#honeytea

Neither of you had a particular name for your relationship, but that was fine. What the two of you shared was not romantic. When the two of you first acknowledged that, you were both incredibly relieved. There was just something about understanding another person in that way.

You immediately knew that you were going to give him Windblumes to show your appreciation. He had invited you to dinner together later that day, which would be the perfect time to give him a Windblume. 

After finishing your work shift, you left the busy streets of Mondstadt and headed for the Whispering Woods. It was time to search for small lamp grasses within the grand forest. The shade of the towering oaks made it easy to spot the glowing, blue orbs. You picked the flowers and placed them into a woven basket. Diluc loved those blossoms and so did you. Together you shared them as a Windblume. 

After gathering a good amount of small lamp grasses, you went back to the main trail. Although, there was still one thing that you wanted to do before heading to Dawn Winery. You made a detour to the statue of Barbatos located at Starfell Lake. Grand Windblume arrangements surrounded the archon’s statue. You added some blossoms to the array and bowed your head in thanks. 

Then you followed the road to Dawn Winery, hoping that your flowers wouldn’t wilt along the way. It was a good time to leave. It was almost time for Diluc’s dinner. He was probably still preparing the food. You walked along the path until you made it to Diluc’s mansion. Thankfully, the small lamp grasses were still fresh. You greeted the staff at the entrance, who were rather accustomed to your visits. 

“Good afternoon, Mx. (y/n),” spoke a maid. “You arrived a bit early. Master Diluc is still in the kitchen.”

You thanked the maid and the other staff before entering the mansion. It was a grand building made of dark oak. You walked through its halls until you arrived at the kitchen. Diluc had taken off his coat, his red hair in a high ponytail. He was assembling two plates of his speciality dish, Once Upon a Time in Mondstadt. You waited as he topped the steaming piles of ribs and potatoes with small lamp grass bulbs for flavor. 

“Diluc,” you called softly, slightly tilting your head to the side. 

He turned and faced you. “Hello, dear. I hope you don’t mind dining on the balcony today.”

You shook your head. The weather was lovely and sunny today and it would be nice to dine outside. Also, you always thought that Diluc’s hair looked beautiful in the sunlight. He burned bright like a phoenix, as if a flame had touched him. 

Diluc headed out of the kitchen, where you followed him out to the mansion balcony. He set the steaming plates of food down onto the oak table. You placed the basket of Windblumes next to the table and took your seat. Diluc handed you a silver knife and fork before taking a seat across the table. You bit into the tender meat of the ribs, which blended with the melted cheese. The potatoes were just the right texture and the small lamp grasses enhanced the flavor of the dish. Diluc’s cooking was delectable as always. Then, the two of you finished your meal in silence, just enjoying the other’s company. 

You waited until the two of you were done until you gave a Windblume to Diluc. He set down his utensils and watched as you picked a small lamp grass and awkwardly moved your chair so that you were next to him. You turned around and faced him, sheepishly holding the flower in your lap. 

“Diluc… I’m sure you already know this...” You began, gently swirling the lamp grass between your fingers. “I really do love you. Thank you for being with me so often, now come closer.”

Diluc leaned in and you tucked strands of crimson hair behind his left ear. You tucked the glowing flower behind Diluc’s ear. He raised a gloved hand and gently held yours, a small smile on his face.

“(Y/n)...” Diluc softly whispered. “You already know that I feel the same for you, love.”