Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Being sent out on a mission while hungover was already a hassle. Running into Diluc on the way only further worsened his migraine. 

Normally this would be a perfect chance to push Diluc’s buttons until he exploded in some dramatic way which always was a fun sight. However, today, he wasn’t feeling his usual spark. Not only had he not been able to sleep, but the one time his body  finally  decides to let him rest he gets merely four hours of sleep before waking up with a raging headache and nausea that sends him stumbling to the bathroom.

Red eyes glared at him and Kaeya forced himself to keep up the fake smirk on his face. “Let me guess, a little blonde birdie let it slip about a dangerous new domain that popped up and had knights running for the hills?” 

Diluc remained silent before scoffing and turning away, continuing in the direction of the domain. Kaeya should’ve known Jean would have sought out Diluc after Kaeya made it clear he wanted to do this alone.

“I should’ve known it was a trap,” Diluc grumbled.

Kaeya laughed. “And  I’m  the sneaky one apparently.” 

Diluc sent him a pointed look but didn't say anything else. And that’s how it remained. The both of them walked in silence for most of the way.

Diluc slowed his pace so he walked beside Kaeya and turned to glare at him. “Okay, what is it?”

Kaeya raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“You have the inability to keep your mouth shut for more than five minutes. What game are you playing?”

Kaeya held back the urge to roll his eyes. “Didn’t think you would appreciate my ‘idle chit chat’.”

“You couldn’t care less about what I appreciate.”

Kaeya shrugged. “Not in a chatty mood. What, does Master Diluc miss my voice that much?” He added with a grin. 

That did the trick. Diluc sighed and faced forward. “Forget I said anything.”

“Gladly,” Kaeya replied with an unnecessarily chipper tone. 

The domain was just as they described. Ominous, dark, and secluded. They stepped up to it and the large stone door opened without hesitation. They stared in silence.

“Ladies first.” Kaeya bowed and waved over to the entrance.

Diluc completely ignored him and stepped into the domain. Kaeya followed after. He was thankful that it was dim inside the domain, aside from a slight blue glow with no obvious source. It did wonders for his migraine.

They walked through the domain finding it strangely empty. 

“Huh,” Kaeya said as he surveyed the open areas. “No sign of any abyss creatures. Or traps.”

“Mmm,” Diluc replied, pausing to gaze around the corner. “Did the knights clear any traps or slaughter anything?”

“Nope,” Kaeya replied, his voice echoing. Diluc turned to look back at him. 

“Then what sent them running?”

“It’s not entirely clear. Everyone reported something different. Some saw visions of their worst fears, others said it felt as if they were cursed. One thing was consistent among all reports. There were no abyss sightings.”

Diluc furrowed his brows. “And no one was seriously hurt?” Kaeya shook his head. “Then why waste our time with a harmless domain?”

“It may be harmless so far, but there is still something off about it. It’s better we investigate and seal it.” Kaeya walked past Diluc in another chamber. It was empty as well. Though this time the walls were covered with faint markings. “This is new.”

Diluc stepped up beside him. “What is?”

Kaeya stepped up to the nearest wall. “The markings. They look like words. In another language, unfortunately.”

Diluc sighed. “Take this seriously.”

“I am?” Kaeya looked back at DIluc who had his arms crossed. “You don’t see them?”

Diluc looked around at the walls as if annoyed that he had to play along. “No.”

Kaeya looked back at the carvings and quickly realized why. The words are  Khaen’riahn. 

“I don’t have time for this,” Diluc said behind him before there were fading footsteps. 

“I’m telling the truth, Diluc. I don’t know why you can’t see them but they are here.”

“As if I should trust you. Is this funny to you? Derailing investigations with nonsense? Lying?”

“It’s Khaen’riahn,” Kaeya replied, already growing tired of this conversation. 

The footsteps stopped. “What?”

“The carvings are of Khaen’riahn origin. Which may explain why you can’t see them.”

“And why you can.” Diluc finished an undertone of something in his voice. Something that made Kaeya’s heart pound in his chest. Speaking of his homeland with Diluc never ended well.

“Yeah.”

“Alright then. What does it say?”

Kaeya focused on the faded words. The letters looked so familiar, it made his heart ache. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know.” Diluc echoed, his voice tinged with venom.

“It’s been a while. I have lost the ability to read it fluently.”

Diluc let out a laugh that made Kaeya’s skin prickle with cold. “That’s hilarious. What a spy you are. Forgetting your own language.”

He clenched his fists. He turned away from the wall and to Diluc. His mask long gone. “You may have forgotten Master Diluc, so let me just remind you. I was six.  Six  years old when I was abandoned at your doorstep. I barely had a full grasp of my language let alone yours. So yeah, I forgot it, because I did my damn best to forget it. To wipe it from my memory. You know why?”

Diluc remained silent. His expression was no longer hard with anger but instead, something else that Kaeya didn’t have the energy to decipher.

“Because I foolishly believed that I could leave Khaen’riah behind me. That I no longer needed to speak, read, or perceive that language because it was no longer mine. That I found somewhere where I’m safe and can stay in without the fear of war or being seen as nothing but a pawn. So yeah, I forgot it. What kind of a spy tells the enemy that?”

Diluc said nothing so Kaeya just turned away and back at the symbols. Anger faded almost too quickly and all that was left was regret and utter embarrassment. Why would he say all that? Once he started talking he couldn’t stop.

“Kaeya…”

“You’re right. This is a waste of time.” He quickly interrupted whatever Diluc was about to say because his voice was absent of that familiar anger and it scared him. He can deal with the yelling and the anger, but whatever he just heard is something he does not want to face. Not right now. Not ever. 

“No, wait–”

“I’ll let Jean know that the domain was empty and should be sealed off just in case.” Kaeya avoided Diluc’s gaze as he turned in his direction. 

What he didn’t expect was for the words on the walls to start glowing. They glowed an eerie blue. Judging from Diluc’s reaction, he was also seeing it.

He didn’t get a chance to question it before a wave of agony came upon him. He clutched his head as a searing pain built up behind his temples, behind his covered eye. His chest felt as if it was caving in on itself, compressing his lungs. His scream was cut off as he gasped for air. No matter how much he attempted to breathe, the air refused to enter his lungs. His heart felt unbearably cold in his chest. So cold, it burned. With every beat, it sent waves of blistering cold through his veins.

And then it was all gone.

The change was so sudden it took a moment for his surroundings to register. Slowly he could feel the cold marble of the domain floor leeching up into his knees and legs. Warm hands were gripping his shoulders. A muffled voice was yelling somewhere in the distance.

“Kaeya?!”

Everything cleared. He looked up to see Diluc, his face twisted in what he could call concern. He was on his knees, breathing heavily.

“Kaeya? Hey!” Diluc shook him, his grip tightening on his shoulders.

“What the hell was that?” Kaeya breathed out.

Diluc visibly deflated in relief. “I don’t know. One moment you were standing and the next you were falling to your knees screaming.”

Kaeya took a moment to collect himself before realizing the situation. He moved away from Diluc’s grasp and stood up. Diluc just stared up at him, his hands still outstretched before following him up.

“I’m fine now. Perhaps, this domain is a lot more dangerous than we initially believed.” Kaeya replied as he turned away from Diluc’s hesitant gaze. 

Despite the pain being gone, he felt off. He could still feel the warmth from where Diluc had gripped his shoulders. As the warmth faded, he felt cold. The cold didn’t feel like the familiar chill of his vision. No. It felt heavy. Unyielding. 

“Let’s head back.”

***

His report to Jean was vague. He didn’t have to worry about Diluc giving away anything as he refused to give a report at all. His distaste for working with the knights actually helped him for once.

He went about his usual routine, ignoring the cold that clung to his body, or the strange buzzing beneath his skin. He avoided going to the tavern at all, not wanting to face Diluc after what he said. He said too much.

So, he sat in his office. He stared down at the stack of papers in front of him, tapping his pen against the glass that held the ink. The low clink echoing in his quiet office did nothing but worsen his anxiety. He sighed and dropped his pen on the desk in favor of rubbing his hands over his face frustratedly. 

The buzzing was worse. It almost felt like an itch. An itch that he couldn’t reach no matter how many times he clawed at his skin. He needs a drink.

The walk to the tavern was filled with praying to any archon listening that Diluc wasn’t working tonight. He should’ve known no god would ever answer his prayers. He forced his body to relax and wiped the grimace off his face once those red eyes fell on him. 

He sat on his usual stool. “One Death After Noon for me please,” Kaeya asked, desperately trying to keep the discomfort out of his voice. 

Diluc didn’t try to deter him from ordering anything or spoke about his drinking habits. He simply turned away and instead focused on the customer who came in after him. 

Kaeya found himself going over what would happen if he hopped over the counter and just stole a bottle. Maybe that would make Diluc yell at him again. Make him angry again. He stared off at the endless bottles stacked ahead of him as the itching got worse. His pride kept him seated. How would it look to others if their Cavalry Captain was so desperate for a drink that he stole some from behind the bar?

Not a good look.

He went to his next option: going home and hoping he still had some of his stash left over. However, every movement no matter how small sent a rush of discomfort down his limbs. The itching was there but now accompanied by such a deep, biting cold that it made his bones hurt.

His fingers were numb. He was shivering now that he paid attention. Something dark and heavy loomed over him. He clenched his numb hands. 

“Kaeya?”

How pathetic is he that his own vision is retaliating against him? How pathetic is he that he chooses to drown his pain with alcohol? He can’t just deal with it, overcome it. He chooses to ignore it, suppress it.

“Kaeya.” 

He flinched at the loud voice. Around him, the comforting sounds of the tavern came rushing back. He let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding, and his body relaxed against his control. The itch was gone. 

And he felt warm. So warm.

“Hey.” A voice got his attention. He looked forward to see Diluc. His eyebrows were drawn together. He looked confused. Concerned. He was leaning over the counter, his arm held out. He followed his arm down to see his hand gripping onto his wrist. 

That's when Kaeya noticed the frost coating his fingers. A thin layer of ice was spread across his side of the counter. His clothes had a sparkly sheen to them as if also frosted. Warmth radiated from the point of contact between them. Kaeya ripped his hand out of his grip at the realization. He rubbed at his wrist.

“What was that?” Diluc asked once Kaeya pulled away.

“What do you mean?”

“You just zoned out and,” He gestured to the melting ice on the counter.

“You didn’t serve me wine,” Kaeya said before he could stop it. 

Diluc’s expression hardened. “That’s it? That was a tantrum because I didn’t feed into your addiction?” He said as he straightened up, the hand that held his dropping back to his side.

Kaeya found himself focusing on how the hand disappeared behind the counter. If he focused close enough, the itch was starting to crawl over the nape of his neck.

“Why the hell do you care? You don’t mind satisfying any of those drunk’s cravings,” He gestured to the mostly empty tavern aside from those few too drunk to know where they were. 

“None of these drunks are the supposed Cavalry Captain. How can you protect Mondstadt if you are too inebriated to differentiate a friend from a foe?”

“I think what you need to do, Master Diluc, is mind your own damn business.” Kaeya left the tavern before the argument could continue. 

There was no alcohol for him at his home either.

***

The next day he went about the motions, ignoring the slowly worsening itch. He was accompanied by Jean as they temporarily sealed the domain. A much more permanent solution would come soon. 

He stared ahead at the doors that refused to open, unlike how it did for him and Diluc. Something in his chest ached at the sight.

He turned away and prepared to make the trek back to the city when he overheard two knights.

“--off about it. Alder said he hasn’t been able to sleep at all. No matter how hard he tries. He went to the infirmary this morning. It’s like the domain cursed him.”

The other knight scratched his head. “Curse. Do you think that’s why I’ve been having nightmares? Ever since the expedition, they haven’t stopped. And what about that rookie who lost his voice after bad-mouthing the domain?”

Curse, huh?

Kaeya watched them as they walked ahead, their voices fading. The itching beneath his skin grew in intensity. The weight back from the tavern once again loomed over his back. He glanced back at the domain. Cold prickled over his skin.

He walked away, trying to ignore the buzzing beneath his skin.

Instead of heading directly back to the city, he instead opted to separate from the group and go and clear out some enemy camps. Maybe what he needs is to let off some steam. It worked for a while, until it became difficult to hold his sword with numb hands and the shivering began to hinder his ability to let out consistent attacks.

He cut it short after a close call that left him with a gnarly gash on his cheek. He just barely moved out of the way of an incoming arrow. 

On his walk back to the city he realized the itch never disappeared, it only got worse. The sun shining down on him did nothing to chase away the cold. It was nearly spring, so it shouldn't be this cold.

He glanced down at his vision wondering if it was malfunctioning or overreacting to his emotions. The gentle blue stared back at him. Something was off about it. It seemed to flicker in and out every couple of seconds.

He thought back to the domain and the cold seemed to cling tighter around him. He thought back to what those knights were talking about and decided he would take a detour. He turned away from his office and headed to a certain alchemist’s office. 

He knocked, listening for the familiar voice.

“Come in.”

He opened the door and stepped in to see Albedo busy at work. A journal with neat handwriting but heavily stained with unknown substances sat open as he focused on what Kaeya guessed was a potion. He gently rotated the glass holding purple liquid before pouring it into a storage bottle.

“What can I help you with, Captain?” He said, not even glancing in his direction. 

That caught him off guard. “Uh,”

Albedo glanced over at him, his hands stilling.

Kaeya decided to get straight to it before he embarrassed himself further. “I had a question that perhaps our chief alchemist could answer for me. What do you know about curses?”

Albedo stared at him just a bit longer before averting his gaze and corking the bottle. He placed it down and moved to write something in his journal. “I’m guessing this is related to that domain?”

Kaeya raised his eyebrows. “I take it that I’m not the first person to ask.” He said as he stepped closer.

The blond hummed as he finished whatever he was writing. He shut the journal and sat up straight. “I had a couple of knights come to me for help. They mentioned strange things happening in their lives since visiting the domain.”

“Like what?”

“Memory loss, inability to lie, loss of sleep; that kind of stuff. Nothing entirely dangerous but bothersome.”

“Have you been able to find a way to stop the curse?”

Albedo paused, and opened his journal back up, flipping to a blank page. “What brings you here, Sir Kaeya? Do you believe you may have been cursed?”

“Why would you think that? I may just be asking on behalf of someone else.”

Albedo just stared at him.

“Alright, fine. I’m not entirely sure it’s related to the domain but my vision has been malfunctioning recently.”

“How so?”

“Despite me not awakening my vision willingly, I have been feeling unnaturally cold. Enough so that I freeze things around me.”

Albedo jotted down whatever he was saying. He held a hand out in Kaeya’s direction. It took a second for Kaeya to realize what he wanted.

He unclipped his vision from his belt and handed it to the alchemist, who stared down at it, with furrowed brows. The first bit of emotion he had seen yet.

“Has it been flickering like this recently?”

“I just noticed it today.” Kaeya moved to sit down on a stool. Despite the vision being off his person, he still felt cold. Colder than before. The itch was beginning to reach a level that didn’t let him focus on anything but it.

“I’m aware that Master Diluc went to the domain with you, has he been experiencing anything like this?”

Kaeya scoffed. “Even if he was, he wouldn't tell me.”

Albedo looked back down at the vision. “Has anything helped your symptoms?”

Kaeya scratched at his wrist, overwhelmed by the buzzing beneath his skin. He focused on Albedo hoping it would somewhat distract him. “No, not that I’ve…” He trailed off as he thought back to the night at the tavern. For just a moment, the buzzing, the itch, disappeared. He felt better than ever. And warm. 

Diluc.

“Kaeya,”

Albedo’s voice snapped him out of whatever that was. His hand was gripping his. He stared down at the point of contact. There was no relief. The itch continued, and the cold only burrowed deeper. His fingers were red and frost once again covered his skin.

“I think I have a theory. I’m going to go and test it out.” Kaeya moved to stand up, grimacing at the way his legs felt weak and numb.

“Kaeya, wait.”

He paused and looked back at Albedo, who had a strange look on his face. Is that concern?

“Yes?”

“I need you to come back immediately if whatever your theory is doesn’t work. Your vision is overreacting to something and if it continues,” Albedo didn’t finish but Kaeya knew exactly what he meant. He looked down at his vision which was flickering even more than before. He reached out and took it from Albedo.

“Alright. It won’t get to that point.”

His walk down to the tavern was miserable. His bones felt stiff with cold, and he couldn’t stop shivering no matter how much he willed himself to stop. His jaw had begun to chatter without his control. 

Though what really bothered him was what he was going to have to do. Of course, that domain would curse him and the only way to stop it is to be in Diluc’s presence. 

He stepped into the tavern to see Diluc wiping away at the counter. It didn’t seem to be a busy night. There were two knights passed out in the back and one barely hanging on. 

He stepped up to the counter, collapsing on his usual stool. He waited for relief as Diluc glared down at him. He waited for that rush of warmth that chased away the discomfort.

Nothing. 

“Are you going to order or just waste my time?” Diluc said as he placed his hands on the counter.

Kaeya’s gaze moved over to his gloved hands. That’s when he remembered that he only got relief when Diluc was directly touching him. 

Without thinking, Kaeya reached out and gripped Diluc’s wrist. He waited for the warmth.

Nothing.

“What the hell are you doing?” Diluc yelled, ripping his arm out of Kaeya’s grip. Kaeya let it happen. “Why are you so cold?”

He tuned out Diluc as he realized that it wasn’t Diluc himself who stopped the curse. Did he have any time to figure out what it was? One glance down at his vision let him know the answer. It was dimmer than before, ice beginning to spread over his body once again. 

The itching began to turn into a horrible ache that had him grimacing. A pressure pressed against his lungs making it hard to breathe.

Then it was gone. He sighed out in relief, nearly falling off the stool but hands held him steady.

“Okay, what is going on with you?”

He opened his eyes to see Diluc holding him steady from across the counter. Warmth radiated from the points of contact on his shoulders. 

And that’s when Kaeya realized what it was. Diluc has to touch him, willingly. 

Kaeya wanted to laugh. Cry. Throw up. All of the above. 

Diluc shook him gently. “Hey!”

“I’m fine. It’s nothing you have to worry about Diluc.”

Diluc took his hands back and crossed his arms. “You come into my tavern, freezing and turning blue and that’s what you have to say?”

“Malfunctioning vision. It’s nothing I can’t fix. Are you having any issues with yours?”

Diluc looked extremely confused. “No. What does that have to do with anything?”

Kaeya smiled, moving to stand up. “Like I said, nothing you have to worry about. Have a great night, Master Diluc.”

Diluc just stared at him with a stupid expression that made Kaeya want to laugh. He walked out and was surprised at how warm the night was. He breathed in deeply, enjoying the lack of discomfort before it came back because it will.

He sure as hell isn't going to tell Diluc a thing. It isn’t affecting him as far as Kaeya can tell, and the last thing he wants to do is tell Diluc that he is the only thing keeping him alive apparently. 

Great.

Chapter Text

The relief lasted throughout the night and for the first few hours of work. It was only noon when he felt the itch begin to creep over his skin once again. He dropped his pen on his desk and sighed heavily. He is not looking forward to tricking Diluc into initiating contact with him again. 

The door opened to his office without a single knock. He opened his mouth to tell whoever it was off but the words died on his tongue when he saw Albedo.

“I’m guessing your theory worked since you no longer look half-dead.”

Kaeya smiled and held up his vision which was no longer flickering. “Indeed, my dear alchemist.”

Albedo stepped up to his desk. “What was it?”

He is not going to tell Albedo that his estranged brother is the answer to his problems. How embarrassing. 

“Nothing special. All I know is that it worked. Perhaps it isn’t related to the domain at all.”

Albedo seemed to see right through him but let Kaeya have it. “If it starts getting bad again, don’t hesitate to visit my office.” He turned around and left before Kaeya could respond.

He watched the door close and sighed as he looked back down at the unfinished paperwork. The itch was faint enough that he could ignore it but it left him paranoid. Waiting for the point when it is almost painful, unbearable. 

And throughout the day, it gradually worsened. Thankfully he was able to complete some commissions and scout out some enemy camps without any difficulty. The buzz beneath his skin seemed to take longer to come on this time around.

Perhaps it will eventually fade the more Diluc made contact with him? He hopes so.

He was in his apartment when it reached its peak. He paced in his living room as the buzzing did not let him sleep. He felt restless and agitated. If he remained still, the buzzing felt more noticeable. Overwhelming.

He gripped at his hair and clenched his teeth as the shivering worsened. His veins felt as if they were filled with ice. Ice so cold it burned. He groaned and dug his nails into his scalp.

He stumbled to the ground as his legs went numb. His harsh breaths filled the silence. He opened his eyes to see his breath come out in a plume of frost. His fingernails were tinted blue and his hands a bright red as frost spread across his skin and over his gloves. He crawled over to his fireplace which was burning bright and emitting a calming red light. 

The heat from the fire didn’t reach him. 

It didn’t melt the ice, it didn’t stop the shivering. Nothing. He hit the ground with his fist in frustration. It’s too late at night to get Diluc. He waited too long. He is such a coward.

Angel’s Share closed two hours ago and Diluc must already be back at the winery. In his condition, there is no way he would be able to walk over there.

He leaned down and pressed his forehead to the ground as he gasped, his lungs feeling as if they were being frozen solid. No amount of breathing deeply can get them to fully expand. 

He has to get help. There has to be people awake around this time.

He lifted his frozen hand and awakened his vision. His window shattered as he sent out a pillar of ice big enough to be seen from outside.

Awakening his vision might have been a mistake. As the cold came over him in a brutal wave. He collapsed onto his side as he finally stopped shivering. Instead, it felt as if his body was on fire.

He choked on a scream. It left his lips before his lungs retaliated and forced out the air from within them. 

He couldn’t breathe. He couldn't breathe.

There was something in the distance. A voice. Banging. Kaeya could only focus on his darkening vision, the way his hearing was muffled.

A red blur appeared above him and Kaeya looked at it deliriously, at how it moved frantically.

Then the cold left him. It released its hold on him so quick it took him a moment to realize he was still conscious. The buzzing was gone leaving nothing but an echo of it in his limbs. He was so used to feeling it, that he felt almost empty without it. And he felt warm.

So warm.

His eyes burned and once he blinked did he realized they were open. His vision came back slowly. His hearing returned instantly.

“Kaeya! Kaeya, hey! What’s wrong? What's happening?”

It took a moment for his oxygen-deprived brain to recognize the voice. His vision cleared allowing him to see Diluc. His expression was something he hadn’t seen in years. He looked terrified. He was wrapped in his arms, against his chest. A familiar black jacket was draped over his body.

And he felt so warm.

Diluc shook him, his voice taking on a hysterical lilt when his eyes closed. “Don’t you dare do that. Kaeya, please say something. Are you injured, how can I help you?”

Kaeya listened to his rambles, wanting to smile. Because in front of him is the brother he remembers. No longer was he all glares, hard edges, and very few words. He was his loud, nervous, shy big brother. The slight stutter when he went on his nervous ramblings was present and it made Kaeya content with dying at that moment.

But he wasn’t dying. Not anymore.

He was able to breathe, the ice was gone. He lifted his hands to see them returning back to their normal color. 

“I have something to tell you.”

Diluc just stared at him in silence after Kaeya explained everything. He sat on the couch beside him. Behind them, curtains billowed as the broken window let in the gentle wind. It was warm, smelling of petrichor. Kaeya relaxed at the feeling. 

“You are sure?” Diluc finally said.

“Unless you have a better idea as to why my vision is trying to freeze me alive and only you can stop it.”

Diluc pursed his lips and averted his gaze. The atmosphere was tense and awkward. 

“So, at the tavern, you were trying to stop it?”

“It was mainly to test out my theory and I was utterly wrong. You have to be the one to initiate contact.”

Diluc rubbed at the point between his eyebrows. “There has to be a way to stop it.”

Kaeya leaned back against the couch. “The domain might be our only answer. I’ll speak with the Chief Alchemist in the morning. Perhaps, he has some information on the others who were cursed.”

“Cursed,” Diluc repeated, his voice flat. 

Kaeya glanced over at him, Diluc continued to stare down at his hands. “What were you doing here so late anyway?”

Diluc just stared at him, unimpressed.

“Ah. Forget I asked.”

“One moment I’m scouting the city, next thing I see is a pillar of ice shatter your window.”

Kaeya shrugged with a grin. “I had to get someone's attention otherwise I would have been turned into a human popsicle.”

Diluc didn’t find that funny. 

“Okay, well, that ordeal is over with. I won’t keep you any longer. You can go ahead and do whatever illegal activities you were up to.”

Diluc shifted to look at him. “Is it safe for you to be alone?”

Kaeya waved him off. “I’ll be fine. It takes a couple hours until it gets bad.”

“And you will come to me if it does.”

“Yeah, yeah. You won’t have to deal with me any more than what’s necessary, don’t worry.”

Diluc furrowed his brows and opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself. He stood up and headed in the direction of the front door.

Kaeya remained seated and instead glanced back at his shattered window with a sigh. That is going to be a pain to fix.

After a bout of silence and not hearing the front door open, he turned to see Diluc still at the front door, his back to him. Kaeya waited just a couple more seconds but DIluc didn’t budge. He sighed out through his nose.

“You can stay if it makes you feel better.”

Diluc turned around at that, his body no longer tense. “That would be best. We cannot,” He paused. “Let’s not let it get to that point again.” He shook his head, a haunted look in his eyes.

They parted ways. Kaeya went to his room and Diluc remained in the living room, sitting on the couch. Kaeya dug out some unused blankets from his closet and brought them over to Diluc who remained sitting awkwardly on the couch. 

Kaeya found himself missing Diluc’s yelling, his glares, hell, even his cold silence. Whatever this is, it is deeply familiar and it made his skin crawl. It reminded him of a past that was far from his reach. Yet now that small bits and pieces came alive before him, the possibility of them being ripped away from him again scared him. 

He needed to get away and do what he does best, distance himself.

He placed the blankets down next to Diluc and swiftly turned to head to the comfort of his room but Diluc stopped him. Warmth ran up his arm from where Diluc gripped onto his wrist. Kaeya turned and raised an eyebrow in question but the redhead remained silent.

“It doesn’t happen that quickly. You don’t have to worry.” Kaeya said as he pulled his hand out of Diluc’s grip. Diluc didn't say anything and instead let it happen. “Get some rest.” He moved away and walked to his room, hoping Diluc wouldn’t stop him.

He didn’t.

***

Kaeya very much did not get any sleep. He laid there staring at the ceiling for the remaining hours of the night and got up just as morning broke. He snuck past Diluc’s sleeping form and made his way to the headquarters where he threw himself back into work.

Paranoia followed him, clinging to the back of his neck as he waited for the itch or the cold. It was distracting. His ability to focus on his reports was hindered. So he did the next best thing: go and complete some commissions.

The first one he was given was to chase away some slimes. Once he killed the last one, he breathed in the distinct smell of ozone from electro slimes and welcomed the feeling of peace he gets after a fight.

However, that peace was quickly shattered as he noticed the faint buzzing over his skin. The itch. It’s here.

He turned and nearly ran the entire way back to the city. The knights stationed at the entrance greeted him with smiles but he could only muster up a weak grin. He made his way to the tavern but stopped when he heard yells in the distance. He spared a glance at the tavern before groaning and following the sound of the yells. Next to the fountain was a man dressed in infirmary attire. As he stepped closer he recognized the man. It was Alder, one of the knights that was possibly cursed.

“Help me, please.” He yelled as he ran from bystander to bystander. “They are after me. They put something in me, I can feel it crawling beneath my skin!” His eyes were crazed with the darkest eye bags he had ever seen. The bystanders grew nervous as he continued to ramble on about something regarding spiders.

“Alder, let’s get you back to the infirmary,” Kaeya said with a gentle voice.

“No!” He spun around to face him. “You must be with them. I can’t go back. I can’t. They keep giving me poison! They are trying to kill me!”

Two knights ran into the growing crowd. “Everyone give him some space. He just needs some rest.” 

Together along with some ladies from the church, they dragged Alder back to the infirmary. One knight walked in his direction. 

“Captain, I have been sent by the Acting Grandmaster to summon you to her office.”

Kaeya groaned internally. The itch was only worsening by the minute. He really needed to find Diluc. 

“Can it wait?”

“It is urgent.”

Kaeya complied and made his way to the headquarters. He made haste to Jean’s office and was surprised to see Albedo standing beside her.

“Kaeya, I’m glad you are here.” She said, meeting him halfway.

“What is it that is so urgent?” He asked as he closed the door behind him. He suppressed a shiver.

“Albedo mentioned that he explained some of this with you but we have a couple knights who have fallen ill recently. Each with unexplainable illnesses.”

“Yes, he mentioned that. Alder was just down in the city screaming about spiders and how people are after him.”

“He is our most severe case. He has not gotten any sleep no matter how many doses of medicine. He has gotten to the point of hallucination and delusions.” Albedo explained.

Kaeya’s stomach dropped. “And the others?”

“We have a knight whose nightmares have turned into night terrors that nearly send him into cardiac arrest, a knight who lost his voice is struggling to breathe, and another who had very minor memory loss is now not retaining any memories at all.”

Kaeya listened with a pounding heart. Each beat sent a wave of ice throughout his body. The itch was beginning to feel more like the prickling of needles.

“I have ordered knights to stay away from the domain as it may be more dangerous than we once thought. Kaeya, you and Master Diluc went in there. Have either of you been feeling off?”

“Highly doubt Master Diluc would tell me if he did, but he appears well.”

Jean narrowed her eyes at him. He hoped the small tremors weren’t visible to her. Though he underestimated Albedo who knew to look at his flickering vision.

“Kaeya came to me recently with a problem he has been having with his vision. He was ice cold and pale. I have a reasonable suspicion that it is due to the domain.”

Kaeya glared half-heartedly at Albedo who only raised an eyebrow back. 

“Kaeya, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I assumed it was unrelated and I didn’t think it was serious enough.”

“You don’t look good right now. I think you should go to the infirmary.” Jean stepped forward, her eyebrows furrowed.

“That won’t help. Trust me. It’s best–”

Whatever lie he was about to spew was interrupted by the doors bursting open behind him. To his surprise, it was Diluc himself.

He surveyed the room before his eyes landed on Kaeya and his eyes widened before he crossed the room and grabbed Kaeya’s wrist angrily.

“What happened to finding me before it gets bad?” 

He relaxed as the warmth filled his body, chasing away the cold and the itch.

“I was a bit busy.”

“I don’t care how busy you are. I don’t want a repeat of last night.”

“Last night?” Jean asked.

Diluc startled as if he had forgotten they were there. “I found Kaeya nearly dead last night.” 

Jean’s eyes widened and Albedo looked alarmed.

“You said it wasn’t serious.”

Kaeya rubbed at his neck. “We have it under control.”

“How so?” Albedo asked.

“Apparently his curse goes away if I willingly make contact with him,” Diluc said raising Kaeya's arm from where he was still gripping his wrist. 

Jean looked pissed. “If that’s the case, Kaeya, I want you to remain with Diluc until we find a way to resolve this issue. That will either be in the infirmary or Dawn Winery.”

“Hey, now, no need for that.”

“I think it's a great idea,” Diluc replied, to his surprise. “I can’t trust you to come to me before your symptoms get bad so having you under one roof would be best.”

“And that means, you are to take some time off Kaeya. And that’s an order.” She finished off before Kaeya could argue.

Stunned, Kaeya allowed himself to be pulled out of the headquarters by his wrist.

“You know you don't have to hold me, right? I doubt it makes any difference.” 

Diluc didn’t say anything but let go of his wrist. He walked beside Diluc in silence. They both made their way down the city. His stomach rolled with anxiety.

“I don’t think this is a good idea?”

Diluc sighed. “What is?”

“Staying at the Dawn Winery. Why not just schedule a specific meeting or stay at my apartment here?”

Diluc shook his head. “Who knows how long this will last. I need to be able to work while I watch over you. Dawn Winery is the best option.”

Kaeya averted his gaze. “I don’t want to intrude.”

Diluc turned sharply to look at him. “You aren’t. I offered.”

Kaeya continued to avoid Diluc’s heavy gaze. 

“Kaeya.”

“Forget I said anything. Let’s just get this over with.” 

The rest of the walk was quiet. Painfully quiet. Kaeya tried his best to say anything so that it filled the silence but his throat clenched around any words threatening to spill. He watched the Dawn Winery grow closer with unease. The familiar smell of the grapevines only made his chest ache. He smiled at the Winery staff as he passed by, though it was strained.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. Diluc made up some illness to Adelinde as an excuse for why he is there and that prompted the woman to fuss over him. While Kaeya wanted to enjoy it, to relax in the familiarity of it, he was unable to. It was just…too much. Dinner was awkward with Diluc watching him closely for any symptoms. The itch had surprisingly taken longer to appear. It was just a faint ache that he was able to ignore.

That didn’t stop Diluc, who would grab his arm every hour. During dinner, he reached out across the table without warning Kaeya. Afterward, he forced Kaeya to stay in his office, which was horribly boring, and he would stand up, stretch, and grab his arm every couple of minutes. Kaeya would just roll his eyes.

“You haven’t even given the symptoms time to appear.”

“Let’s keep it that way,” Diluc said as he moved back to sit down at his desk.

“How are you going to keep this up? You can’t wake up every hour throughout the night to stop it. You have to trust me to come to you.”

It looked like Diluc hadn’t even thought about what they were going to do during the night. His eyebrows furrowed. He opened his mouth.

“No, I am not sleeping in your room.”

“Then I guess I’ll just keep watch throughout the night.”

Kaeya fixed him with a blank stare. “And what, keep that up for days? Weeks? Months? Who knows how long this will last.”

Diluc sighed. 

“I’ll be fine. I have a couple of hours at most until it becomes unbearable. I will come to you if anything. Okay?”

Diluc hesitated for a long moment. “Okay.”

“Alright. Well, I’m going to go hit the sack. Don’t stay up too late.” He said as he left the office, surprised at how easy it was becoming to act as if this was normal. As if nothing ever changed. 

One of the maids showed him to his room. He hoped it would be one of the untouched guest rooms but to his horror, it was his room. His old room. 

He stayed staring at the door long after the maid left. Across the hallway was Diluc’s room. It made sense why Diluc chose this arrangement but he badly wanted to punch Diluc in that stupid face of his. 

He pushed open the door and felt his heart clench. It was all the same except for the twin bed swapped out for a bigger bed. Everything else, his books, his decorations, even the blue paint on the walls remained. 

The image of his childhood bedroom became blurred. He reached up and wiped away the tears threatening to spill.

“I thought it would be best to have you close.” A voice startled him out of…whatever that was. 

He turned around to see Diluc standing just outside the room’s threshold. He opted to turn away so Diluc wouldn’t see that he was crying. Though it was too late.

“Good idea.” Go to hell, he wanted to say instead, how dare you do this to me. How dare you show me something that I want so badly only for you to eventually snatch it away.

He breathed out as he felt the itch crawl over his neck. The buzzing beneath his skin turned painful. He forced himself to face Diluc who looked startled at the temperature change in the room.

He held his hand out. “It’s starting.”

Diluc didn’t hesitate and grabbed his wrist before he looked up at Kaeya. “I thought you said you had a couple of hours.”

“I usually do. I don’t know why it came on so fast.”

Diluc expression tightened into that of worry. And he hated it. 

He pulled his wrist out of Diluc’s grasp. “I feel much better thank you,” he stepped towards the door. “Have a good night.” And he closed the door In Diluc’s face. He heard a sigh followed by quiet footsteps. 

The itch didn’t come back that night thankfully. He woke up to Diluc walking in the room. The sun was shining in through his blue curtains and Diluc grabbed his hand before excusing himself for work. The rest of the day was spent mindlessly wandering the mansion, avoiding certain rooms like the plague. He read in the library but quickly grew bored. He annoyed and chatted with some of the staff but he let them go eventually so they could work. He took a walk around the perimeter. Despite all of that, he felt restless.

The itch wasn’t coming back. He waited and waited but nothing. Not even the gentle buzzing that warned him of its presence. It made him anxious when he should be happy that perhaps he is cured but something in his gut told him that wasn’t the case. Every victim of the domain started off with mild symptoms until it worsened in some way. This must be the threshold where it gets worse.

Kaeya didn’t voice that to Diluc. The last thing he wanted was to scare the redhead into taking more drastic actions. 

That night he was unable to sleep, waiting for the inevitable pain. Though it didn’t come. Not for hours. Not until his body finally gave in to sleep.

He woke up to his body on fire. He let out a strangled gasp as the fire spread through his veins, charring his body from the inside out. The vision on his nightstand flickered like a rapid heartbeat. 

Diluc. He needs Diluc. 

He pushed past the pain with gritted teeth and went to stand up but his legs gave away from beneath him. He crumpled to the ground but he managed to catch himself with his hands

No. No, no, no.

He dragged himself to the door as the pain only worsened. 

“Diluc!” He attempted to yell but it came out strangled, quiet. He pressed his forehead against the hardwood and clenched his fists as the pain brought tears to his eyes. There was a point where the only thing he could do was lay still as a wave of agony came over him that made his vision white out. He grunted and curled into himself.

And then the heat turned cold almost too quickly. His body grew terrifyingly numb and it became harder to breathe. 

Out of panic, he lifted his head and yelled out with a broken voice. “Diluc!” This time it worked. He only hoped he heard him as he rolled over onto his side, shivering. His surroundings blurred around him and his eyes threatened to close but he forced them open as he heard running footsteps. 

Someone was grabbing him, yelling something. He waited for the warmth, but there was nothing. His stomach plummeted because it was not working. 

The hands gripping his wrists moved to grip his shoulders, and then his face, but nothing. 

He heaved and gasped as air no longer went into his lungs. His head felt like it would burst.

Over his gasps, he heard another voice, this one female. 

Then it was all gone. The cold, the pain. He gasped like a drowned man as his throat finally allowed in air and his lungs finally expanded. It took a moment for his surroundings to register but he felt himself being held. His upper body was pulled into a tight hug that sent warmth through his body, chasing away the cold. 

“Kaeya?” Diluc’s voice was airy, out of breath. 

Unlike the last time, he didn’t recover from the episode immediately after Diluc made contact. His body was heavy and his brain was clouded. He was lowered slightly so Diluc could look down at his face. His tense body relaxed as he saw Kaeya blinking up at him.

“It wasn't working. Nothing was.” His voice cracked and it sent a jolt up Kaeya’s spine. 

A gentle hand pressed against his forehead. He looked over to see Adelinde’s teary face. 

At that moment he felt so helpless. This could have ended differently. 

As two pairs of pained eyes stared down at him, his face scrunched up with emotions he had been trying so hard to bury. He lifted a heavy hand and covered his face as he clenched his teeth to prevent himself from making any noise. Tears burned at his eyes and his throat ached. It was only made worse when Adelinde moved in to hug him as well, her body shaking with choked sobs. 

“We almost lost you.” 

Chapter Text

No one slept after that. All three of them moved to the living room where they sat on the couches. The fireplace burned bright in front of them. Kaeya had a blanket wrapped around him that he pulled tighter around himself. The early morning sun was peeking into the manor as if to also join in on the tense atmosphere.

Diluc shifted closer and without saying a word held his hand. The cold he didn’t realize was already present refused to be washed away, but he didn’t voice it to Diluc. Neither of them made a move to let go. 

“I knew it was going to get worse.” Kaeya blurted out before he could stop himself.

Diluc turned his head to look at him, his grip tightening. “What?”

“The other knights all afflicted with a curse got worse at some point. Being unable to sleep suddenly turned into delusions and hallucinations. Another began having nightmares that nearly stopped their heart. It was only a matter of time.”

Diluc leaned forward as he listened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Telling you would have done nothing. It was inevitable. Who knows how it gets from here on out. I’m not aware of the situation back at the headquarters so I’m unsure of how the curse progresses from here.”

Diluc used his free hand to rub at his face. “I don’t care how useless you think it is to tell me. Just tell me next time. Stop hiding things. It only ends terribly for the both of us.”

Kaeya nodded. “Holding hands isn’t doing anything for the cold. I think the curse has become resistant.” He admitted.

Diluc pulled his hand away and Kaeya let him. What he didn’t expect was for arms to wrap around him. Diluc was hugging him, willingly. Albeit a bit stiff and awkward but a hug nonetheless. Kaeya relaxed and let out a sigh as the cold vanished.

“It’s gone.”

Diluc pulled away reluctantly. “What if it continues to gain resistance? What if I can’t help you anymore?”

Kaeya didn’t answer because he didn’t even want to think of that possibility. Whatever scenario went through Diluc’s head had him standing up, his expression back to its usual scowl.

“Where are you going?” Adelinde asked as Diluc stomped away.

“To that damned domain. I’m not waiting around for things to get worse.”

Kaeya stood up. “I’m coming with you.”

Diluc spun around. “No, you are not.”

Kaeya tilted his head. “So what, you want me to stay here by myself? What if the symptoms come back and you are not here to fix it?”

Silence.

Diluc groaned. “Fine.” He walked out of the living room. 

Adelinde and Kaeya looked at each other with matching expressions. 

“Well, I better go get ready.” 

Adelinde stood up and stepped closer to him with a nod. “Just be careful.”

Kaeya smiled. “As always.”

She smiled back with noticeably shinier eyes before crushing him in a hug. “Find a way to break that curse and come back, okay?” 

“Okay.”

***

The trek to the domain wasn’t too bad as it fell closer to the Winery than the city. Part of him worried that the domain would be gone from its spot as if it never existed but low and behold, it ominously stood just ahead of them.

It seemed like what they did to temporarily seal the domain was useless because the large doors opened before them as they did the first time. They stared at the entrance silently.

“What’s the plan?” Kaeya asked.

Diluc remained silent.

“You do have a plan right?” More silence. “Diluc!”

“There has to be something that we can turn off or kill that will stop the curse,” Diluc said as he stepped onto the domain steps.

“Unbelievable.” He said, following after Diluc. The inside was just as it was before. Empty. 

“Is the writing still on the walls?” 

Kaeya shook his head. “No.” The walls lacked anything really. It was unsettling how quiet it was. It felt as if at any moment, something would jump out at them. “This was a stupid idea.”

Diluc spun around angrily. “And what, just sitting around while we wait for you to die is a better idea?”

“There is nothing here, Master Diluc!” He yelled back. “What good would it do if stepping in here curses you too?!”

Diluc reached up and pressed his palms into his eyes angrily. “There has to be something. Last time there was all that writing on the walls, like some kind of magic. Only you were able to see it at first. Are you lying about not being able to see the writing? Is that what this is?”

Kaeya dropped his hands from where they were crossed against his chest. “You think I’m lying?”

“That’s all you have been doing!”

Kaeya laughed coldly because this was just fantastic. “I should’ve known that you still see me as a liar.” He ignored the prickling creeping over his body.

“You have given me no other choice! All you do is lie and evade. It’s what you do best.”

The words were scalding. The prickling over his skin turned into a burning pain, mild enough that he ignored it.

Kaeya grinned, a little too wide. “I don’t know why I even try. You will never see me as anything else. I’m leaving.”

Diluc blocked his path. “And what, let yourself die?”

“Why do you care if I die?” He said through clenched teeth, feeling a heat coming from his chest. He couldn’t tell if it was anger or the curse. “Hell, dying would make your life easier, wouldn't it? You will no longer have to deal with a liar like me.”

“How dare you say that!” Diluc stepped closer looking utterly furious. “You don’t know anything about me or what I want.”

“And who’s fault is that?” The anger he was feeling was unnatural. It felt forced. He took a step back and focused on his surroundings. The writing on the walls was back and glowing. His eyes widened in realization.

“My fault?” Diluc spat out. 

“Master Diluc–”

“You think it was my fault? You were the one who lied to us!”

“Diluc stop! It's the domain–”

“You broke everything. You ruined everything! That day I wanted my brother and all I got was liar and spy in return.” The words were dripping with venom. “There are days I wish it was you instead of him.”

Kaeya stumbled back at those words, feeling the cold eagerly cling to his bones in response.

Diluc deflated as if the anger left him all at once. His own eyes widened.

“Kaeya–”

Whatever he was about to say was interrupted by the domain's entrance closing with a loud bang. A large barrier appeared, separating the domain in two equal halves, and in turn separating Kaeya and Diluc.

Kaeya looked around in panic because this was the first time the domain had done anything. He pressed his hand against the shimmering barrier to feel it solid against his palm. 

“What the hell is this?” Diluc said as he stepped up to the barrier.

Kaeya opened his mouth to reply but he could only scream as the cold switched to a heat that had him hunching forward.

“Kaeya!” Diluc yelled as he banged on the barrier.

Kaeya breathed in deeply and gritted his teeth as the heat retreated just enough for it to be bearable. “It’s starting.” He gasped out. 

Diluc breathed heavily, his hands pressed against the barrier. “It won’t let me get to you.”

Kaeya shut his eyes in realization. “This must be your curse. To watch me die.”

***

Kaeya sat on the domain floor as he watched Diluc hit the barrier with his claymore for what felt like the hundredth time. 

“Master Diluc.” Kaeya sighed out.

Diluc didn’t stop and instead continued with newfound strength, lighting his claymore on fire while at it. Kaeya watched, feeling the itch only worsen every second. 

“Diluc, stop. No matter how many times you do it, it’s not going to work.”

Diluc stopped, dismissing his claymore, and leaned against the barrier as he panted. “It’s my fault. I brought us here.”

Kaeya shook his head even though he knew Diluc couldn’t see him. “We would have come eventually. You were right. Coming here and facing it was better than waiting around.”

Diluc turned to face him. “Yet look at our situation now!”

“Stop. No more yelling. Please. I’ve had enough of it.” Kaeya said as he closed his eyes to bear through another wave of heat. Once it retreated he opened his eyes to see Diluc’s face scrunched up into something ugly.

“I’m sorry. For everything I said.”

Kaeya smiled. “The domain was heightening our emotions. It’s okay. I understand.”

Diluc shook his head. “No, there is no excuse for what I said.”

Kaeya averted his gaze, instead looking down at his vision. It flickered faintly. He pulled himself closer to the barrier, closer to Diluc, and gently placed his vision on the ground between them. “If I don’t make it out of here—”

“That’s where I’m going to stop you,” Diluc said, pushing away from the barrier, looking around as if there was something he may have missed.

“Just let me say it, because soon I won’t be able to,” Kaeya called out to him.

“No! We are getting out of here. Both of us. Everything will go back to the way things were.” 

Something about what Diluc said must have not sat well with the domain as there was a deep rumble followed by the writing on the walls glowing just a bit brighter. Kaeya’s scream had Diluc spinning around only to see him hunched over on his knees, clutching at his chest. His feet were moving before his brain registered what was happening.

He dropped to his knees in front of the barrier, pressing his hands against the barrier. “Kaeya?” He called out as Kaeya only continued to scream. His voice was hoarse and airy. 

He lifted his head as he gasped for air and met Diluc’s gaze. His eye was clouded with pain and desperation as he lifted a shaking hand to the barrier. "Diluc." He choked out with a broken voice. Diluc went to reach for him but was cruelly stopped by the barrier. He slammed his fist against the barrier in frustration.

Kaeya jolted as if hit and curled back into himself as he let out small sounds of pain. His vision was pulsing erratically as if sensing his distress.

Diluc shook his head frantically. “Please.” He said to anyone that was listening. To any archon. “Venti! Barbatos!” He called out, his voice echoing beside Kaeya’s heaving. 

He called upon his vision and attempted to burn through the barrier but like before, the barrier held strong.

The temperature dropped in the domain and he watched as Kaeya listed over sideways and fell onto the ground, writhing as frost began to coat the stone floor. Kaeya’s eye was no longer looking for him but rather was staring off widely. 

“Kaeya, hold on. I will get us out of here. I will find something.” He yelled, searching the domain for something. Anything. His throat closed up as there was nothing he could do, and he knew it. He stared helplessly as Kaeya’s screams and heavy breathing quieted into shallow breaths. His skin was pale as frost continued to spread over his body. 

“Stop.” His voice came out quiet. “Stop!” He yelled up at the domain. “What do you want me to do? I’ll do anything! Just leave him alone!”

There was only silence as Kaeya’s breaths continued to get quieter. He shook his head hysterically and he banged on the barrier. Realization crashed over Diluc at that moment. His hands fell away from the barrier limply. 

He was going to lose him. He was going to lose his brother. 

No matter how much he wanted to get up and continue hitting at the barrier until it finally gave away, he knew it would only waste time. One glance at Kaeya’s fading vision proved that. 

“Kaeya, look at me.” 

And he did. Kaeya turned his head to the side and the glossy blue eye met his. Diluc smiled wetly.

Diluc moved as close to Kaeya as possible. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry and I wish I wasn’t apologizing to you under these circumstances because I should’ve done it earlier.” 

Kaeya watched him silently, breathing shallowly as his lips turned a horrifying shade of blue.

Diluc pushed on. “I miss you.” He paused as his throat spasmed, tears blurring his view of Kaeya. “Despite that, I pushed you away and hurt you. I hurt you so much.”

Kaeya’s eye blinked sluggishly, a tear running from the corner and into his hair.

“If anything I am the liar. I don’t want things to go back to how they were before. I want it to be different. I want you back in my life.” Diluc took a moment to take a shuddering breath. “I want my brother back.”

And Kaeya smiled.

It was a weak, shaky smile but it was enough to knock the air from Diluc’s lungs. Diluc averted his gaze and didn’t care that a sob broke free. 

He looked up to see that blank look come over Kaeya's face once again. His body visibly shivered. All of this felt strangely familiar.

Diluc blinked and in Kaeya's place was his father. Shuddering breaths and all as blood loss began to get to him. He was in pain. So much pain. Diluc couldn't let it continue so he had to make a choice. His father looked at him with so much trust as he understood what came next. He remembers driving his blade through his father's chest and feeling so relieved when his pained grunts and shuddering breaths finally stopped. Because that meant he was finally at peace. 

And once again, right before him, was his family in agony. Kaeya looked to be lost in pain as his eye clouded over once again. 

“Close your eye, Kaeya. I’ll be here, okay?" Diluc forced out despite how he wanted the opposite. "You won’t ever be alone again.” 

Kaeya found his gaze and remained staring at him.

"Please, Kaeya. Just let go. I'll be okay." He said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. 

Kaeya stared at him with so much trust and relief before finally closing his eye, forcing out more tears that froze against his skin. 

And Diluc crumpled against the barrier. “I love you so much. I always have, because you’re my little brother.” He said, hoping it followed Kaeya to wherever he was going. His body which had been wound so tight and shivering, went so limp. 

His vision flickered weakly beneath him once, twice, and went dark. 

He held his breath and waited for any slight glow from the vision but it was empty. Dark. 

"Don't go." He whispered, even though he knew he was already gone. "Don't go somewhere I can't follow."

The glowing words around them faded away as if taking Kaeya with them. The domain remained eerily quiet. The barrier refused to disappear.

“You have taken everything from me. What more do you want?” He yelled. 

He nearly fell forward when the barrier vanished. He lifted his head to look at Kaeya. He was still, quiet. Frost coated his body and clothing. Small snowflakes formed on his eyelashes and hair. It was as if he was frozen in time. 

Diluc remained rooted to the spot despite the barrier being gone because what was the point? Part of him wanted to just stay there and let the cold swallow him up too.

Yet, he moved over to Kaeya's side, bringing his vision with him. He kneeled beside his body and stared down at him. At how still and quiet he was. It felt unnatural. Kaeya was always loud and animated with his expressions and movements which made the body below feel like a doll. Vacant. He already felt so far away.

Diluc couldn’t stop the sob that clawed its way out of his throat. He gripped the vision in his hand tight enough that it hurt, even through his gloves, and leaned down to press his forehead against Kaeya’s.

His screams still echoed in his mind. His pained expression still haunted him like an afterimage that would appear every time he closed his eyes. 

He reached down and pulled Kaeya into his arms, a delusional part of him believing it would bring him back just like it did last night, but Kaeya remained still in his arms and so, so cold. 

And what was left of Diluc shattered. He didn’t care how loud he was as there was no one to hear him. He dropped his head and hugged Kaeya tighter to his chest, using his vision to warm him up but the frost and ice refused to melt.

“It’s okay.” He whispered to himself. “Dad will take care of you, Kae.” His voice was brittle. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of Kaeya’s head. He shut his eyes at the ache in his chest.

He lifted his head as he heard a soft gasp. He ignored it as it must be his grief-stricken brain playing tricks on him.

But then Kaeya moved.

He looked down to see Kaeya breathing, his vision slowly gaining back its bright glow. Diluc blinked rapidly as if it would dispel this possible hallucination. It didn’t.

“Kaeya?” His voice was quiet. Hopeful.

He watched with wide eyes as the ice melted before him and color leeched back into his skin. Diluc held his breath until the one eye opened, looking around in confusion.

And Diluc laughed. He laughed and laughed until his expression crumbled and laughter morphed into crying. 

Kaeya looked at him as if he had grown two heads. “Diluc?”

Diluc nodded rapidly. “It’s me.”

“The curse?”

“Broken.” He said with certainty that he shouldn’t have. Yet something told him it was gone. 

Kaeya relaxed in his grip before moving to sit up. Diluc let him but refused to let go of his hand. 

“What now?”

“We go home,” Diluc replied with no hesitance. Kaeya blinked in surprise before smiling gently. 

“Yeah. Let’s go home.” Kaeya tightened his grip on Diluc’s hand. “You big crybaby.”

And Diluc laughed, wiping away the tears with his sleeve. 

Together they stepped into the mid-day sun, taking a moment to let the warmth wash over them. Behind them, the domain closed its doors before disappearing altogether.

“Guess that’s over with,” Kaeya said as they looked back at the now-empty space.

“Things will be different now,” Diluc said sternly. “I promise it won’t go back to how it was.”

Kaeya breathed out deeply, a smile on his face. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Together they walked back to the Winery where Adelinde stood waiting for them. She pulled them both into a hug and for the first time in a long time, they were family again.