Work Text:
Delusions had always been somewhat of an issue. If the fact that they were manufactured by the Fatui wasn’t enough evidence to support that, and used almost exclusively by the Harbingers, nothing else actually needed to be said. Only they, the ones that served directly under the Tsaritsa, could use them to their fullest potential. Others that have tried, well, suffered gruesome fates. Their lives being unknowingly taken from under them, if being unfortunate to get their hands on one.
Crepus Ragnvindr was no exception to this rule.
Something altered in Crepus once he received his Delusion, however that may have happened. Day by day, his mentality slowly started deteriorating, affecting his attitude gravely. He couldn’t escape the eerie whispers of the Delusion, its soft glow luring in its unsuspecting prey. No matter how hard the strong minded businessman tried to resist, he would always succumb to the urges to use the damn thing.
It didn’t help that he lacked a Vision, which was the reason why he was so inclined to use the delusion in the first place. His dream of becoming a capable soldier, a Knight, was disappearing as he got older, the Gods never paying any mind to his ambitions.
The Delusion was his escape, to finally pursue the dream in his mind. Although it was far too late. Crepus had started carrying on the business of his Winery, and having a son to look after. Those days were far beyond him.
However, he was taking a turn for the worst in every manner possible. At first, he used the Delusion to satisfy his urges of feeling strong, killing all the monsters that lurked nearby. As time went on, they were never enough. The monsters had no real impact. So, he turned to his own son to satisfy those urges.
As cruel as it was, it worked. His impulses were temporarily stifled by it, yet he couldn’t stop.
And, in a way, he was shaping Diluc to be the strong Knight he once wanted to be. It was nothing but a lesson for the best, Crepus kept convincing himself.
***
Diluc could have easily died each time he made a small error. Everytime he did something less than satisfactory, the poor boy was brought away to be punished rather thoroughly. It was rarely effective, because Diluc had seemed to become more timid and anxious, leading him to become clumsier in the most simple of settings.
The boy had ambition, sure, but behaviour like this was unacceptable. He was a noble, for god's sake, and he was behaving like this?
“You spilled your drink, again?” Crepus glared across the table as he slowly raised his voice, facing the guilty child who was fumbling to clean up the mess. Instead of actually getting rid of the liquid, the incompetent brat was spreading it more all over the expensive tablecloth and staining it with grape juice. “Stop! You’re ruining the tablecloth!” He shouted as he slammed his hands down on the table, standing up angrily.
Diluc flinched, quickly stepping back from the table to avoid ruining anything else.
“I’m sorry father,” his small voice began to tremble as he spoke, “I was just trying to clean it- I didn’t mean to make it worse…” He looked down at the ground, knowing what was coming next wasn’t going to be pretty.
The sigh that came out of Crepus was anything but calm. He put a hand to his forehead as his impulses were coming back to light, giving him a subtle ache, one that wouldn’t go away until its desires were fulfilled.
“Go to your room, i'll be there in a second.” he commanded, pointing to the direction upstairs.
Diluc nodded hurriedly before running off to his room.
Crepus looked over to one of his servants, Adelinde, before speaking up again.
“Clean this up,” he said, turning back to walk over to Diluc’s room. But Adelinde stopped him, clearly wary.
“Master Crepus, perhaps you could be… lenient. It was an accident, after all.” She offered a small smile. Somehow, her presence was always calming. Though, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Crepus knew she had pure intentions, but this was also for Diluc’s own good.
He was also sure she was clueless about what was actually happening behind closed doors, but she knew that Crepus was slowly growing more restless. He made her believe it was some sort of steady illness, which it was, in a sense… but she didn’t need to know anything more than that.
“It’s all right, Adelinde. Sorry, you know the headaches have been getting to me lately.” He offered a fake smile back, trying to calm her nerves. Adelinde was an important figure in the Dawn Winery household. Not only a maid, but a friend. Perhaps even a mother figure to Diluc, ever since his wife died.
Adelinde simply nodded before working on the table and leaving Crepus to go talk to his son.
***
Diluc was unable to finish his dinner, and in all honesty, he may never have finished a complete meal. His fathers angry outbursts always ruined the mood, cutting meals short. He also left Diluc so bruised from time to time that he physically couldn’t stomach whatever Adelinde brought up to give him.
Each time, he tried to be so careful to not initiate his father's wrath, but something always had to go wrong. He was never successful.
Diluc wanted to crawl under his bed sheets as soon as he got into his room. Although, if he did that, his father would give him another brutal lecture on ruining the etiquette of their cleanliness before the bed actually needed to be used. It was stupid.
Instead, he stood rigid by his bookshelf, anxiety gnawing away at him as he awaited his father’s arrival.
The creak of the door sent shivers down his spine.
His father always put on a front, before he fully entered the room. Opening the door quietly, closing it softly. He looked normal, calm, always until he finally got a good look at Diluc.
The room was illuminated dimly only by candle light, which had to have been set by one of the maids before he came in. It only added to the ominous aura of the man that stood in front of Diluc.
He was only young. Yet, in the very few years that Diluc had known his father, he’d already become a stranger. He hardly recognised him anymore.
“Look at you,” Crepus’s voice seethed with disappointment and frustration. “Standing there as if you did nothing wrong. How can I call you my own son when all you do is make a mess everywhere you go? And you don’t even learn!”
"I'm sorry—" Diluc's plea was cut short by the harsh impact of his father's hand against his cheek, sending him straight to the ground. He cradled his stinging face, trembling, and his eyes wide with fear.
"You do not have the right to speak right now!" His father’s rage surged, a tempest of fury engulfing him as he towered over Diluc, who cowered in terror. Tears welled in the boy's eyes.
His father hated when he cried, but that didn’t stop the tears overflowing.
His father's clenched fists unleashed a wave of violence, sending Diluc crashing across the room with a force that stole his breath. Crepus's angry grin twisted like a knife digging deeper.
“How are you supposed to become a Knight when you act like a pathetic crybaby like this?”
Diluc's stomach twisted with pain as another blow landed, rendering him speechless. He found himself dragged up by his ponytail, helpless and broken as he was forced to meet his father's furious gaze.
"You should know better than this," Crepus spat, hurling Diluc against the wall with brutal force, leaving him crumpled on the ground.
As the bile rose in Diluc's throat, he retched uncontrollably, his body convulsing with sobs and heaves. Tears mingled with blood and vomit, staining his once innocent face in a grotesque scene of suffering.
“Clean this up before tomorrow or you know what happens,” Crepus steadily ordered, hastily leaving the room with Diluc sitting in a pile of his own vomit.
Alone in his agony, Diluc stared blankly at the door as his father's cold command echoed in his ears. Though he was only eight, this routine of abuse had become a grim reality he couldn't escape.
With his heart heavy and his spirit shattered, Diluc could only wonder why his father couldn't love him as he deserved. But the answer remained unknown, buried beneath layers of pain and fear, too terrifying to confront.
***
Years drifted by like forgotten whispers, and on this particular day, Crepus sought peace in a leisurely stroll through the rain-drenched grape fields, hoping to untangle the knots of his troubled mind.
Left alone, Diluc remained indoors, the soft rustle of pages from his books accompanying his silent contemplation as Adelinde busied herself in the kitchen.
Though Adelinde had urged Crepus to take an umbrella, its feeble defense proved no match for the relentless downpour that attacked from the sky.
Lost in his thoughts, Crepus's gaze snagged on a curious sight—a lone figure huddled beneath the shelter of a nearby tree, barely visible amidst the sheets of rain. Drawing closer, he noticed the form of a small boy, his frame shivering beneath a tattered raincoat.
Crepus cocked his head, concerned knitting on his brows.
"Where are your parents?" His voice, soft yet firm, cut through the steady drumming of raindrops, reaching out to the boy huddled beneath the tree.
"Gone..." The response, barely more than a whisper, carried with it a heavy weight of resignation, the boy's eyes fixed steadily on the soggy ground. How could any parent abandon their child in such cruel conditions?
Yet, in that moment, a spark of opportunity ignited within Crepus. This boy, this lost soul, could be the canvas upon which he painted his aspirations—a chance to mould a future untainted by the failures of his own flesh and blood.
"How about you come stay with me?" The offer, extended with genuine warmth, hung in the air, punctuated by the outstretched hand of invitation. Though younger than Diluc, the boy exuded a quiet resilience that spoke volumes.
A wary glance, tinged with hesitation, met Crepus's gaze. The boy seemed to weigh his options, his uncertainty noticeable in the mist-laden air. But with nowhere else to turn, he nodded hesitantly, grasping Crepus's hand as if it were his only lifeline.
"What's your name?" Crepus asked, casual yet filled with genuine interest, as he tried coaxing the boy out of his shell. "Kaeya," was the reply, a mere whisper carried away by the wind. It seemed that shyness clung to him like a second skin.
As they walked back home, the rain continued its relentless assault. Yet amidst the storm, Crepus and Kaeya forged a rough bond, their footsteps echoing in harmony with the rhythm of the rain. And though uncertainty lingered in the air, there was a glimmer of hope—a flicker of possibility—for a brighter future, possibly for the both of them.
“It’s all right now, Kaeya. You can live with us, and we will make sure you’re extra comfortable.” Everytime Crepus looked at Kaeya, it seemed as though his aggressive impulsives brought on by his Delusion had temporarily vanished, yet even just thinking about Diluc brought his agitation back. Perhaps it was because he believed that this boy had a greater future, even more than his own son.
***
Each time his father slipped away, even if just for a moment, Diluc found himself enveloped in peace. It was a fragile peace, delicate as the morning mist, yet in those stolen moments of solitude, he found solace like never before. For him, this fleeting sense of freedom was the closest he'd ever come to experiencing the warmth of paternal love—a sad realisation that had long since settled in the depths of his heart.
Diluc was left to his own musings as Adelinde bustled about the kitchen, the comforting aroma of soup mingling with the steady patter of rain against the windows. His thoughts, however, wandered to somewhere deep as he pondered the nature of Adelinde's loyalty. Did she ever regret dedicating herself to a man like his father, a man who seemed to regard her efforts with little more than passing acknowledgment? Despite his father's indifferent demeanour, Diluc couldn't help but feel gratitude toward the maid who had become an unlikely source of comfort in their household.
Then, as if summoned by the mere thought of his father's return, the momentary peace was shattered by the abrupt slam of the mansion door. Diluc's heart skipped a beat as his father's heavy footsteps echoed through the halls.
"Adelinde, prepare another bowl!" The command, sharp and urgent, pierced the air. And trailing behind him, like a shadow cast by the storm, was a boy—a stranger with an eyepatch.
Adelinde, too, was taken aback by the sudden appearance, her movements a flurry of activity as she swiftly complied with his request, adding more ingredients to the concoction of soup to ensure there was enough to satisfy their unexpected guest.
Diluc observed as his father approached the child, a rare tenderness in his actions as he carefully helped the boy out of his raincoat, drying him with a gentle touch that Diluc had never experienced himself. It was quite different compared to his own upbringing, where he was taught to fend for himself under the threat of harsh consequences. Could this arrival signal a change in his father's demeanour? Dare he hope for such a future where kindness replaced cruelty?
"Come on over, Diluc," his father's voice, surprisingly calm, pulled him from his thoughts. Setting his book aside, Diluc obeyed. “This is Kaeya, he’ll be staying with us from now on due to his parents leaving him. Please take him for a moment, get him settled.” His father's introduction was delivered with an uncharacteristic gentleness, much different to what he was used to. Perhaps, just maybe, his theory held some truth after all.
"Okay," Diluc replied simply, turning his attention to the trembling figure of Kaeya as his father retreated to attend to his own affairs. The boy looked utterly lost, his fragile attitude stirring a pang of sympathy within Diluc's heart. How could any parent abandon their child like that?
Though Diluc had suffered immensely from his father's occasional outbursts, he couldn't imagine being abandoned. Hesitating for a moment, he reached out, offering his hand to Kaeya. "Let's go to the fireplace," he suggested gently. And with a cautious nod, Kaeya accepted.
They settled onto the plush carpet, the crackling fire casting a warm glow that danced across their faces. Diluc’s mind was filled with questions waiting to be answered, but he understood well enough that now was not a time to unload such questions on Kaeya.
"I'm Diluc, by the way," he offered gently, seeking to establish a connection with the younger boy.
"I heard," came Kaeya's quiet response, a hint of understanding in his tone that offered a glimmer of reassurance to Diluc.
"Adelinde's soup is really good, so that should warm you up more," Diluc attempted small talk, hoping to provide some comfort to his newfound companion. His gaze drifted to the flames, their flickering dance mesmerising as he spoke. A low hum from Kaeya offered a faint acknowledgement.
Amidst the distant murmur of his father's conversation with Adelinde, a comfortable silence settled between the two boys, accompanied only by the gentle crackle of the fire. It was an unfamiliar sensation for Diluc, as he never really had any friends.
"So…" Diluc began, grappling with the weight of his curiosity. "What were your parents like?" The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications, as Diluc waited anxiously for Kaeya's response.
But instead of words, Kaeya's silence spoke volumes, and tears began glimmering in his eyes. Diluc's heart sank with regret.
He started to stammer, an outburst of apologies tumbling from his lips as he scrambled to calm Kaeya. "Wait—I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—" His words faltered as he caught sight of his father, looming like a thundercloud on the horizon, his expression darkening with disapproval at the disturbance.
"Diluc! What did you do? He's crying!" The voice, deep and commanding, reverberated through the room as his father closed the distance, gathering Kaeya into his arms with unexpected tenderness. "Hey, everything will be okay," he murmured softly, his touch gentle as he stroked Kaeya's trembling back in a soothing rhythm.
Diluc stood frozen to the spot, his shock undeniable as he watched his father's display of humanity. How was it possible for his father to show more care to a stranger plucked from the roadside than to his own flesh and blood? The realisation hit him like a blow, a bitter truth that left him reeling with a sense of betrayal.
"Room, now, Diluc. I'll come speak to you in a moment," his father's voice was now lowered to avoid alarming Kaeya, holding an edge of authority that offered no argument.
"But I didn't—" Diluc's protest died on his lips, swallowed by his father's sharp gaze. He turned and fled to his room, the echoes of his father's words ringing in his ears. Anger burned hot within him, directed not only at his own actions but at the unjustness of a world where love seemed so easily bestowed upon strangers while Diluc remained an outsider in his own home.
***
After the heavy slam of Diluc's door echoed through the hall, Crepus released a weary sigh, his shoulders sagging. Turning his attention to the trembling boy cradled in his arms, he offered a gentle smile.
"I'm sorry, Kaeya," he murmured softly, his touch a soothing caress as he stroked the boy's hair with tender affection. “He generally isn’t like that,” Kaeya nodded in response, his tears wiped away with a trembling hand as he struggled to regain his composure.
Crepus couldn't deny his curiosity about the eyepatch that obscured Kaeya's gaze, but he refrained from prying, mindful of the delicate boundaries that deserved respect—unlike his son's unthoughtful intrusion.
With graceful movement, Crepus lifted Kaeya from his embrace, noting the boy's lightness despite his young age. Settling Kaeya into a seat beside his own at the dining table, Crepus offered him a box of tissues to wipe away the rest of his tears.
"I'm going to speak with Diluc now," he explained gently, his gaze lingering on Kaeya's face as he detected a flicker of unease. "You'll be in good hands with Adelinde. She's kind and trustworthy, so you needn't worry." His smile was warm and genuine before he patted Kaeya's head affectionately and departed on the short journey to Diluc's room.
Diluc cowered before the towering bookshelves that loomed over him.
As Crepus thrust open the door to Diluc's room, the ominous creak of hinges reverberated through the air. With a resounding thud, the door slammed shut behind him, cutting off any hope of escape as Diluc found himself trapped with his father's wrath.
"What are you sulking about now?" Crepus's voice, laced with venomous accusation, sliced through the oppressive silence like a knife through flesh. Diluc's gaze shot up in horror, meeting Crepus's advancing figure.
"I just asked him a question—" Diluc's protest fell on deaf ears as Crepus's rage consumed him. With a violent shove, Diluc found himself pinned against the cold protruding shelves of the bookshelf, his breath stolen by the vice-like grip that surrounded his throat.
"And you didn't think to ask yourself if it would affect him?" Crepus's voice, thick with disappointment, seeped into Diluc's bones. "After all this, I can't believe I still refer to you as my son." The words hung in the air like a curse.
Gasping for air as Crepus's hands released their suffocating hold, Diluc struggled to regain his composure. But before he could gather himself, Crepus's grip tightened once more, but this time wrenching him upright by his ponytail with a vicious yank.
"If you mention any of this to Kaeya, I'll be mad," Crepus hissed, his breath hot against Diluc's ear. And with that, Crepus departed, leaving Diluc to face the darkness alone once more.
At the foot of the stairs, Adelinde was the one who welcomed Crepus.
"Master, dinner is ready," Adelinde's voice, soft as a whisper, pierced the quiet of the dining room, her hands clasped together in front of her pristine maid outfit. Crepus offered her a grateful grin.
"Thank you. How is Kaeya doing?" Crepus inquired as he shifted his gaze to the maid, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow.
"Young Master Kaeya is doing much better now. The aroma of the soup seems to have lifted his spirits," Adelinde replied, her steps halting to allow Crepus passage as he moved to take his seat at the head of the table.
"And where is Young Master Diluc?" she also asked as she readied herself to serve, her movements fluid and graceful as she hovered near the cooking pot.
"He should be joining us shortly," Crepus responded with a hint of disdain, though it was subtle enough to evade notice from anyone else.
As if on cue, Diluc's hurried footsteps echoed through the hall, his descent down the staircase was quite clumsy. However, upon catching sight of Crepus's watchful gaze, Diluc's pace slowed to a careful stride.
Crepus couldn't help but notice the signs of Diluc's recent tears, the faint puffiness around his eyes. A silent prayer escaped Crepus's lips, a desperate plea for Diluc's suffering to go unnoticed, otherwise they’d both be in another world of trouble.
Seated across from Kaeya, Diluc exchanged a glance with his newfound friend as Adelinde graciously filled their bowls with steaming soup.
"Thank you, Adelinde. We appreciate your efforts," Crepus expressed his gratitude before diving into his meal with practised ease. Adelinde offered a quiet nod before retreating to the kitchen, leaving the leftovers on the counter should they be needed.
Following Crepus's lead, Kaeya eagerly dug into his soup. "This is delicious," he murmured, the words tumbling from his lips in hushed wonder. Diluc couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, his own appetite spurred on by Kaeya's enthusiasm.
"I know, right? It's amazing," Diluc chimed in, his mouth already full of food as he echoed Kaeya's thoughts. However, his excitement was short-lived as he was cut off abruptly by Crepus's sharp voice.
"Don't speak with your mouth full, Diluc," Crepus' rang out, a reminder of the rules that governed their household. Kaeya regarded Diluc with a puzzled expression, but wisely refrained from further questioning, his focus returning to the task of eating.
***
They sat in the lingering aftermath of their meal, the clink of utensils against bowls replaced by silence. Diluc cast a sidelong glance at his father, who was jovially assisting Kaeya with the post-dinner cleanup. Diluc pushed back his chair and rose to his feet, determined to lend a hand despite Adelinde's protests urging him to leave the task to her.
"Young Master, are you alright?" Adelinde's gentle question halted Diluc's movements as he deposited his bowl in the sink.
"Yeah, I'm fine Addie. Just a bit worn out," he lied, well enough to go unnoticed. Adelinde offered a nod of understanding before turning her attention back to her duties.
Returning to the dining room table, Diluc found his father's gaze fixed on him with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. Before he could inquire further, Crepus interjected, his voice cutting through the air like a knife.
"Take Kaeya to his room and help him get ready for the night," he instructed as he released Kaeya from his seat to follow Diluc's lead.
"Come on, Kae," Diluc prompted, motioning for Kaeya to follow him as they ascended the staircase to Kaeya's temporary quarters. Opening the door, Diluc was met with a gust of chilly air that hung heavy with the weight of disuse.
"I'll grab a candle to warm up the room a bit, and you can use some of my clothes for tonight," Diluc offered with a subtle grin, disappearing briefly into his own room before returning with a candle and a set of garments for Kaeya.
As Diluc lit the candle, casting a warm glow that danced across the dimly lit room, Kaeya took stock of his surroundings with a thoughtful expression. "Thank you," he murmured softly, his gaze lingering on the clothes Diluc had provided.
"I'm sorry about earlier, it was rude of me to ask," Diluc apologised, his voice tinged with genuine remorse as he met Kaeya's gaze.
"It's fine. I just... I have bad memories," Kaeya admitted, his voice trailing off as he glanced down at the clothes in his hands. "And I noticed... your bruises," he added hesitantly, causing Diluc to startle in surprise.
"I'm just clumsy, mainly around the stairs," Diluc replied with a forced chuckle, eager to deflect any further verbal observation into his well-being. Relief flooded him as Kaeya laughed in response, the tension between them dissipating.
"Anyway, I'll leave you to get dressed. If you need anything, I'll be next door," Diluc said as he made to exit the room, and Kaeya's soft words of gratitude followed him into the hallway.
"Goodnight, Diluc."
"Night.”
***
Kaeya settled into the rhythm of life with the Ragnvindr family with surprising ease. Diluc, too, found solace in Kaeya's presence, their relationship blossoming into a bond that transcended mere friendship.
Not long after Kaeya's arrival, Diluc's world was set ablaze by the manifestation of a Pyro Vision, a sight that filled both boys with awe and wonder. Diluc harboured dreams of impressing his father with his newfound power, but as time would cruelly reveal, such aspirations were destined to remain unfulfilled.
Despite Diluc's tireless efforts to mirror Kaeya and prove himself worthy of his father's attention, his achievements were met with indifference at best, overshadowed by Crepus's unwavering pride in Kaeya's every accomplishment. Diluc's ascent to the position of Cavalry Captain of the Knights, a milestone he had eagerly anticipated, proved to be yet another disappointment, his father's praise ringing hollow in the face of his continued neglect and abuse.
Behind closed doors, Diluc bore the brunt of Crepus's cruelty, enduring a barrage of verbal and physical assaults that left scars both seen and unseen. Taunted and belittled, Diluc's spirit was slowly eroded by his father's relentless tirades, each blow serving as a grim reminder of his worthlessness in Crepus's eyes.
As the years wore on, Diluc's suffering only intensified, his nights plagued by harrowing nightmares that echoed his father's sinister presence. Too terrified to confide in Kaeya, Diluc bore his burden alone, the weight of his secrets heavy upon his shoulders.
Yet, despite his silent suffering, Diluc couldn't shake the feeling that Kaeya, with his keen insight and sharp intuition, saw through his facade. And as the shadows lengthened and the nights grew darker, Diluc could only pray that someday, somehow, he would find the strength to break free from his father's suffocating grip and forge his own path to freedom. But until then, the road ahead remained uncertain.
***
As they tended to the horses in the confines of the stables, Kaeya's voice cut through Diluc's thoughts, breaking the silence with his casual chatter.
"Hey 'Luc, it's your 18th soon, right?" Kaeya's words hung in the air, as he spoke of the upcoming milestone.
Diluc's brow furrowed in thought as he paused in his task, his mind momentarily consumed by the realisation. Time had slipped through his fingers unnoticed, lost in the relentless demands of his duties with the Knights. And amidst that chaos, the thought of his birthday had nearly dodged him entirely.
"Yeah, I guess so," Diluc replied, a faint trace of surprise colouring his tone. The thought of celebration seemed foreign, as he had never really celebrated one of his birthdays before. But perhaps now, with becoming an adult, things would be different.
"Isn't that great? Being a wine businessman and all. I recall Father telling me he would give you ownership over Angel's Share in the city," Kaeya continued, his words leaving a tapestry of possibilities.
Diluc's mind whirled with the implications of such a gift. "Did he? How am I meant to run that tavern and be the Captain at the same time?" Diluc questioned, chuckling in amusement as his thoughts grappled with the logistics of balancing his dual roles.
Kaeya's grin was infectious, soothing the thoughts in Diluc’s dubious mind. "Well, you wouldn't do them both at the same time—ownership doesn't necessarily mean day-to-day management," Kaeya explained.
Diluc nodded in understanding. "Don't worry about it, come on, let's get back to headquarters," Kaeya urged, his confidence unwavering as he busied himself with tidying up the stables. Diluc followed suit, his steps guided by Kaeya's steadfast presence, a reassuring reminder that, no matter the challenges that lay ahead, they would face them together.
***
"Happy 18th birthday, Diluc!" The lively atmosphere of Angel's Share was apparent as laughter and cheers filled the air. Diluc stood at the centre of it all, a bewildered expression adorning his features as he took it all in.. How did his father manage to organise something like this? Well, it was more why he would go through the effort, when it was so clear that he disliked Diluc. It was a question that lingered at the back of his mind, but was temporality overshadowed by the warmth of the tavern.
With each well-wish offered to him, Diluc responded with a polite "Thank you," every time. It was weird being the centre of attention, but he couldn’t say that he disliked it all that much. However, he knew that something like this was too good to be true.
"Diluc, a word please." His father's voice sliced through the joyous buzz, pulling Diluc from the midst of the festivities. A forced smile played upon Crepus's lips as he placed a hand on Diluc's shoulder, beckoning him towards the sanctuary of the wine cellar tucked discreetly behind the bar.
"Sure," Diluc replied, though a gnawing sense of unease gnarled at his insides as he trailed after his father. The heavy oak door swung shut behind them with a thud, sealing Diluc's fate within the dimly lit confines of the cellar.
Before Diluc could even gather his bearings, he felt the sharp impact of his body colliding with the unforgiving wall of wine bottles, a waterfall of glass and crimson liquid shattering around him. Pain seared through his hand as he instinctively recoiled from the broken glass, his fingers slick with blood as he cradled the wound against his chest.
"This party would have never taken place without Kaeya's persistence. You had better show some appreciation for all the work I'm putting into this because all I see from you is your typical glum, unappreciative look.” Crepus's words were dripping with venomous accusation. He seized Diluc by the collar, hauling him upright before slamming him against the unforgiving stone wall. It was a familiar moment, a cruel choreography of domination and degradation that had played out countless times before. But this time, the stakes felt higher, the blows more vicious.
Diluc's chest tightened as he struggled to breathe, his lungs burning with the effort of drawing air into his battered body. "Of course, I'm grateful!" he gasped, his words choked and strained. "You treating me like shit is what's putting me off!" The defiance in his voice was obvious, a rare burst of rebellion that was sure to be met with something horrid.
A sharp slap across his cheek sent Diluc reeling, his head snapping back against the shelves with a sickening thud. "How dare you raise your voice against me! I'm the one who raised you, you can't talk to me like that!" He tasted blood, metallic and bitter, as Crepus's fingers tangled in his hair, slamming him brutally against the unforgiving wood of the wine shelves. Diluc's vision blurred, the world spinning in a dizzying whirl of pain and disorientation. He fought to maintain his footing, his muscles trembling with the effort of resisting his father's relentless assault.
"I'm disappointed I have a son like you; you ought to know better," Crepus's words cut through the haze of agony. He felt the weight of his father's disappointment like a leaden anchor, dragging him down into the depths of despair.
As Crepus finally released his grip, Diluc crumpled to the ground, a broken and bloodied heap amidst the shattered glass and spilt wine. Crepus stood over him, a twisted spectre of pride and satisfaction, his gaze cold and unyielding.
"We will shortly return to the winery. So act quickly and become organised," Crepus spat. With a dismissive flick of his hand, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Diluc to wallow in his agony, alone in the suffocating darkness of the cellar.
And as the echoes of his father's footsteps faded into the silence, Diluc curled in on himself, his body racked with sobs of pain and despair. What had he done to deserve this particular kind of hell?
"'Luc?" The voice was a welcome intrusion. Diluc recognized Kaeya's familiar tone, but the effort it took to lift his head felt monumental, his muscles protesting against the action. "Diluc? What happened?" Kaeya's voice crackled with urgency, a desperate plea for answers as he hurried over, crouching down to meet Diluc at eye level.
Diluc turned to face his brother, tears streaking down his bruising face, blood cascading from his battered nose like a crimson waterfall. Kaeya's heart lurched at the sight of his brother's broken form, but he forced himself to tear his gaze away, taking in the wreckage that surrounded them—the shattered glass, the spilled wine… With gentle hands, Kaeya cupped Diluc's face, urging him to meet his gaze.
As Diluc's sobs racked his body, he buried his face in his hands, his voice choked with despair. "I'm ruining everything. "
"Hey, hey... It's okay, 'Luc. I'm here," Kaeya murmured, his touch a gentle anchor amidst the storm of Diluc's anguish.
Kaeya's breath caught in his throat as he watched metallic red liquid seep from Diluc's hand, mixing with the dark crimson of the spilled wine. The sight sent a shiver down Kaeya's spine.
"Hey—Diluc, you're bleeding!" Kaeya's voice trembled with urgency, his eyes wide with alarm as he took in the sight before him. Though the wound wasn't immediately visible, the blood flowed freely, staining Diluc's trembling fingers and pooling on the floor.
Kaeya's heart sank as he caught sight of the cut palm of Diluc's hand when he raised it, the colour of the blood perfectly visible against the pale white of Diluc’s hand. "It's numb so I can't feel the pain…" Diluc said drowsily. The sight of his brother in such a state made Kaeya's stomach churn with worry.
"That isn't a good thing, idiot—we need to get that patched up now," Kaeya insisted, his voice firm with determination as he dragged Diluc off the ground and guided him up the stairs of the tavern. The bustle of the crowd faded into the background as Kaeya focused solely on reaching safety and providing the care Diluc needed.
In an extra room away from the party, Kaeya sat Diluc down on a nearby wooden chair, the urgency of the situation driving him to action. He swiftly retrieved the first aid bag he always kept on hand for emergencies like these, his hands moving with practised efficiency as he cleaned and dressed Diluc's wound. Diluc's other hand trembled slightly as he tried to tend to his face, his movements slow and unsteady with shock and exhaustion.
"I knew that bastard was up to something..." Kaeya murmured, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and resignation. He applied pressure to Diluc's wound, his brows furrowed in concentration as he worked to halt the bleeding.
"Who..?" Diluc's voice quivered as he responded to Kaeya's whisper. He shot his brother a cold look, his mind racing with a torrent of questions and emotions.
"Father is treating you like this, isn't he?" Kaeya's words hung heavily in the air, a bitter realisation settling over them both like a suffocating fog.
Diluc's eyes widened in terror, his heart sinking as the truth dawned on him. He wasn't supposed to find out, and the shock left him at a loss for words. "How-?" he managed to stammer out, his voice barely above a whisper as he struggled to comprehend the situation.
"I overheard some things… and I've been having feelings for a while," Kaeya admitted finally, his own voice heavy with regret. He wished he had acted sooner, but the weight of his own insecurities had held him back.
Diluc's tears flowed freely once more, his body shaking with silent sobs as he struggled to contain his emotions. Kaeya understood the depth of his brother's pain, his heart breaking for him at that moment.
"Don't cry, 'Luc. That bastard will get what's coming to him soon enough," Kaeya sneered, a spark of defiance igniting in his eyes as he vowed to stand by Diluc's side no matter what.
With gentle hands, Kaeya wiped away Diluc's tears. Rising to his feet, he offered Diluc a reassuring smile.
"Come on, we need to leave; we need to get home," Kaeya urged, his voice firm with resolve as he reached out to touch Diluc's shoulder.
"I don't really want to…" Diluc admitted, his gaze fixed on the wooden floor beneath him. Kaeya's hand on his shoulder offered a fleeting sense of reassurance, but the weight of everything else lingered in the air.
"Don't worry, I'll be there if something happens," Kaeya assured him, his voice soft.
With a resigned sigh, Diluc nodded, his resolve firming as he pushed himself off the chair. "Fine," he said quietly, filled with determination as Kaeya led him out the door.
***
"The beast is getting away!" The clamour of knights filled the air, their swords glinting in the sunlight as they desperately chased after the retreating enemy.
"Leave it be!" Diluc's authoritative voice cut through the chaos, his hand pressing against his side where a blow had landed. Despite the pain, his resolve remained unshaken as he surveyed the battlefield with steely determination. "It won't return, so back off and assist the injured," he commanded, his gaze scanning the scene with concern.
As the Knights reluctantly backed off, Diluc's attention turned to the wounded sprawled across the ground. His eyes caught sight of his Father lying motionless, blood pooling around him.
"Father?" Diluc's voice trembled with concern as he rushed to Crepus's side. With trembling hands, he checked for a pulse, his heart sinking when he found none. Crepus Ragnvindr was dead.
And in his dying gaze, he spared no look for either of his sons—instead straight ahead, into the dense, shadowed area.
Nothing was there, but he couldn't spend these few moments on possibilities.
Emotions churned within Diluc as he knelt beside his Father's lifeless form. Anguish, relief, and disbelief warred within him, leaving him numb and speechless. As the reality of his Father's demise sank in, he noticed the peculiar glove adorning his hand, its intricate design stark against the backdrop of blood and battle.
Removing the glove with curiosity, Diluc examined the artifact, something that he had no knowledge on. Did it have something to do with the power his Father had suddenly displayed? Had it somehow caused his death during the chaos of battle? The thought sent a shiver down his spine, but he pushed it aside for now, focusing on the task at hand.
"We're here now!" Kaeya's voice shattered the eerie silence, drawing Diluc's attention. Mounted atop a horse, his brother's expression shifted from anticipation to concern as he took in the scene before him. The beginnings of a smirk played at the corners of his mouth, quickly suppressed when he saw Diluc's expressionless face.
"'Luc, come on. Let's go home," Kaeya urged gently, his voice filled with a mixture of sympathy and relief. After years of enduring their Father's cruelty, the conclusion, while tragic, brought a sense of closure to their difficult past. With a heavy heart, Diluc nodded, silently following his brother as they left the battlefield behind.
***
Kaeya bore the weight of guilt upon his shoulders, an invisible burden that seemed to grow heavier with each passing day. Though he knew he wasn't solely responsible for Diluc's mistreatment by their Father, he couldn't shake the nagging sense of accountability that gnawed at him from within. From the moment Kaeya was brought into their home, Crepus's attention shifted, fixating on Kaeya as if he were the favoured child, while Diluc was left to suffer the brunt of their Father's neglect and abuse. The unfairness of it all grated on Kaeya's nerves, fueling a simmering resentment that threatened to boil over at any moment.
Haunted by his troubled past as a Khaenri'ahn spy, Kaeya had always harboured a fear of forming deep connections with others. Despite his best efforts to maintain a facade of detachment, Kaeya couldn't deny the growing bond between himself and the Ragnvindr family. It was a bond forged in secrecy and betrayal, and Kaeya knew that the time had come to confront the truth, no matter how painful it may be.
Summoning his courage, Kaeya approached Diluc's door, his heart pounding in his chest. With a hesitant knock, he waited for a response that never came, the silence weighing heavily upon him as he pushed open the door.
Inside, Diluc sat upon the edge of his bed. His head hung low, hands clasped together.
"Hey," Kaeya murmured softly, the words barely more than a whisper as he closed the door behind him. Diluc's weary gaze met his, a flicker of resignation in his eyes as he glanced at Kaeya.
"Is it about the funeral?" Diluc asked, dreading a response that agreed with his thoughts.
"No, um," Kaeya faltered, his throat constricting as he struggled to speak the truth. "I have something to tell you, actually."
***
As the rain poured relentlessly from the heavens above, Kaeya found himself in a scene reminiscent of his darkest memories. Lying sprawled on the ground, his body was marred by burns and wounds that ooze crimson trails upon the rain-soaked earth. And to top it off, a Cryo Vision had manifested beside him. A cruel twist of fate changing his destiny.
"Leave," Diluc's voice cracked with a pain and fury, his bloodied Claymore gripped tightly in his trembling hand. "Go find help. I don't want to see you anymore." With a dismissive gesture, he turned his back to Kaeya, his words a final decree that severed the fragile ties that bound them together. It was clear that Kaeya was no longer welcome within the walls of the Winery.
***
In a fit of frustration and despair, Diluc stormed back inside, his anger fueling his actions as he slammed the door shut behind him. Why would he do that? Severing the one positive connection he had in his life on his very own birthday? It felt as though fate had conspired against him, orchestrating a series of events that only served to deepen his misery.
With a heavy heart and trembling hands, Diluc sank to the floor, his back pressed against the cool surface of the door. His mind raced with questions, tormenting him with doubts and regrets.
His tears mixed with the raindrops that trickled down his cheeks as his anguish echoed in the empty room. He curled his fingers into fists, the sharp scrape of his nails against the floor serving as a harsh reminder of his own helplessness.
Before long, the sound of hurried footsteps reached his ears, and Diluc looked up to see Adelinde rushing to his side, her expression fraught with concern and alarm.
"Young Master?" Her voice trembled with worry as she knelt beside him.
"I-I hurt him…" Diluc's voice wavered with guilt as he reached out for Adelinde, his grasp seeking comfort and reassurance. "I don't know what to do…" His admission hung heavy in the air.
~***~
"-aster Diluc!"
"-iluc!"
"-Luc!"
The voice(s) calling out his name sliced through the fog of Diluc's thoughts like a sharp blade. Each syllable pierced the air, demanding his attention with an urgency that couldn't be ignored.
Diluc's eyes snapped open, blinking away the drowsiness that had settled over him. He had been drifting in a hazy contemplation, lost in the monotonous rhythm of wiping wine glasses during his shifts at Angels Share.
But now, Kaeya's voice cut through the haze with a sharpness that brought Diluc back to reality. "Archons, do you ever listen? Get your head out of the clouds! I said I would like another refill!" It was a demand for another refill, probably the fiftieth time Kaeya had made the same request that Diluc couldn't recall.
"Do you ever stop drinking?" Diluc shot back, his frustration bubbling to the surface. It was a question he had asked countless times before, yet Kaeya's habits remained unchanged.
"What I do with my alcohol is my business, Diluc," Kaeya retorted, his tone laced with defiance as he glanced away.
With a resigned sigh, Diluc filled another glass for his brother, his irritation mounting with each passing moment. He knew he couldn't turn away customers, even when they tested his patience to its limits.
"Yeah, drinking until you either pass out or cause trouble for the other patrons, then it's my business," Diluc muttered under his breath, his words tinged with bitterness as he handed over the glass.
As Kaeya quickly downed his drink and moved on to engage with other patrons, Diluc's thoughts turned inward. It was a familiar routine, one that played out day after day without end. And yet, despite his best efforts to maintain his composure, Diluc couldn't shake the feeling of discontent that lingered in the air.
Then he recalled the request Adelinde had made of him.
"Kaeya," Diluc's voice rang out, sharp and urgent, as he waited for his brother to turn around. But Kaeya remained oblivious, lost in his own world of distractions. "Kaeya." Diluc repeated, this time with a hint of desperation seeping into his tone.
Finally, Kaeya noticed the urgency in Diluc's voice and carefully pivoted around to face him. His reaction, however, caught Diluc off guard. Instead of concern or readiness to listen, Kaeya let out a laugh, the sound echoing in the tense atmosphere of the tavern.
"You sound like Father when you use that tone," Kaeya remarked, his words hitting Diluc like a physical blow. Despite his efforts to distance himself from their father's influence, the comparison stung deeply. Diluc couldn't fathom being likened to the man who had caused them both so much pain.
Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating, as Diluc grappled with his thoughts. Did he really sound like Father? Was he doomed to follow in his footsteps, despite his best intentions?
As doubts gnawed at him, Diluc fought to push them aside, to convince himself that he was nothing like his father. But the nagging voice in his mind persisted, whispering cruel accusations.
You have his voice.
You two are practically identical.
But Diluc refused to succumb to self-doubt. He clenched his jaw, determined to prove the voice wrong. He wasn't his father, and he wouldn't allow himself to become him.
Before he could dwell any further on those intruding thoughts, Kaeya's firm grip on his wrist snapped him back to reality. "Diluc!" His voice finally caught Diluc’s attention, jolting him out of his daze.
Diluc took a deep breath, willing himself to calm down as he met Kaeya's apologetic gaze. "It's- fine," he muttered, though he still felt the lingering effects. With a downward glance, he attempted to shield his vulnerability from Kaeya's gaze, but he knew his brother could see through the faulty mask.
In that moment of silence, Diluc couldn't help but wonder if he actually was different from his father at all, as much as he wanted otherwise.
"You wanted to say something before?" Kaeya's voice broke the silence, drawing Diluc's attention back to him. Diluc turned, his expression guarded yet curious. That's right, there was something important he needed to discuss.
"Adelinde wanted you to stay at the Winery for the weekend, since we both don't have any work these days… She believed it would help us 'get along' better," Diluc explained, his words tinged with a hint of reluctance. The absurdity of the situation made him inwardly groan. "Also, she misses you."
Kaeya's response was immediate, a mocking smirk playing on his lips as he casually leaned on his elbow. "And you aren't against the idea?" he inquired, clearly amused by the idea.
Diluc averted his gaze, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features. "As if, I wouldn't dare go against what she wants. She'll be upset otherwise," he muttered. Despite Adelinde's role as a maid, Diluc didn’t like disappointing her.
Kaeya shrugged nonchalantly, his agreement coming effortlessly. "Fine, if it's what she wants," he conceded. Diluc had hoped for some form of resistance, a shared reluctance to return to the Winery. Yet, he realised that both he and Kaeya held negative associations with their family home, making their return inevitable despite their misgivings.
***
Surprisingly, Kaeya had arrived exactly as Diluc had requested. Diluc had half-expected a last-minute excuse or delay, but to his surprise, Kaeya stood at the doorstep, punctual and uncharacteristically reliable.
"You're here?" Diluc's tone carried a note of genuine surprise as he held the front door open for Kaeya, a flicker of disbelief in his eyes.
Kaeya sauntered in with his trademark taunting grin, his entrance accompanied by a playful retort. "What, you were expecting me to ditch? You think lowly of me, Master Diluc," he teased. It had been quite some time since he had last visited the Winery, and the familiar surroundings seemed oddly foreign to him.
Diluc, arms folded in a gesture of guarded scepticism, met Kaeya's playful banter with a dry remark of his own. "Yeah, but it's hard to trust what you say since you lie half the time," he quipped, a hint of exasperation colouring his words. Despite his attempt at levity, there lingered an undercurrent of unresolved tension between the two brothers.
"Master Kaeya, welcome back," Adelinde greeted, her sudden appearance catching Diluc off guard.
"Just Kaeya is fine, and it's good to see you too. It's been a hot minute," Kaeya replied, his gaze sweeping the main room as if taking in every detail of the familiar surroundings.
"We are having soup for dinner tonight, so I'll get that ready. You two feel free to do whatever," Adelinde announced as she gracefully bowed and disappeared into the kitchen.
"Oh, the one you made when I first arrived? I loved that one," Kaeya remarked, a hint of nostalgia colouring his voice.
Diluc couldn't help but recall the evening when Kaeya first arrived, the memory tainted with his Father's unusual anger. Despite the tense atmosphere, he had to admit that the soup was indeed delicious.
Lost in his thoughts, Diluc was jolted back to the present by a hand on his shoulder. Kaeya's scowl reminded him of his habitual tendency to drift off into his own mind.
"You're spacing out again," Kaeya chided, his hand gesturing dismissively. Diluc waved it aside, irritated by the reminder.
"I'm fine," Diluc reassured, though a lingering sense of uncertainty gnawed at him. Despite his Father's passing, having Kaeya back at the Winery stirred up memories that felt too vivid for comfort. Why did his mind insist on conjuring images of Father when he knew he was no longer a presence in their lives? He couldn't afford to dwell on such thoughts; he wasn't that mentally vulnerable, was he?
"Well, how about you take me to my room like you did when I came for the first time?" Kaeya suggested, stepping closer to Diluc to meet his gaze directly.
Diluc sighed, his eyes rolling in a bored manner. "You know where it is," he replied. Kaeya always seemed to enjoy making situations more complicated than they needed to be.
"But- I might get lost…" Kaeya retorted, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm. Diluc felt a pang of frustration; he was too drained for this.
"It's literally..." Diluc paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Now wasn't the time to lose his temper. After all, they were supposed to be making an effort to get along. "Just come on," he finally relented, gesturing for Kaeya to follow him. Diluc could practically sense Kaeya's smug satisfaction; it seemed like everything always had to go in his favour.
***
Kaeya's room was just how he had recalled it to be. Years had passed since anyone had set foot inside, so nothing seemed out of place.
Turning around to face Diluc, who was waiting at the door, Kaeya raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You actually didn't transform this back into a guest room?" he asked incredulously. Despite believing that Diluc despised him and wanted nothing to do with him, Kaeya couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about Diluc's motives.
"Adelinde insisted it be kept like this," Diluc replied, crossing his arms and averting his gaze. Kaeya could sense the faint hint of falsehood in his words; Diluc wasn't very good at lying.
Kaeya grinned knowingly. "How thoughtful of her," he remarked, turning back to admire his old room. Memories flooded back as he took in the familiar sight.
The blue sheets on his bed remained intact, appearing untouched by anyone. The room retained its characteristic chill, unaffected by the warmth of the outside world. Yet, signs of neglect were evident; the window blinds were covered in thick layers of dust, and cobwebs covered the corners of the room. It was clear that no one had come inside for a long time.
Swinging around to face Diluc once again, Kaeya's expression turned suspicious. "Hey... why is it filthy in here?" he questioned, his curiosity piqued.
"I... didn't let anyone come in here. I can get them to clean it now though," Diluc replied, turning to leave the room.
"Why?" Kaeya pressed, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. Diluc simply shook his head, unwilling to offer an explanation.
"Come on, I believe dinner is ready anyhow. It doesn't matter," Diluc deflected, signalling for Kaeya to follow him out of the room. Despite his persistent questions, Kaeya remained in the dark about Diluc's motives, choosing to ignore the situation for the time being.
***
Adelinde insisted once more that they both take a seat at the table. Diluc avoided the chair at the head of the table, for obvious reasons.
As they settled in, Diluc couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the sight of the already set table. He was usually willing to pitch in every once in a while, but Adelinde always refused his help, insisting on taking care of everything herself.
The aroma of the soup filled the room, a comforting and familiar scent that stirred memories of simpler times. Diluc noticed a glimmer of anticipation in Kaeya's eyes as he eagerly awaited his first taste of the dish he hadn't enjoyed in so long.
Adelinde served them their soup with a warm smile before quietly excusing herself, leaving them alone to enjoy their meal. The silence that followed was evident, hanging heavy in the air like a thick fog. Diluc couldn't help but wonder if conversation had become such a challenge for them now, or if the weight of their shared history simply made it difficult to find the right words to say.
Kaeya broke the stillness, his gaze fixed on his nearly empty bowl of soup. "Well, this is awkward," he remarked, attempting to dispel the uncomfortable silence that hung over the table. But Diluc had hardly touched his own bowl. Why? What was preventing him from enjoying a dish he typically adored?
Kaeya couldn't resist the urge to prod, his tone tinged with his usual condescension. "Hey, come on. Why aren't you eating it? You aren't disrespecting Adelinde's food, are you?"
Diluc bristled at the implication, his irritation evident in his sharp retort. "I'm not— I would never do that," he snapped back, his words laced with offence. How dare Kaeya assume such a thing?
"Then why are you rejecting it? I've seen you take like, two spoonfuls. If Father were here, he would surely force you to—" Kaeya's words trailed off abruptly, his expression shifting as he realised his mistake.
Diluc felt the air leave his lungs in a rush, his chest tightening with a sudden wave of anguish. He closed his eyes tightly, struggling to contain the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. Why did even the slightest mention of his father have such a profound effect on him? He wasn't here anymore. He couldn't hurt Diluc anymore. So why did his memory still hold so much power?
He's right.
The voice echoed in Diluc's mind, a haunting reminder of the past.
Father would force that hot soup down your throat if you tried to reject it.
The memory was vivid, too vivid, igniting a firestorm of anger and pain within him.
Without a word, Diluc rose from his chair, his movements abrupt and forceful. "Diluc— I didn't mean—" Kaeya's voice trailed off, but it was too late. The damage was done, and no amount of apologies could erase the hurt that had been inflicted.
Diluc pressed his hands over his ears, desperate to drown out the echoes of his father's voice that still lingered in his mind. "Shut up! I don't want to hear it!" he shouted as he fled from the table, seeking refuge in the sanctuary of his room.
Shut up, please.
***
Diluc was slumped over on his bed, his shoulders weighed down by a heavy burden of emotions. The familiar sensation of frustration and despair washed over him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.
He hated how familiar this all felt, how it seemed like he was constantly reliving the same painful moments over and over again. He needed to break free from this cycle, to stop allowing himself to be consumed by anger and resentment over things that ultimately didn't matter.
But why did Kaeya have to bring up their father? Diluc clenched his fists, his jaw tightening with frustration. He knew all too well the pain that those memories stirred within him, yet Kaeya seemed oblivious to the damage his words inflicted.
Of course, that was just Kaeya being Kaeya. Always poking and prodding, pushing buttons without a second thought. He probably didn't even realise the impact his words had on Diluc.
But that didn't make it any less infuriating. Diluc couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation bubbling up inside him, a burning desire to lash out and vent his rage on something, anything.
The door to his room creaked open slowly, the sound echoing through the silence. Diluc didn't need to look up to know who it was standing in the doorway. He could feel Kaeya's presence looming over him like a dark shadow.
"Diluc…" Kaeya's voice echoed softly as he entered the room, the gentle click of the door closing behind him adding to the hushed atmosphere. The flickering light of numerous candles and scattered lamps cast dancing shadows across the walls, attempting to dispel the oppressive darkness that seemed to linger in the corners.
"Why are you here?" Diluc's voice cut through the silence, laced with bitterness and raw emotion. He struggled to maintain his composure, his feelings threatening to overwhelm him.
"I wanted to apologise… I didn't mean to say that." Kaeya's words hung in the air, his figure framed against the backdrop of a towering bookshelf. His expression was earnest, yet Diluc couldn't shake the feeling that it was all just a facade.
He doesn't mean it.
Diluc rose from his seat, his movements tense and rigid. "You're only saying that to make me feel better. You don't mean it," he retorted, his tone tinged with accusation. Kaeya's confusion only fueled his anger further.
"What-"
"You find it so amusing, don't you? Watching me suffer like this," Diluc spat, advancing towards Kaeya with calculated steps, his gaze piercing and unforgiving.
He doesn't care.
With a sudden surge of fury, Diluc shoved Kaeya back against the shelf, causing a cascade of books to tumble to the floor. Kaeya attempted to push him away, but Diluc's grip remained firm.
"Diluc-"
"How dare you speak in his favour!" Diluc's hand began to heat up. That was beyond his immediate control.
"Diluc, it burns-" Kaeya's hoarse cry cut through the air, a desperate plea for mercy. In that moment, Diluc realised the extent of his actions, the echoes of his own past sins ringing in his ears.
You’re hurting him!
Diluc's world spun as Kaeya collapsed to the ground, his body trembling with shock and remorse. Every fibre of his being screamed in protest at the violence he had just inflicted upon Kaeya.
As he lay there, gasping for breath, Diluc felt the weight of his guilt press down upon him like a suffocating blanket. This wasn't who he was, yet the darkness within him, inherited from his father, threatened to engulf him once more.
Kaeya lay beside him, his once vibrant energy now subdued by pain and shock. His eyes, wide with disbelief, bore into Diluc's soul, silently pleading for understanding. Diluc could only watch helplessly.
Diluc's chest tightened with each laboured breath, his body rebelling against the onslaught of emotions threatening to consume him. He felt a wave of warmth wash over him, the heat of his own tears mingling with the sweat on his brow. Nausea churned in the pit of his stomach.
As he sat there, lost in a whirlwind of agony and despair, Diluc felt a pair of arms wrap around him, pulling him close. He resisted at first, his instinctual urge to push others away warring with the desperate need for comfort and reassurance.
"Diluc," Kaeya's voice cut through the haze of his mind, soft and gentle. "Listen to me, Luc. Focus on your breathing. In and out, slowly."
Diluc struggled to obey, his chest heaving with the effort. But Kaeya's soothing presence anchored him, guiding him back to reality. He clung to Kaeya's warmth, seeking solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"I'm right here, Luc. I'm not going anywhere," Kaeya murmured, stroking Diluc's hair in a gesture of comfort, his touch gentle and reassuring.
Diluc's sobs began to subside, replaced by a sense of calm and clarity. He swallowed past the lump in his throat, his words choked with emotion.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart. "I didn't mean to… I swear, I didn't mean to hurt you."
Kaeya's embrace tightened around him, a silent reassurance that all was forgiven. "Shh, it's okay," he said quietly, "I know you didn't mean it.”
***
They both sat in silence on the bed, the weight of the recent events hanging heavily in the air. Diluc's face remained impassive, his eyes fixed on the floor as if searching for answers amidst the tangled mess of his thoughts.
"I don't know why I did that…" Diluc admitted. He couldn't fathom how he had allowed himself to be consumed by his anger, leading to such a violent outburst. He vowed silently never to let it happen again.
"It's the Delusion, isn't it?" Kaeya's voice cut through the silence, his tone solemn and knowing.
"But- I'm strong enough to ignore it." Diluc's words rang hollow even to his own ears. Despite his best efforts, it seemed that the sinister influence of the Delusion still held sway over him.
"You need to get rid of it," Kaeya urged, his expression grave. "Destroy it or whatever, you can't use it anymore."
"Fine, whatever. I don't need it anymore." Diluc's agreement was curt, his resolve firm. He never wanted to lay eyes on the cursed artifact again, knowing all too well the havoc it could wreak.
As the tension between them began to ease, Diluc's eyes widened in concern. "Did I… hurt you?" he asked, scared he did something he couldn’t take back.
Kaeya's response was accompanied by a sly grin, "Oh, no. You did burn a section of my clothes though. They were expensive, Diluc." Despite his jesting tone, Diluc breathed a sigh of relief. If he had caused any serious harm to Kaeya, he wasn't sure how he would live with himself.
But then, his gaze fell upon Kaeya's eye patch, a constant reminder of the actual pain and suffering he had caused. Guilt gnawed at Diluc's insides, weighing him down with its suffocating presence.
"I'm sorry," Diluc murmured, his voice heavy with remorse.
Kaeya waved off his apology with a scoff. "I know, you don't have to keep saying it." His gaze turned skyward, a trace of weariness in his voice. "It was partly my fault too, I shouldn't have said anything back at the table."
Diluc remained silent.
"Well, after all that, I'm pretty tired. I'm sure you are, too. Why don't we go to bed?" Kaeya suggested, rising from the bed to tidy up the scattered books.
But Diluc shook his head. "No… I-" His voice caught in his throat, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. "The air in here is suffocating. I need to go outside." With that, he rose abruptly from the bed, his movements tense and jittery.
Sensing Diluc's unease, Kaeya nodded in understanding. "Sure, if that's what you want. I'll accompany you." Gathering up the fallen books, he followed Diluc out into the cool night air, their footsteps echoing softly against the silence of the night.
***
Diluc breathed in the crisp night air, letting its cool embrace wash over him, momentarily easing the weight of his troubled thoughts. With Kaeya at his side, they made their way to the concrete fence and took a seat, the faint glow of moonlight casting ethereal shadows around them.
"Do you feel better?" Kaeya's voice broke the silence as he stood behind Diluc, his hand resting gently on his hip.
"Yeah," Diluc responded, his gaze drifting out towards the sprawling vineyards bathed in the moon's soft glow. Memories stirred within him, fragments of a distant past when his father had once brought him here to pick grapes, their laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves in the breeze. But those moments were long gone, overshadowed by what had come later.
As he contemplated the twisted course of his past, Diluc couldn't help but wonder what his childhood would have been like if his father had never fallen prey to the Fatui's machinations. Their relationship would have been better, no doubt. And what of Kaeya? Would his father have regarded him with the same affection, the same pride?
Lost in his thoughts, Diluc was unaware of the delicate touch of the crystal fly that had landed on his head. It wasn't until Kaeya's amused voice broke through the silence that Diluc became aware of the luminous creature's presence.
"Takes you back, doesn't it? Going out late at night and catching crystal flies before we were caught," Kaeya remarked, his grin reflecting the nostalgic glint in his eyes as he took the creature onto his finger.
Diluc nodded in agreement, memories of their secret nightly escapades flooding back to him. Despite the risks of disobeying his father's strict rules, those little moments were everything to Diluc.
“Yeah, I remember," Diluc murmured, his gaze following the crystal fly as it flitted away from Kaeya’s finger, leaving behind a trail of shimmering dust before disappearing into the darkness. "Was it different, being with our Father rather than your other parents?" he ventured, curiosity present in his tone.
Kaeya settled himself beside Diluc, his expression taking on a more contemplative cast as he considered the question.
"Yes, it was different," Kaeya replied softly, his gaze distant as he spoke. "Before they abandoned me, there were moments when they showed they cared. But their hopes for me were always tied to their own ambitions, their desire for vengeance against a country that no longer exists."
"And would you? If you had to make a decision?" Diluc pressed, his curiosity piqued by Kaeya's candid revelations.
Kaeya's response was immediate and resolute. "Of course not. This is my home now, you are my home," he declared, turning to face Diluc with a warm smile. But as quickly as the smile had appeared, it faded, replaced by a furrowed brow and a look of sombre reflection.
"When your Father found me, I felt appreciated. For the first time, I felt like I had a purpose," Kaeya continued, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "But as I got to know him, I realised he wasn't the same person for you. I felt guilty for intruding on your family, for unwittingly becoming a part of the pain you endured."
"How long had you known?" Diluc interjected, his own emotions swirling as he listened to Kaeya's confession.
"I knew something wasn't right from the beginning," Kaeya admitted, his gaze meeting Diluc's with unflinching honesty. "But it wasn't until later that I realised the extent of the abuse you suffered. It filled me with anger and regret, and when he died on your 18th birthday, I felt a strange sense of relief."
Diluc's breath caught in his throat at Kaeya's admission. While others might have been shocked by Kaeya's words, Diluc couldn't help but feel a sense of agreement with his brother.
"It made me so mad," Kaeya continued, "But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. For both of us."
The passing of his father had initially been the only event that truly shocked Diluc. He had seen the demise of other things, but the death of a person was an entirely different experience. However, as he wandered Snezhnaya, he got used to the sensation, desensitised by the relentless violence and destruction that surrounded him.
"Yeah, it was good," Diluc agreed with a nod.
Kaeya’s arm snaked his way around Diluc’s shoulders which had caught him off guard for a small moment. "Come on, let's quit complaining about the past and start appreciating what we have right now. Adelinde didn't invite me so she could watch you cry all night," he remarked, punctuating his words with a playful prod at Diluc's cheek.
Diluc chuckled softly, swatting Kaeya's hand away. "Okay, alright, stop," he conceded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
With a stretch, Kaeya rose to his feet, "Now I'm seriously tired. Are you good to go back in now?" he asked, stifling a yawn.
Diluc nodded in gratitude. "Yes, thank you. Though you weren't required to accompany me outside."
"And leave you alone to rot with that overthinking brain of yours? No way. Anyway, come on," Kaeya replied, his tone light but his meaning clear as he led the way back to the door.
As Diluc followed closely behind, a sense of warmth flooded his chest. Despite the tragic history between them, he couldn't deny the profound impact his brother had on his life.
Maybe, for once, he was actually grateful for what their Father had done.