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Mondstat was known for its never ceasing sunny weather and comforting breeze, such a thing resembling the kindness of Barbatos, however during this time, the skies were painted a weeping grey.
Every maid and butler of the Dawn Winery Manor kept their head low and their grieving sobs even lower as not to distrub the most sorrowful of them all, Diluc. Though he liked to put of a tough front, pretending as though the past was nothing more than exactly that, you couldn't help but notice how he shut himself in his office.
"What was Crepus like, Adelinde?" Your arm was linked with hers as you two walked back to the manor after paying respects to his grave.
"Oh, he was such a kind man. Though he was much more expressive than Master Diluc at his age," She sighed fondly at the memories. "This has always been a hard time for him, so don't take too much offense if he seems distant." Diluc and you were currently in the process of courting, however for the past week you noticed how he became awfully distant so you took matters into your own hands.
"Were they close?" You didn't mean to pry, you merely couldn't imagine the Diluc Ragnvindr being grieved so badly.
"Extremely, everything Master Diluc ever did was for the honor of his father. After his unfortunate passing, it even caused the tear between him and Master— ahem, Kaeya." She corrected herself as you two entered the manor, the feeling of despair becoming heavier in the dark halls. "Do let me know if you need anything." She bowed, leaving to take care of her duties you presumed.
You looked over the few pictures of Diluc as a child, heart breaking as you saw how sweet of a smile he used to carry.
"I know I've been told to let him grieve in peace, but that doesn't mean he should be alone." You thought, clenching your heart as you snuck away to his office. Your hand brushed over the wood after you left a few quiet knocks.
"What?" His voice was at first cold and unfeeling with a slight croak, evident that he had been crying.
"Hello my love, I merely came to check on you ." You breathed, looking over a completely destroyed Diluc. His usual, tied back hair spilled over his shoulders while his shirt was messy and unkempt. His eyes appeared to have all the color stolen from them as a shaky breath left his body.
"It would be a lie to say I was in the highest of spirits at the moment," He attempted to clean himself up, body slumping as soon as you rushed over to help. "Thank you."
"Have you been here all night?" You were quick to brush his hair out of his face.
"Two nights. I've turned everyone away, however I was just too tired to deny you." He admitted, eyes falling to his desk. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you, it's just,"
"Shh, there's no need to explain yourself. I understand that you're grieving so take all the time you need," You brought his head to your navel. "However you need to stop toughing this out by yourself Diluc, it's not healthy."
"I've done it for years and gotten this far, I'll be fine,"
"That doesn't make it okay. I understand that you've had to be tough for everyone and even yourself, but you're not alone, you fool. You have a family here, and I can promise you they love you much more than you know."
"Oh yeah?" He chuckled weakly at the sentiment, cupping his cheek in your hand, rubbing his thumb over your knuckles. "That's not too hard to believe." He sighed into your touch.
"You know I hear that your father was a fine man," You started.
"A fine man indeed," His words became unintelligible to some degree. "He would have loved you."
"And why is that?"
"You would have reminded him of mother." He laughed, burying himself into you. "Thank you. Perhaps I did need this." His face burned with tears, warming your stomach.
"Oh Diluc," You cooed.
"It's fine, let's just stay like this for a while longer." He mumbled. "Please."
Your hands made themselves comfortable in his hair, sighing sympathetically. Who were you to deny a grief stricken man like himself?
"Of course. However I do have one question for you."
"Hm?"
"Did all the Ragnvindr men have such long pretty hair?"