Chapter Text
After the Fatui’s brutal attack, they finally decided to leave Mondstadt alone. Their attempts to find and kidnap the Anemo Archon had failed. And their soldiers had paid the price in bloodshed.
Kaeya came every day to report on what was happening. Regarding both the Knights and Diluc.
The Pyro-user had been on the frontlines, ferociously slashing at his opponents and showing no signs of forgiveness or mercy. In the end, his one-track mind and aggressive fighting style gave him a horrific scar.
A man with an axe had cut Diluc from his upper thigh to his lower chest, but the vigilante didn’t pass out until the battle was over.
The man had nearly bled to death.
When the fighting had finally subsided, he was rushed to the cathedral.
He woke up two days later, his concussion and scar taking their time to heal.
Currently, Diluc had been conscious for a little less than a week, and my patience was waning. I’d been overworked with anxiety for the past week, wondering and wishing for him to return home.
I asked Kaeya if I could see him.
“Not at the time.” Was his reply.
“Why not?” I asked, desperate to make sure he was okay. I needed to see him. To touch him and to know that he was alright.
“The nurses are allowing visitors, but Diluc has specifically requested that you abstain from the church.”
I crinkled my brows.
“What?” I questioned. “Why?”
Kaeya smiled sadly.
“He told me the following,” He began. “She’s seen me suffer enough. I can’t put her through more pain. I won’t.”
I sighed.
Doesn’t he realize that the agony of waiting is worse than seeing him in pain?
Yet, I obeyed his wishes. I stayed at the manor, playing chess with Elzer, doing chores with Adelinde, and fretting over Diluc with Hillie and Moco.
After washing the ribbon, I wore Diluc’s hair tie as a bracelet. Having the tight string around my wrist, I received a constant reminder of Diluc.
Diluc, Diluc, Diluc was all it thought about.
Was he really okay? How bad were his wounds? Why won’t he let me visit? I hope he’s doing well. I haven’t seen him in so long.
I miss him.
I miss him very much.
I miss his shy smile. I miss his brightly colored eyes. I miss the shape of his face. I miss the faint pink that would come to his cheeks when I touched him. I miss the wrinkles that would form when he was thinking. I miss his strong arms and even stronger will. I miss him.
I love him.
I spent days upon days falling asleep in the foyer, waiting for my Darknight Hero to return.
And day after day, Kaeya would tell me the same message.
“He’s doing well. He should be back to himself in no time.”
“He’s healing quickly. The nurses say he should be able to come home soon.”
“Master Diluc is getting better. You’ll see him soon.”
Every passing day left me more worried and saddened than the next.
He had been extremely injured, and I knew he’d need time to heal, but why was the universe taking so long?
The Wind Blume festival was over. The ferry to Sumeru left each morning without me. My parents expected me home soon, yet I stayed. I stayed and sat in the manor. I stayed and fell deeper into loneliness. I stayed and cried with fear. I stayed and waited for hours on end.
And I stayed because I needed to.
***
I finished writing a letter to my parents.
I explained why I had delayed my return, but skipped over the details. I didn’t tell them about my despair or my loss of hope or my tears. I just informed them of Diluc’s condition.
After another day had gone by, and the sun was starting to set, I took my usual spot near the fire. I watched the wood crack and sparks fly, warming up my toes and yawning.
All of this waiting, keeping busy, and fretting had made me exhausted. I was tired every night, but today, it was exceptionally hard to keep my eyes open.
After the third time, I dozed off and woke up abruptly from the sound of a silence that was too loud. I rubbed my eyes and stood.
The sun was setting, and the sky was on fire with the shade of tangerine yellow.
To get a better look, I went into a place I’d been a frequent visitor to.
Diluc’s study.
I opened its door, taking in the half-written paperwork and open books.
I went to the balcony door, opened it wide, and stepped into the evening wind.
The air smelled sweet, like grapes and spring grass and flower petals.
I put my hands on the railing, closing my eyes and absorbing the moment.
Here, alone and calm, I felt alive for the first time in a while.
The wind blew softly, ruffling my hair and the hem of my dress.
Today, I’d worn the gown from the festival. When I’d put it on, I’d felt less alone. Knowing that it was a gift from Diluc made me smile, remembering how much he cared for me.
Diluc hid his emotions well, yet I read his expressions easily.
In truth, we’d both changed since we last saw each other, but he was still the charming and kindhearted man I fell in love with four years ago.
After becoming close once more, he’d become bolder. And more charismatic. Just as he was before I’d left for Sumeru.
There was no doubt in my mind that he’d come home to me. I’d just have to wait.
Fortunately, my waiting was over.
A low, gentle, and gravelly voice came from behind.
“Lumine…”
My heart stopped beating. Instantly, my legs felt weak. I turned around. Then, I blinked and swallowed.
Diluc…
Diluc was here.
He walked closer. Onto the balcony. In front of me.
I held my breath, looking up at his irises.
He was here.
Diluc was home.
He stood quietly, almost shy, watching me with a gentle stare.
I shakily raised my hand to his cheek, fingers wobbling. When my hand reached his cheek and lightly caressed his face, my self-control diminished. I threw my body into his chest. I wrapped my arms around his torso, holding his body to mine. He grunted in surprise.
“Y-You’re home…” I whimpered. “Home…”
The tears in my eyes absorbed into the redhead's blouse. The man returned my embrace, his powerful arms cautiously encircling me. One arm rested on my upper back while the other came to the top of my head. He tilted his chin upwards, allowing me to bury my face further into his collarbone.
As I sniffled and squeezed him tighter, his soothing tenor filled my ears.
“I’m sorry...” He whispered. His voice was tense and remorseful. “Eternally sorry for making you worry about me.”
Diluc’s palm smoothed my hair, sending comfort through my body.
“I thought I’d be home in a few days…” He sighed, lips trembling. “But how wrong I was. I’m sorry.”
Diluc pivoted his head downwards, his cheek meeting the top of my head.
As my crying unsteadily subsided, Diluc whispered apologies over and over, his hold on me never faltering.
Finally, when I could open my eyes without tearing up, I gave Diluc a large grin.
“I’m so very happy that you’re home,” I said, backing away and wiping my tears with my sleeve.
“And I’m grateful to be home.” He replied, smiling beautifully. He let his arms drop to his sides, taking a tiny step back.
He stared at me for a long moment before closing his eyes, sighing, then looking back into my eyes.
“The day you went back to Sumeru,” He started. “Kaeya and I were supposed to meet you together. He left early and went without me. When I awoke and saw he was gone, I chased after you. The boat was just leaving the harbor. I yelled for you… But it had been too late. I’m sorry.” Diluc reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wooden box. “I said I’d give you a gift before you left.”
He handed it to me, and I eyed it over.
It was a wooden, light-tan container with small gold hinges. I opened the box to find a gorgeous necklace.
A golden, twirling chain; attached to it was a series of multicolored stones, placed in the shape of a Windwheel Aster.
I put my hand over my mouth, astounded.
“Do you like it?” He questioned.
I beamed, holding back more tears.
“It’s wonderful,” I replied, taking it out of the box.
“I’m delighted to hear so.” He exhaled, relieved.
I unclipped the metal and placed it around my neck.
“Here,” He offered. “Allow me,”
I held my hair out of the way, and Diluc clasped the chain. His fingers gently brushed my back.
I admired the charm, mesmerized by the trinkets' beauty.
As I grinned at Diluc, the sun sank behind him. There was a marvelous flash of pale yellow which slowly turned a vibrant orange, then a deep crimson. As the scarlet turned to purple, then blue, then black, Diluc’s eyes twinkled like stars.
“There was another gift I was thinking of giving you.” He swallowed, wetting his desert-dry mouth.
I looked at him with curiosity, waiting for his offer.
Diluc stepped closer to me, cautiously taking my hand in his. He cupped his palm around my own, his fingers holding tight. His eyes traveled upwards, looking behind me, eventually getting the boldness to meet my gaze.
He parted his lips, gently speaking,
“I’d like to kiss you…” He told me, cheeks dusted pink. “M-May I?”
I felt my ears turn red. My heart started to flutter, and my anxiousness skyrocketed.
But I knew my answer. More than anything.
“Yes...”
Diluc let out a breath. His hand slowly reached forward to cup the side of my face. His fingers nervously rested on my cheek.
He paused, then his thumb pressed upwards on my chin, and my head moved with his gesture. He tilted my head toward his, irises flickering with fear and something deeper.
Diluc parted his mouth, exhaling slowly. He swallowed and blinked his eyes closed. I closed my own eyelids, anticipation growing.
Diluc readjusted his fingers, gently moving my head at an angle. I felt his unsteady breath on my lips. It tickled my nose, causing me to grin, joyously waiting for what would happen next.
I felt Diluc pause for a second. (Almost as if he were waiting for Kaeya to spoil yet another moment for us) Then, he tightened his grip on my hand and pulled me closer.
His incredibly perfect lips met mine. Joy, wonder, and delight filled every cell of my body. His mouth was soft and gentle. He pursed his lips forward, then smoothed them out, separating himself from me.
I opened my eyes and found him smiling sheepishly but bigger and brighter than ever. The hand on my face let go, but the one holding my hand grew tighter.
His grin was contagious. I beamed back, admiring how gentle and loving the man in front of me was.
As he gained some of his decorum back, Diluc looked at me softly, his blush light and his gaze gentle.
“I have one more thing to ask of you.” He told me, moving a small step closer.
I anxiously waited for his answer.
“I don’t believe that there is an all-knowing and all-seeing law of the universe.” He told me. “There is bad and there is good. No one can control either side, and sometimes the lines are blurred. I used to think that destroying all evil would leave me in darkness… Yet I see I was wrong. You’re by my side despite my imperfections. That is something I never thought I’d live to see. My father… he would be very proud of us.” Diluc smiled, rubbing his thumb on the back of my hand.
“I’ve experienced much heartache in my life.” He continued. “You know that well. Yet, I’ve found joy in things. My business. My family. My friends. My staff. And most importantly, you. Lumine… no one has come close to making me feel the way I do for you. And that won’t ever change. I don’t want it to change.
“I don’t believe in fate, yet I believe that you and I are supposed to be with one another. I've found joy with you. Peace. Comfort… and love.” Diluc’s eyes became softer than before.
“I’ve experienced love for the first time in quite a while… and I don’t plan on letting it go. So I ask this of you… Please stay with me. Hold me up when I’m injured and alone. Comfort me and offer your help. Scold me when I’m reckless and smile at me when I’m sweet. Laugh when I say something dry and look at me with such adoration that it makes me melt. Please… please be my beloved?”
Overwhelmed with joy, I started to cry again, beaming brightly.
I nodded, coming closer to Diluc and whispering, “Y-yes… yes, yes… Yes!”
I hugged him tightly once more, feeling the vigilantes' relaxed movements against my body. I tucked my face into his neck, lacing my arms around his head. His hands rested on my back, assuring me and keeping me calm.
When his grip loosened and his head moved back, I went onto my tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth. Diluc reciprocated after his surprise wore off. He turned his head to have his lips meet mine fully. He was slow and focused with the embrace, easily pursuing and then steadying his mouth against mine.
His hands cautiously and thoughtfully moved to my sides. He respectfully moved his hands to my hips, applying slight pressure and pulling me even closer. I threaded my fingers in his hair, slowly scraping his scalp and letting our lips connect over and over.
After a long moment, I tugged on his hair, bringing his head back. He took in a deep breath, ears red and cheeks colored with a fiery crimson. I rested my head on his shoulder, letting my lungs receive the air they needed.
As we stood in the moonlight, my heart felt full.
Diluc was safe. In my arms. In love with me.
As I smiled, Diluc slowly began to sway.
I poked my head up, a puzzled expression on my face.
“I owe you a dance,” He smiled. “Do I not?”
I grinned, moving my feet in step with his.
We moved from left to right, slowly dancing around the balcony. I rested my head on Diluc’s shoulder once more, the cold air seemingly unimportant when his warmth was enough for us both.
Unexpectedly, Diluc chuckled, low and small.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Nothing…” He whispered in reply. “I’m just… happy. Very, truly… happy…”
~End~