lunamooo

[lunamooo]

Elita and her lovely Wife, the mother of their children

And Mirage and Cliffjumper cause im obsessed with them

[lunamooo]

We don't talk enough how Kaeya literally just. Appeared.

Thinking about how Kaeya literally has NO legal documents. So like, logically, Crepus had to forge some stuff. Where is he from? Who knows but his birthday is on Nov30- don't fact check that.

Since Kaeya was abandoned, it does actually qualify him for the Late Birth Registration law in most places, and it probably makes it a lot easier that they're in the city of freedom but STILL, Crepus having to fill that up is so funny to me because he is STRUGGLING.

This kid is seven and the only way they knew his age was bc of some wacko they met on the way to Liyue for a family trip, who was high as a kite, being like "oh ya I'm a licensed pediatrician that is a SEVEN YEAR OLD" and threw up right after. And that was all they had to go off of bc Kaeya was near meltdowns at any mentions of medical testing (he's scared they'll figure out who he actually is, but comes to the realization that there's nothing to match him to)

This kid doesn't even remember his BIRTHDAY. Crepus and Diluc literally had to assign him one. Dude, he is JUST mastering Mondstadtian, he's still stuttering. How do you expect this kid to remember if he's gotten his mandatory baby shots? And he shouldn't be expected to!! HE'S SEVEN.

Crepus, filling out the forms with Kaeya on his lap:

"Kaeya, do you know your blood type?- Wait have you gotten vaccinated?"

"…Huh"

"Archons is this why you're ill 89% of the time"

Eventually, Kaeya agrees for a medical check up bc they genuinely need info on him to fill in his legal meds reports and good fucking lord HOW is this kid SURVIVING. Why is he deficient in 9 different vitamins?? Do we even HAVE 9 different vitamins to be deficient in?? So he ends up in the cathedral for like. A solid 3 months. A month where he literally couldn't leave and 2 where he's in and out for tests and check-ups.

(Turns out he IS seven but alchemy can only go so far so still no concrete birthday)

Crepus is pacing front and back, cursing Kaeya's stupid family.

Not for leaving him, no, Crepus actually feels slightly guilty that he's grateful they left him bc it gave the Ragnvindrs a wonderful new son.

No he's cursing them bc could they really not have made it easier by leaving his STUPID birth certificate and medical records with him? If you wanna abandon him, fine! MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE PERSON TO TAKE HIM IN. GOD.

Diluc and Kaeya was NOT aware of their father's anguish lmao Diluc kept sneaking in with a bunch of trinkets and books to make sure Kaeya isn't bored. Him, Jean, Kaeya and Thoma play Uno on Kaeya's medical bed

(No one is winning but Diluc is DEFINITELY losing. Kaeya has 6 wins, Jean 5, Thoma 5, and Diluc none. He nearly accidentally set Kaeya's cathedral bedsheet on fire after his 12th loss)

At some point, Crepus just starts making shit up bc dude he just wants to take this kid in please. The kid seems to know as much abt himself as Crepus knows of him, so he's no help

(and that's not his fault but come on these documents need filling)

HE JUST WANTS TO TAKE HIM HOME AND ENROLL HIM IN CLASSES WITHOUT THE KNIGHTS BEING ON HIS ASS FOR TECHNICAL KIDNAPPING.

He tells Adelinde this in a rant once:

"You forged legal documents."

"I mean, technically? Most of them were true and obtained by legal means"

"…most of them."

"Okay lets be honest right now, Addie, this is probably the tamest crime you know I've committed"

Ragnvindr Family ily (Also I'm a firm believer that Thoma was a frequent friend in Jean, Kaeya, and Diluc's schemes)

[lunamooo]

I’m looking back at this and thinking, I can do better than this. Maybe I will, let em know .

I made a animation of dark cacao x self insert for fun and wanted to share , I jest like the idea of stealing his big coat and jest turning into a ball ^^ and ic anyone wants to make a fanfic based on this go ahead jest credit if you use the animation ^^

Hope yall enjoy

[lunamooo]

[lunamooo]

YOUR DARK CACAO?!?!?!??!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!!??!?!

AAAAAAAAAHH

[lunamooo]

*Blinks*

[lunamooo]

I want to make a headcaon of diluc and kaeya having a younger sibling. The reason their there is anouther time. For now I want to explain a about how they would feel after everything that happened.

Like for example I made them (ima use my persona cuz I can, their name is luna)

Luna was 14 when crepus passed,and turned 15 when diluc left. I made their birthday may 12, so a couple days after everything, diluc leaving and kaeya being disowned basically but not really, verbally anyways but not on paper , so there is Luna, a lone 14-15 year old in the reading of the will, crepus distant relative there but their not included in his will. His side of the family is not the best and he left most of his things to his kids and the winery staff..

And since the main 2 people that were supposed to get most of crepus forten is not there (diluc and kaeya) and only luna present, after a couple of months after his death it is placed under her name. So everything that wasn't given to the staff was left to Luna, she held documents to his estates and the many records he placed under a lawyer now belong to her.

(Look I dont know how this works soo....yeah let's say this is what happens)

So now, a depressed and overwhelmed kid is left with a winery to handle, the staff try their best comfort and make sure everything is taken of but of course the mourning period set them back a couple of months, so its busy to finish what crepus left off, and Luna didn't know what to do. She followed along and help read papers outloud to crepus when she hung around his office bored sometimes but never actually done what it takes to do the work.

And imagine doing that for 4 years...your teen years turning into adult ones in seconds needing to mature because the business world is not all sunshine and rainbow.

Imagine all the older experienced winery owners taking advantage of the situation, offering help and guidance but end up stealing papers of wine ingredients that are secret. That what Luna worried about, being told by her dad to be careful and observant about others.

It scares her how many of the businesses men she new around her father were quick to give help but feel suspicious when they said they'll do it without a price. Some seem genuine, other maybe putting on a mask to get their way.

My how stressful it must be for 4 years of that, learning more about winery work and the process. She practically left out her studying to keep up the business. Some thing of course were taken care of by other staff but still need to get approval from the owner.

And now let's talk about realashinship with her older brothers. Of course she had less contact with kaeya, with him avoiding the winery and anyone connected to it, including Luna. So it pained and frustrated her when he wouldn't speak to her and she had get well gifts cuz the only time she was close to kaeya was at the funeral. She was right next to him, hugged him once it was over, dilucs off to the side watching.

It was very low to no contact with kaeya, they would say hi here and there and Luna wanting to chat more with him but him excusing himself all the time the request for him to come over lunch or dinner or whatever Luna could think of...

And diluc...well he was just...gone...didn't say anything nore came close to being in contact with Luna.

She would sent letter and missing person flyers with diluc on it for anyone to look for him, and got nothing.

(I dont know if I want to make Luna adopted ,I'll probably go with that. Damn crepus be collecting kids like pokemon)

And where do I begin when diluc comes back...hmm..

It was, shocking to say the least when he came back. I have an idea what he was like when he came back. Most likely malnourished and covered in old and new scars that were likely infect in a degree.for the first couple of days of diluc returning he rested and gained back his strength little by little, luna at his side. She was glad and relieved he was alive and home, but felt a slight anger for him leaving them alone for so long.

She cried when he came back,hugging him and scared to let him go. Of course she sent a letter to kaeya that diluc was back since she was aware he also sent letters to diluc when he was absent and got no reply.he sent a letter back saying hes glad hes alive, that he will see diluc when hes well (in the maga that takes place,I think? Maybe)

Now,when diluc got better and he was in a stable state of mind and body he began to wonder what Luna did while he was gone, he saw that she was grown now. Hair longer and to her ribs,and she looked more tired now..very tired, the bags under eyes evident of that. She was more straight forward now with how she asked for things, asking what he did while he was out. How did he keep himself fed and ext ext.

It felt like she was scolding him for his reckless actions and was more angry when he told her he was banned from a nation now.

Man did he get an ear full of all her frustrations and worries she been holding back for the past 4 years.

[lunamooo]

EN kaeya animation again bc.. him……

[lunamooo]

So, I finally decided it's time to bring light to the ages in my Family AU for better understanding. I really hope it will be clear for you guys, so please, bear with me.

First, @lunargrapejuice 's fic that started everything - An unexpected surprise (linked in my AU masterlist too). There we learn of Kaeya becoming a father in the future and so his pretty girl Callie is born when he is 24. At that time Diluc is 25, not yet married to his wife, but they will soon.

Then Callie is 5 in my fic A child of our own, there she pesters her uncle and aunt about cousins and they eventually begin expecting.

Twins are born when Callie is 6, Diluc 31, his wife is probably two or three years younger (or however you my dear readers interpret), Kaeya is 30, his wifie is also up to your interpretation.

As of now I have fics where twins are 4, 5 and 6 years old so you can estimate approximate age go everyone else. Plus, there is the third baby as well! So I'll be including his age too.

To make it easier I'll put a name of a fic and then twins' and Cyrus's ages not to search for it in text:

Auntie - not born yet

A child of our own - not born yet

They got it from you - 4

After the cold there is always warmth - 5

The little chaser - 5

A precious sight - 6

The holiday is right around the corner - 6

Can we get a... - 6

The birth of the Dawn and the Dusk - 6 and 0

Also one more thing! I decided that twins' birthday is in August! Yet I am still deciding on the date hehe. And Cyrus shares his birthday with his father - the 30th of April.

It'll be updated more as the story continues~

[lunamooo]

he eats you out fucking godly

thoma, heizou, scaramouche, diluc, ayato, kaeya, ITTO, ZHONGLI, alhaitham, kaveh, kazuha, VENTI, diluc‘s father

[lunamooo]

“what are you doing?”

you comically cower behind his back even further.

“hiding.”

“...why?”

“because there's a flipping lion in the room with us, JING YUAN. that's what.” you snap back angrily.

if you're wondering how you got into this predicament—it's not that far from being akin to a kidnapper leading on a child with sweets and delicacies.

under the guise of work and a few promised cuddles, he had made you follow his steps into his home—now with you glued to his body like it's your own lifeline. the snow-white lion snugly lies down by the only exit of the room you're both occupying—having just introduced herself when it came to jing yuan for a few pets, scaring the bejeebers out of you when its fur had grazed the back of your thighs all of a sudden.

the lion only shows confusion yet complies when jing yuan coaxed her to go away for a few moments. in other words—for you to take a breather.

in response to your much evident suffering and growing impatience, a mirthful laugh escapes him, craning his head to look at you over his shoulder to throw you a small mischievous grin “it's just my cat. i don't see the problem.”

“that's fully grown lion, you scoundrel!” you hit his back weakly, whisper-yelling as if said lion would attack you if you spoke any louder. “a-ah...it's looking at me weirdly. it's definitely thinking of how delicious i am!”

“mimi is very gentle. i doubt she's thinking of such a thing.”

you sink further in his shadow when the lion catches your wary gaze with a tilt of its head. “jing, please. it may like you, but i doubt that a territorial species would enjoy having a stranger around its person bubble.”

“you're free to leave anytime, darling. i'm not forcing you to stay.” he says coyly.

“with how your adorable little mimi is standing right by the door—i doubt i can leave of my own accord.”

“so you think she's adorable? good to hear that.” oh, now he has selective hearing?

“jing yuan. please.” you kneel down and tug on his robes pleadingly, catching him off guard to the point he has now decided to fully turn towards you in mild surprise. “i really don't know how to deal with this! i don't dislike her or anything, i'm just super scared that she won't like me and would—”

“calm down.” your lover couches down before you, hand raising to pat your head. “she doesn't bite. i promise.”

“how are you so sure?” you question incredulously, ignoring the way your heartbeat quickens at his actions. “even if she's domesticated, she's still an animal that thrives on her own survival instincts.”

“dearest, would i really have taken in a pet if it was openly feral?”

“yep. you would.” you reply in a heartbeat.

his eye twitches in return.“ahem—okay, so as i was saying,” standing up to his full height, he stretches out a hand towards you, staring at you softly as he does so. “we both know i adore delicate and gentle things, [name]. mimi is exactly that—hence why i didn't mind taking her in and burdened you with meeting her.”

you raise a brow. he shrugs, opting to resign upon your obvious reluctance on the matter.

“truthfully, i wished to see my two favourite companions to bond and get along with my own two eyes,” he heaves an apologetic huff, a tad bit disappointed whilst you only stare in surprise, “but if you're really uncomfortable with it then i suppose i shouldn't force you.”

he helps you up with ease when you finally put your hand on his, hastily padding off the dust that was caught in your clothes upon kneeling down.

grasping your hand comfortingly to calm your nerves, you hate that it work flawlessly upon his touch.

“let's go?”

you were about to nod—until your gaze catches the lion's once more.

...pretty eyes.

snowmoon.

your heart clenches at the realisation.

“on second thought...” you trail off, watching as the mammal sits up in anticipation at your eye contact. jing yuan raises a brow at you, “i think i'll try interacting with her.”

he huffs out a deep chuckle, “really, you don't have to—”

“mimi?” you call out, leaning sideways to look past behind your lover's tall figure. he does the same, turning his head over his shoulder to look at the same direction you're fixated on.

the lion perks up, and starts walking towards you. you grin, but not before whispering back to jing yuan,

“if she actually bites me, we're breaking up.”

“no promises.”

you finally pat the lion's head after about an hour of excessive whining it'll bite you, finally havin found the courage to actually see it as a mere domesticated cat whilst glaring daggers at the owner.

“mimi...attack that bad guy.” you point at him, face still looking smug as ever.

“she won't listen to y—” said lion pounces on him.

idek what this is fiakehwjbsksbw i cant write no more man,,,,*/proceeds to make another jingyuan drabble in google doc

[lunamooo]

Play With Fire - Chapter 2

Pairing – Diluc x Ex Fatuus f! Reader

A/N: Compared to my Al Haitham series, this story showcases a higher level of maturity. It's worth mentioning that the plot revolves around enemies turned lovers, resulting in a significant amount of angst, red flags, and toxicity. Therefore, if this type of content isn't your cup of tea, I'd advise against reading it. Additionally, as Diluc has never interacted with someone from this particular background, his characterization may deviate from what readers are accustomed to. MNDI. If you would like to be added to the taglist, please let me know in the latest chapter of this series.

Summary: For three long years, you've been on the run after abandoning the Fatui. Your journey to find a place to call home brings you to Mondstadt, but things take an unexpected turn when you encounter a battle in Dragonspine. You help a masked stranger with flaming red hair defeat seven Fatui agents, only to discover that he is the infamous Diluc Ragnvindr. As you settle into your new life in Mondstadt, you can't help but wonder what uncertainties lie ahead, especially with the looming threat of Diluc uncovering your true identity. Will you be able to find a sense of belonging in this new land, or will your past come back to haunt you?

Content Warnings - Angst, anxiety, torture, medical experimentation, abandonment, hate, death, murder, blood, violence, experimentation, prison, toxic relationships, sabotage, smut, panic attack, mental trauma, institutionalization, depression, smut (will add more based on chapters)

Chapter 2 – Precious Guest

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Diluc's POV

Diluc poured through the letters he had received from his underground network about the mysterious Snezhnayan girl currently imprisoned in his basement. He had never been one to rely on such methods, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Ever since he first laid eyes on her in Dragonspine, her nonchalant demeanor in his tavern, and her hidden intent, something about her had bothered him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he knew that he had to find out more about her. She was a traveler, supposedly in Mondstadt out of curiosity. But he knew better than to believe that. Her movements had been too calculated, too precise. Diluc had a feeling that she was up to something, and he wasn't about to let her get away with it.

He paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing with different scenarios. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about her, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it. As he walked to the basement where she was being held, his thoughts were clouded with confusion. He didn't want to admit it, but there was something about her that intrigued him. Perhaps it was her audacity, her willingness to take risks. Or maybe it was her unwavering determination, her refusal to back down even in the face of danger. Whatever it was, he couldn't deny that he was drawn to her, even if it was in a negative way.

When he entered the basement, he found her sitting calmly in her cell, her eyes fixed on him. He could feel her gaze piercing through him, and he had to remind himself that he was the one in control. Adelinde stood in front of her, as she sat against the wall, chained to it.

“Your instincts were right, Master Diluc.” Adelinde turns to him. “Our guest here indeed is a part of the Fatui. I found a tattoo on her arm with Fatui sigil.”

Diluc's eyes widened as Adelinde revealed that the Snezhnayan girl before him had a Fatui sigil on her arm. He watched as her eyes flickered in fear, her face turning pale. He felt a pit form in his stomach as he realized the gravity of the situation. This girl, whom he had been suspicious of from the start, was indeed a member of the notorious Fatui.

Without hesitation, Diluc walked towards her and crouched in front of her, grabbing her chin roughly in his gloved hand. “Now what is the reason that a Fatui is masquerading as an adventurer in Mondstadt, hmm? What are you up to, (y/n)?”

Her lips quivered as she stammered, "I...I'm not a Fatui anymore." Her eyes pleaded with him, but he remained unmoved. He had encountered enough of her kind to know better than to trust their words. Adelinde leaves the room to let Diluc do what he does best.

Diluc's grip tightened on her chin, his eyes narrowing as he looked at her with disdain. "Don't lie to me," he spat, his voice dripping with anger. "I've met many of your kind before, and I know how deceitful and dangerous you can be. Now tell me, what is the Fatui planning in Mondstadt?"

She swallowed hard, her body trembling, but she didn't answer. Diluc leaned in closer, his face inches away from hers, his eyes locked onto hers. He could see the fear in her eyes, the desperation as she struggled to find the right words.

"You can't hide the truth from me," Diluc said, his voice low and menacing. "I will find out one way or another, and the consequences will be severe if you don't cooperate."

The girl's breathing grew ragged as tears welled up in her eyes. She finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not a part of the Fatui anymore," she repeated, her voice shaky. "I left them...I left them behind."

Diluc narrowed his eyes, his grip on her chin relenting slightly, but he remained skeptical. He had heard enough lies in his line of work to know when someone was trying to manipulate him. He didn't like the way she had gotten under his skin, and he knew that he had to be careful. Whatever game she was playing, he wasn't about to lose.

“Who did you report to?” He asks, as he lets go of her chin.

“I… I don’t know.” He sees her hesitate. “I was always asked to shift through different teams… I.. I was moved around a lot.”

Diluc studied her carefully, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. Could he trust her? Was she telling the truth? He couldn't deny the fear he had seen in her eyes, the desperation in her voice. But he couldn't let his guard down either. The stakes were too high.

“What is your real name?” He demands. The more he would know about her, the more information he could uncover.

“I d-didn’t lie about m-my name. It is (y/n).” She whispers.

Diluc scoffed at her response, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "You expect me to believe that? (Y/n)? That doesn't sound like a Snezhnayan name to me," he said with a sneer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me your full name, or do you think I'm a fool?"

(Y/n) met his gaze with unwavering determination, her fear now replaced with a steely resolve. She took a deep breath, composing herself before speaking. "My name is (Y/n) Snezhevna," she said, her voice steady. "But I don't know my real last name.”

Diluc's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. Snezhevna was the name given to female orphans in the House of Hearth. He had heard of the Fatui's practice of indoctrinating orphans and using them as sleeper agents in other nations. It made sense now why her name hadn't sounded of Snezhnayan origin. She was one of them, trained to deceive and manipulate.

His disgust for her grew, and he couldn't contain his anger any longer. He looked at her with disdain, his grip on her arm tightening once again. "You're nothing but a pawn of the Fatui," he spat, his voice filled with venom. "Sent here to carry out their nefarious plans. You make me sick."

(Y/n) didn't flinch at his words. She held his gaze, her resolve unshaken. "I left the Fatui, Diluc," she said, her voice steady. "I don't want anything to do with them anymore."

Diluc scoffed again, his grip on her arm becoming even more forceful. "Do you expect me to believe that?” he said, his voice laced with anger. "You can't be trusted. You're just like the rest of them."

Tears welled up in (Y/n)'s eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "I'm not like them," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "I've been trying to make amends for what I've done."

Diluc shook his head, his grip on her arm finally releasing. He stood up, towering over her with a look of disdain. "I don't believe you," he said firmly. "And I won't let you continue your charade in Mondstadt. You're not to be trusted, (Y/n) Snezhevna."

As Diluc turned to leave, (Y/n) spoke up one last time, her voice filled with determination. "I'll prove it to you," she said, her tears finally falling. "I'll show you that I'm not like them. Just give me a chance."

Diluc ignored (Y/n) completely, his anger still burning within him as he stormed out of the basement and back to his office. Adelinde greeted him with a worried look on her face. She knew better than to interrupt him when he was in such a foul mood, so she simply brought him a glass of tea and set it down on his desk, wordlessly.

Diluc sat down heavily in his chair, his eyes fixed on the envelope containing the documents about (Y/n) Snezhevna. He tore it open with fervor, his fingers gripping the papers tightly as he read through them in great detail. The description of the person on the papers matched (Y/n), although her hair was now longer than what the document described. She had been reported missing for the past three years, and what sent a chill down Diluc's spine was that the Fatui had requested her to be captured alive at any cost, instead of being killed on sight like their usual protocol for those who abandon their mission.

"Adelinde, come here," Diluc said, his voice low and commanding. Adelinde approached his desk cautiously, peering over his shoulder at the documents. Diluc's eyes narrowed as he pointed out the missing records before the age of 11.

"Her records before the age of 11 are missing," he said, his tone incredulous. "This is highly unusual. The Fatui are meticulous in maintaining their records, and for hers to be missing, it can't be a mere coincidence."

Adelinde furrowed her brows, her eyes scanning the documents intently. "Indeed, this is very strange," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "It seems like there's more to (Y/n) Snezhevna than meets the eye."

Diluc nodded in agreement, his mind racing with possibilities. "Exactly. It's clear that she's hiding something, and the Fatui seem to be desperate to get her back. But why? What could she possibly know that makes her being alive more valuable to them than dead?"

Adelinde shook her head, her expression troubled. "I'm not sure, but we need to be careful, Master Diluc. If the Fatui are after her, she could be a liability."

Diluc clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. "We need to find out the truth and decide our next move." As he looked at the documents once more, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. (Y/n) Snezhevna was definitely not what she seemed, and the mystery surrounding her only deepened. With determination in his eyes, Diluc vowed to uncover the truth, no matter how dark and twisted it might be.

————————————

Diluc descended the stairs to the basement of Dawn Winery, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He had spent days poring over (Y/n)'s documents, trying to piece together the puzzle of her past. He knew he couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgment, but it was hard to ignore the guilt that gnawed at his chest as he approached her.

As he entered the dimly lit room, he saw (Y/n) sitting against the wall, her once vibrant eyes now dull and lifeless. Her hair was matted, and her lips were cracked and dry. The prominent dark circles under her eyes spoke of sleepless nights and relentless questioning by Adelinde. But despite it all, there was still a defiant smirk on her lip

“You look well.” Diluc looks at her, as her gaze never leaves him.

“Why thank you.” She laughs dryly. “Adelinde has been so kind to me. The Dawn Winery’s hospitality treatment is really something. I’ll make sure to leave a raving review.” She was struggling to speak; he could see that.

"Why are the Fatui after you?" Diluc demanded, his voice low and steady, trying to keep his emotions in check.

(Y/n) looked up at him, her voice hoarse as she spoke. "I don't know," she said, her eyes locking with his. "I've told you everything I know."

Diluc studied her carefully, his gaze probing for any signs of deception. But all he saw was resignation in her eyes. She had given up, as if she had accepted her fate.

Before he could ask his next question, she spoke again, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "If you're going to kill me, then get on with it," she said, her smirk widening. "All this teasing and edging is just rude."

Diluc clenched his fists, torn between the conflicting emotions inside him. He wanted to trust her, to believe that she had truly abandoned the Fatui and was trying to make amends. But he couldn't ignore the bloodshed and betrayal that her records revealed. She had been a part of heinous schemes, and her hands were stained with the blood of innocent lives.

"You think this is a joke?" Diluc said, his voice laced with anger. "You've killed so many people, (Y/n). You were a part of the Fatui's twisted plans.”

(Y/n) looked at him, her smirk fading, and for a moment, he saw a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. “You act like I had a choice.” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “You can hate me all you want, I deserve that. But I didn’t have a choice in what I was doing.”

Diluc clenched his jaw, torn between his desire to believe her and his duty to protect Mondstadt from any potential threats. He couldn't afford to make a mistake, not when the stakes were so high. “There’s always a choice. Choosing death is better than what you have done.  I need to know the truth," Diluc said, his voice firm. " What do you know that makes you so valuable to them?"

(Y/n) looked away, her gaze fixed on the ground. "I already told you, I don't know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just a pawn in their game, like I was before."

Diluc took a deep breath, his mind racing. He knew he had to make a decision, and he couldn't afford to hesitate any longer. He approached (Y/n) slowly, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I don't trust you," Diluc said, his voice cold and unyielding. "But I won't kill you either. Not yet."

(Y/n) raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "How generous of you, Red" she said sarcastically.

Diluc looked at (Y/n) intently, trying to gauge her reactions. He couldn't afford to make a mistake, not when the stakes were so high. "I need to know the truth," he said, his voice firm. "What do you know that makes you so valuable to the Fatui?"

(Y/n) hesitated, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. Diluc could tell she was struggling with something, and for a moment, he saw a flash of fear in her eyes before she quickly composed herself. “I don’t… know.”

“Fine… play your games,” he sighs in frustration. “I will find out the truth one way or the other, (y/n).” He walks towards her, towering over her small frame.

As Diluc approached (Y/n), she closed her eyes and shrunk into herself, her body trembling as she anticipated his next move. Diluc couldn't help but notice how her reaction was instinctive, as if she had been in this position before. He reached for her shackles, his hands brushing against hers briefly as he undid them. The contact made her flinch and withdraw into herself even further, as if she couldn't bear the touch of another person. He felt a jolt of discomfort as she flinched and withdrew further, the fear in her eyes palpable. She took a deep breath as she realized she had been freed from her restraints. The spark in her eyes returned, but Diluc only glared at her.

"I am releasing you, but you are to never leave Mondstadt," Diluc's voice was sharp, his tone laced with a deadly warning. "Your every move, every action, will be reported to me. If you dare step out of Mondstadt, I will hunt you down, and I won't hesitate to end you. And if I even suspect a hint of betrayal from you, I will make sure you suffer a fate worse than death."

He watched as (Y/n) nodded silently, her fear evident in the tremor of her voice. Diluc's grip tightened, his fingers digging into his palms as he fought to control his anger. He couldn't afford to trust her, not after what she had done.

"Do you understand?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous, his eyes locked onto hers.

Her nod was barely audible, and Diluc's glare intensified. He took a step back, his hand falling away from hers, but his threat hung heavy in the air. He wanted to make sure she knew the consequences of betraying him.

"You are trapped in Mondstadt, (Y/n), until I uncover the truth about you," Diluc said, his voice dripping with venom. "You will be watched, every move you make, every breath you take, I will be there. And if you so much as think of betraying me, you will wish for death."

With that, Diluc turned and walked away, leaving (Y/n) standing there, her expression a mix of fear and determination. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, not with her. He had to find out the truth, no matter what it took, and make sure that Mondstadt was safe.

Diluc ascended the stairs from the basement, his senses on high alert. He could hear (Y/n) following him, keeping her distance, trying not to draw attention to herself. He could sense her presence, her movements cautious and calculated. He couldn't help but notice how raspy her voice sounded when she spoke earlier, a clear sign that she needed water and possibly food. She had been trapped in his basement for a few days, and he couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at him for not taking better care of her. But he quickly scolded himself for letting his guard down and thinking about her. She was a former member of the Fatui, after all, and she could handle herself.

As Diluc stepped into his office, he saw (Y/n) emerging from the basement behind him. She flinched at the bright light, hissing in discomfort, and it took her a few moments to adjust to the sudden change in lighting. Adelinde, Diluc's trusted aide, stood waiting for them, her expression unreadable. Diluc noticed the tension in the air, the palpable animosity between (Y/n) and Adelinde. He could feel the tension radiating from both of them, and it only added to the already charged atmosphere.

(Y/n) looked disheveled, her clothes dirty and her hair unkempt. She looked tired and hungry, and Diluc felt a pang of guilt again. Had Adelinde taken care of her basic needs while she was in the basement, or had she been left to suffer? What would his father think of all of this? He pushed those thoughts aside, reminding himself that she was still a potential threat to Mondstadt, and he couldn't afford to let his guard down.

Adelinde's eyes locked onto (Y/n) as she stepped into the office, and Diluc could see the tension in her shoulders. (Y/n), on the other hand, kept her eyes down, avoiding Adelinde's gaze, her body language defensive. Diluc could sense the unspoken hostility between them, and he knew that he had to diffuse the situation before it escalated.

"Adelinde, leave us," Diluc said, his voice commanding. Adelinde hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering between Diluc and (Y/n), before she reluctantly nodded and left the room. Diluc watched her go, making sure that she was out of earshot before turning his attention back to (Y/n).

"You must be hungry and thirsty," Diluc said, his voice neutral but tinged with concern. "Did Adelinde take care of your basic needs while you were in the basement?" He couldn't help but notice the flicker of surprise in (Y/n)'s eyes, as if she hadn't expected him to show any concern for her well-being. She remained silent, avoiding his gaze, and Diluc felt a surge of frustration.

Diluc's gaze never left (Y/n) as he reached for the jug of water on his table. He poured it slowly into a glass, the clear liquid shimmering in the brightly lit room. He couldn't help but notice how (Y/n)'s eyes followed the water, her expression a mix of skepticism and desperation. He smirked, knowing that she was wary of his intentions.

"It's not poisoned," Diluc said, his voice low and steady as he handed the glass to (Y/n).

She looked at it for a moment, her hands trembling as she reached for it. Diluc could see the hunger and thirst in her eyes, the way her throat moved as she swallowed, a clear sign that she was parched. (Y/n) took the glass hesitantly, her grip tight but her eyes never leaving Diluc's. He could feel the tension between them, the unspoken words that hung in the air. Diluc knew that (Y/n) was aware of the power dynamics at play, the fact that she was at his mercy in his own office. As (Y/n) brought the glass to her lips, Diluc watched intently. Her lips parted, and she tilted her head back, chugging the water down in large gulps. Diluc could see the relief on her face, the way her throat bobbed with each swallow. She was clearly thirsty, and he couldn't help but wonder how long she had been without water. Despite her desperation, (Y/n) didn't ask for more water, even though Diluc could see that she needed it. Her hands were still trembling as she lowered the glass, her eyes locking onto Diluc's once again. He could see the mix of emotions in her gaze, the wariness, the fear, and the determination. She was a former member of the Fatui, after all, trained to be cautious and self-sufficient.

He watched as she hesitated, her eyes flickering towards the jug of water on the table before settling back on him. He could see the hunger and thirst in her eyes, but she didn't say anything. Diluc couldn't deny the conflicting emotions within him. He knew that he had to find out the truth about (Y/n), to ensure the safety of Mondstadt. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility towards her well-being. She was no longer a member of the Fatui, and she looked tired, hungry, and desperate. He couldn't help but admire her resilience, her determination to not show weakness in front of him.

"I can see that you're still hungry. I shall ask Adelinde to bring you food.” He heads towards the door of his office.

“No, it’s fine.” He hears her say. “I can manage it by myself. I assume I can still live in the inn located in the city? Or am I to live here?”

“As long as you’re within Mondstadt, I don’t care where you live.” Diluc replied, trying to keep his emotions in check.

Diluc called for Adelinde, and she entered the office promptly. He asked her to bring (Y/n)'s belongings, and she nodded before leaving the room. Silence engulfed the room, and Diluc tried to ignore the tired, disheveled girl standing in the middle of his office as he sat at his desk and began to work.

Diluc's patience wore thin as (Y/n) stood silently in his office, her disheveled appearance and tired eyes only fueling his irritation. He tried to focus on his work, but the tension in the room was palpable. He couldn't ignore the fact that she was getting on his nerves, and it bothered him. He couldn't pinpoint what it was about her that affected him so deeply. Was it her mysterious background, the enigma that she presented? Was it her unwavering spirit, her determination to not show weakness in front of him despite her circumstances? Or was it the confusing switch in her personalities, from cocky and confident to scared and obedient in a matter of minutes?

Diluc couldn't help but notice the way (Y/n) held herself, standing perfectly still as she waited for her belongings. Her eyes locked onto Diluc's briefly, and he could see a mixture of emotions in them - defiance, resignation, and something else he couldn't quite decipher.

Adelinde returned with (Y/n)'s belongings, and Diluc watched as she took them, her movements swift and efficient. She didn't say a word, and Diluc simply nodded as she informed him that she was headed to Mondstadt city to go back to the inn. (Y/n) left the room, and Diluc was left alone with his thoughts, his mind still agitated. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but his mind was still filled with thoughts of (Y/n). Her image lingered in his mind, her determined gaze, her resilience, and her enigmatic personality. He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to her than what met the eye, and he was determined to find out the truth.

As he looked out of the window of his office, watching (Y/n) disappear into the distance, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Her movements were sluggish and slow, unlike her back in Dragonspine. He knew that his encounter with her was far from over, and that their paths were bound to cross again. But for now, he had to focus on his responsibilities as the head of the Ragnvindr family and the owner of Dawn Winery and push aside the turmoil that (Y/n) had stirred within him. With a sigh, Diluc sat back at his desk, trying to refocus on his work. But deep down, he knew that (Y/n) had left an indelible mark on him, and that things were far from settled between them. The tension in the room had dissipated, but the emotions swirling within Diluc remained as turbulent as ever, leaving him with more questions than answers.

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taglist: @tanspostsblog

[lunamooo]

[lunamooo]

Ballroom Dancing (One)

Character: Prince Diluc x Princess Reader Warnings: Fluff, Angst, jealousy, Verbal-Abuse, Physical Abuse, Summary: ( A series ) The reader is part of an abusive family, who just wants to marry her off and be done with her. She is supposed to marry the scary dark prince of Mondstat. But once they are married, is the man really that bad?

Chapter One 

“Come on, Princess.”

One of your closet maids, Samantha, nudges you softly. Your eyes slowly open to see the flat white ceiling of your bedroom. A small grimace appears on your lips before you take a deep breath and change it into a smile.

“Thank you, Sam. I’m up now.”

Sam’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as she watched you rise from the bed, placing your legs on the side of the bed. Sam comes closer to you and helps you get up. It didn’t take long for Samantha to get you ready for the day. A luxurious bath, a beautiful light blue dress that flowed near the ends of your hips, and the styling of your hair.

“Princess, the duke would like to have your audience in the dining room.”

You give her a quick nod before leaving for the dining room. Each step you took toward the dining room made you sick. But you didn’t have a choice in the matter, so you held your head up high. Once you were in front of the dining room doors, you took a needed breath before swinging the doors open. Your eyes scan the room to see both your brother and father there. You swiftly bow for a greeting.

“Father, Brother… Good Morning,”

Your father scans your body for a few seconds before he places his eyes back on his plate of food.  

“Hurry up and sit down, girl.”

Without skipping a beat, you sit in front of your brother. Your brother has a wicked smirk on his lips. You looked down at the plate before you, the limited quantities of food clear to you, a slight frown appearing on your face before it disappears and you look up at your father.

“You wanted an audience, Father?”

Your father picks up a napkin to wipe his mouth. He clears his throat before he speaks.

“Your wedding is within a few days. Your fiancé, Prince Diluc, will soon be sending you gifts. And once you are sent to Mondstat. Are you aware of your job to us?”

You send him a quick nod.

“I need you to tell me what exactly your job is. You can be so incompetent, it is disgusting.”

Your father continues to criticize you, and even your brother, Cesar joins in.

“I am even surprised Prince Ragnvindr accepted the proposal.”

A cackle soon follows from Cesar’s statement. Your fist clenches as you watch the two laugh together.

"I am to bear children and make sure Prince Ragnvindr loves me so he can never leave me.”

Your father nods at your statement.

“Yes, ‘cause he can definitely find better. Who could ever be faithful to such an ugly woman like you?”

Your brother’s words cut sharper than a blade as you felt tears pricking at the ends of your eyes.

‘What did you do to ever deserve this treatment?’

‘Were you this bad? To the point, your own family sees you as a disappointment.’

2 weeks later

Your wedding day has finally arrived. You stood in front of the mirror; many maids surrounded you as they waited for your critique. Your wedding dress was beautiful on you. Even though you couldn’t pick the dress and disliked how revealing it was. It was still beautiful. You gave a signal to the ladies that you were ready to walk.

Instead of your father walking you down the aisle, it was Cesar who had a wicked grin as usual. A forced smile was upon your lips as you reached out for Cesar’s hand. The walk then begins.

“Well look at my little sister. Isn’t she beautiful?”

He whispers to you, his head staying straight and his voice barely audible.

“Can you please just hurry to the altar?”

A scoff escapes his lips, and his grip around your arm tightens.

“Listen here princess if you don’t do what you’re supposed to. You’ll end up just like your mother.”

Your breath stops at that very moment, tears beginning to stream down your rosy cheeks. Before you guys are at the altar, he whispers:

“You don’t want to end up like your mother, now do you?”

You stand in front of the priest as he states the vows. You occasionally sneaked glances at your newfound husband. He was truly handsome with amazing fire-red hair that matched blazing red eyes. Despite this engagement being arranged, you were very happy to get away from the horrid family you were in.

“Do you take Prince Diluc Ragnvindr to be your lawful husband?”

A genuine smile appears on your face as you look at Diluc’s features.

“I do.”

“Do you take the Princess to be your lawful wife?”

“I do.”

“I pronounce you man and wife; you may kiss the bride.”

Your eyes scan Diluc’s form expectantly. This would be your first kiss and all the books you read told you it was a wonderful experience. Diluc’s body towers over you. It seemed like everything went in slow motion. The way his hand went under your chin to tilt your head up. His eyes glazed into your soul as if examining if you are truly a good person or not. The way you felt the heat radiating off his body with his proximity.

The kiss was soft, and it sent tingles throughout your whole body. The kiss felt like an eternity, and you didn’t want it to end. All your hopes and dreams to have a happy and peaceful life seem to finally be within reach. But as soon as the kiss was initiated, it was stopped.

Your hand went up to your lips, the cheering that erupted behind you was silenced within your mind, and the only thing on your mind was the kiss that made your heart explode in a pounding rhythm. 

[lunamooo]

G E N S H I N

— rules and navigation

— ♡ fluff | ☂ angst | ✗ suggestive/spicy | ✘ smut | ✎ ongoing

— © 2020 hanniejji | please do not copy, repost, translate or claim my works as yours in any platforms.

— last updated: 01 06 2023

M U L T I P L E

HAVING A LITTLE SISTER ( diluc, kaeya) — hcs + platonic | ♡

LITTLE KNIGHTS (diluc, kaeya | ft. crepus) — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 739 CAT!

KAZUHA AND CAT!XIAO (ft. xiao, kazuha) — hcs | ♡

CHILD!MC (xiao, kazuha, diluc, scaramouche, venti) — brainrot + platonic | ☂ ♡

A E T H E R + L U M I N E

FAMILY ADDITION — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 619

D I L U C

SAVING A CHILD FROM A BAD PAST — hcs + platonic | ♡

LITTLE KING (ft. kaeya) — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 707

CENTURIES SLEEP (ft. venti) — scenario | ♡ ☂ | w/c: 3182

FAMILY BUSINESS — scenario | ♡ | w/c: 473︎

SINGE DAD DILUC SERIES

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ SINGLE DAD!DILUC (ft. kaeya) — hcs/brainrot + platonic | ☂ | w/c: 2,022

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ↳ RAGNVINDR FAMILY BUSINESS — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 1195

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳︎ ︎BORN FROM THE ASHES OF ANOTHER — scenario + platonic | ☂ ♡ | w/c: 7449

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ #phoenix.ask — tag dedicated for dad diluc and his lil baby, you can see all of my posts and answers to asks regarding this au ehe :> the list here are asks that i wrote smol blurbs for!

overachiever phoenix — platonic | ☂

phoenix and maple meeting — platonic | ♡

fatui adopting phoenix — platonic | ♡

V E N T I

IT'S RAINING STARS — blurb | ♡

WIND SPIRIT MC SERIES

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ #wispy.ask — tag dedicated for venti and his accidental wind spirit creation, you can see all of my posts and answers to asks regarding this au ehe :> the list here are asks that i wrote smol blurbs for!

A L B E D O

A MOMENT IN TIME — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 540

BOOKS AND LIBRARY SHENANIGANS — scenario + modern au | ♡ | w/c: 956

R A Z O R

A PUPPY TO BE RECKON WITH — blurb + platonic | ♡

B E N N E T T

LITTLE FIREFLY — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 633

Z H O N G L I

FLOWERS FOR YOU, MY DEAR — blurb | ♡

FOOTPRINTS — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 601

LITTLE ADEPTI MC SERIES

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ AN ADEPTI'S WISDOM (ft. xiao) — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 546

X I A O

GAMES AND KISSES — blurb + modern au | ♡

LITTLE ADEPTI MC SERIES

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ↳ LITTLE DEVIL (ft. zhongli) — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 425 ︎ ︎

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ MONO (ft. zhongli) —scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 1622

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ LULLABIES IN THE WIND — blurb + platonic | ♡

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ #devil.ask | tag dedicated for little sibling!reader, you can see all of my posts and answers to asks regarding this au ehe :>

ALATUS!READER AND HUMAN!XIAO

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ LITTLE DANCER IN THE NIGHT — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 2276

OLDER YAKSHA!READER AND YOUNG YAKSHA XIAO

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ YOUNG YAKSHA!XIAO WITH OLDER YAKSHA!READER — hcs + platonic | ♡

C H O N G Y U N

I FOUND WARMTH IN COLD HANDS — blurb + platonic | ♡

K A Z U H A

GO REST, DAMN IT — scenario | ♡ | w/c: 573

IRODORI!KAZUHA — short brainrot + modern au | ♡

CHILDHOOD BESTFRIEND!KAZUHA — hcs + modern au | ☂

DATE ME, PLEASE. OH, WE'RE ALREADY DATING? — scenario | ♡ | w/c: 928

PROM DATE KAZUHA — short brainrot + modern au | ♡

GOLDEN HOURS — blurb + modern au | ♡

OLDER BROTHER KAZUHA SERIES

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ BRAVE THE STORM — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 1198

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ SCARLET EMBER — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 1637

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ WHITE BLOOMS AND SMILES — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 821

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ I AM KAEDEHARA KAZUHA! — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 1123

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ #maple.ask | tag dedicated for little sibling!reader, you can see all of my posts and answers to asks regarding this au ehe :> the list here are asks that i wrote smol blurbs for!

irodori brainrots — platonic | ♡

maple and their strength brainrots #1 — platonic | ♡

maple and their strength brainrots #2 — platonic | ♡

streamer/big brother kazuha — platonic | ♡

official age range between kazuha and maple — platonic | ♡

alternative bad ending — platonic | ☂

4nemo au — platonic | ♡

alternative ending happy ending? — platonic | ☂ ♡

maple getting hurt — platonic | ☂ ♡

big brother tomo — platonic | ♡

angry kazuha — platonic | ♡

phoenix and maple meeting — platonic | ♡

maple doesn't remember their parents — platonic | ☂

kazuha plays dead — platonic + modern au | ♡

H E I Z O U

HOW TO PIERCE YOUR EARS AT HOME 101 (birthday fic) — scenario + modern au | ♡ | w/c: 1292

S C A R A M O U C H E

GO ON AND KISS THE GIRL — scenario + modern au | ♡ | w/c: 1032

LITTLE GREMLIN READER AU

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ WILD BUNNY — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 972

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ PROMISE — scenario + platonic | ♡ ☂ | w/c: 1054

OKAMI MC (kunikuzushi!scaramouche)

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ DOLL — scenario + platonic | ?? | w/c: 1131︎

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ SILENCE — scenario + platonic | ?? | w/c: 2933

︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎︎↳ #okami.ask | tag dedicated for okami mc and kuni!scarouche, you can see all of my posts and answers to asks regarding this au ehe :>

T I G H N A R I

CURIOUS LITTLE VIXEN — scenario + platonic | ♡ | w/c: 844

R E J E C T

— i don't write for the following characters:

nps, most of the harbingers (except childe and scaramouche; complex personalities are hard to write ok), baizhu (no hate, i just really find it hard to write for him ueue), abyss lectors

[lunamooo]

AAAAAAAHHHHHHH NOOO ITS SO GOOD BUT HURTS SO MUCH DAMN YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL WRITING BRING ME TO CRYYYY

born from the ashes of another

[ father!diluc ragnvindr x child!reader ]

summary: a phoenix born from ashes and flame, blaze as bright as the first, but can never last as long as the first burst. how does a phoenix ignite itself after losing its flame?

notes: this chonky piece of shit took a long while to finish goddamn. also, heavily inspired by my anons who keeps giving me wonderful brainrots! y'all are wonderful and i love reading your ideas! neways, watch me drop this out of nowhere without a proper ending haha suffer motherfuckers >:) | m.list

words: 7,449 | warnings: sad shit, character death (mentioned), "y/n" used, injuries, torture (not descriptive), trauma, neglect,

ACT I.

diluc's eyes flutter open at the start of your cries, the sound passing through the doors of your room across his, just like what he had intended.

well, what his wife intended for.

shaking the sleepiness out of his mind, he pushes his weary body off the bed, the cold floor helping his groggy brain to wake up by sending chills along his nerves.

"shit."

he winches at the stinging pain on his side from an earlier encounter. it wasn't a deep cut, but it stung like a searing burn against the cloth of his sleepwear. 'wretched abyss,' he thought. nevertheless, he forces himself to move quickly, hoping that your cries haven't woken any of the staff in the house.

yet, his hand flinched just before he could even turn the door knob of your door.

his chest feels constricted, the long hallways seemingly looming over him and the shadows wavering into figures that he's sure is just a figment created by the combination of his imagination and fear. perhaps with a mix of his fatigue and emotions that he had been restraining for the sake of going through his responsibilities without a hitch.

but who could blame him for having moments like this, when he hasn't even had a moment to mourn for the loss of his wife?

the loss of his beloved and the arrival of their child. it was a fear that loomed over everyone in the household after they discovered their madam collapsed one day. her body was too weak to nurture another life. diluc had been in denial at first, searching far and wide for someone to help them save his wife and the child in her womb.

in the end, the doctor had to force him to choose before they lost both of you.

and he chose what his wife begged him to. a final wish that he couldn't possibly deny her of. he could still remember her pained voice as she whispered her last wish to him.

"save them," she had begged the trembling man seated beside her bed. "there's no guarantee that i may even survive this, so please, at least save our child, my love."

if finding even the tiniest hope for her survival was a struggle, making sure that you live through the process was akin to fighting death itself. you didn't make a single noise the moment you were born and there was almost no air coming from your nose. the doctors were separated, some were fussing over you while your mother was taken care of for the entirety of the night.

the moment you made a small cry was like a small show of mercy from the gods.

your mother was still conscious enough to see you for the first and last time. she spent her last moments in his arms, smiling at your resting form bundled in a red blanket.

those mere minutes of tranquility was something out of his dreams.

the image of his wife—with the exception of her deathly pale skin and weak breathing—holding your frail body in her arms, the smile that was shared between them. yet diluc's lips trembled at the inevitable quietus in his beloved's eyes. her last words uttered in a whisper and the shiver that traversed across his spine when he felt her cold hands lingered on his skin.

"i love you."

the next thing he knew, doctors were scurrying right back to the room while he sat outside with you in his arms, lifeless eyes staring aimlessly at the floor.

nothing could possibly console him. but his life had forced him to go back and attend to his responsibilities, as if the death of his wife wasn't enough for the gods.

a loud shrill of your cries woke him a second time this night.

no, he scolded himself, turning the knob to push your door open and taking a deep breath, i don't have time for such thoughts.

carefully, he closed the door with a click, his face frowning at the incessant cries coming from your crib. he can see your little arms flailing up and around through the wooden rails, prompting him to quicken his pace towards you.

what a tiny little thing you are, he can still remember his wife's voice when you were placed in her arms that night.

"good evening, little one," he coos, lowering his hand to brush against the baby hairs on your head.

"if i remember correctly, adelinde fed you earlier just before i arrived—" he recalls that it had just been two and a half hours ago when he finished his patrol around mondstadt, "—what must be causing you to fuss at this time of the night?"

he wasn't aware of it, but the corner of his lips tilted up into a small smile. his voice in a gentle tone that only his beloved had the honor of hearing. your delicate skin barely felt the feather-like touches of his fingertips but it was enough to make your cries decrease in volume, your hiccups and whimpers left to echo in the four walls of your room.

diluc felt his heart leap for a second, but shook his head to focus on easing your cries.

"your diaper is clean," he glances at the sheets in your crib, "you hadn't entangled yourself with the mattress either."

it's safe to say that everything that diluc had read about parenting, which were multiple shelves upon shelves of books, had dispersed the second he had to put it to use.

"uh," he looks down at you in concern, clueless and hands trembling in nervousness.

you're still crying, albeit not as loud as before but he still wouldn't want you to keep crying until you get tired. he sighs, wracking his brain of anything that might solve his problems right away.

"barbatos help me—wait, no, nevermind," he groans, reprimanding himself for even thinking about that unreliable and drunkard archon of mondstadt. hesitating for a second, he carefully reaches under your armpits then pauses.

how do you carry babies again?

you must've sensed his reluctance, squirming at the uncomfortable grip he has around your armpits and whining.

"wait, no, that's not right."

cursing under his breath, he then slips his hands under your head and bum, carefully—almost too careful, he's so afraid to accidentally drop you—lifting you to his chest, where he lets your head rest on his shoulder. the weight of your body was unfamiliar in his arms, so light. he really hasn't carried you that much, huh? his arms are too stiff to be comfortable for babies, yet here you are, babbling quietly and relaxing.

wait, what?

he turns his head to look at your untroubled sleeping face.

did you… did you stop crying the moment he took you in his arms?

"oh, my little flame."

you look so… so fragile and at peace. he never imagined that such a vulnerable little thing like you would ever feel so secured in his presence that you'd cease your tears at the touch of his warmth. it's like he was all you were searching for in the first place—and he is. you really were asking, crying, for him. for a mere few minutes in his arms and you're already so comfortably sleeping, as if you weren't just fussing a moment ago. you wanted him, a man who had lost everything and grew familiar with violence, to hold you in his arms.

the whole time that he was awestruck at such a precious moment in front of him, he had not realized the tears running down his cheeks.

only when he felt the drops of crystal clear tears on your clothes did he snap from his gaze, shifting you gently to wipe away his tears. his tired eyes affected by his sudden tears feel heavier than earlier.

but he didn't want to leave this yet.

he wants to stay like this a little longer. he wants to feel the utmost trust you put in him to hold your fragile little self and protect you in your most vulnerable state.

this… this is an unfamiliar territory, yet it also feels right. like his arms is where you are safe the most.

so he stays.

leaning his back on the armchair placed in your baby room, he carefully shifts you to lay on his arms, watching you sleep with tenderness in his eyes. to be given such an opportunity to care, love, and protect such a precious little thing. one that was given to him by his wife. one that lit up a tiny flame in his heart, slowly engulfing his whole person and soaring the skies.

he would do everything to protect you, even at the cost of his life.

"rest well, little phoenix."

but you burned so brightly that he sometimes had to look away.

ACT II.

to say that everyone in the ragnvindr household, staff and employees alike, are in shambles is an understatement.

this includes even the ever so smooth cavalry captain, kaeya.

the cause? you, the only child of diluc ragnvindr, had fallen terribly ill a week ago. at first it was just a runny nose and a constant feeling of discomfort. three days later, your simple cold turned into a high fever. the bad news? diluc is thousands of miles away in fontaine, dealing with international business and he hasn't been answering their letters. yes, letters, plural form. they had sent the fifth letter this morning.

kaeya, and everyone else, is slowly losing their mind. adelinde and elzer are on the verge of a breakdown.

"ah, seriously, your stupid father."

kaeya sighed for the nth time today. he had been taking his day off for the past four days, choosing to look after your ill state. the convenience of his cryo vision came in handy in this situation, keeping your forehead cool with a hand and using his body temperature to make sure you aren't being affected by the heatwave outside.

yet, your fever refuses to go down. you weren't necessarily hard to take care of, but the frown on your face and whimpers from time to time says enough.

that, and you kept asking for your currently absent father.

"uncle?"

"yes, pipsqueak?" he rubs his hand across your back, "do you want something?"

"where's dad?"

kaeya couldn't help the grimace at your question, choosing to say something that wouldn't directly tell you that your dumbass of a father is too busy to spare a minute or two to read their letters regarding your state.

"he'll be home soon, alright?"

kaeya's never been a religious person, but he prays to the wielder of faith that what he said will come true.

"i want dad…"

"i know, kid, i know."

a few seconds later, you're once again in a feverish dreamland. kaeya couldn't imagine how it must've felt to not find the person you need the most at your weakest state. (well, he could actually, but even then he was always surrounded by people when he was your age)

perhaps it's not as obvious to the public, but kaeya is not just anyone. he knows the longing in your eyes whenever he sees you look at you diluc. the way you don't seem to have the same glee that klee and any other child have. he's also painfully aware of diluc's negligence and irresponsibility as your father. how can he not be aware, when you ask him things that you should already know just by spending time with your father? when he had never seen the two of you in the same room, bonding or doing whatever a father and his child should be doing? when he can clearly see you looking at your father with desperate eyes and diluc looks at you wistfully, unable to sort his the unresolved emotions he still had since your mother's passing? after all, diluc ragnvindr is a man who cannot waste his time to mourn when time is unwilling to wait. time is unyielding, merciless, keeps moving forward and will not spare anyone a moment to stop. and you are his child burdened at such a young age.

but you still ask for your father nonetheless.

"is dad here yet?"

that's the nth time you asked that question now.

adelinde couldn't help but frown every time you did, praying to the anemo archon once more that the master would soon push the doors to the manor open. after kaeya left for work—he unfortunately couldn't skip today's patrol, something about observing the recent appearance of an unusual activity in the wild—you had woken up from a fever dream. if adelinde wasn't already stressed for the past few days, she was sure she would've passed out when she saw you crying in your sleep, twisting and turning around under the crumpled sheets before waking up with a yelp, curling around your knees as you let out heart wrenching whimpers and cries for your father.

it took a while before you eventually settled down in bed again, but unable to close your eyes after the fright.

"please, young one, you need to rest if you want to get well."

"i want to wait for dad…"

she had never seen you in such a state where you'd stubbornly stick your feet to the ground with the resolve that resembled your father so much. you were always such an obedient child, listening intently to the staff—especially to diluc—and never having to be told of something twice for you to understand something.

but right now, even as your eyes refuse to stay open and your breaths turn shallow, you clench your fist around your blanket with a determination that's mighty as steel.

oh you remind her so much of diluc whenever he gets stubborn as a sick child, it would've been so endearing if only the two aren't in such a complicated situation.

"knock knock," elzer peeks inside from the door, giving you a gentle smile before entering. "don't want to sleep yet?"

"the young one is insisting on waiting for the master," adelinde sighed tiredly.

"i want to wait for dad," they barely heard your voice from under your blanket. when did you even cocooned yourself?

"i figured as much," elzer chuckled as he walked closer, pulling something from behind him to show you. "i have something that might help you. here, let me unwrap you from the burrito you got yourself into."

carefully, he takes the blanket away from your shivering body, quickly replacing it with two coats similar to the ones your dad wears everyday.

"did you take that from the laundry?"

"apologies," he sheepishly smiles at adelinde. "i thought our young ragnvindr here would feel better if they had something to remind them of the master."

"you didn't even have the mind to tell me?"

"you haven't left this room since master kaeya went out!"

"thank you."

the two whipped their heads to look at you, both exhaling a relieved breath at the sight of your eyes closed, snuggling into the coats that are remarkably too large for your size. you look a little more at ease now, forehead lacking the crease of your eyebrows.

"i miss dad," you subconsciously murmured, barely heard if it wasn't for the silence in the room.

elzer brushes the hair away from your face, delicately smoothing his thumb at your temple with a soft smile.

"fret not, young one. master diluc will arrive sooner than later," he purses his lips at the lie.

just like that, you have once again fallen into the land of dreams, hopefully one that will not stir you awake with fear.

as if the archons had enough of their constant voices, their prayers have been answered.

diluc can consider his business in fontaine successful. he had not expected it to only take a week and a day, clearly assuming that it would've taken more than just a week to strike a deal in business. but hey, what's done is done and he's thankful that he could come home to you sooner.

after all, he wouldn't have worked his ass off as diligently as possible if he didn't want to see you immediately.

he had been packed with papers here and there from multiple people who wanted to do business with him—he's much more surprised that he went through all of them in such a short amount of time—that he had unintentionally forgotten the unusual amount of letters from elzer and… kaeya?

what in the world would kaeya want from him other than to annoy him? no matter, the sooner he finishes things up the sooner he can go home.

ah, home. home is wherever you are safe.

except, he didn't expect to come home to his maids scurrying around without the supervision of adelinde and how they are extremely relieved to see him enter through the entrance.

"master diluc!" they exclaimed at the same time.

the two rushed to his direction, both simultaneously rambling his ears off in concern.

"wait, wait," diluc sighed, stopping them from their rambles, "i do not understand anything that the two of you are saying. now, tell me what's wrong, clearly this time." he pointed a look towards moco.

"um," she gulped—clearly nervous about the sudden stare—"it's about your child." the two tensed up at the way his eyes squinted into a worried look.

"yes? what happened?"

"they had fallen ill for a week and three days now."

without wasting a single moment after those words escaped moco's mouth, his feet hurriedly skips to the stairs and swerved the corners of every hallway to their room right in front of his, where adelinde is just about to close the door upon her exit.

"what happened?"

she sharply turned around at his sudden voice, breathing a sigh of relief. she almost thought that she's starting to see things out of desperation.

"i'm glad you've returned safely, master diluc," she curtsies, "the little one had only just fallen asleep after a few hours of restless tousling in bed. they've been asking for you ever since they fell ill."

"their condition?" he eyes the crack on the door where he can see the mop of hair just a little.

"their fever hasn't gone down for a week now, but it also hasn't gotten worse. although, i'm afraid this is causing too much stress on them and it's not allowing them to rest," she moves aside the door, placing a hand on his shoulder and gently nudging him inside with an encouraging smile. "i believe the constant thought of you and your absence in their delirious state is weighing down on their fragile condition. i'm sure they'll feel a little better with their father's presence."

"thank you for looking after them and… apologies, i—"

"it is not i that you should be apologizing to. please," she pleads, "they need you right now, master diluc. they need their father."

sharing one last glance of acknowledgement between the two, adelinde leaves diluc to his own device, the latter then pushing the door open as quietly as possible.

the sight of your tiny figure wrapped in his coats, curled into a ball in the large bed that seems to be too cold for your comfort feels like a lightning struck diluc's heart. your eyes are shut tight, half of your face covered by the clothes and obvious shivers wracking your body. to the eyes of someone that doesn't share the same sharp sense of a man who's been through harsh winters and countless near death encounters, one wouldn't be able to see the twitches of your eyes, completely encased inside your slumbering dreams.

all of this was happening while he was thousands of miles away. such a foolish mistake on his part to regard those letters inconvenient without even knowing its contents.

your pain reminds him of your mother's demise. like a mirage playing all of his suffering in a loop.

but no, he's here now and it's not the time to wallow in self-deprecating thoughts when he should be prioritizing your health.

"my little flame," he exhales under his breath, lowering himself beside you on your bed and brushing your hair away from your face, the mere touch of his warm fingers stirring you awake from a cold dream.

or maybe, you're still dreaming.

because there's just no way for the man that you've been calling out for just moments ago—it's been days but you're too delirious to figure that out—is now here beside you, smiling at you in a way he never had done so before.

"dad?"

"hey," he greets, staring right back at your sleep-hazed eyes with a soft smile, "how's my little phoenix feeling, hm?"

"cold. i feel very cold."

"i see, it just so happens that i have a pyro vision to help you with that," he breathed a relieved sigh when you chuckled quietly. "would you mind if i hold you to keep you warm for a while?"

"you're not… busy?"

"that doesn't matter right now, little flame. i would rather be here than anywhere else."

dad is always busy, you thought. this really must be a good dream.

"i… i want dad to hold me."

"i would gladly."

in the next few minutes, you fight to keep your eyes open, nuzzling your head against the warmth of your father's chest. he has you huddled close to his chest while he sits on the chair beside your bed, still bundled in his coats. you look so much like that night when he first took you in his arms to sooth your cries, falling asleep with your bundled form in his chest and waking up to see your peaceful slumber, not once stirring awake to cry after he took you in his arms. that night he swore to give everything he has to protect your light.

if the archons would let you, you would stay in this dream forever—and if falling asleep in this dream means you'd wake up to a reality where diluc barely looks behind him to see you trying to reach for him with your little hands, then you never want to wake up from this dream.

"rest well, my flame. i'll be here for you whenever you need me."

and what a wonderful dream it was.

ACT III.

kaeya had never felt so cold in the tavern in his entire life.

it wasn't raining, nor was it winter that sources the low temperature, and it couldn't possibly be cold in such an establishment that diluc owns. in fact, it's always been warm in the tavern.

until today, that is.

"would you care to repeat that again?"

kaeya, despite being a cryo vision wielder, felt the hairs in his body stood at the icy venomous tone that came out of diluc's mouth. he's used to hearing him speak in such way that makes him intimidating—not so much to kaeya—but right now his voice just reeks pure anger and murderous intent that everyone, sober or not, can do nothing but stare at the scene in fear.

"i will gladly say it again!" the man hollered, utterly drunk and out of his mind.

"fool," kaeya glared at the man in front of the bar counter.

"you would've been better off saving your wife rather than your wretched child. you wouldn't lose anything if you saved her, you could just make another! they're a pathetic child anyway! so meek and naive, how can they possibly live up to their parents' names?"

kaeya gritted his teeth, jaw and fists clenched, shooting up from his seat that pushed his chair backward. but before he could even make a step towards the man, diluc raised his hand as if to tell him that he's got this.

agitated and confused, but kaeya knew better. he may not look like it, but he knew that something is brewing behind that void expression on diluc's face.

"they are nowhere as wonderful as your gorgeous wife! in fact, they're better off gone from the face of this world instead of having killed their own mother—"

a hand reached out from behind the bar, grabbing onto his collar and pulling him forward.

"—hey! how dare you touch me! i am a nobility!"

"say. that. again."

the man felt his whole body tremble at the sudden rise in temperature and the blazing vermillion eyes staring right through his soul, molten lava swirling in rage in those orbs, glowering down at him with the intensity of a bursting sun, radiating pure heat that will melt him right before he can even get close. despite all of this, his sweat felt too cold, traveling across his whole body when the hand around his collar tightens when he doesn't answer.

one can tell that he's completely sober and wide awake right now.

"did i tell you to stop speaking?"

"no—no, no, no, please sir you must understand—"

"oh, i completely understand what you're trying to say."

suddenly the world spins and his face is planted on the bar counter's wood surface with the strength of a person who has trained with a claymore more than half his life.

"but sire, you know nothing about my late wife and my child," diluc smashes a wine bottle on the wooden counter, the money's worth of wine spilling on the floor but diluc could care less. the wine may as well be the blood of this buffoon here. his blood is boiling, a concoction of anger and pure bloodlust spilling over the nose of the pot that makes him point the shattered ends of the bottle near the man's terrified face.

"you better listen to every word i say with that pig-headed brain of yours," his voice gets impossibly colder, dropping into a lower tone as he looks down with murderous eyes. "if i hear you utter my wife or phoenix's name, i will personally see to it that it will be the last name that you get to say and my face would be the last thing you see."

he goes over the counter while dragging the man behind him like a sack of potatoes with great force, ignoring the cries for mercy—even the people at the tavern avoid meeting his eyes. he is soon thrown outside the tavern, his fancy noble suit kissing the dirty pavements.

"never show your obnoxious face in my tavern again," diluc turns around, pauses, before looking back at the horrified man once more. "oh, and don't doubt my ability. i will know if you mention my wife and child's name again."

"good evening and welcome back, master diluc."

"good evening."

diluc shrugs his coat from his shoulder, letting adelinde take the cloth from him before turning to elzer.

"i assume that the documents i asked for this morning have arrived?"

"yes, sir, i placed the document right next to the sales report files in your office. everything else is ready to be arranged for tomorrow."

"good, thank you," he sighs in relief then turns to adelinde. "how is phoenix? had they eaten?"

"yes, they did request that we place a smaller portion of food this lunch and dinner. they claimed that… that they'd be too busy to study to eat that much."

"they've been awfully invested in their studies these days," elzer added. "perhaps i should schedule a time for tutor sessions?"

"no need," he shakes his head. "y/n had expressed a disinterest in being tutored by someone else."

he bids the two a good night, venturing through the hallways that he knows so well like the back of his hand, mindlessly skipping his room until he is stood in front of your door. the adrenaline and surge of emotions from tonight's shift at the tavern left a sour taste in his tongue, bile lumping in his throat at the words he's been trying oh so hard to forget.

the sheer audacity to tell him that you are nothing like your mother.

you are everything that your mother wanted you to be. you remind him so much of her that it sometimes sends his heart in a spiraling tumble across mondstadt's mountains. sometimes it hurts, sometimes it gives him a sense of peace to have you safe and sound, right beside him—a piece of what's left from his wife, a blessing and a gift. but mostly, it scares him that he might fail to protect you as well, like he always does.

but despite all of these, you also bring so much comfort to him that your mother once did.

you are nothing like what the man mentioned you to be.

finally, diluc's shoulders drop the tense posture it has been with after the encounter in the tavern, his breath more regulated and mind finally free from the malicious infestation it once held towards that bastard.

"y/n?" he quietly knocks on your door.

a few seconds passed without a response, he quietly and carefully turned the knob and pushed the door, noting that your lamp is still lit and the windows are still wide open, letting in the cold wind of the night.

"oh, dear," he sighed exasperated—yet the fond smile on his face says otherwise.

papers and books are scattered all over your desk, all kept in place by your folded arms and head that was sprawled across the wooden surface. your cheek was pressed on an opened book, a quill lying limp on your hand and inkwell dangerously close to tipping over your pile of papers.

you had fallen asleep while studying.

he approaches your slumped body, placing the lid on the inkwell and moving it to a safer area. before he could even begin to move you back to your bed, his hand paused all movement as he stared at your sleeping face.

you look so at peace—something that he wants to maintain for your safety. something that he risks his life every night and works hard everyday for. he would raise hell from the underground and bring blazing fire to the abyss if he had to—he would do everything to keep you safe. even if it means burning himself in the process.

"my little phoenix," he whispered into the night, a hand brushing the hairs away from your forehead. "you look so much like your mother."

willing himself to move, he carefully carries you to bed and tucks the blanket around you, brushing your hair so it wouldn't get in your face whilst you sleep. he tidied up your desk and closes the windows, checking around for anything to arrange before turning the lamp off and making his way to the door.

he faces your bed right as he closes the door, smiling at how you seemed to be deep in your sleep.

"you did well today, my little flame. good night."

the next day, you groggily thanked adelinde on your way to the kitchen for breakfast, muttering how terrible it would've been if your ink had spilled all over your books. your mind was still half asleep to discern her confusion.

ACT IV.

birthdays are said to be a day of celebration. the special day that you were brought to the world and into the lives of those that cherishes you, receiving gifts and greetings and spending the whole day with those that you love.

you don't like celebrating your birthday.

your birthday is far from special. you despise it. every year, you grow agitated whenever the day slowly comes and you have to prepare yourself to plaster fake smiles to those that greet you, before trying your best to convince your father to not spend mora upon mora for a single party. it's one of those rare times that you're glad that he's too busy to arrange anything, letting elzer to handle the task. the poor guy has to deal with your incessant request to just drop the party plans and lie to your father every time.

overtime, everyone in the winery figured that you just don't like celebrating it at all, and that's understandable. it's something that they understand without having to say anything, choosing to greet you with warm smiles in the morning and your favorite platter of food instead. the cake—which is something you actually do enjoy by the way—and the fake props stays though, diluc would be suspicious if he finds no sign that a celebration took place.

your birth stole the life of someone precious to the people around you, why should you celebrate it?

the only problem lies in the city of mondstadt itself.

you once made the mistake of venturing to the city to buy yourself something for yourself—no offense to diluc's gift but it's more often than not something that you're not interested in, you will never say that to his face though.

the moment you step foot inside the city gates, people bombarded you with happy greetings and inquiries about how you would celebrate, some gave you a free treat—you particularly love the flowers and small treats. they raise their voices in such an over enthusiastic way that it echoes in your ear like a broken phonograph. it's irritating, infuriating, and exhausting—but as a ragnvindr, you have to force the most polite smile on your face and give them the same fake energy they give you, ignoring those who stare at you in a way that makes your skin crawl.

you may be in your preteen years, but you weren't born yesterday—hah!—nor are you blind.

you were lucky kaeya was near that time and saw your unnerving smile. since then, you made a point of not venturing outside the vicinity of the dawn winery for a week after your birthday.

unfortunately, that's not the case this time.

"where have you been the whole day?"

you froze on spot at the sound of his voice—stern, strict, and cold. you hadn't expected him to wait for you, especially not when the manor is littered with strangers plastered with smiles and disgustingly sweet voices greeting your ears the moment they laid their judging eyes upon you. surely, he must be tired from all the social mingling.

you felt suffocated surrounded by these guests.

diluc had scheduled a banquet held in the manor the same day of your birthday, celebrating not only your birth but also the emerging business opportunities for the winery. it had been a while since the ragnvindr manor opened its door to visitors—your parents' wedding, specifically—so it's no wonder why all of these noble families were eager to attend.

hosting a banquet on our birthday, means your attendance is a must. diluc had once emphasized the importance of making appearances when hosting an event.

for the most part, you had been present from start of the banquet, saying your oh so called gratitude whenever someone greets you a happy birthday. but you knew better than to trust those excited grins and sugar-coated words. you hear them all the time, what makes them think theirs is special? within this kind of society, there's no room for being naive and gullible.

yet it still did not stop you from feeling disgusted and asphyxiated.

right in the middle of the event, your head started to spin from how crowded you felt. excusing yourself was easy enough, you know the right words to say. escaping the manor was tedious though, everyone wanted to greet the young ragnvindr, but you successfully made it to the back porch where you found yourself hiding away from the monsters making themselves feel at home in a house that was supposed to be your safe place.

the comfort outside was soon disrupted when one of the maids found you, panic stricken on her face as she relayed to you that the banquet had been dismissed hours ago and your father was not pleased with how you ditched the event.

"y/n, i asked you a question."

his voice sounded louder than before, you can conclude that your silence was not what he was looking forward to, nor is any excuse you'd make on the spot.

"apologies," you will yourself to speak loud enough for him to hear, but avoid looking his way. "i got caught up admiring the view outside."

why is it so hard to make a lie on the spot when you're talking to diluc?

"the view outside?" you can hear the confusion in his voice. "the view outside has been the same since forever. what difference does the view have now that it made you leave the banquet meant to celebrate your birth?"

you dig your nails into your palms, biting the insides of your cheeks to refrain yourself from making a sarcastic remark.

"nothing, father. although i couldn't say the same for inside the house."

your mouth opened before you could even think of what you just said. well, there goes your attempt at a peaceful conversation.

i really should lessen the time i spend with uncle kaeya.

"inside the house?" diluc pushes himself up from the couch, arms crossed and his eyebrows furrowed. "i'm going to need you to expound on your words and while you're at it, why our guest claimed to not have attended any of your birthday celebrations that you and the other staff claimed you had hosted. elzer seemed to turn pale when i asked him about this, so i figured it would be better to ask you myself."

oh, he knows.

the look on your face confirms his suspicion.

"y/n, if you don't give me a proper explanation for your lies and sudden dereliction for your manners, know that i will not forget to address such topic unless you give me the explanation i want to hear—"

your head feels fuzzy, his voice is being muffled by the sound of faint ringing and your heartbeat in your ears, throbbing—pounding on the skull of your temple. your throat turns dry, lips parting to let you breathe as you felt the suffocating atmosphere from earlier once again.

never have you felt such a bubbling feeling of frustration and heaviness directed towards your father.

"yes, i lied."

"i am aware," he clicks his tongue at the nonchalant way you spoke—the sound wasn't that loud yet it echoed in your ears painfully.

the way he spoke sent your mind reeling with insecurities. your fear of disappointing the one person you strive to get to acknowledge you in the slightest prickling your skin with hot iron, as if engraving the tone of his voice in your head.

disappointing and shameful.

but something snapped inside of you when the circumstance has settled in, when the past occurrence whipped in front of your eyes in a single moment, along with the emotions that came crashing on you, recalling every little bit of effort you put through to get to him.

is it… really necessary for me to do something and be someone of distinction to deserve my father's recognition?

suddenly, you couldn't stop your mouth from spitting fire.

"in fact, i've been lying to you and myself, father."

cold silence flooded the room at your words, but you willed yourself to gaze upon his bewildered face, a hint of pain behind those familiar vermillion eyes of his. if he had looked at you this way any other day, you would've done anything to clear yourself of confusion to appease him.

but this is no any other day.

"what are you trying to tell me, phoenix?"

your mind is too fogged with frustration and everything you have suppressed to be delighted with the nickname he often calls you.

"why do you always insist that i celebrate this… special day?"

you watch him look at you, questioning, as if he wanted to ask why you wouldn't know such a thing.

"because today is the day of your birth and i want you to be surrounded with the people who want to bring joy to you," his tone seemed perplexed, wording his words like it wasn't obvious enough. "i wanted you to be happy on your birthday."

you almost want to barf the second he spoke those words.

"why would you even ask such things—"

“have you ever asked me what i wanted?"

diluc staggered backwards, mouth opening to say something but he paused, something akin to realization plastered in his face and he pales. his tensed shoulder visibly lowered, breath shuddering at your words that echoes itself in his head like a broken cassette.

no, he had never asked you what you wanted. he just assumed that you would.

but why, why did you kept quiet? did i really appeared like i don't care enough to listen to you?

"i didn't want to burden you any further with my preferences. i… i thought it would please you if i never complained about anything."

it was as if you knew how his mind works, answering with his unsaid question.

"phoenix," he takes a step closer but dared not to get too close. he felt like an invisible force, a wall, is hindering him from approaching your figure.

"to be acknowledged by you. it was all i ever wanted."

what?

"forgive me if i seem too… unmindful of my manners in an earlier banquet. i never meant to hurt our family's name like that—"

"that's not what—"

"i wanted to keep up appearances and stay by your side, be the ever carbon copy of the master of the ragnvindr clan. but tonight,"—your gaze lowered, as if embarrassed—"it didn't felt right. the crowd of people felt… suffocating. i used to think that it was easy to keep smiling to appease these people that i'm not familiar with. but i guess you just made it look easier," you smiled, although tight and forced, like the ones diluc uses for his business. a smile so unlike yourself.

it pained diluc to have you direct that kind of smile towards him.

"i never wanted these flock of people walking around praising me for their own benefit."

but you deserve all of those words of acknowledgement, you've done so much at such a young age. you deserve so much more.

"i didn't ask for this party filled with all these people that i've never even spoken to, not even once."

i'm so sorry my little flame, i never wanted to make you feel like a lone whale in a vast ocean.

"i never wanted to spend another birthday that would only remind me of how extremely lonely it is to be loved just for my last name, if they even love me at all—" you chuckled bitterly.

you don't know how much i love you my little flame, i would've gone to hell and back for you.

"—i never wanted to spend another birthday wishing for my own father to recognize me for who i am and actually look at me for more than just a few minutes and not just because he has to. all i want is to spend my birthday, heck it doesn't even have to be my birthday or any holiday, with my dad. just my dad. no one else. and i hope he also wants to spend just a day with me, not just because it's his responsibility."

i do! it doesn't have to be any special day, i would've dropped everything if you asked me to!

diluc felt his whole body run cold at your next words, eyes glistening with tears at the sudden imagery of the woman he loved in his mind, holding your fragile figure in her arms as she took her last breath.

suddenly, you seem so out of reach.

"i don't want another birthday where i wish that it should've been my mother and not me."

what… what do you mean? how could you say that?

wordlessly—with dull eyes that remind him so much of himself whenever he looks at the mirror when he was younger and angrier—you gave him a tired smile, before turning on your heels.

"forgive me for being disappointing, father."

say something, say something, idiot! do something! move, move, move!

he watched helplessly, unable to tear his gaze from your retreating figure.

do something for the love of god! it's all your fault, if you didn't stay quiet, if you haven't been distancing yourself, this wouldn't happen! you pushed your own child away!

his mouth parted to say something, but his voice failed to speak up. the tears that gathered in his eyes fell in streams, the image of your form closing the door blurry as he whispers his unspoken plea.

"please, don't take anyone else from me anymore. not my phoenix."

[lunamooo]

Mika Schmidt Headcannons

y'all

This guy is giving me so much brainrot. So suffer. Here we go, Headcannons.

Mika covers for his brother. Yes, he does. In his letters to his parents, he'll say that Huffman is nice, that Huffman does his responsibilities and that he even does some of Mika's chores sometimes. When he was younger, he'd use stories he heard from the other kids for things to tell his parents - oh, Huffman took me to the ice cream place today! We went on a picnic today! Of course, it was never true.

Only those closest to Mika can ever sense the fake smile he gives when talking about his family. don't get me wrong, he LOVES his family, but the fact his parents left to go adventuring and the resulting actions that led to Mika raising himself AND his older brother (who was supposed to be letting him be a child instead of worrying about taking care of a drunk brother all the time) leaves him with a feeling of emptiness.

He overcompensates his own lack of childhood by letting Klee have as much fun as she could dream of. He's yet another big brother to her, who'll let her blow up the landscape of Mondstadt and wordlessly change the maps of Mondstadt with a soft smile.

He feels unworthy of his achievements, and those feelings only intensified when Varka took him on the expedition. And although he gained more confidence on the trip, he's still too nervous to stop the nasty rumors that spread claiming he fought a fatui harbinger head on (he didn't, Varka had remained calm and settled the tension between the two groups)

He pays all the bills. Obviously, his parents send home Mora every now and then, but his checks from the Knights of Favonius go straight into the household. After all, his brother is wasting all his money getting drunk...

Sometimes he lets Diona come over to de-stress over the fact her dad is a raging alcoholic. Although they don't talk often, they have a closer connection to each other because of the fact their families suck.

He makes Bennett maps everytime he goes out, and always has a few extras in case Bennett looses them, or ruins them, or his bad luck does SOMETHING to them.

He helps supply Timmie the amount of money needed for all the bird seed he feeds the pigeons on the bridge.

My guy is so precious and depressed and anxious and Mika angst is now my favorite thing okay bye