Chapter Text
Diluc stared blankly at the vast ocean. Here was the same ocean which marked his sworn brother's death. He had remembered it had been just a few days ago, Kaeya was as alive and kicking as he had always been. Nothing had seemed wrong and that's why Diluc should've known something was unusual.
He was sure it was not only him who noticed; even Jean, Lisa, and Klee had noticed something strange about him. He was not as cheerful, he was quiet, and most importantly he looked tired. And perhaps he was tired because what better way to describe it than with one action?
And so here Diluc stood, staring down at the ocean that took away the last of his family. Diluc should've known that nothing lasted long enough until you realized it was gone too late. Diluc had expected Kaeya to come back, opening the door widely with that sly smirk. He would've placed down a glass of wine and watch the bluenette drink it as if he was starved from it. He had expected to see that drunken back leave, just to come back the next day perfectly fine. But neither would he have expected that day would not come.
Diluc never believed in faith; he had given up in faith because no matter how much faith one had, nothing would change. He once had faith in himself, that he would one day bring himself to give forgiveness and before that day could come, he had lost the right to gain anything. And so he had decided to give the world what it desired.
Diluc dropped his bright red vision to the side, it glowed as if knowing what Diluc was about to do. A god-given gift to someone who used it to harm more than heal.
Diluc was mesmerized by the starry sky, he had mostly spent his time here in a trance. Seeking forgiveness from someone who had already left. If only it was so easy to get what one desired, then he would not have to admire the stars for the last time.
Diluc did not fear death, only he feared to die alone. He searched for his constellation, Noctua; and there it stood on the bountiful sky. By its side would've been its companion, but now it accompanied the skies solely.
Diluc breathed in the salty air, the waves hit against the base of the cliff. He spread his arms out as night plastered his face. Today his light will flicker, no longer will the world know of the strong spark that birthed a sea of flames in its wake.
He felt his balance tilt, yet he felt stable as if the world met a balance. His eyes caught flickers, the stars burst with red and white lights. His vision blinded, but he could've sworn he saw a familiar grin at the corner of his eye while his body submerged in calm tides.
His body crumpled from hitting the surface without resistance, he felt no pain besides for the cold that seeped into his skin. It was comfortable; his vision darkened slowly as his lips formed into a heartfelt smile.
'Kaeya, wait for me' Diluc closed his eyes.
Diluc opened his eyes to find everything dark. Was this the afterlife? He didn't know how long he stood there until he opened his eyes again.
He looked around to find just darkness except he could see his hands and his feet, and then his vision. There it hanged right on the same spot on his waist. He could've sworn that he had thrown it away, but yet it always came back; like an unyielding curse. Diluc peered forward to find a path of darkness and so he followed.
He didn't really have anywhere else to go so he continued ahead. This hall had its own void, it was everlasting with nothing but darkness. Why was he here?
He tried to remember, but everything was fuzzy. He could remember blurry figures, the most colors he could see were red, white, and blue. He could remember a tall red figure and then a blued figure. It seemed like they were the closest with him since all his memories were with their colors.
Diluc's legs moved onward on the path as he tried to remember his past life. He was content and merry yet why was he here? He noticed the gleaming red on his waist; he touched the vision by his side, the warmth coated his fingers. The red flickered with light before it lost its shine and turned grey.
He dropped it on the floor when it went cold, watching the vision crumbled into pieces and plant itself in the path of the dark. He had thought that was the end until the hall shook, a small sprout appeared in the place where the vision had dug its grave.
Diluc drew back, cold flowed in and fed the sprout; slow, but steadily the sprout grew before his eyes.
He didn't know how much time had passed before the sprout grew its first leaf and then it froze in time. And so Diluc would wait till the end where the sprout would grow to a mighty tree. It was not like he had anywhere else to go and thus he waited.
Diluc sat down and gawked at the sprout, it's color was vibrant unlike the night in its surroundings. There was no sun so how did it grow? Diluc hovered his hand over the plant and it wavered; the cold coated his hand so he hurriedly pulled away.
Diluc stared at the sprout in interest, what would it turn out to be when it's grown? Would it bear fruit? His curiosity got the best of him as he watched the plant grow. He didn't feel tired nor hungry so he just watched.
Days, weeks, months perhaps years? He couldn't keep track of time therefore he kept the time in his head.
Day 1- Internal thought
I've arrived at a place full of nothing but cold and night. I am alone albeit for this plant before me. Somehow I feel at peace when I look at it, I feel as if it is me. A connection between us is made as I stare at its development. I will wait like a parent for it to grow.
Day 2- Internal thought
Sometimes I come to wonder why it is cold. Its bulb blocks away the heat from my hand as if afraid. Time ticks and it still is not showing any signs of growing, but I will be patient. I have nowhere else to go so it will accompany me as I try to piece back my memory.
Day 3- Internal thought
Today, whether it is night or day, I do not know. I try to remember my past life, haziness fills my mind. The only thing I could recall was blue and red. I question whether I had any regrets for me to stay here until eternity.
Day 16- External thought
The plant has grown its second leaf and I had watched it take its greatest baby step. I feel fulfillment well inside me, but that is not the only thing I feel. I remember words. They call me Diluc. That is my name, I will remember.
Day 28- External thought
My name is Diluc Ragnvindr now. I have a name thus I am proud. I remember they pat my back and I feel warmer now compared to the blankets of winter. The plant is getting colder as it develops, I do not mind, it feels familiar.
Day 41- Internal thought
Now, I can not call the plant a child. It has a head full of leaves. Though it is a measly 4 leaves, I am still satisfied. Thoughts fill my head as time advances, I found myself reminiscing in memories of when I was a child. I want to see the stars, at least only for a blink.
Day 59- Internal thought
My father who goes by the name, Crepus, has brought in a boy. He is small and afraid; I offered my hand and watched him hesitantly take it. His eye was pretty despite only having one. It was heartbreaking to see him shiver, what has he gone through to act as such? Matters not, I am sure I will make him feel at home.
Day 70- Internal thought
And so I was right. His name is Kaeya he had told me. What a beautiful name, now I remember, he is the blue in my life. He is quiet and shy, but I feel like I understand him. I have yet to hear him laugh, I wonder what it sounds like. I am looking forward to it.
Day 88- External thought
I wish to celebrate though I do not have anyone to celebrate with. Without knowing, I had indulged in my past memories and so I did not witness the sprout grow into a seedling. I am overjoyed. I have started to wander in the void, it is still too dark and empty; I try not to stroll too far away, but when I do, I have the cold to guide me and lead me back to the seedling.
Day 102- External thought
Time is ticking, I have a feeling I am waiting for something big. The air has gotten even chiller, now my breaths are formed under the darkness. It is surprising, but at this point, I am immune to any more wonders.
Day 233- Internal thought
It looks like Kaeya has something on his mind, he is merry when he is around me, but I tend to notice his lacking movements. He had started getting more dazed as if something is taking away his attention, though it is just for a short moment. He says he is fine, but I know him more than anyone else- is what I thought.
Day 275- External thought
It is my birthday, I nearly forgot. I remember father had bought me a small turtle, how cute. It reminds me of Kaeya, it hides in its shell and waits until it is comfortable enough to seek protection. Kaeya watches like he is jealous, I can not tell, he is hard to read even to this day. He is just like the turtle, how adorable.
Day 314- External thought
Today, I got a red vision. It is ironic; my father deserves it more than me, yet we can not get what we desire. It is life, but I will prove to my father the gods have made a good choice. He is proud of me.
Day 365- External thought
It has finally reached the one-year mark. Is this my new life now? It doesn't seem so bad as long as I do not forget who I am and my purpose here.
Day 490- External thought
Kaeya says today is his birthday, he seems reluctant about answering when I had asked, almost as if he had forgotten, and only when I had pursued the topic had he told me. November 30, just 215 days away from mine. I will give him something worth remembering his birthday for.
Day 522- Internal thought
I have heard Kaeya laugh; it was when I had smelled a rotten egg for the first time. How is someone so beautiful just from a sound? My heart beats faster, it is strange, but as I grow older I know this feeling. Although I have denied it too late.
Day 888- External thought
Time had already flown by without my acknowledgment. Silly me, I still don't know whether it is cloudy or sunny outside. I have given up my life in this void, laying by my side is now the plant that is up to my shoulders. I have yet to age because it is when I stopped living. I wonder what killed me. I hope it is because of my protection towards Mondstat.
Day 1364- Internal thought
I closed my eyes and woke up to find the plant now a small tree. Its trunk is thin and still weak, fortunately, there is no wind here or else it would have toppled over. It is probably mad at me for thinking such things, it tickles me in my sleep, but I have found it comforting. I do not require sleep, but the dreams help keep me warm.
Day 1778- External thought
My father is proud of me once again. I have become the youngest Cavalry Captain in Mondstat, but was it worth it? I stare at my calloused hands with determination. Kaeya congratulated me, he smiled as if he were the captain as well. I was pleased with myself, I have proved my worth and now everyone knows the name of Diluc Ragnvindr, along with his greatest companion, Kaeya Alberich.
Day 2690- External thought
Now I know what it means to be in love. Kaeya has been with me throughout my whole journey, I have started to see him as more of a friend. I feared he would not accept my love, but sometimes I am mistaken.
Day 3180- Internal thought
15 days before my birthday, I would not have thought Kaeya would confess first. I had planned to confess my feelings for him on my birthday. Was it a present for myself? I wasn't sure whether he liked me, but now I need not worry. He is by my side, we are inseparable.
Day 3190- External thought
5 days before my birthday. I wake up to the vastness of winter and seas of darkness. I found the small tree now looming over me. Its roots grew longer and its trunk sturdier. Feeling the bark against my fingers, ice spread throughout my skin; before I can pull my hand away, my fingers have already frozen.
It feels unbearably familiar, this touch was as if I have known it for so long. Have I not? I have seen the sprout grow into a magnificent tree. My hand stays glued on the trunk as if it is afraid I will leave. Fear not, I will wait until it passes away, until it is only me left.
Day 3191- External thought
4 days before my birthday. How is it that I am still giddy over a day that repeats as I live? Kaeya had told me it was important because then I would have truly grown. He seems more excited than me, I am sure it is because father always takes out his homemade wine on such important occasions.
The tree is growing taller, it had already overcome my height ages ago. I wonder how long it will grow until it stops, can I reach the bearing of fruit? The tree will not let me go, gradually my arm turns stiff.
Day 3192- External thought
3 days before my birthday. I am not quite sure why I am counting the days as if they are my last. I have a feeling something is going to happen, I will see through it till the end.
The tree grew with beautiful carvings on its bark, there are symbols I can recognize. Kaeya had taught me them, but I was too distracted to ask to learn more. I shall ask him when there is time. After all, we have all the time in the world.
Day 3193- External thought
2 days before my birthday. Father had told me to send letters to everyone who wished to celebrate my coming of age. Of course, they accepted; it would be a grand party and a grand day for the captain of Ordo Favonius. I am most excited because Kaeya had told me he had a present for me. I don't know what he will present me, he is still unreadable.
Now my legs are frozen and numb; there is no pain except for my thoughts that are getting slower. I do not wish for the memories to end unless I find out what Kaeya will present me.
Day 3194- External thought
1 day before the big day. I say my thoughts out loud so I do not forget. The tree listens, it hums with cold breeze despite the lack of wind. I shiver in its stead. I am content, I can see the flowers buds blooming slowly. Time quiets down and it feels like the day I had first appeared here. I was ignorant and now I have learned. The tree is me and we will grow until there is nothing left.
Day 3195- Internal thought
Today is the day. I feel happy as my smile widens ear to ear. Kaeya, father, and the rest sing happy melodies; I followed along, it was the best thing anyone could ask for. We ate cake and Kaeya drank wine. He always likes wine, I wonder what it tastes like. I only remember grimacing, Kaeya would laugh at my bitter expressions, it reminds me of the time he had dared me to smell rotten eggs. What a horrible memory, but it was the most enjoyable because it was the first time Kaeya had laughed. I had laughed along, of course, after throwing away the nasty thing.
...
...I can not open my eyes, the tree has coated my eyelids with ice. I can only stay in my memories.
Kaeya has given me the best present to remember. On that day, he had brought me in the back of the winery; his blue hair flew against his reddened cheeks. He stared at me with warmth and I wondered what better present he could've given me other than staying by my side. However, he had proven me wrong once more. Plush lips meet with mine and I had forgotten to breathe. My first and last kiss was shared with Kaeya Alberich, the love of my life.
...
I coughed loudly, smoke filled my lungs. The next memory, me and my father had headed back to the winery only to find ourselves ambushed. How fearful, but I was not afraid. Years of training had led me to this moment, I would protect my visionless father with all my strength until I couldn't anymore. But why had my strength diminished so quickly? The drake must've felt amused, its nostrils flared with anger and its maw widened with razor-sharp teeth.
My father had told me to pull back, but he was the weaker one. It was my own job to protect my father, if not him then how could he protect anyone else? And so I burst forward with strength at the menace that dared to attack them. Albeit, it was futile, he was easily overwhelmed.
Oh the look of horror on father's face. How easily the drake made his strong-willed father break into someone he had never seen before. It was fine as long as his father was able to run away, safe until the knights came to their side. He had many more things to do with Kaeya and the rest, but it was perfect while it lasted.
My world blurred, the incoming sharp claw flew back in agony. A fiery chain whipped after, going back to its rightful owner. I turned my head to find my father staggering back, he held chains in his hands, glaring furiously at the intruder. The drake was intimidated, but something held it back from attacking; it stared angrily at the power in my father's glove before fleeing in reluctance. I heaved a big sigh of relief, nearly facing death a hairs width away.
My face relaxed but soon widened in dread. My father toppled over, a bloody wound on his stomach. The next things were a blur, perhaps from my tears or from the rain that had decided to accompany me other than the knights that came too late.
...I can't open my eyes no matter how much I wish to. Tears course down my face, but soon freeze alongside this memory. I stare for too long at the corpse of my father, who had urged me to end his suffering. And so I did because I could not bear to hear the pain that came from his lack of a right arm and the glowing symbols on his face.
...
...
I do not recall when I had come back to the winery. My body aches and my tears had yet to dry. My birthday clothes smear with blood not my own. My fingers quiver as I remember the flesh tear under my sword.
...
Kaeya had confronted me. My heart stammers and I sob, we both have lost someone important. Or perhaps it was only me. I had thought he would feel the same, his one beautiful eye stare at me in a trance. His lips that had given me my first kiss, open; they part with words I could not believe I had heard.
...
...I can't open my eyes no matter how much I wish to. My throat is blocked, the harsh scream is hindered its escape. This cold simmers into my body like a blade, it is the only thing that sustains me. I was left alone, two of my loved ones had left me to grief on my own.
...
Day 3196- Internal thought
I left the knights. I had left my vision in the headquarters and my dignity behind. I do not allow myself to associate with liars and so I pushed them all away. I thought I lost everything, but it seemed like the only thing that remained was my burning hatred.
Day 3222- Internal thought
Day and night were the same, I fought monsters as if it was a part of my life now. I focused on killing and gaining information, it fueled the rage inside of me. My father had strayed that Drake away from Mondstat yet that damn Fatui harbinger sought all the credit. I will not let anything hinder my revenge.
Day 3787- Internal thought
Blood dye my hands. They are all monsters in my eyes, monsters that need exterminating. Fight, fight, fight.
Day 4104- Internal thought
I ran across another near-death encounter. How many do I need to battle until I could finally lay under the soil for good? At this point, I found everything as a void like this hall. I had changed lives yet now they are the same. Killing no longer interests me, I was impulsive and ignorant then. I desired to find the quickest solution and now I can not turn back from my fate.
Day 4289- Internal thought
I would have never thought I would return to this place. The winery hadn't changed much and the smells of ripe grapes still lingered. I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air caress my burdened lungs. I touch the grass that has yet to be tainted with blood. And I spot the people that have been there since the beginning.
Day 4290- Internal thought
It was only Adelinde and some of the maids who knew of my arrival. It would be too troublesome to spread the news so it was better to wait until everything calmed down. I wished to go back to Mondstat, not as the young Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius, but just as a bartender supporting his late father's wine business.
Day 4291- Internal thought
I relaxed in the winery, the calming breezes of air blew across my face. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss those times where everything was carefree, but now I can't slack. I am now the master of Dawn Winery.
Day 4306- Internal thought
2 weeks have passed by like a gust of wind. I have decided to let my return be known.
It was as expected, everyone welcomed me back. They greeted me as if nothing had happened, as if I hadn't disappeared for 3 years just to come back out of nowhere. It was fine, this is what I desired. No troubles, a bartender at day and a vigilante at night I would be.
Day 4408- Internal thought
I should've known nothing would go as I planned. It all seemed too normal, maybe because I was too carefree that I had forgotten to be careful. I put on my cloak and mask to hide away my features. My crimson red hair and eyes would easily give me away as I hid in the dark.
Who would've known I'd encounter someone who I used to love with all my body and soul?
Kaeya locked his still beautiful eye onto me. He had already caught me so there was no point in hiding. I stood in front of him, the dark covered over him, but I could still see how handsome he had grown. His eye widened in surprise for just a tad bit that I was not sure if I had seen it wrongly. But it didn't matter because the face quickly morphed into a sly smirk.
How outrageous.
Day 4409- Internal thought
The next day Kaeya came into the tavern dressed in a suit. His chest was exposed, if it was in the past I would have definitely reprimanded him, but now that is none of my concern. He held the ugliest vase in the history of art, placing it on the counter as if everything had passed between them. I glared at him and he grinned it off.
I will not heed to whatever games he has up his sleeves. I ought to throw that abomination of a gift away, but before I could, I heard the sounds of something clinking inside. Peeking in, I found the vision that I had left behind so many years ago. My heart skipped in my chest for the second time in a row. Damnit.
Day 4509- Internal thought
It has been a few months since my encounter with Kaeya. I thought I had instructed Adelinde to throw the vase away, but she had kept it as decoration for the Winery without my permission. Now with my vision by my side, it made working in the shadows easier. It was natural because this vision was a part of me, it worked best with its rightful owner. I had thought the knights would've thrown it away, but who would've known they'd keep it.
The knights are still inefficient as ever. I can't bear to work with such knights, like the one who is hoarding up space in his tavern.
I stared at the man who sat just before me. Kaeya smiled sharply, no truth escaped from his lips. The only thing he knew how to spout was lies and lies he would get. I wouldn't feed him the temptation he wanted. But sometimes, his existence makes it harder to ignore and so what better way than make the man leave on his own.
Glares and hurtful words were what I threw at him. I thought he should've known better than come back, but he still did.
Day 4718- Internal thought
I always cleaned just before closing up. It was the same routine, rinse and repeat. The knights would usually come to drink the night away and leave intoxicated. It bothered me, but not as much as the person who always came just before I closed up almost as if to spite me. Diluc hatefully glared at the culprit.
'We are closing' is what I always state yet it leaves the other's ears like the wind. The bluenette doesn't bother paying attention, only interrupting to ask for a glass of wine. I felt my blood boil at his smirk, it was as if this was funny to him.
I had thought he would leave him once I gave him what he asked for. Turning around, I made the glass in frustration and his next words made my heart run still.
"W...Won't you forgive me?" Kaeya had asked. I could've sworn that Kaeya had trembled as he spoke those words, but I shook it off. There was no way this liar would be genuine, it was only to trick him, to laugh at him for falling for his traps. And he would not give in.
"I can't forgive you for what you did" the words were the final hit on the hammer. I had said it, but for some reason the words hurt me more than intended. My heart ached severely and so I turned around to not let him see me falter.
I knew I had made a big mistake saying those words. An invisible lump was created in my throat and I could feel the tears prickle in my eyes as if I had said those words to myself and maybe I did because they hurt just as much. I heard the stool get pushed back, as I turned around, it felt like time had rewound to the past.
Kaeya yielded the most stunning smile, the guilt in me rose furiously like raging tides in a storm. My hands gripped so tightly on my pants, only I could feel the skin under my gloves tear.
"I'm quite tired so I'll be heading back now. I'm sorry for bothering you, I'm sorry for everything" Kaeya spoke up, breaking my daze. I jolted in surprise, there was no way Kaeya would leave without getting a sip of wine, but I was wrong.
Kaeya walked to the door slowly, almost as if he didn't want to leave, almost as if telling me to ask him to stay yet I had not done so. Will I regret this: this is the first thing I ask myself as I found the grown man's back disappear from my sight.
The pits of my stomach rumble in uneasiness, something felt wrong, but I did not indulge in the need to worry about a stranger.
Day 4719- Internal thought
I could not sleep last night, I was uncomfortable. I had left things on bad terms, it was always on bad terms, but Kaeya did not deserve those words either. Inside me was the feeling that maybe if I had gotten rid of that hatred in my heart and given Kaeya forgiveness, then perhaps I would not feel this way. I had a whole night to think it over. Kaeya was just as innocent as any being, he was just a child then and no child would be able to bear a secret as heavy as his.
That night I released my tears for the first time in a long time. I had not cried since 3 years ago when I lost my father to my own sword. I swore to never shed a tear again, but I was wrong. Kaeya was my weakness and no one except Kaeya could make me feel this heartbroken. I had realized I never stopped loving Kaeya; even after all these years, I yearn for his smiles like a touch-starved man. That is why I hungrily took in his smile yesterday because nobody except him would pull off a smile as gorgeous as his own. And nobody except him could make me regret lying like I always did. Kaeya Alberich is a liar, but I, Diluc Ragnvindr, am the biggest liar of them all.
Thus I waited until Kaeya would come back like he always did. My heart would speed whenever the chime in the tavern rung, disappointment welled in me when I did not see the tanned male in my view, but surely he would come by like he always did.
Day 4720- Internal thought
I could feel the exhaustion drain me. I had not slept since. The regret consumed me when I had not seen Kaeya enter my tavern. I had waited for him even after midnight, hoping it was because he had run late from paperwork. He would always make sure to pass by especially on those tiring days, but he had not stepped in the vicinity.
It was alright because I would wait; I would wait like he waited so many years, keeping my vision safe and untouched just to give it back to me. I had kept the vase he gave me in my room, relieved Adelinde had not listened to my orders and disposed of it. I had thought of the best way to make it up; I looked for gifts to present him. A vase full of Calla Lillies, the ones he would love smelling. Blue was the vase with beautiful sapphires adorned on it, but no jewel could compare to Kaeya's beauty and so I wrote a letter, placing it in the center of the Lillies. On the letter it wrote after multiple attempts:
'Dear Kaeya,
I came to write this letter after filling my bin with crumpled papers. I have never been skilled at understanding and expressing my emotions and that is why it took so long for me to come to this conclusion. For years, I had denied everything. After father's death, I had blocked everything away from myself. I lost faith in everything and that is what made me foolish.
I was foolish for thinking I had lost everything when there was still someone right before me. That day you had confessed to me, I was overwhelmed by anger. I had thought you betrayed us and most importantly I had thought you never truly loved me. Oh was I wrong because you stayed even after I had told you all those revolting words. That day I had lied to you and myself because I know I could never hate you and even to this day, I never truly hated you.
That day you had told me you loved me was the best day of my life. I never would've thought you shared the same emotions as me and so I was overjoyed. Even when years had passed by, I could never forget you. You had hurt me yes, but I had hurt you more. And for that, I sincerely apologize.
I know my apologies will not fix everything that happened between us and that is why I want to make it up to you.
I hope you will forgive me and even if you don't, know that I have already forgiven you long ago.
I love you.
Yours truly, Diluc Ragnvindr.'
I had walked up to the headquarters to deliver it to him, hoping that he would read it when he was free. My heart was beating wildly in my chest at the idea that I might have to give it to him in person; would he accept it? My thoughts were distracted when Jean had answered in his stead, she took the vase in surprise before a wide grin plastered on her face.
I tried to hide the blush filling my cheeks as I quickly fleed the scene.
Day 4721- Internal thoughts
I had yet to get an answer from him, my head was swarming with the conclusion that maybe he did not feel the same way, after all, I had said those hurtful things. I was thick-witted for thinking he would so easily forgive me when I had hurt him more than a sharpened knife. My heart felt like it had collapsed yet I continued to work in the tavern in hopes it was not what I thought, but I was wrong once again.
Even after the clock hit midnight, he had failed to show up. Unknowingly my tears had spilled down my cheeks again. I had tried to wipe them away, but they kept running down like a never-ending stream. Even after I had closed the tavern, I had waited for a few minutes longer hoping I would at least get to see him again.
Day 4722- External thought (Final Day)
I had not given up my love for him, even when he had hid from me. It hurt knowing he was not responding, but it hurt, even more, knowing the reason why.
Jean entered my tavern in a rage. My heart ran a stampede, Jean rarely came here unless there was something she needed from me. Hope ran through my bloodstream; I hoped that she was here in place for Kaeya, to give him any news about the man.
"Dandelion Wine?" I asked, getting ready to pour her a glass.
"...I am not here to drink" Jean stopped me before I could get the bottle. Her face was heavy with a frown. My throat went dry.
"Then...is there anything I can help you with?" I raised my eyebrow, did she see the tremble in it? Her expression turned to a glare.
"Kaeya" Jean said one word, her frown turned into a glare.
My heart skipped violently in my chest, I could not help feeling a smile rise up.
"What trouble has he caused now?" I sighed, folding my arms as if I didn't want anything to do with him.
"Kaeya is missing" Jean glared.
"...And what does this have to do with me?" I tried to hold myself together albeit being on the verge of running out of the room.
"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" Jean screamed. It was a good thing she screamed so I could bring myself back together.
"Kaeya was not supposed to go anywhere. I had specifically told him to head home after he visited YOUR TAVERN" Jean snarled the last two words.
"So tell me why he is not there" Jean looked like she was about to jump at me.
"Jean, I really don't understand...perhaps he went out to do another expedition, you know how much he liked to disappear on his own" I shook my head in denial.
"Alright, alright let's say he did leave for another expedition. So tell me why his apartment is cleaned up? You know how much Kaeya disliked cleaning after himself, you out of all people should know he doesn't take care of himself" Jean clenched her fists.
"What are you talking about?" I gritted my teeth.
"What?" Jean froze.
"I said what are you talking about? Kaeya is the neatest person I've known, in fact, he much rather keep everything to himself in fear people would use it against him...I've found out the hard way" I sneered to myself.
"H-Huh? So...you don't know?" Jean stuttered.
"Know what? Honestly, you are making no sense. You come into my tavern in a rage and even scare my customers. Don't expect me to be able to read your mind because I can't" I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the tear that would slip down my cheek.
"Oh gods, oh archons. Save me" Jean's legs buckled, her mouth gaped.
I watched her rush out of my tavern in sheer horror, she ran like her life depended on it and so I followed her.
But nothing would prepare me for what came next.
Day 0 ( Final Hours)
A heart-wrenching scream ripped out of my throat as I stared at the vision that I had created. I knew that vision from anywhere because it was I who had caused Kaeya to obtain it.
There just before the edge of Starsnatch Cliff laid a dull cyro vision. It couldn't be anyone else's but Kaeya's.
My legs gave in as I screamed in utter agony. I was too late because Kaeya had left me before I could apologize.
My throat burned and I could taste the iron in my mouth, but I couldn't care any less. My blurry eyes caught a tear-stricken woman pulling me away and before I comprehend it, my sight darkened as I felt a hand hit my neck before I could jump off the cliff.
Day 0:55 (Final Hours)
I had already woken long ago, there in the coffin laid my dear sworn brother. On his face was the smile I admired, but now he was truly gone. Near his coffin laid my vase of Calla Lillies. I wondered whether he even had the chance to read my letter.
I turned and left in a mindless daze. The screams of grief sounded behind me, but I could not hear anything except for the buzzing in my head.
Before I knew it, I had returned to the same cliff. Kaeya's vision was taken away, but I could still see it there. There my vision would be in its place.
I threw it away hoping it would never return to me again. Taking out a carton of rotten eggs from my bosom, the putrid smell immediately hit my stuffed nose, BUT I COULD NOT SMELL IT.
I stuffed the eggs into my mouth, there were still leftover eggshells, but I could not care anymore. The disgusting taste of spoiled egg permeated throughout my tastebuds. I would not savor it for I did not have much time left.
I choked on it and let the yolk slide down my throat. My tongue cramped and my lips tore with the strain, but I continued until my sobs devoured me. I cried to the world: if only it was me who had died, if only if I was a tad bit earlier, and if only I wasn't so blind.
However, it did not matter because the world will continue rotating no matter how much I wished I was wrong.
Day 1 (Final Minutes)
I stared at the stars for the last time. I hoped to see your smile and I did. I swore on the stars that you were there with me and for a minute before I lost myself in the waves, we were inseparable.
Diluc awakened. It felt like an eternity passed by before he could control his eyelids again. Opening his eyes he found a large field of green. There occupied a grand tree, its large branches looked like they held the sky. The leaves were vibrant with color and its sturdy trunk grew wide.
The symbols on the bark glowed, it dazzled in Diluc's eyes, but not as dazzling as the person that stood before it. His eyes widened with tears and he wept, bringing his palms to his face. There Kaeya stood, his back faced him, but Diluc would know his back from anywhere. Even when it had turned away for the last time.
Kaeya turned around and Diluc could sense his smile without looking. Diluc's eyes blurred, but he could see the bluenette clearly as if the tears weren't there. Diluc stood up with staggers before he dropped back down onto his knees in front of the other.
Kaeya bent down, wiping away Diluc's tears with a toothy grin. The tree's branches stretched and there a flower bloomed in front of his eyes, bearing a small fruit.
Diluc had waited for this moment, taking the plump fruit into his palm. Kaeya's illusion flickered, but Diluc did not wait any longer. He had already waited long enough.
As he placed the fruit into his mouth, the stars in Teyvat exploded with bright lights. Everyone would notice that the two constellations that went missing had never ceased to exist and Diluc would find himself a day before it was all too late.