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The sun played tricks on his hair and she found her attention glued to the bright strands rather than the words falling off his tongue.
They were sitting in the fields that overlooked the winery, having walked up the paths before resting here. The afternoon breeze was crisp, yet warm, welcoming as she hummed to show she was at least hearing what he was saying. It wasn’t something they did often, no, they had no time for leisurely strolls and impromptu picnics, spending most, if not all, of their time inside his manor where they could remain undisturbed until she had to leave.
She sighed, weary. She didn’t want to leave Mondstadt yet, for two weeks in her eyes seemed to have gone by too fast.
He must have sensed her upset because she jumped at the feeling of his hand sliding underneath her chin, turning her head so she was looking at him. His smile was so soft when she met his gaze, gloved fingers pushing lavender strands out of her eyes before falling into the space between them.
“What’s wrong, Keqing?” he asked, and she allowed her eyes to flutter shut as she indulged in the comfort of his voice.
“Nothing,” she lied, smiling gently when she heard him laugh, quiet as if he didn’t want to wake her from her thoughts. “I was just reminded that I must leave you soon,” she continued, and he gestured for her to continue. “I don’t want to leave you yet, Diluc,” she told him. “Two weeks is too short. I think I must ask the Tianquan for more time.”
He chuckled and she relished in it, watching as the sun made the sparse freckles on his cheeks darker in its light. “You shouldn’t worry about that now, Keqing,” he said, and she offered another non-committal hum as her head lolled to the side. Her chest tightened when he took her hand in his own, his thumb caressing her palm. “Besides, it is better to dwell on the time we have together now than what we don’t, my dear,” he teased, “my lovely, lovely wife,” he added, grin broadening at the flush that covered her face.
She pulled her hand away from him, glaring even as she struggled to fight the smile on her lips.
“I am not your wife yet,” she said flatly. “You may call me ‘Mrs. Ragnvindr’ when you are positive you are completely, perfectly, and incandescently happy.”
He paused, staring, before sending her the sweetest smile he had graced her with all day.
“Then, how are you today, Mrs. Ragnvindr?” he asked, and she gawked as she felt the blood rush to her cheeks, crawling down her neck and colouring her ears as he laughed again, a sweet sound she was so thankful he allowed her to hear. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head then, lingering for a moment before pulling back, eyes gentle as he cupped her jaw again. “I am always happy with you, Keqing.”
Her words. “Always?” She can’t find them.
“I can’t ever recall a time in which your presence made me sad,” he affirmed, and she blinked in surprise before mirroring his expression.
“Call me ‘Mrs. Ragnvindr’ after we marry,” she said after a moment, gaze glued to the grassy patch in the distance. “For I am unsure if I will be able to handle any more of this if you call me that every day.”
He smiled again and she sunk into his embrace when he opened his arms for her.
“I’ll keep that in mind, my heart, my love,” he said quietly. “I’ll keep it in mind just for you.”
FIN