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Diluc could see your figure trembling ever so slightly as you walked into the Dawn Winery late at night. It was one of the few days that he was actually at the manor, and he found it strange to see you here. Your smaller floating companion was huddled close to you, both of you clearly affected by the cold outside.
“[Name],” Diluc softly called your name and you glanced up to him, a small grimace on your face that was probably your attempt to smile. Before you could even open your mouth to explain what happened, Diluc walked up to you, casually taking off his jacket as he approached you. In a swift movement, he draped it over your shoulders and looked around the manor.
“Prepare a warm bath for her, and ready one of the spare bedrooms as well.”
“Yes, young master!”
Diluc ignored the title they used with him. After all, perhaps old habits die hard. He glanced down at you and gently placed a hand on your shoulder. You slowly make eye contact with him as he softly mumbled, “You can explain later, but for now, let’s make sure you don’t get sick.”
***
After the refreshing bath, you sat in front of the fireplace, completely zoned out and really out of it. Your hair was still slightly damp, and Paimon sat in your lap, sound asleep. You had only managed to dry off Paimon before she knocked out from exhaustion, and honestly you wanted to as well. The fireplace in front of you was so cozy and warm, it was a stark contrast to the snowstorm that was raging outside.
Honestly, how did I let Paimon convince me it was a good idea to come all the way back up from Liyue to Mondstadt in this weather? Just because she didn’t want to stay in an inn. You huffed as you gently adjusted a stray strand of Paimon’s hair. You shook your head lightly as you slowly got up from your position on the floor to tuck Paimon into bed first.
After tucking her in, as much as you wanted to just fall asleep right away, the thoughts of the snow reminded you of a vague memory with your brother. Your brother whom you haven’t seen since arriving in this strange world. I wonder if he’s doing okay. Wherever he is… I hope he’s safe.
The gentle knock at your door brings you out of your thoughts and you softly mumbled, “Come in.”
“How are you doing?”
Diluc stood at the doorway, a tray of food in his hands and he asked, “Hungry?”
“Starving,” you responded with a breathy laugh. Diluc sets the food on the coffee table nestled between two plush lounge chairs. He wasn’t expecting you to actually be awake, and he certainly wasn’t expecting you to be wearing one of his old dress shirts from his younger days. He knew you were shorter than him, but he had never noticed the height difference until today.
“Is that all they gave you to wear?”
“Nothing else fit me,” you responded as you took a bite of the sandwich. There was a happy hum as you ate and he asked, “When was the last time you ate?”
“I don’t know,” you mumbled in between bites. You took a sip of the warm water and you mumbled, “We were part way between Liyue and Mondstadt when the weather took a turn for the worse.”
You frowned and Diluc mirrored your expression, “Why didn’t you just turn back?”
“Where would I even go?” you retorted and sighed, “Wangshu Inn was too far and too expensive, and we thought we’d make it to Dawn Winery in time. I had no idea that as soon as we stepped foot in Mondstadt it’d be snowing here.”
Diluc shook his head and upon seeing yours still damp he asked, “Are you planning to sleep like that?”
“Of course not!”
The small laughter that escaped you was one that Diluc was ever so familiar with. It was the laughter that indicated that you were fine, even if you weren’t a few hours before when you walked into the manor. You glanced over at him and softly mumbled, “Thank you for letting me stay the night.”
“Maybe more than one night, judging by how intense the snowstorm is.”
“Oh,” you glanced out the window that was firmly locked. Though it was dark outside, you could hear the whistling of the winds through the small cracks. Before you could ask if you could stay, he softly sighed, “You can stay until it’s over.”
Your eyes widened, and Diluc continued, “Do you think I’d be that heartless to kick you out in this weather?”
“N-No,” you shook your head, and honestly you weren’t too sure why you were so shocked by his actions. Diluc may be cold and distant, but he’s always cared for you, even if he does his best not to show it.
“Yet you looked surprised.”
“I… uhm,” you sheepishly smiled, “I’m not sure why I am.”
Diluc huffed and you shook your head fondly and mumbled, “Thank you, Diluc.”
“No need to mention it,” he nodded and said, “You should get some rest.”
“I’ll try.”
“I’m sure you can sleep, if there’s anything that you need to meet your needs, just let me know.”
“Okay,” you answered as Diluc slowly got out of his chair. He glanced down at you, and all he could see for a split second were your legs. He roughly shook his head and mumbled, “I’ll get the maids to find you something more appropriate for the upcoming days.”
You glanced down and almost instinctively tried to stretch out the old, worn out shirt a bit more. You glanced away and mumbled, “It- It’s not as short as what I usually wear.”
“Yes, and there’s a snowstorm. Now,” he cleared his throat and pointedly turned his gaze away from you, “Go to bed, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Even with the tips of his ears as red as his hair, he still had to maintain his composure. As soon as he closed the door and made his way down the hall towards his own personal bedroom. Upon entering, he let out a heavy sigh as he glanced out the window. It was a strange feeling, to know that you were down the hall and wearing his old shirt.
Ridiculous.
The entire situation was ridiculous and yet… somewhere deep inside, he couldn’t help but feel warm inside.