Chapter Text
The weather was as cold as it could get in Mondstadt. During this time Kaeya was most thankful for the warmth his fur coat provided. He walked back to the city, his injuries the least of his problems. Master Jean had sent him to investigate the sudden appearance of Hounds of the Rift around Wolvendom. He had defeated the monsters and taken note of their location, but he also discovered something more valuable to him during his expedition. In his hand, Kaeya held a Small Lamp Grass in full bloom.
Kaeya should have gone to meet Barbara first, and have her heal his injuries, but it was late, and his wounds were superficial. He put the Small Lamp Glass inside of his coat and entered The Angel’s share. He instantly noticed Diluc’s messy red hair behind the bar. He took a seat right in front of him.
“A death after noon please Master Diluc,” he said, forcing a smile to his face.
Diluc grunted and served him his drink. Kaeya was surprised to see how much he resembled his father.
Kaeya asked for another drink and felt the disappointment in Diluc’s eyes, and for a fraction of a moment, he was reminded of his father. Would he also be disappointed by what Kaeya had become? Even after Diluc had disowned him, Kaeya had tried to maintain his father's wishes. He joined the Knights of Favonious and climbed the ranks just as father had wanted Diluc to do.
Kaeya felt proud that it had been him to accomplish what their father had wanted, but it had hurt to see Diluc throw away the world that his father had built. His brother had sold the place that had been their home. He had disappeared from Mondstadt for a few years. Kaeya was not certain of what Diluc had done in during the time he was gone, but he was certain that the man the had returned was not the boy Kaeya had grown up with.
Kaeya was on his fourth drink now.
His brother had left, and Kaeya was not so sure if he had returned. Had Diluc doubted before he had packed his things and left the city? If he had stayed maybe Kaeya would have been able to beg for forgiveness.
“That's enough Kaeya” he heard Diluc say, the same commanding tone his father had used on them as children. “You have had too many drinks. Are the Knights so useless that their Cavalry Captain has nothing better to do than to spend the night drinking”
“Oh, Master Diluc, don’t be such a killjoy” Kaeya responded, a sly smile forming on his lips. Even as kids Kaeya had loved teasing his brother. Even then he did it to get his attention. “I’m drinking in anticipation for a very special day, or have you forgotten your own birthday”
Diluc didn't respond. Kaeya pushed further.
He took the Small Lamp Grass out of his pocket. “I even got you a gift”
Diluc took the flower as his face showed an emotion that Kaeya could not understand. Kaeya saw as it slowly turned into anger.
“Get. Out.” Diluc’s voice was soft, but Kaeya could hear the anger.
Memories of that night flooded his mind. Diluc had been loud, he had screamed as they fought, his flames melting Kaeya’s icy defenses. Now Diluc’s anger was colder than his own vision, but it hurt just as much.
So Kaeya left, and he would continue drinking in his apartment. He had enough wine to make him forget what just happened, hopefully, he could forget what had happened all those years ago as well.