Kero keroppi

"oh my, ren, with such a gorgeous family like yours, i'm sure our kid will be the prettiest baby in the world!" you whispered only for him to hear, beaming gorgeously when he looked at your face – eyes sparkling with adoration. his heart skipped a beat.

you quickly turned back to talk with his mother, excitedly agreeing when she offered to show you kunigami baby pics, leaving the boy's side to sit with her. your boyfriend just sat there, still, your words echoing through his head as his brain worked furiously on imagining you with a swollen belly, tits heavy and bigger, full of milk. pregnant with his child.

he couldn't forget it even if he wanted to.

with your legs thrown over his shoulders, there's an insistent plap! plap! sound whenever kunigami thrusts into you, his pelvis hitting the back of your sweaty thighs repeatedly like a madman, fucking you like a beast. you can only moan incompressible babbles and cry out his name, long lost in the oblivion he's sent you with the drag of his raw cock against your walls, every vein on his shaft rubbing deliciously inside you and his fat tip kissing your cervix like he wants to pierce through it – plant his seed directly in your womb.

"kuniiii–!" you whine for him with your eyes rolled back, body arching off the bed and nails digging so deep into his shoulder that they leave marks on his skin, earning a hiss from him. your cunt is so wet you can barely hear yourself, squelching sounds taking over the bedroom along with the squeak! of the bed every time kunigami buries his cock in your sopping pussy, headboard hitting the wall. "ren!!!"

a cry rips from your lips when your boyfriend sneaks his hand between your bodies, the rough pad of his fingers pinching your little clit meanly and making your thighs tremble, toes curling in the air behind his head. your walls clench and clamp down his cock, sucking him in greedily every time he drags his hips back like they want to milk him dry – this thought alone makes kunigami go insane. he holds the back of both your knees to push them towards your chest, nearly touching your shoulders as he increases the pace of his thrusts, snapping his pelvis against your puffy folds.

"f–fuck! gonna look so pretty... round with our baby..." he grunts mindlessly, dirty thoughts flooding his brain as he watches the skin on your tummy distend every time he sinks into you, the tip of his dick bulging your belly. he wonders if his semen is going to bloat your stomach once he comes.

thinking about it causes his cock to nearly burst his load right there, he has to hold back the urge to fill up your womb before you even cum. his tired eyes scan your sweaty body sprawled on the mattress, fingers fisting the pillows your head lies on and teeth sinking into your bottom lip to stop lewd moans from coming out, brows furrowed and a desperate look on your face – an expression that tells him how bad you want to cum. 

your silent plea only eggs him on, hips smacking furiously on your ass as he drills his cock inside you, carving his way on your walls. your throat is sore, mind fogged up as the only thing you can think of is cumming on your boyfriend's dick, clit throbbing in anticipation and making you stick your hand between your thighs, forefinger swiping over your nub with tight circles and you hear kunigami growling at the sight.

"k–kuni, gonna cum!!!" you warn with a high-pitched tone, voice barely over a whisper. it's too much for him, your sweet calling of his name, tiny hole stretched around his fat dick and fingers rubbing your cute little clit to reach your high as pathetic mewls escape your lips – he presses your knees even further, onto the bed this time, folding you in half and forcing your hips off the mattress, mounting you like a animal in mating season.

"y–yeah, that's it. cum f'me." it feels so good, your brain turns to mush and your vision goes white, like little fireworks exploding in your stomach when you squirt all over the boy's abdomen, screaming his name so loud the whole neighborhood could hear. "so hot baby, gonna fill you up r–real good."

he promises and he delivers, unable to take it any longer with the way your pussy clenches around his girth, balls tightening before he pushes his dick deeply inside you and shoots his load into your womb, filling you to the brim with his cum – the feeling of fullness intoxicating your thoughts. it's warm and sticky and paints your guts white, you can barely process your surroundings as it feels like he's cumming forever, thick semen flooding your core.

the boy keeps thrusting softly, riding out both of your highs before coming to a full stop, releasing his grip on your legs and falling forward – dick still nested in you when he lies his head against your breasts. his fluffy, damp hair tickles your chin, making you giggle and bring your fingers up to comb through his locks, his hand taking place on your tummy as he gently caresses your skin. you close your eyes, feeling your consciousness slowly drifting into sleep with the serene atmosphere around you, cum leaking from your hole and sticking to your inner thighs but you don't care.

that's, until kunigami is grabbing both of your wrists and positioning himself between your legs again, cock growing hard inside you so quickly it forces your eyes to dart open to look at the boy above you – his broad chest shining with sweat under the lights as well as his abdomen drenched in your cum, stare so intense it makes you avert your gaze in shyness and cunt inevitably clench, gushing out remnants of your arousal.

"what, thought we were done?" you're not looking – but you can hear the smirk on his lips when he talks. giving an experimental thrust, he rips a surprised moan from you, eyes staring up at him in confusion as you try to break free from his grip on your arms, a chuckle rumbling his chest as he just watches you in awe. "gotta make sure i knock you up tonight, love."

kinktober taglist: @thotoru-gojhoe @mimimell @hahdolly @rinnum1glazer @consumedtoomuchmedia @kaisenkalogathia @van111a @matchaveins @prettyboyroseberg @azaleabbbbb @lylisimps @itsjustisa @vagumi @squ1dk1dd @nishinoyawannabe @bootyytickler069 

feel free to ask to be added!

The soundproof wall didn’t last a week.

At month four you had learnt the name of the man behind all your torment, Cole Brookestone.

You could only truly thank the pile of vinyls (apparently he was old school) that was stacking up outside the door of his radio booth, and conveniently had his name plastered all over them.

You double checked your findings that night after dealing with your now daily headache and browsing the radios website, you found his broadcast, and heard the music that haunted your nightmares.

You knew who he was, but you didn’t know what he looked like.

To your best efforts (you wouldn’t call it stalking him, you just wanted to know who was giving you so much grief), you tried to look him up on social media, but you got no matches.

No Cole Brookestone who hosts a heavy metal radio show and thrives on bleeding the ears of his neighbours.

But now, at month five, you’ve had enough of him, all because he had started to occasionally bring in a loud mouthed co-host Jay Walker.

A man you did get the mispleaure to meet with curly ginger hair, freckles across his face and with no remorse had taken your mug from the cupboard to make his own drink.

A drink that stained your prestige item.

So suffice to say your no-faced neighbour is your sworn enemy.

Right now you were sat in your swivel chair, glancing down at your notes as you spoke into the mic.

“It seems Ninjago’s recently elected mayor has reportedly backed out of the on-going crisis in relation to finance, I do wonder how-“ You cut yourself off when the strill of metal music made itself known, you gritted your teeth to accompany it “How the mayor got elected in the-“

If it was possible the music got louder, practically ricocheying off your enclosed walls.

“Oh you’ve got to be..” You muttered, glaring at the closed door and leant back in your chair “Sorry Ninjago city, it seems mosh pit man has once again made his return”

Mosh pit man was the nickname you had decided to give Cole while on air, you didn’t want to let him have any more free publicity.

Throughout the rest of your broadcast your jaw tensed at every new song that he played, and every pause that made you believe that he was finally done.

He never was, it was neverending.

When you eventually wrapped up, you immediately face palmed into the desk. The sound bouncing loudly and your mic stand made a faint noise at the impact.

Honestly you didn’t care anymore, anything was better than that god awful sound.

You begrudgingly sat up when your phone began to buzz, the high pitch noise made you want to throw it across the room.

Begrudgingly you accepted the call, not checking who it was “Hello?”

“Hey you” Skylor, your best friend greeted, her enthusiastic voice only brightening your mood slightly “Have I caught you at a good time?”

“Just finished my broadcast for today” You nodded to yourself, resting your cheek against the palm of your hand.

Skylor, undoubtedly being able to hear the fed up nature, sighed “Your neighbour was blasting his music again?”

“Blasting? It feels like he’s throwing his own fucking house party” You cursed in exasperation.

Your best friend winced in response “Why don’t you just talk to him? Maybe he doesn’t realise how loud it is”

“Doesn’t realise, it’s practically making the building vibrate!”

“Okay, okay, bad idea” Skylor surrendered, you could imagine her holding her hands up to prove her words were correct “Have you talked to your boss about it?”

You huffed, loudly “He said we needed to ‘talk it out amongst ourselves’, what he meant was that he could care less about it”

“Could you send him an annoymous note telling him to quiet down?” She suggested a new idea and for a brief moment you thought about it.

It was the easiest of the bunch, just slipping a note underneath his door and hoping that Cole will listen and take accountability.

Though you doubt that’ll be the reality, it’ll probably be binned.

“Would probably get lost” You shrugged, squinting your eyes at the scream that came from his music.

“Then place it somewhere he’ll see it” She added a new idea “Doesn’t he keep a tray of music outside his room? Just place it on that”

That got your attention, not because you agreed with the idea, you knew for a fact you wouldn’t be sending him a silly note of complaint like a landlord evicting a tenant.

Instead your brain got an even better idea, a far more wicked one.

“Or, and hear me out on this, I hide his vinyls so he cannot play them” You beamed, a smile forming on your face at the wonderful plan.

Skylor did not share the same sentiment “I can think of many things wrong with that”

“Like what?” You questioned with a roll of your eyes.

“Like you’re taking someone’s property without permission and might be promoted to his new number one enemy” Skylor reasoned, you heard her shift behind the phone and knew she had placed a hand on her hip at you.

“Well he’s already my biggest enemy” You countered “I’m just returning the favour”

“This is you being petty”

“I think I deserve to be a bit petty after all the headaches he put me through” You smiled, not budging from your plan.

You knew it was petty, it was revenge-ridden and similar to a useless prank someone would throw in high school. But you knew it would be so very worth it.

Skylors sigh on the other end of the phone made you know she wasn’t going to try and make you back out of it.

Operation mess with mosh pit man was a go.

Stealth was not your forte.

You thought that for once it would be your specialty, the tray of vinyls was only a few paces in front of your door.

All you had to do was make sure Cole or any of his associates weren’t there.

So far you had won in the match against him, you heard through the grapevine (the incredibly nosy weather forecast host) that Cole was home sick today.

Unfortunately he had sent one of his minions in today to do something for him, luckily for you it wasn’t Jay.

Instead this was a man you hadn’t seen before with blond hair and green eyes, how do you know this?

He’s currently staring at you whilst your crouched beside the tray.

“Uh what are you doing?” He slowly questioned with a tilt of his head, the gesture resembling a golden retriever at its finest.

You glanced around to find some sort of excuse “I’m..looking, yeah looking! Just wanted to see if I could make my broadcast more entertaining with tunes”

The golden retriever like man nodded, the action purely out of confusion “Right? Cole never mentioned anyone wanting to use his vinyls”

“I haven’t asked him yet” You forced a smile onto your face “Just browsing to see, I might not even want to play his aw..I mean awesome songs”

Phew you nailed that.

The man looked from you, to the tray and then to the door in-front of him then ultimately raised his hands in surrender “I’m far too tired for this, just leave everything how it is, alright?”

Perhaps you hadn’t nailed it as well as you thought, you were just on the very lucky side that this man could not care less right now.

“Noted” You winked and resumed your rummaging, deciding to play along with your story for now.

As the man walked away, muttering to himself how he couldn’t believe how much of a workaholic his friend was, you caught a glimpse of something on his neck. The love bite was practically staring into your soul.

So he was that kind of tired, you loudly snickered at the sight.

The blond glanced out the door with a small glare your way, hand hovering over his neck to hide it.

When he shut the door, you went straight back to work, you now definitely had the advantage.

Cole had sent in his tiredest friend to cover his station, and there was absolutely zero chance he would be checking over the pile before he left.

Glancing through the pile a few vinyls caught your eyes, all of them having absurd names that made you chuckle. But you knew those would be your target.

Grinning, you began to stack them in your hand, sneaking back into your station to hide them around your room. Your smile grew at every new one you hid.

Eventually, you felt like your mission was complete the vinyl tray had lowered significantly but you were able to find some fake ones to squeeze in amongst them.

You had to admit, pettiness looked good on you.

Satisfied you decided you wanted to throw the blond completely off your trail and knocked at Cole’s door.

You heard a hum of acknowledgment and opened the door, you had never been inside Cole’s room, you asssumed it would look like the spawn of hell or some heavy metal mosh pit. You weren’t half wrong.

Posters littered the walls, a can of soda was placed onto the table and his set up looked like a well-organised mess. It was definitely much more complicated than yours.

The blond glanced up at your arrival, he was sat cross-legged on a chair and was doodling on a pre-written paper. It was a chore paper Cole had provided him.

“Found what you were looking for?” He asked, half-distracted by what he was currently drawing and awaiting for your reply.

“I haven’t, realised they weren’t my kind of music” You lied, hiding your hands behind your back so he wouldn’t see you crossing your fingers.

“It’s definitely an acquired taste” The man nodded, leaning back in the seat “Do you know where Cole keeps his microphones? He told me to change it out, but he didn’t say where they would be”

Why the hell would he think you’d know? Mentally shrugging you glanced across the room, if you were the metalbrain radio host where would you place your headphones?

Your eyes instantly landed on a cardboard box atop a long cupboard “I assume they are up there” you pointed to it.

The man hummed in confusion, following your gaze and stood up, reaching up to the take it down. He clicked his tongue at the microphones within.

“I thought he got out of the ‘put everything needed on the highest shelf’ phase” He mumbled, entirely to himself as he trudged back to the seat, looking through the box for which microphone Cole would prefer.

Then he froze and looked back at you in a look you could only describe as smug.

“You seemed pretty confident they were up there” The man spoke, resting his elbows over the box.

You didn’t know what he was insinuating yet but you didn’t like it “I said I assumed, I didn’t know they were actually up there”

“And yet that was the first place you said” He tilted his head at you, this time you didn’t view it as a confused golden retriever. This time he was a dog that looked mischievous.

“I’m a radio host, I have the same sorting system as him” You don’t, you would never place your microphones or any kind of electronics that high up.

“No one has the same sorting system as Cole” He called out your bluff “Don’t you worry, my lips are sealed”

Sealed? What is he apparently keeping secret?

“Why?” You questioned in disbelief.

The blond adverted his attention back to the box bringing a microphone onto the table “You two would make a good couple”

You physically stumbled back, eyes widening at the words, that was not the expected route of this conversation.

“No! Nope, no, we are not! We..we will not be that ever!” You exclaimed, shaking your head as you walked backwards.

“Like I said I’ll keep your secret” He winked at you, smirk forming onto his lips.

You didn’t know him at all to tell if being a little shit was his everyday personality trait.

You retreated before you could say another word, closing the door behind you and stomping back into your station. You could hear his laugh following behind you.

At least there was one positive about this situation, your mission was a success.

Cole wasn’t at the station for a whole week.

From what you gathered through Jay Walker, who had once arrived at the station just to have his weekly mug (yet again your favourite one) of coffee, even though his best buddy wasn’t there. His friend had a nasty flu and all of his friends were taking it in turns to check on him.

Apparently he snores as well.

You were writing up notes for your broadcast in thirty minutes, tapping your pencil onto the table as you thought.

Then you heard a knock at your door, that was unusual. Typically if anyone saw that the ‘on air’ sign was off then they would just walk in, no one knocked on your door.

Slowly you stood up from your desk and stepped to your door and opened it.

You were instantly speechless at the handsome man standing in front of you.

He had black hair in a wolf cut style, piercing hazel eyes that made you not want to look away from them. He wore a Black Sabbath band shirt with jeans and you just wanted to bite his biceps. They were beautifully muscular and had tattoos across his forearm.

You wondered what god you had accidentally prayed to in order to receive this incredible man.

“Hey, are you busy?” He asked, his body resting against the doorframe and for a moment you swore you recognised his voice.

Though in your currently delirious mind you couldn’t exactly place why you recognised it.

“Nope, not at all..uh what’s up?” You almost stumbled over your words and attempted to look as cool as possible.

The hot man nodded “Do you know where my vinyls went? My friend mentioned you were having a look at them”

You tilted your head at him, wondering why would you want his vinyls? The only vinyls you had taken were Cole’s..

You felt your heart drop, that was Cole Brookestone. The beautiful man right in front of you was Cole, holy shit you messed with a guy who could snap you like a twig.

“Uh what friend?” You questioned, already deciding that if you were going down then you were going down swinging, aka lying.

Cole raised an eyebrow at you (even that was attractive) “Lloyd?”

Oh so that was the shitheads name.

“Who?” You attempted to play the clueless dumbo, it didn’t work.

“The blond, the one you said where my microphones were” He explained, his voice briefly going into a tone of annoyance but it remained oddly calm.

“Ohhh that” You sheepishly chuckled “Yeah I just helped him, then I went on my way”

“With or without my vinyls?” He firmly asked, crossing his arms over his chest and fuck you were doomed.

“In my defence I had a very good reason to” You defended, taking a step into your room, hoping to create distance between the two of you.

Cole took that as an invitation to get closer and look around your room, he found four of his vinyls in under ten seconds.

“What reason do you have to steal my music, that I bought” He stared at you in disbelief.

You loudly sighed, you had to do what Skylor had adviced first, you had to talk to him.

You definitely didn’t want to talk to him now.

“You play your music loudly” You honestly spoke, lowering your head and rushing to your chair, standing behind it and ready to use it as a shield.

Cole didn’t move, sure he looked confused by the fact you hid behind your seat but he didn’t seem annoyed by your words.

“I do?” He asked in genuine shock, as if he hadn’t realised he did.

How he couldn’t hear the shake of the walls everytime he plays his music is beyond you.

You nodded back at him “You do, rather loudly, I’m surprised you haven’t gotten a noise complaint”

Cole genuinely looked baffled and so very remorseful, placing a hand onto his face with a sigh.

“I am so sorry, my hearing ain’t exactly the greatest” He apologised, his words felt genuine and you could clearly see how embarrassed he was.

So he wasn’t doing this melisously, he just didn’t realise how loud his music was.

“It’s uh alright, just maybe invest in some headphones?” You suggested, mentally scolding yourself for your words.

“Yeah, yeah I’ll do that” Cole nodded, lowering his hand with a sigh and leant his head back “I’m gonna get so many I told you so’s from Jay, he kept saying my music was loud but I thought he was being his annoying self”

“Could you possibly ask him to stop using my favourite mug for his coffee?” It seems you weren’t backing down from your punches.

To his credit, he did look shocked and apologetic “Shit, that’s my fault there, I thought that mug didn’t belong to anyone, I’ll let him know”

You nodded, awkwardly glancing to your set up and then back to him.

“Is there um anything else I need to change?” He asked, curious if he had done anything else.

You shake your head, then press your lips together in consideration “Do you have any non screaming music recommendations?”

That seemed to surprise Cole “Wait so you saying to Lloyd you wanted to add music to your broadcast wasn’t an excuse?”

The blond was starting to become your new number one enemy, at least you’ve found someone to replace Cole for that spot very quickly. It seems he couldn’t stop himself from being a snitch.

“It was, at first” You confessed, fiddling with your pencil “I thought you were doing this just to annoy me and everyone here..but now that I know your not, I do actually want to add music to my broadcast. Calm music”

Cole loudly oh’d at your honesty “If I give you some recommendations do I get my vinyls back?”

Instantly you nodded.

“And next time you’ll tell me if I’m too loud instead of stealing from me?”

“In my defence I was at my wits end at month five”

Cole narrowed his eyes at you, he wasn’t amused by your sentence.

“If it happens again I’ll be quick to tell you” You complied, nodding at him for a second time.

He seemed to appreciate that and gestures for you to follow him into his room “I’m Cole”

“I know” You smiled at him, realising too late that it sounded creepy “I saw it on the vinyls”

“I gathered that don’t worry” He chucked reassuringly awaiting for you to step out from your chair and follow behind.

You were about to introduce yourself when Cole cut you off with a smile “I know who you are too”

Now that caught your interests, you didn’t have anything outside your room that told anyone your name and your pretty sure half the people here know you as the ‘quiet girl’.

“One of my friends knows Skylor” He added his own clarification “She mentioned her best friend works at a radio station and I sort of put two and two together”

You hummed in agreement and trailed behind him to his room, you had a pretty good feeling that this apparently one-sided war was over with Cole.

“Did you know when Lloyd was here, he had a hickey on his neck”

Cole first began cooking when his mother's health started getting worse.

He was young and inexperienced, and without proper guidance it was nearly impossible for him to learn even the basics, let alone follow recipes.

Lilly was bedridden and couldn't help him even though she really wanted, and Lou had no experience himself, not to mention how busy he always was.

Cole never realized how terrible his cooking actually was before joining the team because he had gotten used to it.

Everyday until Lilly died he was the one preparing meals for her and she never had the heart to tell him, she appreciated the effort and love he's put into it.

When he joined the team he was proud of his cooking because he was still recreating (or at least trying to recreate) the meals he remembered Lilly making before she got sick.

Cole always knew they didn't taste right, but it was one of the very last things that made him feel closer to her.

————————————————————————

By the time you joined the team Zane was basically the only one cooking, and even that was rare because most of the time everyone would just order take out. It was easier that way.

The first time you tasted Cole's cooking was during one of your midnight snack runs. He was in the kitchen, trying to cook as quietly as he could manage. He was hesitant to offer and had warned that you may not like it, he knew most people could barely swallow one bite. But you were hungry and eating something cooked by your boyfriend felt so sweetly domestic. The instant shock and confusion on his face when you went for a second bite made your chest tight. Sure, it tasted a little off, but it was nowhere near the descriptions others have given you, and it was still good. More importantly, it was homemade, warm, and clearly he's put a lot of love and passion into it. Safe to say you've gotten plenty of kisses that night after you finished an entire helping.

After that it became a tradition of yours. Every time you happened to be in the kitchen when Cole cooked he would always offer for you to try it. You could tell he was still unfamiliar with someone being this eager to eat his food, but you could also tell how excited he was. It always broke your heart a little and you made sure to compliment him every single time.

With time, you could see Cole getting more confident. He began cooking more, trying out more recipes. Eventually you stopped eating any take out because he would offer to cook for you everyday. You loved every part of it. The thoughtfulness and love he put into his cooking, but also the spark in his eyes every time you asked for seconds.

————————————————————————

One night you found Cole standing over the stove on the verge of tears, clearly frustrated. You hugged him for a long time before he relaxed in your arms and explained what happened. Turns out he's been trying to get a specific dish Lilly used to make right for ages now. He thought that since he's been getting better he could finally make it just like she used to, but to no avail. No matter what he did he couldn't remember her original recipe, only bits and pieces that stayed in his memory from when he used to watch her prepare it.

That night you stayed up with him separating the dish into multiple containers and trying different spices and extra ingredients in each one. It took a lot of tries and a bunch of internet research for "game changing ingredients that will make your meal taste like home!", but eventually you got it right.

You've never seen Cole cry so much, let alone while stuffing his face with something he's cooked. It tugged at your heart to see your ever so calm and rational boyfriend in this state. But you understood and stayed by his side.

“She would have been proud,” has earned you a broken sob, “and so am I” made him set the bowl down to pull you into his arms, whispering soft thank yous into your hair.

Hello I'm super sentimental and I've never written anything before and my grammar sucks but I hope you like it🥹 I've started requesting this trope from writers after writing the first part of this because I genuinely love it so much but couldn't get myself to finish it earlier so here we are now!!❤️‍🩹

As the years flew by, the atmosphere changed the moment Lilly passed. Cole felt the absence of the familiar warmth in their home, the slow music where Lou and Lilly would dance to wasn't heard in the background anymore—the once happy and loving home was gone. Dead. Something that died with Lilly.

It was already midnight, Lou still wasn't home. Cole was alone, and from that day on, he knew he would have to take care of himself. Cole worked his way into the kitchen, trying to imitate the way his mother did—flawless. Perfect.

But instead of Lilly's delightful, warm, simple but delicious soup; his was burnt, distasteful, but it was something to fill his stomach instead of going to sleep hungry.

-------

From the day you joined the ninja team after the tournaments of elements, Zane was, and the only cook in the team. Nya said that Cole used to cook but stopped when everyone preferred Zane's. It was something about the way his meals are sometimes burnt to a crisp, undercooked, overcooked, or something was just wrong. You asked once and never questioned it again.

When you were the one who cooked dinner for the first time and not Zane, Cole immediately fell in love after taking his first bite of your signature meal. He fell in love with you, too, of course. Ever since that day, he would accompany you in the kitchen, watching you the same way he watched Lilly. You didn't push him away, instead you two talked, you two made jokes, there wasn't a day where he wasn't by your side as you cooked meals. That's how your relationship began to blossom into something more. And you two eventually became official.

One day, after hours of patrolling around Ninjago City, the sun was already setting. Everyone was tired, even Zane. You all sat in the living room, watching a random movie Lloyd picked. You looked around, and noticed a certain ninja's absence.

"Guys, where's Cole?" The movie paused, and everyone looked at you.

"Yeah," Kai spoke, looking around the room, "where is he?"

"Oh no, did we leave him by the bank!?" Jay exclaimed.

"Guys, calm down," said Lloyd, "I'm sure he's around here at the monastery. Maybe in his room?"

The conversation was cut short by the sound of the door sliding open. There stood Cole, holding two trays of bowls.

"Anyone hungry?" Cole grinned at his friends. "I made a batch of my mom's special creamy, beefy stew!"

Everyone froze in place as Cole stood in front of the tv, placing the two trays on the coffee table. The excuses started coming in.

"I'm not hungry at the moment,"

"I'm actually on a diet,"

"I already ate,"

"Nindroids don't need to eat all the time and—"

"I'm good,"

"It's not like I'm starving right now—" Jay was interrupted by his stomach growling, "I'm allergic to beef...?" He forced a smile.

Cole let out a sigh, his shoulders slumped. He took the trays back into his hand and started walking towards the door. Your heart swelled at the look on his face, and before he could leave, you stood up without thinking properly. "I'll taste it, love!" That made Cole stop, slowly turning back to face you with a small surprise on his face.

"Really?" You nodded.

The rest of the team looked at you like you wanted a death wish or worried for your health afterwards.

"Are you sure?" Nya whispered,

"100 percent..." You whispered back.

You stepped closer to your boyfriend, each step felt cautious, your hands shook with hesitation as you reached for a bowl. But the smile on your boyfriend's face will make it worth it... you hope.

The moment you tasted it, it was surprisingly good, heavenly even. Without realization, you devoured the stew like you haven't eaten in days.

You managed to like it clean, Cole held a laugh from the sight of your messy face. Not once in your relationship had he seen you like that.

"I'm guessing you like it—"

"Do you have more!?"

"I have a pot full more!"

----

You, Cole, and the rest of the team sat around the table—your laugh, your chatter, the rare moment like this was enough to make your day. Cole's hand slid under the table, reaching its way to hold yours. You turned to face him, you noticed the soft, familiar smile plastered on his face, and you smiled back.

"Y'know..." he turned his head to look at the team chatting and laughing with one another. "This gives off some major deja vu."

"How come" You asked,

"When I was little, it was always like this—mom cooks, dad comes home, and we talk like the world was silent and we were the only ones who were loud." His smile turned into a small frown, "but when mom started to become sick, she was having difficulties walking and dad had to stay home for a while to take care of her..." You felt his hand squeeze yours, "but now... I'm glad I can bring that feeling back, and all it took was a piece of her," he turned to face you once more, "and you."

Your eyes widened, you felt your cheeks burning slightly, but Cole wasn't done talking.

"Thank you, for trusting me. For being with me from the start." He held both of your hands, "I don't think I can go on without you in my life..." You can feel your heart throb as he said those words. It felt real.

It was real.

What seems like forever, you two finally noticed the team's silence. Cole and You looked at them, and they were looking at both of you.

"Go on," said Jay, followed by Kai, "just pretend we're not here."

"Yeah, we're not gonna do that."

----

A/N: Hope you enjoyed reading this, this was so fun to make and if you do enjoy this or my style of writing, feel free to send in your x reader requests!

- “You’re the fire that keeps my heart bursting with life, and I could never imagine my life without you, it wouldn’t be worth living if I didn’t have my flame of life…Will you be my Yang..?”

- You said yes immediately, running into his arms in a fit of smiles and happiness.

- The only part of his plan that remained was that you and him shared your first kiss as Yin and Yang under the sunset.

- Kai, however insisted that this was his entire plan, that this was totally how it was meant to happen.

- The ninjas allowed him to say that for five minutes.

- Then they began reciting the tale of how he behaved during preparation.

- At least this’ll ensure you won’t have a groomzilla at your future wedding.

Lloyd:

- He’s been wanting to ask you to be his Yang for over a year.

- The medallion has lived in numerous places across the monastery, in draws, in his pocket, secretly behind the bathroom mirror. It has been everywhere.

- But he keeps chickening out of asking.

- Because he has no idea how to propose.

- Lloyd had gotten advice from everyone, most of them being different renditions of ‘Just do what you think feels right’, while others were ‘Stop being a coward and do it’

- And everyone was getting impatient over his inability to ask you to be his Yang, which fair, he too was getting frustrated with himself.

- However he knew he really had to stop being a coward when the topic of Ying, Yang somehow worked its way into a conversation between the two of you.

- “Would you ever want us to get promised?” “promised for what?” “The Yin, Yang promise”

- Lloyd’s face had gone red at your question and he could barely look at you.

- “Would you ever want us to?” “I would”

- That gave him all the answers he could ever want, and gave him a much needed wake up call.

- After that day he threw himself head first into planning, carrying the medallion with him every single day, just in case the perfect moment arrived.

- He expected the perfect moment to be after a battle or in a fancy restaurant like how he saw in movies.

- It wasn’t, it was in the monastery living room whilst you were curled up on the sofa after affectionately kissing him.

- It had been such a domestic setting and it only made him realise that he could not go another day without asking you to be his Yang.

- He knelt on the floor in the middle of the room, he didn’t even get down on one knee, it was a full on beg-like kneel, directly in front of you and proposed.

- “I know I’m meant to wait for a more romantic opportunity, but to me this is everything I could’ve imagine and more. I want to always be by your side whether that be beside you in our bed, dancing with you in the kitchen or kissing you for the rest of my life. Will you be my Yang?”

- You uncontrollably nodded from your seat on the sofa, beaming at him as he hands you the medallion, and still kneeling on the ground brought you in for a kiss.

- Or more accurately multiple kisses.

Cole:

- He thought for once he’d be good at keeping surprises.

- When he had decided to ask you to be his Yang, and bought the medallion, he decided to hide it in the place you’re least likely to look.

- In the back of his wardrobe in a box with the words ‘extra wires’ in sharpie.

- He had thought his plan was flawless and didn’t even hint at you that he was planning to ask you to be his Yang.

- Until you needed extra wires and wandered into Cole’s bedroom when he wasn’t home to look through his wardrobe for that box.

- “You’re more than welcome into my room, come whenever you want” he had told you, so truthfully it was his fault you found the medallion.

- When you opened the box, you certainly weren’t expecting to find it and almost screamed in excitement at the sight.

- Though you did instantly close the box, smiling down at you as you realised he was planning on asking you to be his Yang.

- While Cole wasn’t dropping hints, you certainly were.

- And it wasn’t hurting anyone, you were just giving him ideas on when to propose.

- “There’s a carnival in town, wanna go?”

- “It’s meant to be hot today, wanna go to the beach?”

- “There’s a small gig downtown, wanna go?”

- You thought all of your hints were effortless and that at one of these he’d pop the question.

- He didn’t and you were starting to become restless over the fact that it had yet to happen.

- It all came to a head when two weeks after your discovery and still no proposal.

- When you were lounging in his room, you decided to be honest in what you had found.

- “Can I tell you something?” “you can tell me anything” “I found the medallion”

- Cole’s face became disheartened instantly and he sat up in his seat, he thought you hadn’t liked it.

- You had, and you told him that, you just hoped he hadn’t decided against asking you.

- He hadn’t, and he truthfully said how he couldn’t figure out when to ask.

- “I wouldn’t mind right now..”

- Cole’s face became brighter as he moved towards the wardrobe, opening it and retrieving the box with the medallion.

- Then he got down on one knee.

- “[Name], you are my entire heart, you make me want to get up in the morning all so I can spend the entire day loving you and reminding myself that I am the luckiest man in the world because I get to be your boyfriend, and I want to spend the rest of my life waking up proud to be by your side..so..Will you be my Yang..?”

- You answer his question by kissing him, Cole adjusting himself so you’re comfortable on him.

- You said yes the moment you finally got your lips off him.

Jay:

- This man, for some reason has a fascination in accidentally doing any big moments during the midsts of a battle.

- So of course it was only fitting for him to plan everything with his head held high.

- Only for the possibility of the city being destroyed to hang in the balance.

- No one expected for him to get down on one knee, he hadn’t even told the ninjas that he was planning on asking you to be his Yang.

- He has learnt that the ninjas are the worst secret keepers and the worst at giving advice.

- You were covered in grit, the hood of your GI over your head as you were in battle position.

- Jay was dirty but most likely had cartoon hearts flying over his eyes.

- When he got down on one knee your eyes widened at the sight.

- “What are you doing..?” “Something I need to get off my chest before it’s too late”

- “I know this is the worst timing, and I wish I could take you elsewhere and be every bit of the man I know you deserve..but I cannot continue this battle not letting you know that you’re who I fight for..I can’t keep fighting without you knowing just how I feel for you and how my heart beats for you. Will you be my Yang..?”

- Even with the impending doom, you lifted your mask off and pulled him in for a kiss.

- Everyone in the vicinity aw’d at the romantic gesture.

- And with the new title of Yin and Yang, you fought harder for victory.

Zane:

- His proposal isn’t over the top, or out of the blue.

- He’s meticulously thought out everything, keeping the medallion safe and sound and knowing exactly what to do.

- He knows to keep it private and he knows to keep the speech short and sweet.

- Zane settles on taking you to the snow covered forest under the guise of a walk.

- It confused you momentarily but then again this is Zane, it wasn’t unusual for him to want to go for a walk and confuse you.

- As you reach the end of the trail, he cupped your hands in his, bringing them up to his lips for a kiss.

- “I have a question to ask you” “Yeah?”

- Zane slowly takes a step back, but keeps his hand in yours.

- “I love you so much, you have shown me there is more to life than binary codes and following rules, you’ve taught me that it is fine to let my life change paths and if you hadn’t told me that I don’t think I would have found you”

- You were touched at his words, but instantly became speechless when he got down on one knee.

- “Will you be my Yang..?”

- You were teary eyed as his words settled into the air and slowly you nodded, a smile growing on your lips.

- To Zane this was what he was made to do, be yours.

Nya:

- She knew what she was doing.

- Sure no one else thought she was, but she knew it was better not to have a complete plan than try and overanalyse every little thing to perfection.

- Sure sometimes she can be a perfectionate to a fault, but you’ve tried to teach her not to be.

- and she needs to be reckless.

- The only part of her plan she planned out was the medallion and her speech, the rest was up to anticipation.

- Or better yet, when she no longer felt she could wait to pop the question.

- That happened when the two of you were at the beach.

- And she knew instantly how cliche it was to ask you on the beach, especially when she asked you to head to the car quickly for something.

- and she began writing in the sand, asking you to be her Yang.

- When you returned, carrying a spare towel on your arms, you instantly dropped it in shock at the sight in front of you.

- The question and Nya on one knee in front of you.

- “Nya..”

- “You make me tongue tied, I never know just what to say to you, without making me sound like a total idiot all because I get distracted by your beautiful face..but for once..I’m gonna be brave and I need you to know that I adore you..I adore you so much and nothing would mean more to me than having you for the rest of my life..Will you be my Yang..?”

- You couldn’t even respond, stepping over the towel as you joined her on the ground, wrapping her into a tight hug.

- “Is that a yes..?” “That is a definite yes..”

sugawara koushi

kenma kozume

oikawa tooru

akaashi keiji

semi eita

atsumu miya

The morning sun over Mondstadt always seemed to catch the crest of Starfell Valley first, pouring like liquid amber over the cider-scented orchards of the Dawn Winery.

It was a quiet sort of beauty, the kind that didn’t demand an audience but simply existed, grounding and immense.

Inside the manor, the atmosphere was much the same.

You sat at the long, polished oak table in the dining room, the crest of the Ragnvindr clan catching the early light from the high arched windows.

A cup of black tea steamed faintly beside your plate, the scent of bergamot mingling with the rich, earthy aroma of the breakfast Elzer had just laid out.

From the doorway, the soft, rhythmic click of leather boots signaled his approach.

You didn’t need to look up to know the precise cadence of Diluc’s step.

It was a march born of years of discipline, yet whenever he entered a room where you sat, that rigid pace invariably softened, rounding at the edges until it was nothing more than a gentle glide.

Diluc paused behind your chair, his gloved hand coming to rest lightly on the carved wooden back. With his other hand, he reached down, his long, pale fingers gently tucking a stray lock of your hair behind your ear.

His touch was warm, always so incredibly warm, a silent testament to the Pyro Vision that rested against his coat but it was also remarkably tender.

To the rest of Teyvat, Diluc Ragnvindr was a man of iron and ash, a silent protector who wore a permanent scowl and carried the weight of Mondstadt’s sins on his broad shoulders.

But here, within the private sanctuary of the winery, surrounded by the staff who had known him since childhood, he was simply yours.

"Did you sleep well?" his voice was a low, gravelly rumble, rich and soothing in the quiet of the morning.

"I did," you replied, tilting your head back to look up at him.

A small, soft smile graced your lips as you reached up to cup his cheek.

His skin was rough from years of handling claymores and reins, but he melted into your palm, his eyelids fluttering shut for a brief, sacred second.

"Though the bed felt a bit empty after dawn."

Diluc leaned down, pressing a lingering, warm kiss to your forehead. "I had paperwork to review with Elzer regarding the summer vintage. I didn’t wish to wake you."

Across the room, Adeline stood by the sideboard, a silver teapot in hand.

A knowing, deeply affectionate smile softened her features as she watched the two of you.

She had seen Diluc through his darkest, most turbulent years, the years of grief, of self-imposed exile, of bitter isolation.

To see him now, anchored so completely by your presence, his sharp edges thoroughly blunted by the sheer depth of his love for you, brought a quiet joy to her heart.

"Master Diluc, the carriage is being prepared for your trip into the city," Adeline murmured, her tone respectful yet warm. "And forgive me, Lady Ragnvindr, your dynamic with the Knights’ logistics team is scheduled for early afternoon, is it not?"

You laughed softly, shaking your head. "Adeline, please. Just my name is fine. And yes, Jean asked if I could assist with the inventory of the elemental reserves. With the Stormterror aftermath still causing minor anomalies, she wants an extra Vision holder on site."

Diluc’s eyes flicked down to your hip, where your own Vision rested, glinting softly in the morning light.

A subtle, protective tighten crossed his jaw, though it vanished as quickly as it came.

He trusted your strength implicitly. You were a formidable fighter in your own right, an equal partner who could stand back-to-back with him in the dead of night against an abyss pack without flinching.

His protectiveness wasn't a doubt of your capabilities; it was simply the natural law of his universe.

He loved you, and therefore, the world was a threat to be managed.

"I will be at the tavern by nightfall," Diluc said, his hand sliding down to your shoulder, giving it a firm, reassuring squeeze. "If your duties wrap up early, come find me at the Angel’s Share. We can ride back together."

"It's a date," you teased softly.

He didn't smirk, but the corners of his eyes crinkled a rare expression that only you ever truly witnessed.

To the world outside these stone walls, you were a dedicated ally of the winery, a capable Vision user, and a dear, trusted friend of Diluc Ragnvindr.

When the two of you had married a year ago, it had been a quiet affair, held in the estate’s private chapel with only Adeline, Elzer, and a profoundly smug Kaeya in attendance.

It wasn't that you were hiding your love; it was simply that neither you nor Diluc felt the need to perform your marriage for the court of public opinion.

You didn't hold hands in the streets of Mondstadt; you didn't exchange sweet nothings over the counter at the Good Hunter.

You walked side by side, equals, autonomous and private.

If anyone asked, neither of you lied. But Mondstadt was a city of gossip, and when people didn't see grand gestures, dramatic declarations, or a woman dangling off the winery master's arm, they assumed what they pleased.

To the average citizen, you were just an exceptionally close confidante. A brilliant friend.

And that suited you both perfectly. But privacy, you would soon remember, often left room for the imaginative malice of those who envied what they could not understand.

The afternoon air in Mondstadt was crisp, carrying the scent of dandelions and fresh bread from Sarah’s ovens.

You walked down the stone steps from the Knights of Favonius headquarters, stretching your shoulders after hours of cataloging elemental crystals with Lisa.

Your Vision hummed with a faint, resonant energy, responding to the ambient elemental flow of the city.

As you made your way past the flower shop, intending to head toward the plaza, a sharp, carrying voice cut through the midday bustle.

"Oh, look who it is. I swear, some people simply don't know when they are overstaying their welcome."

You paused, turning your head slightly. Standing near the city gates, leaning against a crate of goods, was Donna.

Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her lips curled into a sneer that looked entirely out of place on her usually bright face.

A couple of other townspeople stood nearby, shifting uncomfortably under her intense, venomous gaze.

You blinked, genuinely caught off guard. "Good afternoon, Donna. Is something the matter?"

"Is something the matter?" Donna scoffed, taking a step toward you, her heels clicking sharply against the cobblestones. "You have a lot of nerve acting so innocent. Everyone in the city sees it, you know. The way you constantly hover around the Dawn Winery. The way you practically force yourself into Master Diluc’s schedule."

You stared at her, utterly bewildered. "I work closely with the winery on elemental defense and trade routes, Donna. It’s matters of business."

"Business! Is that what you call it when you follow him around like a stray dog?" Donna’s voice rose, deliberately drawing the attention of passing citizens.

A few merchants turned to look; a pair of Knights on patrol slowed their pace. "You think just because you have a Vision, you're somehow special? You’re just a commoner clinging to his coattails, desperately trying to climb the social ladder. It’s pathetic, really. Master Diluc is a nobleman of highest caliber. He’s far too polite and well-bred to tell you to your face that you're an annoying nuisance, but it’s obvious to everyone else."

A low, collective murmur passed through the small crowd that had gathered.

Some looked sympathetic toward you, while others, fueled by the natural human appetite for scandal, began to whisper among themselves.

Is she really clinging to him? Well, they do spend an awful lot of time together... and Master Diluc never did seem the type to tolerate idle company.

You felt a prickle of annoyance, but you kept your composure.

You didn't need to defend your honor to Donna; the ring tucked safely on a silver chain beneath your shirt pressed warmly against your collarbone, a solid, unshakeable truth.

"Donna," you said, your voice calm, steady, and entirely devoid of the anger she was trying to provoke. "I assure you, Master Diluc is entirely capable of expressing his discomfort if he had any. My presence at the winery is welcomed."

"Welcomed? Keep telling yourself that!" Donna spat, her eyes flashing with a desperate, bitter jealousy.

For months, she had watched you slip in and out of the winery gates, had seen you walking beside the man of her dreams.

She had convinced herself that you were an opportunist, a parasite exploiting Diluc's solitary nature. "You're just a parasite. A desperate, clinging little girl who thinks a shiny glass orb on her hip makes her worthy of a Ragnvindr. You don't belong near him. You're nothing to him."

Before you could even open your mouth to reply, a long, dark shadow fell over the cobblestones between you and Donna.

"My, my. What an incredibly loud performance for such a quiet afternoon."

The smooth, theatrical drawl was instantly recognizable.

From around the corner of the alchemy station stepped Kaeya, his single eye gleaming with a dangerous, icy amusement.

His hand rested casually on the pommel of his sword, his posture relaxed, yet there was a distinct, predatory sharpness to the air the moment he arrived.

Donna paled slightly, stepping back. "Captain Kaeya! I-I was just... I was just pointing out the truth. She’s always bothering Master Diluc, and-"

"And since when did the logistics of the Ragnvindr estate become the civic duty of a floral assistant?" Kaeya interrupted, his smile never reaching his eye. He walked over, deliberately stepping into your space, his arm coming around your shoulders in a loose, protective, brotherly drape.

He looked down at you, his expression softening into genuine fondness. "Are you alright, little lady? Did the bad weather wash up some refuse?"

"I'm fine, Kaeya," you sighed, though you appreciated the warmth of his presence.

Over the past year, Kaeya had firmly established himself as a fiercely protective, albeit incredibly teasing, older brother figure to you.

He might have a fractured relationship with Diluc, but when it came to you, Kaeya was fiercely, uncompromisingly loyal.

Kaeya turned his gaze back to Donna, the temperature in the immediate vicinity seeming to drop by several degrees.

"Let’s clear something up, shall we? The lady you are so carelessly slandering happens to hold a position of utmost respect within the Knights' strategic network. Furthermore..." His grin widened, flashing a row of white teeth.

"If Master Diluc found her presence 'bothering,' he wouldn't be the one constantly ensuring her favorite tea is imported directly from Liyue just to keep her comfortable at his table. So, unless you want me to write up a formal report for public disturbance and harassment of a Knights' liaison... I suggest you take your flowers and your fascinating theories somewhere else."

Donna choked on her breath, her face flushing a deep, humiliated red.

She cast one last, hateful look at you before turning on her heel and storming off toward the flower shop, her hands trembling with rage.

The crowd dispersed quickly under Kaeya’s sharp, lingering gaze. Once the street was relatively clear, Kaeya dropped his arm from your shoulder, letting out a soft sigh as he looked down at you.

"You let people trample over you too much," he chided gently, though his voice held no real bite. "You could have flattened her with your Vision in three seconds flat."

"And cause a scene? Diluc hates scenes," you reasoned, smoothing down your coat. "Besides, her words don't change the truth. Let her think what she wants."

Kaeya shook his head, a complex emotion flitting across his face. "You and Diluc... I swear, the two of you are stubborn to a fault. This whole 'private romance' bit is all well and good, but it leaves the door wide open for fools like Donna to think they have a chance, or worse, to drag your name through the mud. Diluc would burn Mondstadt to the ground if he knew she spoke to you like that."

"Then let's not tell him," you said softly, looking up at him with pleading eyes. "He has enough on his plate with the Abyss Order activity near the Wolvendom borders. He doesn't need to waste his energy on town gossip."

Kaeya stared at you for a long moment, before letting out a defeated, amused chuckle. He reached out, rustling your hair affectionately. "You're too good for him, you know that? But fine. I won't say a word.

Just... be careful. Jealousy makes people do incredibly stupid things."

As it turned out, Kaeya’s warning was entirely prophetic.

A few days later, a grand celebration was held in Mondstadt.

The Knights of Favonius had successfully cleared out a massive hilichurl camp that had been blocking the main trade routes from Liyue, and the acting Grand Master had declared a night of festivity to boost morale.

The entire city was alive with light, laughter, and the heavy scent of Barbatos’s favored brew.

The Angel’s Share was packed to the brim.

Every table was occupied, the wooden rafter echoing with the loud choruses of bards and the clinking of heavy beer mugs.

Diluc stood behind the bar, his expression as impassive as ever as he poured drinks with practiced, flawless efficiency.

He wore his usual high-collared vest, his fiery red hair tied back in a neat ponytail.

Despite the chaos of the crowded tavern, his eyes continuously tracked a single point in the room: you.

You were sitting at a table near the corner, laughing softly as Venti spun a ridiculous, entirely fabricated yarn about a dragon and a giant dandelion.

Beside you, Kaeya was nursing a glass of Death After Noon, his eyes occasionally scanning the room with quiet vigilance.

"Master Diluc!"

Diluc’s gaze snapped back to the bar counter.

Standing there, leaning heavily against the polished wood, was Donna. She had clearly had a bit to drink, her cheeks flushed and her eyes glassy, though fixed on him with an intense, desperate focus.

"A glass of your finest white wine, please," she purred, trying to pitch her voice lower, trying to emulate the sophisticated ladies she read about in novels.

Diluc didn't utter a word.

He simply reached for a clean glass, poured the requested wine, and slid it across the counter to her, already turning away to wipe down a tap.

"Master Diluc, wait," Donna called out, her hand reaching out across the wood, nearly catching the sleeve of his coat.

Diluc subtly stepped back, entirely out of her reach, his eyes narrowing into a cold, flat stare.

Undeterred by his icy demeanor, Donna leaned in closer, her voice carrying over the din of the tavern to the surrounding patrons. "I... I just wanted to say how much everyone appreciates you hosting these events. You are always so hardworking, so noble.

It must be so exhausting... especially with certain people constantly draining your time and resources."

Diluc’s hand paused on the towel. "What are you referring to?"

Donna took his response as an invitation, her eyes lighting up with a cruel, triumphant gleam.

She glanced pointedly over her shoulder toward your table. "Oh, you know. There are rumors all over the city about how some people take advantage of your generosity. Always hanging around the winery, acting like they belong there, using their Vision as an excuse to get close to your wealth and status. It’s disgusting, really. Someone like you deserves a woman who truly understands high society, someone who values you for you, not just your name."

The immediate area around the bar went dead silent.

Six-Fingered José stopped strumming his lyre a few paces away.

Several patrons lowered their mugs, sensing the sudden, suffocating drop in atmospheric pressure.

Diluc did not blink.

His crimson eyes fixed onto Donna with a terrifying, absolute stillness.

The heat radiating off him became palpable, a heavy, oppressive warmth that made Donna’s breath hitch in her throat.

"Is that so?" Diluc’s voice was dangerously quiet, a low hiss of embers before a wildfire.

"Y-yes!" Donna stammered, emboldened by her own delusion. "Everyone thinks so! She’s just a clinging, desperate nobody who’s dragging down your reputation. You should just ban her from the estate, Master Diluc. You don't need that kind of dead weight—"

"Donna."

The name slipped from his lips like a sentence from a judge.

Diluc slowly placed the towel down on the counter.

He didn't raise his voice, but the sheer command in his tone cut through the entire tavern, silencing even the rowdy tables in the back.

"You are speaking of my wife."

The words dropped like a claymore splitting a boulder.

Donna froze, her eyes widening to the size of saucers. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. "W... W-wife...?"

Across the room, you raised your eyebrows, a quiet sigh escaping your lips.

You had hoped to avoid a scene, but looking at the absolute fury vibrating beneath Diluc’s calm exterior, you knew there was no stopping him now.

Kaeya, on the other hand, let out a loud, delighted bark of laughter, leaning back in his chair with a thoroughly entertained grin.

Diluc walked out from behind the bar counter.

He didn't spare Donna another glance as he crossed the floor of the tavern.

Every single eye in the establishment followed him as he made his way directly to your corner table.

As he approached, you stood up, a soft, apologetic smile on your face. "Diluc, you didn't have to-"

Before you could finish your sentence, Diluc reached out. His large, warm hand cupped the back of your neck, his fingers tangling into your hair with an intense, possessive gentleness.

He pulled you to him, and without a single shred of hesitation, he leaned down and pressed his lips firmly against yours.

It wasn't a chaste, polite kiss.

It was deep, breath-stealing, and heavy with a profound, unyielding adoration. It was the kiss of a man who was utterly consumed by the woman in his arms, a declaration made in the language of fire and absolute devotion.

Your Vision pulsed in tandem with his, a warm, harmonious light flaring briefly between you.

The tavern erupted.

Cheered, gasps, and the slamming of mugs against wood shook the rafters. Venti clapped his hands with glee, while Patton near the door looked like he might faint from sheer shock.

When Diluc finally pulled back, his forehead rested against yours for a brief second.

His breathing was slightly shallow, his eyes dark with an emotion so raw it made your heart skip a beat.

He looked down at you, his thumb gently wiping a trace of moisture from your lower lip.

"I am tired of listening to fools speak your name with anything less than the reverence you deserve," he whispered, his voice for your ears alone.

He then turned his head, his sharp, lethal gaze locking onto Donna, who looked as though she wished the floorboards would open up and swallow her whole.

"Let me make this entirely clear to everyone present," Diluc announced, his voice ringing with absolute authority through the Angel’s Share.

"The lady standing beside me is the mistress of the Dawn Winery. She holds my heart, my trust, and my name. Any insult directed toward her is a direct declaration of hostility against the Ragnvindr house. If I hear a single whisper of slander against my wife again... you will find yourselves permanently barred not only from this establishment, but from every trade route, estate, and asset I control in Mondstadt. Am I understood?"

Donna looked as if she might burst into tears.

She gave a frantic, terrified nod before grabbing her bag and sprinting out of the tavern doors, the laughter of the patrons following her into the night.

Diluc let out a soft breath, the tension leaving his shoulders as he looked back down at you.

His expression immediately melted back into that soft, gentle gaze that was reserved entirely for you. "Are you alright?"

"I'm more than alright," you smiled, wrapping your arms around his waist, burying your face in his chest. "Though I thought we agreed no public displays of affection?"

"Exceptions can be made," he murmured, wrapping his arms securely around you, holding you close against his chest, entirely ignoring the catcalls and cheers of the tavern around him.

From the table, Kaeya cleared his throat loudly, a massive, mischievous grin stretching across his face. He stood up, swirling his drink before tossing it back.

"Well, well. Quite a performance, Master Diluc," Kaeya teased, walking over to the two of you. He clapped a hand heavily onto Diluc’s shoulder, a gesture that made Diluc’s eyes narrow, though he didn't pull away. Kaeya looked at you, his single eye glittering with a brilliant, sudden idea.

"You know... since the town is clearly so confused about your martial status, I think there’s only one logical solution to put this entire matter to rest permanently."

Diluc glared at him. "And what would that be, Kaeya?"

Kaeya smirked, leaning in. "A proper, grand wedding. Right in the middle of the city, at the Cathedral of Favonius. A full mass, the entire town invited, the grandest decorations the winery can buy."

He winked at you.

"And most importantly... we ensure Donna is given a front-row seat to watch you slide the ring onto her finger all over again. What do you say, sister-in-law? Want to give Mondstadt something real to gossip about?"

You looked up at Diluc, who was already looking down at you, awaiting your verdict.

The thought of a grand wedding was usually against his private nature, but seeing the soft, unspoken warmth in his eyes, you knew that if it made you happy, he would rent out the entire city for a week.

"I think," you said, a beautiful, radiant smile breaking across your face, "that sounds like a wonderful idea."

The morning following the announcement at the Angel’s Share did not arrive with the usual quiet dignity of the Dawn Winery.

Instead, it arrived with the sound of Kaeya Alberich’s boots clicking across the polished flagstones of the manor’s entrance hall at an hour that Diluc considered borderline criminal.

Inside the study, the air was thick with the scent of old paper, sealing wax, and the rich aroma of dark-roasted coffee.

Diluc sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his crimson hair tied back loosely with a black ribbon, a pair of reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.

You sat on the chaise lounge across from him, a ledger of elemental inventory resting on your lap, though your attention had long since drifted to the way the morning light caught the sharp lines of your husband’s jaw.

The door flew open without a knock.

"Good morning, newlyweds or should I say, the soon-to-be publicly newlyweds?" Kaeya breezed into the room, his fur-lined cape swirling behind him like a dark blue cloud.

He held a thick stack of parchment in one hand and a half-eaten red apple in the other.

Diluc did not look up from his ledger, though his brow twitched with an immediate, practiced irritation.

"Kaeya. It is barely eight in the morning. Do the Knights no longer require their Cavalry Captain to pretend he has duties?"

"Oh, Jean has given me a temporary leave of absence for a matter of grave diplomatic and cultural importance," Kaeya said smoothly, dropping the stack of parchment directly onto Diluc’s immaculate desk, right over the trade reports from Liyue.

Diluc finally raised his eyes, his gaze flat and lethal. "And what matter might that be?"

"Your wedding, of course," Kaeya smiled, his single eye glinting with pure, unadulterated mischief.

He turned to you, his expression softening into that warm, brotherly fondness that had become so familiar over the past year. "Good morning, little lady. I trust my dear brother didn't keep you up all night discussing wine fermentation statistics?"

You laughed softly, closing your ledger and setting it aside. "Good morning, Kaeya. And no, we actually managed to sleep. Though I see you’ve been busy."

"Busy? I haven't slept a wink!" Kaeya declared dramatically, pulling up a high-backed chair and spinning it around so he could rest his arms across the backrest.

"Do you have any idea how much coordination it takes to plan a grand ceremony at the Cathedral of Favonius on less than a month's notice? Jean is already organizing the honorary guard. Lisa is curating the evening's musical repertoire though she threatened to electrocute me if I suggested any sea shanties and Amber has volunteered to handle the decorations for the plaza."

Diluc slowly took off his reading glasses, placing them precisely on the desk. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We agreed to a ceremony, Kaeya. We did not agree to turn the city into a carnival. A quiet, dignified service at the Cathedral is more than enough to satisfy whatever... point you are trying to make."

"Oh, this isn't just about making a point, Master Diluc," Kaeya purred, his smile widening into something genuinely wicked.

"This is about community morale. And, more importantly, it is about civic education. The good people of Mondstadt need to learn the consequences of gossiping about the winery’s Lady."

Kaeya reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a separate piece of parchment, tapping it against his chin.

"In fact, I’ve already taken the liberty of handling the floral arrangements. I thought to myself, 'Kaeya, who in Mondstadt is most qualified to provide the highest volume of Cecilias and Windwheel Asters for the Ragnvindr estate?' And then it hit me."

A sudden, terrible suspicion flashed across Diluc’s face.

"Kaeya. What did you do?"

Kaeya’s grin was blinding.

"I placed a massive, non-refundable, incredibly lucrative order with Flora’s shop. Specifically, I requested that the order be processed, curated, and hand-delivered directly to the Cathedral by her senior assistant."

The room went dead silent for three seconds.

You blinked, a slow, disbelieving smile breaking across your face as the pieces clicked together.

"Donna."

"Precisely!" Kaeya snapped his fingers, looking thoroughly pleased with his own genius.

"I ordered five thousand Cecilias, three thousand Windwheel Asters, and a dozen arrangements of silk flowers imported from Liyue. And I made sure to specify in the contract that the delivery must be supervised at all hours by Mondstadt's most dedicated floral enthusiast. She will be spending the next three weeks surrounded by the very flowers that will adorn your bridal aisle. She will practically smell your happiness every time she breathes."

Diluc let out a long, heavy sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose where his glasses had just been.

"You are a child. A petty, vindictive child."

"I am a protective older brother," Kaeya corrected, his tone shifting for a brief second into something entirely sincere as he looked at you.

"And I don't tolerate people throwing dirt on my family. Besides, think of the economic boost for the flower shop! It’s an act of pure charity."

"It's psychological warfare," you corrected gently, though you couldn't deny the small, wicked spark of satisfaction it gave you.

Donna had spent weeks trying to poison your reputation; letting her carry the flowers for your wedding felt like a poetic, if slightly chaotic, form of justice.

"Exactly. The best kind of warfare," Kaeya chuckled, standing up and dusting off his trousers.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go check on the wine selection with Elzer. I told him we need at least fifty barrels of the 1984 vintage, and he looked like he was going to have a stroke."

"Kaeya, do not touch my cellar," Diluc growled, his voice dropping an octave.

"Too late! See you at lunch!" Kaeya waved a hand over his shoulder as he sauntered out of the study, his laughter echoing down the hallway.

Once the door closed, the heavy silence returned to the study, but the tension had evaporated, replaced by a warm, lingering amusement.

Diluc turned his head to look at you, his crimson eyes softening as the rigid persona of the Darknight Hero melted away entirely.

He stood up from his desk, walking across the room with that silent, graceful stride of his.

He stopped before the chaise lounge, reaching down to take your hands in his.

His palms were large, covering yours completely, the ambient Pyro energy within him making his skin feel like a hearth on a winter night.

He pulled you up to stand, wrapping his arms around your waist and drawing you flush against his chest.

"If this is too much," Diluc murmured, his face burying into the crook of your neck, his breath warm against your skin, "we can stop it. I don't care about the city's rumors. I only care about your peace."

You wrapped your arms around his neck, fingers tangling into the soft, thick waves of his red hair.

"Diluc, it's fine. Honestly. It’s a little chaotic, but... seeing everyone want to help, seeing Kaeya get so worked up to protect us... it makes me realize how much love we actually have around us. And besides..."

You pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, a playful glint in your own. "I wouldn't mind seeing you in a proper tailored suit at the altar."

Diluc’s chest rumbled with a rare, low chuckle.

He leaned down, pressing his lips to yours in a slow, deep kiss that tasted faintly of coffee and sweet morning air. "If it pleases my wife, I will wear whatever she desires."

Over the next two weeks, Mondstadt was transformed into a whirlwind of wedding preparation.

Because you and Diluc were already technically married, the typical stress of a wedding was absent; there was no anxiety about vows or legalities.

Instead, it became a massive, community-driven festival, with every major figure in the city finding a way to involve themselves.

At the Knights of Favonius headquarters, Jean had practically turned her office into a war room specifically for the logistics of the ceremony.

"The honorary guard will line the steps of the Cathedral," Jean explained, tapping a quill against a map of the city plaza.

You were sitting across from her, while Lisa lounged on the sofa nearby, sipping tea.

"We will have four squads of Knights in full ceremonial armor. No weapons drawn, of course, but it will ensure the crowd remains orderly. Master Diluc’s standing in Mondstadt demands a certain level of security, and given your status as a vital liaison, the Knights are proud to sponsor the guard."

"Jean, you really don't have to go to such trouble," you said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the scale of it all. "A simple walk up the steps is fine."

"Nonsense, darling," Lisa chimed in, setting her teacup down with a elegant clink. "Mondstadt hasn't had a proper noble wedding since Diluc's father was a young man. The people need something beautiful to look at. And besides, Jean needs an excuse to think about something other than paperwork. Look at her, she’s practically glowing with tactical wedding enthusiasm."

Jean flushed slightly, coughing into her hand. "I am merely ensuring that the event goes smoothly. Furthermore, Klee has requested to be the flower girl. I have... strictly forbidden her from using any 'special' flowers, and Albedo has promised to supervise her to ensure no explosives are disguised as bouquets."

You laughed, the vision of Klee accidentally blowing up the Cathedral altar with a companion sphere of dandelions both terrifying and hilarious. "Thank Barbatos for Albedo."

Meanwhile, down in the city plaza, the real drama was unfolding at the floral shop.

Kaeya had made it a personal habit to check on the progress of the floral orders at least twice a day.

He didn't just check the inventory; he brought a chair, sat near the fountain, and watched with a look of supreme satisfaction as Donna worked.

Donna was utterly miserable.

Her fingers were raw from trimming the thorny stems of the silk flowers, and her eyes were permanently red from a combination of pollen and bitter, furious tears.

Every single flower she touched was a reminder of the woman she hated, the woman who had turned out to be the legal, fiercely adored wife of the most eligible man in Mondstadt.

"Careful with those Windwheel Asters, Donna," Kaeya called out from his chair, swirling a glass of sparkling cider he had brought from the tavern.

"We need them to be perfectly symmetrical. My sister-in-law has a very keen eye for detail, you know. If a single petal is wilted, I’ll have to report it to Master Diluc, and we both know how particular he is about quality."

Donna bit her lower lip so hard it nearly bled.

She kept her head down, her hands trembling as she tied a silk ribbon around a massive bouquet of Cecilias. "Yes, Captain Kaeya. I am being very careful."

"Excellent!" Kaeya beamed, taking a slow sip of his drink.

"Oh, and make sure the delivery to the Cathedral on Friday morning is prompt. Master Diluc requested that the altar be completely covered in white lilies. He told me just yesterday while looking at his wife with the most sickeningly sweet expression I've ever seen on his face, mind you that she reminds him of a fresh lily after a spring rain. Truly, the man is a closet romantic. Who knew?"

A sharp snip echoed through the plaza as Donna accidentally cut the head completely off a pristine white rose.

"Oops," Kaeya murmured, his eye flashing with cruel amusement.

"That’s coming out of your commission, dear."

Donna looked up, her eyes wide with a mix of terror, humiliation, and deep-seated jealousy. "Captain Kaeya... why are you doing this to me? I... I only said what everyone else was thinking! How was I supposed to know they were... they were..."

"Married?" Kaeya’s voice lost its playful edge, dropping into a cold, sharp tone that made Donna flinch.

He leaned forward, his single visible eye locking onto her like a dagger.

"Because, Donna, a sensible person minds their own business. You let your jealousy cloud your judgment, and you tried to publicly humiliate a woman who is worth ten of you. Consider this a lesson in humility. You’re lucky it’s me sitting here teasing you, and not my brother. If Diluc had his way entirely, you wouldn't even be allowed within the city walls right now."

Donna swallowed hard, her throat tight with unshed tears. She looked down at the ruined rose in her hand, the reality of her situation sinking in. She had lost any chance she ever thought she had, and now she was forced to build the stage for her rival's ultimate triumph.

The night before the ceremony, the Dawn Winery was filled with a warm, bustling energy.

The entire staff: Adeline, Elzer, the maids, and the stable hands had gathered in the main hall to finalize the preparations for the reception, which was to be held on the estate grounds.

You stood in the center of the hall, wearing the beautiful, flowing white gown that Margaret and the city’s finest tailors had spent the last two weeks perfecting.

It was elegant, with delicate lace along the sleeves and a high neckline that managed to look both classic and modern.

Your Vision was subtly integrated into the sash at your waist, glowing with a soft, comforting light.

"Oh, look at you," Adeline whispered, her eyes misty with tears as she adjusted the long, sheer veil that trailed behind you. "You look absolutely breathtaking, my lady. Master Diluc won't know what to do with himself."

"He'll probably just scowl to hide how nervous he is," you joked softly, though your own heart was fluttering with a sweet, nervous anticipation.

"He doesn't scowl when he looks at you," Elzer remarked, entering the hall with a tray of polished silver chalices.

"In all my years serving the Ragnvindr family, I have never seen Master Diluc as at peace as he is when you are in the room. This ceremony... it is a good thing. The people of Mondstadt need to see that the Dawn Winery has a mistress who is strong, graceful, and deeply loved."

Just then, the heavy front doors of the manor opened, and Diluc stepped inside.

He had just returned from a final sweep of the perimeter with the Dawn Winery guards, ensuring no Abyss Order elements would disrupt the following day.

He stopped dead in his tracks the moment his eyes fell upon you.

The entire room went quiet.

The maids stepped back, smiling secretly among themselves.

Diluc stood perfectly still, his breath catching audibly in his throat. His crimson eyes scanned you from head to toe, taking in the elegant curve of the dress, the soft glow of your Vision, and the radiant, loving smile on your face.

For a man who never lost his composure, Diluc looked completely undone.

He slowly walked forward, his boots making no sound against the thick rugs. He stopped just inches away from you, his hands rising as if to touch you, but pausing, afraid to disturb the pristine perfection of the lace.

"You..." Diluc’s voice was barely a whisper, thick with an emotion so deep it felt heavy in the air. "You are beautiful."

"Do you like it?" you asked softly, reaching out to take his hands, pulling them to your waist.

Diluc didn't answer with words.

Instead, he leaned down, his lips finding yours with an intense, quiet reverence.

The kiss was gentle, almost hesitant, as if he were trying to commit the exact feeling of this moment to memory forever.

His hands slid around your back, pulling you close against him, completely unbothered by the fact that his entire staff was watching.

Adeline let out a soft, emotional sniffle, while the younger maids giggled into their aprons.

"I love you," Diluc murmured against your lips, his forehead resting against yours. "More than my own life. Tomorrow, the whole world will know it."

"They already know it, Diluc," you whispered back, squeezing his hands. "But tomorrow, we make it official."

The morning of the wedding arrived with a sky so clear and blue it looked as though the Anemo Archon himself had personally swept the clouds away.

The bells of the Cathedral of Favonius began to ring at noon, their deep, resonant chimes echoing across the rooftops of Mondstadt, signaling the start of the grandest celebration the city had seen in a generation.

The plaza outside the Cathedral was packed to absolute capacity. Citizens from every walk of life: merchants, Knights, adventurers, and farmers from Springvale had gathered along the grand stone steps.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of laughter, the chatter of excited children, and the beautiful music of bards playing traditional Mondstadt love ballads.

Standing near the base of the steps, holding a massive basket of flower petals, was Donna.

She wore her finest dress, but her face was a mask of pale, frozen misery.

True to Kaeya’s word, she had been given a designated position right at the front of the spectator line, forced to watch every single guest arrive.

Her hands were trembling so violently that a few dandelion seeds slipped from her basket, scattering into the wind.

"Oh, look! The Knights’ leadership is arriving!" a merchant nearby shouted.

Jean walked up the steps in her full ceremonial uniform, her blond hair styled elegantly.

Beside her was Lisa, wearing a stunning purple gown that turned heads with every step.

Then came Barbara, leading the Cathedral choir, her face bright with a pure, angelic joy.

And then, the carriage from the Dawn Winery arrived.

The crowd went completely silent as the door opened. Diluc stepped out first.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

Diluc Ragnvindr, who spent his entire life in dark coats and practical combat gear, was dressed in a pristine, tailored black tailcoat with gold embroidery along the lapels.

His fiery red hair was tied back in a flawless braid, and a single, perfect white Cecilia was pinned to his breast. He looked every bit the high-born nobleman he was born to be; regal, imposing, and breathtakingly handsome.

But what caught everyone’s attention was his expression.

There was no scowl.

There was no cold detachment.

His eyes were fixed entirely on the carriage door, a soft, incredibly tender look softening his sharp features.

Diluc reached his gloved hand back into the carriage, and then, you stepped out.

The silence of the plaza broke into a roar of cheers and applause that could be heard all the way to Whispering Woods.

You looked like an absolute goddess, the white silk of your gown shimmering in the Mondstadt sun, your Vision gleaming at your hip like a star.

Diluc took your hand, drawing it through his arm. He looked down at you, a proud, deeply affectionate smile touching his lips. "Ready?" he whispered.

"With you? Always," you replied.

As the two of you began your walk up the grand stone steps, Kaeya stepped into view near the Cathedral doors.

He was dressed in his formal captain’s uniform, his cape flowing dramatically.

As you and Diluc neared the front row where Donna stood, Kaeya deliberately caught your eye, casting a subtle, mischievous glance down at the floral assistant.

Diluc, noticing the movement, paused right in front of Donna.

Donna froze, her breath catching in her throat as the terrifying, magnificent master of the winery stood just two feet away from her.

She looked down at your joined hands, the gold wedding bands catching the light, an undeniable, permanent reality.

Diluc looked at Donna, his crimson eyes cold, but entirely indifferent.

He didn't need to speak an insult; his happiness, his devotion to you, and the sheer grandeur of the moment were a far greater defeat than any words could inflict.

"Thank you for the beautiful flowers, Donna," you said softly, your voice filled with genuine kindness and grace, entirely devoid of malice. "They make the day perfect."

Donna’s face flushed a deep, burning red. She lowered her head, her voice a tiny, broken whisper. "Y-you're welcome, Lady Ragnvindr. I wish you... a lifetime of happiness."

Kaeya, standing just a few paces away, let out a soft, satisfied hum, crossing his arms as he watched the final piece of his plan fall into place.

Diluc looked down at you, his eyes immediately melting back into that soft, private warmth that belonged to you alone.

He squeezed your hand, and together, you walked through the grand wooden doors of the Cathedral, leaving the gossip, the jealousy, and the whispers of Mondstadt far behind.

Inside, the altar was a sea of white lilies and glowing candles.

Barbara began to sing, her voice filling the high stone arches with a melody of pure peace.

The high stone doors of the Cathedral closed behind you, shutting out the roar of the Mondstadt crowd and leaving only the ethereal, echoing resonance of Barbara’s choir.

The ambient temperature inside the sanctuary felt instantly warmer, charged by the quiet intensity of Diluc’s presence and the harmonious hum of your twin Visions.

As you walked down the grand aisle, flanked by rows of white lilies that Donna had spent the last two weeks painstakingly preparing, Diluc’s arm beneath your hand felt as solid as stone.

Yet, the way his fingers loosely entwined with yours showed a profound, almost hesitant gentleness.

He was a man who handled a heavy claymore with lethal precision, but with you, he always moved as if a fraction too much pressure might break the most precious thing he owned.

At the altar stood Acting Grand Master Jean, her expression a mix of professional dignity and deep personal relief.

Beside her, Albedo stood with a watchful eye on Klee, who was bouncing on the balls of her feet, clutching a velvet basket filled with shimmering Anemo-infused dandelion seeds.

"We are gathered here today," Jean began, her voice rich and carrying through the vaulted ceiling, "not to initiate a bond, but to honor one that has already stood the test of time, trial, and secrecy. Diluc Ragnvindr and his lady have long been the silent pillars of Mondstadt. Today, we bring their devotion into the light of the Archon."

Diluc turned to face you, taking both of your hands in his.

The gold embroidery on his tailored coat caught the flickering candlelight, casting a warm glow up into his crimson eyes.

In this sacred space, the stern, unyielding master of the Dawn Winery vanished completely.

The gaze he leveled at you was so raw, so entirely soft, that it made your breath catch.

"I, Diluc Ragnvindr, take you once more, before the gods and the people of Mondstadt," he murmured, his voice a low, gravelly timbre that vibrated straight to your heart.

"I swore my life to you in secret, but today I gladly bind my name, my house, and my honor to yours for all to see. No rumor can shake what we have built, and no shadow will ever come between us."

You smiled, tears pricking the corners of your eyes as you squeezed his warm, leather-gloved hands.

"And I take you, Diluc. With my life, my sword, and my Vision, I am yours. Yesterday, today, and for every tomorrow Mondstadt has left to give."

Kaeya, standing just a few paces back as Diluc's best man, let out a soft, theatrical sigh, wiping a completely imaginary tear from his eye.

"Beautiful. Truly, I might cry," he whispered loudly enough for Lisa to chuckle behind her hand.

"You may now seal the vow," Jean said, a genuine, warm smile breaking across her face.

Diluc didn't wait.

He stepped forward, his hands sliding up from your waist to cup your face with an immense, protective tenderness.

When his lips met yours, the Cathedral choir hit a breathtaking crescendo. It was a kiss of absolute victory; a silent, powerful declaration that the rumors, the jealousy, and the petty malice of the world outside had officially been incinerated by the hearth of his love.

Klee threw her hands in the air, sending a flurry of glowing dandelion seeds exploding into the air like miniature, harmless fireworks.

The crowd inside erupted into applause, led by a fiercely beaming Grand Master and a thoroughly satisfied Cavalry Captain.

The reception at the Dawn Winery later that evening was an affair that Mondstadt would talk about for decades.

The rolling hills of the estate were lit by hundreds of floating paper lanterns, casting a soft, golden glow over the grapevine trellises.

Tables groaned under the weight of Mondstadt's finest delicacies, and Elzer had indeed been forced to crack open the legendary 1984 vintage, much to the delight of the gathered Knights and citizens.

You stood on the stone veranda overlooking the festivities, a glass of sparkling apple cider in your hand.

The heavy lace of your bridal veil had been removed, leaving your hair to fall softly around your shoulders.

Your Vision pulsed with a gentle, contented rhythm against your hip.

"A penny for your thoughts, Lady Ragnvindr?"

You turned to see Kaeya leaning against the stone balustrade, a glass of Death After Noon tilted lazily between his fingers.

The chaotic smirk he had worn all day was gone, replaced by a quiet, genuinely protective expression.

"I'm just thinking about how perfect everything turned out," you smiled, leaning back against the railing.

"Even with all your chaotic planning, Kaeya. Thank you. For everything."

"Oh, don't thank me," Kaeya chuckled, looking out over the crowd where Diluc was currently trapped in a conversation with Jean and Venti, though his eyes were still firmly locked onto you across the courtyard.

"I simply expedited the inevitable. You two deserved a day where you didn't have to hide in the shadows of that big old manor. Mondstadt needs to know who holds the reins around here."

He paused, his expression turning serious for a brief moment. "Donna was at the gate earlier, helping the catering staff. She looked like she wanted to melt into the dirt. I think she finally understands that some fires burn too hot to play with."

"I don't harbor any ill will toward her," you said softly, watching the lanterns drift into the night sky.

"Jealousy makes people blind. I just hope she finds her own peace."

"You're far too kind," Kaeya sighed, shaking his head with a fond smile. "But that's exactly why my stubborn brother needs you. Speak of the devil..."

Kaeya gave a polite nod as Diluc excused himself from the Grand Master and walked up the stone steps toward the veranda.

His posture relaxed the moment he stepped away from the crowd, his eyes entirely consumed by your image.

"I believe it's time for me to mingle elsewhere," Kaeya said smoothly, tapping his glass against yours.

"Don't keep her up too late, Master Diluc. She's had a long day of being adored by the public." With a sharp wink, the Cavalry Captain sauntered back down into the gardens, leaving the two of you alone in the quiet dark of the terrace.

Diluc closed the distance between you instantly.

He didn't say a word at first; he simply slid his arms around your waist from behind, pulling your back firmly against his chest.

He buried his face into the crook of your neck, inhaling the sweet scent of your perfume and the faint, familiar trace of elemental energy that always lingered around you.

"Are you tired?" he whispered, his chest rumbling against your back.

"A little," you admitted, tilting your head back to rest against his shoulder.

Diluc looked out over the crowded courtyard, watching his staff laughing with the Knights, watching the city he protected in the dead of night celebrating the light of his life.

For the first time in years, the heavy burden on his shoulders felt completely weightless.

He leaned over, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your jawline, his Pyro warmth enveloping you completely in the cool night air.

You’ve been dating Diluc for almost a year and your birthday is nearing. You don’t even think of telling him because once again, how could you?

You believe he must absolutely hate birthdays- especially because he hardly celebrates his own. His last birthday, you hardly spoke a word to him; He drowned himself in work and was out of the house for the whole day, but obviously you weren’t going to be angry or upset, because he had every right to hate his birthday.

That’s what also plagued your thiughts that he wouldn’t want to celebrate your birthday. So you never mentioned it.

You never mentioned it to the point that basically everyone around you was beginning to forget it- even Diluc! And you weren’t mad, you were more thankful.

However, there was one person.

Just a few days before your birthday, a good old friend of yours asked you to go out drinking after a mission you and he did together. Diluc was working and you could definitely use a drink so why the hell not?!

You and Kaeya were seated not too far from the bar, a bit separated from everyone with direct view to the bar. You liked it that way because Diluc could always see you and you could always see him.

At first Kaeya was just going on about all the recent missions he’s been doing and you couldn't tell if it was the drinks or something else that was making him talk, but he was a natural yapper at heart.

Honestly you had lost track and starting zoning away until he mentioned something.

"So, any plans for your birthday?"

That immediately brings you back as your eyes widen. Fuck, of course he remembers. He remembers everything with his know-it-all ass.

"Oh?" He hums when he notices your reaction."

"I, uhm, I'm choosing not to celebrate." You say quietly.

He looked at you confused. "Why?”

You take a look around, making sure Diluc was still at the bar working and that the people around weren’t too sober to understand.

“It’s because of Diluc.”

Kaeya didn’t know if he should be worried or laugh. “What? Is he not letting you celebrate?”

“No, no!” You quickly said, nervously laughing. “It’s because, I don’t think he’d want any type of birthday celebration in the dawn winery. I mean, his dad died on his birthday.”

Kaeya was quiet, and you reflected back on your words, your heart dropping in realization.

“Oh Kaeya- I- I’m so sorry. I completely forgot-“

“It’s okay.” He quickly cut you off. “And…that’s the reason why you’re not celebrating?”

“It’s just that he hasn’t celebrated his birthday since then, so it doesn’t feel right for me to celebrate my birthday at the house, you know? It’s just…I feel like sometimes I don’t deserve Diluc, and I definitely don’t wanna screw anything up by making him celebrate something he hates.”

“Well, If you take it for me, the other son, I think I would love to celebrate your birthday, and I’m sure Diluc would as well.” He gave you a reassuring smile, but it didn’t exactly change your mind.

You shrugged. “Thank you, Kaeya, but I think I have my mind set. He hasn’t even mentioned my birthday, so he must’ve forgotten- which is what I want.”

Kaeya was about to say something, but then quickly closed his mouth. After a bit of contemplation, he just nodded. “Well, I can’t change your mind, but I will still be getting you a gift.”

You just laughed, smiling. “Thanks Kae.”

~~~

A week had passed and your birthday hit. You couldn’t deny the feeling of loneliness and sadness that hit you, but you distracted yourself by taking up a lone mission.

It was evening by the time it ended, and the sun was setting on the walk back to the winery. Your body was aching and you were absolutely exhausted, you were already dreaming about cuddling Diluc in his arms the moment you returned.

Finally reaching your home, you opened the grand doors of the dawn winery, the exhaustion beginning to disappear.

However, you were greeted with something unexpected.

Streamers in soft reds and golds were hanging across the main hall, and a lovely banner stretching over with the words “Happy Birthday” as balloons were littered across the floor. You looked over to the kitchen to find a handmade cake.

The screak of the staircase cause your attention as Diluc began to slowly descend. He had a sad smile on his face and he stopped at the last step.

“I know why you didn’t say anything,” he murmured, “Kaeya told me.”

You felt guilt seep in. “Diluc, I-“

“You thought I wouldn’t want to celebrate.” He cut you off, taking a step closer. “And being honest, yes, birthdays have been difficult for me, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate yours.”

You didn’t know what to say, and he took that as a sign to continue. “This house holds a lot of grief, but I don’t want it to be like that. I want this house to be warm- a place of comfort for both you and I. A family home.”