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As Dottore examined the tracks of the drake, he found a boy curled in himself, sobbing. He would have never noticed had he not seen the vibrant red hair. The boy was so silent. Intrigued, Dottore kneeled down.
“What are you doing here kid?” he asked
Hearing the other approach, the boy flinched and lifted his head. He quickly wiped his tears as if trying to hide any emotion. “Ah, don’t worry Sir, I’ll be fine…”
Dottore could see the boy was covered in injuries, his jacket coated with red, and patches of what seemed to be frost burns on his arms.
“Those injuries don't look fine” and the other stayed quiet. “What’s your name kid?”
“...Diluc. Diluc Ragnvindr Sir” So this was the Ragnvindr kid everyone talked about, if he remembered correctly, that would mean. Ah. This was Crepus’ kid. Dottore noticed Diluc’s shaky hand clutching a small orb, the kid had his hand on a delusion. Perhaps he’ll be useful.
“Is there anywhere for you to go?” Diluc hesitated before he shook his head. “ How about we make a deal? ”
It'd been months since Diluc accepted Dottore's offer. Although it turned out the man was from the fatui and he was soon thrown into ruthless training to become a recruit. Even his experience from the knight couldn't compare to the exercises from Dottore.
Diluc was selected to be under Dottore's 'care'. The errands and experiments he helped with would say otherwise. He was constantly overworked, it never seemed to end but it was better than to go back to Mondstadt.
Going back would mean he’d have to face his brother and Kaeya would be better without him... He could only hope Kaeya was fine now. After dropping him at the cathedral, he left his vision with Kaeya and ran towards the forest where Dottore had found him.
Diluc had to leave, it was for the better or so he told himself.
Now he found himself sitting in the hall filling out paperwork while the doctor was doing whatever inhuman experiment he was working on now. Diluc didn't mind the fact he didn't have an office. The other recruits on patrol got used to him so no one bothered him anymore.
Which is why it was strange when someone tried to get his attention. Diluc looked up to see the newly recruited fatui harbinger.
“What’s a pretty face like you doing here?” the harbinger asked, tilting his head.
“Lord Tartaglia… What brings you here? Are you searching for Lord Dottore? If so, he’s busy.”
“Ah. not really. I’ve just never seen you before,” he replied
“That would be because I am not one of your men.” Diluc should show more respect in the presence of a harbinger, but his tired body couldn't care less.
"What are you working on?" The harbinger was now on the floor next to Diluc. Definitely not something someone of his position should be doing but who was he to judge?
"Paperwork for Lord Dottore. Nothing interesting I assure you"
“You wouldn’t mind if you kept me company, would you?”
“Do whatever you wish” Diluc had heard from passing rumours the 11th harbinger was strange… but he’d never seen it first-hand until now. Diluc continued to work in silence while the harbinger idly played with bubbles of hydro in his hands.
Diluc could tell that Tartaglia was young. It showed in the nature of his actions and how he presented himself. He looked young, maybe a year or two younger than Diluc. Freckles covered his face; he could see them faintly going down to his neck.
The messy mop of ginger hair on his head could be tidied, but it went along with his deep blue eyes, although Diluc could see they lacked a certain shine. Before he knew it, he was staring at Tartaglia.
“Is there something on my face?” the harbinger joked
“No… sorry-” Before he could finish the sentence, Diluc started coughing. Maybe he was worse off than he thought
“Are you okay?” The concern was apparent on Tartaglia’s face but definitely not deserving for someone like Diluc.
“Just peachy, don’t worry '' He covered his mouth as he started coughing again. The harbinger’s attention on him changed, although he couldn't figure out why. Instead of concern, it was intrigue as he stared at Diluc’s hand.
“I’ve never seen a delusion like that before. Where did you-” Targalia was soon cut off by Dottore
“Childe. You’re not bothering my subordinates are you?”
“Of course not!”
Diluc interpreted their conversation and quickly stood up “Lord Dottore. The paperwork you requested.”
“Great job, as usual. Come with me I have some more things for you”
“Of course” He turned towards Childe “Farewell, Lord Tartaglia.” and quickly made haste.
Surprisingly Diluc would see the harbinger only weeks later. He was enjoying a rare break outside. The cold could never replace the gentle breeze in Mondstadt but the chilly environment was still better than being stuck inside doing paperwork.
It seemed the 8th harbinger was fond of flowers, as the palace had many gardens under her name. Not that Diluc was complaining though, the scenery was a nice change. He leaned against a tree and just like before it wasn't long until a certain harbinger came around.
“Lord Tartaglia. I’m currently on break. If you need any assistance you’ll have to find someone else unless it's urgent I can help-”
Tartaglia interrupted Diluc before he could finish his sentence. “Ah, there’s really no need. I just came here to relax, so you can forget the titles”
“Are you sure?” Working with Dottore, Diluc was always sceptical of any tricks. But if rumours were right about the harbinger’s honesty then maybe Childe was telling the truth.
“Come on Red, I promise nothing will happen” Childe held his pinky towards Diluc
Diluc blankly stares at the hand in front of him. “What are you doing?”
“I'm making a pinky promise. Surely you know what this is”
“Of course I know but no offence only children do this sort of thing” Childe only smiled brightly and took Diluc’s hand, forcing their pinkies to link.
“Childish or not, I'm serious about my promises. Nothing will happen I just want to get to know you”
Diluc shakes his head in disbelief. The 11th harbinger, one of the most feared names on the battlefield, was sitting on the ground making pinky promises like some sort of child . The absurdity of the situation makes him smile.
“Alright. Do as you wish” Diluc finds himself enjoying the silence as they sit together. Though it didn't last long, he still soaked the atmosphere in.
“What’s your role? You’re always doing paperwork when I pass by but I’ve seen that delusion. Are you a fighter too?”
“I wouldn’t say I’m a fighter anymore, but it’s mostly whatever Dottore wants. I can’t get into specifics even with your Harbinger title”
Childe hummed in understanding, the harbingers tend not to get involved with each other's businesses unless it called for it. “When you say you're not a fighter anymore, does that mean you used to be one?”
“I guess you can say that. Why?”
“So I was right about you. Say, what about a friendly spar between the two of us?”
“I couldn’t possibly go against a harbinger." Diluc then looked around quickly "What if someone saw?”
“I thought we were forgetting titles and if anyone does anything, i’ll say it was my idea don’t worry.”
“Maybe another time”
“You can’t tease me like that”
“Guess you’ll have to learn to be more patient,” Diluc teased.
From that point they seem to find each other more often. Although Diluc was questioning how the Harbinger had so much free time. He suspected he was neglecting his own duties to see Diluc. The gesture was cute though.
Childe would ask to spar every time without fail, and Diluc would have to reject him. But they would have fun just talking to each other to pass the time. Simple matters about work, funny stories, and even why Diluc was even in the fatui.
Diluc found himself opening up about parts of his past, his relationship with his brother, and how he always wanted to know what really caused his father’s death.
In turn Childe would tell Diluc about his own family, the siblings he adores, how he was from a small fishing town, and how he lies to keep his family safe. There was so much they didn’t know about each other but they could even be considered friends.
However over time Diluc’s cough got worse too and, eventually, Childe called him out on it.
“You’re sick.”
“No, I’m not.” He replied defensively
“Is Dottore working you too hard? Do I need to-”
“You don't have to do anything. I can look after myself just fine” And the conversation ended there.
So with every visit, Diluc’s health was declining as well. He could feel his memory of the past fading with each day. He was sure he was going to work himself to death under Dottore’s care but his life wasn’t worth much anyway.
Diluc was sitting in the hall again, paperwork in hand as he tried to work through this awful fever. He was fine though… Diluc felt like he would pass out any moment, the words on the page seemed blurry, were they always that blurry? Before he could push himself further he felt someone tugging at his arm.
“Childe? You know I’m working right?”
“Not like that, you aren't. Come with me” Used to the ginger’s antics now Diluc only followed. If anything happened he’d blame it on Childe.
The other dragged him to what Diluc presumes is his office and made him sit on the sofa. Soon after he felt the effects of cool hydro against his skin. The hydro washing over him seems to calm the fever down as well. Diluc can’t help but lean into the touch after going so long without proper contact with someone.
“Shit, you’re burning up. How are you still working?”
“It’s not that bad” Diluc mumbled
Childe stared at him hard before sighing “I’m going to get you out there someday”
“Sure you will. But you forget Dottore actually outranks you, you don’t have any say in this”
“I’ll figure out the way. Just wait”
“Why are you even doing this? Sure we hang out but we barely know each other.”
“I like to think I know you a lot more than you realise” Seeing Diluc’s disbelief Childe takes it as a challenge and continues.
“Sure, we don't know everything about each other, but I know you’re a kind person. Never once do you refer to me as your superior when it's just us”
“I’m just respecting your wishes” he mumbled
“I know you miss your brother in Mondstadt no matter how complicated things are. I know you care for the family you left behind and I know you want to find out what really caused your father's death.”
Dilcu stayed silent at that so Childe continued, “I promise I’ll get you out of there and I’ll help you find out everything about your dad”
“Alright… You better keep your promise then.”
“I will, don’t worry. Just rest”
Diluc lied on the sofa, in the now silent office and soon fell asleep.
The process was surprisingly easy… Whatever Childe did worked. Against all odds Diluc was moved into Childe’s division. He can’t imagine Dottore being happy about this though. When Diluc got the energy to ask how Childe had managed this, he only smiled and said “I told you I would, didn't I?”
Diluc was too tired to have a comeback then. He was just relieved it was finally over. Perhaps even the beginning of something new.
Working with Childe was.. Different. Diluc wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.
After recovering from whatever illness he’d caught he started working beside Childe on various missions. Most of the contents behind them were unclear to Diluc, but at least he was going places around Snezhnaya instead of staying indoors.
Diluc was sure these missions were only meant for the harbinger but who was he to complain when the other smiled at him so brightly explaining their next task?
Of all the missions debt collection in theory sounded like it should be easy yet every time it ended in bloodshed. A few were too arrogant and prideful to just hand the money, going so far as to hire others to go against the harbinger.
It was here that Diluc would truly see the tsaritsa weapon in action. Most enemies taken down in minutes, the ability to adapt in every situation. It was no wonder how at such a young age Tartaglia’s name was known on the battlefield.
The few times Diluc stepped in to help surprised Childe. However, that had only started their new friendly rivalry.
The group they went against had far larger numbers than what was expected and in the heat of the moment, Diluc used a chain from the delusion to block an attack from behind Childe—deflecting the swing and taking the attacker out with it.
“You’re pretty good! How about that sparring match later Red?”
“Focus on your job first.” He tightened his hold on the chain
“Come on, these guys are easy!” Tartaglia exclaimed
Diluc huffed “Fine… just this once, though”
“That’s the spirit! Watch my back will you?”
Later that night Diluc sat beside Childe as he began to mess with his long curls idly.
“All this long hair isn't good for the battlefield you know” Childe commented
“I’m not cutting if that’s what you’re suggesting” cutting his hair was not something he was ready to face yet. The thought had crossed his mind once before, but the guilt of cutting ties with his family name changed Diluc’s mind.
“Of course not. I just think you should tie it back or something. It got in your face so many times today.” Childe paused “Hang on”
Childe seemed to search for something behind Diluc. He felt gentle hands running through his hair before something secured it tightly in place. Childe placed a mirror in front of him looking proud to show the ribbon now in Diluc’s hair.
He tucked a strand of Diluc’s hair behind his ear “You can keep it if you want. I have so many for Tonia and it suits you”
If Diluc was seen wearing a ribbon in his hair from then on, no one commented on it.
Life was better, but it wasn't easy.
Between down times Diluc found himself with the new job of patching up the harbinger when he got too reckless. When he was too enamoured by the heat of the battle, it became a common occurrence for the redhead to visit his room, jacket soaked with blood and the same warm smile plastered on his face.
Diluc would only sigh and open the door wider. He couldn’t help feel concerned though. He understood the other could handle himself perfectly fine, but even minor grazes had Diluc look at Childe worried.
“Please be careful” Diluc sat beside the harbinger and slowly started to wrap a bandage around his torso.
Childe looked in the distance “I can't promise that.”
“I know,” his voice was loud in the silence of the night.
Staying with Childe also meant the nights of loneliness were better. The harbinger seemed to have a 6th sense for when he was upset because without doubt as Diluc let his mind spiral Childe would appear to distract him.
Through everything they became each other's person to lean on.
Childe would help him find out about his dad or find what little information he did have. As much as Diluc was dying to know more about the delusion that rested on his hand the search for answers ended with nothing.
He’d search for answers, help with missions, patch Childe up again…It became a new cycle.
To his surprise, Diluc received a letter addressed to him from the Tsaritsa requesting a meeting. The archon had no reason to even recognize him but who was he to deny a god. He did have a suspicion Childe had something to do with it…
Their meeting was unnerving but better than expected. Being in the presence of an archon when compared to Mondstadt’s lack of one showed the stark differences. Diluc could tell Sneznahya was different by the months he’d spent in the nation already, but this was truly different.
He kneeled in front of Her Majesty, avoiding eye contact. Her voice brought his attention to her and Diluc met her gaze for the first time. He felt himself lose his breath as he looked into the eyes of someone who had experienced so much—the eyes of a warrior, and someone who had lost so much.
Her eyes were cold, but her smile was soft as she called him to sit in front of her. He faced his back to her as The Tsaritsa ran her fingers through Diluc’s hair, untangling each knot as she began to speak.
“You’ve been through a lot haven’t you…” Diluc didn’t respond, letting the archon do as she pleased.
“My eleventh likes to talk about you. I find his enthusiasm amusing. He always loved so openly… wearing his heart on his sleeve yet guarding it so tightly when someone tries to touch it.” she sighed.
“I know what you’re searching for Diluc. I can’t give you everything because that is for you to find out, but I would like to offer you something.”
“Offer something to me?” Diluc felt small in the presence of the god. The feeling like he was a mere child. Compared to the archon, it wouldn’t be too far off.
“I’m looking for a 10th Harbinger.”
“And you think I’d be fit for the job?”
“The world is cruel to people like you. Your heart bleeds for the people you love. I was like that once… I hope to make the world a kinder place. We can burn the old world away together.”
Her hands still tangled in his hair as she began to braid Diluc’s hair “One day you will betray me but I trust you’ll come back.” There was so much more he needed to know yet the offer was so tempting. Maybe Diluc would never find out what happened to his father, but at least he would have done something when everyone else had failed him…
“I… I accept your offer, your majesty”
“Then let me accept you as Scapino. My tenth and hidden harbinger.”
“This might be selfish of me, but I'd like to keep you a secret. One day you will understand, and the world will watch.”
To serve a god, what did it truly mean.
A small celebration was hosted for Diluc’s new position. The other harbingers didn’t seem like him, judging by the glares and stares he received walking around in clothes that felt far too warm.
This change seemed to especially upset Dottore. Maybe losing an interesting subject had something to do with it. Diluc shivered at the thought of being in Dottore’s care again as nothing but a subject and tool.
Childe seemed ecstatic at the news. When he first told him Childe hugged him so tightly Diluc was afraid he would break something. When he finally put him down he smiled brightly at Diluc.
“That’s amazing news Red! We could even work together.”
“You seem happier than I am about this”
“Well, not everyone becomes a harbinger!”
Diluc huffed in amusement “Then I guess, thank you” The words felt heavier than intended.
It was Childe who helped him escape Dottore. It was Childe who would talk to him when he was free, checking up on him, small actions that meant so much more. Diluc would be forever grateful to the ginger, not that he’d let him know that.
Most that attended the gathering were already chatting to old friends and drinking but Diluc searched through the crowd for the familiar ginger hair he knew all too well. After looking almost everywhere Diluc accepted his fate to be alone and leaned against a wall furthest from all the people.
Diluc found himself lost in thought until the man was looking for tapped him on the shoulder.
“You wanna get out of here?” Tartaglia whispered
“Yes please” he pleased
They made their way to a hallway and Childe handed Diluc a small glass.
“What is this?” He sniffed the glass and scrunched his nose at the smell of strong alcohol.
“Firewater!”
“I don’t drink” Diluc stared at him with a deadpan look.
“Come on, just this once. You can't have a celebration in Snezhnaya without alcohol” As much as Diluc wanted to refute that statement and say he’d seen plenty of their other traditions. He couldn’t bring himself to say no to Childe, especially as he started to give him a pleading look.
Diluc sighed. “Fine”
If you asked Diluc how he ended up in the harbinger’s room the next day, he wouldn’t be able to tell you.
His memories were blurry after the second shot. He could vaguely recall feeling dizzy, Childe taking him somewhere and falling asleep while they talked. Diluc sat up with a killer headache. He was not listening to Childe again, there was a reason why he didn’t drink apart from the awful taste.
Speaking of the other, Diluc couldn’t see him anywhere at least until he heard the soft snores. He looked down to find Childe peacefully sleeping. He’d never seen the other look so vulnerable before. Diluc had to admit it was almost… cute.
Maybe he was still drunk if he was thinking like that.
Their routine changed after Diluc officially became a harbinger. Most days, Diluc found himself in various meetings, either with other harbingers or Her Majesty herself. However, when he found himself with too much time, DIluc would visit Childe’s office and interrupt his work.
Sometimes it was just to get away from everything else. He’d sit in silence while listening to the scratching of Childe’s pen. Diluc would even join him in what seemed like endless paperwork.
Then there were days he found himself with more energy than he knew what to do with and found great pleasure in messing with the ginger.
Other times it would be Childe at his office dragging him out and claiming he wanted to show Diluc something. Then it would become a trip to the city where they’d try various food stalls. It was here Childe had discovered Diluc’s sweet tooth. How he managed to figure out when he had never said anything about it will remain a mystery.
Every time they snuck out they would get lectured by one of the other harbingers, something about their public image or similar topics. Diluc stopped listening after the second or third lecture. Afterwards, the two would laugh about it together.
Things were easier, but the uneasiness about knowing so little about his family was starting to get to Diluc. Everywhere he looked about the delusion that killed his father, it led to a dead end. Even with the access to resources now, there was always something missing. Either there was no connection at all or something deeper was going on…
“You want me to do what?”
Childe was lying with his head on Diluc’s lap. They had been enjoying the peaceful silence when Childe brought up going home for the upcoming holidays.
“Visit my family with me,” he repeated
“Are you sure…”
“They’ll love you, I promise”
Diluc sighed “Alright then”
This somehow led to Childe dragging Diluc by the hand to various stores in the city. Buying anything in sight and claiming, ‘oh Tonia would love this and ‘Anthon did tell me he loved trains once’ Diluc couldn’t tell if these gifts were genuine or were to cover his guilt for not visiting as much as he’d like. He could understand a certain harbinger’s hatred towards the ginger now.
“I can see why Pantalone hates you”
“Yeah?” he chuckled; Childe adjusted the bags in his hands again.
“The large sums of money you take from the Northland bank must put a dent in his wallet.”
“It’s not that much” Diluc silently looked at the handful of bags Childe had been carrying the past hour full of gifts for his family “Okay, maybe I like to spoil them a little. I’d do the same with you if you let me!”
“I don’t need anything. Save your money for something else.”
“Don’t worry I’ll get you something eventually.” Childe flashed his toothy grin at Diluc.
Diluc rolled his eyes and shoved Childe away “Whatever you say.”
The trip to morepesok was surprisingly without interruptions. The small fishing town located in the middle of nowhere showed the stark difference between the city and the rural areas.
It’s hard to imagine Childe came from such a small town and became one of the most powerful individuals in Snezhnaya.
Though it was Ajax who came from here, the name whispered in the moment of vulnerability with the cover of the night. Ajax looked Diluc in the eyes one night, the words felt intimate as they were whispered.
Perhaps Ajax had known this when he told Diluc. Ajax was a name for those closest to him. To be trusted with another aspect of the man's life… Diluc didn’t know what to do. The strange feeling in his chest as the name was whispered kept him awake that night.
Diluc would soon learn Ajax wasn’t like Childe. Maybe it was bad to separate his identity when each face was the same man he’d known for the past year. Ajax was the loving brother, part of Ajax peaked through in Childe. But Ajax could never be the human weapon that was Tartaglia, the 11th of the fatui harbingers.
Every moment with the harbinger surprised him. What else did they not know about each other?
“We barely know each other” Diluc had mentioned again that night.
“I don’t know you” Ajax reached over and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Dilucs ear. “but I believe you’re a good person and i trust you”
How could Ajax know he was a good person when his own past became blurry as each day passed? When Diluc knew he had failed his own brother. The broken shell of a boy that was left the day Dottore found him. How could Ajax stand to look him in the eyes? How could Ajax look at him when Diluc could barely stand it himself?
“We’ll see about that”
When they approached the door, Childe winked and placed a finger over his mouth. He silently pulled a small key out. Before they could close the door and enter the house a loud gasp sounded throughout the hall and a small child ran towards Ajax.
As if he was used to it, Ajax quickly caught the other in his arms and held him tightly before setting both of them down.
“You’re back!” the boy exclaimed
The boy looked to be the youngest. This must be Teucer then. He looked almost identical to Childe if not for the slightly lighter shade of orange and the lack of blonde streaks in his hair. Diluc watched as the two brothers hugged and couldn’t help feel a sense of sadness with it.
There was something missing. Had he experienced it too once? He shook the thoughts from his head and looked at the inside of the house.
The house was small, definitely not the most grand, and nothing compared to the palace. Yet it felt like home. It was well lived in, from the warm atmosphere, the walls covered in photos from over the years, each item displayed that had its own story.
Diluc’s attention was brought back by Ajax clearing his throat. The boy in his arms finally paying attention to him now.
“Teucer, this is Diluc”
“You’ve never brought anyone home before though.” he ‘whispered’ to Ajax, but his voice was loud enough that Diluc could clearly hear him.
“Haha.. Diluc’s a special friend of mine.”
“Oh, alright! You have to introduce him to the rest of the family then!” and just like that they were both being dragged by a boy half their size.
Diluc found Childe’s family to be inviting and overwhelming . Dinner had been awkward as two of them hid their harbinger status from Childe’s younger siblings. Why Ajax picked a toy seller of all jobs would always confuse Diluc, but the younger ones accepted it so he couldn’t judge it too harshly.
He could feel something off from Ajax’s parents. It was the way they would warmly smile at Diluc and look through Ajax. They never fully met his eyes. If they could help it they wouldn't mention him at all…
Ajax had quickly taken him to his bedroom and asked Diluc to wait. Diluc ignored the muffled shouting downstairs as he waited for Ajax in his room. Perhaps they didn’t always get along but the opportunity let Diluc look through the room.
The place was covered in various gifts. Posters stuck on the walls and books lying about. The room was tidy, but it didn’t match what he knew of Childe. More looking like a teenagers room than any adult. Maybe he hadn’t lived here in a long time. It begs the question when did Ajax leave home?
The photos sitting on his desk were all old and crinkled. Each containing photos of the ginger from when he was a child. One showed him as he held a fish twice the size of him, another holding a small girl in his arms. Any other photos didn't show Ajax older than 14 if he had to guess.
Diluc turned at the noise of the door opening to a tired Ajax. He silently gestured to Diluc and exited through the window. Diluc could do nothing but follow.
The two sat on the rooftop. The Snezhnaya winter was unforgiving but the breath of fresh air was reliving.
“Do you love your family?” Diluc asked
“Of course I do”
A beat of silence.
“Do you love yours?” Ajax asked
“I would like to believe so… Every day, my memories are more… distorted. I begin to forget the little things. What’s my family name? What day was my father’s birthday? Where was the hideout I made with my brother? Eventually the past blurs into one and what’s left is hard to decipher.”
Diluc looked at the stars once more “Maybe it’s none of my business, but I can't help but notice the tension between you and your parents.”
“Ah you noticed? I guess I can’t hide anything from you.”
“Want to tell me about it then?”
“Ha. not really, no.”
“Why not” Diluc frowned
“There’s always the fear you’ll leave when you find out everything.” Ajax looked in the distance towards the forest.
Diluc placed his hand on Ajax's face and moved it towards him “You’d have to try harder than that to get rid of me. I care about you Ajax.”
“I’ll spare you the details, but when I was 14 I fell into the abyss. It messed me up and made me like this.” He gestured to himself, “Sometimes I don’t think Ajax ever made it out of that place alive. My parents hated this version of me that came out alive.”
“What did they do?” Diluc asked
“They did what any Snezhnayan parent would do and sent me to the fatui. Fortunately for them, I thrived there. Well, you know why” The bloodlust, his age, the photos. Each part started to click for Diluc.
Ajax attempted to lighten up the mood at the dark expression on Diluc's face. His hand traced Diluc’s face with what had to be fondness “I mean I got to meet you and do all these other things, so it worked out right?”
“I wish the circumstances were different though” Diluc laid his head on Childe’s shoulders. He couldn’t understand Ajax’s parent's actions, but in a twisted way, Childe was right. They did meet because of this, and for that, maybe Diluc should be thankful.
“Ajax”
“Yes?”
“I-” Diluc couldn’t describe the emotion bubbling within him. Every moment since he had joined the fatui was bearable, thanks to Ajax. Everything was because of Ajax. and he loved…
Diluc reached out and gently placed his hands on Childe’s face. The two made eye contact, and Diluc leaned closer.
“I love you, Tartaglia. Every part of you, no matter what.”
They stared at each other for a moment longer, and Ajax moved closer. Any more and their lips would meet “Do you mean it” he whispered
Maybe Diluc would regret this decision when he was faced with the truth of everything he wanted to know. There was no way this would end well. But maybe two broken people could fix each other. If not, then at least soothe the aches at night. For as long as Ajax would let Diluc have him, he would do anything to keep this.
“I promise” Diluc closed the gap between them.