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Dust particles float through the air, cascading down onto the floor. It tickles Thoma’s nose, an itch at the back of his throat. He loves cleaning yet he’ll never like the feeling of dust settling around him. There is something satisfying about running a duster over a windowsill and seeing it sparkle in the sun.
Thoma’s nose scrunches. Maybe he should have worn something to cover his face. Oh well. There’s still so much to finish before the day ends. Ayaka needed help planning the latest event for Inazuma, he needs to pick up some documents from another clan, the laundry needs to be put away into Ayato and Ayaka’s rooms because the others never seem to be able to put it away properly, and Thoma still needs to feed the stray dogs.
The door to the room slides open, rattling in its tracks. Ayato walks in, long legs and draping fabric stepping through the doorway.
“My Lord, hello.” Thoma greets, setting down his duster. “I’m guessing the meeting went well?”
Ayato hums under his breath, pushing his long sleeves back to slump onto the floor, his legs tucked under a table. “It was… interesting.”
“Interesting?”
“Yes, interesting.” A smirk curls onto Ayato’s face. A shiver runs down Thoma’s back. That face means nothing but trouble. “In fact, we received a request from someone you might know.”
Thoma sighs. He’s heard this one before. Someone desperately needs Thoma’s help only for it to be a person from the city asking for the Kamisato clan's help.
“And who might this person be, my lord?”
“We’ve been sent a letter all the way from Mondstadt from a certain Dawn Winery.”
Heart stuttering to a stop, Thoma sinks to his knees across from Ayato. Already he can practically taste the breeze of meandering dandelions sitting on his tongue. Flashes of red dance across his vision. Unruly red hair and a daring smile. Could it really be him? After all this time.
“Take a look for yourself.” Ayato hands Thoma the letter. His hands move calmly, a familiar motion all the same.
All Thoma can focus on is the letter. The paper is folded over, hiding what he wants to know the most. It crinkles as he opens it, the scent of dandelion wine drifting through the air.
His eyes scan over the letter faster than his brain can process, words practically flying off the page. One thing stands out the most, over all the others. The name ‘Kaeya Alberich’. His tongue sticks to the roof of his mouth, throat clicking as he swallows. He can’t help the sinking of his heart. But at the same time, he can picture little Kaeya tottling after him, chasing after him and his brother.
It’s unexpected to hear from Kaeya but he did always have more interest in the wine industry than his brother did.
The letter reads:
‘ To the Kamisato Clan,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Kaeya Alberich. I’m reaching out to you on behalf of the Dawn Winery. In case you do not know, the Dawn Winery is a very well-established wine industry located in Mondstadt. We specialize in all kinds of wine but we’re most well known for our dandelion wine.
As the sakoku decree has ended in Inazuma and importing and exporting is significantly easier, we were hoping to establish a connection. We understand that the Kamisato Clan is in charge of the Yashiro commission and thus forth is also the one to manage festivals and numerous cultural events. It’s our hope that the Dawn Winery may establish a connection to introduce more of Inazuma’s citizens to the pleasure of dandelion wine as well as a selection of our other wines.
Of course, as partners, the Dawn Winery would be willing to extend your reach to Mondstadt. If you are amendable we’d be willing to host a member of your clan so they may negotiate the terms so you see fit.
Thank you for your time, Kaeya Alberich.’
“Kaeya… it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him.” Thoma folds the letter, uncertain hands smoothing over the paper's creases. “What are your thoughts on the letter my lord?”
Ayato’s fingers tap along the table, nails clicking along to the rapid pounding of Thoma’s heart. “Well, if you are agreeable, I was hoping that you would make the trip to Mondstadt on my behalf.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you.” Ayato nods, blue eyes akin to rain scattered over the ocean twinkling.
A small laugh so familiar to Thoma escapes Ayato. Thoma is reminded of nights spent curled around a table, piles of food in front of him, candle lights flickering ever so slightly in the background, and Ayato and Ayaka leaning their weight against him.
Words scramble through Thoma’s mind, unable to pick and choose between his desires and his duties. His heart and mind starting a hopeless game of back and forth, tugging for his attention with every skip of his heart beating.
“There’s no need to panic,” Ayato reassures. His hand catches Thoma’s, the one not still clutching onto the letter. His grip is firm, pressure bringing some semblance of focus to Thoma. “You may take some time to think about it if you need to. But I will say that besides Ayaka, there’s no one I would trust more to do this.”
What would Mondstadt look like now, after all these years… Will it have changed at all? Or will it have moved along, growing around its citizens just like how Thoma grew to find a new home in Inazuma?
Paper slides along Thoma’s fingers, unrelenting in letting him try to forget about its existence. Selfishly, he wants to go back. Just this once. Just to see, to have even a tiny look at what could’ve been.
“I’ll go to Mondstadt.”
🦉🍡
Familiar stone bricks loom in front of Thoma, decorated with colourful flags. It’s a welcome sight, one Thoma was sure he’d never see again. Large windmills lazily churn in Mondstadt’s breeze. It drifts across Thoma’s face. The scent of dandelions never seems to leave the air here, permanently sailing across the wind.
Metal gleams in the morning sun, shining in Thoma’s eyes. The gate of Mondstadt is always open to those who need it. Does Thoma count as one of those lost souls that needs a place to rest in Mondstadt's walls?
His boots click against the cobblestone path, stirring dirt as he slowly trails into his once home. Beyond the gate, multiple buildings stand proudly. It’s exactly as he remembers. The worn buildings are squished together yet they look perfectly placed. But when he looks closer he can notice the little things – flags taken down from windows, flowers no longer on the windowsill, a balcony that didn’t use to exist, endless faces he doesn’t recognize. Things keep growing and changing even while you aren’t looking. He knows this yet his heart still stings.
A flash of blue catches Thoma’s eyes. Kaeya stands a few steps away from him, talking to a woman at the Good Hunter. It’s a small shock to see Kaeya so soon after stepping foot in Mondstadt. Thoma would have thought that Kaeya would be at the winery. Although he knows that this is the Kaeya he grew up with, it’s hard to see that boy in him.
Everything about Kaeya screams different. The boy Thoma knew was shy and quiet, hiding behind his brother at every possible chance he got. This Kaeya stands with a hand on his hip, a flashy sword hanging at his waist, tight clothes clinging to his body, and a smirk dancing across his face. And yet even though this Kaeya is unfamiliar to him, he can’t help the smile taking over his face. His heart dances in his chest, humming a well-known tune.
“Kaeya!”
Kaeya turns at his name, long hair spilling down his back. His demeanour changes again, posture relaxing and his expression less sharp.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Thoma in the flesh.” Kaeya steps away from the front of the Good Hunter, the chain on his pants jingling as he goes.
“Man, is it good to see you.” Thoma laughs, jogging the last few steps to meet Kaeya.
His heart wells in his chest, emotions spilling out. He can’t help but reach out, swinging an arm around Kaeya’s shoulders and pulling him into a hug. After all these years Kaeya still smells the same, like dandelion wine and warmth.
Kaeya tenses for a second before laughing along with Thoma. One of his arms goes around Thoma’s waist, a heavy hand patting his back. “It’s been a while. I wasn’t sure if I was reading right when a letter was sent back from the Kamisato clan saying that you would be travelling on their behalf.”
“I felt the same way hearing My Lord read a letter not only from the Dawn Winery but one signed by you.”
“So you are working for the head of the clan then?”
Thoma nods, fingers twisting his hair between his fingers. “I was taken in by the Kamisato before Ayato became the head of the clan but I’ve been working for them since I arrived in Inazuma.”
“That sounds like quite the story.” Kaeya’s hand rests on the hilt of his sword, calloused fingers settling like they’ve done this a million times already. “Why don’t we go to the tavern to catch up a bit.”
In all the years Thoma lived in Mondstadt, he’s only stepped inside the tavern run by the Ragnvinder family once. Kaeya had dragged Thoma inside while they were searching for Crepus because Diluc injured himself trying to train with a real sword instead of the wooden one he was supposed to be using. He still remembers the fear and then the exasperation that painted Crepus’ face.
Thoma idly wondered why Kaeya wasn’t taking him to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Diluc is sure to be at the headquarters. He can’t help but picture Diluc dressed up in captain regalia, flaming hair tied back in a tangly mess. Although, the tavern is sure to be a more casual setting. Easier to talk and catch up with another person.
The two of them walk to the tavern together, shoulders bumping into each other as they squeeze through trails of people. Citizens nod at Kaeya as they walk by, throwing a wave or a smile their way. It’s hard to believe shy young Kaeya became a social butterfly but maybe through working in the wine industry, he learned how to open up more.
Other places may have changed over the years but the Angel’s Share hasn’t. The same greenery creeps along the side of the building, the same chairs and tables are scattered outside, and the same bulletin board is hanging beside the door. It matches his memory perfectly.
“Come inside. Have you been able to try dandelion wine across the sea? We can’t have you going without trying it straight from Mondstadt.”
The tavern door squeals as Kaeya opens it, hinges protesting the movement. Kaeya holds the door open for Thoma, holding a hand out to usher him inside.
Thoma squints as he steps into the building, eyes adjusting to the darker lighting of the room. Before he can look at anything else, bright red floods his vision. Flowing red hair pulled up into a ponytail, cascading down the person’s back. He would know that hair anywhere – has seen it in his dreams countless times.
Diluc Ragnvinder stands in front of him, cleaning a glass behind the bar like he didn’t just shake Thoma’s entire world. Everything comes rushing to Thoma at once. So many feelings rattle in his chest that he can’t pick them apart. His veins flood with ichor, burning and scorching his very being – like pyro dancing through his blood.
His childhood crush is in the same room as him. For so long he’s wanted to see Diluc again – to say things he didn’t before leaving – but now he comes up empty. His heart flutters in his chest, pounding in his ears. Maybe his crush isn’t just a thing of the past.
A solid hand pushes Thoma forward. He stumbles further into the room, scrambling to get his balance back.
“Kaeya, if that’s you then you can leave. I told you I have everything settled already.” Diluc doesn’t turn around, hands still using a cloth to rub at a glass.
“Well,” Thoma hesitates, dry throat clicking. “It’s not just Kaeya.”
Diluc whirls around, glass wobbling on the bar as it’s tossed down without a care. Red eyes stare at Thoma, darting from his face, down and then catching his eyes again. The silence stretches.
Kaeya saunters forward, coming to a stop beside Thoma. “Now, now. Is that any way to speak while in front of a guest, Master Diluc?”
Clearing his throat, Diluc shoots a small glare over at Kaeya. “My apologies. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone with Kaeya.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it. I’ll be honest I didn’t expect to see you behind the bar. You always said you’d rather be caught dead than get stuck serving ruly customers instead of out with the rest of the knights.”
A laugh escapes Kaeya, hand resting on his chin.
“Yes, well, things have changed over the years. I’m no longer with the Knights. Instead, I run things with the winery,” Diluc admits, a gentle flush settling on the bridge of his nose.
Something drops in Thoma’s stomach. “No longer with the knights? I never expected to hear that.”
“Master Diluc finds he’s much better suited to working in the dark of the night, aren’t you?” Kaeya walks up to the bar, setting his crossed arms on the bar top.
Thoma feels like he’s stepped into something he shouldn’t have. The way Diluc and Kaeya act together is nothing like when they were younger yet he can sense they still want the best for each other.
“Ignore Kaeya. I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon, Thoma. When Kaeya told me that it was, in fact, you coming to Mondstadt, I was waiting for you to arrive at the winery.”
“I was going to make my way to the winery once I got settled into a room. You see, My Lord asked me to come here on their behalf knowing I once lived here, but my mother moved years ago. Which is fine but it means I’ll need to rent a room during my stay here.”
Diluc fiddles with the glass he previously put down, pushing it along the bartop, never satisfied with its position. Kaeya clears his throat loudly, pulling on Diluc’s sleeve.
If you- if you were so inclined,” Diluc stutters, batting away Kaeya’s hand. “You could stay at the winery. We were already prepared to host whoever arrived for the Kamisato clan.”
Thoma itches to push the stray lock of hair curling over Diluc’s cheek. “I wouldn’t want to impose…”
“It’s no imposition. As long as you’re comfortable then you’re more than welcome to stay.”
“I’ll have to take you up on that offer then. In return, you must let me pay you back by helping cook or clean or anything else you need.”
“You’re an important guest. I would never make you work during your stay.” Diluc scratches the back of his neck, catching Kaeya’s eye for a second. “I think Adelinde would kill me if I made you help anyway.”
🦉🍡
“You’re in luck today,” Kaeya comments, head tilted back towards Thoma and Diluc. “Master Diluc here doesn’t always take a carriage into the city but it seems he did.”
Diluc sighs, looking everywhere but at Thoma. “Yes, Adelinde insisted.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t mind having to walk back. I find myself walking all over Narukami Island.”
“It’s not a quick walk back to the winery, I fear.” Diluc glances at Thoma before passing him.
A dusty white horse paws at the cobblestone. It sits connected to an open black carriage. Thoma can remember endless carriage rides taken in the past. They used to beg to be taken around just for fun – to be pulled through vast forests and open fields.
“Is this Orion?” Thoma asks, lightly jogging up to the horse. He strokes the horse’s neck, its coat soft beneath his hand.
Kaeya pats the horse’s rear. “Yes, this is Orion. One of the few horses you’ll see in Mondstadt these days.”
“Wow. He’s still around.” Thoma laughs, nails scratching along Orion’s mane. The old gelding’s lip quivers as he scratches his favourite spot. He truly hasn’t changed even after all this time.
“We had a scare once a few years ago. Orion was lame on his front right hoof for several weeks, but luckily he managed to recover.” Diluc softly strokes Orion’s face. He looks gentle – caring even, in the soft orange light of the slowly setting sun.
“I’ll leave you two to catch up.” Kaeya backs away, waving slowly as he goes.
Thoma pauses, half turning to face Kaeya. “You aren’t coming to the winery?”
“No, no, I have some important duties to finish at the Knights of Favonius headquarters. I’ll let you two sweethearts catch up alone.” And with a small chuckle, Kaeyas saunters off.
Thoma catches a glare from Diluc aimed at Kaeya. It’s quick but sharp, daggers thrown at Kaeya’s back. He shakes it off before glancing at Thoma.
“Shall we go?” Diluc opens the door to the carriage, waiting for Thoma to step in.
Sweethearts. The word gets trapped in Thoma’s mind. What could Kaeya possibly mean by that? That Thoma and Diluc are sweethearts… Surely not. Maybe it’s an inside joke between Diluc and Kaeya that Thoma isn’t privy to.
“Now that you’re all settled in, Master Diluc can take you around the grounds.”
Adelinde rests a hand on the small of Thoma’s back. He towers over her now. Years ago he used to be the one looking up at her. She pointedly stares at Diluc, an unmoving smile painted on her face. No matter how kind Adelinde is everyone knows not to argue with her. Diluc may be the head of the household but he knows when to concede defeat.
“Yes, you should get an official tour of the estate,” Diluc agrees. He nods at Adelinde, expression unchanging.
Adeline pats Thoma’s back, giving him a gentle nudge forward. He follows Diluc out the door, the fresh air sifting through his lungs. Crystal flies lazily drift between vines of purple grapes. The grass sways in the breeze, tickling his heels as he walks.
“I remember you falling out of that tree.” A laugh escapes Thoma, picturing Diluc sprawled on the ground while he and Kaeya panic. “I think Kaeya cried that day – which made you cry, which made me cry.”
Diluc clears his throat. A sharp elbow nudges Thoma’s side. “I distinctly remember you crying before I did. You kept telling me I couldn’t die then because we had chocolate cake waiting for us at home.”
“I was thinking about the important things! What’s better than having a slice of Adelinde’s freshly baked chocolate cake.”
“That spot right there,” Diluc points to a patch of worn grass beside the house. ”Is where we decided my pet turtle needed a bath in a small bowl instead of just taking it to the pond.”
Thoma almost trips over his own feet as he laughs. He grabs Diluc’s arm to steady himself, grasping at the soft material of his coat.
“He needed a proper bath! The pond wasn’t clean enough for him.”
“That doesn’t explain why we tried bringing out a bar of soap to scrub his shell.”
“Ah yes,” Thoma drawls, “I can still feel Adelinde pinching our ears when she saw what we were doing.”
They walk between the trellis, carefully stepping over any stray vines strewn over the path. Thoma keeps his hold on Diluc’s arm, hand resting in the crook of Diluc’s arm.
One trellis catches Thoma’s eye. The wood is a different shade from the rest – brighter and not as aged. “This must be the one that Master Crepus had to replace after we broke the last one.”
A long-suffering sigh leaves Diluc. “Tunner wouldn’t leave me alone in the vineyard for months after that.”
There’s more that Thoma aches to say – how much he’s missed Diluc, how being with Diluc again feels right, how he never wants this time to end – but he lets the silence cover them. Rocks and dirt shift beneath their steps. It’s the only sound to be heard, echoing in Thoma’s mind.
Never one to let the quiet last too long, Thoma clears his throat. “We have a lot of good memories, don’t we?”
“Yes. More than I can recall.” Diluc’s shoulders tense, chest heaving under a deep breath.
“I can’t wait to have even more memories we can share. Some of my favourite memories are from here and I don’t doubt that I’ll have even more here in the years to come.”
Diluc hums, plucking a bright red grape hanging from a vine. He brushes it off on his jacket before offering it to Thoma. A smile curls at Diluc’s lips. “Here’s to many more shared moments.”
🦉🍡
“Well, if that’s all, then I really should be getting back to some paperwork.” Elezar stands up, chair scraping across the wooden floor. He holds a hand out for Thoma to shake. His grip is firm in Thoma’s, shaking three times before letting go.
Thoma shakes his head, bangs shifting against his headband. “Yes, of course. Don’t let us keep you.”
After multiple meetings over the past few days, they’ve all come to an agreement over the terms set between the Kamisato clan and the Dawn Winery. In the very first meeting, Thoma thought he was going to slip out of his seat because he was sweating so badly. But as time went on he grew to be more comfortable, speaking up and asking questions without being prompted.
He doubted he was going to be able to negotiate properly for the Kamisatos, worried he was going to fail the people who have helped him the most. He’s confident now that he did the right thing, that both parties involved gained something that benefits them. A few times, he could sense Diluc prompting him into speaking up, to try and get the best terms he could.
“And it’s time for me to start dinner. I’ll leave you two boys alone for now.” Adelinde dusts her skirt as she stands. She dips into a small curtsey, a small smile on her face.
A careful quiet stretches across the room. Light bounces around, flames casting a shadow over Diluc’s face. The fire crackles in its place, flickering with every snap.
Thoma can’t help but admire Diluc. Petal soft lips are curved into a pout, dimpled in thought. Long lashes cast a shadow over crimson-red eyes, gentle yet sharp. Diluc has always stood out. Not only because of his bright hair and charming looks but because of the little things.
Thoma has always noticed. He knows how Diluc cares, for animals and people. Every morning Diluc would wake up early so he could spend time with his falcons, reading to them for hours upon hours. And how while Diluc might complain, he’s always willing to lend a hand to help others. Like the old lady who lives around the corner from the Angel’s Share. Diluc stops by her house every evening he’s in the city to bring her groceries because she can’t get out as often as she’d like.
It’s in his dry humour. How he has a sarcastic quip for every situation that never fails to make Thoma laugh. Diluc will joke back in a deadpan voice while holding back a smirk. It’s also the way Diluc holds a weapon. His grip casual yet holding immense power behind each swing.
All the little things add up to this magnetic charm that never fails to pull Thoma in.
“Would you care to sit outside? It’s supposed to be warming up at night now.”
Thoma glances out the window. Light reflects against the window, making it hard to see out in the dark of the night. He only has one more day left in Mondstadt. One more day to make the most out of what he can.
“Yeah, that sounds nice.”
They leave their jackets behind, ready to soak in the summer night. Their arms brush against each other as they walk, sending shivers down Thoma’s spine. Even without the extra layers, Diluc radiates warmth.
The grass is damp as they sit down, soaking into their pants. Thoma uses this as an excuse to sit closer to Diluc. He wouldn’t want to catch a chill or for Diluc to either. The sweet scent of fresh grapes drifts through the air. Vines curl and tangle through the yard, twisting over the wooden trellis and damp earth.
Moonlight dances over Diluc, casting a perfect halo behind his head. Thoma can see every small mark on Diluc’s face. A tiny scar on his chin, a mole hidden behind his hair, and delicate freckles dusting the bridge of his nose.
What is he going to do when he goes back to Inazuma? When he’s drowning, desperate for just one more glance at Diluc. Is there any recovering from this crush? Can he even call it a crush at this point? He’s tried stamping the feelings down in his chest, determined to not let it change anything. But over time things have changed no matter what he does. So is it really that harmful to finally admit it?
“Are you okay? You look a little pale…”
Surging forward, Thoma grasps Diluc’s hands in his own. He tangles their fingers together, palms warm pressed together. His throat aches, so many words stuck under his heavy tongue.
“I just need to get this out,” Thoma blushes, blood roaring in his ears. “And if you don’t have a reply that’s okay.”
Diluc nods silently, wide eyes scanning Thoma’s face.
“When we were younger, I used to love following you everywhere. No matter what we did it was always an adventure. You were my closest friend and I treasure every minute with you. I found myself clinging to every word that left your lips, reverently paying attention to everything you did. And somewhere my feelings for you began to blur. Of course, I always loved you, but it began to change. After I left I thought it was just a puppy crush. Yet my thoughts would always drift to you even after years had passed. And now, being here with you again, I can say for certain that the feelings that burn in my chest are still there.”
Thoma can’t look at Diluc’s face. His eyes are shut, sweaty palms grasping at Diluc’s to keep himself from drifting away. His vision burns at his hip, heat seeping through his pants.
One of Diluc’s hands untangles from Thoma’s. A chill runs over Thoma, bumps travelling down his arm. His fingers twitch, aching to grasp Diluc’s again.
“You know, when I was young, I didn’t have many friends.” A soft caress pushes a stray lock of hair behind Thoma’s ear.
Slowly opening his eyes, Thoma can see Diluc is even closer than before. “I had Kaeya and I had Jean and while I cared for both of them immensely, neither of them was my best friend. Until one day this blond boy with vivid green eyes came tumbling into me. I expected him to run off, hoping he didn’t get in trouble for bothering the noble boy. But his blond-haired boy didn’t seem to care. In fact, he came back every day after that and stuck by my side. He managed to squeeze his way into my heart and made a home there until I couldn’t do anything without thinking about him first.”
A small huff leaves Diluc’s lips. He’s so close Thoma can feel every breath skim his cheeks. “One day, that boy left. He had important things he needed to do for himself. And I understood that – I did, but I still thought my heart would shatter beyond repair when he left. I thought about him every day for months after his departure. Eventually, I learned how to keep going even though he wasn’t there, but I still thought of him often. Until he came back to me. Grown up, a little changed, but all the same as that boy I fell in love with. And I couldn’t be happier.”
A tear hits the back of Thoma’s hand. He can’t help but sniffle, using his free hand to wipe away the emotions spilling out. He wipes his hand over his pants, shifting closer and closer to Diluc – until there’s no free space between them. The back of Diluc’s neck is warm as Thoma rests a hand there, playing with the baby hairs on the nape of Diluc’s neck.
Hands brush over Thoma’s face again, holding his cheeks like the most precious treasure. Lips press together, a little wet and sticky but perfect all the same. It’s better than Thoma could have ever imagined.
Fireflies hover around them, glowing in sync with the beat of their hope and love. The hope that no matter what the future holds for them they can conquer it together. Whether they’re physically together or not they know that they’ll always be in each other’s hearts.