Chapter Text
It's been almost 3 years since Varka was sent out on an expedition far from Mondstadt walls..
To think that he'll come back now, it's bittersweet. He left without a word, didn't write a letter nor gave you a proper farewell.
But then again, no one ever confirmed that the things between you were real.
It's safe to say that your not quite happy of his return. Would hiding be better? Well no, you work in Angels Share whenever your father, Charles gets sick or is tired from working too much to provide for the both of you.
And today was no exception, Diona, the little kid with cat ears and a tail comes by again, the same kid that you saved from a Lawachurl in Dragonspine. Though she hates the smell of alcohol, your presence alone makes her want to bear it.
"Hey Missy! Can you accompany me in Dragonspine again please?" She asked, her hand— paws clapped together.
Well you couldn't say no, and since it's still the break of dawn.. no one will come by at this time.
"Of course, let me just get ready yea?"
Diona smiles in delight, sitting on one of the stools, waiting.
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...
You were now dressed in a warm doublet, a dress in freezing cold would be an idiot's choice for frostbite.
Diona skips in front of you, leading the way to hunt some lizards and maybe some monsters too.
"What do you need lizards for, Diona?"
"I'm trying to make a new drink for.. heh, people to try."
"Diona." You scold.
"Okay fine! It's not like I'm trying to poison anyone.. I'm just, experimenting on new ingredients!"
You sigh in defeat, she won't give up on something she already set her mind in so you let her be.
As time passed, Diona has already decorated your hair full of flowers, herbs and plants she picked up along the way.
And by that time it's already almost twelve in the morning, has Diona eaten lunch yet?
"Diona, are you hungry? It's already twelve in the morning." You inquire.
She simply nods, she looks tired from her running around the cold mountain.
You smile, amused.
"Do you want me to carry you? You look tired."
"No I'm fine! I can take care of my own.."
"I insist, please? I'll feel guilty." You plead
Diona bristles, not liking the idea of being 'soft and weak' but then again, she is tired AND hungry and cats are scare when they're hungry and tired.
"Okay fine." She announced almost hesitant.
You mess with her hair with your hand then carried her back to Mondstadt, her face buried in your neck.
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Mondstadt is a bit livelier today, expecting the return of The Grandmaster and the Knights that went along with him.
Diona is still in your arms, purring and not wanting to leave.
But when you arrive in the Cat's Tail Tavern, she leaves your arms in a pounce and goes to her cat friends.
The woman at the counter laughs a bit at the sudden change of Diona, you laugh along with her too.
"Doesn't Diona like Fish?" You ask the woman.
"It is, especially the fish her father catches."
You nod, thanking the woman. You make your way to the kitchen of the Tavern and start making food for Diona.
Fish Muniere, you took the vegetables out of your recipe because Diona doesn't like vegetables.
You leave the dish on the table for Diona to eat later and leave. You make your way to the statue of Barbatos, luckily, no one isn't there yet so you take a seat on one of the benches near the shade and in front of the statue.
Now you've taken a good look at the decorations Mondstadt has put up, it's quite beautiful, enhancing the greenish blue aesthetic the city offers.
But the moment you take in the scenery, crowds gather near the city entrance and you can't help but feel your heart clench in excitement, fear? You don't know, but now the Grandmaster and the Knights are finally coming back.
Knights of the city come walking in with tired but happy gaits. Some people would one of the knights and some would go their family.
But the Grandmaster was yet to appear.
You make your way down from the city square to near the entrance of the city.
The knights, reunited with their families and partners. The air filled with happiness, sounds of joyful yelling and cries of relief.
You spot your father, Charles on the other side of the crowd and you make your way towards him until the sound of a trumpet stops you from your tracks in the middle of the street.
There he was.
The Grandmaster, Varka.
In all his glory, his boisterous laughter bigger than his smile. Hands waving to the people of Mondstadt,.
You were shook, he's.. different now, new scars.
As you stood there, his eyes found yours. His smile fading into something of a small frown.
You quickly leave his sight, making g your way towards your father.
But you swear you heard something from him before he was surrounded with the people of Mondstadt.
Maybe your crazy, no way in Teyvat will he ever want to talk to you nor do you want to talk to him.
You're just a citizen, just a friend. But friends don't drink from the same cup or hold each other close wishing promises that would never happen.
Maybe it's better to hide
Than to ever face him again.
Because who were you to him?
He proved it himself
Nothing.