luc-obsession

[luc-obsession]

Indulge

Yoimiya sat beside you on the black, cold leather couch of yours. You just couldn’t keep your hand away from her head, to ruffle it. You thought that she’d have a problem with it, but it only served to bring her closer.

To give you even more of that comfort that you chased.

You two were watching something scary, so that you two were clinging to each other even more than you normally would.

A large bowl of hot, nearly scalding popcorn sat atop your blanketed legs. Readily available for you to grasp. For you to stuff Yoimiya’s mouth with.

That light, salty crisp punctuated with olive oil made the experience even more enjoyable for you both.

You just wanted to fuck her under that rose-colored blanket you shared with her. Nothing would stop you from trying. Even if she said no.

You brushed your hand against her thigh, causing her to softly moan. Then you drifted your hand against her tit. Clenched it.

“Wanna go? I don’t even care for this movie anyway.”

Yoimiya hummed in assent. “I don’t mind. I can tell that you wanted to do this.”

“For an insanely long time.”

You face her, reveling in her micro-expressions as you carefully note how much she softened up her face around you, when you two were close. You were her comfort.

She gave you her near-complete trust, and you’d work hard not to violate it.

You drag her head closer and kiss, swallowing each other’s lips whole. With the same joy as someone tasting a cheesecake for the first time.

Then you throw the blanket to the ground, letting her body get swallowed up by your greedy gaze. Pull up her shirt, drifting up your hand from her cute belly to her perky breasts. And her cute little head (with a surprisingly big brain).

Throw that over the edge of the couch because she didn’t need that anymore. It was just an obstacle now.

You got up, rushing over to the other side of her. “Get up and sit on my thighs.”

She obeyed. You weren’t expecting it to be so easy. She was surprisingly submissive for sucha a successful business owner.

But weren’t they all?

Now, you gripped her tiddies, gripping them like stress balls. Relishing how bouncy they were. How soft they were to the touch.

Then you reached for her pussy - her underwear. Problem was that her tight little skirt kept her legs too close together. Like she was a Barbie doll or something.

Even her outfit revealed how much she was willing to submit to anyone who gave her what she desired: affection, cuddles and lots and lots of attention.

Her mind might have constantly drifted from thought to thought, but she desired someone who was the opposite. Someone existentially hyper-fixated on her.

That was where you came in.

You tell her to stand up, so you can pull down her skirt, which you do immediately.

Her ass was respectably large. She sat on you again, so you rub the center of her legs, over and over and over and-

Okay, you get the point.

You did it until her moans got louder. They were already breathy and soft, like a collection of pillows that you just couldn’t stop rolling around in.

You put your head just over her shoulder, taking in her sweet scent. The gently baked flours of the Taiyaki you made for her. The rose water body wash scent that still managed to linger on her buttery-smooth skin.

She was a simple girl, opting not to wear perfume even though she can afford an entire collection of them. Was happier for it, too.

You liked it because it reminded you of her humble origins. The insurmountable strength it took her to keep going with everything she had a connection to.

You reach for her ass, rubbing the bottom of her cheeks in circles. It was a strategic move you did to weaken her resolve. So that she’d orgasm quicker when you had her exactly where she wanted her.

She was already at your mercy, but you were ready to deliver the final, punishing blow.

You move your hand from the bottom of her cakelike ass and slide into the center. No, not to enter her asshole, that was for the inexperienced. You slid into her G-spot, already maganging to please the fuck outta her.

She gave it away in her moans, the way she pushed herself in with you to intensify the feeling of closeness this made you feel. To more deeply meld yourselves together into one.

Your plan worked swimmingly; she’d already completely given into your control. She’d do literally anything you wanted her to.

And Yoimiya loved every second of it. That topped the list of your favorite things about her.

[luc-obsession]

Infatuate

The wind blew softly against your face, wafting the light, sweet scent of the cherry blossoms towards you and your adorable little date, Yoimiya.

You were entranced by her well, everything. Her wild, chaotic eyes reminded you of the fireworks you loved to watch her fire so much. Her innocent smile took you back to the days where the questions you had about the world were answered with imagination and naive guesses.

And her fluffy little cheeks made you wanna rub them around forever, while you slowly robbed her of her restraint. Worked to drag her closer to the fringes of sexual deviance.

Somehow, whenever you spent time with her, your mind always managed to change the topic to sex.

The light pink gingham blanket that you both sat on was topped with multiple plates of Katsu Sandwiches and Taiyaki.

You reached for another sandwich as she asked you, “So, what have you been up to?”

“I just came back from Mondstadt from a chat with Venti. Like you, he says the most random things.”

“Was he drunk again? I had to pay on his behalf the last time I went to Mondstadt.”

You widened your eyes. “You’ve been there before?”

“Of course I have! I mostly go for the wine, but the chill energy there helps me calm down after, y’know. It’s literally the opposite of Liyue’s hustle culture and Inazuma’s litany of rules.”

You knew all too well. She always needed me to lend an ear for the struggles she went through running a business alone. That was the main reason she kept you around.

You take a sip of the cup of the peach oolong tea you brought. “Why aren’t there any firework shows in Mondstadt?”

Yoimiya shrugged. “I dunno. Just not part of the culture, I guess.”

“Maybe Diluc lobbied to make ways of enjoying yourself without alcohol illegal.”

She giggled. Oh, how you loved it when she giggled. “You joke, but he would do that sorta thing.”

You knit your eyebrows. “I don’t get it, though. You can still enjoy fireworks when you’re drunk.”

“Believe me, I tried, and it’s just not the same.”

How could they get Mondstadt to make firework shows a thing? It would be a win for them both: Yoimiya would make mind-boggling amounts of money, and Mondstadt would unlock a consistent source of entertainment.

You had to arrange something between Yoimiya and Diluc. Fake a marriage if you had to. But either way, this had to happen.

Your eyes flit down to her thighs; this had to happen in a way where you got to touch her.

“Can I get next to you?” you ask her.

“Sure, I don’t mind,” she says. You move the plates of hot (rapidly growing cooler) snacks away from her and sit in the spot where they once were.

Now our knees were touching, and your cheeks were blushing. Sure, it was one of the least soft parts of her body, but it was still closer than before. Closer in a way that you never imagined yourself before.

You wanted to repeat this, but this time inside your bed. Dragging her body closer to yours under a warm, snuggly blanket.

“People don’t have picnics with just anyone, Yoimiya. Be honest. How do you truly feel about me?”

Now here she was, turning away from me. “Well, I…”

“I think that I really enjoy spending time around you.”

“I feel the same way.”

“We’ve been together for quite a while. Would you like to get closer?”

Yoimiya held up a sandwich to her lips. “What do you mean, closer?”

“Closer in a way where we spend more time with each other. More often. Intertwine our lives together in the same way…that lovers do.”

Blushing, she took a massive bite out of her sandwich. “You actually see me that way?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Why would you? I never imagined…”

“Because you’re kind, and smart and determined and pretty and so, so huggable!”

“If I’m so huggable, then why aren’t you hugging me right now?”

I dove into her, nearly tackling her. Is this what love felt like?

To be so close to another human, sharing your mutual feelings for each other. To be nearly inside each other, because you loved each other so fucking much.

That was the very definition of love.

You wanted to be here with her forever, and spend the rest of your life with her.

And you were going to, no matter what she did to protest.

You even bought a house in Inazuma for easier, more consistent access to her.

“Wanna watch movies and chill in my place? We can spend the rest of the afternoon together.”

“Of course! I love every second I spend with you."

You felt the same exact way, down to the very wording. It was only a matter of time before your skin met hers again, this time in a far more intimate manner.

[luc-obsession]

Belonging

Moonlight shone through the crimson curtains. Cool air pressed against your face. You heard the owls sing outside.

The covers were blood red instead of soft pink. You had enough of waking up inside Diluc’s bedroom.

Especially when you hadn’t started there.

In fact, you had enough of his lack of respect for how you felt.

It was time to break free of him. Take control of your own life again. And now was as good a time as any.

He was out fighting crime. So long as you avoided his routes, you’d be fine.

Ironic how a fucking hero could be so careless about the welfare of his lover.

You slid your legs out of the bed, staring at the wooden walls. Hoping this would be the last time you’d ever see this dreaded place.

Then you stood up, putting all the energy your empty belly could manage into your legs.

You slipped out of the door on your tiptoes. Then looked around to see if the coast was clear.

No maids were in sight, so you continued.

You’d finally made it to the door. After looking around the dark lounge and sliding on your slippers, you cracked open the wooden doors.

This was suspiciously easy. Were the maids always asleep around this time?

Or was there something else at play?

You slipped outside, into the chilly night, in your silk robe. Then strolled across the stone patio just outside of his door.

No one was out here. You were already free!

Since no one was watching, you may as well run. So you ran.

You sprinted towards the forest, using all the energy you had.

The cool, wet grass brushed your feet. The night air whipped against your face. You’d almost forgotten just how relaxing nature could be.

After half a minute, though, you had to stop. Catch your breath. You hadn’t ran in a while, so your endurance was fucked.

You bent over, the world wobbling around you. Blood rushed to your head.

“Halt! Knights of Favonious!”

Weapons pierced the air.

What the-

You stood upright. Then looked around you.

About eight knights circled you, holding swords.

“We’re here to take you home,” one said.

You just stared, looking around for an opening. No, they were far away enough that whenever you ran, you would get caught.

Diluc must have fed them lies. A comprehensive diet of them.

Who would they believe: a wealthy, powerful businessman or his homebound lover?

You’d already lost.

Still, you hadn’t come all this way for nothing.

You walked towards one of them at first. Obedient. Docile. Like the girl Diluc wanted you to be.

He resheathed his weapon.

When he tried to take your hands, you darted.

“Get her!”

So did the knights.

You were running off pure adrenaline, and it wouldn’t last forever.

These were your last few minutes of freedom. A sharp pang in your back.

Your last taste of nature. Warm blood in your mouth.

Your last chance…to be outside. Your knees crashing against the ground.

The last thing you felt were cold, filthy hands picking you up from your back.

Dammit.

. . .

The lights glimmered across the floor of the Favonius Cathedral. An orchestra played a light, happy tune. The crowd of people filled their plates with meats and sides from the draped white banquet tables.

And there you were, sitting besides him as in your black and crimson wedding dress. Beautiful as ever, despite your frown. Partially because of your scarred, pregnant body.

But you made sure to reassure him that you were unhappy because of how crowded the wedding was, not because of the marriage itself.

“Diluc, I love you, but I wish there weren’t so many people here.”

“We’ll leave right after the proposal.”

He agreed, but the publicity was a necessary evil.

If the wedding was open to the public - the same people who’d badger him about whether he’d married - then they would all learn about it at the same time.

Otherwise, it would be days, maybe even weeks of the same repetitive questions.

“Did you marry?”

“I heard you’d tied the knot, is that true?”

“Who’s your wife? I heard you had one now.”

Just imagining it gave him a headache.

Diluc looked at his schedule: five minutes until your proposal.

Fortunately, he wouldn’t have to wait too much longer for this nightmare to end.

“Come, love. Let’s go backstage.”

You nodded. Your eyes were devoid of light, but you listened. Obeyed. And most importantly, didn’t speak back to him.

All you had to do was be there for him.

Diluc walked into the curtains that led to the back of the church, and you followed close behind.

Other than the white tufted chairs and white vanity his men had brought, the room was an emptier version of the one outside.

You walked into the mirror, adjusting your ponytail. Diluc pulled a crown of roses he’d made for you from his pocket. Then he wrapped it around your head.

“Thank you, Diluc.”

He nodded. Then he leaned in for a kiss.

Like he always did when the sinking feeling - the guilt - came seeping back.

You accepted.

“Aren’t you glad that this will all be over soon?” he asked.

“Certainly. I can’t wait until it’s just the two of us again.”

These days, you only told him what he wanted to hear. The other things you said meant being ignored, locked away, or having your portions cut.

The nights you ran off, he’d burn your skin until you begged him to stop.

Eventually, you learned to comply.

He touched your stomach. You jerked away from him.

That baby was his gift to you for your obedience. He knew you were getting bored with home life, so he gave it to you as a challenge. An 18-year long project to keep you entertained.

Even though you cried the night he refused to pull out.

He knew you would crack eventually. Learn to accept them. Just as you had for him.

The orchestra began to play the opening notes of the wedding song. It sounded like an isolated garden: full of treasures and hidden gems, but closed off from the world.

When the notes began to rise - when hope began to permeate the air of the place - Diluc held your hand as he took you to the front of the church.

All of Mondstadt was here, and now they all knew that you were his.

Soon, even the law would agree.

“Diluc, do you take this woman as your wife?”

“I do.”

“Do you take Diluc as your husband?”

You paused. The practice sessions flashed back in his mind.

The no’s you gave. The swift burnings that followed backstage.

The times you ignored him, rolled your eyes or walked away. Locking you naked inside his snow-cold cellar.

Then, finally, your acceptance.

It was a shame, really, the things he had to do to mold you into the girl he wanted. Especially when it was so effortless for you to start out that way.

“Do you take Diluc as your husband?”

“I do.”

Then you both began to plead your vows. Diluc meant them within an inch of his life.

You, on the other hand, were just fulfilling your role.

Even though he spoiled you, occasionally let you outside and gave you all the emotional support you could ever need, you’d never truly love him.

This was fine with him. So long as you were a pretty woman to sleep beside, the emptiness inside him subsided.

To him, that was the only thing that truly mattered.

[luc-obsession]

Intimate

Diluc woke up to the cool, dry air of his bedroom, beside you. The harsh tapping of the rain against his roof should’ve calmed his heart, but right now, it only intensified his worry.

His worry that it might wake you, disrupting the present moment.

He liked waking up besides you, before you, so he could have the pleasure of watching you sleep. Sometimes he did little things like brush your hair with his hands, kiss your cheek and pretend to propose to you in a whisper.

You’d say yes. You always said yes.

He liked you best when your eyes were closed. When you were clueless of the outside world, unaware of what was going on. You never pulled away or rolled your eyes at him when you slept.

It was the only time you were at peace.

Diluc never asked you for sex. It was just another one of those things he took from you.

Particularly when it was impossible for you to notice.

Your warm, soft back lie against the side of his chest. Diluc slipped his hand inside your shirt and began to caress your tits. Lightly, though, so he could lie to you that it was all a dream.

You began to breathe louder. Your chest rose more slowly. More aggressively. Eventually, you brushed his hand off your right tit.

He stopped, not wanting you to notice.

Not until the day this was formally agreed upon.

Then he trailed his hand down your back, still outside of your shirt. He wanted to get closer to you. Closer to your gentle skin.

Closer to your back, which had the same scent as him.

Diluc inched himself against your neck, to take in your scent: worn leather and the finest desert flowers in Teyvat.

He wouldn’t let you forget him.

Diluc’s hand, now touching your ass, brushed circles against it.

A soft moan escaped your lips.

He wanted to press against them harder, to tempt you into cumming. But that would be too obvious.

Now his hand was close to your pussy.

On the nights you were horny and refused to fuck him, he felt you rub yourself against his leg.

Your cum wetting him up while your thighs circled against his. Fuck.

Just the thought of it got him hard.

He couldn’t wait until the day you’d willingly let him between your legs.

Since you didn’t rub yourself last night, he’d reached his hand towards your center.

Finally, he’d have the chance to smell the juices of your sweet cunt again.

He began to rub against it. In circles, just as you always had.

He did this sometimes. Usually on the same nights that you rubbed yourself, to be less suspicious.

But tonight, he just couldn’t wait.

Your breath began to hitch. Archons, you sound so hot.

He kept going, pressing a little more firmly than before.

Should he take his pants off? Put his dick between your warm, silken legs?

No. He never did it before because it would be too obvious. Too conspicuous.

But he had lifted you from the winery to his house without you noticing. From your bed to his every night, until you defaulted to his.

Still, feeling him roll over or pull down his pants would be enough movement to wake you.

Your cunt began to moisten. Diluc brushed his legs against yours.

His fingers were getting wet with your cum.

Diluc was grateful to be beside you. Close enough to smell you, hold you firmly in his grasp.

To have the cum of his favorite person, the only person left worth loving, on his fingers.

You shifted again as more panting escaped your lips.

Diluc rubbed harder still.

This wasn’t a good decision. The longer he rubbed your cunt, the higher his chances were of getting caught.

But he didn’t ever want to leave your pussy. Or the hug he had between your back, thighs and cunt.

He was in Celestia, but he couldn’t let you know that. He never could.

Your pussy twitched. Unconsciously, you were in the same euphoria that he was.

Good. You were both happy because of him. Just as it should be.

Diluc’s hand retreated from your soaking wet panties with a smile.

Then he brushed the insides of your cheeks. He simply couldn’t resist.

Another moan.

The rain’s patter softened. So did the smile on his face. He was done with you, for now.

Diluc pat your head to thank you all for the warmth you gave him.

When he turned to get up, to start his day, you turned towards him and caught his wrist.

Fuck.

. . .

You met his eyes. They darted away.

His hands had touched your…no, he had raped you while you were asleep.

You never expected him to stoop that low.

“Diluc.”

“I know, I know, I’m sorry.”

Your brows furrowed. “Why? Why did you-”

“Because,” he laughed. “You’re just too beautiful to be left untouched.”

He was fucked up in the head. Too fucked up to sleep beside.

It was a miracle you weren’t dead yet.

“But you could have asked,” you said, your eyes beginning to water.

“You don’t even accept my kisses. Why would you accept sex from me?”

You looked away from him. You both knew you’d say no.

“Hm?”

“I never wanted this,” you huffed. “I-I didn’t ask for this!”

“Just like I never asked for you to hate me. And yet, here we are.”

Could you really blame him for taking something he knew you’d deny?

Yes. Yes, you could.

He kidnapped you, moved you in with him, without asking. Gave you all those hugs without asking if you’d like them. Forced you to sleep next to him even though you pushed him away.

He didn’t love you. Love cared about how the other person felt. He didn’t.

You were just a pretty body that happened to fulfill his sick, selfish desires.

And you had to get away from him before he could cause you any more harm.

You tried to speak again, but no words came out. They wouldn’t have any effect on him anyway.

“Rest well, my love,” Diluc said, giving you another headpat. “You’ll need it.”

Minutes later, a cup of black tea sat on your breakfast plate. Nothing more.

That cup was drugged for sure. You weren’t getting any breakfast today.

You ran into your room, shut the door and slipped into your bed. Forcefully shut your eyes as tears began to stream down your face.

It was the only chance you had of shutting out your terrible captor.

[luc-obsession]

Kept

No matter how many bracelets and dresses Diluc bought for you, you still winced from his touch.

Wiped away his kisses when you thought he wasn’t looking.

Dove under your covers whenever he came to check on you.

Diluc couldn’t spoil you into returning his affection.

So he sat in his office chair as he rethought his strategy.

He’d confessed to you days after he stole you from the wild, your lifeblood.

Diluc saw what he did as a necessary evil, but to you, this was unforgivable treason.

Trying to buy your desire was the wrong approach. No, he should cater to your needs instead.

By becoming one of them.

If you and him mutually depended on each other, then it would be impossible for you to leave. Or even want to.

You already needed him financially; your commission money had long stopped rolling in.

But he wanted your heart to rely on him, too.

To replace your longing for the leaves with his touch. To take the wind’s spot in your heart with his firm voice. To make you savor the scent of his cologne instead of the forest’s flowers.

He was no longer satisfied with being your lover; he wanted to become your compulsion.

Inside his mind, another plan began to take shape.

. . .

Diluc began to come to your room more often. At first, just to wake you. Then, to bring your meals. Eventually, he brought your gifts, which were a lot different than before.

Your pearl necklaces were now love lockets. He brought you colognes with oddly familiar notes. Your fantasy novels were slowly overtaken by the fresh stacks of romance ones he bought.

He was determined to dominate your headspace. To influence you into loving him, whether you wanted to or not.

In weeks’ time, he’d fully replaced his maids in your life. They still helped him, of course, but as far as you were concerned, they didn’t exist.

It was much harder to ignore a generous, active lover who came to you every hour.

Just as it was much harder to resent someone who constantly chipped at your walls of scorn.

. . .

After Diluc hugged you goodbye and left, you peeked out the window. To see if some Fatui had ambushed him yet, obviously. Maybe then you could see the outside world again.

It was odd. You thought Diluc was a good friend, but he turned out to be a creep. A really possessive one at that.

It was nice to have free food and clothes, but that didn’t matter when you couldn’t spend any time outside.

Still, you walked back to your room as you picked up your love story, back where you left off.

Reading about those characters running through the lush grass of Chinju Forest wasn’t quite the same as being there, but it was close enough.

Sometimes, you'd replace the characters in those books with yourself and Diluc. If he were less restrictive, less controlling, then it could’ve been a dream.

You could’ve loved him, had he kept things the same as before, and confessed. Unfortunately, that wasn’t how things turned out.

So now you sat here on your warm bed, trailing the words on the page.

Everything reminded you of Diluc. The male protagonist’s height, the necklace with his name that hung around your neck, and the door in front of you.

As soon as you’d forgotten about him, he’d show up again, holding something that took either a lot of time or a lot of money.

You wanted to forget the overbearing redhead. But he wouldn’t let you. The more you stuffed those thoughts of him away, the more they’d find some way to creep back.

Your captor had no place in your heart, but he’d taken up every square inch of your mind.

He’d already won, but you couldn’t let him know that. Not if you wanted to keep the little space you had from him left.

[luc-obsession]

Taken

Diluc sat in his office chair, skimming over his monthly stack of vendor contracts and trade agreements. He signed about half the ones he read.

He no longer sat besides his lawyer - he knew enough legal jargon to read these papers alone. He also knew the tricks of the trade, which half of his customers tried to pull.

It seemed they were hoping he’d miss a word or two, or forgive the typos of an extra 0 they’d make.

He had no problems from his older, more experienced clients; it was the newer ones who typically made these exploitative “mistakes”.

He’d teach them that he maintained the upper hand - or at least equal footing - in all his dealings.

And you were no exception.

His door opened.

Two of his maids, holding you by your wrists, brought you inside.

Diluc thanked them; they nodded in response.

They left, closing the door behind them. A click followed.

You shrunk back from him.

Diluc knew you were hurt - betrayed, even. He had taken you for his own gain.

He brought you here to deal with the aftermath.

“Have a seat.”

You sat down, avoiding his eyes. There were dried tears on your face.

“Ask me anything. I know you have questions.”

You remained silent. This wouldn’t do.

“Answer me.”

A string of obscenities left your lips. This also wouldn’t do.

“Play nice, or I’ll cut your portions.”

Again, you fell silent. Then you started singing his tune.

“I trusted you, Diluc! So why did you betray me?”

“Sumeru is quite dangerous. I hear the enemies there are twice as harmful as Liyue’s.”

Diluc needed back your trust. What better way to earn it than a few well-crafted lies?

“But I know my way around a fight!”

“Not enough to defeat a Level 90 Terrorshroom with only Hydro and a sword.”

Both of which he’d taken from you.

“I’m keeping you here for your protection, and you were eager to go.”

You sighed.

“If you went and never returned…I don’t think I could bear it.”

“Look, I think it’s great you care about my safety and all, but adventuring is who I am.”

You were right. The light in your eyes had dimmed - because of him.

If he let you indulge yourself and explore Sumeru, you’d leave him for over a month, and possibly never return.

If you stay with him, you’d never leave Mondstadt again. You’d lose the thing that made you, you. The very reason he loved you.

It was already beginning to fade.

Still, he wouldn’t be Diluc if the only person keeping him sane left for so long.

He couldn’t go back to being a shadow of his former self.

“I understand, but I need you.”

Your eyes widened.

“Is that the actual reason you kidnapped me?”

“Yes, my love.”

“But I don’t return your feelings,” you spat. “I only love good men!”

“I am a good man. I’m keeping you safe, aren’t I?”

“I’d rather die than live with you!”

That hurt. But he wasn’t surprised.

Diluc clapped his hands twice. There was nothing more he could say.

His maids opened the door again.

“Come, we’re going back to your room.”

“Back to your room.”

They grabbed your wrists and marched you out of the door.

You longed for Teyvat’s treasures, but Diluc couldn’t let you have them. So he’d do the next best thing: spoil you into longing for him instead.

. . .

Every morning, Diluc laid a massive breakfast on your dresser.

Whenever he made steak, you’d get stacks of four, with cheese slices sandwiched in between. He’d give you enough hash browns to fill your plate, piled high enough to reach the jelly bowl in the center.

The night after your discussion, he’d gotten his maids to test every soap on the market. They wouldn’t stop until they found the one that made their hands gentlest, hair smoothest, and faces clearest. Then they picked that brand in the scent you loved most, all on Diluc’s dime.

You bathed in that daily. When you came out, you were dressed in the finest silk robes and dresses, doubly as soft as the ones you used to wear.

He’d ordered you a copy of each of Mondstadt’s and Inazuma’s most popular book series, up to the latest volumes. He knew how much you loved Yae’s tales.

But not Sumeru’s. That would remind you of his transgression, and Diluc was determined to make you forget.

He gave you bottles of your favorite wines. Let you play games of Invocation TCG with his maids, or even him, if you’d like.

He even let your old friends visit, once he’d made clear that you weren’t going anywhere.

But nothing he did brought back your old smile. Nothing revived the light that once shone in your eyes.

He’d turned you into the very thing he was afraid to become.

Now he couldn’t stand the sight of his own reflection.

[luc-obsession]

Your Delight

At the Angel’s Share, you were Diluc’s favorite guest. 

You weren’t a slobbering drunkard without a sense of restraint. Or an alcoholic who only seemed to remember manners after a glass of wine. 

Nor were you one of those who drank for the lone chance of getting a taste of thrill in their boring lives. 

You had adventures, and the bright, bold spirit to go with them. The tales you told him of reaching Dragonspine’s peak, sneaking into the Raiden Shogun’s bedroom and sailing with Beidou to discover new islands captured his heart.

Just as you had. 

Your eyes, lively as fireflies, and your smile, sweet as dandelion breeze, both warmed his heart every time he thought of you.

In return, he’d opened up to you about his own adventures. 

Whenever you came, he’d give you a free drink with your order, so you’d grin every time you saw him. 

You gravitated towards him, too. He still remembered the time you called him good company. 

Since you knew each other so well, he’d already considered you his lover.

But you stopped visiting as often. He was beginning to see less of your delightful face. Soon, you’d stop coming to him. Eventually, he’d become little more than a fading memory in the back of your mind. 

Diluc wasn’t going to let himself lose someone else he loved.

So he devised a plan. 

                                         . . . 

The last time you came, Diluc noticed that you held your head lower than usual.

Though your eyes and graceful beauty remained the same.

What was wrong, dear?

You sat in front of Diluc at the bar, and he slid you a drink. You smiled and thanked him for the cup. 

“I’m going to Sumeru soon, so I’ll be away from Mondstadt for a while,” you said. 

You took a sip from your glass. Diluc didn’t want you to notice that the drink would taste differently than last time.

“A shame. I enjoy our time together.”

“I’ll be back, Diluc. I promise.”

That wasn’t enough.

“Mondstadt won’t be the same without you.”

You paused. Had you noticed the aftertaste?

“Is that how much I mean to you?” you asked.

“Without a doubt,” Diluc nodded.

So you hadn’t noticed, or at least not enough to care. 

Your eyes began to water. Maybe he could change your mind.

“Which is it, traveler? Will you stay here or leave for Sumeru?”

Diluc knew the actual answer. He just wanted to know how much you liked him back.

“I-I don’t know. Archons, I wish I could bring you with me.”

Your blinking slowed. 

You were quiet now. He’d already missed the sound of your cloudlike voice. But he didn’t want to interrupt your thoughts.

Diluc collected the dirty wine glasses beside you and put them away. 

“I’m sorry, Diluc, but I’ve wanted to go to Sumeru for a really long time. I’ll make this place my first stop back.”

Diluc frowned. He couldn’t talk you into wanting to stay. That didn’t matter, though. It wasn’t your choice to make.

“It’s fine, really.”

“Thank you,” you yawned. 

Now your head was flat against his table. It was only a matter of time before it was flat against his lap.

Diluc laced your drink with a sleeping agent he paid Albedo for. 

He hoped you wouldn’t mind. Hoped that, with time, you would come to see the benefits of his ownership.

When the other customers left and he finished closing up shop, he lifted your unconscious body in his arms, then let your head rest against his shoulder.

Then Diluc rubbed your back as he basked in your delight.