Work Text:
For the Traveler’s eyes only
To my dear brother Diluc,
Do you know what my greatest wish is? It's not to become Grandmaster of the knights, nor is it for Klee to stop being a little menace, or even to be with Albedo (though that one comes a close second, hehe).
It’s to be your brother again. To be embraced, to be comforted, to be loved.
I miss the days in our childhood, when we were just two brothers.
Remember when father Crepus took me in? At first, you didn’t trust me (you were right to be distrustful), but after a week, we were so close that you absolutely refused to leave my side or go anywhere without me. In comparison to now when you avoid me as much as humanly possible, and I know get the feeling it’s my fault.
Remember that day when Crepus was on a business trip and you had the idea to steal just a tiny bit of wine? I found out you were a lightweight and laughed, then Adelinde caught us and gave us the fiercest telling-off ever. And then the next morning, we both had a hangover. Nowadays I drink, not for fun, but to get drunk enough to forget that day when you disowned me.
Remember when we went to Springvale and saw the Calla Lilies? You called them ‘Kaeya Lilies’ and said that I should have a flower named after me. Looking back, it was a little cringy, but I’d rather that over the cold attitude you have towards me now.
Remember the day Crepus died? No, not…that part. The funeral. You hugged me tightly and cried into my shoulder as the coffin was lowered. I tried my best to comfort you despite my own sorrow. Sorrow at both Crepus’ death and what I knew would transpire later.
Later, when you tried to kill me after I revealed my Khaenri’ahn origins and my true purpose, I wasn’t actually fighting back. I just wanted it to look like I was, so that you wouldn’t stop and feel guilty.
Truthfully, I knew just what you’d try to do when I picked such a time to reveal this information. I was counting on it, actually. Yes, I was suicidal. (Note to the Traveler: I’m not suicidal anymore. I swear on my loyalty to Mondstadt.) Yes, it was selfish. But…
Even though I was duty-bound to Khaenri’ah, in my heart, my true homeland was Mondstadt. My birth family had cared for me to develop me into a spy, but my real family—you and Crepus—cared for me out of love.
You used to be so close to me, and now we couldn’t be further apart. You didn’t die, and though I’m eternally grateful for that, I still lost both you and Crepus that day.
In short, my one wish is to be your brother once more.
Love you, Diluc.
Even if you hate me.
—Your brother Kaeya
PS please don’t actually give this letter to Diluc, heh…
~~~~~
To Kaeya,
I‘m not sure what to think. My sibling and I have always had the closest bond possible, at least until we were separated. I can't say that I know exactly how you feel, but what I can say is that I’ll be here for you no matter what.
I think you should tell Diluc the truth. Maybe he feels the same and loves you without knowing you don’t hate him.
—Traveler
PS if you want to be with Albedo, you should tell him how you feel instead of getting awkward every time you see him.
~~~~~