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maaarshieee · 1 year

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⎯⎯ ୨ Age Like Fine Wine ୧ ⎯⎯

ੈ♡˳ Diluc Ragnvindr x Male!Reader *ೃ༄

ੈ♡˳ 3.3k words ┊ Fluff *ೃ༄

ੈ♡˳ Masterlist | Part 2 *ೃ༄

author's note ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

@iliketheview HI I SAW YOUR POST AND IVE NEVER JSUTFGADHJSADGSA,,, yes yes YES. this trope is literally just fucking everything when it comes to Diluc. BIG BRAIN, I DARESAY... i hope you like this HAHAHAHA have a good day/night!! i swear no one's gonna read this HDHDAJS,, ill be focusing on stuff i wanna write/personal work for a bit sorry guys ill be quick on my lil mental break LOL, i didn't want to cut this but my friend said smth about "convenience" so FINE ill break it into 2 parts even if the cliff hanger was so ungraceful. it will be posted in a few hours.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ cw: reader is a hyrdo user, gay struggles LOL, plot heavy cuz i wanted to write smth long, references of killing, drinking

You fell first.

You were a well-liked rookie knight in the Knights of Favonious. One of Mondstadt's favorites, if you will. Everywhere you'd go, from children to the elderly, they'd crowd you, often asking for your help or just having a chat with the handsome knight. While you were usually calm and collected, with a pretty smile etched on your lips without fail and a soft, tranquil aura that surrounded your figure, you were quite the character.

A talkative one, but never loud. Words flowed from your tongue smoothly like a sweet caress on their ears, as if you always intended to lull them into a peaceful slumber. There was a sense of authority when you walked, each step holds confidence, and this unwavering bravery you display against any situation. People compared you to the cold, but suave Cavalry Captain, Kaeya. But instead of stating your differences, they constantly say that both of you were like long lost brothers, always getting along and seen talking to one another, with bright smiles on their faces and laughing away. Though the only stark difference between the two of you was that while Kaeya is a man full of secrets hidden behind his honeyed words, you were similar to an open book, never holding back on your honesty, whether it's the beautiful truth or brutal, harsh reality.

People would say that your personality had always fit your Vision, which was Hydro. Even if you were still but an amateur knight, you held your position flawlessly, always acting without haste and yet completing missions as if you were made for it. You hold your peers in high regard, respect your country's Archon, Barbatos, wholeheartedly, and help those in need. Like the never-ending flow of a stream, the pure water cleanses Mondstadt of its dirt, quenching the thirst of people who desperately need it, and reflects a myriad of colors under the rays of the sun. As still as a river, flowing quietly, a rivulet that carries a sense of serenity.

So for the fabled Mondstadt's favorite knight to fall in love with the handsome, but the dull owner of Dawn Winery, Diluc Ragnvindr, was such a wonder to the people, whispers of your love to the closed-off man being carried into the winds of Barbatos. It was embarrassing, to say the least; you thought that you were secretive enough about it, but at that point in your life, you've finally accepted how others perceive you: an open book. Fortunately, and unfortunately, Diluc himself has no idea that you were so blatant about your affections toward him, and always took it in a friendly manner.

Kaeya always makes fun of both you and Diluc in this conundrum. You, because of your predictable taste— he's always told you that you'd take a liking toward his brother— and inability to be secretive of your emotions, and Diluc, for his unexpected obliviousness towards your advances.

"Perhaps he knows and he is not interested in me..." You muttered under your breath, the smell of alcohol clinging onto your clothes and your vision was slowly swirling in the colors of your surroundings, a headache impending. "I'm a man after all, and a part of the Knight of Favonious at that... You told me he hates us..." Face behind your hands, Kaeya just laughed teasingly at your pathetic display.

"My my, this is why people say you're incapable of keeping secrets. You're spilling your love for him while you're drunk." He smirked while he took the glass of wine off your hands when you moved to take another sip, deciding you'd had enough for the night. "You're such a lightweight and always a delight to drink with!"

All he heard from you was your irate grumbles after you laid your forehead against the table, hands beside your head. Kaeya let out a sigh, an amused but concerned smile stretching his lips as he put a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "Now don't beat yourself up so quickly. Diluc is just... Well, quite distant on everything and he's not one for idle chit-chat, but I've noticed that he's somewhat allowed himself to entertain your musings." Kaeya's expression lightened when you lifted your head up from the table, with a tiny hopeful spark in your eyes. "Our relationship may be quite strained, but we've shared a brotherhood strong enough for me to still at least recognize bits of his behavior."

Opposite what Kaeya expected, you only plopped your head back onto the table, soliciting a chuckle from your captain and patting your head. Though he flicked the top of your head when you tried to grab your glass of alcohol. "Even if I'm not so fond of him, you have my full support." That made your heart swell, leading you to rely on your captain a bit more. To an extent of course.

Residents of Mondstadt would often question you; why did you fall in love with Diluc in the first place? With a bashful smile and a dismissive wave of your hand, your reply would be the same. "The similar reason as others who have taken a liking to Mr. Diluc." But it was obvious it was more than that. For you, it was quite easy to discern the identity of the Darknight Hero. You've assumed others knew already, like the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonious, Jean, and perhaps even Kaeya— the rumored Darknight Hero was Diluc, after all.

The moon shone its faint light onto the streets of Mondstadt. Quiet and empty, although from afar, you could hear the chattering of people in taverns drinking and partying. When darkness engulfs the day and people return to their homes, it was always quite peaceful, some would be compelled to walk through the empty streets for a soothing moment. Not for you though. Just because night fell doesn't mean the filthy vermin of Mondstadt wouldn't be prowling around. In fact, they seem to wander in the dark, for amongst the shadows where they belonged. So, while most of the knights would be off to their nightly rest or finish up the last of their patrols, you keep watch up on the roofs, hidden and waiting.

You have been doing so ever since you've become a part of the Knights of Favious, baffled that the knights' nightly routines weren't up to your expectations. And you get it; knights needed their rest and throughout the day, they've done multiple arduous tasks. So you took it upon yourself to defend Mondstadt in the shadows all by yourself. How hard could it be? What you didn't anticipate is that you'd have a nightly partner, and that is the rumored Darknight Hero.

Gossip was usually brought along by the wind, spreading faster than you can blink, so it's often you've heard of the Darknight Hero. Though the identity was hidden, during one of your nightly patrols (that you've assigned to yourself), you've unveiled who it was upon witnessing a certain red-haired man, with a claymore in his hands and bursts of flames briefly spouting life into the dark alleyway as the bodies of multiple Fatui soldiers drop down to the ground. Eyes wide, you had made noise from where you stood, toppling over crates behind you. In an instant, his blade was on your neck.

As soon as you made eye contact, you could tell he recognized you. How couldn't he? You're one of Mondstadt's favorites, so he drew his weapon away, gaze scrutinizing when your shock subsided into curiosity, head slightly tilted to the side as you glanced at the bodies he left behind. "Hm, I suppose the descriptions of the Darknight Hero fit had I thought about suspecting Mr. Diluc." You mused, hands on your hips as he began to pick on his left glove, keeping a watchful eye on you.

"What is a knight doing roaming around alleyways late at night? Aren't patrols finished at this point and time?" Diluc queried, crossing his arms as he observed you from afar with a frown on his face, poking the bodies laid on the stone road. "Especially in areas like these..."

Humming, in a thought, you glanced at the man standing not too far from you. And if someone were to ask you; what was the exact moment you realized that you'll be falling for a man like him? It would be this. Moonlight cast behind him, highlighting the pretty scarlet hair that cascaded down his forehead and cheeks, and ruby eyes, though calculating and cool, you could see fire dancing in them from the intensity of his gaze. While his dark clothing blended with the darkness of the night, the Vision that hung on his belt radiated a faint orange glow that illuminated the spot where he stood, mixing with the cool, bluish hue of the moon. Strokes of blues from the moon beautifully contrasted his fiery hair, and subtle hues of orange further accentuated his figure in the dark. Your breath got stuck in your throat as your eyes never left the stunning visage that is Diluc Ragnvindr. It was as if he was painted by a famous artist, both unreal and real at the same time. You hadn't even realized you'd prolonged your staring at the man until you heard him uncomfortably clear his throat.

Immediately regained your composure, you finally gave him a coherent answer. "I've noticed that as well upon observing our schedules, so I decided to take patrols on my own." You admitted, helping him clean up the mess he's left without a complaint. "I understand that I could've talked to Grand Master Jean about it, though I... You can say I'm still a tad shy due to my rookie status." A sheepish smile stretched your lips whilst you rubbed the back of your neck, refusing to look once more at Diluc, for you fear that you might get stuck in a daze if you dare to take another peek at him, so you were unsure of how he reacted at that.

"I see... No wonder why the streets have been... Peaceful lately, though it still reeks of criminals... It has been easier." Diluc murmured under his breath, and you turned your head toward him so fast you almost hurt your neck. Diluc Ragnvindr, known for his bitter tongue when spoken to if it wasn't business related and rough, sharp edges that would cut you if you aren't careful enough, complimented you? Now, you were aware that Diluc may be more than the surface level of his personality, but you knew that Kaeya would have a similar reaction if he heard these unfamiliar words he easily spoke.

It wasn't completely directed at you, but you still felt heat rushing to your cheeks, flustered as you averted your gaze away from him, hands pressed against your cheeks. "O-oh, is that so?" You ungracefully stuttered, but Diluc didn't seem to mind, only nodding in confirmation. "I suppose not all knights laze about; at least you keep this nation safe even in the shadows." And with a silent agreement, the two of you had become partners of the night, scaling every corner of Mondstadt together.

After that, you began to visit Angel's Share more and more often just to talk to Diluc, trying to win his attention, and perhaps just to at least hear his voice even if he barely spoke to you. And it didn't go unnoticed by anyone who caught wind of your rather obvious attraction to the bartender, especially a certain bard that enjoys drinking. You always end up embarrassing yourself in front of Diluc when you try to talk to him when the people in the tavern start singing sappy love songs with Venti. Seriously, how can he not get the gist of your evident desire for him?

The first few times you visited Angel's Share for Diluc, he shut you down, telling you time and time again that conversations without a sense peeve him, but Kaeya encouraged you to keep pursuing him, though you aren't sure if it's for his own entertainment seeing you rarely fumble and Diluc's imperviousness or genuine support for you. It could be both, you assumed. Nevertheless, you've always tried to chat with him, even during your nightly routines when there wasn't an imminent danger. And you are lucky enough to garner a few replies from Diluc. Though it wasn't much, often just a short answer, you were elated at the progress.

Eventually, you've gotten to know Diluc through the many days you've spent together. You also took note of his words, growing longer and rather more lax and casual as days go by, finally allowing you to just sit across from him on the counter while he simply served customers. You tried not to get your hopes up too high. In your eyes, he's very admirable; passionate, like the flames he wields along with his claymore, blazing with the desire to protect the country he cherishes the most. Though, like fire, his heat can simmer down to comforting rushes of warmth, crackling with sporadic gentleness. It's honestly infectious, igniting a similar burning devotion for Mondstadt, dedicating your work as a knight.

You suppose you owe it to Diluc to inspire you so much that you've climbed the ranks faster than anyone, close to achieving the title 'Cavalry Captain'.

Whenever his lips twitch upwards slightly whenever you talk about something random, your heart explodes with glee and you find yourself stumbling over your words once more. He'd offer a gloved hand to you whenever he wanted to lead you somewhere, the brief touch making you so flustered you have to look away from him the rest of the night, confusing the poor man. His voice, soothing and gentle when he speaks to you, his utmost attention over whatever you say now you've piqued his interest over the past few weeks, sparks lighting his eyes, and— man you've fallen quite hard for him, haven't you?

Diluc has completely ruined the calm flows of water in your heart, waves of conflict and urges for reaching further within your reach toward him crashed inside your soul the more you indulge yourself with your yearning for him. And when the people of Mondstadt thought nothing could faze the aspiring Cavalry Captain, nothing could've prepared them for the young man to be so muddled at the one thing everyone was weak against; love.

Though it all changed during one fateful night in Angel's Share. For some odd reason, you've sat next to Venti and a couple other regulars of the tavern, laughing along whenever the tone-deaf bard begins to sing. It was just as lively as other nights, drinking alcohol until the burn creeps up from your neck to your cheeks, breaths laced with the intoxicating smell, and minds clouded with nothing but the enjoyment of the night. Unfortunately, with how loud you were chatting with one another, it caught a certain bartender's attention.

"You should totaaaally shoot your shot!" Venti wraps an arm around your shoulder, droplets of his drink spilling onto your clothing but you were too drunk to even notice, letting the bard cling onto you whilst you drank your own drink. "You're like, soooo handsome! Women are aaaall over you... Men too!" He slurred, downing a whole glass in one go. Even in your drunk state, you found it in yourself to scoff at his words, shaking your head in disagreement as you shakily poured yourself another glass.

"No no, I agree with him! Not a lot draws his attention like you do!" One of them says, a big grin on his face as the rest of them nodded, further attempting to encourage you. But alas, it was all for naught, the knight known for his bravery only let a frown overcome his lips, sighing in frustration. "He always sees it as friendly advances... I'm always trying to talk to him... Help him with his work... We've even spent time together outside..." With a dramatic whine, you let your head land on Venti's shoulder as the room slowly began to spin. "How can he be so oblivious...?"

Venti momentarily put down his drink to cross his arms, pouting at how the once valiant knight who could take upon any task given to him, was now a flustered, drunken mess of a man who struggles to deal with love. What a shocker honestly, Venti thought you'd be more of a charmer like Kaeya. Never truly judge a book by its cover. "Then be more upfront with him! The guy needs all the confirmation that you're literally head over heels for him!" Chattering full of agreement spread across the table, but you still stubbornly refused, shaking your head.

"Yeah? What if he knew and this is just his way of reminding me he isn't interested?" You hid your face in your hands, a little embarrassed with how Venti worded his previous statement, the tips of your ears burning. "He doesn't like me at all, can't we just leave it at that?" You murmur pathetically to yourself, scrunching your face as a pounding headache quickly takes over.

"I don't think so," A new voice piped into the conversation. Immediately, all heads turned to the newcomer, only to freeze as if they were caught red-handed when they realized it was the man of the topic itself; Diluc Ragnvindr. You let out a strangled noise, sobering up right away at the sight of him, snapping back at your senses while others coughed uncomfortably onto their fists, acting innocent. It clearly caught him off guard with how many people have turned to look at him, so he awkwardly picked on his left hand and focused his gaze on your hazy eyes. You couldn't tell if it was just the alcohol, but you were having trouble reading his expression, heart beating hard against your chest that you're sure that Venti could hear it.

"H-huh?" Was all you could manage, eyes wide and lips pressed on a thin line. Everyone at the table has grown silent to listen to the conversation between the two of you and hopes this is the moment you've all been waiting for, on the edge of their seats as they watched in anticipation. You were hopeful for once, leaning towards Diluc. "What... do you mean by that?" You added, a little breathless, straightening up in your seat.

"I'm certain that Kaeya would reciprocate your affections for him."

For a moment, the tavern was still. If a pin were to be dropped, you could certainly hear it. All eyes stared incredulously at the man that stood before them, jaws wide open. Diluc's frown deepened at their reactions and he shifted his weight on his foot to the other, very confused but before he could speak up once again, Venti busted out laughing, toppling over to the ground and everyone else soon followed, slapping their knee and wiping away tears. Angel's Share came back to life with a single sentence, regaining it's lively atmosphere and speaking of words so slurred that even Diluc couldn't even comprehend them, only hearing your name and his briefly.

There was a smile on your lips whilst everyone laughed and drank to your dismay, though it was obvious even to Diluc that it was very strained.

"O-oh my gods!" Venti wheezed, climbing back on the seat next to you, wrapping his arm around your shoulder, trying his best to hold back his laughter, and offering you a glass of alcohol, which you eagerly accepted with a devastated expression on your face. "This is too funny! I've never laughed so hard in my life!" He continued to laugh, lightly shaking you in his arms. You could only let out an annoyed groan, a hand on your face whilst you downed a whole shot, face and chest burning both from embarrassment and the alcohol. "If Sir Kaeya was here, he'd be dying!"

Diluc has never been so confused in his life.

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