❝ hi! you can call me athena. i use she/her pronouns. when reading my works please keep in mind that english is not my first language, so sometimes sentences can be weird or have typos in them. nevertheless, i hope you enjoy the angst brain rot that i produce when i am sad. 𝐝𝐧𝐢!! 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐜, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐜, 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟏𝟔. 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬.
hi! i’ve seen in a few of your authors notes that you’re a uni student! i was just curious what you are studying? i hope you’re doing well and life is going your way💕
hi! i am studying bsc psychology, although currently i am working full-time in a hospital for a year which is why i have been inactive as my work is keeping me extremely busy !! 💗💗 i hope you are doing well too and i am sending you best wishes 🫶🏻
sorry everyone that i stopped being active again 😭 rn im focusing on a fic on my ao3, just finished my stats exam (it was 2 days ago), and i have a presentation due in a week, and an essay due in 2 weeks ;-; it got busy but once i’ll have time again ill come back to posting more often x
was gonna buy myself a white dragon jellycat plushie and honestly thought that lady was joking when she said “that’ll be 110£”. anyways, i came back home empty handed and sad :/
very nervous to post this ngl my heart is racing for some reason lmao. still not sure on the title of this fic cuz im not 100% certain if i will be writing a part 2, but if you guys will like this random idea that my brain produced on a tuesday evening then be sure to let me know. i can’t promise the timing of the chapters though bcz i have a very busy life, but i will try my best x
warning: homelessness, discrimination, growing up poor, violence, knife crime, description of physical wounds, hospitals, ptsd, muteness, psychological trauma, depression
— 𝑨𝑳𝑴𝑶𝑺𝑻 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑶𝑵𝑬 𝑰 𝑾𝑨𝑺 𝑴𝑬𝑨𝑵𝑻 𝑻𝑶 𝑩𝑬 !1!
One of the first memories that you can recall back when you were only 4 years old — is your father crouching down in the middle of the street whilst picking up the coins that a rich bastard threw your way to have a good laugh with his friends. Your father was calling out for your name, screaming at you to help him and count all the mora, but you couldn’t move yourself out of the stupor. Your gaze was glued onto the laughing sickos that shamelessly pointed their fingers at your old man like he was a circus animal preforming for their entertainment.
That memory taught you two things. One, money was the access for power to do anything you could ever want. And two, money made people evil.
“Y/N, SNAP OUT OF IT ALREADY AND HELP ME!” You flinched at him as he grabbed your shoulders and shook you like a ragdoll. You quickly nodded, and crouched down by his side to collect the coins with your shaky fingers.
You felt something wet hitting your cheek, and with dread, you realized that it was not a raindrop. One of those assholes had spit right at your head. Right then and there — you wanted to aim a punch at his jaw to wipe off that smug, malicious smirk, but you knew you couldn’t do that. After all, you lived in Fontaine. These rich bastards definitely had the money, fame, and connections to put you behind bars for assault if you were to even try anything.
In the end, you were powerless. Because you didn’t have the money that they did. And because you were afraid to hurt people like they did. You were the two things — that made people weak.
If only you could change that, you would grasp at any chance that’d you get.
-
You stared down at the plate in front of you. It was a sad pile of canned beans, the same meal that you and your father had been eating for 2 weeks now. At least, you weren’t living with 4 roommates anymore how you had done in the past. You had no appetite, but you knew that you had to eat. You couldn’t get sick, and tomorrow you needed to have the energy to study and work around the house. Somehow, your father had actually managed to get the job working as the cleaner at the opera house, but it didn’t pay well.
Affording rent, food, supplies, and hygiene products sometimes felt impossible. Thankfully, you two fell in the lower range of income, meaning that there was no need to pay any taxes. And yet, your situation was not bad enough for the government to supply you with any financial aid. You two couldn’t even apply for bankruptcy, because then your father could potentially either lose the studio or his guardianship over you.
“Y/N, is there something on your mind?” Your father had asked, noticing that you were playing with your food.
“Daddy.. How do people become rich?” Your question made him pause, but he wasn’t surprised by its nature. After all, the only thing the two of you were thinking was money, money, money..
Money.
“That’s.. A difficult question, bunny.” He sighed, and wiped his mouth with a napkin before taking a sip of his water, “Some people are born into wealthy families, some people start get expensive supplies and sell them for massive goods, and some.. Are very educated, and they acquire successful jobs that pay well.” The look in his gaze grew heavy. He was only in his late 30s, but his wrinkles and eye-bags made him look older by at least 10 more years, “I’m sorry, bunny..
..Daddy is so sorry for not giving you a good life.”
Your father didn’t speak much of his past, but somehow you knew anyway. Your mother died during birth. When you were born your father was only half-way through his education, but had to abandon it in order to take care of you. He took two years off work, and both of you lived through his extra savings, until they had eventually ran dry. Your grandparents wanted nothing to do with your father. He was the last son out of 5, and they saw him as a leech trying to suck out their expenses.
And here you were.
Nothing to your name. Absolutely nothing. You didn’t even have friends, because children would always make fun of your clothes, and would always rub it in your face that you couldn’t afford to have toys like they did (from the fancy stores). Your dad many times crafted toys for you himself, but after one bully had broken a skillfully sculptured wooden doll of a horse that your father had spent hours perfecting — your toys became more than just mere “toys” — they were your little treasures. You didn’t want anyone to hurt them, as they were pieces of your father’s heart and love.
“Don’t say such silly things, daddy.” You got up from your chair and wrapped your hands around his neck; hugging him close. His form was shaking — he was holding back from crying as much as he could, “I am the happiest child in the whole of Fontaine.”
“Are you really?” He asked, and you nodded.
“Of course I am.”
You both knew that you were lying.
-
The older you got — the more you grew hungrier for knowledge. Your father on your 16th birthday gifted you new clothes, so you finally had something normal-looking to wear into the city. Most of your time you’ve spent in the library, studying everything that your eyes would land on. It seemed that you were a natural — you were meant for great things.
Subjects didn’t come easy to you, but you had the greatest motivation of them all — to be powerful. To have money. To built the life for yourself that was an opposite of the one which you had right now. You didn’t care if you had to be a doctor, a professor, or a lawyer. Anything would do, as long as you could actually eat warm food. Have nice clothes. Afford jewelry.
“Latin?” The librarian with curiosity picked up one of the books that laid by your side, “History, Biology, Anatomy, Herbology, Law, Politics, Sociology.. What subject are you actually trying to study?”
“Everything.” You answered with confidence evident in your voice, “I want to get a scholarship to the University of Fontaine.. My father can’t afford to pay for my tuition, so I have to be the best of the best.”
“You’re a star, Y/N. I bet one day I will be telling people that I used to see you everyday at this old, dusty library.” The woman petted your head in encouragement, and you blushed at her compliments and shyly looked away, “I am sure that no matter what you’ll pursue — you’ll excel at it. You’re clearly a born genius.”
“Y-you flatter m-me..” You played with the lock of your hair. It wasn’t everyday that you were showered in praise and encouragement, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, child.” The old lady then went back to the front desk where a few people were already waiting for her to either borrow or return a book.
-
“Daddy, I’m home.” You walked into your’s and your father’s new apartment.
From a studio, the two of you were now managing to afford a one-bedroom flat. Many times you begged your father to sleep on the bed, and that you would take the couch, but the stubborn man never budged. He wanted for his child to have all the best in life that he could manage to give. You always had bigger meals than him, better clothes, freshly washed sheets every week, a clean room, and a lot of hand-built furniture and toys. Of course you didn’t play with the toys anymore, but you were proud to display them on the highest shelf of the armoire.
“Welcome back, bunny.” You heard his voice from the kitchen. He was doing the dishes which have been rotting around in the sink for the past 3 days now. However, he didn’t blame you — he knew that you were getting ready for the exams, “How are your studies going?”
“They’re going well, daddy.” You reassured him, and quickly left to another room to change into a homey t-shirt, “Let me help you with the dishes.” You insisted, to which the old man scoffed.
“Nonsense.”
“Your hands are all roughed up and tired from the day! Please, dad.” You begged him, and the two of you exchanged a long stare, until he gave in and left to plop down on the couch.
“Have you decided who you want to be yet?” He asked you, and you ignored his question. This line always made your stomach turn and twist in anxiety, “I am not trying to put any pressure on you, bunny. It’s just.. It’ll be easier to prepare for an exam if you knew which direction you’d like to take.”
“I know, dad..” You answered back to him, finally turning off the tap and reaching for the tea towel, “I know.”
-
You were 19 now, growing older and wiser. You eventually learned to make clothes by yourself, so now you were able to not stand out from the crowd of aristocrats living in the heart of Fontaine, yet save money with the wardrobe treasures. Somehow, you managed to make friends. They were all home-schooled kids, and with a small twinkle about your background, you managed to find a way to fit in. Life was slowly building its stairs towards your ultimate success.
And then, the day of epiphany came.
“Dad! Dad! I got in, I got in!”
You jumped from happiest like an excited bunny — very fitting to the nickname that you’ve had your whole life. Your father proudly looked at the acceptance letter for the law course that you chose in the end. They accepted you on a scholarship, so you didn’t even have to pay for education.
“That’s my bunny! Look how smart you are!” He hugged you tight and you squeaked from happiness, “We must celebrate! I might even get us a bottle of wine! We’ll drink to thank the Archon for my smart Y/N!”
“Dad, stop! No way you’ll actually spend the savings on wine!” You laughed, still not believing your ears. Your father had never ever bought alcohol, and now he was willing to get a whole bottle for your sake? Felt like your birthday!
“Not all savings, but we have more than enough to enjoy a bottle of good wine!” You watched your dad walk up towards the bookshelf and move around a few of your books, to finally reach a small leather bag with some mora in it. Should be just enough for a nice dinner with a bottle of wine, “We are going to a restaurant — the best in town!”
“Really?!” You gasped in shock. You were both ecstatic, yet anxious. Wasn’t this all a bit too much? Shouldn’t this money be saved for something else?
“You’ve been working so hard — you deserve a day of celebration before you go off into the world to stand on your own feet. Let daddy treat you to a meal one last time, bunny.”
You felt touched to the bottom of your heart. It felt like you were about to burst into tears. All your life you’ve been waiting for this moment — to become someone. Someone whose name will be remembered and respected. You wanted to be someone who had money and power. You wanted to buy your father a house by the sea, so he could always enjoy the beautiful sights of Fontaine. You wanted freedom to do what’s desired — and you worked harder than anyone to reach such milestone in life.
“I will make you proud to be my father.. I promise.” You said through tears.
“Oh, bunny. I have always been so proud of you.” He breathed out a laugh, “Forever and always.”
-
Years passed by in a flash, and you just celebrated your 29th birthday in your office, with a box of cupcakes by your side made by your good friend Charlotte. You now had a bachelor’s degree, finished law school as one of the top students, and passed the bar exam with flying colors. On the side, you even managed to secure yourself a phD in Criminal Justice. You had a few years of practice at a pretty successful firm, and had connections all the way to the Chief of Justice. You never met him yourself, but you obviously had seen him before. He had your interest, that’s for sure, but you were far too busy with your own goals to pay attention to anything else. Your clients were loyal to you, and had blind trust in your capabilities. Your name was passed from one rich bastard to another, and soon you were amongst the top.
The little Y/N was probably looking up at you in complete awe and jealousy. You were exactly what they wanted to be back then. Professional, intelligent, and powerful. But as you stared at yourself in the mirror — your eyes were still empty, your heart was still unfulfilled, and your stomach was still rumbling from hunger.
You were just getting started.
Perhaps, one day you’ll be the right hand of the Chief of Justice. Or maybe you’ll take over his position as a whole. You were limitless. You were meant for greatness. You were meant for leadership.
“Y/N, a client is calling. He’s requesting a meeting today, and he is saying that it is urgent.” One of your assistants came up to you with a worried look on his face. You were already getting dressed to leave the office, but paused. You checked the watch, and shook your head.
“It is 7pm, and I finish working at 6pm. I already stayed overtime. Tell him to come back tomorrow, I think I have a free slot at 4pm if I am not mistaken.” You tried to pass by your assistant, but he followed after you like a clingy puppy.
“B-but.. Y/N!” He begged, because he hated when he had to deal with your stubborn clients. Especially, considering your reputation, majority of the people who contacted you were scary criminals, because they knew that you’d get their ass out of trouble no matter the crime.
“No buts, today I will be seeing my father. I haven’t seen him for 3 years, and my father will always take priority.” You decided to exit through the back door, so that you wouldn’t have to deal with the mess which was about to go down.
“B-but, Y/N, please!” You shut the door in his face and sighed. You really did feel bad for Achille from time to time, but he got very good overtime tips from you, so you knew that at the end of the day he will definitely have an extra bonus for a good bottle of whiskey.
-
“Now, where was I..”
Fontaine was a prestigious place, but that wasn’t an equivalence to safety. From time to time, you would hear pleasured gasps from the darkened alleys or pained moans of drug addicts shivering in the cold. But the sound which had especially caught your attention were footsteps that have been following you for some time now.
You took a turn.
The person took a turn with you.
You crossed the road.
They followed.
You could smell the malicious intent from the dark figure. You didn’t want to turn around, because then the person would know that you knew. You were panicking inside, but didn’t let it swallow you as you forced yourself to think. It was late, most places were closed by now. You couldn’t be alone right now. Some bars had to be open.
Right.
A bar.
You should go to the bar — now!
However, luck was not on your side, you couldn’t see a single bar in the area. You saw food shops, clothes shops, a local clinic, a library, a few cafés, however, not a single bar. The one that did catch your eye had been closed for 2 months now after someone got accidentally poisoned with the Primordial Seawater which accidentally made its way into their beer.
Strangely, this didn’t seem like a spontaneous ambush. The location had been carefully selected, and your escape options have been limited ahead. With a curse under your breath, you also remembered that today was one of the bank holidays. You were working today only because you never miss an extra pay day, but nobody else seemed to be as crazed for a paycheck as you.
Many people who got sent to jail by your work would always promise to hunt you down when they would be let out. However, you never thought about it happening because you haven’t been in the field for long enough for some of your foes to be freed. So, who was this? Who was stalking you?
You reached into your bag, and pulled out a small mirror in hopes of catching a glimpse in their reflection. Your palms were sweating, and you were shaking without realizing it. The next thing you knew — you cursed under your breath — as the thing fell out of your hands and shattered against the road.
The sudden noise, set everything into action. You sprinted off the spot into a run, and the stalker chased after you without hesitation. Now, your adrenaline was pumping your veins, and it felt like the intensity of it would make your heart stop from overdrive. You were never much of an athletic person, but you were running like never before. The sound of your shoes clacking against the embedded stones echoed across the ghostly streets. The stalker’s steps reminded you of the sound that the boots of a hunter made against the ground whilst chasing their prey. Silent, careful, and concenrated at their target.
You felt like a bunny being chased down by its predator — a wolf. You had all the power you wanted at your work, but when it came down to it — you were just as weak as you always have been.
It was getting harder and harder to breathe, you had a stabbing pain in the side of your ribs, and you were now beginning to get an agonic heartburn — however — your legs didn’t stop moving. Your knees were starting to ache, your feet were getting sore at the back, your mouth and throat were turning dry as a desert with each passing second, but you knew that you had to keep running.
The moment you will stop — you will die.
You had no thoughts in the moment, just pure survival instincts have completely taken over control of your movements and body. You couldn’t focus on anything or come up with a clear plan — you were terrified for the first time in a while. Even when you and your father had lived on the streets, you were always allowed to wander off due to the safety. Where were the guards? Where were Fontainians? Why was it this empty around?
And then it felt like the time had paused.
The present had slowed down, and you could see everything happening in third perspective.
Your shoe platform broke against the slippery surface, and you lost your balance as you found yourself dropping down the stairs. You gasped; your ankle twisted in an unnatural way sending a jolting zap of pain throughout your whole body. But before you could even process what just happened — your body didn’t stop falling. You had nothing to grab onto, no one to help you, and so you kept falling.
You’re falling!
You’re falling!
There was a dull thud at the back of your head as you had finally reached the bottom of the staors. You barely felt it, and you thought that you could get up just fine, but your body felt too heavy. It protested against any of your attempts, and betrayed you at the worst moment. Your vision was darkening against your will. Your mind was still sound and clear, but your body had began to shut down from the pain shock and potential concussion.
Now, the speed of your thoughts began to fade as well. There was a sharp sensation at the lower base of your spine, and your knee felt like it was locked in an unusual position.
You fought for your eyes to stay open, and felt everything come to a stop as Death itself stared back at your pathetic little form laying in the middle of the street. No, it wasn’t Death, it was the stalker leaning down and crouching next to your chest. The stranger rose his palm in front of your lips, and you held in your breath.
Something at the back of your mind told you to play dead, and so you did.
5 seconds..
10 seconds..
15 seconds..
20 seconds..
25 seconds..
You could barely hold your face muscles from twitching, and your lungs were beginning to ache. The bastard was playing with you. You could almost imagine his maniacal grin burning holes right through you, waiting for you to hiccup a breath.
You couldn’t do it anymore.
It was getting too much.
You had to take a breath.
You had to.
You were about to do it—
And so you did.
With a gasp, you instantly opened your eyes and rolled yourself to the side just on time as the stranger smashed his pocket knife to where a second ago was your head. Adrenaline was back all over again, as now you knew that this wasn’t just a desperate creep — this man was here for your life.
However, something seemed strange. You were certain that some of your limbs were twisted in a wrong direction and a few of your bones were broken. If he really wanted to kill you — he would have done it already. No, he wasn’t after your life. He wanted to see the terror, the agony, the horror, and consume it like a delicious meal. This was sick, and personal. Personal didn’t mean that he knew you, but it could indicate that he got off to this expression of violence for selfish and distorted reasons.
“You coward!” You gritted through your teeth; your eyes flaring with hatred. You didn’t want to die like this. You didn’t fight for your whole life just for this sicko to take it all away from you, “HOW. FUCKING. DARE YOUUUU!!!”
The freak laughed at your scream, and sat down on top of your broken and twisted body with a blade shining up in the air. His grip was tight — you were terrified. So, so afraid. You were shaking, it was cold, and you wanted to cry. You were a strong person, but such an unfair Death shook you to the core.
The knife plunged down fast and unexpectedly, but your instincts were faster — it never reached your chest. You managed to grab the blade with your bare palms, and held it on tight. The pain was agonizing, and you screamed like a howling animal. Your bright red blood was streaming down your wrist onto your shirt, your face, and neck. The freak couldn’t stop laughing, as he tried to put all force into lowering the weapon slower, and slower.
You were beginning to lose hope.
In that moment you remembered that your other knee was perfectly fine. As soon as you gathered enough strength, you sent a massive kick with your leg straight into his groin. Thankfully, he was caught by a surprise, and you managed to then send you final blow — with your forehead — you smashed straight into his nose, and finally he was the one screaming in pain. For some reason, you felt much more powerful than usual. It felt like you would move a mountain if that was needed, as long as you could stay alive tonight.
“What the hell is going on here?!”
You heard sounds, people’s voices and commotion. Your screams were not for nothing, someone finally managed to hear you. There was a group of Fontanians rushing towards your aid. At their sight, the freak grabbed his knife and quickly ran away. You reached your palm towards his disappearing silhouette, however, before anyone could catch at least one sight of him — he was already gone.
Without even realizing it, you let yourself fall into a deep sleep.
-
You woke up in the hospital all alone. There were no nurses around you, no doctors, no friends nor your father. The memories quickly came back to you, but you felt still. Your heart was racing all over again, but you had no energy to fight or run anymore. The logical part of your brain had already determined that you were saved, and hospital was probably the best place for you to be at the moment.
You thought about your father who never saw you in the end that evening, you thought about how long you were unconscious, and whether your clients have managed to find someone to replace their defense. You had a tendency to always think about others, but never about yourself.
“Y/N is awake!” You didn’t even notice Achille coming into the room. The poor boy had almost dropped the coffee which he was holding as he desperately called for the doctor.
“Ah, Y/N, finally awake!” Another male came in with a huge comforting smile on his face. He was an older and wiser doctor; you could tell by his composed walk and worn-off glasses. The grey hairs and wrinkles reminded you of your father, but you would think about that later, “How are you feeling?”
A simple question.
Why couldn’t you answer?
You opened your mouth just like always to speak with the voice which had never betrayed you before — but nothing came out. With confusion, you gently grabbed at your own throat as if hoping that the warmth of your palms would fix it. Achille stared at you in shock, and quickly reached for a glass of water to give to you, which you gobbled down in an instant, but your voice refused to come back. A dry, weak cough came out which burned and itched your vocal cords.
Completely stunned and puzzled, you stared at the doctor in desperation for answers. What was happening with you?
“That’s quite an unpleasant surprise..” The older male mumbled to himself, “Could you please excuse me?” And at that he left, leaving you in internal silence which felt like it could swallow you whole. Eventually, he came back 20 minutes later with another 2 doctors by his side. They looked younger, but all had a cloned serious look in their eyes, “Y/N, these are my colleagues. This is Dr. Laurent, he is our head psychiatrist, and this is Dr. Allard, who is our neurologist. We are not sure what is happening here, but before we continue further evaluations, I will give you a rundown of your physical injuries thus far.”
The man pulled a small chair to sit on and picked up a file with your name on it. This must have been the report from other doctors and nurses who have been taking care of you.
“You have a twisted ankle, a broken kneecap, a torn meniscus, you’ve suffered a blunt injury to the back of your head and a concussion, and to top it all you had very severe injuries inflicted onto your palms with a sharp object which we suspect to have been a pocket knife. You have been in the hospital for 2 days, however, we have already performed a few surgeries to lower the risk of infection or the worsening of your condition.” You nodded your head to urge him to continue, “We have stitched up your meniscus, and treated the wounds on your hands. We have also applied a cast on your kneecap to help it heal. You were actually lucky — the kneecap will heal quicker than expected with majority of patients, however, the rehabilitation for the torn meniscus should take up to 4 weeks.”
You could already feel a headache hovering over your thoughts. You didn’t have time for this bullshit. You had work, you had father to take care of, you had clients to help, and money to make. How could this have happened? Why did this happen to you? You were hoping for that attack to have been a cursed nightmare, but the reality was too depressing to accept.
“Now, since there was no damage to your throat or vocal cords upon initial examination, we would like for the neurologist to ensure that your muteness is not a physical symptom.” The first doctor welcomed Dr. Allard to begin his job.
-
In the end — they have concluded for your muteness to be a PTSD response to the event. They told you to stay in the hospital until full recovery. This wasn’t just for health reasons, but also a safety precaution. It was obvious that you were brutally attacked by a psycho, it would be beyond insane to just let you go back home completely broken down, vulnerable, and mute.
You fell at the rock bottom once again. It has been a while since depression had visited you like this. It felt like an old friend who would come and go, but only appear when life would throw its most tough battles at you. You’ve clenched your fists at the thought of how vulnerable you were right now.
“Y/N is not well! They can’t answer your questions right now — have some respect!” You heard the commotion right outside your door which peaked your interest. However, you quickly put the pieces together as to who were the uninvited guests trying to force their way through to you.
“It won’t even take a minute, we promise!” The doctors were pushed out their way, and the door into your private resting room was burst open. You winced at the loudness of their voices, “Sorry for the.. Unprofessional entrance.”
Before you stood Navia, Aether and Paimon. You have known those 3 for a while now — after Traveler had helped save Fontaine a few months ago from the punishment of Celestia, you made sure to show personal thanks and gratitude in the name of your Nation. However, you haven’t spoken to the blond boy and his fairy since. Navia on the other hand often exchanged her investigation reports and crime theories with you, but the dynamic was still too frail to be called friendship. Perhaps, you just didn’t let anyone get close enough to actually become your friend.
“Y/N.. I am so sorry for what had happened to you..” Navia started with his soap opera phrases. You didn’t want that right now. You hated being pitied, “We will do everything in our power to find the one who did this to you and to your father — it is my promise to you, Y/N.”
Your eyes widened and you stared at her in absolute horror. You felt your blood run ice-cold as sudden lightheadedness took over your consciousness. You thought that you would throw up right then and there.
Your father?
What happened to your father?
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY DAD?!
The doctors quickly rushed in as the machines hooked to your body suddenly went off with a loud alarm — which startled you further. Your body was shaking, your mouth was open in a scream with no sound coming out. You grabbed at your head feeling like chaos had completely taken over your life.
“LEAVE — NOW!”
The doctor screamed at Navia and Traveler who stood frozen in place from shock at how quickly they fucked up. Things seemed to have escalated out of nowhere.
“They are going into a shock — quickly — or they might suffer another seizure!” Doctors were talking to one another as they took care of you to bring you back to them.
finally done with exams, but now i have a 3k word lab report due thursday 💀 at least i finally finished the diluc cheating fic hope yall will like it 🫶🏻
It has been a month since Donna had miscarried the baby. The tension in the house was over the roof, but what irritated Diluc further is that you always seemed to be in great spirits.
Their dark circles, weight loss, depressive states — none of that phased you. In fact, there was one time when the redheaded man was getting ready to collect some flowers in the Whispering Woods, and you watched him leave the house whilst standing in the hallway and waving him a good-bye with that shit-eating smirk that never left your face.
There was something evil in your eyes ever since he came back. You were not the same person that he knew once — you felt like a demon. A witch.
Every time he left somewhere, he was terrified that you would do something to Donna. Your actions felt like a slow build-up to a gradual event, and he couldn’t help but worry himself into sickness. Diluc always kept any form of a weapon on himself, and even his lover started sleeping with a knife under her pillow just in case you’ll come back to haunt her once more.
Planning your murder was not an easy task. There were multiple things that they had found in their way.
First, it was your absolute authority over the house and Mondstat. The attack couldn’t happen anywhere where you could have a potential escape route or a protector. You had to either be caught by a surprise, or be forced into attacking first to initiate the whole ordeal.
Second, your servant Marie. She wasn’t always visible, but her spirit was everywhere where you went. Diluc the other day had also caught a sight of a Hydro Vision embedded at the back of the maid’s long black skirt. He wasn’t sure if she specialized in the healing ability or fighting, but as the time went on he did realize one thing for certain — Marie wasn’t a mere servant, she was your personal bodyguard. Knowing you, you wouldn’t have someone responsible for your safety without proper insurance.
Third, your abilities. Even after all these weeks of living under the same roof as you, there was still not much known about you. He had attempted to investigate and find out if there were any potential trump cards that they still weren’t aware of, but he came up to nothing. In fact, the more he dug, the more their murder attempt was feeling less and less possible.
“Donna, there’s only one way that this can be done.” The redheaded man whispered, and his words made the woman tremble and grow pale.
“Absolutely not.” She instantly replied, but instead of a living gaze that she grew to love — eyes as cold as ice stared back at her. Her lover was fed up with everything. He just wanted it all to be over.
“I am giving you a month. If you don’t come up with a new idea — I will get this done the way I see fit.” He warned her, absolutely refusing to back down on his decision.
He couldn’t let you win.
He couldn’t let you win.
He. Couldn’t. Let. You. Win.
Never.
He would rather die.
“But Diluc—“ Donna begged from the bottom of her heart, but her plea was silenced once the man rose a palm before her face, tactically telling her to shut up. Brunette’s heart ached. She felt heavy, as if she was about to crash through the ground and fall down straight into hell itself.
She was losing Diluc.
To you.
There was a knock on the door, and soon no other but Marie had walked through the door. Just a few weeks ago, she would ask for permission before entering. However, the more your terror and power grew, the less Donna and Diluc were respected or cared for by the servants of the house. They all admired you on another level, and saw the two “guests” as nothing more than nuisances.
“Master Y/N is expecting both of you for breakfast.” The maid proclaimed after a small bow of her head. Well, she might have had no respect for their privacy, but she sure was always a well-mannered woman.
“Tell that witch to stop playing fucking house already.” Diluc snarled back like an angered animal. His fists were already clenched just at the thought of you. Marie lightly frowned at the harshness of the words, but didn’t let it show.
“For today’s breakfast we have prepared a freshly made croissant bake topped with cinnamon custard and wild berries.” The maid continued on as if the other two were not even in the room, “You’re expected to be downstairs in 5 minutes, so that the food does not get cold. Do not make Master Y/N wait for you.”
And just as Diluc was about to say further insults into her back, the maid had left the room.
-
“Good morning, you two.” You said the moment the parasites had entered the dining room. You watched Marie pour you another cup of tea. Today it was buckwheat tea with some honey as a sweetener, your personal favorite. The maid’s graceful hands clothed with black velvet gloves carefully moved the ceramic teapot and gently placed it back down. It didn’t even make a sound against the wood of the table once it was put down, “I pray that you had a good night’s sleep.”
“Are you having fun doing all of this?” Diluc snarled at you, and you rose a curious brow. Marie’s expression grew darker, but you put your hand up to stop her.
“Let him speak.” You said to your maid, and although she hesitated, she straightened up her back once again and put her hands behind her back.
“Diluc, stop.” Donna tugged at her lover’s sleeve, but the man instantly pulled away from her.
You watched in amusement as his resentment towards you was now pouring out and poisoning everything around that he loved. A woman that he treasured, carried around in his arms, and claimed to marry in the future — was now humiliated and ridiculed by no other but himself.
“No, Donna, let me tell this bitch exactly what I think.” Diluc said to Donna and began quickly approaching you. You didn’t even flinch, but continued to drink your tea as if nothing was happening, “Tell me, is this.. Fun?” He said almost straight in your face, “Is this.. A twisted desire of yours? Revenge? A fucking joke?!” You watched in disgust as the droplets of saliva from his mouth landed over your dishes.
You picked up a teaspoon and lightly clicked it against the plate. Marie instantly was on your opposite side picking up the dishes off the table. Both Diluc and Donna seemed confused by what was happening, but didn’t say a word.
You stood up from your chair, and stared long and deep into your husband’s eyes. You were trying to find at least small bits of evidence that the man you once loved was still there. However, as you searched — you couldn’t find even the smallest bits. You wondered, what would the Diluc from the past think about this? How would he react to what had happened between both of you? Would he allow himself to live knowing the shame he had brought upon his own family name?
No, that Diluc would choose death over being such a disgusting creature that was in front of you.
“You are just a dead man, fuming with rage and grief. There’s a deep hole in your heart that nothing can fill, and this malice that’s spilling out of you will never end unless you’ll rot away six feet under. You never got over your father’s death, and you make it everyone else’s problem. Well, you know what, Diluc? You’re not the only one who lost something important that day you left.” You could see his vision glowing, as if it wanted to spit fire at you right there and then, “Grow the fuck up already.” You said in a cold tone that made the whole room fall silent. Diluc blinked once, twice, and took a step back. Satisfied, you turned around to where Marie stood, “I will have my breakfast in my office.”
“Of course, Master Y/N.” The maid bowed and then held up the door open for you to leave.
“Ah, and one more thing.” You turned around, but this time you faced the brunette woman rather than the hot-headed idiot, “Donna, darling, you’re only 19 years old. Don’t waste away your years on this disappointment of a man like I did. He’ll turn on you the same way he did on me, then will cheat on you with a younger woman or man, and you’ll be left alone to pick up his shit after him.” You sighed, “I wasn’t always the way I am today. I know that, that feeling that’s been growing in me back then, is now growing in you. Listen to your gut, and make the right decision.” And with that, you finally left the room leaving both of them in a stupor.
-
“Oh, for fucks sake!” Diluc roared like an animal and smashed his fist against the wall. Donna stood behind him, slightly hesitant to move. Ever since she listened to your speech, she couldn’t seem to get her head out of clouded thoughts. You laid the seeds of your plans — to grow them apart as much as you could.
Rightfully so.
“Please, just.. Calm down..”
And it was working.
“Calm down? Calm down?! CALM DOWN?!” The man pulled at his own hair. He really did seem to be slowly losing his mind, “Are you fucking serious with me right now? They are humiliating me!” He let out a small laugh of disbelief, but Donna was dead serious.
“Why don’t you go on a walk? Cool down. Maybe let out some steam fighting Hilichurls. Go do something else except just.. Being here.” She breathed out a suffocated breath. It felt like she had been holding in these words ever since yesterday — and now she was finally able to let them out, “They’re getting into your head, Diluc.”
“They’re getting into MY head? Donna, you’re not making any sense here.” However, the man refused to understand the message behind her words, “Just a few weeks ago you came to me crying your fucking eyes out because you thought that Y/N caused you to have a miscarriage, and now what? You’re telling me to.. Let go? To.. Calm down?! TO. COOL. FUCKING. DOWN?” His voice was increasing in loudness with each word one by one, and Donna could barely hold herself from wincing away.
When had he become this?
Was he always like this?
What was happening to him?
Where did her Diluc go?
“Yes.” She nodded, “I am.”
The man stared at her for one second, two, three.. Time seemed to slow down while he studied her expression as if she was an animal at the zoo. They weren’t talking, but none dared to break the eye contact. One was trying to dominate the other in the disagreement by using pure intimidation. Donna wasn’t sure how successful her attempt was, but suddenly, her lover took quick steps right towards her and roughly grabbed her by the chin.
The brunette froze in place; feeling like a helpless bunny before a hungry wolf. He squeezed her flesh tight to the point that it burned. Her hiss of pain didn’t stop him, but only seemed to make the grip stronger. She would be shocked if it wouldn’t bruise later.
“Wipe that look off your fucking face.”
It felt like he could see you looking at him through Donna’s eyes.
Diluc finally let go, and almost made his lover fall down to the ground. The man quickly walked past, grabbed his coat, and headed through the hallway to the right. Soon, the loud bang that shook the whole mansion had echoed through the walls. He left. Thank god, he left. Relief washed over Donna’s psyche; her heartbeat was starting to slow down and she began to take deep breaths in and out.
She had no clue what to do anymore.
-
You sat in front of a chess board in your office. You carefully observed the crafted pieces before you, and hummed in thought. Eventually, you picked up the Queen and King off the board and showed them up to Marie who stood by the exit door.
“I am the King.” You announced, “And you — are the Queen. You do whatever I tell you to, and you protect me at the cost of your life. However, you are more than just a Queen — you can jump through pieces, you can go multiple times in a row, and you can engulf as many in your way as I desire.” Marie smiled, but remained silent, “And I am more than just a King, however, what I share in common with the King is that if I fall — the game will be over not just for me, but for everyone.”
“Marie?” You called out to your servant, who looked up at you with adoration. She already knew what you were going to ask, “If I told you to die for me, would you?”
“Of course, Master Y/N.”
You laughed in her face.
“If I told you to let me die. Would you?”
This time, with more hesitation, “Y-yes, Master Y/N.”
“Is that so? How adorable.” You couldn’t stop yourself from chuckling. This feeling of power over others was just as addictive as a drug. The people of this house held you in such high regard, that they would even go against Barbados himself for your sake.
Suddenly, your expression went cold, “Then you are no Queen.. Just another pawn.” Your gaze shifted once more onto the wooden figures held in your hands, “Remember this — anything and anyone can be replaced, but the King.”
You dropped the chess pieces in your palms straight onto the chess board. The pieces clacked, and flew all across the table.
Chaos..
Discord..
Malice..
Death.
-
Weeks were passing by, and Donna was still out of options. Now, with a further sober mind, she wasn’t sure what she was meant to propose to Diluc in order to change his mind. If only they could just run away, but they were held like hostages to their own fates — prisoners of your home. Until this day, Diluc still called it “his” mansion, but anyone who wasn’t a complete cretin knew the truth. You’ve long planted seeds, strengthen roots, and bloomed in this house. They were strangers here, no matter how hard one would look.
“Donna, did you come up with a solution?” Diluc creeped up behind her like a ghost; she didn’t even hear his steps nor sensed his presence.
“H-honey.. Can we just.. Run away from here? Maybe we’ll build a cabin in the woods where nobody will find us.. And live there.. Forever?” The woman grabbed at his shirt and pressed herself closer to his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, but it sounded cold. Distant. Like an echo.
Diluc gently took Donna by her shoulders, and pushed her away to look deep into her eyes. Those eyes were the ones of a dead man who had learned how to walk and talk, but it was easy to tell that he had long abandoned dreaming and living.
She had lost him.
This was it.
“I won’t rest until that bitch is fucking dead.”
A chill ran through Donna’s spine. She froze, and didn’t even care to chase after him as he walked off into the distance. She shouldn’t have said anything to him that day when she lost her child, she gave him an idea — that turned into an obsession. He had become a sick man. No, he had always been a sick man, it was just..
It was just..
That he loved Donna before.
But he didn’t anymore.
His love for Donna, was replaced with hatred for you, and it seemed like Diluc’s heart only had place for one person.
It was her time to let go.
And so, the brunette slowly turned herself around to go back to the guest bedroom to pack away her things and leave this cursed mansion. She had enough money to hire an adventurer to escort her to Liyue. There was no more life left for her in Mondstat, not after what she had done. Not after what Diluc was about to do.
Perhaps.. They liked flowers in Liyue as well.
-
You knew that he was approaching, and fast. His footsteps echoed across the hallway long before he even reached your door. You and Marie exchanged a look; already expecting what was to come. After all, the walls were quite thin within the mansion.
When Diluc flew into the room, he had resembled a beast far more than a human. There was fire in his eyes — perhaps this was the first time that he had truly looked alive since the day that he came back to you. A lost hound had returned to its owner to consume it alive. You’ve ran out of things that could saturate his hollowing hunger.
“In Fontaine, you have the right to fight for your honor with a duel.” He said while staring down at you. You sat at your work desk on a massive red velvet chair whilst playing with a pen between your fingers. Your movements stopped, and you looked up at him with a smirk.
“Is that so?” You chuckled; feeling amused, “I am saddened to disappoint you, but you do so with a dualist assigned by the Chief of Justice.”
“Either you fight me or everyone in this mansion dies.” The red-headed man threatened you, at which you couldn’t contain your laughter anymore.
“They can all die.” You shrugged, “Dying for me is an honor, Diluc.” The man rolled his eyes at your response, but didn’t give up.
“Either you fight me — or I will set the whole of Mondstat on fire.” At first, you wanted to instantly reply back — ‘You wouldn’t do that’ — but with another second of staring into his eyes you knew for sure that he had truly lost his mind. He had nothing left to stay for, “I will murder citizens, women, children.. I will cause chaos, until I am stopped. However, you are able to prevent the loss of those lives by agreeing with me right here and right now to fight for honor.” He took one step after another, and eventually placed both of his palms against the table and leaned in closer towards you, “I wouldn’t be surprised if I am not the only one in the need of honor cleansing.”
You couldn’t care less about the humans’ lives, however, if the word got out that Diluc would not have committed crimes have you agreed to a duel, but you haven’t, it would greatly affect your reputation. Damaging to your reputation, would damage your status, damaging status, would damage the business, damaging the business would damage sales, and then slowly and eventually..
You will also be left with nothing.
“A duel it is.” You stood up and straightened out your hand. With hesitance, Diluc shook it, “One of us will not see the dawn, do you agree for such a risk?”
“You don’t have to ask me twice, Y/N.”
-
Dueling is about recovering your honor, it was not an act of killing.
There were many important rules to a proper duel. First of all, such were not allowed in the country of Freedom and winds. Thus, it had to happen in the country of Geo and contracts, where both you and Diluc had signed the appropriate documentations which were overlooked by Lady Ningguang herself. Since both you and Diluc were considered to be individuals of high status, it applied even further complications to the whole ordeal.
You ensured that the vision from Diluc was confiscated, and that he was not allowed to use weapons he was further familiar with than you. So, the claymores and the swords were off the weapon choice. Both of you had signed for the weapon to be a loaded pistol. Your husband requested for them to not come from the production of your company, thus, also disabling any potential advantages from your side.
The day had come. Strangely enough, you did not feel nervous. You felt oddly excited.
Standing back-to-back with Diluc made you realize that it had been years since you were able to feel his warmth against your skin. It was a paralyzing feeling. This was probably the last time that you would feel it, but the idea of that brought you strange comfort.
You looked around, before you stood an audience of people, friends, and even some distant families. You could see in the center of the seating lady Ningguang together with her two most trusted servants by each of her sides. You could also see the glimpse of Master Jean, the Traveler, and even Paimon. You weren’t sure if the sights which were about to transpire were worth witnessing. There were also guards standing in each corner of the podium, ready to intervene under lady Ningguang’s orders if she thought that the duel had gotten too far.
Well, it was definitely going to get too far.
Dueling is about recovering your honor, it was not an act of killing. However, you and Diluc were gathered here today to kill one another. One of you can exist only with the death of the other. There was no loophole or another solution to this.
The loaded gun rested heavy in your palm, but you didn’t shake nor sweat. You had long abandoned fear or attachment to living.
There was a loud voice, you didn’t know what they said, but you knew what had to be done. 20 steps, and fire. 20 steps, and fire. 20 steps, and fire.
In 20 steps, your life was about to change forever.
20..
19..
Your heart was starting to squeeze, but the adrenaline rush kept you going forward. You stood proud and confident. Your chest was puffed out, and your movement never lost its grace.
18..
17..
The face of young Diluc flashed before your eyes. He used to be so happy, so full of life, and filled with passion. If only that boy had known he would grow up into such a monster.
17..
16..
You looked down at your gloves. You put on the best pair that you had. White silk with a black beautiful design stitched by hand. It also had some pearls situated at the corners of the black lines. This pair had come all the way from Inazuma, and last time you had worn them was on your wedding day.
16..
15..
The weather today was perfect. It was sunny, and it was easy to stay warm even in lighter clothes. However, the fresh breeze of a wind made you feel refreshed just how you would in winter. The sun of Mondstat, and the wind from Dragonspine, all the way in Liyue. The Archons were truly having a laugh at you.
15..
14..
You noticed that Donna was also present in the audience. She had been crying for a long time. There was a handkerchief in her palm, her eyes were swollen and puffy, her pupils surrounded by wine-red. Poor girl, you thought, but you felt no empathy. Karma would catch up with her as well, the same way how karma was catching up with you today.
14..
13..
You were trying to recall what you had for breakfast today, and couldn’t remember. Ever since you started preparing for your death, the days and nights have blended into one. You were truly in the moment — in the present — today.
13..
12..
For some reason, you wondered whether Diluc remembered the day of your birthday. Did he remember your anniversary? Did he remember the day when your parents had passed away?
12..
11..
You saw Kaeya sitting in the audience as well. He gave you a weak smile when he caught your glimpse towards him, and you couldn’t help but shake your head in irony of it all.
11..
10..
You noticed that Marrie was not present, just how she had promised. After all, you entrusted the last task to her. You knew she’d get it done. You knew that she wouldn’t get involved.
She was free.
10..
9..
You wondered what the life would have been like, if instead of running away, Diluc actually would have come to you for comfort. What if he had processed his grief, and the two of you would have moved on? Maybe you would have children by now. Perhaps, also dogs, cats and horses.
Maybe you would have been happy.
9..
8..
You saw a shadow of your parents standing right before you. Their faces were covered with a faint light glow. This made you wonder, you couldn’t quite recall how their faces had looked like. Or the sound of their voices. No, you couldn’t even remember what it felt like to have your father smile at you or what was it like for your mother to tell you bedtime stories. Those were luxuries of the past.
The dead had come to visit, as if already decided upon the fate that was about to be bestowed. There was no way around this, was there?
8..
7..
You could hear Diluc’s angry panting all the way from where he was standing. He was fuming. He was raging. He was burning from inside out from hatred and agony. He had decided that getting rid of you would put everything to a stop. That he would stop feeling like a monster was eating him alive. That he would be finally put out of his misery.
Oh, how wrong could one be.
7..
6..
You thought back to when Diluc had proposed to you for the first time. You were still just kids, and both of you had no clue that it was already decided that both of you will get married for diplomatic reasons. He had braided a stem alongside another stem of small, delicate flowers into a ring and a flower crown. He had gifted those to you, with a pure smile and a faint peach blush hovering his cheeks. You were in love.
6..
5..
You thought back to when Diluc had got his vision. At first, you were a bit jealous. After all, everyone wanted to have a vision. And knowing that both of your parents had one, however, you didn’t, always made you feel a bit petty inside. You could recall begging him to use his pyro abilities, because you wanted to see the magic, oh so badly! He asked you, which animal did you want him to make. Without any hesitation you replied, a bird!
5..
4..
You thought back to when the detectives that you have hired to investigate your husband’s disappearance first told you that they thought Diluc had passed away. Your whole world came crushing down. You felt sick right then and there. You were dizzy for weeks, the doctor’s couldn’t help you. There was one professor from Sumeru who decided to take your case and heal you from a “broken heart”.
In reality, it was a congestive heart failure. The causes were unknown. Your medications kept you stable for some time, but there wasn’t much time left.
4..
3..
You thought.. You thought.. You thought..
Almost as if time had come to a stop.
2..
1. . .
It was very sunny that day. You were a bit hungry, but felt too nervous to eat in the morning. After all, it was going to be the day that your life would change once and for all — you were going to be with your soulmate forever.
"Do you take Y/N as your lawful partner, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"
The priest had asked Diluc the question, but he didn’t even need any time to think. The clear and loud “yes” had slipped past his lips even before the other could finish his sentence. The old and wise Priest smiled at the lovebirds, and the two of you sealed yourselves in a kiss — a promise.
Donna woke up to the sunlight forcing its way through her eyelids. She was in an unfamiliar bed, with Diluc gone from her side, and with a strange string attached to her arm. Her memory was still hazy; the only thing that she could recall was that she was speaking to you about Diluc, but somehow she ended up here.
“You’re awake.” An unfamiliar man in a black suit was sitting in front of her bed on a chair, he seemed to be reading a book in another language with a drawing of a human’s head on the cover, “I’m Sebastian, personal doctor working for Master Y/N in case of emergencies. Just call me by my name. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. Just a bit sore all over..” Donna mumbled back, to which the man nodded, “And.. My stomach kind of hurts..”
“That’s expected.” He reached for the paper laying by her nightstand, “You’ve been here for 32 hours, in and out of consciousness. Your medical record is missing information about your allergies, but considering that you and Master Y/N were having tea together, I’d say that you had quite an aggressive reaction towards some type of fruit which was used to make the blend.”
The moment he explained what had occurred hours prior — memories came rushing back in Donna’s mind, and she instantly felt more awake than ever.
“So.. It wasn’t poison?” She asked with hesitance, and the man almost dropped the mug which he was holding in his other hand.
“What kind of person do you think Master Y/N is to poison someone in a broad daylight, in their own home, with this many people around? Of course this was an accident.” The doctor scoffed and got up, “Anyways, leave whenever you feel like it. You seem more than fine to me.” He quickly detached the IV drip out of her hand, and bandaged up her elbow, “Try not to put any unnecessary strain on this arm.”
“A-Alright..”
Donna had actually never seen one of the proper doctors before in her life. Her family were strong believers in Herbology and Barbados’ will, so she wasn’t exactly sure why the doctor had concluded she was allergic to some fruit. Her whole life she tended to the gardens, sold massive varieties of flowers, and even once was a waitress at the bar with all kinds of drinks. Something didn’t seem to perfectly match what Sebastian had described, but maybe she just had to ask you what the two of you had that day to get to the bottom of this situation.
“Donna! Are you alright?!”
Suddenly, the doors bursted open with Diluc rushing inside. He looked even worse than last time she saw him. He was beginning to smell, his hair was forming mats and shining with grease, and his eyes were puffed and red; huge eye-bags forming above his cheeks.
“H-honey.. What has happened to you?” The woman gasped in shock at the appearance of her lover. He seemed to be taken with surprise by her reaction, and took a few steps back to stare at himself in the mirror.
The man froze.
Slowly, he reached to cup his own face as if he couldn’t recognize it.
“That dammed Y/N..” He mumbled to himself, “I am actually falling apart..” He whispered, while crouching down to take a seat on the ground. Now, Donna was more than worried. She got up from her bed and hugged her lover in a tight embrace, “Did they do something to you?” He pulled away to look deep into the woman’s eyes, “Did they hurt you?”
“I..” The brunette wasn’t sure what to say. Was she poised? Was this intentional? Accidental? Were you naturally hostile or angered by the circumstances? She had no clue. “I don’t know. Sebastian told me that I had an intense allergic reaction to something and that Y/N called in the medics to save me.”
“Oh.” Diluc blinked in surprise, “T-that’s confusing me even more now..”
“I know..” The woman sighed, “I know.”
-
You sat at the edge of your bed, as Marie kneeled before you with your right hand in her skillful palms. Your feet were soaking in a warm tub with rose petals floating above the water’s surface, and the maid gently trimmed your cuticles and the length of your nails to perfection. The two of you sat in silence throughout the whole procedure, as you stared at the flickering flame of a candle on your nightstand.
“What do you think, Marie? What are they going to do next?” You asked her a question, and she didn’t even bat an eye before answering to you.
“They are going to try to murder you, my Master.”
You didn’t expect such conclusion. Truly, your death seemed to be an only out for Diluc’s desperate cry for freedom. The moment he’d sign a contract provided by you — his life would be over. Staying in the same mansion with you would also ensure his and Donna’s suffering until their last breaths. But in order for him to be back in control of his future — he would need to erase you. You let out a bitter laugh, however, Marie’s expression remained as stoic as always.
“What do you think I should do?” You questioned further. You watched her grab a warm cloth, and rub your palms in gentle motion, as if trying to cleanse you of your sins.
“I am a mere servant, my Master.” She reminded you.
For a second, you saw red. Without a thought you slapped her hands away from yours’ and grabbed at her chin — forcing her to look you in the eyes. She didn’t tremble, she didn’t fight, she just froze. Your anger vanished, and slowly you melted into a fake smile. Your thumb hovered over her bottom lip, and you brought her closer to yourself, until you both could feel each others’ breaths.
“You’re my servant, Marie. I don’t keep fools around me, do I?” You then let go off her, making her lose her balance for a second, but she quickly gathered herself and bowed her head in submission, “Now, speak.” She rose her gaze, and you encouraged her once again with a raised brow.
“I believe for there to be two options.” Marie began her speech, and took your feet out the tub to place them on her thighs and wipe them dry, “You get rid of Master Diluc and send Mistress Donna back to Mondstat. Nobody would believe her that it was you who hurt Master Diluc, but even if they would, a single mention of his crimes across the world and that it was all done in self-defense would guarantee your innocence.”
She was finally done taking care of you, and proceeded to reach for freshly the ironed socks by her side.
“And second?”
“You get rid of Mistress Donna, and make Master Diluc fall into the deepest depths of despair, so that he won’t have anyone else to turn to for comfort — but you.” Marie buckled up your shoes, and stood up, instantly straightening her back, “The choice lies in whether you prefer to execute quick revenge and forget, or, to keep a hold of your revenge until your last breath.”
You laughed at her words.
“Do you believe for revenge to be a waste of time?”
“Many people who consider themselves above others would say that, but I solely believe that your decision is absolute, my Master. I believe a yearn for revenge made you into a person who you are today, and Master..” Marie locked her hands together by her chest, “You are an entity beyond my comprehension.”
“You flatter me, Marie.”
Looking at her, you saw emotions which Diluc had never expressed towards you. Yes, he loved you. But young love comes and goes. Meanwhile every single one of your servants in this house, were undoubtedly loyal to you. There was no hesitation that every single maid, butler, cook, and even the recently hired doctor would die for you. Kill for you. Live for you.
Diluc was never any of those things.
“I think I made my decision.”
You’ve made that decision long time ago, and there was no reason to back out on it now. Even if Diluc would put you in the casket, you would crawl out with a knife in your hand to continue to haunt him. You weren’t sure where this obsession was coming from. Perhaps it was boredom. Maybe, you were just that evil and prideful. Or even..
It was just fun.
-
Donna decided to finally leave Master Y/N house and go for a walk. They have been living in the mansion for a month now, and each day was worse than the previous one. She tried to make it work. She followed all lessons which you signed her up for, she learned the etiquette, she put herself on a diet, did her hair to the best of her ability, but one thing for sure — each day was more miserable than the other.
The moment that the sun would rise, she would feel the dread wash over her. Even when you weren’t at the mansion your spirit and your presence were felt everywhere. Your mere gaze was driving her insane, even giving her nightmares. She had a dream, where you were smirking at her with a maniacal glare in your eyes whilst holding a blade to her throat. Then, there were visions of you poisoning her, assassinating her, or hanging her off the ceiling.
Donna’s thoughts were getting darker and darker. From a light and careless girl, she has become something else entirely.
Perhaps, being with Diluc was the biggest mistake of her life.
As she finally stepped through the gates of Mondstat — the whispers began. Nobody in this city knew what you were truly like. How terrifying, how cruel, how manipulative. They all saw you from the best angle, meanwhile, Donna was seen from her worst.
“Homewrecker..”
“Slut!”
“Whore!”
“To get together with a married man, no shame at all!”
“How can she even bear to come back here..”
Even though they were mere whispers, their voices seemed to be louder than her own thoughts. She had to bite down on her bottom lip to keep herself away from shedding tears. Her life had become so terrible. Although she was outside, it felt like the curtains were still drawn. She couldn’t see the sunlight as bright as it used to be. A part of her was still locked away in that mansion — forever caged.
She felt her heart rase, her breathing picking up — she was panicking. There were so many people, and they all hated her. Yes, she did a bad thing, but did she really deserve all of this? Were her good deeds before this now completely forgotten? Where did all of her friends go when she needed them the most?
She had no one.
She was so alone.
“Is Sister Barbara around?” Donna asked as she had finally reached the church. Her feet felt sore, and the base of her spine was aching.
“One second.” One of the nuns had ran off to get her. As Donna waited she took a seat and looked around the church. Perhaps, she should beg, no, plead Barbados for His guidance. For His help. For His involvement.
“She’s here.”
“Donna! I haven’t seen you in a while.” If there were someone who hadn’t changed their attitude towards her — it was all the nuns, especially Sister Barbara. Maybe she was just very good at hiding her real thoughts, but Donna preferred to indulge herself in a more positive light.
“Hi, Sister Barbara.” The brunette murmured shyly, “I sent you a letter a week ago..” She reminded the other, and at first Barbara seemed confused, until she remembered.
“Ah, yes, yes!” The young girl continuously nodded her head, “Let’s head to a more private room.” She gestured for Donna to follow her out the church, and into the next building.
Barbara wasn’t the only doctor in Mondstat, in fact, she wasn’t even an actual licensed professional how Sebastian was. However, people with healing hydro abilities were granted permission to accept patients and examine them if required. Donna didn’t trust Sebastian, so, she sent a letter ahead explaining her symptoms to the blonde girl and arranged time and date of their meeting.
Barbara made the woman lay down on the examination table, as she checked what worried her most. She applied pressure on different parts of her body, especially her stomach. Then, a frown covered her face and she spread out her palms across Donna’s stomach — hydro particles suddenly formed in the air and circled around each one of her fingers — until they had vanished. It seemed that the blonde had come to her conclusion, but was hesitating to speak.
“Donna..”
“What? What is it?” The brunette was already imaging the worst. Was she dying? She must be dying! “What’s wrong with me?” The longer she wasn’t hearing an answer, the more panicked she got.
“You’ve had a miscarriage.”
What.
“I.. I was pregnant?” Donna stared, and Barbara nodded, “What do you mean I had a miscarriage?” She breathed out a pained laugh, “I didn’t bleed or anything.. I..” And then — it hit her. She understood what happened. You didn’t poison her that day. Your intent wasn’t her assassination, but rather.. “N-no way..”
She was drowning.
Her lungs were getting filled with the sea of sorrow.
“NOOOOOooooOOoOOOooOOooo!” A howling, blood-curdling cry was heard echoing through the halls of the hospital. Her tears were running down her cheeks like a river, and Barbara’s comforting embrace felt like the last hold on her humanity.
That day Donna hadn’t just lost her past, but she also lost her future.
-
Donna came back home only a week later. She might have not even known her child, but the grief was weighting down at her heart. She always wanted to be a mother, and from a young age she was told to be infertile. She never said anything to Diluc about it, because the topic was never brought up. But now, she was finding out that her miracle baby was forcefully taken out of her. She felt violated, torn, and broken. Every part of her soul had shattered like glass with pieces scattered so far apart that they’ll never be fixed back together.
“Donna.. Finally.”
Diluc was hugging her, but she couldn’t even feel it. Her body just froze, meanwhile, her gaze and mind were elsewhere. She couldn’t stop thinking about her lost child. Was it a girl, a boy, or twins? Were they going to have her brown her or their father’s crimson locks? What about their eyes, their height, their smiles? Were they going to grow up to be strong and powerful, or would they prefer a more standard and quiet life? Why did this happen to her? Why wasn’t she given a chance?
If only you had asked her to decide between her child and Diluc, she would have chosen her child in a heartbeat.
“Where have you been?” The man whispered into her ear, and she felt his tears falling onto her shoulder and soaking through her shirt. She hadn’t cried since that day. She hadn’t even said a word. Her whole world was stuck in that one moment, unable to move on, “What happened to you, my beautiful?” Diluc was playing with the locks of her hair, just how he used to.
He hadn’t changed, but she was now a different person. She was in grief. He was in despair.
“Can we kill them?”
Diluc instantly pulled away, and stared at Donna’s empty eyes. He blinked once, twice, but still couldn’t believe his ears.
Hi! Well, if I’ll get an inspiration to write for it, then I will continue it, but as for now, I would say it is in the frozen state. Sorry to disappoint! x
my phone is glitchy af today so i am sorry if some fics have weird glitches in them 😭 also very irrelevant but finally my glossier package came and i am so excited cuz last time i could allow myself to buy makeup with my money was years ago
“Y/N, we need to talk.” Diluc’s voice was stern. You hated that tone. That man dared to step back into your home, claim what’s right and what’s wrong, and now he thinks of assuming you’d reason with his fantasies. You waited for this sweet revenge for years. He deserved every bit of it. You were patient and cautious. Most importantly, fueled with malice.
“It’s Master Y/N to you starting from today, Diluc.” You couldn’t hold back a smirk from spreading across your face. The offended expression was just beyond amusing.
“Are you having fun humiliating me in any way you can? Did you think that stunt you pulled during breakfast was appropriate?” His voice sounded like it was about to crack from the pent-up pressure. You fake coughed into your fist and forced on a perfect smile.
“Oh? We are talking of what’s appropriate and what isn’t, Master Ragnvindr?” Diluc’s eye twitched, and he seemed to be ready to fight over this until twilight, but you had no time nor desire to spare, “Alright then, pyro-boy,” You walked up to a mirror in the hallway before the exit to fix your hair, “You see.. I’ve got errands to run, my dearest. I’ve got no time for useless chit-chat.”
And before anything else could be exchanged, you were already by the door running out of the mansion. Diluc could only burn stares into your back with a tightened fist.
-
“Master Y/N..”
Marie had no clue how to approach you with the information that she had found out. You’ve sent out so many search parties, volunteers, guards, knights, and even commissioners that have almost drained your wallet to the last coin of mora. You were about to go endlessly broke. Each day you’ve begged people to lend you a loan, however, no one could as they didn’t trust that you’d return it. Even so, none of that mattered when the love of your life was missing.
You had to find Diluc.
You knew he was not in the right mindset ever since his father had passed away. The redhead began to completely ignore you, wouldn’t speak a word in your direction, and locked himself away in one of the guest bedrooms. You gave him time. You tried staying positive, be patient, talk from the other side. You left food trays by his door, and you slid letters under the creak, in hopes that one day you’ll get at least something back.
But then, Diluc had vanished into the night.
And you fell apart.
“What is it, Marie?! Did you find him?” The desperation in your voice was painful. You have been so worried, that you’ve become ill. Your stomach was twisting in knots, your throat was sore, and you could never catch longer than an hour of sleep. Everyone watched you crumble down, but none of them could do anything.
There was no cure for a broken heart.
“No, Master Ragnvindr. But we do know where he left.”
“Then why are we still talking?! We must chase after him—!”
“He’s left to Snezhnaya. Rumors say that Master Diluc has no intentions of coming back. He had left, to take lives and execute revenge. It is impossible to go that far in Teyvat. People will die in search of him.”
Something cracked inside you. All you could do was sit back down on your chair, hunch over your back, and put both of your hands against the sides of your head. You just wanted to disappear. You couldn’t recall the last time you were this alone.
An agonic moan (or was it a painful cry?) had ripped itself from between your sealed lips. You were sobbing from inner pain; your chest felt torn apart. You’ve been humiliated, abandoned, and tossed aside like nothing. Did all those memories and promises never matter to Diluc? Was this marriage really just a contract to him enforced by his father? You were convinced that at least the two of you were friends. Turns out, it was all nothing in the end.
If he ever comes back — he will regret it.
-
The sunlight shined brighter through the colorful windows of your office. You had quite a lot of paperwork to do. Usually, you would do it at home, but with the “guests” around to make your life miserable, you preferred the office for today. You thought of getting them a separate house, or an apartment for yourself in the center of Mondstat. Maybe even moving all the way back to your motherland — Fontaine. You could finalize the divorce and rob Diluc of his last Mora, but you also were not quite satisfied. He had to feel more pain, more misery, more agony — like you did.
You wanted to ruin his life.
Not his status, health, or wealth.
Life.
You wanted to toy with his feelings, make him question his very own reasons and intentions, strip him of any power and confidence, and most importantly — break his heart into pieces, so that he’ll never recover. Same way you never could.
Your thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock and a distant voice behind the main door. One of the guards walked in and bowed, and after your nod, he straightened up his back and proceeded to report the situation.
“The Honorary Knight and Master Jean request an audience, Master Y/N.” You blinked at the pleasant surprise. You haven’t seen Lumine for months now, and you weren’t expecting for her to come back this soon into town.
“Oh? Do let them in, of course.” The guard bowed once more before opening the front door fully to let the guests in, “My, am I dreaming, or are the two of my favorite people are in the same room as me?” You stood up with a happy smile and quickly gave the two women gentle hugs. Lumine blushed, Paimon puffed at not being mentioned, and Jean knowingly smiled, “What brings you two here?”
Lumine walked up closer to you with her sword atop her palms; there was a crack in the middle. It wasn’t broken fully yet, but with a single elemental blow, it would shatter.
“I see..” You mumbled, and picked up the sword from her, “What kind of monster have you fought to have broken blade made by my blacksmiths?” You jokingly asked.
“The Raiden Shogun..” Paimon mumbled, and your eyes widened.
“Huh—?” Before you could ask further, Lumine quietly cursed at Paimon, and then looked back at you.
“It is a very long story, but no, relations between me and Inazuma’s government are okay now.” The blonde girl reassured you as she waved her hands in defense.
“It better be, as I do not condone criminals, Honorary Knight.” Although you were being sarcastic, your tone still made the Traveler tense up, “Nevertheless, I shall have this fixed up within a week. I’ll make some changes with a few clients’ deadlines to have this as a special priority.”
“You’re the best, Master Y/N.” Jean sincerely smiled; you could see the gratitude swimming in her eyes, “I was so scared that you wouldn’t be here..”
“My dear husband came back home, so I will probably start showing up here on a daily basis from now on.” You said before you could think through your words. Well, not like this was a secret to many. After all, Donna had spoken so much about her successful affair with a married man that the news spread faster than the winds of Mondstat.
“Master Y/N has a husband?!” Paimon’s jaw almost touched the floor from shock, “No. Way?!”
“Sadly, that I do.” You groaned; already feeling a migraine building up.
“Master Y/N is married to Master Diluc.” Jean decided to speak in your stead, but you weren’t sure if the information was for the better or the worse.
“Diluc has a spouse?! But I thought that he was with Donna..” Paimon’s last sentence made everyone go quiet. Lumine lightly slapped her flying companion on the back of her head for messing up, meanwhile, the Acting Grand Master sensed that this was their queue to leave.
“A-anyway.. Thank you, Master Y/N. We will be seeing you later.” Jean forced on a smile, and soon they were all out the door.
You couldn’t help but replay the words over and over in your head. Without realizing it, you felt something warm and wet streaming down your palm. Looking down you discovered that you dug your fingernails so deep in your flesh that they broke the skin and made you bleed. You couldn’t even feel it. Almost as if you were somewhere else entirely.
-
“This is really bad! We should tell Master Y/N that Master Diluc is cheating!” Was the first thing Paimon said once Lumine and Jean were outside of the building. Both blondes had conflicted expressions on their faces, “How could he even do such a thing? Master Y/N is so nice and talented.. Ah.. This is wrong, so wrong..”
“Ahem.” Jean cleared her throat, “I guess it is only fair for me to tell the two of you a story about Master Diluc and Master Y/N.”
“There’s more to this?” Lumine raised her brows in curiosity.
“Yes.” The woman sighed, “The two of them had known each other since childhood, and got engaged at the ages of 16 for political and financial reasons. I do assume that they had young love in the beginning, but it quickly fell apart after Master Diluc’s father had passed away..” Lumine and Paimon exchanged a look of surprise.
“W-what happened?” The floating companion questioned further.
“Not many know this, but Master Y/N fell ill from a broken heart. They’ve searched and searched for Diluc in no vain.” Jean couldn’t hold back the frown that was forming. She remember those days like they were yesterday. Back then everything was different. Master Y/N had compassion, love, and care. Their heart had passion and kindness to give, but those dark times have stolen purity and light away from Y/N's mind — never giving it back.
Sometimes, Jean would see small glimpses of Master Y/N from the past, but they were barely there. Only an echo of the past. Nothing more, nothing less.
“They got better eventually, right..?” Lumine asked, and Jean nodded.
“Yes, as you can see. One day, Master Y/N left on a trip. All that I know is that at first, they visited a good doctor in Sumeru. That man aided them in quick recovery. After that, they went off to Fontaine in search of the best lawyers in case Diluc does come back. The rest is only known to Master Y/N, but even what I said just now is merely my personal speculation. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have been plotting a divorce for all these years in case their love had truly withered away.”
“And after all of that, Master Diluc came back and decided to cheat?!” Paimon could barely contain her anger at this point, as she waved her arms around and kicked her feet, “No, you know what?! Screw him! I’ll come up with an ugly nickname for him.. How about.. Hm.. Maybe.. No, that won’t do..” Jean and Lumine both sighed and left the floating fairy to her thoughts.
“Well.. I am not sure what Master Diluc is thinking.. But he is also not being his usual self.” Jean admitted with a sorrowful look in her eyes, “They both changed a lot, so.. I wouldn’t exactly jump to conclusions. Perhaps.. There is no black and white, but plainly grey.” Lumine raised a brow at the knight, but having caught a whiff of the feeling that she had said too much, the taller woman straightened her back and quickly looked away, “Well then, I must go.” She glanced up at the sky in surprise, “We’ve chatted all the way ‘till afternoon.”
“That we did..” Lumine whispered back in thought.
-
It was deep in the night when you finally decided to come back. As much as you would rather to avoid the two idiots resting under your roof, you didn’t want it to seem like you were running away. You had to come out as the winner in this situation no matter what, and you wouldn’t let some cheating bastard control where you rest, eat, and work.
“Master Y/N, welcome back.” Sometimes you wondered whether Marie ever slept. The woman waited for you by the doorstep; helping you take off your long beige coat.
“Thank you, Marie. I will not be having dinner tonight, but a snack would be appreciated.” You smiled at her, but her serious look never swayed.
“What would you like?” She asked, and a moment later you noticed a figure standing by the stairs waiting for you to finish your conversation. Suddenly, you were in a terrible mood all over again.
“A slice of shortbread with some tea, please.” You didn’t let your tone change even in the slightest.
“I will proceed immediately, Master Y/N.” Marie nodded and headed out to the kitchen area.
You decided to ignore the obvious presence for as long as possible. You took your time taking off your shoes, polishing them, and leaving a neutral essence inside so they stay fresh for the next morning. Then, you took out a roller hidden behind the shoe shelves and began picking off the dust and dirt off your coat. Of course, your maids would do this for you every evening, but you just wanted to see how long would the other person last until their patience would crack.
“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” Diluc gritted out between his teeth.
“My! Who’s there? Almost scared me to death!” You dramatically gasped and then turned around to face him with a sarcastic look.
“Stop with your fucking games.” You saw Diluc clench his fist, but that got no reaction out of you. He didn’t scare you, and never will. Even if he were to raise a knife or his claymore — you’ll never be afraid of a coward.
“What a foul language from a foul man.” You whispered under your breath, but loud enough for him to hear.
“Where have you been?” He asked and you raised a brow.
“I have no need to report to you.” You shrugged him off and began walking away down the hallway, but he quickly followed you. You stopped abruptly; almost making him smash into your frame, “But I guess I’ll indulge you. I was at work. Happy?”
“Delighted.”
“Now, what do you really want, Diluc?” You turned around to face him, and both of you stared at each other with hatred. Your rage was silent and hidden away, his was loud and clear.
“I want a divorce. You’re humiliating me. People speak about me in a bad light every single time I pass by a crowd. I’m losing respect and friends.” You could barely hold back a laugh.
“Divorce, you say..” You gestured with your finger for him to follow you. He was confused but did as you said. The two of you ended up in your personal study which you had built when Diluc was away. Silently, you walked up to your desk and took out a single document. You’ve treasured and kept this piece of paper in the safest place you could think of.
“What is this?”
“This — is the divorce that you so desire.” You refused to let go off it in case Diluc would rip it apart or set it on fire, “However, I’d advise for you to read it before agreeing. You know, there might be some elements which will make you reconsider.”
Diluc scanned the document quickly with his eyes, and the more he read, the paler and angrier he got. It stated here that the house, the business, the contracts, and everything will go to you. As someone who had been paying for everything over the past years, everything that used to be his — had become yours. Plus, with Diluc’s rage history and criminal record, he wasn’t considered to be mentally stable according to the laws of Fontaine. Thus, you were the one to stay responsible for the crucial deals.
“Criminal record..? Clinically insane..? What the fuck have you done?!”
“You amuse me, honey! You’ve done all of this yourself!” This time you laughed straight into his face. You laughed so hard that your stomach began hurting. Yes, you loved that expression on his face. The confusion, realization, panic, and finally — agony. He was feeling what you’ve been feeling for years and years at the time! He deserved it all!
“After you ran away for 3 years, I searched for you a long time. Eventually, I gave up and went to my good friend in Fontaine. That friend happens to be a divorce lawyer. We set up a defense statement, gathered evidence, questioned people for witness reports, and created a contract in advance. You were called to attend the court hearing many times, but since no one could get a hold of you, the court date was at first changed many times, until eventually the case was put on hold until I would be able to find you. Then, when you did come back, I hired a private investigator to uncover everything about where you have been and what you’ve done in the past three years. I’ve gathered further evidence and went back to court. You can probably guess how that went, but in case you haven’t figured it out — you are a wanted criminal everywhere except Mondstat, deemed irrational and insane, and you are suspected to be guilty of countless deaths.”
“You were prepared for the divorce.. All this time..?” Diluc couldn’t believe his own ears, “No.. Not even that.. You prepared everything to completely ruin my life..” He grinned and couldn’t hold back a nervous laugh. He stated at you in shock, disbelief, but most importantly — betrayal. It was written all over his face, and you loved every second of it. You wanted to see him in pain, you wanted to watch him regret his choices, you wanted him to suffer, and all because he left you. None of this would have happened had he made the right decision.
“Yes. I just wanted to see how low you would go before settling things once and for all. How many more disgusting lies and tales you would tell me.” You felt your voice increase in volume, so you fell silent for a moment, before continuing further, “The only reason I’ve endured everything thus far was because I knew that I had won even before you stepped back into this house. I knew that I would ruin your life no matter if you came back or not. I knew it, but seeing it play out like this?” You didn’t even realize that you were smiling. Your heart was blooming with joy.
“This might be the happiest day of my life.”
“You’re fucking crazy..” The man whispered in disbelief. All of this was beyond belief. For such fucked up case to go through, to be hidden away from him, and for everyone to be kept in the dark? There had to be uncountable amounts of bribery involved. And not just that; you’ve told lies, you acted your way through like an abused and damaged spouse. You had everyone fooled. Absolutely everyone, “You’re a psychopath. Y-You’re an actual psychopath.”
“You feed my ego more and more with each passing day.” You couldn’t help but take all of his ‘insults’ as compliments, “The paper that you’re looking at is confirmation of everything that had transpired. Once you sign this — the case will be officially closed. You can bring me to court if you so desire, but your chances of winning against me are estimated to be 0.05%.”
You were right. He had no chance against you, and even though admitting defeat this fast made a sour feeling creep up his back — he had already bit off more than he could chew. Before marrying you, he was warned about your family. That they were all crazy. Out of this world. But with your pure nature in childhood, he was certain you’d turn out differently — more weak and stupid. Maybe like Donna.
He was wrong.
You were a spitting image of your parents. Just as calculating and cold. He looked down at the paper in your hand, and then back at your smiling face. You had ruined a life to no repair, but there was no hesitation, no regret, no sadness. Only happiness. You were overjoyed. You seemed to be at the 9th cloud.
“What happens if we stay married?” He wasn’t sure what prompted him to ask this question.
“You get to keep your bar, your girlfriend, your friends. You will also get to stay in the guest bedroom of this house. You’ll be provided with food, water, and clothes. Your healthcare will be taken care of by me.”
“What happens if I leave?”
“You lose it all, and you flee in shame. You can never come back or start over. Any job would know of your criminal deeds and not hire you. You’ll become the man who cheated and divorced Master Y/N, and then ran away with a tail between his legs. You will also be known as a madman who in grief slaughtered innocents with the use of a delusion.” His eyes widened at the last sentence. It was shocking to him just how much you knew.
“I have no choice then.”
“You do. There’s always a choice.” You reminded him, and he could only glare at you with disgust, “I think this is a great way to put to the test how much Donna loves you!” You suddenly exclaimed, and Diluc’s eyes widened in horror at what you were suggesting, “Would she stay with a man who had lost his career, money, and status?” You got closer, and closer to him with each word, “Would she stay with him when everyone will know that she was the one to break apart a family?” You filled his brain with poisonous thoughts that he couldn’t shake off, “Would she stay knowing that you could kill when angry?“ Your hand trailed across his back towards his shoulder, as you leaned closer to his face, “You seem to love her oh so much, mustn’t you have faith in her feelings?” You whispered, and Diluc felt a nauseous wave swim across his gut.
“I’ve never met someone as sadistic as you.” He gritted out, and you bursted out laughing.
“You know, Diluc.. I am a good person to have on your side, rather than against you.” You shrugged, “You just made the wrong choice.”
Those were your last words as you finally began heading upstairs with Marie trailing behind you like a loyal puppy. Diluc was stuck downstairs with a storm of thoughts and a tonne weighting at his heart.
He had no clue what to do now.
-
Donna was getting worried about Diluc. The man began to eat less, stopped leaving their guest bedroom for weeks, and completely buried himself in books about the laws of Fontaine. He made a mind map of sorts using ripped out pages and liters of ink, but no matter how much she tried to understand what was written, she felt like she was going inside alongside him. Whenever she would attempt to communicate with him as to what was happening, he would either brush her off or ignore her altogether. She might have not been the smartest one around, but she wasn’t a complete idiot either. Sadly, all of her attempts with her lover were pointless, so that left her with a single plausible option.
“Master Y/N, Mistress Donna wishes to speak with you.” Marie knocked on your door, and you quietly murmured back a reply that Donna didn’t catch.
“You don’t have to call me a Mistress..” The brunette complained, but her voice was ignored by the maid who only gave her a small smile after opening the door.
“Donna, what an unexpected visit. Please, do take a seat.” You gestured at the chair in front of your work desk, and with hesitation, the woman took a seat, “Apologies, but you’ll have to wait until I am done. However, feel welcome to pour yourself a cup of tea.” Any other day, Donna would have insisted on their conversation being urgent, but over the past weeks she had learned that going against your word in this house was close to a sin.
The two of you sat in silence. She held her back straight but didn’t dare to touch the ceramic cup or the teapot. Her gaze got lost staring outside the window onto the endless fields, trees, and flowers. Ever since she and Diluc ended up here, it felt like all light was getting sucked out of her bit by bit. This mansion always had its curtains closed, with only a bit of sunlight peeking through. It made Donna feel suffocated like she was about to be swallowed by the four walls of this house — never able to escape.
“I’m done.” Your voice snapped her out of her thoughts, “What did you wish to speak about?”
For a second, she was silent. You could see her emotions and thoughts right through her eyes as if she was as transparent as glass. Donna was ridiculously easy to read. She seemed to be getting tired. There was an aura of defeat surrounding her.
“Do you love Diluc?” She asked. You didn’t expect that question, but it didn’t surprise you.
“I resent him. More than anything, Donna.” You reassured her, and she weakly nodded at that.
“Thought so..” She whispered, and sighed, “Is it possible for him to earn your forgiveness?”
You chuckled at her words and poured both of you some tea. With hesitation, she accepted and pressed the cup against her lips to take a sip whilst you were still stirring the hot drink with a golden teaspoon.
“When Diluc left me.. This house started to suffocate me. It felt like the sun would burn away at my skin, but the darkness would chew at what remained of my soul. I fell very ill, Donna. I was only 18, just recently married, and still so green and naive for this world. My parents died when I was only 10, he was the only one I had left — but he betrayed me. It taught me a few crucial lessons that I will never forget—“ You were finally done stirring the tea, and gently put the cutlery away.
“To only trust myself. To never forgive. To never forget. And to never let anyone think you are weak.”
Just as you were done, Donna realized that her stomach was hurting more than usual and she had an intense burning sensation creeping up her esophagus. Before she could drop the cup, you swiftly caught it and poured its contents back into the teapot. The brunette woman couldn’t stop coughing and gasping for breath as she watched you pour out the tea outside the window — erasing the evidence.
“Marie, the homewrecker seems to be feeling unwell.” Donna didn’t even notice the maid inside the room, already grabbing at her half-paralyzed body as if she were a bag of stones, “Could you have Sebastian keep an eye on her?”
“Of course, Master Y/N.”
Donna’s eyes wouldn’t stop streaming endless tears. Her nose became stuffed deep inside, but runny at the same time. She felt like from a collected woman, she was brought down to a complete mess all because she chose to trust you. She should have known better. You were full of rage, hostility, and madness. For some reason, Donna had the impression that even if you’d do something of such sort, there would at least be a warning — a built-up — but the incident just shocked her to the bone.
“Sebastian, Master Y/N requested for you to ensure Mistress Dona doesn’t die.”
Donna’s face and throat were starting to swallow up. She felt like a bloated balloon of liquids, and the more she struggled, the more it was getting harder to breathe. She felt adrenaline rush through, her heart rate picking up, and now the tears falling down her cheeks were not just from the tea.
logged onto my uni website and smth is telling 2nd year will be 10000000% more miserable than 1st one (but i romanticize everything so let’s pray i survive and dont fail any modules)
