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Chapter Text

Orange rays of the setting sun glittered as they reflected on surfaces of Liyue Harbour, setting what would seem to be a calm, quiet evening atmosphere. Well, it would be were it not for the angered voices carried from an open window of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour; pained, emotionally raw tones heard easily to anyone around. Inside was the famed assistant of said parlour, none other than Zhongli. And in front of him, the 11th Fatui Harbinger- Childe. They seemed to be in some kind of heated discussion, though upon closer inspection- an argument, seemed a more accurate conclusion. 

“But how could you.. lie to me?! I thought I could trust you..” Childe screamed, knuckles white as he clutched at his shirt, crystalline tears reflected in the light as they dripped slowly down his mottled cheeks.

Zhongli simply stood in place. Barely a reaction flickered across his face, other than a slight crease of his brow as he folded his arms against his chest, hands relaxed over his biceps.

“Childe, you came here to bring harm to my country. Do you really think I would have no idea? That I would let you get away with it? A laughable idea, truly.” Zhongli chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “And you think I could care for a monster like you?” He seemed unphased, still. After everything that happened. 

Childe stared in disbelief. 

“I thought I loved you. You just used me.” He shook his head, reaching up to wipe at his damp cheeks with the back of his hand, “I never want to see you again. Don’t ever try to find me.” He spoke, frowning slightly as he did so.

The door slammed open as Childe walked out, ignoring the quickly spoken rebuttals and excuses from the older man behind him. He simply walked to his quarters, took what he needed and headed to the bank. 

“Ekaterina, I’ll be leaving for a while. Send any letters for me to the Fatui stationed in Mondstat, I need a break.. And take care of yourself. I’ll be back soon enough, alright?” He smiled as he spoke to her. 

He had always enjoyed her company, she was one of the calmest, most level-headed members of the Fatui he had ever worked with. He truly appreciated her, and her level of understanding towards him. She was the closest thing he has ever had to a friend while in the ranks. 

“Stay safe, Sir. I’ll be here as always if you need anything.” She gave him a soft, knowing smile as he turned to take his leave, eyes twinkling. It felt as though she knew something that he didn’t, but how could that be the case?

“Goodbye, Kat. I’ll miss you.” He muttered, pushing the tall doors of the bank open before him and taking a step into the warm, Liyue air. 

To Mondstat it would be. 

Diluc sighed as he gripped another tall glass in his hand, polishing the exterior of any watermarks from the wash they had been through. He currently had the loud, out of tune singing of a tavern full of drunks to listen to, led by none other than Mondstat’s very own Tone Deaf Bard, who was in fact not very tone deaf (when he was sober, that is). And to top it all off, his estranged brother had picked this evening as the perfect one to bug him over and over again. 

“Another Death After Noon please, Master Diluc!” The aforementioned brother slurred, waving his empty glass at the redheaded bartender. 

Diluc shook his head, placing the glass he had been polishing away before pulling out a champagne style glass, and quickly mixing up the cocktail. He made them so often it was almost second nature, to rim the glass and add a little garnish before passing it over. He wasn’t so renown in his bartending skills for nothing, that was for sure. He grew up on this, and death after noon happened to be a drink he made quite regularly. How Kaeya’s liver could keep up with the alcohol content in this drink he didn’t know, but he was obliged to serve. 

The rimmed glass was placed onto the counter before Kaeya, none too gently either, as he added yet another drink to his tab. 

Bar work could be exhausting. Talking to people, cleaning, making drinks- while it was fun sometimes, it was tiring. And dealing with drunks was the worst part. Diluc was used to it however, having shadowed his father in the days before his death. The work made him feel as though he was carrying on his legacy, a comforting thought. 

Something his ‘brother’ could never understand. 

“Say Diluc, you’re awfully quiet tonight!” Kaeya chirped, tilting his half-full glass towards the redhead. 

“Just drink, Kaeya. I have no interest in conversation.” He sighed, flicking the towel over his shoulder. 

Truthfully, he wished he could talk to Kaeya. But the immense guilt he felt as he did so was too much to stomach, the idea of talking to the man after he had committed such a heinous act all those years ago was too much to handle. He wished he could feel differently, but it was simply the way things were. They were estranged, and nothing about that would change. 

The eyepatch was his fault. 

Diluc shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts, just as the out-of-breath bard came to the bar. 

“One dandelion wine please, Master Diluc! Did you like my performance today~?” Venti giggled, his bright, almost glowing eyes flicking to the bartender. 

As Diluc poured the wine he scoffed, shaking his head. 

“Do you really think I would enjoy your toneless songs?” He spoke, piercing red eyes flicking up towards Venti for a moment. 

“Come now, Master Diluc, need you be so harsh? I put on my best performance for your customers!” He giggled, playing with the end of the plait in his hair. Venti grabbed the dandelion wine after it had been poured, quickly bringing it to his lips with a wink directed towards the tired bartender. 

“That’s your last one unless you pay your tab, bard.” Diluc sighed as Venti skipped away, looking towards the clock. Only just over an hour left, he would kick the patrons out at two in the morning. Then he might be able to get just a little… sleep. 

Childe was exhausted. He had been walking for hours at this point, and he could just about see the peaks of the windmills in Mondstat’s city shining under the moonlight. 

It was a clear night, something the harbinger was grateful for. He had stayed outside in many storms and unfortunate conditions, but a clear night sky always made travelling easier. And he loved watching the stars, looking at the way they twinkled. Back when he was a kid, he would sit outside with his younger siblings- pointing out the different constellations and listening to their awe-filled whispers, as if conversing in anything above a whisper would break the constellation. 

He stopped for a moment beside a large tree, sitting back against it to rest. He was very close now, but his legs were aching and heavy, his breath coming out in short pants. This tree was nice, he decided. A soft breeze fluttered through his hair, and the area was lit up slightly by Barbatos’ Statue of the Seven before him. 

After a short rest, he decided to continue on. 

Hiking his satchel up his shoulder, he approached the long bridge leading to the city, taking his time to walk along it. The lake surrounding the city looked beautiful in the moonlight, rather still other than the occasional soft ripples sparkling in the moonlight. 

He bowed his head slightly in greeting as he passed the guards on duty outside the gates, stopping as he entered the city. He was finally here. Though now he had arrived he was unsure what to do with himself. 

After deciding to take a right, he followed the path- and the sound of cheerful yells from what appeared to be a small tavern. 

‘Angel’s Share’, the sign above the door read. 

Well, a nice drink after a long journey was always welcome!

Childe pushed the door open, a waft of warm air hitting him as he did so. The smell of alcohol and sweaty bodies, the warm atmosphere- it reminded him of the pubs back home, and he loved it already. A soft smile spread across his cheeks as he approached the bar, taking the only spare stool beside a blue haired man with an eyepatch, dressed in rather extravagant furs. 

That looked like something his Tsaritsa would enjoy wearing.

A thud sounded as the satchel he had been carrying was shoved to his feet, elbows resting on the bar and cradling his head. 

“Hey, bartender! One of your strongest, please.” He spoke, his accent thick with tiredness. He could feel eyes on him as soon as he spoke, but he was too exhausted to even bother paying attention. It was quite the trek from Liyue Harbour to Monstat. 

A glass was placed in front of him none too gently, a gloved hand held out in waiting. 

“That’s 1,500 mora.” A deep, soft voice spoke above him. Childe reached into his pocket to retrieve the amount, before hesitating. 

He knew that voice. 

His head immediately whipped up as he pulled out his coin pouch, jaw dropping open slightly. 

He never thought he would see this man again. His firey red hair, those bright, calculating eyes. But here he was, right in front of his face. 

All that time ago, when he left him. He didn’t even give him a moment to explain. When Childe betrayed the trust the other so reluctantly gave him. When Diluc and Childe were.. friends. 

“It’s.. you?! I-.. I haven’t seen you in years, Red. I mi-.. Ahem, how have you been?” Childe asked, dropping the correct amount of mora into the outstretched palm. 

Diluc’s eyes flicked over his features, almost seeming to assess him before he spoke. 

“I don’t associate with Fatui. You must have me mistaken.” Diluc scowled, but the slight hesitation before he spoke gave Childe all the answers he could need. 

“Oh? Master Diluc, you know this handsome stranger? And why did you never care to introduce us?” The blue haired man beside him spoke, voice slightly slurred, “I’m Kaeya, and what might your name be?” 

“A pleasure to meet you Kaeya, I go by Childe!” He spoke cheerfully, taking a sip of his drink. Not as strong as the firewater he was used to, but it would do. 

Conversation with Kaeya was easy. He was good at making it flow, and keeping the topics diverse. Though it did feel like he was searching for something, an answer maybe. 

Diluc’s eyes narrowed as he heard Childe’s name, brows furrowing slightly. 

Ah, so he knew it was a codename. He did introduce himself differently all those years ago, he supposed. 

Diluc seemed to be constantly watching, observing. Between Kaeya’s probing questions and Diluc’s constant glares, not to mention that odd little green guy who came over for a few minutes, Childe felt rather cornered, and pressured. But it was also a much more welcome and relaxed atmosphere than Liyue. 

Here he was actually free. 

Ding, ding.

Diluc rang the bell above the bar back, signalling that it was time for everyone to leave. They quickly began to do so, finishing up their drinks and saying their goodbyes to their friends. Within thirty minutes, the tavern was completely empty. 

As Diluc started to tidy up the bar, his mind drifted back to Ajax. Tartaglia. Childe. Whatever he wanted to be referred to as. 

Why was he in Mondstat? Not to mention how exhausted the man looked. It made him curious, yet weary. He assumed his.. nightly activities, would be rather busy in the future.

Chapter Text

Childe groaned as he awoke to the rising sun streaming through a small gap in the curtains, pulling his blanket over his head. Was it really so early already? He sighed, kicking the blanket to the end of the bed before climbing out, to get ready for the day. 

He had taken a spare room at the Goth Grand Hotel, where the rest of the Fatui in Mondstat were based. It was comfortable enough, for what he needed at this time.

As he fixed the bed, he could hear the sounds of people beginning to wake up and open up their stores, children laughing and playing. He smiled to himself- the sound was a huge reminder of home…

Home. 

The Tsaritsa would likely be expecting his return soon.. perhaps he should send a letter requesting holiday. He quite liked the idea of staying in Mondstat for a while, and figuring out the bartender he found last night. 

FOUR YEARS PRIOR

He was good. 

Tartaglia wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, sweat dripping down his brow into his eyes. Claymore wielder. Redhead. No vision. A delusion maybe, what with the chains swinging around their bodies in a deadly dance. 

But archons, could the man fight. 

It was impressive, really- the ease at which he swung his claymore to counter any attacks from the harbinger, as if it were an extension to his limb. The way the chains swirled around his body whilst he moved, the elegance with which he held himself. 

The energy was electrifying. 

Tartaglia laughed as he manifested his water blades, lowering into a more battle- ready stance. 

“Come on, Red. Show me what you got.” He grinned, advancing towards the other. 

He didn’t seem to know Tartaglia’s true identity, as much as he had heard about the redheaded traveller through his colleagues. He was one to be careful of, to make sure he didn’t get too close. He was capable of many feats, and had apparently even given Il Dottore a run for his money. 

A worthy opponent indeed. 

Diluc had no idea who this man was. He didn’t appear to be a Fatui member, or someone of one of their affiliated agencies… he just seemed to be a man who knew how to fight. And enjoyed it a lot, apparently. 

It was almost a breath of fresh air, someone who could keep up with him whilst sparring. No one had been able to since.. well. Since he trained with his father and Kaeya. But they weren’t people he needed to think about at this moment in time. 

He sat down on the frosty floor next to the ginger haired man, taking a sip from the canteen he had brought with him. The frosty water sliding down his raw throat was a welcome feeling, a refreshing one.

“So.. who are you and why did you attack me.” Diluc asked, screwing the lid back on the container and ignoring the other’s hands reaching out towards it. 

“The name’s Ajax, I live in that town over there.” He hesitated before introducing himself, but soon pointed in the distance, towards a few houses that could be seen through the snowflakes. “And you seemed like someone who would give me a good spar, with those muscles and the massive claymore you got! And those chains, that’s really cool! Where did you learn to use that? It’s hard to find people to fight with among my family and neighbours, as much as I love them.” He rambled, barely giving himself time to breathe with his fast-paced words. 

Diluc grunted in response, ignoring the questions he was asked- tucking the canteen back into his travel bag and standing up, brushing the snow off of himself. Fighting in layers in this icy weather was not really a good idea. 

“I see. I was heading towards that town to lay low for a few days before I move to my next destination. Are there any places I can stay?” Diluc asked. He was no stranger to staying outside, though with the approaching snowstorm it would not be a pleasant time. 

“You can stay with my family! There’s a lot of us, but we will always welcome those in need. Come on!” Ajax laughed, grabbing Diluc’s wrist. As much as Diluc wanted to refuse, he really couldn’t. 

Ajax’s happiness seemed contagious. Diluc found himself starting to smile, before quickly shutting himself down once again. 

Someone like him didn’t deserve happiness .

The boy leading him along was rather cute, he supposed. He seemed to be around the same age, but so full of life. Other than his eyes. His eyes looked dead, and cold. They looked as if someone had reached into his head and ripped every single sweet, cheerful thought from his mind and left him a hollow shell. 

Yet he was still so cheerful. 

Diluc almost felt a sense of envy for the other boy. How he had obviously been through a lot as well, yet he could still be like he is. He wished more than anything that he could be the same, but everything hurt too much. It was all his fault. 

He just needed revenge. The Fatui deserved to die for what they did, and he would do everything in his power to make that happen. He needed it, more than he needed anything else in his life so far. More than he craved to see his father again. More than he wished he could have turned back the time to before Kaeya told him his secret, before they had their fight. Before Diluc partially took away his own brother’s sight. 

He felt like a monster. 

But maybe this boy could make him feel like less of one, even for just a moment. 

PRESENT TIME

Childe walked down towards the Good Hunter for breakfast, stretching his arms above his head- joints popping from the overnight stiffness. Zhongli always used to have a stiff back in the mornings, Childe would often spend a good few minutes pushing at the knots in his skin, enjoying the feeling of his warm body against his ex lover’s.

But now he was gone. And he had betrayed him.

He was craving some good food, and he had heard Mondstat cuisine tended to be very warm and filling. 

As he approached the counter, he caught a flash of blue in the corner of his eye- Kaeya. He was sat at a table with a young girl and a blonde man, laughing with them as they ate. 

“Whatever you’d recommend, please.” Childe smiled as he turned towards Sara, who nodded and moved to begin making his food. 

“Ah, Childe! Come over here with us!” Kaeya called, waving at the harbinger enthusiastically. 

Childe laughed quietly as he dropped some mora on the counter, dragging a spare chair to Kaeya’s table. 

“A pleasure to see you again, Kaeya. And who might these two be? My name is Childe! ” He spoke, smiling warmly towards the young girl happily munching on some Fisherman’s Toast- incidentally what Sara brought for him as well. He was a much more soft person around children, they reminded him of his family. Kids always deserved to be protected from the darkness of this world. 

“I am Albedo, and this is my younger sister Klee. Kaeya was just telling us about you, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Childe.” Albedo spoke, his cutlery hovering above his plate as he did so. He seemed to be observing, his deep blue eyes lost in thought. 

Klee frowned as she finished her toast, her head tilting to the side inquisitively. 

“Mister Childe, why do you look so sad? Big brother Albedo says that when you are sad, should do a thing to make you happy again! I like to make bombs, but Master Jean will send me to solitary confinement if I do that again. I like to draw as well, do you want to see my crayons?” She asked, hopping off her chair and running across to stand beside Childe. She seemed immediately smitten with him, desperate for attention. 

Albedo sighed in exasperation, punching his nose bridge lightly. “Klee, you can’t just- say that to people..” he muttered, before Childe waved a hand softly. 

“Don’t worry about it, I know how younger siblings are.” He smiled, kneeling on the floor beside the young girl. “What crayons do you have?” He asked, helping her open up her bag. 

She immediately lit up, bouncing on the balls of her feet as she pulled out a small case. Inside were many red crayons, (for her and her mother, and the grumpy man), a blue crayon (for big brother Albedo’s eyes and Mister Kaeya’s hair), a yellow crayon (for big brother Albedo’s hair) and a couple other ones. 

She was an adorable kid. He was reminded of Teucer, which only pushed him further into his ‘sad’ feelings, as little Klee had put it. As she began to draw a picture to ‘make him feel happier’, Childe moved back into his cold, wooden chair to finish off the now cool food, his attention turned to the two men sitting either side of him. 

“Good with kids, huh? Very unexpected of a Fatui harbinger. How did you know Master Diluc last night?” Kaeya asked, fingers laced together as he peered up at the man beside him. Albedo placed his cutlery down on his plate as he finished his meal, wordlessly observing the interaction between them both. 

“I met Red many years ago, in Snezhnaya. He gave me the best spar I ever did have..” Childe spoke wishfully, his mind drifting back to that snowy day all those years ago. He wished he could go back to that time, to fix everything that went wrong. 

“I wouldn’t call him that if I were you. From my knowledge, Master Diluc does not enjoy nicknames.” Albedo muttered, spinning a pen he seemed to conjure from nowhere between his fingers. 

Kaeya laughed, nodding in agreement. “Ah, Albedo. You don’t sugar coat your words do you?” 

Albedo shrugged at this accusation, gesturing for Kaeya to continue talking. 

“He’s a much different man to the one you met, so I hope friendship wasn’t something you were expecting whilst you stay here- on his behalf, anyway. I, however, would be more than happy to keep you company.” Kaeya spoke, leaning towards Childe as he spoke, his visible eye glinting in the morning sunlight. 

Just as the harbinger opened his mouth to reply, a small hand grasped at his arm. 

“Mister Childe, I drew you a picture! You was talking about being friends with Mister Grumpy man, so I drew you having a picnic!” She laughed, brandishing a page which had obviously been ripped from a sketchbook in his face. 

Childe laughed softly as he took the paper, seeing the orange and red splotches atop a brown square, which must have represented their picnic blanket. 

He gasped quietly, ruffling the small girl’s hair, “Wow Klee! This is wonderful, I love it! You could be an artist you know?” 

“I’m not an artist, but big brother Albedo is! I wanna be as good as him one day!” She smiled, swaying from side to side with her hands clasped in front of her. 

She really was an adorable child. 

“Thank you for the picture, Klee. And thank you both for the company,” he spoke, directing a small smile towards Albedo and Kaeya, “But I must take my leave. Do enjoy the rest of your day, and you know where to find me if needed!” He smiled, waving a small hand in goodbye as he headed away from where they had all gathered. They were a wonderful bunch of people, but now he was here there was something much more interesting to think about.  

Master Diluc. The man seemed to be elusive, from what he could gather he was closed off and private, almost aloof. If a child had called him grumpy, he certainly must never smile or laugh when in her vicinity- and as such a delightful young girl, Childe really did not expect that to be an easy feat. 

He must be emotionless. 

He had known back when they met that he wasn’t the best at expressing himself, but to struggle to the point of himself being completely emotionless not only seemed unlikely but also seemed like a terrible way to live. Childe wanted to help, and decided that he would. 

No matter what it took. 

Chapter Text

Diluc pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, staring down at the paperwork which had been piling up on his desk for weeks. Truthfully, he was just spending as much time as he could cooped away so he didn’t have to see the new face currently roaming Mondstat’s towns. He had given bar duty that evening to Charles, so he had more of a chance of avoiding the dreaded harbinger. 

Childe. 

Why was he even here? In Mondstat? Last Diluc had heard from his intelligence agency, he was in Liyue causing trouble, so why come to Mondstat? As far as he knew, the Fatui didn’t have any more business here which would require a harbinger- albeit one of low ranking, but a harbinger nonetheless. 

It didn’t make sense. And Diluc really didn’t want him to bring up the past, which it was obvious he was going to do anyway. Stupid harbinger. 

He wished they had never even met. 

FOUR YEARS PRIOR

“Diluc? Was that your name dear?” A short woman asked, freckles and hair identical to the young boy who had dragged him inside. 

Diluc nodded to her words, a sad smile ghosting his features at the familial environment. 

He missed his father.

He snapped back to reality as he heard shuffling from the other room, his head snapping to the side- where Ajax appeared, two very small children hanging off of his arm. The family resemblance was uncanny, 

The small boy jumped off of Ajax’s lanky frame, running towards Diluc and tugging at his leg. 

“Is you a superhero? You look like one! I love superheroes!” He giggled, reaching up towards Diluc with grabby hands. His speech was thick and mixed between Snezhnayan and the common tongue, but it was easy enough for Diluc to decipher. 

He chuckled quietly as he picked the young boy up, leaning his weight against his hip. “I’m not a superhero, sadly. My name is Diluc, what’s yours little one?”

“Teucer!” The boy, Teucer, grabbed at the long, flowing strands of Diluc’s hair as he spoke. 

“Ajax! Make our guest feel welcome, take his bags!” Ajax’s mother screeched, her bright eyes glued on her son- who put his sister down, scuttling over to take Diluc’s bags up to his room.

His mother’s eyes softened as they turned towards Diluc once again, “Would you like some tea darling? Something to eat?” She asked, already pulling a mug from one of their cupboards. 

“Thank you, Ma’am. I really appreciate the hospitality.” Diluc smiled, holding his hands out to let little Teucer play with his fingers. 

The little boy reminded him of his brother, truly. He could remember that first day he was brought home, clothes drenched and damaged from being outside. The way he had grasped at his hair and fingers just like Teucer, and struggled with his full name so called him just ‘Luc’. He missed those days. 

He messed everything up this time, after all. 

PRESENT TIME

“-iluc, Master Diluc?”

A hand waved in front of his face, shocking him out of his stupor. 

“Ah- sorry. I was lost in thought,” he spoke, eyes flicking up to the figure in front of him- Adeline.

“Not a worry sir. I just wanted to inform you that dinner is ready, and you have a visitor. Perhaps the two of you can talk over a nice meal?” She asked, standing up straight once more with her hands folded behind her back. 

Diluc grunted his affirmation, standing and stretching his arms behind his head. 

“Send them in to the dining room for me.”  He spoke, sighing as he himself made his way to the room. 

Who could be visiting at such an hour?

His questions were soon answered by the glint of blue hair, and the quiet clang of rings against a wine glass. 

“Kaeya. What are you doing here?” Diluc sighed, pulling his chair back slightly to take a seat. 

“Come now Diluc, why so cold? I thought we might enjoy a nice dinner together, just like old times!” Kaeya pouted over the rim of his wine glass, cradling it between both hands. 

By the bottle on the table, he was drinking an aged red wine from the cellar- the same they used to sneak as kids. It was almost as if he wanted a reaction from Diluc. 

“That will be the last of my bottles you take from the cellar for free, drink it slowly.” Diluc sighed, picking up his cutlery. 

He paused as he took a glance at their food. Was Adeline a damn mind reader or something? She had prepared none other than Fruity Skewers, Kaeya’s favourite food. It would be no surprise if she had stolen the recipe from him at some point. 

“Even one free bottle is generous when it’s from Master Diluc’s delicious wine cellar. A pity no one here drinks from it..” he sighed, shaking his head slightly as he popped a small piece of fowl into his mouth. 

“Kaeya. Why are you here?” Diluc asked again, slowly beginning to eat his food- crimson eyes glued on his estranged brother beside him. 

Kaeya sighed, shaking his fork dismissively as he chewed his dinner. “I’ll tell you after we eat. We haven’t had a nice family meal in a while, have we?” 

Diluc shook his head, eating his food in silence- throwing a quizzical glance to his brother every now and then. The only sound in the room was the clanging of cutlery against the plates, and the occasional ting of a metal ring against a glass. 

Diluc would be lying if he said he didn’t miss Kaeya’s company. But he just didn’t know how they could move past what had happened, and how he could ever act like they used to. He wasn’t the same person after his life was completely shattered on the day of his 18th. He couldn’t go back to how things were. He was naive, and watching the world through rose-coloured lenses. 

The world wasn’t as cosy as he thought as a kid, that was apparent now.

Kaeya stretched as he finished his food, his functioning eye flicking towards his elder brother. 

“Well then, Diluc. I came to ask about that harbinger you seem to know who arrived last night?” Kaeya asked, threading his fingers together with his elbows resting on the table, chin propped up on his knuckles. 

Diluc sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose under his forefinger. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Diluc, please? I promise I won’t ask again, just this once?” Kaeya asked again, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he watched Diluc slowly, slowly get more annoyed. 

“I told you no. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“But this could be very vital information I should know! I am a Knight of Favonius at the end of the day~”

“I don’t need the knights knowing my personal business. Leave.”

Kaeya laughed quietly at the hostility, already used to such reactions from his elder brother. 

“Diluc, please. Let’s stay civil. I’m only here for an answer, then I’ll leave. No need for…violence, now, is there?” 

Diluc froze as he heard those words, his face flattening to an expression devoid of all emotion.

“Get out.”

Kaeya laughed. “I’m not ready to leave y-“

“Get. Out.” Diluc spoke through gritted teeth, smoke swirling from the tablecloth fisted in his hand. 

Kaeya shook his head in amusement, standing up and tucking his chair under the table. He gave a small wave as he left, sighing quietly. 

“Goodbye for now, Master Diluc. I will be back to ask again, maybe you can prepare your answers for then.” 

The door slammed behind him as he finally walked out. 

Diluc let out a sharp breath, letting go of the ashen cloth under his hand. How dare he come in here, demanding answers as if everything was fine. How dare he dig at their past for a reaction. 

He needed to let off some steam. 

It was beginning to get dark outside, so now was as good a time for his patrols as ever.

After a quick word to Adeline and a change of clothes, Diluc was ready to go. And archons, was he itching to kill something, anything. A hilichurl, an abyss mage, hell even a slime- he needed to do something . 

His gloved hand tightened around the hilt of his claymore, wrist resting against his shoulder where it slung lazily over his back. 

The land between the winery and dragonspine was often home to a number of abyss mages and other creatures, making it the perfect spot for the man with murderous intent to take out his bottled up emotions. 

There. 

A cryo mage surrounded by a few hilichurls. An easy finish, but a satisfying one nonetheless. Maybe he could torture some information out of the abyss mage.

Diluc pushed his mask tighter on to his eyes, swinging his claymore around his fist as he began running, approaching the mob. 

Their startled cries were muffled by the blazing flames, the flickering blaze resembling the red skies of dawn. But red skies in the morning are always a shepherd’s warning. 

A sizzle. 

Diluc’s murderous gaze whipped to the one who dared interrupt his fight, when he was on the last opponent. 

His claymore blazed back to life, crackling as it whooshed through the damp air- aimed directly at the man who dared to interrupt him. 

The disgusting Fatui harbinger.

Water met fire. 

Loud cracks and sizzles filled the air, their elements dancing together in a constant battle to not be overpowered. 

Crimson eyes met blue, a claymore swung above head height, ready to drop. 

Childe’s cocky mask dropped for a moment, as he eyed the claymore. 

He hesitated. 

Fear shone in those dull, abyssal blue eyes. 

Diluc really was capable of killing him, huh. At least it would be quick and merciful. Nothing like the demons in the abyss, torturing him for days on end with no deathly reprive. 

Diluc’s claymore dropped as his arm went slack, his mouth open in horror as he turned on his heel and ran. He ran as fast as he could, as far away as he could manage without stopping for breath. 

He was in prime position to kill him. To permanently injure him. Just like he blinded his brother. The same position, same hands, same weapon. 

Same look of fear on their faces. 

He was a monster. 

He trudged through the main doorway to the winery, discarding his bloodied weapon and sooty boots at the doorway, before stomping up the stairs. He could hear Adeline calling his name, but frankly, he did not care. All he wanted was to curl up and never wake up again. 

As soon as the door closed, his façade came crashing down. He crawled into his bed, the cold sheets calming pressed against his clammy cheeks. 

He was a monster.

Childe was a Fatui Harbinger but.. it felt so wrong to harm him in any way. Diluc didn’t understand the feeling swirling in his chest, the sick regret at the fact he nearly permanently injured the other. He had done much worse, but to Childe.. he couldn’t do it. 

He was a failure. 

His one job was to keep Mondstat safe from harm, from people like the Fatui. But he couldn’t even do that. He failed, again. 

But why did his heart ache?

Childe panted, watching the mop of red hair sway as it quickly ran away from him with wide eyes. His hand quivered as his water blades disintegrated, the strength in his knees very quickly giving way. 

He fell to his knees, hands gripping at his chest frantically- breath stuttering. 

Diluc looming over him like that was terrifying, frankly- he hadn’t felt that scared in a long time. It was just like before, back when he was a kid. 

Back then. The abyss. 

A small child had disobeyed his master, on this day a pyro abyss lector. 

A clawed hand was raised above his head, poised over the small child’s prone form. 

It sliced through his skin. 

Blood splattered around them, flecks of bloodied flesh splatting to the floor. 

It hurt. 

The child screamed, ribs shaking with the force- his throat sore, and voice hoarse. 

He was dying. He was really dying. 

He didn’t know how long he was like that. But his master was gone, leaving him all alone with the other poor souls who were dragged down here. 

One such soul approached him, bringing metal staples and dirtied bandages. 

This was a nice soul. They had blond hair, and always wore a deep blueish purple suit. 

The nice soul held a hand over his mouth as they knitted his mangled flesh back together, using some of their cape to cover the last exposed flesh. 

The small child lifted his head to thank them, a soft, pained smile on his lips. He couldn’t form words due to the pain, but all was communicated through his eyes. 

The sparkle was gone, but the gratitude stayed. The figure nodded as they stepped back, fading into the shadows once more. 

Diluc was.. so much stronger than Childe remembered. He almost felt sorry for the man, having to learn to fight that well when he only worked as the head of a winery, and a bartender. 

He envied the simplicity of his life, but not the burdens he must carry. He had looked terrified as he ran away, claymore sparking as it dragged against the stone ground. 

Childe would never forget that moment. 

Though, the fact that the winery owner was out killing abyss order members was rather suspicious. And the outfit.. ah well. What Diluc got up to in his free time was none of his business. 

Childe gathered himself as he stood, heading back towards the city. That was definitely enough drama for one day. 

Chapter Text

Kaeya was concerned. 

He knew Diluc’s schedule, and the fact he had blown off two shifts at the tavern was not sitting right with him. He knew something was wrong, but he couldn’t find the reason. The only difference in their lives was the appearance of a certain Fatui Harbinger, but that shouldn’t affect Diluc so much. In fact, he would expect him in the tavern moreso to collect information. 

A sigh sounded through his lips as he turned to slip off of his barstool, scratching the side of his head. 

He had been at the winery the other day, and the hostility was very strong. Maybe he could approach the harbinger instead? But he would be at a disadvantage, not knowing him well enough..

Kaeya shook his head in frustration, pushing open the tavern door and heading through the dusky streets of Mondstat. He always enjoyed the cool nighttime air, the way it felt as though it was wrapping itself around you. 

Kaeya hesitated as he passed a door, the home to a certain alchemist whilst he was in Mondstat. He always had answers when they were needed, he wasn’t the smartest man in the knights for nothing. He admired the alchemist, truly. 

Maybe a little more than he should. 

Knock knock. 

His gloved hand sounded against the wooden door, the noise ringing in the otherwise quiet area of town. 

A minute or so passed before Albedo answered the door, an obviously sleepy Klee sat against his hip. Wordlessly, he put a finger to his lips as he let the other in, his hand moving to cradle Klee’s head. 

“Need a hand?” Kaeya whispered as he closed the door, kicking his shoes off and pushing them to the side. 

Albedo shook his head, walking towards his couch to grab Klee’s dodoco and her backpack, along with a blanket- before taking her and her belongings to a room further in the house. 

Kaeya busied himself with packing away the array of colourful crayons scattered on the floor as he waited for Albedo, knowing how much he cherished these quiet moments with his adoptive baby sister. 

Just as Kaeya sat back on the couch, Albedo walked back into view- poking his head into the room as he leant on the doorframe. 

“Thanks for waiting. Want a drink?” He asked, fingers tapping softly against the wood of the door. 

Kaeya shook his head, patting the space on the couch next to him. 

“Come and relax, don’t worry about all that. I’m sure you’ve had a busy day if you were looking after her.” He smiled, eyes watching as Albedo walked into the room and took his seat, shuffling to lay his head on Kaeya’s shoulder when he was prompted to by a gentle push of the other’s hand. 

“What brings you here tonight?” Albedo asked, his icy eyes glancing up through pale eyelashes to look at the other. He loved it when he came over, especially if he got to draw him.

“Can’t I just come by simply for missing my dear alchemist? Though you are right, there’s something else too.” Kaeya sighed, his hand gently untangling the braids in Albedo’s hair, “It’s Diluc. He hasn’t been in the tavern for two whole days, Charles has been covering. And I can't help but be concerned, what with his association with this Harbinger- I’d expect him around more! And-“ 

Albedo pressed a finger to Kaeya’s lips, pushing himself into a sitting position. 

“Don’t forget to breathe. You spoke to Diluc the other day, didn’t you? How did that go?” 

“Terribly. I got pissed off with his nonchalance and wanted to make him react for once, and said something I shouldn’t have.” Kaeya muttered, fiddling with the bottom of his vision- refusing to make eye contact with the alchemist. 

“And did you apologise? I have observed that is what people do when something goes wrong between them.” Albedo spoke quietly, frowning as he thought to himself. 

Kaeya shook his head, his visible eye flicking up to his partner’s own. 

“Then that’s where you need to start, is it not? Then you can begin to express your worries.” Albedo sighed, hesitating before speaking again. “Look, whatever happened between you in the past- no, I don’t need to know, but whatever happened- you both need to confront it. You need to stop baiting your brother, and he needs to face the truth. If you’re so worried, you need to start to recover with him.” 

Kaeya stayed silent for a moment, staring down at his hands in his lap. He could feel his eyes heating up, tears beginning to form. He gently reached to push his eye patch out of the way- he wasn’t insecure about Albedo seeing his mangled eye, anyways- and it was annoying having tears trapped under the fabric. 

He sighed, biting down harshly on his lip to stay quiet as he felt the emotion beginning to truly spill. He could have laughed, how long had it been since he cried? And all it took was a few words from Albedo to have him bawling like a child. 

Albedo looked away from the spot on the ceiling he had been staring at while rambling as he heard a small sniff, his expression softening as he saw the tears streaming down Kaeya’s face. 

“Hey, don’t get caught up in memories. We’re in the present.” He mumbled softly, shuffling closer to Kaeya to gently wipe away his tears. “I don’t think you can face Diluc yet, so why don’t we talk to Childe. We can ask him about how he knows Diluc, and you can talk to your brother at another time.” 

Kaeya nodded, blinking heavily as he gathered his composure. He reached up to place his hand over Albedo’s on his cheek, smiling down at the other gently. 

“I don’t deserve you.” He mumbled, turning his face to press a soft kiss to the alchemist’s palm. 

Albedo gently caressed the scarred skin on the top of his cheek, chuckling under his breath. 

“You deserve the world, my star. Now, let’s get going. Klee will be okay for an hour or so, I’ll come find the Harbinger with you.” 

FOUR YEARS PRIOR

Childe scrunched the letter in his hands, letting out a shaky breath as he dropped his head into his hands. He couldn’t let Diluc see this, or find out. No matter what. 

He opened the letter just one time, to be sure. 

‘Dear Master Ajax,’

Blah blah blah..

‘You have been summoned to meet with the other harbingers before her Majesty, the Tsaritsa, to receive your title as Tartaglia, the Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers.’

He felt sick to his stomach. He was only 18, and he was being forced into a position of such notability. 

He was scared. 

It was all his Father’s fault. Forcing him to join the Fatui at such a young age. He just.. wished he could live a normal life. Yes he would be able to fight to his heart’s content, but sometimes he just wished he was the same as any other person. That someone could love him and he could be normal and he never fell in the abyss and-

The door opened. 

Ajax quickly scrunched the letter back up, throwing it underneath his bed and jumped into a standing position just as Diluc walked in. 

“Hey Ajax, your mum asked me to- why do you look like that?” He frowned, his gloved hands holding the edge of the door as he stared at his friend. 

“Ah- no reason! What did mother need?” He asked, kicking the letter further under his bed as he walked over to Diluc, resting a guiding hand on his shoulder to walk them both from the room. 

“You’re acting weird. She made snacks and wanted to know if you were hungry. And also said to tell you your Father would be back later.” He said the last words with a hint of sadness, but Ajax didn’t poke at that gaping wound. He could tell that something had happened in Diluc’s family, but he didn’t seem open to sharing it- though the boys had grown closer through this time shared. 

They had often stayed up late, talking about the little deep things they thought of- slowly getting to know the ins and outs of each other’s personalities. 

Ajax was starting to feel.. something, for that guy- that was for sure. The idea of leaving him, or him leaving felt like someone punched a hole in his chest (which hurt a lot, it had happened before). 

He didn’t want to lose him yet. But it seemed that fate had dealt him an ugly hand. 

PRESENT TIME

The tavern wasn’t as bustling as usual this evening, but that made it much easier for Kaeya to track down Childe, who sat in a dark corner of the building- just watching the people around him. Albedo grasped at the fur on the back of Kaeya’s jacket, staying close- he really didn’t like the tavern at this time of night. 

“Childe, hey! How are you?” Kaeya asked, waving as he slid into the seat opposite him. Albedo shuffled quietly into the one beside him, resting his chin in his hands as he kept an eye on the people around them. 

“Kaeya, Albedo! Good to see you guys again- what brings you here?” Childe laughed loudly, holding up his drink in greeting. “Can I get you guys a drink?” 

“You’re too kind! A death after noon for me, and.. just a dandelion wine for Albedo, if that’s alright? Next round on me!” Kaeya laughed, slipping his arm around Albedo’s shoulders as he spoke. Albedo nodded in confirmation to the drink Kaeya chose on his behalf. 

As Childe stood to order their drinks, Kaeya turned to Albedo with a look of desperation. 

“How do I even ask him this? I’m usually good with words but it’s about Diluc and I-“ 

Albedo cupped his face, pressing his thumb to his lips. 

“Shut up. Just do what you normally do, slip him in the conversation. Then ask about it. You’ll be fine, you’re good at interrogation for a reason.” 

Kaeya nodded, taking a deep breath. 

“Thank you, Albe.” He smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead- making eye contact with Childe as he headed back towards their table. 

“I’m not gonna be third wheeling this whole time, am I?” He asked, laughing as he placed their drinks down. 

Kaeya shook his head, taking a sip of his drink with a word of thanks- Albedo just staying quiet as he drank, barely registering that Childe had spoken. 

“So, what brings you two lovebirds to the tavern?” Childe asked, swirling his drink around in the glass. 

“We were looking for Diluc, actually. You haven’t spoken to him have you?” Kaeya’s visible eye fixed on the Harbinger, watching for any subtle changes in his body language. 

And boy did it change. 

He was more alert, his body stiffening as he sat upright. His eyes widened slightly, before he caught himself and tried to relax.

So, Childe was interested in Diluc, huh. That, or something had happened. 

“I haven’t spoken to him since I got here, no. I tried to, but I haven’t seen him around! Why, is something the matter?” Childe asked, frowning with concern. 

“Ah, nothing major. Say, how do you know Diluc in the first place?” Kaeya asked, feigning harmless curiosity. 

“We.. ah. He probably wouldn’t want me to tell this story.” Childe scratched the back of his head with a frown. 

“I’ll let you in on a little something, then. I’m his adoptive brother, so there’s no harm in telling me.” Kaeya smiled. 

Childe looked shocked for a moment, before plastering that same pleasant smile on his face. 

“Well then, there really is no harm eh? We met around four, maybe five years ago- he was travelling, and came to my home town. There was a snowstorm, so I let him stay with my family for a while, that was all.” Childe spoke, keeping the false smile slapped on his lips. Though the more time passed in his explanation, the more forced and tight lipped it became. 

A rocky ending, no doubt.

“Diluc, willingly staying in a Fatui’s home? At that time? What a shock, truly.” Kaeya spoke, taking a sip from his glass and glancing towards Albedo- who had already finished his wine and looked frankly bored out of his mind. 

“He didn’t exactly know who I was back then. It’s no matter, anyway. Let me know if you hear anything, as I will you- your boyfriend looks tired.” Childe’s eyes flickered between Kaeya and Albedo. 

Kaeya laughed, downing the rest of his drink and pressing a soft kiss to Albedo’s hair. 

“Fiancé, actually. And you’re right, we should get going. See you around, Harbinger.” 

Childe waved as they made their way out of the tavern, sighing as he rested his face on the palm of his hand. 

FOUR YEARS PRIOR

“You fucking LIED to me.” Diluc screamed, gripping the hilt of his claymore tightly between his gloved hands. Teardrops felt like icicles trailing down his cheeks, his brows furrowed in anger. 

Ajax stood on his doorstep, teary eyed as he reached out towards Diluc hesitantly, who only began backing away more and more. 

He hoisted his bag up his shoulder with a free hand, before gripping his claymore again. 

“You fucking lied. You’re a fucking harbinger , you know who I am. You know why I’m here. You lead me into a false sense of security, for what, huh? So you could take me to Dottore? So he could finish the whole family?” Diluc was delirious at this point, his hands shaking as the tip of his claymore dropped to the ground. 

His knees gave out on him as he fell to the ground, discarding his claymore beside him. 

His cold, wet cheeks met the damp fabric of his gloves as he screamed. He screamed at the top of his lungs, getting all the frustration he could feel out into the air. 

He had finally let himself trust someone. And he had gone and thrown it away, had lead him on this whole time. 

Why did everyone Diluc cared about have to betray him? 

Childe slowly approached the cowering figure before him, the snow crunching under the heels of his boots. He placed a hand on the back of Diluc’s hair, bending down slightly. 

“Please, I didn’t want this, I didn’t mean-“ 

“SHUT UP! Don’t fucking touch me. I don’t want monsters like you touching me.” Diluc spat, springing up from his place crouched on the ground. 

“Don’t ever come near me again, or I will rip you apart limb by limb. I swear it. I will get my revenge.” He spoke, grabbing his claymore and retreating out into the wilderness once more- not once glancing back to the one he had left behind. 

Childe screamed, and cried, and shouted. He hadn’t felt so.. lost, in such a long time. It took his mother shepherding him back inside before he would move, the cold temperatures having frozen his tears and made his fingertips blue. 

He was lost. 

He was a monster.

Chapter Text

Diluc was conflicted. 

He didn’t want to stay in the winery any longer, but he was sure as soon as he left, Childe would be trying to track him down. 

Perhaps it was a good idea to talk to him? 

With a sigh, he pulled his coat tighter around himself to do up the buttons. 

It was never a good idea to talk to a harbinger . But in this case, clearing the air seemed to be the way forward. 

Yes, he would simply tell Childe to leave behind whatever qualms he had with him, and leave him alone. 

A simple and relatively effective plan, in theory. 

Now he just had to wait to set it in motion. 

FOUR YEARS PRIOR

Before the incident.

“Hey, Red! Wanna go hunt down some hilichurls?” Ajax asked, peeking his head around the bedroom door with a smile. 

His smile.

Diluc could stare at his smile for hours. 

The way his eyes scrunched up, the childish fat on his cheeks pushing them up- he looked so much younger when he smiled. 

He looked at peace. 

And those dimples, god . 

Diluc wanted to just poke his fingers into the small dips, to cradle his face gently. 

“-ed? Red~ you there?” Childe laughed, waving a hand in front of his face. 

Diluc shook his head slightly, looking up towards the one standing over him (it was strange, he didn’t intimidate him like this. He wouldn’t think over that for long though. Everyone felt like that with their friends, right?).

Diluc stood up, reaching to grab the hilt of his claymore in his gloved hand. He loved this weapon, his Wolf’s Gravestone. It had been gifted to him by his father and Varka when he joined the knights, and he would cherish it for the rest of his days. 

“What are you waiting for? Let’s go.” Diluc grinned, swinging the weapon over his shoulder and throwing Ajax his sword. 

Diluc was slightly jealous of the other’s battle proficiency. It was no joke that he was a formidable fighter, very adept in many weapons. Right now, he was training with a new sword- the Harbinger of Dawn, it was called. 

A funny name, considering how closely Diluc associated his own self with the dawn back when he used his vision, and his hatred of those known as harbingers. It seemed almost ironic, that his best friend at the moment had this weapon. 

The two boys headed out of the house, sneaking through the back door so they wouldn’t get a scolding from Ajax’s mother. The weather was still treacherous, the snow storm in full swing. But that wouldn’t stop two battle hungry young men from finding their next kill. 

They soon came across a camp, pulling their weapons out to prepare to fight. 

“Ready?” Childe grinned, eyes sparkling as he glanced at the redhead beside him. 

“Ready.” Diluc answered, charging in to the camp. 

They worked like a flurry of colour, the clanking of deep purplish red chains flying around, the hissing of water making contact with them. 

They moved fluidly, a deathly dance around each other as they killed off the pesky monsters. 

By the time they were finished, they were unscathed- panting as they grinned at each other. 

Something in Diluc’s heart clicked back into place, even if just for a moment. Every time their eyes met, and he felt his emptiness slowly fading- being replaced by something warm and fuzzy. A foreign feeling to him. 

He craved it more than any other worldly desire. 

PRESENT TIME

Charles and Diluc were often put on shift together for busy nights, being the two that understood each other's methods and work the best. 

The nights that went the smoothest were the ones they worked together, seldom talking- just sticking to their own side of the bar, pouring sparkling drinks for their customers. 

Well, most nights were calm. 

Until a certain Harbinger decided tonight would be the perfect night to become a bar hanger. 

“Master Diluc, your strongest if you will.” He smiled that disgusting smile of his, dropping his disgusting mora on his clean bar top. 

Diluc sighed as he poured out a simple drink, snatching the mora as he placed it before Childe. 

“Stay until close. We need to talk. Or appear when we close, I could care a lot more about what you do.” Diluc muttered as he turned back to continue serving. 

Childe settled in for a long few hours. 

“A good turn around Master Diluc, do you need me to stay for close?” Charles asked, eyeing the sole patron left in the tavern- the harbinger Master Diluc seemed to despise so strongly. But all staff were aware of how the business owner could act towards his associates at times.

“Thank you Charles, I’ll be alright. Go see your family and rest.” Diluc clapped his shoulder, steering him towards the door and handing him his coat. 

He began to wipe down the tables as Charles gathered himself and walked out of the door, ignoring every little noise Childe made to try to capture his attention. 

As Diluc finished the tables, he sighed and flipped the damp rag over his shoulder- body turning towards Childe with reluctance. 

“So. We need to talk about a few things, don’t we?” Diluc prompted, not wanting to be the one to start this conversation himself. 

“We do, I suppose. I- uh.. first, I want to apologise? For jumping into your fight, the other night.” Childe spoke in a quiet voice, hand resting on the back of his neck out of nerves. 

“Just- don’t, mention it. As I’m sure you figured out, I didn’t want anyone to find out who I was.” Diluc dismissed him, slapping the rag on to the bar top. “Just don’t tell a soul about that, or I’ll dig up something to report you to the knights for, as incompetent as they are. And you know, I can.” He pointed a finger accusingly towards Childe’s face, who raised his arms in surrender. 

“By the Tsaritsa, no need to be so forceful. I’ll stay quiet, I value my secrets.”

“Psh. We both know how much you value your secrets.”

A beat of silence. 

“What is that supposed to mean?”

Diluc laughed, a loud, genuine laugh as he regarded the obviously shocked man before him.

“You seriously don’t know what I’m referencing? I suppose you really are as dumb as you make yourself come across to people.”

Childe frowned, inclining his head slightly. He knew exactly what Diluc was ‘referencing’, however he didn’t exactly expect such hostility. 

A man certainly could hold a grudge, huh. 

“You do know I’m sorry for what I did back then, right? It wasn’t of my own choice.” Childe mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. 

“You’re sorry? You’re fucking sorry? You put me through so, so much emotional turmoil at a time when I was barely able to take care of myself. You lied to me for weeks, lead me into a false sense of security. You made me-” Diluc cut himself off, clearing his throat quietly. 

“Diluc. I’m sorry. I can't do any more than tell you how sorry I am, which I am, and these years have been the most miserable of my life.” Childe spoke, choking on the tears threatening to spill from his eyes. 

“Can’t you forgive me? I know you’ll never trust me again, but that’s okay. I just.. miss how we could talk civilly.” I miss how you understood me, how you made me feel like less of a monster . Childe reached towards the other, tilting his head slightly to look up towards Diluc’s own from his perch on the stool. 

“I may be a harbinger, but I don't actually enjoy my work, you must know this.” My work makes me more suicidal than ever. Can’t you make me happy again? 

Diluc sighed, pulling away from Childe to walk behind the bar. 

“I can’t forgive someone if I don’t know anything about them, and I haven’t seen them change and grow as a person. I just.. I can't do it.” Diluc began to clear away the clean glasses as he spoke, filling the gaps between his sentences with the clink of the clear material. 

“Can you prove to me that you’ve become a better person?” Can you prove you won’t betray my trust again?

Childe nodded, standing up to lean over the bar towards Diluc. 

“I can, I promise I can! Well.. I can try! I’ll.. figure it out, I’ll be back soon! Thank you, Red. I appreciate you more than you know.” He waved a goodbye before running off out of the door, the bell tinkling softly as he did so. 

What a strange man. 

Diluc sighed and he completed tidying the tavern, his hair falling into his eyes. 

Childe made his head hurt. 

One minute the man would be sad, the next he would be jumping around in excitement. He was like a little puppy, one that Diluc could not figure out for the life of him. 

No, a puppy was a much too nice comparison.

He was like an annoying moth, buzzing around his light while he was trying to read in the late hours, then flying away when there was no light. 

A much more worthy comparison . 

Diluc pulled his apron off, hanging it on his hook before picking up the pub keys, and heading out into a waiting carriage. 

He would no doubt be bothered by the harbinger the next time he was here, so he should prepare, mentally. 

He supposed they could always solve things physically, like they usually did. As long as Childe covered up, there was nothing worse than being conscious of cutting into his arms or his stomach as they were fighting- not that he often thought of them, of course. He didn’t care at all. 

Through his long thought process, Diluc’s carriage had pulled up at the Winery. Thanking the driver for bringing him home so late at night, he headed inside and straight to bed. 

The harbinger was something he could think about tomorrow, with a clear head.