#diluc series

[versadies]

EPILOGUE || FOREVERMORE

SYNOPSIS (of chapter). in which it's been three months since your trip to mondstadt.

SYNOPSIS (of series). breaking up with your first love was heartbreaking, but not as heartbreaking as getting invited to his wedding after years of not seeing him. that is, until things seem to be easier when you encounter a certain guest, who could end up becoming more than just a blooming friend to you (or not).

CHARACTERS. diluc ragnvindr, kamisato ayato, and thoma (w/ gn!reader)

CONTENT. fluff/slight-angst, grammar errors (?), cheesy scenes, second-hand embarrassment (?), possible errors in general.

WORD COUNT. 3.5k words

LINKS. EVERMORE MASTERLIST \ MAIN MASTERLIST \ EVERMORE SURVEY

POST-SCRIPT. the end is finally here!! hopefully the ending is satisfying and fulfilling, i've done all i can to make sure it brings the entire series together and give reader the happiness they deserve. if you wish to know fun facts about the series, stay until the end!!

PREVIOUS

3 MONTHS LATER AFTER THE WEDDING.

DECEMBER 11, 2022

It’s been a while since you’ve last visited Mondstadt. 

You find yourself sitting on a bar stool with your drink in hand, wearing a formal outfit suited for an occasion that can happen to someone for once-in-a-lifetime: a wedding. 

True to both you and Diluc’s words, you kept in touch with one another as you two remained friends after your departure from Mondstadt. Though you’re both busy from your work schedules, the two of you make the most of your conversations through sending pictures of food, places, and even your friends – your particular favorite being a picture of his pet bird, Vanessa – in your messages. 

It’s safe to say things are well, and you’re more than happy with the couple’s wedding despite your heartbreak before. 

You mindlessly look around the reception venue with a smile on your face, paying no mind to the conversations between loud guests who are either talking about 1) the newly wedded couple, or 2) the recent buzz of the continent regarding a certain corrupted CEO.

Two months after the wedding of Ayato and Chisato, Shinsuke was suddenly arrested thanks to the newly-wedded couple, who exposed him with numerous charges that shocked the entire public and media.

“Did you hear? Hiiragi Shinsuke has been arrested for his crimes!”

“I know! It’s shocking to hear that it took him this long to be behind bars, and to think that it’s all thanks to his daughter and her husband...” 

“Didn’t they work with that young detective that’s been the buzz of Inazuma’s police force? What’s that detective’s name again?”

“I believe it’s Shikanoin. Apparently he’s been investigating Hiiragi for a long time now!” 

You muted out people’s chattering about Shinsuke, taking a sip of your drink. You’re honestly just glad that he’s finally behind bars now, and you won’t have to worry about him for a long, long tim–

“( Name )! How are you?” You flinch when you hear a particular voice that you haven’t heard for a few months now. When you turn around, you spot Venti coming towards you happily with a skip of his steps.

“Venti!” You greeted him happily, putting your glass down before standing up to come towards him, spreading your arms for a friendly hug. “I’ve been well, thank you. How about you? It’s been a while!” 

Venti giggles, wrapping his arms around you for a warm friendly hug. “I’m doing well, especially with free drinks and free food around!” He cheers. His flushed cheeks and drowsy look is enough for you to know that he’s as drunk as can be. Classic Venti…

“I can tell.” You respond with a laugh, before helping him sit on one of the bar stools that’s next to yours on the left. “You should take a break from all that drinking, your hangover will be the death of you tomorrow.” 

“You’re right.. I should be ready for later..!” Venti hiccups. “How’s Zhongli, by the way? Did he go with you as your plus one again?” 

You shake your head in response. “He’s okay, but no, he’s not with me for this trip.” You replied. “I didn’t bring anyone with me since it wasn’t mentioned in the wedding card.”

“Well then, I guess you’re stuck with me!” He giggles, before ordering the bartender another glass once again, much to both your dismay and the bartender’s. 

As Venti indulges himself with the free drinks while sharing interesting things about Mondstadt, you couldn’t help but glance at the direction of where Diluc and Jean are, who are both chatting quietly to one another as they eat their meals at their table.

It didn’t take long before Diluc felt your stare, and noticed your presence. 

You couldn’t help but smile at him with a wave, to which he responds with an acknowledged nod, slightly smiling towards you before his attention is taken by another guest who came to congratulate the newly-wedded couple.

Your attention is eventually taken as well by another person, who suddenly seated himself right next to you on your right. 

“Thoma!” You gasp in surprise, not expecting to see the blonde-haired man.

Thoma flashes you a smile as he chuckles. “Hello to you too as well, ( Name ). Guess you didn’t expect me to be here, huh?” 

“Of course not, you gave me a heart attack! I didn’t know you were invited!” You exclaim with a smile. You couldn’t help but take note of how neat he looks, wearing a tuxedo with his hair fixed instead of his usual messy hairdo that you’ve grown used to. 

“I didn’t think I’d be invited either until Ayato persuaded me to come to the wedding on his behalf. I’m sure you know how busy Inazuma has been since the… arrest.” He explains, scratching the back of his head with a cheeky grin. 

You nod in understanding, your smile becoming a little strained at the mention of the arrest of Shinsuke. “I’m very aware. Almost everyone’s talking about it here, surprisingly.” 

The blonde man takes note of your strained smile, and he decides to quickly change topics in a jiffy. “How’s your trip here? Did you bring anyone with you?” He asks curiously. 

You lean on the bar counter, though your drink (as well as Venti, who’s still busy with his drinks) is left forgotten. “My trip’s been amazing. I didn’t bring anyone with me though. How about you?” 

Thoma shrugs. “I didn’t bring anyone either. Though if I could, I would’ve brought Taroumaru.” 

“Aw, I miss Taroumaru!” You cooed. You immediately thought about Inazuma once again, becoming more homesick than you thought you’d be. “How’s the little guy? I heard he’s been the talk of the town. He’s getting really famous on the Internet, isn’t he?” 

Thoma chuckles in response, his cheeks turning slightly red. “Yeah.. I honestly didn’t think he’d get famous. There was an idol who came to visit the café and took a picture of him, which was how he got everyone’s love.” 

You nodded slowly, still smiling. “So I suppose business is booming then? I’m sure a lot of people must be wanting to meet Taroumaru.” 

“Oh if only you see how busy it’s been. If it weren’t for the staff my mom and I hired, I wouldn’t be able to come to the wedding in the first place!” He comments.

As you continue to listen to Thoma talking about people in Inazuma, you couldn’t help but miss Inazuma even more. You honestly couldn’t wait to come back. 

“How about you? How’s Liyue been lately after your trip?” Your friend suddenly asks, causing you to wake up from your thoughts. 

You cleared your throat. “Oh, same as always. Though,” You straighten your posture, clearing your throat, “I’ve thought about coming back to Inazuma after what happened.” 

Thoma was taken back by surprise from your words, his eyes brightened. “R-Really?” 

You hummed, your smile growing from his excitement. “Really.” 

The man before you didn’t know what to say, stunned from such good news. “This..." He couldn’t help but let out a laugh, obviously ecstatic from the news as his eyes brightens instantly. "This is amazing news! You have to let me know when your flight is then. I can pick you up from the airport and we can go wherever you want and–”

“Woah, woah, slow down!” You couldn’t help but laugh as well, finding his excitement infectious and amusing. “I haven’t even booked anything yet, let alone ask for a transfer in my job.”  

“O-Oh!” His cheeks turn red instantly in embarrassment. “R-Right.. My bad, I-I was getting too excited.” He stammers, clearing his throat as he fixes his suit tie. “When do you think you’ll come back?” 

You shrug in response. “I’m thinking of.. Maybe after New Year’s Day. It’ll take a while since well.. It’s hard to move to another country, you know?”

He nodded quickly. “Ah yes, of course. I totally understand! You should take your time.” He says in agreement. “Just… Let me know when you’re coming back. I missed you, you know?” 

You couldn’t help but feel your cheeks warming up from his words. Thoma was never the type to confess something so affectionate, but perhaps the drinks are getting the best of both of you…

The blonde man was quick to realize what he said though, as he instantly stiffens and starts stumbling on his words. “I-I mean, I-I’m not the only one who misses you– since everyone misses you, i-including me..!” 

“Y-Yeah, I get it. E-Especially since it’s been a long time since I’ve left Inazuma.” You stumbled as well, your cheeks warming even more from the awkward situation that the both of you brought yourself into. “I-If anything, I missed you guys too..!” 

Yeah, the drinks are definitely getting the best of both of you. 

The two of you couldn’t help but laugh once again from the embarrassment, causing the tense and awkward atmosphere to dissipate. 

“Well that was awkward.” He commented, smiling from ear-to-ear.

“No doubt.” You responded, still laughing as you held your stomach. 

As the both of you try to catch your breaths after laughing, Thoma decides to get himself a drink as well as another one for you. “Let’s drink to celebrate your upcoming return then. On me, of course.” 

You snorted. “Thoma, the drinks are free. We’re in a wedding, remember?” 

He blushes once again. “A-Ah.. Right.” 

–

As you walk out of the elevator, you head towards your hotel room with Thoma in tow. 

Long after the wedding finally ended, you decided to take your leave and hit the bed to sleep for the night, wanting nothing more than to lie down on the comfortable sheets of the bed as you snore away. 

To your surprise, Thoma decides to make sure you come back to your room in one piece and escort you back to your room given that the both of you are a little intoxicated.

“You know, you don’t have to come with me. I can go back to the room on my own.” You said reassuringly, noticing how close your hotel room is getting.

“We’re here anyway, so you’re stuck with me now.” He comments, insisting even more as he walks by your side. “Besides, I’m actually staying in the same hotel as you. Though, I’m three floors above.” 

You relax instantly from his words, no longer finding the energy to say otherwise. “Oh, that’s good then.” You stumble around and try to find your keycard, pulling it out from your pocket as the two of you arrive to your room.

“Thanks again, Thoma. I’m glad you had kept me company at the wedding– and for helping me taking care of Venti.” You chuckled, letting your door scan your keycard. 

He smiles, nodding in acknowledgement. “Of course. It’s the least I can do since you’ve given me a good time at the wedding.” 

You smiled in response, and turned around to enter your room that's now opened, but before you could enter, he stopped you for a moment. 

“Wait.” 

“Hm?” You turn to look at him in confusion and in curiosity. “Is something wrong?” 

He shakes his head. “N-No, of course not. It’s just…”

The two of you fell awkwardly silent. 

“...I won’t be here tomorrow, so you won’t see me until you return to Inazuma.” He confesses. “So… If you ever decide on whether you’d visit, move in, or whatever, I’m one call away. Just let me know when you come and visit.” So I can be the first to greet you.

You smiled cheekily. “So you really did miss me, huh?”

He blushes once again. “Can you blame me..?” There’s no one I love but you. 

You then pat his shoulder. “...I’ll call you as soon as I get the date. Just promise me you’ll be by the airport with some cardboard that has my name.” You teased. 

He nodded eagerly. “I’ll make sure it’ll have ‘Welcome back from the Asylum’ on it.” He says, teasing you back. 

“Oh I’d like to see you try!” You laugh, lightly slapping his shoulder as he grins.

“...See you next time, ( Name ).” 

“See you next time, Thoma.” 

You took a few steps to your room and finally closed the door, the last face you saw was Thoma’s flushed face. 

As soon as he’s alone in the quiet hallways of the hotel floor, he lets out a sigh. 

This time.. This time I’ll shoot my shot.

.

.

.

“What are you thinking about, Thoma?” 

The blonde-haired man blinks a few times as he finds himself back in the familiar surroundings of Komore Cafe. 

“Ah, sorry.. I-I was just thinking about something.” Thoma says with a cheeky grin, looking at your direction as you sit by the stools that’s by the counter. “How long have you been watching me?” He asks. 

You smiled cheekily. “Long enough for me to be reminded of how handsome you look.” You responded teasingly with a chuckle.

“Oh really? Am I really that dashing?” He asks, jokingly posing like a model as it causes you to laugh. 

“Very much, but not as much as my guy Taroumaru here.” You pet the Shiba Inu, who makes a “woof!” noise as he happily encourages your affection. 

Thoma dramatically puts a hand on his chest. “You wound me. I’d never thought my own spouse would choose Taroumaru over me! Where is the loyalty?” 

The two of you broke into laughter, amused by each other’s antics.

It’s been almost two years since the time when you two visited Diluc and Jean’s wedding. True to your word, you return to Inazuma a few months after your trip to Mondstadt, officially residing in your homeland instead of Liyue. Thoma has been with you since you returned, and he has been nothing but helpful to you as the two of you make up for the lost time.

It took a while before you eventually started gaining feelings for him, which then eventually led to the two of you in a committed and happy relationship for the past three months. It’s safe to say that you’ve never been happier than ever, and you’re grateful for someone like Thoma to be by your side for so long. 

And he’s grateful that his dream finally came true, happy that he has the honor of being yours, and you being his. He couldn’t imagine anything better than what he has now. 

Unfortunately, the sweet moment between you both ended abruptly when your watch started ringing, reminding you of the time. 

“Ah shoot, I gotta go. Miko’s going to kill me if I end up late.” You said, grabbing your bag and drink before kissing Thoma’s cheek and pet Taroumaru one last time. “Thanks for the drink, by the way.” 

“Anything for you. Stay safe!” Your boyfriend tells you, watching as you run out of the cafe like the wind, leaving him alone with Taroumaru.

As soon as you’re gone, he lets out a dreamy sigh. 

“Come, Taroumaru, it’s time to work.” He spoke to the Shiba Inu, petting his head before heading towards the sign of his café to flip it. 

There’s nothing more to life than spending the rest of his days with you, and he’s more than content with the life he has with you.

It’s safe to say that the same goes with you. 

PREVIOUS.

DAN'S NOTE.

Thank you guys so much for reading Evermore! I honestly have never thought I’d finished this from the very start, and yet here I am, and it’s all thanks to all of you who have spread your love and opinions on this series.

It was truly an honor to write this piece. It really makes me happy to see a lot of you guys commenting on each chapter, sending asks about how much you love Evermore and spit on Ayato as well as Shinsuke, and overall just you guys being interested in something I put my heart and soul to! 

As someone who never once experienced having a lover nor went through a breakup, it’s quite tough for me to write about it in this series since I want the experiences to feel somewhat real, or better yet, not too cliche than it already is. 

Of course, I also want this series to be somewhat a lesson to my dear readers, to those who need to let it all out, to those whose hearts are broken, to those who just need an escape from reality once in a while, and overall to everyone. I hope that whatever you guys are going through, you will get through it! If you can go through a breakup and deal with Shinsuke’s existence in this fic, then you can surely go through anything!

Since I’ve already expressed what I need to express in the previous chapter, I decided to drop some fun facts and trivia here!

This series was made out of spite because of how I lost the 50/50 to Keqing in Ayato’s first released banner on my first 10 pulls and wanted to make him suffer. Fortunately enough, writing this series seems enough to make him come home 80 pulls later b4 his banner ended! 

I also wanted to write a story that’s based on my number one favorite Taylor Swift song from one of my favorite albums of hers: right where you left me! This song is one of the most relatable songs I’ve ever listened to ever since I first heard it in 2021, and it’s been stuck with me to this day as of 2024 (can you believe it? It’s been almost 4 years!) 

And fun fact, I found out that the evermore album was released on my birthday (December 11), so it feels right that I made the series inspired by the album <3 !

The following are some fun facts from my drafts:

Diluc's arranged spouse was supposed to be Donna, but I unfortunately didn’t make that happen since the way Donna would treat the situation wouldn’t be the same way as what Jean would do. 

Thoma wasn’t actually supposed to be a male lead until I started planning for the no body no crime part. I don’t know what made me assign Thoma as the second male lead, but when I did, I didn’t like how my series will be another “second male lead who has no chance with the main lead” so I made him the person the reader actually ends up with in the epilogue soon after!

– below are things that i’ve scraped from this series ! –

Before I started planning each chapter, Diluc was originally supposed to be the reader's plus one. The plot involves how the reader asks Diluc, reader’s friend since college, to be their plus one since he lives in Mondstadt and he reluctantly agrees, and throughout the wedding trip, they slowly fall in love with each other. 

It was such a good plot too if you saw the details I wrote for it ! But I scrapped it off because the plot would’ve been really long, and I want the series to focus on the story of reader finally and properly moving on from their breakup with their first love, Ayato. I’m aware that I could’ve followed this plot while reader moves on with Ayato, but again, I feel like it just wasn't it for me. though who knows, i might make a one-shot fic of it ;)

Another fun fact is there was supposed to be a second part series after Evermore that’s called Folklore and it ends with you dating Kaeya. 

in this series, you first meet Kaeya during Diluc’s wedding and spend time with him. Sure enough, you hate that guy, but you had no choice but to spend time with him throughout your stay in Mondstadt since he’s such a great tour guide. 

You were glad that you’re finally back to Liyue and not be able to see that playboy anymore, so consider yourself shocked when you waltzed into your office and saw him. 

Turns out, the reason why he’s always spending time with you in Mondstadt is not because of how he wants to guide you around mondstadt, but because he wants to get to know the person he’ll be working with in Liyue! 

So yes, this is somewhat an enemies to lovers + office romance story, and unlike Diluc and Ayato, this guy has no chance in getting into arranged marriages and immediately shoots his shot with you ;> !

Extra note: Dainsleif was supposed to be in folklore series as the second male lead hehe 

I was really looking forward to writing this series until chapter thirteen happened. If I have to be real honest, I was disappointed with myself for what happened, and I was afraid that you guys will be even more disappointed with me if i make another series, so i immediately scrapped it off :(( 

But to clarify more, even if chapter thirteen went well, I would’ve still scrapped it off since – as you know, I have a health issue that caused my big hiatus – and I’m afraid that I wouldn’t be able to finish the second series at all, let alone start it.

Instead of that, I decided to just make it into one of the epilogues of what could’ve been! Feel free to check the folklore epilogue once it’s out! 

I think I can reveal more information with the Q&A from my evermore survey, so while I’m compiling your questions, feel free to ask more right away! 

That's all for this series. Once again, thank you so so so much for giving me the pleasure of writing this fic. I might not make a series soon, but if I ever have the luxury of time, I hope you guys will be there to read it.

Thank you!

Sincerely, your penpal, Dan xoxo

PENPALS. @scaraslover @saving-for-xiao @dawgimsohot @kazu-topia @chiruru @aqualesha @renamichii @mrkamisato @shenhesl0ver @serami00 @serenareiss @hiqhkey @emperatris-rinaka @bystander36 @irisxiel @ladycoleigh @034ven @dear-dairiess @owozi8 @hadesaedes @chiro-chiro-kun @hersscherofyatta @mariusvonhangme @yuzuricebun @hoshikistarlette @solaaresque @crowbird @lordbugs @flowersforayato @headintheclouddd @estelwrld @giyusimpsassemble @irethepotatosblog @moonlightaangel @alice0blog @shotosbrainrot @sniffoat @chihawari @mxsomn @kuni-kuzushii @jiminscarmex @mitsukii114 @nejibot @ylimeprive @sachispet @loreleis-world @sn-owo @stareforecasts @someonetookmynamelmao @ceylestia @lychme @ymikkos @reallysporadicarcade @melodyyamino @dudufodd @somberrock @yevenly @lemontum @nghing @elychee @astrxlis @denkineptune @franini @sophisticatedleslie @thedivinepriestress @smashsubs @httpmitsuya @bl6o6dy @cottonkendi (please visit this post if you'd like to be tagged!)

[lvnesart]

Part 2 of this little series lol

[idlescara]

home (i think i’m better off alone)

being the youngest ragnvindr was like a dream come true growing up. a loving father and two doting older brothers, you couldn’t ask for anything more. well, it was a dream come true until diluc’s 18th birthday, the day crepus died. it was as if your family crumbled down around you in an instant; no time to even attempt to salvage what was left. with diluc leaving mondstadt and kaeya furthering his own life away from the place you all once called home, they left you to pick up the pieces. alone.

now playing. . . home by three days grace

status. — ★ on going (10.14.24 - TBD)

content. — ★ male!reader, heavy angst, hurt/comfort, hurt/no comfort, major slow burn, reconciliation, suggestive and nsfw scenes, side ships, eventual happy ending.

warnings. — ★ death, mild depictions of panic attacks, blood, physical confrontations, depictions of trauma and ptsd, self loathing, attachment/abandonment issues, poor coping skills, implied alcohol abuse

disclaimers. — ★ major genshin spoilers, especially kaeya’s lore! each act will have 5-10 chapters, every chapter will have individual warnings stated, any chapter including nsfw content will be in red, there will be romantic esc relationships with other characters, but endgame is aether.

update schedule. — ★ sporadic

note. — ★ posting this now to get a general idea on how many people actually want this (still working on the first chapter), but i will still write it regardless ^~^

tag list. — ★ open (5/50); contact me through messages, asks, etc non-anonymously to be added.

m.masterlist genshin. masterlist wattpad ver

ACT I — BEFORE THE FALL ★

i. rainy night ii. daydream iii. fire and ice iv. foolish v. my salvation

ACT II — CRASHING DOWN ★

tbd

ACT III — IS THIS REALLY WHO WE ARE? ★

tbd

ACT IV — HEAR THE WIND SING ★

tbd

ACT V — ENOUIA ★

tbd

© idlescara. do not repost, translate, or modify my work.

[kozapple]

DCKZ magazine edit (an attempt)

my first draft/attempt in this magazine series are below the cut if you want to see how horrible it is─

SHSHDHDHSHDHS *CRINGES* at least it looks like i improved ig??

[moineauz]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃'𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐗 ( rockin'roll ! )

"and if you don't love me now, you won't ever love me again."

★ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃'𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐗 / the 70's rock band that took teyvat by storm

ISSUE 01. Everyone knows who The Sunbird's Six were. Their songs revited through the nations: tender and ethereal with each poignant verse. Yet, the group of six showed they could sing verses of ardour while thirsting with unrequited rage that tore souls apart in one sitting. Their debut and only album ‘Vermilion’ was hypnotic and utterly divine. It was a mosaic of winsome pieces that were put together to make one gut-wrenching album that you ultimately ugly cry to.

SO WHO WAS THE SUNBIRD'S SIX? Comprised of four founding members from Mondstadt, one from Snezhnaya, and the other from Fontaine, we get a cast of Teyvat's most talented musicians. Specifically, Diluc Ragnvindr as lead guitarist, songwriter and vocalist and ( Name ) St. Laurent as lead vocalist and songwriter. The duo bewitched the throng and perhaps themselves with both their flaming allure and vocals. Youth of the 70's wanted to become ( Name ) with all her charm and freedom while some fans died to get a strand of Diluc's hair alone. The other members include Jean Gunnhildr on keys, Rosaria on drums, Kaeya Alberich as bass guitarist, and 'Childe' as rhythm guitarist.

ISSUE 02. Yet, as The Sunbirds Six became a renowned household and rock name, their disbandment remains unknown- until now.

★ 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐗

Kaeya Alberich ( bass guitarist ) : Ha! We were good... too good.

Rosaria ( drummer ) : Back then- things were simpler. You wanted to play? Grab an instrument and fucking play. That was our original motto... until things started getting messy. And by messy I mean Diluc and Childe. Maybe even ( Name ) too. *Sighs* Actually, all of us. But, you can't write an album like 'Vermilion' without going through all that shit.

Jean Gunnhildr ( pianist ) : When the four of us first came together, we were decent. We all loved playing- some more than others- but we were okay! *Smiles slightly* But, if you're going to go beyond the walls of the Ravginder basement- we needed more.

Childe ( rhythm guitarist ) : Do I sit here? *Laughs* Oh okay. When I was invited to join the band- I said, "Okay, my partner will join too." and of course, there was zero objection cause you don't find a musician like ( Name ) anywhere... a small part of me selfishly wishes that she [ ( Name ) ] said no when I asked. *Laughs* But who am I kidding? I'd go through all that again and again... even if it meant dealing with Diluc-

Diluc Ragnvindr ( lead guitarist ) We only needed another vocalist, a female one. So, we found one.

Kaeya : I was the one who told him we needed a female vocalist and I found her and Childe.

Rosaria : Rockin' roll is not serious till you really add whatever emotions ( Name ) had in the mix- and that's exactly what she did.

( Name ) St. Laurent : *Smiles sweetly* It was ugly, so ugly. However, bygones be bygones. It was only rockin' roll.

Diluc : It was not just rockin' roll.

★ ARTISTS AND OTHERS. Diluc Ragnvindr, 'Childe' or Ajax, Jean Gunnhildr, Rosaria, Kaeya Alberich, Zhongli, Lisa, Neuvillette, Albedo Kreideprinz, Xinyan, Pantalone, Rosalyne Lohefalter and more.

UPDATES AND POSTSCRIPT. Updates at least once a week (subjective to change). Female pronouns and vocal references.

SIDE COMMENTS. I love rock so let’s combine both. (If you genuinely understand the song reference in the beginning you are my friend now). Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Florence Welch, the ambient sounds of the 90’s (Mazzy star and Mojave 3), Daisy Jones & the Six and of course the 70’s. Warnings will be in each chapter.

WHAT DO THEY SOUND LIKE? Here is a playlist of the previous artists and more to give you a feel!

★ 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 / the album , track 01

expect occasional changes to the track as the story develops

PREFACE — who are you? WILD CHILD — don't stop the music!

Vermilion

Stay Around (or not)

Reverie

Don’t Look Back Now

Runner Up

Tell Me You Love Her

Bright, Young, Woman

The Voices

White Lies

Visceral

Underneath My Skin

Valberry

Gone to Waste

Shoot Your Shot

From Afar

Dawn’s Shadow

In Leather and Faux Fur

Two for Two

My Monoceros Caeli

Deep Six

INWARDS NOT OUT — tell me, how have you been honey?

TAGLIST. @aphrodict @tragedy-of-commons @tipheeweefee @nyoomiin @https-mika @stvrdew @kascar-chronicle if you are interested in becoming part of the taglist, then drop by through an ask!

[pigeonpeach]

Too little too late <3

Summary: Diluc vs Jean x fem reader!

Did he really except you to wait? You had spent your life with the knowledge you would marry Dluc Ragvindr when you were of age. You grew alongside him and grew to like him. You two were close and you didn’t mind the arrangement and neither did he. But on his 18th birthday much happened to destroy those plans. His father died, he left the knights, he ran away with no explanation or even a note left for you his now worried fiancée. No answer when he’d come back or if he wouldn’t. To say you were stressed was a understatement.

That’s the thing about relationships, you’re not supposed to ditch your partner because you’re overwhelmed. You take a breather and talk to them about it. You had told him he could always talk to you about anything no matter what. And you advocated for him to do so, but he didn’t. He didn’t send you a letter in those 4 years he was gone. But who did was Jean Gunnhildr. Your parents rescinded the arrangement, they worried Diluc was too unstable to be wed currently. All without notifying him as they had no way to do so. Who was there to comfort you? Not Diluc but Jean. Jean who was already dealing with the fallout and such herself. Jean let you vent and cry in her lap as she visited you regularly. You two had always been close friends. You even joked you wished you could marry her instead. As a year passed with no word from Diluc you gave up your dream or expectation of his return. It was heartbreaking but necessary, you took the promise ring and gave it to Adelinde as you wished to focus on yourself rather than burden the worries of a man who wouldn’t even let you know if he was okay or not. Maybe it was wrong to hate him but the man left you high and dry with no explanation or anything to go off of! You had no choice but to assume you just weren’t important enough for him to even consider he was leaving you behind. Your heart was in pieces and you had to fix it yourself.

Come 4 years and Diluc returned to Mondstadt no longer recognizable as the man he used to be. A stoic and emotionless expression with eyes that made him seem bored more often than not. He didn’t blame you for not waiting for him. But he did notice how Jean seemed to accompany you alot now. Far more than ever. Even as she got busier would you accompany her to go out in town, your arm wrapped around hers. Maybe its wrong for him to be jealous but… he can’t help it. There’s even talks that you might end up her wife instead. Your parents don’t seem against that idea either. To them Diluc is a good businessman but Jean is slated to be the next in charge, which is a big upgrade. She’s proven to be devoted and steady even in the face of change and battle. Perhaps they consider him a coward, that is definitely cruel but they also saw how you desperately tried to reach out to him to no avail.

As for Jean however she’s always loved you. She always envied Diluc for the fact he’d get you someday. She grew up gritting her teeth in a smile each time she heard him mention your future wedding with him. She bared it for you, to stay close to you and stay your friend. When he left she swooped in to console you. She didn’t expect to earn your heart but she wasn’t complaining. She also worried about diluc even though he was her competition all these years. She couldn’t help but be upset at how he left you though. Sure the first months were understandable but he should’ve tried to at least clarify he was okay or something at some point. She can’t help but pull her darling closer when he tries to talk. She’s finally proven herself as a option to them and she isn’t going to back down now.

Its quite a predicament to be in.

[watatsumiis]

When you're unwell - Diluc edition

Diluc Ragnvindr is a busy man, with a busy lifestyle. His daily to-do list is longer than most people’s weekly ones. But all of that comes screeching to a halt the moment he catches wind of you being even the slightest bit unwell. Then, he’s pulling strings and taking full advantage of his prestige and riches to make sure you’re able to receive the best care you could possibly ever hope for. 

Large amounts of his work end up being passed on to Elzer, and he’ll often ask Adelinde for assistance when preparing meals for you - she knows just how important you are to Diluc, and extends her full hospitality, setting you up in one of the most comfortable guest rooms available and fussing over you whenever Diluc isn’t there to do so. 

Diluc knows just how comforting having company when you’re feeling unwell is, and will pull out all the stops to make sure he’s able to be by your side at your every waking moment, not caring if he might get sick himself. 

Even his Darknight Hero duties take second place to you, so he can spend the nights fretting at your bedside and being at your beck and call. No matter how much you insist that you’re fine and feeling okay, Diluc won’t hear a word of it, especially if you’re exhibiting symptoms of any kind. He’s a true gentleman, offering to read to you and keeping you apprised of the current happenings in the city and its surroundings. 

Diluc likes sitting at your bedside, holding one of your hands in both of his to make sure you know he’s there for you, even if you’re delirious from a fever or deeply sleeping as you recover. He does whatever work he can from the same room as you so that he’s able to keep a close eye on you as you recover. Most nights, he’ll sleep by your bedside, propped up in the creaky wooden chair he dragged in here from downstairs, or doubled over to rest his head on your legs as he snores softly. 

Adelinde fusses over you a little, but definitely not to the same extent Diluc does - she assures you that he has his reasons for worrying so much, and that once you’re better, he’ll settle back down once again. If Diluc finds himself too busy to tend to you, Adelinde will take his place at your bedside once her chores are complete, as she knows Diluc will fret otherwise, and refuse to leave the house at all.

If you’re up to it, Adelinde will tell you a large variety of stories about Diluc, mostly centred around his childhood, as well as the mischief he and Kaeya would often get up to growing up. She may even let slip the detail that Kaeya was often bedridden with mysterious illnesses when he was younger thanks to him having a fairly weak constitution, which explains why Diluc is so fussy over you when you’re unwell. 

Diluc will also overload you with gifts in hopes of cheering you up, giving you stuffed animals, new clothes, books, and other such treats for you to enjoy once you’re better. 

Please don't repost, steal, copy or otherwise plagiarise my writing! I do not consent for my works to be translated and posted elsewhere, or used to teach bots!

[it-happened-one-fic]

Dancing With Visions - A Careful Partner - Ballroom Tango - Diluc

Author Notes: Guess which 5-star I picked for myself? In all honesty though, I was so amused when I rolled this dance for Diluc. This fic was written to “Feel So Close” by David Guetta, and the dance wasinspired by the tango by Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Meryl Davis to the same song on Week 6 of Season 18 of Dancing with the Stars. Just like the rest of this series, Reader is female. I hope you enjoy!

If you would like to read more of this series, the fics can be found here: Dancing with Visions Masterlist.

Type: Female reader/ dance/ fluff/platonic or romantic /sfw

Word Count: 1473

It was always amusing. How, despite Diluc’s maturity, the smallest thing could turn into a competition between him and Kaeya. A suitable show of their sibling relationship that, despite how they may behave at times, had never truly waned in the slightest.

That was what had happened with the dance lessons. Kaeya and his partner had learned the rumba to such an impressive degree that Diluc couldn’t be left behind, which had led to me and him practicing the tango relentlessly in our youth, despite how perfectly embarrassing it had been for both of us.

I’d always suspected that the tango had not been near what Diluc had expected when he’d first chosen it as the dance we’d learn, and the same could be said for the rumba when Kaeya had picked it. Though, to be fair, both men had been young when all of  that had occurred.

 Either way, it had led to me and Diluc being able to tango at what at least one person had referred to as an unholy speed. Though, even to this day, Diluc was usually at least a little stiff and embarrassed while dancing with me. But that was just a part of Diluc.

I glanced over at the man next to me, standing off to the side of the stage where we’d both agreed to perform for a Knights of Favonius dance competition that was raising money for in-need children despite Diluc’s eternal beef with the group.

Kaeya had already turned this competition into a more personal one with his performance, though. Especially since he’d grinned over at Diluc as soon as the applause had erupted when he’d finished dancing with his partner.

I eyed the redhead closely before looking back out onto the stage where Jean was currently dancing a lovely waltz with Swan.

 I reached out towards Diluc as I watched the other young couple, carefully linking my pinkie finger with his, and soon feeling his curl around mine in return as he silently stood by my side.

 I smiled slightly as I continued to watch the Acting Grandmaster, finding that I had nothing but confidence in the two of us. If this was going to be yet another competition between Diluc and his brother, then I would do as I always did in such things. I would support him wholeheartedly.

My hand slipped away from his as we both stepped out onto the brightly lit stage at the same time, looking towards each other simultaneously. Almost like we’d practiced it.

There was the slightest of smiles on his face as I looked at him, feeling a relaxed smile of my own spread across my face even though we were standing in front of a crowd that looked like it held the majority of Mondstadt.

 It was only natural that people had shown up to watch considering how adored the young master of the Dawn winery was. Especially since Diluc’s participation in something held by the Knights of Favonius wasn’t something to be missed.

Our hands moved in sync, wrapping around each other and locking together before we started forward. Looking towards the crowd as we walked together, side by side, as if there were nothing in the world out of the ordinary. Totally unconcerned by the competition.

He raised my hand high before releasing it to slip backwards and grasp my waist as I slid quickly to the side. A sudden opening to our performance as I spun before halting. One hand pressed to his chest as I let him slowly, and with careful control, lean me backwards into a dip as I stretched out one leg.

And then it began. Our typical speed.

The two of us spun to the side as we held onto each other in a sort of embrace as we whirled into the next pose, where I was arched backwards with one leg extending so that the toe of my shoe barely touched the ground before he pulled me back upright. A fraction of space between us as our motions briefly slowed. Building tension alongside the music until the beat finally hit.

In an instant I was spinning out to the side, one leg kicking out to help me maintain balance before he began marching me along the stage as people began to cheer. 

Our feet hit the ground to match the pounding beat as we rotated along. Trading off on who was pushing the other backwards until we both paused to face the same direction.

I smiled slightly as we held that perfectly angled, almost stiff pose for the briefest of seconds before we took off, marching together now and no longer battling for dominance.

This was where our teacher had always said we were at our best. Our innate ability to match each other and have total trust in the other to be exactly where we expected them.

The beat of the music slowed, and so did our motions. The marching speed dwindling so we could spin together, and I found myself smiling out at the crowd as we struck a careful pose where Diluc had stopped us at the very edge of the stage. Like he knew exactly how far he could push us.

But then he probably did know exactly where the edge of the stage was. He was nothing if not a careful partner. It was one of the reasons I’d always trusted him so implicitly.

Even when we’d both still been young and learning the dance, barely able to make it even a few minutes without growing too embarrassed to continue, Diluc had always been far more preoccupied with my comfort than his own.

I could see Kaeya already chuckling to himself as Amber clapped alongside him. Her eyes alight with excitement as she watched me and Diluc.

But she had never seen us dance. In fact, few had. Me and Diluc seldom danced at all, much less when anyone was around. He was far too busy, and even during my visits our time was typically spent chatting and resting in one another’s presence. 

Plus, there was the fact that Diluc still managed to get embarrassed while dancing with me even after all these years. I could only assume that he was making it through this competition without flushing solely on his willpower alone.

We trotted backwards, our motions oddly delicate as I twisted my head so that me and Diluc were once more, looking in different directions. 

He stopped us with perfect timing yet again and pulled me into a rapid rotation before our motions slowed once more and he had me gliding backwards.

Last second, he turned so that my back was to the crowd as I leaned forward, resting my head against his shoulder before he guided me into leaning even further back than I had been originally. It wasn’t a full dip, but it was far enough back that it added more interest to the motion when I leaned back forwards, to face across the stage.

And as the beat hit, we pivoted. Twisting and immediately making eye contact for the briefest of seconds before we marched, with light kicking motions, across the stage. 

As soon as we reached the edge, he spun us, pushing me backwards with the stalking steps the ballroom tango was so well known for, as I smiled to myself. Pondering what we looked like to those watching.

Diluc’s gaze flashed my way, and he smiled almost imperceptibly before hurriedly looking away as he inhaled and started us into our rotation. Our bodies pressed so close together that we were almost like two halves of the same coin. 

The faces of the crowd and people manning the stage around us were blurring so much that the only truly clear thing was Diluc himself, his bright red eyes as warm as any hearth as I smiled back at him, and a pinkish hue started to creep across the edges of his ears.

I could hear the crowd though as they cheered around us. Bennett, Adelinde, and Kaeya’s voices were notable among them, and they almost made me grin even more, if such a thing were possible.

With zero hesitation, Diluc let go of my one hand and spun me out before letting go of my other hand so that I could make a full rotation. But, just as ever, his hand was there and waiting for me as I stopped. Standing right next to him as I looked up to meet his gaze once more. 

Our hands carefully finding one another before we started walking forward with the same slow, controlled pace we started our dance with.

And that was how we exited the stage, walking hand-in-hand back into the curtained section at the back of the stage as applause echoed from behind us.

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[deescade]

Genshin Impact ("Your Yandere" Series: Your Yandere Lover VER. 1 + husbando ver.) click and drag game!

warnings: [16+] yandere behavior (killing, stalking, manipulation, blackmail)

characters included: (all adult males up to v.3.2) zhongli, childe, diluc, kaeya, arataki itto, thoma, kamisato ayato, dottore, pantalone, pierro, capitano, scaramouche, gorou, heizou, albedo, kazuha, xiao, dainsleif, baizhu, cyno, kaveh, al-haitham, tighnari

op's notes: this is also basically the drafted version but I'll just call it "version 1" while I work on the final one :>

Game notes • How to Play

Please use a browser other than Google Chrome to play because the GIFs always lock onto their first frame on Chrome. Safari and Firefox work, please try those

If you're on mobile, screenshot the gifs either as a set or individually

[pocarinapyon]

Jealousy-Jealousy: A New Banner version B1 (Bennett, Diluc Ragnvindr, Kaedehara Kazuha, Kaeya Alberich)

A new character banner is just around the corner and the excited you couldn’t help but rave about how cool they are. Naturally, you pre-farmed materials and even spent moolah for a five-star weapon, claiming they deserve only the best of best (Meaning: four star weapons and artifacts are not allowed!! And let’s not get started on the artifact stats! 😡).

Inside the world of Genshin, your bond ten boys couldn’t help but feel jealous. The flames of jealousy fueled further when you used them to grind for the new character’s items. How sickening was it to think that they have become stepping stones of your new favourite character?

The boys decided. When they materialize in your world, they will make sure to mark you and to indulge in their sinful fantasies of you. You are theirs and only theirs, after all. But they need to be oh-so-careful not to wake you up…because when you do, they will be pulled back into Teyvat immediately. 😥

Contents include [a brief scene introduction], [the actual chilis], and [after you wake up].

Starring : Bennett, Diluc Ragnvindr, Kaedehara Kazuha, Kaeya Alberich (separate)

Tags / Warnings : 🌶️ [Mild Chili] for Baby Bennett; Bennett's scene is longest (I think) because the bb is hesitant; 🌶️🌶️ [Chilis] Seggs; Implied rape; Somnophilia; Petnames (if it bothers you); Obsessive men; OOC Diluc*?*; Imagine Red Dead of the Night Diluc; Use of chains; Master-Servant; Mentions of desire to impregnate; Self inflicted orgasm denial; Stray cuss words; Schediaphilia; Masturbating; etc.; 👑/🖥️ [SAGAU/(Reverse) Isekai]; Based on the SAGAU/Reverse Isekai concept linked below but spicy

Stray grammatical or spelling errors may have escaped me because I don't have a beta reader. Hopefully they aren't too annoying to turn you off. 🥺

Future Plan : JJ version B2 (Diluc, Kaeya, Kazuha) GangB.; But first, I need to finish everything in the Teasers Maltesers (Jan 13); I apologize to the Bennett smut enjoyers because I just couldn't lewd the cinnamon roll 🥺

Links : Pinned Post, JJ version A1(Albedo / Childe / Venti / Zhongli) Separate, JJ version Venti solo, JJ version A2 (Albedo / Childe / Venti / Zhongli) GangB., SAGAU/Reverse Isekai concept, Teasers Maltesers (Jan 13)

Target audience is female (bodied) reader.

To whoever is reading, please enjoy.

-------------------

Kaedehara Kazuha

Gentle winds allowed themselves into your room as Kazuha sat beside your open window. His gaze, eventhough his muse were only a few feet away, remained on the romantic view of the sky illuminated by the moon and decorated with stars and clouds. The street outside was quiet as most were tucked under their own blankets. It was a bright, peaceful evening, a stark contrast to the dark, sinister desire stirring in Kazuha's heart.

He tilted his head to observe your sleeping form, his mind a battlefield between conscience and concupiscence - the latter triumphing as it posed a question.

Do you think you'll have another chance?

Kazuha smiled bitterly. From behind the screen, little did you know, your enthusiasm about the upcoming character hurt Kazuha. Your angelic voice used to call his name sweetly. Now it only gushed about the new character who would soon replace him. He terribly wished you wouldn't.

In relaxed strides, Kazuha approached your unconscious form to watch your tempting defenseless body up close. Like a cat, he carefully crawled on top of you so as to not wake you up, and caged your body beneath his.

"My dove, I know the value of freedom but forgive me. I simply cannot let you free," Kazuha softly whispered in your ear before trailing open mouth kisses on your jaw to your lips.

He gingerly cupped your cheeks, caressing them in a soothing circular motion. You really were beautiful. A smile curled his lips as he realized once again how in love he was with you.

"You have captivated me."

Kazuha modestly pressed his lips against yours. A sweet little kiss of apology before he shows you the dark truth hidden inside his heart.

"I want you."

Kazuha pried your mouth to let his tongue inside. You tasted just as sweet as your voice. Like a wandering man, without a home, he sought for solace and found it in you. He hungrily explored your small wet cavern, devouring you as if this was his first decent meal after days.

As if this meal would be his last.

While his lips continued to busy themselves with yours, his hands roamed below to reveal all that was beneath your clothes, exposing you easily as you made no resistance. He then pulled away from the kiss, and observed your stripped body from head to toe. Your body - sculpted perfectly as Kazuha thought - laid bare before him.

"I love you," he declared, eyes clouded in lust and longing.

Kazuha peppered your neck with kisses and suckled on your flesh to intentionally leave his mark. A proof that you were his. As he continued to feast on your exposed flesh, a soft moan escaped your lips.

"Do you like it, my sweet [your name]?" asked Kazuha, leaving your response to his imagination as he knew you couldn't answer verbally.

But your body. Your body shuddered under his touch and kiss.

Trailing kisses, he went lower to your breasts. He smiled at you sweetly as his fingers skillfully tweaked the sensitive nub erected on it. He then buried his face on your chest, regaling upon your lumps of flesh by suckling and giving you long stripes of licks.

Even in your sleep, eventhough you couldn't voice out your desire, your body begged for more of Kazuha. Your sweetness seeped out of your honeypot as it lubricated itself and prepared to take Kazuha's length and girth. This fact did not escape the man who caused your body to react in such a lewd way.

"Haha. My love, you seem to be enjoying this as much as I do," Kazuha teased, chuckling at how honest your body was.

He slid down, littering kisses in its wake and dragging his palm across your body to feel your flesh. Finally he reached your womanhood. Your thighs received abundant smooches, inching closer and closer to rally your already aching cunt. As he reached your core, your scent became stronger.

"May I?"

Kazuha ran his tongue on your slit before landing on your puffy clit and circling his soft muscle around it. Archons, you were so intoxicating! It didn't take long before he slurped directly at the source of the sweet honey, sliding his tongue inside your hole. There, he drank to his heart's content as he scooped your essence with his tongue.

After engaging you in a long foreplay, he decided to free his aching cock from its restraints. He lubricated his shaft with his own pre-cum, pumping up and down to calm his erection. A smile full of obsession painted Kazuha's face.

Finally, he can fuck you.

Kazuha positioned the tip of his cock on your entrance. The skin contact was enough to send shivers down his spine, eliciting an excited gasp from the man. He then buried himself slowly inside you, stretching your walls deliciously.

His thrusts were languid yet forceful as he wanted to relish the way his cock slowly sculpted your walls in the shape of his love. He would unsheathe his manhood from you before slowly pushing himself back in the deepest part of your womanhood. His pace may be relaxed but, through continuous stimulation, it was enough that he felt you squeezing him in a near climax.

"Oh. You're cumming?"

Kazuha squeezed your clit with his thumb.

"Let's cum together."

He pressed his lips onto yours before engaging in a romantic kiss, his pistoning consistently massaging your pussy until it gradually increased in speed. You were clenching so hard, sucking Kazuha deeper inside, and the man just couldn't take it anymore. Soon enough orgasm crashed down on you both, leaving you moaning and panting.

Still inside your cunt, Kazuha plopped on top of you. He was still erect and he knew one round wouldn't be enough. How could he stop now when it felt so good fucking you?

........

Horny. That was what you were when you woke up. Glancing around with eyes in small slits, you found your object of affection. Kazuha, your favourite Genshin character.

Kazuha stood still, smiling at you from behind the screen. You sat up and controlled your character to face the other way before touching yourself. It wasn't ommetophobia. It just felt embarrassing to finger yourself while sweet Kazuha had an innocent grin.

"I'm sorry, baby," you said.

Oh, if only you knew what Kazuha did!

"Mmh... Kazuha...," you sighed breathily as you pleasured your lady parts. "Go ahead and use my body however you want~"

It was a shame Kazuha couldn't watch the show. But at least he knew you were thinking about him as you touched yourself. Plus he learned you liked it rough. All he asked was for you to give him another chance. He would make your body know what heaven felt like.

--------

Diluc Ragnvindr

Diluc grouched at himself. He loosened his collar in an attempt to calm down. This was a dumb idea - a seriously dumb idea. A dumb, risky idea. A dumb, risky, immoral idea. Everything in it was wrong. How did the thought even cross his mind?

Yet his cock reminded him as it twitched inside its tight restraints, begging him to please - just please do it one time! Just once and then they'll stop.

After all, this might be your only opportunity.

Diluc once again grumbled as he was in a conflict. It was no lie that he wanted to keep you. He wanted to own you. He wanted to make you his and he would do anything even if it meant he needed to resort to extreme measures. But then again, it was wrong. He shouldn't do such an indecent thing just to ensure you were his. What if you woke up and - for some reason he didn't dematerialize - you caught him corrupting your defenseless body? Would you still think of him as a hero? As a good guy? Would you still use him in-game if he were transported back to Teyvat?

Coming back from a trance, he found the answer to his dilemma. His body had moved on its own. He had already discarded his upper clothes and had caged your now naked body beneath his. He had chained your hands above your head, and now you looked like a beautiful damsel in distress.

While Diluc was your captor.

"You aren't going anywhere, darling," he proclaimed, bringing his hand to cup your cheeks. "Heh... How foolish of me. Of course you aren't...not in your sleep."

Diluc pried your mouth open so he could explore you with his tongue. He imagined you squirming beneath him, conflicted as he was now whether if you wanted him to touch you or not.

Your pretty mouth. "Master Diluc" was what you usually called him aside from "Daddy Diluc". Archons, he'd burst if he heard your lovely lips call him that while doing sex. Unfortunately for him, he could only hear you call him lewdly when you were awake.

On normal circumstances, he would love to engage you in foreplay to prepare you for the inevitable stretch. But right now, his cock was raring to massacre your defenseless pussy.

"Heh... Look at how hard I am for you. Take responsibility, [your name]."

He spreaded your thighs and clipped them to his side, giving him a pretty view of your glistening cunt. Fuck, Diluc just wanted to ram himself and bury his cock deep inside you right now.

"Unf...," you moaned.

He was balls deep and damn it was heaven! Despite forcing his way past your entrance, you were still asleep. Good.

Diluc tested the waters by doing languid thrusts at first. When he noticed you weren't waking up, he increased his speed and force by pounding onto you with great vigor and passion - not paying mind to anything else other than pleasure.

Even when he felt Teyvat was tugging him back.

"Nhh...," in a half-asleep state, you hummed.

Diluc clicked his tongue and slowed his movements. He leaned down to lessen the gap between your faces, observing your slumbrous face.

"Darling, go back to sleep and let Daddy make you feel good," he cooed, reverting to slow grinding of his hips onto yours.

"'Luc...," you murmured, blinking your droopy eyes before shutting them again.

The warmth of Diluc's body along with the heavenly sensual feeling on your pussy cajoled you to continue your sleep. Now, Teyvat wasn't dragging Diluc back. Good.

He once again continued to piston his manhood, this time not minding if he would dematerialize naked. The friction of his raging cock inside your snug wet walls felt so good to bother.

He swore he'll knock you up. That way, everyone would know you were his. You would look cute in a maternity blouse while your belly bulged in carrying his child. He wondered if you could come to Teyvat. If you did, he'd make sure to hide you in his mansion so none of your present or future characters would pester you.

Because you were his.

Too much stimulation made your cunt orgasm, milking Diluc's big fat cock in a delicious squeeze and making him follow suit. He had been denying himself orgasm that he spurted a load of warm thick semen inside of you.

After resting inside your womanhood did Diluc finally pull out. Archons, you were so full, weren't you? He ogled at your mixed cums oozing out your pussy. What a naughty girl you were, spilling everything like this?

He grunted, scooping the wasted essence in his digits before fingering them back inside your pussy.

"Don't waste any drop, darling."

........

You squeezed your thighs together in hopes of relieving your cunt. It wasn't a surprise you woke up in the mood. After all, you had a sweet erotic dream last night.

Piercing red eyes. Fiery red hair. Your partner in your dreams was Diluc Ragnvindr, your DPS Pyro Daddy.

You lazily positioned yourself to face your Genshin boy. Meanwhile, Diluc had just finished adjusting his gloves. He then returned to stare back at you, idly standing somewhere in Teyvat.

"I had a dream about you last night, Master Diluc," you narrated, staring directly into Diluc's eyes as you began touching yourself.

Holy fuck, Diluc in Red Dead of the Night outfit looked so fucking hot! You could already fantasize what he would do with his chains. Now imagine him disciplining the naughty you.

"A - Ah...! Master Diluc...! You're too big inside me! I'm sorry...!" you cried, splitting yourself up and pretending it was Diluc ruining your pussy.

Heh. He should've known you liked it rough. Had he known earlier, he wouldn't have hesitated to ravage you to his heart's content. He'd do extra compared to what he did before. All while being cautious as to not wake you up, of course.

--------

Bennett

Contrary to his usual energetic and passionate characteristic, Bennett looked worn-out and conflicted as he stared at your peaceful form from across the room. What was the point of materializing in your world? Aside from watching you, could he really do nothing? Was it really impossible to interact with you knowing that tonight might be his last?

Yosh! Let's go, Benny's adventure team!

Where is the Pyro Archon? Bennett.... Bennett... Ah, there you go!

Good night, baby Bennett.

Your kind cheers gave him so much life - better than any Statue of the Seven could offer. Although some of them were exaggerated such as you calling him the Pyro Archon or you titling him the best boy in all Teyvat, still he loved how you appreciated him.

The question was, how long were you going to give him attention?

Sure, he was a support character. Sure, he could be squeezed in almost any line-up. Sure, he was indispensable. But after you pull the new character, he knew you would be all over that newbie instead of him. In fact, you kept gushing about your soon-to-be favourite even if you have not pulled them yet.

"[Your name], I really really like you," Bennett whined.

Mustering his courage, he took a few steps forward. One foot on the front then carefully followed by the other. Slowly but surely, he would reach you using the way he knew how: determination.

But luck was never on his side. Without getting far, the light illuminating your room suddenly blinked, making the place pitch black for a quick moment. Along with the strange phenomenon, he felt Teyvat tried to drag him back.

Bennett paused, fear and disappointment coursing through his body. What exactly happened? Why did the lights flicker? Why did he feel he was going to dematerialize yet was still in your room? Were these signs he was not meant to be with you?

"Ahhh... I'm really, really unlucky, aren't I?" Bennett sighed in defeat.

He wanted to - desperately wanted to at least whisper in your ear. He wanted to convey his emotions: how happy he was whenever you used him and praised him; how sad he was to think you will have someone new; how disappointed he was at himself as he imagined what if he was not a suitable support for the upcoming character's party setup.

"Mmh...," you noised, stirring in your sleep.

He wanted to and he will. After all, he wouldn't be called an adventurer if he didn't take risks. With a newly lit determination, now burning more than ever, he boldly marched forward towards his goal, each step making the butterflies flutter in his stomach.

He will admire you up close.

He will whisper words of affirmation to you.

He will touch you.

"Heh... Hehe...!" Bennett uttered in disbelief. He froze still, not knowing if this was all a dream or not. Yet seeing you in a short distance and actually smelling your fragrant scent told him it was all real. "I - I made it... I made it!"

The young adventurer celebrated as he now stood beside your slumbering form. If he knew he could be this close to you, he would have tried it sooner.

He then excitedly laid beside you and engulfed your body in a warm hug. He leaned his head towards yours and he swore you were the most fragrant he'd ever sniffed.

"Mmh...! You smell so nice," Bennett happily remarked in a hushed whisper.

Euphoric: that was the state Bennett was in. This odd satisfying feeling stirred something inside him - an instinct.

"Hey, uhm...," the adventurer bashfully said. "Is it okay if I kiss you?"

Bennett stared at you as he eagerly awaited your reply.

"O - oops! Hehe...! I forgot you were asleep...!" he sheepishly admitted, laughing at his own foolishness. He pleaded in a monologue, "Then... I'll help myself, okay?"

Nervously, he inched his lips closer to yours. A little more. A little bit more. But the moment he felt your lips on his, he immediately pulled away.

"Ah-! Sorry...!" he fussed, scratching his head in embarrassment.

Focus! He squeezed his eyes shut, breathed in, and exhaled on his mouth. Yosh!

At a steadier pace, with lidded eyes, he approached your lips, and did not shy away when yours and his collided. A simple peck on the lips. It made butterflies flutter in his stomach. Slowly he opened his eyes to see your beautiful face close to him. To think that someone like him had a chance to be with you like this was overwhelming.

He suddenly was timid while thinking about the sweet you and him on a modest date. In embarrassment, he hid his face on the crook of your neck - an area where your scent was more concentrated.

Aside from kissing your lips, can he do more? He glanced at your body from head to toe and immediately noticed how your nightwear hugged your figure. Your seemingly soft lady lumps were accentuated topped with perky nipples. Meanwhile, your smooth plush thighs were exposed and were waiting to be touched. Everything he could have asked was beside him and no one was stopping him to do what he wanted.

Still. Bennett shouldn't do anything more, especially not something indecent. He was already lucky enough to be able to place a shy peck on your lips. He knew he should not be greedy. Instead, he should focus on you. A sweet cuddle was what you needed. Just this was fine.

"Thank you, [your name]."

Bennett hoped his heartfelt gratitude would reach you in your sleep. He loved you and he respected you. Even if you were naked in front of him, he would never take advantage of you. You were kind to him and what would he be if he did you wrong?

........

"Nnhhhh!!" you squeaked, stretching your limbs after a long relaxing rest. "Good morning, Benny!"

You hurriedly washed yourself first before playing your favourite game. As usual, you went to hunt for the new character's materials and artifacts using Bennett and his three other companion.

While farming, a godly rune dropped from the dungeon you were in and it was something your baby boy Bennett could use.

"Hey, hey! This is an awesome artifact for you, Benny!" you chimed after comparing Bennett's current artifact versus the one you recently obtained. It was alright to replace the one Bennett had as it will not affect your piece-set bonus effects.

Bennett, deep down, was glad you still thought of him. You didn't have to give him a better artifact. He didn't deserve it.

"All hail the Pyro Archon!" you exclaimed in a playful tone. "We better prepare you so you can actually become the Pyro Archon and take over Natlan."

Yet here you were, cheering again for him. It was excessive, sure, but he appreciated it very much. It meant the world to him. In truth, he wanted to cry, not in pain but in joy. If he could control his movements, he would grovel and chant you praises. All this time he was afraid you would discard him. Perhaps his fear of being replaced was all in his head after all.

--------

Kaeya Alberich

Beside your peaceful sleeping form, Kaeya laid on his side to watch how beautiful you looked. From time to time he would ever so slightly graze his fingertips on the shape of your face. Discarded on the floor were his accessories and extra layer of clothes, leaving him in his white blouse and tight-fit pants. This scene was a very common one, something of a routine whenever Kaeya materialized in your room. The only difference was that now, Kaeya longed for more.

However, something warned him he shouldn't.

Risk was something Kaeya enjoyed very much. He claimed it would be boring if there were no such hindrances. But you - you were a risk he could not take. One wrong move - only one wrong move might ruin his chances to be with you.

"I promised to accompany you in your journey, did I not? I've kept my word. So don't abandon me, alright?" Kaeya pleaded in a hushed tone before placing a sweet kiss on your cheeks.

More...

"You've always looked lovely, you know? If only you'd allow me to stare at you more."

Kaeya began to kiss your lips passionately while his hands traveled to cup your breasts.

"Heh... It's amusing you don't know I am aware how you ogle at me. Cryo Daddy, wasn't it?"

His fingers skillfully stimulated your perky nipples. Followed by a satisfied hum, your eyebrows, he observed, knitted together momentarily before relaxing once again. That meant your body was reacting to his ministrations. Good.

"Ah - ah... What a naughty girl you are," the Favonius Captain teased as he exposed your womanhood.

More...

"You wouldn't hate me, would you?" Kaeya cooed as he slid his manhood between the plush of your lovely thighs.

Archons, Kaeya felt like he was in heaven!

"Ah...! Angel, s'good...!" Kaeya moaned in between thrusts.

Fucking your thighs. That should be enough to satisfy him, right?

"Hah... Say, angel, you fantasize about this, don't you?"

More...

Being sandwiched by your thighs had Kaeya crazy. His cock twitched and spurted cum. Regardless, Kaeya kept rutting, painting your skin with his essence.

"Fuck-! You're squeezing me tightly, baby doll...!" feeling his cock penetrate your snug velvet walls, Kaeya choked a moan.

He kept himself still, cuddling you from behind in a spooning position. Your warm wet pussy around his cock already felt divine. Imagine how it felt like if he-

......

"Ah, shit...!" he began to thrust his cock in and out. "You feel this, baby girl? Ugh....! Angel, I could come right now!"

But he wouldn't give you his seeds so easily.

"You're so good for me, angel."

As he nibbled on your exposed neck, his hand trailed down to give attention to your puffy clit. His ministrations made your body shudder and your cunt spasm.

"Oh? So this is your weak spot...?" Kaeya teased.

He was so mean to you, riling your pussy up with his fingers as he let his cock sit snugly inside. He didn't even have to move as your self-contracting love-hole massaged his manhood for him. It was the third time you came from just this.

"Mmh... So, so good to me, baby girl," Kaeya growled in excitement. He brought his hand to cup and squeeze your breasts. "Wish we could do this every night."

Kaeya then began to piston his cock once again while stimulating your body further with his free hand. The first thrust made you cum once again, but Kaeya continued to arouse and fuck you. You cumming all over him was in his favour.

"D - damn...! Fuck, baby girl! I'm cumming!" Kaeya let out a guttural moan, rutting into you like an animal in heat. "Fuck...!"

One final thrust drove you and Kaeya into orgasm. His was so hard the he had managed to choke out a low growl.

The night was young. Seeing as you were still in dreamland, he reckoned he could try other things he had in store for you.

"Mmph...," you moaned.

Your dream was so delicious. Your lewd brain vividly simulated how sex felt like, starting from the foreplay down to the head-spinning stretch of your pussy. Sadly, now that you were awake, you realized how lonely your cunt was.

"Mmh... Kaeya, come here," you murmured.

Previously, Kaeya had his back facing the screen as you fell asleep during one of your Teyvat adventures. Now, you had him turn around so you could ogle at the hunky Favonius Captain.

"Kaeya, you're so sexy...," you said, bringing your hand to your crotch area.

Wow, damn! Were you really this wet to the point you've stained your thighs? Perhaps it was impossible but you were indeed horny so you paid no thought as to why your thighs were sullied.

"S - shit...!" you squealed, feeling your orgasm closer than you expected.

-------------------

Damn, you were really too horny, weren't you? No matter. A beautiful lazy morning was ideal for lewd things like this anyway.

Kaeya internally gloated as he watched how you masturbated for him. It seems the risk he took was worth it after all.

Spaces!! The reason why my draft wasn't saving was because of spaces/new lines! 😡😡

I swear. Diluc is 🥵❤️

To whoever read this, thank you for your time. Here, have some grapes. 🍇

Links : Pinned Post, JJ version A1(Albedo / Childe / Venti / Zhongli) Separate, JJ version Venti solo, JJ version A2 (Albedo / Childe / Venti / Zhongli) GangB., SAGAU/Reverse Isekai concept, Teasers Maltesers (Jan 13)

[versadies]

CHAPTER FOURTEEN \\ EVERMORE (VERSADIES'S VERSION)

SYPNOSIS (of chapter). in which a certain ragnvindr's fate and complications in his life have all led up to a certain you.

SYPNOSIS (of series). breaking up with your first love was heartbreaking, but not as heartbreaking as getting invited to his wedding after years of not seeing him. that is, until things seem to be easier when you encounter a certain guest, who could end up being more than just a blooming friend to you.

CHARACTERS. kamisato ayato, diluc ragnvindr, thoma (w/ gn!reader)

CONTENT. angst/comfort, grammar errors (?), mentions of violence, sh1nsuke, minor character death, car accident, mentions of threats, spoilers to diluc's canon backstory, terribly written crime case, diluc and kaeya are in good terms

WORD COUNT. 13.7k words

LINKS. EVERMORE MASTERLIST \ MAIN MASTERLIST \ EVERMORE SURVEY

POST-SCRIPT. thanks to your answers in my recent survey that i posted, i decided to put my taglist at the very bottom of the chapter (as well as my other fics from now on) so you could have an easier time reading <333 i hope this version doesn’t disappoint you :DDDD

PREVIOUS || NEXT || ORIGINAL VERSION

A few things Diluc had lost were the bright hopes and future he once had when he was but a teen who's ready to fulfill as many achievements and dreams as he can. 

He could still remember how happy he was with the life he had back then, how he dedicated himself to being faithful with his duties as a detective in the Favonius, Mondstadt’s police department, and used to follow his father around, listening to every word he says as he learns the ways of running the business. 

He remembers all the lessons Crepus taught. He remembers his first time making a drink with the ingredients his father provided on a long table. He remembers his first time serving drinks to customers in Angel’s Share. He remembers his first time attending a business event with his father. 

He remembers his past too much. A price to pay for dwelling too much in the past. 

That Diluc is long gone. All that remains is his shell that’s swallowed by guilt, pain, and helplessness. 

He does not live for himself, but lives for his family’s business to continue thriving and succeed like what his father wanted him to do. He lives to fulfill his father's wishes written on an old piece of paper. He lives to make sure his land is safe from the corrupted and from harm. 

He lives to deal with the burdens that he gained from his birthday. A special, cruel gift from fate.

Wine is something he didn’t like much, which is ironic for someone who specializes in making them. His father actually planned to let him try some of their famous wines that people loved once he’s allowed to, until something happened. 

Wine.. reminds him too much of what happened. 

Diluc didn’t expect to lose his father so early, especially since his father is a healthy man who still had a life ahead of him and a son to guide. He thought his father would live long until he died of old age, a peaceful way of meeting death’s doorstep. 

If only it weren’t for that treacherous car accident…

If only that drunk driver didn’t drink at all with a darn wine. 

For one moment, Diluc was sitting right across from his father in their private van. They were just talking about what Adelaide would cook for dinner, they were just discussing about the client they were talking with earlier, they were just talking about what his father was supposed to say– 

Then before he knew it, everything was turned upside down. Literally. 

He has a hard time breathing, his vision is blurry as he feels lightheaded from being upside down. 

Father…

Diluc tries to get his vision clear and come to his senses. He could hear people screaming somewhere, there’s something that tastes like metallic in his mouth, everything’s hot,  he feels like he’s about to puke– but where is his father?

“Fa…Father…” He calls out. Everything aches so bad, what just happened to him? 

Once Diluc finally sees more, he realizes the car he’s in is upside down. Is this… a car accident? 

The young heir looks ahead when he hears a groan, and his eyes widens at the sight of his father being in the same situation as him – except, his state is way worse than his. 

As for the driver… He doesn’t know where on Earth he is. 

“Fa-Father!” He calls out, his fingers shakily try to unclasp the seatbelt before falling down to the ground that’s filled with the shattered windows from the van. “Father, are you alright?” 

Diluc tries to ignore the pain all over his body as he crawls towards his father and helps him get out of the van. “Hold on, father. I’ll get you out of here!” He says as he reaches out towards his father’s seatbelt to unclasp it. 

“Di..luc? Is that you my.. Son?” Crepus asks weakly, letting out a cough as he falls down from his seat. “I’m glad you’re,” He lets out another cough, “alright…” 

“Don’t worry about me, father.” Diluc reassures him, helping him crawl out of the van through the broken window nearby. The only thing in his head is that he needs to get his father to the hospital immediately. 

As soon as Diluc and Crepus finally manage to get out of the van, the younger man immediately tries to look for his phone in hopes of calling for the ambulance. Thankfully, his phone is still in his pocket and working despite its destroyed state, and he instantly dials the emergency contact. 

“H-Hello? We need help, we’re somewhere by…” As he explains the situation to the operator, the young teen didn’t manage to notice how slow his father’s chest is moving up and down nor did he notice the blood on his hands from covering his mouth when coughing. 

When Diluc finally looks at where his father is, his eyes are full of hope that they’re going to be okay. 

“Father, help is on their way. We’re going to be okay” He says, hoping his father will be alright and be proud of him for what he has done.

Crepus remains silent. 

“...Father?” He quietly calls, his heart sinking when he notices how his father’s chest is stilled. “Father, are you… a-alive?” 

Diluc slowly leaned down with his ear on top of his father’s chest, his eyes widening in fear when he couldn’t hear any heartbeat at all, as though he’s….

No, let’s not jump into conclusions.. He’s probably asleep.. 

The heir gently shakes his father in hopes it’d wake him up, only for his shoulders to sink when his father is still motionless. “Father…?” 

It took the ambulance to arrive for Diluc to stop trying to wake up his father, the paramedics carried him away as another inspected the young heir’s body for any injuries to take care of. 

Whatever the paramedic told Diluc, he did not pay any attention to it. Not when he’s watching the two paramedics looking at each other with hesitant looks on their faces after putting all of their efforts in trying to bring back Crepus, who remains motionless. 

The light in Diluc’s eyes fades away when he realizes what just happened. 

He thought this was just a horrible nightmare. He thought he’d wake up to the familiar sight of his room and continue living in his life with his father who’s alive. It wasn’t until he realized he’s in the hospital room when his hopes shattered in realization that his father was dead and gone. 

“Breaking News! The infamous wine tycoon, Crepus Ragnvindr, has unfortunately passed away due to a car accident. His son, Diluc Ragnvindr, has fortunately survived from the accident. We do not have any updates on the young heir’s condition, but we can only hope that he is well and we give him our condolences for his father’s passing.”

Diluc finds himself staring at the TV helplessly as he continues to stay on his hospital bed. After the paramedics took him and his father to a nearby hospital, he was hospitalized in a VIP room after getting his wounds treated.

Why did this happen? 

He looks down at his bandaged-hands, only for him to remember seeing his father’s blood on his hands. 

Why not me?

He suddenly hears a knock, to be followed by someone entering the room. 

“And here I thought you’d never wake up.” Kaeya spoke as he closed the door behind him, a bouquet of flowers in his hand. “How are you?” 

Diluc stays silent, still staring at his hands. 

“...Why am I still alive?” 

The red head didn’t bother to look at his sworn brother, who was extremely taken back by his question. 

“...Why shouldn’t you be?” Kaeya responds, his tone is more serious. “What happened last night is out of your control–”

“I could’ve done something.” He interrupts, he now looks at the blue-haired man with an unfamiliar expression that wasn’t seen before from the usual brightful man. 

It’s as if said brightful man has died with his father.

The blue-haired man dared not to say another word, causing the other to continue speaking. “I could’ve… I could’ve dragged him myself until I found a hospital. Or… Or maybe I could’ve noticed the signs more and performed CPR – but I was busy talking to the operator I couldn’t… I could’ve done something instead of watching him die.” 

Diluc clenches his fists at the memory of the car accident. If only he watched his father more carefully, if only he insisted that they went to another place, if only–

If only he was the one who died instead of his father. 

He can’t imagine running Angel’s Share on his own nor can’t he imagine being able to keep his family’s business together at this age. He thought his father would guide him all the way – he thought he wouldn’t be alone. 

He doesn’t even know if he’s ready to become the next head of the Ragnvindr family. 

“Whatever you could’ve done, there’s no point in that anymore when it already happened.” Kaeya says, grabbing a chair nearby and placing it beside Diluc’s bed before sitting down on it. “Father wouldn’t want to see you like this. He’d want you to carry yourself and take care of the family business with what he had taught you–”

“He isn’t here and he’ll never be.” He snaps. “I can’t just move on and act as if his death doesn’t phase me. I lost someone special to me.”

“He’s someone special to me too.” Kaeya retorts. “You’re not alone, Diluc. You have me, Adelaide, Elzer, and everyone else in the mansion who are willing to help you and be there for you. I’m not saying you should move on and act as if his death doesn’t phase you, but you should stop thinking of what could’ve been and think of what could be now.”

Diluc looks away from his sworn-brother, knowing he’s right. 

It’s true… It’s better for him to think of what he can do now instead of the past. 

“Did you find out who was behind the car accident?” Diluc questioned.

The blue-haired man fell silent.

“What would you do if I said yes?” Kaeya asks, leaning back against his chair. 

Diluc took a long while to answer, something that made Kaeya guess his answer already. The young heir – well, the young CEO rather – is not one to sit idly by and let justice handle itself, it’s precisely why he’s such an efficient officer who never lets one case go ignored or incompleted. 

So when he finally answered, Kaeya did not believe it one bit. 

“Nothing.” 

Liar. I bet you’ll suddenly disappear from this room the next day. Kaeya thought. Yet then again, regardless of what he’ll say to Diluc, he knows he’ll only get himself out later on to find more answers. 

“I better not receive any calls from the hospital about you disappearing,” He said, letting out a defeated sigh. “There was a driver who crashed into your van. He’s currently imprisoned and will face charges as well as imprisonment.”

Diluc was about to open his mouth for another question when Kaeya lifted up his hand to stop him. “I’m not some person of interest being interrogated. Save your questions for later, focus on your health first.” He clarifies. “I can’t disclose too much about the incident to you since Chief Varka instructed me to, but I can reassure you we have everything under control, brother.” 

The red-haired looks at him with an unexplainable expression on his face. 

“...Fine.” 

And so, Diluc trusted Kaeya, knowing fully well all the words his sworn brother told him were all a lie.

Eventually, he found out that the police suspected it was a drunk driver who drove into the car. However, thanks to the security cameras around that area being disabled due to technical problems that have been ongoing for the past weeks before, it took a while to find out who was exactly the drunk driver that managed to get away from the scene of the crime before the authorities arrived.

What made it more strange was how the person who was driving the van is not the same driver who usually brings Diluc and Crepus around the place. The driver was left behind in the building he and his father  visited, meaning that this whole time, the two men were unknowingly in the same car with an unknown person who has unexplained motives. 

Diluc could only guess the motives weren’t pleasant given the aftermath. 

Unfortunately, the police weren’t able to find the unknown driver and are still looking for him, making all the things worse for Diluc, who feels like his lifespan is draining away the more he stays in the hospital doing nothing but wait and ponder. 

Countless time that’s spent inside the hospital room made the red-haired feel suffocated. His patience is getting thin each time he receives no useful information whatsoever about the damn cause of the car accident that drove his father to death, his overwhelming guilt for being the only one to survive is getting bigger each day after spending too much in his thoughts, and his loneliness began to devour him inside out as the sounds of the TV news were just white noise to him. 

He hates that he’s doing nothing. 

It would’ve been better if he didn’t feel anything, but at this moment, he’s feeling everything. 

Eventually, Kaeya and the others manage to find out who was involved in the incident – an FPD officer in his mid-20s who was trying to move on from a heartbreak, only to end up drinking more than he intended and got into a car accident. 

He’s relieved that they finally found who was partially the cause of it, but that doesn't mean he feels like he can rest peacefully. 

Not when the other driver is still missing. 

It took a few more days until there’s finally more news about what FPD (Favonius Police Department) would do to the drunk driver, but it wasn’t what Diluc was hoping for. 

“What…?” He asks for Kaeya to repeat what he had just said from the phone. It felt unreal to hear it – he would’ve thought his brother is joking with him again if it weren’t for the remorseful tone in his voice. 

Surely… Surely Favonius did not go mad while he was gone, did they? 

“I’m sorry you have to hear this, brother.” Kaeya said. “I couldn’t believe it either. When I came back from the hospital, Amber suddenly informed me that Officer Pallad was released with no charges at all.” 

Had Diluc not controlled his strength, his phone would’ve been crushed and destroyed from anger. 

“Why?” 

“...Lieutenant Eroch informed me it was because there was not enough evidence to prove that he’s the one who was involved with the incident. Don’t worry, my team and I are already looking for more evidences–”

“I’ve waited long enough.” Diluc interrupts before ending the phone call, his eyes darted towards his coat that’s hanging near the door.

It wouldn’t hurt to have a chat with Lieutenant Eroch, would it? 

“My deepest condolences for your loss, Detective Ragnvindr.” Eroch said, sitting on his chair as Diluc stood across from him. “Alberich informed me that you were still hospitalized, but it appears he isn’t aware that you’re discharged today. How are you?” 

“I’ve been feeling better.” He answers, not bothering to give him a polite smile as he usually does with everyone back then. “May I ask something regarding the case of the car accident?” 

Eroch hums. “Getting to the topic, huh? Alright, you may.” 

“...Why did you release Officer Pallad?” 

It took a few moments before the lieutenant let out a sigh, as though he suspected the young detective to ask such a question. “I may have realized that our officers could possibly have arrested the wrong man after the testimony of Officer Pallad during our interrogation. I cannot let our image as the protectors of our city be tarnished for such a possible mistake, especially since he’s a part of the department.” 

“But the evidence is all there, is it not?” Diluc clarifies, not caring about the fact that he could get in trouble for questioning a higher up’s motives. “Alberich found that Officer Pallad was in Angel’s Share before he drove through the route that led to the car accident. He’s the only one whose vehicle has a huge dent at the fr–”

“It’s not enough for us to officially conclude it’s him who crashed into your van.” Eroch interrupts.

“Then what will it take for you and the others to consider him being–” 

“Never. Unless you have a clear footage of Officer Pallad’s vehicle crashing into yours.” 

Diluc tries not to feel hopeless. “...What about the person who was driving the van? Did your team at least find something about them?” 

Eroch shakes his head. “Unfortunately we have not. But that’s none of our concerns at the moment, not when there are other important cases we have to look into.” 

The red-haired man feels his hands clenched into fists. “None of your concerns? You’re looking for the two people who killed my father–”

“Tell me, Detective Ragnvindr. Are you here to waste my time telling me to do something I can’t do in a blink of an eye? Or are you here to give me something worth my time?” 

The other man stays silent, his mind filled with more questions instead of the answers he wanted. 

Why? 

It didn’t help that the lieutenant looked less guilty and more bored, something that made Diluc start considering if the police department truly serves to protect the people of Mondstadt.

Eroch lets out another sigh before standing up. “I assure you detective that we’ll quickly let you know if we found something about the culprits, but now is not the time unfortunately. It’s best that you should keep this a secret from the public. We wouldn’t want our reputation to be tarnished because of a reckless officer drinking. If we won’t be able to find the culprits, then we have no choice but to consider–“

Eroch stopped talking when he hears something on his table, causing him to glance down and realize it’s a badge,

The badge that belongs to Diluc. 

“Forget it.” The detective said in a cold tone before turning around to take his leave.

The lieutenant didn’t bother convincing Diluc to change his mind, and simply watched as the ex-detective left his office with all hope and faith lost in him. 

All that remains is the determination in bringing down what brought his father to his death. 

When Kaeya found out, he did not find the power to persuade his brother to come back and work for FPD, not when Diluc isn’t the type to retire from his career as a detective so quickly. Instead, he wished him well and made sure to let him know that he will do his best to help his dear brother out in finding out the culprits of the accident, something that the red-haired appreciated.

The news that Diluc has retired from being a detective spread like wildfire the day after. It didn’t matter what the public thinks, all that mattered for Diluc is that his father gets a proper and quiet funeral that he deserves. 

The funeral… It’s hard to talk about it. 

The ceremony left an empty part in the poor young man’s heart. Had it not been for Kaeya and those who work in the mansion, he would’ve felt alone. There wasn’t an overwhelming number of people who came to his funeral, but just the right amount of people for others to know how much Crepus was cared for and loved by a lot of people. Some were his close acquaintances in the business world, some were his old pals, some were his dear friends, and some were employees from both the mansion and from Angel’s Share who have been loyal for a long time. 

Diluc tried to hold it together and not break down in front of everyone, wanting people to know that he can handle Angel’s Share without his father’s guidance anymore. It still feels unreal that he won’t see his father for the rest of his life now. 

I promise father, Diluc thought in his mind as he placed a flower on top of Crepus’s coffin. I promise I will find out who caused your death and will make sure justice will come. 

Of course, just because he stopped working in FPD, it doesn’t mean he’ll stop helping and protecting everyone in his nation. 

Diluc plans to disappear sometime after his father’s burial, wanting to find out who crashed into the van and who was driving the van that he and Crepus were in. The least he can do is to bring justice to those who are responsible for his father’s undeserving death. 

Before that, he must hear his father’s wills as well as a paper that’s written by his father that Adelaide managed to find when she was fixing the passed CEO’s bedroom. 

His wills are simple. The mansion, the company, the establishment will now be in the hands of Diluc as he is the rightful heir. Kaeya got some valuable items of Crepus that’ll be of use to his life and his job in Favonius. The rest of the items will then be handed over to both charity and to Alice, Diluc’s godmother.

As for the paper… 

It was a letter for both Diluc and Kaeya that the passed CEO managed to write in case he died. Not only did it contain advice and going through the memory lane, it also contained secret feelings and unsaid words that the man didn’t get to say. 

One of them in particular is his wish for Diluc’s future. 

“...I fear that I might not make it to watch you grow up into the man who has a life ahead of him, and it breaks my heart to imagine you reading this if I died too soon. My son, your journey will not be easy if I’m no longer here, but I know you can get through this. You have people who care for you as much as I do and I know they’re all happy to help you with the troubles that can come in your way. I wish you nothing but happiness and safety in your life, so please, do not mourn for me forever and move on in a healthy way. Do not burden yourself with what you could’ve done, instead, accept that you can’t change the past and only learn from it. 

If fate decides so, I hope that someday, you’ll meet someone who you consider as your equal and the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Treat them with respect, understanding, and love like I did with your mother and I hope they’ll do the same with you. Don’t concern yourself with what the public thinks and what I would think. Just know that it’ll make your old man happy if you’re going to spend the rest of your life with someone who makes you happy and feel cherished. (the rest of the letter is blank, making it evident that Crepus hasn’t finished it completely for unknown reasons).”

Diluc didn’t know what to think when he read it, he could only close his father’s letter and keep his words to his heart. 

Now that the wills have been revealed, Diluc and Kaeya have no choice but to come visit Alice – who’s currently in Liyue for her next book about the region – to transfer some items for her. 

“My deepest condolences for your loss.” She said, watching as Diluc sat down on his seat across from hers as someone filled his drink with tea. Unfortunately, Kaeya had a call from work and won’t be able to come inside the room to talk to the woman. “It saddens me that your father has to go so soon. How have you and Kaeya been?” 

“Thank you… We’re doing well, Aunt Alice.” Diluc responds.

The woman smiles lightly. “That’s good to hear.. I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t found those who are responsible for the… accident. But you must know, revenge won’t do much for your grievance towards your father.” 

The red-haired man tries not to look surprised, but stays silent, causing Alice to continue. 

“I know it’s difficult to lose someone who guides you in your life. Partings are the most painful things, but they also encourage us to grow. A bird that has lost the roof over its head will fly further than others of its kind.” 

She then lets out a chuckle. “But of course.. I know you wouldn’t be persuaded by my words, so I wish you still have your sense of good and justice on your journey to look for them. It’s not an easy task I bet, but I’m sure you’ll be able to catch them with your capabilities.” 

The woman’s eyes gazed towards a bulletin board on one of the walls before looking back at the young man. “Should you be able to find the culprits, then you can try to go out and see the world afterwards. That’s the best course of action I can envision for you. Only by feeling, observing, and listening can your heart be healed. Everything that was your father now finds new life with you, that which you will experience in this world may have been things that your father experienced once upon a time.” 

When Diluc looks at the older woman’s eyes, it screams nothing but good things for him and Kaeya. 

Something he never thought he needed until now. 

“...Thank you for your words.” 

“Anything for you. I hope that the wind will bring you all manner of wondrous things in your many journeys to come, Diluc. Should you need a person to talk to or consult with, I’m always willing to lend an ear. I hope you won’t mind if I treat you as if you were my own child.” 

–

It only took two days for Diluc and Kaeya to deal with the rest of the items that once belonged to Crepus while catching up with Alice before they decided to take their leave. Not only did they both have to go back for their jobs, but Diluc also had to go back to start his search in finding the culprits of the accident.

Before the two young men could leave the estate Alice lives in, the woman stops them for a moment. 

“One last thing before you two go.” The woman then pulls out two items: a pocket watch and an earring with a blue jewel in it. “These belong to your father who left these with me back then. I think it’s best if you have these instead.” 

Diluc hesitantly grabs the pocket watch while Kaeya grabs the earring, letting out a comment about “what a perfect timing this is, I was thinking of a good accessory to buy as a souvenir from Liyue.” causing Alice to laugh.

“Thank you, Aunt Alice. We wish you well on your journey as well as your work.” Diluc said politely.

Alice waves them off. “Have a safe trip, boys. Do tell my darling Klee that I said hi when you get back, alright?” 

And so, the two men left. 

As they’re on their way to the airport, Diluc stares down at the pocket watch Alice gave him, his mind filled with what’s to come for him once he comes back. 

He can’t turn back now, not when the two drivers could potentially hurt someone else.

“You’re planning something, aren’t you?” Kaeya asks suddenly, causing the red-haired man to look up at his sworn brother.  

“...What’s it to you?” 

The blue-haired man lets out a chuckle. “Oh Diluc, I thought you’ve learned by now that I wouldn’t let you do things on your own, have you?” 

He lets out a sigh in response. “I don’t need your help. This should be something I must do on my own–”

“You’re finding the two culprits who are responsible for our father's death, so I too want to take them both down with you because they deserve to go to jail for their crimes. Besides, you’re no longer a detective in FPD, the least thing I can do is to hand out some information that’s given to us, particularly the one that involves the mysterious driver that managed to get his hands on your van.” 

His eyes slightly widened from hearing that. “...There’s info on the driver now?”

Kaeya hums. “It’s not much, but it’s worth reading it since I’m sure it’ll help you with your investigation. Feel free to ask more about the case, it’ll definitely take some work off my shoulders if you somehow find that driver. I’ll take care of the aftermath once you do” 

Diluc stays quiet for a moment. 

“..Fine, you can hand it over to me anytime. Just.. make sure to keep an eye on Eroch and his men.” He says.

The blue-haired crosses his arms. “Who said I don’t? That lieutenant has been suspicious since day one. I’m relieved Deputy Chief Jean is quite determined to investigate him and see if there’s anything suspicious.” 

Jean…

“You mean Gunnhildr?” Diluc asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes. She recently transferred to the department thanks to Chief Varka. I caught her skimming around the lieutenant's office while he was gone.” Kaeya then smiles. “You should try talking with her. Isn’t she an old friend of yours?” 

“We weren’t close.” 

“Still. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to see someone who’s just like her in the department – besides the retirement – and is familiar with her personally.” 

The red-haired man thinks about it for a while.

“I’ll.. Think about it sometime.” 

“Perfect.” 

By the time the two men are on their way through the airport, Diluc finds himself immersed in his thoughts about his plan in going around Mondstadt to look for the culprits who are responsible for his father’s death. He was so distracted that he didn’t pay attention to how there are paparazzis lingering around nor did he realize that he was about to bump into someone until it’s too late.

“Sorry.” He mutters to the person he bumped into before continuing his way towards his plane. He failed to notice how a certain item managed to slip out from the pocket of his black and long coat. 

Until he hears someone calling him. 

“Sir!” The stranger called, causing Diluc to stop his tracks for a moment and turn around to see if the stranger was calling him, only to spot someone walking towards him with a familiar object that he stared at moments ago.  

“You dropped this,” you said, showing him the pocket watch, “sorry again for bumping into you, by the way.” 

Diluc’s eyes slightly widened, a bit stunned by your kind act. Had it been anyone else, they probably would’ve kept it with them..

He slowly grabs the watch from you. “Thank you.” 

You give him a smile and nod in response. “It’s no problem” 

Without another word, you immediately ran off from Diluc, as if you didn’t just get the chance to meet Mondstadt’s two most famous men. 

“My, I’m surprised they didn’t know about us two, Diluc.” Kaeya spoke in amusement, watching you go away. “You’re lucky they gave you that pocket watch. I’m not sure what would happen to you if you lost your father's watch after he just died.”

Diluc’s expression quickly changes to a glare, looking at Kaeya’s direction. “Watch your mouth before I make sure you’re not going to my private plane on our way back to Mondstadt.” 

The other laughed. “I’m rich too, Diluc.” 

The red-haired man then turns around. “We should go before we start wasting our time. The sooner we get to Mondstadt, the better.”

“Whatever you say, brother.” 

–

Diluc didn’t hesitate to start his search immediately when he arrived in Mondstadt.

Unfortunately, after Pallad was released from the department cell, the vehicle that had a dent was immediately returned to him, so there’s a chance that it’s gone by now. 

Despite being accused of reckless driving and a culprit of a car accident, Pallad still had the audacity to come back to Angel’s Share – not that the CEO is complaining, this definitely made things easier for him.

It’s already an alarming sight to see the officer using a new vehicle. 

For the rest of the night, the young CEO listens attentively to Pallad’s conversations with other customers who are familiar with him. There wasn’t any useful information until someone finally asked the officer about his car. Apparently, he got himself a new car because his other one is too old and not functioning well, making him give it up in a car graveyard. 

That was all the information he needed.

It took a while when Diluc finally found the graveyard that Pallad owns with the help of some of his connections (one of them being Kaeya, who told him the details of what the car looks like). It wasn’t hard to find the car Pallad used since he only gave it up recently, but it was hard to hold himself back after seeing the officer’s car that clearly has a huge dent despite seeing it for the second time.

He will never forgive that drunkard for killing his father.  

Diluc was at the very least relieved when he spotted a dash cam inside the car. The officer must’ve been confident enough to not consider deleting footage of his dash cam, thinking it’ll be destroyed thanks to the graveyard. Unfortunately though, the dash cam was broken from possibly the accident, so it took a while to restore the footage until the ex detective got his hands on the piece of evidence that Eroch will surely not reject.

After the repair, Diluc sent it to Kaeya, who would pass it to Chief Varka and drag Pallad back to prison at last. 

All that’s left was the unknown driver. 

If it weren’t for Kaeya’s help in giving him information, Diluc wouldn’t know where to start. The only information the Favonious Department found about the culprit is they’re a part of an organization called the Fatui, based on a blurry CCTV that contains footage of someone in a Fatui uniform infiltrating the parking lot where the Ragnvindr’s van is and was never seen coming out. 

The Fatui… Just hearing that name made Diluc feel angry.

They’re not an unfamiliar name in the business world. They’re known for being dangerous, powerful, threatening, and not to be underestimated. A woman who owns the company, Tsaritsa, is the most powerful person in all of Snezhnaya. People in the cold region respect her and look up to her for her contributions to the country, particularly the advanced technology that she invented. Those who aren't from Snezhnaya look at her in the opposite way.

Crepus and Diluc are those people. 

He’s heard of what they do to those who have wronged the company as well as the things they can do to those who associate with them. It’s a miracle that the Ragnvindr hasn’t interacted with them at all (as far as the young CEO knows at least..), and as the new CEO, he knew he had to keep it that way.

Now that he thinks about it, just what did Crepus do if Fatui is responsible for his death? 

Diluc isn’t sure if he wants to know the answer. 

But he knows he has to. He has to understand why this happened to his father and where the driver ran off to, even though he’s fully aware that he won’t be able to grasp the full truth of the story. 

He then considers Alice’s advice: to travel around Teyvat. The Fatui is everywhere in the world, so he plans to go through every single one of them in each nation until he reaches Snezhnaya, where he’ll try to confront those who hold the higher ground of the Fatui and hopefully learn the truth. 

He hands over the Dawn Winery business to Adelaide, Elzer, and Kaeya and informs them that they can always reach him through messages. He trusts them all that his family business won’t sink and will remain as strong as ever, so he isn’t worried that he’ll be contacted to come back to Mondstadt to fix a situation. 

“How long will you be away?” Kaeya asks as he watches his brother pack his items in his luggage. “I’m not sure how to tell everyone about your leave, what should I answer if they ask when you’ll come back?” 

“Tell them I’ll be back in due time.” He answers, focusing on thinking about what else to bring for his travels. “I can’t… guarantee when I’ll come back. This won’t be an easy trip for me.” 

“Of course not, not when you’re taking on the Fatui.” The blue-haired said, his smile begins to fade. “Just… make sure not to die while you’re at it. I can’t attend another funeral again.”

“No promises.” 

The two of them then fell silent. The only noise around the room is Diluc placing his necessities in his luggage.

“...Could you at least talk to Miss Jean once before you leave?” Kaeya asks.

Diluc lets out a sigh. “Why are you so insistent on me talking to her?” 

His brother lets out a chuckle. “Don’t get me wrong, brother. I’m simply convincing you to talk to her about the FPD. She has more information than anyone else in the department and might be a great help to you, trust me.”

Kaeya wasn’t wrong about that. “Fine, I’ll consider having a chat with her if that’ll keep your mouth shut.” He said with a huff. 

Kaeya smirks. “Good. You can thank me by giving me a free drink in your establishment if you end up getting good information out of that hangout.” 

“In your dreams.” 

– 

With the help of Kaeya, Diluc was able to contact Jean and see if she’s willing to spend some time with him, only for her to instantly agree and invite him to a private restaurant where they won’t be disturbed.

“It’s an honor to be able to meet you, Mr. Ragnvindr.” Jean said with a polite smile as she and Diluc sat down on their seats across from one another, the server pouring water on their glasses before handing out two menus and taking his leave. “I hope you didn’t have a hard time finding this place, did you?” 

The red-haired man shakes his head. “No worries, I didn’t have any difficulties. How’s your… day?” 

“I’m relieved you didn’t have any hard time, and my day has been a breeze, thank you.” She then lifts up her cup towards her lips. “If I may ask, what brings you to spend time with me today?” She asks before taking a sip of her drink. 

He lets out a sigh when he remembers his brother. “Ah… You should thank Kaeya for that. He’s been nagging me to come and talk to one of my colleagues before I take my leave.” 

Jean’s eyes widened. “Oh, you’re leaving?” 

He nodded in response. “I’m planning to… travel to some places. I won’t be back for a long time, so I’m sure a lot of things will change by the time I return.” He explained. 

“I see… I understand, you need something to get your mind off of everything.” She says with a sad smile. “I hope you get something out of your trip, and may the wind lead you to the closure you needed.” 

He processes her words. “...Thank you.” 

Something flashes through Diluc’s eyes, and the atmosphere turns serious. “I hope you don’t mind, but I would like to discuss something regarding… something about a certain PD.” He adds. 

Jean stays silent for a moment, also turning serious.

“...Is this related to the reason why you’ve asked for a chat with me?” She asks. 

Well, she isn’t wrong about that. Diluc was already considering meeting up with Jean as soon as Kaeya told him about how the woman had her eye on Lieutenant Eroch as soon as she was transferred for reasons unknown. There’s no doubt that there’s something amiss in the police department given how sudden her transfer was, and it’s related to the lieutenant who shrugged off the case of his accident. 

Could he be the one behind his father’s death perhaps?

Diluc feels a little guilty for talking to the woman simply because of how she has the information he wanted. “Yes. I understand if you’re not willing to talk about it.” 

Jean shakes her head reassuringly. “No it’s alright. I have a feeling I know where this is going now.” 

She then looks around cautiously before whispering, “we are talking about Lieutenant Eroch, right?” 

He nodded. “Correct. I heard that you’ve been skimming around his office.” 

“You must’ve heard it from Mr. Alberich then.” She says with a light chuckle. “He’s the only one outside of the operation who knows, your brother has my deepest gratitude – if anything, I would’ve been easily caught by Lieutenant Eroch and make the situation worse if your brother tells him.” 

“What’s your purpose there?” He asks. 

Jean taps her fingers on the table, careful of what to say. “Let’s just say the lieutenant has been way too suspicious lately. Too suspicious that it caught the attention of a certain chief.” 

“And the certain chief requested you to personally investigate it?” 

She hums, looking down at her drink. “I suppose it’s for the better since we’re not sure who’s on our side, hence why I was transferred to the Lion of the South Department (2).” 

“You came from the Falcon of the West Department, correct?”

“Yes. I was actually supposed to come to the Lion of the South Department in a year, but it seems Chief Varka has other plans.” 

Diluc chuckles. “He’s one unpredictable man, indeed.” 

Jean then looks up at the man. “Is there.. Something you want me to do?” 

He crosses his arms. “There is. I take it that you haven’t found anything from his office?” 

She shakes her head with a sigh, only for Diluc to continue his words. “Then you should look on the rooftop.” 

She furrowed her eyebrows, now curious. “May I ask why?” 

“The lieutenant’s always up there if he’s not in the conference room and office.” Diluc says. “I’m sure a man like him wouldn’t go to the rooftop for view-watching or some peace and quiet. You should check if there’s something that’s hidden in sight.” 

Jean nodded slowly. “I see… Thank you for this, Mr. Ragnvindr.” 

“Please, you may call me Diluc.” He says. “I’m sure this won’t be the last time we’ll interact and talk like this.” 

It’s safe to say he’s right, this wasn’t the last time he’ll be interacting with Jean.

He’ll admit, she’s good to cooperate with. Not only did she take note of his advice, she also made sure to give a piece of her mind in return. 

He feels relieved, knowing that someday, the FPD will have yet another reliable and great chief who’ll lead them once Varka steps down. 

As soon as their hangout came to an end, both parties were satisfied with the information they gained. They both agreed to keep in touch with one another through texts so Jean could update him about Eroch (and hopefully something about the Fatui should the Favonius find out about something), thus exchanging each other’s numbers before taking their leave.

Afterwards, he began his journey to travel around Teyvat in search of the truth.

He supposedly wanted to stay in Mondstadt to investigate them, but knowing the possibility that they could be watching him given that he didn’t die from the accident, he instead decided to make it his last resort. 

Of course, he kept in touch with Kaeya, Adelaide, and Jean, who all informed him of updates regarding Mondstadt, the wine establishment, and the FPD. There were many good news to hear, such as how Kaeya became even more famous after a particular case where he found many children who were missing, how Angel’s Share is still the most sought-after establishment–

The one news that made him relieved is how Lieutenant Eroch has finally been arrested for many countless crimes committed, but unfortunately, none of the crimes were involved with the car accident.

He also learned how Chief Varka and a couple of officers were sent to a classified mission, which resulted with Jean becoming the current Chief of Police while he was gone. Meanwhile, Kaeya also became the lieutenant of the FPD, claiming he’s now “oh-so busy after my dearest brother left me here to rot with these never ending cases.” 

In a blink of an eye, four years have passed. 

There was never a moment when his determination wavered, his passion is as strong as an eternal flame that never goes out. He never fails to remember why he’s doing this and why he must finish this journey, reminding himself by remembering all the memories he shared with his father. 

Sometimes, he goes back to that time when Crepus died. Trying to remember if there was a single detail he must’ve missed that could help him make more progress with his investigation, only to bring back the pain, helplessness, and guilt he tried to suppress.

He took down most – if not all – that involved the Fatui’s dirty work, brought down those who are as evil as they can be and exposed them in public, and even fought them with either his own hands or with a weapon should the situation resolve in.. an inappropriate manner. 

Because of this, he’s now considered a threat who shouldn’t be underestimated.

Throughout his trip, he once helped a few people who have the same motives as him, such as a woman from Liyue’s government – the Qixing – whose against one of the members of the board of directors in the Fatui, a young CEO in Inazuma who disapproves the Fatui, a man who holds an important position in Teyvat’s most prestige academy and also has something against the Fatui for reasons he didn’t disclose, and many more. 

However, the most notable person he came to work with is someone who introduced him to a secretive network. If it weren’t for them, he would’ve been killed in Snezhnaya by the Fatui. 

Despite how far he has come, Diluc never encountered Tsaritsa – besides some of the board of the directors, who all have anything but good intentions towards him. This doesn’t mean his journey all came to fruitless of course, not when he learned so much from traveling around the world and encountering other people. 

He looked past his progress from his journey, and after a lot of thoughts, he decided to join the underground intelligence network, where he put all his dedication in it just as he did in the FPD. Not only did he rise up into the upper ranks of the network, he also gained even more useful information about the Fatui, such as how Officer Pallad’s involvement with the accident has nothing to do with the Fatui, causing the driver to run away from the incident since the van is destroyed.  

He also finds out from the network that Fatui can’t touch certain people such as the Tianquan, the Chief of Police, some families, and even certain CEOs of companies who are too valuable in their nations. He also gained new comrades – most of whose pasts are left behind and go on with the future like the wind. 

Perhaps he too, should stop looking back with the past and not think about all of what could’ve been anymore. 

By the time his journey had ended, he had a conclusion. 

The driver is still unknown, but he knew the order came from either the board of the directors, the chairman, or the CEO herself based on certain documents from each branch that mentioned the Ragnvindr name. The possible explanation is that Fatui wanted to  burn down the biggest supplier and the company who has unmatched wines in Mondstadt, whose nation revolves around wine and freedom.

Not to mention how everything will turn out worse should he face the Tsaritsa with ill intentions. Given how the Tsaritsa is one of the most – if not the most – important figures in Snezhnaya, only Celestia can tell what will happen to Diluc. 

He also realized that when he comes back to Mondstadt, he is still just as unsafe as he was during his stay in Snezhnaya.

He started thinking: what if he loses everyone he cares for? What if his brother gets taken? What if his dedicated and loyal employees get hurt? What if he somehow falls in love with someone, and they get hurt because of him? 

This led Diluc to believe that it’s for the best that he tries not to get too close with anyone anymore – let alone fall in love. Hence why he isn’t usually found with people around him, besides those who work for him or want to work with him in the business world of course. 

If he wants to be safe as well as protect those who he cares for, he must protect Mondstadt and become stronger. 

When he finally returned to Mondstadt, everyone was too busy talking about the latest mystery of the nation, aka the person responsible for the crime rates suddenly going down and for dragging criminals to the FPD’s doorstep before the sun rises. No one suspected it was the CEO of Angel’s Share – not when he just came back from his journey (in reality he actually arrived back a bit early but went undercover for a couple of days before announcing his comeback). 

By day, Diluc stays in his office doing his work by signing and approving documents, inventing new beverages, and sometimes serving in Angel’s Share if the days are quite slow. By night, he strolls around the city when everyone’s asleep, looking out for anyone who’s in possible danger as well as anyone who’s possibly a threat. He makes sure no one was followed or stalked, no shops being stolen, and no houses being invaded – it honestly reminded him of his old days as a detective back then. 

To Diluc’s relief, there were no actions from the Fatui towards him ever since he came back to Mondstadt – unless you consider the few Snezhnayan merchants who’d come to the wine tycoon in hopes for a partnership with their business. Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s less cautious and less guarded with his surroundings. 

This went on for the next few years. It’s the same cycle as always besides the special occasions and events he attended to: wake up, get ready, do paperwork in his office, check on his vineyard and think of new drinks to make for his establishment, visit Angel’s Share and help Charles if possible, go back home, start his patrols around the city, go back home and repeat. 

He didn’t mind how nothing’s changed much. As long as he’s doing what he can, he’s content with his life. 

Fast forward, Diluc was recently invited to attend the Grand Goth Hotel for the wedding between Hiiragi Chisato and Kamisato Ayato. Unfortunately he had no one who could be his plus one since everyone is busy, so he thought he’ll just be all alone, something he grew used to and didn’t mind thanks to his four years of exploring around Teyvat. 

Then he met you. 

He bumped into you due to him being distracted by his call with Kaeya. He realized his mistake for not apologizing quickly, but when he turned around to look at where you are, you’re far from his reach. 

He thought that was the end of it, until he saw you again in the souvenir shop hours later. He felt like you looked familiar when he first saw you in the shop, and perhaps you must be feeling the same way as well from how you’ve been staring at him like a hawk. However, when it’s revealed that you’re only staring at him because you remembered him bumping into you, he felt… taken back. That’s the reason why you’ve been staring at him? 

He was even more taken back when you were quick to tell him how he was so rude for not apologizing to you. He’ll admit, it’s sort of a refreshing sight to see someone who isn’t so timid or nervous around him and isn’t afraid to scold someone for their errors no matter who they are. Nevertheless, he didn’t hesitate to apologize for his behavior – and when he found out you’re also a guest in the wedding, he was even willing to pay for your wedding gift if you allow him to share, something you reluctantly agreed on after checking its price. In a way, this is his payment for what you’ve done for him back at the airport (though, he wasn’t aware that you’re the same person that gave him his father’s watch at that time). 

The next time you meet was in Good Hunter’s, whereas he overhears your conversation with who seems to be your group of friends. He didn’t bother listening to it, until he heard his name being mentioned. 

When you explained how you don’t like him because of how rude he is, he felt taken back once again. Were you really that hurt from him bumping into you? Well, his shoulders are broad and must’ve hit you quite harshly if he wasn’t careful at that time, so he can’t blame you for thinking he’s rude for that. 

But then again, he thought buying those champagne flutes for you was enough… 

Turns out, it is enough. 

It was strange how he keeps seeing you these days, especially this particular day. Almost everywhere he goes, you’re also there. It was quite an interesting  situation, he thinks. 

However, he knows that he shouldn’t get close to you. He swore to never be close with anyone anymore (with the exception of his loved ones) and you cannot be an exception. That’s why he has to make sure he can’t meet you again, for you and his sake. 

Yet despite his oath, he still finds himself getting involved with you – especially during one of those encounters when he sees you in a rather uncomfortable situation. 

He recognizes the two men talking to you as being the members of the Kamisato family. He would’ve mind his business if it weren’t for how you seem to be in need of help, 

And Diluc is not someone who ignores such a situation.

So he comes over to where you are, acting as if he was looking for you despite a part of him telling him to not go and help you. Fortunately, you caught on to what he was trying to do and played along to his lie, something that the other two men fell for and decided to leave you two alone. 

He’s not one to pry into someone’s life, but he wonders what the Kamisato has done to make you so distraught and sad. Instead of asking, he simply kept his mouth shut and offered you his handkerchief, and you reluctantly grabbed it from him. 

The gesture made him finally realize why you’re so familiar to him. 

The incident was years ago, but he’ll never forget you giving him back something precious to  him. He really can’t imagine what would’ve happened if he lost one of the things that belonged to his father. He isn’t sure if you remembered it, but it didn’t matter, because he finally repaid his gratitude to you. 

After comforting you, he eventually found out that you indeed had forgiven him already, causing him to feel a bit embarrassed that he’s been thinking that you still haven’t forgiven him. 

As soon as you enter your hotel room after what happened, Diluc realizes that somehow, this wedding no longer seems to be as lonely as he anticipated it to be. 

You became a familiar sight for Diluc from then on as much as he didn’t want to.

The next time you meet is in the bachelor party, whereas the two of you started to get to know each other more. You’re pleasant and smooth to talk with, and there was never a moment where the two of you felt off with your conversation despite some differences with opinions and ideas – at least, that’s what he feels – and bonded a lot on how you two have a lot in common. 

You’re not afraid to speak your thoughts and even laughed at some words he said that were unintentionally a joke. Even though you now know of his achievements and reputation, you still treated him the same, which is something that made him feel pleasant. Even more so when you praised him for being such “a cool multitasker” as you watch him make drinks and serve them throughout your conversation with each other. 

He can’t help but be reminded of his father, and yet for some reason, he didn’t feel remorse from that.

He’d never thought he’d click with someone, let alone having a conversation that could last forever, like he did with you. Interacting with you feels like he doesn’t have to be so uptight and has to keep up with the formalities – especially after convincing him that he doesn’t have to do so – and he’s free to say his thoughts.

When you decide to stop your conversation for a moment and excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, Diluc tries not to show the disappointment in his eyes and words. It’s strange to him, why is he so disappointed? You’ll come back anyway just like you said. 

As he waits and waits, he earns himself a new company.

Kamisato Ayato is… One secretive and mysterious man. It’s not something Diluc is suspicious of, really. If anything, the two of them have a few things in common, such as their shared determination in protecting the people they care for, their shared experiences of being the CEO at such a young age, their shared experiences of losing their parents–

As well as messing with the Fatui.

Diluc isn’t so surprised with the fact that the other is aware of his dangerous situation with the organization, but he was surprised that the groom had to send him a warning about being careful with how he spends time with you, who is still in the bathroom doing only Celestia knows what. 

His warning alone made the bartender wake up from his daze, and he faced the reality he had always hated. 

You can’t be involved with someone like him, a man whose hands have been dirtied and committed things that he dares not to explain. 

Once you’re entangled with him, you’ll simply be yet another person he has to protect from the Fatui and the burdens of only simply being his friend. Although he’s more than capable of dealing with the Fatui, he knows that spending time with you will only make things hard for you. 

Not to mention how people would react if they see you spending time with Diluc, and only Celestia can tell how drastic the rumors can be once this spreads around, so Ayato is indeed right, he should leave you alone. 

He does not acknowledge how such thought aches his chest deeply.

Still, he knows that ignoring you wouldn’t do anything but cause problems, so he tells himself that it’s up to you if you still want to spend time with him. 

And it seems you do, especially the next day after that.

The CEO was surprised to see you entering Angel’s Share, especially since the wedding is today. What surprised him more was when he realized just how much he missed you – or talking to you rather. 

What a strange feeling… 

As he continues doing his job, he can’t help but observe you from afar; a habit that he does at times during his shifts here whenever an unfamiliar customer visits the establishment but unlike everyone he observes, he doesn’t observe you out of suspicion that you have something up your sleeve. You looked like you’re enjoying your time with your few friends, something that made him quite happy to see (even though one of your friends is someone who’s rather a hassle in his establishment when he feels like it). 

He feels all the more pleasant when you decide to chat with him for a bit as though you’re old time friends, not realizing that he may or may not have slipped up a few words that he didn’t really mean, making you assume that he’s just there for the wedding to serve his finest drinks. 

It’s only a matter of time until Diluc realizes what he was doing, especially when he finds himself looking at your way unintentionally. You just look so out of place in Angel’s Share in such a good way that his eyes are drawn to you, like how a moth can’t help but be captivated by a shining light.

It comforted him to see you being relaxed in his establishment – be it because he’s happy to see his customers satisfied or because you’re happy – and he wanted to let it stay that way, especially when he has a few guesses on why you were saddened whenever the groom of the wedding is around. 

When he catches on to the fact that you’re also staring at him, he can’t help but feel conscious about himself, thinking about how he mixes his drinks, how he positions himself by the bar, or how he talks to his fellow customers politely, he wonders what you think about what he’s doing even if it’s the simplest of gestures. 

…Is this really something friends think of about each other? 

By the time it’s time for you and your two friends to leave in order to get ready for the wedding, Diluc couldn’t help but feel disappointed, wanting to say more to you but couldn’t. 

However, when you take one more look at him while he’s staring at you as well, and give him an acknowledged nod with that smile of yours; he knows the two of you will eventually talk again and catch up once more.

For some reason, he’s looking forward to the wedding more than ever. 

By the time he makes it to the wedding, he was a bit surprised to see that the ceremony hasn’t commenced yet. His surprise instantly disappears when his eyes land on you, who looks as though you’re looking for someone. Could it be him, he hopes? 

Thankfully, luck was on Diluc’s side. Seeing how there’s one more seat that’s empty beside yours, he slowly makes his way over to you to sit on that empty chair. When he sits down, you instantly look at him and your eyes brighten. 

Him noticing you being excited from simply seeing him made the wine tycoon feel.. Something. Important? Valued? He isn’t sure anymore, he’s at a loss for words when it comes to you.

Truly, this must be something friends have sometimes. 

As he watches the wedding ceremony commence, he can’t help but feel as if someone’s watching him from behind. This caused him to cautiously turn around for a bit, only to find the father of the bride glaring at his direction, but not at him it seems. 

He then realizes that the father of the bride was glaring at you.

Diluc couldn’t help but feel protective, internally taking note to watch the current CEO of the Chisato company should he plan to do something to you. 

When the wedding went on to the reception, it seems luck is still on Diluc’s side. When he arrives at his assigned table by looking for his name displayed on the seats, he spots your name on the seat that’s next to his once again. 

It made him feel relieved, knowing that he won’t be sitting next to those who would most likely talk to him in hopes of gaining opportunity to have the CEO’s attention and support in their businesses and whatnot. 

When you find out as well, you’re pleasantly surprised, but nevertheless happy with the arrangement. If anything, it gives you a chance to continue your previous conversation with your friend! 

Throughout the party, the two of you bonded more and are closer than ever. Diluc really couldn’t recall when’s the last time he had a conversation like this. It really feels as if he could never get tired of talking with you and won’t run out of topics to talk about. 

His highlights of your conversation are the times when you laugh at his words, when you listen to him with an awe look on your face, and when you talk so passionately about the things you love. 

Diluc particularly admires how you talk about your beloved nation, Inazuma. You talk as if Inazuma is your child, and you’re a parent who’s proud of it. Not only did you tell him the things that you love about it, but also showed him just how much you missed your home with the longing look on your face. Considering how long you haven’t visited the nation ever since you went to Liyue, he can understand the feeling. 

Someday, he’d like to go there with you… Maybe then you’ll be happier than you are now, and he wants to see that in his own eyes.

After you explained all there is to know about Inazuma, Dilic then shares his own words about his nation in return. He talks about the things that he thinks you might like about his land, only to find that you love everything about Mondstadt and explain how much you love the place, telling him how you’ve always wanted to go to Mondstadt because of its carefree nature and kind people. It was something that Diluc isn’t surprised by – he’s used to many foreigners he had talked to telling him about how wonderful Mondstadt is – and yet, he feels his heart warming hearing such compliments about his home from you. 

While he was explaining though, he can’t help but notice how you’re somewhat.. distracted, as if your thoughts drifted off to something, causing him to feel a bit concerned. Are you bored from his explanation? Did he say something wrong? Or.. Is it because of Ayato? 

When he asked you if you’re alright, you only responded that you’re distracted by the sight of the garden that surrounds the open-air room. He wasn’t convinced obviously, but seeing how you don’t want to admit the real reason, he knows not to push you for it and respect your privacy. 

However, asking you somehow got him to spend time with you in the hotel’s garden. 

Diluc could see why the garden is one of the hotel’s best spots for guests. It’s as magical and peaceful as what most people described. 

And yet, he can’t help but think that this place is all the more magical and special when you’re here with him. 

“It’s so beautiful..!” You comment in pure awe. If you at least glance at where Diluc is, you would’ve realized that he isn’t staring at the view of the garden that is indeed beautiful.

“Indeed.” He quietly agrees, his gaze never left you. 

…

Diluc feels his shoulders sinking a bit. Friends don’t think of each other this way, don’t they?

…

As the two of you stroll around the garden, Diluc covers topics regarding the flowers that surround the two of you and about other things, all the while you listen with great eagerness. 

It was only when he started talking about his first drink when he realized something. 

How long has it been since he talked to someone about his father? Let alone his past?

Was he really that comfortable talking to you to the point where he’s willing to share the things he never thought he’d talk about with someone? 

He was sincerely taken back that he didn’t watch his step and accidentally stumbled from a bump on the pathway. 

…How embarrassing!

His thoughts from before instantly fade away, replaced by how embarrassed he is from the situation he put himself in. It was impressive how you managed to pull him back from falling, had it not been for your strength, he would’ve been even more embarrassed from falling down to the ground completely. 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the only embarrassing incident that occurred between the two of you. One thing led to one another, and suddenly he finds you hugging his arm out of fear from the sudden appearance of your plus one. 

Diluc felt like he was frozen the moment he felt your touch on him. He didn’t know what to do really, especially when you’re holding onto him as if your life depends on it. It was only by the time you let him go when he felt like he could breathe, watching you walk away first to get back to the venue.

Despite letting him go, he still feels the ghost of your touch. 

–

It seems the night is still young for you and Diluc. 

After the reception, the two of you proceeded to explore around Mondstadt City together to hang out more. But this particular night brought the man to something more than just a hangout. 

The more the both of you continue to spend time together, the more Diluc feels more confused, maybe even worried, about his thoughts and feelings towards you. He doesn’t know who you are to him if not a friend. If you’re indeed just a friend, then why does he feel like it’s more than just? If not a friend, then what? 

Deep inside, a small part of him already knows the answer to his worries and thoughts. 

So when he sees you talking with someone who interrupted your hangout with him, an unpleasant feeling creeps up on him, especially when it turns out that the stranger is someone you’re familiar with. 

He hasn’t felt jealous for a long time until now. 

Just the thought of you being with someone else made him feel unpleasant, and he isn’t sure what to do with it. He could only watch as you happily chatted with Heizou, his mind clouded with conflicts and realizations. 

Diluc realizes that his feelings towards you are something serious. This isn’t a mere admiration and fondness that will go away in a blink of an eye, but the kind of admiration and fondness that made him want more. 

What hurts is that he knows he can’t have that. Not when his life is too complicated to have the happiness he wants to have more with you, not when his life is as dangerous as it can be to have the peacefulness he wants to share with you, and certainly not when he’s sure you don’t feel the same feelings that he feels for you. 

Yes, Diluc finally admitted it. He wants you to be more than his friend. He wants you to be more than just someone who he sees on a daily basis, but someone who he sees when he wakes up to another day, someone who he sees when he’s all dressed up with gifts for yet another memorable date night, someone who understands him more than he understands himself, someone who he kisses goodnight before sleeping away next to each other, someone who he will cherish with all his heart without hesitation, 

Someone who he loves just as soulmates do. 

But he knows that it’s far out of his reach. 

What hurts more is how the two of you won’t be able to see each other soon, and none of you are sure when you’ll be able to.

…It’s for the best, he thinks. 

The morning after, he received a phone call from Kaeya.

“How was the wedding? Any juicy drama that I should know of?” He asks. 

“It was… not bad.” He replies. “I made friends with someone.”

“Wow, there’s actually a person who doesn’t mind Mr. Grumpy? Let me guess, it’s that foreigner you bumped into, isn’t it? ( Name ), right?” 

Diluc lets out a sigh, already knowing where this is going. “Yes, it’s them.” 

“Ohoho, now I’m curious to know more about them. You better introduce me to that friend of yours when I visit there.” 

His eyebrows raised up in surprise. “You’ll visit here today?”

“Yeah, I’ll be able to come to the hotel today to congratulate the couple. Don’t keep your new friend away from me when I get there, yeah?” 

Diluc scoffs. “As if they would want to be involved with someone like you.” 

“You wounded me! Who wouldn’t want to be involved with the person who grandmothers consider as the top candidate for grandson-in-law?” 

“Whatever you say. Don’t try to get lost in the streets.” 

“Ugh, that was only one time – and in my defense, I was drunk. See you there, Diluc.” 

And just like that, the call ended. 

Diluc puts his phone down with a sigh. He prays that Kaeya actually does get lost and won’t be able to see you. Only Barbatos knows what that man is going to do if he ever finds out about his feelings for you. 

Unfortunately, that was today’s least of his concerns. 

He can’t help but notice how a few Fatui members have been around the hotel lately. Usually he ignores them if it weren’t for how.. often he sees them today. Is it perhaps related to a certain higher up who wants to buy the hotel? 

Or.. is it related to a scheme he has yet to know about?

He thinks about it deeply to the point where he even spaced out a bit while talking to you in the garden as you wait for your friend.

He eventually finds out what the Fatui were up to when he decided to contact one of his associates in the underground network. 

“The people you’ve been seeing are under the security branch of the Fatui, so it’s evident that someone must’ve hired them for something they’re planning to do that needs to be under wraps. We’ll let you know if we happen to find out who’s their employer and whether or not you should intervene.” His informant tells him through the phone as Diluc continues to stand around the lobby waiting for Kaeya, eyeing on the Fatui guards carefully from afar. 

He didn’t have to wait for long on who’s the employer of the Fatui guards.

As soon as he kept his phone away after the phone call, he noticed the father of the bride walking around the lobby with a couple of the Fatui following him. He raises an eyebrow at the sight of the guards walking in a certain formation as though they’re surrounding someone–

Only for his heart to drop when he sees you among said guards.

What are they doing with you?

He then remembers how Shinsuke was glaring at you at the wedding ceremony back then, causing him to conclude that it must’ve been related to whatever’s going on with you and Ayato. 

He didn’t hesitate to start following them in hopes of getting you out of there safely, only to lose sight of you when a lot of people suddenly entered the lobby.

He quietly curses at himself in irritation as he tries to walk through the busy crowd, hoping that he’ll still be able to see you once he’s out of there. 

When he doesn't see you, he feels like he’s about to burn this place down. 

Please be alright, he thinks as he runs around the lobby like a madman, looking at every hallway to see a glimpse of you or your captors who seem to have more than just ill intentions towards you. It feels like he’s back in the incident where his father died as he feels the same thing that his younger self felt. Helplessness and fear of losing his loved one.

Fortunately, it was only a matter of time when he spotted the familiar Fatui guards standing in front of a door, holding what appears to be the very same bag that he saw you carrying at the garden earlier. 

He didn’t hesitate to go towards where they were, causing the guards to notice him at last and be alerted. 

“Sir, you’re not allowe–”

“I don’t care.”

As minutes passed, not one single person among the busy crowds in the lobby noticed the unconscious guards around the secluded hallway, with a tall man standing in the middle of the aftermath of his anger. 

As soon as Diluc finishes dealing with the Fatui guards, he immediately grabs your bag before reaching out to the closed room to open it. 

His heart drops at the sight of Shinsuke’s raised hand towards you. 

Hold yourself, he orders to himself, not wanting to throw hands towards the man who was planning to hurt you, who seems to be frightened but relieved to see Diluc. 

He puts on his calm facade. “Was I interrupting something?” 

It wasn’t hard to get Shinsuke out of the room and get you to safety, by the time he did, his heart breaks at the sight of you being all shaken up from whatever the older man did to you before he could arrive. 

This is an example of what will happen if they’re with me, Diluc thought as he tries to comfort you. He knows that even though your situation right now has nothing to do with him, you’ll get more situations like this if you’re with him, making him realize that even if he’s not an engaged man, he knows he still can’t have you. Not when it’s a risk to even be with him. 

He just wishes you to be safe and happy, but it hurts that it’s not something you’ll get from him. 

That’s why when you mentioned the airport, he felt sad from the fact that he won’t be able to see you after a while. By the time this wedding is over, he’ll go back to the same cycle he lived with ever since he came back to Mondstadt. He won’t be able to wonder what’s to come for him tomorrow, what topic you’ll be talking about with him, and he certainly won’t be able to see you at all for only Celestia knows how long. 

He then wondered if you two will ever contact each other after this. As much as it sounds selfish of him, he didn’t want that to happen, not when he feels this content with you. There’s no one who could laugh at the jokes he unintentionally makes, who would tease him enough to make him a bit flustered and smile, who could talk with him about anything for hours on end, 

There’s no one out there who’s like you. 

But he knows that he can’t make you stay, not when you have your own life to live. 

Perhaps… Perhaps things can be different if the world is safer. If his life isn’t as dangerous as it can be thanks to the Fatui, who dared to lay their hands on you for the sake of a greedy man such as Shinsuke.

Maybe… If fate allows so, maybe in the future, when things possibly change for the better, then perhaps you and Diluc could be something more than friends.

It’s just wishful thinking though.

He didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to come with you to the airport so he could personally bid you farewell. To his relief, you were happy to have him coming with you as well as reaching out to him once you come back home. 

He wishes this week could last forever. 

Hours later, he finds himself staring at the ceiling while lying down on his bed. Meanwhile, Kaeya is on his own bed that’s next to his while applying skincare on his face as he rants on and on about whatever’s going on around the FPD. 

He wonders what could’ve been if his life wasn’t so complicated and dangerous. He wonders what could’ve been if it were you who he gets to call his spouse and the one he gets to consider as his partner and equal. He wonders what could’ve been if he wasn’t such a coward. 

He wonders if you think of him the way he thinks of you. 

.

.

.

You realize that suppressing your feelings is not the way of moving on. 

Love hurts. Thinking of the past hurts. You realize that Diluc is just someone who helped you with your confrontation towards the past you so wanted to forget because of the pain it brings, but he’s not the one who can completely help you heal. 

By the end of the day, it’s you alone who can heal yourself.

You knew that you can’t admit your feelings to Diluc just yet, and you know it’s best this way – after all, you still have to take time focusing on yourself first now that you took a big step from your burdens. 

You just hope that by the time you’re ready to deal with being in a relationship, you wish that person who you’ll be with is Diluc. 

You find yourself lying down on your bed as you scroll through your photo gallery, finally looking back at the memories that you shared with Ayato, with your friends, and with yourself. It’s been so long since you’ve looked at them that you almost forgot some of the moments that made you happy. 

It took a while until you finally decided to call it a night, turning off your phone and placing it on the nightstand next to your bed before trying to sleep.

You hope you’ll be able to see Diluc again and spend time with him one last time. Maybe you two could go eat at Good Hunter’s together, take another stroll around the hotel’s garden and talk about Inazuma’s flowers this time, or even–

Ah, you feel so in love. 

You let out a quiet dreamy sigh with a smile, excited for what’s to come tomorrow. 

Now that you mentioned Inazuma, you couldn’t help but wonder when you’ll be able to visit your homeland again.. 

You close your eyes. Perhaps Ei won’t mind if I request for a transfer someday. 

PENPALS. @scaraslover @saving-for-xiao @dawgimsohot @ragnvdnr @chiruru @aqualesha @renamichii @mrkamisato @shenhesl0ver @serami00 @serenareiss @hiqhkey @emperatris-rinaka @bystander36 @irisxiel @ladycoleigh @034ven @dear-dairiess @owozi8 @hadesaedes @chiro-chiro-kun @hersscherofyatta @mariusvonhangme @yuzuricebun @hoshikistarlette @solaaresque @crowbird @lordbugs @flowersforayato @headintheclouddd @estelwrld @giyusimpsassemble @irethepotatosblog @moonlightaangel @alice0blog @shotosbrainrot @sniffoat @chihawari @mxsomn @kuni-kuzushii @jiminscarmex @mitsukii14 @nejibot @ylimeprive @sachispet @loreleis-world @sn-owo @starforecasts @someonetookmynamelmao @ceylestia @lychme @ymikkos @reallysporadicarcade @melodyyamino @dudufodd @somberrock @yevenly @lemontum @nghing @elychee @astrxlis @denkineptune @franini @sophisticatedleslie @thedivinepriestress @smashsubs @httpmitsuya @bl6o6dy @cottonkendi (come visit this post if you’d like to be tagged!)

PREVIOUS || NEXT || ORIGINAL VERSION

[lalunaluv]

SEE YOU AGAIN | Series Masterlist

Summary- Your family was torn apart the day your father died. Home became miserable, so you abandon it, refusing to look back for as long as it takes. But when all seems perfect , the path you chose to take has led you back to where you started.

Angst , hurt comfort-ish?, found family + platonic themes, eventual romance

Contains- fem! reader, Ragnvindr!reader, character deaths, alcohol mentions/use, cursing, lore spoilers, some pre/present timeline erasure and/or changes

Chapters

0. PROLOGUE

1. coming soon…

more tba…

[starglitterz]

ELYSIAN.

elysian

adjective; relating to or characteristic of paradise

summary: when you lose your job out of the blue, you're pretty sure this is the end of the road for you. at least until you reconnect with your childhood best friend aether and he offers you your ideal job and a place to stay. the only condition is that his office will be behind the store you'll be running, and under no circumstances are you permitted to enter. that's how you begin your new life as a florist, though you're not sure how to focus on working when aether seems to have too many pretty boys working both for and against him. your fresh start gets a whole lot more interesting when you discover just how many secrets these men are hiding, but somehow you think you'll still be able find the elysian ending of your dreams.

pairing: various genshin male characters x gn!reader

note: this series is to celebrate my latest milestone !! i'm so so grateful for all your support over the past year and a half, and i cannot wait to continue writing here <3 i hope you all decide to take part and that you enjoy the event !! MWAH ♡

#THE BEGINNING :

how did you end up with such a elysian lifestyle?

01.

02.

03.

#RULES :

elysian is a request-based series.

send in any one or more male genshin character(s) [limited to three per request] and a scenario/prompt, and i'll write a drabble/oneshot for you :)

please mention whether you'd like for the characters to be together or separate (i.e. childe & diluc competing for reader by buying flowers, or childe & diluc separately buying reader flowers). this is because elysian was originally designed to be a reverse harem series with several male leads competing for reader's hand.

please mention whether you would like the character(s)/reader to be in an established relationship or not.

angst, fluff, hurt/comfort & suggestive requests are accepted.

this series will permanently be on my blog, though i may close requests for it at any time.

i will also delete your request if i have no inspiration to write it.

please note that requests should be set within the universe of elysian (requests which mention visions or other canon elements will not be entertained). therefore, it is recommended that you read 'THE BEGINNING' first.

there is no guarantee that your request will be written. please do not spam requests, and please be polite while requesting as well.

requests from mutuals will be prioritised.

hope this makes sense, feel free to send me an ask if you have any questions ! <3

#LOVERBOYS! :

perhaps love is what makes this life of yours so elysian.

© starglitterz 2022. do not repost or modify in any way – reblog if you enjoyed !

[idlescara]

home (i think i’m better off alone) —

act i, chapter i “ rainy night ”

chapter sypnosis. — ★ you’re reminded once again why you love your father so much when he silently comforts you during a nightmare, even if it’s the middle of the night

content warnings. — ★ mentions of nightmares, fear of rain, subtle hurt/comfort, age: 9

word count. — ★ 306

tag list. — ★ @cb97s-laptop @i-am-tiredd @solarrexplosion

an. — ★ welcome to the first chapter!! i know it’s extremely short but this is more so to establish the relationship with crepus, the next chapter will definitely be longer!!

series masterlist m. masterlist genshin. masterlist wattpad ver previous next

you’ve always hated the rain. no matter if it’s a light drizzle, the moment you feel the water droplets wet your hair you feel your heart start to race, chest tightening as your anxiety rises.

it was even worse when it started to rain while you slept, your fear of rain seeping into your dreams.

your once peaceful thoughts slowly turned dark, just as the sky darkened, making you toss and turn in your sleep, a small frown adorning your face.

it was almost as if crepus, your father, could tell what was happening behind your closed bedroom door.

he leaned his ear against it, breath steady as he listened for any signs of distress from you. once he heard you let out a small yelp, one he wouldn’t have heard if he hadn’t been listening intently, he didn’t waste time in opening the door and rushing to your side.

he kneeled down at your head, petting it as he hummed softly, something he always did when you were having a nightmare. only the sound of his humming and his light touch soothed your panic; your breath evening out as your dream became pleasant once again.

he kissed your forehead gently, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, “sleep well, little one.” he said, slowly standing up and walking back to the door, taking one last glance at you before leaving; shutting the door gently as he did.

the only evidence that he was there the previous night was a small piece of chocolate sitting on your nightstand that he only gave to you and your brothers when you were feeling bad, whether emotionally or physically.

as you carefully picked the chocolate up and softly held it in the palm of your hand, all you felt was happiness. happiness that only your father could give.

© idlescara. do not repost, translate, or modify my work.

[butteronabun]

Hellooo butter! What are your thoughts on Diluc as a senior? School or college au? 🤔 my friend and I were speculating this(+kaeya) and I thought your contribution to this topic would be just perfect!

okay. okay.

first of all, thank you for thinking that my contribution regarding this topic would be perfect. i am honored that you think that way, thank you for thinking that! 🤍✨

second — here, let me dump all the high school au concepts i thought about for diluc ( which may or may not have been already been written in my debut fic :D ):

In a modern au, hs student Diluc would be a "golden retriever"

He’s kind, gentle, and sweet. Man has good grades and perfect attendance. Charming and handsome to the point that he’s deemed as one of the ‘Campus Crushes.’ Well-liked and very popular. Dominates the basketball varsity team (he’s a team captain) and is often the MVP. Joins clubs that benefits his academics and is running for student council. One of the math wizards who partakes in school vs school competitions. Filthy rich.

Seriously, he’s the guy you usually find in those romcoms.

He who opens doors and waits for the other students to enter the cafeteria.

He who provides support to those who are nervous in reporting their chemistry presentations. He who offers his jacket quietly to that girl when she had blood stains on her skirt. 

He, who, has a smile that lights up the room and makes everyone’s hearts skip a beat.

His name is always the talk of the town 

His lockers filled with rose-scented letters & cheap chocolates every 14th of Feb 

The crowd cheers for his number when he gives them a 3 point shoot, 

Before proudly celebrating the well–deserved golden trophy with his team 

He who is sincere with his speeches regarding “changing the system.” 

Regarding unfair school policies, more renovations for campus facilities, and less homeworks for those who are unfortunate and come home late 

He who dreams of following his father’s footsteps 

By doing his best in school 

Even if it’s a simple thing like tutoring his friends when it comes to math 

Or something more complex when he’s the face of his batch to compete in academic competitions. 

And you bet that this man is favored by so many of his teachers

Bro posts something on social media and it probably gets a hundred likes and numerous supportive comments from friends and others.

He’s practically untouchable. And despite all the fame, he’s pretty private. ( and no one will ever mention how Diluc almost beat up some fools who bullied his younger brother for dreaming to become a pirate. )

He has everything and yet he can’t get the girl that he likes, because unfortunately, she— whose identity is private, for now—doesn’t seem to like him or even notice him

I like to think that Diluc has a lady friend who he can confide with. Maybe, in this case, it’s Lisa. One time, she was sitting beside him during lunch and was very much amused when she caught him staring at that one girl who laughed way too loud with her friends.

He was staring with a little flush and seemed to get a little timid whenever she passed by. 

Lisa couldn’t help but smile behind her fingers as she witnessed the beginning of a new chapter — a blooming flower.

Most people in Diluc’s life ( the judgmental and the nosey ), who think that they have opinions worth mentioning for, always think that they’re right: they expect Diluc to end up with someone like him – and yet he is besotted with that girl who played step foot with her friends outside their classroom despite the class rep reprimanding them to quiet down. That girl ( who had many dreams and becoming a director was one of them ) nearly got her camera confiscated when she was recording her friend climbing on the roof, as if her incident with her math teacher wasn’t enough ) and That. Girl. who somehow became his seatmate during their field trip when they both got late together and had to sit in front. That same girl who offered him if he would like some chocolates that she bought from duty free because it was her birthday soon.

That girl who laughed when she hit her head on the ground while playing basketball and was delivered to the emergency room afterward.

But despite all these “not-so charming flaws,” Diluc finds himself falling anyway.

He wants to try all sorts of things, and he imagines a future where she’s in it.

But he knows that he’s not that intriguing for her eyes. She doesn't seem to be interested in him or befriending him. Was it because he became hot and all sweaty during that one time in their field trip? When he awkwardly made conversation ( despite being praised for his articulate and cohesive speeches and arguments ? ) Was he way too boring and too ambitious for someone as spontaneous and going with the flow? Did he not tick all the checkboxes in her list of the Ideal Types that she wants to date? ( Kaeya informed him that she was sharing her ideal types with her friends, and him being curious was an understatement. )  

Because every time he sees her, she doesn’t bat an eyelash. She focuses so much on her friends and it seems that she has forgotten that she smiled at him during that field trip. When she commented on how the sunset looked beautiful behind him, when he was sitting on the window seat. 

He’s aware that she’s friendly but she’s not befriending him. :( 

And if people are going to ask you what happened between the two of you, perhaps, you’ll just raise a quizzical brow and tilt your head.

“Uhhh. . . What? Who? Ah. Him. The MVP guy? We became seatmates during the field trip and that’s it. We didn’t really talk because I slept throughout the whole ride. He was listening to music so I assumed he didn’t want to have a conversation with me. And I’m out of his league, so next question.”

( Diluc had earphones on but they were lowered down because he wanted to hear her small giggles — and, well. Ridiculous as it was, he was playing stupidly romantic love songs. Kaeya was right, maybe using Spotify premium once in a while wasn’t bad. )

Here’s another hs au concept:

So it starts like this: two fingers clutching a chess piece—a pawn, she recalls—and lips pursing in thought, you inadvertently sigh in defeat and simply put it on a black square. 

However, you confidently eye him anyway and grab his queen piece. You declare a “Checkmate!”

And the guy—the guy who’s sitting right across from you—with the wild, beautiful red hair tied in an elegant ponytail, releases an amused chuckle. You’re sure that the girls watching from the sidelines just swooned from that and you mentally roll your eyes. 

“Last time I’m aware, that’s not how the game works. That’s not how the queen moves.” 

His voice is deep and nice to hear. But the irritation boiling in your gut shoves that comment away and you cross your arms with puffed cheeks. 

“That’s how this queen moves,” You stand from your seat and take your bowl of soggy french fries from Potato Corner. “Checkmate.”

And from that very moment you leave — you think it’s a cool exit, because you know you’ll never see him again, and you’ll never play Chess again, because there are a lot of students in your high school with quirky hair and even stranger personalities. 

Like, who even randomly starts a chess duel during lunch, and in Mondstadt High’s quadrangle? Apparently, that guy. 

You don't really understand why a lot of students are drawn to him so much, especially your classmates. You don’t hide your disdain of course, but your amazing friends decided to pull something underneath their arses to somehow make you meet the guy. Make you meet the guy you weren’t really interested in getting to know. Even if he was quote unquote, a 10.

Thus, leading to that unexpected encounter—them registering your full name when the guy was searching for another player to duel with. For fun.

And you didn’t really know how to play chess, but you were in the mood for some shenanigans, so. . . that happened.

( tldr: u had an interesting meeting with diluc and thought u will never meet him again but then he becomes ur romeo to ur juliet when u joined the theater club. shenanigans ensue. )

i hope this is enough to satiate the people who want a part 2 of the hs au diluc <3 also, it's up to anyone's interpretation if they wonder if my debut hs au fic for him would end up with the reader.

[ edit at 1:02 am: oh. . . diluc in a high school au as a senior. . . oh anon. . . i did not read it carefully and immediately assumed - help - i said too much. . . GSJJDK 🧎🏻‍♀️] and third. . . so. uh! i had one fear. ONE FEAR when i started this writing blog. one fear if i would eventually get that one specific ask, and me from the past was like: no way, there’s a buuuunch of AUs in the world and surely, they wouldn’t ask about college au, right?? / pos

WRONG.

so ummm… regarding the college au. are you gonna believe me if i told you that i had been plotting & writing a diluc college au since last year 🫣 all supported and aided by a wonderful pal ofc :)

here’s a glimpse:

you guys don’t understand how much of a fixation the DILUC college au was for me. like at all FJDHDK only my bestie witnessed how feral i was over this au. it was seriously my life source / j

anyway, i’m not sure if i’d post it because it’s seriously hella of a mess ( like table filled with papers stacked over each other mess ) and i don’t even know if people will enjoy it - i have some crazy projections here 🤸🏻‍♀️

and to end this: if you guys are curious abt diluc and the reader’s dynamic in this one, it’s evidently grumpy x sunshine ( because i am a forever sucker for that trope with diluc ) and she is his first love and he is her last

cheers! 🥂

[moineauz]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐗 — 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄

Tell me, who are you? I thought I saw you there But I think it was my reflection instead

★ HEADLINE ( OF SERIES ). You and your partner Childe are invited to play in an upstarting band; renaming yourselves 'The Sunbirds Six'. However, heated sparks flicker alive amongst band members, specifically you and the lead vocalist: Diluc Ragnvindr. The band continues to rise in fame, yet, the nature of their ultimate disbandment remains unknown- until now.

★ SYNOPSIS. Set before the making of The Sunbirds Six, we get a view of what was before.

SIDE COMMENTS. I've finally posted... Thank you all for the support!! Hope the timeline will make sense eventually... haha. The reader has not made their appearance quite yet!

POSTSCRIPT. alcohol, violence, angst WORD COUNT. 790

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐓, 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐅 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐗 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑."The last time the unknown band of four played was in their home nation of Mondstadt, however, the owner of the tavern at the time states that 'trouble' occurred backstage. The band of four did not play again."

WINE TRICKLES INTO KAEYA'S GLASS, VELVET AND SMOOTH while he shares a winsome smile and a curt nod to the bartender. His eyes trace over the rim of his glass while the acute clink of bottles rang and mellowed. Despite the swing notes of the piano dancing in the background and incessant chatter, all Kaeya could hear was his heartbeat. The same heart that supposedly kept him alive. That kept sure his eyes did not slumber so they could glimmer like gemstones for the world to see.

Here in the bar, no one knew him. And even if a stranger did recognize Kaeya's lush blue locks, they didn't utter a word.

"He nearly killed you."

"Hm."

Rosaria observed Kaeya as he lifted the wine glass to his lips, his eyes sparing no glance at her.

"You nearly died Kaeya."

Kaeya swishes the glass with a steady wrist roll, "You should have a glass yourself Rosaria, quite refreshing."

Rosaria sighed, seating herself at the table before whispering, "You should leave."

Kaeya’s lips rise into a tentative grin; shaking his head softly, “It will work.”

Rosaria scoffs before replying plainly, “Our band? We are not the next 'ARCHON' and I swear that Celestia is not going to grant us another stage, not after that mess."

"First, who said we were going to be the next 'ARCHON'?" Kaeya finally turns his head towards Rosaira, an amused smile tracing his supple lips, "Second, since when did you become so..." he pauses, "Devout?" he teases.

"I am neither devout nor skeptic. But, I do have a brain," Rosaria glances at Kaeya, her eyes sharp and indifferent, yet, under the worn flicker of overhead candles, there is a twinkle of tender affinity, "You're not the type of man who craves fame, so why Kaeya? Why stay?"

Kaeya abruptly slams the glass onto the smooth countertop, a chip of glass breaking off. "Because we're too good to waste away," he pauses before echoing nonchalantly, "Diluc can despise me all he wants, but I want this just as equally."

Silence fills the void space, yet, motion continues. Bartenders pace back and forth, music crescendos and falls, laughter erupts from the chest, and sweet ecstasy is gulped down ounce after ounce.

Kaeya gapes into his glass, a small pool of wine existing at the bottom, providing a reflection of himself.

"Diluc can have all of Mondstadt under his wing," Kaeya begins to no one. His voice is vague and slow, like fog draping over a city or a veil cast upon a painting, never to be remarked upon again. "But, just this once," muttered Kaeya, still peering into his own reflection, "I can be selfish."

Rosaria pauses for what seems to be another hour, allowing his words to ferment in the air or hang quietly yet defyingly, "How exactly will we, 'work'?" she questions dubiously.

Kaeya smiles before explaining factually, "We need a female vocalist, perhaps a rhythm guitarist as well."

Rosaria raises an eyebrow, her supple hands wrapping around her glass of wine as she follows up indifferently, "And how exactly are we going to have a female vocalist and rhythm guitarist?" she pauses, "If you're thinking of Barbara then I suggest you choose someone else."

Kaeya laughs, "Barbara? Oh no. I'll spare her the trouble.”

“Then how?”

Kaeya merely smirks before teasing, “Rest assured Rosaria— I’ll find someone.”

Rosaria sighs, taking the glass to her subtly tinted lips: the sensations of cool wine trickling down her throat. “Well, take all the time you need.”

“Oh? How so?”

Rosaria places the glass on the table, her gaze set forward, “Diluc announced a hiatus.”

“He did?” Kaeya muses, “But no disbandment?”

Rosaria pauses before nodding tentatively, her slender hands tapping on the wood.

Kaeya chuckles shortly, however, his eyes remain fixed on the pool of wine. He then questions Rosaria, a touch wistful, “Am I still in?”

“He never said anything otherwise.”

“Hm.”

Rosaria stops tapping her finger as she reaches in her pocket, placing mora on the table. “Go home Kaeya.” Rosaria then tucks the barstool in, fading into the bustling background of the cites bars- the night still young.

Kaeya remains seated at the table. Whilst his heart beats; pumping blood through his veins, steady and rhythmically like the anchored strum of his guitar. The music coursed through his hands, tangible and electric yet cool. Kaeya could bend it in his hands, twist it and mould it like a potter does in a fashion unachieved by many.

His elbows eased on the countertop, muscle after muscle. Kaeya's hands intertwined with themselves, crossing over as if in prayer and brought to his lips.

What happens when a heart ceases to beat?

"How could you, Kaeya?"

The music stops.

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