Work Text:
"We don't have to do this."
Diluc's claymore hangs heavily in his hand, almost touching the ground. Him and Kaeya standing in front of each other, both posed to strike. The cavalry captain with his sword and the red head with his decades of training.
"I don't want to hurt you."
Diluc's eyes never leaves Kaeya's, even as the words fall out of his mouth like a pleas. His eyes glossy with unshed tears, deep inside those eyes a tint of fire only someone who has known him for life could see. His claymore glinted in the light, threatening, deadly.
"I'm afraid we're too late for that." Kaeya said, with a smile that is almost apologetic. He thumbs the sword in his hand, feeling his cold power underneath. He knows that even with his ability, Diluc is impossible to beat. And while he would never admit it- never will, he thought, with bitter irony- he hopes that Diluc will be the one left standing.
Dilucs stance changed ever so slightly, and Kaeya knows exactly how this would end.
"I'm so sorry...." Diluc whispered. "..my love." He added and strikes.
The fight isn't in any way fair. Kaeya was strong and fast, but Diluc is way more faster and agile. How could his ice fight against Dilucs hot scorching fire? Their fight is less of a fight and more of a dance, both moving in perfect sync of each other, dodging and attacking.
Diluc uses his claymore expertly and beautifully just like him. Kaeya knows that the red head is getting closer, too close for him to be in any way safe. Still, he didn't moved away.
When Diluc came with a killing distance, Kaeyas hold on his sword soften, just standing there. Looking at the red head, wanting him to be the last thing he sees, then closes his eyes.
Diluc's claymore crashes into his chest, hilt deep and cut through his back. His eyes snapping open at the pain, Kaeya looks down at the claymore protruding from his chest. It hit way too close to his heart to be anything but fatal, but not directly to promise him a quick death.
The cavalry captain opens his mouth, coughing up blood as he came crashing into his knees. Suddenly, Diluc's hands were on him, one keeping him upright at his shoulder, the other under his chin, lifting his head so he could look into the red heads eyes, eyes that were now overflowing with tears.
"No, no..." Kaeya sighs, wanting to brush Diluc's tears away but his arms are filled with blood hanging uselessly beside him.
Kaeya leans forward, resting his forehead on Dilucs, his hand slides to the back of the red heads neck, holding him close. Closing his eyes, he waited for the pain to fade, feeling more at peace as he had ever been.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Diluc whispers, almost like a mantra. Kaeya slumps forward, head falling onto Diluc's shoulder. The red head catches him, one arm around his shoulders, the other tightening on the hilt of the sword. In a swift motion Diluc pulls it out, leaving Kaeya splattering in choking as the red head lowers the cavalry captain to the ground.
Kaeya feels fingers touching through his hair, soft lips pressing against his lips. Just before he falls asleep, he feels liquid drop on his face, and he hears Diluc speak one last time.
"I love you.."