Moments of Despair #1 [Genshin Impact/Diluc x Reader]
Synopsis: “The man who was on fire and realized it too late.”
(A series of works where the boys deal with the passing of their beloved).
Albedo's despair
Warnings: angst, tragedy, major character death, graphic depictions of violence perhaps
(A/n): Had these ideas for a while after reading @/serensama To Mourn series of another fandom. So much sorrow and feeling I just was inspired to write 😫
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The moment you fell lifeless in Diluc's arms, he wanted to disappear.
It was raining again, he had always despised the rain. How it trickles down the slope of your cheek, like tears falling from the heavens. The sight of it mixing with your blood creating a thin stream of red rivers flowing beside him. They patter down obnoxiously because time didn't care, the gods don't care, the world didn't care. You were just a small fragile person to their eyes but to him you were his light. A candle that used to shine in his dark world was now dissipitated by the waters of reality.
Many droplets have passed and he was still holding you. Diluc could do nothing but stare. He hadn't shed any tears nor could he make a coherent sound. Perhaps it was because his tears have long run out when his father was held in the very same way. Or it was because he was heartless. He's usually told for being cold and indifferent. But the pain clenching in his chest was proof that he still had one (proof that it was still beating), much to his dismay. It would be better if he didn't.
So why can't he just look away? Your wounds, your bruised features, everything now etched so deep into the back of his conciousness that is was starting to awaken his worst nightmares. They were the source of the bile growing in his stomach. The irony stench filling up his nostrils felt so sickening. He couldn't turn away. You're dead. You're dead. You're dead. As if reality had yet to register, or maybe he refused to accept it, Diluc helplessly gazed down your body with blank and empty eyes.
"Master Diluc..."
Jean's voice called out to him pitifully. He rises up with his back turned, ignoring the stares given to him, "Leave. The knights of favonius are not needed here."
"But she's a Mondstadt citizen," The anemo user retorts, slightly taken aback by his impassive reaction, "It's my responsibility to ensure this case doesn't go unnoticed."
Unnoticed. Diluc scoffs in his mind, what a tasteless joke.
"It seems you weren't listening," he announces as his head was turned ajar so they could see the deep hatred glowing red in his eyes, "Leave. Now."
Jean's lips trembled before barely being able to say, "Alright" and retreating her knights back to the city. Kaeya narrows his gaze at his bother, the sorrow was evident through his pupils. He steps forward until he was arms length away from his brother. Too little too late, another failure was added to the belt.
Kaeya was a man of many words but for once he was at loss of what to say. No underhanded suggestions, no ideas taunting him to spill his thoughts, he simply asks Diluc, "What are you planning to do now?"
Silence. Kaeya couldn't predict what sort of expression his brother was making as he looks at your corpse. It brought a heavy weight of unsettlement upon him and here he thought he had already grown used to his brother's quietness.
Slowly, he turns around while letting the water pour down his face. Kaeya tightens his jaw as Diluc drags his feet towards him, stopping when their shoulders were parallel, "It's none of your concern."
"You're just going to leave her here?"
There was a slight pause which was enough of an answer. The Cavalry Captain sighs when he watched him walk away, what was the point of asking when Kaeya knew Diluc so well? He glances at your form before swiftly shutting his eyes.
It was his concern.
-------
A week later, the staff of the Ragnvindr household could hardly recognize their Master's appearance. They knew not to bother him when he decides to lock himself in his chambers. Diluc drowns himself with work from hours to no end as he connects the findings of the person that took your life. As expected, it was one of his enemies- a fatui member. The question was, which one?
"Master Diluc, I beg of you, please take care of yourself," Elzer pleads.
The pyro user didn't bother to spare him a glance or look at the tray of food he carried.
Food...you always brought them whenever he had to work overtime.
"I do not remember specifiying anyone to be allowed in my office," he voices aloud, "If it's related to business affairs simply leave that with Adelinde and I'll take a look at it tomorrow."
"I understand. But you've been working all day and night yet refusing to take any breaks in between. At this rate, you'll harm your health."
The feather pen in his grip kept dragging it's course, "This is beyond the duties assigned to you Elzer."
"That's because it was a request sent by your father," he adds, knowing that stepping over his boundaries may cost him, "If Master Crepus was still here, I'm sure he would have said the same thing."
Taking a deep breath, Elzer lays out his last card, "And also your wife."
The pen slows into a halt.
No one had brought you up until now. Elzer anxiously watches his Master shifting in his seat, his red bangs covering half of his face but he could still see the frown pressing firmly on his lips. It wouldn't be a surprise if Diluc suddenly bursted at him for mentioning such a sensitive topic, all that matters was his master's well being and Elzer was willing to risk everything for it. But nothing. Diluc turns his attention ever so slightly at the tray he carried.
"Fine, but I'm not eating that."
"What? Wasn't this was her favourite-"
"Do I need to repeat myself?"
Elzer furrows his brows before sighing, "...No, Master Diluc."
He exits the room while carrying the fresh dish of Once Upon A Mondstadt that you loved so much. The door closes with a soft click and he was alone again.
People found it strange how Diluc seemed so vacant to your passing. He didn't even show up at your funeral. Instead, he continues his duties as a Mondstadt nobleman like usual while taking care of business matters associated with the winery. Except those who were close to him could see the difference in his actions. Apathy, he was so mechanical in every task he did. Like a marionette attatched on strings, a doll without a soul. After all, his soul died the moment when yours did too. What remains was a shadow of Diluc and a being existing solely for revenge and duty. He was nothing but a remnant.
Fatigue begins to wash over him and he fights to stay awake. Because once he gives in it will all be over. Once he closes his eyes, he would see your face with a multitude of images from the past. He would hear your voice calling out his name from a distant space as it echoes off the walls of his mind. He would fall into a dream where you were still with him and as always, waking up to see that it was never real.
I should have pushed you away.
Because what hurt Diluc the most wasn't that you were gone, rather, it was how you were still here.
Then you'd still be-
Something breaks and it turned out to be the pen he was holding so tightly. Only now Diluc realized how fast his heart was thrumming as beads of sweat began rolling down his forehead. Focus. Don't waste time. He won't grant himself the liberty of anything when your murderer was still on the run. Every wound they inflicted on you was going to be returned in tenfold. He'll make sure of it. That's why, he refuses to think about you at all. Diluc occupies his mind with other matters since at this point, work was the only efficient method of keeping his sanity in tact.
She needs you to focus.
The door opens and Kaeya enters the room while holding a document, "We found the guy."
His reaction was immediate, "Where?"
"Hm, now that we meet, it's actually quite debateable," The captain notes wryly, "When was the last time you've gotten proper rest?"
"I don't have time for this, either you tell me or I'll do it by force."
Kaeya couldn't help but sigh, "Apologies but you don't seem to be in any state for a fight. I'm sure you know how it would end up if you were to face your enemy right now."
"..."
"Diluc, this isn't healthy," Kaeya asserts, it's been a while since he sounded so sincere, "I'm not here to prevent you from doing what's necessary however, perhaps it would be better if I finished it in your stead."
"No," Diluc stubbornly answers, "Hand that over."
"...Heh, then there's really nothing I can do to stop you it seems," he whispers with a sad smile, "At the very least, be careful."
"I intend to," The pyro user snatches the paper parchment out of Kaeya's hands before opening the window, "Also, if Elzer returns, tell him there's a few errands I have to take care of."
The night was a full moon and the sky was empty, Diluc leaps off the edge and disappears into the darkness. There was no telling of what could happen next. Since you weren't here, it was up to Kaeya to watch over him.
-------
The claymore dropped to the ground with a clang as it soaks up the blood of the fatui he just killed.
Diluc was tired, so tired.
He slumps down against the wall from pure exhaustion, all that adrenaline and hatred went up in fumes, leaving behind whatever was left in his heart: nothing. Two hours, not even that far from Mondstadt, the fatui hid in an abandoned building as he cowarded for his life. When Diluc arrived, he never expected this monster to be so weak. This was the person who murdered you? A pathetic nobody that was simply following orders? This was the reason why he lost you forever?
In the end, the only one to blame was himself, for being weak and unable to protect you. He was supposed to be your hero ("Darknight hero," you'd always tease), the rock that shields you just as you had been the warmth he longed for many years, did he give you enough? Was this enough? He thought avenging your death would grant him a peace of mind and the justice you deserved but deep down, he knew it will never be enough when it comes to his love for you.
"Diluc."
He closes his eyes, he hears your voice. He was so tired, it wouldn't be a surprise if he started hallucinating.
"Diluc."
"I'm sorry..."
The man lets out a trembled breath as he apologized to the image of you in his mind. I'm sorry I failed you. They were repeated like a mantra in hopes to reach you somehow. Of course that was impossible, his feelings, his emotions, love and sorrow altogether will never reach you again. And your arms that once comforted him and brushed his hair with a soothing voice, saying everything will be okay, where are they now?
"Diluc."
"Stop," he didn't want to hear your voice.
"Diluc, I'm here."
"Stop..."
"Diluc..."
He jolts his eyes open and lets out a yell, what was he saying? He doesn't know. All he needed now was to drown out the fake voices mocking in his head. Diluc grabs the nearest object and shatters it against the floor, the dam was broken and it flooded uncontrollably, breaking everything in it's way. The abandoned house was filled with loud cries of a man sobbing with agony like a broken-hearted child. He crumbles to his knees and falls to his side, lifting his forearms while clutching his face.
And screamed.
Archons, what did he do to deserve this? Why do the people he cherish get taken away from him? Diluc never wanted to be the Darknight hero if it meant having his father perish in his arms. He didn't want the feeling of stabs against his chest with every breath he took. He didn't want to feel cold while knowing it was because you weren't here to hold him. He didn't want your voice, your pictures or your memory.
He wanted you.
"(Y/n)..." he chokes. Rolling to his back, Diluc moves his arms to cover his eyes, letting the tears run down to his ears, "(Y/n)..."
For who knows how long, he lays there in the abandoned building and mourns. Diluc doesn't have the strength to move from his position, he found himself staring mindlessly through the cracks of the roof when his voice had gone hoarse. The corners of his eyes still burned and his head was throbbing with so much pain. Maybe he should just stay here but the thought of being in the same room as your murderer was unfathomable.
Picking up his claymore once again, Diluc drags himself out of the door. Where would he go? It's not like he had a home to return to because home was when he was with you. A doll without a soul, the marionette moves as if the strings have commanded him to do so. Where ever it takes him, he didn't care. He just knew he had to go.
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Can you write something where Diluc has a graphic nightmare about what happened with his father, has a very bad panic attack and is throwing up and the reader helps comfort him and calm him down? With the reader rubbing his back and holding his hair back?
Yep! Here you go!
I also have another req that's pretty similar but they deal w/ different issues so...... Still gonna keep em separate.
[[ WARNING: ANGST, TALK OF DEATH, VOMIT ]]
[[ Summary: Diluc gets up in the middle of the night, terror destroying him from the inside out. So upset by it, he leaves to spew out his insides, to try and feel even a little bit better... Oh, but he forgot he doesn't have to deal with these demons alone anymore... You're there.
Word Count: 1'011 ]]
You sat up, reading under the light of the lamp, glancing over at Diluc every time he'd shift or adjust. You just weren't ready to sleep, and he had been dead exhausted all day... So the least you could do was be near him how he liked.
"Nuh... No, nono..." Diluc muttered, and you glanced over, "No... No... D-dah..."
You set down your book, eyeing him as he shifted... Should you wake him or-
Suddenly, he jerked up, gasping for air as he was already sitting up--You didn't even get a chance to ask him what was wrong when he all but jumped out of bed, frantically running to the restroom, and you heard the sound of him hurling his insides out--
You got up, rushing to chase him in, and he was already hunched over, vomiting into the toilet... Gently, you gathered up his hair and held it up, as you heard his cries as he puked, tears trickling down his face...
Whatever he was dreaming of must've destroyed him, to bring him to this place so quickly. You sighed.
This wasn't the first time.
You loved him, but he was scared. With good reason, but... It hurt your heart. It was hard to watch him suffer like this.
With your free hand, you gently rubbed his back, and, slowly, the disgusting noises turned to whimpers and sobs, little by little, until he moved back from the mess--
You reached over, handing him a cloth to wipe off his mouth, whatever mess there may be, before the evidence of the demons in his mind flushed away, gone.
But he wasn't much better. He wasn't sick anymore, if only because his stomach was empty, he didn't get up from the floor, curling up in on himself.
"Diluc," you said, softly, "You can't keep living like this."
He had told you, before, that you soothed a lot of his pain. How much agony must he have been in before knowing you, to make this pale in comparison?
"I know," he whimpered, weakly, "I'm tired."
You petted his head gently.
"Can you do something for me, love?" You asked, and he looked up at you, "Just get back into bed. I'll make some tea with plenty of milk to soothe your throat."
He nodded for a moment, "... May I... Take a moment?" He asked, vulnerable and afraid.
"Take as long as you need."
You hesitated, looking back at him... But you knew he would be okay. He wasn't the best at taking care of himself, but he didn't ever harm himself, not intentionally.
He wasn't helpless.
You left, and you heard him cry again, needing to shut the door and take a deep breath...
He cut off his last therapist. It had been two months, then suddenly he insisted he didn't want to go back. But--he needed one... What even happened?
You didn't know, as you put the kettle on the stove, looking for the teas he liked the most... Would adding sugar be good? He loved sweet things, maybe that, plus the milk, would soothe his mind and body.
A few long moments of clicking... You decided you'd ask him about the therapist. He wasn't quick to fall asleep, especially after something upsetting... And there would never be a 'good time' to talk about it.
You filled his cup, set the teabag in, and sat back... Thinking.
His nightmares were constant. He wasn't violent or harsh, but he wouldn't let you take care of him... And be would be so adverse to touch. It was hard to stand by him, when he seemed so afraid.
You took out the teabag, pouring in some milk and sugar and stirring, carrying it back upstairs to Diluc. He wasn't in bed, but you heard running water, and then it stopped, and Diluc walked out, looking at you...
"I wanted the taste out of my mouth," he said, simply.
"I put in extra sugar, just how you like," you walked over to him, offering the teacup, "That should help to."
He took it, and nodded briefly.
"Thank you." He didn't drink immediately, but he went to his side of the bed, sitting... And he sighed, before taking a sip... And he hummed.
At least he liked it.
"Diluc... Why did you stop seeing your therapist?" You asked, sitting in bed, and he choked on his tea, barely able to swallow what was in his mouth before coughing, setting the cup on the nightstand.
"Wha-Why do you ask?" He asked, staring, eyes wide and wild...
Why was this such a touchy topic?
"You need help, Diluc. Help I can't give you. You... You still need a therapist, did you just... Not want to... Deal with it? Or them? "
Diluc was silent for a moment... He sat in his spot, curling up in on himself--a telltale sign he was afraid, upset... He always did this when he wanted to comfort himself.
"... They said-they said it was my fault..." He muttered, putting his head down, "That... I can't suffer from something like that."
You had a feeling he was talking about something other than his father's untimely demise.
"... I understand it's scary, and it's hard," You said, your hand on his arm, "But there's more than one therapist in Mondstadt. Do you want me to look for some more for you? I don't mind, I just... It's hard to watch you fall apart like this."
He nodded.
"... Okay. I mean... I do. I'm tired. I'm tired." He said to himself, muttering afterwards, unintelligible.
"Do you want to cuddle?" You asked, and he looked at you... There was a desire to in his eyes, but..
"C-can we... Spoon?" He asked, a stutter.
Why was he...
Oh.
He was nervous because he probably wanted to be the little spoon. That was alright.
"Of course, my phoenix," you cooed, "Lie down, back to me. Do you want me to rub your stomach?"
"... Please."
As soon as you lie together, Diluc relaxed.. and you heard his breathing steady-quickly.
He must've truly been tired.
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I was wondering is I could get a scenario where reader is actually a descendant of decarabian and is out to get revenge on barbatos and take back mondstat and barbatos’s gnosis so they can become the anemo archon. They are a spy in mondstat trying to gather information before they put their plan into full affect but end up falling in love with venti in the process and don’t know if they want to get revenge anymore so they tell venti everything.
Of course, I would be happy to! Thank you for being my first request! This is a little long, but I hope you like it!
Child of the Storm
Warnings: Some angst in the middle
Venti x GN!Reader
2.8k Words
Decarabian had many children. These children are known as storm sprites. Quite a few exist, though their numbers are greatly diminished now that he has fallen and Barbatos became the Anemo Archon. They’re mostly peaceful, but not all of them. Not you.
No, you want revenge. Barbatos took what was rightfully your father’s, the anemo gnosis and position as Archon. Decarabian had only been doing what he felt was right. He was protecting the people from the harsh and cruel colds of the outside world. And this was how he was rewarded?
It’s not like Barbatos is a good Archon anyway. He goes missing for centuries at a time, sleeping his time away. He doesn’t actively protect and guide his people. He is lazy and irresponsible. He does not deserve what is rightfully your father’s. And so, since your father cannot take the gnosis and rise to his rightful station, you will.
This is not something that is easily done. Even though he is the weakest of the Archons, Barbatos is still an Archon. There is an inherent power and ability that comes from simply holding a gnosis. So you must prepare.
To do so, you become a spy in Mondstadt. It takes a lot of power to create a human form. But using the remnants of your father’s power and what power you have in reserve, you manage it. You integrate yourself in the city by becoming a knight of favonius and making many friends. Kaeya in particular is rather fond of you.
Why a knight? You may as well protect your people in the meantime. Hypocrisy is not a good look on you. And having many friends will help you get more information and have a better cover. So your plan begins. You do not actively speak against Barbatos, but you do not speak or act in his favor either. Your friends come to know you as a sort of neutral party on religion.
It baffled you how everyone in the city seemed to love Barbatos. How could they love an absent Archon? How could they love someone who abandoned them and hate one who was always there for them? Nothing about it made sense.
Your plan works perfectly. It was slow at first, but you’ve started to get more and more information on the going ons of the city. Most of it is trustworthy, but don't sources, like gossiping with Kaeya, tend to have mixed results. Sometimes his information is factual and completely true. Sometimes it is something he seems to have made up off the top of his head.
One evening you were waiting for Kaeya to meet you at Angel’s Share for another one of your information sharing (read: gossiping) sessions. As you wait you take a moment to enjoy the music played by one of the many bards that play at the tavern. The music tonight is particularly good and played by a bard in green.
His teal tipped braids, dark hair, and flower in his cap compliment his fair complexion. The tips of his braids seem to almost glow in the dark. His slim fingers seem to dance across the strings of his lyre. It’s an enchanting sight and you may have just fallen a little in love. Just a little.
Vengeance is your whole purpose, you cannot allow something like a little infatuation to distract you from that. And yet you can’t help but return to the bar over and over just to see him play. You start to tip him anonymously with apples and wine. It’s not your fault, he’s just too good at what he does. This is just you giving him the reward he deserves.
He eventually catches on and finds out who’s leaving the tips, because Charles is a dirty traitor. But it would be easier to be mad if Venti wasn’t so grateful and happy to have figured out it’s you who’s leaving the tips. The two of you formally introduce yourselves to each other and strike up a good conversation. You end up spending a lot of time together with him after his performances. He seems to enjoy those nights as much as you do. And sometimes you catch him staring at you with a dreamy look out of the corner of your eye.
But you start noticing a couple odd things. He has an absolutely ridiculous alcohol tolerance with no sign of debilitating hangovers. While singing, he doesn’t seem to stop as often to breath as much as other bards. It could be passed off as him just being better a better bard, except for the fact that it’s by a superhuman margin.
When you spot him turning into a wind sprite to sleep in a small shelter in an alleyway, it explains a lot of things. However, some of your questions go unanswered until one night when you’re playing around as a storm sprite. You notice him sitting on the hands of the statue of Barbatos and get curious. He seems to be speaking, so you hide behind the statue and listen carefully to what he is saying.
“Oh, Himmel,” he sighs. “Am I doing the right thing? Everyone seems happy, but would they be happier if I was a better and more active Archon?” Your world stops. How is this possible? Why him? Why did it have to be him? Could you even do this anymore? What in the world would you do with yourself if not this? If you’re honest with yourself you have to admit that you have come to love him.
This is your life purpose! But you love him! How can you fulfill your purpose if it requires you to harm the one you have come to love? What would your father think? Nevermind, you know what your father would think. He would call you a weakling for not following through. But he’s dead. So does what he would say even matter anymore?
Your existential crisis lasts for a solid week. Venti notices how distant you’ve become and does ask about it, but leaves it be once he sees that you’re not ready to talk about it. One day it becomes too much. He deserves to know, you decide. It may be hard and may drive him away from you entirely.
But you can’t keep this from him. Doing so wouldn’t be right and he should know the truth before the two of you even consider having more of a relationship than you already have. So no matter how much it scares you and tears you up inside, you choose to tell him.
“Venti, could you meet me at Starsnatch cliff tomorrow?” You ask him, nervously. “I have something I need to tell you.” He seems surprised, but is agreeable to the idea. “Sure,” he replies. “I’ll see you then!” The smile he sends you kills you a little more inside.
“I need to go,” you tell him as you hurriedly got up, paid your bill, and left. “Was it something I said?” Venti wondered behind you. Shrugging, he takes another sip of his drink. “Well, I guess I can ask them tomorrow.”
Tomorrow comes too soon, after a sleepless night of tossing and turning in your bed. There is nothing you want to do less than go to Starsnatch cliff, but you promised. So you go. You take your time getting there before sitting down with your feet dangling off the edge of the cliff. The day is beautiful. Much too beautiful for a day that may just ruin your life forever.
Taking a deep breath, you notice some footsteps coming up behind you. “Hey there,” Venti says. “It took me a while to find you. Be a bit more specific next time, won’t you?” You nod absentmindedly and pat the ground next to you. After he sits down, you start.
“Once upon a time there was a storm sprite, a child of Decarabian. They were created near the end of his reign, too young to join in the effort to protect him and his cause: protecting the people of Mondstadt from the cold blizzards of the outside. This was before the snows were blown away, and blizzards were abundant. Decarabian had created a barrier to protect his people from almost certain death.
“Yet his people did not appreciate his protection. They rebelled against him and he fell before them. If Barbatos had not risen to power, the people would have faced almost certain death to the harsh winds of Boreas.
“But, in any case, there was only one storm sprite left in the area to hear his dying wish. He wished for vengeance, retribution for the injustice he received for fulfilling his duty to protect. And it became that storm sprite’s purpose for existence. Or so they thought.
“They spent many, many centuries plotting the downfall of Barbatos, growing in power slowly. Eventually they were able to create a human form and walk among the people of Mondstadt. And walk among the people they did, collecting information and preparing for the date they would finally find Barbatos and take back what was rightfully their father’s.”
You stop a moment for a chance to breathe and glance at him to see how he was taking the story. He looked thoughtful and he gazed out towards the horizon. So you take courage and continue.
“But then, something happened- something completely unplanned. The storm sprite fell in love. At first it was just infatuation but it grew and grew until it became something stronger and more pure. They truly loved, for the first time since their father had died. And there were signs that the one they loved might even feel the same.
“Then something happened. Something that made their whole world fall apart. They found out that the one they had grown to love was Lord Barbatos himself.” There was a moment of silence. You don’t dare look at him. You are absolutely terrified. After you take a deep breath to steady yourself, you keep talking.
“They didn’t know what to do. Their purpose was to destroy the man and everything he stood for. But their heart would never let them do it. Eventually they made a very difficult decision. They would tell him.
“This is my story, Venti. This is my life and my past. It’s not pretty and it’s not kind. You have every right to hate me, despise me. If you no longer want anything to do with me, I would understand. I just… like I said, I just felt that you deserve to know.”
There’s another moment of silence, slightly longer, heavier, and more awkward than the ones before. When you turned to look at him, drawing your knees up to your chest, you saw him looking at you, pensive. What did he see? You wonder. Does he see a monster who was plotting his demise? Does he see someone unforgivable and unwanted? Will he send me away from Mondstadt forever?
As you looked down at your shoes, a thousand more thoughts running through your mind, he finally spoke. “Well, I’ll admit that this is not what I thought you’d wanted to talk about today. I was expecting something more along the lines of a confession, honestly. And I suppose you did admit that you love me as part of your story, but part of me wishes that you had stopped there.”
If possible, your head drops lower as you press your forehead to your knees. “But,” he carried on. “I’m grateful that you told me this. It really would have messed things up more if you waited until we were in a relationship to tell me. For now, I’d say you should keep going on as you are. Live your life the best you can. I would really prefer if you found a new purpose, one that doesn’t end in my utter destruction, but you’re free to make that decision.
“I won’t chase you out, if that’s something you’re worried about. You’ve proven that you love Mondstadt and cherish it’s people. But I will ask for some space. It’s going to take some time for me to process all of this. I’m going to go now. I’ll approach you when I’m ready, please leave me be until then.”
“Okay,” you whisper loud enough for him to hear. Then he gets up and walks off. You cry until you can’t cry any more. You’re not sure why, you deserve this and were expecting this after all. But it still hurts. The close relationship the two of you had was gone. And you miss it already.
After some time you pull yourself together, clean yourself up best you can, and head back to Mondstadt. You follow his advice and keep going with your life. Your new purpose, you decide, is to serve and protect Mondstadt and all its people. Kaeya and your other friends notice something’s different and ask about it in concern.
Most lay off after you say you’re not ready to talk about it. But Kaeya, being the persuasive and stubborn guy he is, didn’t give up until you admitted that you’d done something that messed up your relationship with Venti. He knew how much Venti meant to you and made time to be with you more while Venti took his time deciding what he’d do about it.
Then Dvalin started attacking, a traveler came to visit, and fatui were more abundant. You would have loved to take action against all of these, but Venti was so closely entwined with all of these issues that you didn’t dare. Things seemed to be working out okay without you anyway.
But then you felt a disturbance. A fatui was approaching the cathedral. That was odd because while the fatui aren’t exactly subtle about not respecting Lord Barbatos, they were never as bold as to go near his cathedral. Something was wrong and you were determined to find out what.
You arrived just as La Signora tore his gnosis out. While you froze in shock for a moment, you burst into motion the minute she stopped for a moment to look at it. With the speed of a burst of lightning, you snatched the gnosis from her hand and disappeared. You only stopped when you reached Old Mondstadt, but you could still hear her scream of rage.
You stash the gnosis away, hidden in a satchel that you usually carry with you. As you’re heading home you run across Kaeya. After talking with him for a moment, you get an idea. “Kaeya, could you deliver a message to Venti for me?” You ask. “Sure,” he said, smirking a little. “Are you going to try and make it up to him?”
“In a way,” you respond. “Just tell him to meet me where we last spoke, okay?” After a moment of fake consideration and stroking his non-existent beard, he agreed and the two of you parted ways. He went on to Mondstadt and you headed to Starsnatch Cliff.
You didn’t wait long, a four pair of footsteps came quickly. From their pace you could tell that they’d run all the way there. Once they came to a stop you turn to greet them. They were guarded and wary, which was understandable, but it still hurt.
When you pull the gnosis out of your bag, you see looks of shock. “What?” You question. “Did you think I would claim it myself or something?” The traveler nodded, Diluc shrugged, Jean wobbled her head back and forth, while Venti looked a little ashamed of himself. You smile ruefully. “I guess I deserve that. But here,” you hand the gnosis over to Venti. “I believe this is yours.”
He looks at the gnosis, then at you, then the gnosis, and repeats the pattern a couple times, his eyes wide. Eventually his eyes settle on you as he absorbs the gnosis. When the shine of his transformation was still wearing off, you feel a pair of arms wrap around you and hug you to a chest.
“Thank you,” Venti murmurs in your ear. “I think you’ve more than proven yourself to me. I forgive you. How could I ever thank you for this?” You smile and hug him back. “Maybe you could consider joining me for lunch tomorrow?” You smile even wider when you feel him kiss your cheek. “I think I can do that,” he agrees.
When the two of you part, he un-transforms, and you both turn to look his companions. Diluc has one eyebrow raised. Jean seems to have gone into shock. Traveler’s face is bright red and Paimon is covering their eyes and glaring at you. You both laugh, making Paimon glare harder. Diluc actually cracks a smile. And Jean snaps out of her shock and laughs a little with you.
Your date the next day goes wonderfully, and neither of you can wait for the next one.
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I noticed you do Character X Character and have a cute request:
Ninnguang invites Diluc over for what Diluc thinks is a normal business meeting.
That is until he notices Ninnguang doesn't have any staff beyond chefs, and that said chefs are making his favorite food, and that some of it includes his favorite blended food. And so he thinks she just wants to hang out .
Basically Ninnguang asking Diluc on a date and setting up everything perfect for him because she loves him, but Diluc is extremely dense to it because he thinks she's just being profe.
I feel the need to mention that Diluc doesn't specifically like blended food, it's just easy for him to eat... But this is super cute, here you go :D!
Also I ended up not focusing on food a ton just cuz food is Weird to me but it's....... all really long so i hope that makes it ok.
ALSO I HOPE UR HAPPY I THINK THIS IS LIKE DOUBLE THE NEXT LONGEST THING IVE POSTED HERE
[[ Summary: Ningguang is a woman who knows what she wants, and she gets what she wants... Even if she must be patient... And what she wants isn't something mora can buy. It's something only patience, care, and love can earn... and she's willing, even if a certain red-haired man isn't exactly the best at noticing.
[ Mostly Diluc POV, Last Scene is Ningguang POV ]
Word Count: 5'088 ]]
Liyue, Diluc thought, looking over the harbor. It was loud, and boisterous, but in Liyue, people were better at keeping their distance, especially if they thought someone was of a higher ranking, to prove their respect. At times, it was easier for him to exist here than in Mondstadt, where draping yourself over another person was commonplace.
But he was not here for fun, it was for business.
Lady Ningguang had invited him for a personal dinner--of which he detested. She herself was a fine woman, more genuine and direct with her intentions, but it still meant that she was trying to get goodwill, to try and intertwine business with pleasure...
Something that Diluc didn't need to experience to know it wasn't the best idea... But he needed to play this game, lest she get the upper hand. Even if she was not a high-stakes business partner, she was smart. Give it time and give it effort, and she would have him in the palm of her hand and he could do nothing about it.
Better to dance along for now, and soon he would be able to lead.
After a long walk, glancing curiously at the hounds that seemed to want to play [And how could he not give them a brief pat on the head?] He found himself to Ningguang's... Estate, of sorts.
Odd to think about how, just a few months prior, he had been within the Jade Chamber, and how it had been destroyed within the ocean...
But, knowing Ningguang, she likely was already making preparations to create a second one. For now, she had a pleasant estate, near to the Harbor, but not so much so that it was easily trespassed upon.
The guards out front only looked at him oddly, seeing how he did not stutter with a single step, only adjusting his gloves as he walked past, not even noting their presence.
If someone doesn't look like they're supposed to be there, his father said, many years ago, Then chances are, they're not supposed to be there.
He long since learned to have a facade of confidence wherever he had gone, if only to avoid more human interaction when possible. But, when he got to the entrance to the building, a familiar face.
"Greetings," Diluc said, all refined and poise, "Zhenhai. Has her Lady not told you of my invitation?" He asked, and Zhenhai looked over Diluc, examining him.
"She has," He said, "You are simply early."
Diluc blinked a few times, early? You were supposed to be early. If you were not early, you were late. Even if you agreed at not a second after the hour, if you arrived the second of, you were considered late.
He did not like business games, but he would endure.
"I am simply eager to see her," he said, all lies, "But if you are telling me she does not want me here--"
"No," Zhenhai panickedly blurted out, then tensing, "Ahem... I simply request you wait here for a moment, Master Ragnvindr, I would like to inform Lady Ningguang of your presence."
"Take your time," Diluc dismissed, and as soon as he walked inside, Diluc's shoulders slumped... He was so tired, so tired of all these niceties. He was decent at them, decent enough to play the game, but were he honest, he wishes he didn't have to be constantly going back and forth between entire nations just to play these games.
Maybe, if he had more time, he could go back to an old hobby, of those hundreds of notebooks filled to the brim with ideas that filled his young mind.
Instead of stewing over it, he examined the area... The landscaping was quite nice, many Glaze Lilies were placed in a garden, and the garden was surrounded by pale stones, of a majorly uniform color.
And how the mountains encompassed the area...
It was quite nice. It, distantly, reminded him of the Stormbearer Mountains, but those were quite rough and jagged, these... these seemed more elegant, less accidental from the Anemo Archon's stupor, more intentional ploys from the Geo Archon.
"I am sorry sir," Diluc turned back around, seeing Zhenhai looking at him, tense, "Go right in, Baixiao will bring you to Lady Ningguang."
"Thank you." Diluc nodded towards him respectfully, not wanting to make a young, already foolish boy ( ironic, Diluc was not that old either ) even more humiliated at himself.
As soon as he walked in, well, not even as he got in, the door opened and a young woman with black hair stood before him--A wide smile on her face, looking utterly excited upon seeing his presence.
"Master Ragnvindr, it's a pleasure to see you."
Diluc hesitated, trying to remember this one--The three secretaries were... well, he did not see them often, so remembering them was a demon of its own right.
Zhenhai said Baixiao, so--
"It's a pleasure to see you as well, Baixiao. It seems my early arrival has caused a stir," He sighed, "I apologize if this has inconvenienced you at all."
She blinked a few times over, "Oh, of course not! It's always a pleasure to see your presence, planned or not."
... Is she implying I came on a whim?
"I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Baixiao."
"But," She sighed, "I'm certain you're eager to see Lady Ningguang, after all. This way, Master Ragnvindr." She walked ahead, and he followed suit... As he looked around, it seemed quite... sparse.
Oftentimes, when they invited another over, they would have their staff in full force, just to show that they had presence, but it was the exact opposite. Guards, and Ningguang's secretaries... Only a few, perhaps there were others, but they were not being practically shoved into Diluc's face, which...
Was a breath of fresh air, honestly.
He was lead to a room, and two women--the other two secretaries, Baiwen and Baishi... Not that he knew which was which from looks alone. Baishi, with loving care, was brushing Ningguang's hair, her finger curling a lock of Ningguang's hair before she let it fall and join the rest of it...
And Ningguang looked over at Diluc, a smile of pure adoration on her face.
She's a skilled actor, I'll give her that.
"Master Ragnvindr," She said, softly, "I apologize, I'm still getting ready, but it's lovely to see you again."
"Likewise," He agreed. "It seems, however, I came too early... I'll make sure not to make the same mistake twice-"
"Oh, no, don't worry about that," Ningguang interrupted, "This gives us time to take a brief walk, if you're willing."
A brief walk... That was unplanned. But, if he agreed, Ningguang is 'indebted' to him through things that could seldom be quantified-Through basic niceties and kindness.
When you give another a compliment, they are indebted, and oftentimes pay you back with another compliment. If they do not, there is a minor guilt of not having returned something.
Business always hinged on the debts you owe, and more importantly, what others owe you.
He was not fond of being in debt in any way, shape, or form.
"That sounds wonderful, Lady Ningguang." He praised, and she moved to stand, the woman brushing her hair taking a step back, frazzled, "Baiwen, be a dear and grab my parasol." The woman, Baiwen, nodded and walked off, leaving them with... Baishi and Baixiao, Baishi being the one who had assisted in Ningguang's preparation.
As he met Baishi's eyes, she was glaring at him with no small amount of hatred... Somehow, he was not offended. It was likely nothing more than seeing him as an obstacle, an irritation.
Another business partner to come, waste her time, and then leave once again.
"Well," Diluc said, to prevent an uncomfortable silence, "I apologize for not having reached out in some time, beyond a few letters," He had sent them, as a formality, upon hearing about the... utter chaos in Liyue. "I couldn't endure thinking I was causing you to stress when you already were so busy, so I thought giving you time was best."
She shook her head, "Diluc," she said, oh, the use of his name was very deliberate, "It's never stressing to hear from you..." She rested her hand on his arm, a delicate touch, and he, trying to be as courteous as possible, took it of, holding it gently.
"I'll keep that in mind."
On cue, Baiwen had walked in with a parasol, handing it to Ningguang, and giving a brief nod of respect, before Ningguang waved her off, "All three of you, thank you. You're dismissed for the day, be sure to stay safe."
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang," disturbingly, all three bowed in sync before leaving in line, Diluc unsure if that was rehearsed or simply second nature after happening so many times...
Baishi left a second glare before she was out of sight, the distant sound of closing and shutting doors was heard. Ningguang walked ahead, "Come... we are taking a brief stroll, aren't we?" She asked, raising a brow,
"But of course," he replied, following her footsteps dutifully until they were outside, and she had opened her parasol, holding it over so she could reside in the shade, even if evening was not nearly as blaring with sunlight as the afternoon,
"May I carry that for you?" He offered, and Ningguang smiled, handing it over,
"Oh, of course... thank you, Diluc."
He wasn't sure how he felt about the lack of his title. In a way, it was a relief, like it was nearly permission to take off the mask of professionalism..
But he also was aware this, too, was just a game. Just a way to lower his guard.
As he adjusted to hold it, so both of them could stay in the shade, she grabbed onto his arm with both her own hands, a relaxed position that he oftentimes saw, even in Mondstadt, where a woman would, subtly, claim her lover, to warn off any others... common in those who were insecure, touchy, or noble.
Interesting approach.
He just took a cautionary step forward, setting the pace, before the two of them walked ahead, and she had tugged, gently, on his arm...
She wanted to lead here, too, and he would let her.
They walked past the gardens, he glancing at the Glaze Lilies briefly, but she then stopped him,
"Admiring them, are you?" She asked, letting go of his arm to approach them, looking over her own garden of these flowers.
"Of course, they're beautiful, even without blooming."
A soft snip, and Ningguang plucked a single flower, and with her free hand, it was as though she held something out to it, and she blew gently on her hand, a faint, silvery dust fluttering over the flower, prompting it to bloom, proving its own beauty in such a subtle action.
He walked closer, examining it... He wondered if it was that the plant would respond to Geo energy, as how Windwheel Asters would twirl with the wind, but simply a more subtle reaction...
She lifted her hand, and tucked the flower into his hair, over his ear, before looking over him, nearly glowing with a silent form of pride, before grabbing his arm once again,
"I thought you'd look good with it," She explained, "And I was right."
"If I may be so bold," he smiled--how fake it felt, "I think it'd look better on you," as he was reaching up with his free hand to remove it, she grabbing his hand, and pushed it back down,
"Please," she nearly whispered, "Leave it? Keep it as a gift."
He looked over her features... How genuine she appeared.
It was confusing.
"If you so insist, I will accept this blessing from Liyue's Lady herself,"
She laughed softly, "So formal. You may call me Ningguang... or ah'Guang, if you so wish," she offered, tugging him a little to get him to walk again, as they began strolling their way off of Ningguang's estate.
"... Ah'Guang?" He asked, "I must admit, I've heard children use that in Liyue... such as ah'Qi. What is the meaning of such phrasing?" Diluc knew better than to accept such an offer without knowing what the truth, and meaning, behind it was.
"Hm... That's a little odd to explain. Adding the prefix-ah-is a sign of... Endearment, affection, and familiarity. It must be to the second part of a name, if there are two parts... but for someone named Xu, they would be ah'Xu."
Endearment? Affection? Exactly what was her angle?
"Children call themselves that because their parents adore them, and call them... Ah'Qi, or ah'Xu. They learn to refer to themselves like this for a few years. Close friends and lovers oftentimes use these terms for adoration as well."
Close friends and lovers, this was certainly a brand new method a business partner had used to try and keep them under their thumb.
"That's quite forward of you, Ningguang." He said, accepting her offer to be more familiar, but not... that familiar.
He had limits. He had boundaries. Those boundaries included keeping his business partners at a distance, ironic, seeing how Ningguang seemed content at nearly being pressed to him...
"Would you blame me?" She asked, idly, "You're a wonderful man, it'd be a shame to not make the most of such a relationship."
He didn't know what to say to that, if he was honest...
"You speak too highly of me," He insisted, "I was born to wealth-you created your own with blood and tears."
She shook her head, "Maybe so, but that alone does not dictate your worth as a person... Mora is wonderful, but it is not everything."
"Well," he thought, trying to figure out what she wanted him to say, and what he wanted to say, "I hope I can continue to live up to your expectations."
"That won't be hard," she hummed, "You surpass them with every moment."
A silence fell over them again, but he was no fool... if you pretend you belong, no one will look twice. He simply continued walking, the both of them continuing as they found their way to the harbor, during the evening, not as many people were present, mostly only keeping to their homes to settle down for the day, or having a small celebration between friends, but large get-togethers, like how getting absolutely sloshed at the nearest tavern just wasn't customary in Liyue.
So, now it was mostly just small groups of people, or duos, and some children running around to get their energy out just before or after dinner.
Diluc looked at the horizon, admiring how it nearly looked golden with the low-hanging sun reflecting off of the gently rolling waters.
"I love this time of day," She said, gently taking the parasol from Diluc's hand and walking ahead, closer to the ocean, only stopping before the fence that stopped any clumsy fool from falling into the ocean, "Ah... if only it was easier to keep in the shade, though."
Diluc examined her... and her parasol.
"Is there a reason you enjoy the shade?" He asked, standing beside her.
"I was born with a sort of... condition. My body cannot produce color," She gestured to her own face, "I burn quite easily... You're also quite pale, do you suffer the same struggle?" She asked, tilting her head to the side a little.
"Hm... Not exactly. Light is a little..." He struggled to find his words, and Ningguang just gazed over him, leaning over the railing, her head propped up by one hand, "I see things a little differently, as insane as I might sound. Light feels brighter, sounds louder... I suppose I simply do best in a mild environment."
"Interesting," She hummed, looking back over the ocean, "I have a... friend, of sorts, who is quite similar. She's less mild mannered than yourself, however, quick to be upset... and she's thrown a few tantrums, to be honest. She doesn't have the... tact that you do."
Diluc looked over the ocean... How it sparkled. It was a little hard to endure, the bright light of near-sunset... But he could endure.
"I suppose I learned how to handle it, but... I think it's a little more like pain. Some people can endure it better, some can't. No fault on either side, it's simply how it is."
He felt eyes on him, and looked back down at Ningguang, who looked... worried.
"Are you in pain, Diluc?"
... What a question.
"Yes, but I can handle it." He answered, fully honest. She straightened her back from her lounging position, and rested her hand atop his on the railing,
"Just because you can doesn't mean you should..."
Diluc didn't want to look at her, having heard this one too many times, and luckily, a blessing found itself in bashing right into the back of his legs, he trembling in shock as he saw a child on the ground, having knocked flat into him and collapsed onto the ground. Without hesitation, he crouched down onto one knee, and it seemed Ningguang did the same, both fussing over the young child, with bells in her hair...
"I... I'm sorry!" She blubbered, openly sobbing after only a moment of having been knocked on her rear, "I just... I just didn't know where to go, and..."
"Shhh," Ningguang hushed, softly, "Dearie, it's alright, I promise," She cooed softly, petting the top of the girl's head, "What do you mean, You did't know where to go?" She asked...
Diluc was endlessly thankful, and admittedly impressed, that she was dealing with the child so well.
"I..." The little girl wiped her nose, snotty from her sobbing, "Liyue Harborlooks different when it's not sunny, and..." Back to the blubbering.
"Hey," Ningguang hushed, sweetly, "Do you know any places near where you live? I know Liyue Harbor pretty well, I could help you find your way back home."
The girl nodded, "Uhm... Where... where does that... Girl with the spicy bear go?"
Diluc had to stop himself from taking a double take at that.
"Spicy bear... Oh, I think I know the place. Is that near your home?"
The girl nodded, "I... I could find my way home if I was there."
Ningguang laughed, softly, "Oh, sweetie... That's not that far," Ningguang stood up, and held out her hand to the girl, and she took it, assisting her to her feet.
"Okay," Ningguang pointed down to a street, "Just go that way, and turn left. Keep going for a bit and look for tables, if you go too far, you'll find another part of the docks... Do you think you can find you way on your own?"
The girl looked at the street...
"Yeah, yeah, I think I can... Thank you, Miss..." She nodded, turning around and finding her way along.
"You're good with kids, Ningguang." Diluc mentioned, quietly, "Shall I take the parasol again?"
She handed it over, "Thank you... and thank you. Children are sweet... Plus, most adults will let secrets spill around them. They have quite a bit to say, when you let them."
Distantly, Diluc thought of that... Diona girl, with how she constantly tried to put disgusting things in the vineyards... and Klee, who was well known for her adoration of bombs and explosions.
"You haven't seen the children of Mondstadt," he joked.
"Nonsense... Besides, there's this girl, sweet as sugar... But she's, well, she's a zombie, for a lack of better wording." She sighed, "She's... odd. But she works very hard."
"I'd take a zombie girl over a pyromaniac who risks destroying the city with her bombs..."
Ningguang looked at him oddly, "... I can't tell if you're joking."
"I'm not."
There was a moment of silence, and she blinked a few times.
"... I suppose that makes sense why you wouldn't like children."
"Wait," Diluc interrupted, a little surprised when she grabbed his arm again, but he got over it, "I never said that."
"But... you seemed quite tense when that little girl was here."
And he didn't seem tense for the rest of this... business date?
"I don't think I'm good with kids. I didn't want to scare her... But I do like kids. Kids just don't like me."
"Well," She thought for a moment, "Kids are simple. Give them a piece of candy, prove you can carry one or two of them, and they're happy. Adults are the confusing ones... So many things to keep track of, and you can't make them happy with a shiny coin or two..."
Diluc didn't have anything to say about that, so he didn't, opting to only walk ahead with Ningguang, to observe the last few moments of sunlight before bringing the both of them back to the estate, Ningguang all but dragging him inside, opening the door for him, he offering a polite nod in thanks.
"That was longer than I thought it'd be..." Ningguang muttered, "Is that alright with you, Diluc?" She asked, and he nodded.
"Of course, it was pleasant... I just fear I may have interrupted your plans for the evening." He admitted, adjusting his gloves, and she shook her head.
"You couldn't have interrupted everything, I've reserved all of today just for you, Diluc."
Once again, hearing his own name from her lips felt... odd.
"I'm humbled, Ningguang... Thank you."
"You don't need to thank me, Diluc... I'm just blessed to spend time with you." She insisted, taking a step closer, closing the distance between them, Diluc, hesitantly, taking a step back...
Luckily, she didn't continue to advance.
"Come," She said, closing her parasol and setting it on a table, "Dinner should be ready." She walked ahead, standing in the threshold as she waited for him to get closer, before she found herself to the table, it all prepared, likely while they were absent, and sitting down on one side, Diluc sitting right across from her...
And as though it was magic, a servant appeared and had poured them both a cup of tea--And Diluc didn't miss how one, two bits of sugar were put into his, briefly mixed before left behind for him.
"The first dish will come soon," The servant said, before disappearing briefly, and Ningguang lifted the cup to her lips, taking a sip...
"I should mention, Diluc," she said, her cup lightly clinking against the table, as Diluc took a sip himself... pleasantly sweet, but not overpowering. "I'm certain you've heard of those... incredible seventeen course Liyue meals, yes?" She asked, and he felt his gut sink...
Oh, he was going to be feeling it tomorrow. He knew better than to reject food, especially in a business setting, but... it was just- it was so hard to force his body to swallow, sometimes.
"I don't care for those.. frivolous meals." She said, plainly, "So it may seem a little plain, a little simple. I hope this doesn't disappoint."
...
Maybe she really was more relateable than he thought.
"Actually, that's quite nice to hear," he admitted, leaning back in his chair a little, relieved, "I was a little worried there'd be countless dishes, all with the dedication of Golden Crab... No disrespect if you enjoy such a dish-"
"I don't," she said, bluntly, "In fact, I find it quite ridiculous. Maybe a crab boiled on it's own... a little bit of broth to dip, would be pleasant, but the... ugh, disgracing a creature with a bath of batter and oil... Pardon my cruelty, but it makes my stomach turn."
For the first time that night, Diluc smiled, and chuckled genuinely.
"I couldn't have said it better myself. I-My brother, adoptive, mind you, sometimes I wonder if he only likes dishes due to their supposed 'status', that their fame automatically lends itself to being delicious... Ridiculous. I could give him a Jade Parcel full of a sponge and he'd tell me it was 'impeccable' or something like that."
Ningguang laughed aloud at that comment, "Oh, oh my goodness, that's what Keqing is like with... what was it, Golden Shrimp Balls? She's so serious and poised, but if someone puts those in front of her, she loses it, like a starved dog in front of a choice cut of meat. I wonder if I should do that--or fill it with Jueyun Chilis, just to see if her gluttony can withstand it."
Diluc snorted with laughter, "No, no, because there's a chance she'll like the spice... Fill it with sugar."
She gasped as though he suggested something utterly scandalous, "Oh, that's perfect... She even says she doesn't like when someone tampers with food, such as salted Almond Tofu or sweetened soup..."
Even as the dishes had come out, laughter had rung out with their... admittedly unprofessional discussion, from anywhere to using Jueyun chilis to brew wine for Diluc oh-so unfortunate brother, and making delectably enticing cupcakes filled and topped with Qingxin petals, just to taunt poor sweet Ganyu...
And eventually, they were done, and Diluc...
He actually enjoyed it.
In a moment of speculation when Ningguang briefly dismissed herself, he thought about it, analyzing the conversation...
He should have had more restraint, than to fall into such a trap. From what he could recall, he offered a lot of information to Ningguang, he seldom ever called Kaeya 'brother', much less to business partners, to prevent them from reaching out to Kaeya in an attempt to get to him, but...
He didn't agree to anything, at least.
As he looked at the scroll, of a painting within, that was placed on the wall, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and he looked over to see Ningguang looking up at him, her eyes wide...
Sparkling, almost.
"Are you alright? You didn't respond."
"Oh," another moment of weakness, "I was lost in thought. I am alright, Lady Ningguang." He gently moved her hand off of his shoulder, but she did not pull it away... and he did not abandon it so quickly.
"As long as you're alright." She said, and then... she had gone quiet, examining Diluc's face, a brief moment of silence as they both looked at each other.
"When," she said, in little more than a breath, "Can I see you again?"
...
This meant she was expecting an invitation to Mondstadt, wasn't it?
He seldom wanted her there, but...
The Winery would be fine.
"Give me a few days," he said, "I'll send letters, and we can make plans. Was there anything you wished to see?"
She was quiet for a moment, and shook her head.
"To see you is enough." She insisted.
Great.
"Well... I should be going." He sighed, avoiding her intense gaze, "I mustn't be keeping you."
"You couldn't keep me, Diluc... But I understand. Be safe, I eagerly await to see you once again."
"I look forward to seeing you."
And with that, they parted ways, and Ningguang, for a long moment, only watched.
Why did he feel like he was neglecting something?
... ... ...
Ningguang sighed, sitting on a stone bench beside the glaze lilies, who opened in the moonlight, watching as the subtle wind pushed them to and fro...
"Lady Ningguang," Zhenhai greeted, "Are you alright?"
She looked over him, examining him.. and sighed, moving a little out of the way, silently offering him a seat. While she felt no need for a bodyguard, perhaps being alone wasn't the best idea.
"I'm fine," She said, plainly, "Just another... Fruitless attempt." She explained, straightening her spine to seem more proper.
"With Master Ragnvindr?" Zhenhai asked, and solemnly, she nodded. It was no secret that she had eyes for only Sir Ragnvindr, and of which has not been reciprocated... or, honestly, even acknowledged, which made it all the more painful.
"Did something go wrong?" He asked, looking at the glaze lilies before him... And Ningguang sighed,
"No... But, I cannot say anything went right, either. It simply happened. If I must say one thing about Master Ragnvindr," She leaned forth, letting her fingertips touch a petal of one of the flowers, "He is a smart man who knows better than to let anyone get the upper-hand. His weakness is also his greatest strength--He keeps everyone at a distance."
She tried to hide how her voice shook, but it was not like it mattered. Anything that happened with Zhenhai did not matter, for he was just a young boy, barely old enough to legally work, and anything he would say would be swiftly forgotten.
"Well, he is smart, and he should know better than to avoid business dealings with you." Zhenhai said, plainly, "Maybe be more blunt, I feel like he's not fond of trying to beat around the bush."
Ningguang turned to look at Zhenhai, confused, "Business dealings," She echoed, "I am not trying to coerce him into working with me." Her voice was a little more stern, but as she saw his expression...
There was a degree of fear, but overall, he was confused.
"You're not?" He asked, "I apologize, Lady Ningguang... I-I simply thought you were. But, maybe this is a good thing," He blabbered out, tense, panicked, "Maybe he doesn't realize you're not trying to do business with him, and he's... misunderstanding like how I did?"
Ningguang was about to shoo him off... But she widened her eyes.
Wait...
That's exactly what it was.
Diluc wasn't just keeping her at a distance--he was... oh, he was dense. Somehow, that didn't make him any less ideal in her eyes, but it clarified everything.
How he would keep his distance, physically, to maintain a business professionalism, how he spoke only few words, and when he spoke of himself, he gave little for her to work with.
"Oh, dear," Ningguang stood, "Zhenhai, you're right." She said, and Zhenhai's eyes widened.
"I am?"
"Absolutely... and as punishment for embarrassing me," She grabbed his ear, "Come help me figure out how to tell him."
"Ah! Wait! Wait, I don't know what's going on!"
"Don't worry, you'll be getting paid overtime."
"That doesn't explain anything!"
Well, he'd find out...
And, with Zhenhai's help, maybe she could get a better view into Diluc's mind...
Maybe he was right the first time, just to be more blunt with her intentions, even if he too was confused.
The worst that could happen was rejection, and she could go on with her life, even if the idea caused a great pain...
But it would be more painful if she never brought it up.
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