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"You need to stop," Diluc said in a strong voice in a way to get the attention of the man lying face-first on the countertop. He was extending his hand to take away the glass of wine from the customer, but he just wouldn't budge and he was groaning in discomfort as Diluc aggressively shook the cup he was holding in an attempt to take it away. The redhead let a heavy sigh escape through his lips as he let go of the cup - with the drunk man giggling and saying gibberish that just he won - which earned him another huff from Diluc who clearly didn't have the patience to deal with the drunkard. Not to mention the fact when he felt the stare on his back from a certain Anemo holder. Diluc basically at this point was a sighing mess as turned to the other man, who was sitting on the other chair with a giant grin splattered all over his face. "And you, not even a for a second think you can leave this place without paying for your own share."
Diluc's annoyance was probably through the roof already. His whole morning was full of inconveniences, his original plans to look through documents and take care of matters regarding the Fatui came into shambles when he got the notice that Charles fell ill overnight and no one could take over his shift for the day.
Not to mention as he was heading here, he was also yelled at by a certain small cat-girl, and if he wasn't in a hurry, he would have spared some time and cleared his name; that no, he was not interested in alcohol, he was fully content with grape juice and that he had also sent Draff away numerous time to go spend time with his daughter - but even though he went as far as to ban the man from the tavern, it was demolished just as fast as it was established.
Draff was a well-respected hunter of Springvale. Dealing with an angry little cat-girl over a bunch of furious hunters was just easier. Even if he felt just a tiny bit guilty for ignoring Diona - who even attempted to throw her cocktail shaker at Diluc who effortlessly dodged it without watching. Just maybe... He enjoyed the angry hisses the little girl made as he was hurrying to Angel's Share - not even caring about the people whispering about him on his way-, as he had the faintest of smiles on his lips.
That smile disappeared just as fast from his face as he laid his eyes upon all the customers who piled up around the tavern - with their eyes lighting up like stars when they noticed Diluc was nearby. They were watching his every movement as if he was some kind of God, as he made his way to the back door, only accessible to workers. Diluc closed the door harsher than intended - he suddenly felt like he was Mondstadt's Dionysus, and it wasn't really to his liking, to say the least.
"Why the sour face, Diluc?" asked the bard with a hint of mischief in his voice as he twirled the cup in his hand. "It's everyone's dream job to work in a tavern."
"You are everyone", retorted Diluc as he was drying the shaker.
"Ehe, I cannot deny that" laughed Venti as he sipped from his glass. "Who else would ensure that the quality of the wine is perfect for serving otherwise? I am a very devoted critique of your wine!" he said proudly. Only for seconds later to stick out his tongue and wink like a little child, earning an eye roll from the redhead.
"A very unwelcomed critique if I may say" added Diluc as he poured more wine into Venti's cup, whose eyes were glinting from joy.
"Just give me that sommelier job already!" exclaimed the boy as he held up his glass for a cheer and happily indulge himself in the taste of the delicious liquid while Diluc looked at him with an amused expression.
With this job, Diluc was able to get as much information as he needed, but it was also helpful to engage with different personalities - and study them. He may have resented Barbatos back in the day when he lost his Father - but his hate soon turned against those who painted over the whole case and after actually meeting with the Archon himself, Diluc wanted to laugh at his past self. He wondered what that Diluc would have said seeing a boy holding his liquor like he was just drinking water and how he was just there to entertain the redhead at any given time. The ex-member of the Knight of Favonius would lie if he said he didn't appreciate the company of the bard - not much, just a little.
He was putting away the clean cups into the cupboard, listening to Venti's chit-chatting about random stories - he might as just come up with on the spot -, when the peaceful atmosphere was disturbed by the tavern's opening door with through it entering a person which tested Diluc's patience level on the daily - even when the said person wasn't even around.
"What brought you here?" Diluc asked with clear malice in his voice. He didn't want to put up with his "half-brother" today of all days. He hated how he could never fully grasp what was a far-fetched lie or truth in those icy eyes of the man. That he would take on every given movement to tease him.
"I just want to hang out with you," answered Kaeya with a sweet voice as he made a place for himself by Venti, who once he felt the cold air between the two decided to hop off his own chair and with his still half-full glass went to find someone to chat with, leaving the two alone.
"Do not make me laugh," snapped back Diluc. "I know you said to Aether, that I am 'not much fun to hang out with', so quit the crap and just tell me what you want."
"Oh? Are you perhaps not in the mood for a little guessing game, Diluc?" smiled the Cavalry Captain, leaning his head against his hand, staring at Diluc with the usual smirk of his and it took a lot of willpower from the redhead's side to not smack the man across the face with his claymore.
Diluc didn't answer the question. He just smacked down the mug in front of Kaeya - containing his usual drink. He almost regretted doing so seeing the satisfied grin on the other's face, but he swallowed down his venom, trying his best to clear his head before he snaps.
It was still around duty time in the Knights of Favonius so the fact that Kaeya was here, obviously skipping work just didn't sit well with Diluc.
"Are you this inefficient that you are already out of duty for the day?" he said, crossing his arms in front of his chest, leaning against the counter. Letting the sun shine down on him, making his expression look even darker by the shadows.
"I am actually here on duty..." answer Kaeya holding his cup. "and sadly it came to my surprise that I will be needing your help for this one."
"What makes you think that I will ever want to help you?" snapped back Diluc, hating every second of this conversation, because he knew the direction of it far too well.
"Well, because I know you are missing a piece of information regarding your night business of yours," said Kaeya matter-of-factly as he stared down into his mug. "and of course, I just so happen to be able to help you with that." he took a sip from his drink, nodding - as if to appreciate the taste - to then look at Diluc. "You never fail to amaze me."
Diluc wanted to murder the man right then and there. Throw away everything and just murder him... but his murderous intent was stronger against the annoying pricks than against the man who right now was happily humming in delight with his beverage.
He knew he could also only trust half of what Kaeya said... at best, but he knew his half-brother, he was never to fool him with fake information regarding the enemy. Was this a desperate attempt to earn his trust or just to satisfy his own wicked plays?
"And is it?"
"Hm?" Kaeya looked at him from the rim of his cup.
"What do you need help with?"
He couldn't stand the smug smile that spread on Kaeya's face when he said those words, but not like he can back up now, so might as well just toughen up and roll with it.
"Just spit it out" he growled under his breath.
And now here he was leading a small child - by holding her little hand, as he didn't dare to let go for now -, as he led them back to Dawn Winery. Diluc was put through and into many challenging situations before, he was used to them.
Or that was what he thought up until now, and he looked down at Klee who was very silent and Diluc knew this will be anything but easy.
"I want you to take care of Klee for the day," said Kaeya straight to the point.
Diluc, who decided to sit down and drink from his grape juice almost spit out his drink upon hearing those words leaving Kaeya's word.
"Take care of Klee?" croaked back Diluc, his throat burning.
"Yes." Kaeya put down his empty glass. "You see, I need to be out of town for a case. Usually, I am to have my eyes on Klee... but no one from the Knights of Favonius is available to take care of her at the moment."
Diluc took his time to compose himself before he asked, "What about her brother, Albedo?"
"He is currently in Dragonspine doing research."
"Amber?"
"No."
"Lisa?"
"No."
"What about Noelle, she is also very reliable." He had seen the girl doing maid jobs for these assh-, knights before. He found her hard work quite admirable, too. Even if he knew it was a stupid dream.
"Yes, but she is not a Knight of Favonius" stated Kaeya with an evil smile.
"Just make her one already" sighed Diluc heavily. He was about to drink from his drink again when it clicked in his head. "But I am not part of your clownery either."
"But you were." answered back Kaeya immediately. "Greatest clown of all."
It took Diluc's willpower not to let his hand move on its own and pour his left-over grape juice into Kaeya's smirking face.
"That piece of information better be useful, or you are dead," said Diluc at the end.
"It will be to your taste" smiled back Kaeya, holding Diluc's death stare.
Diluc let out a heavy sigh, he couldn't believe that not only did he let Venti take care of Angel's Share, but he also got to babysit a girl who didn't like him. And he couldn't decide which led to a bigger catastrophe in the end... It was either a total bankruptcy or a pyromaniac little girl setting Mondstadt on fire.
Klee trotted next to him with her backpack bouncing up and down on her back. He couldn't help but look at the cute creature keychain hanging by the side that she named Dodoco. Well, he couldn't cross out the possibility that "Dodoco" was real, and he wasn't about to destroy a kid's imagination.
Diluc knew this little girl was quite chattery, ever so curious... He would lie if he said he didn't feel sorry for her for being entrusted to him. He didn't hate kids - contrary to common beliefs -, he would say he missed the naive, innocent dreams where he could just spend his days exploring and playing the whole day.
His father loved to take pictures of them... and he would sometimes reminisce about those days when he was just a "cute young lad". But those days were shattered suddenly. That very day-
"You really never smile," said Klee suddenly breaking the thought chain Diluc had a few seconds ago. "Brother Kaeya was wrong" she exclaimed pouting and Diluc was so flabbergasted by her words that he almost tripped on a rock - but Klee didn't notice as she was emersed in kicking a smaller one while she was still diligently walking by his side.
' Just what Kaeya said about me to this girl? ' he felt something dark tucking on his heart, but he had to cast it aside. This was once in a lifetime chance to make Klee understand him - even if just a little -, and he will not miss out on it.
Is what he set as his goal, but just looking at the small girl pacing in the manor aimlessly and very dejected was painful to watch even for him. Not to mention, he couldn't work just leave her to one of his servants and do the job he originally planned to do for the day.
He looked at the clock which was showing lunchtime. He also soon heard a little growl coming from Klee's direction who was staring at that one vase. "This one is odd," she said pointing at it, as she seemed oblivious to her hunger.
Diluc had to hide his smile behind his hands, but soon he went to the kitchen area himself and told his chef the situation whose eyes seemed to glint with newfound excitement. Diluc has even been pushed out of the door by the chef - He, the master of the house. He was surprised by the boldness but didn't take it to heart nor he was angry. No, he actually found it quite astonishing.
Ah. Diluc caught himself making expressions he rarely did anymore. Maybe probably because for the first time - he did want to open up just a little. No one really asked, but he did like Klee. Whenever he heard the news about her mischiefs... "her disasters", he couldn't help but chuckle to himself - whenever he was alone and nobody had seen it. He may have enjoyed the chaos the girl brought upon the Knights. It was a form of entertainment.
"Klee", called Diluc to get the girl's attention who seemed to be counting her tiny bombs in her bag. Well as long as she didn't plan to use it inside his house, he will not say anything. "are you hungry?"
He knew the answer, but he needed to strike a conversation with her one way or another.
Klee looked at Diluc with her big eyes, then looked down to her tummy, trying to decide if what she felt was hunger, but her stomach gave out another small growl, she snapped her eyes back to Diluc.
"Yes." She nodded. "Dodoco, too!"
"Fear no more my little lady." The kitchen door suddenly strung open. "I have prepared a meal for you!" he exclaimed smiling at Klee, who was happily clapping. Diluc was just emitting an aura of cold air, staring daggers into his chef's face. He was close... so very close to getting closer to Klee.
"Diluc is being grumpy again", Klee pointed at him, but she soon started trotting towards the smell of freshly made food that was coming from the dining area.
The chef sensing his life might be in danger followed after Klee, leaving a fuming Diluc alone in the middle of the room.
He will skin him later. He will skin them ALL!
"Master Diluc?" Adelinde tapped on Diluc's shoulder. She was the only servant who dared to even come close to him even when he was clearly in murderous intent. "Are you okay?"
Diluc felt the steam leaving his system in a second as he coughed once as he was just composing himself. "Thank you Adelinde," he said and with fast steps, he hurried towards his room.
"You're welcome?" She looked after her Master's way before he disappeared inside his chamber and just only after a few seconds passed did she let a small giggle escape her, as she shook her head. Wondering if Diluc even realized that his face was pink from embarrassment.
She collected her supplies and with a smile on her face she went back to her duties for the day.
While Klee was satisfied with the lunch and was happily chatting with the servants of the manor. Diluc felt like banging his head into the wall. He fought Fatuis and took care of annoying people daily, but he couldn't ease up a little girl to him. What kind of evil this was? Was he forever cursed to be labeled "weird grown-up" by Klee?
While he closed himself inside his room, he took the liberty to change into more comfortable clothes as he was not to do business today and he might be able to coax Klee if they went out exploring - or something. At this point, he was just desperate.
As he was pondering about this, his door room swung open and Klee ran in.
"Diluc!" she exclaimed in excitement. And he was just looking at her with confusion written all over his face, his hair was still let down.
"Yes?" he asked fast, still in a daze by the sudden outburst of the kid. He didn't know what caused the sudden change of attitude with Klee, but he might have been just a little happy - somewhere.
"Can I use your falcon for bombs?"
What...?
Diluc swear he heard a cracking noise coming from somewhere. He wondered if it was coming from him. He felt like, he was just being tested by the universe.
And now here they were outside.
After explaining to Klee, that his falcon is probably not suitable for carrying the bombs. She looked very dejected, but then she looked at Diluc again. "Can I tie your hair?" she asked suddenly.
Diluc was taken aback. At this moment, he knew he didn't act like his usual self. As he handed his tie to Klee who got excited for the second time. She happily started working on Diluc's hair - with Diluc sitting on the floor while Klee was kneeling on his bed. Humming as she was brushing his hair with her little fingers and was surprised that it wasn't entangled at all, which seemed to spike her enjoyment even more.
Diluc just closed his eyes letting Klee relish herself, as she was happily singing and chatting with Dodoco - what Klee didn't notice this time was the gentle smile that was on Diluc's face while he was listening to her.
Diluc swang his head lightly, feeling his hair tapping against his neck. Klee had tied it up into a high ponytail. She said it would fit Diluc better. Adelinde seemed to share the same sentiment when she complimented her Master before they left the Dawn Winery.
Diluc never gave too much thought to it. He usually just tied his hair up so it is not getting in the way, and as long as it lasted through the day he didn't care. So seeing Klee beaming with happiness from her own handiwork.
"Thank you."
Which to Klee gave him a toothy smile. "Klee did it!"
They were walking around the area for a while now. Diluc made sure that the coast was clear. Not that he didn't trust Klee - and her little bombs - to protect herself from danger, but he was responsible for her well-being, so he better plays the role.
What he didn't expect was the sudden ambush of the Fatui. He was so immersed in everything else he failed to notice the Fatui Agent that was lurking around the whole time. Even now the jerk was invincible, and Diluc's instincts dictated for him.
He hastily hoisted up Klee and held her in his left arm - the girl was surprised by the sudden action, but she was curious where this was going. Diluc summoned Wolf's Gravestone into his right hand, which to Klee let out a noise of pure astonishment. He let a small smile cross over his face before he took on his usual poker face, waiting for the moment he can strike down the enemy - possibly smacking it straight across the face, for ruining their peaceful walk.
"There," Diluc exclaimed as he jumped and spun in the air giving his claymore enough momentum to indeed smack the enemy on his head as he laid out flat on the ground, moaning in pain from the sudden impact and also cursing at Diluc between hisses.
Diluc of course didn't give him the attention. He looked at the little girl hanging from his arm.
"Are you okay?" he asked with concern in his voice.
"Uhm" nodded Klee, so after Diluc made sure she was indeed fine before he put her down on the ground.
But soon enough Klee started jumping up and down in excitement. "I want to do it again! Let's do it again!" she pulled on Diluc's pants in childish joy.
Diluc just shook his head, at this point just going along with her antics. He was just about to pick up Klee, when he noticed that her bag was open, with her bombs missing, seeing them all scattered around the floor.
Without skipping a beat Diluc grabbed Klee up and escaped the scene. Just in time for them to see from the bushes as the first bomb fired off followed by the others. The Fatui guy still being stuck there, now enjoying the experience firsthand, as he cursed even harder as he was burnt from the explosions. They were amused by the sight.
When no bombs left anymore, they both came out from their hiding spot. It was Diluc who walked up to the guy to check the damages. To his chagrin the Agent was still alive - well a little bit toasted around the edges.
Klee was about to comment on what just transpired but she was interrupted by an unfamiliar sound coming from Diluc. The man started laughing as soon as he realized the event that have just occurred. Not only did they whack the man in the head, thanks to Klee's bomb they even fried him a little.
He did use to burn these thugs intentionally, but doing it accidentally just had a different feel to it. Now here he was uncontrollably laughing. Something he thought he had already forgotten to do in all these years without even smiling.
He looked at a surprised Klee for a second who soon also had a giant smile on her face. "Diluc is laughing!"
He indeed was, thanks to a certain child. "You are amazing, Klee!" expressed Diluc with a bright smile on his face.
"Hehe" laughed Klee, running to Diluc to hug him. "Brother Diluc is also very cool!"
Next day in the Knights of Favonius Headquarters:
Klee was drawing with great enthusiasm.
"Klee seems to be in a good mood," stated Kaeya.
"What are you doing Klee?" asked Jean, looking at the kid scribble with a red pencil.
"I was wrong about Brother Diluc!" she said, as she kept working on her piece.
' Brother Diluc? ' thought Jean and Kaeya at the same time.
"Now I know that Brother Diluc has to hide his smile!"
"Oh?" Kaeya couldn't stop a grin forming on his face. He liked where this was going.
"Because if he didn't..." she stopped as if to build up tension. "Everyone would fall in love with him and that would be very troubling," she said very proudly.
That day the headquarters were resonating from Kaeya's laughter.
"Kaeya, you need to stop. You are scaring Klee" sighed Jean, but she was also giggling in between words.
Extras:
Klee: Brother Diluc, look!
Diluc: Oh? Is that me?
Klee: Klee have seen many pictures in your home, but no pictures of you. So I drew you!
*it was framed with the nicest frame Diluc just could get his hands on*
Diluc: it is our secret, okay
Klee: yes!
*it was soon a rumor that Diluc had an alluring smile that could break women's hearts, Diluc didn't laugh or smile for a month*
Venti was particularly sobbing for mercy when Diluc returned to Angel's Share, he couldn't handle the angry wives who came storming inside the tavern late to the night and he was hiding inside the room with all the wine supplies... The tavern did suffer a "slight" bankruptcy that day.
Diluc: I am seriously worried about what worthless crap are you teaching to Klee.
Kaeya: I told her you didn't smile because you have black teeth and also missing a few
Diluc: *smacks Kaeya straight into the face*
Jean: so what happened to him? *points at the Fatui Agent*
Diluc: hmmm, not much.
Jean: he screams whenever I am just near him and try to interrogate him.
Diluc: hmmm, must be rough.