#gen || asks

While I appreciate the multitude of your efforts to reach me in the many years since we parted ways, especially just recently on my chosen birthday, I feel as though I must apologize for my evasive and avoidant conduct. Over the years, I will openly admit that my spite toward the way in which we parted has caused me to grow more resentful of you, even though I still remember our pleasant memories, too. It is difficult to balance the past and present where we currently stand, but it seems fate itself will not let us avoid one another forever. In truth, I hardly wished to write to you at all, and likely would have chosen not to if it weren't for Wriothesley's... council. I must admit that I was quite surprised to find him as your advocate, but he insisted I write back to you, and as today is your chosen birthday, there might not be a more fitting time.

It gladdens me to see that someone as capable as Master Diluc has decided to take care of you, and I know that he will not tolerate your foolishness whenever those instances occur. Someone must keep you in line, and it seems you've also found a generous and kind partner in him. From what I have heard, you've won him over twice now, which is a testament to his fondness for you. As he is human, I urge you— no, implore you— not to take advantage of a single second with him. Likewise, I will honor and cherish Duke Wriothesley for the rest of his given life.

As the year comes to a close, I find myself somewhat sentimental. Sometimes, I even look back at the friendships I've gained through you and think fondly of them. Perhaps in the near future, I will take a little more than a single day to visit the adepti that have welcomed me with open arms in the past. Of course, if that is an imposition to you in any way, feel at ease to let me know. The last time I visited Liyue, it did not escape my notice that you were nowhere in sight. Rest assured; when next I visit your nation, I will not cause a stir. I am more than capable of being cordial when the circumstance present themselves.

As for the matter of knowing you care for me.. I believe the stacks of letters accumulated in my office speak for themselves. Be not ill at ease, for if the fate that brought us together under the current circumstances is kind to us, perhaps there is a chance that further repairs can be made. That being said, may the new year bring happiness for you and your beloved, as well as prosperity for your dear nation.

Kind regards to yourself, and to young Master Diluc,

Neuvillette

Monsieur Neuvillette,

Truly, there is no need for any apologies when the circumstances which had us part so long ago were entirely out of our control. Though it had never been my intention to upset you, I understand why it is you felt the way you did and there is no changing all that has transpired. The past is the past, and so long as you are willing to move forward and give me even the slightest amount of a chance to once again take part in your life I would consider myself honored.

As for a visit to Liyue, feel free to come at your leisure and do as you please. Liyue was once your home as well and you will always be welcome here whether it be in Liyue Harbor, Yiliong Wharf, or even Jueyun Karst. The others would certainly enjoy a chance to catch up after all of this time and I would leave you to do just that if my own company is not wanted. Perhaps you could even invite your Duke Wriothesley to accompany you if it is possible for the both of you to set your duties aside for a few days. I do believe they would like to meet the mortal man who has caught your eye and as he is a man of honorable character they are certain to approve of him. It would also give me a chance to repay his kindness by having him peruse my own vast tea collection. Perhaps he would find some blends that pique his interest which I would gladly assist him in procuring.

In all honesty, I found myself writing and rewriting this letter several times, uncertain what all I wished to respond to given this is the first time you have ever written me back. I do not wish to overstep when you have so newly allowed this line of communication between us that I have no desire to ruin. So, I suppose it is best if I keep things simple as they are now.

May the new year treat you and your beloved well. I will pass on your regards to Diluc who will certainly be happy at this turn of events.

Sincerely,

the rolling hills of mondstadt eventually gave way to the towering peaks and lush landscapes of liyue, a change in scenery that diluc had always found both striking and comforting. as he neared the harbor, the air grew alive with the telltale sounds of lantern rite preparations— vendors calling out their wares, the chatter of families selecting their sky lanterns, and the distant hum of music drifting through the streets. it was a celebration unlike any in mondstadt, steeped in tradition and reverence, and it carried with it a beauty that diluc had come to appreciate all the more in recent years.

it was well past sunset when diluc finally made his way through the streets of liyue to zhongli’s apartment. the building was modest compared to the grandeur of the city’s other structures, yet its understated elegance suited zhongli perfectly. the warm light spilling from the windows was a beacon against the dark, and as diluc ascended the steps, he found himself pausing at the door, somehow still preparing himself as if this was their first outing. it wasn’t hesitation that stilled him but rather a brief moment to take in the quiet anticipation, to ground himself in the fact that he was here, and mondstadt was long behind him while the love of his life was somewhere behind this door.

so he knocked, and when the door opened, diluc’s breath hitched at just how quickly the door had opened to him. if diluc was staring, it was simply because zhongli was beautiful— softened in the lamplight, his amber gaze alight with a warmth that felt reserved only for moments like this.

' i made good time, ' —words that seemed to have spilled out despite his attempt at saying something even remotely endearing, but his travels had left him weary, and all he'd really wanted was to spend time with his beloved, and celebrate what was left of the day with him, followed by the lantern rite. ' ...what i meant to say was; happy birthday. i couldn't wait to see you. ' & after letting his bags fall to zhongli's doorstep, diluc raised a hand to hold his tie, gently tugging him down so he could both congratulate him on another year, and prove the depths of his longing in a single kiss.

' i brought a few bottles of this year's harvest, and there is no one i would love more to sample them with. '

True, genuine anticipation was not something Zhongli felt often, but for days on end he'd found himself willing time itself to bend to his whims so that the fateful day his beloved would arrive would come sooner. After thousands of years of experiences under his belt, one could think that there was nothing else left to excite an old fossil like the ex Lord of Geo, but once that feisty, fiery wine-monger from Mondstadt had so thoroughly warmed his heart he was as giddy as a young man experiencing his first love at every opportunity they had to meet.

So, as the time finally arrived after Zhongli had to fight himself not to meet Diluc at Stone Gate or Wangshu Inn or the entrance to Liyue Harbor or at any point along Diluc's journey where he so easily could have intercepted him and pushed his less important consulting duties aside, there wasn't a moment's hesitation in how he'd quickly swung open the door to catch a glimpse of beauty that rivaled the sun itself.

"Thank you, Xingan. I have eagerly awaited your arrival." How easy it was to be pulled into his orbit, arms gladly finding their home wrapped around his dearest as he met him in a kiss and not a care was given to how Diluc's dirty boots were still on his feet when Zhongli tugged him further into the apartment as the door was shut with a mere thought put to adeptal magic.

"That you continue to show an interest in drinking alongside me is an honor I will cherish every time, but wine can surely wait a while longer still. Long journeys must end with a hearty meal and thorough rest, but as I believe the stew I have been preparing will take more time for the meat to become truly tender, I know how I would like to spend our time until then if you find yourself in agreement." The whole of the time he spoke he kept carefully walking Diluc further into the apartment toward his spacious chaise lounge, not allowing so much as an inch worth's of space between them as his arms would tighten and every slight break in his words would be punctuated with a kiss.

On this special day, I hope you’ll indulge me in setting aside formalities. After all, how often do I get the opportunity to write to the Chief Justice of Fontaine simply as a friend wishing him a happy birthday?

I imagine you’ll protest that the day is no different from any other— that the tides of responsibility do not pause for such celebrations. But even the most unyielding of rivers deserve a moment of stillness. Today, that stillness belongs to you.

Knowing your fondness for serenity, I hope the weather in Fontaine treats you kindly, perhaps gifting you with the gentle rainfall you seem to favor. Here in Mondstadt, the skies are clear, the winds are crisp, and the vineyards are thriving. If circumstances allowed, I’d insist you visit, if only to share a glass of the best vintage in my collection and allow yourself a rare moment of ease. The calm of the winery has a way of softening even the most rigid of days— I dare say it’s the closest thing to Fontaine’s gentle rains.

Though our lives often demand much from us, I’ve always admired your steadfastness and the strength you carry. You’re a steady presence, not just in Fontaine but also in my own life, and for that, I’m grateful. Your ability to shoulder so much while remaining so composed is something I deeply respect.

Take this day, if nothing else, to reflect on all you have accomplished and the lives you’ve impacted— mine among them. May this year bring you peace, my friend, and may your path ahead be as steady as the waters you govern. When next we meet, the first toast will be to you.

With warm regards,

Diluc Ragnvindr

Dear Diluc,

I am honored to find myself in a position where we can address each other without the usual formalities expected of our positions in our respective nations. As one without many personal relationships, those I do manage to procure are quite special, indeed, and I encourage you to address me as familiarly as you'd like. I, in turn, will endeavor to do the very same, for it does not suit friends to talk in such a rigid manner.

The weather in Fontaine has been quite lovely, I would say. Though the air has taken a slight chill to accompany the Winter season, I do not find it unpleasant where others might. After all, as one who so loves to swim in the deepest depths of the ocean, a bit of cold is to be expected. I do, however, understand if you do not share such a sentiment.

Though our time knowing each other is short, you have managed to capture my nature quite easily. Truly, this day was one I chose without much thought put into it, but even if it may be merely another day on the calendar, I have come to realize it means quite more to those who I cherish and, for that, I am inclined to set aside some of my work to be celebrated. The Melusines, after all, love giving gifts and I would never have the heart to turn them away.

Perhaps, this year, I may be able to find the time to visit your precious Winery that is no doubt every bit as beautiful and inviting as you have described. It is only fair that I, too, put forth the effort to visit and I do find myself quite curious about your home I have not had a chance to visit before. Should these plans come to fruition you will certainly be the first to know, and, should I be able to convince a mutual acquaintance to accompany me I do believe it could be a lovely experience.

I hope all remains well with you in your life and in your health and I look forward to next we meet.

Many thanks,

it hadn't taken long at all for the iudex to determine he wasn't lounging about in plush sheets where wriothesley had made himself quite at home whenever he was able, nor was he anywhere near the palais mermonia perhaps to catch him in his attempt find him first. in fact, he wasn't even in his office where his typical first attempt would usually have been— no! today, on his birthday, neuvillette had found his beloved in the pankration ring after having just won a match, by the look of him. of course, it wasn't difficult at all to distinguish the glow of victory versus the scowl one might wear in defeat. the glow of victory, however, wasn't the only pleasant thing he'd witnessed. neuvillette was more than certain his love had no idea that the state he was in— sweat tracing the defined muscles he'd worked hard to maintain while his steady, sure gaze was perhaps a bit more lethal when it was directed at him.

his gaze turned toward the ring, lest his thoughts wander toward the uncouth.

' as i recall, it was you who suggested i learn to take a day off. perhaps today, i could persuade you to take your own advice? '

from behind his back was produced a basket of delicacies wriothesley had been known to fancy, as well as his own particular dish so he could indulge in his pleasant company. his plan was to enjoy the fresh air his darling loved so much, as well as whatever minuscule amounts of sunlight that broke through the gloomy clouds overhead during this time of year. as opalescent gaze returned to the man he deemed worthy of every honor, he set the basket down beside the duke so he could stand before him, a gloved finger tilting his chin up to admire the handsome features he so adored.

' surely you wouldn't deny me the opportunity to celebrate you today? '

"Day of unique import, huh?" What a Neuvillette way of putting it when all Wriothesley ever really thought about this day was the day of his incarceration all those years ago. It was, after all, not technically his real birthday, but every document that existed since the day he'd become Wriothesley insisted it was anyway. Still, even if he couldn't care less about being celebrated on any day, Wriothesley would let slip a chuckle and a lazy smile would find a home on his lips at the Iudex's insistence on it regardless. The man was just too sweet to turn down. That, and, Wriothesley simply couldn't bear the burden of being the one to put a frown on that pretty face by trying.

"Y'know someone might just think I'm being bribed by our dearly esteemed Iudex handing me something this nice. Not to mention all of this." Wriothesley teased, easily acquiescing to even the lightest nudge of Neuvillette's slender finger to move him any which way he pleased. Well, up until the second he'd chosen to stand and take that very hand within his own to press a light kiss to each of his gloved knuckles. It's not like anyone was left in the room to see them anyway, everyone in the Fortress knew well that when Neuvillette was present they were to make themselves scarce or get a personal beat down from The Duke if they tried to stir up any trouble.

"Tch. Like that's any of your damn business." Eyes would roll behind dark shades but a trained eye would spot how the corner of his mouth curled into just the slightest smile around the abused cigarette butt between his lips.

Truthfully, it was like a dream he never wanted to wake up from that was sure wasn't meant to last. Guys like him don't get happy endings. They don't get to wake up to an angel at their side who smiles at them brighter than the damned sun and sets their heart ablaze with something so much warmer and softer than the fury that made its home there years ago, all they get's a shoddily dug hole in the sandy hellscape with not so much as a single marker to show he'd ever existed at all at the end of all this shit he's found himself wrapped up in.

But maybe.... just maybe... there was a chance for something better. Something he found himself more and more willing to put it all on the line to protect. Something that easily turned his slight smile into a manic grin because even if Vash may not like the next words out of his mouth if he were to hear them it didn't make them any less true.

"Childe has not voiced any discontent with me so I am lead to believe he is happy with our current relationship, but as for further steps..." Zhongli began, pausing a moment to gather his thoughts. He hadn't really considered such things himself when Childe was quite young and the spans of their lives differed so greatly, but in all his time spent with mortals he knew such things were often quite important for them to accomplish before it was too late.

But did Child hold such desires? Did the Tsaritsa's weapon of war who was always focused on strength and battle truly wish to have what most other mortals held in such high regard? The old God supposed it was not impossible when he himself had nearly been wed once upon a time when he was at a rather volatile state himself.

blade had known the day was fast approaching, and while there wasn't much he could honestly say the young archivist was lacking, there were certain essentials he always seemed to overlook— consistently eating proper meals and getting an adequate amount of rest, of course, being among the many issues he discovered in dan heng since they'd grown closer. crimson eyes rolled at the thought of the shorter man trying to snatch back his nutritional pills when he knew there was no chance he'd be giving them back only to have them soften when he looked so satisfied after eating the meal he'd prepared. affection was a difficult thing after all— another complication muddled into what they already were.

if things had never changed, perhaps blade could have forged something for dan heng. even a pendant made by his own hands would have sufficed, but his hands were far too unsteady now to attempt the great feats he was once able to accomplish in the furnace. of course, even while unsteady, his hands could still manage to scrounge up something to give his intended for such an important day.

so when the festivities dan heng had hidden from were finally finished, the stellaron hunter took his opportunity to whisk him away so he could finally spend time with him without the litany of questions he was bound to receive should they have stayed. while not in his usual element, penacony offered a host of immaculate restaurants with a variety of options to choose from— surely something sumptuous for his date to enjoy while he was spirited away on his special day.

his gift was one far less ostensibly wrapped, but no less meaningful— a jade eye to replace the sphere in his weapon that his own hands had crafted and the very same ones that would fasten it together. ' there, that should do. ' & as uncharacteristic as it was for the man to appear sheepish, blade couldn't say he was now accustomed to giving birthday gifts very often anymore.

' as yours protects me, so shall mine protect you. it's already integrated, so i do hope you'll take care of it. '

A birthday to Dan Heng was nothing to celebrate. When all of his life up until recently was spent in a dark, cold prison cell he simply didn't see the point of it all, especially when the only reason he'd even uttered the date to anyone was because of the incessant prodding and prying from certain pink and gray haired companions who felt it had to be something important. So, the festivities- while appreciated, because he couldn't entirely deny his friends' affection toward him- were overwhelming and alien and all he wanted was to get away... which made it a no-brainer he'd escape with Blade the moment the chance presented itself.

It was strange, really, how eager he suddenly became the moment Blade had come to fetch him. He cared about his friends on the Astral Express, he enjoyed their company and appreciated the efforts all of them go through to reach out to him when he's inclined to keep to himself, but this thing with Blade, while new in this life, came with a sense of familiarity he was gradually easing into.

Time spent with Blade was often silent with neither of them being excellent conversationalists, but came with a certain level of comfort now that sword and spear were unlikely to make appearances. It was also rather endearing how Blade seemed to so keenly keep an eye on his condition, Dan Heng concluding that dinner together was very likely a ploy to make sure he ate that night- and ate well at that. Of course, with every outing there had to be some kind of surprise, even if today of all days should be the one where these things were usually expected.

"This is incredible..." Even as he held the spear daily that this man had once crafted for him and he held memories of other beautiful things once shaped by his hands, to see something new in person left Dan Heng in awe. Sure, it wasn't as intricate as anything he could recall from his past life, but the care put into it was palpable and the accompanying words left the young man struggling to fight off the flush he felt coloring the tips of his ears because even if that was the intention of his own gift, he hadn't said it out loud.

"I will. I'll take care of it." To even so much as loosen his grip on Cloud-Piercer was difficult, not wanting to take his eyes off of the newly affixed jade attachment, but with the way his heart was racing in his chest and he felt every nerve in his body alight with the need to act he had to do just that. The spear would disappear from his grasp in dissolving light and purely on instinct Dan Heng would close the gap between them, rising on the tips of his toes to leave a kiss that didn't quite make it to its intended target of the corner of Blade's lips, but fell just short at at his jaw.

anonymous : Zhongli, if you could go back in time to not make the same mistakes you did with Neuvillette, even if it meant you'd lose what you have with Childe, would you still do it and go back?

"If a mistake was all that came between myself and Monsieur Neuvillette, such a thing could have been remedied without centuries having passed since our parting. No God, Dragon, or any being in the whole of Teyvat and beyond is perfect, mistakes are simply a part of living, but that which has Neuvillette upset with me to this day is something that was unavoidable." The old god would sigh, the burden of this knowledge still weighing heavily despite all of the time that has passed. He has been able to move on, he is content in his current relationship, but it was a true shame there simply was no choice in the matter when it came to Neuvillette.

The simple and unfortunate fact of the hierarchy of this world was that no one being can go against the will of Celestia, not even himself in his prime.