Work Text:
A gentle breeze greets Aether as soon as he steps through Mondstadt's gate, caressing his face and tugging at his braid. He's pretty sure he can hear Venti laughing, the sound carried by the wind.
He waves at Lawrence and Swan as he passes by them, their unified call of Welcome back to Mondstadt, Honorary Knight! following him.
Aether is thankful for the quiet of the city's sleeping streets. He's tired, a sort of bone-deep exhaustion that clings to his ankles and slows him down. His feet are dragging over the stones.
He could fall face first into a bed right now, he thinks, and not get up until morning.
Angel's Share is, of course, alive even at the late hour, warm light spilling from the windows and out from beneath the door, the sound of drunk guests laughing and singing reaching Aether's ears as he approaches.
He waves at Patton by the door but doesn't stop for a chat. Aether pushes the door open and immediately he's engulfed by warmth and the scent of wine in the air. It's very busy, every table is full, as far as he can see.
Behind the bar, Charles is handling bottles and glasses but Aether's eyes are drawn to the flare of red hair, bound in a high ponytail.
Diluc looks stunning as always; his long black coat gone, leaving him only in the black dress shirt and the white vest that he wears underneath. Aether finds himself completely mesmerised, a feeling he cannot name squeezing his chest.
He walks over.
Diluc turns when he sits down at the end of the bar, the usual impassive frown on his face - until he recognises Aether and his expression changes ever so subtly.
For anyone who doesn't know how to look for it, there's barely a difference. For Aether, who spent countless hours watching Diluc, the change is obvious in the light that sets Diluc's eyes on fire and in the way his lips curve upwards.
"Aether," Diluc greets him and he leans forward, one of his hands settling over Aether's. It's rough but gentle, the warmth of his skin seeping into Aether's. It's such a small gesture but incredibly comforting. "Welcome back. I'm nearly finished with my shift, do you wish to wait?"
Aether wants to jump over the counter and hug Diluc, if he's being honest. He was only away for a week, but it feels like too long. He nods, too tired for actual words. Diluc bends down, gets close and he's gone just as fast, settling back into his stoic attitude - but Aether's cheek burns where Diluc's lips brushed his skin.
The hustle and bustle of the tavern lulls him in. Charles slides him a glass of grape juice and Aether keeps his fingers wrapped around it without actually taking a sip.
His eyes are so tired. He decides to close them.
Only for a moment.
He wakes up to warmth and movement, and a steady heartbeat right beneath his ear. Aether blinks, disoriented, trying to analyse where he is. The faint smell of wine and smoke surround him and he relaxes instantly, knowing he's safe.
"Did I fall asleep?"
Diluc chuckles, a low rumble that travels from his chest all the way into Aether's body. The arms around him tighten; he's hoisted up a little higher and a kiss is pressed into his hair.
"You were out like a light," Diluc responds. "I did not have the heart to wake you, so I carried you instead. We're almost at the winery."
Aether mumbles something, insists he can walk himself now that he's awake but Diluc doesn't let go of him.
"You have been gone for a while," he says quietly and Aether's heart aches at the longing in Diluc's voice. "Allow me to enjoy having you close again."
He makes it sound as if Aether is doing him a favour by letting him carry him.
Aether presses his head closer against Diluc's chest, closing his eyes in defeat. His thoughts begin to stray; one in particular rises above the rest and it brings a revelation.
"I missed you," Aether mutters, voicing these thoughts out loud. But that is not the revelation he's had. It's this: "I missed being home ."
Diluc's breath hitches. Aether knows he surprised him, but it's the truth. Home was always with Lumine before they got separated, before Aether started his lonely travel through this unfamiliar world. Only one half of the twin stars that travelled across countless universes.
But now, home is a person yet again and it's Diluc .
For a long time it's quiet, safe for the sounds of Diluc's steps on the path and the quiet rustling of the breeze in the leaves.
It's quiet for so long that Aether almost falls back asleep; tired but safe. Protected. Light reaches his closed eyes - Dawn Winery welcomes them with a warm glow and the promise of a soft bed.
Moments before he drifts off, he hears Diluc speak up.
"... welcome home, Aether."