✧ heaven missed its aim, and now an adorably confused angel (aka, you) is wreaking havoc (and maybe stealing hearts) across teyvat ― alhaitham + ayato + dottore + diluc + kazuha + lyney + neuvillette + scaramouche + tartaglia + venti + wriothesley + xiao + zhongli x reader ⋆ incl. mentions of broken wings, you have a little radio-like device that connects to heaven 𝜗ৎ i wanted to do more charas but i was scared it'd be too long . . . part 2 ?
𐔌 . . . 𝐀𝐋𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐌꒱
One second he’s reading under a tree, the next, the sky explodes and something winged crashes straight into his lap.
You, wide-eyed and covered in feathers, “Mortal! Thou shalt not gaze upon my—oh hey, you’re cute.”
Instantly, you switch moods. “Oh, thank the Creator, you broke my fall!” you chirp, wings flapping erratically and causing an Eye of the Storm to fall off a cliff. “...Oops..”
He stares at you for a long, silent second, “You’re thanking me for your lack of flight control?”
“You caught me,” you argue, proudly, “that’s destiny.”
“That is gravity,” he corrects.
Somehow, within the next hour, you’ve installed yourself in his study, sitting cross-legged on his table, sipping his tea, asking questions about “mortal philosophy” while petting his hair and getting your feathers everywhere.
He insists you’re a “cosmic disturbance.” Yet, when you fall asleep against his shoulder mid-sentence, he quietly turns a page without moving you.
You call him “wise mortal.” He calls you “airborne liability.” It’s… a start.
𐔌 . . . 𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓𝐎꒱
The heavens open above the Kamisato Estate during a perfectly normal tea break. He barely lifts an eyebrow when you descend, glowing and terrifyingly serene.
Guards panic, servants kneel, and Thoma drops a tray. Ayato, on the other hand, just sips his boba tea. “Well. That’s new. It seems we’ve received… heavenly company.”
You step forward, eyes like judgment itself, voice like thunder, “I come seeking the one called Ayato.”
He smiles politely, “Ah, my reputation precedes me. Shall we discuss this matter over tea?”
You end up lecturing him about cosmic law while he tests if angels blush when complimented (Yes, and then his teacup explodes).
For someone supposedly divine, you blush very easily when he bows to kiss your hand.
Later, when you scold him for manipulating nobles, he says, “If Heaven dislikes cunning, perhaps it shouldn’t make mortals so imperfectly interesting.”
You have no rebuttal.
𐔌 . . . 𝐃𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄꒱
He found you when you suddenly appeared in his laboratory, mixing around random chemicals. The first thing you do when you see him is sneeze, and three of his clones combust because of your germs mingling with the unfortunate chemical solution.
He’s delighted. Not concerned, not shocked—delighted.
“An angel, you say? Fascinating. Tell me, are your wings detachable?”
You tilt your head, halo wobbling, giggling like a wind chime, “Detachable? No, dummy! They tickle if you touch them!”
He short-circuits for half a second. Then grabs a clipboard, “For science, of course.”
You hum happily while accidentally melting one of his lab tables with divine light. You’re the perfect specimen. (He might also be a little fond. Oops.)
He stares, fascinated as you nearly blow up his lab again, “Interesting. Divine sneeze reflex causes spontaneous combustion…can you do it again?”
“Maybe if you tickle me!”
That’s how the Eleventh Segment ends up half-immolated while the Third Segment is taking frantic notes.
You float lazily above his desk, babbling about celestial nonsense and calling him “Doctor Funny Mask.”
He swears you’re the greatest discovery of his career.
Unfortunately for you, this seemingly sweet doctor (to you, no one else thinks that) is never going to let you go. So, when you tell him your signals to Heaven are working again, he destroys your little messaging device and keeps you locked up in his lab. With love, of course.
𐔌 . . . 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐔𝐂꒱
You fall straight through the Dawn Winery roof right as he’s cleaning up Kaeya’s latest prank. Adelinde almost faints.
Diluc catches you midair, with the reflexes of someone who’s done this way too often with wine crates. He sighs.
You blink up at him, dazed, “...Are you the keeper of this realm, or are you my destined savior?”
“I’m your unfortunate landing pad.”
“Ah.. so you’re the love of my life.”
“Absolutely not. I have enough fangirls.”
You cling to him like he’s a life raft, “You smell like grapes.”
“That would be the wine cellar you nearly destroyed.”
You call him “Sir Flamin’ Hot Sexy,” and he blushes for the first time since 1623.
Later, as you sit wrapped in his coat, wings drooping, you whisper, “You look sad, for someone who saved me.”
He hesitates long enough for you to reach up and brush his cheek. He catches your hand, softly, “Rest. The rest of your questions can wait until I patch the ceiling.”
When you try to thank him with “holy light,” you nearly set the vineyard on fire. He hasn’t decided whether to kick you out or hide you so you never meet Kaeya… or worse, Klee.
𐔌 . . . 𝐊𝐀𝐙𝐔𝐇𝐀꒱
He feels the presence of something before you fall.
But when the “something” turns out to be you, glowing and weightless, he can’t help but smile.
“You’re not frightened?” you ask, hovering inches above the ground.
“Should I be? You seem gentle enough.”
You look at the leaves swirling around his blade, fascinated, “The wind… listens to you.”
“Sometimes it listens better than people do.”
You talk all night about freedom, about stars, about how heaven feels colder than the breeze on his ship’s deck.
When dawn breaks, you gift him a feather, “A reminder that even the sky envies the wind.”
He keeps it tucked in his haori always, though he won’t ever say why. After all, you’ve become his little angel muse.
𐔌 . . . 𝐋𝐘𝐍𝐄𝐘꒱
It’s mid-performance when the ceiling explodes into a bright light. The audience gasps. Lyney, to his credit, takes a bow.
“And now, for my greatest trick—oh. You’re not supposed to be here.”
You blink from the ceiling wreckage, “…Where am I?”
He grins, “In my spotlight, apparently.”
You’re trembling, wings drooping, voice soft, “I didn’t mean to interrupt your… um, mortal entertainment...I think I took a wrong turn at the Pearly Gates…”
He offers a gloved hand, “Then let’s make this crash landing our special act.”
You spend the evening helping him “vanish” doves…only for the doves to follow you instead.
Backstage, he gives you his hat to hide your halo. You smile, “You’re kind for a trickster.”
“You’re too trusting for a deity,” he replies, but his tone is warm.
Lynette sighs, “You’re flirting with a celestial being…again.”
𐔌 . . . 𝐍𝐄𝐔𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄꒱
The courthouse erupts in light. Melusines scatter. He’s halfway through a sentence when you shatter the glass and faceplant in front of the bench like a sanctified meteor.
“Oops,” you mumble, “do I have to pay for that?”
He stares, speechless, “This is… the Palais Mermonia.”
The courtroom goes dead silent. What the hell is an HR department?
You laugh, “Oops, wrong universe!”
When he finds out your communication is broken, so you’ll be staying here a while, he ends up giving you a “court tour,” partly to keep you from flying into the ceiling lamps again.
When you apologize for “breaking the sky window,” he sighs, just once, “Perhaps… we can find you lodging. Somewhere without glass.”
𐔌 . . . 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇𝐄꒱
You literally drop into his personal bubble of solitude. Bad move.
“What in the Archons’ name are you?”
You, dazed, “A… creature of heaven?”
He glares, “Then go back.”
But your wings are all messed up, so he (very reluctantly) takes you back home.
He absolutely does not help you fix your wings, but he also doesn’t leave you alone. He reminds you of a cat you once became friends with.
You become a part of his daily routine and can’t help yourself from saying, “You don’t do anything fun, do you?”
“Fun is a waste of time.”
“Then you’re doing life wrong!!”
He glares at you. You sleep on the couch that night. But the next morning, when he finds you crying because your wing’s condition worsened overnight, he freezes.
“Don’t—stop crying. That’s annoying.”
He ends up awkwardly bandaging your wing in silence. You smile through tears, “You’re not mean, you just talk like... thunder. Scary, but not harmful. It's comforting when you get used to it.”
He rolls his eyes, muttering, “Then maybe you should go back to Heaven where it’s quiet.”
He doesn’t mean it. Not at all.
𐔌 . . . 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐀꒱
You land mid-fight, radiant and confused, feathers flying everywhere. He nearly trips on a halo.
“Finally! A challenge that fell from the sky itself!”
You’re dazed, “I— wait, are you fighting for sport?”
“Of course. Wanna join?”
You heal him instantly, wings fluttering. “You mortals are insane.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
He challenges you to a spar. You refuse. He grins wider.
“C’mon, angel, show me what Heaven’s got.”
By the end of the day, he’s covered in soot, you’ve broken half a cliff, and both of you are laughing like maniacs under a star-filled canopy.
Later, he tells everyone he “fought Heaven and won.” You’re still trying to explain that you were trying to apologize.
𐔌 . . . 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈꒱
You land on him mid-song. He doesn’t even flinch, just keeps playing.
“Ah, another fallen star~ Are you here to steal my thunder, or just my spotlight?”
You start humming harmony with him. The crowd thinks it’s divine intervention.
⟡ This is basically small headcanons of how I think they would react when seeing their lover fall. It's thought to be in the early stage of the relationship. Also this was not proof read so... enjoy it raw<3
Childe is the kind of guy who would see you slip on ice, laugh like a hysterical idiot at the way your ass meets the ground, and then slip right after you because he would be too focused on trying not to die of lack of oxygen from all the laughing to be careful himself. He’s an idiot and tries to live up to that name every single day of his life, apparently.
Sethos, the kind of guy who would see you fall, smile amusedly, and then fall on purpose right next to you so that you two can “be fools together”. And then he will help you stand up looking at you like you’re royalty he has sworn to protect when really, you probably look like a scruffy mess. He won’t let that thought make its way through your head though.
Diluc, the kind of guy who would see you slip, and immediately go ‘on my dead body will I let them fall when I’m standing next to them’ and will catch you with his reflex on and running and stopping you from hitting the ground. That man will NOT let his lover touch the ground in his presence. The ground doesn’t deserve you.
Kaveh, the kind of guy who would see you slip, and immediately go ‘on my dead body will I let them fall when I’m standing right next to them’ because ain’t no WAY he is letting you embarrass him in front of the world like that. He would be all like “don’t you have eyes? Gosh I can’t take you out anywhere” but then he would hold your hands through your whole time outside, saying it’s to prevent you from causing a disaster in front of the entirety of sumeru, when really his ears are burning and his heart feels very pleased by the excuse your close fall gave him.
Scara, the kind of guy who would try to catch you, fail, fall with you, and act like an embarrassed tomato who can’t bear to look that stupid in public. “See that’s the curse you bring to my life, why do I have to see your clumsy face every day to begin with. Useless.” He would stand up looking half irritated, half embarrassed, if the red cheek would be of any indication. And he would hate you even more when you’ll be back on your walk, “You say that but your sweet ass tried to catch me. You may pretend to hate me but your love is showing~”. Congrats on making him walk faster to avoid listening to your (very much true) embarrassing words.
Flins, of course, would foresee your falling from a mile away, and will hold you closer to prevent it. You’ll just end up flustered because of the sudden unexpected closeness while he will feel very content keeping his lover safe and their feet on the ground.
Chongyun is the kind of guy who would look at you all worried with puppy eyes, going “Are you okay?” like you’re on the brim of death. Which you are very much so. From embarrassment. But his reaction makes you forget entirely about the fact that you just fell in front of a lot of people, and will make you focus solely on the fact that this boy worries so much about you it makes him adorable. You can’t help but smile and reassure him and hold him close through the rest of your walk. That is, until he goes into overheat because of your closeness, which he likes very much but still has trouble controlling.
Alhaitham, the kind of guy who, after seeing you trip, would look at you like you’re the dumbest idiot to have ever wandered in Sumeru, will not even offer a hand to help you stand up, and will move on like nothing happened afterward. He would just talk to you like usual. Which… Makes you realise that it’s actually not that big of a deal. You fell, so what? Happens to everyone, right? No need to be embarrassed. Later on, you will catch him watching your step and directing you a bit to the left or the right to prevent you from tripping again. But he will behave like he isn’t doing any of this, as if it was just your regular walk in the city. Nothing new here (I see you).
Kaeya, the kind of guy who would just take this as an opportunity to flirt. If he manages to catch you, he’ll hold you close while saying some corny shit like “careful love, don’t go falling too hard for me”. If he doesn’t realise you’re falling before you already hit the ground, he will present his hand out, asking you “what is such a delightful sight like you doing so close to the ground? Shouldn’t you be way up in the sky, enlightening us all from your light?” Anyway he won’t miss a chance to do those cheesy borderline cringe remarks whenever he can, and of course you falling is the perfect occasion to do one. Of course.
The tags nonchalantly being my arch nemesis.
Oh and this was done in like 30 minutes when I was deeply sleep deprived, and I can't get why my brain is sparkling with ideas whenever I'm a hour away from passing out from lack of sleep??
gn reader x wriothesley, diluc, alhaitham, neuvillette + childe ( separate ) ; slightly suggestive content. sfw. you randomly crawl into their lap. petnames used; my dear, sweetheart. teasing. return of the old post layout.
word count. all under 1k. ₊ 𓂃 return to masterlist.
⭒ WRIOTHESLEY
It’s quiet as you make your way up the stairs in Wriothesley’s office space and as much as you thought your steps were quite discreet, the fact that the Duke’s gaze is on yours almost immediately when you reach the top says differently.
It makes him push himself to sit up a little straighter as he rests at his desk, “Oh? And to what do I owe the pleasure, hm?” He smirks, and his question urges you to give him a playful roll of your eyes before you’re taking another step closer.
“Maybe I just felt like coming to visit you, is that such a crime?” Your lips pout out as you reply to Wriothesley but the two cups of tea that are resting on his desk give the impression that this wasn’t a surprise visit at all. But still, you choose to play along anyway as you cross the room, rounding his desk and letting your eyes trail along the documents there before he’s getting ready to push out of his seat to welcome you.
“Well, if it was, seems you’ve come to the right place. Though if you’re willing to admit you missed me I might just let you off with a warning.” The corners of his lips pull into a crooked sort of smile as he tilts his head up at you, but maybe that’s the very expression that seems to pull you a step closer as you push yourself between his legs, pressing your fingertips against the middle of his chest to keep him sat.
Wriothesley’s lap always looked far too inviting, so it was easy for you to find yourself slinking into it at any given opportunity— it’s just that you felt like making that opportunity for yourself today. So it makes you smile when he immediately wraps his arm around your waist to help you crawl on top.
“How generous. Maybe you just make good tea is all.” You still opt to tease him as you slot your hips down on top of his, thankful that he chose a particularly large chair for his office so that it may fit both of you.
And almost immediately you feel Wriothesley’s other arm reach up to accompany the first, clasping his hands on your lower back as he keeps you seated tight on his lap. You feel his next breath against your skin when he leans in to nose at your jawline, “Well, you would be right about that.” His voice purrs, and you find yourself wriggling a bit closer.
“Though, you wouldn’t want the tea to get cold now, would you?” There’s a suggestive sort of lilt to Wriothesley’s voice and it makes you feel so terribly warm on top of him as he tips his head towards the two teacups on his desk. “And after I went through such effort to brew that special batch for you.” But you snap your head back around to frown at him almost too quickly when his hand seems to settle a little lower on your back this time, dangerously so as his fingers tease the hem of your pants.
You roll your shoulders back as you try to regain control, “I don’t know what you mean I’m just getting comfortable. Mind in the gutter, your grace?” And that little act seems to make Wriothesley chuckle, a charming enough sound to have you reach up to wrap your arms around his shoulders and he relents with his teasing. Resting his hands on the dip of your waist instead.
You hug yourself in a little closer as he welcomes you, and the next press of his lips against your throat makes you shudder. “Hah, very funny. Though you do seem to be quite comfortable, I think your poker face could use some work.” He eventually opts to respond, a little smug as his fingers squeeze into your waist and you smack playfully at his hands before taking a more comfortable position, nuzzling into the crook of his neck this time.
Maybe it’s the warmth that Wriothesley always seems to radiate but you can’t help but suddenly feel sleepy in your new found position. Your lashes flutter as you fight beneath the sudden weight of your eyelids, and your lips pout out to press against his skin. “Mind if I stay like this then?”
The adorable little tone of your voice makes the Duke hum, and the sound makes you curl even deeper into him as his hands begin to squeeze and massage at your waist. He gives the documents on his desk another look, and then pulls you a bit closer before he’s leaning down to smear a kiss against your shoulder.
“You won’t hear me complaining about the company. Seems your methods are just far too tempting.”
⭒ DILUC
You’re careful as you push open the door to Diluc’s quarters in the Dawn Winery, finding him sifting through various contracts and pieces of paper as he rests on his desk. He sighs before he sees you, and you find it to be quite charming the way that the tension in his shoulders seems to melt when he eventually notices you.
“Yes, my dear?” His voice drawls as he greets you, probably a little strained and tired given how long he’s been working. But you’ve found yourself to be quite bored in your lovers absence, hence the impromptu visit— so instead of responding, you opt to make your way across the room instead.
You’re quiet as you find yourself standing next to Diluc’s seated figure and it’s quite adorable how quickly he seems to pick up on what you want when you nudge at his forearm. So he pulls it back from the table for a moment, and gives you a curious sort of look as you push yourself up into his lap as he helps you balance on there.
It’s only when your thighs are dangling to one side of his own that he questions you, your butt settling quite nicely atop his legs from where they rest on his seat. “Is everything okay? If you’re hungry, I’m sure Adelinde will have dinner ready for you soon enough.” It’s a comforting sort of question as he rubs his fingers up and down your thighs, and the look that accompanies it is just as gentle— like he’s offering you a space to talk to him should something bother you.
But instead, you give Diluc a reassuring sort of grin as you let one of your hands wrap around his shoulders. “Is it so bad to want to keep my lover company while he works?” You hum as you kick your feet, leaning in to rest your cheek against his broad shoulder.
Your affection makes him clear his throat as he begins to sort through the documents on his desk again, pushing them into a neat pile. It’s not like he’s even paying attention anymore anyway, not when he’s got you so close. “Oh, not at all. I just didn’t expect to see you in here, is all. Though it’s quite well timed, I actually could do with a break from my work.”
His words make you smile, though you’re almost beaming when Diluc turns around to emphasis them with a kiss smeared against your forehead. You have to clear your throat before melting into him entirely,
“What’re you working on?” You ask earnestly as you motion to the documents on the table, and he breaks his attention away from you to follow the gesture before readjusting you on his lap. He’s holding you a bit closer as one of his arms securely wraps itself around you.
“Nothing too interesting, simple contracts for the winery. I hate to admit I’ve fallen behind with them recently, though it’s due to finding myself caught up with… something much more interesting as of late.” The second half of Diluc’s sentence seems to take a much more gentle tone of voice, and when you tilt your head up to look at him the answer is written in the way he’s already looking back.
But still you ask anyway, pushing yourself up a little closer and he welcomes the proximity as his arm around you tightens. “And what might that be, Master Diluc?” Your lips pout out and you watch the way his gaze drops to admire them.
“I think you already know the answer to that, my dear.” Diluc’s next blink is accompanied by the shift of his free hand, lifting it up to rest his fingers against your chin and its soft the way his thumb moves up to swipe against your lower lip. Gently, as you find yourself holding your breath for a moment.
Though only for a moment before your lover seems to clear his throat himself, not wanting to get carried away too quickly as his hand drops back onto the table of documents. And you feel the way he readjusts himself on his seat again before turning away to look at his work, “Feel free to make yourself comfortable. I won’t be occupied for much longer then my attention is all yours. If you’d be so kind enough to wait, that is?”
But still Diluc’s hold around you is tight and maybe that’s why you can’t help but give him a little kiss on his cheek before making yourself comfy on his lap.
“Okay. I don’t mind waiting for you.”
⭒ ALHAITHAM
The living room is soundless when you step into it, being greeted by a quiet, gentle acknowledgement from Alhaitham as he lifts up his gaze from the book he’s reading to offer you look. It makes something curious, but also mischievous spark in your brain as you find yourself pushing a little closer and you notice the way the scribe seems to have left space for you next to him.
“What’re you reading?” You ask softly, breaking the silence in the room as your lover turns his attention back to his book and he clears his throat before he answers you. Expecting you to crawl by his side much like you normally do no doubt.
“Just something I picked up from the Akademiya. I respect your curiosity but I’m sure you don’t care much for the details.” But you don’t do as Alhaitham expects actually, instead— you wind up pushing yourself a little closer than you usually would, though it’s a movement he seems to react to quite quickly.
He lifts up his arm to aid you in crawling beneath it, and he doesn’t question why you’re suddenly crawling your way into his lap until your thighs are spread over both of his own. He simply readjusts himself to hold the book in one hand while the other rests on your hips, holding you there as you tilt your head down at him.
“That wouldn’t be true. I like listening to you talk.” You hum, honestly and Alhaitham shifts again. He gives you another glance, though it’s a more inquisitive one this time— like he’s trying to figure out your motive… or if somethings wrong. Anything to explain your current position.
He opts to ultimately just ask, “Then might I ask what this is all about then, hm?” but his fingers in your side squeeze as if to assure you he’s not at all bothered by it. It makes you shift yourself in a little closer as your own hands rest on his shoulders.
“I’m just making myself comfortable, is that okay with you?” You’re smiling as you respond, and the expression urges Alhaitham to look back at the pages of his book again as he clears his throat. Suddenly a little too aware of how pretty you look accompanied by how warm you feel on his lap, and that’s a combination that seems to be a little too bothersome for him.
He plays it off as he strokes his fingertips along your waist, “Oh really? I don’t mind. I was just simply curious is all.” And he shrugs his shoulders as if to emphasis the fact, “It’s not often you ask for my permission to do these things anyway.”
But his honestly still makes you giggle as you bring yourself a little closer, nuzzling into the crook of Alhaitham’s neck before you respond to him. “Maybe it’s because you never tell me no.”
And that makes him scoff before he’s turning his attention back to you again, placing his finger between the pages of his book to make sure he doesn’t lose his space. “Well, to put it simply that’s because you seem to enjoy spending our free time together in similar circumstances, and having you upset would be too much of a hassle.” His lips press against your cheek as he turns ever so slightly to meet your gaze, and you meet the motion by pulling back to give him a look of your own.
It’s a cheeky, affectionate look that makes his eyes drop to your lips, just for a moment before he’s humming. “Unless, you would rather I moved to the other couch?” Alhaitham tilts his head at you before he pretends to shift, acting like he’s going to push you off and move away and despite the way you know he’d never dream of it, you react anyway.
Your arms wrap tight around his shoulders as you push yourself close enough to have your chest flush with his, and your words take an almost whiny tone as you grumble. “No! I didn’t say that.”
It makes Alhaitham chuckle gently before he’s leaning back against the couch again, and his fingers on your waist squeeze you a bit before they’re stroking along the skin. “Hm, my thoughts exactly.”
⭒ NEUVILLETTE
Neuvillette is exactly where you expect him to be in his office when you visit him during his break, resting on the couch with a glass of water as he sips at it politely. Though his attention is almost immediately drawn to you the moment you step into the room, commanding every part of him as his body shifts to face you a bit.
You offer him a soft sort of smile as you close the heavy door behind you, dropping your bag at your feet before going to join him on the couch. But not without offering him an acknowledgment as you glance at the clock, “I hope i’ve not kept you waiting long.” You say, shyly almost.
But Neuvillette meets the apology with a soft sort of huff, like he’s chuckling— though unbothered by whatever you seem to deem worthy of such an explanation. “Not at all. I was expecting your arrival about now, my dear.”
He shifts from where he sits a bit, as if he’s making room for you by his side and he motions to the second glass of water on the table before placing his back down next to it. “I hope it’ll be to your taste.” His voice sounds again, and maybe it’s the soft lull it takes that convinces you to not drop down on the couch next to him.
Instead, you can’t help but place your hand on Neuvillette’s shoulder as you step one of your legs over his own, earning you a curious look before you’re dropping your weight down on his lap, and it’s almost nervously that the Iudex reaches to steady you. Though it’s rather clumsy at first, he seems to regain his composure quite quickly as he clears his throat.
“Something the matter, my dear? It’s unlike you to normally be so brash.” He hums as he gives you a gentle blink, though you find the soft pink flush that accompanies it to be quite adorable. It makes you reach your free hand up to rest on the other shoulder as you wiggle a bit closer.
“Nope, I’m good. Unless you don’t like it, I can just leave if you’d prefer.” You’re teasing him, and whether Neuvillette picks up on that or not isn’t exactly obvious. But you do pick up on the way the next shuffle of your body on his lap makes him gulp, and he decides to turn away from you for a moment before his hands settle on your hips.
They seem quite restless as they press you flush against him. “Quite the contrary. I look forward to your visits during my afternoon break.” Though his response is as honest as ever, you can’t help but find yourself feeling warm at the confession.
You hum as a means to play it off, but the tinge of pink that still decorates Neuvillette’s cheeks makes you lean in a bit to appreciate it with a kiss. A soft sort of one that makes his fingers twitch into his side as you giggle, “Even more when our time is spent like this?”
The Iudex answers quite quickly to your question, though he clears his throat first to make sure his voice doesn’t shake. “Well, you could say I am quite fond of our current position.” He’s smiling when he opts to keep you in that close proximity with his hands, not allowing you to pull away too much just yet as he looks up at you.
Instead, Neuvillette mirrors the motion that you’d made earlier— though when he leans in he begins by grazing his lips up the column of your throat first. To your jawline, then the shell of your ear and the way he exhales against the soft skin almost makes you arch as his fingertips squeeze at you.
You almost forget where you are for a moment before he’s breathing out a long, pent up sigh.
“With that said however, I can only hope we remain undisturbed so that we may truly enjoy it.”
⭒ CHILDE
Some may assume Childe to be sleeping as he rests on your couch now, his arm is outstretched to reach across the back of the furniture and his head is leaning back against it too. Not to mention his chest is rising and falling gently, and his breathing is just as soft as you take a quiet step into the living room to take a closer look.
Yes, some may expect him to be asleep, but you know better than anyone that he had a cheeky habit of trying to trick you with these things. But thankfully after so much time together, you know the exact way to test out that little theory as you continue closer with gentle steps.
Though Childe could be doing with the rest after all of the missions he’s been on recently— you also know not to let your guard down. So you almost find yourself holding your breath as you come to stand over where he rests on the sofa, admiring the rare softness to his features as he snores softly.
It almost makes you rethink your plan for a second, even going as far as to take a step back to let him rest, but your thought process on that comes to a close quite quickly when the arm suddenly wrapping around your waist stops you from going any further.
“Going somewhere?” Childe hums as he quickly guides you back to close the distance, almost too eagerly making space for you on his lap and pulling you into the very position you’d planned to take for yourself. Except now he’s looking awake and far too smug, even a little teasing aswell despite the fact he was so quiet a moment ago.
It makes you wish he really was asleep as he helps you straddle him. “And here I thought you were coming over to accompany me.” The Harbinger sends you a playful sort of pout as he comes in close, resting his chin against your chest when he’s got you close enough to blink up at you from there.
And if he wasn’t giving you such a cute, faux-heartbroken expression you’d flick his forehead to get him to let you go.
But you know better than to try and fight against his strength as you opt to melt into his warmth a bit instead. You sigh, grumbling a bit “I knew you were awake.” and Childe’s sad-looking expression is quickly morphing into a subtle sort of smirk before he’s turning to press a kiss against your skin.
Even through the fabric of your shirt, you feel his words vibrate through the space. “Oh I was definitely sleeping.” He huffs, followed by another kiss before his lips are travelling a bit higher and you can’t help but find your hands combing through his hair as you bask in him. “And now you’re the one scheming to wake me— it’s only fair you make it up me.” Though his kisses aren’t without a little teasing, when he pulls away to give you another blink.
“So? Anything you’d like to offer?” There’s an ulterior motive to Childe’s words and it’s painfully obvious when you feel his hands creeping their way beneath the hem of your shirt. The first press of his fingertips makes you keen and bend at his will as you watch the expression on his features morph into something…. hungrier.
And that makes you swallow before you finally find it in yourself to answer, huffing as you pretend to turn away from him.
“This isn’t enough for you?” You say, feigning hurt much like he did earlier but that doesn’t do much to stop the way your body is reacting to Childe’s fingertips. Not when they’re grazing up the length of your spine now and he presses his lips up against the base of your throat as he holds you there.
“Actually, I’d say this only makes me want even more.” He responds quickly, chuckling like he’s just told you a joke, but you don’t think jokes are supposed to make you this flustered. If your thighs weren’t straddling his own you think they’d be squeezing themselves together by now.
But all you can offer as it stands is a whine, “Ajax, you were so tired a moment ago.” And it’s a sound that Childe seems to take much joy in as he lets his teeth tease along the skin of your throat next. Just as his hands begin to toy and palm ticklishly at your skin, and just enough to make you press yourself a little closer as you feel him grin against your throat.
“Oh, don’t worry about me. I’ve had more than enough rest to deal with you.”
Diluc "jealous of your nonexistent lover" Ragnvindr and your slipped confession.
٠࣪⭑ childhood friends to lovers .ᐟ ⋆ MASTERLIST ˎˊ˗
You have known Diluc ever since you were kids—when Diluc was still smiling, laughing, and getting excited when talking about becoming a knight and how bright he suddenly becomes whenever Crepus praises him.
You were always nearby, because somehow the both of you always end up together, whether it be in the training fields, libraries, vineyards, or Mondstadt's festivals. Where one is found, the other usually isn't far behind.
Even the Ragnvindr estate staffs knew you; the maids, servants, and grape pickers, and eventually it became, "Ah, it's young master Diluc's friend," which is true, dangerously true, that is.
A young Diluc is straightforward; when he likes something, he would acknowledge it, he would show it, and he would care for it, and suddenly the young version of you would suddenly spend years receiving books Diluc thinks you'll enjoy, flowers Diluc noticed when he was on a walk, and food Diluc thinks you'll love.
And the young master never found it unusual. He was young, after all; he did not know what love meant yet, and he only understood that this is simply what one does to a person they care for.
Crepus just grins knowingly.
The problem did not begin immediately; it was slow and deliberate—like a flower blooming under the sun's warm gaze. Diluc did not notice how fast the two of you were changing until one day he looked up and realized that you weren't a child anymore.
And so was he.
Suddenly, everything started becoming difficult because now he was more aware, more knowledgeable of his emotions—he realized everything when the attack happened, when he saw you hurt enough that the expression on your face twisted in pain and a sheen of sweat was glistening on your forehead.
The sight was enough to knock the air out of his lungs and make his blood grow cold.
Years after his departure (and Diluc convincing himself that you weren't in his thoughts all those years), he returns to find Mondstadt changed. Naturally, he expected many things to change. and that included the relationship you two had before the tragedy, before everything.
What he didn't expect was this: You turning your head towards his direction as if you had sensed his presence long before you saw him with your own eyes. His body stilled, red eyes staring at your figure—older, wiser, more beautiful than memory allowed, and devastatingly familiar enough to make the years collapse.
He felt like he was back to square one because he spent years telling himself that you were doing great without him by your side—as a friend, as someone who had known you almost all of your life.
The thing is, you met a lot of people who Diluc did not know of yet, which meant seeing you laughing (which was not unusual) beside someone and his day was ruined.
The problem with this man was that he would see one thing, reach a conclusion, and then torture himself with it. He would rather suffer internally than ask you who that mysterious person was. He was gone for years, so why wouldn't you have found someone?
Why would you wait? Why should you wait? The logic was so completely reasonable that it was impossible to argue against. Being Diluc, he immediately thought, That's good. You deserve happiness after all; he should be happy for you. He tried to convince himself that this is fine, and it looked like he was trying his hardest to convince himself and inevitably fail because none of these statements are true.
Diluc proceeded in becoming the most miserable man in Mondstadt. His mood somehow worsens, which was impressive considering his usual disposition, and every observation becomes another nail in the coffin because each one confirms the story Diluc has created in his head.
Eventually, you noticed his distance, how polite he was, as if he were treading carefully around you, and you felt frustrated because the two of you were fine before he left and after he came back—you both even shared grape juice together! Now he's being like this?
"Why are you avoiding me?" you asked, cornering him one evening with your arms crossed and your eyes narrowing at him in a way he had not seen for a while now. "I'm not," Diluc said immediately.
"Did I do something?" you asked, and somehow that was worse because no, you didn't do anything, and that's one of the many problems that Diluc was facing. Diluc, turning his face away now, said, "Your partner might get the wrong idea."
The moment the words left Diluc's lips, he regretted it because now you were not only standing in front of him—you were standing in front of him confused. You didn't know who Diluc meant, and the said man wanted to vanish spiritually and come back in three to five business days max.
"Partner?" You repeated, stepping closer with an amused smile on your face and tilted your head. "You could have just asked." Diluc closed his eyes because, of course he could have. "And you're the record," you continued. "If I had a lover, I'd tell you."
Unfortunately for Diluc, you became unbearable after that. You had something to tease now, something to make him flustered.
One evening, you leaned against his desk and grinned. You decided to tease him again. "You looked very upset over my nonexistent lover. I'm starting to think you're secretly in love with me." Diluc froze. The room becomes strangely quiet, and you see Diluc carefully set his pen down and look up from his documents. You had an overwhelming feeling that perhaps you should retreat immediately, but damn your mouth. "Well?"
Diluc continued to stare at you, which made you nervous all over, and out of nervousness, you started talking. "I mean, not that I'd mind—" You froze, your mind catching up, mouth still open, and eyes staring into Diluc's. Not that I'd mind.
Not. that. I'd. mind.
You saw Diluc blink once. "...You wouldn't?" You wish that the earth would open beneath you. That wasn't supposed to come out! It was supposed to stay in your mind for another few years or so! The room was quiet again, and Diluc looked at you with an expression you had never seen after a long, long time.
It looked somewhere between hopeful, terrified, and very, very honest. "Good." You heard him say, "Because I don't think I could bear hearing any other answer."
eager to finally get the full package of being a returning legendary commander, a certain winery owner instead cuts the celebrations short.
TAGS: diluc x afab!reader, varka x afab!reader, jealousy, basically varka fucks around (unknowingly) and finds out lol
NOTES: this lovely idea came from @crowttore !! varka SHOULD be banned for leaving jean with so much work (and just because i say so MUAHA)
WORD COUNT: 1.6k
You are probably working the busiest shift Angel’s Share has had in years.
Although Mondstadt is known for ordinary nights akin to festival gatherings, you’re certain the celebration of the Grandmaster’s return is even grander than any kind of festivity. The tavern is abuzz with a full crowd, as tales and drinks pass around the whole room freely. Your patrons are especially generous tonight—ordering vintages and the finest ingredients for mixes left and right, racking up large tabs as if their pockets would never run dry. You’re sure you are due for a hefty paycheck once the night is over. One that you’ll only earn if you give the best customer service a bartender could ever offer.
Customer Service, that is, entertaining the man of the hour’s shameless flirting included.
Having only been on staff for 3 years, you have never encountered the Knight of Boreas beyond the times he was on official business, before he left for the expedition in Nod Krai. Charles says that Varka hasn’t changed—just definitely downing a lot more liquor than he used to. It all makes sense, really. Who wouldn’t want to drink carelessly after conquering trials you’d only hear of in legends?
You just wonder if he is usually this friendly with women.
You can feel his stare by the bar, locking onto you every few minutes or so, flashing you a toothy smile on the occasion you happen to catch his gaze. Shamelessly.
Whenever you would pass by his table to gather empty glasses for a refill, he would have you linger a moment longer—asking whatever he can know about you, always making sure to slip a compliment before you leave. As if that weren’t enough, he would continue on when you return, seemingly never getting enough of your replies.
At this point, you’re sure he’s only drinking to keep talking to you.
“Should you really be going through rounds of Death after Noon this quickly, Grandmaster?”
“I won’t be dead after noon just because of this, my lady,” he laughs, grinning as you place the said mix in front of him, “You can’t blame me, who would not want to drink something made by a stunning beauty?”
“Careful now, that concoction might just be slipped with something unsavory,” you reply, clearing your tray of refills to his companions, who already have their heads on the table. “I believe this is the last turn of the celebrations tonight, good sir, is there anything I can get you before you go?”
Varka clutches his chest dramatically, curling the cloth over his chest, “You wound me, my new favorite bartender. Five years’ worth of hardships yet you turn me away from a good time just as I’ve finally return to leisure—“ He flings his hand by the side, which you figure is his act of throwing his heart away.
You roll your eyes at his antics. “Would that be all, sir?”
“Ah, how cold, I suppose this really must be good night.”
He rises from his seat, stumbling a bit, before taking a step toward you while maintaining a respectful distance despite the influence of alcohol. He offers his hand, which you stare at confusingly, hesitantly placing yours atop his.
The golden knight gives you a handshake. “It is nice to meet you.”
He then lifts your hand towards his lips, shifting his hold onto your fingertips as he presses a light kiss on your knuckles— an act that instantly flusters you.
He grins stupidly again. “I’ll see you tomorrow, eh?”
You quickly pull your hand back, turning your face anywhere but him.
What the hell, what the hell, what the hell. Did he really just do that?
But before you can even respond, a looming figure does it for you.
“There won’t be a tomorrow. We’re closing. Please leave.”
Diluc steps in between you both, bumping into Varka as he passes. There is a scowl etched to his face— sharp, absolutely displeased. You wonder what set him off so suddenly, when not even a full house had shaken him earlier when the celebrations started.
He slams his hand by the table you were serving, jolting the sleeping knights awake, startling the rest of the room.
“Don’t forget to settle your tabs,” voice low, full and firm.
He turns to you, gesturing towards the bar.
You quickly follow his silent orders, watching from behind the counter as he stares off practically the mayor of the town into submission. Varka, drunk but not stupid, ushers his men to take their exit with him, knowing better than to test the young master’s change of demeanor. This prompts the rest of the crowd to follow suit, after dutifully handing their payment.
Before the grandmaster could fully step out of the door, however, he looks over his shoulder right back at you, fluttering his eyelashes before flashing you a wink. He gives you that hideously charming grin again, shamelessly adding, “Tomorrow, miss, okay?”
Diluc steps forward, urging the knight to fully step out, then shuts the door just right— nearly hitting Varka’s back. Just as quickly as he made a scene, he marches off to the cellar, deliberately ignoring the confused looks you and Charles send his way. Heaving a heavy sigh, he takes in the stillness of being alone in a room with nothing but barrels.
He’s displeased. He is absolutely displeased, alright. The sight of you being flustered by that gigantic dog had made his stomach curl. He wonders how many more impulsive incidents might come from the hold you have of him, simply by being yourself. Diluc is painfully aware that if not for the manners instilled to him by his father and the obvious fact he doesn’t have any right to be upset over you simply doing your job, or over you in general, he was certain what happened earlier would have ended very differently.
Tomorrow, my ass.
No right of you, manners present or not—Diluc is still a petty man.
And a petty man would make sure that not even the man holding the highest position in the city could stop his unreasonable decisions.
A hangover would never stop a man deprived of home.
As Varka sneaks off from his office again, leaving an entire stack of paperwork, along with his still recovering companions to set off for Angel’s Share, he already plans what specific mixes he would indulge in that should only be made by the stunning bartender he never encountered before the expedition.
What a pity it was, truly, to not have been graced with the picture of a beauty much earlier with the years past. No matter, he would just make up for it now, practically skipping ahead his men. Their own giddiness, however, suddenly drops the moment they reach the tavern doors.
Varka peaks over, confused. “What’s the matter, boys?”
The awkward silence unsettles him. He steps forward, following where the knights are pointing at. He expects a threat— only to be met with a poster bearing his features, drawn rather offensively.
BANNED.
In bold red lettering across the top. Beneath it settles an awful portrait of his face that does not do him justice at the slightest. It was as if he is not a Grandmaster, but a wanted criminal for the most horrific crimes committed in all of Teyvat.
Varka is left just as dumbfounded as the crowd beginning to gather around his men.
“Preposterous! Who would dare pull such a terrifying prank?” He exclaims dramatically.
Before anyone could further his cause, the owner of the establishment cuts through the crowd, standing his ground directly by the poster.
“I assure you, it is not a prank, Grandmaster.”
“Diluc, my boy! How could this be!? Why would a loyal customer be subjected to such treatment?”
The redhead crosses his arms, leaning against the door, “As the head of this business, don’t I get a say which patrons are permitted entry, especially if they are known to cause trouble?”
Varka opens his to mouth to protest, only for Diluc to cut him off with a sharp look.
“I dont normally suggest our customers to try our own competitors, but Cat’s Tail is just around the corner and would surely serve you to satisfaction, Grandmaster.” His gaze hardens. “For now, you are not welcome. End of story.
End of story, indeed.
As Diluc ignores the various snickers rising from the spectacle of banning a man others might consider too valuable to refuse— he couldn’t care less. Because just beyond the door, inside the tavern, is something he’d rather keep to himself.
You.
Varka can only stare, mouth wildly agape, as the door shuts firmly in front of him. Poster still plastered on.
this took me an alarmingly long time lol, HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOML DILUC. please leave a reblog or reply if you liked it, they’re very much appreciated.
warnings. kissing n all that sap (yuck), fluff/suggestive
albedo is busy talking to you about his latest experiments, wrapping his jacket around you to ensure you don't get cold while resting at his lab. maybe he didn't notice the sneaky glances you set from his ocean eyes to his lips.
"and so... it basically recreated a somewhat circle of-" peck! ...
"huh?"
he doesn't which feeling is more dominant; flushed or confused. yet he won't complain too much, displaying a simple smile as he slowly blinks with confusion, lovingly at least.
alhaitham happened to be ranting about a drunkard he spotted at the bar he and his friends (cyno, tighnari, & kaveh) went to while playing TCG, cyno's treat.
but when it truly sinks in that you had just kissed him, he wished you had kept it for a little longer. honestly was very close to leaning back in and letting it lead to something else, but he wouldn't let his pride down. deciding on giving a smirk, and poking one of your cheeks.
"what was that for, hmm?"
capitano is secretly someone who talks a ton when you get to know him despite his cold exterior, he's very fond of getting to tell you about his day, not being able to necessarily tell anyone (other than pierro)
before you could pull away from the simple peck on his crusted lips- it's almost immediate that he pulls you back in, giving you barely any time to breathe. simply leaning in more to the kiss, a hand behind your head grasping your hair to prevent you from getting away. it's alright, he loves a chase.
"trying to tease me, my love?" a deep, dark chuckle emits from his raspy throat as he runs a hand down your spine, from your scalp to your back, his eyes pierced you with love.
childe is sooo obviously cheeky about this, his teasing is inevitable when you're the one initiating this. yet he finds himself so stunned from the whole thing, he could feel the blush creep up from his neck already.
he was busy telling you about his previous adventures, trying to impress you and show off his strength, yet the only thing he was able to see from how you looked at him, you were set on your lips on his.
"a- ahh... ahem. feeling uhh... bold i see."
wriothesley is in the category of chasing your lips, trying to immediately reel you back into the peck you caused. pulling you in by your waist so you can't escape his touch. he can't say he wasn't used to your teasing, but this time he wanted you to taste your own medicine.
holding you close, until the very line of saliva that connected both of your lips finally broke apart, it was your turn to be flushed with embarrassment.
"oh, look who's all blushy now."
neuvillette is the one who's stunned this time, yet his hands trail back to yours before you can step away a little too far, his eyes telling you everything that you need to know.
"don't run away now, c'mon..."
his smile was soft and genuine, he felt himself trying to lean in further into your touch, so he could stay asleep forever in your arms. he lands another kiss on your lips. he loves to express how much he loves you, yet he doesn't know how to apply and put it out there.
dainsleif found himself leaning back in almost immediately, he didn't wanna run away from you giving him affection out of everything. his cold fingertips trailing up your nape, a soft grasp on your hair (a bold move indeed!)
"...is that the berry flavored chapstick i bought you last week?"
he loves to notice the little things on you, he knows you appreciate it as well, a loving smile, his eyes equally just as loving, staring at you, and only you.
diluc won't admit the deep-seated embarrassment that envelops him. at first, the warm flush spread from his neck to his cheeks, yet he could notice the very same for you. trying to play it cool, his arm that encircles your waist, drawing you in with a tender grip.
"i suppose this isn’t how I imagined our evening would go,"
his voice was strained, maybe his paperwork could wait till later.
kinich is one of those who pulls you in by the waist, yet finds himself almost too flushed to go through with it. not that he doesn't want to, he's scared that you wouldn't want the same, yet he finds himself leaning in the same way you were, just to taste you again.
"leaving me so soon, you're mean."
ajaw calls you both corny as he comes back from a little walk (with certified dog walker mualani). you could hear a "human! take me back to where we whence came!" (the springs nearby) as you let out a chuckle. a sigh from kinich, he'll have to train him to be a little nicer.
xiao can barely comprehend what you just did. his cheeks flushed with teal. and to give context, it's canon that xiao's blood/insides are all teal- so when he blushes, it's teal, I did a bit of research on this :P but think of it how you will!
he argued that you shouldn't go out tonight, he can handle himself! yet... maybe your little kiss was a little.. maybe very convincing.
"y- you think this will change my mind about all of this, huh?"
genre. making out & slightly suggestive, gn! reader
— zhongli
alongside zhongli, you feel his presence instantly, it reminds you of a comforting and reassuring constant— a cradling you wholly worshipped as the bustle of the harbor behind you faded away.
"thank you for showing me this place," your eyes glow as you said softly, glancing up at him, "it's beautiful."
with you, zhongli can leave his stern demeanor behind for once and actually smile, wholeheartedly, his golden eyes warm just by the mere sight of you, "it is a place i often come to for reflection."
"i thought you might appreciate its tranquility."
feeling a sense of peace wash over you, you took in the serene surroundings— the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft trickle of a nearby stream creating a soothing melody as zhongli held you in his arms.
the moment felt perfect, almost surreal.
his gaze was intense, dragon eyes yet so tender when he looks at you.
before you could say anything, he leans in, his hand gently cupping your cheek to feel you on his cold skin— within this subtle second, the world seemed to pause as he fully leans in, his lips meeting yours in a slow, purposeful kiss.
it was unlike anything you had ever experienced before— his lips were soft, his tongue deep, and filled with a profound sense of reverence as he captured you.
your mind swirled with a mix of emotions as his kiss was turning measured, each movement precise and purposeful, as if he was savoring every second— almost as if he was scared you'd one day, disappear from his lonely, immortal life.
the experience he held in life and the time he's conquered was evident in the way he guided the kiss, controlled it, drew you in and made you feel cherished beyond words.
as he deepened the kiss, a heated curl crept up your cheeks, your shyness growing with each passing moment.
you couldn't help but feel self-conscious about your own inexperience compared to his practiced, almost ancient touch— yet, zhongli's gentle and patient approach made you feel safe and valued, as if you were the only person in the world.
— cyno
"ugh— today was exhausting," you exhale shakily, bound within exhaustion, yet your voice was barely above a whisper, not wanting to break the serene silence as you rested against cyno's shoulder.
and well, he? he simply looked at you, his eyes intense yet gentle, "indeed, it was," he agrees with a small smile playing at his lips, "but it was worth it, having you by my side Iimean."
the butterflies finish filling your stomach, and the spinning in your mind begins— fuck, you adore him so much, and the sincerity in his tone made your heart race, "i'm glad i could be with you," you replied, your smile tight to your teeth like you're holding back a grin, "thank you for taking me,"
before advancing, he takes your hand in his, his thumb gently caressing your skin, "there’s just something about you i cannot discern," he begins to ponder, his gaze never leaving yours, "that makes everything we do together feel special."
you knew what was coming— was this finally it? cyno has never kissed you before and beneath your nervousness, your breath hitched in anticipation.
his hand moved to the back of your neck, his touch firm yet controlled as he pressed you closer.
his lips met yours in a kiss that was anything but gentle— it was messy and raw, filled with a demanding passion that took your breath away— it's as if he was waiting, storing this bubbling energy and deep want inside his heart for the longest time.
it pained him, fuck, he wanted to kiss you a million times already.
cyno kissed you as if he couldn't get enough, his mouth moving against yours with an urgency that left you feeling dizzy— truly, you could feel the heat of his desire inside each kiss and lap of tongue, in the way he seemed to pour all of his stored up emotions into every movement.
you moaned softly against his lips, your hands gripping his shoulders for support as he continued his fervent assault on your plush lips.
cyno's kisses were unrestrained, a chaotic mix of tenderness and hunger that sent shivers down your spine, no, it was beyond that— well into the confines of your flesh, he took over as he nipped at your bottom lip, teasing you before deepening the kiss, his tongue exploring your mouth with a possessive fervor.
— diluc
the tavern was quiet after closing hours, even quieter after the last customer have left minutes ago as the dim lighting created a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
you actually favored this time of the night, especially when you helped your boyfriend diluc clean up the tavern, the clinking of glasses and the soft hums of the wind outside the only sounds that were almost as serene and familiar as his tender exhales.
in all honesty, he never wants you to help him, rather does he love watching you wait for him as he does all the work— yet he cannot lie, it makes his heart ten times faster when you really want to help him, just because you love him so much.
"thank you for staying to help," the master of the dawn winery says, despite a little awkward, yet his voice gentle as he wiped down the bar covered in wine, "you really didn't need to,"
"of course, diluc, no need to thank me," you reply, smiling at him. "i enjoy spending time with you, no matter what we do as long as we're together."
he glances at you in an almost shocked expression, like your little confession was struck inside his heart and carved there for eternity, a soft look in his eyes making your heart flutter, "there’s something about these quiet moments that i cherish too,"
you felt a warmth spread through you at his words, they're always so carefully selected, so passionately exuded, and you keep sneaking little glances over to him while he finishes off his task.
as you finished your own, you too noticed how diluc was watching you with a contemplative expression and before you could ask what he was thinking, he stepped closer, his presence magnetic, his smile intoxicating.
he exhaustedly huffs out before nuzzling his head in your neck while wrapping one large arm around your waist.
you giggle, welcoming him and stroking over his silken hair as his lips brushed against the sensitive skin of your neck, sending a shiver down your spine.
the touch was soft at first, almost hesitant, but as he felt you relax into him, his kisses grew more confident.
diluc’s lips moved with a slow, unhurried precision, each kiss a perfect blend of pressure and tenderness— beyond that, he seemed to know exactly where to place them, as if he had memorized every inch of your neck.
the sensation was eye crossing, a mix of warmth and electricity that left you breathless and at his total mercy.
you close your eyes, your fingers gripping his shirt as he continued— each kiss seemingly lasting an eternity when in reality, not long enough.
his mouth explores with a patience and care that enveloped you, all of his senses filled by your scent, the temperature of your body and your traces on his scalp.
the way he kissed you spoke volumes, a silent declaration of his feelings as the way you welcomed it made him feel safe.
when he reaches a particularly sensitive spot just below your ear, you couldn’t suppress a soft moan— and you're a sweating mess by now , yet diluc abruptly paused, his breath warm against your skin,
"did I hurt you?" he asks, concern lacing his voice.
"no," you whisper and tug him closer to you "it feels… incredible."
— kinich
"kinich," your breath hitches the moment you open the door to your bedroom and find yourself looking at the mysterious man you've barely known for a week, a hand over your heart signalizing your surprise.
"you scared me."
"apologies, my dear," he drawls, smirking, his voice smooth and calm, " i didn’t mean to frighten you, i would never intentionally do such."
"—although, i needed to see you,"
you smile at him, slightly awkwardly but granted, he did break into your home.
up till now, the tension eases as you placed your jacket on the drawer next to your bed, "uh, it's alright, it would be better if you could tell me next time."
kinich's gaze softens, a playful glint in his eyes, "so— you don't like when i surprise you?" he says, stepping closer, "the quiet of the night is a perfect time for surprises, no?"
you roll your eyes, feeling a warmth spread through you at his sudden nearness— he's so close, but what was he thinking? what games was he playing and were you even able to participate?
fuck, there was just something different about kinich tonight, a confidence in his demeanor that made your heart skip a beat.
and as he moved even closer, you could feel the intensity of his presence and his signature musk, his eyes immediately locking onto yours.
"you want me to show you my actual reason for coming here?" he toys with you, pinching your cheek.
shortly after, he closes the gap between you, his hand gently but firmly pressing against your lower back as with a swift, smooth motion, he guides you until you felt back against the soft mattress of your bed.
the suddenness of it took your breath away, catching you off guard and as you looked up at him, his eyes glow wide.
"I couldn't help myself, —couldn't get you out of my head," he whispers, his lips a hairbreadth away from yours, "you draw me in like no one else, you put a spell on me or something?"
without another word, he captured your lips in a kiss that was both confident and playful, a perfect blend of passion and control that marked the obvious in his personality.
his mouth moved against yours with a practiced ease, exploring and conquering with a fervor that left you wish for more, thighs clenching— not to mention the intensity of his kiss which was simply overwhelming, in fact, you found yourself surrendering to it, letting him lead you.
kinich's free hand found its way to your hip, holding you firmly against the bed as he deepened the kiss in no time.
for the first time, you could feel the strength in his grip, the possessiveness in his touch, and it made you both a little scared and excited.
beyond second thoughts, his lips were hungry, his kisses demanding and full of a restrained desire that seemed to build up with every passing second he wasn't able to see you.
you melt against him, your hands finding their way to his chest, feeling his abs tightly as his tongue lapped around your own in a masterful dance that left you yearning for more.
"you're irresistible," he admits bluntly before releasing his grip on your hips and sliding his palm lower, "—and every time i see you, i have to fight the urge to do this."
Summary: When petty jealousy threatens to sour the quiet sanctity of their secret marriage, Mondstadt’s unyielding master of Dawn Winery burns away the rumors with an unforgettable public declaration of his devotion.
Word Count: 8.5k (whoops)
Warnings + Tags: Fluff | Established Marriage | Fluff | Comfort | Softness | Heavy Jealousy (from Donna) | Rumors | Protective Diluc | Protective Brother-in-Law Kaeya | PDA | Sweet Revenge | Public Confession | Public Marriage | Kaeya being a menace as always
The morning sun over Mondstadt always seemed to catch the crest of Starfell Valley first, pouring like liquid amber over the cider-scented orchards of the Dawn Winery.
It was a quiet sort of beauty, the kind that didn’t demand an audience but simply existed, grounding and immense.
Inside the manor, the atmosphere was much the same.
You sat at the long, polished oak table in the dining room, the crest of the Ragnvindr clan catching the early light from the high arched windows.
A cup of black tea steamed faintly beside your plate, the scent of bergamot mingling with the rich, earthy aroma of the breakfast Elzer had just laid out.
From the doorway, the soft, rhythmic click of leather boots signaled his approach.
You didn’t need to look up to know the precise cadence of Diluc’s step.
It was a march born of years of discipline, yet whenever he entered a room where you sat, that rigid pace invariably softened, rounding at the edges until it was nothing more than a gentle glide.
Diluc paused behind your chair, his gloved hand coming to rest lightly on the carved wooden back. With his other hand, he reached down, his long, pale fingers gently tucking a stray lock of your hair behind your ear.
His touch was warm, always so incredibly warm, a silent testament to the Pyro Vision that rested against his coat but it was also remarkably tender.
To the rest of Teyvat, Diluc Ragnvindr was a man of iron and ash, a silent protector who wore a permanent scowl and carried the weight of Mondstadt’s sins on his broad shoulders.
But here, within the private sanctuary of the winery, surrounded by the staff who had known him since childhood, he was simply yours.
"Did you sleep well?" his voice was a low, gravelly rumble, rich and soothing in the quiet of the morning.
"I did," you replied, tilting your head back to look up at him.
A small, soft smile graced your lips as you reached up to cup his cheek.
His skin was rough from years of handling claymores and reins, but he melted into your palm, his eyelids fluttering shut for a brief, sacred second.
"Though the bed felt a bit empty after dawn."
Diluc leaned down, pressing a lingering, warm kiss to your forehead. "I had paperwork to review with Elzer regarding the summer vintage. I didn’t wish to wake you."
Across the room, Adeline stood by the sideboard, a silver teapot in hand.
A knowing, deeply affectionate smile softened her features as she watched the two of you.
She had seen Diluc through his darkest, most turbulent years, the years of grief, of self-imposed exile, of bitter isolation.
To see him now, anchored so completely by your presence, his sharp edges thoroughly blunted by the sheer depth of his love for you, brought a quiet joy to her heart.
"Master Diluc, the carriage is being prepared for your trip into the city," Adeline murmured, her tone respectful yet warm. "And forgive me, Lady Ragnvindr, your dynamic with the Knights’ logistics team is scheduled for early afternoon, is it not?"
You laughed softly, shaking your head. "Adeline, please. Just my name is fine. And yes, Jean asked if I could assist with the inventory of the elemental reserves. With the Stormterror aftermath still causing minor anomalies, she wants an extra Vision holder on site."
Diluc’s eyes flicked down to your hip, where your own Vision rested, glinting softly in the morning light.
A subtle, protective tighten crossed his jaw, though it vanished as quickly as it came.
He trusted your strength implicitly. You were a formidable fighter in your own right, an equal partner who could stand back-to-back with him in the dead of night against an abyss pack without flinching.
His protectiveness wasn't a doubt of your capabilities; it was simply the natural law of his universe.
He loved you, and therefore, the world was a threat to be managed.
"I will be at the tavern by nightfall," Diluc said, his hand sliding down to your shoulder, giving it a firm, reassuring squeeze. "If your duties wrap up early, come find me at the Angel’s Share. We can ride back together."
"It's a date," you teased softly.
He didn't smirk, but the corners of his eyes crinkled a rare expression that only you ever truly witnessed.
To the world outside these stone walls, you were a dedicated ally of the winery, a capable Vision user, and a dear, trusted friend of Diluc Ragnvindr.
When the two of you had married a year ago, it had been a quiet affair, held in the estate’s private chapel with only Adeline, Elzer, and a profoundly smug Kaeya in attendance.
It wasn't that you were hiding your love; it was simply that neither you nor Diluc felt the need to perform your marriage for the court of public opinion.
You didn't hold hands in the streets of Mondstadt; you didn't exchange sweet nothings over the counter at the Good Hunter.
You walked side by side, equals, autonomous and private.
If anyone asked, neither of you lied. But Mondstadt was a city of gossip, and when people didn't see grand gestures, dramatic declarations, or a woman dangling off the winery master's arm, they assumed what they pleased.
To the average citizen, you were just an exceptionally close confidante. A brilliant friend.
And that suited you both perfectly. But privacy, you would soon remember, often left room for the imaginative malice of those who envied what they could not understand.
The afternoon air in Mondstadt was crisp, carrying the scent of dandelions and fresh bread from Sarah’s ovens.
You walked down the stone steps from the Knights of Favonius headquarters, stretching your shoulders after hours of cataloging elemental crystals with Lisa.
Your Vision hummed with a faint, resonant energy, responding to the ambient elemental flow of the city.
As you made your way past the flower shop, intending to head toward the plaza, a sharp, carrying voice cut through the midday bustle.
"Oh, look who it is. I swear, some people simply don't know when they are overstaying their welcome."
You paused, turning your head slightly. Standing near the city gates, leaning against a crate of goods, was Donna.
Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her lips curled into a sneer that looked entirely out of place on her usually bright face.
A couple of other townspeople stood nearby, shifting uncomfortably under her intense, venomous gaze.
You blinked, genuinely caught off guard. "Good afternoon, Donna. Is something the matter?"
"Is something the matter?" Donna scoffed, taking a step toward you, her heels clicking sharply against the cobblestones. "You have a lot of nerve acting so innocent. Everyone in the city sees it, you know. The way you constantly hover around the Dawn Winery. The way you practically force yourself into Master Diluc’s schedule."
You stared at her, utterly bewildered. "I work closely with the winery on elemental defense and trade routes, Donna. It’s matters of business."
"Business! Is that what you call it when you follow him around like a stray dog?" Donna’s voice rose, deliberately drawing the attention of passing citizens.
A few merchants turned to look; a pair of Knights on patrol slowed their pace. "You think just because you have a Vision, you're somehow special? You’re just a commoner clinging to his coattails, desperately trying to climb the social ladder. It’s pathetic, really. Master Diluc is a nobleman of highest caliber. He’s far too polite and well-bred to tell you to your face that you're an annoying nuisance, but it’s obvious to everyone else."
A low, collective murmur passed through the small crowd that had gathered.
Some looked sympathetic toward you, while others, fueled by the natural human appetite for scandal, began to whisper among themselves.
Is she really clinging to him? Well, they do spend an awful lot of time together... and Master Diluc never did seem the type to tolerate idle company.
You felt a prickle of annoyance, but you kept your composure.
You didn't need to defend your honor to Donna; the ring tucked safely on a silver chain beneath your shirt pressed warmly against your collarbone, a solid, unshakeable truth.
"Donna," you said, your voice calm, steady, and entirely devoid of the anger she was trying to provoke. "I assure you, Master Diluc is entirely capable of expressing his discomfort if he had any. My presence at the winery is welcomed."
"Welcomed? Keep telling yourself that!" Donna spat, her eyes flashing with a desperate, bitter jealousy.
For months, she had watched you slip in and out of the winery gates, had seen you walking beside the man of her dreams.
She had convinced herself that you were an opportunist, a parasite exploiting Diluc's solitary nature. "You're just a parasite. A desperate, clinging little girl who thinks a shiny glass orb on her hip makes her worthy of a Ragnvindr. You don't belong near him. You're nothing to him."
Before you could even open your mouth to reply, a long, dark shadow fell over the cobblestones between you and Donna.
"My, my. What an incredibly loud performance for such a quiet afternoon."
The smooth, theatrical drawl was instantly recognizable.
From around the corner of the alchemy station stepped Kaeya, his single eye gleaming with a dangerous, icy amusement.
His hand rested casually on the pommel of his sword, his posture relaxed, yet there was a distinct, predatory sharpness to the air the moment he arrived.
Donna paled slightly, stepping back. "Captain Kaeya! I-I was just... I was just pointing out the truth. She’s always bothering Master Diluc, and-"
"And since when did the logistics of the Ragnvindr estate become the civic duty of a floral assistant?" Kaeya interrupted, his smile never reaching his eye. He walked over, deliberately stepping into your space, his arm coming around your shoulders in a loose, protective, brotherly drape.
He looked down at you, his expression softening into genuine fondness. "Are you alright, little lady? Did the bad weather wash up some refuse?"
"I'm fine, Kaeya," you sighed, though you appreciated the warmth of his presence.
Over the past year, Kaeya had firmly established himself as a fiercely protective, albeit incredibly teasing, older brother figure to you.
He might have a fractured relationship with Diluc, but when it came to you, Kaeya was fiercely, uncompromisingly loyal.
Kaeya turned his gaze back to Donna, the temperature in the immediate vicinity seeming to drop by several degrees.
"Let’s clear something up, shall we? The lady you are so carelessly slandering happens to hold a position of utmost respect within the Knights' strategic network. Furthermore..." His grin widened, flashing a row of white teeth.
"If Master Diluc found her presence 'bothering,' he wouldn't be the one constantly ensuring her favorite tea is imported directly from Liyue just to keep her comfortable at his table. So, unless you want me to write up a formal report for public disturbance and harassment of a Knights' liaison... I suggest you take your flowers and your fascinating theories somewhere else."
Donna choked on her breath, her face flushing a deep, humiliated red.
She cast one last, hateful look at you before turning on her heel and storming off toward the flower shop, her hands trembling with rage.
The crowd dispersed quickly under Kaeya’s sharp, lingering gaze. Once the street was relatively clear, Kaeya dropped his arm from your shoulder, letting out a soft sigh as he looked down at you.
"You let people trample over you too much," he chided gently, though his voice held no real bite. "You could have flattened her with your Vision in three seconds flat."
"And cause a scene? Diluc hates scenes," you reasoned, smoothing down your coat. "Besides, her words don't change the truth. Let her think what she wants."
Kaeya shook his head, a complex emotion flitting across his face. "You and Diluc... I swear, the two of you are stubborn to a fault. This whole 'private romance' bit is all well and good, but it leaves the door wide open for fools like Donna to think they have a chance, or worse, to drag your name through the mud. Diluc would burn Mondstadt to the ground if he knew she spoke to you like that."
"Then let's not tell him," you said softly, looking up at him with pleading eyes. "He has enough on his plate with the Abyss Order activity near the Wolvendom borders. He doesn't need to waste his energy on town gossip."
Kaeya stared at you for a long moment, before letting out a defeated, amused chuckle. He reached out, rustling your hair affectionately. "You're too good for him, you know that? But fine. I won't say a word.
Just... be careful. Jealousy makes people do incredibly stupid things."
As it turned out, Kaeya’s warning was entirely prophetic.
A few days later, a grand celebration was held in Mondstadt.
The Knights of Favonius had successfully cleared out a massive hilichurl camp that had been blocking the main trade routes from Liyue, and the acting Grand Master had declared a night of festivity to boost morale.
The entire city was alive with light, laughter, and the heavy scent of Barbatos’s favored brew.
The Angel’s Share was packed to the brim.
Every table was occupied, the wooden rafter echoing with the loud choruses of bards and the clinking of heavy beer mugs.
Diluc stood behind the bar, his expression as impassive as ever as he poured drinks with practiced, flawless efficiency.
He wore his usual high-collared vest, his fiery red hair tied back in a neat ponytail.
Despite the chaos of the crowded tavern, his eyes continuously tracked a single point in the room: you.
You were sitting at a table near the corner, laughing softly as Venti spun a ridiculous, entirely fabricated yarn about a dragon and a giant dandelion.
Beside you, Kaeya was nursing a glass of Death After Noon, his eyes occasionally scanning the room with quiet vigilance.
"Master Diluc!"
Diluc’s gaze snapped back to the bar counter.
Standing there, leaning heavily against the polished wood, was Donna. She had clearly had a bit to drink, her cheeks flushed and her eyes glassy, though fixed on him with an intense, desperate focus.
"A glass of your finest white wine, please," she purred, trying to pitch her voice lower, trying to emulate the sophisticated ladies she read about in novels.
Diluc didn't utter a word.
He simply reached for a clean glass, poured the requested wine, and slid it across the counter to her, already turning away to wipe down a tap.
"Master Diluc, wait," Donna called out, her hand reaching out across the wood, nearly catching the sleeve of his coat.
Diluc subtly stepped back, entirely out of her reach, his eyes narrowing into a cold, flat stare.
Undeterred by his icy demeanor, Donna leaned in closer, her voice carrying over the din of the tavern to the surrounding patrons. "I... I just wanted to say how much everyone appreciates you hosting these events. You are always so hardworking, so noble.
It must be so exhausting... especially with certain people constantly draining your time and resources."
Diluc’s hand paused on the towel. "What are you referring to?"
Donna took his response as an invitation, her eyes lighting up with a cruel, triumphant gleam.
She glanced pointedly over her shoulder toward your table. "Oh, you know. There are rumors all over the city about how some people take advantage of your generosity. Always hanging around the winery, acting like they belong there, using their Vision as an excuse to get close to your wealth and status. It’s disgusting, really. Someone like you deserves a woman who truly understands high society, someone who values you for you, not just your name."
The immediate area around the bar went dead silent.
Six-Fingered José stopped strumming his lyre a few paces away.
Several patrons lowered their mugs, sensing the sudden, suffocating drop in atmospheric pressure.
Diluc did not blink.
His crimson eyes fixed onto Donna with a terrifying, absolute stillness.
The heat radiating off him became palpable, a heavy, oppressive warmth that made Donna’s breath hitch in her throat.
"Is that so?" Diluc’s voice was dangerously quiet, a low hiss of embers before a wildfire.
"Y-yes!" Donna stammered, emboldened by her own delusion. "Everyone thinks so! She’s just a clinging, desperate nobody who’s dragging down your reputation. You should just ban her from the estate, Master Diluc. You don't need that kind of dead weight—"
"Donna."
The name slipped from his lips like a sentence from a judge.
Diluc slowly placed the towel down on the counter.
He didn't raise his voice, but the sheer command in his tone cut through the entire tavern, silencing even the rowdy tables in the back.
"You are speaking of my wife."
The words dropped like a claymore splitting a boulder.
Donna froze, her eyes widening to the size of saucers. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. "W... W-wife...?"
Across the room, you raised your eyebrows, a quiet sigh escaping your lips.
You had hoped to avoid a scene, but looking at the absolute fury vibrating beneath Diluc’s calm exterior, you knew there was no stopping him now.
Kaeya, on the other hand, let out a loud, delighted bark of laughter, leaning back in his chair with a thoroughly entertained grin.
Diluc walked out from behind the bar counter.
He didn't spare Donna another glance as he crossed the floor of the tavern.
Every single eye in the establishment followed him as he made his way directly to your corner table.
As he approached, you stood up, a soft, apologetic smile on your face. "Diluc, you didn't have to-"
Before you could finish your sentence, Diluc reached out. His large, warm hand cupped the back of your neck, his fingers tangling into your hair with an intense, possessive gentleness.
He pulled you to him, and without a single shred of hesitation, he leaned down and pressed his lips firmly against yours.
It wasn't a chaste, polite kiss.
It was deep, breath-stealing, and heavy with a profound, unyielding adoration. It was the kiss of a man who was utterly consumed by the woman in his arms, a declaration made in the language of fire and absolute devotion.
Your Vision pulsed in tandem with his, a warm, harmonious light flaring briefly between you.
The tavern erupted.
Cheered, gasps, and the slamming of mugs against wood shook the rafters. Venti clapped his hands with glee, while Patton near the door looked like he might faint from sheer shock.
When Diluc finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours for a brief second.
His breathing was slightly shallow, his eyes dark with an emotion so raw it made your heart skip a beat.
He looked down at you, his thumb gently wiping a trace of moisture from your lower lip.
"I am tired of listening to fools speak your name with anything less than the reverence you deserve," he whispered, his voice for your ears alone.
He then turned his head, his sharp, lethal gaze locking onto Donna, who looked as though she wished the floorboards would open up and swallow her whole.
"Let me make this entirely clear to everyone present," Diluc announced, his voice ringing with absolute authority through the Angel’s Share.
"The lady standing beside me is the mistress of the Dawn Winery. She holds my heart, my trust, and my name. Any insult directed toward her is a direct declaration of hostility against the Ragnvindr house. If I hear a single whisper of slander against my wife again... you will find yourselves permanently barred not only from this establishment, but from every trade route, estate, and asset I control in Mondstadt. Am I understood?"
Donna looked as if she might burst into tears.
She gave a frantic, terrified nod before grabbing her bag and sprinting out of the tavern doors, the laughter of the patrons following her into the night.
Diluc let out a soft breath, the tension leaving his shoulders as he looked back down at you.
His expression immediately melted back into that soft, gentle gaze that was reserved entirely for you. "Are you alright?"
"I'm more than alright," you smiled, wrapping your arms around his waist, burying your face in his chest. "Though I thought we agreed no public displays of affection?"
"Exceptions can be made," he murmured, wrapping his arms securely around you, holding you close against his chest, entirely ignoring the catcalls and cheers of the tavern around him.
From the table, Kaeya cleared his throat loudly, a massive, mischievous grin stretching across his face. He stood up, swirling his drink before tossing it back.
"Well, well. Quite a performance, Master Diluc," Kaeya teased, walking over to the two of you. He clapped a hand heavily onto Diluc’s shoulder, a gesture that made Diluc’s eyes narrow, though he didn't pull away. Kaeya looked at you, his single eye glittering with a brilliant, sudden idea.
"You know... since the town is clearly so confused about your martial status, I think there’s only one logical solution to put this entire matter to rest permanently."
Diluc glared at him. "And what would that be, Kaeya?"
Kaeya smirked, leaning in. "A proper, grand wedding. Right in the middle of the city, at the Cathedral of Favonius. A full mass, the entire town invited, the grandest decorations the winery can buy."
He winked at you.
"And most importantly... we ensure Donna is given a front-row seat to watch you slide the ring onto her finger all over again. What do you say, sister-in-law? Want to give Mondstadt something real to gossip about?"
You looked up at Diluc, who was already looking down at you, awaiting your verdict.
The thought of a grand wedding was usually against his private nature, but seeing the soft, unspoken warmth in his eyes, you knew that if it made you happy, he would rent out the entire city for a week.
"I think," you said, a beautiful, radiant smile breaking across your face, "that sounds like a wonderful idea."
The morning following the announcement at the Angel’s Share did not arrive with the usual quiet dignity of the Dawn Winery.
Instead, it arrived with the sound of Kaeya Alberich’s boots clicking across the polished flagstones of the manor’s entrance hall at an hour that Diluc considered borderline criminal.
Inside the study, the air was thick with the scent of old paper, sealing wax, and the rich aroma of dark-roasted coffee.
Diluc sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his crimson hair tied back loosely with a black ribbon, a pair of reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
You sat on the chaise lounge across from him, a ledger of elemental inventory resting on your lap, though your attention had long since drifted to the way the morning light caught the sharp lines of your husband’s jaw.
The door flew open without a knock.
"Good morning, newlyweds or should I say, the soon-to-be publicly newlyweds?" Kaeya breezed into the room, his fur-lined cape swirling behind him like a dark blue cloud.
He held a thick stack of parchment in one hand and a half-eaten red apple in the other.
Diluc did not look up from his ledger, though his brow twitched with an immediate, practiced irritation.
"Kaeya. It is barely eight in the morning. Do the Knights no longer require their Cavalry Captain to pretend he has duties?"
"Oh, Jean has given me a temporary leave of absence for a matter of grave diplomatic and cultural importance," Kaeya said smoothly, dropping the stack of parchment directly onto Diluc’s immaculate desk, right over the trade reports from Liyue.
Diluc finally raised his eyes, his gaze flat and lethal. "And what matter might that be?"
"Your wedding, of course," Kaeya smiled, his single eye glinting with pure, unadulterated mischief.
He turned to you, his expression softening into that warm, brotherly fondness that had become so familiar over the past year. "Good morning, little lady. I trust my dear brother didn't keep you up all night discussing wine fermentation statistics?"
You laughed softly, closing your ledger and setting it aside. "Good morning, Kaeya. And no, we actually managed to sleep. Though I see you’ve been busy."
"Busy? I haven't slept a wink!" Kaeya declared dramatically, pulling up a high-backed chair and spinning it around so he could rest his arms across the backrest.
"Do you have any idea how much coordination it takes to plan a grand ceremony at the Cathedral of Favonius on less than a month's notice? Jean is already organizing the honorary guard. Lisa is curating the evening's musical repertoire though she threatened to electrocute me if I suggested any sea shanties and Amber has volunteered to handle the decorations for the plaza."
Diluc slowly took off his reading glasses, placing them precisely on the desk. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.
"We agreed to a ceremony, Kaeya. We did not agree to turn the city into a carnival. A quiet, dignified service at the Cathedral is more than enough to satisfy whatever... point you are trying to make."
"Oh, this isn't just about making a point, Master Diluc," Kaeya purred, his smile widening into something genuinely wicked.
"This is about community morale. And, more importantly, it is about civic education. The good people of Mondstadt need to learn the consequences of gossiping about the winery’s Lady."
Kaeya reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a separate piece of parchment, tapping it against his chin.
"In fact, I’ve already taken the liberty of handling the floral arrangements. I thought to myself, 'Kaeya, who in Mondstadt is most qualified to provide the highest volume of Cecilias and Windwheel Asters for the Ragnvindr estate?' And then it hit me."
A sudden, terrible suspicion flashed across Diluc’s face.
"Kaeya. What did you do?"
Kaeya’s grin was blinding.
"I placed a massive, non-refundable, incredibly lucrative order with Flora’s shop. Specifically, I requested that the order be processed, curated, and hand-delivered directly to the Cathedral by her senior assistant."
The room went dead silent for three seconds.
You blinked, a slow, disbelieving smile breaking across your face as the pieces clicked together.
"Donna."
"Precisely!" Kaeya snapped his fingers, looking thoroughly pleased with his own genius.
"I ordered five thousand Cecilias, three thousand Windwheel Asters, and a dozen arrangements of silk flowers imported from Liyue. And I made sure to specify in the contract that the delivery must be supervised at all hours by Mondstadt's most dedicated floral enthusiast. She will be spending the next three weeks surrounded by the very flowers that will adorn your bridal aisle. She will practically smell your happiness every time she breathes."
Diluc let out a long, heavy sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose where his glasses had just been.
"You are a child. A petty, vindictive child."
"I am a protective older brother," Kaeya corrected, his tone shifting for a brief second into something entirely sincere as he looked at you.
"And I don't tolerate people throwing dirt on my family. Besides, think of the economic boost for the flower shop! It’s an act of pure charity."
"It's psychological warfare," you corrected gently, though you couldn't deny the small, wicked spark of satisfaction it gave you.
Donna had spent weeks trying to poison your reputation; letting her carry the flowers for your wedding felt like a poetic, if slightly chaotic, form of justice.
"Exactly. The best kind of warfare," Kaeya chuckled, standing up and dusting off his trousers.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go check on the wine selection with Elzer. I told him we need at least fifty barrels of the 1984 vintage, and he looked like he was going to have a stroke."
"Kaeya, do not touch my cellar," Diluc growled, his voice dropping an octave.
"Too late! See you at lunch!" Kaeya waved a hand over his shoulder as he sauntered out of the study, his laughter echoing down the hallway.
Once the door closed, the heavy silence returned to the study, but the tension had evaporated, replaced by a warm, lingering amusement.
Diluc turned his head to look at you, his crimson eyes softening as the rigid persona of the Darknight Hero melted away entirely.
He stood up from his desk, walking across the room with that silent, graceful stride of his.
He stopped before the chaise lounge, reaching down to take your hands in his.
His palms were large, covering yours completely, the ambient Pyro energy within him making his skin feel like a hearth on a winter night.
He pulled you up to stand, wrapping his arms around your waist and drawing you flush against his chest.
"If this is too much," Diluc murmured, his face burying into the crook of your neck, his breath warm against your skin, "we can stop it. I don't care about the city's rumors. I only care about your peace."
You wrapped your arms around his neck, fingers tangling into the soft, thick waves of his red hair.
"Diluc, it's fine. Honestly. It’s a little chaotic, but... seeing everyone want to help, seeing Kaeya get so worked up to protect us... it makes me realize how much love we actually have around us. And besides..."
You pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, a playful glint in your own. "I wouldn't mind seeing you in a proper tailored suit at the altar."
Diluc’s chest rumbled with a rare, low chuckle.
He leaned down, pressing his lips to yours in a slow, deep kiss that tasted faintly of coffee and sweet morning air. "If it pleases my wife, I will wear whatever she desires."
Over the next two weeks, Mondstadt was transformed into a whirlwind of wedding preparation.
Because you and Diluc were already technically married, the typical stress of a wedding was absent; there was no anxiety about vows or legalities.
Instead, it became a massive, community-driven festival, with every major figure in the city finding a way to involve themselves.
At the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Jean had practically turned her office into a war room specifically for the logistics of the ceremony.
"The honorary guard will line the steps of the Cathedral," Jean explained, tapping a quill against a map of the city plaza.
You were sitting across from her, while Lisa lounged on the sofa nearby, sipping tea.
"We will have four squads of Knights in full ceremonial armor. No weapons drawn, of course, but it will ensure the crowd remains orderly. Master Diluc’s standing in Mondstadt demands a certain level of security, and given your status as a vital liaison, the Knights are proud to sponsor the guard."
"Jean, you really don't have to go to such trouble," you said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the scale of it all. "A simple walk up the steps is fine."
"Nonsense, darling," Lisa chimed in, setting her teacup down with a elegant clink. "Mondstadt hasn't had a proper noble wedding since Diluc's father was a young man. The people need something beautiful to look at. And besides, Jean needs an excuse to think about something other than paperwork. Look at her, she’s practically glowing with tactical wedding enthusiasm."
Jean flushed slightly, coughing into her hand. "I am merely ensuring that the event goes smoothly. Furthermore, Klee has requested to be the flower girl. I have... strictly forbidden her from using any 'special' flowers, and Albedo has promised to supervise her to ensure no explosives are disguised as bouquets."
You laughed, the vision of Klee accidentally blowing up the Cathedral altar with a companion sphere of dandelions both terrifying and hilarious. "Thank Barbatos for Albedo."
Meanwhile, down in the city plaza, the real drama was unfolding at the floral shop.
Kaeya had made it a personal habit to check on the progress of the floral orders at least twice a day.
He didn't just check the inventory; he brought a chair, sat near the fountain, and watched with a look of supreme satisfaction as Donna worked.
Donna was utterly miserable.
Her fingers were raw from trimming the thorny stems of the silk flowers, and her eyes were permanently red from a combination of pollen and bitter, furious tears.
Every single flower she touched was a reminder of the woman she hated, the woman who had turned out to be the legal, fiercely adored wife of the most eligible man in Mondstadt.
"Careful with those Windwheel Asters, Donna," Kaeya called out from his chair, swirling a glass of sparkling cider he had brought from the tavern.
"We need them to be perfectly symmetrical. My sister-in-law has a very keen eye for detail, you know. If a single petal is wilted, I’ll have to report it to Master Diluc, and we both know how particular he is about quality."
Donna bit her lower lip so hard it nearly bled.
She kept her head down, her hands trembling as she tied a silk ribbon around a massive bouquet of Cecilias. "Yes, Captain Kaeya. I am being very careful."
"Excellent!" Kaeya beamed, taking a slow sip of his drink.
"Oh, and make sure the delivery to the Cathedral on Friday morning is prompt. Master Diluc requested that the altar be completely covered in white lilies. He told me just yesterday while looking at his wife with the most sickeningly sweet expression I've ever seen on his face, mind you that she reminds him of a fresh lily after a spring rain. Truly, the man is a closet romantic. Who knew?"
A sharp snip echoed through the plaza as Donna accidentally cut the head completely off a pristine white rose.
"Oops," Kaeya murmured, his eye flashing with cruel amusement.
"That’s coming out of your commission, dear."
Donna looked up, her eyes wide with a mix of terror, humiliation, and deep-seated jealousy. "Captain Kaeya... why are you doing this to me? I... I only said what everyone else was thinking! How was I supposed to know they were... they were..."
"Married?" Kaeya’s voice lost its playful edge, dropping into a cold, sharp tone that made Donna flinch.
He leaned forward, his single visible eye locking onto her like a dagger.
"Because, Donna, a sensible person minds their own business. You let your jealousy cloud your judgment, and you tried to publicly humiliate a woman who is worth ten of you. Consider this a lesson in humility. You’re lucky it’s me sitting here teasing you, and not my brother. If Diluc had his way entirely, you wouldn't even be allowed within the city walls right now."
Donna swallowed hard, her throat tight with unshed tears. She looked down at the ruined rose in her hand, the reality of her situation sinking in. She had lost any chance she ever thought she had, and now she was forced to build the stage for her rival's ultimate triumph.
The night before the ceremony, the Dawn Winery was filled with a warm, bustling energy.
The entire staff: Adeline, Elzer, the maids, and the stable hands had gathered in the main hall to finalize the preparations for the reception, which was to be held on the estate grounds.
You stood in the center of the hall, wearing the beautiful, flowing white gown that Margaret and the city’s finest tailors had spent the last two weeks perfecting.
It was elegant, with delicate lace along the sleeves and a high neckline that managed to look both classic and modern.
Your Vision was subtly integrated into the sash at your waist, glowing with a soft, comforting light.
"Oh, look at you," Adeline whispered, her eyes misty with tears as she adjusted the long, sheer veil that trailed behind you. "You look absolutely breathtaking, my lady. Master Diluc won't know what to do with himself."
"He'll probably just scowl to hide how nervous he is," you joked softly, though your own heart was fluttering with a sweet, nervous anticipation.
"He doesn't scowl when he looks at you," Elzer remarked, entering the hall with a tray of polished silver chalices.
"In all my years serving the Ragnvindr family, I have never seen Master Diluc as at peace as he is when you are in the room. This ceremony... it is a good thing. The people of Mondstadt need to see that the Dawn Winery has a mistress who is strong, graceful, and deeply loved."
Just then, the heavy front doors of the manor opened, and Diluc stepped inside.
He had just returned from a final sweep of the perimeter with the Dawn Winery guards, ensuring no Abyss Order elements would disrupt the following day.
He stopped dead in his tracks the moment his eyes fell upon you.
The entire room went quiet.
The maids stepped back, smiling secretly among themselves.
Diluc stood perfectly still, his breath catching audibly in his throat. His crimson eyes scanned you from head to toe, taking in the elegant curve of the dress, the soft glow of your Vision, and the radiant, loving smile on your face.
For a man who never lost his composure, Diluc looked completely undone.
He slowly walked forward, his boots making no sound against the thick rugs. He stopped just inches away from you, his hands rising as if to touch you, but pausing, afraid to disturb the pristine perfection of the lace.
"You..." Diluc’s voice was barely a whisper, thick with an emotion so deep it felt heavy in the air. "You are beautiful."
"Do you like it?" you asked softly, reaching out to take his hands, pulling them to your waist.
Diluc didn't answer with words.
Instead, he leaned down, his lips finding yours with an intense, quiet reverence.
The kiss was gentle, almost hesitant, as if he were trying to commit the exact feeling of this moment to memory forever.
His hands slid around your back, pulling you close against him, completely unbothered by the fact that his entire staff was watching.
Adeline let out a soft, emotional sniffle, while the younger maids giggled into their aprons.
"I love you," Diluc murmured against your lips, his forehead resting against yours. "More than my own life. Tomorrow, the whole world will know it."
"They already know it, Diluc," you whispered back, squeezing his hands. "But tomorrow, we make it official."
The morning of the wedding arrived with a sky so clear and blue it looked as though the Anemo Archon himself had personally swept the clouds away.
The bells of the Cathedral of Favonius began to ring at noon, their deep, resonant chimes echoing across the rooftops of Mondstadt, signaling the start of the grandest celebration the city had seen in a generation.
The plaza outside the Cathedral was packed to absolute capacity. Citizens from every walk of life: merchants, Knights, adventurers, and farmers from Springvale had gathered along the grand stone steps.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of laughter, the chatter of excited children, and the beautiful music of bards playing traditional Mondstadt love ballads.
Standing near the base of the steps, holding a massive basket of flower petals, was Donna.
She wore her finest dress, but her face was a mask of pale, frozen misery.
True to Kaeya’s word, she had been given a designated position right at the front of the spectator line, forced to watch every single guest arrive.
Her hands were trembling so violently that a few dandelion seeds slipped from her basket, scattering into the wind.
"Oh, look! The Knights’ leadership is arriving!" a merchant nearby shouted.
Jean walked up the steps in her full ceremonial uniform, her blond hair styled elegantly.
Beside her was Lisa, wearing a stunning purple gown that turned heads with every step.
Then came Barbara, leading the Cathedral choir, her face bright with a pure, angelic joy.
And then, the carriage from the Dawn Winery arrived.
The crowd went completely silent as the door opened. Diluc stepped out first.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Diluc Ragnvindr, who spent his entire life in dark coats and practical combat gear, was dressed in a pristine, tailored black tailcoat with gold embroidery along the lapels.
His fiery red hair was tied back in a flawless braid, and a single, perfect white Cecilia was pinned to his breast. He looked every bit the high-born nobleman he was born to be; regal, imposing, and breathtakingly handsome.
But what caught everyone’s attention was his expression.
There was no scowl.
There was no cold detachment.
His eyes were fixed entirely on the carriage door, a soft, incredibly tender look softening his sharp features.
Diluc reached his gloved hand back into the carriage, and then, you stepped out.
The silence of the plaza broke into a roar of cheers and applause that could be heard all the way to Whispering Woods.
You looked like an absolute goddess, the white silk of your gown shimmering in the Mondstadt sun, your Vision gleaming at your hip like a star.
Diluc took your hand, drawing it through his arm. He looked down at you, a proud, deeply affectionate smile touching his lips. "Ready?" he whispered.
"With you? Always," you replied.
As the two of you began your walk up the grand stone steps, Kaeya stepped into view near the Cathedral doors.
He was dressed in his formal captain’s uniform, his cape flowing dramatically.
As you and Diluc neared the front row where Donna stood, Kaeya deliberately caught your eye, casting a subtle, mischievous glance down at the floral assistant.
Diluc, noticing the movement, paused right in front of Donna.
Donna froze, her breath catching in her throat as the terrifying, magnificent master of the winery stood just two feet away from her.
She looked down at your joined hands, the gold wedding bands catching the light, an undeniable, permanent reality.
Diluc looked at Donna, his crimson eyes cold, but entirely indifferent.
He didn't need to speak an insult; his happiness, his devotion to you, and the sheer grandeur of the moment were a far greater defeat than any words could inflict.
"Thank you for the beautiful flowers, Donna," you said softly, your voice filled with genuine kindness and grace, entirely devoid of malice. "They make the day perfect."
Donna’s face flushed a deep, burning red. She lowered her head, her voice a tiny, broken whisper. "Y-you're welcome, Lady Ragnvindr. I wish you... a lifetime of happiness."
Kaeya, standing just a few paces away, let out a soft, satisfied hum, crossing his arms as he watched the final piece of his plan fall into place.
Diluc looked down at you, his eyes immediately melting back into that soft, private warmth that belonged to you alone.
He squeezed your hand, and together, you walked through the grand wooden doors of the Cathedral, leaving the gossip, the jealousy, and the whispers of Mondstadt far behind.
Inside, the altar was a sea of white lilies and glowing candles.
Barbara began to sing, her voice filling the high stone arches with a melody of pure peace.
The high stone doors of the Cathedral closed behind you, shutting out the roar of the Mondstadt crowd and leaving only the ethereal, echoing resonance of Barbara’s choir.
The ambient temperature inside the sanctuary felt instantly warmer, charged by the quiet intensity of Diluc’s presence and the harmonious hum of your twin Visions.
As you walked down the grand aisle, flanked by rows of white lilies that Donna had spent the last two weeks painstakingly preparing, Diluc’s arm beneath your hand felt as solid as stone.
Yet, the way his fingers loosely entwined with yours showed a profound, almost hesitant gentleness.
He was a man who handled a heavy claymore with lethal precision, but with you, he always moved as if a fraction too much pressure might break the most precious thing he owned.
At the altar stood Acting Grand Master Jean, her expression a mix of professional dignity and deep personal relief.
Beside her, Albedo stood with a watchful eye on Klee, who was bouncing on the balls of her feet, clutching a velvet basket filled with shimmering Anemo-infused dandelion seeds.
"We are gathered here today," Jean began, her voice rich and carrying through the vaulted ceiling, "not to initiate a bond, but to honor one that has already stood the test of time, trial, and secrecy. Diluc Ragnvindr and his lady have long been the silent pillars of Mondstadt. Today, we bring their devotion into the light of the Archon."
Diluc turned to face you, taking both of your hands in his.
The gold embroidery on his tailored coat caught the flickering candlelight, casting a warm glow up into his crimson eyes.
In this sacred space, the stern, unyielding master of the Dawn Winery vanished completely.
The gaze he leveled at you was so raw, so entirely soft, that it made your breath catch.
"I, Diluc Ragnvindr, take you once more, before the gods and the people of Mondstadt," he murmured, his voice a low, gravelly timbre that vibrated straight to your heart.
"I swore my life to you in secret, but today I gladly bind my name, my house, and my honor to yours for all to see. No rumor can shake what we have built, and no shadow will ever come between us."
You smiled, tears pricking the corners of your eyes as you squeezed his warm, leather-gloved hands.
"And I take you, Diluc. With my life, my sword, and my Vision, I am yours. Yesterday, today, and for every tomorrow Mondstadt has left to give."
Kaeya, standing just a few paces back as Diluc's best man, let out a soft, theatrical sigh, wiping a completely imaginary tear from his eye.
"Beautiful. Truly, I might cry," he whispered loudly enough for Lisa to chuckle behind her hand.
"You may now seal the vow," Jean said, a genuine, warm smile breaking across her face.
Diluc didn't wait.
He stepped forward, his hands sliding up from your waist to cup your face with an immense, protective tenderness.
When his lips met yours, the Cathedral choir hit a breathtaking crescendo. It was a kiss of absolute victory; a silent, powerful declaration that the rumors, the jealousy, and the petty malice of the world outside had officially been incinerated by the hearth of his love.
Klee threw her hands in the air, sending a flurry of glowing dandelion seeds exploding into the air like miniature, harmless fireworks.
The crowd inside erupted into applause, led by a fiercely beaming Grand Master and a thoroughly satisfied Cavalry Captain.
The reception at the Dawn Winery later that evening was an affair that Mondstadt would talk about for decades.
The rolling hills of the estate were lit by hundreds of floating paper lanterns, casting a soft, golden glow over the grapevine trellises.
Tables groaned under the weight of Mondstadt's finest delicacies, and Elzer had indeed been forced to crack open the legendary 1984 vintage, much to the delight of the gathered Knights and citizens.
You stood on the stone veranda overlooking the festivities, a glass of sparkling apple cider in your hand.
The heavy lace of your bridal veil had been removed, leaving your hair to fall softly around your shoulders.
Your Vision pulsed with a gentle, contented rhythm against your hip.
"A penny for your thoughts, Lady Ragnvindr?"
You turned to see Kaeya leaning against the stone balustrade, a glass of Death After Noon tilted lazily between his fingers.
The chaotic smirk he had worn all day was gone, replaced by a quiet, genuinely protective expression.
"I'm just thinking about how perfect everything turned out," you smiled, leaning back against the railing.
"Even with all your chaotic planning, Kaeya. Thank you. For everything."
"Oh, don't thank me," Kaeya chuckled, looking out over the crowd where Diluc was currently trapped in a conversation with Jean and Venti, though his eyes were still firmly locked onto you across the courtyard.
"I simply expedited the inevitable. You two deserved a day where you didn't have to hide in the shadows of that big old manor. Mondstadt needs to know who holds the reins around here."
He paused, his expression turning serious for a brief moment. "Donna was at the gate earlier, helping the catering staff. She looked like she wanted to melt into the dirt. I think she finally understands that some fires burn too hot to play with."
"I don't harbor any ill will toward her," you said softly, watching the lanterns drift into the night sky.
"Jealousy makes people blind. I just hope she finds her own peace."
"You're far too kind," Kaeya sighed, shaking his head with a fond smile. "But that's exactly why my stubborn brother needs you. Speak of the devil..."
Kaeya gave a polite nod as Diluc excused himself from the Grand Master and walked up the stone steps toward the veranda.
His posture relaxed the moment he stepped away from the crowd, his eyes entirely consumed by your image.
"I believe it's time for me to mingle elsewhere," Kaeya said smoothly, tapping his glass against yours.
"Don't keep her up too late, Master Diluc. She's had a long day of being adored by the public." With a sharp wink, the Cavalry Captain sauntered back down into the gardens, leaving the two of you alone in the quiet dark of the terrace.
Diluc closed the distance between you instantly.
He didn't say a word at first; he simply slid his arms around your waist from behind, pulling your back firmly against his chest.
He buried his face into the crook of your neck, inhaling the sweet scent of your perfume and the faint, familiar trace of elemental energy that always lingered around you.
"Are you tired?" he whispered, his chest rumbling against your back.
"A little," you admitted, tilting your head back to rest against his shoulder.
Diluc looked out over the crowded courtyard, watching his staff laughing with the Knights, watching the city he protected in the dead of night celebrating the light of his life.
For the first time in years, the heavy burden on his shoulders felt completely weightless.
He leaned over, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your jawline, his Pyro warmth enveloping you completely in the cool night air.
"From this day forward, the world knows exactly where I belong. Right here. With you."
