Work Text:
Diluc laid in bed, waiting for the right moment to get up. He didn't have alot of work to do today, so he was able to spend some more time in his bed, resting. After a while, he looked over at the clock beside his bed and decided it was time to get up. It wasn't too early or too late, just a good enough time to get out of bed.
Throwing the covers to the other side of the bed, he stands up and stretches his body. He then grabs a towel from his closet and heads over to the bathroom. He had decided to take a shower that wasn't too warm or too cold but rather somewhere in between. It seemed like a warm day today and he didn't feel like sweating from work while still being dirty. After he was done with his shower, he dried himself and put on his usual work clothes to head out.
Upon descending the stairs, Adelinde goes up to greet him. "Good morning, Master Diluc. Your breakfast is ready." Diluc looks over at the table, then back at her. "I don't think I have enough time for a proper breakfast right now, but thank you. I'll eat what I can." He says. Adelinde nods and goes towards the other two maids, probably to tell them what to do for the day.
Before Diluc could get to the table, someone knocks on the door. Adelinde turns around to get it, but Diluc stops her. "I'll get it." He goes to open the door, and is greeted by none other than Childe. "Good morning Master Diluc! I hope you don't mind my early visit?" He said as he took Diluc's hand in his, lifted it up to lips, then pressed a kiss to the back of his hand.
Diluc was still trying to process how Childe was here. Last time they spoke, Childe was nowhere near Mondstadt. Ofcourse he was happy to see him again, but he was just surprised that's all. "Childe.." His eyes softened, then made some space for Childe to come in. Childe stepped in, then brought his hidden hand out, revealing a beautifully made and organized bouquet consisting of some small lamp grass, calla lillies, windwheel asters, and cecilias. It was a small one, but still beautiful nonetheless.
Diluc closed the door then took the bouquet from Childe's hands, admiring it. "Please allow me to place it in a vase." Came Adelinde's voice. "Thank you, Adelinde." She took the bouquet from Diluc's hands and went to find a good vase for it. Diluc and Childe turned back to eachother, none of them saying anything. Then Childe took his chance and stole a kiss from Diluc, since no one was around to see. "Happy birthday Master Diluc."
Diluc cleared his throat. "How about you join me for breakfast? I'm afraid I can't eat all of that on my own." Childe nods then puts his arm around Diluc's shoulder, walking them to the table. "I would love nothing more." Adelinde emerged from one of the rooms. "Oh, you're joining the Master for breakfast? Perfect! There's just enough food for two. If any of you need anything please do not hesitate to call for me." She said as she bowed slightly. "Thank you Adelinde. You may go back to your duties."
Breakfast was peaceful, as they both preferred to eat in silence. Only breaking it to ask the other to pass this or that. When they were done, Moco and Hillie came over to take the plates away.
Childe rested his head on his hand and looked at Diluc. "I want you to come with me for today." He said. Diluc raised an eyebrow at this. "I have work today you know." Childe chuckled. "Don't worry about your work today. Trust me, I had this day planned for us two. All the way to the smallest things like this breakfast here." Diluc was shocked. 'So Adelinde made the breakfast bigger on purpose..." He thought to himself.
Childe got up from his seat, extending his hand to Diluc. Diluc stood and took off his coat, figuring that he wouldn't really need this for today, then he took Childe's hand. Childe then looked up at the second floor, since it was where Adelinde would be. "Adelinde! We're heading out!" Adelinde emerged from the top of the stairs and made her way down. "Please take this coat back to my room." She took the coat from Diluc's hand, then stood at the door for them. "Enjoy your time, you two. And please don't stay out too late."
They headed out, and Adelinde closed the door behind them. "So, Ajax, what do you have planned for me today?" Diluc asked as he looked over at Childe. "Nothing too much. Today is just for you to enjoy some quiet time away from all your work." He answered. "A quiet day with you? I find that hard to believe." Diluc chuckled and Childe gave his arm a small push.
After some walking, they found themselves at Windrise. It was noon by the time they got there. Childe stopped in his tracks, making Diluc stop with him, and took a deep breath. "This is one of my favourite spots in Mondstadt, so I had to bring you here. Come on, let's go sit under the tree." He said as he took Diluc's hand in his then led them both to the tree. "What's your top favourite spot, then?" Diluc asked him. "Oh you'll see!"
They sat down in the shade and allowed themselves to relax from all the walking. Diluc then looks at Childe with a curious look on his face. "So, when did you come back? And how did I not know about it?" He asks Childe, who was leaning his back against the tree with his eyes closed.
Childe opens his eyes and looks at Diluc. "I came back yesterday while you were working at the tavern. I had Adelinde help me stay hidden and told her about my plans. We also spoke with Elzer about this. Then Elzer spoke with Charles to tell him that you won't be at the tavern today. Adelinde suggested that I should talk to Kaeya about where to stay so I can stay hidden. So I went to Kaeya, and he helped me out."
Diluc stayed silent for a few seconds, then leaned back against the tree and put his head on Childe's shoulder. "You're full of surprises, you know that?" He says softly. Childe chuckles, then rests his head on top of Diluc's.
They stay like this for a while, just enjoying each other's presence, as nature does its thing. The breeze was calm and gentle, some birds can be heard, the leaves rustling with the breeze, and some foxes running around and playing.
"Our backs and necks will hurt if we stay like this. Come on, let's lay down instead." Childe says as he lifts his head up. Diluc straightens up and they both get up to find a good laying spot to lay in. Upon finding that spot, they lay down next to each other. They hold hands as they close their eyes and enjoy the peace and quiet between them. They end up falling asleep together.
Some time passes before they wake up. Childe woke up first, opening his eyes to look at Diluc. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. He noticed a fox sleeping between them. It had its tail wrapped around its body as it slept. Childe smiles, thinking of how cute the scene was. He brings a hand up to brush the hair out of Diluc's face, and his eyes soften.
The movement causes Diluc to stir. And then he wakes up and looks at Childe. None of them say anything, preferring to keep the silence. Childe then points at the fox, making Diluc look at it. Diluc smiles, and reaches out his hand slowly to pet it. The fox wakes up, enjoying the petting. But when it turns around and becomes aware of what is happening, it flees.
They both sit up, fully waking up from their nap. The sun had moved while they were asleep. They get up and walk together to the lake to wash their faces and freshen up. Childe ended up splashing some water at Diluc, which in turn made Diluc splash some water at Childe.
"Is this water drinkable?" Childe turns to ask Diluc. "We could try. If we die then we die together." Childe laughs. "I like the sound of that!" They both end up drinking from the water, feeling refreshed after that. "Where to next, Ajax?" Diluc asks. "I'm glad you asked, Firefly! Now we're going to Starsnatch Cliff. You asked me what my favourite spot is, and now I'll show you."
They walk together to Starsnatch Cliff, stopping by every now and then for food and water. The lakes were pretty clean, and boars, pigeons, and the trees were a good source for food. It was almost sunset when they finally reached the peak. They sat down together on the grass, watching as the sun went down.
They both looked at each other, admiring each other as they basked in the orange glow of the sunset, which gave their faces a soft glow. As the the last remaining light from the sun started to fade, Childe took out a small lamp grass he had kept with him. He gently turned Diluc's face as he put the flower in his hair, giving him a soft blue glow.
They laid down on the grass, looking up at the stars. "Thank you for taking me out today, Ajax." Said Diluc, barely above a whisper. "It's what you deserve, Diluc." Replied Childe.
After some time, Childe spoke up again. "Come on, let's head back. Adelinde must be waiting for us by now." He sat up, and Diluc sat up with him. "You're right. I wouldn't want to worry her." Childe nodded and they both stood up, ready to walk back together.
It took a while for them to come back, but it wasn't too late yet. When they opened the door to the Dawn Winery, they were greeted by Adelinde. She was wearing a more casual outfit, and so were the other two maids, and Elzer. Charles was also here. And also...Kaeya.
Diluc looked surprised. He wasn't expecting this at all. "Surprise, Diluc." Kaeya says as he walks over to Diluc, hugging him. Diluc hesitates, but hugs him back. "We thought we should atleast make a small family party to celebrate your birthday." Diluc looks over to see Adelinde holding a well decorated cake, then setting it on the table. He also took notice of a banner which said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" that was hung up.
The party was nice. It wasn't like the usual big and loud parties, but a party nontheless. Diluc cut the cake while Adelinde distributed the pieces. "I feel a little out of place here." Said Childe as Adelinde handed him a piece. "Nonesense! You are also a part of this family, Sir Childe." Childe chuckles, taking the plate from her. "It almost sounds like you're scolding me." Adelinde just smiles before going to the next person.
After the party was over and the cake was finished, they started tidying up the room all together. Kaeya went over to Diluc, who was talking to Childe. "Diluc. Mind coming over with me? There's something I was hoping we could do together." Diluc looked at Kaeya, then back at Childe. "Please stay here, Ajax. I'll be back soon."
Kaeya and Diluc exited the winery, and made their way into the city to where Crepus was buried. Neither of them said anything, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable so it was okay. They reached the grave and sat at its foot.
It was silent for a while, but then Kaeya broke it. "He wouldv'e wanted you to have this." Diluc looked at Kaeya, confused. "Have what?" Kaeya looked back. "The happiness you have with Childe." Diluc then gives him a smug look. "Only him? You didn't want this for me too?" Kaeya laughs, lightly smacking Diluc's shoulder. "Hey now, you know that's not true." It's silent again for a while.
They stand up, ready to head back. "Thanks for agreeing to come here with me." Kaeya tells him as they're walking back. "You're welcome, Kaeya."
Before long, they reach the winery again. "Welcome back you two!" Adelinde greets them. "I'm tired so I'll head up to my room. Goodnight everyone." Kaeya announces as he goes up the stairs. "I'll be retiring for the night too. Moco and Hillie retired not too long before you came back. Elzer also left after tidying up the winery." Adelinde says before making her way up to her room.
Childe and Diluc decide to head up to Diluc's room to sleep. Today left them tired, but atleast it was fun. As they were making their way up, Childe decides to ask a question that's been on his mind for a while. "Did you enjoy this day?" To which Diluc replies to him. "Ofcourse I enjoyed it. Thank you, Ajax."
They reached the bedroom and changed into more comfortable clothes to sleep. Then they both settled in bed together, cuddling with each other. "Happy birthday my firefly." Childe whispered as he kissed Diluc's forehead. The pulled each other closer, and fell asleep in each other's arms.