Chapter Text
On a day like any other, the course of Childe’s fate is hit with an amazing whiplash in the form of his younger brother and a stranger entering his workplace.
Naturally, he turns away from Ekaterina to enthusiastically greet his beloved brother, whom he misses dearly every day he is away from home, and almost forgets how unexpected Teucer’s arrival is. He also almost forgets of the person that brought his brother to him.
The man that stands before them has a cute, round face framed by fluffy strands of fiery red hair. His skin (at least, what is visible to Childe) is fair, unmarked, and most likely smooth to the touch. Recalling the way he strode in with Teucer, his gait is obviously practiced, and the way he holds himself now exemplifies ideal posture. It’s all the markings of a noble, the glowing Pyro Vision on his belt truly the satin ribbon holding this gift together. Just who did my brother stumble upon?!
Despite his reservations towards this stranger—Diluc, he called himself—Childe can’t help but feel a pull towards him. And despite Diluc’s closed off stance and rigid expression, he appears to have good intentions and a soft spot for kids (or at least for Teucer, but who could blame him?).
Childe doesn’t have much time to dwell on these thoughts and new feelings as he parts ways with them, for now, to continue with his work. But, it seems fate is a funny thing, as the whiplash seems to have set it on a new course with how soon he happens across Diluc and Teucer again. It’s not a bad thing, just a tiring thing as he tries to uphold the story he spun for Teucer to the best of his abilities. Even if it cost him his dignity, the awe on Teucer’s face and Diluc’s lightened expression make it worth his while.
Spending more time together with Diluc and Teucer, Childe begins to see bits and pieces of the person Diluc truly is under his front. Childe’s heart warms when he witnesses a little of how they interact with each other, though the other part of him itches to see Diluc wield the powers his Vision grants him.
Surely, the universe is kind and the Archons are listening, as his wish is granted when they run around the Ruin Guard research lab after Teucer, trying to ensure his safety. Diluc is apparently a claymore user, and wields it in the most interesting of ways. There is not only an amazing amount of strength and power in each slash, but a history and above all, meaning in every swing. Diluc is someone that fights with a purpose—a noble one, I know it, Childe muses—and that makes Childe respect Diluc even more.
Diluc is a true warrior, like himself. His place as a true warrior in Childe’s eyes is cemented when they brandish their weapons against the Ruin Guards in the final room and charge in sync. Their synergy is quite amazing, and their battle fills him with a rush unlike any he’s gotten while fighting before. It’s addicting; not even the pain coursing through his body as he pushes himself despite his injuries from using Foul Legacy deters him from chasing that high again.
Childe pushes himself a little too much, his body unable to keep up with his mind as he stumbles during an attempt to take care of a new, unexpected wave of Ruin Guards. What is even more unexpected is Diluc, seemingly without much thought, jumping in and then pulling him out of harm’s way. The rough movement irritating his wounds combined with the fading adrenaline causes him to flinch in pain.
While he would normally feel disappointment from a fight being stolen from him, the way Diluc engages in a dangerous dance with three Ruin Guards, the flames his Vision supplies shrouding him beautifully as he hurls his claymore like it's a javelin is beyond captivating. The way Diluc carefully maneuvers the machines away from Teucer and him, so that he may go all out without fear of repercussions or collateral damage is a detail that doesn’t go unnoticed.
It is then Childe decides that he will have Diluc. No matter what it takes.
Still feeling the high from their close encounter, of course he asks Diluc to spar with him afterwards. If it felt so good to be by his side, then how amazing it must feel to face off against him is something his mind almost can’t process. A shame Diluc rejects him… It hurts!
But one rejection isn’t enough to deter him. What is success if not the result of a million failures?
If not a spar, then he’s happy he gets more time with Diluc in the form of sending Teucer off. Seeing how warmly Diluc regards Teucer as they exchange their goodbyes and promises with each other, how genuine and kind his eyes look in comparison to the aloofness he holds otherwise causes Childe to see pieces of the person he reveres most in him. What is an icy heart if not a way to protect the warmth underneath?
Even now, a couple of weeks after they had last seen each other, Childe daydreams in his office at Northland Bank about that soft look on Diluc’s face and how much it suits him. How badly he wants the warmth Diluc showed Teucer for himself.
“Ahem.” Someone clears their throat. The sound is distant as Childe is still occupied in his mind, entertaining himself with the thought of Diluc. Diluc, who is in front of him—wait. In front of him?!
Childe immediately comes to. “Oh—Mister Diluc,” he speaks, trying to hide his excitement. Did he just manifest his crush out of thin air? “What brings you here today?”
Diluc’s expression doesn’t really shift, until he pulls out an envelope from his bag. There’s a hint of sentimentality in his eyes as he passes the envelope to Childe.
“For Teucer. Make sure it gets delivered safely, Harbinger.” With that, and before Childe can reply, Diluc takes his leave.
Childe sits in contemplative silence for a short moment before turning his attention to the envelope in his hands. He could tell the letter was packaged with care, but the amazingly pristine condition of the envelope did surprise him. There is even a wax seal! But, other than those details, the envelope is pretty plain.
Diluc’s letter is a reminder to finish writing his own, so he quickly does so and sends Diluc’s letter with his package back home. Naturally, replies to his letters always make him happy, but this time he’s giddy with anticipation. Now, when their letters arrive, he’ll have an excuse to visit Diluc.