#the diluc longfic is still in the works but he's been in my thoughts so here i present the judges this

[earthtooz]

500 wc, post-argument diluc fic, gn!reader

The night feels stagnant and the clock on your bedside is far too loud and incessant for you to sleep. Normally, you wouldn't be able to hear the hands click, but tonight it is a metronome for the chaotic whirlwind of thoughts in your head.

You know it is getting late, and no matter how strongly you wish for sleep to find you, it is unsuccessful, a contradicting push and pull of trying to get your buzzing mind to fall asleep.

But the bed is cold and the vacant spot beside you is even more so. Diluc often gets home late, returning at two most nights, but the hour hand has now struck half past three and your lover still has not returned after storming out, needing some space to cool down after a heated… discussion.

You waited for him the entire night, anxiously hoping to hear the sound of the front door opening, followed by the steps of his boots and yet, as you lay on your shared mattress with your back turned against the door, there is still no sign of him. 

Until the wooden door to your bedroom creaks open on its hinges and the soft padding of footsteps follows after. You don’t move, figure deceptively still in the moonlight and eyes shut to go along with the facade.

The mattress by your thighs sink and the smell of smoke clinging to someone’s coat enters your senses, followed by a dull waft of pine. You know this scent too well, and the weight by your legs is one you would recognise instantly. Diluc is home, and you don’t know if he’s still upset at you for earlier, so you feign unconsciousness. 

Hands place themselves on either side of your body and you feel the gentle press of lips against the apple of your right cheek.

For you, the contact is a balm for your wounded heart, a reassurance of love and adoration against the cold night. For him, it is salvation because his hopes and wishes of you staying, even after his fiery outburst, has been answered, you still feel safe in his bed, you did not run and chose to bear the brunt of loving him. 

“My heart,” he whispers against your skin and the words sink right in. “I’m sorry for earlier.” 

You want to sigh in relief. 

The weight disappears and the sink of the mattress is alleviated as the red-haired disappears to your shared bathroom, the sound of a faucet running muffled behind the door. The sign of another person’s presence is comforting, and Diluc’s is a perfect aid to the insomnia you were suffering through moments ago.

When he emerges, you are almost asleep, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness. A familiar pair of arms envelop your waist and a face is pressed against the back of your neck, followed by a sigh of relief.

“I love you,” he murmurs. Diluc doesn’t need you to say it back, just needs to know that you’ll be there when he wakes up so that he can prove it.

© EARTHTOOZ 2024, do not steal, translate, repost my fics and do not recommend my fics onto any other site.