Work Text:
After Ajax had left, Diluc had thrown himself into his work. Not to stop thinking about Ajax, though. Thoughts of the Harbinger rarely left his mind. It was more to keep himself from thinking about how much he really missed Ajax and wished that he could just board the next ship to Snezhnaya to see him again. He didn’t have time for overseas trips. He had to focus.
Ajax had promised him that he would send a letter the second he was home. “It doesn’t matter if I finally get home in the middle of the night. I’ll immediately start on that letter. I promise.” He had said. Diluc told him not to overdo it. He still needed his rest. Of course, Ajax promised he would get some rest, but only after the letter had been completed.
In the time it took for that letter to arrive, Diluc had taken up taking care of the paperwork and overseeing production for the winery, working at the tavern as a bartender and cleaning up after closing, and even going around at night when he couldn’t sleep - thanks to Ajax’s absence more than anything - killing any monsters he could find to ensure that Mondstadt’s people remained safe when they were trying to traverse the wild during the day. As a result, he felt fatigued most days, but he’d quickly grown used to the tired feeling. He liked it more than the feeling of his chest constricting when he thought about the fact that he wouldn't be going home to Ajax and his siblings anymore and the thought that he’d have to go to bed alone at night. It was easier to focus on the fact that he was just tired.
Now, he was sitting at his desk with a smile on his face as he read the first letter he’d ever received from Ajax.
~
Diluc,
I wanted to send this letter to let you know I made it home safe. I hope this letter finds you well. My siblings were a bit unhappy at having to return to Snezhnaya, but they seem happy to get to see their friends again, so I guess they’ve gotten over it. You know how kids can be.
I’m back at work again. Don’t worry, I’ll try not to be too reckless. Although, you really should know that it comes with the job, Diluc. I’m not sure I can avoid it entirely. Still, I’ll do my best to stay safe, as should you. Don’t go pulling any stunts like what you pulled when you came storming into Snezhnaya with flaming chains.
I sent you some recipes from some of the stuff you said you liked here. I hope you find the time to try and make them. If you do, let me know how they turn out. Try not to cause anymore flour explosions, yeah?
I’ll send another letter sometime soon. I’ve got a mission to take care of first. Feel free to send a letter back. I’ll always let you know if you can’t answer a letter I’ve sent you, just like I promised.
Love,
Ajax
~
Diluc immediately grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and started work on writing a letter of his own. He wanted to send it back as soon as possible.
~
Ajax,
I’m glad to hear that you made it home safe. Please continue to stay safe for me. I don’t want to hear if you’ve been injured anytime soon. And keep me updated on where you’re going if you can. I don’t want to think about not knowing where you are.
Things in Mondstadt have been calm. There’s plenty of work to get done. It’s hard to sleep without you here, if I’m honest. I don’t like sleeping alone. Because I can’t often fall asleep right away when I go to bed, I spend more time monster hunting at night. I think people are starting to realize that it isn’t the Knights clearing those monsters anymore, but I’m glad they haven’t realized that it’s actually me. The Knights really aren’t useful for much other than supplying information about the whereabouts of more monster camps, anyway.
Let me know if you’re ever anywhere close to Mondstadt. I’m sure I can easily afford a trip to Liyue for a week if you ever end up stationed there for an extended time. And I’d love to see you again.
Once again, I will remind you to stay safe and be careful. I don’t think I can remind you enough. You seem to have a love for fighting and I’m afraid you’ll get yourself seriously injured because I know you won’t be careful about it. I know your job doesn’t necessarily spare you from risky situations, but stay as safe as you can. I’ll remind you a thousand times over if I have to.
Love,
Diluc
~
Once the letter was finished, he immediately folded it neatly and placed it in an envelope. Then, he pressed his seal into some melted wax and waited for it to cool. (This particular seal showed a fancy ‘D,’ instead of a fancy ‘R’ that the Ragnvindr seal showed. This was Diluc’s own personal seal made specifically for these letters.) Next was a matter of addressing the letter and getting it sent out which didn’t take long.
After he had finished all of that, it was back to work. He had heard from Kaeya while he was working at the tavern earlier that the Knights had been complaining about a camp of hilichurls that wouldn’t leave their patrols alone near Brightcrown Canyon. He grabbed a small bag with some medical supplies and headed out, his mind refocusing on this new task.