Work Text:
Diluc stands in front of the mirror yet again, it always comes to this, it always ends up like this no matter how hard he tries to change up his features.
Though this time, he decided to not change anything anymore.
In the mirror was his reflection, but instead of seeing that- diluc saw the reflection of his father.
He has grown up to look like him.
It was such an uncanny resemblance that people would have mistaken him for his father if he was alive still.
He reached out and touched the surface with one of his hands while he reached for his face with his other.
The beard is what was really driving it all home.
How long has it been since he has last seen his father?
maybe 15 years? it didn't matter. no matter how long passed, he kept missing him just as much as he did before.
He decides to make himself myserable today and rummage through his fathers wardrobe before picking out his favorite ones.
Carefully, he slipped inside and adjusted the accessories, smoothing out the folds before he decided to go back to the mirror.
His breath hitched.
Oh how painfully he looked like Crepus.
He decided to make it worse for himself and stretch his lips into the soft smile his father was known for.
A Mistake.
His heart immediately started aching.
Tears were already slipping down his cheeks and he could not even muster the energy to keep up the smile.
It hurt. it really did....he wants to remember his father for his smiles and his sweet laughs.
but all he remembers is the pained expression on him as he breathed his last breath.
There was a soft click of the door before it slowly creaked open.
Zhongli peeked inside ''dearest, you should take a break soon. we should have din-''
his voice dies in his throat when he sees dilucs back facing against him.
He smiled at the suit ''my, is today a special day? you look stu.....ni...ng''
He stares at dilucs reflection...
He sees him dully looking at himself with tears staining his cheeks. His face scrunches up and he places both his hands on the mirror before sliding down.
He hangs his head and breaks down into a sobbing mess.
Zhongli immediately runs over to his husbands side, dropping down onto his knees next to him.
''m-my love whats wrong?...''
diluc didnt respond, instead he broke out into loud sobbing and curled in on himself.
Zhonglis heart ACHED while seeing his partner in such a state. he wanted to help him, he wanted to soothe him.
but all he could do was watch until he calmed down. He knew how diluc reacted to sudden touches, but even if he asked if he was allowed to touch him - he knew that diluc would not hear him.
So he waited for few long and painful minutes.
he hates being so useless when diluc needs him the most.
Soon after, dilucs sobbing calmed down, but he didn't rise up.
he stayed in the same position, occasionally letting out few hiccups and sniffles.
His voice was hoarse when he mumbled
''s-sorry...''
Zhongli shakes his head and speaks with calm soothing voice.
''no need to apologize, my love...is it alright if i touch you?''
Instead of getting an answer, diluc crawled away from the mirror - to zhonglis side.
He grips onto the front of his shirt and buries his face in the crook of his husbands neck.
zhongli carefully wrapped his arms around his phoenix and scooped him up. giving the top of his head a gentle kiss.
He hesitates, but asks ''.....do you wish to talk about it?...''
zhongli hears a soft hiccup from his lover and feels his tears stain his collar.
''i-i miss....'' hic ''h-him...a-and hes gone because i wasnt s-strong enough to do anything...im..so u-useless..''
Zhongli moves them to the bed and sits down on the edge, placing diluc on his lap before he cups his cheek and makes him glance up gently.
Zhongli peppers his face with multiple kisses, relishing in the fact that dilucs tense body relaxes immediately.
His sobs don't stop, but its a start.
placing their foreheads together, zhongli stares at the ruby puffed up eyes of his husband. He gives a reassuring grip to his hand and speaks.
''it was not a fault of yours. you know this, dearest. It was not you who gave him the delusion, it was not you who asked him to use it, it was not you who made those choices, nor did you ask the dragon to attack you.''
he rubs the back of dilucs hand.
''It was his decision to protect you, it was his decision to use the delusion. Your father would have done anything to save you no matter the situation. You are his son and he cared enough about you to throw the caution out of the window.
you are his pride and joy, never forget that.''
His hand slips back onto his husbands cheek and rubs his thumb over his cheekbone soothingly.
Diluc looks miserable, but hes listening to zhongli with so much attention. His heart swells fondly at his little phoenix.
He would do anything for him.
''He wanted you to be alive...he wanted you to see the future. He wanted you to be happy and loved.
i assure you, he would never want to see you in such a miserable state because of him''
Diluc closes his eyes and places his hand on top of zhonglis,nuzzling into his palm for comfort.
'' i-i know...it's just hard...every time i look a-at myself..i feel dread..the memories always c-come back to me and haunt me...''
Zhongli hums and leans in to plant a soft and quick kiss onto the redheads lips.
he smiles softly with a hint of mischief.
''well then, my sun...seems like we have to make yourself see in a positive light~''...
Little did Diluc know that zhongli would stay true to those words. ;)