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Chapter Text

When he opened his eyes, everything was still.

As he became aware of his surroundings, he realized he was laying on a field of warm, soft grass. He pushed himself up and looked around. It was the evening, calm sounds of the night starting to appear. Kaeya could see the sun beginning to set as the moon rose to shine in the sky.

Mondstadt. He was in Mondstadt. But why was he out here? In this field of grass and flowers? The Cavalry Captain had no recollection of getting there.

He dusted himself off as he stood up. Everything felt… so light? He knew exactly where he was and which field he was in. After all, it’s necessary to know every part of Mond as the Cavalry Captain.

When he reached the city gates, two knights greeted him.

“Welcome to Mondstadt!” one of them welcomed.

“We hope you enjoy your stay.” the other said.

Kaeya laughed, confused, “You too.” He replied, as he saluted.

The knights’ expressions scrunched up, as if confused, or at the very least, amused, while Kaeya walked into the city.

Kaeya swung open the tavern doors, as he made a beeline straight for the bartender counter. He dropped himself down on the closest chair to the bartender as he groaned, “Master Diluc,” he said, as he stretched himself out, “it’s been a rough day, how about the usual?”

Waking up randomly in a field, unknowing of how he got there was not usually ideal. Kaeya needed some time to think, and how better to do so than with a glass of Master Diluc’s Death After Noon?

He rested his head on the counter, relaxing as he heard Diluc let out a chuckle. His head shot up, as he snapped his head up to stare at the other man. What? He sounded so carefree, so young…The last time he heard that sound from Diluc was… so long ago. Focusing on his face, Kaeya saw Diluc’s smile. This smile… This genuine, caring smile, how long has it been? What could have possibly happened to Master Diluc to have him in such a pleasant mood?

“Sir, I meet multiple people per night! Should you expect me to memorize all their faces and drinks… well you must think I’m a genius!” Kaeya’s eyes widened as he stared at the other man, confused, as Diluc continued, “What will you have, Sir? I can definitely tell you’ve had a rough day; it’ll be on me. Give me your order.”

As Kaeya stared at Diluc, he tried to read him. It has been a while since he could actually read Diluc, but it couldn’t hurt to try. Diluc… He looked so much younger than before. His eyes wide and… smiling? Nono, there is no way! Diluc never smiled. He- Diluc stopped smiling ever since his birthday…

And forgetting Kaeya’s usual order? Unheard of!

So, then who was this person? Were they a fake? Then what could have happened to the real Diluc?

Kaeya then made up his mind, smirking as he exclaimed, “Death after noon!” As Diluc prepared his drink, Kaeya continued, “So Master Diluc, tell me about yourself.” Kaeya will get to the bottom of this.

Diluc hummed. As his eyes stayed glued to the task at hand, “Hmm. Well, I am Diluc Ragnvindr, and as you can tell, I work part time as a bartender at Angel’s Share and I’m Mondstadt’s Cavalry Captain.” That captured Kaeya’s attention, as he perked up. Diluc? The cavalry captain. No way! “I’m not exactly sure of what in particular you would like to know, but I suppose that’ll do for a basic introduction. Well, Sir, will you tell me about yourself, or will we only be speaking of me?”

“Ah, Master Diluc- or should I call you Sir Diluc. Such a wonderful introduction you have given me! However, I find there is a slight problem with your words. You see, I am Kaeya Alberich, and I am Mondstadt’s cavalry captain- I have been for years! So, one of us must be telling a lie right now, eh?” Kaeya smiled triumphantly, as he saw Diluc’s hands slow in movement. Caught red-handed, huh? Unskilled liars are bound to be caught swiftly.

Kaeya wasn’t prepared for Diluc to seemingly burst out laughing at random. Diluc turned around as he stared at the other man, placing a glass in front of him.

“Here’s your drink, Sir Alberich, but I have my own reasons to believe you are wrong.” He said as he suppressed laughs.

Kaeya stared for a few seconds, confused, as he downed his drink all in one go. As he did this, Diluc looked over concerned. Death after noon was a strong drink after all. He slammed his glass down, thinking. “Are you lying?”

“What is there to lie about?”

“Not knowing me, being the Cavalry captain, all of that.” Kaeya said as he gestured randomly in Diluc’s direction, “This whole ‘happy’ act you have going on. It doesn’t suit you much.” Truthfully, this Diluc, if they were even Diluc at all, looked so much better than his Diluc now that they are happy. He seems so much healthier, so much brighter… Kaeya just couldn’t admit it, wouldn’t admit it.

Diluc cocked his head, “I’m not sure what you mean, Mister. Throughout the whole duration of your stay here in my tavern, a lie has not once left my mouth.”

Kaeya opened his mouth to object, when a group of knights entered the tavern, a loud crowd. Kaeya recognized them as his subordinates, as they all walked in, loudly laughing as they always did.

“Cavalry captain!” one of them yelled. When Kaeya turned around on instinct to greet them back, he swiftly realized they were looking at Diluc rather than him. What? What could this mean…? “Good to see you here, sir.”

Diluc smiled softly, as he responded, “Don’t get too drunk tonight. We must work tomorrow after all.” The knights laughed it off, as they told Diluc their orders, before going to a corner table in the back of the tavern.

“Tell me this is a joke.” He demanded, as Diluc looked up, “Diluc, tell me you are joking. Do you truly not remember me? Are you telling me the truth, everything?” Kaeya was asking frantically now, now with a hint of desperation in his voice. It wasn’t like him to lose his composure so easily, but considering how he had woken up in a field with no memory of going there and ended up in this tavern where unrecognized by everyone… This desperation was well earned.

“No I don’t think-”

“Diluc, this isn’t funny!” Kaeya yelled as he stood up quickly, the chair behind him screeching loudly, silencing the tavern. Kaeya realized there were eyes on him, as he exhaled and pushed his chair back slowly. “My apologies, everyone. May you all have a wonderful rest of your day.” He said, as he quickly walked out of the tavern.

***

The night breeze was pleasant and sweet, as it blew across his face. He wandered the streets of Mondstadt that he always recognized. Everything he came across seemed exactly the same as it was as he grew up… so why? What happened?

As he wandered around aimlessly through the town he grew up in, he encountered knights. All of them simply greeted him or reminded him to sleep soon, none of them recognizing him. So… what has happened?

While he walked, he allowed his thoughts to fill him. If not only Diluc, but all the knights are playing along with this version of the story, could it be that there was something about this world that’s just different?

Also, why was he laying on a patch of grass when he came to? No matter how much he thought, he just couldn’t remember what happened before. Could he have been teleported to another world? Could this be a dream? Maybe he had died and this was the afterlife haha!

He walked faster, as if he could outrun his thoughts. As if he could outrun his problems and be free.

His mind kept browsing through the different what ifs, as he wandered around. Eventually, a gloved hand planted itself on his shoulder, making him jump and turn around. Red it was red.

“Diluc?!”

“Kaeya, was it? What are you doing? Out here so late, walking circles around the streets of Mondstadt?” There was a lace of… concern in that voice? No. That does not sound right on Diluc at all.

“Shut up.” Kaeya muttered, as Diluc hummed in question, not hearing him, “Shut up!” Kaeya said louder, as he started quickly walking away.

Diluc simply stared for a few seconds, before following.

“Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?” Diluc asked. Did he? Considering he had no position in the knights wherever he was, there was most likely a large chance his room in the knight’s quarters did not belong to him anymore- that is if it still existed! When Kaeya didn’t respond, he continued, “We have guest rooms at the Dawn Winery. If you are new around here, I do not assume you have any lodging for the next few days.”

Kaeya slowed to a stop, as he turned towards the redhead, “Master Diluc! How very kind of you. Now I do not believe you take in every… stray you come across. So please do enlighten me! If you do not know who I am, why take me in? I could be a horrible person after all! A murderer, a thief, a criminal, perhaps this was my trap! And yet here you are, offering me so graciously to enter your living space.”

Diluc scratched at his head, crossing his arms across his chest as he responded, “Hmm. Well, I do not know the answer myself if I am being completely honest. You see, I’m- I just believe that you are trustworthy, you know? I just don’t think you would deceive me or be someone with malicious intent. You seem to always speak from the heart, is what I mean to say…”

Kaeya scrunched his eyebrows together, confused. Diluc is saying Kaeya, a man like him, is trustworthy? Does not look as if he will deceive? Kaeya is neither trustworthy nor truthful! How bad is this Diluc at reading people exactly…?

“Come on.” Diluc said as he started walking. When Kaeya didn’t follow, he turned around and frowned, “Do you really not trust me? I’ll tell you where we are going. I live at the Dawn Winery. Within, there are many maids and butlers, I can assure your safet-“

“I know.” Kaeya cut him off, making up his mind as he started walking, although hesitantly. He walked behind Diluc slowly, in silence, staring at the red tail of hair that always reminded him of a burning fire.

Chapter Text

As they crossed fields to get to the Winery, Kaeya got a shot of nostalgia. He looked around at the same path they walked when they were kids. The path Kaeya and Diluc would walk, as they jested with each other, living out their youthful years in bliss. If he really concentrated on the cool night air and the soft sounds, he could almost imagine everything was alright and this was just a nightly walk home after collecting resources for the Winery… He chased those thoughts from his mind right when they came. No use thinking of his past, after all. No use dreaming of a situation too good to be true. After all… Whatever was happening to him right now, will surely end soon. Living with fake hopes just doesn’t suit Kaeya much, no matter how much he wishes them to be reality.

They stopped in front of the winery, as Adelinde opened the doors.

“Master Diluc!” She said, bowing as she greeted Diluc. She then turned to Kaeya, as she continued, “Mister.” She said, greeting him too. He smiled grimly as he nodded.

Diluc smiled as they were led inside.

“I will ask the maids to get you new clothing if you would like! Of course, we wouldn’t throw out your old ones, we would just keep them where you would like them. I’d assume you would like more comfortable and less… revealing clothing to put on.” When Kaeya nodded, Diluc continued, “The maids will show you to your room toni—”

“Diluc! You’ve brought a friend!” A deep voice called out. He watched a man walk down the stairs. No… No way. There was no way this man was alive! Kaeya had seen him die with his own two eyes… right…? That night where everything went to hell. He saw it!

“Who might you be, son?” Master Crepus asked, as he held a hand out for Kaeya to shake. Kaeya just stared at the hands for a few moments. He couldn’t believe this. Now, he was fully assured this was just a dream! But… it couldn’t hurt to… dream a bit… right…?

“M-master Crepus…?” Kaeya said, as he stared wide eyed at his father, seeing how the man raised his eyebrows and tensed his hand, as if saying, ‘What are you waiting for? Don’t leave me hanging.’

He slowly raised his hand and placed it in his father’s, as they shook.

The man in front of him laughed, a deep booming sound, “Am I really that popular that someone from outside of Mond would recognize me? How flattering!” He said, warmly, “Now, young man, who might you be?”

Kaeya quickly recovered from his stupor, “Kaeya. Kaeya… Alberich.” He introduced, it pained him to introduce himself as an Alberich to the man who named him a Ragnvindr.

“It was wonderful meeting you, however I must take my leave now.” The other said as he turned towards Diluc and smiled, “Take care.”

Kaeya wanted to yell out, keep the man he used to call his father in his sights forever. To never let him go ever again. To be able to hold onto the last person in the world- his world who still regarded him as family…

Diluc smiled, and hugged his father, before turning back to Kaeya. “Where was I? Ah- no worries, either way, let us go to your room.”

He led Kaeya up the staircase to a room in the hallway. As he stopped in front of the door, Kaeya stared. This was… Kaeya and Diluc’s childhood room when they would stay at the winery, too tired to return to the mansion. This was the guest room in this place, huh…

“I’ll be leaving you here. The bathroom is perfectly functioning, everything should be self explanatory. If you make a mess or anything, the maids will help tidy it up. Good night Kaeya, I will see you tomorrow.”

Kaeya clenched his jaw, “Good night, Master Diluc.”

***

The room was so empty, it felt so wrong… What used to be filled with all their small achievements, was now bare, empty. Plain. The room had a shelf, for clothes, a desk with a chair, and that was about it. It felt so unbelievably uncomfortable to stand in his old room that had changed so much.

He got ready for bed, changing his clothes and cleaning up before he sunk into the bed like a stone.

When he closed his eyes, he couldn’t fall asleep. He stared at the roof, then the walls, tossing and turning, before sitting up in bed. Getting out of bed, Kaeya opened the curtains, before moving the chair to the window, cringing from the sound it produced when it scraped against the ground. He placed it against the wall, sitting on it.

He stared at the moon, as it shone bright outside. The beautiful moon, that is able to shine bright simply by deflecting the sun’s light…

He scooted backwards in his chair, hearing it scraping loudly against the ground again.

Suddenly, he heard a knocking against his door before the door slid open. Had he not been experienced with frightening situations, while being so lost in thought, he would have most likely jumped out of his skin.

He tensed up, turning around, only relaxing when he realized who it was.

“Master Crepus?” Kaeya asked, as he turned in his chair.

“I couldn’t help but notice you were still awake… Why might that be?” Crepus said lowly, quietly, almost whispering, as the door slowly closed behind him. “Fancy a chat?”

Kaeya got up from the chair, as he sat back on the bed, allowing his (ex??) father the chair.

After sitting down, Crepus turned his full attention to him, “Tell me son, where are you from?”

Kaeya was silent for a few seconds. He couldn’t tell the truth, right? “I-I’m from Sumeru of course, sir!” he quietly responded. Too much hesitation. He never really could lie to Crepus, not when he was young, and it seemed not even this one time. Not even to a Crepus who never knew him.

Crepus stared out at the night sky, eyes seemingly tracking something unfindable, “Let us start with the truth, please.” The deep voice had a sort of calming feature, allowing Kaeya to relax more and more as the other spoke. “How did you know my name? There’s no way an old man like me would be known elsewhere. Even if it were for the wine sold here, you would know Diluc rather than me.” He chuckled.

Perhaps it’s the Death after noon still running through his veins from the evening, perhaps it’s the lack of sleep, (perhaps it’s the longing for at least one person to understand him, no matter how much of a liar they’ll think he is), “I…I’m from Mondstadt.” He said, softly after a few moments, “A different Mondstadt. In some other universe, I had lived in these exact quarters. I lived here! I was there! It really happened! It’s just- I’m just- I can’t explain what happened. I don’t know! I don’t know why, but I’m here, in this world where I never existed… I existed there though! I know it! It really… It really happened…”

Crepus stayed silent, so Kaeya took it as an invitation to continue. He couldn’t stop the words even if he wanted to, rambling randomly until he could reach a conclusion, trying to make sense of his situation, “I just don’t understand! You’re here! Alive, breathing! In my world, you- Master Crepus, you died because of me. Well not by me, but if this world is how it would be, had I never been born, and you remain alive… That means…” Kaeya raised his head in horror at what he discovered. When he glanced over, Crepus was still staring out the window, eyes never meeting his target. Kaeya almost opened his mouth to speak once again, but Crepus spoke up.

“Tell me Kaeya, in your world, were you the one who brought upon my death? Were you the one who held hands around my throat or the one who held a blade that ended me?” he said. Kaeya stared at the man, trying to discern whether he was mad, or just trying to understand.

“No I didn’t, but I-”

“Then there’s no need to worry about it, son.” Before Kaeya could retort, Crepus turned towards him and smiled warmly, causing Kaeya to lose his words, as he felt tears prick at his eyes. It’s been so long, so long since he’s seen that smile. They never even got to properly say goodbye. It’s been so long.

“I missed you…” Kaeya whispered.

Kaeya got up from his bed and collapsed into Crepus’s arms. The man put his arms around the stranger, as they felt their tears fall out of their eyes. “Thank you, thank you,” he repeated, as he drifted to sleep. When Kaeya finally reopened his eyes, sunlight was streaming from his window, and he was laying in bed.

Chapter Text

When Kaeya awoke, he wanted to lay there in that moment forever. Here he was, waking up in his old bed like he was young again. It felt so… nostalgic. He never realized how much he wanted to experience those times again until now.

He laid in bed staring at the wall where the sunlight streamed down in stripes. He stared, entranced, as he reminisced about his past days in the Winery where he woke up just like this, in the same place.

Eventually, he left the bed, and put on the clothes he had before. Diluc had said he provided clothes, but did Kaeya feel comfortable wearing them? No way.

Kaeya went to the first floor of the winery and saw Diluc sitting at a table, eating what’s presumably his breakfast.

Diluc looked up, “Good morning… Kaeya.” He said, as he looked up and smiled, before going back to his food.

“Good morning Master Diluc.” Kaeya said as he stood, unsure of what to do. It has been ages since he’d last come here. Ever since he was forced to leave, he had not come back. Was he really welcome here, new world or not?

Diluc gestured to the chair, and Kaeya took it as his cue to sit down. He took the chair across from Diluc, as a plate was placed in front of him by a maid. Coco, he remembers.

An awkward silence fell over them as they ate their food. Kaeya kept his eyes on the food, though he could feel Diluc’s eyes on him the whole time.

“Is that him?” he heard whispered, “He acts so… weird…”

Kaeya’s back straightened up a little, as he listened closer. It was Coco and Millie, wasn’t it? He remembered how much they liked to gossip, after all.

“Yeah, it is!” The other whispered excitedly, “Why- why do you think Master Diluc would let someone like him into the winery???” She asked.

“What if he kills Master Diluc??” Coco said, before gasping, “What if he kills us-”

“Coco, Millie.” Kaeya’s head snapped to look at Diluc, as he heard this, “You are dismissed.” He said in a stern voice. Once the maids left hurriedly, Diluc shifted his gaze to Kaeya’s, “Do not worry about them. They simply do not understand what they are talking about.” He said with a chuckle.

Kaeya stared at him. Diluc… This would be the perfect opportunity for the other man to reveal any plans or motives he had for Kaeya for taking him in. And yet… Diluc was still staring at him expectantly, as if he wanted Kaeya to say something.

Kaeya clenched his jaw, before he asked, “Master Diluc, you heard what they said. Why exactly have you decided to offer me this hospitality?” His fists clenched in his lap, this is where he’ll lose it all, it seems.

Diluc hesitated for a few seconds and thought. “I’m not sure to be completely honest,” he started, as if trying to find his thoughts, “It’s as I said the previous night! I just have a feeling that you are not trying to deceive me. I have a lot of experience with drunk liars, and… you just didn’t seem like one last night? Everything inside of me is telling me you are trustworthy.”

“You claim that I am not one to be deceitful, despite me entering your tavern claiming I had your position in the knights and that we knew each other? Despite no one ever meeting me before? Despite not knowing of my existence, even if you are one to see every person in this nation weekly?”

Diluc just chuckled.

Kaeya cocked his head and narrowed his eyes, as he stared at Diluc for a few seconds. So Diluc was allowing a stranger into his home, out of random trust?

“So Kaeya, where are you from?” Diluc interrupted his thoughts, “You don’t seem as if you are around here.”

The blue haired man thought for a few seconds, remembering his last conversation with Master Crepus. Master Crepus hadn’t pried him for more answers, but Diluc? It would be better to lie for now, or at least… “I’m from somewhere else, but I cannot tell you anything right now. I promise I will soon. Now is not the time, however.” Diluc stared to evaluate the other for a few seconds, as he leaned back in his chair. Kaeya held his breath, hoping that would work.

“Alright.”

Kaeya snapped his head up to look at the red haired man, “Alright?”

“We have a lot of time, why not use it?” Diluc said with a smile, “And while you’re here in Mond, feel free to stay at the Dawn Winery.”

***

Over the next few days, Kaeya did indeed stay over at the Dawn Winery, taking up the same room as he had slept the first night. It was quite saddening to see the room they spent their childhood be used as a guest room, however this wasn’t his world, nothing to be sad about… right?

Diluc had instructed the maids to not allow him to help with chores or their duties, ‘he has been through enough, he is here at the Winery to relax. Nothing more.’ Diluc had said to his maids with a smile.

And so, Kaeya was bored and free to do whatever he wanted.

He explored the nation similar to the one he used to call home and realized there was not much of a difference. It just seemed… happier…

An example of said happiness was the relationship between Jean and Barbara. They no longer looked awkward around each other! They had fully fixed their family relationship! It seemed as if it had never been broken, and judging from the rest of the world he had seen, Kaeya wouldn’t be too surprised, should that be the case. He smiled, knowing that they were able to find happiness and family in each other. (He hoped his own world’s Gunnhildr family could reunite like this).

In the back of his mind, Kaeya understood that everything different in this world happened because he never existed… So that means his world could’ve been happier if he just hadn’t…

Kaeya stopped that train of thought immediately; he has no reason to think like that.

***

One day, as he was exploring the outskirts of Mondstadt, he ran across Diluc.

“Kaeya!” Diluc called out, waving. When he saw Kaeya look up, he continued, “I just finished my patrols, would you like to take a walk?”

“Alright.”

They walked in silence. A comfortable silence. They would silently admire the environment, as they walked to who-knows-where. They stopped walking when they ended up at the edge of Cape Oath.

Kaeya just stood, staring at the glistening water down below. No matter which world, the beauty of this body of water was a constant it seemed…

He watched as the red-haired man took a seat at the edge, swinging his legs over, as he stretched.

“Today has felt like such a long day. It was so warm, and walking through my patrols felt like walking through cooling pavement gravel!” Diluc randomly said, startling Kaeya out of his thoughts. Kaeya didn’t know how to answer, just staring at Diluc. The man pet the ground beside him, beckoning Kaeya to take a seat beside him, and who was Kaeya to refuse? “Tell me, how was your day?”

“It was alright. I walked around, nothing of import had happened to speak of.” Kaeya said. He hadn’t been lying, there truly wasn’t anything he could talk about! His days were getting so boring and dull, just walking around everyday. (Just learning that the world was better off without him every day…)

Diluc grunted as they continued staring off into the waters down below.

“We were brothers.” Kaeya randomly blurted out, but immediately regretted it. Why had he said that? He didn’t know… There was no real reason why he said it, he just wanted to get this weight off his chest. Diluc hummed in question, as if inviting Kaeya to continue, “You and me. I’m not from this world. I’m from a different Mondstadt. A different Mondstadt where you and I… Were bro… thers…” It was hard to admit. Could he even say they are brothers? After all that had happened?

Diluc just smiled, “I can see it.” He laughed a little, “Maybe that’s why I felt I could trust you? Maybe we simply share a brotherly bond, no matter where and when.”

“You’re trusting me on this? Do you realize how absurd that sounds? I could be lying about all of this! Chances are for you, I am! Different worlds, that shouldn’t be able to exist! And even if it did… we could be worst enemies in my world! You could hate me in my world! And you still choose to speak as if you trust me…”

“I will choose what I will and will not believe.” Diluc said with finality, “Now, continue! I would love to know more about you, Kaeya.”

And so, Kaeya explained their past together, telling of a time where everything was happy, where a boy with his adopted brother enjoyed seeing each other everyday, having a friend to always rely on. He spoke without pauses, without lies. That is, until he got to Diluc’s 18th birthday.

He just couldn’t tell the truth. It hurt too much. It was far too soon for him. So, he chose to do what he did best: hide the truth, as he always did with his problems.

“That night, on your birthday, a drake had ambushed your carriage, knocking it over. Master Crepus… With the help of your vision, you two had slain the drake. However… he didn’t make it. He died an honorable death, mourned by everyone.” Kaeya swallowed as he got more and more worked up, “But our father he- he died. I wasn’t able to help, I was too late. Always… too late… You tried your best, but everything was futile! Master Crepus died! He died, he… died…”

Kaeya calmed down a little, taking a breath. “Anyways, that night, you had quit the knights. You had realized they were incompetent and couldn’t even try to help with the drake, as they stood frozen to the ground while your father sacrificed his life to save them. It was a long fight, but in the end, you stripped yourself of your Cavalry Captain status, abandoning your position.”

Diluc seemed somewhat surprised at this, “I never would have expected that! I cherish this position with everything I have today, I could never imagine myself abandoning it and the people of Mond, that’s for sure!” Kaeya laughed, remembering that this was almost exactly what his Diluc had told him once, when they were much younger.

“I wish that were the case… that night, we had a fight, you and me. It was about my-” Kaeya stopped. This was where he must lie. This was where he mustn’t reveal the truth. He told Diluc once and he… no, he will not go through that again, “It was about you leaving the knights. I knew how much you loved that position, but you just wouldn’t let up. I knew that protecting the people of Mond was what you loved doing, so I just couldn’t stand by and let you destroy everything you worked towards.” Yes, this was a good reason… right? “It was a long fight, however we ended in a compromise. You would quit the knights, but still protect Mond in a different way. We came up with it together, you would wear a mask with dark clothes and protect the walls of Mond by night, as the knights would during the day. It truly was a good idea.”

“I tried nicknaming you the ‘Darknight Hero’… you didn’t like that much.” Kaeya laughed weakly, “I was then given the position of the Cavalry captain, so while I protected Mond by day, you protected Mond by night. We worked together as always, and we managed to get through our father’s death together…” He trailed off, a wistful look in his eyes.

Kaeya hadn’t realized his eyesight was getting blurry. Tears gathered at the bottoms of his eyes as he laughed and laughed, wishing what he said was reality. He realized that after all this time, he still couldn’t accept what happened that night. He always tells himself he was changing, that he was becoming better, moving on, but every once in a while, he always realizes he’s still the same boy that he was that night where he vowed to never tell the truth about himself again.

By the time he was done, the sun was setting. Diluc remained silent beside him, thinking, as he stared off into the beautiful colors lighting up the sky.

Kaeya stared with him, as they both thought of a world that didn’t exist.

Thinking about it now, he realized he couldn’t keep living in this world. This world where everything is somehow better? That isn’t how it works! This world was better than his own reality, but it still hurt. Too much. Living somewhere that he knew he didn’t belong. Living somewhere where the world itself is a constant reminder of how much he failed in his own world. He had to get out of this world, he had to wake up from this dream, no matter what.

No matter what.

Chapter Text

A few days later, Kaeya sat down at the bar, as Diluc brought him his Death Afternoon. Diluc had never forgotten what he liked after the first day. Kaeya grunted in thanks, as he started sipping it thoughtfully. So, this is the day he’s been waiting for. All good things must come to an end, and he supposes today is that day.

Kaeya had tried to research different worlds, different universes. Every lead he had come up with had ended up at a dead end, saying how those are myths and legends or dreams of fantasies. How such things couldn’t exist in real life.

Which lead him to a conclusion: This world is something made in his mind, all he has is to wake up. He… knew how he had to wake up. Dying in a dream always wakes up the dreamer, he has been told.

Once he was finished drinking his first, he ordered another, then another, then another… If he were to do this, he couldn’t have his full mind and focus. He needed something to keep himself from truly feeling everything.

After a couple drinks, he had realized most of the patrons had already left the tavern. Kaeya closed his eyes and sighed as he smiled. This is when the tavern was the greatest. His mind was foggy, while everything around him left him alone. Not that they would bother him in this world.

By the time he had downed the glass he was on (he had lost count a long time ago), he realized Diluc was looking at him, concerned. Was he concerned Kaeya was insane? Concerned about the mad expression he must have on his face by now? What was he concerned about?

“Kaeya…” the man started, “Are you alright?”

Kaeya stared at him for a few moments. Diluc deserves to stay under pretense of lies. He doesn’t deserve his friend snatched away to betrayal and lies again…

Kaeya smiled, “Diluc, there is nothing to worry about! I am quite happy right now.” And he wasn’t lying. This world was everything he wished he could have! Kaeya stopped for a few moments before staring into Diluc’s eyes, “Diluc? I’d like to formally thank you for taking me in. You gave me a feeling of happiness and nostalgia I had never thought I’d ever encounter again! And for that, I must give you my utmost gratitude. These past days have been the best I’ve had… in a while.”

Diluc paused for a moment, as he stopped cleaning the glass he was holding, putting it down. He looked at Kaeya with an odd expression on his face, “No need to thank me Kaeya…” He ended his statement as if he wanted to say more but wasn’t sure of how.

They sat in silence, as Kaeya swirled his finger around the bar counter in a circle, lost in thought. This was awkward now, wasn’t it? Eventually, he stared at Diluc once more, before he stood up. “Goodbye master Diluc, I will be on my way now.” He said, softer than ever before, as he left the tavern.

When he got out, he stared at the moon that had just risen. It really was beautiful… He could stare at the moon forever if he didn’t have better things to do.

It really was a wonderful night; it was his pleasure to end on such a day. The wind was just right, flowing around him, ruffling his hair. He smiled as he took in the night breeze, walking to Cape Oath.

He had all the time in the world, Cape Oath would never leave. He took his time, slowly making his way there. His mind was blank, foggy, just how he enjoyed it. The drinks were getting to him, he could feel it. He smiled.

When he finally got there, the moon was halfway through the sky, reflecting light off the waters crashing below. Kaeya stared at it for a moment, before taking a seat on the edge. In his world, this would be his spot to sort of think, to catch up with himself without anyone else in the world to bother him. It was comforting – the fact that he could still see the large island far off in the water. The island will forever be a mystery to him if he doesn’t actually wake up anywhere... Oh well, some things are better left unknown, right?

Who knows what could happen, after all! The goal of this is to wake up on the other side, but even if he didn’t…

Honestly, if this was the last place he breathed, well, he wouldn’t mind it at all.

He got to meet his deceased father one last time, he got to talk to Diluc on good terms one last time, he got to see Barbara and Jean reunited as siblings, and he got one last drink. In this timeline, he wouldn’t die a traitor in anyone’s eyes…

His life really is complete.

***

Kaeya stares straight down into the water. How much time had passed? The moon was about 3 quarters through the sky. It’s time, isn't it? The time to let go. Kaeya can do this happily.

Whatever waited for him, he was ready.

He clenched his fists, getting ready, staring into the crashing waves below, before hearing someone take a seat beside him.

“D-Diluc?” He asked. He had not anticipated anyone finding him. This was truly not what he expected.

“What are you doing?” Diluc asks. Kaeya looked up into the stars. In the corner of his eyes, he could see Diluc stare up with him. “Something on your mind?”

Kaeya looked back down, staring at his lap, “No – Not really. I- I can’t really explain it to you, nor will you understand. I’m sorry Diluc.”

The red-haired man didn’t stop staring at the stars, “Come on Kaeya, I can listen.”

Kaeya sighs softly before leaning back onto the grass, staring at the grass, “Diluc, it was all made up.” He started, before abruptly stopping, reconsidering his words. “No wait- not all of it, just… I’m from a different Mondstadt timeline, like I said, but…” He paused trying to find the right words through the fog in his mind. Diluc made no move to rush him. They had all the time in the world, as he always liked to say. Kaeya took a deep breath, calming himself as he continued, “But I suppose I lied to you about what went on about between us. You see – me and you, we aren’t on speaking terms. Weren’t on speaking terms for a while now. I spoke of a life that could only be described as a wish.” Kaeya leaned back, planting his hands behind him to hold himself up, as he stared up at the sparkling sky above him. 

“Once upon a time in Mondstadt, I was your brother, we really were best friends. However, I was a fake. We didn’t fight because of you leaving the knights, I couldn’t care less about that, we fought about how I was a spy. A spy sent from a world that wants to destroy Mond.” Kaeya said this flatly. Maybe if he pretends hard enough that he doesn’t care, then it’ll become the truth? With this mentality, it’s no wonder everyone considers him a liar…

“And?”

Kaeya sighed as he sat up straight, looking at the other, “Diluc, I’m a spy. I lied to you Diluc, what can you not get? I’m a traitor, a spy. I was never the good person you thought I was.” Words were getting jumbled in his mind, trying desperately to… convince Diluc? To explain himself? What was he arguing for again?

Diluc was silent for a few seconds, contemplating his next words, “We all have to lie sometimes to get what we want, Kaeya. Lying doesn’t automatically make you a bad person, and I’m sorry that something has made you believe otherwise…”

“Diluc, I’m- It’s not because of that! It’s not because of that, that I’m a bad person! I never wanted this to happen. Please. Please I just made so many mistakes! Why? Why am I- Why did I-”

Tears pricked at Kaeya’s eyes. Why was he tearing up? These words of reassurance shouldn’t make him feel better! He was a liar, he was-

“Kaeya, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Nor do I really care, but I think I can judge people myself. You see, I don’t believe you’re a bad person. If I truly thought you had malicious intent, do you really think I’d take you in?”

“It’s literally proven by this universe. I’m nothing but a threat! In my world, everything’s different, you know. Diluc, your dad died! He was killed by a drake! And you know what? I didn’t even feel sad at first, I felt relief. In this world, now that I’m not here, your father survives! What if I do something to your father and he dies? What if I’m the reason why he dies not only in my world, but here too?!”

“That’s nothing wrong with you Kaeya… It’s not your fault that he died, was it? The past stays in the past, and you stay right now. I don’t care if you really became a traitor to Mond in your world, I just care about who you are right now, in front of me. I don’t care about who you were or who you were raised to be, but you… are my brother and that is all that matters.” Diluc paused before continuing, “And no more ‘your father’ this ‘your dad’ that, he is ‘our father’, isn’t he Kaeya?”

Diluc spoke in a calm tone, as if he truly believed it all. He spoke in a way that Kaeya couldn’t dream of hearing his world’s Diluc speak.

His eyes blurred, as a few tears spilled out of Kaeya’s eyes before they were quickly wiped away. He thought for a few seconds. Maybe if Diluc believes it… If Diluc truly thinks he’s not a bad person, maybe he could do this. But…

Suddenly, in a flash, his vision turned white, as he felt like his head was spinning. Memories started flooding his head, as he remembered everything. He remembered everything! Everything that happened! He knows why he’s here, in this world- the fight, the potion, everything! The truth…wasn’t actually too bad.

“There’s something else, isn’t there?” Diluc asked.

“You’ve always been good at reading me.” Kaeya chuckled, opening his mouth.

Before he could continue, Diluc interrupted, “Shh, you don’t have to explain it to me Kaeya.” Kaeya turned his head to Diluc to stare at him, this Diluc never seemed to stop surprising him. How fascinating.

Diluc jerked his chin upwards, motioning for Kaeya to look up.

“The stars really are beautiful today, aren’t they?”

Kaeya felt a smile form, despite himself, “They are.”

***

Kaeya woke up. He looked around, as he saw Diluc rush to his side. Despite himself, Kaeya felt nothing but happiness.

He felt Diluc gather him in his arms, as they embraced each other. Kaeya felt weaker than ever before, but he made an effort to hang on. Kaeya hadn’t died a traitor. Kaeya did not die as a traitor of Mondstadt! He smiled weakly, taking his last breaths in Diluc's embrace.

Chapter Text

A few hours before Kaeya woke up in the other world, he had betrayed the abyss order, all of Khaenri’ah.

Kaeya was recently Crowned King of Khaenri’ah, meaning to lead the abyss order into battle against Mondstadt.

Kaeya had accepted the position and he was brought to live in Khaenri’ah to plan against their battle. With his previously covered eye, Kaeya could see all of Khaenri’ah, whether it be in or out of where he resided.

A few hours ago, he was able to see Jean and Diluc bringing a couple knights, attempting to sneak in. He stared at his past friends, the ones he formed true bonds with. Not the Khaenri’ans beside him right now, not the people who are supposedly protecting him, but the people doing their best to fight for their nation. His nation.

He made up his mind.

When those from Mond had almost made it to him, Kaeya summoned a pillar of ice, crushing and freezing the men, the abyss heralds, beside him. They were stationed there to protect him. Protect or watch him, he wouldn’t know.

The other guards took a moment to realize, as they turned towards them. They were shocked, shocked that their king would do such a thing.

Just as they started their advance, the door slammed open as Diluc barged in.

Fighting ensued, as Kaeya had thought it would.

As swords and spears clashed, a wave of elements clashed too. At first, Diluc had looked on at him with a look of anger, however when he took in the sight of the crushed guards, he realized.

Kaeya was on their side. He had never truly betrayed them. He was simply waiting for the right time.

Eventually, Kaeya and Diluc had ended up back-to-back, protecting each other. If someone tried to hit Kaeya from the back, Diluc had him covered, and vice versa. It made him nostalgic of the times before they were of age. Before, when Diluc cared about him.

Sometime in the battle, Diluc looked on to see someone attempting to harm Jean from behind. He quickly went to protect her, swiftly dealing with the enemies behind her.

However, this left Kaeya’s back vulnerable. He would have been more alert, but he had assumed Diluc was still behind. He was wrong.

He didn’t feel it- it didn’t feel like anything, however he was surprised to see a sharp piece of metal suddenly jutting out from his chest. A spear. If this really happened, why couldn’t he feel it? It’s probably the adrenaline rushing through his veins, his mind suggested.

Kaeya paid the small blade no mind. He had a goal, and it was to win this fight.

There weren’t many more in the room, so they were dealt with quickly. Diluc never returned to fight alongside him, to protect his back. As they finished, Kaeya fell to his knees, having taken more hits and minor stabs, most of which he covered with ice to numb.

The pain was finally sinking in. It wasn’t only the stab wounds’ pain, he could tell – there were instances in his past as Cavalry Captain where he had been stabbed and they hadn’t felt this… burning. The spears were laced with poison, weren’t they?

Diluc’s blade cut through one more of his victims before he looked up to see Kaeya. He went considerably paler than before, rushing to Kaeya’s side.

Kaeya was reaching behind his back, breathing hard as he tried to find the handle. He had to, he had to get the burning out. He needed the spear, knife, whatever it was out. Please.

“Stop! You fool, what the hell are you doing? You’ll bleed out! And what the hell were you thinking?!” Diluc yelled as he stopped his hand.

The burning… it was too much… “Diluc… Please... Make it stop...”

He falls unconscious.

Those from Mondstadt in the room were the strongest, all the others should be easily dealt with. Kaeya hadn’t died a bad person.

***

Kaeya woke up in unbearable pain. He couldn’t remember, how did he get here? How did this happen? He was dying, wasn’t he? Wait, hadn’t he already died?

He saw a flash of red, as Diluc’s head shot up to look at him.

“Kaeya…” Diluc started. Kaeya tries to speak, but his voice can only made grumbling noises, unable to produce real sounds. He feels water being slowly poured down his throat.

“Diluc? Diluc, what happened?!” He said, his voice was still scratchy. He was gasping from pain, but it worked.

Diluc was silent for a few moments. Kaeya tried to look up but winced as he felt a flash of hot pain run through his body. “Poison. You were poisoned.” Diluc started, “Albedo said the poison affects people from Khaenri’ah the most. Kaeya, you’ll be turned into a monster unless you…”

Hearing Diluc trail off, Kaeya looked up. Staring at the look in the other’s eyes, Kaeya understood immediately, “Unless I die.”

Diluc sighs as he buried his face in his hands, “Kaeya, we’ve made something for you – a potion. Me and Albedo.”

The dying man laughed, “Oh? And what will this potion do?” He asked, trying to match his nonchalant tone, but giving up when his voice remained too weak.

“It’s called Once Upon a Time in Mondstadt. We use it for anyone who needs to... die painlessly. It puts the person in a dreamlike state. It’s supposed to place them in a story where their biggest dream comes true… In a dream that doesn’t end until the person feels fulfilled in their dream. It’s so they can die feeling… proud of themselves or happy...”

“You’ll wake up one last time in the end, right before you… go… but it’ll be painless. The potion is meant to kill all your body’s nerve systems right before it kills you.”

“Oh? That doesn’t sound-“ Kaeya’s voice wobbled, as he fought back the emotions and the pain. He truly didn’t want to die. No one truly wants to die. Even if he had nothing left to go back to, He still wants to be saved. (A voice in his head screams at him that he has Mondstadt. That he was never a traitor to Mond, how they’ll want him back) “Doesn’t sound too bad.”

Diluc’s hands shook, as he gave Kaeya the potion. Kaeya stared at it for a while. The liquid was a dull yellow or a cream color. It didn’t look too bad, all things considered. Diluc had said it would be painless right? Anything to get out of the pain he was in right now…

Diluc stared at Kaeya for a few moments, as he stared back. Kaeya had so much he wanted to say.

It wasn’t supposed to end like this, they were supposed to reconcile, they were supposed to speak on good terms. They were supposed to be brothers again. At least before- Before he died. It really was stupid, thinking about it now. He had so much time. There were years upon years of time that he could’ve used to try and get close again. But it’s not like Diluc wanted to talk to him. It’s not like Diluc wouldn’t have told him to leave when he tried. (That’s no excuse, his brain tells him, you just didn’t try hard enough. Maybe if you had tried hard enough, he would’ve accepted you).

Kaeya looks into the drink in his hand. Into a dreamlike state… Where any dream he wanted could come true? He had an idea of what would happen, but… this world. Sure, the new one will apparently be great, but abandoning this world? Kaeya didn’t want something fake, he wanted it to be real. He wanted the Diluc here in front of him to accept him, not some fake Diluc specifically made just so he could be happy. That wouldn’t be real happiness at all.

Well, he’s going to die anyway, so why not see how the dream is going to go before he does, right?

His shaking hands bring the drink to his mouth.

***

Kaeya downed all of it in one go, wincing at the taste.

He looked so… vulnerable. The last time Diluc had seen Kaeya like this, showing any weakness, was… he couldn’t even remember. It’s been so long.

How had things gotten so messed up? Sure, it all got messed up after that day, but how come they never reconciled? How come they never got things sorted out again? He could remember times where Kaeya would come into Angel’s Share, ordering drink after drink. Why hadn’t he ever stopped to ask what was wrong? When Kaeya actually tried to make conversation, why had he just ignored him? (Saying ‘when’ Kaeya actually tried to make conversation was wrong, actually. Deep down Diluc could remember how in the first few years after their fight, Kaeya would come in almost everyday, desperate for Diluc, for anyone to listen. Kaeya wouldn’t show he was desperate, but Diluc could tell he wanted him to answer. Eventually, Kaeya stopped coming as often, the opportunity was missed. Why had he ignored Kaeya all those times?)

Diluc was the older brother, he was supposed to take care of Kaeya.

It was far too late now, hearing Kaeya place the glass on a nearby table, as he laid back on the bed. The world must hate him, giving him so much time, but never making it enough. He wanted more time, just enough time to reassure Kaeya that, yes, he did still care. That he knew that he wasn’t a traitor. Hell, Diluc had known for a while. He just… He just didn’t want to be the first one to reach out. He cared about Kaeya, seeing like this pained him too, but he just wouldn’t have been able to make himself say it before.

This would be the last time, the very last time Diluc will ever hear his voice. Unless when he woke up, he chose to talk. Everything became so unbearable, he would lose his last family, the last person he ever cared about.

He suddenly shot up, overwhelmed as he gripped the side of Kaeya’s bed, “Kaeya! You have to-! Just know- you have to know, that I never hated you. Please. I just can’t- I can’t bear the thought of you dying without knowing that I cared. It’s just been so long, and Kaeya, I don’t know if I can keep this up without you. And if you d…” He choked up,

This was the last thing Kaeya will hear. Would it really matter? Would saying these words to a dying man, who could barely give a reaction, be worth it? Too late, it’s far too late.

Diluc tried to stop his emotions from showing, to hold the façade of the man everyone thought to be basically emotionless, but to hell with that! His brother was dying! He deserved to be allowed to show emotions. He grabbed at Kaeya’s hand, as he shed tears, “If you died thinking I never cared, I would regret it forever. So please, please just know that I always thought of you as a brother. Even after… it happened, no matter how much I- I showed otherwise.”

Kaeya’s eyes widened for a split second, before relaxing his features and smiling. “Th…thank you Diluc.” He whispered, softly exhaling one last time as he drifted off to sleep...