.

Eula was no longer to be tolerated. 

Him and Diluc were just fine before she made her appearance and she had to shatter the glass with no hesitation whatsoever. 

Kaeya couldn't tolerate that.

Again, Diona gets the feeling something isn't quite right as she watches Kaeya walk away with a stiff posture. It's enough to have the hair on her tail stand straight. She wonders if Qiqi, not being human, could also pick up on something being off about the Calvary Captain. Maybe they could compare notes later when Diluc wasn’t in vicinity. 

Since then, Diluc and Eula had leaned in to count how much Mora Kaeya threw at them.

It was Eula's turn to scoff. "Only 12? Talk about a cheapskate."

"He was always like that," Diluc gripes. "I'm surprised he left anything at all."

Eula raises an eyebrow at his confession. "Really? I've heard Kaeya is typically generous when it comes to payment, not that I'm in town often enough to clarify the claim personally, but I just take citizen's word for it."

Diluc clicks his tongue as he opens his satchel to fetch some more Mora from the pouch. "I only recall that aspect of him from our childhood into our teens. My word can't be taken to heart." As his hand comes up with Mora in it, Eula stops it and keeps it in the satchel.

"I-um…I paid already," she admits with a nervous smile.

Diluc is at a lose for words at her act of…kindness? Generosity? 

"When did you?"

"When I'd gotten up earlier," Eula finishes for him. "I wasn't really going to get more water for the table, what you'd done earlier kinda…I don't know, it was just-" she takes a deep breath before continuing, "it was very…t-thoughtful," she wheezes out. It was hard to admit someone who came from an aristocratic background was capable of such a thing. Yet, here was Diluc who did just that.

Even though they fought and made malicious jabs at one another, he and his little friend still extended an invitation towards her to have lunch with them. It was a type of behavior Eula was unfamiliar with and it made her want to do something as a non verbal way of saying thank you. 

If she had the money, might as well put it to good use, right? 

Eula swears her heart almost stops in her chest when she watches how Diluc smiles at her, every line on his face seemed to have a purpose and every feature from his nose to his lips to the way the skin near his eyes crinkle when he gives her a handsome smile, the type that reached his lovely crimson eyes that seem to hone the playful sun rays that shone down upon the town. 

It made her want to smile too.

"Thank you, Eula, I really appreciate it, but next time, lunch is on me," he thanks. "I don't want you pulling that stunt again."

It took every muscle within her to not gasp at the promise of next time. This would happen again? It suddenly occurred to Eula that perhaps, just maybe, Diluc never had anything against her as a person. It only made sense that he'd keep his distance because she was associated with the Knights and perhaps, she also never had anything against him either. He just happened to come from an aristocratic background that she heavily generalized when in reality…she knew nothing of his upbringing or lifestyle. 

"I…look forward to it," Eula beams. 

To the side, Qiqi is unable to hold her tongue any longer, fearful that should would forget her request that she'd even written on her wrist as to not forget. "Mr. Diluc? Can we…go to that…little store over there?" Qiqi asks. As they'd walked to Sara's previously, she'd spotted Majorie's store and was intrigued instantly. 

Diona bristles at this. "You're not supposed to interrupt the grown-ups when they talk," she sniffs. Her father was sure to teach her this at a young age, all kids should know this golden rule according to him. 

Qiqi shields herself behind Diluc before she answers. "I was…going to forget it…if I didn't…mention it now," she maintains, fingers going back go tease the ends of Diluc's hair. 

"It's alright, Di, I don't think Qiqi meant to be disrespectful. Her memory is not always the best, so she needs to be quick with her thoughts if she has something she wants to convey," Diluc explains. 

"Yes," Qiqi agrees, becoming a little more confident knowing Diluc was on her side. "I saw it…while we walked…here. I saw…cute stickers," she adds.

Diluc nods but then suddenly it hits him and he turns to look at Qiqi who let go of his hair.

"You remembered you wanted to go there?" 

"I…liked the…stickers," she repeats.

"You like stickers too?" Pipes up Diona who now wore a curious expression. "Um, I also like stickers as well. I like to put then on my lunch box because it makes it cooler and I can always tell it's mine," she says. "What kind do you like, Qiqi?"

The zombie takes a moment to think but when the answer doesn't come to her, she shrugs. "I don't know…what do you like?"

Diona gets up from her chair and beckons her friends to follow her to the store as she talks. "The ones with animals of course, oh! And my absolute favorite are the ones that sparkle, they're so pretty. Hopefully Majorie has some in stock," she gushes. 

By now, the girls have picked up their pace, eager to go into the store. Diluc and Eula take their time, making sure the girls stay in their line of vision. 

To his side, Eula chuckles at the girl's enthusiasm. "I remember I used to collect those stamps when I was their age. I don't recall there being fun stickers for children to decorate their items with though."

"I'm surprised your parents let you," Diluc contributes. "My father was more strict about that type of stuff, claiming that collecting meaningless, everyday items was a mere distraction from my studies." 

"If he were here, I'd tell him those Sumeru and Fontaine stamps were one of a kind and certainly worth collecting. It's a shame they don't make them like they used to."

Diluc, unable to relate, can only nod. "Indeed it is," he grunts. 

As they reach the store, Diluc holds the door open for the girls and Eula as they walk inside. As they enter, Majorie is stocking a shelf and greets them cheerfully. "Good afternoon! Can I help you with anything?" She's a bit surprised at seeing the current scene, but it wasn't her place to say anything, and so she kept her mouth shut.

"We're looking for cute stickers!" Diona exalted, practically shaking with excitement.

Majorie leads the girls to were she'd recently stocked some imported scrapbooking stickers from Fontaine. 

From afar, Kaeya is fuming as he stalks his prey. He knew why he couldn't be in Eula's place, standing beside Diluc, and yet the question of why not still resounded within his frazzled mind at seeing them enjoy one another's company. 

He turns on his heel and storms to his apartment where Childe was staying, but before entering, he is sure to calm himself before approaching the ginger. He'd attract his fly with a sweet, honeyed voice rather than bitter, tart accusations, and rage. 

That's a given.

Chapter Text

Inside, Childe was sitting criss-cross on the floor with his many knives scattered around him. In his hand he was in the process of sharpening one, humming a foreign melody to himself while he did so.

"You tidied up like I asked you to," Kaeya acknowledged as he looked around his abode. 

"You asked, and I delivered. How's your boyfriend?" He snickers.

Kaeya huffs, straight to the point. So much for buttering the harbinger up. "He's as hot-headed as ever, and rather cut up may I add," his brow quirks up as he mentions the last detail.

Childe finally looks up from his knives and smiles at Kaeya. "You asked, I delivered," he repeated.

"Yes, but I didn't ask you to maul his chest," Kaeya growls. 

"Look, I don't want to step on your toes, princess, but that's on you for not being specific with how you wanted the situation to unfold. You told me, plain and simple, to rough him up, make him weak, and so I did! Don't blame me."

Kaeya stares down at Childe and as he does, he feels that cold feeling sweep over him like he'd felt earlier when he saw Eula and Diluc together. There was nothing he hated more than not getting his own way after not having it be for so long. He wanted the simplest thing, a loving family, and Diluc was the only person in Tevat that ignited that special type of love. Something so foreign to Kaeya it seemed nearly untouchable. Until Diluc came into the picture.

Alas, he wasn't easily swayed. Nothing was ever impossible if he put his mind to it, Diluc would be his in no time and finally have that void within his chest filled forever. If he wanted it bad enough, surely he could obtain it? 

"I suppose I did," Kaeya utters softly, staring into Childe's eyes. Were they always so…dead looking? 

"Yes, you did," the ginger parrots, "finally, someone who takes responsibility for their actions," he laughs airily. 

Kaeya nods then looks to Childe with a sultry gaze. "Of course, darling, words are impactful afterall. It makes me think back to last week."

Childe blushes and stands from his spot. "Last week," he echoes softly, his flush deepens, "you know..we haven't…"

Kaeya grins and his eyelids lower seductively. "Come over here, pretty. Let's put this behind us."

Before either man could think of it, both were falling into Kaeya's bed, making it creak beneath their weight, a creek that was dullen by the sound of their groaning and Childe's whimpers and pleads for more as Kaeya goes down on him. 

Childe sighs wistfully and holds Kaeya close, grinding their lower halves together. "Please Kae," he begs. 

Kaeya has to pretend it's Diluc lying beneath him, that it's Diluc's skin he's sucking possessive hickies onto and biting, fighting the urge to draw blood. He wanted that man screaming, begging for Kaeya to take him and claim him as his own. Childe's body fuels Kaeya's fantasy of keeping Diluc all for himself and maybe that was another reason he didn't kill the ginger off for hurting Diluc as badly as he did. In the end, the redhead is wounded and has little choice but to depend on others for his health, even though he'd never admit this to be the case. 

One day, Kaeya planned for himself to be the only person Diluc could fathom relying on.

The girls leave Majorie's store all smiles and giggles, eagerly showing one another their new finds.

"I…I want to…decorate my…notebook," says Qiqi. A big smile is present on her pale face and her eyes sparkle with joy. Diluc found himself feeling prideful of that. "Do you…want to help me…Diona?" 

Diona beams at the request. "Yes! But…can we do it tomorrow? It'll be my day off and my night shift starts soon."

Qiqi nods slowly and suddenly, Diona throws her arms around the zombie, hugging her tightly with her bag of trinkets and stickers around her wrist. "I hope we can be good friends," Diona says while patting Qiqi's back. "Thanks for going sticker shopping with me." 

The little zombie is still, but slowly, she lets her arms encircle her new friend and within, a whirl of emotion thrums throughout, the strength and ferocity being enough to make her diaphram shake and her spine shudder. She'd never felt as if she wanted to laugh and cry at the same time but one thing was for certain; Qiqi never wanted this moment, this entire day to die within her mind. She wanted this memory to thrive and be present whenever she felt gloomy, especially on the days where Hu Tao would attempt to bury her, or customers gave her a hard time. 

Qiqi never felt the feeling of her lip quivering as she tried to answer Diona and yet, the words she wanted to speak seemed lodged in her throat. "Y-you're…w-welcome," Qiqi whispers, holding Diona tightly as if her very body would crumble if she let go. When the pink haired girl attempts to pull away, Qiqi's brain can't command her arms to release Diona. 

"Qiqi…? Are you crying?" Diona asks softly. 

Qiqi indeed felt a wetness pour from her eyes and down her cheeks, wetting the collar of her clothes. Her nose twitches as that too leaks while more tears spill. "I…have n-never…cried."

Diona hugs her friend even tighter and pets her hair. "It's ok to cry, sometimes, I think it's good to get the ugly out," she says, then looks up at Diluc from Qiqi's shoulder, "that's something I learned not too long ago…to not be afraid to cry, especially when in the company of those who care." Diona is able to pull away just enough to look Qiqi in the eyes. "This sounds crazy, we only met today but…it's like we've known each other for a long time," she laughs. 

Qiqi can only nod and sniffle as she buries her face into Diona's shoulder. "I…wonder if we…have," she murmurs.

Diona smiles nervously. "We'll have lots of fun tomorrow," she promises. It's enough for Qiqi to be able to pull away, wiping her tears.

"I can't wait," she says and takes the handkerchief from Eula held out to her to dry her tears. 

"Neither can I!" Diona squeals. She bids the group a farewell, thanking them for the outing, and heads off to the tavern, a skip in her step whilst humming a happy tune.

Eula looks to Diluc with a fond smile. "This day was quite successful if I do say so myself," she quipped.

"Indeed," Diluc responds and looks down at Qiqi who looks through her bag. "I wouldn't have had it play out any other way." 

Eula takes a deep breath. "Well then, I believe it's my time to take my leave as well. I have a job to do," she reminds him and Diluc nods in understanding.

Diluc grabs her hand awkwardly and attempts to shake it as if he'd just closed a business deal. "Thank you for…everything. While this day doesn't quite dissolve our differences from the past, I hope we can find similarities in the future."

Eula looks down at their clasped hands and flushes but she wasn't sure if it was because she wasn't expecting it or because of how hot his skin ran, even beneath his glove clad hand. Maybe she even liked it, just a bit. "I-I certainly look forward to it," she bumbles. She can't hold his gaze and instead opts to hide behind her hair shyly. Would it have been weird if she had held eye contact? 

Diluc squeezes her hand earnestly. "As do I," he states and finally lets go, leaving Eula's hand cold. He doesn't wait for an answer from the woman before walking away with Qiqi in hand.

As they walk back to Dilu's apartment, Diluc asks Qiqi if she had fun.

"I..did," she finds herself saying and even proud of herself for being able to think back to just moments ago where Diona hugged her and proclaimed them to be friends. Not only that, but she cried real, genuine tears at the sentiments. "Did you?"

Diluc nods. "You surprised me in many ways. You, young zombie, are incredibly wise despite your appearance." 

The girl doesn't feel the need to comment on that because before she could think of a response, a certain claim bubbles to the surface of her mind and makes itself known. "You've changed…in such a…short period of time," she remarks.

"Pardon?" Is his response.

"I wonder," she continues thoughtfully, "was that resentment…ever present? Was it…something you desired…to hold on to?" 

Diluc makes a face at this. "Who in their right mind would want to hold on to resentment?"

Qiqi shakes her head. "You say this…yet I feel…you hold onto…a grudge… a deep one…"

"Because I was hurt by it!" Diluc reasons. "How can I let go when I've been wounded so deeply? Forgiveness doesn't bring back the dead."

Qiqi turns to look at him with a disappointed expression. "So…anger…resentment…and grief bring back…what you've lost…?"

Diluc swallows thickly and is unable to look at the girl, but she doesn't await a response because she already knows it, and he does too. 

Finally, in a warbling voice, he says,"l-l-let's just go home."

Qiqi doesn't protest and instead leads the way, however, a part of her worries for Diluc. He's a good man, strong and respectable, however, this resentment he held onto would be his Achilles heel, even if it unfolded in a roundabout way. It hurt to see people so misguided and how cruel fate could be to those who were in the most need. Qiqi knew this. Diluc though, perhaps he had the chance to let go, to renew himself belfry he completely lost himself in his grief if he hasn't already.

She doesn't think he has though, not by the way he extended his invitation to Eula to join them for lunch, even after their petty squabble. 

Perhaps Diluc could be saved.

Chapter Text

Once back at the apartment, Qiqi sits at the kitchen table to pour out the contents of her bag and stares at her little haul from the store. Diluc comes to take a seat as well once he closes the door and focuses on catching his breath. After he does, he looks over to study Qiqi as she picks up each sheet that holds the stickers and inspects them with a keen eye, clearly satisfied.

“Will you wait for Diona?” he asks the girl.

Qiqi doesn’t take her purple eyes off the stickers but still takes the time to respond to his question. “I’m…not sure…” she admits. She really loved what she had in front of her and wanted to use it all right away, but feared hurting Diona’s feelings the next day when she found out how Qiqi broke her promise of waiting to use their stickers together. She voices her concerns to Diluc who then also takes the time to consider this. 

“I suppose that is entirely up to you,” he eventually replies. He could only imagine how difficult it was for her to wait on using her stickers. Diluc remembered having these debates in his head often when he was younger, but it involved weighing whether or not he should use his time to play with his toys or get ahead of work and other duties laid out for him. In a way, he’s happy Qiqi doesn’t have such responsibility like he did when he was little. 

Qiqi on the other hand became frustrated at such a neutral answer and huffs. It didn’t help sway her decision one way or the other until she eventually came to the conclusion to make good on her promise and distract herself from opening the stickers and using them. She’d just made a friend and she wasn’t about to jeopardize that friendship just because she was impatient. 

“Can we do something?” she asks Diluc who’d accidentally gotten lost in his head during the moment of silence between them, taking the time to process the events of their day so far. 

Diluc nods, ready for their next adventure as long as it doesn't include anything too physical. “Of course we can,” he answers. “How about we do those exercises we discussed earlier?” He suggests. That should be light and easy on his body while also keeping the girl occupied and happy, which is exactly what he was aiming for. 

Qiqi is intrigued by the recommendation, causing her to focus on her notebook again and flip through it until she reaches her writings regarding her stretches, then flips it over to face Diluc’s direction to encourage him to look through it. The only way he was able to understand the contents within her journal was thanks to the detailed sketches drawn by Qiqi, so he examines the pages closely and carefully, not wanting to disappoint. “Do you…still want to…try?” the little zombie asks with a little hopeful tilt of her head. 

“Of course!” Diluc tells her, trying to fix his expression to look more enthusiastic about trying these exercises. “Shall we get started?”

Qiqi gingerly hops out of her wooden chair and rushes to the carpeted floor in the living room space of the apartment, testing the softness of the carpet by taking off her flats and standing on it with her bare feet. She nods, almost proud of herself for finding the perfect place for conducting the routine despite not having the matts that she usually uses when doing them. Qiqi beckons Diluc to stand in front of her as she braces herself. “Observe,” she orders him and Diluc complies easily, curious to see this for himself. 

Qiqi starts with a stretching position, noting how stiff the redhead was. After she held the position for a moment, the girl motions for Diluc to imitate her stance, and so he does to the best of his ability. The process is a painful one, but the man manages and gives Qiqi a tight smile to show her he was on board with their activity. This process continued for a good hour and a half before Qiqi concluded the secession gracefully, while Diluc was utterly out of breath. However, he had to admit, he felt much more fluid and flexible than when he first began following his little instructor. “How do you…feel now?” Qiqi asks him after returning to the living room with two cups of water she poured from the sink and hands one to Diluc, encouraging him to drink it slowly.

Diluc nods as he takes the cup away from his lips, thanking her after. “To be honest with you, I feel wonderful, even in my current condition. I didn’t think I would be able to muster the strength to keep up with you, but I surprised myself. I hope I was a good student.”

Qiqi was sipping on her water as she listened to Diluc’s review of their stretching lesson. “I’m…pleased to hear…that this was to…your liking,” she says quietly. “We can…do this…again,” she offers after a slightly awkward pause. 

Diluc nods as he helps himself off of the floor. “I would love that very much. I’m looking forward to our next stretching session, Instructor Qiqi,” he retorted happily with a small clap of his hands from the floor. ‘Let me tell you, you have quite the gift, being so patient and supportive of me meant a lot and I’m sure others would share that sentiment if you taught your own classes,” Diluc praises. 

Qiqi stares at him dumbfoundedly, not used to hearing such genuine praise. Baizhu would compliment her here and there, but she did feel that her deeds went unappreciated for the most part, especially when she went above and beyond with the intention of making her father’s life easier. Alas, she didn’t want to be selfish or demanding either, Qiqi knew her father was important and therefore very busy as a result of that, so he didn’t always have the spare time to take her gestures into consideration. Likewise, that also didn’t help her not want it any less.

 After Qiqi doesn’t respond for a while, Diluce decides to carefully rise from where he had sat on the floor and makes his way to the kitchen, wondering what to cook for their dinner and if Baizhu was ever going to stop by and check on his daughter. Diluc found it a bit strange that the man had made no attempt to check in, not even once considering that Diluc was still not entirely familiar with Baizhu and vice versa. The doctor was trusting a stranger based on word of mouth to look after the most valuable thing in his life, at least that was how Baizhu depicted Qiqi to be; and Diluc couldn’t blame him if that were the case. Qiqi was a very sweet girl, though quiet, she was thoughtful and considerate of others, something Diluc thought highly of and believed was worth acknowledging as many people did not quite contain these traits nowadays, in his opinion at least.

While Diluc takes a rest at the dining table after fetching himself a refreshing glass of grape juice, Qiqi decides to take her journal and a pen she found laying around and sit next to the redhead to journal her experience excitedly, well, as excitedly as a zombie could Diluc notes as he watches the girl out of the corner of his eye. The zombie scribbles a series of sentences down on the paper in her dialect and then follows up with a drawing of her and Diluc doing one of the stretches she had shown him earlier. “I’m impressed,” Diluc remarks after watching her for a bit.

Qiqi fixes him with a puzzled expression. “Excuse me?”

Diluc knocks back the last of his grape juice before using his finger to tap on the drawing. “You have the hands of an artist. I notice how careful and steady you are and how attentive you are with precision. I wish I’d had the time to hone those skills when I was younger,” he says wistfully. 

“Then…I can teach…you,” the girl says hesitantly. But she wears a determined expression. If she could, Qiqi would be shivering with excitement. She loved to draw because of how it could provide an escape for her from everyday life, she didn’t have to think about how forgetful she was or her father and his expectations or Hu Tao or any of that. It was Qiqi’s very own special world where she was the boss, the creator, and everything went her way and nothing got in her way. Every piece of writing and every drawing, finished or unfinished, held meaning in value because of how not only she relied on them for the sweet escape of fantasy, but to help her remember as well. 

Diluc took Qiqi’s offer and found his own pencil and paper. He listened and paid close attention to the instructions and detailed tutorial given by the girl, but to no avail, his drawings looked absolutely nothing like the demonstration. This has Diluc reddening in embarrassment at how awful his drawing was next to Qiqi’s skilled masterpiece. And it was only a sketch she’d told him. He lets out a sigh as he wallows in his shame at his botched attempt at what was supposed to be a hilichurl holding a single flower, but it looked more like a hilichurl that fell from the ugly tree, hit every branch on the way down, and then proceeded to ruthlessly get the shit kicked out of it by an adventurer that made their victims as deformed as possible. 

Qiqi’s attention focuses on Diluc’s drawing and never had he seen her make such a face during their time together. It morphed into one of horror at the sight of the poor excuse of a hilichurl on the paper. “Oh…” was all she could muster even after the astonishment wore off. 

Diluc gulps. “It’s pretty bad, I guess.”

“ Bad is…an understatement,” she says bluntly. “You have somehow… made a hilichurl uglier…than they are in person. It has the… face of…overcooked rice…”

“That’s uncalled for!” Diluc bumbles. The insult almost had him jumping out of his chair, but he kept in mind that Qiqi was still a little girl. “A-Alright then,” he says after taking a deep breath. “Let me try again then,” he offers. 

Instead, Qiqi reaches to slide the paper away from his vicinity. “It would be a…waste of paper. Perhaps…we can do…something else?” she answers. 

Diluc sighs even heavier. “What do you have in mind?”

Kaeya stares at the ceiling wordlessly. 

He can’t help but to feel a little tired after his escapade with Childe, who slept soundly next to him, arms wrapped around his barren chest and snoring softly. 

If Kaeya didn’t know any better, he’d say Ajax was falling in love with him, but he refused to give himself that much credit. That and he felt it would be a form of cheating on Diluc if he even allowed the thought to become too known in his mind. Still, he also can’t say it didn’t feel comforting to have someone warm his bed so, he would imagine it was Diluc who had his strong arms wrapped around him, breathing in his scent, and sharing the heat. Kaeya longed for his lover terribly to the point where his chest ached when glimpses of reality would threaten to make themselves visible in his line of thinking.

 It was not his beloved that held him in bed, but instead a stranger he used for his personal gain. Kaeya felt that despite that truth, Ajax was also getting something out of this arrangement, and that was sex. Not just any intercourse, but almost loving, affectionate, and raw intercourse that had him seeing stars and screaming loud enough that Kaeya had to resort to using his hand or cloth of some sort to stifle Ajax’s symphony of pleasure. 

All because Kaeya imagined Diluc beneath him the entire time. 

That alone set him on fire and gave him a false and brittle sense of fulfillment that threatened to crumble easily whenever things did go wrong with Diluc in the real world. 

That being said, the events of the morning made Kaeya’s mind wander to Eula and Diluc, who appeared to enjoy each other's company far too much for his liking. They seemed genuinely happy to be around one another and Diluc had even held the door for her when they had entered the shop together. Kaeya wants to pass it off as him simply being a gentleman, as he was raised to be, but he also knew the look in Diluc’s eyes was not a friendly one. It was something else entirely and it wasn’t a negative emotion. 

“She needs to go,” Kaeya whispers to himself, pulling his fake Diluc closer and planting a kiss on his head gingerly. “Nobody will have you while I breathe.”