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Kaeya couldn't help but notice that Diluc seemed unusually restless, more so than his usual self. The way he manned the bar at Angels Share was usually a display of precision, care, and unwavering focus. However, tonight was a different story altogether. Kaeya sensed that Diluc must have been caught up in one of those troubling days, or perhaps he was still harbouring some lingering frustration from their last failed attempt at hanging out together. Oh, dear. Kaeya knew he had to find a way to make it up to him.
Despite closely observing Diluc from afar as he tirelessly worked his shift, Kaeya dared not set foot inside the tavern. Even though their relationship had somewhat improved, Kaeya had no doubt that Diluc would shoot him an intense glare given his current mood. It was only natural. Recognizing that Diluc was already having a rough night, Kaeya decided not to add to his burdens. He would forgo his usual indulgence in alcohol tonight and instead devise a plan to hopefully lift Diluc's spirits.
With a suspicious air about him, Kaeya distanced himself from the window, drawing peculiar glances from passers-by. However, he merely responded with a sly smile, giving away nothing of his intentions.
***
Diluc hadn't expected Kaeya's absence to weigh so heavily on him. The tavern had become a nightly refuge, and in Kaeya's presence, Diluc felt a lightness he couldn't quite explain. Even during their frequent quarrels over trivial matters, there was a sense of familiarity and comfort that Diluc sorely missed now. Left to his own devices, he found himself adrift in a sea of noise and meaningless chatter, the drunken ramblings of patrons serving as a bitter reminder of his father's inebriated state—the memories he desperately wished to avoid.
He immersed himself in his tasks, whether it was meticulously cleaning every glass or pouring drinks with an almost mechanical precision. Diluc's brow furrowed in deep concentration as he attempted to drown out the cacophony around him, seeking solace in the rhythm of his own actions.
With each scrub of the glass, Diluc poured his frustrations into the task, the tension in his hands a reflection of the turmoil within. It was as if he were trying to erase more than just the stains on the surface, scrubbing away the lingering shadows that threatened to engulf him.
"Master Diluc?"
The sudden intrusion shattered Diluc's focus, causing him to momentarily lose his grip on reality. He turned his head slowly, his eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and weariness, to locate the source of the interruption.
"You've been working on that glass for quite some time. Is it truly that filthy?" Venti's light-hearted chuckle cut through the heavy air, as he settled back onto the barstool, no longer leaning to gain Diluc's attention.
Diluc let out a tired sigh, finally setting the glass down. The weight of his burdens seemed to rest upon his shoulders, and he could feel a throbbing ache beginning to form in his temples.
"What? Shouldn't you be performing?" he replied, his voice tinged with both irritation and genuine concern. He rubbed his temples, his closed eyes shielding him momentarily from the world around him, desperate for respite from the mounting pressure.
Venti fell silent for a brief moment, observing Diluc with a thoughtful gaze that seemed to pierce through the façade he wore so well.
"Well, as much as I'd love to entertain the crowd, everyone has already left for the night. Isn't it about time you closed up?" Venti's words carried a gentle understanding, hinting at an unspoken empathy for Diluc's struggles.
Diluc was taken aback, his mind still grappling with the passing of time and the realisation that he had lost track of it entirely. The weight of responsibility settled heavily upon him, reminding him of the countless tasks left unfinished.
Venti's soft hum broke the silence, and Diluc was compelled to open his eyes, his gaze meeting the enigmatic bard's.
"You seem to be going through a difficult time. Allow yourself a moment to rest, alright? The tavern is not the same without our esteemed Master Diluc tending the bar," Venti spoke, his voice carrying a hint of genuine concern beneath the playful tone. With a knowing wink, he swiftly departed, leaving Diluc to contemplate the truth behind his words.
Diluc stood in the wake of Venti's departure, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Uncertainty, weariness, and a subtle spark of hope flickered deep within his heart. He knew he couldn't linger in this state of turmoil forever. With a determined sigh, he resolved to close up the tavern, to extinguish the lights and shadows that danced within, and make his way back to the solitude of the Winery. There, in the quiet embrace of the night, he would find the solace he sought, and perhaps, just perhaps, a path towards healing.
***
The moon cast its gentle glow upon the late-night streets as Kaeya wandered through the once bustling thoroughfares, a small notepad and pen clutched in his hands. His steps were purposeful, his mind set on a plan he had devised to bring solace to Diluc. A quiet picnic in a secluded place, far from the noise and chaos of the city, seemed to be the perfect remedy for their troubles.
Raising his gaze from the intricately detailed notes on the paper, Kaeya's eyes settled on the welcoming façade of Good Hunter. The familiar eatery stood silent and still, its bustling kitchen now devoid of activity at this hour. Kaeya made a mental note to place an order for a few delectable treats to pick up in the morning, ensuring a delicious start to their outing.
With a satisfied nod, Kaeya retraced his steps, making his way back to his apartment. The cosy space enveloped him, providing a sanctuary for his thoughts to unfold. Sitting at his desk, he reached for his pen once more, its ink poised to weave words that would convey his deepest sentiments. The letter, carefully composed and addressed to Diluc, would be a vessel for his hopes and intentions.
As the night wore on, Kaeya's hand moved across the parchment, his pen dancing with purpose and grace. Each stroke of ink carried a piece of his heart, every word carefully selected to express the depths of his feelings. Diluc's name, written with an air of reverence, graced the top of the page—a silent invitation to scenery Kaeya wanted to share.
With the final flourish of his pen, Kaeya set the letter aside, its purpose fulfilled. A sense of anticipation tinged the air, as if the words themselves carried a weight, an energy that would bridge the distance between them. Tomorrow, with the rising sun as their witness, the path they would walk together would unfold, guided by the whispers of Kaeya's intentions and the echoes of their shared history.
As the night drifted into the embrace of dawn, Kaeya finally succumbed to sleep, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. His dreams were filled with visions of a future where the bond between him and Diluc would deepen, where their hearts would find solace in each other's presence, and where the intricacies of their souls would intertwine, painting a canvas of hope and possibility.
***
As Diluc returned to the serene grounds of the Winery, the familiar sight of Adelinde awaited him. Like a guardian spirit, she had stationed herself near his path, ready to enforce his nightly routine. Diluc couldn't help but feel a twinge of gratitude for her watchful presence. With his myriad responsibilities and restless mind, forgetting even the simplest tasks often resulted in consequences he preferred to avoid.
With a nod of acknowledgement, Diluc complied with Adelinde's silent directive, surrendering himself to the familiar rhythm of his nightly routine. His tired muscles moved with practised efficiency, each action a step towards restoring order to his surroundings. From closing the shutters to ensuring the cellar was securely locked, Diluc meticulously tended to every detail, knowing that these preparations would set the stage for a smooth morning.
Finally, with the weight of his duties momentarily lifted, Diluc ascended the grand staircase, guided by the soft glow of candlelight. The air was imbued with a sense of tranquillity as he made his way to his private quarters, a haven amidst the sprawling Winery. The door opened silently, granting him passage into a space that carried both the weight of his past and the promise of rest.
As Diluc settled into the embrace of his room, a gentle sigh escaped his lips. The familiar sights and scents embraced him, offering solace after a day fraught with challenges. The room exuded a quiet elegance, reflecting the essence of its occupant—strong, yet yearning for respite. The grand bed, adorned with fine linens, beckoned him to surrender to sleep's embrace, promising moments of respite from the demands of the world.
In the quiet sanctuary of his room, Diluc surrendered himself to the embrace of the bed, its softness cradling his fatigued body. With a final whispered sigh, he allowed himself to drift into the realm of dreams, hoping to find respite within the nocturnal tapestry of his mind. And as sleep claimed him, the weight of the world temporarily lifted, allowing him to find solace within the depths of his own sanctuary.
***
The morning arrived as it always did, relentlessly pulling Diluc from the solace of his dreams and thrusting him into a world of obligations and responsibilities he would rather ignore. God, he was beginning to sound like Kaeya. Except, Kaeya never shied away from the demands of the world. It was one part of him that Diluc couldn't help but envy. The energy and enthusiasm that Kaeya possessed were foreign to him now. Diluc had become withdrawn, imprisoned by memories that triggered anxiety and panic attacks. His life felt like it was spiralling out of control. As much as he resented admitting it, Kaeya was the only one who could alleviate these burdens, who convinced him to take actions that were beneficial to his own well-being. Adelinde played her part too, of course. Without her unwavering support, Diluc might as well be a mere shell of himself.
Pushing aside these thoughts, Diluc readied himself for the day ahead and descended the stairs to be greeted by Adelinde's presence.
"Master Diluc, you have a letter," she informed him, extending a neatly folded envelope. Diluc took it delicately, acknowledging her with a nod.
"Thank you," he murmured before making his way to a comfortable spot by the crackling fireplace. With a gentle touch, he carefully opened the letter, a wave of nostalgia washing over him as he recognized the familiar handwriting. It nearly evoked a smile from him. Nearly.
To Diluc,
I couldn't help but notice your troubled expression the other night, and it made me wonder if you were still harbouring resentment towards me for what transpired during the Weinlesefest. Or perhaps you haven't been feeling your best lately. Either way, I thought it would be a good idea to make it up to you, to do something nice. I know you'll probably read this and roll your eyes, but let it be known that this comes from the genuine generosity of my heart. Meet me at the top of Starsnatch Cliff, a little after lunch.
Kaeya
Diluc shook his head, suppressing a small chuckle. What Kaeya had done during the Weinlesefest wasn't ideal, but Diluc had long let go of any lingering resentment. Besides, he couldn't find a reason to turn down this invitation. Whatever Kaeya had planned, he knew it would be well-thought-out.
"Excuse my curiosity, but what did the letter say?" Adelinde's innocent voice intruded, her presence quietly approaching Diluc from behind.
Diluc turned to face her, his gaze softened by a rare tenderness.
"Kaeya invited me somewhere after lunch," he replied simply. A smile crept across Adelinde's face.
"How wonderful. I'm sure the two of you will have a delightful time."
Diluc's eyes returned to the letter, his expression contemplative.
"Yes," he murmured, a flicker of anticipation dancing within him.
***
Kaeya had orchestrated the scene perfectly, capturing a picturesque moment that would surely soothe Diluc's troubled soul. The wind whispered gently, its soft caress offering respite from the sun's unrelenting rays. Fluffy, white clouds dotted the sky, and the ocean shimmered as it reflected the warm sunlight. Kaeya couldn't help but feel a sense of relaxation wash over him; the serenity of their surroundings had an almost therapeutic effect.
The spread of food that Kaeya had brought was light, recognizing that Diluc wasn't one for indulgence. A few sandwiches and a bottle of grape juice were carefully selected, each item chosen with Diluc's preferences in mind. Kaeya smirked, knowing all too well that he himself would never go near that vile liquid.
Lost in his reminiscences, Kaeya found himself startled as someone approached from behind him, jolting him out of his reverie. With a quick spin, he was met with the sight of his brother standing there, a sight that never failed to bring a smile to his face.
"Ah! Just the man I wanted to see," Kaeya greeted, his tone playful and his eyes glinting mischievously with anticipation.
Diluc's expression softened as he took in the scene before him, his arms crossing over his chest in mild surprise. "What's all this?" he inquired, curiosity colouring his voice.
Stepping closer to Diluc's side, Kaeya smiled, his movements fluid and graceful. "Just a little something I came up with, as a way to, you know, apologise—"
"You know I'm not mad about that," Diluc interjected gently, his voice carrying a reassurance that Kaeya found comforting.
Chuckling softly, Kaeya's playful nature shone through. "Well, regardless, I still believe you deserve something special. Something to ease your burden and calm your restless mind, perhaps?"
“You didn’t have to–” Diluc began to protest, his gratitude evident in his voice, but Kaeya interrupted him smoothly.
"Ah, but of course I did," he insisted, taking Diluc's wrist in his hand and guiding him toward the inviting blanket laid out on the ground. With a gentle nudge, he encouraged Diluc to take a seat, joining him in the comfortable embrace of the picnic setup. "Just enjoy, won't you?" Kaeya urged, his eyes dancing with mischief.
Sighing softly, Diluc relented, knowing that refusing would be futile. "So, what do you think? The view is fantastic," Kaeya remarked, his gaze drifting over the edge of the cliff.
The sight was slightly overwhelming for Diluc, but he couldn't deny its beauty. "It is nice," he responded simply, his eyes lingering on the horizon as he took in the breath-taking scenery.
Leaning back against the grassy hillside, Kaeya raised an eyebrow, a playful expression dancing across his features. "So, last night, you seemed to be having quite a bit of fun. You looked like you were about to murder anyone who dared to cross your path," he remarked, causing Diluc to roll his eyes in response.
"And how would you know? I didn't see you in the tavern last night," Diluc replied, his gaze shifting to Kaeya with a hint of suspicion.
Kaeya let out a nervous laugh, attempting to mask his true intentions with casual banter. "Oh, I just happened to catch a glimpse through the window. Not in a creepy way or anything."
"And you didn't come in? Unusual for you," Diluc scoffed, turning his attention back to the horizon, the sun casting golden hues across the landscape.
"I value my life, Diluc! If I were to walk in there and strike up a conversation like I usually do, I'd surely be dead by your hands," Kaeya joked dramatically, punctuating his words with exaggerated hand motions. "You seemed mad enough to actually succeed this time."
Diluc gave Kaeya a sceptical side-eye, causing Kaeya to raise his hands defensively in mock surrender.
"You know I wouldn't, Kaeya... I just..." Diluc's voice trailed off, the awkwardness of the moment settling between them as he struggled to find a reasonable explanation for his behaviour the previous night without it sounding embarrassing. "Must've forgotten to take my medication... or something," he offered lamely, hoping to deflect further scrutiny.
Kaeya laughed, a knowing glint in his eyes as he recognized his brother's tendency for self-isolation and introspection. "Ah, the typical Diluc. Well, come on. I didn't set all this up just for us to sit here and do nothing," he gestured toward the array of food before them, the spread of delicacies carefully laid out on the blanket beneath them. Diluc raised an eyebrow inquisitively, his curiosity piqued by Kaeya's mysterious intentions.
"It's all your favourites," Kaeya clarified with a playful grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Diluc couldn't help but devise a mischievous plan as he eyed the bottle of grape juice sitting innocently amidst the assortment of treats. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly drink all of this. You should have some too," he suggested, a sly smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
Kaeya stared at him, a mixture of disbelief and amusement playing on his features. "Are you kidding? No way," he protested, his tone betraying a hint of reluctance.
Diluc shrugged nonchalantly, his resolve unyielding. "Fine, then I suppose I won't indulge in these carefully planned sandwiches that you definitely didn't snag from Good Hunter," he teased, his gaze fixed firmly on Kaeya.
"Oh, come on, you can't—" Kaeya began, but Diluc's determination was unwavering. He met Kaeya's gaze with unwavering resolve, his expression dead serious.
Kaeya grimaced upon realising that Diluc was entirely serious. And of course, he valued his brother's well-being over his own...
Reluctantly, he reached for a glass and filled it to the brim with grape juice, the liquid glistening in the sunlight like liquid amethyst. "All of it. Full glass," Diluc added, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Kaeya let out a resigned sigh, reluctantly complying with Diluc's request. "Fine. Okay," he muttered under his breath, his discomfort evident as he drank the entire glass in one go. He looked as though he was ready to throw up. "I can't believe you actually drink this stuff..." Kaeya groaned, defeated, his expression a mix of distaste and amusement. Diluc's laughter filled the air, a sound that Kaeya cherished despite the discomfort he experienced.
"It's certainly a lot healthier than your alcohol," Diluc quipped as he took a bite of the sandwich, his amusement evident in his playful grin.
"Yeah, alright. Anyway, how are you feeling?" Kaeya inquired, his playful demeanour transforming into genuine concern as he shifted the focus back to Diluc's emotions, his eyes softening with empathy.
Diluc shrugged, unsure of how to articulate the complexities of his emotions. "I mean, I'm happy right now," he replied tentatively, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He leaned back on his hands, gazing up at the billowing clouds drifting lazily across the sky. "I guess."
Kaeya's laughter echoed through the tranquil setting, a light-hearted melody dancing on the gentle breeze. "It's just not enough, is it?" he remarked, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he gazed at Diluc.
"No, no, it's great. I'm thankful for your thoughtfulness, but—" Diluc began, his gratitude tempered by a hint of scepticism.
"Well, you're in luck. This isn't all I had planned," Kaeya interjected, his excitement palpable as he sprang to his feet, his muscles stretching with renewed energy.
Diluc watched him with growing curiosity, his brow furrowing in anticipation of Kaeya's next move.
Kaeya extended his hand toward Diluc, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "There were some reports of hilichurls—" he started, his voice trailing off suggestively.
"Oh, so you just want me to help you with your knight work then?" Diluc quipped, a wry smile playing on his lips as he accepted Kaeya's hand and rose to his feet.
"No, of course not. Who do you think I am?" Kaeya responded innocently, his gaze twinkling with playful amusement. "I just know you like murdering things. Why not, huh? You'd also be doing a favour to the city. Since, you know. Secret hero."
Diluc rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, a fond smile softening his features as he regarded his brother. Yet, Kaeya's pause caught his attention, a fleeting moment of introspection crossing his usually carefree demeanour.
“What?” Diluc prompted, his curiosity piqued by the sudden shift in Kaeya's expression.
“You aren’t still getting those… urges, are you?” Kaeya asked, his tone gentle yet probing. He didn't need to elaborate on what he meant; the unspoken understanding hung heavy between them. It had been a long time since Diluc had discarded the Delusion, but the memories and desires it awakened could still linger in the shadows of his mind.
“No,” Diluc replied simply, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty as he averted his gaze. Kaeya's concern was touching, but he couldn't bring himself to fully disclose the extent of his inner turmoil.
“That’s good then. We wouldn’t want to feed into your delusions, would we?” Kaeya teased, his laughter ringing out like a comforting melody as he playfully tugged Diluc along with him. Despite the lighthearted banter, Diluc couldn't shake the lingering weight of his past, the spectre of the Delusion haunting his every step.
***
Diluc settled back home later, Kaeya dropping him off after he considered their monster murdering a success.
However, Diluc's mind was a tempest of conflicting emotions as he grappled with the weight of his past actions. He had sworn to rid himself of the Delusion, the cursed artifact that had brought nothing but pain and chaos into his life. The memory of inadvertently harming Kaeya still haunted him, a stark reminder of the darkness that lurked within him.
But despite his vow, Diluc couldn't bring himself to part with the Delusion. It was as if some invisible force tethered him to the accursed artifact, a malevolent presence that whispered promises of power and control. His mind was a battleground, torn between the desire to rid himself of the Delusion's influence and the fear of what might happen if he did.
Perhaps that was the real reason for his mood last night, Diluc mused bitterly. The weight of his unresolved conflict had cast a shadow over his usual composure, leaving him restless and agitated.
Yet, despite his inner turmoil, Diluc had never again wielded the Delusion. The memory of Kaeya's pain served as a potent deterrent, a reminder of the consequences of his actions. The artifact lay dormant, safely hidden away, its sinister allure a constant temptation that Diluc dared not succumb to.
The thoughts, however, continued to plague him, insidious whispers that wormed their way into his mind when he least expected it. But Diluc was determined to resist their siren call, to prove himself stronger than the darkness that threatened to consume him. He was not his father. He would not succumb to the same fate.
Nothing bad was going to happen, Diluc repeated to himself. He had everything under control. He didn't need to tell anyone about the lingering presence of the Delusion that haunted his every thought. He was strong enough to face this alone.