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A/N: Been reading some good Ragbros content and it has compelled me to write my own fluffy fic
Enjoy :)
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A calm breeze whistled through the door as Diluc strolled into Angel's share. It was mid afternoon and he was on duty for the evening shift so he figured he'd might as well get in early to take note of stock.
Diluc ascended the creaking wooden stairs, running a hand along the banister and taking note to dust it later. He arrived at the door to his private loft and slipped the brass key inside. He slid off his head coat and hung it on the hook next to the door before heading in to set his bag on the bed.
What was in this bag, you may wonder?
None of your business.
A man has a right to his secrets.
But this bag was indeed important so he opened it up and checked over the contents one last time. Yep, got everything. So he zipped it back up and turned to put on his bartending attire.
--that evening--
The usual Friday night bar attendees were scattered about at their usual spots. Though, the night was dragging on and many had come and went. Diluc scanned the crowd, checking to see if there were any conversations he should be eavesdropping into. While, no, Diluc certainly did not need to work as a bartender considering he was the head of Mondstadt's entire wine industry but being here helped him keep up with the city gossip and occasional conspiracies. While...others may get this intel by conversing and socializing with anyone of interest, Diluc prefers the more stealthy approach.
And no, it's not because he lacks the social skills. He knows all the manners and etiquette needed for a proper social interaction, he just has no desire to use them. After all, it can be quite taxing. Why expend so much energy pushing and pulling a conversation when he can just discretely listen in?
But this is all beside the point.
What caught Diluc's eye was Kaeya sitting off in the corner, a thick stack of parchments on the table in front of him.
Now, obviously, Kaeya being at the bar was no strange occurrence. Neither is the fact that he's doing paperwork here. Diluc knows Kaeya needs background noise to get anything done. A fact that Diluc has never been able to understand as he needs absolute silence to focus.
The strange thing about it was the lack of alcohol the calvary captain was ordering this evening. Why, his latest order was of apple cider!
Even when Venti and Rosaria were here to sing and drink with the knight, he had only ordered a fruity cocktail. Even with Rosaria ordering a bottle of wine for the table, he didn't even take one sip.
Something was wrong and Diluc knows it.
Not only that but as hard as Kaeya has been staring at the paper in front of him, nothing seemed to be getting done. In fact, when Diluc brought over his latest order, he'd noticed a that only the top sheet of the stack was an actual document. The rest of the papers underneath were blank. And while Diluc could only get a quick glance at the paper currently sitting in front of the knight, he could've sworn it was just covered in doodles.
Childish-looking doodles, at that.
The cogs turned in the redhead's brain as he wiped and re-wiped the glass in his hand.
As much as he wanted to go over and confront his--confront Kaeya, he needed to wait. Needed to observe for a bit longer. Needed to wait nobody else was around.
So he did.
It was nearly 2 a.m. and the bar was completely empty, save for the bluenette and the redhead.
Diluc finished wiping off one of the tables and took a breath, using all the courage within him to finally approach the knight.
"You realize the bar is about to close, don't you?" Diluc decided to ask.
Kaeya's shoulders tensed suddenly, as if he hadn't heard Diluc approach.
Odd.
With the swift, masterful movement, the paper he was "working on" was slipped into the pile. Kaeya placed the quill in the ink before turning to look up at Diluc. A clearly fake smile was plastered on his face.
"Ah, I must apologize Master Diluc, I must've been so caught up in my work I hadn't noticed." The bluenette said with a forced chuckle.
Diluc narrowed his eyes, glancing at the stack of papers, "Yes, well I'm going to be locking up soon so it's best you head out. I'm sure Jean is still awake waiting for all that finished paperwork." He stated. He knew Jean was still awake. Though, considering Diluc is much later than he'd originally thought...
"Thank you for the warning, I'll pack up my things." Kaeya said, lifting up the pile of paper and tapping the bottom on the table. The sheet that he'd just been "working on" didn't quite make it with the rest of the pile though, sliding off the table and flittering to the floor.
"Ah, I'll get--" Kaeya began, only to get interrupted by Diluc swiping it up.
Diluc stared at the paper, "...Work, you say?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. The sheet was covered in childish drawings of various animals, mostly birds.
A sudden flash of panic washed over Kaeya's expression as he ripped the paper from Diluc's hands.
"Yes." The bluenette bit out before taking a breath to calm his tone, "I am quite the busy man, Diluc." He said.
Diluc stood there for a moment, watching.
He wanted to flat out ask the question that's been pounding in his head yet his lips wouldn't move to do it. Why couldn't he just ask?
And then Kaeya, as he continued getting his things together, started gnawing at his thumb nail.
Before Diluc could think, he was reaching over to pull the hand away, "Dirty, Kae." He said softly.
Kaeya's visible eye went wide, "What did you just call me?" He asked, voice equally soft.
Diluc's face flushed as he realized what was happening.
He let go of Kaeya's wrist and huffed, "I-" he tried to say, "Nothing, now get your things together."
Kaeya's brows were knit together as he watched Diluc carefully.
"And-and stay there. I'll be right back." Diluc continued, turning and starting up the stairs.
"Wait-Diluc, what in Teyvat--" Kaeya tried asking, voice trailing off as Diluc ignored him.
Diluc threw open the door to the loft and grabbed all his things as quickly as he could. He needed to hurry. He didn't want to... well he just didn't want it to start happening while he was still at the bar!
And especially with Kaeya around.
But, archons, he knows the same is happening to his br--to Kaeya right now.
So it would be ill-advised to make him go home all alone. Though, of course, with Diluc not actually getting verbal confirmation of what he thinks is happening is actually happening, he doesn't know if Kaeya does this alone.
Obviously, this could be figured out by a simple question but at this point, Diluc's mind was becoming frantic.
Mostly due to his own situation but either way he had somewhere to be and wanted to get there as soon as possible. With Kaeya in tow.
He rushed back down the stairs to see Kaeya now standing, papers held tight to his chest.
"Okay, let's go." Diluc said, grabbing Kaeya by the wrist and heading out of the bar.
"Wait--Luc, where are you taking me?" Kaeya asked, mind trying to piece together what was happening. It was growing more and more difficult as the confusing situation made his hold on his composure loosen.
"Just--just follow me." Diluc insisted, struggling to lock the bar.
"Are you alright?" Kaeya asked hesitantly as he watched the wine master fumble with his keys.
"I'm fine." Diluc stated, finally getting the door to lock. He shoved the ring of keys into his pocket and began leading the way.
Kaeya stumbled over his own feet as he let himself be pulled along.
"Luc! Going to fast!" He said, trying to slow them both down.
"Shh! Just a little further." Diluc quickly said as their destination came into view.
Kaeya's breath hitched upon seeing the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. This was the last place he wanted to be while feeling as he does.
What reason does Diluc have in dragging him here of all places? Unless...
Unless Diluc figured out what was happening to Kaeya and...and decided to finally get back at him...
"Luc, stop!" Kaeya tried to say, attempting to pull his wrist out of Diluc's hold. But it was too late, they stumbled through the doors of the building and made a sharp left turn for one of the rooms.
No. No, this can't be happening.
The door to Jean's office swung open and the Acting Grand Master perked up from her desk.
"I didn't expect you to be so late-- oh, good evening Captain Kaeya." Jean greeted, awkwardly.
Diluc pulled Kaeya inside and closed the door behind him.
Kaeya tried to catch his breath and look composed, "Jean, I'm sincerely sorry to intrude so late, I'll just--"
"Kaeya's slipping." Diluc interrupted.
The color drained from Kaeya's face as he stared at the redhead, completely dumbfounded. Now, maybe this wasn't so much of a bad thing, as that term is pretty ambiguous--Kaeya turned to look at Jean, who simply nodded in understanding.
Oh.
So she knows what it means.
Oh.
Oh no.
Kaeya closed his eyes tight and ripped his wrist from Diluc's hold.
"I-I cannot believe you would drag me all the way here to-to humiliate me!" He declared, face burning with embarrassment and rage.
"Oh, uh, no, I just--" Diluc began.
"Archons Diluc, I know how much you despise me but I never figured you would stoop so low to--" Kaeya went on, eyes filling with tears that he refused to let drop.
"I don't--" Diluc tried.
Jean stood from her desk, the sound of her chair against the floor catching the attention of both boys to look over.
"Diluc, go on upstairs, let me talk to Kaeya for a moment." She said.
Diluc hesitated before nodding and heading out of the room.
"Acting Grand Master Jean, I'm so so sorry, please just forget--" Kaeya was interrupted by two strong arms wrapping him in a hug.
"I wish you would've told me." Jean said softly.
"I--" Kaeya wanted to speak but instead a lump caught in his throat and the tears finally spilled out of his eyes. He hiccupped before gripping onto the back of Jean's cape and burying his face in her shoulder, sobbing as quietly as he could manage.
It took a while, but eventually the sobs tapered off. By then Kaeya had sunken into headspace, though he was still on-edge about doing so in the presence of his literal boss.
"Don't worry, Kaeya, I don't think any less of you. We all have our coping mechanisms and I'm just glad yours isn't alcoholism." Jean explained with a chuckle. Kaeya smiled some, lifting his head from her shoulder.
"Th-thank you." He mumbled.
"Now, let's head upstairs, I'm sure Diluc is getting impatient." Jean said, letting go of Kaeya and leading the way out. Kaeya reached out and grabbed the back of Jean's poofy sleeve.
Kaeya started following, staring down at the slightly crumpled papers still held in one of his arms.
"Do you usually have someone to help you when you're small, Kaeya?" Jean wondered as the walked up the stairs.
"Uh huh." The bluenette answered softly. "B-but he's not in the city tonight." He mumbled, once again growing sad at the thought.
Jean tried piecing together who it might be. She had a suspicion but she can ask later. Right now, Kaeya needed to get cozy and go to bed. He looked exhausted.
The Knight's Headquarters had a few rooms for those who lived outside the city to sleep in when they had a shift here. Though tonight all the dorm rooms were vacant. Except for the Grand Master suite. Jean used this room quite often as she usually tired herself out too much to head to her actual home. It was nice and convenient, especially for times like these. Inside, there was a small kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom. Everything someone would need for long nights on duty. Or workaholics like Jean.
She opened the door to see Diluc sitting on the couch. He wore a big red sweater and loose-fitting brown pants.
He perked up from the paper he was scribbling on and stood, owl plush held firmly in one arm.
"I-I'm sorry Kae, I should've explained but-but I was slipping too and-and I just wanted to get here and I didn't mean to make you so upset." Diluc rambled, nervously shifting between his feet.
Kaeya stared for a moment, blinking, "T-too?" He mumbled.
Jean chuckled as she closed and locked the door, "Oh Diluc, you didn't explain a single thing, did you?" She joked.
"Sorry." Diluc told her, sitting back down on the couch.
"Diluc regresses as well." She clarified to the bluenette.
"Oh." Kaeya said as the papers in his arm were gently pulled out and set on the nearby table.
"Now, let's get you into something more comfortable, alright?" Jean said, taking Kaeya's hand and leading him to the bedroom, "You can borrow some of Diluc's extra pajamas." She said, going over to the wardrobe and opening it up.
"Would you like a shirt and sweater or just a shirt?" She asked.
"Sweater...please." Kaeya answered.
"Okay and pants or shorts?"
"Shorts please."
"You're so polite, here you go. Can you change on your own or do you need help?" Jean wondered.
"Um, help getting some stuff off please." Kaeya mumbled.
Jean nodded, starting to help get the many many accessories off of the knight.
"Kay, I can do it now." He told her.
"Okay, I'll be in the living room."
"Thank you." Kaeya mumbled.
He got himself changed, setting his usual clothes neatly on the bench at the end of the bed before heading out of the bedroom.
He shuffled over to the couch where Jean sat watching Diluc doodle.
Jean heard him approach and looked over, "There you are! Does everything fit well? Not too big?" She wondered.
"Uh huh. Thank you." Kaeya mumbled, sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table.
"Would you boys like a bedtime snack?" Jean wondered, standing.
"Yes!" Diluc declared.
"Yes please." Kaeya answered.
Jean chuckled, "Alright, some Mondstadt Hash Browns coming right up." She said, heading to the kitchen.
"I'm sorry." Diluc told him.
"It's okay." Kaeya mumbled. He was still embarrassed and a little mad but it was okay. He knows Diluc didn't expose Kaeya's secret in a mean way. At least, Kaeya doesn't think there was any ill-intent behind it.
"Wanna color?" Diluc asked, offering some paper and crayons.
"Kay." Kaeya reached over and pulled out a few blues and greens and a black and a sheet of paper.
After a few minutes, Jean came back with two plates, each with two hashbrowns and a small cup of dipping sauce.
"Enjoy!" She said cheerfully, setting them down.
"Thank you." Kaeya mumbled.
"Thanks!" Diluc said, grabbing one of his and taking a huge bite, "Ah! Hot!" He sputtered, spitting the bite onto the plate. His tongue was all tingly and hot now.
Jean sighed, "What have I told you about hot food?" She asked.
"Gotta be patient and wait for it to cool off." Diluc said sadly, leaning back with a small pout.
Kaeya cracked a little smile, "Luc's bad at listening." He teased softly.
"Am not!" Diluc insisted.
"Am too." Kaeya retorted.
"Am not!"
"Am--"
"How about you two show me what you were drawing?" Jean quickly interjected, not wanting that to go on for forever.
It seemed to work, as Diluc excitedly gasped and grabbed his paper, "I drew the Darknight Hero! He's beating up bad guys!" He explained, pointing.
"That's very good, Diluc! What about you, Kaeya?"
"Um..." Kaeya held up his paper, "I-I was drawing a peacock but I didn't finish." He mumbled.
Diluc gasped, "It looks so good!"
"I agree! I think both these drawings need to be put on the wall." Jean said.
"Um, wanna finish mine first." Kaeya insisted.
"Of course!" Jean laughed, ruffling his hair.
Diluc hesitantly poked at his hashbrowns before deciding they'd cooled down enough. Kaeya followed suit and began eating his.
Both boys continued their drawing and ate their bedtime snacks and soon they were yawning. Diluc's head even kept drooping down as he struggled to stay awake.
"I think it's bedtime." Jean pointed out.
"Mmm." Diluc mumbled, rubbing his eye with his fist.
Jean helped both boys stand and led them to the bathroom. She grabbed a new toothbrush from the closet for Kaeya to use and then put the toothpaste on both of theirs.
They tiredly brushed their teeth until Jean told them to stop.
Diluc shuffled over to the king-sized bed and plopped into it for Jean to tuck him in.
Kaeya stood in the middle of the bedroom, fiddling with the end of his sweater awkwardly. He didn't know where he was supposed to go now.
"We have a small extra mattress you could sleep on. Or you could sleep on the couch or sleep in here with Diluc. Your choice." Jean told him.
Kaeya looked at the bed for a bit as he thought, "Um...here...if that's okay." He mumbled.
"Of course! Diluc's a big cuddle bug anyway." Jean said. Honestly, she was a bit relieved she didn't have to be Diluc's person-sized teddy bear tonight. She always overheads and wakes up in a sweat. Maybe Kaeya will fare better since he usually runs cold.
Kaeya laid down and let Jean pull the covers up over him and Diluc.
"Goodnight, boys." She told them, gently patting their heads.
"Nigh'." Diluc mumbled, scooting closer to his brother.
"Night." Kaeya said, closing his eyes.
Even though this isn't how the night was planned, both boys fell asleep happy and comfortable.
And even though there's definitely going to be a long and difficult conversation about all of this tomorrow, at least for tonight, all is well.
Maybe finally, moving forward and little by little, they can be brothers again.
Maybe it just took one very confusing night for them to realize it was possible.
Because, at the end of the day, they have more in common than they realize.
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A/N: Expect more from this (but no promises on when or how or why lol)