#they get caught immediately by Adelinde

[theleeryder]

#Ragbrosweek2024 Day 2: Letters

In which Diluc and Kaeya are practicing their letters. The sons of a global wine industry must be well versed in all languages after all u.u

[augustinewrites]

cw: pregnancy

“when you said we were sneaking out to go for a ride, i didn't think you meant that,” you sigh, breathless but content as you slump against your husband’s chest.

“deep breaths, darling,” diluc encourages, fingertips brushing down your spine. it makes him think of before, of juvenile fumbling and embarrassment. he’s much less chaste now. confident in his touches and his ability to please you. “why let the horses have all the fun?”

“you’ve been spending too much time with kaeya,” you grumble.

“i agree. it’s why i had to sneak away from his party with you.”

“your party,” you correct, letting him twine your fingers with yours. just like he had earlier, when he’d convinced you to sneak out of the surprise birthday party thrown in his honour. “the guests are likely looking for you.”

diluc’s used to being the center of attention. he doesn't necessarily enjoy it, but his day-to-day is filled with employees searching for his signature or potential clients seeking his participation on new ventures. as the king of the wine industry, he’s possibly the most in-demand person in mondstadt.

but their attention is nothing compared to yours. you’re his favourite person.

“you didn't even make it to the cake,” you add, shifting in his lap. “which means they'll be looking for us soon.”

he brings your hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss upon your knuckles and making your heart flutter. “i've already had dessert.”

your face warms considerably against his skin as he chuckles, releasing your hand in favour of slowly smoothing his palm down your side, resting on your hip. he’s more than content to abandon his birthday party entirely in favour of being here in bed, watching the sunset over the fields of your home and bathing you both in golden light.

“well, it’s your birthday party,” you say softly. “even if your actual birthday is two days away, i still want you to have everything you could possibly want. and if what you want is to sneak away from your party to bed me so thoroughly, who am i to argue?”

his heart starts to thump so loudly in his chest that he fears you can hear it. he does want something else, an answer to a question that’s been stifled by shyness, fear, and uncertainty.

“and if i wanted…something else?”

your fingers trace idle patterns across his arm as you hum. “i’d do my best to give it to you.”

he knows you would. which is why he’s been waiting, making sure you want this just as much as he does.

“kaeya said something to me earlier,” he starts.

“please tell me this doesn't end with you hitting him.”

“of course not.” well, not this time. “he asked when i would make him an uncle.”

your movements pause, and diluc wonders if he'd messed up, if it was too soon–

you sit up immediately, grasping his shoulders. “he told you i was pregnant, didn't he? i knew adelaide wouldn't be able to keep it a secret. she’s been knitting baby socks since last week.”

wait.

wait.

“you’re–”

“i wanted it to be a surprise,” you deflate, a frown tugging on your pretty lips. “on your real birthday. adelinde was the only one i told, only because she’d caught me throwing up in the rose bush she’d just pruned and insisted i get checked…”

diluc’s hardly hearing you, your rambling slowing to a stop as he holds your face in his hands.

he needs to hear you say it.

“we’re having a baby?”

you place your hands atop his, nodding. “we’re having a baby, diluc.”

he presses his lips against yours, one firm kiss before he rests his forehead against yours. you are and will always be his favourite person, the only one who could give him a gift as special as this.

_____

BONUS:

“lavender bisque. whispering peach. sweet potato surprise…” adelinde murmurs, hunched over a few sheets of paper.

“what is that? is that the menu for tomorrow’s party?” kaeya asks, peeking over her shoulder.

adelinde sighs, shaking her head. “they're sample colours i had sent over for the nursery.”

“nursery?”

“yes–” the colour drains from the poor woman’s face as she realizes her slip. “oh dear!”

the realization takes a few moments to sink into the cavalry captain’s “my brother had sex?!”

for @mydiluc aka mrs diluc ragnvindr for listening to my endless rambles...and also diluc bday fic!!!

[fallingdownhell]

Hello!! If your requests are open do you have any plans on writing something similar to genshin men forgetting your birthday but with different characters? :D maybe diluc and/or kaeya for example

Sure can do! Angst will always be my favourite!

Characters Included: Diluc; Kaeya

Content: gender neutral reader; hurt/no comfort; angst; the boys don't realize their mistakes; cursing; not proofread yet

Word count: 1,3k words

Enjoy the heartbreak<3

Diluc

Being with Diluc was exhausting sometimes. And sometimes, it felt like you were in no relationship to begin with. You knew that protecting the city and it's people was important to Diluc, but.. sometimes you just wished to be his number one...

Sometimes, you really wonder how you managed to stay in this relationship for three long years without any issue.. then again, its not like it has always been this way.

The first two years were amazing. Diluc was an attentive lover, always concerned about your well being, that you felt comfortable with him. Only recently did that seem to change. He had less and less time for you, always coming back home in the dead of night and left before you woke up in the morning.

You tried to deal with it somehow, since talking to him about it was apparently no option, seeing as he always pushed you away when you tried approaching the topic with him.

But today... today might just be your last straw..

In all the three years with him, Diluc has always made it a point to make your birthday a most special occaison. Telling you weeks in advance to clear this day up since he wanted to spend it with you. He always planned something different, but you loved it each time.

This year, however, nothing came from him. No notice to keep your calender clean, nothing.

You thought, that when you spotted him in bed next to you this morning, maybe you just thought wrong and he wanted to surprise you.

But when he woke up, no words of gartulations left his mouth. Instead, he simply got up, got dressed and went out again, but not before telling you that he would be back for dinner tonight.. which was a rare occaison as well.

You tried so hard to give him the benefit of the doubt.. going about your day at the mansion, going on a walk in the nice, afternoon soon as people from the Dawn Winery congratulated you for your special day. You thanked them, while trying to keep your composure.

Nothing meant anything to you when the person closest to you didn't remember it themselves...

Night came, and with it came dinner time. Adelinde took the time out of her day to prepare a full on five course meal, all consisting of your favourite dishes. You told her multiple times that this wasn't necessary at all, but she wouldn't have it. So, as fate would have it, you were now enjoying the food... however, alone.

Diluc has yet to show up, but not wanting to let the food get cold, you decided to just start eating.

Later on, you realized that the dissapointment washing over you didn't even face you anymore, having expected this outcome already.

So, you ate quietly, until the door to the mansion opened, revealing the owner of Dawn Winery himself.

"Diluc!", you exlaimed, standing up from your seat, a smile on your lips. He came after all...

But he immediately put a damper on your mood as he raised his hand, a deep sigh escaping him as he threw his coat off.

"Please, not now, (name). I'm exhausted."

With that, he went directly for the staircase, not even acknowloding anything else around him.

"But.. don't you wanna join in for dinner? There's a lot left and-!"

"I said, not now!", he suddenly yelled at you.

You were shocked, looking at him like a deer caught in headlight. Regret briefly washed over him for raising his voice at you, but he chose not to say anything. Instead, he turned around again and made his way up the stairs where he immediately went into his office, looking himself away from you again.

You watched after him, slumping back into your chair as he was out of sight. You tried so desperately to hold back your tears but they came crashing out of you as soon as you saw Adelinde leave the kitchen, a big birthday cake in her hands.

She gave you a weak, sympathetic smile as she sat down next to you on a chair, patting your back gently as you let the dissapointment sink in..

Kaeya

You were maneuvering your way through the many people in your living room, trying to get to your balcony, hoping to get some fresh air and clear your thoughts.

Lisa planned this whole thing perfectly. Keeping you busy the entire day with her while everyone else was preparing your surprise birthday party in your home.

You had not expected anything like that, especially not after the dissapointment you recieved this morning already. Kaeya has never once failed to remember any special day during your relationship. Be it a birthday, an anniversary or anything like that. You never had to remind him, he just always knew and was prepared.

So, naturally, you didn't feel the need to remind him that your birthday was coming up, thinking that he was already aware of that fact.

However, when you woke up this morning, everything was far too normal. He was still sleeping beside you, cuddling with you for a few more minutes, before you both got up and he left for work.

No congratulations, no gift, no nothing. He didn't say anything at all...

You were feeling kinda down after that, slumping around in your home.. That's when Lisa came over and practically forced you out the house. She congratulated you, then took you shopping, to lunch and so on.

She kept you busy the entire day and the incident with you boyfriend went farther and farther to the back of your mind.

That was, until you returned back to your house. Suddenly, the lights switched on before you could even do anything. People jumping out from all around, yelling "Surprise!", at you, while laughing at your flabbergasted reaction.

A surprise party.. now Lisa's behaviour made sense to you. Your mood lightened up, thinking that it must have been Kaeya's doing and planning.

You thanked everyone that came up to congratulate you, making small talk with them while trying to scan the people for your boyfriend. When you didn't see him anywhere, you went to ask Lisa about him, but she said she had no idea where he was..

This dampened your mood again, so you decided to get some fresh air, maybe that would help cool you off again.

As you were outside on the balcony, you saw Kaeya approaching your shared home. Excited, you went inside again to meet him at the front door. But when you opened it, you were met with a seemingly bad mood from your boyfriend.

Before you could ask him what was going on, he already started complaining. "Seriously? Are you for real?"

"What?", you just said, confused on what he meant. But that just seemed to frustrate Kaeya even more.

"So, everyone leaves work, leaving all of it for me to deal with, just because you decided to throw a fucking party? I've had a fucking exhausting day, (name). How do you expect me to relax with this many people here, huh?"

"I-It wasn't my-!"

"Oh, don't give me that crap! Who else if not you would plan such a thing, and in our house as well? You know what, I'm gonna leave. I'll sleep somewhere else for the night!"

And before you could say anything else, he had already turned on his heels and was walking away. You had no idea what this was about and what caused his outburst..

You were so confused about what was going on, but you felt the tears running down your face as you fell on your knees right there at the open front door while the party was still going behind you...

[pearlywritings]

Can we get a...

synopsis: twins’ seventh birthday is almost half a year away, but it seems that they already have a gift in mind. Though you surely did not expect this.

pairing: Diluc x fem!reader, your twin sons Rufus and Lucas

tw: fluff, pregnancy

word count: 3.5k+ words

Family AU Masterlist

What a peaceful February afternoon. The fire flickers and wood cracks in the fireplace, warming up the area around. In this peaceful noise you make out Adelinde's voice quietly discussing something with Elzer in his study, with a door left slightly ajar - a precaution so she can always hear in case you call for her. But you don't think you'll need her help anytime soon, feeling quite cozy at the moment - multiple pillows support your back as you are resting on the sofa, big comforter covers your body from stomach and down, two boys are snuggling under it from both sides of your body, providing additional warmth and contently squinting from your fingers threading through their thick locks and gently massaging their heads. Their teacher has just left not so long ago and you are letting them relax after the whole morning of studying. After all, a break for yourself was around the corner as well, so the trade papers you'd been reviewing were put on a coffee table aside. You'll have enough time to finish this little work Diluc still lets you do in your condition, while he himself is out to check on the tavern in the city and, as you are guessing, buy kids some treats for their good behavior as well.

You feel Rufus shift a little on your right, bringing your mind back to reality - for a moment the serene atmosphere lulled you into a slumber. It makes you aware of what the two redheads have been doing ever since they joined you in the living room to cuddle - silently exchanging glances over your six-(almost seven)-month pregnant stomach. They are up to something it seems, but there is no hint of mischief in the air, so it should be something harmless - you won't pry until they want to share it with you.

Which happens pretty soon, as the boys nod simultaneously and then two sets of ruby-like eyes glance up at your face and you see it as a signal for a conversation, drawing your hands away from their heads and resting around their half-turned to you bodies.

"Mama?" Rufus is the one who starts the conversation after a few more moments of silence. You tenderly smile and rub his back in reassurance.

"Yes, baby, what is it?"

"Remember how it's our birthday in August?" The boy continues as his brother fumbles with his fingers a little, giving out his nervousness. You know your boys, despite their quite creative and energetic nature they rarely ask for something overly crazy or something you and your husband couldn't afford for them, so this one must be really serious, if the younger of the twins fidgets at the prospect of it. Your fingertips slide to his arm and down to his hands, offering to hold them, and Lucas puts them onto your palm almost immediately.

"Of course I do, loves," your smile never disappears, if anything it gets wider - they will be turning seven, hard to believe it's been several years of your babies' lives already. "Oh! You have something in mind for how you want to celebrate it?" They shake their heads, so you try another, "presents?"

This time they confirm your guess with a nod and Lucas, playing with your fingers, hums. 

"And what might it be?" You ask curiously, once again witnessing how the boys exchange glances, as if deciding who'll be the one to announce it. To your surprise they both take deep inhale, look back at you and blurt the question out together:

"Canwegetadog!?"

"Wha-" caught off guard you stare at them with wide eyes, though very quickly recovering. "I am sorry, could you repeat that? I don't think I heard it with all this speed."

Twins pout, as if saying it again offends them very much, but eventually Lucas shakes your hand a little, asking for your attention, which you direct at him.

"Yes?"

"Me and Rufus were wondering… Would you and papa let us get a dog?"

Oh. A pet? Wow, this is new and serious indeed.

"A dog?" They nod again, tense like bowstrings awaiting for your reaction, almost not blinking as they stare at you. A little bit caught off guard you keep your silence for a few seconds, thinking over their request. But it looks like the lack of response from you is concerning for the twins, as they become even more fidgety and avert their ruby eyes, thinking they did the wrong thing, after all, that's an almost life-changing matter. They nearly jump when your hands come to rest on their backs, comfortingly rubbing.

"What kind of dog? Do you have something in mind or you just decided you simply want a dog?" 

As if by a wave of the magic wand their shoulders relax, gaze back on you and smiles once again plastered on their cute little faces. Rufus immediately starts untangling himself from under the comforter.

"Oh, we can show! I'll go get it, wait a moment, ma!" Finally free, he jumps off the sofa, swiftly turns back to tuck the fabric back at your side and quickly runs to the stairs and to their room. Lucas presses himself into you again, one arm wrapping around your stomach and his face tucked into your ribs.

"You are not mad?" You hear in a muffled question, which makes you chuckle and put your own hand on top of his.

"Of course not, Lu. An animal companion is a sweet idea, I love it. But before I, or your father make any decisions, we need to fully understand what you two want and how to operate it," and for you to know what to use when appealing the idea to your husband, because it happened so that there’s never been a conversation about pets, aside from his falcon, who is more of a companion to him, and the kids are still wary around her.

"Oh, you mean like, the size, the eating and walking habits, how it is with people?" The younger peaks up and you are amazed at how clever he is.

"Yes, that's what I mean…how do you know?"

"We read it in a book brother went to get. Dad let us use the library in his study and Rufus found an encyclopedia about dogs. There are pictures and all kinds of interesting stuff. We asked Addie to help us a little with the words we didn't know."

You hum in acknowledgement, not having time to say anything else, because you can hear your other son reappearing on top of the stairs and soon tapping his way down and back to you and his brother.

"Here!" He proudly presents you a pretty slim volume and this time you don't even need both hands to take it. Lucas patiently waits for his brother to climb back under the warm fabric and get comfortable and only then tells you to open page 56.

Placing the book partly on your belly, you start searching for the page and find it pretty quickly, as it appears to be the first one in the Snezhnayan national breeds section. While many domestic animals were bred and selected in their homelands, it's not strange to see some of them distributed to other regions as well, so, the non-Mondstadt-originated dog doesn't surprise you.

Seeing the name of the breed though makes you snort on the inside, imagining the look on Diluc's face when he hears about it.

"Snezhnayan Borzoi?" You ask, looking at the illustration of a very elegant dog with long slim legs, equally long curved body, long snout, long tail, long beautiful fur… yeah, everything about this dog is long, which in the end gives a very noble-looking complexion. 

Boys nod.

"Yes, we really, really want it… Look how pretty it is!"

"And you both agreed on the same dog?" You ask a little bit in disbelief, knowing very well, how different some of their tastes are.

"Well…" Rufus trails off, staring at his brother, who returns the same kind of look to him.

"We wanted different," Lucas admits, "but when we told Addie, she said two dogs are too much."

Even if they don't elaborate, you understand the meaning behind it. Too much in general. And also there is soon going to be a new member of the family, which means your and Diluc's attention would be occupied even more, and if one dog (or a puppy, at first) is still manageable, two is hardly so.

Looks like your boys are growing so well, learning to make some sacrifices and be open to compromising, your heart couldn't be more happy for them.

"This beauty is pretty indeed," you say after their explanation and you can see how ruby eyes light up with hope. "And you came to an agreement, great job, boys!"

Two sets of arms wrap around your neck and both of your cheeks get a loud smooch.

"Thank you, mama! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

You laugh joyfully, turning head side to side to kiss their foreheads.

"Don't thank me just yet, we still have a game to play," ah, yes, the game the three of you practice before laying out some of the ideas to their father. It both helps to convince him faster and for the twins to develop the argumentative skills. And also works vice versa when they go to dad first with the matter where you have the final word in.

"Why don't you prove to me this sweet dog is the one for you and that generally it is a good idea," the smiles get wider, as they understand what you are implying, and by the confident looks on their faces you can guess they’ve already thought beforehand of what to say to you.

"Yes, mom! So," Lucas decides to not beat around the bush and start right away, "we do not ask for two dogs. We know it is a big deal," he says it so proudly, that you can hardly contain a chuckle.

"Secondly," Rufus points into the book and you glance at the numbers presented there, "this dog is big."

"And why is that good?" the older twin furrows his brows for a moment in thought, pursing his lips. You patiently wait, before he comes up with something.

"I think a small dog is hard to notice and if it barks, the sound is too, um…" ruby gaze darts to the side for help.

"Disturbing," his brother offers.

"Yes, disturbing! And you'll soon have a baby…" both boys look at your belly and Rufus gently pats it, which brings a bright glint to your eyes. They are so considerate.

"Besides," Lucas chirps again, "they are quite lazy while inside and won't be too noisy. When outside they love to run a lot and we have a lot of land around for it. I think we can easily go for a walk three times a day with it."

"Hm, but it says here that each walk should take at least an hour. Sure you can handle it?" You point at the paragraph with the descriptions and boys start thinking. "You should understand that this will be your dog and it will listen to you."

"Yeah, we read that borzoi do not really listen, and to the people who are not their owners…" Rufus sighs, and you see the understanding that maids will be of little help sink in. "But we will try very hard! We can walk after breakfast�� ah, wait, the classes…" at that you chuckle, and reach to ruffle his hair.

"Don't worry, I am sure your dad won't mind rearranging the beginning of your classes to start a bit later," their faces beam with a smile again.

"And then we can easily walk in the afternoon and evening!"

"That's great, loves," the praise encourages them even more and by the time it's lunch hour, the twins have laid out some more proving points, making you believe Diluc would be easily swayed.

"You really want this dog, aren't you…" you muse, finishing reading the article the book offered. They eagerly nod. From the corner of your eye you notice Adelinde, who has come out to check on you three and the fireplace. Suddenly she chuckles.

"Sorry, My Lady, I happened to overhear your conversation."

"Oh, that's fine," you offer her a reassuring smile, which she returns with a sweet one of her own. "But what made you laugh, Adelinde?"

"Just remembered how animated young masters have been for the last couple of days, when talking about this beautiful dog in my presence."

"Is that so?" The boys sheepishly giggle, starting to make their way out of the comforter's embrace. "Ah, nevermind," shaking your head and passing a book back to Rufus, you move the comforter completely off of you, and, with some assistance from Adelinde, rise to your feet.

"It's time for lunch, isn't it? Let's go have it, and when dad comes home in the evening, you'll talk to him, alright?"

"Mhm!"

"Good. Now go and put the book back into your room, wash your hands and be ready to dig in," your sons disappear as quickly as you finish your speech. The woman next to you offers you her arm and you thankfully lean on it, even if it's just mere meters to the dining table.

An opening door draws your attention from the book and instantly the bookmark is placed between the pages as your eyes connect with your husband's vermillion ones. The jacket has probably been taken away by the maids to clean and dry and he also lacks a cravat and a vest. What he isn't lacking is a small smile brightening up his whole face and reflecting in the burning fire of his soul.

"Good evening, my flame," the greeting is sweet on his tongue and the almost unnoticeable sprint in his steps is an indicator of how much the Master of the Dawn Winery has been craving to be back with you, his wife. The bed dips under his knee and the gloves are swiftly taken off and thrown to the side. Big scarred warm palms cup your cheeks and a kiss is pressed against your lips, sealing his words like a barrel of dandelion wine.

Diluc cradles your face in his hands so delicately, so gingerly, you start thinking he is back to viewing you as a glass piece that can easily break, which was proved wrong many times before. You kiss him back with a little more force to remind him you are not fragile and the man seems to chuckle, drawing his face away to gaze at you lovingly. Only for his eyes to widen a little when you peck his nose and rub yours against it.

A rich laugh is born within the confinement of his chest and a few more fleeting kisses are placed all over your cheeks.

"Missed me this much?" You murmur quietly, afraid to break the atmosphere. Your husband hums, rubbing his thumbs over your cheekbones.

"Yes…missed you so much," then his gaze flits down to your stomach and the next moment the palms are pressed against your rounded belly, with lips following soon after. 

"Missed the little one too, love."

Instantly your fingers go into his flaming hair, releasing them from a high ponytail and carefully running digits through the heavy locks. You let him have his moment, lovingly staring at the back of his head, listening to the softest murmurs offered to the baby in your belly, your third child, your soon-to-be-joy. Just two more months.

"Do you feel sore?" His burning gaze is back on your calm one, worrying about you overworking your body - you are carrying a big weight on your midsection all the time, he knows it's hard.

"Luc, love, have you forgotten? You literally increased payment to my maids to take care of me whenever you can't. Soon I'll get addicted to all these nice massages."

"That's not a bad thing."

"Yeah, I am aware, and you could use some too. I can feel your tense back under my fingertips"

"Love," he groans but you know, it's not of annoyance, just him being playful. "Besides you know our staff adore you. Helping you in any way possible, especially now, is no trouble for them."

“Your ability to convince me of anything in the sweetest ways possible scares me,” you laugh, when he gives you an unamused glance, and poke his cheek with a finger.

“Speaking of convincing, have boys already gotten to you with one?”

You bring your hands from his hair to your stomach when your husband draws himself back and off the bed to properly undress and change while having a conversation with you. By the sound of him lightly chuckling you know they have.

“Oh, when I tell you I got worried when they met me at the front door and urgently asked to go to my study - you better believe it,” he grabs the gloves he threw away minutes ago and walks to put them in a drawer.

“So, how went the discussion of their desired birthday present?” You really are curious - after all that’s such a big decision and, by the looks of it, means a lot to your sons, who, as it now becomes clear to you why, have even spent the last week being on their best, borderline perfect behavior.

Diluc grabs a hanger from a wardrobe and puts it on the bed, starting to work on his shirt. A concentrated look on his face doesn’t go unnoticed by you, and the need to know his thoughts stirs impatience inside.

“Tell me. Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me!”

“Well,” a fond look of his crimson eyes graces your somewhat displeased expression, quickly making you melt, earning a smile from him as well, “it went very well.”

“For you or for them?”

“What if I say both?” he teases and you almost roll your eyes. If the bed wasn’t so big you’d reach out and kick his leg.

“Come oooon, I am intrigued!”

“I know you are,” a chuckle.

“You know and yet you keep it a secret? Unbelievable. Your brother’s antics rub on you it seems. Don’t look at me like that, we both know you were even worse in your teens.”

“One day he won’t see the light of it,” Diluc promises without malice and, finally changed, climbs onto the bed to settle by your side, only to be attacked by your loving kisses and a big hug, which he accepts eagerly, encouraging your affectionate clinginess.

“Tell meeee, did they do well?”

“In their game of conviction? Of course they did, you are their teacher,” at that you giggle.

“So… Does that mean you told them you’d get a dog? The exact one they want?”

“I didn’t say I’d get them a dog, but I promised to think.”

“Only to get it as a surprise?”

“You know me too well, my flame. And though their choice surprised me, I don't have anything against it.”

“Though the land of origin has it against you?” The man sighs at your joke, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“It’s going to be hard, but I’ll put someone from my people in charge of that. After all, borzoi aren’t popular in Mond, it’s probably been years since the last time some noble adopted a dog like that as an,” he twists his fore and middle fingers, “ ‘exotic pet’.”

“True,” you agree, reaching out to take his hand and put a head on his shoulder. “You think we'll handle it on top of everything?"

"I think we will. I suppose we'll have some time to get adjusted to having the baby here. Then I could help Ru and Lu train the puppy. Borzoi are quite temperamental, after all, they’ll need assistance."

"And once again you are ready to go such lengths to make our babies happy. You are a great father, you know?”

He doesn’t even need to respond, because you both know the answer to this question. Diluc leans to rest the cheek against your head and intertwines your fingers, gently squeezing to tighten the hold. Your words, this exact admittance brought a bigger smile on the man’s face and caused butterflies to dance in his chest, caressing his heart with the soft trembles of their wings. Yes, he’d do many things to assure his family’s safety and happiness, as it became his life purpose after meeting you.

Besides, birthdays happen once a year, right? And getting a dog isn’t all that extraordinary, - knowing his boys and their wild imagination he could’ve expected something mind-blowing (like that time when they saw Klee using her bombs and begged you two to install those instead of the fireworks. Obviously you two declined, letting Albedo take care of that part, so in the end Rufus and Lucas still were entertained and content with the fire show).

So, yeah, Snezhnayan Borzoi it is.

Maybe he could teach it to bark at Kaeya. Just because he can.

[that-student-that-has-homework]

You WILL Have my Herbs 02

Diluc / Reader

Previous Chapters: Chp 1 | Chp 2 | Chp 3 | Chp 4 | Chp 5 | Chp 6

Read the Full Story on Ao3 | Tumblr MasterList Here (Maybe even leave me a comment please? :3< )

Summary: Listen you just wanted to pick some plants, do some experiments, find some cures, and report back to your mentor. Unfortunately a handsome vigilante puts you in his debt and now you have to fight him to let you make it up to him.

Chapter 2: Debt Simply Won't Do

You were staring. You knew you were.

Of course you were staring!

That was your elusive savior! It had to be them-him? That shade of red was much too unique!

You fumbled to slip on your boots and approach the hero, letting out a low hiss when you moved too quickly. Which in turn drew his attention to you. His gaze met yours and narrowed suspiciously. You flinched. Involuntarily. It was an involuntary flinch.

You opened your mouth to try and thank him and offer your assistance in return. However before you could really move, or get a sound out, Miss Adelinde was receiving him and explaining the situation.

Meanwhile another maid rushed towards him with a towel in hand. Made sense, really, he had clearly been out in this downpour for longer than you had.

“Master Diluc,” she called him. Wait, then this was his inn! Winery!

To think this man has saved you not once but twice -technically speaking. 

Unless he was simply a man of high status and not the master of this inn-er-winery.

Diluc. Dee-luc. Di-luke. Dee-looook. Diluc. It would do you well not to forget his name! You had to make sure to commit it to memory. Your savior, the person whom you owed a lot to! Diluc. Diluc. Diluc.

Maybe you should write it down? You always did remember things better that way.

That thought was quickly swept away as he turned to face you, having finished talking to Miss Adelinde. His footsteps were unexpectedly light as he approached you. Your footsteps were heavier in relation as you shuffled in your undone boots.

“Please rest easy,” the decadent timbre was as rich in authority as it was rich with courtesy, and you stilled immediately-a bit entranced, “Adelinde informed me you were caught in the storm.”

You nodded. Dumbly probably. Goodness, his voice was heavenly. Had that one professor back at the Akademiya sounded at all like this man, you’d likely never have fallen asleep in his lectures. Well you’d likely still fall asleep if you were exhausted, there was no escaping sleep when it came for you. After all despite having a course with professor as invigorating as -Ah! Focus! 

Truthfully, your brain was simultaneously swimming in the long list of things to do, and in absolutely nothing at all. You’d said that Sir Kaeya was lovingly sculpted by the divine, and you could absolutely say the same of the man of near-otherworldly beauty that stood before you.

There was some vague gurgling voice of reason in the back of your head, drowning under the crashing waves of observations regarding the man before you. He was tall. He had a fierce flame for hair-bright enough to blaze through the dark-you would know. Ruby red eyes, as though he’d taken the gems themselves and crafted them into eyes (that would be rather interesting if it were possible). Tailored brows - naturally tailored brows, a very beautiful curve as though laid down with a brush. A sharp nose, full lips, long lashes, a sharp jawline, sharp as the claymore you’d glimpsed that…

…you really should have gone into art instead. Or perhaps you ought to have been a writer, a poet, or something similar.

Turns out the living, breathing, sculpture of a man, the sentient piece of artwork of a -erm-the man, the incredibly handsome man, that you’d likely been ogling, had been waiting for you to say something. You realized this once you noticed how your mouth opened and closed as your reason resurfaced. Oh gosh you had to thank this man! Properly!

“T-thank you!” You winced as your voice came out louder than intended, with a little cough and then another wince, you repeated, much softer, “t-thank you, very much.”

“Not at all,” he shook his head gently, “feel free to stay as long as you need.”

“I-I’m an apothecary,” that was very random dearest, would you like to try again? Taking a breath, you pushed down a grimace as your cheeks heated up, “I mean to say, that, uh please allow me to repay you for your hospitality,” your pitch rose a bit and your voice cracked slightly.

You really had no control over your tone today huh? 

“That won’t be necessary.”

“I beg to differ,” your expression fell a bit, “you saved,” you were straining and you could feel it in your throat, “you saved my life. Please, please allow me to offer my services in return.”

“Shelter from the rain hardly qualifies as saving someone’s life,” his brow furrowed slightly, “and it’s Adelinde you ought to be thanking.”

You blinked, and your shoulders drooped, taking your expression and blanket down with them. You readjusted the blanket on your shoulders, it made sense he didn’t remember. Even if he did , he probably wouldn’t recognize that you were the pitiful person he’d rescued from a Cryo Abyss Mage-what-a month ago now?

Wow time really flies.

So does mora. But that’s beside the point!

“Um, you’ve saved my life before, actually…um Master Dilu-Diluc was it?” You began tentatively. “It was around Mondstadt proper, I was attacked by a Cryo Abyss Mage, around a month ago now actually.”

You observed his brow further pinch in what you assume is confusion. You continued then, trying to go through the list of things you wished to do when you met him. 

You proceeded to provide your name, “I’m an apothecary, a-as I said before. I’m currently traveling to research and further my knowledge. I know of quite a few herbal remedies and natural solutions to assist with a wide variety of ailments, I’d love to repay you in any way I can,” you started hopefully, though you soon realized what you’d offered, “I-I mean, not to say that a few small remedies would be enough of repayment for saving my life, but I didn’t want to just do nothing -”

“That won’t be necessary,” he cut through your rambling, “thank you though.”

That won’t be necessary? Was there really nothing you could do for this man? You deflated a bit, feeling the blanket slide off your shoulders once again.

“I need to be going,” the redhead gestured to the hearth again, “please don’t let me keep you any longer.”

“Oh! Uh! Yes, sorry,” you shuffled back a bit, adjusting your hold on the blanket and pausing momentarily to reel in the crushing weight of failure, “please don’t let me keep you - I’m sorry for keeping you.”

He nodded at you once before walking away to where you assumed his quarters were. Shuffling back to your seat by the hearth, you curled up into the blanket once more. You hadn’t been much help to him at all. But there had to be something you could do…

-_-

Miss Adelinde came by later to check in on you. You’d mostly dried up by then. You renewed your offer to her, and entertaining you, she shared some of her ailments with you, and you made sure to jot them down in your notebook. 

She seemed rather amused by your earnestness. However she was even more curious as to what had led to you being stranded in the rain. At some point she even asked you if you hadn’t thought to bring an umbrella with you. You let out a little chuckle, halting midlaugh at the sharp pain you felt, before gingerly pulling your umbrella out for her to see.

“My, what did you do ?” She stared at it in wonder.

“Oh! Well, I was attacked by an Abyss Mage,” you began, your tone as though you were listing out your tasks for the day, “a Pyro Abyss Mage, and well, while trying to run from it I ended up destroying my umbrella,” you wore a sheepish grin, “I’m not too sure how though, haha.”

“Oh my, that sounds horrifying!” Adelinde stared at you in concern. “Are you alright? Not burnt or injured anywhere?”

You didn’t want to lie, but you also didn’t want to share information of your injury with the kind maid. She’d already done so much for you as it was, worrying her was definitely not something you wanted to do.

Also, you weren’t willing to share that sensitive piece of information. The consequences you imagined ranged from troublesome to dangerous.

“I think I’m mostly alright!” You smiled at her in a way you hope was reassuring. “I’m almost dry too! So I believe I’ll be out of your hair soon enough.”

“Oh don’t say it like that! You’re no trouble at all,” ah she was such a warm person, “and the rain hasn’t let up yet.”

You turned towards the windows then. It was still raining, however the wind wasn’t howling, and it wasn’t as heavy a downpour as it had been earlier. “Well I need to get back to Mondstadt tonight, so I will have to be leaving soon, regardless,” you began shrugging and stopped when you felt that familiar jolt of pain, “I hate to ask this, but could I maybe buy an umbrella?”

“This is a winery dear, we don’t sell umbrellas,” Adelinde teased, “however you could take one.”

“I’m afraid it’ll get destroyed if I encounter another monster, I’d much rather exchange it for money,” you shook your head.

“Oh dear, it seems you misheard,” you furrowed your brow, “I said you could take an umbrella, not borrow one, then it would be yours to destroy.”

“I couldn’t possibly accept that!” You disagreed. “Please allow me to buy it.”

You and Adelinde continued to debate the issue, until you mentioned that you would sooner leave without an umbrella at all, than take an umbrella for free. Which led to a process of haggling? Reverse-haggling with the maid, as she attempted to sell you the umbrella for dirt cheap. You vaguely recalled how much you’d paid for your own umbrella, and at some point during your argument you decided to simply agree to the meager 90 mora that you’d fought Adelinde to, and then to leave a generous tip with it, as Sir Kaeya had suggested you do with Sara at Good Hunter.

With the price settled you asked after the restroom. Aside from attending to your natural business, you took a moment to grind and apply a numbing salve to your chest and torso. You’d inspected it quickly, and it was bruised, which partially explained the continuous pain. In digging for the numbing salve ingredients and some bandages you’d also come across your thermal undershirt. So you slipped it on for when you had to go back out into the rain. It was a bit of a challenge to manage, with your previous boar-related injury still rather fresh. No matter! Soon the salve would take effect and you’d feel better (read: numb).

You counted your mora, placing them into a makeshift pouch of sorts, washed your hands again, and exited the washroom. Bidding the warm Adelinde farewell, you dropped the mora into her palm before immediately leaving the building, the umbrella shielding you from the soft shower.

You hurried to be far from the mansion before she would notice that you’d paid more than agreed upon. Trekking in the rain was more challenging than you’d anticipated. The setting was darker, and less familiar as a result. You really should have asked for directions before leaving.

Oh but not to worry, you would arrive at Mondstadt alive! With no further injuries!

-_-

You remained in Mondstadt proper for at least another week then. You spent your time with both Barbara and Lisa, trying to figure out how to make use of your vision. Thus far they were the only two who knew about it, and they respected your wishes to keep it that way. Though… a few more people ended up finding out as you assisted Barbara so as to learn how to heal with your vision. After all that’s a huge part of why you became an apothecary! To heal.

Of course in staying in Mondstadt again you became privy to a rather interesting urban legend.

You’d been talking to Flora about where she went to gather different flowers and how to grow them, when a couple of Mondstadt natives got into a bit of a tussle arguing who was Mondstadt’s strongest fighter. The two fools were much too inebriated for this time of day, as the sun was quite literally overhead . Really.

But that was how you heard of the “Dark Knight Hero.”

From the argument you gleaned that this “Dark Knight,” was a vigilante of sorts. Unbound by any diplomatic nonsense, they swooped in to save Mond and its citizens whenever they found themselves in need. Truly a hero from a children’s tale.

This was a rather romantic and sweet notion, even if it did undermine the authority of the Knights and current government. That being said they were clearly a force for good, and given they weren’t tied down by diplomacy and political hoo-ha, they achieved things that the government could not.

Well given this urban legend was more than just a mythical character in a rumour. 

That being said…if this Dark Knight Hero was real, and they were going about protecting and caring for the citizens of this city then who was it that was caring for them ? Your inquiry dragged your face down into a scowl. It didn’t last long however, with an exhale you neutralized your expression before deciding to do some research into this “Dark Knight Hero.”

“Miss Flora, would you happen to know anything about this ‘Dark Knight Hero’ these men were talking about?” You asked the young girl.

The young girl shook her head with an exasperated sigh, “he’s something of an urban legend. Whether he’s real or not is debatable. No one’s ever really seen him in action, or knows who he really is.”

“Oh I see,” you deflated.

“If you’re really curious, you can ask Patton over by Angel’s Share,” she pointed you down towards a tavern, “he’s the man at the door. He hears the most about this stuff and is the most interested anyhow.”

“I see! Thank you Flora!” You smiled at her with a nod.

After you finished up talking to her about flowers, and taking notes, of course, you made your way to the aforementioned “Patton.”

“Excuse me sir,” you spoke to the bouncer stationed dutifully by the entrance of the aforementioned tavern, “would you happen to be Mr. Patton?”

“Yes I am! A good day to you ma’am! How can I be of assistance?” He greeted, his smile bright.

“Well, I was wondering if you had any information on this ‘ Dark Knight Hero ,’ a man was zealously describing earlier,” you gestured to where the arguing duo had priorly been with your hand.

“Oh hehe curious are you?” He chuckled. “Well, you’re probably going to have to ask around, there isn’t much known about him aside from the fact that he operates at night.”

“Oh so he’s a he is he?” And he operates at night, that makes for two pieces of this potential puzzle.

The bouncer’s eyes widened as though he’d been caught with his hand in a cookie jar.

“Well that’s what Donna said at least,” the bouncer nodded his head towards the lady standing above the flower stall nearby, before shrugging his shoulders.

Huh? Why hadn’t Donna said anything then? Though she does often seem rather dazed.

“I see,” you nodded, “thank you good sir.”

“No problem!”

You made your way towards Donna and thankfully managed to glean some more information. 

First: she really did have her head in the clouds, that’s why she hadn’t hopped into your conversation earlier. She’d been rather bashful, her cheeks red as the windwheel asters that Flora was selling below, when she’d snapped out of her daze. 

Second: according to her, the Dark Knight Hero was indeed male , and he wielded a pyro vision.

In fact from her answer and rambles he sounded a lot like Master Diluc.

Or maybe you were getting the two mixed up because she kept mentioning Master Diluc? Something about remaining loyal? Oh! Was Donna Master Diluc’s lover?

Was that why she was always dazed?

You supposed it made sense that a man of Diluc’s beauty would be spoken for. It was…mildly disappointing though? In that embarrassing, sort of sheepish sense of: ”oh darn I was the only person who took immediate interest!” AHHH! That’s honestly so embarrassing, you-

Wait. 

Why were you thinking about Master Diluc? You were investigating this Dark Knight Hero…kind of?

Oh yes, because of Donna!

Now to recap, the Dark Knight Hero was allegedly a man who used a pyro vision and operated at night.

Well…

That sounded oddly familiar.

After all, your savior had used fire and the moon had fully risen when he’d saved you. And Master Diluc was your savior. As far as you could tell, Master Diluc was male . A very beautiful male too! So…

Male: check.

Uses Pyro: check.

Operates at night: check.

Hmm…based off of these facts alone, you’d be led to believe that Master Diluc was the Dark Knight Hero.

Ah. AHHHH. Your whole body curled up on itself in disgust. Or embarrassment. Both. Yeah probably both. Definitely both. Both. Your meeting with your hero had been awkward at best . 

Not to mention he’d rejected your offers to repay his great generosity. A small groan escaped you. How embarrassing. How utterly embarrassing. You curled in on yourself, shrinking down to hug your knees. And shameful that he would save your life and you’d just allow for him to not be repaid in some way.

Uh. What- how did you even get here again?

Oh yes! Master Diluc. The Dark Knight Hero.

Perhaps it was pure coincidence. After all, there’s no way anyone would be able to see that blazing head of hair and forget it, you rested your cheek on your knees. Well unless it was covered up and they didn’t see it. Still there wasn’t any conclusive evidence. Besides, Sir Kaeya had mentioned that Mondstadt had a number of pyro vision holders.

Wait.

Sir Kaeya! You raised your head from your knees. The Knights were bound to be after this vigilante and if anyone had any information about anything around Mondstadt it would have to be that guy!

If you met this Dark Knight Hero you’d be sure to offer him your services as well. Because if you help a hero doesn’t that technically make you a hero too? (It probably does not , however it won’t do to dwell on such negativity!)

Would he reject your offers for herbs like Master Diluc did? Another wave of embarrassment washed over you and you curled back into your previous position. If the Dark Knight Hero was Master Diluc, he would likely reject your remedies again . Ah, this was most unfortunate.

“My, just what is this suspicious ball here?” You heard a familiar voice taunt.

You looked up to see a head full of blue. Well, if it wasn’t the Cavalry Captain you’d just been thinking of. You perked up, unraveling yourself slightly, “Sir Kaeya,” you greeted from your still crouched form, awkwardly shuffling to look at him, “how do you do?”

He let a chuckle slip…oh. Akh! Your family often commented on your poor etiquette, and you usually were much better about it. Safe to say, rather than bounce around on your heels as a ball, you ought to have stood up like a normal person and greeted the man.

You should probably stand up now. Yes. 

You sprung up to your full height (which was still shorter than the knight beside you) at that thought…and immediately regretted the decision. Your vision swam with stars, and you swayed a bit on your feet before reaching out to a nearby ledge. Wait,was there a ledge? There was a bench nearby, wasn’t there?

Your hand felt concrete and you were relieved. The man by you seemed more amused than concerned as you could hear him continue to chuckle at you, but he did have the decency to check on you. “You okay there Miss Apothecary?”

Blinking the last of the stars away, you turned to look at the inquiring party. “Yes, I’m alright, just a slight bout of dizziness due to a sudden change in elevation.”

“You mean standing up?”

“I did it very quickly,” you explained, “it was unwise.”

How ironic , such poor wisdom for a person who was gifted for some potential wisdom. Pushing the thought away you reiterated your previous greeting, “how do you do? Can I help you with anything?”

He put on a pouty face (which was unfairly cute and therefore ought to be illegal) feigning offense, “why do you assume that I only sought you out because I wanted something?”

You furrowed your brows, “I didn’t? I just want to know if I can be of any help?” You paused, then it occurred to you. “Wait, you sought me out?”

“I did,” he nodded, “after all, it was rather strange to see someone crouched beside a bench and not seated on it.”

“Oh,” you smiled sheepishly. Yet another thing to add to the list of embarrassing events you’d featured in lately.

“I was wondering what remedies you had for headaches,” he continued, bringing your attention back to him, “the Acting Grandmaster has had nothing but praise for your remedies and I was wondering if you could provide me with something.”

“Do you have a headache?” You looked at the notable drinker of a captain. “It depends on the type of headache. What kind of pain are you experiencing?”

The ever so slippery Cavalry Captain originally hesitated to answer the questions, however as you continued down the list of diagnostic questions: “did you sleep enough last night? Have you been drinking enough water lately? You can tell by the color of your pee, if it’s dark you need to drink more water.”

When you’d mentioned that, he’d wasted no time in commenting how unladylike that statement was. You’d huffed at him, before taking a seat on the bench next to you and continuing down your list of questions: whether he’d been drinking, how his vision was faring, if he was feeling stressed, and if he’d like to take a seat next to you. He did.

You tried to keep them vague enough so that he’d hopefully be comfortable in answering them, but when you realized he seemed rather dodgy (you’d experienced this behavior enough times from other people) you decided to provide him with remedies for all of the types of headaches you’d mentioned.

“Some of these remedies don’t involve any medicine at all,” he commented at some point when you were mentioning perhaps having a fruit or a sweet with some coffee.

“Medicines are not the only cures to things,” you sighed as you pulled a sunsettia out of your handy herb-housing backpack to hand to him, “the human body is an interesting thing, often times the different pains we experience are it trying to communicate that it is deficient in one thing or another, or that perhaps we ought to take care to rest more.”

He took the sunsettia and sniffed it a bit, prompting you to pull out a fruit knife and unwrap it from the handkerchief you put it in to keep it clean. 

Taking the fruit from his hand and beginning to cut it to pieces you continued, “medicines often take the healing properties of natural herbs and heighten them or mimic them, to help or aid the body where it is deficient. Sometimes to reinforce its natural immune system, and sometimes to introduce the necessary antidote that the body does not naturally produce.” 

You took a piece of the sunsettia and put it in your mouth before handing the captain a piece, trying to reassure him it wasn’t poisoned, “the amazing thing about the body though is that it will make sure to retain the necessary information to combat an ailment it has faced before.”

“So what doesn’t kill you,” he started, before pausing to swallow.

“Quite literally makes you stronger,” you agreed, handing him another slice of sunsettia.

Taking it from you, he gave you his ever-so-charming smile. You smiled back, despite being flustered. You weren’t too flustered though! You had more experience now! You’d faced Sir Kaeya before this, and even managed to keep your wits about you (somewhat) while dealing with Master Diluc!

Oh! That’s right! Without thinking much about it you turned to Sir Kaeya as you handed him more of the sunsettia - you’d meant it for him anyhow.

“Sir Kaeya, have you ever heard of a ‘Dark Knight Hero’?” You blurted out.

He took the fruit slice, leaning back languidly as he chewed and swallowed slowly, obviously relishing in your eager anticipation. After swallowing he turned to look at you, a smirk sitting comfortably on his lips, “hmmm, are you thinking that maybe the Dark Knight Hero is your savior?”

“Yes,” you answered unabashedly.

Your honesty seemed to take him aback, as his visible eye widened a bit and his smirk fell slightly. It smoothly returned as he accepted a slice from you and relaxed again. 

“And if he isn’t?” he chewed thoughtfully.

“I would still like to find him,” you answered without thinking much about it, turning back to continue cutting the fruit, “a hero that is always worrying about the wellbeing of the people of Mondstadt, and of Mondstadt itself, who works mostly in the dark of night.” 

Your brain finally managed to articulate your thoughts, “well, if someone like that exists, I hope they have someone who is also caring for them , and worrying for their wellbeing and their health.”

It was silent then. You could feel your somewhat-patient’s cool stare on you, perhaps he was studying you. Sir Kaeya didn’t really seem to think you were trustworthy yet. Which was fair, from what you’ve seen of him, he was the type that could talk a lot and reveal nothing about himself. Your mother often told you to steer clear of these types.

No wait- she said something like being careful about how you answered them. Not providing any more information than how much the question required.

At this point the knight had finished the sunsettia. So you pulled out an apple and began to cut it up as you waited for an answer. You wished you could say the silence was comfortable, but you’d never been one to handle silences with company well. Thankfully, having the apple to work with helped. You made sure to eat a slice before offering the knight his own. 

As you’d expected he was indeed studying you. He took the offered slice with no hesitation and popped it in his mouth. After he finished the apple you’d like to get some black tea, coffee, or cocoa into his system. Oh perhaps an iced tea with lemon in it. The scent of lemon was therapeutic in itself.

You continued to cut up the fruit and hand the slices to Kaeya, well and you ate a couple yourself. The apple was gone soon enough, and with it most of your hopes of getting any information out of the knight. 

Either way, you weren’t about to leave an ailing person half treated when you had more solutions in mind. So you invited Kaeya to have a cup of black tea with lemon. You suggested it be cold, but it would work if it was hot as well. He chose the cold option and you made a mental note of that. He also helped you with the cooling process, and you made a mental note not to forget about his cryo vision.

After the tea and fruits his headache seemed to subside, but it wasn’t gone entirely, so you invited him to accompany you to the grass patches just outside of the side entrance. Under the shade of a tree you told him to lay down, close his eyes, take a deep breath, and release any tension from his neck and shoulders.

He’d been intrigued by this. You explained you wanted him to rest his eyes, well, eye . Given he hadn’t told you much about the headache, you couldn’t rule out the possibility it was due to his vision. Besides if he relaxes, then if it was caused due to stress it should also be reduced.

“You’re a thorough one,” he shot you an amused look as he took a seat on the grass beside you.

“I try to be,” you responded watching him, “do you mind if I inspect your neck and shoulders for tension?”

“Not at all,” he rolled his shoulders back.

“Well then could I ask you to take that fluffy thing off?” When you took note of his inquisitive expression you continued. “If you don’t mind I will be touching you.”

“My, how bold ,” he teased while shrugging off his fur accessory ? Whatever that thing was.

You tried not to fluster too much at his words. He seemed to enjoy teasing you. Pinching the juncture of his neck and shoulder you noticed some tension, there was more of it in his shoulders than his neck though thankfully. From this you could conclude he was likely a bit stressed.

Hmm…you recalled the basic tips an therapist from Inazuma to your homeland had mentioned with regards to working knots out of a patient’s body. “Please tell me if you’d like me to stop,” was all the warning you gave the knight before beginning to knead the knots out of his shoulders.

Again, the two of you stayed silent, and again you were thankful that you had something to do to keep you from worrying over the silence. You’d been kneading for a while, working out knot after knot, for someone so lax he sure held a lot of tension. Figures, the relaxed attitude was an act.

“I’ve heard that the Dark Knight Hero drops by Angel’s Share from time to time,” his smooth voice cut through your concentration and you stilled momentarily, “maybe you could contact him indirectly that way.”

You blinked your surprise away, and your tired hands resumed their kneading. He was actually giving you some information? And is that why Patton seemed rather startled earlier? He was stationed outside the Angel’s Share, did he know the hero personally?

“Sir Kaeya, is that yet another rumor that is floating around?” Your face pinched in suspicion. “Or have you figured out who this hero is?”

“Who’s to say?” He would have shrugged if he could. “Though you probably have a point.” 

“About?” You raised an eyebrow though he couldn’t see it.

“If this Dark Knight Hero really does exist, and he does as people say,” he paused letting out a quiet grunt as you worked on a particularly tense knot, “then he’s undoubtedly in need of someone to worry over him.”

You hummed then let him know you were considering his words, “and so you’re nominating me?”

“Well you’re the one who seems the most concerned over his well being,” he angled his head to look back at you.

“That can’t possibly be true,” you disagreed, tone a little strained as you tried to maintain a consistent pressure on that knot.

“Well, whenever I’ve heard people talking about the Dark Knight Hero, it’s always been speculation and adoration, but never concern,” he exhaled deeply, turning his face back again.

You fell silent for a moment, trying to work out the next knot, “but isn’t Angel’s Share a tavern?”

“One of the best in Mondstadt!” He chirped in agreement. 

Your smile was wry then, “I confess I’m not fond of taverns or bars.”

“Is that so?” He seemed rather disappointed by that, “why not?”

“I don’t like alcohol,” you answered bluntly, “unless it’s an antiseptic.”

“Oho,” he shot you a glance over his shoulder, yet again, his smile was very amused, “well that’s interesting .”

“Not really,” you deadpanned, “please face forward.”

“As you wish.”

His neck is a sensitive area, hence why you instead directed him through your favorite stretches. Once you were done he confessed to feeling lighter.

That was when he plopped himself onto the soft grass with a sigh, his long limbs stretched out as though he’s a starfish. He seemed better, you supposed. Not wanting to leave him alone, you went to sit by a tree trunk and pull out your current book. 

You hadn’t been reading for long when the captain sat up again. He rolled his neck and shoulders out, thanked you, and excused himself to get back to work.

You prescribed he sleep early without drinking to make sure he didn’t have another headache later.

He chuckled jovially, with a smooth, “sure,” that made no promises. 

He was absolutely going to drink again.

You’d have to charge him for these remedies next time. Hopefully having a few less mora in his coin purse will prevent him from drinking.

-_-

As was probably expected, you spent the rest of your time foraging in the outskirts of Mondstadt. After climbing a sunsettia tree and seeing the amazing expanse of Cider Lake followed by the forests beyond the bridge, you plopped yourself down on a branch to rest, munching on a freshly picked sunsettia all the while.

The exhaustion of the day really settled into your limbs, and you found yourself too tired to even bother fighting it. So you stayed like that even as the sun completely set and the stars came out. It crossed your mind that you really ought to get down from that tree and get a proper meal. Especially before it got any darker. Vision holder or not, you weren’t exactly a trained warrior. But you were so tired , and the ground was so far down, and getting yourself down safely would be a chore . 

You were coaxing yourself to make your way down: returning your pack into your newly obtained pocket dimension (arguably the best thing about having a vision) so you’d be lighter, mentally chanting little encouragements in your head, and pulling up your sleeves - then you heard that annoyingly familiar cackle.

You pulled your knees to your chest as quietly as you could. Were you an Abyss Mage magnet? Seriously ? When you were in Sumeru you didn’t attract nearly so many-oh wait, you were mostly in residential areas there. But you were close to a residential area right now ! Just-urgh. Perhaps Mondstadt was just hazardous?

Not likely.

After all, if you thought about it hard enough it seemed like a friend of yours had mentioned something deceptively similar…

Not that you paid all that much attention to his boasting. You lamented that now, as he might have let something useful slip then.

With great care not to make a sound, you surveyed your surroundings. The Abyss Mages, yes, mages, plural, were…walking? Yes just strolling about on their tiny little legs, once again near a side entrance. There were two of them, one was a Cryo Mage, you would know, the other however was unfamiliar to you. Unlike its cryo counterpart, the unfamiliar mage seemed to blend in with the dark, its fuzz and robe being rather dark, so it just looked like a black mass with a floating white mask.

They seemed to be conversing with one another, probably plotting something evil given their continuous cackles. You worked to suppress the shivers that came over you. Make no mistake, it wasn’t because the night was cold.

Thankfully due to the dark and your position in the tree, neither mage seemed aware of your presence. You picked up a few words from their conversation as they neared your tree. Something about “trying again,” and “getting revenge for last time,” and this time being more successful because they’d “been scouting the area for a while now.”

Yepp, you weren’t going to go around on the outskirts of Mondstadt after dark anymore. Noooo siree! These things came by every night?

No wonder you ran into one a month ago.

They continued to cackle ominously, and you made out some more of their conversation, it seemed like they were targeting one specific individual, and that their demise would make it much easier for them to carry out whatever plot (vile, evil, horrendous plot) they had.

You had to notify Master Jean as soon as you could leave this tree safely. Or Sir Kaeya. He was a valid option. Well that was when you could leave. It looked like you’d be stuck here a while, and you couldn’t even read anything because you had to stay vigilant in case these menaces chose to attack you indiscriminately again. Well that was one good thing about them perhaps: they did not discriminate when it came to attacking people. How kind of them. To hate all peoples equally. It was almost noble in a sense.

You grabbed your humble knapsack of Klee bombs from your pocket dimension and clutched it tightly. In case they did attack you’d be as ready as you could be.

You continued to clutch the bag to your chest even as the night went on and they continued to wander about, perhaps making note of this and that. Due to the stress of potentially being attacked, you didn’t really feel any sense of hunger, nor exhaustion. You were straining to hear as much as you possibly could about their plan to tell the Acting Grandmaster, but that was it.

The restless monotony of your night was set ablaze by a flaming weapon coming down on both the shields that the Abyss Mages had summoned. The suddenness of the attack had you reaching for a bomb in a hurry. However before you launched the thing, you carefully leaned over to see what all the commotion was.

Something about this situation seemed familiar. 

It couldn’t possibly be because you were on the outskirts of Mondstadt proper at night after foraging and running into Abyss Mages could it? Not at all related to the flaming head of hair below, no siree.

You exhaled as though you were a deflating balloon. This was your opportunity to help though! You could give it a shot! Putting the bomb back into the pack you moved to a lower branch as best you could. Now you could make it to the ground without breaking anything if you fell!

Turning back to the battle you noticed Master Diluc work tirelessly to avoid what looked like a bubble trailing after him while also dodging massive ice shards. He made it look effortless, but it couldn’t be easy. You pulled out that bomb again. What if you distracted one of them? Ideally the cryo mage, but well, you weren’t in a position to be picky.

You’d thrown lots of Klee’s bombs before, how else were you to go fish blasting? However this would be your first time throwing one at anything that wasn’t a body of water. Launching the device it detonated upon impact to the ground not too far away from the tree. The explosion distracted all three of the participants in the current scuffle, and you waited with baited breath to see if they’d take the bait.

To your greatest fortune, it was the Abyss Mage with the unknown element that teleported over to see what the fuss was about. Casting a glance you noticed that your savior happened to break through the mage’s cryo shield. Of course that wasn’t the wisest move, as the mage that came to investigate the commotion you’d caused managed to spot you on the branch. You’d barely gotten a bomb out when it caged you within a bubble of water. 

Ah so that’s what Master Diluc had been working to dodge.

Thank goodness your herbs were in that pocket dimension! Nice, and safe, and dry . Truly, this was the greatest blessing of having a vision.

Hmm if you were currently drowning in this bubble, didn’t that mean this was a Hydro Abyss Mage? Well then, that’s three out of the seven known elements, you just had to meet the other four variants and you’d have a full set! Maybe you’d even get a prize for meeting them all? Or perhaps it would be recorded somewhere as an achievement?

This was not the time for sardonic jokes.

You weren’t the best at holding your breath underwater really, but you did know that the trick was to move as little as possible. You could vaguely make out a deep, notably human voice calling out to you through the water of your current prison. Your grip tightened on the dangerously cute looking bomb in your hand. Oh yeah!

Luckily all Klee’s bombs are waterproof!

Welp here goes something, you couldn’t help but think as you activated the bomb and tried to swim as far away from it as you could before it exploded. As you expected, you didn’t really get very far before the force of the blast destroyed the water prison and launched you to the side.

Your landing onto the grass was not graceful, but it wasn’t too bad, as the ground was mostly soft. You’re not going to lie, that blast hurt . Maybe you shouldn’t blast the poor fishies anymore. 

You were hacking as you regained your breath, water dripping from your hair, clothes, nostrils, and mouth. You’d barely started to breathe again, when you looked to see that you weren’t very far from the Cryo Mage that looked as disoriented as you felt, swaying on its feet.

You could hear the sounds of the fight continuing as you continued to cough and gasp for breath. You worked to sit up, feeling the entirety of your left side ache. As it turns out, thanks to your efforts, and the fact that you were in water, your outfit hadn’t taken much damage, it wasn’t completely unharmed, but it was still decent enough that you wouldn’t need to buy another one. Your mora was running low as it was.

You saw the mage regain its footing and start dancing, which honestly didn’t seem like a good sign. You summoned the bomb pouch again. Huh, you were lucky that it disappeared when you’d been in that hydro bubble, imagine all of these things going off? You’d have died. 

Probably.

But that’s besides the point. Grabbing another bomb you managed to throw it at the dancing mage’s feet. It went off, and blew the Mage off its feet, which meant it stopped dancing. That was when a blur of red and black flew past you, grabbing the mage by its fuzzy neck.

You’d blinked and you noticed Master Diluc had both the Abyss Mages against the wall, his hands pressing into both their necks.

You could hear him speak, voice low, demanding, “what are you doing lurking around Monstadt?”

“Like we’d ever tell you!” One of them spat.

You heard them shriek in pain, the sound ear-piercing, and not in the way that let you wear more earrings.

Wait.

They could speak your language! You stood up, wincing at the sharp pain shooting through your left leg and made your way towards the trio. “you understand our language!” You accused.

“Of course we do silly human!” One responded.

You felt your indignation rise. However before you could articulate your anger, you heard them shriek again, and noticed the dying flicker of flames where Master Diluc’s hands were.

““I know you’ve been searching for something around here for the last month or so,” his eyes narrowed, “I’m going to ask you again, what are you plotting?”

“We’re never going to tell you and you’ll never find-AAAAHHHH!” You watched in horror as the cryo mage burned until there was nothing left but black ashes.

You turned to look at Diluc who had the full force of his glare directed at the remaining hydro mage. He didn’t need to say a thing.

“I’ll talk! I’ll talk!” You felt bad for the fiend, as it pathetically tried to negotiate for its life. “The Dark Knight Hero! We’re after him!”

Oh that’s interesting!

Master Diluc seemed to think otherwise. 

“The Dark Knight Hero,” he scoffed, eyes narrowing, “hasn’t he fended you off already? What are your true motives?”

“Actually,” you cut in without thinking, earning their attention, “when they were talking earlier, he and his friend mentioned that they were plotting revenge against someone, saying this time their attack would be successful.”

The Pyro user immediately confirmed this, “is this true?”

“Yes! Yes!”

“And what’s this about an attack?” The growl that left the man to your side had you flinching a bit.

“An attack on the Dark Knight Hero!”

Ooh wrong answer.

Diluc’s hand tightened on the mage’s neck, “do not play dumb with me. Whatever your plot, I will find it out and I will foil it.”

“They’ve been scouting the area for a while now,” you recalled.

You could see the Pyro energy in Diluc’s hand, “tell me everything .”

That was all it took for the mage to finally crack. Seems they’d been planning a series of assaults on Mondstadt in succession, where they’d demand the surrendering of the Dark Knight Hero, hoping to pressure him into revealing himself. At first you’d been confused, but then it made sense: reveal his identity and then the knights would have to limit his activity, which meant he would interfere with these mages’ plans less.

These mages were oddly organized. Perhaps they belonged to some specific order of mages that wished to…to do something, perhaps take over the world? Or Mondstadt at the very least?

You were pulled out of your mind-wanderings by the shrill cry of the hydro mage being fried. From there you turned to look at the man that had fried it, swallowing down an unreasonable complaint.

“Speak of this to no one,” was the first thing he said.

Your brow furrowed, “I feel we should at least report this to Acting Grandmaster Jean.”

He stared you down, his eyes ablaze as he worked to burn your resolve down. It was kind of working. Having the full, undivided attention of a man who’s managed to end two Abyss Mages and could likely easily end you? Yeah…it’s enough to intimidate anyone you’d think.

That and he’s really pretty. Having the full, undivided attention of a man whose beauty could inspire the many bards of this city? Yeah that’s a lot of pressure.

Yet for whatever reason you didn’t yield. Perhaps it was the lingering adrenaline? Or maybe it was your dwindling patience from the day? (Or perhaps it was that ever so convenient habit of your mind wandering yet again.) Either way after what felt like an eternity of him staring you down, he let out a tired exhale.

“If the Knights of Favonius were capable of handling this, wouldn’t you agree they’d have arrived by now?” He reasoned, folding his arms over his chest, “we’ve managed an entire interrogation and despite your explosives none of them have come to investigate.”

You hated that he had a point. Where were those knights? Well then again you weren’t that close to the entrance this time. Besides, even if her staff were bums, Master Jean herself was not! She deserved to know, she was responsible for all this too! All this being Monstadt. And its safety!

You told him as much, “Master Jean deserves-no- needs to know,” you insisted, “regardless of how incapable her knights are, she herself is highly capable and ought to be informed as the Acting Grandmaster.”

He gave you a bored look then.

“Fine,” he closed his eyes, “but only Jean and mention nothing about me. I was never here.”

You could feel your face scrunching up in confusion, “why?”

However before he could say anything more it all clicked into place. Your hunch had been right! “You are the Dark Knight Hero!” You cheered excitedly. 

His brow furrowed and a frown marred his face, “how do you know about the Dark Knight Hero?”

“Oh! Well! You see,” you began oh-so eloquently, “a couple of drunk idiots were arguing about who the strongest fighter in Mondstadt was.”

At that he raised an eyebrow, “and what drove you to the conclusion that it was me?”

“Oh well, I asked around and people said that the Dark Knight Hero was a he, worked at night, and had a pyro vision,” you listed things out excitedly, “when you’d first saved my life it was at night and you’d clearly used pyro, and you’re a male.”

“I’m not the only male that uses a pyro vision at night in Mondstadt,” his expression was bored.

Oh he got you there. “Well I don’t see why you’d be so adamant about me not revealing your involvement to Master Jean unless you didn’t want her to figure out you were the infamous vigilante,” you explained.

He seemed to be considering what to do with you when you decided to give credit where it was due though. “Well to be fair, Donna gave me the idea.”

“Donna?”

“Yes! She’d been saved by the Dark Knight Hero before and was working very hard to ensure she stayed loyal to you, and she kept mentioning you while telling me about the time the Dark Knight Hero saved her, so I got the two of you mixed up in my head,” you babbled quickly, “oh! Don’t worry she still prefers you, as in Master Diluc, to the Dark Knight Hero! There’s no need to worry though, really, given you’re the same person! I mean, she , doesn’t have to worry!”

The way he was looking at you made you want to shrink in on yourself, “what do you mean by all that?”

Oh no. “I wanted to clear up any misunderstandings? Donna is clearly a very loyal lover, so I didn’t want you to be upset with her because of my negligence and rambling-”

“Donna and I are not lovers,” he corrected your assumptions.

Ah what a fool you were, making assumptions as you did. Just brilliant, absolutely brilliant. You were sure the look of horror on your face said it all.

“I,” you paused, “I apologize. I didn’t mean to, well I don’t know really,” you rambled, “I hope I have not made you uncomfortable?”

“Not at all,” he replied smoothly, finally uncrossing his arms, “from what you’ve said, your assumption seems like a somewhat logical conclusion to arrive at when you have so little information.”

You didn’t respond.You felt your embarrassment lick at you the way his flames had licked at the Abyss Mages prior. Oh gosh, you’d also completely ruined things for Donna! You just revealed her feelings to him without her consent nor knowledge and-

“I trust we have an agreement?” He asked you.

“I’m sorry, about what?” You snapped out of your thoughts.

“You will only inform Jean and won’t mention me.”

“Ah yes,” you shook off your lingering embarrassment to look at the man before you, “you have my word.”

He offered you a gloved hand, and so you shook it, reaffirming your agreement.

“I’m sorry, could I ask that you continue to treat Donna as you usually would?” You asked sheepishly. “I thought that-I didn’t mean to reveal that she-I’m sorry.”

He retracted his hand from yours - oh you’d still been shaking it. “That is a misplaced apology,” you grimaced, “not that you have anything to apologize for, she was never subtle about her feelings.”

“So you knew?” You saw that he wore a tired look now.

“Of course, I had to know why she observed me so keenly,” he folded his arms across his chest then, “turns out she wasn’t a threat.”

Oh. So that was it. Guess you didn’t do any real damage. Would you still have to apologize to Donna though? How would you do it without revealing this event? Well if he already knew then you didn’t do any real damage. Maybe you should keep quiet about this…  

Nevermind that, there was something more important right now! You gave the man a once over, “are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I should be the one asking you that.”

“Don’t worry yourself with me,” you worked to wave his concerns away, however he cut you off.

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed that you’re leaning heavily on your right side,” he stated flatly.

“A slight sprain,” you said quickly, “nothing Sister Barbara or I can’t fix.”

“You’re not planning on walking on that leg are you?”

“Sir, do not think I haven’t noticed you avoiding my question,” you folded your arms across your chest and you scanned him once again, but with more focus, “are you hurt anywhere?”

“That’s nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

“I’m an apothecary , it is exactly the thing I ought to concern myself with!” You disagreed. “Actually! Given I’m aware of your secret identity, I’d like to re-extend my offers for natural and herbal remedies! Not that the initial offer ever expired.”

You smiled as you started explaining what this entailed, however you’d barely told him about how it included teas and salves as well as ointments when he cut you off saying he was fine.

“Well the offer is always there for you when you wish to take it,” you relented, your excitement dampening.

The two of you stood in silence, and a sudden gust of wind had you shivering. That’s right! You were still soaked from head to toe. Without something to distract you, and your falling adrenaline levels, the aftermath of your earlier scuffle made itself apparent. Your expression soured despite your efforts, and you tried to shift subtly to ease the weight on your seemingly injured leg.

A low branch would do, especially given the lower branches were rather sturdy on the tree you’d been in. It could serve as a crutch to help you hobble your way home for the night.

Wait. You had a vision, and you had been practicing. You cast a quick look to the man by your side, he seemed private enough, he likely wouldn’t tell anyone about your vision.

You unceremoniously dropped yourself onto the ground. Really there was no elegant way to do it with only one leg supporting you.

“Are you alright?” Master Diluc was kneeling by you instantly. “There was no way you could walk on that ‘slight sprain,’ of yours.”

As much as you wanted to deny it, he wasn’t wrong, and so you simply heaved a tired sigh as you worked to unlace your boot, “yeah, you were right,” you were about to remove your boot, when it hit you that you’d been wearing it all day .

You turned to look at the very attractive redhead, embarrassment finally finding you. Now, while you wouldn’t say you were ugly , you were actually rather cute sometimes! You also wouldn’t say you could compete with the beauty that Diluc possessed. All this to say you didn’t want him smelling your smelly foot.

“Uh, Master Diluc,” you shot him a sheepish smile, “I believe I’ll be fine now, so if you’d like you could go ahead with your evening.”

He perked an eyebrow at that, somehow that inquisitive look made him all the more attractive, “even though you can’t stand?”

“I can stand!”

“Then why did you sit yourself down?”

“To-” you paused then, he got you.

“To?” He pressed.

You were silent for a moment, letting his focused stare whittle away at you. With a sigh you gave in, “to inspect the damage to my foot.”

“Wouldn’t it be wiser to do that within the city walls?” He asked flatly.

Ah! He had a point! You should have thought of that!

“Well I’d need to be able to walk into the city to inspect it there,” you tilted your head to look at him, “oh wait I can crawl.”

You were working to retie your boot when you heard him shuffle to be beside you on your injured side. “Is everything alright?” You asked.

The look he gave you could be described as tired, or perhaps done, “you can lean on me.”

You felt your face burn, from both the proximity and the offer. You were working to stutter out a response, “th-there’s no need! It’ll hurt but I can manage,” you were shuffling to stand, and moved much too quickly, the sudden pain shooting through you like a shock of electro.

You inhaled deeply so as to not let out a cry of pain, and dropped back down to the ground. Or you would have, had it not been for Master Diluc’s quick reflexes.

You felt your whole body warm in embarrassment: you were being held . As though sensing your discomfort the man helped right you to stand on your own foot, however one gloved hand remained firmly on your elbow.

“You’ve made it worse,” he reprimanded, voice low, “stop being stubborn and let me help you.”

You couldn’t help the look of absolute disbelief on your face. Was he being serious? You could say the same to him! “I’m not being stubborn,” you denied.

“You are.”

“I am not !” You stressed. “I was hoping to find a way where I wouldn’t be putting myself further into your debt.”

“You’re not in my debt.”

“I am !” You disagreed. “You’ve saved my life twice, arguably three times now!”

“Arguably three times?”

“When I met the Cryo Abyss Mage not too far from here,” you counted onto your fingers, “when I was given shelter from the rain at your winery,” you counted before quickly moving on to the most recent incident when you noticed he was about to disagree, “and just now when you took down the two mages.”

“You weren’t under attack just now,” his brow furrowed, “you weren’t in any danger at all before I arrived. Where were you?”

“I was sitting in that tree,” you turned to point at it.

“You should have stayed put in that tree then,” he grumbled.

“I was trying to help!” You replied in indignation, before shrinking. 

“It was unnecessary, I had it undercontrol,” you felt like you were being scolded, “and you got yourself injured as a result.”

He was right. You’d potentially gotten in his way too. It was nice of him not to bring that up though.

“I suppose I should have considered if I was getting in your way,” you looked away from him, “I’m sorry.” 

He was still holding your elbow, you took note of how he hadn’t reached around to help you out yet. Was he waiting for your permission to help you before he touched you?

“Well,” he cut through the silence, “you didn’t get in the way ,” he corrected gently, “however you did put yourself into unnecessary danger.”

You shrunk even further, “I see that now.”

“Your information during the interrogation did help,” he acknowledged then, “thank you.”

“Yeah…uh you’re welcome I guess…it was no big deal - don’t - no need to mention it,” your voice got quieter with every word as you wrung your hands together hoping to relieve yourself of some embarrassment, “I suppose we ought to get inside, I’ve taken up enough of your time as it is already.”

“May I?” He asked as he gestured in a manner you understood as him asking to support you.

You nodded, more embarrassed by your previous actions than you were by his proximity. He took your right arm, slipping it over his shoulder, before his hand - which was really nice and warm-came to rest on your waist. In a smooth motion he  pulled you into his side.

Nice and snug .

Oh gosh that’s embarrassing. But he was so warm and given you’d been doused from head to toe-hold up. “Uh wait Master Diluc!” You said after the first awkward hobble.

“What is it? Are you alright?” He really did have a decadent voice, truly it was rich as he spoke right above your head.

“Oh no! I’m alright, it’s just,” you grimaced, “I’m going to get your clothes all wet.”

“Is that all?”

“Well I’d rather not inconvenience you further,” you explained.

“Don’t worry about me,” he reiterated, his fingers flexing on your waist as he readjusted his grip, tightening it as he worked to help you again.

Your gaze snapped towards where his hand rested on your waist. Oh if your family saw you now. Hoo boy, would you be in for it. Such close proximity to a handsome man…and that hand on your waist.

Scandalous. 

You’d never been held like this before. It was very strange, and incredibly embarrassing. You found yourself looking at the dark ground below, trying your best to go as fast as you could, the sooner you made it past the gates, the sooner Master Diluc could be free of you.

With every awkward little hop you made, the redheaded’s grip would readjust on your waist as he continued to help you. You swallowed heavily, the heat rising in your body making you warm despite your chilled skin. 

“I’m sorry this is taking so long,” you apologized sheepishly when the entrance was in sight, “I’ve taken up a considerable amount of your time, so you can just leave me here to use the wall, I’ll manage.”

“I’m not about to leave you where you can be attacked when you’re unable to even stand.”

“Then you could let me lean on the wall and watch me walk in,” you suggested quickly, before pausing, “oh wait-”

“That would still be taking up my time, wouldn’t it?” He asked.

“Yeah, I was just thinking that,” you grimaced, “my bad.”

You heard a quiet exhale that sounded…amused? You turned to look at the man that was serving as your crutch, and unless it was a trick of the moonlight, there seemed to be a subtle upturn at the corner of his lips. You blinked and it was gone though, and so you turned to look ahead of you again.

As you got closer to the side entrance though a new worry rose to the forefront of your mind, and you stopped entirely.

“What is it this time?” He seemed a bit impatient.

“Well, I don’t think it would be wise to enter as we are right now,” you started, looking back up at your companion with a furrowed brow, “I’d rather we enter separately.”

He seemed to be considering what you intended by that. “I fear you being seen with me will hint at your secret identity.”

“How is that?” He furrowed his brows, eyes narrowing at you.

You pursed your lips while looking away, your embarrassment hurting more than the dull throbbing in your foot. You inhaled sharply as you grimaced. “I talked to Sir Kaeya about the Dark Knight Hero,” you started pausing as you worked to formulate the rest of the explanation.

“You told Kaeya your speculations?”

“No! No no no!” You immediately denied waving both your hands in a panic. “No, I didn’t,” you quickly cleared up as your brain quickly thread all the events together, “I tried to ask him if he knew of the Dark Knight Hero, and if he had any information about him,” you paused to breathe, “and he was already aware that a pyro user had saved me prior-I reported the first time I was attacked to him-and when he asked me if I thought that my savior was the Dark Knight Hero, I said yes.”

Master Diluc looked very unimpressed, and so you continued hurriedly, “I was just hoping he might give me some information for a change, but I never mentioned your name-not even once,” you rambled on, “and like you said, you’re not the only pyro vision user in Mondstadt!” You gestured with your free hand. “A-and! And he said as much the first time I met him. Uh-when I reported being attacked by an Abyss Mage!”

He closed his eyes and let out a long exhale, when he opened them again he raised a brow at you, “and did you get any information out of Kaeya in the end?”

You looked up towards the sky in thought, “he mentioned that the Dark Knight Hero frequents a tavern by the name of Angel’s Share,” you turned to look at him noticing his features had shifted subtly in surprise, “is that true?”

“I own Angel’s Share,” he stated, readjusting his grip on you as a whole, “given your concern, I take it you won’t be sharing your theories with anyone else?”

“I already promised you this,” your brows furrowed this time, “didn’t I?”

At his silence you promised him again, “yes, I promise that your secret is safe with me.”

“Good,” he nodded at you.

He pulled you along towards the entrance, and you wasted no time in voicing your confusion, “uh Master Diluc, about my suggestion to enter separately?”

“Yes, I’m in agreement,” you noticed that you were moving closer towards the wall, “it’s a rather astute suggestion after all.”

“Oh. Uh thank you,” you offered a gentle smile.

The vigilante helped you to the wall, and stood back watching you the whole way up until you made it through the entrance. There you were met by the knight that was keeping watch and an unavoidable interrogation. 

“You’re hurt! How did you get injured?” The knight began reaching for you.

On instinct you reached out to keep him from touching you, which caused him to shrink back. “Well I climbed a tree, and, well, things happened, and here I am!” You explained, truthfully.

Seems that was enough for the guard. Following your instructions he got you something that could serve as a crutch, and tried to call for someone to escort you home. You appreciated the sentiment, but you did not want to inconvenience anyone else for the day, so you didn’t and hobbled on back to your inn by yourself.

You made it back to your room without causing yourself any additional pain, inspected the damage without subjecting anyone to the stench of your foot, and even managed to put into practice some of your healing…y’know without making too much noise. You’d had to gag yourself, kind of.

Which was all good news! Okay maybe not the gagging bit, but still, good news for the most part!

It took you a while to heal it and by the time you were done, as in, the swelling went down and it only throbbed with an easily ignorable soreness, you were freezing , your clothes were still damp after all. You wasted no time in switching into your night clothes and setting out your other clothes to dry before curling up under the covers for warmth.

Now you were a lady of your word, and so you half walked half limped your way to the Acting Grandmaster’s office first thing in the…early afternoon, to tell her what you’d overheard. Sans the unfairly beautiful winery owner’s involvement of course!

With that settled, and Master Jean rubbing her temples, no doubt attempting to assuage an incoming headache, you…didn’t move on to see Sister Barbara, but instead remained by the young lady for a bit longer.

Noticing you hadn’t left yet, she heaved a heavy sigh. “Thank you for your information,” she continued to rub at her temples, “The knights will be mobilized to handle this issue.”

“Well it was only right to tell you,” You replied with a shaky smile, feeling a pang of guilt for increasing her already tremendous burden. Well it wasn’t really your fault, but still, you felt for her.

You’d bring her some tea and sweets, oh and maybe some soap later. Oh you had to make that.

Anywho, you left to see Barbara after your meeting with Jean. You hadn’t been wearing your boots for long, so your feet didn’t stink! Well not too much anyway - besides any stench they would have worked up would likely be covered up by the mint scent of your numbing salve. 

Your boot came off. The scent of mint wafted into the air much to your relief. Then your sock came off, then the bandage, and that was when you watched the popular deaconess’ face contort into a look of horror. Your foot looked abysmal. Truly.

It was swollen.

Much more swollen than you would have expected.

See, that was the problem with using the numbing salve, it just reduced the pain, it didn’t solve the problem. Barbara was looking at you in horror, especially given she’d seen you limp your way into the cathedral, without a crutch.

Gosh, and it was this bad with your healing. Either it was way worse before, or you plain sucked at healing.

Well! You were still new to the whole vision thing. You’d figure it out eventually.

She was such a great mentor really. When you expressed you’d actually tried to heal it last night - she seemed even worse for wear after hearing you’d slept with the leg - how did you manage that? Oh yeah-you were exhausted. 

Back on topic!

Yes, Barbara decided to walk you through how she would go about healing it, and a good way to use your elemental sight and vision to inspect the wound better. It was really clever! Upon inspecting the damage done to your foot, you could understand exactly why she was as mortified as she was. Just wow - you’d really done a number on yourself. You’d outdone yourself really. Coming to Mondstadt was giving you all sorts of new experiences.

Rejecting Sir Kaeya’s soup might just be the highlight of this trip really. Or perhaps last night when you were supported by Master Diluc. The ghost of his fingers on his waist teased you, and you shook out your embarrassment quickly.

Anywho, once you were fully healed, Barbara told you not to do anything strenuous for the day. She let you off with a word of advice that every healer has their own way of healing and that it will take time before you figure out what works for you.

Nothing strenuous huh?

Nothing strenuous.

Would your current activities be called strenuous?

Hmm. Depends on who you asked and how they defined strenuous. You were making soap right outside Mondstadt’s walls. That wasn’t strenuous!

It was rather relaxing actually!

Adelinde hadn’t shared much of her troubles with you, however, you picked up on the fact that she worked a lot, and that Master Diluc did as well. And Master Jean too! Welp that was all the more reason to prepare some soaps with refreshing scents that were good for the skin. You should make a good batch of them so the other maids and workers could also get some! That would only be fair.

Oh maybe you could prepare a bathing solution! You knew just the thing for hair and skin!

Oh wait, it depended on the type of hair and type of skin…

Ah, well, they’d figure it out.

Also your mother had this amazing foot cream, you’d modified it slightly with the help of your old professor back when you were still at home so it was even more effective! It would help with those sores the sweet maid did mention.

And you could also extract oils from the mints to make a topical solution for headaches! Sir Kaeya would appreciate that wouldn’t he?

You weren’t sure if they’d help with hangover headaches though…

“My if I didn’t know better, I’d think there was a witch brewing evil outside Mondstadt.”

Ah think of the peacock and he shall appear. 

You looked up from where you were squatting by your pack, soap molds and a batch of mint in hand. Well that was convenient for you! You could tell him about the mint oil! 

“Sir Kaeya!” Your excitement springing you into a standing position. “Perfect timing! I was just thinking about you!”

He looked amused then.

Wait had he just said witches were evil? But Miss Lisa was lovely how-

“Oh?” He smirked at you. “Thinking about me ?”

“Sir Kaeya, did you just call witches evil?”

He seemed confused by your statement and raised an eyebrow in askance.

“Miss Lisa is a witch,” you furrowed your brow, your earlier excitement lost, your hands falling to your sides, “however, she is most kind and absolutely delightful! So please refrain from speaking ill of witches!”

He let out a little chuckle then. His one visible eye scanning you in a chilling appraisal. “Trying to distract me from the fact that I was on your mind?”

You blinked at him, the furrow in your brow replaced with a relaxed forehead and wide eyes that revealed your bafflement.

Oh!

“No,” your tone was blank, innocent as your expression, and pure as your intentions.

The captain chuckled, his visible eye crinkling. It was a nice sound. You almost forgot that he always approached with ulterior intentions.

“Pray tell then, why was I on your mind?”

“Because! Mints!” You smiled holding up the bundle as though it would explain the whole situation.

It did not.

“Mint oil is good for headaches,” you elaborated, your mouth finally catching up with your brain-no your brain finally catching up with your runaway train of thoughts, “you simply apply it to your forehead or temples- and temples? or take a whiff of it and it can help with headaches!”

The captain raised a hand to his chin, looking rather intrigued before his eye shifted to look to your side. You followed his gaze to the cauldron that you were currently using to make your soaps.

“And what is this concoction here?” He inquired.

“Soap.”

“Soap?”

“Soap,” you nodded, before squatting down to prepare the molds. In the middle of placing different petals and peels in you turned to the knight who was still unnervingly scrutinizing your every move, “would you like one?”

His eyebrow rose as though confused by your offer.

“The soap,” you elaborated, “would you like a bar once I finish this batch?”

“What were you planning to do with all this soap?”

“Give it to mothers so they can wash their children’s tongues clean of their lies,” you explained, your tone void of the humor your statement carried.

When the man seemed to believe you, you giggled, “I met a very nice lady who helped me out, so I’m gifting it to her,” you stood to mix the soap solution, adding this and that to it, “no need to be so suspicious Sir Kaeya,” you turned to look at him, “how may I help you today?”

“Oh I just came to repay you for yesterday,” he offered you his usual jovial smile as he flourished a fancy looking pen.

Oh! That’s nice! Not the most convenient, given it requires you to refill it regularly, but still a kind gesture!

Also you were weak for stationery, and this, this was a beautiful piece of stationery. An elaborate fountain pen, of a regal navy color, its clip resembling a peacock feather.

It was too fancy.

You couldn’t accept something so obviously expensive in exchange for only an apple and a sunsettia…and a tea…and a massage…

“I don’t think I can accept something so fancy when I’m not sure I even helped cure your headache,” you tugged at your hair apologetically.

“I’d say you helped,” he smiled.

“The treatment doesn’t feel like it warrants something so expensive,” you shifted away from his offering.

“My you are difficult,” he chuckled, “how about this?” He gestured with the hand holding the pen. “Consider this as an early payment for the mint oil.”

Huh. Mint oil was a little difficult to extract, and as a result, a bit on the expensive side when sold. You could make sure to offer him a quantity you felt was on par with the price of the pen.

“I’d rather you kept the pen until I actually give you the mint oil though,” you stared at the pen before looking back at its current owner.

He pouted, clearly upset by your continued rejection. Well it wasn’t really rejection. It was…uh…bartering! Yes bartering! In reverse?

“I bought this pen especially for you,” he complained, “as a token of my gratitude for your help.”

“Mondstadt sells special stationery?” You perked up. “Where?”

Oh no. No. No no no. You did not have the funds to buy fancy pens and notebooks. You were starting to run low on funds as it was already. You’d spent too much time at the inn (courtesy of your first life threatening experience) and well it was a good place to dry herbs. Oh maybe you could ask Miss Lisa to let you dry herbs in the library or something.

You heard the knight sigh, bringing you back to your current situation. The soap! You scurried to the cauldron, and stirred the thick bubbling inedible stew.

You began pouring the solution out into the molds, making sure to layer in different petals as you did. Sir Kaeya was still in your vicinity as you did so, you didn’t mean to be rude, but you needed these to cool and set by sunset. He plopped himself down by your pack, now quietly observing. 

Ah yes, to be observed so closely by a beautiful man. That wasn’t uncomfortable at all. You knew full well the added heat in your cheeks was not because of the heat of the cauldron. Well, to be fair, yesterday you’d been held by an equally beautiful man. You jolted a bit, the phantom grip of Master Diluc’s warm hand on your waist.

Ah yes! If you had time after this you ought to prepare some salves for the vigilante. He seemed to work alone, and likely endured injuries. You had an excellent antibacterial salve recipe! It sealed wounds rather well and didn’t even sting!

Though you preferred the sting to be honest. It meant the wound was being disinfected properly.

“Well I have to be off,” the knight rose to his feet, “I’ve confirmed you aren’t making anything dangerous and you’ve rejected my repayment,” he pouted playfully at you, “seems you like to keep people in your debt.”

You startled and turned to look at him, mid pour.

“How hypocritical, given you insist on never being in anyone else’s debt,” he lamented theatrically-it was rather dramatic in your opinion.

“You’re not in my debt,” you furrowed your brow at him and turned back to your project for a moment to finish up that specific soap bar before facing him again, “and I feel like if I take your pen then I’ll be in your debt.”

He looked…rather disappointed. His little pout was less annoying and more…? You were not about to call this clearly dangerous man cute, but his pout definitely was. Hmm…it seemed like if you didn’t take this pen, he’d feel indebted to you regardless of your opinion. That was not a nice feeling to experience. It was a nice pen.

Fine.

If only to make sure he wouldn’t feel the weight of a debt. But it would leave a sour taste on your tongue. Oh! You got it!

“How about mora instead?” You suggested.

Yeah, you couldn’t just take that pen. Too fancy. And rather strange given you didn’t feel you were well acquainted with the flamboyantly dressed captain.

His smirk was tired then as he acquiesced, “you’d make a horrible merchant.”

Well that stung. 

“Honest merchants can be good merchants,” you huffed, temporarily abandoning your soaps, “I’d say you owe me approximately,” well tomatoes were 90 mora a piece, and you gave him a massage. 

Massages were kind of expensive? Were they? Well if it’s a professional handling it, then yes-but you’re not so…

“250 mora?” You suggested.

He gave you 500 and left while you were counting.

He was the one who taught you the generous tip tactic.

[avidgrapejuicelover]

kiss me

pairing: diluc x childe

genre: fluff

warnings: none

word count: 4.7k

summary: Diluc wants a kiss, so he buys some mistletoe to help get him one

crossposted on AO3 under playfuldreams - link

“Thank you. Happy Holidays,” Diluc said, shaking the other’s hand.

“Yes, happy holidays to you as well. It’s always great doing business with you,” The man said, smiling.

Diluc had just finished his last deal before the holidays started. He couldn’t wait to get home. Childe had come back and was going to spend the holidays at the winery. He arrived two weeks ago, but Diluc had to finish a couple more things for the winery before he could finally relax.

In order to not get distracted, Diluc tried to stay away from Childe. And in all honesty, Diluc had thought Childe would at least try and get some of his attention, but it seemed Childe was trying to be on his best behavior.

This meant Diluc had barely seen his lover in the past two weeks, much less gotten a kiss, and was feeling deficient in Childe. He wanted to make up for lost time some how but wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. Childe had always been the one to initiate most of the contact. Diluc felt he had gotten better about being the one to take charge, but he was still on a learning curve.

Growing up reserved made it hard for Diluc to ask for kisses up front, much less anything more intimate. Diluc felt his face would explode if he had to do that.

Maybe they could have a nice drink together in front of the fireplace and then once he felt courageous enough, Diluc would make a move.

He sighed as he made his way to his horse. No, he had already tried that. Diluc needed to try something new. Something that would get Childe’s blood pumping, which wasn’t sparring.

Although, a spar would get Childe in the mood. Just not the mood Diluc wanted.

Taking the reins, Diluc lead the horse towards to city gate.

Hmm. What if he played some nice music and asked him to dance? Yes that sounds nice. But when would he do that? The winery is going to be bustling with people until the end of the year, so he would probably have to set it up late at night, but would Childe be awake enough?

He sighed again. Diluc decided to make that a back up plan for now.

What else could he do?

“Happy Holidays Master Diluc! Care to buy some flowers?” Flora said as he neared her stall.

Diluc knew Adelinde had already made the appropriate arrangements for floral decorations around the winery, so there was no need to buy more.

“Happy Holidays to you too, Flora,” Diluc said. “But, no than-” He stopped mid sentence once his eyes caught on a specific plant.

“Actually, could I purchase a few of those?” Diluc asked, dismounting.

“Of course!” Flora said.

After exchanging the mora for the bundles, Diluc tucked the leaves away and got back on his horse.

“I wish you the best of luck this holiday.” Flora winked before giggling.

Diluc nodded his head in response, pulling his hood over his head and hoped he wasn’t too flushed.

Once he was back at the winery, he led his horse to the stables, giving his thanks to the stablehand. The sun was close to the horizon by the time he entered the house. He was immediately enveloped in warmth and could smell dinner getting ready.

Diluc stopped by the living room hoping to see Childe, but the fireplace was burning alone. Shivers wracked though his body, so Diluc decided to clean up before trying to find his lover.

Diluc quickly brushed his hair and braided it before heading downstairs. He made sure to put the bundles of leaves in his bottom drawer. He had to find a place to hang them without Childe noticing. Diluc would probably have to ask Adelinde for help as he did not know where things were able to be hung around the house. He just hoped Adelinde would keep her teasing to a minimum.

He ended up finding both Childe and Adelinde in the kitchen chatting away about some recipe.

“If you add a dollop of sour cream, the taste is just-” Childe makes a gesture of kissing his fingers.

“I see, I’ll have to test that next time,” Adelinde said.

Diluc cleared his throat calling their attention.

Childe’s face lit up. “Sunshine! You’re back!” He came up and hugged Diluc tightly.

Diluc hugged him back, savoring the warmth.

“How did the meeting go?” Childe asked.

“We managed to come to an understanding and wrote up a contract,” Diluc said.

“Wonderful.” Childe kissed Diluc’s cheek.

“Are you both going to offer some help or will you just continue to canoodle in front of me?” Adelinde teased.

“Well I was going to help, but since you offered to let us continue,” Diluc said pulling Childe closer.

Childe laughed while Adelinde rolled her eyes. She began shooing them out. “Alright, go outside and wait for me to finish up here.”

Diluc and Childe listened and left the kitchen to go wait by the fireplace.

Diluc let Childe lay his back against his chest and wrapped his arms around him. This was nice. This was exactly what Diluc wanted to do. So maybe he didn’t need to hang up the mistletoe after all. Although, he supposed it wouldn’t hurt.

“So I got a letter from Tonia and Teucer,” Childe started. “They are planning on going to see the parade in the city this year. There’s even going to be a float for the Harbingers!”

“Is that so?” Diluc said, softly brushing his hand though Childe’s hair.

“And then, they are going to make cookies to hand out to the neighbors. I remember I would decorate my cookies as snowmen with top hats and different colored buttons.” Childe chuckled.

“Hmm maybe we should make some cookies too. I would love to see just how good your artistic skills are.”

“Oh? Is that a challenge I hear?” Childe raised his head to meet Diluc’s eyes.

Diluc smirked. “Maybe.”

Childe fully sat up and turned to face him. “Oh now you’re on.”

“Master Diluc, Master Childe, dinner is served.” Hillie interrupted their declaration of war.

“Later?” Diluc asked.

“Later.” Childe nodded.

And then they went to fill their stomachs.

The next day, Diluc woke up when the sun was in the sky for once. He turned around to pull Childe closer only to find the other side of the bed cold.

He sat up trying to figure out why his lover had thought something was more important than staying beside him.

Grumbling, Diluc got out of bed and went into the bathroom to freshen up. Downstairs, he found his missing lover playing cards with his staff.

“Ah ha! I have won, its a straight flush!” Conner exclaimed.

The others groaned before throwing their cards down. All except Childe.

“Now now, don’t be so quick to announce the winner,” Childe said, carefully splaying out his cards. “Royal flush,” He said proudly.

Conner’s jaw dropped. “But how? You clearly had gotten rid of…”

“It’s all a trade secret!” Childe teased, motioning the others to slide their chips over.

Diluc walked over to the table.

“Robbing my employees in broad daylight?” Diluc asked placing a hand on the back of Childe’s chair.

“I do have a lover to support.” Childe winked.

Diluc shook his head at Childe’s shamelessness.

“Good morning Master Diluc, care to join us for a game?” Ernest asked.

“Yes, you must avenge us Master Diluc!” Moco cried.

“Unfortunately, I do not have much of a talent in poker, so I will have to pass.” Diluc looked around. “Where is Adelinde and Elzer?”

“Adelinde was directing the helpers to fix some of the decorations. And I think Elzer went into the city for something,” Moco said. “Should I get breakfast set up for you?”

“That is alright. I will fix something up for myself. You all continue your game,” Diluc said. He looked expectantly over at Childe.

Childe just smiled. “You should try the new jam they got. It tastes great with the pancakes.”

Diluc blinked.

After a few more seconds, Moco spoke up again, “Master Diluc?”

He cleared his throat. “Yes, I will have to try it. Then… enjoy your game.” And with one last look, Diluc went to the kitchen to eat his breakfast by his lonesome.

That mistletoe was definitely going up.

As soon as Adelinde was back, Diluc had asked her to help put up the shrub.

“Oh, I hadn’t realized you wanted to include them in the decorations. I would have already arranged it if I was told earlier,” She said.

“It was a bit more of a whim rather than a throughout decision,” Diluc said.

Adelinde smiled as if she knew what he was thinking.

“I think it will be a lovely addition to the rest of the decor. Is there a specific place you want them hung?” She asked.

Diluc shook his head. “I’ll let you decide.” He hesitated before adding, “but make sure it’s somewhere people can stand under.”

Adelinde’s smile widened.

Diluc breathed out and shut his eyes. “If you want to tease me go ahead and get it over with.”

“Now why would I tease you, Master Diluc. I am happy you found someone who you are able to make memories with.”

Diluc slowly opened his eyes to make eye contact with the woman who helped raise him.

“I hope you are able to succeed in your plan. And if you need help just let me know.” She winked.

“I will. Thanks Adelinde,” Diluc said softly.

Diluc bought 3 mistletoe branches, and Adelinde had hung them up in three different areas of the house. One on the outside arch, one in the foyer, and one upstairs above the entrance to the library. All prime places to get Childe to stand long enough to steal a kiss.

Now all Diluc had to do was lure Childe under them. Should be easy enough, right?

The first day was a major fail.

Diluc decided to try his shot under the foyer mistletoe. It was the spot where there was the most traffic meaning it would be the easiest to get Childe under it.

Diluc found Childe chatting away with Connor about something to do with the specialty wine. While he loved his lover being friendly with his people, Diluc wished Childe would pay more attention to him when they had the time.

He walked up to the two, sliding an arm around Childe.

“Care to share what’s so interesting?” Diluc asked.

“Connor was just telling me about how the different barrels enhanced the flavor. You know, back home we would make small batches, so I was curious about which type of barrel would be best,” Childe said.

Connor laughed awkwardly and looked at Diluc with hesitance.

Diluc smiled to ease him. It’s not like Connor was trying to sell the winery’s secrets, so there was no need for him to be that afraid.

Connor let out a sigh. “It seems Master Diluc was looking for Master Childe. I’ll be off then.” He gave a short nod before walking away.

“So… did you need me for something?” Childe asked.

“I wanted to show you something. Come follow me,” Diluc said, taking Childe’s hand in his.

They walked together back inside towards the foyer. Only a couple more steps and they would be in position.

Diluc took another step before he was pulled back. He turned to see Childe being swarmed by the staff’s kids.

“Big brother Childe! You said you would help us find some pine cones for decorations today!” One of the boys whined.

Diluc let go of Childe’s hand when the kids pulled on his other hand.

“Yeah! We were waiting for you cause Mamma said to wait ‘til you ate breakfast,” Another said.

“You ate didn’t you? So let’s go!”

“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s goooooo!”

Childe just let himself get pulled around by the kids laughing.

Diluc watched for a minute debating on whether he should break them apart, grab Childe, and make a run for it. He’d probably have to wrestle the kids off to break their grip. Diluc knew he could do it, but seeing the Owner of Dawn Winery wrestling a bunch of children off another grown man was not a sight Diluc wanted embedded in his staff.

When Childe looked at him with an apologetic look, Diluc could only sigh and motion him to go and keep his end of the promise. He watched his lover frolic away with a group of kids. Diluc then turned to look at the mistletoe above. Only two more steps. Two steps.

Diluc sighed again before walking towards his office. Might as well as get some work done before going back to the drawing board.

The second time was the night two days later.

This time, Diluc made sure to set things up late at night, meaning all the kids would be in bed, and most of the adults would be as well. No one to bother them.

The mistletoe Diluc was aiming for was the one upstairs. He was going to use his backup plan.

Diluc had already picked out the wine Childe enjoyed drinking, and then he would play the new vinyl he ordered from Fontaine to set the mood. Then, they would dance and naturally end up under the mistletoe leading to the long awaited kiss.

It would be perfect.

Diluc found himself smiling as he imagined it play out. He refocused and finished the rest of his last minute work for the party in a few days. By the time he looked everything over, the sun was almost set.

Of course, Childe had entertained himself by hanging out with some merchants who came early for the celebrations.

They all had dinner together. Diluc listened to the stories the merchants and Childe traded of their time in Liyue City.

After dinner, Diluc and Childe bid their guests a goodnight and Diluc led his lover to the library.

“Ahh, it has been far too long since I have gone to Liyue. I’ll have to drop by sometime to see some old friends,” Childe said, plopping himself on the sofa.

“Hmm. That would be nice,” Diluc said, distracted.

Diluc lit the fireplace and went to put the vinyl on. Once the music started softly playing, Diluc walked over to get the wine bottle and glasses.

He felt Childe’s eyes on him as he moved making him conscious.

“Is something going on?” Childe asked. “You keep walking around. Come sit.” Childe patted the seat next to him.

Diluc turned and gave him a hard stare. Childe just looked at him with an innocent smile.

Diluc trudged over and put down the bottle and glasses.

“Just wanted to enjoy a cup of wine with you is all,” Diluc said.

He went to open the bottle, but was caught in Childe’s arms before he could pour it.

Diluc felt Childe nuzzle into his loose hair.

“But you hate wine,” Childe said, muffled.

As much as Diluc wanted to melt into his lover’s embrace, he had a plan that he needed to put into action.

“Well, I can put up with it for one night,” Diluc responded.

Childe laughed before letting go of Diluc.

“Alright. I don’t want to miss the chance of the Master Diluc offering to drink a glass of wine with me.” Childe smirked.

So, Diluc picked up the bottle and poured them wine. Childe happily drank a big gulp while Diluc took a small sip.

Yup, still tastes weird.

He put his glass down and listened to Childe talk about what he did during the day.

By the time he finished his story of helping make the rosemary bread they had for dinner, the bottle was half finished and Diluc was still a quarter way done with his first glass.

Diluc figured enough time passed, so he stood up when the next song came on and extended his arm.

“Dance with me?” He asked.

“How could I refuse?” Childe said, smiling as he took Diluc’s hand.

They swayed to the music in place, simply enjoying the presence of each other. Childe’s scent mixed with the smell of pine and wine making Diluc feel slightly tipsy. Childe spun Diluc before bringing him back into his embrace making them both laugh. Diluc laid his head on Childe’s shoulder, closing his eyes. He hummed to the music and let Childe lead them. Maybe the three sips of alcohol was getting to him after all. Diluc opened his eyes when the music got faster indicating the last part of the song.

Diluc almost forgot the goal of the dance. They were still standing right in front of the fireplace when they were supposed to be under the arch of the entrance.

Diluc grabbed Childe and clumsily spun them towards the entrance. He knew if his dance teacher had saw him then, he would have gotten a lecture that would have made his ears bleed.

Childe laughed, enjoying the situation, while Diluc huffed internally. If only he knew all the effort Diluc was putting in for a kiss.

They finally made it to the doors, and Diluc looked up only to realize the mistletoe was on the outside of the room.

That was fine, Diluc could just open the doors quickly before pressing his lips to Childe’s.

With that in mind, Diluc let go of one of Childe’s arms and went to open the door.

“Diluc?” Childe asked, probably confused about what was going on. But that was fine too as he wouldn’t be thinking of anything once they finally kissed.

“Just give me a moment,” was all Diluc said, his hand on the handle. Then the doors opened.

Except it wasn’t Diluc who opened them.

“How could you open the new 10 year Valberry wine without me! I am deeply hurt!” A voice mourned.

Diluc’s hand formed fist as there was no handle to wrap around anymore.

“Kaeya!” Childe exclaimed, before letting Diluc go to hug his brother.

All Diluc could do was stare at his lover and bro-, ex-brother, jump up and down excited to see each other.

“What are you doing here?” Diluc asked, making sure to keep his voice as even as possible.

“Adelinde said you two were in the library so I thought I would pop in to say hi. And then I saw you had opened the wine so I came to try it.” Kaeya smiled his usual mischievous smile. Diluc wanted to believe his brother came to ruin Diluc’s plan, but he knew Kaeya was telling the truth.

Diluc took a deep breath to calm himself and not set the library on fire. There were priceless books in the room, and he did not want to lose them.

So, he took another two breaths just to be safe.

By the time he calmed himself, he looked over to see the two men sitting and laughing together with full cups of wine.

Diluc looked back at the open doors and at the lone mistletoe poking out from the other side, then looked back at his lover who had forgotten all about him.

Diluc took another two breaths before walking over to sit by his lonesome on the armchair and listen to Childe and Kaeya for the rest of the night. They both looked so happy that he couldn’t find it in him to ruin the night.

He can just try again another day.

The next time Diluc tried was on the day of the party.

Diluc had gotten dressed and made a plan on the fly. Both the inside downstairs and the outside periphery of the winery would be available for the guests to roam during the festivities. Of course, most people would be inside since it was cold, but people would go outside to enjoy the decorations done around the vineyards. And knowing Childe, he would be weaving in and out saying hello to all the guests.

So, Diluc just had to catch him under the mistletoe once.

Tonight, Diluc was determined to get his kiss.

Within the first hour of the party, Diluc realized he had forgotten one crucial detail: Diluc, himself, was the host and would also have to weave in and out to greet the guests.

So not only was he unable to track Childe down, but he could not even wait for him under the mistletoe.

Diluc groaned internally as he smiled and exchanged pleasantries with another partner of the winery. He couldn’t even pass the job onto Elzer since he was also swamped.

Diluc just gritted his teeth and continued to smile as a scholar for Sumeru began explaining the intricacies of the reaction between fermenting wine made with dandelions and sumeru roses. He supposed he would have to give up on trying to get the kiss tonight.

It was close to midnight by the time the party started to dwindle down. Diluc was currently looking for one of the contractors from Inazuma. They had managed to get some fireworks from Inazuma as a way to end the party. The contractors would be the ones to set them off at midnight, and Diluc wanted to make sure everything was set to go.

When Diluc was unable to find them outside, he walked back in to see if he could spot someone inside. The faces blurred passed him, and eventually he found Elzer making conversation with one of their potential partners.

Diluc walked up quietly. “Pardon me, do you mind if I have a quick word with Elzer?” Diluc asked.

“Oh not at all Master Diluc. I need to get another glass any way. I’ll find you later to chat,” The man said, laughing as he walked away.

“Is something the matter, Master Diluc?” Elzer asked.

“I have not been able to find Mr. Shin. It should be time to set the fireworks off.”

“Ah, if it’s about the fireworks, I already sent them off and gave them clear instructions.”

“I see.” Diluc let out a breath.

“Master Diluc, why don’t you enjoy the fireworks too. You have been running around the entire time. You can find Master Childe and watch them together. I’ll make sure no one bothers you.”

“You have also been working hard, Elzer. You deserve a break too.”

Elzer laughed. “Well I suppose the fireworks will steal everyone’s attention so we both can take a break, no?”

“You are right. Then, I will be off.” Diluc nodded before walking away.

Yes, maybe he could find Childe and pull him under the mistletoe.

Diluc looked around hoping to see a head full of ginger hair. When he had no luck inside, Diluc walked to the doors.

The first firework went off causing all the guests to rush outside. Making sure not to get caught in the crowd, Diluc stepped to the side and waited until everyone was out.

He made his way out and stood by the entrance. A few more fireworks went off. They truly were marvelous. Diluc would have to try to get some more next year.

“There you are!”

Diluc turned to see Childe with red cheeks and a wide smile.

“Were you looking for me?” Diluc asked taking Childe’s extended hand.

“Of course! Who better to watch fireworks with than your lover,” Childe whispered into his ear.

They stopped a few steps outside of the doors.

Another set of fireworks lit up the sky.

“Look up.” Childe said next to him.

Diluc looked at Childe before following his directions.

Right above him was the mistletoe. The very one Diluc gave up trying to get Childe under tonight. He looked back at Childe.

Childe smirked. “We’re standing right under it, so you know what that means.”

Childe tapped his lips.

Diluc didn’t know if he wanted to grab Childe by the cheeks and kiss him until he couldn’t breath or if he wanted to punch him so hard that he would see stars instead of fireworks.

Diluc went with the first.

He grabbed Childe’s scarf and pressed his cold lips against Childe’s. They both warmed each other up pretty quickly, trying to taste each other. Diluc could feel Childe grinning, which only spurred him on even more.

Diluc bit Childe’s bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue. He could taste the last alcohol Childe had consumed, but surprisingly it didn’t taste bad. In fact, it made him delirious. It was either that or the fact that he finally achieved his goal.

Childe’s hands ran through his hair before one ended up behind his neck and the other at the small of his back, both pushing Diluc closer to Childe. Diluc maneuvered his tongue around, making sure to explore all of Childe’s mouth. Childe lightly pulled on Diluc’s ponytail causing him to let out a soft moan.

Diluc could hear more fireworks bursting and could even see the light behind his closed eyelids, but he was too caught up in the kiss to even care about missing them.

Eventually, the two broke apart, gasping for air. Their breaths taking shape before them. Childe pressed another kiss to Diluc’s lips quickly before kissing all around his face. First his cheeks, then his forehead, then his eyes, and nose and he even nibbled on his ear.

Diluc felt like he was being attacked by a giant dog. He weakly struggled in Childe’s arms, but all Childe did was laugh and tighten his hold. He kissed the corner of Diluc’s mouth before giving one last kiss. Then Childe leaned his forehead against Diluc.

A bunch of fireworks went off causing the audience to “ooh-ahh” at them.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for that,” Diluc muttered.

“Oh, you could have just asked, Master Diluc,” Childe teased.

Diluc smacked him.

Everyone around them began clapping, flustering Diluc. Did they all see the two of them kiss?

“Those fireworks were wonderful.”

“I especially loved the last few. There was even one in the shape of a snowflake.”

“I wonder if they will have them next year too.”

Diluc let out a breath.

“We should head inside,” Diluc said, pulling Childe with him.

“Aww, but if we stood there we could have kissed more,” Childe whine.

“Don’t worry, there’s more in the house.”

Childe stopped walking causing Diluc to be pulled back.

“What? How do you know?”

Diluc just stared at his lover before rolling his eyes and continued to pull him through the house.

“I suppose you will just have to find out,” Diluc said ominously.

Now that Diluc got his kiss under the outside mistletoe, he figured he might as well as pull Childe under the other two and get his make-up kiss for those two.

Diluc smiled at the thought. He should have just grabbed Childe in the first place.

“Once we are done helping, we are going to the library,” Diluc said. They were helping clean up after everyone went home.

“Is one of them in the library?” Childe asked.

Diluc smiled and lightly combed Childe’s bangs.

“Maybe. You’ll have to find it to get your reward,” Diluc said.

“You know I like a good challenge,” Childe said.

“Then do your best.”

“If I find it quickly, will my reward be better?”

“Sure, if that’s what you want.” Diluc chuckled.

“No take backs! You better get ready, cause I’m about to find this plant within 5 seconds of entering the room.” Childe puffed his chest.

Diluc laughed. He would have to come up with a good prize for his lover since he was giving it his all.

They heard Adelinde bid a goodnight to the remaining staff that helped out.

Childe grabbed Diluc’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

“I love you.”

Diluc’s heart felt full. Yes, he supposed it should be that easy. No need for elaborate plans for kisses or quietly waiting for the other to make a move. Just say it straight.

Diluc pressed a kiss to Childe’s cheek and savored the smile that bloomed on his lover’s face.

“I love you too. Now kiss me.”

[festive]

༺ MAID4U!

Oh my, do you always think about me like this?

Diluc x Fem!Reader

content+warnings: maid!reader, pervert!diluc, male masturbation, vaginal sex, oral (fem!recieving)

🏷: @thicksimpx & @bubble4u​ (LETS GOOOOOO!)

Diluc’s crimson gaze focused on your form as you continued to organize each shelf in his office. Who would’ve thought doing something as mundane as simply cleaning would have him feeling like this — gross.

The redhead could feel his black pants becoming uncomfortably tight each time your body bent over to dust something. His eyes never failed to stare at your ass, watching as it moved with every sway of your hips. You weren’t even dressed in anything too revealing — just the standard maid uniform that all the other women that worked for him wore; that’s what made it worse.

It was getting harder for him to focus. He could only go over the paperwork in his hands so many times. He allowed his mind to wander, thoughts of you in various lewd positions plaguing him. He couldn’t help but imagine how tight your cunt would feel around his cock, how wet it’d be, or how good you’d look choking around him. Drool seeping out your lips as he forces you to take more of him further down your tight throat.

Diluc’s thoughts immediately drifted back to your cunt. Would you squirt around his cock, or would you cream? Would your pussy struggle to take him, or would you be wet enough just for him to slide right in? Did you taste as wonderful as you looked? What color underwear did you wear today? Do you even wear underwear?

So caught up in his own head, he didn’t even notice you had been calling for him nor that you had seemed to be even closer. He could’ve sworn you were still on the other side of the room. So when did you manage to get behind his desk?

“Master Diluc, are you alright?” You question, your tone laced with concern as your hands land on his face - startling him and grounding him back to reality. Pushing back the crimson locks that framed his handsome face, you allow your palm to rest on his forehead to ensure he didn’t have a fever. Your other hand is placed gently on his jawline while you turn his head — further inspecting him.

His larger hands engulf yours as he pushes them away, He turns his head slightly, but you didn’t entirely miss the way his cheeks burned the same color as his hair. “I’m fine.” His voice came out as choked, which only made you question him further. O’ archons, why did you have to be so cute? He cursed in his mind.

Before you could pry further, the door to his studies opens with a loud thud as Adelinde makes her way inside. The older maid stares at you both in confusion. “Am I interrupting something?”

You look at Diluc, then it hits you just how odd this might look from an outsider’s view— standing mere inches away from his face while his hands are still holding onto yours, how intimate!

“Ah, no, nothing!!” You stammer out, freeing your hands from his hold as you back away. “Nothing at all!”

Adelinde smiles, her eyes softening as she wraps her arm around your shoulders and drags you away. “Perfect, I could use your help around the winery!” She chirps as she leads the way while leaving no room for complaints.

As soon as Diluc hears the doors shut, he sighs deeply, thankful for Adelinde’s timing. He leans back onto his chair as his hand's fumble around, one loosening his tie while the other fiddled with his belt.

Diluc frees his cock from the confines of his pants, slowly stroking his hand upon and down - imagining that it was your pussy wrapped around it and not his palm. He takes in a sharp breath, Adam’s apple bobbing and down.

Would you find him disgusting if you knew he imagined you in so many disgustingly lewd ways? Would you scold him, tell him just how vile he was for thinking about you. Thinking about how wet your pussy would be just for him and how cute you’d sound underneath him while begging him to stuff you full of his cum.

Beads of sweat start to form above his brows as he builds himself closer and closer to his end while he chants your name. Then, slouching over his desk as he finally cums, thick spurts of white decorate his fingers. He shudders in post-nut disgust - before wiping himself off.

“Ah, master Diluc.” You say with a smile. Diluc’s not even sure when you arrived or how much you saw. You lock the door behind you while you approach him. Feeling embarrassed, Diluc tries to cover himself with his coat.

“No need to hide from me.” You tease, your plump lips mere inches away from his as you blow warm air against him in a teasing manner. He stares at you in astonishment, as if he wasn’t just jacking off to you.

“You— you don’t find me.. disgusting?” The last word came out quiet. You would’ve almost missed it. Instead, you shake your head, adding to Diluc’s confusion before you plop yourself onto his desk.

“No.” You play with the edge of your dress before slowly hiking it up so that it’s bunched at your waist before spreading your legs. Diluc licks his lips as you give him a generous display of your black panty-covered crotch.

“I have an idea. How about we both feel good?” Diluc opened his mouth, but any words he hoped to form had died down his throat. So instead, he nods, bringing his head closer to your cunt before placing eager kisses upon your underwear. “Can I?” He sounds desperate, the urge to get a taste of you and to live out his fantasies weighing heavy on him.

“Go for it.” That’s all the encouragement he needed before moving your panties to the side to bury his face against your folds - saturating them in his saliva. Your whimpers and moans are like music to his ears, determined to hear more from you - he places his large hands underneath your thighs. Pulling you closer to him as he continues devouring you whole.

Diluc thumbs at your aching clit, rubbing circles around it. The material of his gloves only adds to the sensation, causing the coil in your stomach to tighten until you finally cum. Then, Diluc pulls away - licking his lips as he savors your taste.

You’re trying your hardest to catch your breath, your chest heaving up and down as you stare at Diluc — lust clouding your eyes. Diluc can’t help but admire how beautiful you look right now. You looked perfect, only for him.

Diluc pushes his body against yours as he bullies the tip of his cock into your wet hole - burying himself to the hilt. He waits a few minutes for your body to adjust to his size, and as soon as you’re ready, you give him an encouraging nod.

His thrusts are rough and erratic — any harder and you’re afraid he’s going to knock you off the desk. Although you won’t deny that it feels good. The way his cock stretches you open as it forces itself deeper inside of you while rubbing ever so nicely against your velvety walls.

“Diluc, Diluc, Diluc.” He loved how his name rolled off your tongue as you blabbered about how good he’s making you feel. He places your plush thighs on his broad shoulders angling his hips slightly to hit against that spot that has you seeing stars with more precision.

Diluc can tell you’re close. He’s trying his hardest not to blow his load so soon - but your tight cunt is making it hard for him, the way it clenches and squeezes his cock so snug as if you were threatening to milk him for all he had. But, hell, you felt better than he imagined. Your arms grab at his back, clinging onto his shirt as you’re finally pushed over the edge. You cream all over him, a white circle forming at the base of his cock as he continues rutting into you.

“’S fucking good, you know that? Shit, don’t think I’m gonna last long.” Diluc grunts, his hair sticking to his face due to the sweat he’s producing.

His hold on your body becomes shakier with each thrust — his cock pulsing and throbbing inside of you until he finally cums. One final slam is all it takes as he spills his seed deep inside of you, drenching your hole with his and your essence.

Diluc rests his forehead against yours as he tries to catch his breath until someone knocks on the door — alarming him, and causing him to rush to get up.

“Diluc, have you seen y/n?” Adelinde asks from the other side. “It seems that she scurried off when I turned my back.”

Diluc looks down at your fucked out form, admiring how angelic you looked sprawled out on his desk - making a mental note to do this again. He stares at the door before clearing his throat. “No I haven’t seen her.”

[ragnvdnir]

prompt: "i know i shouldn't be jealous" with whoever you want (make it diluc go go go this is the REAL answer and you know it) 👀

im absolutely taking this opportunity to request first to you 😤😤 unless someone has beat me to it already 😔

note: as usual i have read your messages 🤩 idk how i should reply but me saying you're v funny is one thing 😌 and yes it's because of your cat emoji fever 🥰 anyways ty always for taking your time to reply to my crazy ass asks 💞

— 🍰 of the strawberry shortcake clan.

warnings: reader is a descendant from lawrence clan like eula, mentions of jeanluc, diluc had a crush on jean for the plot, kinda nemesis to lovers? alcohol intake, reader is flirty

note: i love you strawberry shortcake for this. we are down bad for diluc ragnvindr

not proofread

DILUC is a man of virtue. He sets everything on modest and high standards, whether be it the business things or even... romance? So when news spreads that he is engaged to you, the troublemaker of Lawrence Clan, nobody believed it. No one can even fathom how you two dated each other in the first place.

They were expecting him to get together with Jean, The Acting Grandmaster of the Knight of Favonius. She is the perfect match for him, they said. You once asked Jean if she harbored any romantic feelings for the man, but she simply smiled at you and told you she doesn't remember having more than platonic feelings for him before leaving for knights work.

As for Diluc, you already know the answer for that. He did and that's why you two ended up in this situation. Well, it benefits the both of you so it's all fair... at least that's what you think.

The moment Diluc agreed to date you for a show, he soon regretted it after seeing your mess. He can not keep up with all of your shenanigans.

How did you two even stumbled upon each other to begin with? You and him we're quite the nemesis, you dislike each other. You cause trouble in Angel's Share, and he would always try to kick you out because 1) He lose his patience once you start flirting with him whenever you're drunk 2) Venti + Kaeya + Rosaria + You is too much for him 3) You are a troublemaker, and lastly 4) you are nemesis

More importantly, when did the hell the two of you started dating? Diluc is not someone who would date you anyone for fake. He takes everything seriously. So, generously and for free, allow me to remind you how it all started in the shortest and easiest way possible. aka in razor's language

Diluc is looking at Jean with fond eyes. You caught him staring and decided to tease him. Jean is your friend. You told him you will tell her about his feelings. He stopped you and tried to bribe you. It didn't work. He told you what he should to for you to shut up. You told him to marry you. He of course, disagrees. You told him you are just messing around. You whispered that you need a pretend lover because your family is trying to set you up with an ugly and ass nobleman. You asked him to be your fake fiancee. He contemplated at first. Long story short he asked about the conditions and agreed to fake date. You promised to help him with Jean too, the end.

“Hey, is master Diluc really engaged to that Lawrence troublemaker?”

“I couldn't believe it too, but i heard master Diluc confirmed it already to miss Adelinde. They don't look like a couple at all, to be honest. I'm betting that they won't last a month before breaking off the engagement.” The two maids laughed at each other before glancing back at you pestering Diluc.

“I advise you to get back to cleaning before the young master hears you.” The voice of Adelinde behind caused the two maids to shriek. They immediately nodded and walked away from the headmaid.

Adelinde glanced back at you who now looks around the structure of the manor. She also finds your relationship suspicious because as far as she knows, you are not Diluc's type— he said he doesn't have one but if he does, it's not you— and certainly, you and he never had a proper conversation without bickering at each other, so how come you two suddenly got engaged?

“Hey, mister grumpy red-headed man, can I get some of your grapes?” Diluc sent you a frown look at the nickname you just called him. He only sighed and keeps reminding himself to stay patient with you or else you might snitch on him and tell everyone his secret.

“Go on and ask Elzer if it's already time to harvest them,” He replied.

“You won't get angry? I might take home all of your grapes and you won't have enough to make your favorite grape juice.” You sure are really testing his patience. Diluc took a deep sigh before opening his mouth.

“You can even take everything, I don't care. Also, grape juice is not my favorite, I just prefer it over alcohol.” He said before going back to the paperworks infront of him.

And you, being you, sure did take all of his grapes. That made Diluc's day sour all day. He didn't expect you to do it, he was just trying to test you how far can you go. But because of this, he finally learned his lesson to not provoke you.

Later that morning, as usual, you're gonna be in Angel's Share at night. But this time, everyone seems to have their eyes on you while whispering at each other.

‘Ah, they must be talking about the engagement.’ You thought and sat beside drunk venti on the counter where your fiancee is polishing the glass on the other side.

When his ruby eyes connected with yours, you sent him a smile and winked at him. He deadass look at you more before rolling his eyes.

“Aww, why do you have to ignore my advances at you, my dear fiancee,” And now you are smirking at him.

“I am not, I'm just busy here.” He reasoned out before turning his back on you. You rest your cheeks in your palms while still having your eyes on him. You let down your sight at his back, which let me tell you is a bad idea because just the mere sight of his back in black long sleeves polo and white vest that hugs his tiny waist is enough for you to look away and gulp your drink.

“Dear Barbatos, that was hot,” You muttered under your breath.

“Ah, I see, you are thirsting over your fiancee. Understandable, he's your soon-to-be-husband anyway.” You turn your head to your side to give Venti a look of horror. Seeing your reaction, he just laughed and patted your back.

“No need to feel embarrassed. I am sure, I, Barbatos understand you,” He said.

‘The hell is wrong with him.’ You just shook your head and resumed drinking.

In the corner of your eye, you saw a blonde-haired woman enter the tavern along with a brown-haired woman dressed in purple. You turn your attention to the duo and saw Lisa and Jean standing in front of the door.

You glanced at Diluc who still have his back turned on you, then you peek at Jean and got startled when she's already looking at you.

“Good evening, Y/n, I see you're in the tavern as well,” Jean said as she walked towards your spot. You saw Diluc tense up at her voice in your peripheral vision.

“Oh, Hey! It's rare to see the acting grandmaster here in the tavern, what's the occasion?” You asked.

“Well, Lisa said I should relax and she brought me here. Also...” Jean then glances back at the red-haired man behind the counter and you.

“I heard the engagement news. Congratulations, Y/n and Diluc. If you ever need help with the wedding preparation, I'll be happy to help. After all, you two are my good friends.” You stared at Jean, dumbfounded. You didn't prepare yourself to face her yet after your little drama. You haven't even prepared your script. It went silent for a second. Luckily, Diluc ended it.

“We send you our thanks for supporting us in our... engagement, Jean.” You sneak a look at Diluc before nodding hesitantly at the blonde.

‘Did he just got friendzoned?’

Jean and Lisa left for their table after that. Throughout the night, Diluc never uttered a word at you. You genuinely felt bad for him, even though you two are not in that good terms.

You stayed at the tavern even if it's closing time already. Jean and Lisa already went out, Charles left, Everybody left except you and Diluc. You watched him as he cleans up the tavern.

“Why don't you go home too? Don't you want to rest for the day?” He suddenly asked. His voice filled the silence of the tavern. He looks back at you, waiting for your answer.

“Well, uh— how do I explain this— i'm trying to accompany you after what happened earlier with Jean? You can say i'm trying to comfort you.” He furrowed his eyebrows at you before continuing what he's doing.

“You don't have to do that. Comfort is not part of our agreements.”

“And if you are waiting for me to send you back home, then let's go, it's late already, your parents might be waiting for you already.” He grabbed his coat and put it on.

“Hey! I'm trying to nice here you know! Can't you just let me be here until you finish? Besides, those Lawrence will just scold me anyway.” You muttered the last part before frowning at him and crossing your arms.

Diluc can only sigh and resumes cleaning the counter. While you sit back and glance at him from time to time.

It has already has been months since the news of your engagement spreads out. Things really changed from there onwards, like how your elders at the clan keeps telling you to get married with Diluc as soon as possible. People using you to get the favor of the young master. Some people became more salty to you after they knew you were marrying the richest man in mondstadt. Lastly, your relationship with Diluc also changed.

For the past few months, you can say that your treatment towards each other got better, and he also got used to your shenanigans. Sometimes, when it's just you and him, you can make him chuckle at your silliness. You can also make him stifle a laugh. What an improvement, right?

But of course, this are not the only things that changed between you and him. For instance, Diluc started longing for your existence at the tavern whenever you are not there and you didn't tell him where you are going. His concern rises to the point that he had to shift with Charles to visit the Lawrence Clan residence to ask if you are there. And if you aren't there, he will frown and leave to ask people if they have seen you. Once he have seen you though, he will just simply remind you to not stay late at night because monsters might attack you, then leaves with a pounding heart he couldn't understand.

How ironic, isn't it? He spent hours looking for you and once he have found you, he tells you a few words before leaving.

When Elzer, the only one who knew about this agreement between you two, pointed out that Diluc started changing. The wine tycoon will just shake his head and deny it. But when Elzer asked him if he likes you, Diluc will have his eyes blown before coughing and moving on to another topic.

Even after all these past few months, he still considers you as a confidant.

It only changed when that one night at the tavern happened. It was the usual day for you there, not until you and Kaeya had a bet about who can drink more, the loser will have to obey the winner for a week. Even though you know Kaeya can hold his drink impressively, you still accepted the challenge.

Long story short, you lost to him. Kaeya, ofcourse was ecstatic to win. While you, being completely drunk started throwing tantrums at the man. Diluc only watched you closely incase something happens.

Also, Jean and Lisa is in the tavern. You, being you whenever alcohol takes over you, sat closely beside the acting grandmaster and out of nowhere started flirting with her. You would drop pick up lines here and there and Jean can only smile sheepishly at you while feeling an intense stare at the two of you. She doesn't know who is it but the people around the table surely knows the gaze is from a certain bartender who wipes the counter fiercely while having eyes on you.

Diluc is not jealous at all, really, he said that himself.

He can not seem to fathom the burning feeling inside his heart when he watched you flirting with Jean. You would kiss her cheeks that turned rose blush from your sudden affection. Telling her that she's attractive. She tried to stop you but let's be honest, who could stop you? No one. That is unless a certain red-haired man with a pyro vision joins the scene, which will happen soon enough if you continue acting like this.

‘I know I shouldn't be jealous.’ Diluc then again sneaks a glance at you. He can't explain this uneasy feeling. He doesn't know why he feels this thing called jealousy at all. He tried to brush it off by focusing on the patrons.

Hell, he doesn't even know who is he jealous over. Is it you who can easily be touchy and affectionate to Jean? Or is he jealous of Jean because you are touchy and affectionate to her and not to him?

He doesn't know, he said. But there's a vast feeling inside him that he is jealous because you are flirting with the girl he used to like, and he thinks it's funny and pathetic to feel jealousy at this fake relationship.

Donna came into the tavern and ordered a drink and sat at the front counter while gazing at him, lovestruck. He served her to distract himself from thinking about you.

The girl seated in front of him started a conversation. He really don't want to talk to her, but he thought, maybe trying to talk to her might erase this jealousy feeling.

Kaeya, who is watching the scene, smirked and chugs his drink. “Ah, look at that, is master Diluc talking to that florist girl?”

His words awakened you from bothering Jean who keeps sending Lisa a blink of help. You looked over the counter and saw your fiancee conversing at that damned Donna girl you've been annoyed with for a long time.

Your face immediately turned sour at the sight. This caused you to sober up a little bit and think straight. You swallowed and you grab your drink with a pout.

“Oh? Are you jealous? What are you doing here? Aren't you gonna take what's yours?” Kaeya whispered at you.

‘He's not even mine in the first place,’ You sighed.

“I know I shouldn't be jealous.” Your statement caught the blue-haired man's interest. He sends you and Diluc a keen look before smiling at himself.

‘Interesting.’ He thought.

It was already late at night when Diluc walks you back to your residence. Tonight seems to be different from the other nights when he would send you back home. No one uttered a word as silence embraced you two. Jealousy being the most cause of it.

“Hey, Diluc.” The call of your voice made him glance at you. Waiting patiently at your next words.

“I'm jealous earlier.” You said. This caused him to turn his full attention to you. He was completely confused.

“Jealous of what? I should be the one saying that.” Before even he could process it, unsaid words already came out of his mouth.

“What? You're Jealous?” Your surprised reaction made him look away and cover his lips.

“I guess there's no point of deny it then.” His ears and face immediately turned hot and red while he tries to not lose his composure infront of you.

It was dead silent after that. Not even you, who is a chatterbox to him let out a single word. You are too shocked to speak.

‘Diluc Ragnvindr? Jealous? What?’ Your heart rammed as your cheeks heated up at the possibility of what-ifs. Maybe it's the alcohol taking over you but you felt a sudden braveness to voice out the thought that keeps bugging you for the past few days.

“Can I say something?” You asked as you held the hem of your clothes tightly.

“What is it?”

“I like you.”

note: i really didn't like how this one turned out

©kazu-topia, 2022. do not copy or translate thank you!

[blzzrdstryr]

Midnight chatter

Yandere Diluc x gn!knight!reader

Wordcount: 2385

CW: Yandere, drugging, kidnapping

This was a third week after his return and fifth day of the tireless fight with winery work, when Diluc received an unexpected guest. During his travels across the world, the winery business fell into disrepair and almost collapsed, so once he learnt the state of the wine industry he decided to settle in his office and try to battle the endless reports about necessary expenses and small profits all on his own.

He started to work with the first rays of sunlight well into the night, squeezing every bit of energy his body had, not only because financial issues could affect him personally, but also because of the night vigilante of Mondstadt title he took upon himself.Due to the increased workload he couldn’t find time to patrol the dark streets and alleys of the city, while experience and conscience didn’t allow him to thrust the safety of ordinary citizens into the hands of bumbling, cowardly and lazy knights.

The day soon turned into the late evening, and dawn winery workers started to go home, when someone knocked on his door. It was Adelinde.

Her steps were faster than usual, her stoic face shadowed by the note of concern. Diluc wanted to say that no, he won’t go and have a rest, but she spoke first.

“Master Diluc”, she stopped before his desk: “we have a guest, a knight”.

He lifted his head shifting the eyes from the report to the head maid and pondered - despite his long absence, a lot of people in the city had a general idea how much he dislikes the Favonius Order and so a rare knight would actually dare to bother him, unless… Unless, they were acting out an order from someone high-ranking, like Jean or Varka for example.

Apprehension that his former colleague somehow learned of his nightly escapades sent an unexpected wave of shivers and vague feeling of unease, but he didn’t let it get to him.

“Ask why this knight is here and if it’s something unofficial tell them to leave”, he ordered, at which Adelinde blinked, slowly and tiredly, as if she was looking for the strength to tell something incredibly upsetting or scary.

“The thing is, master Diluc, that I already let them in”.

“Without my permission?”, his eyes widened at that, and the heart started to pick up the pace. What if this knight was really sent here by Varka or Jean? If it was true, Adelinde, unknowingly set him up to fail.

She was looking after him from his earliest childhood, so she was allowed to do and say more than any other of his staff, yet this perceived audacity was unheard of before.

“They were badly injured and said that they needed to stop for the night and once it’s over they will travel to the city with the first sun rays. We helped them to patch up their injuries and offered a room for guests, yet they declined and remained to sit on sofa”, the maid explained absolutely unfazed, after noticing Diluc’s dissatisfaction and then added : “If you are that displeased, master Diluc, I can tell this tired and battered knight to get out from here into the dark night”.

Her voice remained even and emotionless as usual, but even like that young Ragnvindr could hear a light mocking in her words. And to think about it - he got so freaked out over some silly coincidence - the knight stopped here because of the injuries, not some insidious scheme.

“Alright”, Diluc admitted defeat: “they can stay… and offer them some food and tea”, he added just as Adelinde’s hand touched the doorknob.

“Will be done”, she replied before exiting the office. The corners of her mouth slightly moved and crept upwards.

***

Despite his earlier goal of finishing as much work as he can, Diluc couldn’t do anything. Small digits and letters started to float and dance before his eyes while the long lines fused together, when he tried to analyze the state of wine business in naught. But the worst thing was the fact that his thoughts strayed to the topic of mystery knight again and again and Diluc lost count how many times he caught himself thinking who this person is.

He sat like that for a while, until the cinnabar of dying sky got replaced by the darkness and pleasant chill of the night.

Diluc scolded himself for his uncharacteristic indecisiveness, standing up from the desk and locking the office, when this thought, loud and persisting, knocked into his head again. Wouldn’t it be nice, he wondered, to learn who this night is, and finally decided. After all the thoughts about them pestered him for a long time.

Quietly and carefully walking through the unlit corridor of the winery, he confirmed that all servants and workers had already left for sleep, some into the rooms of the main building designated for them, some into the cabins around it. All in all, he was confident that there’s no one except him, the knight, Adelinde and a couple of other maids.

His steps were quiet and slow and not even a single board in the wooden floor creaked under his weight as he knew the winery like the back of his hand. With a bated breath he made his way downstairs, making out vague shapes of the familiar objects. Moonlight pouring out through the windows illuminated only the silhouettes, but even with that he quickly noticed the unknown frame.

The person was half-sitting half-lying on the sofa, and their sword and armor were placed nearby the furniture, reflecting the pale light of the moon. They weren’t moving, seemingly asleep. Diluc couldn’t make out their face even after making a coming closer, so he decided to take the risk and summoned a small wisp of flame.

The dancing light illuminated everything in a small radius and what he saw made him jolt and take a step back. You were the mystery knight.

Why are you still a knight? Where were you? Who injured you?

Still shocked by the previous revelation, Diluc accidentally knocked over the breastplate with his foot and it fell on it’s side with a loud thump.

You woke up.

“What… Who?”, you stirred and half sat on the elbow: “Ah, it’s you” and saw him :”What are you doing here?”.

Caught red handed, Diluc didn’t find any words - it was so sudden and unusual to be caught unaware, and because of that doubly unpleasant.

“This is my winery and I am free to do whatever I want”, he decided to hide the awkwardness behind the faux annoyance.

“Easy, easy” you half smiled, half yawned: “I just managed to fall asleep”. You yawned again and blinked at him with sleepy tired eyes.

“I have sleep medicine if you want some”

You got surprised and touched by his sudden responsiveness: “Thank you, but I think painkillers would be better. My body is aching and that’s the main problem”.

Maybe because of the trembling, dancing light or maybe because of the recent sleep you imagined worry and pity twisting his facial features.

“I have it too. Wait here”, he quickly replied and vanished into the dim darkness of the winery, not giving you any time to answer, as you were left to sit and wait for him. Diluc, to your own surprise, happened to be extremely stealthy, able to move without producing a single sound.

“Here”, you first heard and then saw him,as Diluc used pyro vision to light the nearby candlestick and then opened the medicine vial he brought and handed it to you: “Drink it all”.

“Thank you”, you whispered to him, taking the painkiller before making a big gulp. The taste was horrible, so horrible in fact that you almost immediately started to violently cough. Well, if it’s as effective as foul, then I will be good as new in no time, you thought to yourself, suppressing the urge to throw up.

Diluc stood nearby and observed your reaction, his hand extended on his own when the coughing started as he awkwardly tried to pat your back in the gesture of comfort. “I will be here with you until you fall asleep”, he stated once the fit stopped and then, seeing your highly raised brows explained further: “Painkiller takes time to work. Tell me if you won’t feel better”.

You nodded in response, and closed eyes, listening to the sensations of your body. Your injuries still burned and screamed and throbbed, yet a strange numb sensation started to slowly surround you. Just like Diluc said, medicine would need time to fully settle in.

“If you're here can you talk with me?”, you decided to shorten the time in conversation: “Ijust wanted to talk with you. For a really long time”.

“About what?”, he allowed himself a shadow of the smile, Diluc that you used to know peeking through the gloomy facade, like a long awaited sun or it’s reflection on the tranquil mirror of the water surface. Next words stuck in your throat, bitter and acidic and totally unfit, and you had to force them out through your own hesitance to destroy this calm.

“What happened that day? The day before you left. I asked Jean and Kaeya and other knights who were present with you, yet no one said anything”, the water surface bubbled and the visage of that old, sunny Ragnvindr shattered into thousand pieces. The person before you adopted the same cold facade of annoyance and indifference.

“Why do you need to know it?”, he answered the question with another question and you sensed barely buried hurt and grief.

“You leaving hurt. A lot”

“That’s why you are still a knight?”, you quickly nodded at that.

A minute passed by and he still stood, without saying a single word, thinking what to do. On one hand, he didn;t want to open up, the story of his eighteenth birthday was incredibly painful and personal experience to be shared so freely, on the other hand he yearned for your understanding.

"Alright", he broke the silence:"Let's make a deal, you answer my questions and I'll tell you the whole story after. Deal?"

"Deal".

Diluc looked at you again, looked at the bruises and cuts, still peeking through the bandages and for a second his mind lit up with one thought alone: what disgusting bastard did that to you. He suppressed the rapidly rising rage, deciding to start from the most important.

"Is my leave the only reason why you decided to stay?" his heart picks up the pace again, he needs to know the answer.

"Basically yes, you knownI didn’t do it for my parents… I just.. That tragedy, I know it's not my place, but… I always wanted what happened to you. I asked this question to myself everyday and night, and I missed you terribly".

His breath hitched and he lowered his gaze. For some reason you always managed to fluster him with the words alone, even if it wasn't your intention.

"Your parents must be happy", h e changed the topic, stifling the heat in his heart.

"Yeah, they're ecstatic that I stopped being difficult and made their aspirations real. Hm, do you have any other questions?"

"What happened to you? ",he pointed at the bandages covering most of your body.

"Ah, catching treasure hoarders does that to you, usual stuff", you dismissed his concerns and Diluc started seeing red from the way your voice remained so calm and unbothered. Usual stuff? Usual stuff?!

"Grandmaster could send anyone else", he snapped:"Favonius Order has more than plenty of vision holders, they should've sent one, instead of you! You could die!".

Diluc’s sudden explosion left you speechless, but soon your own weaved words of irritation:"Ordo Favonius doesn't consist of Jean and Kaeya only. We can't let them handle all the hard and dangerous business all the time. Ordinary people like me can still help, even if the gods didn’t favour us. Don't think of me as some helpless idiot just because I have no shiny vision to show off"

Your heated response seemed to work and Diluc turned red from embarrassment, realizing how annoyed you got, despite the worry for your health and still present anger at the other knights for letting you get hurt. He also didn’t like how you looked at him, reprimanding and disappointed.

"Alright, sorry", he cleared his throat:"where were you before? I haven't seen you anywhere"

"City gates aren't the only thing that needs guarding. I was sent to the Liyue border, to make sure that no treasure gang crosses it. I think I will get sent there again, once I fully recover".

Diluc got angry at that too, yet this time he suppressed unpleasant feelings, already knowing how you will rebuke and reprimand him again. There's no convincing to be done, as you won't change your opinion. You left him no choice for what he was going to do.

"Alright, you answered all my questions", he said before changing topic again:"Did painkillers start working? I have another".

Being so engrossed in the conversation you forgot about the ache, yet once he mentioned it your body started to hurt with a renewed strength.

"Yes, I would like one", you decided and Diluc vanished in the unlit hall yet again.

"Here", he handed the small bottle to you already opened. The new substance was different, sweet and viscous. You managed to take two sips before your eyelids started to feel up with lead, and soon even lifting a hand seemed like a highly arduous task. Whatever the thing that Diluc gave you wasn't a painkiller.

"What…", you uttered, before your body relaxed and you fell asleep once again. Diluc bent over, looming over your unconscious form, as his hands carefully took the bottle away. He didn’t want it to somehow fall and injure you

This is a necessary measure, Diluc assured himself, before making a plan of actions. He would need to fake your disappearance and forge enough leads to direct investigation into the completely opposite direction, but now he needed to wake Adelinde up and ask her to prepare the room in the basement. He didn't want you to be uncomfortable in your new home.

[ruidshijie]

Their “I Love You“s - Diluc’s Story [PREVIEW]

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: After a long trip to Inazuma, you finally arrive back in Mondstadt. After such an exhaustive journey back, you opt to wait for Diluc at the winery.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Diluc | gn!reader 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 986 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: None

𝐀/𝐍: These were supposed to be shortttt ;-;-; But here, have Diluc’s full story before the hc is done hehe;;

also the shortest hc: amakumo fruit tastes like popping candy but more fruity because of its electric charge

𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝: Their “I Love You”s - Childe’s Story [PREVIEW] [Childe | gn!reader]

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Your travels brought you back to Mondstadt earlier than expected. Perusing down the valley amongst drifting crystal flies, the soft warm glow of the city drew near. Though dark, night was still young and the liveliness of the busy city wafted toward you, pulling you closer. Even at your distance, the aroma and voices of the city engulfed your body, calling you home. You abandoned your plan of stopping there and resting, and continued on, rejuvenated by the far off atmosphere.

As you approached the crossroads between Mondstadt and Springvale, you hesitated to venture further into the city. Although the sky dimmed considerably, it seemed to be barely midnight and the Angel’s Share was still packed with patrons. Any later and you would’ve slipped into the tavern to accompany your boyfriend, however, the trek to Mondstadt was less than forgiving on your energy. Exhaustion caught up to you, and you figured that you would just wait for Diluc at the winery.

Satisfied with the conclusion, you wandered into Springvale. Soft lights glowed in the windows of the cozy cottages, surrounded by flittering moths. Few people were outside, but one was able to spot your weary self approaching.

The man flagged you down. He was dressed in a simple tunic and dusted slacks. “Well, if it isn’t the infamous [Y/N]. Good evening,” he greeted, “may I ask what you are doing outside so late?” You quickly recounted your situation, and the man nodded in understanding. “Actually, I just happened to need some things delivered to the Dawn Winery tomorrow. If you’d like, I can lend you a horse to get there faster, if you take the shipment with you,” he offered, gesturing to a pile of crates covered in dark tarps stacked neatly in a carriage.

“That would be a lifesaver, thank you,” you responded, relieved. The man guided you to the wagon, beside which was a tall brown horse that stirred awake. While he tied the horse in place, you set your bag and weapon on the wagons creaking wood. The ache in your shoulders and arm immediately dissipated, allowing you to stand up straight.

“There you are,” the man said, “all ready to go.” He patted the horse’s side with a deep, hollow thunk, and watched as you climbed onto the wagon, taking the reins in confidence. “Thank you again,” you said. “I’ll make sure the wagon and horse are returned by tomorrow afternoon.”

With that, the man bid you safe travels and waved at you while you guided the horse down the path en route to the Dawn Winery. As the horse grew to a trot, the cool night breeze caressed your face and pushed the hair out of your face. The wagon shuddered and creaked every time it rolled over a small pebble, but its constant sway and jitter slowly lulled you to closing your eyes.

* * *

You arrived in time to see Diluc’s staff still floating around, slowly going about their final chores. The warm glow of flickering flames behind warped glass that hung from the wooden lamp posts welcomed you back. Crystal flies drifted between the dark grapevines, fluttering away as you approached. Leaving the cart with Ernest and his assistants, you slunk into the estate, greeting Adelinde who met you at the door. “Master [Y/N], what a wonderful surprise! Welcome back,” she smiled, “Master Diluc hasn’t returned yet, but I can prepare you something to eat for now—you must be exhausted.” Warm snacks by the fireplace sounded heavenly, but despite that you hesitated. You had brought some ingredients back from Inazuma to make one of the dishes that you enjoyed during your travels. “Actually,” you said. Rest tantalized your desires. “I have some fruit that I want to prepare.”

“Allow me,” Adelinde offered, but you quickly declined. Amakumo fruit, though safe to eat, was still charged with traces of Electro, and without proper knowledge of how to prepare it, the little fruit ends up singeing the tongue. She caved and let you to the kitchen, watching over your shoulder as you pulled out a small box of aromatic fruit. You carefully washed and cut bulbous purple-pink fruit that crackled in protest. Lost in the repetitive action, you failed to notice Adelinde had stopped watching and slipped out of the room entirely. A new pair of arms wrapped around your waist from behind, and a warm head snuggled into the crook of your neck. He smelled of faint alcohol, though you know it wasn’t from ingestion.

“[Y/N]…You’re home early,” he murmured into your shoulder. The hum of Diluc’s words shivered down your spine, and you sunk into his arms, breathing him in. Though his comment was simple, perhaps too much so, his words oozed with adoration and joy. His chest radiated warmth, beckoning you further into his embrace.

You gently laughed. “I missed you,” you offered as your eyes fell to the fruit in front of you. “Oh,” you broke the soft air, “here. A present from Inazuma.” You plucked a cut piece of Amakumo fruit from the bowl and turned in Diluc’s arms to face him. Its flesh pricked your fingers as little sparks burst. He glanced down cross-eyed at the electric fruit, slightly parting his lips. He took the little piece into his mouth and gave a small smile, satisfied.

“It’s very sweet, thank you,” he said, leaning in closer. Diluc pressed into you until your body was flush against his, and you lit aflame. His heartbeat against yours, his arms, palms, even fingers latching on to you, his lips smiling into your shoulder—Diluc made up for each day you were too far away for him to embrace. Oh, how he missed your presence over the last month; your letters alone were not nearly sufficient. With his voice, so soft and tired, mumbling, yet crystal clear, Diluc whispered, “I love you, [Y/N]. So much.”

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𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝: Their “I Love You”s - Childe’s Story [PREVIEW] [Childe | gn!reader]

[genshin-no-simp]

Diluc x Reader

Pairing: Diluc x You/Reader (Female)

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You are the proud wife of Diluc Ragnvindr. Or you were, lately you've been feeling more like a disappointment to him. For the past two years you both have been trying for a child but due to your accident during your mid-teens the chances of you actually getting pregnant were extremely low. But Diluc never lost hope. If fact he was certain that you get pregnant and you both would have a family. But you on the other hand were losing hope. Everytime you went to the doctor it was always bad news. And today was one of those days. You sat at the table in the Dawn Winery crying into your hands. You dreaded to tell him. It would still be a while till he returned back so you decided to keep yourself busy and do some cleaning.

"Lady (Y/N) please, leave it to us." Adelinde the head housemaid panicked. If Diluc knew you were doing the cleaning he would be furious.

"Please Adelinde, I need to keep myself occupied, I'll stop closer to when Diluc is supposed to arrive home." You begged her, your eyes still red and puffy from your crying. She let out a little sigh.

"Alright. But take it easy okay?" You and Adelinde had become close friends ever since Diluc started courting you. It broke her heart knowing she couldn't do anything to help you.

The sun was going down and the moon was rising. You tidied up what you were doing and headed down the stairs of the winery just in time to see Diluc close the door behind. His eyes lit up seeing you. And you smiled already struggling to fight back the tears that threatened to spill.

"Welcome home." You greeted and hugged him.

"Go to be home." He embraced you whilst giving you a kiss on the head. He let go and looked down at you, expectantly.

Your breath caught in your throat and you simply shook your head. Diluc couldn't help but hide the disappointment in his face. You began to cry, it broke your heart seeing the disappointment, the sadness in his face. You knew all he wanted was a little one, and yet you struggled to provide him one. You knew he wasn't disappointed in you but it still hurt you like he did.

"I can't keep doing this Diluc." You cried cupping you face in your hands. Diluc pulled you in close.

"Please don't cry, it'll be fine." He tried his best to comfort you, "everything will work out." You only shook your head.

"No, no it won't, I can't give you the one thing you want. And it breaks me. I can't bare to watch the sadness in your eyes anymore." You finally let out your emotions.

"Babe." He tried to get you to look at him. But you refused to meet his eyes.

"(Y/N)." He said sternly which gave you no choice but to look up at him, "there's still an option." You sniffled tilting your head.

"Then let's adopt." He gave you a small. You bit your lip looking away, mumbling softly.

"But that's not what you want. It's not what I want."

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

It has been one month since Diluc brought up the factor about adoption. You had thought about it a lot and were ready to talk to him more about it. You need to know if he was really okay with it, or well that was the plan, lately you haven't been feeling the greatest. You didn't want to adopt a child only to be incapable of looking after it. This particular morning had you feeling the worst, you sat up in bed holding your stomach. You couldn't tell if you needed to throw up or not. You don't know why but it made you want to cry, and your eyes began to tear up. Diluc who was still in bed next to you woke and saw your distressed face immediately got up beside you. He rubbed your lower back hoping it would ease you a bit.

"Are you alright?" His voice laced with concern. You shook your head.

"I-I uh," you felt it rising, you shook your head more to say 'I'm really not okay' and ran to the bathroom.

Worried Diluc followed after you. You began to throw up. Diluc knelt beside you holding your hair back with one hand and rubbing your back with the other. It felt very soothing despite currently wrenching your guts up. After a minute of puking you finally stopped. He picked you up bridal style and brought you back to the bed.

"I'm getting the doctor and I'm staying home today with you." He tucked you into bed kissing your forehead.

"It's fine, I'm fine. I probably just caught a flu or something, nothing major." You smiled trying to play it off but inside you felt like crap and Diluc could see it in your face.

"You aren't talking your way out of this one." His mind was made up and there would be no convincing him otherwise.

Diluc got dressed which you happily watched and enjoyed. He went downstairs and made arrangements for someone to fetch a doctor from Mondstadt and for the maids to prepare soup for you. He came back minutes later with a tray in hand. He placed it on the bedside table and brought a chair to sit beside you. You couldn't help but blush. It was unusual for Diluc to act like a housewife, it warmed your heart knowing you meant that much to him.

"Are you able to eat?" He asked feeling your forehead. No fever, that's good he thought.

"Actually yes, though I don't feel like soup." You felt bad cuz he went through the trouble of getting made.

"Oh, then what? I'll get whatever you want." It didn't bother him that you didn't want the soup.

"I want a sunsettia." You stated plainly. Diluc couldn't help but chuckle.

"Don't be so extravagant on me now." You couldn't help but laugh.

About an hour later the doctor from Mondstadt had arrived. Diluc had left to see about duties around the Winery. You had explained everything to the doctor and he rubbed his chin in thought.

"My dear, I believe your pregnant." The doctor smiled. You stared at him in disbelief. You weren't even sure if you heard him correctly.

"I'm sorry doctor. But could you repeat that?"

"I know the last time you came to see me, I said otherwise but sometimes it doesn't show straight away. But you are indeed pregnant." He said again.

"Thank you," you cried for the first time in a while with happy tears.

"Thank you, Barbatos. Thank you." You began thanking everything as you cradled your stomach. The doctor smiled and squeezed your shoulder.

"I'll be on my way then, congratulations." With that the doctor left. On his way out he pasted Diluc.

"Doctor how is everything? Is she okay?" Diluc pestered him for answers.

"Go find out for yourself." Was all he said and left back to Mondstadt.

Diluc turned inside to head to the room but you were already at the bottom of the stairs. Tears streaming down your face but with the brightest smile hes ever seen. He had a feeling he knew what you were going say. He came over to you placing his hands on your shoulders.

"You're going to be a father." Your words were so soft you were sure he didn't hear you.

But he did. Diluc dropped to his knees and hugged your waist. Tears of his own stained your nightgown.

"I'm so happy." His voice shook and he kissed your stomach. You smiled holding his head close.

"Me too..I'm so glad you never gave up." You really were, and you weren't sure if you would be able to ever truly express that. Diluc smiled and stood up, pulling you close to him.

"I love you." His smile widened and brought in for a passionate kiss. Your body and heart melted.

"I love you too." You spoke softly onto his lips.

[alethei4]

Taking care of you when you’re sick

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀

characters: xiao, diluc, kaeya, la signora, albedo and dottore pronouns: gender neutral warnings: being sick, marriage (diluc’s part), alcohol (kaeya’s part), mentions of throwing up (Albedo’s part), yandere-ish themes (Dottore’s part)

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ❀

Xiao’s confused, to say the least. Since he’s an Adepti, he doesn't know a lot about humans nor he knows what to do when they’re sick. That doesn’t mean he won’t try his best though! So when you paid him a visit, he knew something was off. You weren’t as energetic as before, talked less and you shivered. But you reassured him you were completely fine and he didn’t need to worry. He still kept an eye on you.

Diluc, on the other hand, knows almost immediately what to do when you’re sick and he takes a day off, so he can take care of you. He tells Adelinde to bring to your shared bedroom some medicine and food, while he holds you close to himself and whispers sweet nothings to your ear. He tells you how much he loves you, how much he adores your strength and how happy he is that he married you.

Kaeya hates, when you’re sick. Mostly because he should restrain from teasing you when you can barely form a single statement. So instead, he offers you his lap. And of course, you get something to warm up as well - and this something is mulled wine. Kaeya assures you a glass of alcohol won’t harm you and you eventually give in. You trust Kaeya and you know he would never do anything to hurt you.

La Signora wasn’t with you, when you got sick. Well, at least not on the first day. Her duties kept her away from you for a little, but she came as soon as she heard that Y/n didn’t show up to work yesterday. You were currently suffering in your bed when she visited you and the state she found you in broke her heart. She immediately tells some underlings to bring her everything you’d need and then she plays with your hair, telling you that it’s almost over and that you’re gonna feel better in a minute.

You were sitting with Albedo in his laboratory in Dragonspine, so it was almost sure you’ll get sick sooner or later. And when that day came, he offered you some medical potion...But as soon as you tasted it, you almost threw up. It took Albedo a lot of convincing that it’s not in fact poison and that medicine usually tastes bad. Because...Why something that was meant to help you tasted that bad? Was he sure that he didn’t accidentally give you something else? But after some time, you drank the whole thing and as a reward, you got a lot of kisses and cuddles after he was done with his work.

Dottore was away when you got sick and because of that you had to suffer alone. He’s caught off guard when he comes home and sees you bedridden. He knows what that means. You’ve gone outside and some of his underlings caught you. Great. Now not only is he mad that you disobeyed him, but you’ve got yourself sick too! That’s why he’s always told you that he knows better. He sighs and sits next to you on bed. Your sleeping face is so cute...It would be a shame if something happened to it. But what is he supposed to do, when his pet constantly disobeys him

[pearlywritings]

imagine the twins getting more fascinated with their baby brother as he gets a bit older, their attention is caught when he was trying to sit and crawl, and they try their best to help him even if they don't know how to treat such a delicate kid. and then they try to help him walk, with one twin on a different extreme and encouraging their brother to walk to where the other is standing.

AAAAAAAAAAH ANON YOU ARE A GENIUS

Ru and Lu really love their little brother! Their parents did their best to prepare the two for another child soon settling in the household, so there is hardly any jealousy in twins. If anything they have so many questions about the baby, asking mom and dad to compare how was it when they were little, asking for their baby pictures, asking to make similar baby pictures of Cyrus... Despite him being so little they like spending time with him (especially after growing more curious from the stories their elder cousine told them of the time she watched them growing from babies to what they are now). At the time they could spend hours standing at the crib and just staring at him. Ask mom to carry him around a little. Showing him everything in the winery, introducing to every maid and worker (if they are outside and under watchful eyes of their parents or Adelinde), even if the little boy doesn't understand anything yet.

While inside and done with classes and too lazy to go and explore the ground around the manor for the Nth time, they like to hang out either in their dad's home office or with their mom and clearly their baby brother is with one of the parents. They feel a great sense of responsibility when they are trusted to watch Cyrus (even if Diluc or their mom is still present), and try to include him in their games as much as possible.

They are there to witness him crawling and sitting for the first time, watching him moving around in fascination. Wow, he is growing.

When the first attempts to stand up start though, they are at such loss. Especially when no one else is in the room. They heard that mom and dad helped them a little to stand up and they assume that that's what they are supposed to do immediately too. Maybe they do argue a little, trying to figure out how to assist him, debating whether it's better to offer him a hand or just take him by the waist and put him on his feet. I can honestly see their dog coming in the middle of that 'battle' and just let the baby grab onto the fur on its side, nudging his back with it's long snoot (I remind you it's going to be a borzoi) and by the time the twins notice anything, their brother is already standing, tightly holding onto their pet. Isn't it funny? 🤣

Realizing they both lost this battle, they instead opt to try and coax him into walking. One would help to free the fur from little fingers and hold them to keep the little body straight, while the other twin would sit just maybe a few feet away, reaching out his hands and encouraging Cy to waddle to him.

The pride with which they are going to tell their parents of what happened is unmeasurable.

[liliesinrequiem]

The Truth

A/N: I’m back! I’ve been working on this for a while and kept changing it up. I think I’ve reached a version where I’m rather happy with it. I hope that y’all enjoy <3!

Pairing: Diluc x Reader

Summary: You have figured out that Diluc is the Darknight Hero. Now you have to confront him about it.

CW: Mentions of blood

You slightly moved the chair side to side as you waited for your husband to return. The white cloth in your hand only made you more upset than you already were. You put it down and spread it out on the desk. The bright candlelight permitted you to look at the design clearly. 

There was no mistaking it. The brilliant oranges and reds that made the owl on the handkerchief were undeniably the same colors that you had procured early on in your marriage to Diluc. It’d been a lot of negotiating back and forth to get the threads in the exact color that you wanted. You had sewn an owl, the animal that he greatly admired, in an array of colors that also reflected that of his vision. It’d been some trial and error (and many messed up handkerchiefs) to be able to create a product that you liked enough to be able to give him. 

The handkerchief had been a birthday gift for him. 

You were surprised that he even still carried it around when he had countless other handkerchiefs. Archons, you even thought that he’d long forgotten about it. While you felt happiness in knowing that he still used it, you could not separate the fact that you were upset with him from it. 

“The Darknight Hero?” you asked out loud. The words rolled off your tongue so easily and yet, you felt it difficult to consider. Not because you thought that Diluc was incapable of actually being the hero. It made a lot of sense that the man that did not like the Knights of Favonius was also the one taking matters into his own hands. 

What made it difficult to consider was how he had been hiding everything from you. What would happen if he went missing and no one knew where he had gone? How could you sleep at night not knowing if you could have done something? The idea of Diluc being injured in his activities made you spiral into despair. 

“Oh, Diluc…..” You wished to understand his reasoning in doing things at times. If only for a minute, you wished to understand why he had hidden it from you. The only reason you had even come to the conclusion was due to an array of increasingly odd actions by your husband and a rather fortuitous meeting with Kaeya. Diluc had been unable to have meals with you with greater frequency. He’d been spending less and less time in the manor. Yes, he was a busy man, but he always made time for you. You’d wake up and he was gone and go to bed with him still not being home. He’d become so much more evasive with you. 

What culminated in everything was an odd conversation that you overheard. Whether Kaeya had intended for you to coincidentally arrive as he was speaking with Lumine and Paimon about an odd handkerchief that they had picked up from the Darknight Hero, you were not sure. It just seemed to fall into place too conveniently. You didn’t question the fact that he even handed you the cloth by the end of your meeting. You understood what he meant. 

You heard the door knob of the office being turned and gripped the cloth tightly. All the emotions that you had been mulling over threatened to flood over. Your shoulders sagged when you saw Adelinde walk through the door. “I made you some tea,” she said. She placed the tray and you quietly thanked her. You made no move to drink the tea and Adelinde remained. 

“Will you rest soon?” she asked. “I can stay with you, if you would like.” You looked out the window and saw that the moon was high. Based on your estimations, it was late. It was probably a bit past midnight. The early hours of the new day were approaching. Where was he? Was he facing something horrible? Would he make it home tonight? You prayed to Barbatos that he was safe.

You turned back to look at Adelinde. “I’ll rest soon,” you answered, “I’m sure he’ll be home soon. But Adelinde...go to sleep. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright.” She only nodded and stopped at the threshold of the door for a brief moment. You knew that she did not want to leave you alone, but she would be unable to convince you. You were going to stick around until he came home. 

Time seemingly passed as the tea in the teapot turned cold. You had barely touched the tea in the cup that Adelinde had served a while ago. The moon seemed to be moving down more and more. The exhaustion of not having slept yet was getting to you. You’d put your head down on the desk to rest your eyes a bit when you heard the door opening once more. You looked up and half-expected it to be Adelinde, but you felt your heart stop when you saw it was Diluc. You remained quiet as he entered and dropped his sword on the ground. 

Your husband looked at you in surprise and said, “(Y/N)?” You noticed that he looked extremely tired. His outfit seemed to be in disarray. The coat was dirtied with mud and you could only wonder if the red stains on his white shirt were his or the monsters that he had killed. His hair was disheveled. While you were concerned about his well-being, you had come too far to not confront him. “What are you doing up?” 

“Waiting for you,” you said. “How’s the Darknight Hero doing?” You dropped the handkerchief onto the desk and you watched how your husband reacted. Immediate recognition of the handkerchief lit up on his face. He looked at you with a frown.  

“(Y/N), it’s late. Why don’t we talk tomorrow?” Exhaustion weighed on his voice. It was your turn to frown. 

“No,” you said softly, “I want answers, Diluc.” You had spent so much of the day going over many things in an endless loop. You wanted to know everything. His shoulders dropped and you bit your lip. You had no desire to argue with him. You just wanted to know. You stood up and moved around the desk to be standing in front of Diluc. “Are you the Darknight Hero?” 

Your heart beat loudly as you waited for an answer. Then, “Yes.” The simple response was all that you needed to fully accept it. You closed your eyes and sighed deeply. You looked at Diluc. 

“Why didn’t you tell me, Diluc?” you asked. “Do you not trust me?” Your voice cracked with the last question. It’d been the one thing that your mind had been circling back to the entire day. Lumine and Paimon knew that he was the Darknight Hero. Kaeya had figured it out. How many more people knew this information? How come he hadn’t told you?

Diluc gripped your hands, a surprising move, and said, “(Y/N), I do trust you. But I don’t want you caught up in all of this. I don’t want to cause harm to you. I…” He did not finish his sentence. You remained quiet. While you knew that he had good intentions, you hated that he had hidden a lot from you. You let go of one of his hands and placed your hand on his cheek. 

“Diluc,” you said, “Isn’t it more dangerous for me to not be aware of what you are? Knowing all of this now, I can be more alert about everything. As much as I appreciate it, I would like to know who my beloved husband’s enemies are. What if you’re seriously hurt and we don’t know where you went? You can’t just rely on yourself, you fool! Look at you right now! Ready to keel over. Were you going to try and wrap up any wounds on your own?” You pointed to the darkening red stain on his white shirt. He looked down at it. You also noticed that he had gotten paler than when he came in.

“I’m sorry,” he said. 

“I don’t think that it was okay to hide this from you, Diluc. But….I understand why you did. Just..just tell me the next time that you head out to do whatever the Darknight Hero does. It’d be better to know than to be left in the dark. If anything happened to you…” You trailed off. The idea of anything bad happening to him made you greatly upset. 

“I will,” he said. Suddenly, he seemed to lose his energy as he fell forward and into your arms. You panicked a little, but calmed down when you felt him gripping your waist gently. He was still conscious.

“Diluc, let’s sit you down. I’ll get some bandages and work on your wounds, okay?” you said as you sat him down. You were aware that he had some first aid in his office and looked around through one of the drawers and pulled out the bag. You hurried over to him and started to help him out of his coat and his shirt. You pulled out the cotton pads and poured out the wound cleaner. You kneeled to work on his wound.

“I’m sorry for causing you distress,” he whispered. You didn’t stop wiping away at the blood that came out. Your thoughts kept swirling around as you worked. Your concern for him being the Darknight Hero was well-warranted, it seemed. Your mixed feelings had mostly disappeared because he had admitted who he was. Your worry had only gotten worse as you worked on stopping the bleeding.

“I love you, you know? Of course I’d be worried about what you’re doing when you’re avoiding me! I’m just happy to have been able to catch you tonight. How would you have dealt with this?” you said. You pressed the cotton pad and breathed a sigh of relief when the bleeding stopped. 

“I love you too,” he said. You smiled softly and pulled out the bandages to wrap them around him. His hand held onto your shoulder as you worked. Though he did not speak, he did wince at times as you wound up the cloth. You finished wrapping up the bandages, stood up, and kissed Diluc’s forehead. 

“Now, how about we go to bed? You need rest.” 

[bunny-rambles]

Here's an idea: Diluc and Kaeya with an older sibling reader. Can you imagine the insanity that occurs before and after their falling out?

Things like the attic boogeyman, where the boys forced reader to accompany them in looking around because they were too scared even with their flimsy lamp. When they arrived, they ran into Crepus who was like: Hi kids! But that just made them scream because they were startled. Then when Crepus said: It's ok, it's just me! They screamed louder and all bolted back downstairs where they hid in readers room until Adelinde found them.

Itty bitty Kaeya getting found by reader and being taken to the house, Kaeya going to them after a bad dream with Diluc or just holding onto them in general because he feels safe with them.

During the first Golden apple event, while Diluc and Kaeya are talking, they're eventually rejoined by MC and the topic arrives at the attic boogeyman. Kaeyas been telling the story to the kids in Mondstadt and it's become a popular ghost story to tell around a campfire. Then MC says: You know the boogeyman was just dad right?

And the recording ends there.

(I know realistically the boys probably realized it was just Crepus a loooong time ago but just humor me here)

Mc finding out about the dark knight hero one night on their way home, taking one look at him and in the day, immediately calling him the chicken dumbass while staring daggers at Diluc because they'd recognize his ass anywhere, disguised or not.

Just- shenanigans with a third ragvindir who is older than the boys and tries to keep them in check but occasionally gets dragged into their bullshit.

This is just some of the brainrot I've had about them, I can send more later if you'd like!

🐈‍⬛- anon

Oh my god I love this idea

I really like the idea of them having a younger sibling that they’re both overprotective of, but an older sibling is just as good.

Maybe not too older so all of them are childish enough to believe the rumour about the demon in the attic.

It’s probably Kaeya that started the whole thing, the little shit.

I can imagine Diluc still being the rational one out of the three of you but honestly you’re three dumbasses with one working braincell and it’s at 20% at best

So he would try to get you two to not go in but you’re just as much as a little shut as Kaeya, so you convince them to come with you at night lmfao. But it would work if they convinced you too, but I’m 100% convinced Diluc would be the one stalling not going.

Kaeya, the little shit (again) would be the first one to scream and it would cause a screaming domino effect. He sees something shift in the shadows and you and Diluc don’t even know what you’re screaming at. Then when Crepus appears, you’re all screaming louder for different reasons, but I have a feeling it might be bc being caught out of bed by your dad is scarier than any ghoul or demon

Kaeya getting found by reader is so sweet, and it makes sense he bonds with them first before he bonds with Diluc. And him running to them, hiding under their covers after a nightmare. They’re smitten with their new baby brothers, and cuddles are always offered to him if he’s scared. 10/10 big sibling. Maybe Kaeya holds readers hand every opportunity he can get, or their pinkies are always intertwined while they’re walking around.

And reader knowing it was Diluc all along is kind of hilarious- like reader just smacks the back of his head and the mask falls off. They’re just smiling like ‘knew it lmfao’ and scold him about putting himself in danger, like the responsible big sibling they are.

Do you think big sibling reader would collect seashells with them while they talked about that memory? All three of them laughing and smiling, almost like they were a family again. If only Crepus can see them now.

Hope you didn’t mind the brain rot my friend <3

And ofc you can send more in !! I’d be happy to read them :,)

[wyvernne]

ask and you shall receive ! a few of my favorites from my arsenal of diluc hcs, some lighthearted some not so much teehee

- he is a cat person 100%, he enjoys feeding any strays he finds on the streets of mond and sometimes they follow him around

- this is a popular one but mans is all scarred up from when he was first learning to use his vision, his “vacation”, various abyss missions, his and kaeya’s fight, the delusion; he could probably tell you where he got each one too

- as he gets older, he starts to look more like his father and there’s been a few times where adelinde has caught herself calling him “master crepus”, doesn’t help that he ended up taking crepus’s clothes when he returned since his old ones didn’t fit anymore

- he is a fantastic cook and learned by constantly sneaking into the kitchen as a child to help adelinde with whatever she was making (she was a mother figure to the ragbros i will die on that hill)

- when kaeya first arrived at the ragnvindr residence, crepus was at times overly welcoming to the point of showing more affection for him than he did diluc (it was in good faith but poor luc was already attention starved)

i’m obsessed w the notion that diluc is an absolute animal lover. mf will try to be undercover in mondstadt and will immediately attract any animals in the general vicinity because they recognize his scent and know he always has treats for them.

when he was little, he and kaeya would 100% just show up at the manor with random stray animals. got to the point where the winery was more of an animal farm than a vineyard.