#chiluc fic | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

avidgrapejuicelover · 6 days ago

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mark me with your words - ch. 10

pairing: diluc x childe

genre: angst & fluff/ au-soulmate

warnings: small mention of self-harm, but nothing actually happens

word count: 6.8k

summary:

Good Morning ㅤ:) It looks like the foxes have started to change their coats, cause I saw two white foxes hopping around this morning! The silver message calmed his heart. Diluc smiled and sent a quick good morning message back. Ajax was fine. He had returned alive. He was safe at home.

A/N: I liiiiive! here is my offering before i go back into hibernation haha, its longer than usual to make up for my year-long disappearance and i was just on a roll i guess

also on ao3 under the user playfuldreams

ch.1 | ch. 2 | ch. 3 | ch. 4 | ch. 5 | ch. 6 | ch. 7 | ch. 8 | ch. 9 | ch. 10

enjoy!~

Diluc looked out into the darkness. Cold winds and snow whipped around him, flinging his hair over his eyes.

“Ajax!” Diluc cried out.

The falling snow blinded him as the winds swallowed his screams.

Diluc continued walking forward slowly, struggling against the blizzard. His heart thundered in his chest. He had to find Ajax.

He squeezed his eyes shut as a strong gust of wind blew nearly toppling him over, but Diluc held his ground.

He tried to call his flames, but his vision would not listen to him, and the flames sputtered out as quickly as he summoned them.

The coldness crept up his fingers and toes. Diluc clenched his teeth, preventing them from chattering.

“Ajax!” Diluc called again. “Don’t worry, I am coming for you! I will save you, so just keep holding on!”

Diluc tried to call on his flames once more, to no avail. He managed to move a good distance forward before another blast of wind rushed over him. This time he wasn’t able to stay standing. Diluc fell to the snow, wildly waving his arms trying to grab something, anything, that would ground him.

Thankfully, the wind stopped and disappeared completely along with the darkness.

Before Diluc could even rejoice, he looked down at the snow where his hands were. Flecks of red dotted the white ground. Diluc followed the trail with his eyes and saw it disappear into the treeline a little ways ahead.

Diluc struggled to breath, from the cold and his anxiety, as he shakily stood up. He slowly made his way to the treeline but didn’t cross over.

“Ajax?” Diluc called, his voice trembling. When no answer came, he called again.

“Ajax? Are you there? I’m coming, just…” Diluc tried to find the right words, but his throat began to constrict and the air around him continued to leech off his warmth.

However, Diluc stepped into the trees. He could not give up here. Not when his fated might be bleeding out ahead of where he was.

The light dimmed as the trees blocked the little sunlight there. Diluc steadily made his way forward.

The shadows around him danced like ghouls, and the wind that picked up cackled at his fear.

Diluc swallowed, trying to regain his composure. But every spot of red he followed hammered away at his confidence.

Finally, Diluc made it to a clearing where the sun light up the center.

On top of a pile of pristine white snow lay his Fated.

The red snow went from puddles to rivers the closer it got to the center. Diluc continued walking to his Fated, but it felt like his feet were barrels of wine filling more and more with each step he took.

Once he reached the middle, he saw a boy laying still, painting the snow in his own lifeblood.

Diluc collapsed to his knees, his feet unable to handle his weight anymore. The cold had crept to his torso, freezing his heart.

He reached out to touch his Fated’s face. Diluc wasn’t able to tell if it was Ajax’s face or his hand that was cold.

Even so, Diluc continued to caress Ajax’s face. He leaned his head down whispering apologies.

“Are you really sorry?” A voice said. Diluc raised his head to see vacant blue eyes staring back at him.

“Why didn’t you come and save me? You promised you would protect me.” The lips on the face moved.

“I-” Diluc tried to speak.

“You weren’t strong enough. And now you have to pay the price.” The cold voice spoke.

The cold pierced Diluc’s heart causing him to double over.

“No…” He said weakly, reaching out to keep a hand on Ajax. But the body had already gotten out of his reach. He had somehow returned to the edge of the clearing.

“No, I- I promise I will get stronger. I will protect you next time!”

As the icicles burrowed further into his heart and the winds picked up, Diluc watched as the body of the boy awkwardly rose, blood frozen to invisible cuts.

“But there won’t be a next time.” The voice whispered.

The blizzard picked up once again taking away all of his senses. Diluc screamed, calling for Ajax and fighting the pain in his heart, before falling into the darkness once more.

Diluc startled awake in cold sweat. His chest heaved as he tried to control his breathing. After a few seconds, Diluc threw off the blankets and went to wash his face. His hands continued to shake as he wiped off the water.

Diluc gripped the sink and ran through the breathing exercises. When his breathing gradually returned to normal, Diluc returned to his room.

He looked out the window to see the first rays of light coming from the horizon. He sighed and ran a hand over his face. The reoccurring dream had started when Ajax first lost contact.

Diluc quickly glanced at his arm.

Good Morning ㅤ:) It looks like the foxes have started to change their coats, cause I saw two white foxes hopping around this morning!

The silver message calmed his heart. Diluc smiled and sent a quick good morning message back.

Ajax was fine. He had returned alive. He was safe at home.

It had been 2 months since Diluc had heard back from Ajax after the three day silence.

The day after Diluc had seen Ajax’s answer, he went to church to thank Barbatos. He made sure to promise that he would do his best as a knight and that he would offer his all to the Archon as thanks.

When Diluc tried asking about what happened, Ajax only replied in vague terms. From the way he wrote about it, it seemed like Ajax didn’t want to talk about it. So, Diluc chose to not chase the topic. His Fated had returned safely; he didn’t want to make it uncomfortable for him.

Diluc did try to press on how Ajax had gotten the scars. However, Ajax played them off.

Oh I accidentally slipped and fell on my adventure. But don’t worry, I’m okay now and they have all healed. Now you don’t have to keep apologizing for the scars you got haha, was the only response Diluc got.

He wasn’t able to pursue that either since Ajax kept skirting around it. All Diluc knew was that his Fated was lying to him about them. The scars Diluc had found were not ones you could get from a fall. The shapes looked like they were made by claws or weapons.

But there was only so much Diluc could do to try and get Ajax to talk, so he gave up on it.

For now.

He hoped Ajax would tell him when he felt more comfortable. Diluc rationalized Ajax was still recovering from the incident and did not wish to keep talking about it.

Diluc did notice that there would be small silvery nicks appearing on his skin every now and then. This was new since all the scars so far where from when Diluc trained and learned to control his vision. At first, Diluc would contact Ajax anytime he noticed a new scar, but after having it happen multiple times, Diluc just learned to let it go. Most of the scars were not life-threatening like before, and as time went on fewer and fewer appeared. His Fated was fine and that’s all that mattered. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

After the whole disappearing incident, Diluc realized just how powerless he was. And seeing as he had another nightmare, it seemed his fears would not go away any time soon.

All he could do was focus on getting stronger, which is what he did. He had increased his personal training time and went headfirst into his work as Captain.

After sending the response back to Ajax, Diluc began getting ready for the day. He would have to complete his morning training before breakfast was ready. He had added some extra Vision training since Diluc wanted to have full control over his flames. He was now able to cover his weapon with his flames for a longer time while still keeping them stable. And he finally managed to get them to stop melting the metal, which Diluc was pretty proud about.

After getting dressed, he pulled his hair into a pony and walked to the training grounds to start his routine.

The sun was halfway above the horizon by the time Diluc finished. He went to wash up before sitting at the table for breakfast.

Kaeya had already started eating and was chatting with Adelinde and Elzer when he sat down.

“Good morning, Diluc! Are you going to join the competition this week?” Kaeya asked.

“Ah, that was this week.” Diluc said, taking a bite of the bread. “I do not think I will have time. I still have to arrange the patrol units after Paul retired and Jonas got injured. Besides, I also have to catch up on some paperwork.” He continued after swallowing.

“Archons Diluc, you have been working yourself to the bone these past couple of months. I already know you’re all caught up on the paperwork. Jean told me you’re practically stealing her work or making some yourself.” Kaeya lamented. “Don’t you think it’s time you relaxed a little?”

“No. There is still much to do. Even if the guard around the city is stable now, we do not know when an attack could happen or if someone could get lost out there. We need to be prepared for anything. And the patrols are our main way of receiving information early on.” Diluc stated.

Kaeya sighed. “You know you’re not the only knight, much less Captain. It’s okay if you divvy up the tasks.”

“Yes, I know that, but-”

“Diluc, I know you said you were fine, but something is clearly bothering you. You have always been a workaholic but not like this. It’s like… you’re being hounded. ”

Diluc tensed. “It is nothing like that. I am just trying to keep our nation safe. I do not see why that is a problem.”

He could feel Kaeya staring at him, but Diluc did not meet his eye.

“I’m just worried. We all are.” Kaeya said softly.

When Diluc continued to stay silent, Kaeya sighed again.

“Just make sure to take care and not push your limits. I hope you at least know that’s something expected of a good knight.”

Diluc grunted in response. He quickly brushed off any crumbs and stood up.

Straightening his coat, Diluc said, “I am heading out. I will see you at Headquarters.”

And without sparing another glance, Diluc left.

The sun was high in the sky by the time Diluc decided to return to his office for a short break. He could practically hear the cheers from his subordinates when he called for lunch. Maybe he has been going overboard.

Diluc pulled out his lunch Adelinde had prepared along with his quill and silver ink.

How was the fishing trip? He wrote.

While waiting for a reply he began to eat.

Ajax told him he would be going on an ice fishing trip with his father and siblings. Diluc had hoped that would lighten his Fated’s mood, which had been more aggressive than usual.

I didn’t go, was what Diluc got back.

Why not? Are you hurt?

Of course Diluc’s mind goes straight for the worst case scenarios.

no, I got in trouble and couldn’t go

What happened?

I just wanted to get a snow globe for my little brother, but some guy tried to take it from me so I stopped him

Why would that get you in trouble?

papa didn’t like how I did it so I was grounded

Diluc debated on asking what he did to keep the snow globe, but figured it was a less than savory method and chose not to address it.

So what are you doing today then? I know you told me you were going to learn some new recipes from your Mother

I’m banned from the kitchen so I cant do that anymore

Banned? why?

they don’t trust me with the knives

Diluc was first confused, and then worried. Why on earth could his family not trust him with knives?

And of course, the first thing Diluc’s mind conjured up was an image of Ajax putting the blade to his own sk-

Diluc quickly shook his head to banish the thought.

No. There’s no way Ajax would do such a thing. He never showed any indication of self-harm. All the scars were most likely from fights. That meant Ajax wanted to survive. Wanted to live.

But then that lead to another conclusion. Ajax was using weapons to harm others.

Diluc didn’t want to think that was true either. His sweet and innocent Fated could never harm anyone. All Ajax has ever told him was how he loved his family and wished for them to be happy. But he had noticed how much his Fated had changed since his 3-day disappearance.

Diluc wished Ajax would open up to him just a bit more.

Oh, was all Diluc would reply.

but I’ve started to get better control over my vision!

Ajax had told Diluc he had gotten a vision a week after he came home from his “adventure.” It was a hydro vision.

Diluc had been beyond happy when he heard about it.

That’s great! Any plans on how you want to use it?

well I’ve been trying to shape the water into objects, but it’s harder than I thought :(

Oh that would be really cool! And I’m sure you’ll be able to get it after some more practice!

hehe thanks Luc! anyway, what are you doing today?

Same old, just training the soldiers and working on some paperwork.

wow, ever the perfect knight!

Diluc chuckled hollowly when he read that.

Well, I have to stay on top of it if I want to keep everyone safe.

I hope you’re not being too strict on yourself though, make sure to take breaks!

Haha, yes sir.

That reminded him, Diluc checked the time and saw that his break was over.

Speaking of, my break is over so I have to get back to work. I’ll write to you again at night.

okie! take care til then!

Will do, bye.

Diluc cleaned his quill and switched the silver ink to black ink. He pulled out the papers he had to read over and got to work.

Diluc finally looked away from the paperwork when he heard a knock at his door.

“Come in.” Diluc answered.

The door swung open to reveal Kaeya.

“Dear brother, please don’t tell me you were planning on spending the night here pouring over papers?” Kaeya asked.

Diluc rolled his eyes. “I was just about to put them up and get ready to leave.”

Kaeya snorted. It seemed he didn’t believe Diluc, not that he could blame him. There had been more than a few nights Diluc ended up staying at Headquarters overnight since he was unable to get rid of the demons that plagued him at night.

“Well, I thought we could head home together,” Kaeya said, walking into the office. He plopped down on one of the chairs in front of Diluc’s desk.

“Sure, just give me a moment to change,” Diluc said.

While Adelinde did not mind them arriving home in their dirty work clothes, Diluc did not like the feeling. He had gotten so engrossed in his work that he never washed up after the afternoon training, leaving him feeling unclean.

“Can’t you just do that at home?” Kaeya whined as Diluc started taking off his shirt.

Diluc paused and thought about it. It would make more sense if he just took a bath at home altogether.

He sighed and was about to let down his shirt when he felt the fabric being ripped from his hand. His shirt was pulled all the way up, showing the entirety of his back.

Diluc knew it was Kaeya, but the silence between them was unsettling.

What on earth was he… Diluc thought only to realize what exactly was on his back.

Diluc tried to spin around, out of reach from his brother, but Kaeya stayed firm.

“What in Teyvat… Where did you get these?” His brother’s voice was low.

Diluc always felt as though Kaeya became another person when he spoke like that. It wasn’t the voice he was used to.

“It’s nothing, let go.” Diluc tried to pull away again harder. He succeeded with getting Kaeya to release his shoulder but was unable to prevent the motion from helping Kaeya slip his shirt off, showcasing all the scars Diluc had received over the two months.

Kaeya’s eye widened before narrowing and making eye contact with Diluc.

“Are you seriously trying to play these off as nothing? Diluc, those are claw marks! They’re practically life threatening!” Kaeya said, his voice raising.

Diluc sighed, running a hand over his face.

“I said it was nothing because they’re not mine,” he said in a small voice.

He didn’t have to look at his brother to know Kaeya had connected the dots.

“Is… is this why you were acting off this whole time?” Kaeya asked, quieter now. “Is Ajax okay?”

“He’s fine!” Diluc said sharply. He met Kaeya’s gaze, trying to make them both believe his words.

“So, he’s recovering well then,” Kaeya said slowly.

“No. He’s fully recovered and doing perfectly fine.”

“These wounds don’t look like they would heal that fast. Where on Teyvat did he go to get these? They look ghastly,” Kaeya continued to scrutinize the scars.

Diluc ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know Kaeya! He won’t tell me! He won’t tell me where he went, what he was doing, or how he got back, and I just have to accept that!”

“Dilu-”

“Three days! He was gone for three days, and not a single word during that time. And then he comes back with all these scars, no explanation. But what am I supposed to do? Force him to talk? How? He won’t tell me anything! Of course he wouldn’t tell me. How could he trust me when I couldn’t do anything to help him while he was hurting!”

Diluc heaved, gasping for air. He felt the blood rushing in his cheeks, pounding in his ears. Diluc closed his eyes. He didn’t mean to say all that. He didn’t mean to tell Kaeya. He wasn’t supposed to tell anyone. Nobody was supposed to know he had slipped up, had failed his Fated.

He startled when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Diluc turned to see Kaeya and that goddamn all seeing eye and it’s stupid star.

“It’s not your fault, Diluc.” Kaeya turned Diluc so that both his hands were on Diluc’s shoulders.

“There was no way you could have done anything to help. You are in a whole different nation!” Kaeya said.

“You don’t understand,” Diluc said weakly, turning away, unable to hold his gaze.

“I get that you think you need to protect everyone, but you’re not an Archon Diluc, you’re just a human like the rest of us, doing what you can,” Kaeya said.

“No, you do not get it! He is my Fated; I should have been there for him!” Diluc shouted.

“I know, but-”

“No you don’t know, Kaeya! You don’t even have a Fated, how would you know how I felt when I saw that mine was being harmed hundreds and thousands of kilometers away from me!”

Diluc gasped when he realized what had spilled out of his mouth. He raised his head only to find his brother’s face filled with hurt.

“Kaeya, I didn’t mean…”

“No, you’re right Diluc. I don’t have a Fated, so I won’t ever know how you feel. Sorry, I just…” Kaeya’s face fell.

Diluc felt like he had been hit in the gut by a Mitachurl. He didn’t mean to say that to Kaeya. He knew how much Kaeya had wanted a Fated, just like Diluc.

He remembered the day they found out just like it was yesterday. Both Kaeya and him had been lazing around the house on a summer day after finishing their morning lessons. Diluc had just ended a conversation with Ajax, which Kaeya had joined in for.

Diluc had noticed how Kaeya was eyeing the silver ink and asked if Kaeya had wanted to try using it to contact his fated. Diluc mentally kicked himself for never asking prior. Seeing Kaeya’s face light up made Diluc know he had done his job right as a big brother.

Except that light quickly disappeared when the boys saw that no words showed up. The silver ink did not mark the copper skin. Even when Diluc had tried to write on his brother, nothing showed up. It was as if the ink was unable to mark Kaeya’s skin at all.

Diluc still remembers Kaeya’s face that day. Diluc had tried to give an excuse for why the ink wasn’t working, saying things like the ink had gone bad, or that the ink was too dry. But Kaeya had just smiled at him, as though he had already expected it to be an outcome.

They never brought up the topic again. And yet, Diluc just had to mention it now.

Diluc felt nauseous.

He weakly reached out, “Kaeya, I…”

But before he could even come up with a semblance of an apology, Kaeya quickly raised his head, sporting his happy-go-lucky smirk.

Diluc hated that face. It was a mask that Kaeya put on to block out the rest of the world, and what he wore when he spoke to outsiders or those he didn’t trust. Diluc didn’t like that he was considered an outsider too.

“It’s fine Diluc. I took it too far too, haha.” Kaeya tried to laugh it off.

Diluc clenched his teeth. What was he doing? He said was going to work harder, do better to protect the people he loved and keep them happy. And yet he managed to say some of the most harmful words to his very own brother.

“Anyways, we should head back now. Adelinde will start to get worried if we get back too late,” Kaeya said, starting to turn for the door.

Diluc stepped forward and grabbed Kaeya’s hand. He pulled him in, wrapping him in a hug.

Diluc doesn’t remember the last time they hugged, much less the last time they even got to spend some quality time.

He squeezed his arms around his brother, trying to transfer all the emotions, love and gratefulness, he felt. As well as the regret.

Diluc hid his face in Kaeya’s shoulder, hoping his brother would forgive him.

He felt Kaeya place a hand on his arm and squeeze it.

“It’s okay, Diluc,” Kaeya said. He spoke in a voice so gentle it made Diluc want to cry.

“I know you didn’t mean any harm. I should not have cornered you like that.”

Diluc shook his head, still buried in Kaeya’s shoulder.

“Alright, alright. That’s enough. Can’t very well have the Cavalry Captain crying at Headquarters now can we?” Kaeya chuckled.

“Who said I was crying,” Diluc mumbled.

He took in a breath before letting go and stepping back. Diluc rubbed a hand on his face for good measure. When he looked back up, he saw Kaeya with his hand extended. Diluc clasped it and they both squeezed.

“All good?” Kaeya asked.

“All good,” Diluc responded.

Kaeya nodded, “Good then, lets head out. I’m starving.” He laughed as he exited the office.

Diluc shook his head with a small smile on his face. He picked up the shirt Kaeya had dropped and quickly slipped it back on. He would just wash up at home.

The two brothers walked back, chatting about small things, as though nothing had disturbed their peace.

That night, Diluc and Ajax talked some more. Diluc hoped that one day Ajax would finally open up about what had happened during those three days. But all he could do was wait. So instead, he reveled in the fact that he could write to his Fated and receive a response immediately.

Ajax had finished describing the story he and his siblings had come up with to act out. Diluc was glad his Fated was still getting along with his family.

Diluc hesitated before finally writing down what he had been wanting to ask.

Do you still want to be an adventurer? Are you planning on going on another adventure?

Diluc waited with bated breath.

yes… and no. I don’t know

? Yes you want to still be an adventurer?

yeah, but I don’t think my parents like the idea too much after what happened last time

Oh, that makes sense I guess.

but I know that I don’t want to be a fisherman. I don’t think I could sit in one place everyday and just fish.

like I like ice fishing but not enough to do it for a living, you know

I get it. You want to do something more.

yeah! I’ve gotten stronger, especially now that I have my vision! and I’ve been training with it so that I can protect myself so I can go travel by myself now, but my parents don’t agree with that

Diluc felt his heart stop when he read what Ajax had written.

While he wanted to support his Fated, he could never forget how he felt when he lost contact with Ajax and saw all the scars appear. And the thought of that happening again was terrifying.

Maybe your parents are right. You are still young so you should probably wait a little longer before going out again.

you’re young too, but you still go out and fight hilichurls and monsters all the time! I also need to get stronger so that I can protect you

While I appreciate your concern, I was also trained for a long time and took a test before being able to go out and fight. Is there a place you could train at first?

actually, papa and mama were talking about sending me to join the fatui, oh they are like the knights for our nation! they are super-duper cool and powerful

Diluc remembers reading about the Fatui. They had been expanding their influence into other nations too from what he saw. If he remembers correctly, they were supposed to come to Mondstadt to set up some relations. He would have to go over those again.

That sounds like a good idea. You would get to travel and train to get stronger. Just make sure you are careful.

Diluc couldn’t help but include some nagging out of concern.

haha yes sir! I will let you know what happens!

It had gotten late as they continued to talk, so they both bid each other good night and went to bed.

A few days later, Diluc had noticed a new scar along his midriff when he was washing up. He waited to bring it up later that night during their usual evening chats because Diluc knew Ajax could hold his ground better and wasn’t worried about him being too hurt. And it seemed like Ajax healed faster now that he had gotten a hydro vision, which helped Diluc feel slightly better.

It had gotten more difficult to tell if there was a new scar or if Diluc had just gotten it mixed up with an old scar. However, Diluc had committed all the scars Ajax received during his disappearance to memory since he had religiously gone over them when checking to see if his Fated was alive. This meant Diluc was still able to notice if a new scar appeared, especially in areas where there weren’t as many marks.

Thankfully, the arms weren’t too scarred, so it was still relatively easy to write to each other. It also helped that the scars tended to be pinker which contrasted with the silver ink.

Are you doing okay? I was a new scar on my left side, Diluc wrote.

After a few minutes, he also added, Just wanted to check in.

He didn’t want Ajax to feel as though Diluc was trying to blame him.

hey, sorry, I got into a bit of a scuffle again. I was kinda hoping you wouldn’t notice

No need to be sorry, just wanted to make sure you were okay.

Diluc was really curious about how ‘a bit of a scuffle’ resulted in a permanent scar. He debated on whether or not he should ask, and ultimately decided he deserved some sort of answer since he was also carrying the scar.

Must have been a serious scuffle if you got a scar out of it. Can you tell me what happened?

Diluc had to wait a few minutes before Ajax responded.

I’m really sorry. I tried to be better about my temper but ever since I got back, it’s like something in me just wants to fight.

It’s been getting harder and harder to hold back, and today just happened to be a tipping point I guess.

Diluc thought about what to write back when another message appeared.

I really didn’t want to add more scars to you so I tried really hard to get it to heal without scarring but I guess it scarred because I healed it too fast ugh

Diluc felt his stomach drop. Why hadn’t he thought about it before? All he can see are the scars that healed, not the bruises, broken bones, or the pain his Fated was going through. He used to think that was a blessing since he was always the reason for the scars, but now that it was his Fated who was in pain, Diluc could barely think straight.

It’s fine, really. Besides, if anything I should be apologizing for giving you so many scars early on, Diluc responded.

I’m just glad you are okay :)

I’ll try to do better, but honestly I don’t know Diluc…

Hey, it’s okay. Maybe you can try some calming techniques?

I’ve tried some, mama helped me try some stuff to help, but it didn’t.

It doesn’t seem to be getting better. I just always feel like I need to go out and fight something.

I have all this energy in me and can barely hold still

I think something’s changed in me.

Diluc didn’t know how to comfort his Fated. What must it feel like to always need to fight? To be filled with that type of energy?

Are you angry at something?

No! I’m not, in fact when I do give in and fight, it’s like I get a rush and keep wanting the fight to continue

mama and papa looked really scared when they saw me like that, so I tried to stop it, but I can’t

It gets worse when I don’t give in

I almost hurt Tonia once because I was so riled up

I felt so bad

I don’t know what to do, Luc

I think something changed in me during those three months

Diluc could barely focus with all the information he was getting. It was like a dam broke and all the missing information he had been asking for was overflowing.

Wait, three months?

Ajax, you were gone for three days, what do you mean three months?

oh did I say months? haha I meant days sorry, I miswrote :)

Something told Diluc that Ajax was lying, but he decided not to pursue that line of questioning since there was something more important he needed to focus on.

Well maybe you can channel that energy into something productive? I could try to go over some basic training sets we teach the knights

would that be okay? I’m not from Mond don’t you think it would be bad for me to learn?

It’s just basic strength training, nothing that’s super important or secret.

hmm… yeah maybe that’d help

Okay! Want me to write you the steps now? Diluc asked, excited that he would be able to help his Fated.

now might not be the best time, I’m traveling with my papa, but I’ll let you know when I’m ready!

Okay, I hope your trip with your Father is fun!

thanks! ♡

The next night Ajax wrote to Diluc first.

I’m joining the Fatui, so you won’t need to tell me any of the knights training.

Oh, okay. I didn’t realize you were going to join them so early. I know you had mentioned them earlier…

yeah I didn’t either, but I think my papa thought it would be better for me to join them than cause more trouble at home

Well, I hope you like it and that it helps!

Diluc tried to keep a positive attitude since it seemed like the decision to join was abrupt and one that Ajax didn’t have much say in.

He could only hope his Fated ended up liking it.

thanks. I gotta go now, I don’t know if I’ll be able to write to you as often now, so I wanted to let you know before hand so you don’t worry

Thanks for telling me, do your best and stay safe! I’m always cheering you on!

♡♡♡, was all Diluc got in response.

He laughed while running his fingers over the hearts. His Fated could be so cute sometimes.

Diluc had conflicting feelings on the matter, especially since they wouldn’t be able to contact each other as much, but he decided to wait and trust his Fated.

The morning after, Diluc looked up what information the Knights had on the Fatui. There was no harm in learning more about the organization his Fated had joined.

Surprisingly, there wasn’t that much to read. There hadn’t been much contact between the Fatui and the Knights of Favonius, so all Diluc had access to were some rumors and the little interactions the organizations had previously. That said, the interactions were two measly meetings on some trade agreements between the nations. Nothing that gave too much information.

Diluc sighed at his unsuccessful hunt for knowledge. He tried to wrack his brains for any other place he could get some details.

Diluc snapped his fingers. His father was currently home, and Diluc remembered that there was mention of talks between Snezhnaya and Mondstadt for trading the goods made by Dawn Winery.

That’s it! He could ask his father for more information!

Now that he had settled that issue, Diluc got to work, wanting to finish everything in time to go home early.

Thankfully, his work had gone smoothly, and Diluc was able to leave on time. He pretended not to notice the surprised looks he got from his subordinates when he left before the sun went down.

He quickly went to wash up before walking over to his father’s study. He knocked three times and waited for an answer.

“Come in,” his father said.

Diluc opened the door to see his father sitting at his desk looking over a bunch of papers.

“Are you busy, Father? Is it alright if I came in to ask a few questions?” Diluc asked. His father looked busy, so he didn’t want to disturb him.

His father looked up from the papers and set them down.

“No, that is all right. Come in Diluc. I was just briefly looking over some last minute things.” His father took off his glasses, and rubbed his eyes.

“Should I ask Adelinde to make you something to drink?” Diluc asked.

“No, it is almost time for dinner. I can wait until then. Thank you for offering, son,” His father replied.

“Of course, father.”

“So, what is it that you wanted to ask?”

Diluc sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk. “I remember you mentioning that you were trying to open trade with Snezhnaya for the winery, is that still true?”

Diluc did not know much about the winery since he was busy with the knights. But he did hear tidbits from his father and Elzer.

“Yes, that is correct. I was actually just looking over some stuff about that. We were supposed to enter the nation last year, but there were some new regulations introduced which we had not been prepared for, so we had to push back our date of entry. Our aim is to send some of our stock later this year to test the waters.” His father explained.

Diluc nodded. “So that means you have some intelligence on the nation and its major organizations right?”

“Yes, that would be correct. But where are you going with this Diluc?” His father raised an eyebrow at his questioning.

“Well, actually, Ajax recently joined the Fatui, so I wanted to get some more information on them to make sure he would be okay.”

Diluc ended up telling his father the truth. He would have found out eventually anyways, so there was no reason to hide it.

“I see. The Fatui…” His father didn’t say anything for a while, seeming to be lost in thought.

“Father?” Diluc called his father’s attention back.

“Actually, there is not much I can truly tell you about their organization. Like any other nation, their intel on their military is tightly regulated. I only have superficial details to offer you.”

“That’s fine! I just wanted something to give me some ease of mind.” Diluc ended up speaking louder than he had anticipated.

He cleared his throat before proceeding, “What do we know about them?”

“Officially they are known to be a delegation of diplomats representing Snezhnaya. However,” His father looked at him and sighed softly.

“However?”

“There are a few unsavory rumors floating around about the group, particularly about their behavior in making those diplomatic contacts. Their militant force is also said to be one of the strongest in the land, and not to be trifled with. That is partly the reason we had to delay our distribution in their nation.”

“So then, that means they are not good people? But then what should Ajax do?” Diluc couldn’t help but worry for his Fated.

“Now Diluc, that intel is simply from the perspective of a citizen of Mondstadt. The citizens of Snezhnaya will surely feel differently towards their own soldiers. Is that not how it is with our Knights?”

“But no one is afraid of our Knights. In fact, many claim that the Knights of Favonius are some of the most friendly people, even in other nations!” Diluc couldn’t help but stick up for his fellow knights.

“Well, I suppose that is true,” his father laughed good-naturedly. When his father saw his expression, he stood up and walked over to Diluc.

Diluc shut his eyes as his father ruffled his hair.

“Do not worry too much. I am sure Ajax will be fine. He seems like a smart and strong boy. Do you not believe in him?”

“Of course I do! I just… worry is all,” Diluc said softly.

His father laughed again and said something about young love before walking out of the office leaving Diluc by his lonesome.

Diluc sat there a little longer, pulling up his sleeve to gaze at the three hearts still on his arm. He was glad the ink had lasted somewhat, even though the hearts were a bit faded. The good thing was, no scars had appeared all day.

That was a good sign, Diluc told himself.

He would just have to believe in Ajax like his father said and wait for his Fated to tell him how it went.

And with that issue settled in his mind, he got up and followed his father down to the dining room for dinner.

#chiluc fic #chiluc #childe #diluc #chiluc fanfic #genshin fanfic #tartaglia #ajax #soulmate au #angst #kaeya #ragbros #crepus #diluc x childe

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