Lily

It wasn’t the day time when he could be honest with himself, Diluc is well aware of his tendencies around people. He had an image to keep as the Master of Dawn Winery after all. It was the quiet moments of night, when he was clearing a camp of monsters and saw a flower from the corner of his eye and thought that you’d like it. So it was natural for him to not destroy it. It was when he found himself looking at the stars and imagined you telling him more about each of them. So it was natural for him to read a little bit about them to help clear any doubts you had. And it was in the few seconds of his time, the not grand but thoughtful gestures of his, the actions that were so ingrained with your existence that he realised how he really felt.

Diluc wasn’t a fool. He knew why he had that conversation with you in the past. He knew why he didn’t send the letters he wrote for you. All those feelings that you weren’t aware about. It was for the better, yes that was he said to himself all along. It all was for your good.

And that’s why he kept pretending like he could stay without you. It worked. For a month that is. The next picnic arrived and you were still nowhere in sight. This time you were somewhere in the distant lands of Liyue or perhaps Inazuma, as he had heard.

Even when he was met with disappointment he did not blame you. He could never, it was one of his habits that sticked from his young days to his adulthood. It doesn’t matter whether you’re wrong or right, he simply does not have it in his heart to blame you. You had been a contradiction to many things of his world. You were the only one he’d make exceptions for, the only one he’ll allow to bore him but can it really be called boredom when he was so attentive to your every action, every smile whenever you were around? This was true 15 years ago, this shall remain as the truth till time itself ends.

Diluc was trapped within his own questions, trying to find an answer that could be the safest for you both but who plays with flames and calls themselves a person of soothing waters. His feelings were dawning upon him day by day. Diluc was horrified to say the least. It also led to many interesting encounters.

When Charles offered Diluc a drink and asked if he would like something else with it, your name casually slipped out. Like it was normal. Instead of writing his own name, he wrote yours which meant a good amount of money was now transferred in your bank. Many things happened and it finally led to his brother confronting him about it one night at the tavern.

“How long will my dear brother keep pretending that he does not have feelings for a certain someone who he won’t send his letter to? This victorian love story might become the cause of my illness someday.” Kaeya dramtically expressed his thoughts while keeping one of his hands on top of his heart.

This time Diluc did not offer to ban Kaeya or kick him out. This concerned many people.

Diluc also thought over his feelings over the week and made his decision. He would go and visit you, just an act of friendship as you haven’t been sending the others any updates frequently. It made them worried but Diluc was the only one getting anxious. This time he was the one left waiting.

Notes:

I know updates have been slow but I've been making so many things for this story. You mortals shall not be disappointed.

Also the end is nearing~ maybe 1-2 chapters and then we're done!!

Thank you!

“Welcome Diluc!” Jean greeted him as she finished setting up the picnic mat.

“Nice to see you master Diluc.” Barbara also said hello to him.

Diluc also exchanged his greeting and sat down to help arrange the feast, he made sure to give you the odd shaped grapes as you would steal them from everyone’s plates when you little.

“Why the extra plate Luc?”Kaeya asked plooping a berry into his mouth.

“It’s for that rascal, I don’t to be a part of her food battles.”

“Master Diluc, she isn’t joining us today.”

“When I think of it, I don’t think we’ll be graced by her presence for a long time. I’ll be glad to have less thing to worry about.” Jean then said.

“Is it related to her trip? I thought she made time for these meetings.”

He was then explained that you went for a long trip this time in search of some great treasure or so you have claimed to your friends. Diluc knew that was nonsense. You didn’t beat around the bush or said such things unless you were doing something risky or were hiding something. He felt as if things were going south for the both of you, which they were but this wasn’t some little game. It was the relation and bond you had with Diluc. He didn’t want to be in your life but then again didn’t want you to be in danger. He swore to be a silent protecter but it had turned into yet again another promise he couldn’t keep.

On the other hand, you were quite literally living your best life. You had travelled through the lands of Liyue meeting many friends and making some new ones along the way too. You even had a chance to meet the great Yaksha ,Atlatus when you were staying at Wanghu Inn. You liked the atmosphere of Liyue but you didn’t want to make your final decision just yet.

On one of your last days in Liyue, you were invited by your friend to visit a place she was invited to. By evening you were at an art exhibition with Hue Tao and her employee, Zhongli when you noticed a statue of a falcon placed on one of the stands.

Zhongli noticed your gaze and took the initiavtive to provide you with some information about the falcon.

“It is said that this particular statue depicts the Great Falcon of the West that became one the four winds of Mondstadt, the land where you’re from. This one is made purely from refined gold to honour the hero and clan associated with it. Your eyes were shining in a way I’ve never seen before while you were admiring the said statue, is the myth perhaps close to your heart?”

You wanted to respond to him but how could you say that the falcon lies the closest to your heart? How could you say that it was impossible to separate you and the myth of the falcon? One you had became enamoured with because it had reminded you of Diluc and the Ragnvinder clan. Instead you say, “It reminds me of a certain friend of mine”, with a polite smile.

“Are you certain they are just a friend?” Zhongli’s question made a deep red blush appear on your face. It would be an understatement to say that it could rival the colour of the pyro vision Diluc had. You dismissed the question and went to look at the other statues.

Your eyes found their way back towards the eyes of the golden statue one last time as you exited the exhibition. It felt as if heavens themselves would not allow to you continue your act of pretending you didn’t know a falcon of your own.

“I wonder if his eyes would ever shine like that”

Note:

Some of the lore has been altered a bit to fit the story.

I have lost motivation.

You did not go to the places that Diluc frequented as much as you could. You even avoided the tavern on most days since you knew Diluc would be the one serving. If you had work in the winery, you went only after you knew that he wouldn’t be there. He didn’t try to approach you and neither did you. You knew he would do whatever he wanted. So you let him be.

You began planning your next trip, the longest one yet. You would the next morning after your weekly-now monthly picnic with your friends. You sent out the invitations to everyone. You convince yourself that you sent it to all the original members but Kaeya beats you to it. He takes Diluc’s invite and says he wanted a reason to talk to him and delivering the invitation would be a good excuse. You let him do that, he promised you a whole night of drinks after you came back.

He did not come and you did not mind at all. You had a blast at the picnic, just as you always did. You all played games, exchanged stories and made fun of each other. You wanted to make most of time here since you couldn’t tell them that you weren’t sure when the next time would come. You weren’t leaving because of someone, no you had always wanted to settle down in a different nation. And now that Diluc had came back but not your feelings for Mondstadt nothing was holding you back anymore, you wouldn’t regret waiting for him. It wasn’t sure what you had in mind but you definitely weren’t coming home until you found another one somewhere else. You had love for each nation so you wouldn’t mind any.

Diluc on the other had was in great turmoil. He knew what he did was right but he thought the wording could have been different.

“This was the very reason I wanted to stay away from her”, he muttered these words under his breath while serving at the tavern.

Subconsciously he had made his way to the tavern on one of the days he was not supposed to . He just wanted to know if you were alright since he heard some citizens concerned about your well-being after falling from a tree while saving a cat. He didn’t want to face you, just wanted to make sure you’re fine.

“Kaeya when is she coming?” Diluc asked his brother after not being able to contain his curiosity.

When Kaeya showed a confused face, Diluc was even more concerned. He told him that you left on one of your trips. This shocked Diluc now as he remembered one of the conversations you had with him before his departure.

“Diluc I never want to leave Mondstadt, not now, not ever.”

“Weren’t we talking about grapes? Anyways not even on vacations?”

“Nope, I wanna stay here with everyone!!.”

“We can go on a trip after my age of coming.”

“You promise?”

“Yes of course.”

Thinking about that left a bitter taste in his mouth. Another promise he couldn’t keep. With great difficulty, he disregarded those thoughts and tried to focus on the reason you would want to leave. He dismissed his worries as he simply told himself that a person can change with time. Just as he did.

Notes:

I hope people aren't getting bored of me.

Diluc guides you to the direction of your room in his estate when you suddenly decide that you’ll like to sleep in the room next to yours, which was Diluc’s room. You basically drag your friend in and make your bed towards his bed. When you are almost about to fall, Diluc lets out a deep breath and settles you on the bed where you lay down and stare at the ceiling.

“You knowww, after he left I used this room a lot. I wanted to know what I did wrong, where I could have been better.” And your eyes close.

Diluc was sitting at his desk, he couldn’t help but feel drowned in a pool of sadness. Only if you knew this was for your own good, he thought. A few hours pass and it was almost time for the sun to rise. Your senses have returned back to normal as you slowly open your eyes and see a familiar ceiling and close them back again.

“I know you’re awake, get up and brush your teeth, the whole room reeks of wine.” His words echo as you register who’s standing in front of you.

“Diluc!! What are you doing here? No work at the tavern today?”

“It’s 5:54 in the morning, I would wait a little longer to go there.”

You knew he was being fake again, he’s been doing it a lot lately. He was faking to hate you. You decided to speak the words that have been roaming in your mind since his arrival.

“Why have you been avoiding us, why have you been avoiding me?” Your eyes flicker from his red hair to the window by his bed.

“Come on, I want an answer this time. I won’t leave you without it.” You press as he stayed silent.

“I believe it is for the better.” He finally says as his gaze is fixed on the rock on his desk, one you found for him when you were kids. It was nothing special compared to the expensive decorations he had in his house but it was given by you. That’s all that matters, it’s all that ever did to him anyways.

“I don’t get it, what better luc?” You were truly confused now. You thought that he had been hiding a grave secret that he would not tell anyone and what did you not think. But it was definenlty not this.

“Do you have any idea of how I’ve survived these couple of years?”

“You went after the Fatui so I’m assuming a lot of bloodshed and fights.” You say quietly.

“You are correct but I went through so much more than that. So much that could taint you if exposed completely.” His body betrays his mind.

“Diluc, nothing about you can ever taint me. I’ve been painted in red since I met you. I don’t mind it, never did, never will.”

“You don’t get it, you won’t understand.”

“Then make me understand, at least look at my face Diluc.” This time emotion escapes from your heart to your words. You would be lying if you said that he hadn't looked at you since his arrival and that it hadn't bothered you.

Diluc turns around and looks at you face for a second, contemplating whether to tell you or not. He decides against it. He wouldn’t tell you things that aren’t relevant. He made a promise to protect you and he would complete it. Even if it hurts you. He then turns around again and makes his way into the balcony of his room.

You went quiet, your gaze following his figure to where the sun rays have started to shine down on him. He looked beautiful, that thought came up in your head. Even as your heart was being ripped into two.

His eyes then meet yours, oh those gorgeous ruby orbs staring into your own. You could swim and drown into this sea all your life.

“You know the history of my clan don’t you? You’ve heard what they call me, ‘the crimson-red flacon "' Diluc says looking directly at your face, never once breaking eye contact.

“What has this to do with anything?” You also don’t back down from the battle of the eyes.

“My flames, I’ve seen what they can do to a person. I don’t want you to get hurt, not you.” The words feel practised. He said them to himself a thousand times before, pictured your different reactions. He knew that he would have to say them to you someday but reality is far more cruel to some people.

“Diluc, uh what are you even saying? If it’s about your vision then we can train together. I was there when you got it, I saw you getting it right in front of me. Trust me your flames can’t harm me.” These are the words you say to him.

What you don’t say is that you might already be a little burned, burnt from carrying the hopes, the dreams and the shoulders of the many people you know.

“What must I do to make you understand, we are not the same people we once were. I don’t want to concern myself with the likes of you.” He hits a mark, the one in the middle. Diluc realises he went too far but doesn’t take another step towards you. His eyes shine with tears as he sees you leave his room and then his house. This time might be one of the last, he thinks for a while.

Notes :

Okay this one was tough since I'd hate to hurt Diluc even more but the show shall go on.

Also I think the sun in games rises at 5;54 or somewhere close to that. I wanted the exact time for this fanfic and it seemed like it was before 6.

Thank you!

Mawuhh <33

You find him in Angle’s Share tavern late at night. Now you wanted to talk to him but not at the night after the welcome party, you didn't want to sour the mood just yet. You usually see Charles serving at this time so you say your usual introduction line you’ve managed to remember since you were old enough to drink.

“Charles behold the great adventurer has arrived at the palace of-” then you notice red hair and a pair of ruby eyes staring at you with a monotone expression. That looks makes you completely still.

“The great adventurer huh? I didn’t know that such great adventures come to drink at such a hour instead of doing their work efficiently.”

“Good evening to you as well Diluc.” You say and finally take a seat across him.

“So what would you like today?”

“A glass of grape juice and your explanation of why you’ve been acting so grumpy”

He doesn’t respond instead he hands you your drink and then turns around to organise the bottles.

“You know, I prefer Charles, at least he supports my dialogues and serves the items instead of a certain someone who forgot half my order.”

“I must admit I do not know what you were referring to by your question.”

You see that he does, his posture had a minor change. One that not most people would to able to see but then again you aren’t most people. This has been again a long term habit of yours, you’ve been able to see clearly through people’s actions since you were young. Diluc was your most practised muse.

“I no longer wish to concern myself with the knights, my attention will be solely dedicated to the winery.”

His words come as your drink almost finishes, the grape juice settling in your throat with a sensation that doesn’t quite linger for long. You realise that you haven’t drank it in four years, the last time was in the party you had arranged for Diluc’s coming of age . You simply haven’t had the mood or need to drink it anymore, the person went but his traces couldn’t be erased. That was what you came to know after a year of waiting had gone by. you decided that since traces couldn’t be erased you’d erase your feelings. They were much easier to extinguish anyways unlike some flames that wouldn’t even bulge even in the coldest of weathers.

“That’s understandable and honestly no one can go against your decisions.”

He doesn’t speak for the rest of the time you’re there. When you’re almost at the door, he says another sentence, one that makes you not want to look back.

“I want you to be happy and I know that it’s not possible when you’re with-”

That’s it you decide, you were drunk off grape juice so you didn’t hear Diluc correctly, yes that’s what you decide and make your way to the apartment you had in the city.

Someone with eyes as red as the crimson moon stared blankly at the spot you sat over the night.

Notes-

okay so this chapter might not seem like a lot but it does point out some notable characteristics of the main characters. Also the next chapter well uh will have some major addressing done by the characters so it will be longer than usual.

Thank you!

Mawuhhh <333

You had a habit of ending your day with some combat, a habit you picked up while training with your friend in your childhood. This time you were clearing some abyss mage camps when suddenly you were attacked with electro shots. You weren’t prepared for it as you were sure that no one was left in the area. As you tried to get up another attack came right at you, this time it was a pryo one from a hillychurl who had managed to sneak close to you. You knew the risk that came with your hobbies and were fully responsible for your actions but that didn’t mean that you would be immune to the wounds and injuries that came with it. Suddenly you were behind a man wearing a dark coat, it seemed as if he was trying to shield you from the attacks. He didn't show his face but you could recognise that red hair anywhere. When you went home later you drank so much that the next morning you thought of last night as a dream you had.

While gathering information about the Darknight Hero you also heard some other interesting rumours. Some that involved a certain someone.

“Have you heard? It seems like the young master would return home soon”

“After causing that ruckass in the ice nation, I don’t think he’d make it”

You of course dismisssed those rumours, they always came and went anyways. But then Jean called you and the whole of your friend group along with the head maid of the Ragvinder household, Adelinde and the butler Elzer into her office. She unexpecteldly informed all of you that Diluc has sent word of his arrival, his owl/ bird had sent a letter prior to this meeting.

You figured it would take a few days for him to actually reach so everyone was on their toes, walking around egg shells preparing thier best gifts. No one could hide their joy, not even Jean.

The return of the Dawn Winery's master should have been a momentous occasion for Mondstadt, but strangely it went completely unnoticed. Unnoticed to all except a select few. While most citizens were busy pondering the identity of the new “Darknight Hero”, you were busy organizing a welcome party for your dear friend. It didn’t you long to figure out who the famous hero of the night was, the faces and remarks of Diluc made it clear.You also remembered the dream you had. A part of him knew that you had already figured it out but chose not to comment on it.

Your welcome party’s invitation was only granted to 6 individuals in total, Diluc, Jean, Barbara, Adelinde, Elzer and Kaeya. While you commissioned Jean and Elzer to distract Diluc the rest of you completed the decorations of the Ragnvinder dining hall in accordance of the party. It went perfect, of course it did after all you and your friends spent hours trying to make it joyous for Diluc.

The days after the party went on as usual. You were not delighted. The feeling you were hoping for to come back with Diluc seemed to have never existed. It was as if the fruit you’ve waiting to ripen was suddenly taken away by the force of nature. But you were still the strong one, the one everyone relied on, the one who managed it all. You decided to go talk to your friend.