Work Text:
“Teyvat’s stars are so much brighter than Khaenri’ah’s, aren’t they, Dain?” Lumine’s voice filled the comfortable silence between them.
The breeze was gentle that night, just strong enough to cause his hair to sway, but not strong enough to cause a disturbance to them. It was just the right temperature to lay back against the greenest grass he’s ever seen and enjoy the stars. Just as they had all those years ago in Khaenri’ah, before his world was torn from him beneath his feet.
The grass tickled his cheek with each breeze that passed by, he’s never felt more alive.
“They are. But they are by no means better than Khaenri’ah’s,” He muttered begrudgingly, refusing to admit the truth behind the matter.
The stars Teyvat bore were far brighter and more beautiful than Khaenri’ah’s fake sky could ever hope to achieve. But Teyvat’s stars belonged to the Archons; Khaenri’ah’s were their own. They made those stars. Teyvat’s stars held their constellations, the fate just out of his grasp behind them.
He could easily point out his constellation in the sky. Its stars were dulled compared to the rest.
“You’re just saying that because you’re so devoted to home. I know how you are, Dain.” She tugged at his cheek playfully, earning a wince out of him.
“Lumi… Stop that.” Dainsleif swatted her hand away, to which she pulled it away hesitantly.
“You’re no fun.” She laid back next to him, staring up at the stars with that same awe she held the last time they went stargazing together.
Dain closed his eyes, allowing his surroundings to take over. He slowed his breaths, focusing on the sounds of leaves rustling, the scent of pine, the feeling of the warm breeze on his cheek, Lumine’s breathing in sync next to him. It all took him away, his mind zoning out.
It was a peaceful feeling, through the aches and pains of his curse. He could relax like this, not stressing about any potential attacks against them. There’s nobody to protect here. Nothing to warrant the drawing of his sword.
“Dain?” Lumine pulled him back to Teyvat, snapping him out of his trance.
He shifted, looking over to her out of the corner of his eye, “Hm?”
The moonlight illuminated her face and dress, her golden eyes shining in tandem with the night sky. She sat up, looking down at him with a saddened look, unsightly amongst the peaceful atmosphere. It was worrying.
“Will you promise something for me?” She asked quietly, pressing for an answer.
He sat up himself, looking at her directly with a raised eyebrow, “What is it?”
“You know, sitting here and looking up at the stars, it reminds me of before.” She turned away, facing the sky again and leaving Dain to look at her back, “It gets me thinking.”
“Thinking about what, exactly?” He questioned, moving closer to her slowly.
“I’ve lost Aether. We’ve lost Khaenri’ah. It’s just…” She looked at him again, a slight frown on her face, “You won’t… Leave me too? You won’t leave me behind?”
The crack in her voice, paired with the heartbreaking look on her face made his heart seize up. It was a saddening sight, one he wished he could fix.
“No. For as long as I live, I promise to stay by your side.” He reached out to her, taking her hand in his.
She was warm, he missed that feeling of warmth so much.
“I’m glad. I can’t lose another person, not again.” Lumine was quick to wrap her arms around him, pulling him tightly into an embrace.
She buried her face into the crook of his neck, while he raised a hand to gently run his fingers through her short hair. His other arm wrapped around her to return the hug, his gaze making its way back to the stars for guidance.
Lumine puts so much faith in him. How could he ever return the kindness she has given him?
“Lumine,” He called out to her softly, his mind made up.
“Dain?” She pulled away, maintaining eye contact with him.
That was enough.
He slowly inched closer to her, his arm wrapped around her while he closed his eyes and pressed his lips against hers, kissing her. She tensed under his hold, clearly shocked before relaxing into it, returning the kiss with just as much love as he held for her.
Dainsleif could taste the valberries on her lips from the snack they had before, and the scent of inteyvats lingered. She was so soft under his touch, the warmth that flushed to his cheeks was an intoxicating feeling.
He swore then and there, had he stayed a little longer, his heart may have just hammered out of his chest.
Dain pulled away, leaving Lumine to stare at him with open eyes and a hand covering her mouth. Her cheeks were flushed just as red–if not brighter than his own–at the contact they just held.
“I love you so much,” He murmured, looking at her with a gaze that caused Lumine to stutter.
“I… I love you too.” She closed the distance between them for a second kiss, far more passionate in nature.
He was pushed back against the grass, his hands around Lumine’s back while she kissed and kissed again, pulling away every so often to take a breath. She’s never looked more beautiful with the stars behind her illuminating her.
She almost looked like a goddess.
The taste of valberries was persistent after she ceased kissing, pulling back to sit on his lap. Her breaths were quickened and short, a single hand placed over her chest. He offered a gentle smile, one that spoke of adoration without words.
“This is my promise to you, Lumine.” He pushed himself back up and off of the dirt, enough for him to hold onto her again.
“I wish you were like this more often, it’s such a rare sight…” She laughed softly to herself, pressing her cheek against his chest while he embraced her tightly in his arms.
Another glance at the stars, and that’s when it dawned. The constellation next to his was hers, shining brighter than ever.
“Someday, I will,” He closed his eyes, his smile even wider than before.
Their fates were intertwined, it seemed.