Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

life goes on as it should; manage the winery, visit regions for trades, gather intel from his networks, and defend the people when the sun goes down. it’s routine, it’s normal. nothing complicated about it. 

that is, until kaeya brings him earth shattering news. from there, he begins to look at the world in a different light. 

saviors, curses, a whole world underneath their feet. 

now it's complicated. 

his days soon became consumed with research, stress, and a rising sense of dread. 

though, he couldn’t exactly complain. with this newfound knowledge, it had brought the estranged brothers together again and began to mend the bridge that diluc burned to a crisp.

diluc has the day off, kaeya having left hours ago to visit the chief alchemist. he browses the books and tomes in his study, trying to find any crumb or morsel regarding his brother’s mysterious, long lost nation. so far, he’s come up with nothing. despite his father’s extensive book collection, none of it talks about khaenri’ah or anything related to it.

he shouldn’t be too surprised. after all, how does one find history of an ancient civilization that has been lost to time? if what kaeya says is true, then it seems very intentional that there’s no recorded history and that not a single person knows about the existence of the kingdom. 

“a nation without a god.” diluc mutters as he flips through another weathered tome. his mind can’t stop wandering, spiraling even. 

this whole revelation that came to be has truly shaken him to his core. the creatures that inhabited their lands were cursed humans from another. there is something about that, that bothers diluc and gets under his skin like a parasite. 

if he genuinely acknowledges this truth, then that only opens up a can of worms inside pandora’s box, and diluc isn’t entirely sure he wants to face the pressing issue that lurks around the corner. 

with a huff, he slams the book shut. he needs a break and to get his mind off of everything. getting up, he leaves the study and heads into the kitchen to prepare a meal. 

—

later in the evening, diluc is back in the study. he’s gone through half of the books in the aged bookcase, and he’s still no closer to anything. 

he sighs, dropping into his chair. he quietly stares at the desk top, one leg bouncing with anxiety as his thoughts wind around in circles, chasing one another but never really landing. as he tries to settle, the evening sun’s glow casts an angled shine, and he notices a thin square outline in the carpet beneath his feet. 

tilting his head, he scoots his chair back and kneels under the desk. 

he removes his gloves and feels along the edges, finding a latch in a small flap of the carpet. he manages to unlock it, then pulls. up comes a panel, revealing a wooden compartment underneath, filled with journals, papers and trinkets. 

he sorts through the papers, finding simple correspondence letters to several different regions, though nothing of interest. odd that his father would hide these. 

he sets them aside, then reaches for the dusty leather bound journal. he blows off the dust and unclasps the lock, opening it.

a picture falls from the frayed, yellowing pages, and he plucks it off the floor. 

on it features a little boy, dressed in royal garments. the scenery behind is dark, lit up with artificial stars, giving a cool blue glow. 

the boy stands proudly, a blue eye and a gold eye, both sparkling with the stars that match the sky. 

“kaeya?” diluc breathes in confusion, knowing the starry blue eye anywhere. 

he studies it more for a moment before he gingerly sets it aside. he flips through the journal, his father’s scrawl immediately recognizable. he reads through the pages, entries regarding kaeya, his lost kingdom, and mentions of kaeya’s father. 

he crawls out from under the desk and settles in his chair as he pores over his father’s thoughts, re-reading from the first page. 

“ november 30. 

returning to the winery, i discovered a shivering little boy in the trees near the vineyard. he appeared lost and scared, soaked to the bone by the rain. he was wearing loose clothing and an eyepatch. 

he looked to be about diluc’s age, though a bit shorter and smaller. 

something about him seemed familiar. 

i approached him, and i asked him where he came from. he simply stared at me before uttering a simple word.

‘kaeya.’  

kaeya… i vaguely remember the instructions my former boss left me months ago, about a surprise being sent to me. is this what he meant?

unable to leave this poor child, i took him in. 

diluc was… eager, to say the least, when i stepped into the winery. he immediately began bombarding me with questions, hovering around ‘kaeya’ like he was a new toy. 

i had to calm him down lest he scared the poor boy.”

diluc huffs out a laugh. he remembers that night. he nearly smothered kaeya with his excitement. adelinde had to pry him off and gently scold him before sending him to his room so his father can help kaeya settle. 

he continues to read through the pages. he doesn’t realize he spends hours locked in his study until there’s a knock on the door.

“come in.” he calls out, still distracted by the journal.

adelinde steps in, carrying a tea tray. 

“master diluc, it’s quite late. i suggest you have your night tea before you turn in.” she tells him.

diluc looks up in surprise, eyes straying to the window to see the sun long gone, the moon in its place. 

“ah… my apologies. i got swept away.” he bookmarks the page before setting aside the journal to welcome the tea.

“thank you.” he tells her as he prepares his tea the way he likes it.

she bows her head and takes her leave. 

diluc sighs and drinks his tea, mind running with these new discoveries from his father’s journal. to learn he had known so much but said so little somewhat bothers diluc. 

not that he blames his father, but if crepus had trusted him more, and shared his brother’s true origin, perhaps that fateful night wouldn’t have come to pass. 

he shakes his thoughts away and focuses on his tea. when he finishes, he takes the dishes down to the kitchen and washes them up. he leaves to his room and prepares for bed. 

as he’s untying his hair and massaging his scalp, it occurs to him that kaeya never returned to the winery. 

he briefly worries about him before dismissing it. even though this situation is difficult for them each to grasp, he trusts kaeya to handle it. he knows kaeya must have a reason for not returning. 

letting out a sigh, he climbs into bed and stares up at the ceiling, thoughts drifting. little does he know that life is about to get even more complicated.

Chapter Text

diluc returns to work the next day, and he's more than grateful for the welcome distraction. completing mundane tasks and focusing on business leaves him no room or time to let his mind stray to the situation at hand. 

he can't let it consume his life, no matter how curious he is or how much he wishes to help. 

throughout the day, he tends to the winery. he’s helping his staff gather the ripe grapes for the sweeter concoctions when his body begins to grow warm. 

he doesn’t take much notice of it, thinking it just being a bit of a warmer day, until the afternoon hits when the sun is at its highest. 

he wipes the sweat from his brow, letting out a fatigued sigh. he’s standing in front of the manor, talking with connor when he begins to feel extremely hot. he removes his coat as he listens to his winemaker explain his idea for a new blend, diluc noticing the vision on his thigh glowing brightly. 

“master diluc, are you okay?” connor asks when he notices. 

“ah, yes, i believe so. i suppose it’s just warmer today than usual.” he explains.

“really? huh.” connor holds his hand out, but the weather feels its usual brisk coolness. “hm, it doesn’t seem that warm. are you perhaps feeling unwell?” he asks. 

diluc coughs, wiping his forehead again. “i am unsure.” he answers honestly. the last time he felt this heated was when he received his pyro vision. 

surprise enters connor’s expression and he flags down one of the maids. 

hillie steps away from sweeping and stands at attention. “how may i help, young master?”

“master diluc is feeling under the weather, please get him into the manor.” connor directs, the redhead coughing again, feeling like ashes are piling in his lungs. 

“oh, of course.” she nods, and she gently guides diluc inside. 

as they step inside, adelinde looks up from cleaning the dining table and spots her disheveled and exhausted master. 

“master diluc!” she calls out as she immediately drops what she’s doing, fluttering over him. “are you okay?”

“i think i may be coming down with a cold.” he explains, the heat getting to his head. he pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out slow breaths. 

adelinde thanks hillie before she gently takes his shoulders and guides him upstairs to his room. she sits him on his bed, then she lifts a hand and brushes his bangs back. she rests her hand over his forehead, frowning when she feels how hot he is. 

“oh no, you absolutely need to rest. you’re burning up, more than usual.” she tells him. she steps away and gathers his sleepwear, setting them on the bed next to him. “i will be right back.” she tells him. she leaves off to the bathroom, taking a towelette and wetting it under the faucet. she opens the small box on the counter and takes out one of the frost potions. she uses it on the towel, ensuring it was cold enough. 

she wrings it out, then returns to his room. 

she finds her master laying down, his hair loose and his hands covering his eyes. 

she approaches him and lightly pats his shoulder. 

“here, young master, this should cool you down a bit.” 

he gratefully takes it and lays it over his forehead, sighing in relief, catching the faint steaming as the cold meets his heated skin. 

“thank you.” he tells her. 

“of course. now get some rest. i will return shortly with some water.” 

diluc lays back as she leaves and he releases another sigh. he reaches for his vision he set on the nightstand, thumb brushing over the glass as it still continues to glow bright — brighter than he’s ever seen it. 

“how odd…” he mumbles to himself. 

he sets it aside then lets himself relax. he thanks adelinde when she returns moments later, placing down a tray with a teapot filled with cool water and a glass. 

“here you go, master. rest up and i will return later to see how you’re feeling.” she strokes his hair back, then departs, closing the door behind her. 

diluc sits up a bit and gets himself some water, not realizing how parched he is until he feels it relieve his throat. he downs a full glass, then sighs heavily. he rubs his eyes, putting the glass back down. he shuffles to lay down, then within a few moments, he’s dozing off. 

-

he wakes up late into the evening to a soft breeze and the sound of a melodic tune. he stirs, nose scrunching as his eyes flutter open. he stares for a moment, swearing he sees that nuisance of a bard sitting in his armchair, humming softly as he strums his lyre. 

“venti?” he mumbles groggily, pushing himself to sit up.

the anemo archon perks up, a bright smile appearing on his youthful face. “oho! and just like the dawn, master diluc rises.” 

he’s about to ask how he got in when he catches the window open. sighing heavily, he rubs his temples, “why are you in my house?” 

“aw, you really think you can keep a big secret like this from little old me, and not expect me to come after you? i thought we were friends.” venti stops strumming and sets his lyre aside. he springs up from the chair, crossing over and sitting in diluc’s bed next to him. 

“what are you talking about?” the exhaustion weighs heavily in diluc’s eyes as he watches the bard.

“i’m talking about this ,” he pokes the center of diluc’s chest, “you really thought i wouldn’t sniff it out? i am an archon after all~”

the confusion scatters across the winery master’s face, annoyance mixed in. “what in the world are you talking about?” he asks again. 

venti’s cheerful expression fades as realization dawns on him. “wait, you really don’t know?” he asks, diluc shaking his head. 

the bard hums in thought, tapping his chin, “interesting. she really did just pass the buck then, huh.” he mutters to himself. he shakes it off, then he pats diluc’s chest. 

“well, guess i’ll be the one to tell you, hehe.” he sits back, “you’re just like me, my friend. bestowed upon you is a gift from the gods. it seems she really thought you’d be the perfect fit for the patron of war.”

the dread diluc has been feeling for the past few days suddenly thickens, and his chest tightens. “patron of war?” he repeats softly in question. 

“mhm! you’re an archon! the pyro one, to be precise. tell me, did you notice any changes today?” venti leans back as he lounges on the bed. 

skepticism tugs diluc’s features and he scoffs. “me? an archon? don’t i have to do something to ascend to that status? as far as i’m aware, i’m just an ordinary vision holder, nothing more, nothing less.” he immediately shoots down. 

the bard giggles, then he sits back up and scoots closer to diluc. “take a deep breath for me and close your eyes. count to ten, okay?”

warily, diluc does just that. during the count, he feels a dainty hand touch his chest, then a moment later, something is tugged out. he chokes in shock at the sensation, a brief flash of pain coursing through his veins. 

“sorry, master diluc, it was necessary.” venti’s voice is apologetic, but as diluc opens his eyes, he sees a golden ornament in the shape of a rook, rounding in the middle with a red glow before ending in a crowned top. 

“what…” diluc stares at it, venti offering it and placing it into his palm. 

it’s warm to the touch, pulsating with power. 

“that, my dear diluc, is a gnosis.” venti explains. 

“this…?” 

“mhm! now answer my question. did you notice anything different at all?”

as diluc recalls, he did spend most of the day sweating up a storm and laying in bed. “i suppose so… i noticed i was running rather hot today. i assumed i was sick and feverish.” he stares down at the gnosis in his hand. 

“that was you coming into your power. the previous archon must have sensed her connection to you, and decided it was time to pass her role onto someone new.”

“connection to me? why me? i don’t even know her. i’ve lived in mondstadt my entire life.” 

venti frowns a bit. diluc truly has been kept in the dark, and it saddens him. 

“wow… no one really told you the truth, did they?” 

diluc looks up at the bard, and that frustration from yesterday draws back up into his heart. another secret kept from him? what else has he been unaware of? first his brother, now this? 

venti smiles, a sad tinge to it. he crawls onto the bed to sit next to diluc. he reaches up and brushes his bangs out of his face.

“don’t worry, i’ll tell you everything. just settle down, relax, and keep an open mind.” 

the redhead looks to the bard, then he sighs and does as he’s told. 

“very well. go ahead, then.”

Chapter Text

venti fluffs the pillow behind him, then lays on it, gazing up at the ceiling. 

“alright, so given that you don’t really know much about yourself, why don’t you tell me what you do know?” he says, turning his head to look at diluc. 

diluc sighs softly. 

“well, all i know of myself is that my mother was from natlan, and my father was from here — our whole clan was, rather.” 

“okay, good.” venti nods, “you're right, i met your ancestor when i was but a mere wisp. he was a handsome one, really passionate. i can see it runs in the family.” he smirks, but there’s a sad tinge as he recalls his friends from old mondstadt.

diluc glances over, a frown tugging. he’s curious, he knows quite a bit about mondstadt history, but not from the source itself. he wants to ask, but he knows well that venti will simply redirect back to him. 

he settles back and rests his hands over his stomach. 

“i don’t know much about my mother, as my father rarely talked about her. all i knew was that… she passed away when i was born. whenever i tried to ask about her, i saw that it would bring him pain, so i eventually stopped. i wish i can tell you more, but i just knew where she was from, and that she was literal sunshine.” his voice trails off.

venti hums, looking up at the ceiling again.

“well, that’s okay.” he reassures, “if you’d like, i can tell you what i know. after all, i have been around for two thousand years. i definitely knew anyone and everyone in mondstadt, even travelers.”

crimson eyes widen just a bit as he looks over at venti. “you knew her?”

“mhm, i did. i know a lot about your family.”

diluc ponders this. he could get answers, he could finally be in the know, he can finally step into the light instead of living in shadows and secrets. it’s almost overwhelming.

he takes a deep breath, then he nods. “okay… tell me everything.”

“your mother’s name was esperanza, and she was a traveler from natlan. she was small, feisty, and had a kicking pyro vision to match. she met crepus at the angel’s share and like fairytale fashion, it was love at first sight. they spent every moment together, and eventually they got married. 

years of marriage, and then soon, the ragnvindr clan produced a new heir. it was a big deal, considering the final old clan of mondstadt was continuing their bloodline. you were born, and the people celebrated. seems you were well worth the hype.” venti smiles genuinely at diluc. 

the redhead huffs softly, ignoring the blush rising at the praise from the god of mondstadt himself. “continue.” 

the anemo archon giggles. “your mother, in actuality, is a direct descendant to murata, biologically. despite there being a clan that used to be known as the children of murata, your mother was literally her child. well, down the line. it’s proven as you look just like murata, there’s no mistaking it. if you dressed up like her, there would be no difference.”

diluc lays there, staring at venti with a dumbfound expression. how in the world did he end up with that sort of… well, he wouldn’t call it ‘luck’ exactly. 

“i… i don’t understand.” he mumbles.

“yeah, kinda funny how life works. it’s all true, though. that’s why you were picked. you’re one of her few descendants left to carry the torch.”

diluc frowns, lifting his gnosis and studying it for a long moment. 

“but… why me ? even with these apparent family ties, my home is here… and like you said, i’m one of the few. there’s clearly more out there.” 

“the gods work in mysterious ways.” venti answers, “those with visions are allogenes, and have a ticket to ascension. anyone can become an archon, really. some tend to pick a successor if they plan to retire, or a new one takes the place of a deceased archon. even though the pyro archon isn’t dead, i guess she was prepared to pass on the mantle to someone else.”

diluc frowns, staring up at the ceiling as he sets the gnosis back down, “so they just… gave it to me because i have a vision? if anyone can be an archon, why pick me?”

the anemo archon shrugs, “because despite it all, you're a fighter at your core. you fit the moniker of god of war. you fight for your home, for your family, for you . it's in your blood.”

the redhead thinks about it. venti isn't wrong. all his life, he fought. he fought with the knights, he fought for vengeance and his father, fought for his life, fought for mondstadt. every day, he engages in battle, whether it's physical or tactical.

“i suppose you're right.” he sighs. it looks like he can't deny this role. still, it nags at him. 

“does this mean i have to leave mondstadt? i… i’ll bear the responsibility of being the pyro archon, but i don't think i’m entirely ready to leave my home to protect another.” 

he doesn't know why, but something about venti has the closed off winery master spilling his heart out. 

“well, if you think about it, no archon really rules their nations anymore. i never ruled to begin with, rex lapis passed away, some archons went into retirement or are trying to restore order with their people. you don't necessarily have to leave.  besides, like i said, anyone can become a god. so it's not like natlan will be without murata or any other archons. you just simply have the gnosis and have become one of the seven.”

diluc stares at the bard for a moment before back down at the gnosis. 

“what did you do when you became an archon?”

“i liberated my people, brought us to a new age where no one will rule unjustly. if they do, i trust mondstadt to handle itself this time around. doesn't mean i’ll ever stop caring, you saw as much when dvalin was hurting, but i trust in humanity.  i have always held these ideals, even before i became an archon, so you don't have to change or do anything. you can still stay good ol’ master diluc.” venti reaches over at that and ruffles diluc's hair. 

diluc swats at him as he rolls his eyes, then he finally returns the gnosis back to himself. 

“i still don't think i’ll understand, but it can't hurt to try.”

“that's the spirit! and hey, if you need advice, the old blockhead next door might be a better help. he's been around longer than i have, so if you can handle his old man ramblings, you can ask him.”

the winery master rolls his head to look at the bard in confusion, “wait, who am i talking to?”

venti sighs, “rex lapis. he goes by ‘zhongli’ now.”

“but you said—”

“yeah, i know. his people think he's dead, but he's not. he's like me, he wanted to live among the mortals.” 

“... i see…” he purses his lips in thought. 

“zhongli’s been around for a billion years, so he's got a lot of experience. if you want to talk to him, i can send him a heads up.” he offers. 

diluc considers it. he clearly has never spoken to this man, nor has he ever met him, but if venti trust him, then he seems like a good source to start with. 

“i would appreciate it, you'll likely have a better time telling him the situation since he knows you.”

venti beams and sits up now, “okay then! i’ll go see that old fossil in the morning and let him know.” he promises, then he finally gets out of the bed and stretches. “well then, i should let you get back to bed, master diluc. until we meet again!” he salutes before he grabs his lyre and climbs back out the window he came through, leaving just a gust of wind behind.

diluc watches him, huffing as anemo swirled the room, ruffling his hair. he grumbles, then settles back into bed. however, the recent discoveries leaves him no room to sleep, his brain still trying to process it all, and he winds up staring at the ceiling for hours.

Chapter Text

the next coming days are sat in tense anticipation, as he waits for a response from the alleged geo archon. he spends his time managing paperwork, snooping around his father's study, and trying to get back into contact with kaeya. 

kaeya’s absence grates diluc's nerves. of all times to disappear, he chooses now in the middle of their investigation.

he huffs as he scratches out a mistake on a letter he's writing before grabbing a new paper and starting over. his frustration is simmering, exhausted and stressed from trying to make heads or tails of their situations. 

what sort of sick twisted fate is there that wound up putting two brothers together, only for them to be enemies, not once but twice? the first time had been diluc's sole fault, but now? according to kaeya’s account of how the cataclysm came to be, now they're fated to be enemies again as celestia envoys are naturally opposed to khaenri'ahns. 

diluc’s beginning to really wonder if there had been more to their fight. 

had fate known diluc is an apparent archon? had it known his father would house one of the few khaenri'ahn survivors? was the fight on purpose? kaeya did say khaenri'ah was destroyed by celestia, so did they know about their bond?

diluc remembers the blazing fury, remembers partially not being in control of himself, but he doesn't know if hindsight is on his side, or if he's just delusional and trying to make excuses. anger is a powerful, blinding force, after all. 

he sighs and gives up on the letter as he messes up once again. he sits back in his chair and stares up at the ceiling. 

all in all… how is he going to face kaeya now? diluc belongs to the very people that took his home away. sure, diluc quite literally had nothing to do with the situation in any way, but it still wouldn't be easy to swallow. 

not to mention, he still has to show him the journal his father kept. 

his eyes stray to it, left untouched the past few days as diluc tried to work through his existential crisis. his mind wanders, and as it does, frustration rises yet again. 

did his father know? 

he knew about kaeya, more than he ever let on, but did he know about diluc's true identity too? is that why he had been so tight-lipped about his mother? 

is that why diluc was treasured as the golden child?  

was everything in his life done based on his role as the pyro archon's successor?

his stomach tightens and he grows queasy, guilt chasing the thought. 

no, his father wouldn't use him to finally gain favor from the gods. he would have still treated him the same. 

as diluc spirals, he misses the door opening until the aforementioned bluenette steps in. he looks like how diluc feels. 

red eyes widen a moment before settling into a glare. 

“you could've sent a letter if you were going to disappear on me.” he huffs, but it's clear he's glad to see kaeya. 

kaeya sighs as he plops into one of the chairs, slouching into it. 

“yeah, i know, i’m sorry. i had some things i had to work through before i came by.” 

diluc nods, the glare ebbing away as he uses kaeya's presence to ground himself. 

“it's… it's fine, i understand. i suppose i was just worried. in any case, i’m glad you're alright.” 

kaeya huffs out a bitter laugh, “ha, ‘alright,’ i wouldn’t say that much.”

diluc perks a brow, “what do you mean? what happened?”

the blunette sighs and he pulls out the rolled up scroll, passing it over to diluc. 

he takes it and unfurls it, glancing at kaeya before reading it over, a translation in teyvat’s common language underneath the khaenri’ahn letters. 

“ upon the day the man-made sky turns red, a kingdom will fall and the savior will become one with ice. 

hidden away from the gaze of the gods, the last hope shall be protected by the one who bears crimson. 

on the twenty second year, when the star sheds blue, the land once lost in the shadows will rise and a new dawn will be brought forth. ”

he furrows his brows and looks at kaeya again, “what is this?” he asks him. 

kaeya sinks down in the chair, slumping now. “apparently an ancient prophecy from my kingdom. it was made hundreds of years before i was even born .”

diluc looks back down at the scroll, the sick feeling returning again as he reads through it carefully. it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what the prophecy means, and it pricks at diluc’s skin. 

so everything was all planned out… khaenri’ah falling, kaeya staying with diluc’s family, the archons, diluc’s identity. 

he’s silent for far too long, kaeya glancing at his brother in concern as the redhead continues to glare at the prophecy as if it had personally offended him. 

“‘luc?” kaeya questions.

diluc snaps out of his frustrated fog. he shakes his head, “sorry, thinking.” he sets the scroll aside. his eyes turn to kaeya, then everything from these past couple days boils up and over. 

he lets out a short, bitter laugh. 

“guess we’re both just cursed, aren’t we?” he mutters. 

kaeya raises a brow, “what do you mean?” 

diluc sighs, deciding to just rip the bandaid off now, and get it over with. with minimal effort, he manifests his gnosis out of his chest, setting it on the desk. 

confusion scatters across kaeya’s features as he watches. he glances from diluc to it. 

“what is that?” he could feel the heat and power radiating from it as he scoots closer, fingers brushing over the warm glass. 

“a gnosis.” 

head shooting up, kaeya stares at his brother in shock. 

“what?” he searches his brother’s face for any sign of joking, but he knows diluc better than anyone. diluc isn’t one to joke about something like this. this was more kaeya’s style. 

“where did you get this?” confusion tugs kaeya’s expression. did he take it?

“it’s mine.” is all diluc utters, avoiding kaeya’s gaze.

“...but that would mean—”

diluc scoffs, “yeah, wouldn’t it?”

“but… how?”

the redhead shrugs, “i couldn’t tell you. apparently, i was chosen to be the next pyro archon, and that i’m ‘the perfect fit for the archon of war.’”

kaeya tilts his head, taking the gnosis and looking it over. 

“i mean, you are pretty hot-headed.” he comments offhandedly as he runs a thumb over the castled top. 

diluc rolls his eyes, deciding not to bite the bait this time. “either way, now i have to sort through all this.”

kaeya returns the gnosis to the desk and leans back in his chair. “isn't having god powers supposed to be this crowning achievement?” 

“sure, if you're interested in godhood to begin with. i already have enough to deal with, so i wasn't exactly wishing for this position, but it's not like i can toss it out and call it a day.”

the captain hums, “honestly, and ironically, i think i’d rather be an archon over a savior. at least, as an archon, you can go into hiding or become a mysterious omnipotent figure.”

diluc raises a brow, unimpressed, “oh, is that so? then i suppose you'd be fine trading places, hm?” he watches kaeya quirk his lips in a silent refusal, before he continues, “no matter how you look at it, neither position is exactly the most ideal. you'd still be responsible for a mass of people regardless.”

kaeya blows out a sigh, “yeah, i guess that's true. so, then what are you gonna do? pack up and ship out to natlan?”

“no, i was told i didn't have to be in my respective nation. apparently, i can just stay here and do my duties here. not that i know what they are.”

“lucky break.” 

“it makes sense. we have an absent archon here, and the neighboring nation’s archon is deceased,” he chooses not to divulge the secret that the geo archon still walks teyvat, “so it's not entirely mandatory that an archon has to really be present.”

“so, what's your plan, then?” kaeya asks curiously.

diluc sighs as he sits back, “i don't know, actually. i guess keep doing what i normally do?” part of him wonders if he's not just overthinking it. like he said, two archons are absent from their home nations, and they walk amongst their people. still, it nags at him like a persistent itch. he can't shake the responsibility he’s handed. 

“it's a start.” kaeya offers a bit of reassurance, then his eye trails to the thick journal on the desk. it looks familiar, and he scoots close again. “what's that?” 

diluc flicks his gaze to where kaeya's looking and his heart seizes. he swallow thickly and he slides it over, avoiding touching it for too long as if it'll burn him. 

“father's journal.” he answers. “it mentions you.”

kaeya looks to his brother, uncertainty and anxiety in his eye. 

“you don't have to read it if you don't want to, but… it's… well, it's something. if you want, you can take it and read it later, whenever you're ready.” 

the cavalry captain swallows and he carefully takes the journal. 

“alright… i’ll see.” he keeps it closed, hands tight around it. 

diluc sits back, looking over the gnosis again, then down at the prophecy still laying open on his desk.

“what are the odds?” he sighs. 

kaeya lifts a brow, ignoring the anxiety in his lap in favor of his brother's predicament. 

“what is?” 

“that it all ended up here. we originally assumed our statuses were questionable and just a coincidence, but this… prophecy… it just solidifies everything. i don't… i don't know how to feel, knowing everything that ever happened was planned out. it's…”

“... it's too much to think about.” kaeya fills in, voice somber. 

diluc nods. 

kaeya sighs, “yeah… i felt the same way when albedo showed me the prophecy. if everything is calculated, then what's the point of doing anything — what's the point of trying to live? if our choices don't matter, what are we even here for?” 

“exactly. i didn't want to say it out loud, but that's how i see it. it doesn't make sense. why give free will if it's all just a facade?” 

“it's weird… and the fact that my kingdom even bothered to conjure up a prophecy, they're not as anti-god as they seem. prophetic visions have to come from somewhere, they don't just happen.”

diluc nods in agreement, “it's why they're seen as divine visions. most people assume they come from the gods.”

“i don’t get it… but either way… we don’t seem to have any other choice. we have a duty… not that i still understand what it really is.”

“well… we can take it a step at a time then, figure out where to go from here. you found this prophecy, what did albedo have to say about it?”

kaeya licks his dry lips and sighs, “well, after he showed it to me, we talked for a bit and he proposed creating a spell of some sort that would use my blood or my essence. something like that.” 

diluc hums. “i see… it’s not the worst idea.” he thinks about it, mind trailing to the traveler and an idea sparking. “your home is connected to the abyss, and so are your people… if you recall, the traveler managed to help purify dvalin when he was corrupted by the abyss. maybe we can ask them?” 

kaeya perks up at that, a flutter of hope rising in his chest. “wait… you’re right. they might be able to know how to harness my power.”

“alright, then we’ll seek them out. they should still be here, i don’t think they said they’d be leaving any time soon.”

“yeah, i saw them in town this morning.” kaeya confirms, straightening up when diluc’s falcon flew through the window, carrying a letter in her talons. 

holding out his hand, diluc catches the rolled up paper and unfurls it. on it is elegant writing. the paper smells of tea and silk flowers. 

“what’s that?” kaeya leans up to try and peer at the letter in curiosity. 

“just a correspondence with a merchant in liyue.” diluc answers in a half-lie as his heart thunders, reading through the letter. 

dear master diluc,

i am honored to make your acquaintance. i heard from a friend in common between us that you were looking to meet, and i wished to accept. 

i am available at any time, so you are more than welcome to come find me at your earliest convenience. when you arrive in liyue, i will be at the wangsheng funeral parlor, or at third-round knockout. the drinks and meal are on me.

i hope to meet you soon.

zhongli.

diluc lets out a slow breath after he finishes reading, then rolls the letter back up. 

“oh come on, ‘luc, you can’t fool me. that’s just no ordinary business discussion. who are you really talking to?” kaeya leans forward, a grin on his face and a sparkle in his eye.

diluc holds his gaze with a steady glare before sighing. he hands the letter over. 

kaeya eagerly unrolls it, eye scanning over the letter before the grin becomes sly. “oho, what’s this? does master diluc have a date?” 

diluc scoffs and quickly lurches over the desk, snatching the letter back. “absolutely not, i needed some guidance on my predicament. venti gave me the contact.”

a brow perked. “since when do you listen to venti?”

“i don’t, but he seemed genuine in this. i figured it wouldn’t hurt to try.”

kaeya nods in understanding, “yeah, guess that’s fair.” he shrugs, tucking crepus’ journal away before standing and stretching. “anyway, i’m gonna go find the traveler. coming with me?”

diluc glances at the letter before nodding, putting it away. he’ll make plans for the trip to liyue tomorrow. 

“let’s go, then.”

Chapter Text

diluc flexes his wrist as he steps off the carriage, thanking the driver with a hefty sum of mora. he stands near the strange blue device, gazing over the harbor. his heart flutters and his stomach knots with anxiety. 

he doesn’t doubt venti’s vouching for zhongli, but diluc still doesn’t want to do this at all. he doesn’t know where being an archon will take him. he’s still grappling with whether or not this will take him from mondstadt, even if he was told otherwise. 

exhaling a sigh, diluc makes his way down the stone road and over the wooden bridge. people and children roam about the harbor, chatting or exchanging. 

diluc climbs the grand staircase, crimson eyes glancing around before he heads to the left. zhongli had told him he would either be at the funeral parlor, or at ‘third-round knockout.’ diluc remembers where the parlor is, so he goes there first. 

a young girl with brown pigtails is hanging up papers on the billboard, humming to herself. 

“excuse me, is mr. zhongli here?” diluc asks. 

the girl whirls around, and surprise holds her flowery eyes for a moment before she relaxes, “oh? he’s not in right now~ may i ask who’s looking for him?” she has a knowing smile, and diluc feels his nerves tighten. 

“diluc ragnvindr, i spoke with him recently. do you know where i can find him?”

her eyes sparkle, “of course! he went to ‘third-round knockout’ for lunch. if you go now, you can still catch him.” 

diluc nods, thanking her before walking away. something about that girl feels eerie, almost as if she could peer into his soul. he shivers at the thought. 

he crosses the bridge into another part of the harbor, spotting the man venti had described, sitting in front of a storyteller and drinking tea. 

diluc swallows thickly and he takes in a deep breath to steel his nerves. he walks up the steps, approaching the table. 

he clears his throat, before wavering a bit, feeling rather sheepish that he’s interrupting the man. 

“ah hello… apologies for the intrusion.” he speaks up. 

radiant gold eyes lift to regard him, and diluc feels the weight behind that gaze, the redhead rooted in place. 

a gentle smile appears on the elegant man’s face, and he shakes his head before gesturing to the seat beside him. 

“it is no problem, please, sit down.” 

diluc doesn’t understand how people can overlook zhongli. everything about him screams unearthly. even if venti hadn’t told him his true identity, diluc would have had suspicions regardless.

he sits down, hoping he doesn’t look as nervous as he feels. 

they sit in silence for a while, zhongli returning his attention to the storyteller, clearly allowing diluc to take the reins of the conversation. 

diluc takes a moment to settle his nerves, crimson eyes shifting over to the retired geo archon. “thank you for agreeing to meet me,” he starts. 

their gazes meet and diluc tries not to freeze again from the power behind zhongli’s. 

“of course. i certainly did not expect this opportunity, however, despite my retirement, i do not mind lending advice.” 

diluc nods, turning to the storyteller. 

“normally, i don’t listen to him, but he seemed.. insistent about you.” diluc explains, and the deep chuckle reaches his ears. 

“i understand the feeling. he tends to ramble about nonsense, but after he told me there was a friend in need, i agreed.” zhongli responds, then he reaches for the teapot and pours out a new cup of green tea. 

“please, help yourself. as i said in my letter, the meal is on me, and i ensured i brought my wallet this time.” a wry smirk appears on his features, as if sharing an inside joke. 

diluc finds himself chuckling and he takes the cup of tea, “thank you, and even if you didn’t, i wouldn’t have minded covering the price.” he reassures. he brings the cup to his lips and takes a slow sip. he lets it relax his nerves, the joking atmosphere helping his tension melt away. 

he helps himself to some lunch, listening to the storyteller and allowing the peaceful aura to stay for a bit longer before they dive into a more sober topic. 

he does think it sort of ironic that zhongli listens to stories about ‘rex lapis,’ but he supposes it isn’t any different than venti singing ballads about mondstadt or barbatos. 

he eats his fill and he settles down, looking over to zhongli. 

“how exactly do we go about this?” he asks. 

zhongli meets his gaze, “well, i suppose if you have any questions you would like to ask, you can start there.” he encourages. 

“is there anything off limits that i shouldn’t ask about?” diluc asks, earning a shake of zhongli’s head.

diluc nods, looking away to fix his gaze upon his empty plate. what questions does he even have that he hasn’t asked venti? he doesn’t know where to begin. 

he breathes out a sigh when he finally decides on a similar one he asked a few nights ago, “how did you handle it?”

zhongli seems to hum in thought as he watches the storyteller. 

“well, i was the oldest, so i was one of the first, long before the war. back then, society was different. humanity was in its first few years of existence, and many gods still ruled, even the cruel and wicked ones. 

i was already the lord of geo and the god of contracts, as i had received my gnosis first, thousands of years before the archon war. i did my best to be fair to the people and to my fellow gods, but then the war struck, and i had no choice but to defend my land against the more malicious entities. i lost many in the war, as did the other archons, until every throne of the seven was filled.” 

his voice takes on a somber tone, and diluc notes it’s the same sadness venti carried the other night when talking about ragnvindr.

“still, the war taught me much, and with it, i moved my people down here and established liyue harbor with the adepti. over the past centuries, i oversaw my nation, helped humanity prosper and flourish, and much like a parent with a child, i knew i had to let my people stand on their own. 

i retired, gave them a test to see how they would manage without a deity, and they exceeded my expectations. such is the way of humans, always working to thrive — to evolve into something greater.”

his tone becomes proud and diluc finds himself smiling a bit in admiration. even if the nation of liyue is vastly different from mondstadt, he can see that zhongli and venti have similar mindsets when it comes to the people. 

with all of this, however, diluc feels even more out of his depth. how is he supposed to do this? he doesn’t have thousands of years under his belt or a nation to run. mondstadt runs itself, and he doesn’t even want to begin considering running natlan either, especially when he doesn’t know anything about it.

he forgets to conceal his expression with a poker face, and zhongli notices the troubled tug of his brows. 

“is something the matter?” he probes gently. 

diluc feels there’s no need to really hide how he feels, after all, he did come here for guidance. 

“i… am lost, i suppose. i was given this power out of nowhere, and i don’t exactly know where to go. mondstadt is self-sustaining, so there would be no need for me to take on a leadership role, but if i don’t do anything, the power would go to waste, would it not?”

zhongli hums softly in thought. he certainly hadn’t thought of a situation similar to diluc’s. after all, it has been five hundred years since a new archon has come into power, and like diluc mentioned, nearly all archons had a nation to take care of. 

“well, what do you do in your day-to-day life?” he asks to gain an understanding of the redhead. 

diluc straightens, “i own a winery, so most of my time is occupied with managing it and ensuring business stays afloat.”

zhongli nods as he listens, but just from looking into diluc's eyes alone is enough to tell him that there’s more to the new pyro archon than he lets on. 

zhongli is curious to find out what that is. 

“is there something else?” he asks.

diluc hesitates for a moment, before deciding to come clean. it isn’t like the people of liyue harbor know of the legends of the darknight hero in mondstadt. 

“i take care of my home at night. i felt the knights of favonius were too loose and distracted to truly guard our home, so i took matters into my own hands. i dispose of threats, and i gather intel on outside forces that could pose a problem.”

there it is, zhongli thinks. a vigilante with a strong sense of justice, zhongli can see it clearly. still, diluc carries an air about himself, one that reminds zhongli of himself during his days as morax. 

after all, the archons aren’t just picked randomly, they always stand for their elements’ ideals. diluc has something about him that landed him as the archon of war. 

“well, that is a very noble cause, i do not see why you would have to end your responsibilities. as i mentioned, i retired from the life of an archon, so liyue is being run by the people. you do not have to rule over mondstadt, nor do you have to leave to pick up the mantle for a different nation. using your newfound power for your duty may be better suited for you.” zhongli explains. 

diluc ponders this. it’s essentially what venti told him the other night, too, but still, something nags at him. he feels a pressure he hasn’t felt in years. 

“it does make the most sense. i just get this persistent itch that i’m meant to be doing more…” he explains. 

zhongli nods in agreement, “indeed, that is the weight of being an archon. all of us carry this, whether we choose to act or not. you will grow accustomed to it, even if you feel you won’t always reach the mark. i held the gnosis for more than six thousand years, so i do know how you’re feeling. you can take this a step at a time, just like we all did, and with experienced archons around, you will have aid in multiple sources.” he reassures. 

diluc quirks his lips in thought. he supposes it won’t hurt to rely on others for once. he knows he can’t be going at everything alone, the traveler has taught him that much. 

“very well, thank you. i do appreciate it.” 

zhongli smiles, then he sets his plates aside. “what do you say we go for a walk around the harbor? it might help clear your head, and i can teach you about our land’s history.” he offers. 

diluc nods, “that sounds fine with me.” he needs to move around, he feels too restless to sit idly. 

“shall we then?” zhongli rises from his seat and gestures for diluc to join him after setting down an appropriate amount of mora for their meal.

Chapter Text

the walk throughout liyue harbor is soothing despite the hustle and bustle of the merchants and residents scattering within the city. the sea breeze caresses diluc’s skin, fluttering loose red curls against his cheeks and forehead. 

zhongli is speaking informatively about liyue and the history of the nation, voice rich and steady like the element he embodies. 

diluc listens with interest, always willing to learn more about the world outside of mondstadt. he can hear the pride in zhongli’s voice as he shares his insights and his love for the land of geo. 

“- and in the end, liyue harbor will always be one of the most popular trading spots among the seven nations. not only do many foreigners come here to exchange goods, but also wealth and knowledge.” 

diluc smiles softly as they stop by the docks, zhongli gazing out at the sea. 

“this is one of the reasons i chose to step back. i wished to watch my people prosper on their own, and so far, they seem to be doing more than i anticipated. even if i will always feel the call of an archon’s duty, i know i can rest easy knowing liyue is in good hands.”

the redhead mulls over that, silence stretching between the two. 

“you did a good job.” diluc speaks up, stepping aside as a trio of children race by to play on one of the empty ships.

zhongli’s lips curve up into a smile, setting amber hues onto diluc. 

“you will do fine as well. i know you’re worried, and i do not blame you. we all were lost and unsure where to go when we were handed our power, but i know you’ll do well. you have a strong heart, follow it.”

said heart skips and diluc finds himself swallowing and looking away. the belief zhongli has in him, it knots his stomach in weird ways. diluc has always followed his heart, but sometimes, it led to destruction. 

his hands are simply too stained from listening to himself. 

still, he knows it’s rude to refuse a compliment, so he nods, stuffing his feelings deep into the chasm of his heart. “thank you.” he replies. 

zhongli gives him that smile again before leading him back up to the streets of the harbor. 

they take their time as they circle the buildings, their idle conversations taking them into the evening. 

they stop near the inns of the city, the setting sun casting an orange hue over the two. 

zhongli notes diluc lights up a brighter warmer red, crimson eyes inlaid with the most gorgeous of golds. he has never seen such a rich red before, and he finds himself gravitating towards it.

“well, i am sure i took up enough of your time today. still, i appreciate you indulging me.” zhongli speaks. 

diluc shakes his head, “it’s fine, while i am not much of a talker, this experience did help. i don’t think i know what i’m doing exactly yet, but i can start a plan at the very least, so it is some progress. i should be the one apologizing, if anything, for pulling you out of retirement.” 

the deep chuckle tickles diluc's ears once more, zhongli’s eyes crinkling in the corners, “it is no issue. as i said, i did not mind lending my advice. after all, i have thousands of years of it, i might as well use it for something, no? truly, it is of no consequence to assist you in any way you may need.” he promises. 

diluc feels warmth crawl up into his cheeks at the earnesty, and he nods. “thank you, then. i should get going. i will stay in the city for the next couple of days, so if i need anything, i will come find you.”

zhongli bows his head, “of course, i will be in either of the two places i mentioned in my letter. i will let you be, then. have a good night, diluc.” 

diluc can feel his heart swelling and he has to refrain from clutching his chest. he bows his head respectfully before heading up to one of the inns. 

after booking a room and escaping into it, he shuts the door and ungraciously throws himself onto the bed. his cheeks still feel warm and his heart feels like butterflies have seized it. what is wrong with him? 

he buries his face in the pillows and groans. 

—

the next day, diluc rises and prepares for the day. he decides to take a lone trip around the city to get a better feel of it. the fresh scenery of a different nation always settles his mind. 

he observes a few merchant stalls in the main heart of the city when he hears the familiar cry of his falcon. 

lifting his head, he turns to her, watching her swoop in and drop a letter into his hand before circling. she returns and perches on his shoulder, nudging her head into his. 

diluc hums affectionately and gently scritches her chin before unfurling the letter. 

d, 

by the time you return to mondstadt, i’ll likely be gone. 

…

sorry, ominous. 

i’m heading out to sumeru. my gut feeling is telling me something over there is calling to me, so i want to check it out. 

don’t worry, i’ll be fine. i’ll keep you updated if anything happens. 

hope you had fun on your date, by the way ;)

— k.

diluc does indeed feel his heart drop at the first line, his brows furrowing in annoyance when kaeya continues down the letter. still, he supposes kaeya’s plan might be their best bet until diluc finds more answers. 

diluc briefly ponders asking his new companion, but he feels that isn’t quite an appropriate dinner topic, so he waves it away. 

he reaches the end of the letter and he huffs in frustration, burning the letter to ash. 

“trouble?” zhongli’s voice reaches diluc’s ears, causing the winery master to jolt in surprise. 

nova lifts her head at the intrusion, eyes narrowed suspiciously. 

diluc soothes her, shaking his head. “no, sorry, it’s my brother being an idiot.” 

“i understand. he must be quite the rascal, then.” zhongli comments.

diluc scoffs, “the definition of a rascal, that’s for sure.”

zhongli chuckles, eyes landing on the guarded falcon still glaring daggers at him. “oh… i take it she might not like me?” 

diluc looks up to his bird before bringing her down from his shoulder to hold her on his forearm. “no, no. she’s just protective around strangers, but once she knows you’re not a threat, she’ll calm down.” he leans in and speaks in a conspiratorial whisper, “if you happen to have any fruit on you, you can win her over.” 

“i see. i might have some berries on hand.” he retrieves a small pouch, and pulls out a blueberry. 

immediately, nova’s head shoots up and she leans forward, studying the berry in zhongli’s hand before quickly snatching it. 

she nibbles the berry, eyeing zhongli warily as she judges the berry before deeming it acceptable. she launches off diluc’s arm with a strong flap, bringing herself over to the funeral consultant. she rests on his arm and pecks at the berries as he pours them into his palm. 

“see? loves you already.” diluc smirks. 

“so it seems.” zhongli hums in amusement, gently stroking her head with his free hand. 

they stand in relative silence as nova munches before diluc speaks up again. 

“so, what brings you out here?” he asks. 

“director hu had me deliver some materials to some merchants down below. after i finished, i decided to take a little stroll. i hadn’t been expecting to find you, however.”

“oh. i tend to take walks on my own while i think things through.”

zhongli nods in understanding, “well, how do you feel about breakfast? have you had any yet? we can stop somewhere.”

“sure, that sounds lovely.” diluc accepts, nova finishing off the berries and coming back to diluc. she nuzzles him for a second before leaving entirely with a caw to return back to the winery. 

the duo spend the morning together, diluc informing zhongli on kaeya’s situation without going too into detail. he figures he can get some kind of guidance on where they could go next.

“ah, so he went to sumeru, you say?”

“yes, he said something about there being potential answers. i am tempted to meet him there, but i still have much to do at home. i don’t even know where to begin looking.” 

“hm… i can’t say i can be much help, but there are some ruins around liyue that could have something. the traveler said they have found some without even meaning to.”

diluc nods as he thinks about it. he could take a look around, explore out in to the countryside. he might look into places that have abyss order activity. 

“that might be a start. thank you, i’ll see what i can come up with.”

“of course. if you ever need a companion, i can come with you. director hu often gives me much free time, so it won’t be an inconvenience.”

diluc ponders it. zhongli would be great help, but he doesn’t know how much he can divulge of kaeya’s situation, or what an older archon would think of it all. he doesn’t want to pose problems for his brother. 

zhongli seems kind enough, and diluc doubts he would have some sort of vendetta against kaeya, but he would need to test the waters first. 

clearing his throat, diluc lowers his voice. “well, if you somehow have any reports on abyss order activity, we can start there.” 

zhongli’s head tilts ever so slightly, a hand coming to his chin in thought. 

“i might know something. come, shall we start making our way out of the harbor?” 

diluc’s brows lift in surprise, “oh. very well, let’s go then.”

Chapter Text

the pair travel in silence, diluc on alert as they pass through the wilds. his claymore rests slung across his back, easily in reach on the off chance they get attacked. 

still, despite them about to enter dangerous territory, diluc feels at ease. fighting, laying waste to monsters, investigating — this is something he can do, something he’s confident in. he doesn’t feel lost, doesn’t feel that mass of spiraling anxiety in his gut. 

a part of him is ultimately curious about the archon next to him, especially in battle. diluc had taken to reading up on rex lapis the night before, wanting to learn more about his companion, and he can sense it in his being that those stories are hardly exaggerated. 

fiery eyes scan their surroundings as they come across decrepit ruins. 

diluc stoops down to sift through the debris, finding only lone mage branches or shattered masks. 

there may have been abyss order in this area, but they were long cleared out. 

diluc hums in thought. he rises to his feet, the soft mellow breeze of liyue rustling his hair once again as he gives another look around. 

“it seems whatever was here is gone now.” diluc surmises. 

zhongli puts his hand to his chin before he kneels. his palms rest against the earth, golden eyes shutting. 

diluc swears he feels the power of geo underneath his feet. he remains still, watching curiously. 

“hm… i feel something a few miles away. shall we check it?” zhongli looks up at diluc, who stares in amazement. 

diluc merely nods. 

zhongli straightens back up, then gestures to the ground below them when he sees the question in diluc’s expression, “as the archon of geo, even without my gnosis, i still resonate with my element, as well as the earth itself. i’m able to sense energy within the ground, among other things.” he explains. 

understanding dawns on diluc, “ah, i see. i suppose it’s similar to venti resonating with the wind.” he never once thought to see if he resonated with pyro and the natural element of fire. he supposes it’s something he will have to experiment with later. 

zhongli nods, but there’s something in his eyes that diluc catches before it’s immediately gone. “let’s go, shall we?” he gestures for diluc to follow him. 

the geo archon leads the way, the pair eventually coming across a camp. two pyro mages dance and hover around a bonfire, hilichurls surrounding the area. 

diluc huffs. wonderful, he’s going to have to rely on brute force, then. 

he hefts his claymore, gripping the handle as he approaches the group. he charges forward and with a mighty swing, he brings his weapon down onto one of the unsuspecting mages. 

the duo spin around in alarm, raising their staffs to sling fire diluc’s way. 

diluc easily dodges to the side, then comes back in, tearing through one of the shields until the mage drops. fire erupts in the grass around him throughout the battle, the heat hardly fazing him as it surrounds him. 

he makes quick work of disposing the mage while avoiding the attacks of the other one, soot and ash on his cheeks and forehead. 

he spots movement in the corner of his eye, a blur of brown as the geo archon brings himself over in a series of spears. 

their eyes meet for a second as zhongli assists with the second mage by taking its attention off of diluc. 

once the mages are down, diluc lets out a breath. he wipes his face with a grunt, then steps off to investigate the campsite. he doesn’t sense a presence behind him, brows furrowed in concentration.

“watch it!” zhongli calls out, gathering his geo and expanding it, enveloping diluc in a jade shield.

diluc spins around, immediately on guard. three pillars of stone and amber erect, a samachurl on one and a person on the middle one. 

“whoa, take it easy there~” the person speaks. he has shaggy brown hair, red eyes, and a cocky smirk on his face. 

diluc takes up his claymore again, sharp red eyes trained on the man. “who are you?” he bites. 

the man raises his hands in defense. “hey now, i’m not here to hurt ya. you did come into our territory, so naturally, i had to check it out.” he hops off the pillar, a staff appearing in his hand. he casually swings and tosses it before resting it over his shoulders. 

diluc grips his claymore tightly, zhongli inching closer, keeping his eyes on the samachurl. 

“‘ our ’ territory?” diluc questions. 

“duh? this area belongs to the abyss order, so you should scoot. wouldn’t want to hurt that pretty face of yours.” 

red eyes narrow, “i think i’ll stay, actually. how about: you answer the questions i have, or i cut you to pieces instead. your choice.” he threatens. 

the samachurl makes a series of inquisitive grunts and noises, the man looking back at it. he huffs. “oh come on, we don’t make deals, gaia.”

‘gaia’s chattering picks up, seeming to argue with the man, lifting its staff and waving it angrily. 

“okay, fine! fine. jeez.” 

diluc glances at zhongli who merely shrugs. 

the man turns back to them, and sighs, “alright, what do you want to know?” 

“how about your name, assuming you have one.” diluc’s wariness grows into confusion, not entirely sure what’s even happening. 

“of course i do!” he puffs his cheeks in frustration, “my name is natsuki. this little guy over here is gaia.”

“ natsuki .” diluc repeats, “fine, natsuki. what are your ties with the abyss order, what do you know?”

“well, for one, you killed my buddies — which is really rude, by the way, — and second, i’m what you humans call an ‘abyss mage’. i look good, don’t i?”

“pardon? that does not make sense.” zhongli can’t help voicing his own confusion. 

“but it does, you blockhead. i was given magic to turn into a human. first of my kind.”

diluc’s blood runs cold, his fingertips going numb. 

what…?  

he had believed kaeya when he said creatures of the abyss were human once, but this? this isn’t what he expected. 

he’s silently grateful for zhongli’s geo keeping him firmly in place, otherwise, his knees would have buckled underneath him. 

“who… gave you the magic?” diluc asks after swallowing past the lump in his throat. 

“our leader gave it to me in a potion!” natsuki seems eager at that. 

“your leader…” 

“the ruler of the abyss, of course. did you really think it was mindless? heh, you humans are so dumb.”

diluc falls silent, thoughts running a hundred miles an hour. what the hell…? who is this leader? what do they know? how do they somehow have the magic that only kaeya possesses? if there’s magic to revert creatures back to human, then what’s kaeya’s purpose?

“hm. it seems quite outlandish.” zhongli comments, steady voice breaking through the panicked fog filling diluc’s brain. 

natsuki shrugs, “yeah, it seemed that way at first, but nope! works like a charm. i gotta take the potion every once in a while, but it lasts pretty long.”

diluc doesn’t understand. so this… mage is purified… and without kaeya… he doesn’t know what to think, but it’s completely knocked him off his feet. his guarded wall drops, and he heaves a sigh. 

“let’s say i believe you, i have more questions. what is your plan? what is the abyss order really up to other than causing chaos?”

natsuki hums, “honestly, despite us being involved in the experiment, we don’t have clearance like the higher ranked members. we just know the order wants celestia taken down.”

diluc feels a weird clench in his heart. 

“i see.” zhongli responds all the while, “what is your plan, then, mister natsuki?” 

“ours? to keep testing this potion, and to just do what we normally do: increase our numbers. we don’t really do much compared to the others.”

diluc pinches the bridge of his nose to settle his warring mind, then he straightens back up.

natsuki sets his eyes on him and watches him nervously. “so… you’re not… going to cut me into pieces, right?”

diluc sighs heavily, dispersing his claymore. “no. not unless you show you’re a threat, i’ll leave you be, but the second i see you stirring trouble, i’ll go back on my promise.” 

natsuki holds his hands up in surrender. “i won’t, i promise.”

“and you can’t tell your other members about this meeting either.” diluc adds. 

the mage considers it, glancing back at ‘gaia’ who nods, before nodding himself. “okay, we’ll keep it a secret.”

“good. now be on your way.” diluc dismisses. he watches the pillars come down, ‘gaia’ chattering in hilichurlian to natsuki as it leads him away. 

diluc remains silent for a moment, gaze rooted in the direction the pair went. 

zhongli shifts beside him, concern tugging his brows. 

“are you okay?” he asks. 

red eyes lift to meet zhongli’s gaze, then he lets out a breath. 

“i don’t know… i feel like i have even more questions than i originally had.” he knows for sure he has to talk to kaeya as soon as possible. 

“come, let’s return to the harbor.” zhongli gestures for diluc to follow him. 

the duo make their way back to the city, diluc lost in thought. what is he going to do…? what can he do? his confusion tears at him, and he can’t think straight. 

he moves in a daze, not even realizing he’s being brought to zhongli’s home instead until he’s seated on the couch. he blinks out of the fog, brows furrowing in question. 

zhongli offers an apologetic smile, “you seemed like you needed to relax and possibly away from others, so i brought you here. i was going to prepare you some tea to help you.”

diluc nods in understanding, quietly watching zhongli move about before his eyes look around the sitting room. 

it’s decorated quite elegantly, bookshelves line a wall, while plants and paintings decorate the space and bring life to it. a large painting hangs on the far wall, a long gold and brown dragon stretched across it and painted over high mountains and a golden sky. the dragon has fluffed fur along its back, on its tail, and on its head. 

diluc’s curiosity gets the better of him, “i don’t mean to offend with this question, but… is that you?” he asks. 

zhongli follows his gaze before a chuckle leaves him, “indeed. i saw this in an antique shop one day, and i admired the artist’s rendition. it quite honestly is one of the only paintings even remotely accurate to my form.” he explains. 

diluc smiles softly. “it’s beautiful.” he praises. he can’t explain it, but his heart flutters upon seeing his draconic form. it’s elegant, graceful, and yet carries the aura of a powerful god. he can see why rex lapis is so revered. 

his gaze falls to the coffee table in front of him, and he sighs. that overwhelming anxiety webs in his gut, and he wants to feel sick. every time he thinks he has any grip on reality, something else comes along and knocks him off kilter. 

silence stretches as time passes, the only sound being zhongli brewing tea in the small kitchenette. 

after a moment, zhongli comes over with the pot of tea and a couple cups. 

he pours out one for diluc before pouring out for one himself, sitting in the armchair near diluc’s seat. 

diluc reaches for the cup, taking a slow sip. he lets it warm his insides, hoping it’ll unwind the bundle of nerves in his stomach. 

“do you wish to talk about it?” zhongli offers. 

“ah… i don’t know where to begin.” diluc admits. 

“well, what perplexes you?” 

“... i… what do you know about khaenri’ah?” he takes the plunge. 

zhongli’s eyes widen in surprise, before he clears his throat. his expression becomes pensive and apologetic, “i am afraid i cannot divulge too much into it. i would love nothing more than to inform you and the traveler, but i cannot. you see, morax is not only the god of geo or mora, but also the god of contracts. i am sworn to one, and as the deity, i cannot break it. doing so would go against my principles and my station.”

diluc nods, “i understand. it isn’t your fault, but i was not expecting much. records of the nation are either lost to time, or are heavily guarded secrets.” 

“indeed. i do wish i can assist you in this regard.”

diluc offers a small smile, “in any case… my brother… he’s from there, and… there is this prophecy about him, one that we just discovered. it involves the people of khaenri’ah, and how he is meant to save them. when we met natsuki earlier, i was confused, as we were under the impression only kaeya can do what natsuki was talking about. now that there’s this magic that can revert a creature back to a human, i… i’m beginning to wonder why kaeya’s in this prophecy if it’s this simple.”

zhongli remains silent as he takes a moment to think about it. indeed, it is a confusing situation. 

“hm… i do not know, but if you would allow me to, may i have a few days to do some research? i may be able to come across something.”

diluc’s brows lift, but relief still sags his shoulders. 

“of course, take all the time you need. anything helps, really.”

“good, then it’s settled. i will see what i can find.” 

diluc nods, “thank you… it’s greatly appreciated.”

zhongli smiles, then the pair fall silent as they enjoy their tea. the rest of the evening goes uneventful, the two making conversation until the sun begins to set. 

“well, it seems the day is coming to an end. i should let you head to your lodgings.” zhongli comments once he notices the lack of daylight outside. 

diluc sets his cup down, “it’s not a problem, but thank you, i should get some rest anyway.” he stands from his spot on the couch, zhongli also rising and leading him to the door. 

“despite the… odd situation, today was rather enjoyable. you’re rather pleasant company to keep.”

the redhead chuckles, “thank you, and i enjoyed today as well. if i do not see you in the next coming days, feel free to send a letter. now that nova likes you, i’m sure she’d be eager to come around.” he smirks playfully. 

zhongli laughs and it envelopes around diluc like a warm hug. it feels infectious and his smile grows.

“i will do so, then. i will also keep her favorite snack on me as well.” he easily jokes back. 

“great. well, then, i’ll see you around. have a good night, zhongli.” a rising blush fills diluc’s cheeks. he doesn’t know why, but saying zhongli’s name feels too intimate in the moment, and his breath gets caught. 

“of course, you have a good one as well… diluc .” zhongli bows his head, noting the darkening red in the pyro archon’s face. how endearing. 

diluc tries his hardest not to bolt, doing his best to leave calmly until he’s back in his room at the inn. he catches his reflection and he slaps his hands to his cheeks. gods, he’s hopeless. he doesn’t know what it is, but something about zhongli tugs at him, at his soul it feels, and part of him is terrified, but the other wants to take the dive. 

he grunts, ducking his head and escaping to the bed. 

at least his mind is circling the geo archon . it saves him from the oncoming panic attack he felt rising all day.

Chapter Text

diluc sits holed away in his study, leafing through one of the many fairytale books he had gotten from lisa. he has a scrap of paper and a pen in hand, trying to draw connections between the characters and events of the stories to the real world. he needs to find more about khaenri'ah, and he doesn't believe for a second that there isn't any sort of preservation of the nation.

he taps his pen to his chin as he looks over the tiny list. so far, he hasn’t found much, and he wonders who he should consult on this. he doesn’t really know anyone that might have some sort of ‘outsider’ perspective, other than alice, but he hasn’t spoken to her in over a year or so, and he’s unsure if she would even receive one of his letters. 

as he tries to read more deeply, his mind wanders back to the mage he met the other day with zhongli. he still can’t wrap his head around the situation, and he swears it might turn him grey at the ripe age of twenty two. 

a magical potion that turns abyss creatures back into humans. it just makes no sense, not on its own. as far as he and kaeya know, kaeya is the only one with the ability to purify his people — going as far as to have a potion created by albedo. so, then, how did this supposed abyss leader gain access to something like this themselves? 

maybe he should talk to albedo. he could gain an understanding of the natsuki situation, and also see if he knows anything about alice’s current whereabouts.

he rubs his forehead, missing the door opening. he senses the cool frosty aura and he glances up, but instead of relief upon seeing his brother, dread takes its place. speak of the devil.

“you’re back.” he sits up straight after bookmarking the novel and putting it aside. 

“yeah, you sent up the distress signal, so i came as fast as i could.” kaeya explains as he drops into the chair in front of diluc’s desk. “what’s the emergency? i assumed you managed to piss off the geo archon and were in trouble, but you seem fine... ish.” he remarks, then he pauses and leans forward, “wait, you didn’t actually piss him off, did you?” 

diluc huffs, “no, it’s not anything like that. it’s more….” he trails off. how does he even begin to explain it? 

he fiddles with his glove, a rare nervous habit before releasing a quick breath. “i met an abyss mage, but… he was human.”

kaeya’s expression melts instantly, confusion filling in. “wait.. what? what do you mean?” how? kaeya never interacted with any mages. he barely used his ‘power’ on a hilichurl, he would have remembered using it on a mage. it couldn’t have been albedo, albedo had secured the potions and put them away after arvid’s humanity had been restored. 

what is going on?

diluc sits back as he releases a sigh, “i was scouting out some ruins when i was in liyue and i ran into a camp. i cleared it but then i was confronted by a man. he claimed to be an abyss mage and said there’s an abyss leader that gave him a potion to turn human.”

kaeya falls deathly silent and diluc feels his nerves tighten, worry crawling up into his gut. 

“kae?” he asks quietly after a few more beats of silence. 

“this isn’t right...” kaeya mutters. 

“yeah, that’s what i thought, too. i thought only you could do it.” 

“i can. at least… i’m supposed to be.” after all, why else had he been heralded as khaenri’ah’s last hope and fated to a prophecy if anyone can save his people? why is this all on him, then? if someone’s out there making potions that cure the curse, then what is he doing any of this for? why not leave it up to them instead?

“i didn’t know what to think, so i sent the letter asking you to come back. i figured two heads are better than one, three if we talk with albedo.” 

“gave me a heart attack in the process, but… i can see why you felt it was urgent. this is… unfathomable.” kaeya rubs his temple, “did you learn anything else?”

“apparently the abyss order is a hierarchy. lower members, like mages and i’m assuming the hilichurls under them, don't have full awareness of the abyss order’s overall plan. all natsuki knew was that they want to take down celestia. granted, that's not exactly news given the history or the fact that other… organizations feel the same way.”

kaeya nods, that dread seeping in again, “that sounds about right… and you said the leader gave him the potion?”

“yes, when asked he said that the abyss wasn't mindless and that there's essentially a leader at the very top that gives all the commands.”

kaeya hums quietly, “so then that means the traveler's sibling isn't the true leader despite being revered as one. i had a feeling that were the case, but i wasn't entirely sure until now. my field trip also confirmed as much.”

diluc sits back up, “what did you find? i had gotten your letter just as i had sent mine out. i wasn't sure if i should've met with you or stayed here until you got back.”

“it’s fine you didn’t come out since i plan to go back, and anyway, i had also asked the traveler for help, so once they showed up, we investigated together.” he waves it away, “in any case, i got more than i was looking for. have you ever heard of the sinners of khaenri'ah?” 

diluc shakes his head, “no, all i know is what you've told me so far.” 

“okay, well, i don't remember much from when i was still in khaenri'ah, but i do recall talks about the five sinners when i was growing up here . albedo’s creator, gold — the one i told you about — is one of them. she, and the other four, were one of the reasons for the cataclysm. her creations were abyssal in nature, which were destructive, and obviously, that means the other four also dabbled in the abyss due to its deep connection to our home. the gods destroyed us, yada yada, right?” 

the redhead nods to show he's following along.

“ apparently , when i was with the traveler, we met up with dainsleif. he was investigating the traveler's sibling, and we chose to work together. somehow, the leylines in the area we were in were screwed up by the abyss order, and the traveler and i were trapped in a memory. 

the thing is, i shouldn't have been affected, it should have only been the traveler, but now, i learned that i apparently have another special power, which is to see visions of the past. my new ability mixed with the leyline disruption trapped me in the memory. in it, we learned how the abyss order was created, and we met another one of the sinners. he noticed me right away, even though he likely shouldn't have, given it wasn't my memory or one that i was involved in, and he called me out. 

his name is vedrfolnir, and he's known as the visionary. he can see into the future and the past, which is how he managed to see me even though i didn't belong to the memory. he also tried to say that my father wrongfully punished and imprisoned him for his visions, but honestly, that hardly shocks me thinking back on it.” 

diluc taps his fingers against the desk as he soaks the new information in. 

a visionary . 

he hadn't heard of people like that. he knows there are people capable of visions or some sort of foresight, the astrologist in the city is proof, but he hadn't known there were more powerful beings.

“the weirdest thing, though…” kaeya speaks up, snapping diluc out of his thoughts, “so in the memory, i basically met one of my clan members, and he was trying to cure his son from the monster curse. what's strange about it is that before i knew i was in the vision, i tried to purify the kid and… while it didn't work, he sensed me . vedrfolnir tried to say that it was because of the abyss, but i think it's deeper than that. dainsleif and that clothar guy in the memory obviously couldn't see, hear, or touch me, yet caribert — the son — had touched my arm and looked right at me. he even spoke to me.” 

diluc's brows furrow in confusion, “wait, that is strange. he shouldn’t have noticed you, even with the abyss, i feel.”

“yeah, that’s what i felt too. i don’t really trust anything a sinner has to say. i thought that given our bloodline connection, maybe he sensed our relationship? but it wouldn’t explain how clothar didn't see me, so i don't know. i can't explain it. i just know that he knew i was there. he thanked me for trying to cure him.” the disappointment from failing still stings, even if he's aware why he couldn't. that poor child didn't deserve his fate, especially after what the traveler told him when they had been separated. 

“how odd…”

“yeah, strangest week i’ve had in my life, and the most stressful. learned i have another new power, learned that one of my clan members started the abyss order — though he's long since been dead, so he can't be the leader anymore — and now we have someone out there giving out humanizing potions. i’m tired just thinking about it all.” kaeya slumps in the chair. 

diluc put a hand to his chin in thought. “if the curse can’t be cured, how’d he die?” he asks. 

kaeya shrugs, “i’m not sure. i want to assume the abyss just ate away at him, but dainsleif and a lot of our other people were inflicted with the same curse, and many are still suffering with immortality. i was wondering the same thing, but i don’t know where to look for answers.”

“well… before you showed up, i was thinking about going to see albedo. i figured if anyone had answers to any of this, it would be him.” diluc proposes. 

kaeya nods, “honestly, i was thinking the same thing, so, we can go now if you’re not busy.”

diluc sets his books away, and stands from his seat, “let's go then.” 

the pair move off to the door, kaeya nudging it open with his boot. 

“and while we're heading up there, you can tell me all about your date~” he waggles his brows.

diluc huffs and shoves kaeya out the door, “don’t make me throw you down the stairs.” he threatens. 

the duo make the trek up the mountain, diluc lighting the torches and campfires along the way. they both make sure to avoid any unnecessary conflict with any of the camps scattered about — kaeya making doubly sure to steer clear of hilichurl or abyssal camps. 

however, the trip up there had not been silent. kaeya spent the entire time poking diluc’s side and begging for information. 

“c’mon luuuuc, you can’t keep me in the dark!” kaeya waves his hands, chasing after diluc when the redhead picks up his pace, nearly running away from him.

“there’s nothing to say!”

“liar! there’s a lot to say. tell meeeee.” he catches up, throwing his arms around diluc’s shoulders, hanging off of him. 

“ack! get off!” diluc shimmies out of kaeya’s grip, but the captain scrambles to keep his hold, climbing onto diluc’s back. he clings to him tight, knowing diluc can’t wriggle out this time.

“i won’t stop harassing you until you tell me. i saw the way you blushed when i brought him up. tell me about the date.” 

diluc groans in frustration. “you’re such a pest.”

kaeya grins, triumphant when the archon finally gives in. “it’s my charm.”

diluc rolls his eyes, but he shifts his hold on kaeya, letting the knight hang off his back as they walk up the mountain. 

“alright, alright. we met for lunch the day i got to the city, and we took a walk around the harbor after. he told me the history and progress of liyue, and then we called it a night. the day we met natsuki, we had breakfast together, and after the abyss situation, he took me to his home.”

kaeya whistles, “master diluc moves fast~” 

“not like that, you idiot.” he jostles his brother, “we just had tea and we simply talked. he did have very good advice, and he was even willing to help out with your situation.”

“my situation?” kaeya tilts his head. 

diluc shrugs a shoulder, “i figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. if venti trusts him, then there must be a reason. he offered to do some research, as it was one of the only ways he can skirt around his contract he’s under.” 

“huh.. fair enough.” kaeya hums, but his smirk returns, “what else happened? you can’t tell me nothing happened between you two with the way you blush.”

the redhead huffs, “nothing happened . i spent most of our time just listening. he gave advice on how to handle my new status, that’s all. our outings weren’t even dates, really.” 

kaeya tsks, “how boring.” he shakes his head, “i expected juicy gossip.” he pouts.

diluc rolls his eyes again, “well, sorry to disappoint, but i really did go out there for business. anything like that is the furthest thing from my mind.” 

“and you wonder why khaenri’ahns hate archons, you all make life boring.” kaeya scoffs. 

“i don’t wonder anything, i kind of figured it all stemmed from the past.” diluc shrugs. 

“you’re no fun. no juicy gossip and now you don’t humor me? just admit you hate your amazing younger brother at this rate.” he grumbles. 

“i would but then you’d cry on me, and since we’re in the freezing cold, it’s not ideal.” 

“i disagree, cryo and hydro work amazing together because i can cool you off in an ice cube for being so mean to me.”

“cryo and hydro may work for others, but they make you sick.” diluc taunts.

“...blame my father.” kaeya huffs. 

“i blame him for a lot of things, so, happily.” 

“oh? like what?” 

diluc falls silent for a moment, a bitter thought sobering his playful attitude. he swallows and shrugs a shoulder, “mostly for that day. granted, at the time, i didn’t really have a name to blame, just the entire group, but… you know, guilty by association when i think back on it.”

kaeya looks away a bit at that, a sigh leaving him as he nods. “i wish i knew why he threw me into ice and then made the fatui with the tsaritsa… i kinda feel partially to blame because he was clearly fuelled by something but… i still don’t know what to this day.” 

the redhead contemplates that, humming softly. “it is rather contradictory, siding with an archon when archons were responsible for the disaster. i don’t think it's because of you, though. no one seems to know what they’re after beyond the gnoses.” he glances back at kaeya over his shoulder, “either way, we can cross that bridge when we get to it. no sense in dwelling on it when there’s more important issues.” 

with that, the two finally make it to albedo’s lab after the detours. 

kaeya climbs off diluc’s back, shuffling over to the torches when the warmth immediately saps from his body. all the while, his heart squeezes, and his eye wants to burn with tears. it had been years since the two had been openly affectionate with each other, and despite the jabs they had been taking at each other, diluc hadn’t thrown him off or pushed him away. 

part of him is hopeful that their relationship is on the road to being fully mended. kaeya prays that nothing will come and sour it. 

“captain,” albedo automatically greets kaeya before he sees diluc, surprise filling turquoise eyes, “oh! and master diluc. to what do i owe the pleasure?” he asks as he steps away from his research. 

“well, i wanted to share the intel i got when i was in sumeru, but master diluc here has some news himself.” kaeya explains, gesturing to his brother. “before we get into diluc’s story first, i did have one question.”

albedo nods, “of course, what is it?” 

“the potions, do you still have them?” kaeya asks, taking a cursory glance around the lab. 

“i do. they’ve been sealed away.” the blonde moves off to a trunk in the corner of the lab, hidden under cloth. he takes the sheet away and opens the trunk, producing the vials. 

kaeya sighs in relief upon seeing the potions in tact. “okay, good.”

albedo tilts his head, “what is this about?” he asks as he puts them back. 

“when i was in liyue the other day,” diluc speaks up, “i ran into a mage, however, he was… human. he claimed a potion turned him.”

the alchemist’s eyes widen, “what? that can’t be. no potions have gone missing, and i never wrote down a recipe. can you tell me what else you found out?”

diluc nods, “he told me the leader of the abyss order had given it to him, that it was an experiment of sorts and that he has to take it repeatedly to keep his form, or he’d revert. if it worked, the potion would be given to the rest of the order.”

“i see…” albedo carefully sits down. he knows without a doubt that no one should have access to the discovery he had barely found himself. this makes no sense. 

kaeya shuffles nervously, “we were wondering, is it possible that someone else figured out a different cure?” he asks. 

the blonde quirks his lips as he thinks it over, “it shouldn’t be. if it were, then there would be no need for a prophecy.”

“then, how’d this happen?” diluc asks, a cold dread sinking into his gut. this isn’t good. if albedo can’t figure this out, then they might just be doomed. 

“i…” albedo hesitates, “i’m not entirely sure. i’ll have to look into this. do you happen to know who this mage is?”

“yes, his name is natsuki. he has a geo samachurl partner named ‘gaia.’ they roam around liyue. i haven’t seen him since, however.” 

albedo nods, “i see.. thank you, master diluc.” he quickly writes down a few notes, then he looks to kaeya, “what was your news?” he asks. 

kaeya swallows, “right… what do you know of the five sinners?”

albedo’s hand stills, meeting kaeya’s eye. “i don’t know all of their names, but i do know one — my creator.”

kaeya nods, “okay, so i was right about that. what i wanted to know is if you knew of the one named vedrfolnir.”

the alchemist pauses, brows furrowing. “a bit. my creator didn’t like him much, so she avoided talking about him, but all i knew was that he was a visionary. he can see into the past and the future, so his prowess is stronger than most other visionaries. my creator knew a few in her circle of fellow witches and mages, so it’s not uncommon for them to exist. it’s simply that he was the most powerful.” 

“just as you said, kaeya.” diluc muses as he looks at his brother.

“what brings him up?” albedo asks curiously. 

“well, when i was investigating with the traveler and dain, i wound up stuck in a vision after a leyline mishap, and i met vedrfolnir. he recognized me instantly. like i told diluc, i had also dreamed of him not too long ago. i’m not entirely sure what’s going on, but i have a feeling it’s nothing good.”

“hm, two encounters with a sinner — the visionary, at that… it certainly doesn’t bode well.” 

“i would say i enjoy the popularity from sinners but… i don’t think i should enjoy this one’s attention.” kaeya mumbles.

“certainly not, for all we know, he could have been responsible for your prophecy. he has been known for creating them, so he could be keeping an eye on you.” 

unease slips into kaeya’s chest, along with simmering frustration. he takes a breath to settle back down. he swallows and instead looks around the lab. speaking of potions and his power…

“where’s arvid, how’s he been?” he asks curiously, diluc perking a brow.

albedo almost brightens up, “oh, he’s been doing great. i’ve been keeping him here to keep an eye on his progress, and helping him learn teyvat’s common language. he’s out exploring a little ways away right now, but he should be back soon if you want to wait and see him.”

kaeya sighs in relief, “that’s good… and the potion? has he turned back, or..?”

“it’s working like a charm, which leads me to believe that the other potion this ‘natsuki’ has isn’t a similar one. arvid has yet to change back, whereas master diluc claims that potion for natsuki is temporary.”

“interesting… what are the odds that the abyss order has something like this.” diluc mutters quietly to himself. the questions only deepen, and he’s unsure where this is leading. all he knows is that he doesn’t like it. 

his thoughts unravel as he looks between kaeya and albedo, the two chatting about ‘arvid’s progress. albedo is a genius when it comes to alchemy, diluc can only assume that he would be one of the few, if not the only one , capable of a way to help kaeya harness his ability. so, how would the abyss order have nearly the exact same potion? 

could it be? is he simply overthinking it? is it all just a coincidence, or do these ‘sinners’ have everything to do with kaeya and this whole mess. 

a visionary making his presence known twice, a disgraced alchemist that used her talents to wreak havoc.

“what if… this rhinedottir managed to make a potion of her own?” diluc speaks up, the two khaenri’ahns looking his way. 

“what do you mean?” kaeya asks. 

“well… you told me she’s a master of that art of khemia, so… what’s to say she also didn’t figure out a potion like albedo? they are… connected, after all. it’s just a theory, of course, but the fact that you had a run-in with a sinner twice? i don’t believe for a second that it’s a coincidence.” 

albedo puts a hand to his chin, “i wouldn’t rule it out. granted, i don’t think she has any involvement with the abyss order, but then again, it has been a very long time since we’ve spoken. things might have changed.”

kaeya seems to have paled, but he otherwise nods. “you might be onto something.” 

concern etches onto diluc’s face and he steps forward when he notices the quiet panic. “sorry, i… i’m not saying this to scare you. it’s just… you can’t be too careful. something is brewing, and the last thing i want is for you to get hurt.” 

kaeya’s heart squeezes at the care and determination in diluc’s eyes. how long has it been since diluc has been this fierce about protecting him? 

too long, he thinks. 

he takes a breath and nods again. “you’re right, luc…” 

“if it helps, i can dig for information myself.” albedo offers, “you’re not alone in this, captain, you don’t have to carry the weight by yourself.”

diluc nods in agreement, “he’s right.”

“i know… i know. i’m just… used to it.”

the redhead scoffs, but it’s lighthearted, “you’re telling that to the lone wolf of mondstadt. i know it’s easier to simply rely on yourself, the hardest part is asking for help. you saw that much. so, let me return the favor. if i have to trust in others, then so do you.”

kaeya chuckles, “ah right, our mysterious vigilante has a sidekick, i almost forgot.” he teases, earning a shove. 

albedo shakes his head in amusement. “in any case, did you perhaps want to take another day to experiment once again?” he asks kaeya. 

the captain meets his gaze, taking a deep breath before nodding. he knows he has to, he can’t keep hiding. caribert fueled a fire within him, a desperate need to cure as many as he could. 

“i’d like that.”

“wonderful. just let me know when you’re off next. i know the acting grand master will want you to return to work soon, so i know i can’t keep you for too long.”

“yeah, of course. knowing jean, she’ll kick me back out the door if it means i don’t have to overload myself with paperwork.”

“sounds about right.” diluc mutters. 

“great, then it’s settled. just send a note letting me know when you’ll be by, and i’ll prepare.” 

“of course. we’re going to head back into the city for now, figure out where to go.” 

albedo nods, “then i bid you farewell.” he smiles. 

kaeya salutes him, then turns and without preamble, he hops onto diluc’s back.

“ah!” the winery master stumbles at the sudden weight, “warn me next time.” he scolds.

"onward, my noble steed!”

“keep it up and you’ll find a quick way down the mountain.” he threatens, resigning himself to carrying his brother once again.

Chapter Text

the two brothers sit in the tavern, kaeya polishing off a glass of wine to unwind from their trip to dragonspine. 

“you’d think you were dying of thirst.” diluc comments when he snatches the empty glass.

kaeya merely grunts, hunching over the bar for a moment. he’s about to say something when a whimsical laugh enters the tavern, followed by a noise of intrigue. 

“well, well, master diluc~ look who’s back in town.” venti chirps as he leaves his bard companions. he bounds over and hops onto a barstool, filling the seat next to kaeya. his lyre makes a dull thunk when he sets it on the bartop. 

diluc turns his attention away from his brother to the anemo archon, shrugging a shoulder, “i wasn’t going to be gone long.” he answers, sliding the refilled glass to kaeya. 

“funny you arrived, bard, we were just getting into the juicy details~” kaeya smirks over his glass as he lifts it to take a sip, eye trained on diluc. 

diluc glares heavily at the captain, knowing full well they were not discussing anything ‘juicy’ before venti’s arrival. 

venti perks up in his seat. 

“oh? juicy details on what?” his eyes sparkle. venti leans on his hand as he props it up on the bartop, “well, go on, tell me~”

“there’s nothing to say, ignore his drunken ramblings.” 

“oh, i can assure you, dear brother, i’m perfectly sober~” kaeya turns to venti, “now then, i’ll tell you since mean old master diluc is being a sourpuss.”

“i knew you were always my favorite, kaeya.” venti beams.

“so, as you know, diluc here went on a little date with that fancy gentleman in liyue~” kaeya grins, ducking when a fork gets chucked in his direction. 

“i believe that’s enough out of you, captain kaeya.” diluc bites, cheeks a furious red. 

“ oooh~ i knew they’d hit it off. i kinda hoped they would, that old fossil needs company, and who better than our beloved master diluc~” venti hums. 

“we did not go on a date! we are merely friends, that is all!” diluc protests, slamming his hands onto the bartop. 

“yeah, except i caught you sighing like a forlorn maiden when you got a letter from him earlier.” kaeya waggles his brows. “you can’t hide from me, you like him~”

“he’s just a friend! how i feel towards him is irrelevant. he is only here to help me in this mess, nothing more.” 

venti smirks, “is that so? and how do you feel, master diluc?” 

diluc falters, realizing he had left himself wide open. 

kaeya’s mischievous giggles reach his ears and he fumes, ready to forgo all grace and dignity for throwing himself over the bar to strangle his brother when a voice speaks up.

“are we really pestering the man that provides us wine?” 

kaeya leans back, tilting his head up to find rosaria behind him. “rosa!!~ glad you could join us.” 

she sighs as she catches the knight before he could topple off the stool, straightening him. she settles in the empty seat beside him. 

“my shift ended, so here i am.” she responds, diluc sighing in relief for the welcome distraction. 

the redhead moves off to get rosaria’s usual, kaeya buzzing. 

“we were just teasing our dear bartender here. we don’t mean any harm.” kaeya promises.

“yeah! besides, don’t you want to learn the dirty details~” venti chimes in.

“not at the cost of the liquor, no.” she dismisses. 

“aw, booooo.” venti pouts, slumping over the bartop. 

kaeya sighs dramatically, “i suppose you’re right, we don’t wanna lose this sweet sweet wine. fine, i’ll lay off.”

“thank you.” diluc mutters.

“besides, i’m sure you guys have better news.” rosaria changes the topic, kaeya humming in response. 

“i mean, yeah i do. i spent time with the traveler recently.” 

venti perks up eagerly, “awwwh, you met with my anemo buddy! how are they? anemo, i still hope.” 

“they’ve been great, traveling everywhere obviously. they were here a while back before they returned to sumeru. they chose to stick around, while i came back. after i check in with jean, i might meet up with them again. considering i don’t have much work to do, it shouldn’t be too bad.”

diluc snorts as he pulls out a new wine bottle from the shelf under the bar. 

kaeya rolls his eye, “yeah, yeah, go on, make the comment.”

“i didn’t say anything.” diluc blinks innocently.

the captain flicks a rolled up napkin at diluc before turning back to venti.

the trio fall into senseless chatter about matters diluc couldn’t care less about, diluc serving other patrons until closing time. 

at this point, venti has taken up his lyre and is singing soulful ballads of days that have long since passed. kaeya sleepily leans on rosaria, who simply sighs and pats his head. 

diluc cleans up the empty tables, setting the chairs back in place and ushering out the drunken customers until the tavern is nearly empty. 

“well, i should get going.” rosaria speaks up when diluc returns to the bar, the nun gently nudging kaeya off of her to grab him by the shoulders, “shall i take him off your hands?” she asks. 

“if it’s not too much trouble.” diluc can feel venti staring at him, knowing he couldn’t escape the dreaded conversation with the excuse of taking his brother home. 

“sure, no problem.” she gets up, hoisting the captain up and slinging her arm around his waist. she shuffles kaeya out of the tavern, the door closing, sealing diluc’s fate.

he sighs heavily, sharp eyes flicking to the anemo archon that remains perched in his seat. 

“go on.” he drolls, already exhausted. 

venti perks up, “i wanna learn all about your meeting with the old fossil. he won’t tell me if i asked, and you can’t deny your god, so i’m asking you instead.”

“first of all, you’re not my god, and second of all, i do deny you, all the time.” 

venti pouts, “oh come on, you know what i mean. i just wanna know what happened and what you think of him.”

diluc sighs once again, leaning against the bar as he folds his arms over his chest, “he gave me advice and then he told me about his experience as an archon.” he shrugs, “it’s nothing like kaeya’s implying, that’s for sure.” 

“well, that’s good. i figured nothing like that happened. he’s a bit stuffy, and you don’t seem the type to be interested in that — not on the first date anyway.”

the pyro archon narrows his eyes into a glare, “it wasn’t a date.”

venti giggles, “i know, i know, i’m just kidding. still, i’m glad the arrangement worked out. i mean, i’m also willing to lend a hand if you need someone you’re more used to, but he’s the best option for this sort of thing.” 

“well, i do appreciate that, so i may take you up on that if i need it.”

the anemo archon beams, “good! because you're my friend, and i know how confusing and scary it is being a new archon. i don't want you thinking you have to handle this alone.” 

diluc knows all too well that his bad habit of going at everything alone will start to take a toll on him. he simply finds it hard to put his faith and trust in another person, but he knows he has to try, especially if he wants to be any help towards kaeya. 

“...thank you.” 

venti reaches across the bar and pats diluc's hand, “hey, no need to thank me. we got you covered.” he promises, “anyway, i should head out too, and if you ever see that old sack of bones again, tell him i said ‘hi’.” he salutes before he springs out the door. 

diluc sighs heavily, running a hand over his face. he closes the tavern for the night and heads home, thoughts circling in his head but not quite landing. 

as he gets ready for bed, his hand strays to the folded letter in his jacket pocket. he plucks it out and opens it. just like last time, the paper smells of tea, silk flowers, and if he focuses more closely, a hint of earthy tones. 

leave it to the geo archon to smell of fresh soil and rocks. 

“dear master diluc, 

i hope this letter finds you well. i know it has not been long since we last spoke, but i suppose an impulse has driven me to write this. 

i fear i do not know what to talk about. heh, i do apologize for possibly wasting your time. although, not all hope is lost. granted, it's rather bad news, as i unfortunately have not found anything to help with your predicament, but i believe it is best to keep up you updated regardless of my lack of results. 

oh, i will be sending you a gift soon, so please keep a look out. i wanted to thank you for lending your ear while you were visiting. not many have the capacity to sit during my lengthy talks, not that i blame them, so i would like to express my gratitude. 

until we meet again. 

— zhongli.

diluc smiles to himself. he can't help but find it rather endearing that zhongli simply wanted to talk to him, even if it was about nothing. while diluc despises small talk and the like, something about the geo archon pulls him in. 

he folds the letter back up and carefully tucks it away in his nightstand. he pulls his hair out of his ponytail and he leaves to the bathroom off to the side of his room. he massages his scalp as he runs a bath, watching the water rise. hypersensitive ears however pick up on activity in another room. 

stilling, he listens closely, catching a faint cough. he quietly steps out of his room and inches down the hallway. his claymore materializes into his hand as he nears the door. free hand reaching over, he silently turns the knob, and nudges the door open. 

he quickly pops in, pyro tingling at his fingertips to infuse his weapon, but it quickly dies when he meets a wide starry blue eye.

“...kaeya?!” his claymore disappears in an instant, and a frown slips onto his expression. “what the hell, what are you doing here?”

kaeya grins sheepishly, “heyyy, ‘luc.” 

diluc huffs, “i thought rosaria took you home.”

“i mean… technically, this is my home too~” 

the redhead rolls his eyes, “you know what i mean.”

kaeya shrugs, “she just automatically went towards the winery, i didn’t bother stopping her. i was also kinda half-awake, so i couldn’t exactly argue. besides, you try telling her she’s wrong.” he shudders. 

“if you recall in that drunken mind, i am not above calling someone out for being wrong.”

the captain gives his brother an unamused expression, “have you met her? she’s not above stabbing someone.” 

“and that’s very sad. now back to my original question, why are you here besides sister rosaria being a good samaritan?” 

kaeya releases a sigh, sobering up as he lounges back on his bed, “let’s just say… i guess i couldn’t exactly be alone after today.” he shrugs a shoulder. 

diluc sighs a bit himself, “fine, you can crash here. not like i have a choice anymore when you’ve claimed that bed like it’s heaven.” 

“hey, this was my old room, and besides, it’s not my fault father picked out comfortable beds.” he grins, earning another eyeroll. 

“i can and will still throw you out the window.” 

“fine, fine. i won’t tease you too much.” he promises, flopping back onto the bed and staring up at the ceiling. “anyway, i know you, and i know you’d never sleep tonight with all the questions you have.” he calls diluc out.

“and what, you suddenly have every answer? you are just the same as me, you won’t sleep knowing your burdens and trauma.” he scoffs. 

“why do you think i indulged tonight?” he points out, “anyway, these ones i’ll try to answer, if they’re not too hard, anyway.”

“to answer your first question, kaeya, you indulge every night because you are an alcoholic.” he reminds, “but fine, i’ll ask away.”

kaeya sits back up at that, seemingly a bit more serious than diluc has ever seen him. 

“you and the alchemist mentioned ‘arvid’. who is that? it seemed like a person you were talking about, but i’ve never known anyone with that name.” 

“awh a nice easy question to begin with, thanks ‘luc.” he teases despite the seriousness of the conversation, “alright, i’ll come clean. arvid’s a… hilichurl turned human through albedo’s alchemy and my blood being the main source of it all.” 

diluc purses his lips at that, mind straying to the mage he met in liyue. “is that why you seemed so spooked when i brought up the abyss mage?”

kaeya nods, “bingo. i didn’t expect to learn of another two humans who were former abyss creatures of some kind, we barely mastered making one cure for arvid.” 

his brows pinch together in thought, “hm… so perhaps my theory about that sinner somehow having the ability to do what you do isn’t so far off. not that i’d even know how she’d do it, but… i don’t know, my instincts keep pointing to her.”

he shakes his head at that, “i doubt it… albedo would have mentioned if she did anything like that, they would be the first to know.” 

“that’s a good point…” his eyes stray to kaeya, scanning over his visible skin. “...is that another reason you’re here?”

“aha… what gives you that idea?” he smiles wearily. 

“i can read you better than you think.” 

“no… i think i know you can read me better than anyone in the world. you’re right, diluc, i am afraid… that whoever can do this is hunting me, and my loneliness will leave me vulnerable.” 

diluc nods, “i get it, safety in numbers. besides, with you coming in contact with a powerful sinner, i wouldn’t trust you alone either. it’s too risky.”

“you never trust me to be alone, sinner or not in my nightmares and visions.”

“you’re right, i don’t. you never did well with being alone, even before everything. so i know you still can’t cope with it.”

“blame my birth father for that one. he gave me abandonment issues.” kaeya scoffs.

diluc snorts a little, “like i said earlier, i blame him for a lot. in any case, you can stay as long as you need.”

“thanks, ‘luc… i guess you should know my intentions then, so you don’t think i got kidnapped by a mysterious third sinner at the rate i’m going.” 

“knowing your luck, that would be appreciated, yes.”

kaeya nods a bit and lets out a sigh, gaze averting from the other for the first time. “...i’m going to the khaenri’ahn door with the traveler.” 

“...the what door? how do you know where it is..?”

“the door that leads to… my nation. as for where, it’s hidden deep under sumeru. all this time, something had been calling me back to the desert, so i had my suspicions. the traveler had found it during their time out there, and we talked about it before i came back” 

the haunted dread in his gut swirls, but he knows he’s right about this. he knows he has to find it, or he’d never rest easy.

diluc falls silent, ruminating over that. a door to a long lost kingdom buried in another nation. it makes sense but at the same time, is it really that easy? is it really that accessible? especially with the effort history had gone through to erase khaenri’ah?

“i see…” diluc mutters, “i don’t exactly know what to say or think, all i know is… you need to be careful. this… who knows what’s waiting there.”

“i know, diluc. it’s why they’re going with me. as for dain, i… i dunno if i can trust him yet, but who knows, maybe he’s waiting for us there and predicted i’d do this.” 

that barely gives diluc any reassurance, but he knows that if kaeya strongly believes in this, then he has to trust him. 

“i’m glad you’re not blindly trusting, but then again, you never were… and with the traveler, you’ll be safe. still, i just… have the need to warn you, for my peace of mind.”

“yeah yeah, diluc, you’re the older brother and still love me, your adorable baby brother, to no ends~” he teases.

“i wouldn’t say that, but if it makes you feel better, very well.”

“boo, now you rejecting it makes me feel worse.” he huffs before realizing something. “oh, speaking of trust. can you look after arvid for me while i’m off facing my most feared enemy, a door?” 

diluc falters. “ah…” is he equipped to handle a hilichurl turned teenager? he’s not entirely sure. still, if it’s something kaeya needs, he’ll try. “i… suppose i’ll try .” 

“see it as a test for your future with mr. zhongli~” he winks. 

“the window is right there, kaeya.” diluc reminds.

“boo.” 

“goodnight.” diluc sharply turns and nearly stomps out of the room, hoping kaeya didn’t catch the blazing blush in his cheeks.

“you’re a child with a huge ass crush!” kaeya yells out, grinning, indeed spotting that blush from a mile away.

Chapter Text

diluc is tending to the grapes out in the orchard, arvid quietly sitting on the stone wall, watching the redhead work. gold eyes track diluc’s every move, the instincts of a hunter still rolling through him despite his new form. 

it had been a couple weeks or so since kaeya dropped arvid off at the winery, in a funny twist of fate, and diluc has been doing his utmost to take care of the teen. so far, no issues have risen, and they fell into a seamless routine.

diluc carries the basket into another row of vines, setting it down and clipping suitable grapes for the current batch the winery is producing. he’s too absorbed in his work that he doesn’t notice arvid leaving his spot and approaching. 

diluc is leaning into the vines to get a succulent bundle of grapes when a hand tugs at his coat. 

surprised, diluc turns to find the teen staring up at him with wide eyes. 

“oh, did you need something?” he asks gently, the boy remaining quiet for a moment before he points to the grapevines. 

arvid shuffles a bit on his feet, then he clears his throat, and speaks up. “eat please?” he has gotten better at speaking, with the extra help from diluc and adelinde.

the redhead picks a new bundle from the trellises, handing it to the teen. 

arvid pops a grape into his mouth eagerly. the sweetness has him perking up, nearly wiggling excitement in place. since staying with diluc, arvid has tried all kinds of fruits, but grapes happen to be his favorite. 

diluc smiles in amusement, “is it good?” he asks. he can hear kaeya huffing about diluc corrupting the poor boy.

the teenager nods enthusiastically. “thank you.” he beams. 

“of course.” diluc nods before returning to his work. as he moves throughout the vineyard, arvid follows him around like a duckling. 

late into the afternoon, a loud cheery voice calls out to diluc, capturing his attention. 

turning his head, he sees bennett jogging over, fischl, oz, and razor behind him. it had been a while since he had seen the trio, and he steps off to greet them. 

with his luck, bennett trips and tumbles when he gets to diluc, landing with an oomph. 

arvid’s eyes widen and he cautiously approaches, peering down at bennett as the boy groans. 

“are you okay…?” arvid asks. 

bennett looks up and he sticks out his hand, thumb high in the air. “oh yeah! i’m good, haha. this happens all the time.” he gets up, dusting off the dirt. 

razor peers from around bennett’s back, nose sniffing at the air. “who are you?” the wolf boy tilts his head. 

diluc sensing tension in razor’s body language, he quickly steps between them after handing off the basket of grapes to a staff member. 

“this is arvid, he is a friend of captain kaeya.” he reassures. 

razor meets diluc’s eyes, then he nods in understanding. “also lupical?” 

diluc nods, “yes, exactly. he’s new, so be sure to be nice.” he encourages. 

“alright, cool! a new friend!” bennett cheers, holding out a gloved hand, “hi, i’m bennett! this is fischl, oz, and razor. we’re adventurers, so we go all over the place.”

arvid stares at bennett’s hand for a moment before he takes it and shakes it like he had been taught. 

“what brings you three out this way?” diluc asks once the kids finish introducing themselves to each other. 

“we got a commission. it was just some slimes, and we had nothing else to do, so we figured we’d take it.” bennett explains, plucking a twig out of his hair. 

“ah yes, the traveler's least favorite commission.” diluc remarks. “have you all had lunch?” 

razor shakes his head, “ran late, missed lunch.” he frowns.

“that’s fine, i’ll let adelinde know to prepare extra food. why don’t you kids come wind down inside the manor?”

“ah, we would be honored to join the herald of nightly flames in his abode. shall we, my dear vassals?” fischl addresses her friends.

“yeah! i’m starving.” bennett bounds for the manor. 

diluc sighs softly, then turns to arvid, “would you like to join us for lunch?” he asks, aware that a sudden crowd can be intimidating and overwhelming.

arvid meets diluc’s gaze, then nods, following the trio of teenagers into the house, diluc behind them. 

adelinde looks up from sweeping near the doors, and she brightens at the gaggle of children, her master accompanying them. 

“welcome in. please, have a seat anywhere.” she gestures for them to sit at the dining table or near the fireplace. 

diluc separates from the pack, walking to his headmaid. “i hope it isn’t too much to ask of you.”

she huffs half heartedly and pinches her young master’s cheek, “nonsense, you know i very much adore taking care of you and the children.” she reassures, gently patting his cheek after, “i assume their meal preferences are the same.” 

she doesn’t miss the way he nuzzles into the affection before he nods, “yes, thank you, adelinde, and in case anyone in the kitchen forgot, arvid prefers meat.” he explains, directing her gaze to arvid. he sits rapt with attention as he listens to bennett tell a story about an adventure he had gone on by himself. 

“of course, the staff has no issues remembering for you, so they will remember for him as well,” she teases, “i’ll see to it. you go rest up too now, i know you’ve been working all day.” 

diluc sighs, knowing he can’t fight her, and moves off to stand near the teenagers.

later, when lunch is prepared, the group congregates to the dining table. diluc brings out a few bottles of juice, each a different flavor. 

arvid tilts his head as he observes each of the bottles curiously. he seems to be thinking hard, before he speaks up, “what kind of juice?” he had only tried apple so far as it had been the safest choice, so he’s a little unnerved by the sudden variety.

razor catches his question, and he points to each bottle, “grape, valberry, apple.” 

arvid perks up at the sound of the grape one. “i like grape,” he chirps.

razor smiles, “razor likes grape too. bennett likes apple, and fischl likes valberry.” 

arvid reaches over and takes the grape juice, surprised at the weight of the bottle. normally, diluc or one of the maids pours for him, but he wants to try it himself. 

carefully, he pours it into his own glass, still getting used to finer coordination in his hands. too used to claws, he forgets that human hands need more control and dexterity. 

letting out a quick breath, he sets the bottle down after he’s done, proud of himself for not spilling. 

“what else does arvid like? razor likes meat and potatoes.” razor asks, more comfortable and at ease. 

arvid thinks carefully on how to speak thanks to albedo and diluc. razor seems to speak in third person, but everyone had taught arvid to use ‘i’ and ‘me’ instead. 

“i like meat too. no veggies.” he shakes his head and makes a face. 

“once again, you are simply my young master reincarnated.” adelinde teases as she brings out the dishes, setting their plates down in front of them. 

diluc shakes his head, “i do eat vegetables, adelinde.” 

“if i gave you a vegetable dish instead of your usual, you would pout for weeks, master.” she giggles. 

“it’s okay, fischl hates mushrooms.” bennett pipes up as he picks up a skewer with the aforementioned ingredient. 

fischl turns up her nose, “a prinzessin does not eat fungi, for it carries deadly poison!” 

arvid’s eyes widen, “poison?” he repeats. 

“some fungi can carry poisons, but not all of them. the ones we use for cooking are perfectly safe.” diluc reassures. 

arvid nods in understanding before turning to his own dish. he swallows thickly as he glances at the fork. in a normal setting, diluc allows him to use his hands, however, in the presence of company, arvid knows he has to practice his manners. 

he carefully picks it up, and spears a square of meat. he focuses intently on using his motor skills, having not quite gotten around with how to use utensils beyond a pencil. 

as he eats, his grip shifts until the fork feels more comfortable and he can handle it better. excited, he wiggles in his seat, proud to be doing things on his own. 

being a human isn’t so bad. it’s much better than being a hilichurl, that’s for sure. 

when lunch finishes, bennett, fischl, and razor settle back near the fireplace. diluc meanwhile digs through the backpack he keeps at the table, pulling out the papers and a pencil. 

“would you like to practice your writing?” diluc asks arvid. 

the boy nods, shifting in his seat to straighten up a bit more. on the page are lightly etched letters in teyvat’s common language for him to trace, and khaenri’ahn letters underneath in case arvid gets confused. 

diluc sits back as he watches, a weird pulsing in his heart. diluc isn’t one to get close to others, least of all children, yet, he somehow managed to pull almost the entire mondstadt teen population like a magnet. he doesn’t hate it, but a part of him worries that he would let them down. 

he couldn’t bear to disappoint them in such a way. he had tried to keep his distance, but they all latched themselves to him anyway. he isn’t sure what to do with it, especially now with his new status. 

archons are the symbols of their nations, their people, and diluc doesn’t embody freedom or mondstadt in the way venti does. down to his core, diluc’s a fighting spirit. the blood on his hands will never wash away, and that is what keeps him from being any sort of paragon outside of war. 

despite it all, something about him drew these children to him. they sit around his manor with ease, like it’s a home away from home, and he can’t quite fathom it. 

he shakes away his thoughts and he lets out a slow sigh. no sense in driving himself insane. he should take things as they are. 

“oh! hey, dad!” bennett calls out, the title no longer surprising diluc at this rate. this is the fifth time bennett has called him such. 

“yes?”

“we heard you were gone while we were out adventuring, so we got curious when we got back and asked around. according to venti, you went to liyue. what was it like?”

this time, surprise does take his features. “oh. it’s lovely. have you not gone? i assumed some of your adventures take you outside of mondstadt.” 

“yeah! it does, we’ve gone to a small village in liyue, but uh,” bennett scratches the back of his head, “heh, we wanted to hear about that man you met. zhongli, was it?”

the mention of the geo archon skips his heart and he clears his throat. he is going to strangle a bard later. 

“he is a very refined gentleman, very knowledgeable. he was a great companion to talk with.”

“wow… that’s so cool. he seems so nice but intimidating. i remember seeing him once during lantern rite when we went one year.” 

“indeed, he can be a little intimidating, but he is very kind.” diluc agrees, heart warm as he expresses his opinion on zhongli. zhongli truly does bring a sense of comfort and safety to others despite the divinity he carries.

“oho! does our herald of nightly flames have feelings of enchantment for his new companion?” fischl asks, a gleam in her visible eye. she has always been the most perceptive amongst her peers, and diluc finds himself backed in a corner. 

“i wouldn’t say that.” diluc mutters softly. 

razor tilts his head, “razor smells it. red dad has the scent lupical use when they mate.” he pipes up, causing diluc’s face to immediately burn a bright red.

“th-that’s wholly inaccurate and inappropriate.” diluc prays for a hole to open up underneath him. 

“children, that is enough now. why don’t we do an activity, hm?” adelinde, diluc’s savior, gently speaks up as she approaches the teenagers, oz kindly chiding fischl for overstepping. 

easily distracted, they turn to her as she brings out games and books. 

diluc lets out a slow breath, his face still burning. is he really that obvious? does he really have feelings for his new companion, or is everyone just trying to convince him that he does? he knows he feels something for zhongli, but he’s quite sure it isn’t romantic… right? they did just meet, and diluc would know if he’s developing those sorts of emotions. 

“...can i… um. can i play too?” arvid speaks up. 

diluc snaps out of his thoughts and looks to see the teen had finished his ‘homework’ of sorts.

“oh, of course. go ahead.” diluc encourages. 

arvid perks up before heading over to the trio who are setting up a round of genius invocation: tcg. 

diluc quietly watches his children, fischl and bennett animatedly playing against each other — and roleplaying on fischl’s end. at some point, they begin teaching arvid how to play, and his golden eyes light up, the stars sparkling. 

diluc swallows thickly and forces himself to look away. arvid is just like how kaeya was when he was first brought to the winery. arvid is quiet, shy, but eager to learn. diluc remembers teaching kaeya mundane things like games and books. 

part of him loathes the fight they had, and even if kaeya still made an effort to flutter around diluc, diluc knows that he irreparably damaged their bond. it hurts, and it haunts him. 

most people that knew about his rampage assumed it was because of his father, but deep down, diluc hadn’t just gone off the deep end for crepus. he lost himself in his grief over kaeya, over losing his brother and hurting him. he ran reckless, hoping it would compensate and make up for his actions if it ended in his demise. 

it was a stupid thought process at the time, but it had clung to his mind like a disease. 

he huffs to himself and shakes off his thoughts. he gets up instead to clean up after the children, making adelinde’s job a little easier. 

—

the next morning, diluc is helping arvid with reading in his study when nova comes through the open window. she perches on the desk, watching diluc expectantly for her pets. 

arvid looks up and his eyes widen at the sight of the bird. 

diluc sighs gently and scritches her chin in greeting. 

“this is nova,” he tells arvid, “she's my companion. she'll send and bring letters.” he explains, nova shoving her head into diluc’s hand, much like a cat. 

arvid nods, watching her in amazement. 

“clearly, i spoil her too much.” diluc teases, petting her head before finally turning his attention to the letter tied to her leg. 

he takes it, unrolling the letter to find an invitation to a charity event in liyue. he struggles not to sigh in exhaustion, knowing he couldn't say no. 

he always dreads these events. 

he can easily fund the goal, that isn’t his issue. rather, the problem lies in the aging fathers that constantly seek him out with the intent to marry off their daughters to him. he isn’t clueless, he knows all the hands vying for him are for his wealth, not so much himself, but it doesn’t stop him from being irritated.

“are you okay?” arvid speaks quietly, sensing diluc’s frustration. 

the redhead glances over before he sighs, setting the invitation aside. 

“yes, apologies. it's just an annoyance, but i can handle it.” he gently waves it away. 

“okay.” arvid nods, then he puts his book away after he finishes the last assigned page. 

“can i go catch flies?” he asks. 

diluc perks a brow, “flies?” 

arvid nods and points out the window at a crystalfly that flutters by. 

“oh. crystalflies. go ahead, just be careful of the grapes.” 

the boy nods eagerly before he takes off, racing out the front door. 

diluc sits back after picking the invitation back up, sighing softly. 

adelinde comes by with his usual glass of grape juice and snacks, noticing the tug of his brows. 

“is everything okay, master diluc?” she asks, her hands clasping together in front of her after she sets the tray down.  

“there's a charity event in liyue in a week, and they’re asking me to attend. i would prefer not to go, but i know i can't outright refuse without a good cause.” 

she hums as she nods in understanding. she knows his hesitation, and she certainly doesn't like the way her master is treated when it comes to suitors. she has had her fair share of batting them off whenever events were held at the dawn winery.

“you can perhaps pretend to be sick. you used to do that to get out of your lessons as a child.” she teases gently at the end. 

he lets out an amused huff, “as much as i would like to, i cannot. my discomfort isn't that important. i’ve tolerated it before, i can handle it this time as well.” 

“well, master, why don't you ask someone to go with you as your plus one? it will certainly keep them out of your hair.” she proposes.  

diluc furrows his brows in consideration. “it might work, but i wouldn't know who to ask on such short notice.” everyone he knows is either busy, or they’re unavailable. 

adelinde hides a smirk, effectively setting a trap for her master, “why don’t you ask that kind gentleman you made friends with? he seems like a good companion to take, from what you told me, and he is from liyue. it may be best to choose someone that knows the culture.” she poses the option as an innocent suggestion. 

diluc loathes the way his heart immediately skips at the mention of the geo archon. he isn’t some teen with a crush, but every mention of zhongli’s name has his heart pulsing in odd ways. 

she isn’t wrong, zhongli is a good option for him, but something about using his new friend to wave off suitors feels wrong to him somehow. 

“i don’t know, adelinde, wouldn’t it be rude?” he makes an excuse, “and we are only acquaintances. i cannot ask this of him.”

she smiles gently, “it isn’t rude if you explain that you simply need someone to accompany you. if you are friends, surely it wouldn’t be an outrageous request.” she tells him, but diluc doesn’t miss the way her eyes glint briefly. “unless, of course, there was something more?” she presses. 

diluc huffs softly, glancing away. he pointedly ignores her proud smile and he sighs. he really can’t fight her, especially when she makes a convincing argument. 

“very well, i will send him a letter.” he concedes. 

“wonderful.” she bows her head and exits his study, diluc deflating and slumping into his seat. 

a few minutes pass by, diluc allowing his heart to settle down. nova stares at him from her spot on the desk, clearly waiting for him to get the letter written so she can take it. 

“yes, yes, i’m going.” diluc mutters to her as he sits up. 

“dear zhongli, 

i fear this may be an odd request, but i would like for you to at least hear me out, and then cast your judgement however you see fit.

there is a charity event occurring in liyue in a week from now, and i have been invited to attend due to my status. i am not particularly a fan of these events, due to a few personal reasons, but as i’ve been requested to come, i would like to ask if you would do me the favor of accompanying me. 

if you are interested, please let me know, and we can further discuss this at a later date.

— diluc”

ignoring the heat rushing to his cheeks, he hurriedly rolls the letter up and seals it with a waxed stamp, then hands it off to nova.

what is wrong with him? this isn’t anything deeper. they’re just friends attending an event, it isn’t uncommon nor is it unfounded, yet for some reason, his stomach keeps swarming with butterflies. 

if he didn’t know any better, he would think he’s dying, but he knows that isn’t the case. 

he can almost hear his brother’s mocking tone and he’s suddenly very grateful kaeya happens to be on the other side of teyvat.

diluc runs a hand over his face and groans pitifully, slumping in his seat again. he knows he’s making things more difficult than they are. he needs to shove his overthinking thoughts and just let things fall as they may. 

sighing, he shakes everything off and gets up, heading outside to keep an eye on arvid.

Chapter Text

diluc stares at zhongli’s letter like a bomb, a single touch away from blowing up in his face. he holds his breath, ignoring the way nova stares at him, unimpressed. she herself is clearly pleased with the sender as she had received delicious berries and seeds, so she doesn’t understand why her owner is making such a fuss. 

diluc knows if she can roll her eyes, she likely would.

slowly, he snaps the wax seal and lets the letter unroll, fighting the urge to flinch. he takes a deep breath, telling himself how ridiculous he’s being, but his nerves refuse to settle down. 

“okay…. it’s just a letter… just read it. the worst that can happen is that he says no.” he mutters to himself. he takes the corner of the letter and slides it down the desk to himself. sitting up, he takes the plunge to read. 

“dearest diluc, 

i would be honored to accompany you. i had already made plans to attend once i heard this was taking place, however, i had opted to going alone. considering that we both are going to be there, i would not mind your invitation. 

if you are able, come meet me this afternoon for tea, and we can discuss further plans. 

until then.

— zhongli” 

his heart wants to leap out of his chest at the ‘dearest diluc,’ but he forces the flutter away and stamps it down. 

on the upside, at least zhongli said yes. 

huffing, he shakes his head at himself for worrying so much, then gets up from his desk. he folds up the letter and tucks it into his pocket. he writes out a new one, explaining that he might be a little late and arrive possibly into the evening. he ties the letter to nova’s leg, then sends her off. 

he walks out of the study, finding arvid sitting by the fire, reading one of the fairytale books lisa had given him.

“arvid?” he calls out, the boy lifting his head. “i’m going to liyue harbor. do you want to come with me, or do you want to stay with adelinde?” 

the boy contemplates it before he shakes his head, “stay.” he answers. 

“okay. i will be back in the morning, then.” diluc promises. 

arvid takes a moment to process that, then he nods. “okay. i will be good.” 

diluc smiles, “good then. i will see you soon.” with that, he turns and heads for the door. stepping out, he takes a breath, then he makes the trek to stone gate. 

he finds a cart driver and takes the trip to the harbor. 

by the time he arrives, the sun is beginning to set, and his heart clenches with anticipation. he hands off the mora to the driver before making his way into the heart of the city. 

like last time, he heads to the funeral parlor first, one of the undertakers stationed at the door. 

“hello, ma’am,” he bows respectfully, “is mr. zhongli here today?” diluc asks.

“ah, yes, let me get him. may i have your name, sir?” she responds politely.

“diluc ragnvindr.” he informs her. 

she nods, and she sweeps into the parlor. a few moments later, she returns with zhongli. 

diluc immediately shuts down his heart when it threatens to flutter at the sight of him. 

“ah, diluc. glad you made it.” zhongli smiles, radiant and warm. he gestures for diluc to follow him, heading over the bridge to third-round knockout. 

they settle down at a table, zhongli ordering tea to start with. 

“have you eaten?” he asks, gold eyes shifting to diluc. 

“ah, this morning.”

zhongli hums, “i will order us dinner, then.” he doesn’t wait for diluc to protest as he orders them a decent meal to share. 

diluc clears his throat, willing back the urge to flush up in slight embarrassment. “you didn’t have to do that…” he mutters softly.

“nonsense, there is no use in being on an empty stomach. it’s my treat.” zhongli merely smiles. 

diluc releases a small sigh, nodding. “very well, then.”

“wonderful.” zhongli seems to light up, and diluc’s stomach does a front flip. “now, would you like to discuss our plans for next week?”

a weight drops into diluc’s gut immediately after. “right, of course. as i said in my letter, i am often invited to these events as i am known to make generous donations. unfortunately, my status also draws unwanted attention. i was hoping you would like to come as my plus one, just to get the formalities out of the way, then we can leave after a certain amount of time.” 

“i would not mind. i rather enjoy these events, so i am okay with keeping you out of the spotlight if that’s what you wish.” 

diluc perks up in surprise, “oh? you don’t find it an outrageous request?”

zhongli chuckles warmly, “of course not. attending events as friends is hardly the worst idea. as you know, i am quite the talker, therefore, i would not mind taking the lead in conversations if you are not interested in small-talk.”

relief nearly sags diluc’s shoulders. “if that’s the case, then thank you.”

“you’re more than welcome.” the geo archon bows his head with a kind smile.

moments later, their tea and meal arrive, and zhongli does the honor of serving diluc. 

“please, eat to your heart’s content.”

they pass their time sharing the food, diluc’s thoughts circling around in his head. he doesn’t know entirely why he’s been in his own head this way as he’s never this unsure, but for some reason, he just can’t stop himself from over-thinking. 

he needs to do something to take his mind off of everything, he knows that being stagnant for too long spells disaster for his psyche. 

shoving away that ridiculous voice in his head, he turns to zhongli after he finishes. “are you busy tonight?” he asks. 

zhongli regards him in mild surprise before he smiles, shaking his head. “no, i am not. would you perhaps like to do something?”

“i wouldn’t mind a walk around the city if that interests you. i suppose i simply need a distraction.” he admits. 

brows lift, zhongli’s head tilting. “oh? is something wrong?” 

diluc falters a little, “... you could say i’m thinking too much.”

a soft chuckle escapes the older archon, “ah, i understand. very well, we can do that if that’s what you would like.” 

zhongli rounds up the empty dishes and sets mora down in the center of the table. diluc stands, brushing off his clothes before following the geo archon.

the pair head down to the docks, the sun setting and painting the sky a lilac hue fading into a deep blue. 

they walk in comfortable silence, the breeze gently brushing against them like a caress. 

diluc has this undeniable urge to break the silence, but he doesn’t know what with. he hates small talk, and anything important on his mind has already been covered extensively. 

part of him just really wants to hear zhongli talk. he doesn’t know what it is about him, but diluc feels drawn to him. 

“you seem to be thinking quite deeply.” zhongli comments as they stop to stand by the boats, watching the gentle waves. “i thought taking a walk was meant to distract you.” his tone is light, clearly meant to be teasing. 

diluc sighs, “i don’t know why i can’t stop thinking, but… it isn’t bad. it’s simply an observation i’m making.”

“care to share your thoughts?” zhongli offers. 

a mild blush begins to rise into diluc’s cheeks, heart roaring loudly in his ears. 

“i wanted to hear you talk.” he admits quietly. “however, i didn't know how to prompt that.” 

zhongli chuckles in amusement, “i see. i would not mind speaking. i will say, i do find it a bit strange.”

diluc perks a brow, embarrassment burning through him. “how so?”

the geo archon shakes his head, “well, most people do not care for the stories i have. they often tune out, so it is a rare occurrence for someone to actually wish for me to talk.” 

realization dawns on the redhead, “oh, i see now. i suppose i understand.” he shrugs, “well, i certainly wouldn't mind listening. it's talking i don't always do myself.”

“very well, then.” zhongli smiles kindly. he gestures for diluc to follow him as he falls into another story about liyue, rex lapis, and the adepti. 

their conversations stretch into the night, diluc not even noticing how late it has become. they walk along the ponds in yujing terrace, diluc watching the lotuses bob from the gentle breeze. 

“so you avoided her that entire day because you knew she would expose you to the traveler?” diluc asks as zhongli shares his story about preparing for rex lapis’ rite of parting. 

zhongli chuckles as he bows his head in a single nod, his hands folded behind his back. “indeed. streetward rambler is quite the mischievous type, so i knew to stay far away from her if i wished to keep the guise up. of course, the traveler figured it out regardless, but i preferred if they had come to the discovery themselves rather than being told.”

diluc huffs out a laugh, “they’re quite perceptive. they figured out my identity easily as well. the people of mondstadt have no idea, but the traveler worked it out just from a few clues.” 

“ah yes, you said you were a vigilante. i assume you keep it a secret for a reason.” 

diluc nods as he gazes at the lily pads floating nearby. “i have to. with the knights of favonius breathing down my neck, i have to do it all in secret. i’m not looking for glory or recognition, nor do i want the trouble from them. they still follow the mentality of preserving their reputation, so if anyone shows them up, they wish to shut it down.”

zhongli clicks his tongue without meaning to. “that behavior is abhorrent.” 

“that is how i feel as well.” he sighs and shakes his head to scatter the thoughts away. “in any case, this has been enjoyable.”

the geo archon smiles, “indeed. i quite liked spending my time with you.” his eyes trail up to the moon shining brilliantly overhead. “it does seem to have gotten late. shall i walk you to the inns?”

“sure, i would like that.”

the pair head down to the main hub of the city, zhongli politely escorting diluc to the inn he stayed at last time. 

“will you be staying any further, or will you be departing tomorrow?” zhongli asks curiously. 

diluc considers it for a moment, knowing he has to return as he couldn't very well leave arvid alone. “i may have to depart in the morning, but i will return a day or so before the charity event.” 

“very well. i will see you then.” in a burst of bravery, zhongli takes the pyro archon’s hand and brings it up, kissing the back of it through the glove. “until then.” his eyes sparkle at the sight of diluc’s owl eyes widening. with that, he leaves, diluc’s heart in his throat. 

diluc stands there for a solid five minutes, stunned into disbelief. did that just happen? 

he blinks out of his daze, his cheeks beginning to burn once he processes everything. taking a breath, he scurries into the inn, quickly booking a room before holing himself away. 

albedo graces diluc’s manor with a surprise visit a couple days later, arvid perking up when he spots the alchemist from the dining table.

“hello, master diluc. hello, arvid.” albedo greets as he steps in, the frost from dragonspine having finally melted off him on the walk down to the winery. 

arvid waves eagerly, beaming. “hi, mister albedo!” 

“please, have a seat.” diluc encourages as he returns to the table, albedo following him and settling across from arvid. 

“how has he been?” the blonde asks. 

“he’s doing well. he’s improved in his speech and his writing. he still struggles a little with reading, but he’s gotten better than when he first got here.” diluc explains, showing the work arvid has been doing. “he’s also improved with his dexterity, and he even made friends with bennett’s team.”

albedo brightens at the mention of friends, nodding his head, “good, good. yes, that’s very good. i had hoped he would socialize more. thank you, master diluc, for taking care of him. i’ll be sure to repay you for your time.”

diluc waves it away, “it’s fine. he’s not the first teenager to frequent my home, i ultimately don’t mind. adelinde enjoys doting on them, as well.” 

“well, i’m glad to hear that. we’ll be heading back, so i can take him off your hands.” 

“we’re going?” arvid asks. 

“yes, i was preparing a surprise for you.” albedo answers, the boy nearly vibrating at the sound of that. 

“okay! i’ll pack then.” he gets up from his table and heads up to kaeya’s room where he had been staying. 

“what’s this surprise?” diluc asks curiously as he begins to clear the table. 

“i invested some mora in a small apartment in the city. i felt it wasn’t wise to let him live out in the wilderness, especially up in the mountains, and i couldn’t let him stay here forever either.” albedo explains. 

diluc nods, “i see. i’m sure he’ll enjoy it. he’ll also be closer to his friends, and have an easier time socializing.”

“exactly, and since captain kaeya lives in the city as well, he can help whenever i’m not around.” he tells him, “speaking of, is he still out?”

“he went to fontaine with the traveler. i received word a few days ago assuring me he was fine.”

“well, that’s good. he deserves a break, so it’s nice to see him taking time off.” 

arvid returns with his bag stuffed with his clothes, some papers sticking out. 

“i’m back!” he shoulders the bag onto his back. 

albedo smiles as he rises, “wonderful.” he turns to diluc, “alright, we’re off now. see you around, master diluc.”

“of course, just let me know if you ever need my assistance again.” he bows his head. 

arvid bounces over to diluc and he throws his arms around him in a hug, “bye, master diluc.” 

diluc stiffens in surprise for a moment, looking down at arvid with wide eyes. he smiles softly before he returns it, patting the boy’s back. “goodbye, arvid.” 

the teen pulls back, then he leaves with albedo. 

diluc sighs and moves off to finish cleaning. when done, he heads to his room and begins to pack as well. he has about a day or so before the event, and he knows he has to leave early if he wants to make it in time. 

as he folds his clothes, his mind strays back to that night, no longer distracted. his cheeks dust with a soft blush, still reeling from the gentlemanly display of affection. zhongli had intended for that hand kiss, and diluc finds his mind spinning. 

how does he work through all of this? should he? he doesn’t know what to feel, or how to feel. he can’t deny he feels drawn to zhongli, and he can’t deny that he feels at ease when he’s around him. does it go deeper? should diluc let it go deeper? 

he hates getting attached, he tries to avoid it with every fiber of his being. a deep fear that he tries to ignore holds him back, and he builds his walls high with impenetrable steel. 

yet, zhongli found a way through and instead of being another painful notch, he brings a warmth with him… a warmth diluc hadn’t felt in years despite the fire that runs through his veins. 

‘you’re thinking too much,’ adelinde’s voice flutters into his head. 

‘it’s okay to feel.’ he can hear kaeya reminding him with that damn smirk.

he huffs to himself, but he can’t say they’re wrong. diluc has always felt so strongly, no matter how hard he tries to pretend that he doesn’t. 

zhongli seems like a sturdy foundation, a stable support — one that diluc desperately needs. 

maybe he should just let go, take the plunge. he fears the worst happening, but he knows in his heart that if he continues to avoid this, he’s going to regret not acting. 

resolving himself, diluc finishes packing. he leaves the room, finding adelinde at the top of the staircase, dusting the railing. 

she looks over at the sound of her master’s footsteps. 

“heading out again, young master?”

“yes, i have that event invitation, so i am leaving early.”

she nods, stepping up to him and cupping his cheek. “be careful. we’ll see you when you return.” 

diluc leans into the affection, “always am.” with that, he leaves, making the trek to liyue. 

diluc fusses with his hair, glaring into the mirror. a bobby pin is held between his teeth, rubberband stretched around his fingers as he gathers his hair. he can’t decide if he wants his hair up and out of his face, down and free, or in a braid. he doesn’t want to go with his normal ponytail, but he also knows if he wears it too high like he used to, he would get a headache at the end of the night. 

he sighs in frustration and drops his arms, fiery curls falling to his shoulders again. he leans on the counter and stares at his reflection. it’s rare that he leaves his hair down, and he does like the way his curls rest on his shoulders, but he knows he would have to put copious amounts of hair product to keep it from fluffing out too much. 

grumping to himself, he figures out a hairstyle after ten more minutes of fussing, deciding to just go with a simple half ponytail. he parts his hair, tying up the ponytail and wrapping it with his black ribbon and finishing it with a bow. he settles the rest of his curls, then sighs. 

“better than nothing.” he adjusts his wine red suit and leaves the room. taking a deep breath, he makes his way to yujing terrace where the charity is being held. 

the tianquan spots him, and she approaches, long white hair flowing behind her. 

“master diluc, we’re glad you could make it.” she greets, closing her hand fan, lightly resting the end against her lips. 

diluc relaxes at ningguang’s presence, “good evening, lady ningguang. i’m glad i had the time.” 

“we have a few visitors coming on the tsaritsa’s behalf, just so you are aware.” she tells him as she leans over, her voice hushed. 

crimson eyes shift to spot the snezhnayans that aren’t already merchants in liyue, and he nods. “understood.” he catches her underlying meaning. 

“lovely. well then, enjoy the festivities.” she gracefully glides away to chat with other guests. 

diluc keeps his attention on the visitors as a waiter with drinks passes him. he politely takes a wine glass despite his distaste. he moves himself to the snack table, thankful he doesn’t stick out too much. 

diluc stands alone for a few good minutes, observing the crowd, partly tracking the snezhnayan visitors, partly looking for zhongli. 

“well, well, if it isn’t my partner in crime.” yelan’s voice rings out beside diluc as she slides up to him, a feather shawl draped over a deep blue dress. 

diluc smirks into his glass, “it’s strange seeing you without explosions following you.” 

she hums, “i could say the same about you~” 

he laughs, “ran out.” 

she shakes her head, “story as old as time.” she sighs, “in any case, i’m surprised you weren’t accosted the second you walked up.” 

“don’t jinx me. they might flock to me now that you said that.” 

“it looks like i might have, that gentleman over there has his eyes on you.” she uses her champagne glass to gently point said man out. 

diluc perks a brow and follows her gaze, his heart stopping when his eyes lock on zhongli’s.

there he is.

“ah… yes, he is a friend of mine.” the words feel strange on his tongue. he knows it’s more than that, he just doesn’t know what.

a smirk tugs at her lips. “oh? interesting.” 

he rolls his eyes half-heartedly. “is it?”

“very.” she spots zhongli beginning to cross over and she coughs, “well, would you look at that, i am being summoned over there. bye for now~” she waggles her fingers as her farewell wave before departing. 

diluc glares after her for a second, huffing. he shakes his head, then looks up when zhongli approaches him. 

he ignores the way his heart flips and he bows his head, “good evening, zhongli.”

the geo archon smiles, “good evening. you look lovely.” 

diluc’s cheeks bloom a dark red, “thank you… you do as well.” 

“i hope the guests have been treating you kindly.” 

“of course, i haven’t had an issue yet. i just arrived, so we’ll have to see if that stays true.” he half-jokes. he raises his glass, taking a small sip. he tries not to wrinkle his nose, but he does catch that this is one of his brews. 

“huh… i know we ship quite a decent amount of wine to liyue, but i didn’t realize the latest batch was for this event.” diluc comments. 

“indeed. thanks to a certain bard, i felt it would be beneficial to share your wine with the rest of liyue. we do make our own, but yours stands the test of time.” 

butterflies flutter in diluc’s belly at that, preening at the compliment. “oh… well, thank you. i’m glad you enjoy it.” 

zhongli hums, “i do.” he agrees, then his eyes meet diluc’s, “and yet, you don’t seem to.”

diluc falters and he flushes in a bit of embarrassment. “ah… i am not that big of a fan when it comes to wine, ironically. i prefer grape juice.” he explains, “i don’t like the cloudiness that comes with alcohol. i feel the need to be alert at all times, and the last thing i want is to be inebriated.”

the geo archon nods, “i see. well, that is commendable.”

“thank you. most find me strange, considering my profession.”

zhongli chuckles, “i can see that, but no, it is an understandable boundary.” 

a waiter passes them, and zhongli takes a moment to briefly inquire about juice. the waiter nods and signals to another one that carries a tray of non-alcoholic drinks. 

“come.” zhongli leads diluc through the crowd. he takes a glass of juice from the tray and he hands it to diluc before plucking the wine in exchange. 

“there.” he smiles. 

diluc’s blush only grows darker, “thank you.” 

they spend a good half hour with zhongli talking about his days since they last saw each other. 

diluc listens intently as he sips at the grape juice. he’s about to ask a question when a hand touches his wrist. 

he fights the urge to flinch and he swallows back an irritated noise. he turns politely to face the stranger, and he finds an aging man with a fake smile. 

“ah… mister ragnvindr.” he greets, trailing his grasp from diluc’s wrist down to his hand and forcing a friendly shake, “would you do me the honor in hearing out an old man like myself? it would only be a moment.” he takes his free hand to point out a young woman at the dessert table. 

“you see, it’s my daughter. oh, my poor girl. see, she’s quite lonesome, and she is a remarkable young woman. you would be surprised to know that the poor lass is single after all this time, and you are quite the extraordinary young man. i was hoping you would perhaps take my darling daughter on a date, and even give her a tour of your lovely winery after. she has lived in liyue all her life, you see, and she has never seen anything as grand as your home. it would mean the world to me.”

diluc resists the urge to roll his eyes. and here come the vultures. always seeking his wealth or to get their hands on the dawn winery. he’s not blind, but he detests it anyway.

he holds back a sigh, and he plasters his own fake smile as he sinks into his script. “ah, you see, i don’t believe i can. i am quite busy as you know, and—” 

“—and as you can see, kind sir, he is already taken. i do apologize for the inconvenience.” zhongli cuts in, surprising diluc. “our marriage is a recent development,” zhongli slips a hand into his pocket and pulls out a ring that looks suspiciously hand-crafted, and diluc nearly narrows his eyes. 

“this silly husband of mine left his ring at home in his rush to get ready, but i brought it for him.” zhongli presents it, beautiful noctilucous jade within the band glittering under the light. 

the old man blinks in surprise, “oh?”

zhongli nods, carefully tugging diluc’s hand out from the old man’s grasp, “indeed. we just returned from our honeymoon in fontaine, so we haven’t had a chance to officially announce our marriage.” his arm wraps around diluc’s waist after tucking the ring into diluc’s palm, holding the redhead snug against him. “we do apologize for the misunderstanding.” 

the man falters, looking between the two before he concedes, wilting at zhongli’s intense gaze. “v-very well. please, enjoy your marriage.” he bows before retreating. 

diluc lets out a breath, and he arches a brow as he looks up at zhongli, “where’d you get that?” he asks. 

“i made it.” zhongli answers simply as he lets go, diluc already missing the warmth. 

“well, that’s certainly convenient.” he comments. 

zhongli hums, “i sensed your agitation. though, i do apologize if it made you uncomfortable. i felt it was the best way to chase him off.” 

diluc looks down at the ring in his palm, his heart thundering in his ears as he slips it onto his gloved finger. “it’s fine… it did the job.” it’s just to serve the illusion, that’s all…

“very well, then. as long as you’re okay with it.” zhongli smiles, then gestures for diluc to walk elsewhere. 

they pass the time mingling, zhongli taking the lead as promised. some suitors try their hand at wooing diluc, but zhongli steps in every time, effectively taking diluc off the market. diluc does his best to play along, ensuring their casual touches give off the impression that they are indeed married.

zhongli excuses himself for a second to fetch them new drinks, leaving diluc near the railing of the terrace. 

a woman slithers over, brushing against diluc, wine in hand. she seems quite intoxicated and diluc struggles not to tense up. 

she tries everything in her power to charm and flirt with him, fraying diluc's nerves thin.

she places a hand on his chest, and he can feel himself about to snap, gripping the railing tightly.  

“there you are, dear.” zhongli steps up beside the redhead, and diluc sighs in relief.  

the woman purses her sickenly red lips into a frown when zhongli slides an arm around diluc’s waist, drawing him away from her. “hmph, and who is this?” she sneers.

“he would be my husband.” diluc really does fight the smug smile as he leans into zhongli's side embrace. it comes almost naturally now.

“a pleasure to meet you, madam. if you'll excuse us, i believe the musicians are playing a song we like.” zhongli drifts away with diluc. 

“thank you.” the pyro archon sighs as they step onto the dance floor. 

“no need to thank me.” zhongli smiles as he takes diluc’s hand into his, his free hand moving to rest on the redhead’s lower back. “i hope you do not mind the actual dancing, it would be wise to sell the illusion, no?”

“that’s fine with me.” diluc chuckles, ignoring the rising blush at their close proximity. he doesn't know why, but the slow dance feels far more intimate than when zhongli was holding him. 

diluc had spent many of his formative years taking dance lessons, so the steps come naturally. however, he can't help being amazed at how fluid and graceful zhongli moves as they spin and twirl in small circles around the dance floor. 

“i suppose a thousand years gives you experience in dancing.” diluc teases, shutting his brain up for a moment to indulge. 

zhongli chuckles, “indeed, i had to pass the time somehow.” he returns the joke. 

a dip sends diluc's heart reeling when zhongli brings him back up, their chests just barely inches apart. from this closeness, diluc notices just how tall zhongli truly is. 

as they dance, their eyes lock and once again, diluc's breath is taken from his lungs at the rich topaz. these eyes carry centuries of authority, divinity, but also exhaustion. 

zhongli may not outwardly show it, but diluc can see the weariness, can sense it even in those rich, tired eyes. 

after another pass around the dance floor, the song ends and zhongli gently lets go, allowing diluc space. 

by now, some guests have already started clearing out of the event, so they don’t need to keep up appearances as much. still, diluc finds himself already missing that soft intimacy. 

diluc clears his throat, “that was… lovely.” he cringes at himself, but zhongli merely smiles. 

“come, i think we convinced the masses.” the geo archon leads diluc back to the tables. 

diluc takes a moment to settle his nerves and his heart, then brings zhongli over to the donation table.

diluc grabs one of the checks and writes out a hefty amount, maxing out the goal. he signs it off, then slips it into the mora box. 

“have you eaten yet?” zhongli asks when diluc turns away from the table. 

diluc shakes his head, “i only had lunch.” 

“we will go get dinner then, if you feel you are finished here.”

diluc considers it before he nods, “i would like that. i hope it isn't too late for you, however.” 

“not at all.” he reassures, “i would like to take you elsewhere this time.” he takes diluc's hand out of habit from their act and leads him down to feiyun slope. 

they walk towards liuli pavilion as zhongli explains the history of the restaurant and its rival, xinyue kiosk. 

“you don’t like seafood?” diluc asks after zhongli explains his preference, noticing the man’s nose scrunch ever so slightly when he mentioned the menu at xinyue kiosk. 

zhongli lets out a small embarrassed sigh as he pulls diluc’s chair out, “i do not. the texture is… unpleasant.”

diluc chuckles softly as he sits down, “well, i can’t judge you for that. i have my own preferences as well.” 

a wry smirk appears on zhongil’s face, “i have indeed noticed. you tended to avoid vegetables in the dishes we were served the last few times we shared a meal.” 

a blush blooms in diluc’s cheeks and he laughs, “ah… i will eat some, but i’m not a fan of most vegetables.” 

“i understand. rest assured, i will choose something we will both enjoy. you prefer meat, yes? i know a fantastic dish that has perfect tender meat and rich flavors.” zhongli explains before placing an order of a few different dishes. 

despite all their previous outings, for some reason, this one feels more like a date to diluc, and that notion has the blush remaining firmly in his face. it doesn’t help that he isn’t sure if they’re still pretending to be married. 

“would you like juice or tea?” zhongli asks, breaking through diluc’s stupor. 

“oh. juice is fine.” diluc answers when he blinks out of his thoughts. 

zhongli smiles and orders a bottle of juice, the server disappearing to take care of their meal.

“how are you feeling after tonight?” zhongli asks. 

diluc lets out a breath and his defenses slowly crumble away now that he doesn’t have to play rich heir anymore. “exhausted, but… it was easier this time.”

the geo archon smiles warmly, clearly pleased that his presence helped. “i’m glad. if you ever need a voice box for you, i am more than happy to oblige.” 

diluc’s heart flutters, “i will be sure to ask you again, then, if i need to.”

“wonderful. i enjoy spending time with you, so it will be pleasant to join you on more endeavors like this.” 

now his heart does an entire flip and the red darkens on his face. “ah…” what does he say to that? everything in his brain short-circuited from that, and words fail to come to his lips. zhongli enjoys spending time with him? it’s almost unfathomable. 

“i enjoy it as well…” diluc responds quietly when he finds his voice. “it’s been… nice, having someone to talk to, especially someone that i don’t need to wear a mask around.” he can’t help the admission flowing from him. 

diluc may be seeing things, but when his gaze finally lifts from the table to zhongli, he swears he sees a faint blush. 

“well, i am glad you feel that way. you don’t ever have to pretend around me. i will never judge you, and i promise you that i will always accept you — all of you.” zhongli confirms, his eyes glittering that rich amber. 

the redhead swallows thickly, a burning sensation suddenly stinging his eyes. he quickly blinks back the tears that want to form and he lets out a soft, almost nervous chuckle. “thank you… i cannot tell you how much that means to me…” he wants to believe in it so desperately, wants to cling to that hope, but his doubts whisper around in his head. 

he knows deep in his soul that zhongli is not another betrayal waiting to happen, but diluc doesn’t trust himself. zhongli may think that he accepts diluc now, but what about when he goes off the deep end? what about when his fiery temper takes over again? what if he burns everything down? does zhongli have the strength and heart to pull diluc back? or will he give up on him too?

the food and drinks arrive, distracting diluc from his souring thoughts. he clears his throat and sits up a bit straighter. thankfully, his growling stomach takes full precedence and he fills his plate. he can’t deny that zhongli did choose fantastic dishes. 

they dine quietly, diluc busy savoring his meal while zhongli seems to enjoy the comfortable silence. if he noticed diluc’s low dip in mood, he doesn’t comment. 

diluc breaks the silence first after he clears his plate. “you have good taste.” he comments as he dabs his mouth with a napkin. 

zhongli smiles, “i’m glad you enjoyed it.” 

“i did. thank you for indulging me tonight.”

the brunette bows his head, “of course. please, think nothing of it. you are a dear friend to me, and as i said earlier, i enjoy our time together.” 

diluc shuts his brain up and he nods, “i enjoy it as well.” he repeats.

zhongli clears their table by neatly stacking the dishes, “do you wish to return to your lodgings?” he asks. 

“it would be wise. i am sure it’s quite late and i don’t want to take up too much of your time.” 

zhongli smiles, “very well. allow me to walk you.” he rises from his seat, paying the bill before escorting diluc out. 

“i assume you’re staying in the same inn as last time, yes?” he asks as they walk. 

diluc nods, and they walk in silence. 

when they arrive at the inn, zhongli walks diluc to his room and he pauses. their eyes meet and he seems to be blushing again.

“i had a lovely time, and if it isn’t too much, i would like to take you out again, however, this time without a guise.” he proposes. 

diluc’s eyes widen in surprise and his heart stutters. he means a date. “oh… i would like that, yes.” he tries to ignore his own blush, but he can feel it burning fiercely. 

zhongli smiles and it crinkles his eyes, “wonderful. how about a week from now, would that work for you?” 

the redhead considers it, before he nods his confirmation. “certainly, i can clear my schedule.”

“perfect. well, until then.” zhongli leans in, diluc stiffening ever so slightly in shock when soft lips meet his cheek in a chaste goodbye kiss. “goodnight, diluc.” zhongli murmurs before he sweeps away. 

diluc manages to choke out a weak ‘goodnight’ to zhongli’s retreating form, hand coming up to brush over his tingling cheek. oh, he’s hopeless. he can’t deny it anymore. the way his heart aches and his stomach flips, he’s head over heels. 

in a daze, the pyro archon enters his room, mechanically changing into pajamas before curling up in bed. 

he has never been in love before. he had small crushes, had even thought he harbored feelings for jean once upon a time, but this? this is new. this is pure, raw, and weightless. 

it overwhelms him, but it also brings clarity and a sense of peace. 

he buries his face in his pillow and he groans. 

Chapter Text

zhongli paces the living room of his home the next morning, hands folded behind his back. after last night, he’s almost afraid to leave and run into diluc in the city. 

zhongli had pushed it too far by kissing diluc’s cheek, hadn’t he? 

granted, diluc didn’t seem too upset by it, rather, shocked if anything, but that smaller part of zhongli keeps whispering to him, telling him he crossed a boundary. 

he rakes a gloved hand through his hair he has yet to tie into his ponytail, fangs digging into his lower lip. he knows he’s overthinking, overreacting even, but he can’t help himself. diluc is so dear to his heart and he brings zhongli feelings he hasn’t had since guizhong. zhongli doesn’t want to lose that due to his impulses.

he huffs and sits down. what is he going to do? zhongli knows deep in his heart that diluc enjoyed last night. he had seen the way diluc’s eyes softened, or the way he instinctively leaned into him despite them putting on a show. diluc even accepted his request to go on a date, so it isn’t as if diluc’s uninterested. 

still, zhongli’s doubts are simply far too loud. 

he takes a deep breath and he shakes his head. he’s being ridiculous, he’s worrying over nothing. he shouldn’t avoid diluc, and he doesn’t want to either. 

he resolves himself and finishes getting ready for his day. he leaves his home and heads down into the city. 

as he goes about his daily routine, he catches a spot of red up at the bookstore. zhongli’s heart lurches and before he can think against it, he heads upstairs.

the redhead is browsing the collection, deep in thought, and zhongli finds it endearing. 

everything about diluc brings a flutter to zhongli, his chest tight with warmth. he can’t deny it, he knows exactly what it is. he’s walked this planet for eons, experienced love, loss, hatred, and agony. 

he knows when he’s in love, and he knows for a fact that that’s exactly what he feels towards diluc. he can even confidently say it truly was at first sight. 

“diluc?” zhongli speaks up. 

the pyro archon jolts in surprise, wide owl eyes shifting over before he relaxes. “good morning, zhongli.” he greets, and zhongli all but melts into goo. those beautiful crimson eyes shimmer in the late morning sunlight, and he finds himself smiling. 

“good morning. i hope you rested well. i know we were out quite late last night.” he gently pokes the topic of last night. 

“i did, yes. i hope you did as well.” 

“i’m glad. care to join me on a walk? of course, if you’re done here. i don’t wish to interrupt.” zhongli politely offers. 

diluc shakes his head and gives a reassuring smile. “you’re not interrupting. we can walk, if you’d like.”

“wonderful.” 

automatically, the pair fall into step as they descend the staircase, zhongli habitually taking diluc’s hand. he hears the gentle clink against the rings he adorns on his gloves, and he glances down, heart skipping a beat when he spots diluc still wearing the ring from the night before. 

he still has it… zhongli had expected diluc to take it off, and yet there it sits proudly on diluc’s finger like it belongs.

zhongli doesn’t realize diluc’s speaking until the last of the question reaches his ears.

“—work today?” 

“ah, no, i do not.” he manages to save face, “director hu often gives me days off. she thinks i am ‘too old’ to be working so hard, and doesn’t want me to ‘collapse into a pile of bones.’ her words.” zhongli chuckles. 

diluc laughs, and the rich sound flutters zhongli’s heart. diluc has such a beautiful laugh. zhongli wants to revel in it for the rest of his existence. 

“i know that all too well. i tend to overwork myself as well, by sheer accident of course. adelinde has to scold me and send me to bed early. she forgets i’m an adult.” diluc shakes his head, crimson curls bouncing as they rest against his back in his usual low ponytail. he sighs, “yet it looks like i have my work cut out for me now more than ever.” 

zhongli tilts his head, “how so?”

“well, with this new… role, i have to take on more responsibilities. i know you and venti have told me that i don’t have to do much, but i still have this overwhelming urge to at least try and be the archon they deserve.” 

“i understand, and as i mentioned before, i am willing to help you, diluc. you are a new archon, and you’re perfectly within your right to be overwhelmed and anxious. i know i was.” and more, but he brushes the thought away. “that is why i accepted barbatos’ request, not only because he is my friend, but because i know how it feels to be handed a title you weren’t ready for.”

they slow their walking, but their hands remain linked as they come over the bridge. 

diluc sighs, “i know… and i do appreciate it. i guess i just don’t know where or how to start. all i know is… i’m a symbol of war, and it feels a little on the nose.” 

“that is alright. i can guide you on your first steps if you will allow me.” 

ruby eyes lift to meet brilliant gold, and diluc exhales slowly. “that’s fine with me.”

“come, what say we head to my home and have tea? it might help your nerves.” 

diluc nods, “i’d like that.” 

zhongli smiles, squeezing diluc’s hand before leading him back. 

as they step inside, zhongli gestures for diluc to take a seat before he moves off to the kitchen. 

“it’s fine, i’d like to help.” diluc offers as he follows zhongli. 

“very well then.” zhongli allows. he takes the tea kettle and fills it with water, pointing out where diluc can find the tea leaves. “go ahead and pick a flavor you’d like to try.”

diluc opens up the box of tea, different scents wafting in the air. he picks through the bags until he finds a new blend he has yet to try. 

returning to zhongli, he hands it to the older archon who already has the kettle heating up on the stove. 

“ah, osmanthus. you know, there is a delectable wine made from the very same flower.” zhongli explains as he waits for the water to boil. 

“funny you say that, i believe one of my predecessors attempted to make their own version of that wine, but it didn’t turn out so well. maybe i can give it a try.” diluc offers. 

“well, i would be eager to taste your version, regardless. your wines are magnificent, and i am glad barbatos hounded me to try your famed dandelion wine.” zhongli compliments in earnest.

diluc blushes, and like last night, he preens again. “thank you. it’s an old traditional taste so i can’t take credit for it. though, if i’m honest, i’ve been tempted to modify it a little.”

“i’m sure anything you come up with will be astounding.” zhongli promises. he adores the way diluc blushes, that soft bashful expression making his face seem all the more youthful. he yearns to see more. 

the pair fall into silence as zhongli finishes making the tea. once it’s ready, he pours it into their teacups. 

diluc takes his and he brings it to his lips. after blowing on it, he takes a small drink. the warmth immediately courses down his throat, the flavor coating his tongue. 

“this is really good,” he comments. “there’s a bit of sweetness to the floral essence, and it’s not overpowering,” he observes. 

zhongli smiles, “i’m glad you enjoy it.” he gestures for diluc to follow him to the table where they sit. 

as they drink tea, zhongli’s eyes linger on the ring resting perfectly on diluc’s finger. it flutters the butterflies in his stomach. 

“have you had breakfast?” diluc asks after he finishes half of his drink, setting the teacup down.

“i did, but if you’d like, i can prepare us some lunch? it’s almost noon in any case.” 

diluc nods with a soft smile, “i’d like that, and perhaps afterwards, you can help me with my archonhood.” his voice becomes quiet towards the end.

“of course, i would be honored.” zhongli bows his head in a single nod. he rises from the table and moves back into the kitchen to prepare lunch. 

diluc watches quietly, a warmth spreading in his chest. it may be an ordinary day between friends, but it feels far more domestic and he finds himself enjoying it — indulging in it, even.

as zhongli cooks, diluc takes the time to actually look at zhongli. usually, they would share passing glances or eye contact that diluc would break first, but this time, he wants to absorb every part of the geo archon.

absentmindedly, diluc toys with the ring on his finger as zhongli moves about the kitchen. every action is graceful, even if it’s something as simple as stirring the pan. 

he really can’t deny it, no matter how hard he fights it. he can feel the swelling of his heart, the fluttering in his belly. he revels in their time together, more so than with any of his other friends. he has some sort of feelings for zhongli, but he doesn’t know what to do with them. 

it’s moving too fast, isn’t it? logistically, diluc has only known zhongli for a couple of weeks. sure, sometimes feelings manifest early on, but is that really the case for diluc? is he actually interested in zhongli? or is he simply glad he’s found support and is mistaking his admiration for love?

he doesn’t doubt that zhongli may have feelings for him, after all, he did ask him on an authentic date for next week, it’s only himself that he doubts. 

diluc doesn’t know how to sort his feelings, and his thoughts chase each other around in his head. he had tried to acknowledge it the night before, but once again, his active mind keeps finding ways to shut it down.

he doesn’t register zhongli finishing with cooking until a plate enters his field of vision.

“eat, please. i can see you driving yourself crazy.” zhongli murmurs softly. 

diluc blinks out of his daze and he nods, “my apologies.” 

“no need. i can’t imagine what you’re thinking, but i don’t want you to stress. your brows were quite pinched.” zhongli comments as he sits across from diluc with his own plate. 

diluc absently lifts his hand to his brows, “really?” he mutters. 

zhongli chuckles, “only slightly.” he teases, taking in the way diluc shakes his head with a laugh. 

the two dine quietly after, diluc eating to his heart’s content. he notices as he clears his plate that zhongli tends to feed diluc a bigger portion. 

“did you eat enough?” diluc asks, hoping zhongli isn’t sacrificing his meal for diluc. 

“i did, there is no need to worry. i don’t have a large appetite, so i am more than happy to serve you extra.” 

a warmth burns in diluc’s chest. “...may i ask why?” he can’t stop the question tumbling from his lips. 

“well, i notice you tend to skip meals, so i imagine that you are hungrier than you let on. i figure it wouldn’t hurt.”

zhongli noticed that? the only other person that catches on is adelinde as she’s with him at all hours of the day, but he hadn’t expected zhongli to pay that close attention. he can't help feeling flattered, in a way.

not many had noticed his struggles, even when they had been glaringly obvious and on display. yet, zhongli notices the subtle signs. 

he almost wants to tear up at the thought.

“it’s… not intentional. i get wrapped up in so much work that if it weren’t for adelinde keeping me on schedule, i’ll accidentally skip a meal or two.” diluc explains.

zhongli nods in understanding, “i see. well, i wouldn’t mind keeping you on track while you’re away from home. we can share meals together until you depart.” he offers. 

“i do appreciate that, so thank you.” diluc can’t help the smile that appears. gods, he’s been smiling a lot lately. he swears his cheeks are beginning to feel sore.

zhongli’s heart melts at the sight, and his mouth speaks before his brain can stop him. “you have a beautiful smile.” he comments, draconic eyes widening a fraction and his cheeks growing warm when he realizes. “ah, i apologize…” 

diluc blushes, and he shakes his head. “you don’t have to apologize for complimenting me. granted, i wasn’t expecting it, but… thank you. i don’t wish to sound like an angsty teen, but i suppose you could say i don’t smile much.” 

“well… it’s lovely, even if it’s rare.” 

he’s really making it hard for diluc to narrow down his feelings. 

he clears his throat after muttering a soft ‘thank you,’ getting up and gathering their dishes. he needs to distract himself.

he crosses the kitchen and removes his gloves. he sets them on the counter and begins to wash up the dishes, sensing zhongli’s gaze on him. 

“i would tell you that you don’t have to do that, but you’ve certainly made up your mind. it almost feels as if you’re trying to avoid my compliments.” zhongli teases from the table. 

diluc nearly drops a plate as it almost slips from his soapy hands and he coughs, zhongli reading right through him. 

“no- i wanted to wash them, that’s all.” he insists. 

he rinses the plates, then busies himself with drying them off with a towellette. he picks up his gloves and he huffs to himself. 

is it zhongli’s mission to give him a heart attack? because diluc feels like he’s about to succeed. 

a soft non-committal grunt leaves the geo archon, and diluc looks back at him, noticing the troubled look on zhongli’s face. 

“am i making you uncomfortable?” zhongli asks when their eyes meet, and he genuinely looks worried. 

diluc takes a moment before shaking his head, releasing a soft exhale as he leans back against the counter. 

“no, it’s… it’s not you. i’m sorry. my head’s just a mess, i suppose.” he admits, and he’s being honest. he can’t seem to think straight these days, or rather settle down. he hates cluttered thoughts.

zhongli nods, “do you wish to talk about it?” he gently encourages. 

“i’m overthinking, again. i’ve been doing that quite a lot lately.” he tells him, “i can’t seem to accept what’s right in front of me. i fear that if i do, it’ll spin out of control somehow.”

“how so?” zhongli asks curiously. what could be troubling diluc this deeply? it pains him to see diluc carrying what seems like centuries of weight. at his young age? that burden can’t be good for anyone. 

diluc sighs, “i don’t wish to sound… pessimistic. however, i worry that i’m not meant for happiness. i tend to distance myself from anything good, in fear that it’ll disappear by my own hand.” he can’t help confessing, heart squeezing painfully. 

zhongli rises from the table, crossing the kitchen in two long strides. he comes to stand with diluc, the overwhelming urge to hold him tugging at him. for now, he simply takes the redhead’s hand into his own. 

“you are very much deserving of happiness, diluc. look at this way, do you want to be happy?” he asks. 

diluc lifts his gaze to meet zhongli’s, and he frowns a little as he thinks about it. “i don’t know. it’s been a long time since i was. it feels almost foreign to me.”

“then take it from someone who has existed for eons. i walked through war, death, monsters. i faced curses, erosion, and with these same bloodied hands, i also built, preserved, and protected. if i can find happiness, then so can you. you are still young, you’re barely starting your life, do not give up on yourself.” 

surprise fills diluc’s eyes, having not expected such a sincere affirmation. he swallows thickly and he looks away. “tch… you make this harder.” he huffs, though he’s partly teasing.

zhongli laughs, the sound rich and reverberating from his chest. “i am only being honest.” he assures, lifting his free hand to tuck a red curl behind diluc’s ear. “you’re allowed to indulge, to take a leap of faith. i will be there to catch you, that i can promise you.”

diluc takes a deep breath, closing his eyes. he wants to tell zhongli to not make promises he can’t keep, but he knows he can’t deny him. zhongli’s will is as steady as the stone he embodies, and honestly, zhongli’s right. 

he is allowed to indulge, even if the risks are too great in his mind. so why shouldn’t he fall? he trusts zhongli wholeheartedly, and he hasn’t steered him wrong so far. 

he swallows again past the thick lump in his throat and he exhales slowly. “okay…” he quiets the doubts, knowing he’ll just send himself in a spiraling loop. he’s tired of panicking himself and blocking everything out. 

“we’ll take it slow.” zhongli’s voice is softer now and when diluc meets his gaze, the expression on the geo archon’s face is gentle as well. “believe me, i have met people like you who are still stuck in a war of their own, so i know how to handle your feelings.”  

diluc sighs softly, nodding, “that does help, thank you.”

zhongli simply smiles, “here, let me finish cleaning the rest. why don’t you go sit down?” he offers. 

“very well.” diluc pulls his gloves back on as he moves into the living room. he releases another sigh as he peruses the bookshelf instead of sitting. he finds quite the collection of liyuen literature and legends, and he picks one up. his eyes stray to the large portrait of zhongli’s dragon form and drawn to it again, diluc walks over to it to get a better look this time.

he realizes that the fur on his back is not in fact fur, but rather, a crystalized spine, and now that he’s looking closer, he also notices what looks to be cor lapis protruding from the deep bronze scales. 

well, he supposes he can’t be too surprised. zhongli is the god of geo, but it’s still an interesting look.

the golden eyes, however, catch his attention the most, and much like in his human form, they hold incredible power and strength. diluc has the feeling that whoever painted this witnessed rex lapis in all his greatness. zhongli tends to act humble, but diluc senses deep down that this depiction of him is fully accurate in every sense. 

an intimidated shiver passes down diluc’s spine and he toys with the ring absently to calm himself. he had always known he’s in the presence of a powerful archon, but something about this painting, it feels like it’s more than just rex lapis in his glory days. this is morax. diluc knows there’s a difference in those names, he can feel it in his heart and his gut. 

this feeling swelling in his gut is the same one he experienced when venti partially exhibited his power as barbatos. however, at least with venti, diluc has been in his presence when he’s posing as a harmless bard, so he isn’t as put-off. with zhongli, it’s a different story. while zhongli has displayed kindness and even affection, he’s still an all-powerful god that walked this planet for over six thousand years. 

he huffs to himself as he shakes his thoughts away, stepping back from the painting. he makes his way over to the couch and he sits down. as he lets himself relax a little, zhongli enters the living room with a tray of the tea they were drinking earlier. he refills diluc’s cup as he sits, and they settle in silence. 

diluc drinks his tea, letting the warmth and taste comfort him. he chances a glance at zhongli and the elder archon seems to be lost in thought. 

“mora for your thoughts?” diluc prompts softly. 

a soft huff of a chuckle leaves zhongli, “it is nothing, i suppose i’m ruminating over last night.” he confesses, taking diluc by surprise. 

“last night? oh. was there an issue?” he asks curiously, thinking back to the night before. nothing appeared amiss, if anything, they both seemed to have enjoyed last night. a pit of anxiety pools in diluc’s stomach. did he misread all the signs? no, he couldn’t have, after all, today proved his worries wrong. what is it, then?

“no, no, i do not mean to worry you. if anything, i am the one that’s worried.” zhongli releases a soft sigh, a flush of embarrassment crossing his features, “you see, i have been fretting all morning that i crossed a line last night. while we were pretending, i got swept up in our act and i kissed your cheek. you have not brought it up, so i assume you are not bothered, but i suppose a part of me worried that you were simply being polite and were wanting to forget it.” 

diluc blinks almost owlishly before he registers the ‘issue.’ “you think i’m upset you kissed my cheek?” he asks for clarification, then he shakes his head with a quiet chuckle. “no, i am not upset. i was surprised, certainly, but i was not upset by it.” he promises.

relief seems to flood zhongli’s body and he smiles, “i see. well, i am glad. i wouldn’t want to possibly chase you off with unwanted affection.”

diluc nods in understanding, “i get it, but no, you wouldn’t chase me off that easily. had i had an issue, i would have said so in the moment.”

“that does reassure me, thank you.” zhongli bows his head. 

“of course. i may struggle to express my feelings in certain regards, but i am always honest when it comes to something that may bother me.” 

with that out of the way, zhongli feels like he can breathe easier now. he also feels quite foolish. he truly worked himself up for nothing, but he’s glad he managed to settle it regardless. he hates leaving anything open-ended. 

“in any case, since we’re here and since i am not returning home right away, i wanted to get started on our… training, i suppose? i’m not sure if that’s the right term, but since you offered earlier, i would like to understand my new life better.” 

zhongli nods, “of course. where would you like to start?”

diluc taps his thigh as he thinks about it. where can he start? there’s so much to cover, so much to understand. 

“what did you do when you first became an archon?” diluc decides on. now that they’re closer, perhaps zhongli has a deeper answer. diluc wouldn’t be surprised if that happens to be the case. 

zhongli hums softly, hand going to his chin, “well, my entry into godhood was different from the rest of the archons. i was granted my gnosis quite early on, that is why records of rex lapis and morax date back six thousand years. the archon war was only two thousand.” he begins, then he considers his lengthy beginning. “what would you like to hear first? would you like to hear how i earned my gnosis, perhaps the events of the archon war, or maybe even after?” he lists options for diluc, “i have many stories, but there are lessons to be taken from them.”

diluc considers his options, “your gnosis. i want to see how others differ from me when my power was awakened.” 

zhongli nods, “very well. you see, as i’ve mentioned in the past, i was the lord of geo before the archons were fully brought to fruition. i was fully attuned to the element of geo, and my feats had been incredible in the eyes of celestia. i was noble, a warrior, and i did everything to protect what i had at the time. i had also created teyvat’s currency, ‘mora’ and let it pass through the world. celestia blessed me with a gnosis and granted me the title of the geo archon. 

back then, it was an entire ceremony as i was the first and the only archon at the time. i was admittedly a wreck at first. i was not ready to be a god or a leader in that way, and i did everything i could to reject it, to run from it and hide, but i owed it to those around me to at least try.” he explains. 

diluc’s heart squeezes and he swallows. they’re more alike than he thought. he hadn’t thought someone as refined and confident as zhongli would get nervous or be adverse towards his duties. 

“i see… i didn’t realize you had the same feelings that i do.”

zhongli only smiles, “i do not blame you. six thousand years later, i had fully embraced my role and performed my duties. so, i acknowledged my next step in evolution, which was to finally retire from my godhood and allow the people to thrive.” he tells him. he takes a deep breath, and continues. 

“in any case, that is why i tell you that i understand how you feel. i did not want to be the geo archon at first, and i did not want to be it either during the archon war. however, i could not in good conscience allow monsters and wicked gods to prevail, so i struck them down. i stained my hands red, and i hated myself for so very long. i saw myself as monstrous as them, as devilish, especially when i lost those close to me: fellow gods, adepti, warriors that fought at my side. it felt like hell.” 

a pang of sympathy settles in diluc’s gut. he doesn’t dare interrupt, though. 

as such, zhongli continues, “i had begun to feel the burden of archonhood with the war, and i did not know what my future looked like. after the war ended, the rest of the archons were chosen, and the adepti and i chose to set down roots. we established liyue as a sanctuary to those that were displaced during the war after guili plains was destroyed, and i finally accepted my role as the geo archon.” he exhales slowly, then he meets diluc’s gaze and he offers a kind smile,

“so, in short, i do understand your predicament. none of us felt ready to handle our godhood, so you would not be the first to feel so hesitant. thankfully, not everyone had such tragic beginnings nor did everyone participate in the war. i was simply one of the few that did.” he finishes.

diluc takes a moment to absorb everything, feeling that same pressure in his chest that he felt when kaeya was sharing his true history of khaenri’ah. everything feels heavy, and diluc doesn’t know if it will drown him. 

zhongli notices the furrowing of diluc’s brows, and he gently takes his hand, “you do not have to worry as much. i know you will find your way. you mentioned that you were afraid to trust your heart, so if you cannot, then put your trust in me instead. i will never lead you astray.”

diluc lifts his gaze to meet zhongli’s, then he releases a sigh, nodding. “i think i would like that better. i… do not know where my heart will guide me — if at all — and i am not one to feel so helpless, but…. this situation is simply so new to me. i’ve had special titles before, and i have been held in high regard, however, being an archon is different. even if i can be absent, i’m simply torn.”

zhongli gently strokes the back of diluc’s hand with his thumb, grazing over the fake ring. “i would be honored to guide you. for now, we’ll simply acknowledge that you have the pyro gnosis and are officially one of the seven. with this, perhaps we can have you meet the other archons, get you acquainted with those outside of me and barbatos.”

anxiety sinks into diluc’s belly, but he knows it’s a wise choice. “that is fine with me.” 

“we will set up a later meeting then, whenever you feel ready.” zhongli promises, then he lets go. 

diluc purses his lips in thought as a question floats to the forefront of his mind, “so… do all archons have a special form? or is it simply you and venti?” he asks. 

zhongli chuckles, “it is just barbatos and i, as far as i’m aware. i do indeed have a non-human form, as you’ve seen. this is the form i had before i earned my gnosis. of course, i could easily turn human if i so wanted at the time, but until i became an archon, i simply walked this planet as that dragon.” 

something pings in the back of diluc’s mind, and his eyes stray from zhongli to the portrait of rex lapis in dragon form. it’s deeper than zhongli leads on, diluc knows it. but what is it? he can’t pinpoint it exactly. he trusts zhongli, more than he trusts himself, but he knows that zhongli is concealing something. 

he remains quiet on that thought, pinning it for now. “i see. i suppose it makes sense.” 

“it is a simple curiosity, i do not blame you for asking. however, yes, not all archons have a form predating their gaining of the gnosis. perhaps we’ll learn more when we meet with the others, in case some do and we simply don’t know.” he suggests. 

“very well.” diluc replies. it sounds good enough for him. 

zhongli turns to the coffee table and pours diluc a new cup of tea. “here, to ease your nerves.” he smiles. 

diluc takes it, nodding his thanks. perhaps this won’t be as hard as he’s making it.