Chapter Text
The Weinlesefest was right on the tip of their noses, right around the corner, making its annual appearance. Naturally, Mondstadt has been making serious preparations for such a thing. Who would refuse the chance to serve wine to the Anemo God? But although wine is the main focus of the festival, family was also very important. There are those who rejoice with their family and those who grieve alone. Because of the festival's theme, it has a great chance to be among the top events of the year.
The primary location for the Weinlesefest this year was the Springvale village, a truly ideal-looking location with breathtaking views to go along with the bringing of wine and family.
Kaeya personally liked the wine part of it. Of course, that was natural for him. He was, however, able to consume only a little amount of the wine at Mondstadt for himself. Which was the biggest letdown. Even Kaeya could admit that there was a lot to accomplish, therefore acting Grandmaster Jean had instructed him to remain away from it until everything was finished being prepared.
They had to set up stalls and transfer all the goods and wine they needed from the city, Dawn Winery, to Springvale, which had already caused a few problems with transport. Hilichurl assaults were common, but not as common as they are now. They must have been intrigued by all the food and wine elements.
Naturally, Kaeya was assigned the task of solving the issue. Most of them anyway. If he didn't want to exhaust himself, he couldn't reach every one of them.
Fortunately for him, Hilichurls were the most straightforward foe to beat. With his exceptional sword work and cryo vision, he was basically unstoppable to the inhuman creatures.
While preparing for the festival, Kaeya had other thoughts besides only getting rid of Hilichurls. His brother Diluc was undoubtedly working very hard himself to get the wine ingredients out and to make the Angels Share stall ready and ideal for the location. Kaeya had pondered paying a visit to Dawn Winery, but he didn't want to worry or trouble his brother.
He eventually wanted to see him, no matter what. What's a festival about family and wine without seeing his brother, the only person in his family left? And, very simply, the only member of his family he liked. Diluc was a little reclusive and never stated it to Kaeya directly, but he is certain that he would agree in this way.
The Weinlesefest when they were children, when their father was around, was probably the only time Diluc never got a cruel beating, although Kaeya couldn't confirm that exactly. He will never forget the time they spent together while they were out and about and had numerous opportunities to do so with little to no consequences. Kaeya merely wanted to relive that same joy.
***
Kaeya opened the door to Jean's office and quickly shut it again. When he arrived, Lisa was right there with Jean as she went over the mounds of lists and documentation required for the festival. like she has always been.
When Jean heard the door open and close, she turned around.
"Here already? I suppose that's all the incidents taken care of then." She looked back down and proceeded to tick something off the list. Kaeya grinned.
"I wouldn't be here if there were more of those pesky Hilichurls around."
Lisa laughed next to him.
"We are all aware of your penchant for laziness, so it wouldn't be shocking if you abandoned such a task." Although Kaeya wasn't in the least bit mistaken, he didn't want to leave a potential threat unresolved.
"Yeah, well, fortunately for you, I'm not a fool." He responded with a sly grin.
He swung his attention back to Jean, who was still focused on her clipboard.
"Any further tasks that must be completed?" Kaeya sat down on a neighbouring chair as he inquired, his legs pleading for a break.
Jean shook her head and turned to face the Captain.
"That's it for today," she said with a sigh of relief. "While some wine ingredients still need to be delivered from both parties later, the venue should be set to begin welcoming the locals. Overall, a success." While talking, Jean turned to face Lisa with a smile on her face. "I appreciate all of your assistance. the two of you." She added.
Kaeya had believed Lisa was doing it for Jean even though he had no idea what she was doing specifically to assist. Keeping her stress levels low or something else. Kaeya will confess that they are each other's great friends. Or more, but he hadn't figured that out yet.
"It's nothing major; it's simply my job." Kaeya declined the compliment and got up from the chair in the process. He was relieved that he could at least achieve something.
"Do you intend to visit Diluc?" Kaeya is taken aback when Lisa inquires out of the blue.
"Uh- not today?" He sounded uncertain and was expecting to be asked to take on a festival-related task. "I had intended to visit him later, perhaps after the festival began. I am confident that, unless there is an emergency, he will remain inside during the event the entire time." Kaeya acknowledges that Diluc had been acting in precisely such a way before they both decided to be neutral in their relationship. "And plus, he'd probably be exhausted anyway, dealing with all those wine orders." He laughed apprehensively when he knew full well that Diluc would refuse to sleep and replenish his vitality.
Kaeya had already made plans to return to his own place tonight and drink away the discomfort so he could sleep well. When he wasn't at Angels Share, he might be seen drinking all night long in secret at his modest downtown apartment without anyone catching him or intervening.
Jean sighed, shaking her head in inevitable disappointment, "Sounds like him alright."
"Hey, don't worry." Kaeya reassured, "If you're worried about him, I'll visit him tomorrow, and maybe I'll even get him to come outside for once, make him come to the venue."
Jean gave Kaeya a sincere glance.
"After the challenging upbringing you both experienced, it's encouraging to see how much you care for him. But thank you. That would be great. Please give him my regards for all the planning." She spoke. Jean didn't know exactly what happened in Diluc's childhood, only that he and Kaeya had a fight. Jean was the first person Kaeya turned to for assistance.
"Will do, I'll see you both tomorrow!" He waved as he walked out of the building and headed back to his apartment in a remote part of the city.
***
When Kaeya arrived home, it was already dark. He removed his boots and immediately reached for his wine supply, taking a bottle without even attempting to take any glasses.
He collapsed into the sofa and started to sip. After a long day, all he wanted was a cool, comforting taste.
Kaeya pondered what would transpire when he saw Diluc the following day. As soon as the alcohol started to take effect, he started running through various situations in his thoughts, which helped him to create more detailed mental imagery. Diluc would either reject him and kick him out or accept but act very distantly. Both were conceivable choices.
After the Liyue incident, Kaeya was hoping that Diluc was getting a little better, but he definitely wasn't counting on a good mood from him.
For this, he required more alcohol.
***
"I'm afraid you need to get some rest, Master Diluc." Adelinde remained still as she observed Diluc pacing in his nightwear around the winery's foyer.
Diluc wasn't happy that Kaeya had to go tell Adelinde all he was going through, as if she didn't already know. She had been dubious for a while, but now that she had proof, she was doing everything in her power to aid Diluc in recovering. It was rather helpful. He'll acknowledge that. He didn't like it though.
"Everything has been handled, and nothing else will need to be transported until a few days from now. So please, make an effort to sleep." Adelinde was so close to begging. Diluc detested seeing her so anxious, but he always gave her the reassurance that he was okay and could handle things on his own. But, when it came to food and sleep, there were serious issues.
Adelinde spoke up again as Diluc remained silent.
"If you aren't tired, you can take your sleeping pills, they are sure to-"
"I get it, I know. I'm grateful, Adelinde. You ought to be sleeping as well." Diluc stopped pacing and approached her. He didn't want Adelinde to expend too much energy on trivial issues.
Adelinde gave a slow nod.
"I will, but this time I want you to stay in bed. The medicine will be beneficial." She recalled for him.
"Thank you, I am aware. Goodnight." After responding, Diluc went to his room.
He took the medication that was prescribed to him, and it truly did wonders. Every time, it came so close to knocking him out that he had to watch where he was standing.
The Weinlesefest's opening day was scheduled for tomorrow. Diluc put a lot of effort into making sure that nothing was lost for the Angels Share stall so that customers would appreciate it. It made him think of the times he used to visit with Kaeya and his father, when his father had been more forgiving and he could just enjoy being with Kaeya.
Too bad he won't be going back.