Chapter Text
Sun shined upon Dawn Winery. The wind whistled freely through the trees and grape vines, singing a happy bards tune in glory of the city of freedom. This place, Childe realized upon arrival, possessed a sovereign quality. It was touched upon and cared for by the affectionate hand of someone regal. It stood out that much to him. Perhaps that was just because he knew the one who was guarding over it and helping it cultivate.
"Excuse me, sir, can I help you?" a voice spoke.
Childe looked away from the building before him and to the man who spoke to him. A worker at the winery, clearly. He looked skeptical too, perhaps even a bit nervous and rightfully so. Childe was a foreign face with dress and appearance that one couldn't so easily forget. Simply, he looked like someone who shouldn't be overlooked. That was all it was.
Childe was sure he had a curious look on his face right now too. He hoped his emotions weren't giving away too much. But it wouldn't take much to quell this mans worry. And with that thought, Childe smiled.
The man instantly looked more relaxed.
"Hello, are you one of the workers here?" The man nodded, so Childe continued."Is—" He paused briefly, pondering. Right, I should probably address him properly. Childe smiled, humorous thought entering his mind as he continued."Is Master Diluc in?"
"Yes, he is..." the worker responded. He was slowly growing more agreeable."Do you have business with Master Diluc, sir? Perhaps an appointment with the master?"
"Oh, nothing that formal, I suppose." Childe thought off, picking through his various names until making a decision."Could you tell him Ajax is here to see him? He'll know who you're talking about once you tell him."
Perturbed, the man still nodded."I'll let one of the head maids refer this to him, sir. You're welcome to sit inside the winery if you would like."
"That's fine." Childe smiled with a shooing wave."I'll wait for Master Diluc's invitation."
The worker didn't give his words much thought and headed off for the front of the house. Childe watched from a distance, taking a seat at one of the outside benches while eyeing the man talking to one of the maids out front. She, in turn, gave Childe one brief look—which he smiled in response to—and headed inside to inform their master.
Childe leaned back on the bench, watching with intelligent eyes the workings of the winery. People flowing about, hard at work to supply wine all over Teyvat. This winery and the wealth it spoke of made Childe want to burst out laughing. It was all too comical. Everything about this current situation was. He was excited at what enjoyment would come out of it.
After some time spent lost in his own thoughts, a different maid—one looking more able and mature than the others he had seen—came out of the double doors and walked straight over to Childe to greet him.
"Hello, sir," she greeted with a formal bow befit a guest."Master Diluc will see you now. Please, follow me."
"Sure," Childe responded. He sat up and followed her inside the large building. It spoke of regal afflictions on the inside as it did out. Childe was only mildly impressed. But it showed the life of the owner of such a place, so he kept a close eye on everything.
"Master Diluc is right through this door." The maid bowed and began to open it."Please, take your time."
Just as it was opened for him, it closed behind him as well. No doubt the master of the house didn't want anyone else in the room. Childe wistfully thought to himself it was because he was just that special.
Special for all the wrong reasons, however.
More than 15 years now until this day ruled by the hand of fate. Childe looked upon the figure that was standing in front of the desk behind him, windows and lights illuminating his figure so not a single spot of skin could be left unseen.
Childe saw all of him. He noticed his height and body mass first, as his eyes went up slowly from his feet to his hair. He saw strong arms, a broad back hidden behind clothes, and large hands that tried to hide themselves from the way they were folded across the mans front in defiance or displeasure. There was a mane of bright red tufts of hair, even brighter then the eyes that stared at him and tried to hide away any feelings other than cold stoicism. Taking in the full of the masters face was the last thing Childe did.
Handsome, was the first word in Childe's mind. Undeniably handsome. A beauty that can't be described even with the fanciest of words.
Oh, how he had longed for this day.
"It's been awhile, hasn't it, Master Diluc." Childe walked forward as to close the distance.
"Not long enough," Diluc responded gruffly."It would've been better if you never showed your face to me again."
Childe laughed at that."That would've been no fun! I want to make good on the promise I made to you. I bet you were thinking about it to, right?"
Diluc didn't give him the pleasure of a response, deciding that whether yes or no, he would've been exposed. So, better to remain silent and cold. All he did was glare on at Childe who peered around the space they were in. He gathered quickly that it was Diluc's personal office.
"You've done well for yourself," Childe commented."You should've seen how surprised I was when you got brought up in conversation! The uncrowned king of Mondstadt, owner of one of the best wineries in all of Teyvat. I was laughing so hard everyone thought I had gone insane!"
Diluc's eyes narrowed."I don't want to hear words for praise from Fatui scum," he spit out.
"Ah, so you've heard about me as well." Childe turned back and smiled at him, almost mischievous."I became one of the Eleven Harbingers. The Tsaritsa acknowledged me and everything."
"Childe," Diluc spoke his name."Or rather, Tartaglia. But those are both just aliases."
"It's seems you've been doing your research," Childe responded."You can call me whatever you want. I don't mind. But you better watch yourself or someone may start to question why someone who hates the Fatui so adamantly is hanging around one of the Harbingers."
"You wont be here long enough for that to be a problem."
The sureness in Diluc's voice lied about the situation at hand. Perhaps he was just playing with himself, trying to convince his own mind that he had any sort of control over their relationship like he did over the winery he ran.
"Don't be so hasty to get rid of me, Master Diluc," Childe responded."I want to stay here a couple nights at the manor. I just got down from Dragonspine and am quite tired. You'll let me, wont you?"
Childe took this chance to catch Diluc's eyes. They stared one another down, and their relationship showed clear in that stare. It would not be named aloud. For Diluc's sake, perhaps that was Childe's reasoning. It was much more fun to toy around with him like this anyways. Only for a little bit.
And, not disappointing his expectations, Diluc's face twitched, but his words were resigned."Do as you please. If you're staying here, though, the mask must come off." Childe put a hand to the obviously Fatui mask on the side of his head."If certain people figure out you're Fatui scum, it will cause problems."
"For you it will," Childe responded."I could care less what people here think. It's not like the Knights of Favonius can lock me up when I haven't even done anything." Diluc looked like he wanted to murder Childe right there, but he kept civil for the moment. Childe smiled."Maybe if you do something to persuade me I'll listen to you just this once."
"I refuse to bow my head to Fatui," Diluc spit back.
Childe wanted to say something fatally childish like "you have no choice" or "you can't refuse me", but he didn't. Maybe years ago when he was younger and even more possessive and stubborn than he was now he would've said something like that, followed by that name he loathed so much. Now, though, there were better ways to get him to squirm.
"If that's the case, I guess I'll just leave it on then," Childe said without care of Diluc's inner turmoil."So, which room's the biggest? Probably yours, right? Maybe I'll just have to steal it away from you. Or we could sleep together, if you would like."
"You will go nowhere near my bedroom," Diluc said sternly."As for your mask..." Diluc stared at it, emotions filtering through his eyes until they closed in a sigh."Never mind."
So he couldn't do it after all, Childe thought.
"Don't worry, I'll take it off," Childe spoke, doing just that."This is our fated reunion, and it does get a bit irritating. Don't think I'll be so kind to you next time, though."
"This is a far cry from kindness."
Childe laughed at that, moving over to wrap and arm around Diluc's shoulder as he made for the door. As soon as they made contact, Childe being as casual as possible, Diluc snapped and jolted away. He stared Childe down, eyes wide for the briefest of seconds before his face was once again a stone mask.
"Don't touch me, Fatui," he spoke, words a low growl.
Childe smiled and allowed him to continue escorting him to his room."Sorry, sorry."
Despite Diluc's attempted nonchalance, it seems he was quite effected by this meeting. Clearly more so than Childe and in a much more negative way. But that was fine for now. It could be fixed, just like all things. If he believed it couldn't be, then it never would.
"And the fire burns, burns, burns away the snow~
So the kids can play and learn and grow~
Cause in Snezhnaya no tears should ever be shown~"
Through the shrill songs of children, everything burned.
It was suffocating.
Childe was greeted rather graciously that morning by one of the maids and told breakfast would be ready for him downstairs. He, of course, asked if Diluc was also attending to which he was given an affirmative response. Dressing, he came down to begin eating without waiting for the master of the house.
As he munched away at a wonderful and warming breakfast, he talked up the people serving him. It was a mission of sorts. He didn't want them forgetting him, on one end. On the other, he wanted to show he was friendly and that he was permanent in Diluc's life. This wasn't just a one and done trip. Childe was a special existence in Diluc's life. Or at least, he hoped to be.
The pattering of feet coming down the staircase alerted Childe to Diluc's arrival. He was, of course, dressed for the day, but his face looked anything but. Whether he was trying to hide it or not, Childe saw clear as day that Diluc hadn't gotten a wink of sleep that night.
"Good morning, Diluc!" Childe called, ditching formalities as he felt like it."You look tired. Are you sure you slept last night? If you were so anxious to sleep with me, you should've said so."
Diluc greeted him with a tried glare. Maybe he would've been snapping more at Childe for saying such things in front of his staff but such energy looked beyond him."Stop saying foolish things," was all he responded.
Childe hummed, watching as Diluc sat across from him and began eating. He was full of practiced etiquette even in his tired state. It still hadn't sunk in for Childe. As the two of them sat eye-to-eye across the table like this, lavish display before them, the ridiculousness of it all was still processing. Not only a handsome new face but also well mannered.
How utterly laughable.
"Stop staring and eat your food," Diluc said, not looking up.
Childe caught himself, realizing how easy it was to space out while staring at Diluc's face. It had a mesmerizing effect on him.
"So, what are your plans today, my dear Master Diluc?" Childe asked, focusing back on his half finished plate of food.
"None of your business."
"Ah, how hurtful," Childe responded with a pout."You should let me tag along."
"I doubt you would want to watch me run a winery."
"Then take the day off and entertain me," Childe responded."If not, maybe I'll just head into town and say hello to the Ordo. There's a couple people there you've gotten close to, right? Like the Acting Grandmaster and the Cavalry—"
"Follow me all you want, but don't step a single foot into Mondstadt," Diluc spoke over him, glaring at Childe."I wont have someone like you roaming around. If you want to play with me, play all you like, but leave others out of it."
Childe's eyes crinkled. There they were, Diluc's true feelings. So he had made a proper life for himself after all. Where he once had nothing, he now burns even brighter than before. Childe wanted to see it with his own eyes. A fire that could melt the hardest of ice and not be extinguished no matter how much water you poured onto it. Everlasting flame.
"Then show me what I want to see, Diluc," Childe spoke."Why don't we take a trip together, just for the day. I'm sure it'll be very worthwhile."
Diluc gave Childe a hard stare, speaking no remorse."I refuse to give into your whims." He then took a breath and spoke once more."We are no longer the same people we once were. I..." He clenched his fists together."I'm not yours. I have people who care for me and things I have to protect. So play with me all you want, but you'll get nothing out of me ever again."
Childe stared at him, watching Diluc's emotions shift as he stared back. It was tense, and Diluc grew into his nerves during this mental battle. Still, he was strong enough to hold his ground. It made Childe smile, despite the serious turn their conversation took. Probably not the best move, but he couldn't stop himself even if he tried.
"Diluc..." he started, mind whirling with how he wanted to continue."We're not kids anymore. You aren't mine." Diluc inhaled a sharp breath."You haven't been mine since the moment I let you go. You're free. I came here to tell you exactly that."
Childe heard a small crack and swore part of the table broke at the sheer force Diluc was pressing down into the wood. His hands, currently holding his utensils, bent the metal in a concerning way. But Diluc's face was the thing of most concern.
The emotions filtering across his face could only be described as turbulent. He was in complete chaos, eyes blown wide with a growing anger befitting his fire-red hair. Childe felt like he was watching someone lose their grip on themselves. Maybe, perhaps, that was exactly the case.
And in facing the force of those turbulent emotions, Childe could do nothing. His body only ceased up and watched as Diluc, the man that sought after dawn, fell towards the dusk.
With sharp abruptness, he stood up."I'm leaving," was all he voiced. And that voice was shaking and angry. It was burning.
Just as he said so, one of the maids—the one Childe now knew as Adelinde—came forward from outside to address him."Master Diluc," she spoke, his attention snapping to her. Umbrella dropping, yet feet still partially wet, her appearance spoke of the situation."It seems we've been hit with a sudden rain shower. We wont be able to go through with the outdoor maintenance you requested."
Diluc stared at her, fists clenching at his sides as his spinning mind took in the information. He gave her only a curt nod and a few words."Fine. Send me any paperwork to my office. I'll be working here until it clears up."
"Understood." She bowed in response, and Diluc walked away to his office without bothering a glance in Childe's direction. The slam of the door could be heard clearly from where Childe sat.
Adelinde sat up, concern in her eyes but asking nothing. It was probably for the best she didn't. Childe couldn't explain to her what he didn't know. And even less so the past they shared.
He had assumed Diluc would be happy with what he told him. Childe was now allowing him complete freedom inside the city of freedom, yet Diluc was angry? Or was that not the right emotion filtering across his face?
Childe was filled with confusion. He didn't know this Diluc. He had grown and become foreign in both appearance and personality. Childe was hoping to get to know him, during his stay, but he may be closed off to him forever now. Was it better he was cruel? That their past did catch up to them in the worst way possible?
But this place was warm. Childe had seen it in the exterior. The warmth of people who cared. The warmth of a home to always be able to come back to. Despite the looming mountain that was Dragonspine being so close by, this place was still bright and open and free.
Diluc was free. So why, in the face of freedom, did he grow destructive? Childe had to know.
He finished his meal, thanking the staff who began to clean up as soon as he got up, and headed to Diluc's office. Welcome or not, a conversation was in need of taking place and Childe couldn't wait for him.
Opening the door, Diluc spoke immediately without even looking up, simply knowing it was him.
"Leave," he said sternly while looking through the papers at his desk.
"Now, don't be like that," Childe chided, coming over to stand across his desk."Nothing will be fixed if you keep running away from me. As fun as it is to chase, I would rather we do so under different circumstances."
"Shut up," Diluc snapped back, hand coming to his head."Just hearing you speak gives me a headache. Unless it's to tell me you're leaving, I don't want to speak to you any longer."
"What did I say that has you acting like this?" Childe asked, confusion clear in his voice."I told you you're free, and you act like I just told you I want to take you back home with me. Is that what you really wanted? Had you resigned your life to one as fire—"
"Shut up!" Diluc shouted, sitting up and grabbing Childe by the collar."Don't you dare say that word! Not to me! You have no idea the years of agonizing and fearing your return I went through. Fifteen years! I feared for my future for fifteen years and suddenly you come barging in here, telling me I'm free?! How do you think that makes me feel?!"
"Diluc—"
"I feel worthless!" Diluc shouted."Pathetic for thinking I would one day end up powerless again! I agonized alone for fifteen years! I drove myself insane, and you're telling me I'm free with some stupid grin on your face?! Of course I'm mad! Do I look like a fool to you, you damn Fatui scum?!"
Childe opened his mouth once again and once again was shut up by Diluc.
"No! Don't try to say anything to sweeten this up!" Diluc growled, eyes lowering."You've never cared about anything in your life, have you? As long as I can entertain you, it doesn't matter what lies you string up. I bet you even played around with your family too. Just toying with anything that interests you and then throwing it away right after. It's just my turn this time. I bet you even threw away your own family—"
"Hey," Childe spoke, voice as cold as his eyes. The look startled Diluc so much he paused as his heart beat rapidly in his chest."Don't bring my family into your affairs. I admit I do things as I please, but I would never abandon them. Not like your own family did you. Twice, by the looks of it. And why is that, I wonder?"
"Shut up..."
"Oh, that's right, I just remembered." Childe glared and pulled Diluc's hand away."It's because you're just a piece of firewood."
Diluc's eyes widened. His hand, now clenched tightly in Childe's, began to shake. It was then that Childe realized he had gone to far. Along with the shaking, Diluc hands began to turn so fervently hot that Childe had to let go with a sharp hiss.
Diluc was burning up. He was burning as he stormed out of the office. Burning as he left Childe behind to stare at his back. Burning his very soul like snow.
"So the kids can play and learn and grow~
Cause in Snezhnaya no tears should ever be shown~"
And Childe, who got left behind in the fire, chased after him.