Warnings: nothing much, could be dark for some people, idkaurrr
"Never trust the fae", they said.
Only if you could speak their language.
You remember your first meeting. How could you ever forget that? The start to your suffering, an endless pit that didn't seem to ever empty out.
"The graveyard is no place to linger on a foggy night, let me guide you through." The stranger with the beautiful yet dead eyes as one with no life said as he extended his gloved hand towards you.Captivated by such a sight you walked with him, his lantern embarking a soft glow in the ground beneath your feet.
Who could deny such a beauty, only someone who was brought up from death would come close to resisting it.
"May I get to know the name of this fine maiden that stands before me?" You tell him your name. That was mistake you still haven't realised yet. You're from the nation of heat where you usually spend the day by the beach, surfing through the waves with your friends. You don't speak the language of a foreign nation. Let alone know the legends of a land so far away.
You realise someday that it has been far too long. You can't remember the taste of the sun on your skin. You certainly don't remember the laughter of your group or the jokes you used to make. This wasn't very dreadful to you, it all seemed like a distant past. One so long ago that you only have faded memories that seem to linger barely.
The jingle of his bells as they hit one another graced your ears. Soft footsteps as the arms wrapped themselves around you, a ghostly touch you could say.
His words magical to your ears and commanding for your body. Your brain couldn't even register them before you found yourself dancing to his tune. It turned from one day to another. Then a week passed then a month. You lost touch of time a while ago. The dark atmosphere made it hard to tell the day.
When you were in strolling around in the forest the animals made it clear to steer out of his way. Never staying too close to where he stands. You found it odd but reasoned it to because they were wary of his lantern flames.
When you were in public the people would whisper certain words. They never stopped saying them. You never understood why. Some would even find the rare sight of you alone to say those same words.
"You really thought you'd get a fairytale ending?" Laughter erupts from the deep and dark part of his soul.
He's standing there with his dagger, looking at you whose eyes are filled with tears. All the emotions on his face reflect amusement and joy. Lohen wasn't a loser, his will to win was much stronger. It doesn't matter what you did. He'd win at the end.
It should have scared you at first, the whole dynamic of your relationship. It revolved around you being mean and him taking it all enjoying every second of your hatred. Maybe this was why you stayed, the ego inflation certainly was enough. What you didn't think about was how to end it. Perhaps you thought of a better way but what can be said of the past when now you're on the verge of death only if your dear lover makes that choice though.
Everything you've witnessed, all the memories you had were flowing through your head now. Poor you really thought it was the end. Lohen on the other hand had other plans.
What he likes is the feeling of pursuing whether it be an enemy or you on a cloudy day.
An arrow doesn't discriminate, it hits what it has it's target set on.
"You really thought you'd get a fairytale ending?" Laughter erupts from the deep and dark part of his soul.
He's standing there with his dagger, looking at you whose eyes are filled with tears. All the emotions on his face reflect amusement and joy. Lohen wasn't a loser, his will to win was much stronger. It doesn't matter what you did. He'd win at the end.
It should have scared you at first, the whole dynamic of your relationship. It revolved around you being mean and him taking it all enjoying every second of your hatred. Maybe this was why you stayed, the ego inflation certainly was enough. What you didn't think about was how to end it. Perhaps you thought of a better way but what can be said of the past when now you're on the verge of death only if your dear lover makes that choice though.
Everything you've witnessed, all the memories you had were flowing through your head now. Poor you really thought it was the end. Lohen on the other hand had other plans.
What he likes is the feeling of pursuing whether it be an enemy or you on a cloudy day.
An arrow doesn't discriminate, it hits what it has it's target set on.
An arrow drawn to the string can never settle back into a life of quiet dust.
Fight. Win. Survive. Over and over again. That was his life before you, before you fell in love with this battle lunatic. You never questioned him about how he knew so much about you, perhaps you should have. Walking further inside the room that you had encountered by chance you noticed the photos, the specimens and most of all the dismembered bodies. But in all honesty you shouldn't have been this surprised, he always did say he had a physical file on you.
"Darling you're not playing with the devil, no dear. You are dancing on the edge of the very knife he's holding." Alice's words made their way into your mind before you can fully process the contents of the room you're in. In truth you never wanted to continue this relationship, the horrors were far greater than your happiness. You also were very aware of your situation, you refuse and someone dies. It wasn't healthy.
Another conversation makes its way in. This time with the man himself, "Everything leads back to you. All I've done." You weren't sure if you had heard him correctly back then but now you were. More than you could ever be.
His boots never made a sound, it helped when ambushing enemies- that's what he said. You don't feel it until he's too close.
"Exploring without me, are we now darling?" His breath feels cold on your neck. His cryo vision turning the surroundings cool even in the middle of summer. Then came his eyes, beautiful but sharp. Just like ice crystals in a cave hidden away from the gaze of the world and just like he intended the both of you to be.
"Lohen you don't get it, the love we make is poison not just for me, for the both of us." You said as you backed away, creating some distance between the two of you.
"If it's poison, I don't mind you coming over just to ruin my life. Never said I didn't like the pain." He says it with a deep chuckle but that's not what made you widen your eyes. The smile he gives you is new, not the usual sweet one reserved specially for his person. No, this was something much darker. You could say it matches the one he gives his opponents before provoking them to march forward. Just for Lohen to strike the down as he relishes the way their blood spills on him.
An arrow drawn to the string can never settle back into a life of quiet dust.
Fight. Win. Survive. Over and over again. That was his life before you, before you fell in love with this battle lunatic. You never questioned him about how he knew so much about you, perhaps you should have. Walking further inside the room that you had encountered by chance you noticed the photos, the specimens and most of all the dismembered bodies. But in all honesty you shouldn't have been this surprised, he always did say he had a physical file on you.
"Darling you're not playing with the devil, no dear. You are dancing on the edge of the very knife he's holding." Alice's words made their way into your mind before you can fully process the contents of the room you're in. In truth you never wanted to continue this relationship, the horrors were far greater than your happiness. You also were very aware of your situation, you refuse and someone dies. It wasn't healthy.
Another conversation makes its way in. This time with the man himself, "Everything leads back to you. All I've done." You weren't sure if you had heard him correctly back then but now you were. More than you could ever be.
His boots never made a sound, it helped when ambushing enemies- that's what he said. You don't feel it until he's too close.
"Exploring without me, are we now darling?" His breath feels cold on your neck. His cryo vision turning the surroundings cool even in the middle of summer. Then came his eyes, beautiful but sharp. Just like ice crystals in a cave hidden away from the gaze of the world and just like he intended the both of you to be.
"Lohen you don't get it, the love we make is poison not just for me, for the both of us." You said as you backed away, creating some distance between the two of you.
"If it's poison, I don't mind you coming over just to ruin my life. Never said I didn't like the pain." He says it with a deep chuckle but that's not what made you widen your eyes. The smile he gives you is new, not the usual sweet one reserved specially for his person. No, this was something much darker. You could say it matches the one he gives his opponents before provoking them to march forward. Just for Lohen to strike the down as he relishes the way their blood spills on him.
and sometimes you have to remind yourself they’re gods
p.ii | fontaine version | p. iii [ natlan version ]
[ 12:30am ] and yet, you still resist
word count | 7.5k total
noteworthy warnings | gn!reader; excessive use of the word ‘you’ sorry lol; rushed fiction; dark themes [ ? ]; violent/gory descriptions [ ?] ( venti ); false descriptions of the archon war, implied kidnapping ( zhongli ); false post-cataclysm descriptions; inazuma spoilers for new players ( ei ); implied sag!au ( nahida ); version 3.2 spoilers and beyond ( special mention o.o );
if you find any of these warnings uncomfortable scroll away. viewer discretion is advised.
You and Diluc said each other’s first words together. It went something like this
“Rawrr”
“Nooo”
It was needless to say that the whole of Mondstadt got free drinks that day.
On a fine summer day:
“I want to be that tree”
“You mean you wanna climb that tree?”
“No I wanna be that tree”
“Uh” Diluc was clueless and tried to give you some leaves in order to become a tree.
Another normal day:
“I like Kaeya, he’s my little brother!!!!” A little blue haired boy stands proudly behind you holding your hand.
“You do know that he’s older than you right?” A young red haired boy says as he takes your other hand in his.
And off went three little kids on an adventure to find the great treasure of the wolves
Happiest birthday to my guy Diluc. Only the stars know how much I adore him and all things related to this red haired guy. I have been thinking about my life decisions and hence have fallen into despair and delusion, I'll say this is my reason for not uploading the rest of the chapters of my series chaos. Though I have it written out, I won't make it public until I'm satisfied with the story progression myself. It was supposed to be a little gift to our hardworker Diluc but alas the situation has exceeded my level of management. It will be completed as soon as I get some air, I've heard it is very important.
Anyways these are little moments of our main characters. <33
Mawuhhh
The day arrived of his departure again. As Diluc walked out from the gates of Mondstadt, he was reminded of the time when he marched with anger and rage through these very gates. It felt as if an eternity had gone by, the emotions suppressed after years of wandering. He was also reminded of the times when you would hold his hand in yours and dragged him out to go for adventures. He didn’t tell anyone where he was headed just that it would be a short work related trip. No one said it out loud but people close to him were hoping this time he’d come back soon.
Diluc convinced himself that going on this trip would be strictly related to Mondstadt’s safety. He couldn’t work or defeat monsters without the thoughts of you bumping into his brain putting the city at risk.
He first made his way to Liyue, the nation of Geo. As Diluc made his way through the streets his eyes marvelled at the structures of the city and the history that resides in those very pillars. Diluc wasn’t aware of this but he was walking on the same paths you had walked whenever you came to visit. The way you both were in the same location committing the same actions just to be separated by the strength of time and dimension. The red haired man then went to the Jade Chambers to deal with some business endeavours. The partner in question- Ningguang gave Diluc an invitation to an art exhibition, one that she promised would show him some interesting sights. He agreed as Diluc had some time to kill before securing the contract regarding his wine transportation.
Diluc arrived at the venue just before sunset and strolled around the place for a while. after chatting with a few well known officials he politely excused himself and enjoyed the silence the place offered. He didn’t find many things notable, most wouldn’t after they have original pieces of expensive artwork in their home just lying around. He did find a statue of a falcon that caught his interest.
“It is said that this particular statue depicts the Great Falcon of the West that became one the four winds of Mondstadt, the land of freedom. This one is made purely from refined gold to honour the hero and clan associated with it. Young man you seem troubled looking at this figure, might you need some assistance?” Zhongli asked Diluc as he recalled another young lady looking at the falcon in the same way.
“Mister Zhongli, an honour to meet you here. I wasn’t aware you were interested in history.” Diluc was surprised to see the distinguished gentleman who had helped him find his way to the Liuli Pavilion.
The god of Geo, disguised as simply an ordinary man chuckled before answering Diluc and engaging in small talk. When Diluc turned to look at the sun while answering the man in front of him, his iris hit the sun’s rays and mimicked the eyes of the Falcon statue. It would be an understatement to say that the ruby eyes looked like pure gold when hit directly by sunlight.
An ancient god was simply reminded of the times when he used to make such colours of gold by simply a flick of his fingers. Before bidding Diluc farewell, he muttered under his breath a blessing to the two souls he had the grace to meet in his nation.
Notes:
Short chapter yes but I lost motivation to write after the previous one, it wasn't to my taste. But fear not people of the Dilucnation, I shall finish this story to pay respects to the great month of Apriluc.
Diluc shuffled his papers and signed documents one after another as the sun began to shine in Mondstadt. This day was no different from the other, same old paperwork, same old customers at the tavern.
“Those knights can’t go a night without drinking, this is why I can’t trust them and have to work overtime.” He muttered under his breath as he found many of them lying across the tables, too drunk to even walk straight. Even though he was worried about the city’s safety, there was someone whose found a way into his thoughts and occupied them for the better half.
He constantly reminded himself that he wasn’t a teen who is on the brink of death and needs motivation to keep breathing. He was now an adult, one who had better things to do. Even so he made sure to ask about your whereabouts if he had the chance. It was of course to make sure you could get something if you wanted it at the right location, at least that’s what he told everyone. Diluc had always been good at fooling others.
It wasn’t the day time when he could be honest with himself, Diluc is well aware of his tendencies around people. He had an image to keep as the Master of Dawn Winery after all. It was the quiet moments of night, when he was clearing a camp of monsters and saw a flower from the corner of his eye and thought that you’d like it. So it was natural for him to not destroy it. It was when he found himself looking at the stars and imagined you telling him more about each of them. So it was natural for him to read a little bit about them to help clear any doubts you had. And it was in the few seconds of his time, the not grand but thoughtful gestures of his, the actions that were so ingrained with your existence that he realised how he really felt.
Diluc wasn’t a fool. He knew why he had that conversation with you in the past. He knew why he didn’t send the letters he wrote for you. All those feelings that you weren’t aware about. It was for the better, yes that was he said to himself all along. It all was for your good.
And that’s why he kept pretending like he could stay without you. It worked. For a month that is. The next picnic arrived and you were still nowhere in sight. This time you were somewhere in the distant lands of Liyue or perhaps Inazuma, as he had heard.
Even when he was met with disappointment he did not blame you. He could never, it was one of his habits that sticked from his young days to his adulthood. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wrong or right, he simply does not have it in his heart to blame you. You had been a contradiction to many things of his world. You were the only one he’d make exceptions for, the only one he’ll allow to bore him but can it really be called boredom when he was so attentive to your every action, every smile whenever you were around? This was true 15 years ago, this shall remain as the truth till time itself ends.
Diluc was trapped within his own questions, trying to find an answer that could be the safest for you both but who plays with flames and calls themselves a person of soothing waters. His feelings were dawning upon him day by day. Diluc was horrified to say the least. It also led to many interesting encounters.
When Charles offered Diluc a drink and asked if he would like something else with it, your name casually slipped out. Like it was normal. Instead of writing his own name, he wrote yours which meant a good amount of money was now transferred in your bank. Many things happened and it finally led to his brother confronting him about it one night at the tavern.
“How long will my dear brother keep pretending that he does not have feelings for a certain someone who he won’t send his letter to? This victorian love story might become the cause of my illness someday.” Kaeya dramtically expressed his thoughts while keeping one of his hands on top of his heart.
This time Diluc did not offer to ban Kaeya or kick him out. This concerned many people.
Diluc also thought over his feelings over the week and made his decision. He would go and visit you, just an act of friendship as you haven’t been sending the others any updates frequently. It made them worried but Diluc was the only one getting anxious. This time he was the one left waiting.
Notes:
I know updates have been slow but I've been making so many things for this story. You mortals shall not be disappointed.
Also the end is nearing~ maybe 1-2 chapters and then we're done!!
Diluc later inquired about your whereabouts but was met with nothing. People told him that it was normal for you to disappear for days as you fancied visiting new places.
“It’s just what an adventurer does Master.” He recalls Charles saying one night.
He went on living as usual. Master Diluc, the head of the wine industry at day time and as the Darknight Hero at night. It sure was tough but compared to what he suffered from the past years it was nothing. He had less moments to think about you but when he crossed the street where you used to drag him to or saw your favourite flowers, all he could wonder about was your safety.
A month went by and the day of the weekly-monthly picnic came. This time he figured he would go and meet everyone. Mostly he wanted to go and see you but he won’t ever admit that out loud. He by custom, took charge of grapes and drinks. Kaeya, his brother by not blood but bond went ahead and escorted him into the area of the picnic. Diluc looked at Kaeya and remembered their last conversation, if you could even call it that. His gaze then landed towards the Cryo vision hanging on his leg. Diluc’s heart felt a pang of guilt, an emotion he has experienced countless times after his return. Kaeya seemed to be indifferent to the past and Diluc wasn’t eager to mention it either.
“Welcome Diluc!” Jean greeted him as she finished setting up the picnic mat.
“Nice to see you master Diluc.” Barbara also said hello to him.
Diluc also exchanged his greeting and sat down to help arrange the feast, he made sure to give you the odd shaped grapes as you would steal them from everyone’s plates when you little.
“Why the extra plate Luc?”Kaeya asked plooping a berry into his mouth.
“It’s for that rascal, I don’t to be a part of her food battles.”
“Master Diluc, she isn’t joining us today.”
“When I think of it, I don’t think we’ll be graced by her presence for a long time. I’ll be glad to have less thing to worry about.” Jean then said.
“Is it related to her trip? I thought she made time for these meetings.”
He was then explained that you went for a long trip this time in search of some great treasure or so you have claimed to your friends. Diluc knew that was nonsense. You didn’t beat around the bush or said such things unless you were doing something risky or were hiding something. He felt as if things were going south for the both of you, which they were but this wasn’t some little game. It was the relation and bond you had with Diluc. He didn’t want to be in your life but then again didn’t want you to be in danger. He swore to be a silent protecter but it had turned into yet again another promise he couldn’t keep.
On the other hand, you were quite literally living your best life. You had travelled through the lands of Liyue meeting many friends and making some new ones along the way too. You even had a chance to meet the great Yaksha ,Atlatus when you were staying at Wanghu Inn. You liked the atmosphere of Liyue but you didn’t want to make your final decision just yet.
On one of your last days in Liyue, you were invited by your friend to visit a place she was invited to. By evening you were at an art exhibition with Hue Tao and her employee, Zhongli when you noticed a statue of a falcon placed on one of the stands.
Zhongli noticed your gaze and took the initiavtive to provide you with some information about the falcon.
“It is said that this particular statue depicts the Great Falcon of the West that became one the four winds of Mondstadt, the land where you’re from. This one is made purely from refined gold to honour the hero and clan associated with it. Your eyes were shining in a way I’ve never seen before while you were admiring the said statue, is the myth perhaps close to your heart?”
You wanted to respond to him but how could you say that the falcon lies the closest to your heart? How could you say that it was impossible to separate you and the myth of the falcon? One you had became enamoured with because it had reminded you of Diluc and the Ragnvinder clan. Instead you say, “It reminds me of a certain friend of mine”, with a polite smile.
“Are you certain they are just a friend?” Zhongli’s question made a deep red blush appear on your face. It would be an understatement to say that it could rival the colour of the pyro vision Diluc had. You dismissed the question and went to look at the other statues.
Your eyes found their way back towards the eyes of the golden statue one last time as you exited the exhibition. It felt as if heavens themselves would not allow to you continue your act of pretending you didn’t know a falcon of your own.
“I wonder if his eyes would ever shine like that”
Note:
Some of the lore has been altered a bit to fit the story.
You make you way towards the door of his room and then his house. This time might be one of the last, you think for a while. You couldn’t wait anymore, no you wouldn’t wait anymore. All those years you poured hoping that he would come back, hoping that you would alright again, all was burned. Burned by the flames you were told to be careful of.
He said that he didn’t want you to get scathed by them but who could tell him that he had already left a sparkle of that flame within you, one that had burned most parts of you. He didn’t want you to get hurt by the outer rings of flames, oh who could tell him that you’ve always been at the centre of the fire.
You avoided meeting most people but when you had to talk, you maintained your composure. You wouldn’t let a small crack ruin the whole portrait. You’d continue on with your life. And that’s what you did. You went to help out at the adventurer’s guild, talked to Barbara about the latest letter of the knights of expedition, gossiped with Lisa and begged Jean to tell you the tea. You helped Kaeya with his wine tasting and played with Klee. You even let Venti teach you a new song on the lyre. And then proceeded to chase him with a cat afterwards. You visited Diona at her bar and played the card game with Sucrose and Amber. You went even as far as Dragonspine to paint landscape drawings with Albedo. You did everything you could to avoid thoughts of Diluc but it wasn’t enough.
You did not go to the places that Diluc frequented as much as you could. You even avoided the tavern on most days since you knew Diluc would be the one serving. If you had work in the winery, you went only after you knew that he wouldn’t be there. He didn’t try to approach you and neither did you. You knew he would do whatever he wanted. So you let him be.
You began planning your next trip, the longest one yet. You would the next morning after your weekly-now monthly picnic with your friends. You sent out the invitations to everyone. You convince yourself that you sent it to all the original members but Kaeya beats you to it. He takes Diluc’s invite and says he wanted a reason to talk to him and delivering the invitation would be a good excuse. You let him do that, he promised you a whole night of drinks after you came back.
He did not come and you did not mind at all. You had a blast at the picnic, just as you always did. You all played games, exchanged stories and made fun of each other. You wanted to make most of time here since you couldn’t tell them that you weren’t sure when the next time would come. You weren’t leaving because of someone, no you had always wanted to settle down in a different nation. And now that Diluc had came back but not your feelings for Mondstadt nothing was holding you back anymore, you wouldn’t regret waiting for him. It wasn’t sure what you had in mind but you definitely weren’t coming home until you found another one somewhere else. You had love for each nation so you wouldn’t mind any.
Diluc on the other had was in great turmoil. He knew what he did was right but he thought the wording could have been different.
“This was the very reason I wanted to stay away from her”, he muttered these words under his breath while serving at the tavern.
Subconsciously he had made his way to the tavern on one of the days he was not supposed to . He just wanted to know if you were alright since he heard some citizens concerned about your well-being after falling from a tree while saving a cat. He didn’t want to face you, just wanted to make sure you’re fine.
“Kaeya when is she coming?” Diluc asked his brother after not being able to contain his curiosity.
When Kaeya showed a confused face, Diluc was even more concerned. He told him that you left on one of your trips. This shocked Diluc now as he remembered one of the conversations you had with him before his departure.
“Diluc I never want to leave Mondstadt, not now, not ever.”
“Weren’t we talking about grapes? Anyways not even on vacations?”
“Nope, I wanna stay here with everyone!!.”
“We can go on a trip after my age of coming.”
“You promise?”
“Yes of course.”
Thinking about that left a bitter taste in his mouth. Another promise he couldn’t keep. With great difficulty, he disregarded those thoughts and tried to focus on the reason you would want to leave. He dismissed his worries as he simply told himself that a person can change with time. Just as he did.
Over the days of the week you had tried to hold conversations with Diluc multiple times, you didn’t want to pressure him to tell you what you just wanted to reassure him that everything is alright. Though by the time the weekend arrived you had come to a single realisation, that man was incapable of speaking more than a few sentences at a given time of the day. This made you furstrated, you did not want to make him feel uncomfortable but you also didn’t want to act as if he was a stranger whom you had never known.
This time you went to his house, just to have a chat. A casual chat, nothing more than that.
“What are you doing at my house so late at night? Do not presume to tell me you came here just to empty the wine storage.”
“No my Diluc, I’m here for talking to my friend. You know he was a very smart boy, a true gentleman.”
"You are drunk, head to your room and sleep.”
“Whatever, you know he used to make me so happy but then he vanished. I don’t see him around anymore. No matter how much I cry he doesn’t wipe my tears anymore. No matter how much I engage in dangerous acts, he doesn’t come to stop me.”
“Why do you think he would come around?” Diluc says as he helps you get up from the dining chair and puts an arm around you waist to support you as you stand up.
“Because he always does.”
“Maybe he isn’t there anymore.” Diluc felt his heart clench as he said those words.
“Then I’ll wait for him, I have been waiting for so long but I can wait for him longer you knoww.” Your words were getting slurry and the alcoholic drink had started to show it’s full effect.
Diluc guides you to the direction of your room in his estate when you suddenly decide that you’ll like to sleep in the room next to yours, which was Diluc’s room. You basically drag your friend in and make your bed towards his bed. When you are almost about to fall, Diluc lets out a deep breath and settles you on the bed where you lay down and stare at the ceiling.
“You knowww, after he left I used this room a lot. I wanted to know what I did wrong, where I could have been better.” And your eyes close.
Diluc was sitting at his desk, he couldn’t help but feel drowned in a pool of sadness. Only if you knew this was for your own good, he thought. A few hours pass and it was almost time for the sun to rise. Your senses have returned back to normal as you slowly open your eyes and see a familiar ceiling and close them back again.
“I know you’re awake, get up and brush your teeth, the whole room reeks of wine.” His words echo as you register who’s standing in front of you.
“Diluc!! What are you doing here? No work at the tavern today?”
“It’s 5:54 in the morning, I would wait a little longer to go there.”
You knew he was being fake again, he’s been doing it a lot lately. He was faking to hate you. You decided to speak the words that have been roaming in your mind since his arrival.
“Why have you been avoiding us, why have you been avoiding me?” Your eyes flicker from his red hair to the window by his bed.
“Come on, I want an answer this time. I won’t leave you without it.” You press as he stayed silent.
“I believe it is for the better.” He finally says as his gaze is fixed on the rock on his desk, one you found for him when you were kids. It was nothing special compared to the expensive decorations he had in his house but it was given by you. That’s all that matters, it’s all that ever did to him anyways.
“I don’t get it, what better luc?” You were truly confused now. You thought that he had been hiding a grave secret that he would not tell anyone and what did you not think. But it was definenlty not this.
“Do you have any idea of how I’ve survived these couple of years?”
“You went after the Fatui so I’m assuming a lot of bloodshed and fights.” You say quietly.
“You are correct but I went through so much more than that. So much that could taint you if exposed completely.” His body betrays his mind.
“Diluc, nothing about you can ever taint me. I’ve been painted in red since I met you. I don’t mind it, never did, never will.”
“You don’t get it, you won’t understand.”
“Then make me understand, at least look at my face Diluc.” This time emotion escapes from your heart to your words. You would be lying if you said that he hadn't looked at you since his arrival and that it hadn't bothered you.
Diluc turns around and looks at you face for a second, contemplating whether to tell you or not. He decides against it. He wouldn’t tell you things that aren’t relevant. He made a promise to protect you and he would complete it. Even if it hurts you. He then turns around again and makes his way into the balcony of his room.
You went quiet, your gaze following his figure to where the sun rays have started to shine down on him. He looked beautiful, that thought came up in your head. Even as your heart was being ripped into two.
His eyes then meet yours, oh those gorgeous ruby orbs staring into your own. You could swim and drown into this sea all your life.
“You know the history of my clan don’t you? You’ve heard what they call me, ‘the crimson-red flacon "' Diluc says looking directly at your face, never once breaking eye contact.
“What has this to do with anything?” You also don’t back down from the battle of the eyes.
“My flames, I’ve seen what they can do to a person. I don’t want you to get hurt, not you.” The words feel practised. He said them to himself a thousand times before, pictured your different reactions. He knew that he would have to say them to you someday but reality is far more cruel to some people.
“Diluc, uh what are you even saying? If it’s about your vision then we can train together. I was there when you got it, I saw you getting it right in front of me. Trust me your flames can’t harm me.” These are the words you say to him.
What you don’t say is that you might already be a little burned, burnt from carrying the hopes, the dreams and the shoulders of the many people you know.
“What must I do to make you understand, we are not the same people we once were. I don’t want to concern myself with the likes of you.” He hits a mark, the one in the middle. Diluc realises he went too far but doesn’t take another step towards you. His eyes shine with tears as he sees you leave his room and then his house. This time might be one of the last, he thinks for a while.
Notes :
Okay this one was tough since I'd hate to hurt Diluc even more but the show shall go on.
Also I think the sun in games rises at 5;54 or somewhere close to that. I wanted the exact time for this fanfic and it seemed like it was before 6.
Diluc pondered over his feelings all the way while coming back. On one morning he finally remembered the rest of his father’s words
“Diluc, you should find something that’s worth protecting, something that would help you to spread your wings and see the rising sun. But remember to not burn the supposed thing or person, for your flames can burn even the iciest peaks. ”
He couldn’t let you feel hurt, no he wouldn’t. He swore to protect his family and friends when he was little and he would fulfill it now. Diluc knew that he wasn’t the same person, he didn’t recognise the man standing in front of the mirror on most days. So he decided to do the best for all. He would remove himself from the perfectly painted picture. He believed his presence would only leave a dark mark on the otherwise colourful portrait.
You find him in Angle’s Share tavern late at night. Now you wanted to talk to him but not at the night after the welcome party, you didn't want to sour the mood just yet. You usually see Charles serving at this time so you say your usual introduction line you’ve managed to remember since you were old enough to drink.
“Charles behold the great adventurer has arrived at the palace of-” then you notice red hair and a pair of ruby eyes staring at you with a monotone expression. That looks makes you completely still.
“The great adventurer huh? I didn’t know that such great adventures come to drink at such a hour instead of doing their work efficiently.”
“Good evening to you as well Diluc.” You say and finally take a seat across him.
“So what would you like today?”
“A glass of grape juice and your explanation of why you’ve been acting so grumpy”
He doesn’t respond instead he hands you your drink and then turns around to organise the bottles.
“You know, I prefer Charles, at least he supports my dialogues and serves the items instead of a certain someone who forgot half my order.”
“I must admit I do not know what you were referring to by your question.”
You see that he does, his posture had a minor change. One that not most people would to able to see but then again you aren’t most people. This has been again a long term habit of yours, you’ve been able to see clearly through people’s actions since you were young. Diluc was your most practised muse.
“I no longer wish to concern myself with the knights, my attention will be solely dedicated to the winery.”
His words come as your drink almost finishes, the grape juice settling in your throat with a sensation that doesn’t quite linger for long. You realise that you haven’t drank it in four years, the last time was in the party you had arranged for Diluc’s coming of age . You simply haven’t had the mood or need to drink it anymore, the person went but his traces couldn’t be erased. That was what you came to know after a year of waiting had gone by. you decided that since traces couldn’t be erased you’d erase your feelings. They were much easier to extinguish anyways unlike some flames that wouldn’t even bulge even in the coldest of weathers.
“That’s understandable and honestly no one can go against your decisions.”
He doesn’t speak for the rest of the time you’re there. When you’re almost at the door, he says another sentence, one that makes you not want to look back.
“I want you to be happy and I know that it’s not possible when you’re with-”
That’s it you decide, you were drunk off grape juice so you didn’t hear Diluc correctly, yes that’s what you decide and make your way to the apartment you had in the city.
Someone with eyes as red as the crimson moon stared blankly at the spot you sat over the night.
Notes-
okay so this chapter might not seem like a lot but it does point out some notable characteristics of the main characters. Also the next chapter well uh will have some major addressing done by the characters so it will be longer than usual.
has gotten interpreted in many different ways by the people who have visited the tavern, some drunk some sober, but no one has really understood it’s real definition.
To Diluc it has one simple, clear meaning.
"Evil cannot go unpunished. Never settle for mediocrity. Never forget that the dawn will one day come."
Over the years he got to know that sometimes he had to force that dawn himself.
After the departure of the grandmaster and the best knights of the city, Mondstadt was under a shortage of security. At least that’s what it appeared like on the front. The people on the other hand weren’t aware of the true power of their nation so seeing all the hillychurls and slimes bothered them and sent their hearts into a frenzy. Then suddenly a new hero came into the scene, someone who became very popular in just a few days. You were in Liyue for the past days so you had no idea about this beloved hero. You asked here and there and got to know the Darknight Hero is a wealthy, vision-wielding vigilante who is not affiliated with the Knights of Favonious. The odd thing about him was that he only operated at night. You were sure as heck curious about his identity just as others were.
You had a habit of ending your day with some combat, a habit you picked up while training with your friend in your childhood. This time you were clearing some abyss mage camps when suddenly you were attacked with electro shots. You weren’t prepared for it as you were sure that no one was left in the area. As you tried to get up another attack came right at you, this time it was a pryo one from a hillychurl who had managed to sneak close to you. You knew the risk that came with your hobbies and were fully responsible for your actions but that didn’t mean that you would be immune to the wounds and injuries that came with it. Suddenly you were behind a man wearing a dark coat, it seemed as if he was trying to shield you from the attacks. He didn't show his face but you could recognise that red hair anywhere. When you went home later you drank so much that the next morning you thought of last night as a dream you had.
While gathering information about the Darknight Hero you also heard some other interesting rumours. Some that involved a certain someone.
“Have you heard? It seems like the young master would return home soon”
“After causing that ruckass in the ice nation, I don’t think he’d make it”
You of course dismisssed those rumours, they always came and went anyways. But then Jean called you and the whole of your friend group along with the head maid of the Ragvinder household, Adelinde and the butler Elzer into her office. She unexpecteldly informed all of you that Diluc has sent word of his arrival, his owl/ bird had sent a letter prior to this meeting.
You figured it would take a few days for him to actually reach so everyone was on their toes, walking around egg shells preparing thier best gifts. No one could hide their joy, not even Jean.
The return of the Dawn Winery's master should have been a momentous occasion for Mondstadt, but strangely it went completely unnoticed. Unnoticed to all except a select few. While most citizens were busy pondering the identity of the new “Darknight Hero”, you were busy organizing a welcome party for your dear friend. It didn’t you long to figure out who the famous hero of the night was, the faces and remarks of Diluc made it clear.You also remembered the dream you had. A part of him knew that you had already figured it out but chose not to comment on it.
Your welcome party’s invitation was only granted to 6 individuals in total, Diluc, Jean, Barbara, Adelinde, Elzer and Kaeya. While you commissioned Jean and Elzer to distract Diluc the rest of you completed the decorations of the Ragnvinder dining hall in accordance of the party. It went perfect, of course it did after all you and your friends spent hours trying to make it joyous for Diluc.
The days after the party went on as usual. You were not delighted. The feeling you were hoping for to come back with Diluc seemed to have never existed. It was as if the fruit you’ve waiting to ripen was suddenly taken away by the force of nature. But you were still the strong one, the one everyone relied on, the one who managed it all. You decided to go talk to your friend.
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