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Kaeya had given Diluc a present for his birthday. A neatly wrapped box that he slid over to him while drinking at the Tavern. “Happy birthday.” He said, as if he didn’t know exactly why Diluc tried to forget this day every year. He accepted it nonetheless, giving Kaeya a small thanks. However, he didn’t dare open it until the day after his birthday, something he did with every gift he was given. That day couldn’t be a day of celebration for him.
Kaeya probably knew that too, so he didn’t push him to open it. He got his drink, went to socialize a bit and left, saying goodbye and goodnight to Diluc.
The present wasn’t anything spectacular, to the average person. It was a book: The Tales of Arundolyn and Rostam. Inside the book were two carefully pressed flowers; lamp grass, and a calla lily. Along with a note. The note read:
Happy Birthday, Diluc. Though, I know this day tends to be less than that for you. It's the anniversary of your father’s death, and the anniversary of the day we grew apart. I don't think anyone would blame you for despising such a day. However, I sincerely hope that one day, this day can become one of celebration for you again, because that's what it's always been for me. The celebration of the day my most cherished friend was born. Without you, I don’t think I would be who I am today. I thank you for that.
And, I forgive you.
Diluc hugged the book to his chest, the pressed flowers inside. He and Kaeya, a few weeks prior, had a conversation about what had happened that night on his eighteenth birthday. He apologized, with tears in his eyes. He knew he hurt Kaeya, and he sincerely regretted what happened. However, Kaeya had said he needed more time. He distanced himself further from Diluc, and though it was upsetting, he had to respect Kaeya’s decision.
After reading the letter, there were tears in his eyes once again, but a smile adorned his face. He placed the book at his bedside, the note firmly tucked between the pages; he takes care the flowers are preserved and the note was not wrinkled. The next time he sees Kaeya, he gives him a small smile and a whisper. "Thank you."
Kaeya left the first letter under his empty glass at Angel’s Share. Folded into the paper were flower petals, calla lilies once again.
Calla Lilies. They were my favorite growing up, but I’m sure you remember as such. Back then, I made sure to keep every single one you gave me, every flower crown you would make down by the pond. Looking at them made me feel indescribably warm. They made me feel welcomed.
Do you want to know why calla lilies we're my favorite? They reminded me of you.
Blood rushed to his cheeks as he read the letter before holding it to his chest. His heartbeat quickened it’s pace. Diluc remembered all the flower crowns he made with a fond smile. Kaeya kept them? He never knew that. Are they still Kaeya's favorite? The man certainly smelled like them…Diluc gently tucked the petals back into the note, placing it in his pocket. The small smile never left his face as he cleaned up the bar. When he got home he closed it into the book with the previous note.
The second letter had been slipped into the pocket of Diluc’s jacket, along with a glowing bulb of lamp grass. He briefly wondered how Kaeya had gotten it there.
Lamp Grass. Ah, they remind me of very precious moments between you and I. Sneaking out past bedtime to bask in the glowing light, giving the maids a scare. The scoldings we got were always worth those moments.
I always thought you looked rather beautiful, illuminated in that blue light.
Diluc gently brushed the petals of the lamp grass. Memories of them running out to the forest in the cover of night, hand in hand. How silly, Diluc always thought Kaeya looked lovely in that azure glow. How it lightened his hair and made the star in his eye shine brighter.
Diluc bite his lip. This was dangerous. He's already in so deep, but every note made him fall deeper. Does Kaeya even know the effect he has? How much this meant to him?
The note gets placed between the pages of the book alongside the others. He'll press the flower properly in the morning. For tonight, he'll let the soft glow settle over the room and lull him into dreams of the past.
The third letter was delivered by Adelinde, along with two flowers, bound together. One purple, the other yellow. Adelinde was told that the sender preferred to be kept anonymous, but she seemed rather happy.
Arundolyn, the Lion of Light. Rostam, the Wolf Pup. It was our favorite story growing up. I think we're rather similar to the two, don't you?
There's also rumors of the two being lovers. I wonder if there is any truth to those.
Diluc recognized the flowers from the book still sitting at his bedside. They used to huddle under blankets and read the book together, imagining going on adventures and being knights like Arundolyn and Rostam. Though they did share some similarities with the legendary heroes, Diluc stopped at the last two lines. Does Kaeya...? Could he...? Diluc wavered before taking a deep breath. He really needed to stop getting his hopes up. Even if Kaeya
would
be a bit more roundabout and romantic with his confessions, this doesn't mean that Kaeya...
These sweet little notes are enough and beloved.
He tucked the note into the book. His mind lingered on the word lovers written in Kaeya's hand.
The fourth letter found itself pinned to a hilichurl tower by an arrow while Diluc was doing his Darknight Hero runs.
How did tonight go? I hope you didn't injure yourself at all. You really should let me take care of these things. Ah, but I suppose I am inefficient, Master Diluc knows best.
I tease. Thank you for keeping Mond safe, but please, keep yourself safe, too, Luc.
Diluc should be more surprised that the letter was all the way out here, but it was Kaeya. He pulled the arrow out and tried not to rip the note as much as possible. A smile found it’s way on his face once again. It felt nice to have Kaeya thank him and remind him to keep himself safe. Not to mention, the childhood nickname at the end made Diluc's heart flutter.
"Thank you for looking out for me, Kae. I'll be careful," Diluc whispered softly into the night. Perhaps Barbatos would be kind enough to guide his message on the wind to Kaeya. He placed the note inside his breast pocket for safe keeping while he finished up his rounds.
He'd remember to put it in its proper place when he gets home.
The fifth letter was left tied to a bottle of grape juice that was left on the bar top with a blue ribbon.
I got you a gift~ Your favorite. What's the occasion? Nothing really, I just felt like gifting you something.
Do you remember a few weeks ago when I told you that you looked beautiful with a smile? I meant that. Whole heartedly. I could tell you didn’t think I did. Though, I happen to think you're beautiful all the time, with a smile you look best. I don't think anyone in Mond can compare to you.
Diluc's face flushed bright red after reading the words on the paper. Kaeya really meant to call him beautiful. He had to lean against the counter, relying on it to keep him upright while his knees threatened to give underneath him. Keaya really thought he was beautiful beyond comparison. Diluc thanked the stars that no one was here to see him act like a lovestruck teenager. Though, he couldn't help the wide, giddy smile that spread on his face. Kaeya had no mercy on his heart, but Diluc was starting to mind less and less.
He drank a glass of the juice before bed and tucked the ribbon alongside the note into the book.
"Please don't let this be too good to be true," he murmured with his hand lingering on the cover.
The sixth letter was found by an employee of Diluc’s. He said he found it in the wine cellar, and it was clearly labeled "To Diluc Ragnvindr".
It's me again~ I haven't been to the tavern in a bit, since I am caught up with work for once. I hope you've been well.
I find myself thinking of you often. It distracts me from my work a lot of the time. Are you going to take responsibility for this? Anyways, I hope to see you soon, sunshine. Being in your presence is always most comfortable.
Diluc laughed a bit to himself before reading the letter. The wine cellar of all places. Thank you Kaeya for bringing the lack of security to his attention. Once read, he covered his face with his hands. His face was so flushed. So heated. It was a wonder he didn't set something on fire. Kaeya called him sunshine. Kaeya was thinking about him. Kaeya was most comfortable in his presence.
Kaeya's the one who should take responsibility for setting Diluc ablaze. Ah, he was a fool. A lovesick fool.
"What have you done to me, Kae?
Kaeya had Diluc's heart firmly in hands and all Diluc could do was hope for the best. He stored this note with the others, feeling lighter than air for the rest of the day.
The seventh, and final letter was delivered to Diluc by Kaeya in person. He slid it over the bar top with a playful smirk, "No opening until you're home," he told him.
Hey, sunshine. You've looked absolutely radiant these past few days. I wonder why that is? Your smile looks nice anywhere, but I wonder how breathtaking it would look under the moonlight.
Meet me at Starsnatch cliff tonight after you read this letter. I need to tell you something. I hope you don't mind being gifted more flowers.
With much love and care,
Kaeya Alberich
Diluc nearly burst into flames on the spot. Instead he called for Adelinde and handed her the blue ribbon he had kept with the fifth letter, "May you help me get ready?"
Adelinde gave him a gentle smile and took the ribbon. "Of course Master Diluc. What's the occasion?"
He paused, a shy smile, "I think it might be a date. At least, I hope so."
"I see. Well, we just have to make sure you look breathtaking." She said before threading the ribbon through his hair. Diluc thought the blue looked quite nice against the stark red.