Chapter Text
The crisp and quiet moonlit wind swept past my hair, ruffling the skirt of my dress and sending a small chill down my spine. I swung my legs over the cliff side, my feet dangling close to the water's edge. The grass underneath me was soft and velvet-like. The crystal flies twinkled above me like stars in the sky. I let the aura of the environment seep into my bones, hearing the bugs chirp and the frogs sing.
Behind me, a large blue light cast its shadow over mine. I looked back, hearing the familiar ‘whoosh’ of the waypoint.
I watched Diluc Ragnvindr materialize before me.
He stepped from the teleport and looked around, his beautiful crimson eyes falling upon mine. He showed me the slightest of smiles, saying,
“I thought I’d find you here.”
I replied with a grin, my gaze unmoving from his broad and statured build.
He had corralled his long, red, and unruly locks into a high ponytail, a few strands covering his forehead and brows. His outfit consisted of black calf-high boots, with a thick leather belt of the same color. His ivory blouse was loose and tucked into his trousers.
The man stepped easily, the flimsy grass folding under his shoes. He lowered himself to sit next to me, legs joining mine over the edge.
After a minute of calm and gentle silence, Diluc’s smooth and steady voice filled the quiet.
“Sumeru…” He whispered. “Do you think you’ll enjoy it there?”
I shrugged my shoulders.
“Mondstadt is the only home I know,” I explained. “And while I’ve heard Sumeru is breathtakingly beautiful… I’m already feeling homesick.”
I brought my legs back over the cliff and tucked them under me.
Diluc nodded slowly, his eyes fixated on the fish moving below us.
I got lost in thoughts and worries, focusing on the waters interrupting ripples.
I felt a wave of sadness sweep over me, the memories coming and going.
Our time together was coming to an end…
Diluc and I had grown up beside one another.
Our families were acquainted when Diluc and I attended the same school and had many of our classes together.
My parents also supplied tools and food for the Ragnvindr family business.
On the weekends, the redhead and his adopted brother, Kaeya Alberich, would invite me over to their father's vineyard. While our parents chatted and discussed their business efforts, we would drink freshly pressed grape juice. The bittersweet liquid immediately became our favorite drink.
The three of us would swim in the creek, catching all sorts of brightly colored amphibians. We climbed the trees and hillsides of the valley, discovering new kinds of wildflowers and insects. We planted vegetables and started multiple gardens. We played ‘knights’ and ran around the property, plucking grapes off of the bushels and eating them as we pleased.
In the winter, their father Crepus would cover us in woolen blankets and tell us stories. We’d gather around the fireplace, curled up with cups of hot chocolate to warm our hands.
We grew up together, running around the winery without any cares or worries.
As we got older, the three of us matured in different ways.
Diluc received a Vision, giving him the power of Pyro. At the age of ten, he could harness the energy of fire and create flames using nothing but his fingertips. Eventually, he learned to control his power with specially-made swords and claymores. While he was terrified at first, the boy was fast at adapting. Kaeya and I tried our best to be supportive. We were bewildered and amazed that our best friend now had superpowers.
Diluc had always been more serious and plain-spoken compared to his brother. And as he aged, he became more and more like his father. His flame-red hair grew long, and he dedicated his time to helping the city. He had a strong interest in the Knights Of Favonius, the protectors, and liberators of Mondstadt. He trained for multiple days each week, growing stronger and improving his battle skills in hopes of becoming a knight. Eventually, his hard work paid off. At the age of fourteen, he became the youngest Cavalry Captain of Mondstadt. Diluc had a few friends here and there, but overall, he didn’t mind solitude and spending time with his brother and I. He valued silence along with the familiarity of his childhood companions.
Kaeya, on the other hand, became friends with everyone, adopting a suave and mischievous personality. He was known as a flirt by the time he turned fourteen, and every girl was either broken-hearted, suspicious or in love by the time he was sixteen. The boy's richly tanned skin and unbelievably blue eyes were undeniably captivating. His smooth-talking demeanor and mysterious ways were intriguing to many. Despite his persona, his interests expanded further than girls. The Knights fascinated him as well. He took the time to build up his skills, though not as ruthlessly as Diluc did. He studied, explored, and worked as hard as he played.
But by the time we turned seventeen, Kaeya started acting strange toward me.
His eloquent words became more and more flirtatious. He was a bit bolder than normal; linking our arms, joking as we walked, or making comments to see if I would blush.
Diluc scolded him after every attempt, the Vision-wielder never wanting to fully meet my eyes afterward.
Whenever Kaeya would grab my hand and pull me along, Diluc was a few steps behind, his eyes fierce but his head cool. And as soon as Kaeya let go, Diluc would stand right beside me, making sure I was comfortable.
Diluc was easy to be around. He was quiet and respectful, and you could always know what he was thinking, just by looking into his eyes. His stares and gazes gave everything away.
Soon enough, Kaeya became annoying… but I let him drag me wherever he wanted, as long as it meant Diluc would come with us, standing beside me with a faint smile.
While Kaeya felt like a little brother to me, Diluc was different.
I wanted him to hold my hand the way Kaeya did. Unafraid and innocently. I imagined him taking me on dates through Mondstadt and looping our arms together. I could see us chatting and laughing with each other, our touches lingering a little longer than usual.
Desperately, I wanted Diluc to see me as more than a childhood friend.
And maybe the Archons took pity on me… because soon enough, Diluc was more open with his emotions. His seriousness still remained, after all, it was a part of him, but he got calmer and lighter. Just being around him felt freeing.
Our friendship grew deeper and stronger, the two of us becoming closer as the days flew by.
But one day my mother and father sat me down.
We were moving to Sumeru.
The market for goods had multiplied and my father thought it best that we take advantage of the situation.
I had always wanted to go to Sumeru. To visit and see the masterpieces of the landscape's geography. To try their famous foods and see the marvels in the city. To visit. Not be a permanent resident.
We were leaving tomorrow morning.
These were my last hours with Diluc.
While I wanted to come and visit him, traveling was expensive and money wasn't always easy to come by.
I had no idea of the next time I’d see him…
“Do you remember,” He interrupted, calmly. “How we first met?”
I took a second to ponder, tapping my finger against my lips.
“Yes,” A grin formed on my face. “It was first grade. I was contently playing in the grass and picking flowers when Kaeya came over and demanded that I play with him. I told him ‘no’, but he said if I didn’t play with him, he’d tell the classroom bully to come over and be mean to me. I rejected him a second time. Then, he ran away to fetch you.” I giggled. “When you came over, you accidentally stepped on a Windwheel Aster I was going to use for my bouquet, and I started to yell at you for it. You didn’t say a thing, stoic as always, and walked away. A few minutes later,” I beamed. “You came up to me with an arm full of Aster’s as an apology gift.”
Diluc smiled sheepishly, his head bobbing in agreement.
“And Kaeya shouted at me for not scaring you off.” He commented with an eye roll. “I’m still not sure why the kids were so scared of me…”
“It was because you didn’t like to smile.” I pointed out.
Diluc tried to hide his grin.
Watching his easy and steady gaze mixed with a relaxed posture and glowing eyes, my heart flew out of my chest. Here, sitting in the starlight, listening to the soothing melody of nature… there was no place I’d rather be.
“Diluc,” I said his name cautiously.
His eyes met mine and my stomach somersaulted.
“I want to tell you something,” I cleared my throat. “Before I go…”
Suddenly my tongue was as rough as sandpaper. My throat felt scratchy and my teeth chattered with nervousness.
“I, um…” I breathed in deeply.
You can do it. Just three words.
“I… I like you.”
Diluc blinked and turned his head towards me.
He was always good at covering his emotions… but he had never looked so startled.
I placed my head in my hands, trying to hide from my own embarrassment. My ears burned and my cheeks radiated heat.
Did he feel the same? Was it a mistake to tell him?
I heard Diluc chuckle softly to himself.
After I got enough courage to look up, I started to explain.
“I know this is bad timing,” I averted his eyes, “I’m leaving and I don’t know when I’ll see you again but I just thought you should know…”
I turned my head away, cheeks as red as the boy's hair.
After a moment of silence, I felt Diluc’s assuring hand on my shoulder.
“Hey…” His voice was steady and soothing. “Lumine. Look at me,”
I gulped, hesitating to move.
“Please?”
I nodded, turning myself back towards Diluc.
He looked at me with a tenderness I’d never seen from him before.
The hand on my shoulder slowly moved to my chin. He supported my head with his fingers, gingerly rubbing his thumb on my jaw.
“I like you as well.” He said, just above a whisper.
He hesitantly angled my face upwards, his eyes filled with anxiousness and determination.
When his eyelids finally closed and his neck extended, I gulped and shut my eyes.
His breathing was unsteady. I felt his fingers wobble on my chin. I swore that my heartbeat could be heard from miles away. The anticipation built up even more when his breath danced over my lips. I could tell he was hesitant, so I lifted my chin further to give him permission.
The air swirled from behind and a blue light bathed us in its glow.
Diluc opened his eyes. I could see the disappointment clear on his face. He released his hold, backing away slowly.
Kaeya appeared before us. His shirt was unbuttoned and his navy hair had been tied back. He dusted himself off and came towards us, offering a dashing smile.
“Came to escape the festivities?” He questioned.
“Something like that,” Diluc muttered, his hints of anxiety disappearing.
Kaeya hummed and looked at the scenery.
“Whatever the case,” He sighed. “Mr. Hotaru would like us all back at the vineyard. The journey will be long tomorrow, so it’s best if we let Lumine get her beauty sleep.”
I waited before standing. Diluc copied my motion.
As Kaeya stepped towards the waypoint, Diluc gently grabbed my wrist to stop me.
I looked at him with curiosity.
“At what time do you leave?” He said with urgency.
“As soon as the sun’s risen,” I responded.
The boy nodded, his thumb rubbing circles into my forearm.
“I’ll have something for you tomorrow.” He explained with a smile. “I've been waiting for a long while to give it to you…”
“What is it?” I questioned.
Diluc looked past me and released my hand.
Kaeya was watching us.
“You’ll see tomorrow.”
***
My family and I had loaded our wagon while the stars still shone, working until the sun was just peeking over the hills. When we finished, the cart was packed full of our multiple suitcases, bags, and crates of supplies.
“Are you ready to go, dear?” My mother asked, feeding our horses freshly cut apple slices. The trip to the harbor wasn’t terribly long, but the horses would need their strength to pull our wagon and then stay still on the boat to Sumeru.
“Almost…” I paced anxiously.
Diluc should be here any minute…
“Are you sure he’s coming?” My father inquired with a yawn. “I thought you had said your goodbyes last night.”
I pressed my lips together, fidgeting with my fingernails.
“He said he’d be here…” I responded quietly.
After a few more minutes of quiet and awkward waiting, my father sighed.
“Lumine,” He said, a sad grin on his face. “The sun is almost up. We have to get going or we’ll miss the boat.”
“Can’t we wait a few more minutes?” I questioned.
He was coming. I knew he was. He had to be on his way…
“We’ve already waited longer than I’d expected we would.” My father walked over and rested his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, dear.”
I nodded slowly and looked up at the hill.
On top of the grass, a tall and broad figure stood. The sun was rising behind him, casting a large shadow over his body.
“Wait!” I shouted.
As the man walked down, my heart rapidly flew, then sank.
“I came to bid you farewell.” Kaeya smiled and came to my side.
Although I had desperately wanted Diluc to show up, I was still happy to see Kaeya. But that didn’t make the disappointment any easier to bear.
I opened my arms and gave my friend a hug, enjoying his kind support and comfort.
“I know you were waiting for Diluc,” He whispered in my ear. “But he wasn't able to make it…”
“Why not?” I asked, trying to keep my sadness to myself.
Kaeya backed away and smiled. He leaned forward and pecked my cheek. His lips were soft and gentle.
“He didn’t say,” Kaeya grinned. “But I hope my presence is enough to give you assurance.”
I nodded and let my arms fall to my side.
“It is.” I lied, smiling small. “Thank you, Kaeya.”
After another tight and sorrow-filled embrace, I joined my parents in our cart. We waved goodbye until my friend was nothing more than a spec of blue in the distance.
***
Diluc hadn’t had an easy time falling asleep.
His nerves about seeing Lumine got the best of him. He was overly excited and worried about giving her his gift.
He lay in his bed for hours, holding onto the tiny brown box. He rotated the wood in his palm, opening and closing the lid.
She’s going to love this...
He tossed and turned, planning his actions for the next morning.
He and Kaeya would wake up before the sun rose to help the ’s with their luggage. He'd say goodbye alongside Kaeya. Then, he’d take Lumine to the side and give her a gift… and if he was lucky, he’d give her a proper kiss as an extra present.
But that was only if Kaeya and Lumine’s parents could give them some brief privacy, which he doubted would happen. But he still thought of ways to get her alone, even if it was only for a few seconds.
Sleep came after his mind finally settled on a decision.
When he awoke, Kaeya hadn’t been his alarm.
His internal clock woke him, and the sun had already risen.
As the gentle morning rays hit his eyes, Diluc’s heart slammed against his chest. Panic filled every bone in his body.
He was late.
Diluc threw his sheets onto the floor, tumbling off the mattress and hastily standing. He rapidly changed into presentable clothes, his mind running faster than his legs.
Had she left already? Would he make it in time?
He shoved his feet into his shoes and pulled on a coat, ignoring the knots and tangles in his hair.
Did Kaeya go without him? If so, why hadn’t his brother woken him?
He grabbed the box for Lumine and sprinted down the stairs. He took them three at a time, almost tripping and stumbling to the entrance. He hurled the door open and charged out the doorway, almost crashing into his brother.
“Where’s Lumine?” He questioned, haste and anger clear in his tone.
“She left.” Kaeya shrugged.
Diluc’s stare was intense enough to burn a hole in the sun.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” He demanded an answer.
“You snooze, you lose, dear brother,” Kaeya smirked.
Diluc cursed furiously at Kaeya, grumbling insults before he started darting across the field.
That bastard! Diluc swore, shaking his head. I’m going to look inconsiderate because of his jealousy.
The man’s coat flew behind him. His steps were even and fast as he rushed over hills, jumped past boulders, and dodged foliage. He purposely avoided any lakes or rivers, knowing that swimming would only slow him down. He thought similarly for large mountains; climbing and gliding would take too much time.
And he didn’t know how much time he had.
He came to Lumine’s home and looked around. Besides the small cottage and stable, it was completely empty.
“Damn it.” He groaned, picking up speed once more.
They already left…
Diluc hurried towards the city in Mondstadt, his legs starting to grow weary. He ignored the exhaustion and pushed himself further.
They were going to the harbor. He reminded himself. They didn’t want to travel on foot, so they would take the ferry instead. The first boat doesn’t leave until seven, but the sun just rose a few minutes ago, meaning that it’s… too late… Archons, please be with me.
As the city came into his sight, he inwardly swore for not thinking of using a teleport point. He’d been so distracted with his worries that he only thought to run as fast as his legs could carry him.
He entered the town, paying little attention to the guards at the gate or to the city goers. He soared over the stone stairs, running between the flowerbeds and avoiding misplaced barrels.
Diluc noticed how much the sun had climbed up the clouds as he darted around the corner.
But, at last, he had come to the harbor.
He bolted onto the pier, the wood echoing underneath his feet.
There was a boat out at sea, just a little way out from the dock.
“Lumine!” He screamed.
Please hear me. I need you to know that I went after you. I didn’t abandon you. Please!
He halted at the edge of the dock, his feet finally resting.
He shouted her name once more, his voice strained yet determined.
But the wind was blowing and the waves were churning.
He yelled out multiple times, but Lumine was too busy holding in her tears to notice.
***
When Diluc arrived back at the winery, he found Kaeya talking with the head maid.
His anger scorched like a raging fire within him. He felt the flames of his Vision on the tips of his fingers. If he wasn’t careful, someone was going to get burned.
“Adelinde,” Diluc called.
“Oh,” She turned and bowed at the waist. “Good morning, Young Master.”
“Please excuse us,” He hissed. “I need to speak with my brother.”
Adelinde gave the boys a side eye before bowing and heading down the hall.
As soon as Diluc heard the soft closing of the door, his glare intensified.
“You son of a...” The redhead gritted his teeth. “Why on earth would you do something so cruel?”
“Well,” Kaeya adjusted his hair, flipping the ponytail behind his shoulder. “It’s hardly my fault that you’ve been overworking yourself and becoming sleep deprived.”
He’d had enough of the insolence.
Diluc snapped.
He threw a punch at Kaeya’s face.
Unexpecting the blow, the boy fell to the floor.
“The hell?!” He shouted, standing back up and aiming a fist at Diluc.
The redhead dodged the blow, but he hadn’t seen his brother's smirk. Kaeya retracted his arm and tackled Diluc, pinning him to the ground. He swung his arm, creating a nasty black bruise under the redhead's eye.
Diluc was able to maneuver himself to the side to dodge the next attack. Kaeya punched the floor of the room, yelping in surprise. Diluc stood and kicked his brother in the hip, sending him to tumble across the floor.
Kaeya was able to stand and block his brother's next blow.
“Why didn't you wake me?” Diluc’s voice boomed through the hall.
“Why do you care?” Kaeya shouted back.
“Because it was Lumine!” Diluc responded.
Kaeya chuckled darkly, avoiding his brother's attacks.
“Y’know what?” He began, his eyes were cold and evil. “When I said goodbye to our darling Lumine… you know what I did?”
The boys circled each other, their fists raised and their bodies prepared to fight.
Diluc kept his gaze steady and his lips curled in a scowl. Kaeya gave his brother an adoring smile.
“I kissed her.”
Diluc’s rage multiplied. He ran at Kaeya and pushed him hard. The boy fell harshly to the ground. Diluc put a foot on his chest, holding him hostage.
“Why?” He screamed. “Why do you have to be like this? I love her, Kaeya!”
“So do I!”
Kaeya pushed the boot off of his body, wearily standing up.
Before Kaeya could give Diluc a black eye and Diluc could push Kaeya into a bookcase, the loud voice of their father commanded their attention.
“Boys!”
His shout reverberated through the room. Crepus was descending the stairs; Adelinde was by his side, giving the boys an equally shy and disproving look.
“What in Barbados’s name are you two doing?”
Kaeya huffed and brushed off his clothes, muttering something along the lines of, “He started it…”
Their father sighed deeply, standing before them with a frown.
“I understand that you’re still invincible and carefree teenagers, but you two better have a good reason for disrupting Adelinde’s peace and quiet.”
When neither of the boys would speak, nor stop their glaring, Crepus rolled his eyes.
“Who threw the first punch?” He questioned.
Diluc clenched his fists.
“I did, Father.” He answered.
“And why did you?” The man prodded further.
“We had planned to say our goodbyes to Lumine together.” He grumbled. “But when I awoke, Kaeya had gone without me. I ran after her, but… but I was too late.” The boy closed his eyes. “She’s… gone.”
Crepus nodded. He turned to his other son.
“Kaeya, please go to your room.”
The boy opened his mouth to retaliate, but his father interrupted him.
“I will come and talk with you later.” He commanded. “For now, I would like to speak with Diluc.”
Kaeya controlled the urge to slam his door as he went to his room.
As Crepus crossed his arms and walked over to the living space, his son hesitantly followed.
“Father?”
The man sat down in his chair by the fireplace, crossing his legs. Diluc stood to the side, admiring the flames as they danced across the burning wood.
“Diluc, my boy,” Crepus grinned tiredly. “I believe that you look and behave more like me every day.” He chuckled to himself. “I remember a time when I’d chase after your mother. She had no interest in me, yet I would cautiously try and change her mind whenever I saw her. I’d give her flowers and trinkets, but what truly won her over was the time we spent with one another… fighting enemies and pillaging evil…
Crepus ran a hand down his beard, smiling as he reminisced.
“But your time with Lumine has been put on hold.” He sighed. “How are you doing, son? Really?”
Diluc swallowed and looked into the fireplace. Sparks roared in his crimson-colored irises.
“I’m furious that I couldn’t say goodbye,” He admitted. “And I wish she hadn’t left. And-” Diluc breathed deeply, trying his best to stay calm. “I’m unbelievably jealous of Kaeya. He purposely went without me to ensure that I’d look like the bad guy. Now Lumine will never know…”
Diluc trailed off, his mind as perplexed as his heart. His father simply nodded.
“I knew both you and Kaeya liked Lumine, but I never thought he’d do something so selfish to try and win her over.” The man admitted. He pinched the brim of his nose, shaking his head.
“I’m sorry he did this to you, son,” Crepus stated. “It was, no doubt, a harsh and deeply selfish thing to do. And I will make sure your brother faces the consequences. But, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him.”
Crepus stood and rested a hand on his son's shoulder.
“When things have settled, we can go and visit them. Alright?”
Diluc nodded.
“Then,” His father smiled. “You can give Lumine that gift I’ve been waiting ages for you to give her.”
The Vision-wielder's cheeks went red. His father just smiled and ruffled the boy's hair.
Diluc felt calmer and more at peace after he spoke with his father. There was no one else, besides Kaeya and Lumine, who could read him like an open book.
A few months later, Crepus Ragnvindr was killed.