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Diluc sighed as the last of his patrons finally left, their drunken laughter fading as they stumbled out the door.
He rested his head against one hand as he sunk onto a stool by the counter, closing his eyes briefly.
It had been a long day for Diluc. Most days were that way, if he really thought about it. But for some reason, that day was particularly exhausting.
He knew the reason of course. He knew he should have given himself a break ages ago but…
Despite the fact that it had been about 6 months since he returned to Mond, the gnawing depression seemed to continue eating away at him, not relenting for a second.
He’d lost everything that was important to him but… he should be over it now, right? It was time to get his head on straight, wasn’t it? Futile emotions never used to get in the way before all this, so why couldn’t he shake it off this time?
The emotions were confusing and overbearing and so Diluc simply ignored them and practically threw himself into his work, never stopping to rest.
Needless to say, he had pretty much burned himself out at this point.
Now he was sitting there uselessly, head pounding and exhaustion weighing down on him.
Perhaps… if he just took a quick nap, he’d be alright again?
But he couldn’t do that. He had to protect Mond!
Diluc didn’t go out every night to become Mondstadt’s secret vigilante. But it was often enough that those escapades probably had a hand in his exhaustion as well.
Still, he surely couldn’t skip that night.
He’d heard rumors of the Abyss Order trying to infiltrate their borders recently. Not to mention the dark mood that had recently settled on the citizens of Mond. Apparently, many of the residents claimed to have heard strange noises at night.
Diluc had to investigate right away.
And he would! Just after… a quick… break…
“Master Diluc, sir?”
Diluc startled awake at the familiar voice. He lifted his head and glanced at Noelle, who was standing near the counter, an apologetic expression on her face.
“I am so sorry, sir! Did I wake you?”
Diluc sighed and shook his head, before smiling warmly at the girl.
“No, I was just resting for a bit, no worries.” Diluc replied, standing up. “Are you leaving?”
“Yup!” Noelle said, nodding. “I’m done for the day! I just finished tidying up on the second floor. Make sure you go to bed early, sir! You look exhausted…”
“Ah, don’t worry about me.” Diluc said, waving away her concerns. “But thank you. You take care now. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Of course, sir!” Noelle said, nodding. “I’ll be leaving now. See you tomorrow!”
And with that, the maid left the tavern. Now that Diluc was truly alone, he sighed and sat back down, dropping his head onto his arms.
It was strange how easily he was able to smile at Noelle compared to other people. Diluc didn’t think his complete change in personality had gone unnoticed when he returned to Mond.
It was obvious from the way people steered clear of him whenever he glared at them.
But Noelle was different. He didn’t know of her until he returned and vice versa, but despite all that Noelle always made an effort to be nice to him.
In the beginning, she had simply been curious, always coming to say good morning to the ‘newcomer’ and ask questions about where he came from and what he did.
Eventually, Diluc ended up telling her that he had lived here before a few years ago and that he had just returned.
Once she’d asked where he’d been all those years and why he left Mond in the first place.
“Well…” Diluc had sighed, not knowing how to get into that and also not wanting to talk about it at all. “Sometimes I wonder that too.”
He’d simply said those cryptic words and smiled at the girl hesitantly.
Had it been anyone else, Diluc was sure they’d have frowned in confusion and continued asking. But Noelle had simply smiled, a strange sort of understanding in her eyes as she nodded and expertly directed the conversation back to easier topics.
Diluc didn’t know when their awkward relationship had turned into friendship, but he was quite glad it did.
Over the months, Diluc came to know more about Noelle and realized how different their views were on the Knights of Favonius. Noelle never asked why he hated them and he never tried to impose his own views on her.
Over time, they had forged a very well balanced relationship. Diluc considered Noelle a little sister and he had to admit… the feeling of having a younger sibling again after so long was nice.
Diluc found that the only conversations he truly enjoyed were the ones he had with Noelle. He began to notice how she got along with everyone so well and how efficient she was at everything she did.
Among everyone Diluc knew, Noelle was certainly a gem.
About two months ago, Diluc was surprised when Noelle had asked if she could help him with cleaning up at the Angel’s Share. Had it been anyone else, Diluc might have refused, but since he knew how much Noelle loved helping people, he’d agreed.
And on good days, he could even admit to himself that he was happy she’d asked. Helping others was Noelle’s love language, after all.
It made him happy to think that he might mean just as much to Noelle as she did to him.
And so whenever Noelle did anything for him, he’d give her a genuine smile. A smile he’d once given to everyone else and especially to a certain blue haired Cavalry Captain in the past.
Noelle didn’t exactly remind him of Kaeya, but the way she sought him out definitely reminded him of the past when his brother would always be by his side.
He’d thought that he wouldn’t have anyone left when he came back, but some greater force had sent Noelle his way and he couldn’t be more content.
In fact, at the moment, it appeared he was so content thinking about his sister-like companion, that he’d completely forgotten about the impending Abyss Order attack.
Diluc inhaled sharply, shaking off the tendrils of sleep that were trying to pull him under. He had to get going now . He had no idea how late he was but he had to make sure all perimeters were secured. He had to make sure all the guards were at their posts.
Knowing the Knights, there had to be at least one guard that was missing, probably drunk somewhere or asleep at home.
He vaguely entertained the thought of telling Jean what her Knights did behind her back but knew he’d never be able to talk to her after the stunt he pulled.
He had no doubt Kaeya had told Jean everything…
Diluc shook his head once more, finally standing and throwing his hood over his head. He decided he could do without the mask this time. If all went well, he’d just have to do a perimeter check and call it a day.
Diluc walked over to the door, reaching out to pull it open but before he could, the door swung open of its own accord, forcing him to take a step back.
He blinked in surprise when he caught sight of Noelle standing just outside, twisting her hands nervously in her dress.
“Noelle? What are you doing here? Is everything… ok?”
“I’m sorry to trouble you so late at night, Master Diluc!” Noelle said, bowing her head slightly.
Diluc immediately put a comforting hand on her shoulder, prompting her to look up.
“It’s no trouble, Noelle.” Diluc reassured her. “But… What’s wrong?”
Noelle sighed and looked up.
“Well, I was just tidying up back at HQ and well… all the training swords are missing! I’ve looked everywhere and haven’t found them. I can only assume they’ve been stolen! I don’t know who would want to steal training swords but… sometimes those treasure hoarders can be awfully… daft. Maybe they mistook them for real swords and stole them when no one was watching?”
Diluc listened attentively as Noelle explained her train of thought. She pretty much had the same way of thinking as him. He’d have thought this was the work of pesky, and possibly drunk, treasure hoarders as well.
“Anyway, like I said before… I really can’t find any of them anywhere. I hate to ask for your help when you should be sleeping but… could I ask this favor of you?”
“Of course, Noelle.” Diluc agreed readily. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t going to sleep anyway.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Noelle asked, smiling knowingly.
Diluc frowned internally, choosing to simply nod in response to her question as the two made their way out of the tavern.
Diluc hadn’t told Noelle about the Darknight Hero yet and he didn’t plan on telling anyone for that matter. But if he were to ever tell anyone, it would definitely be Noelle.
He followed Noelle to the training grounds, nodding thoughtfully when she showed him where all the weapons were supposed to be. The stands seemed to be knocked over in a rush or perhaps by accident.
Diluc began to suspect the patrons who had left his tavern earlier. They didn’t seem suspicious at the time but now he realized that they had waited quite some time before finally leaving, always stealing glances at him all the while.
If they knew about his vigilante identity, that would make sense. They probably noticed how tired Diluc had been and decided to steal some of the Knights weapons. But in the end, their drunkenness would have won out, leading them to steal useless weapons.
As he and Noelle searched the surrounding area once more, Diluc glanced around the city, taking note of any gates missing their guards. He focused on the stillness of the night, making sure he caught any strange noises that the residents talked about.
He’d have to do a more thorough investigation later when Noelle wasn’t around, but for now Diluc was content. Everything seemed to be in order for the time being.
But they still hadn’t found their swords so Diluc couldn’t quite call it a day yet.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of drunken laughter and the clanging of swords. He sighed, turning to face Noelle who was just beside him.
From the look on her face, she’d heard it as well and she glanced at him and nodded.
The two silently made their way to the source of the noise.
Diluc was shocked when he realized the sound was coming from the side gate where Guy was usually stationed. The man was normally very good at his job but perhaps he’d been asked to guard some of the residents after the complaints and rumors.
Regardless of where he was, right now the gate was unguarded and there were three very drunk treasure hoarders swinging their swords around wildly.
Diluc sighed, summoning his claymore and glancing at Noelle when she did the same.
“Ready?” He asked her.
She nodded, grinning.
“Time to clean up!”
The two barely had to exert any effort at all. It took only a few strikes each to knock the drunk men off their feet and grab the swords from their hands.
“Not that I want to deal with any more of you…” Diluc sighed as the men cowered before him. “But try not to get drunk before pulling off a grand heist. You’re even more inefficient than the Knights.”
The men didn’t bother to respond. They simply fled from the side gate, their terrified cries fading as they ran as far away as they could.
“Well, that’s the last thing on the tasklist for today.” Noelle chirped, smiling as she took the swords from Diluc. “Thanks for all your help, Master Diluc. I really appreciate it!”
“No problem, Noelle.” Diluc said, turning to her and smiling. “You do know you can just call me Diluc, right?”
“So you’ve said many times before…” Noelle said, turning away. “It sounds so informal though… I know we’re friends and all but still… You’re a man whose very being demands respect. If people heard me addressing you so casually, they might think I’m disrespecting you. And I don’t want anyone to think badly of me.”
“Hmm, that’s all true…” Diluc said, smiling endearingly. “But what if I tell you this is the one and only favor I actually want you to fulfill?”
“O-oh! Is it?” Noelle asked.
She was clearly flustered and at a loss for words.
“W-well, if you insist…” She said, finally, dropping her head dejectedly.
Diluc laughed and put a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s ok… You don’t have to call me Diluc in public if you don’t want to. But I’d like it if you’d do that when it’s just the two of us. You’re like a little sister to me, you know? It’s strange when you address me like all the staff at Dawn Winery…” He trailed off, somewhat embarrassed at the admission.
But Noelle looked over the moon at the fact that he considered her a sibling.
“I also think of you as an older brother figure, Diluc!” She told him. “I’ll take you up on that suggestion. But only when there’s no one else around.”
“Of course.” Diluc said, smiling. “And I’m glad I could be a big brother to someone… like you.”
Diluc caught himself just as he was about to say ‘to someone again’. He knew Noelle wouldn’t ask any questions but he’d rather not throw that out there, that he’d once had a brother that he threw away.
“Someone like me?” Noelle asked as the two began to walk away from the gate. “What do you mean by that?”
Diluc glanced at Noelle, noticing the excited glint in her eyes. He grinned back at her, knowing she loved hearing about all the things people admired about her. He knew it made her feel as if she really did have a role to play in this city and that she made a positive impact in peoples’ lives.
Diluc wasn’t good at giving people compliments but if it was for Noelle, he’d try his best.
“Well, in my opinion, you’re-”
Before he could continue, an ominous laugh sounding from the side gate made both of them stop in their tracks.
Diluc knew that laugh anywhere. It was the maniacal laugh of an Abyss Mage. Thankfully, it sounded like there was only one, but even one could wreak havoc on the town if left unattended.
Normally, he’d be able to take down one Abyss Mage by himself, no problem.
But today, his unrelenting headache was definitely going to hinder his abilities. He knew not to push himself when it would only make things worse. And so he turned to Noelle, an apologetic look on his face.
She seemed to understand what he was asking because she immediately nodded and summoned her claymore once more.
“Ready when you are.” She said, her voice quiet.
Diluc nodded and began to slowly creep forward towards the gate, Noelle following closely behind.
The Cryo Abyss Mage floated in from the entrance, clearly shocked when it was confronted by two claymore wielders.
It immediately twirled its staff shooting an ice crystal at the two of them. Noelle blocked the attack easily, the shard of ice shattering when it hit her claymore.
Then Diluc lunged forward, channelling his flames into his blade before swinging downwards and onto the ice shield.
He was just about to follow up with another attack when the Abyss Mage vanished into thin air. Diluc sighed in frustration, waiting for it to appear once more.
Normally, the Abyss Mages only did that move when their opponent was trying to get away. They’d vanish and reappear in front of them, stopping them from escaping.
This time though, Diluc had no idea where the Abyss Mage would appear next and it seemed as if it had no plan to appear at all.
But Diluc knew these creatures well. He had no doubt that the Mage was only hiding away a bit longer to confuse them.
He briefly glanced at Noelle, gesturing for her to go stand by the stairs in case it decided to make a run for it. He went to stand by the gate, in case it decided to retreat from there.
It had barely been ten seconds since the two took their positions but Diluc immediately felt a chill ride up his spine as if the Mage was right behind him.
He heard the mischievous snicker and whirled around, ready to tear down the shield and cut the Mage down.
But the Mage wasn’t behind him. It was behind Noelle.
She’d noticed it but Diluc could tell she hadn’t noticed it fast enough. There wasn’t enough time for her to whirl around and stop the shard of ice from piercing through her skin. From the look in her eyes, Diluc could tell she knew it too.
But he wasn’t going to let the Mage land even a scratch on her.
Without a second thought, Diluc summoned his flames once more and swung the blade, throwing it towards the Mage with practiced ease. The harsh movement made his head twinge in pain but he ignored it.
Noelle noticed the claymore coming and she moved just as the Mage aimed to shoot. It stopped at the last second, noticing the claymore and vanishing from sight once more. The claymore hit the stairs and clattered to the floor.
Noelle reached forward and grabbed it, summoning her shield as she did so.
“Should have done that sooner…” He heard her mutter.
“Not your fault…” Diluc sighed, as he walked towards her.
It was just one Abyss Mage and they hadn’t really been expecting it to do something like that.
Diluc would have said more but suddenly Noelle glanced up, her eyes widening in fear suddenly as she darted forward.
“Diluc, behind you!”
Diluc turned, eyes wide when he saw the Abyss Mage right behind him. Once again, a shard of ice was heading towards them and Diluc didn’t think twice before glancing back and shielding Noelle from the attack.
In retrospect, it had been a stupid move. She had her shield up, so it was perfectly fine for her to take the hit.
But at that moment, all Diluc could think about was how he didn’t want to lose another sibling. He’d gone through such lengths to protect her the first time when she didn’t have a shield, so it was just second nature when he did it again.
Diluc would always protect Noelle, even at the risk of his own life.
So when the icicle buried itself in his shoulder, the blinding pain making him fall backwards into Noelle’s arms, he simply smiled through the pain.
It was strange. He rarely smiled when he first came back to Mond. Now he was even smiling when his shoulder was screaming in pain.
Noelle was shouting his name and something else he couldn’t make out. He wanted to tell her he’d be fine. After all, the icicle hadn’t hit anything vital, right?
Sure he felt dizzy and lightheaded but that was just because of his already persistent headache. And maybe because of blood loss but it really wasn’t that bad!
He wanted to comfort her when her face twisted into sorrow but before he could get a word out, Noelle vanished. One second she was there, and the next she was gone.
Diluc tried looking around for her but every movement only sent spikes of pain down his arm. Eventually, he gave up, a singular thought settling into his mind.
Where is she? Where’s my… sibling? I didn’t just lose another… did I?
And then his shoulder practically caught fire , making him gasp in pain. He might have screamed at some point but he wouldn’t know because suddenly everything was confusing and blurry and then… he passed out.
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When Diluc awoke, the first thought he had was that he really must have died this time around. He’d finally worked himself to his grave. He’d finally ignored the warnings his own thoughts gave him on a daily basis for the last time.
Stop working, take a breather.
Go to sleep, it’s so late.
Stop running around at night, Mond won’t self-destruct if you’re not watching over everything for one night.
Finally, those warnings were meaningless because he had finally died and gone to… heaven? At least, that’s what it felt like… It almost felt like he was lying on a cloud, staring up at the blinding sun.
But after the first few moments, his fuzzy thoughts cleared and he realized he was still very much alive. No, he wasn’t lying on a cloud, but a soft mattress. And that wasn’t the sun above him, it was the bright white of the infirmary lights.
He blinked sluggishly, turning his head slightly when he heard soft voices by the door. He squinted, trying to make out who was standing there.
That was… Barbara, of course.
And standing right outside the door was her older sister, Jean.
Wait… Jean? What was she doing here?
Just as he had the thought, Jean’s eyes flickered over to his. He saw the exact moment her gaze hardened but then she looked away too fast, making him wonder if he’d just imagined it.
She said a few more hushed words to her sister and then left in a hurry.
Diluc sighed, turning away and letting his mind and body catch up to what had happened. His head was still pounding but now it also felt like it was stuffed with cotton. Not to mention his throat hurt so bad that he was convinced he wouldn’t be able to speak ever again.
Ah right, and then the sharp pain in his shoulder that was slowly but surely coming back to him.
“Master Diluc, you’re awake!”
Diluc turned to face Barbara who was now standing by his bedside. She was smiling cheerfully as she always was and somehow it put Diluc’s mind the slightest bit at ease.
He wasn’t friends with her but he knew her well enough. She was one of Noelle’s closest friends after all, and he often saw the two hanging out in the afternoons. He’d spoken to Barbara a few times before and never thought much of her cheery personality before but he was glad for it now.
“How are you feeling?” She asked.
“Fine…” Diluc whispered, feeling as if he’d do more damage to his throat if he tried speaking louder. “Just… cold.”
“Ah, that would be the fever talking.” Barbara sighed.
Fever?
Ah…
That’s why he was feeling so terrible.
Barbara busied herself with something off to the side and when he tried shifting around to see, he was painfully reminded that he probably shouldn’t move right now. The movement made him groan slightly and Barbara turned to him once more.
“Is your shoulder hurting again?” She wondered. “I’ll give you some painkillers for that in a second.”
Diluc hummed in response before his mind drifted to other thoughts.
“Was that… Jean just now? By the door?” He asked hesitantly.
“Yes, it was.” Barbara said, nodding. “She came by to visit me but realized that I was busy taking care of you so she left. Normally, she’d offer to help me but… she must be really busy today. Did you know treasure hoarders apparently broke into Mond last night? Apparently right before you got injured…”
Diluc simply stared, hoping he could convey his feigned confusion through his eyes.
“Hmm, looks like you didn’t know.” Barbara mused. “I thought perhaps that’s how you got injured. Noelle wouldn’t tell me what happened but I assumed that was because she thought you might wanna tell me yourself. Seeing how you haven’t said a word about it since you woke… You must want to keep this whole thing under wraps?”
Diluc once again just stared, but this time he was shocked at how well Barbara could read people. He hoped she meant that she wouldn’t ask any more questions.
“Don’t worry, I won’t ask.” Barbara said, as if she’d read his mind. “I’ll ask Jean not to say anything either. Ah and…”
At this, Barbara suddenly stopped talking and glanced at Diluc hesitantly. It was strange seeing her smile falter but it was back before he could question it. Still, he did have one question for her.
“Wait, did someone... come to visit me?”
Barbara simply sighed and fell silent for a while.
“They… asked me not to tell you.” She admitted. “I’ve already said too much… I hope you can understand.”
Diluc nodded immediately, not wanting to pry into her matters when she wasn't prying into his.
“Anyways…” She continued. “Rest assured, that no one else will hear of your injury.”
She finally stopped whatever she was doing by his bedside table and gently helped him sit up, before handing him a glass of water and a couple of pills.
“Here, take this. It'll help with the pain.” She said, before stepping away. “I'll go get Noelle for you. She's asleep in another room right now.”
Diluc nodded, returning the little wave she gave him as she left the room. He took his medicine and leaned his head against the wall. As he gazed up at the bright infirmary lights, he vaguely wondered who on Teyvat would come to visit him and why.
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“Master Diluc, are you ok?!”
Despite the way Noelle’s loud yell made his head twinge in pain, Diluc felt a smile tug at his lips when he saw her rushing in.
Her hair was a mess and she wasn’t in her usual dress. Instead she was wearing a night suit that looked like it might have been Barbara’s. Still, the look in her eyes was as familiar as ever as she looked around for any way she could help.
“Did you take your medicine? Are you in any pain? Are you hungry? Should I-”
“Noelle…” Diluc laughed, cutting her off. “I’m fine, I swear. Well, not fine , exactly, but I’m doing ok.”
Noelle sighed in relief, closing her eyes briefly before looking at him again.
“Well, if you’re really ok, then… I guess that’s fine…”
She looked away as she spoke, her brows furrowing as she seemingly glared at the floor. Diluc watched her silently fume for a second before smiling in amusement.
“Noelle…” He said. “Are you… mad at me?”
Noelle startled at the question, looking back up to meet his gaze before frowning again.
“Well… yes.” She admitted with a sigh. “I am a bit… angry at your reckless behavior. I understand that your actions were purely based on impulse but… sometimes I do wonder if you use your brain at all.”
Diluc burst out laughing at that. It wasn’t everyday you got to hear an insult like that from Noelle and it was a pleasant surprise.
His laugh seemed to startle Noelle once more and the anger vanished, replaced by embarrassment.
“I- I mean no disrespect of course! But seriously, Diluc, all of this could have been avoided if you just used your head. And I mean, a great deal of things could have turned out differently…”
“You’re right…” Diluc sighed. “I had been meaning to take a break ages ago but… there’s just been so much on my mind since I came back to Mond. I guess trying to forget all of it made me turn to recklessness?”
Maybe it was the headache or perhaps even just the overall exhaustion but Diluc could feel all the deep dark secrets in his heart slowly unravelling and he found that he didn’t mind if Noelle knew.
“Noelle…” He began. “I haven’t been completely honest with you… about a lot of things.”
Noelle held her hand up and smiled, cutting him off.
“I know there are many things about yourself that you haven’t told me.” She said calmly. “You don’t have to say them now, if you’d rather not.”
Then she smiled brightly, looking as if she was about to laugh.
“After all, I already know most of them.”
Diluc was shocked into silence. Noelle already knew? But how? He didn’t think he’d told her before… Had someone else told her?
“I can see you’re using your brain for once.” She teased. “Don’t worry, no one told me. I figured it out myself!”
Diluc let out a surprised laugh at that and shook his head.
“Of course you did… When did you get so clever?”
“It was purely an accident.” Noelle said, grinning. “One day, when I came by to help clean up at the tavern, I ended up falling asleep on the second floor. When I woke up, I went to the balcony to see if I’d slept through the night. I discovered that it was still nighttime and figured that I should probably head downstairs and let you know I was leaving. Imagine my surprise when I saw you sneaking around in front of the tavern, with your hood pulled up. I ended up following you and saw you beating up a few hilichurls by the front gates. By the way, I can make you a better disguise if you’d like? I’m afraid I was able to recognize you immediately. I can only assume everyone else probably could as well.”
Diluc remembered the night she was talking about. He himself had fallen asleep as well. By the time he woke up, he assumed Noelle had already gone home and snuck out of the tavern as she’d said.
The whole situation was so absurd that Diluc began to laugh again. Suddenly all those knowing looks she gave him made so much sense.
“I appreciate the offer. I’ll think about it and let you know.” Diluc told her when he’d stopped laughing.
Noelle nodded, grinning. But then the smile faltered slightly, her eyes becoming a bit sorrowful.
“I know a few more things about you, Diluc. I think I know what you meant when you said you had a lot of things on your mind.” Noelle confessed.
Diluc held his breath as he looked at her, waiting for her to speak. He could probably already guess what she was going to say but he wanted to hear it from her before he said anything.
“I know you used to have a younger sibling.” She said.
The words hurt more than Diluc expected them to and he sighed, turning away as regret at his own actions began to settle in once more.
“I had my suspicions as to who it might be and… I think today I can confidently draw a conclusion.”
“Why today?” Diluc wanted to know what conclusive evidence she’d come across.
“Well… Sir Kaeya came to see you this morning. I don’t know how he found out, but I’m sure he has his sources. Regardless, what I’m trying to say is… I don’t think you’ve lost your brother just yet, Diluc.”
Kaeya? Had come to visit him?
No, that didn’t make sense…
Not after everything…
Still, he didn’t think Noelle would lie to him. Maybe… Maybe it had just been a coincidence? Maybe he’d come to visit someone else and Noelle assumed he came for him?
“He asked for you specifically, by the way.” Noelle told him.
“He… did?” Diluc asked, hardly daring to hope.
Noelle nodded, a soft smile on her face.
“He did, Diluc. I don’t know what happened between the two of you, or even why you left and what happened to you during those few years but… anyone who cares for you can tell your thoughts are taking a toll on you.” Noelle told him. “I believe Kaeya still cares for you but doesn’t know your feelings on the situation. I won’t force you to do anything but I think it would help if you try to talk to him soon. Don’t let this strained relationship prolong itself. Fix it before it’s too late.”
“I’ll… I’ll keep that in mind, Noelle.”
Diluc sighed, falling silent once more. He could feel his throat closing up of its own accord but he stubbornly held the tears back. Despite his thoughts running a mile a minute, Diluc somehow felt the burden on his heart lessen slightly at Noelle’s words.
Maybe there was hope for the future.
He was still terrified that Kaeya hated him but… he had come to visit him when he was injured. That had to mean something, right?
“If I… When I try to talk to him… Will you come with me?”
He knew it was a childish request, but he didn’t think he was ready to face this alone. To his dismay, Noelle smiled and shook her head.
“I’m sorry, Diluc. But this is something you should do on your own. Don’t worry though! Your little sister will be cheering you on from the sidelines when you try to get your little brother back!”
Diluc smiled, a breath of laughter leaving him as he did so. Noelle was probably right. He’d messed it up by himself so it was his responsibility to fix it by himself too. Or maybe he wouldn’t have to. Maybe Kaeya would help him… Maybe they could fix this together.
“I believe in you, Diluc.” Noelle said, smiling. “After all, it’s not like the Darknight Hero to give up so easily.”
Diluc rolled his eyes at the lame name he’d been given by the town’s people. Had it been anyone else, he definitely would have glared at them but since it was Noelle, he simply sighed in fond exasperation.
Their conversation soon fizzled out into more casual topics, mostly consisting of him complaining about dumb names and Noelle scolding him lightly to take a long break this time around.
“Oh! By the way…” Noelle said, cutting off their conversation. “You never got to finish complimenting me last night.”
Diluc frowned in confusion as he tried to remember what she was talking about.
“I’m glad I could be a big brother to someone like you.”
“Someone like me? What do you mean?”
“Ah… Right.” Diluc said as he remembered their conversation. “Well… at the time, I was going to say that in my opinion… you’re the only person in all of Mond who’s actually qualified to be a Knight.”
“Oh! You can’t be serious… Do you really mean that?” Noelle asked, her eyes brightening at the praise.
Diluc grinned, knowing it was the highest compliment in Noelle’s eyes.
“Of course. Although… you know how I feel about the Knights, right?” Diluc asked, grinning.
“Yes.” Noelle said, laughing slightly. “I’m assuming you’d still hate the Knights if I joined?”
“You’re right.” Diluc admitted. “But if you joined, there would at least be one Knight I trust wholeheartedly.”
“Hopefully, it’ll be two once you make up with Kaeya.”
Diluc grinned. She was really persistent about this.
“That is, if you end up joining the Knights…” Diluc said, somewhat hesitantly.
“Why? You think I won’t be able to?” Noelle asked, curiously.
“No, I have no doubt in your abilities.” Diluc said, honestly. “It’s just that…”
“What is it, Diluc?”
Diluc only hesitated for a second longer before voicing his request.
“I understand if you’d rather still try your luck at joining the Knights but… I just had a thought. I realized it would be kinda nice… to have a partner. You know, so someone can watch over me and make sure I don’t overdo it again?”
As Diluc spoke, Noelle began to grin, making Diluc mirror the action.
“Of course I’ll be your partner, Diluc.” She said. “After all, the Darknight Hero can’t fight crime without his dutiful maid!”
“And soon to be Knight.” Diluc said, smiling. “You should still go ahead and keep trying. I don’t want to keep you from your dreams.”
“Even if I do become a Knight someday, I’ll still be your sidekick.” Noelle said, winking playfully. “Maybe I’ll even manage to drag you along.”
“Sure.” Diluc said, rolling his eyes and smiling. “Thanks, by the way, Noelle. For everything.”
“No need to thank me, I’m just doing my duty.” Noelle said, grinning. “We already make a great team. I don’t mind sticking around for a bit longer.”
“Mhm… You know…” Diluc muttered, suddenly feeling really tired. “Sometimes I get really lonely but… not when you’re around. I think you’re my only true friend.”
“Strange…” Noelle said, softly as she stood up and helped Diluc lie down. “I feel the same way sometimes…”
She stepped away, smiling genuinely as she waved goodbye.
“Good night, big brother. Get some rest.”
Diluc waved back lazily, matching her smile as his eyes slowly slipped closed.
“Night, lil sis.”